Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Boracay Escapade

November 25-27, 2007

Attendees: Rose and Hana

At last long-made plan to Boracay pushed through. Amidst all the typhoons: Lando at Mina, I was not disappointed at all; still I had a blast at the beautiful white-beach of Boracay with my dear friend Hana!

Nov. 25, 9:05am Flight to Kalibo Aklan, on board Cebu Pacific we arrived earlier than expected. Weather's still fine. Approached by the porters in Kalibo Airport who offered Van for hire to Caticlan Port, inclusive of boat ride na for only Php 200.00. About an hour and a half land trip to Caticlan Port, then another less than 20minutes boat ride to Boracay Port Area 1. Followed by another 20minutes land trip to Pearl of the Pacific Hotel, where we checked in for the duration of our stay. Our Bora experience started. tik tak tik tak...

We put down our luggages to the hotel room, freshen up and we headed straight to the shore. Inspecting the whole shoreline of Bora, we walked our way through "d'mall" and checked out the gimik arena. Bora being popular by its nightlife, we can't wait to experience it. Though weather is not that good, still we made the most out of it.

Since we are tired dur to the trip, we retired early to our hotel room and spent the night watching TV and planning what to do the following day to make our stay productive.

Nov. 26. Second day. Putting on our swimsuits, applying on sunblock for protection, last check on the mirror, we headed to the beach front and survey the place. Meeting people lounging in the shoreline. Enjoying a hearty breakfast provided by the hotel. And simply enjoying the sun, the sand and the sea. That's the life at Bora. Walking again along the seashore and observing the beach life. Had our hennas. Extending our exploration to "d' palengke" looking for some trinkets. It was an experience. Met a rottweiler, domestic pet of one of the local; named sally (i think), the dog was so nice and behave and cudly..hehe. Picture by the sand castle, pictures of other guests doing water sports...what a life! Dining and drinking at the Bamboo Lounge, they served the best Tequilla Sunrise and Vodka Tonic! and a very spicy sisig (yum yum)

Nov. 27. Third and Last day. Enjoying the beach for the last time. Playing around the sand and doing some sand castles (as if we know how to!) playing along the shore and taking a lot of pictures as in picture galore, making sure that we maxed out the allowed space of my digicam; ending with about 400 pictures.

As we packed our bags. We swore that we will be back by next year. The place is very relaxing. Very rejuvenating. Definitely I had a peace of mind. The kind of thing thatI've been longing for. That is why I'm really planning to go back there!

Boarding Cebu Pacific flight back to manila...back to reality na!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sagada Trip

December 15-19, 2006 TRIP

Attendees: Rose, Millet, Chickie, Kate, Mace, Cherry, Mina

First time to visit Sagada Province.

First impression: WOW! Ang LAMIG!

Stop-over at Baguio before traveling to Sagada Province. Touring Baguio City for the Nth time, going to the strawberry fields, digging ukay-ukay shops (thrift shops) at session road, and exploring Baguio puclic market.

Early morning travel to Sagada, on board a mini bus, traversing the steep road to Sagada. It was very cold, but the view was very breathtaking. Setting foot for the first time in Sagada after the 6hours grueling mini bus travel was an energy booster. First thing to do upon arrival was to register at the local Barangay hall and to arrange your travel course with the local guide.

First day, we bum around. Checking the local store, restuarants, other things we can do, and of course getting familiar with the weather. Second day, we went caving. As first timers, of course we don't know what to expect. During the course, we were warned of bat poops, very wet and sticky, you wouldn't know its their poop because it blends with the mud, better wear gloves if you don't want to be sorry. Inside the cave, be prepared to be wet, for a little climbing action, rapelling, and to see different rock formations. Second thing we did was to visit the hanging coffins of the ancient tribes found in the province and the same tradition is still being perform up to this time.

Second day, we explore further, going to a falls. Dare to swim with that cold breeze? I don't think so, but some people do so jsut to experience the cold rush. Then went to visit the weaving stores.

Sad to say that we have to leave too soon. We didn't got the chance to visit the pottery and other areas.

Also, while in Sagada don't forget to visit "mama sagada youghart house" yummy!

A Travelogue

The next following post will be a recollection of my previous outdoor trips. Places I’ve been to and people I’ve been with during those escapades.

I want this site to be as informative as possible. A travel diary where in I can creatively and passionately describe the places I’ve been to and places I’m planning to go to. I want to give justice through words the beauty that our Creator has made for us.

Rekindled Love

Early this year, I've lost what I thought was my life but then again I managed to regain myself and discovered a lost love - my love for outdoor activities.

Back in the days, where in I would spend my summer months in my mother's hometown, I remember that the only thing I do was to bum around, enjoying mother nature at its best. Loving the terrain of the Philippines, I swore to myself that before i explore other places, I would see to it that I will explore the entire (hopefully) Philippines first.

2006. I explored Sagada province with my friends. I so loved the place. The cools breeze that damps you face is very electrifying. Views that would leave you in awe.

2007. With the same set of friends, we planned a north luzon exploration. Toured Ilocos Norte are. We visited Laoag, Pagudpod and Vigan. Was able to see the wind turbines, the vast sea of Pagudpod, the famous light tower, Marcos' shrine, the Malacanang of the North, the lovely old city of Vigan, different museums and the old churches around the area. Also, before the year ends, I was able to visit, for the first time, the prestigious shore of Boracay with another friend, Hana.

2008. One day trek at Mt. Pinatubo. We've done the long trail, it was about 2-3hours walk under the sun. After the very tiring walk on the trail came the breathtaking view of the crater. It really took away all of my tiredness.

2009. Thanks to a friend, was able to meet an outdoor group. I was introduced to the art of mountaineering and beachineering. It was a whole new thing for me.

So because of this, my passion for outdoor activities was given a new spark.