Oh Coron!

You are such a beauty!

To start an amazing year, we (my friends, Vlad, and I) decided to go to Coron, Palawan. Actually, we planned it, really planned it like we booked our ticket and created the itinerary almost a year ahead. :)

Coron is always on top of the list from numerous websites as one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. Since most of us have not visited the place and we have a little bit of cash to spend, we booked for 4 days and 3 nights to explore the place right after the 2013 New Year.

We stayed at Asia Grand View Hotel. The hotel name says it all, having a stunning view of greenery and of course, the sea. The rooms are quite big, super clean, and cozy. They also have their own restaurant with a relaxing entertainment at night.

Scenery from Asia Grand View's restaurant

Coron Island is comprised of small islets which can be found in the eastern part of the largest island in the province of Palawan called Busuanga. Along with our stay, we also booked town, island, and escapade tours within the area.

The town tour is like an hour and a half of driving between famous landmarks such as Coron public market, San Agustin church, Coron baywalk, town plaza, harbour center, cashew harvest factory and some souvenir shops. The best part of this tour is the Mt. Tapyas trek which is about 2000 feet above sea level. Don't get so excited because this trek is simply just climbing a lot of stairs but when you get to the top, a breathtaking view awaits you!

Sunset taken on top of Mt. Tapyas

What's the point of going to a tropical place without soaking up the warmth of the sun and diving into beautiful pristine beach, eh? Well, that's what we did most of the time we spent there! We went island hopping, snorkeling, and feeding our eyes with majestic sceneries. We've seen different types of lagoons, lakes, white sandy beaches, caves, colorful and diverse corals, and islands. Beautiful is the overused word here. This place made us feel astonished, rising into awe whenever and wherever we set our gaze literally anywhere!

Kayangan Lake

Banana Island

In summary, Coron, a real natural wonder, definitely deserves in the top rank of tourist destinations in the Philippines. I surely can attest to that. More of my 2014 adventures in the next post. Toodles!

Where did my money go? Philippine Airlines return ticket Php 4,872, Accommodation for 4 days (inclusive of breakfasts, transfers, and tours) Php 11,250

The "OK" Taal Volcano

Having a whole day to spare, I was thinking of an exciting place to go to that is nearby Manila. Since it is Vlad's first time in the Philippines, I want to make sure his vacation will not be thrown into waste. Actually, I also wanna boast how rich, beautiful, and spectacular my home country is :P 

Since we both love looking at landscapes, walking/trekking, and nature-tripping, I thought why not hike Taal? Taal volcano is quite complicated. Imagine an active volcano within a lake within a volcano that is surrounded by mountains. It was said that Taal volcano is one of the smallest active volcano in the world, a little over 1,300 feet above sea level. And by just driving for 2 hours from Manila, you'll be able to take a glimpse of this "geological wonder".

After researching and looking for a best deal over the net, I booked a Taal hiking day tour from Filipino Travel Center. You might notice in most of my posts that I always always ALWAYS book tours. Some say that it's expensive and it's wayyy cheaper putting up your own itinerary (like DIY kinda trip) - well, I agree if you have loads of time to spare. Being a "Balikbayan" doesn't mean I have lots of cash to burn. Honestly, it is the effort, hassle, and mostly time that I am putting up as priorities whenever I tour (not only in the Philippines but anywhere in the world). For me, paying extra saves me dineros even more because I don't need to think about those little nuisance. Besides, I am going for a tour to relax and not to worry about what or where or how!

So it was a day before the 2014 new year when we were picked up from Manila by a private air-conditioned mini bus to Tagaytay. From Tagaytay there is some sort of a ridge where a small motorized boat is waiting. Yes, before you can even reach this small village called Talisay where the volcano island is, you have to cross the lake for about 30 minutes. At the volcano island, a local tour guide is there waiting who eventually lead us the way up towards the rim and to the summit. Took us about 25 minutes to hike Talisay island.

View from the top of volcano island

The view from the top was neither breathtaking nor beautiful. It was actually uhmmm... errr... OK. Btw, there are some horses you can hire (if you aren't physically fit to hike) that will help you reach the top. Those horses are skinny though and looked like they haven't eaten for days not to mention they're stinky. These horses were the culprit of ruining the entire hiking experience because not only they cause a dusty surroundings, there's a poopy trap literally everywhere! Yikes! Better watch your steps! Also, it was a bit scary as we saw some steam that has a sulfuric odor in some areas.

Anyway, t'was still a nice experience mainly because while panting, we had a fresh coconut juice while on top of a volcano surrounded by a lake overlooking another volcano also surrounded by a lake. Go figure. Toodles!

Where did my money go? A total of Php 10,800 for two which includes private pick up and drop off in Manila by an air-conditioned minibus, snacks, entrance and toll fees, local Filipino guide to crater lake, and a Filipino tourist boat for island crossing

Weddings, weddings, and weddings!

Another reason why I went back to Philippines last December-January is that my dear friends (3 different couples) had a wedding. One was in Batangas and two were in Manila. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to one of these weddings because my schedule is really, really, really tight! That lovely couple loves me so and have forgiven me though ;)

I'm not sure if I love weddings but I love usual things during wedding ceremonies such as flowery smell of the church, groom sobbing while the bride walks down the aisle (I wonder why it's always the groom who cries :P), bride in her most natural beautiful self walking down the aisle, innocent kiddos who hold the rings or flowers, the priest's sermon, the couple's music selection... errr, ok fine, I love wedding ceremonies!

Anyhoo, here are my favorite shots of the newly weds.

Ralph and Bianca, 4 Jan 2014

Andrew and Kristine, 5 Jan 2014

Edward and Christine, 9 Jan 2014

Best wishes to all of you! Spread the LOVE!

Credit goes to Nelwin Uy and Imagine Nation Photography

After 3 long years...

... in sandpit, I finally celebrated new year's eve with my family again. What makes it extra special is having Vlad around. Nothing beats sharing important celebrations (such as this) with your loved ones!

Have a prosperous new year from my family to yours

Mom's 64th and Xioms' almost 7th

Mom and I planned on a Hong Kong trip with Xioms when she turns 7. However, the plan changed when Mom found a very good deal for us three to fly there. Since it was November and Mom will turn 64 this year, why not? Xioms will be 7 in a few months anyway.

So out of plan, I head home to Philippines to fetch Mom and Xioms then off to Hong Kong for 5 days. This country has always been one of my favorites because of the following reasons:

1. Food - Chinese food (the authentic ones) is 2nd to the list of my favorite foods. Well people who knows me to the core would attest to that, not to mention that food per se is my weakness :P

Ready to attack!

2. Places - It wasn't my first time to go to Hong Kong so I know where to go and most importantly, how to get there. Transportation system in this country is very well-organized that you will never consider driving in a place where roads (anywhere) are congested!

Tian Tian Buddha at Lantau Island

Panda at Ocean Park

Victoria Harbour backdrop at The Peak

Minnie and Mickey (who seem to never age) at Disneyland

3. Shopping - Do you love clutter? Do you love haggling? If yes, then Hong Kong is the place where you can get/buy anything which nobody needs :P Just go to Temple Street and you'll understand what I mean. Though you have an option to go to Citygate Outlet where you can shop all branded items in a decent price.

Somewhere Temple Street

4. People - I know, I know. There's always been a tension between them and us but honestly, I like Chinese people simply because they're snobbish and they do they're own shit. I'm the type who doesn't wanna be looked at or talked to or be bothered whenever I'm traveling so yeah, that sums it up.

I guess that's it. Mom and Xioms enjoyed a lot and I would defo gonna go back again and again though hopefully next time, should be with the whole Cambas :) Ta-ta!

Where did my money go? My Cebu Pacific DXB-MNL-DXB ticket Php 28,122.25, Cebu Pacific MNL-HKG-MNL Piso fare for 3 Php 8,907.53, JJ Hotel accommodation for 5 nights HKD 4,477, Ngong Ping 360 cable ride at HKD 338 (HKD 135 for adults and HKD 38 for child), Tram at The Peak HKD 98 (HKD 40 for adults and HKD 18 for child), Ocean Park entry pass HKD 700 (HKD 280 for adults and HKD 140 for child), Disneyland entry pass HKD 1,220 (HKD 450 for adults and HKD 320 for child), Octopus card HKDish

Before you...

Saw the below quote somewhere and made me think that yeah, we should learn this, so I thought of sharing it here. Frequently, we do and say things without realizing or even thinking what and where the possible outcome may lead us.

Many of us chose not to do things because of our prejudgments in life that usually doesn't have any basis or justifications. Instead of just assuming, we have to deliberately learn the facts. Instead of just judging, we have to understand why do people acted in that manner or why things are the way it is. In most cases, there might be valid reasons for things we disapprove of or unable to understand.

We must constantly be aware not to hurt anyone, especially those whom we love and care about because at any point, they could easily hurt us just the same. And before we even open our mouths or hit that "send" button, think a million times on how it may affect everything around us because words are indeed very powerful.

I truly believe that understanding is the key here. Humans may prefer acting fast rather than thinking first; however, if people are responsible and mature enough to perceive and see things clearly, everyone is going to be in their own euphoria. But in reality, we are not in a perfect world. Everybody needs to learn from any type of mistakes. Imagine how boring life is if everybody understands everything - nothing else to look forward to. But this doesn't mean that we will condemn and forever instill wrongdoings as part of a person's trademark. Forgiveness is the second key here then trust is the third one which is eventually earned in time.

Snoopy Island Escapade

Snoopy Island (named after the cartoon dog it resembles) is usually a weekend getaway for Vlad and I to camp, relax, and do some snorkeling. This island is formed within Indian Ocean at Dibba, Fujairah. Fujairah, one of the seven Emirates of UAE, lies between the Oman territories and is well-known for its amazing rocky mountains as well as a network of decent public beaches.

Fujairah road

Snoopy Island

Driving to this place from Abu Dhabi is roughly 3 hours but it doesn't matter. Seeing lots of fish, a shark, a huge turtle, and even being stung by a brood of jellyfish won't stop us from going there. Why? Well, this place kind of reminds me of home :)

blacktip reef shark - not sure if you can see it

This dude swims happily with us

So that's it! Later for more of my adventures. Ta-ta!