Hike Climb Dive Puerto Galera

My views and understanding of Puerto Galera has changed when our team went there some few weeks ago. Some of my friends wouldn't recommend a trip to Galera because of the bumpy boat ride from Batangas pier to the island. And I was able to experience it when our team went to Galera for our Christmas 2014 trip. I enjoyed the ride though it's risky for those who are not as adventurous as me.

I was assigned to book our accommodation so I made it a point that it will be affordable for the team. Hotels near white beach are tempting but not budget friendly for us who are just going to stay there for a night. Good thing I've found one that has good value for money thru metrodeal.com. We stayed in Lucky Five Garden house- it is a residential house turned into a mini dorm. They have a free shuttle service to and from the guest house. I guess they partnered with Father & Son shipping lines, it's the company name of the boat we boarded from Batangas. The fee per person includes free breakfast for only Php600 but of course you'd get a discount if you travel by group.

@Lucky Five Garden house

We took advantage of one of their land tours and activities that they offered after lunch. Our group headed first to Tukuran Falls. The drive was quiet long but it's all worth it. I certainly enjoyed the hike as our tour guide made us walk for approximately 20 minutes (but I'm guessing 'twas more than 20) as we crossed 4 rivers and climbed through those big rocks just to see the very scenic Tukuran waterfalls. The experience took me down memory lane as I remembered my partner and I journey to Telaga Tujuh in Langkawi island four years ago. Our group also passed by at the hanging bridge and the Tamarraw falls on our way back and took some photos as souvenir.

The night life in the island is in what they called 'white beach'. It is the part of the island where you can see a lot of bars that offers their famous Mindoro sling. Lots of souvenir shops are also in white beach.

We had the best night after we exchanged gifts, bought some souvenirs and headed home tired but happy:-] Merry Christmas team!

Crossing one of the rivers going to Tukuran falls

Welcome to Tukuran falls-a hidden paradise!

My poster perfect photo of the trip. Do you agree?

Photo credits: Jonnathan Autor & Paula Navarro

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Revisiting the Yesteryears in Vigan

I have been planning to visit Vigan City with my son since last year but because it's raining almost every day in November, I decided to just postponed the trip and look forward to the next year.

So when Thanksgiving day of November 2014 came, my son and I are happily whizzing around the City of Vigan. The long wait is finally over! Since I've been to other UNESCO heritage cities in the South East Asia (Penang and Melaka), I was truly looking forward to see Vigan and its historic wonders. The City declared as New 7 Wonders Cities of the World at 3:00 AM Philippine time on December 8, 2014.

The bus trip from Manila to Vigan will last for 7 up to 8 hours. We traveled during the night (8pm departure time from Partas Bus Co. in Cubao) and arrived there at around 4am. I've been reading a lot of blogs to get good suggestions about how to go there, where to eat and of course the must see before our trip or should I say I have those information saved in my iPod notes since last year.

It was still early morning when we arrived in Vigan so we stopped by near Vigan Cathedral where you can also see the city hall. After breakfast, my son wanted to ride the 'kalesa' so we rented one to go around Vigan. You can see a lot of them parked just outside the Cathedral. We headed to Bantay bell tower first which according to Manong- the kalesa driver, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr shot one of the Panday movie scenes in that historic tower. You can also climb the tower to see the view of Vigan. Just outside the tower grounds is the very impressive St Agustine Church which looks modern outside but it's noted to be a very old church once you get to see the structures inside. We also visited Baluarte to see the Governor's tiger and of course walked around its cobbled streets- Calle Crisologo - considered as the major attraction with its pre-war beauty and old Spanish houses and shops. We never failed to try their famous empanada and watched how they make one from scratch until it's served and ready to eat. We also tasted the best of Ilokano dishes like their pinakbet (one of the best one so far) and longganisa at Kusina Felicitas for our dinner.

Calle Crisologo just in time for sunrise

front of St Augustine Church

Bantay bell tower

Featuring my infamous photo of the trip. Can  you guess where is this in Vigan?

UNESCO marker at night

We concluded our trip by watching the spectacular dancing fountain show (photo above). 'Twas really one of the grandest I've ever seen throughout my entire travel life here in the Philippines. The show is one of the things that would make me go back to Vigan again.


Have you been to Vigan? Share your stories and photo of the trip below.

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The Suites at Mt Malarayat

One of the rooms where we stayed 

at the poolside 

Children's pool

the Suites...

When one would mention Batangas, you would surely think of  the famous Taal Volcano, the fan knife or what the locals call balisong or coffee (kape barako). Of course, the presence of the sprouting beach resorts and diving spots mostly in the towns of Lian, Nasugbu, Calatagan and San Juan.

I never knew there is such a place like Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas. The Suites is located in Lipa City so it is very accessible from Manila if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to stay on a weekend.

So I stayed there for a night along with my family and cousins some weeks ago. We found the Suites while my cousin and I are checking beach resorts and hotel deals online. We're lucky to have booked two rooms at a discounted price through Agoda. We were even delighted to get a free room upgrade even if it was our first time to stay there. A good first impression for that reason alone.

Though our stay was short, we enjoyed swimming at their very wide pool especially the kids. The laid back atmosphere, the beautiful landscape and the perfect weather are all in one place that would just make you forget about the beach. And for awhile, forget about work.

Book through Agoda for discounted rates
or check their website: thesuitesatmountmalarayat for info on how to get there.

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Boracay Beauties

Early morning views of the island

All prep and excited for Island hopping

The bowl of Lomi that we savoured before our flight back

June 18, 2014 marked my 2nd year in CVG. Since I got promoted first quarter of the year, I did have plans to celebrate it but never had in my mind to spend some days in Boracay. The trip to Boracay is an idea of one of my office mates who likes visiting Boracay every year. It also served as our mini team building because I traveled with some of my team mates.

We never used a travel agent but booked our own return air tickets online. We took the Manila-Kalibo-Manila flight thru AirAsia. The said airline also offers transfer package thru a local agency based in Kalibo (http://www.southwesttoursboracay.com) I recommend you take the package to avoid hassle specially when you travel during the night. There are lots of accommodations in Boracay especially in station 2 so you don't have to worry where to stay once you get there. Just simply book a flight, bring enough cash, carry a light weight bag with your shades and slippers on (oh! don't forget to bring your swimming stuff) then you're good to go. 

BORACAY? Since I've never been to Bora before why not give it a chance.

Like in many reviews and blogs I've read, it is true that the place is very commercialized but there's no question to how beautiful the island is. It's one of the best in the world as described in many travel and leisure magazines.

Some things you can do in Boracay (the Lingzi way):

1. Early morning walk or jogging. You'll appreciate the beach more in the morning when most of the tourists are still sleeping.
2. Island hopping is the less expensive group activity. Be friendly with the locals so you can haggle and get a good price.
3. Eat at Talipapa for fresh sea foods. It is right at Station 2 entrance.
4. Shop for souvenirs. Souvenir shops are anywhere in Boracay.
5. Sit down while sipping your favorite drink and watch the world go by...

'twas the day!

In my quest for unique travel photos...

I highly recommend Agoda for up to 70% discount on accommodations in Boracay

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Our version of BOB in Caliraya

We had the best weather for our trip that day in May so the whole team was all excited to go. And we call it our own version of BOB (Best of the Best!) Thanks to our UM for letting us bring along our kiddos. So our team went to Caliraya Resort Club in Lumban, Laguna which took us almost 4 hours from Metro Manila. We rented a private van to avoid transfers and any hassles.

It was nice to see the group enjoying the team building activities. Sad to say I was not able to take more photos aside from the ones above but here are some through the lenses of our UM.

group pic before lunch

Pool time with the team

Posing for the cam on our way back

photo credits to: Louie Pandato (pool, mudslide and group pics)

Ardy's day out: Eastwood Citywalk

we love day out and now my Ardy is starting to love the camera.. all smiles at Eastwood

Our first time here in Eastwood and of course we didn't miss out the stars "Walk of Fame"

More smiles from the baby who is now a certified toddler!

Ardy and I obviously love day out. I love taking him out because the happiness in his face is very different when he's outside whether it's going to a toy store or a play place where he can have unlimited rides. We would normally just go to nearby malls but never been to Eastwood in Libis. It's a bit far from our place but we want to go somewhere we've never been to. Thanks to our dear neighbor's invitation.

We had a great time at the Citywalk as let Ardy run around near the fountain area (photo above) just like the other kids. There are lotsa restaurants within Eastwood so I'm sure it is a good place to go for family dinner.

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Places of My Year 2013

1. Cagayan de Oro City- no doubt that this city is first in my list not just because this is my birth place but this has made my 2013 unforgettable. When I went home last June for my cousin's wedding, I had the chance to see my immediate family, relatives and friends. Nice to be away from work sometimes and just enjoy the holiday with them.

2. Tagaytay City- onset of 2013, we traveled to Tagaytay. The Taal lake amazed me so much and I'm even tempted to go down the crater if there was a chance. The cold weather and the sumptuous bulalo our team shared on that day was also lovely. I would love to go back there someday.

3. Enchanted Kingdom- just when I thought of squeezing in a quick trip to HongKong with my son before 2013 ends, we had an adventure of a lifetime in EK. Dubbed as the Disneyland of the Philippines, you wouldn't go wrong if you want to go somewhere just near the Metro and go crazy with the rides. For info and promotions check out their website: http://enchantedkingdom.ph/

4. Manila Zoo- been to different zoos outside the country and I think Manila Zoo really needs not just some but more improvement. But no further complains since I got what I paid for. Nice to go walking here in the afternoon even if there's not much to see except for Mali- the zoo's lone elephant.

Guess, my list ends here. Maybe not much for the year 2013 but hoping for more travels this year 2014.