Corregidor a.k.a the Rock

Mile Long barracks ruins

It was sometime in February this year that I had a solo trip to the Island of Corregidor. Corregidor is also known as 'the rock' due to its rocky landscape and fortifications. The six hours (approximately) trip was all worth it amidst the heat of the sun on that day.

I have been looking forward to see the island, the old buildings destroyed by bombs, those giant cannons, the ruins and everything war remains. Felt like I'm just inside a time machine hearing the history and at the same time seeing the spot right where it happened. Thanks to our tour guide for detailing the history of Corregidor. I took a lot of photos and here are some of my favorites.

Malinta tunnel- the fact that it has played a very important role during the World War. This is where Phil Army 3rd Lt Norman Reyes said the lines: 'Good evening, everyone, everywhere...This is the voice of Freedom broadcasting from somewhere in the Philippines. Bataan has fallen.' he quivered amid the crackling static...April 9,1942. 

I can't believe that during that time there exist a massive indoor swimming pool that's all dried up now. Anyone can't also leave the island without taking some photos of the giant cannons.

And the most moving part of my trip was...remembering the brave soldiers during the war and how they fought hard for the freedom that we have today. I do have a brother who's a soldier and I can't imagine the hard life he has to survive every day just to fulfill his duties.

The circular altar above can be found in a dome at the Pacific War Memorial, through which light falls during daylight.

Which of the photos above do you think is my Photo of the trip?

To Conquer Corregidor you may check the site: http://www.corregidorphilippines.com

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ACE Water Spa discounts

Before I was able to sign up for a VIP card, I used to go to Ace Water Spa using a voucher from Metrodeal paying P349 instead of the regular rate P550 for adult. They are still offering the same service at the same price thru Metrodeal from time to time. I even gave some vouchers to my mom who really enjoyed her time at the spa in every visit. She said it's worth it than the 1 hour massage voucher I gave her before.

I am glad I found a spa like the Ace Water in Pasig as it is not very far from where we live. I like how the hydrotherapy spa is set up plus the entire place is well maintained. When one of my closest friends from abroad arrived, I did recommend the place and she said that she would definitely want to go back. Of course we were able to get discounts using my existing VIP card.

ACE VIP Card is Php 999.00 and it is valid for one year. But the perks that you can get is more than twice the price of the membership fee you paid for.

**PERKS included**

1. Free 1 Ace Water Spa Adult Ticket
2. 1 Buy 1 Take 1 Adult Coupon
3. 1 Buy 1 Take 1 Kiddie Coupon
4. 1 Buy 2 Take 1 Adult Coupon
5. 1 Buy 1 Take 1 Set Meal at Ace Coffee Lounge
6. Free 1 Ace Water Spa ticket on your Birth Date
7. Additional 1 night room accommodation at Ace Hotel & Suite
8. Free Pitcher of Ace Punch for a KTV room booking
9. Free Bottle of Wine or Pitcher of Ace Punch (when you dine at Sky High Bar)

Find out more about them at http://www.acewaterspa.com.ph

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PLACES of My Year 2014

My year 2014 is inspired by the late 'Travel Time' host Maam Susan Calo-Medina travel stories. 'Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan' as she would always say. Since I am based here in Metro Manila, I made it a point to visit neighboring provinces and the island of Luzon has a lot to offer. I am more excited to see more places this 2015. Here are the places of my 2014 in photos...

Calle Crisologo Vigan 

near Muelle pier Puerto Galera

Station 2 Boracay Island

Mt Malarayat Golf and Country Club Lipa City

Holy Rosary Parish church Angeles City

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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