Cagbalete Island and Its Knee-high Waters

Hips don't lie but sometimes photos do. Sorry, not sorry. This photo struck me so hard that I was decided to go to Cagbalete Island with or without a companion.  This is a classic example of one of the evils of Photoshop. Then again, it serves as a reminder to not expect too much based on photos alone ;) Cagbalete Island during low tide...

Categories: Accomodations, Beaches, Cagbalete Island, Pansacola Resort, Quezon

Working on Happiness

This may not be a travel post but I'm writing about it anyway for I feel I am surrounded by unhappy people.  I was unhappy once. For years even. I guess that's expected when a valuable relationship spirals down. We expect so much from our other half, we tend to forget how we managed to be on our own. We fail to see that there are so many things in this life that should make us happy.  This...

Categories: Thoughts

Byaheng Wala Lang

Nakasakay ako ng jeep. Sa kaliwang side may nakaupong apat na pasahero. Sa side ko naman may nakaupong mga anim. Bilang na bilang ko sila kasi medyo masikip na sa side namin samantalang sa kabila, parang pang-photo-op lang ung mga upo nila.. May sumakay na ale. Medyo may edad na. Saktong pang-maalagang-nanay na edad.. Mga 54-57 gnun. "Hindi siya yung ale pero wala na kong mahanap na picture sa jeep, ok." Ha...

Categories: Public Commute, Thoughts

Church on a Saturday

Dumaguete is a walkable city. I remember its trees and clear sidewalks unlike the ones we have here in Manila. After my Siliman University tour, I decided to stroll near the town plaza. St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Or more commonly known as the Dumaguete Cathedral. Prominently the largest cathedral in the city and was apparently built in the 17th century. This is located along Perdices Street, right in front of Rizal Park. I...

Categories: Dumaguete, Photo Blogs, Solo Travels

The Playground That Is Anawangin

If you call yourself an outdoors person and you haven't been to Anawangin, you should be ashamed of yourself. Hehe I'm kidding. But Anawangin is to campers as Puerto Galera is to call center agents. I remember all the hype about Galera when I was still an agent. Up to date, I haven't set foot on that place. I try to avoid anything congested when leaving the city. Why would you leave all the ruckus for another one? .... What am I talking about?...

Categories: Anawangin, Beaches, Cove, Zambales

Of Plastic Fun and Genuine Happiness

I am not a huge fan of amusement parks. I hate the idea of having to pay for what in my opinion is programmed fun. You pay, get on the ride, scream and laugh some, you get off. There's something about the cycle that I dislike. At isa pa hindi ko kaya yung extreme rides. The Space Shuttle for one. I've been to Enchanted Kingdom years back. As in high school days and the only thing I enjoyed is Dodgem. That's Bump Car for you. Dalawa lang naman kasi...

Categories: Amusement Parks, Cheesy Post, Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna

The Sad Plight of Kawasan Falls

I believe it was sometime in 2008 that I last went to Kawasan Falls in Baranggay Matutinao, Badian. It had few cottages then in the first and second level but this did not ruin the beauty of this natural wonder. I admit I was a major SLOTH when I last went there so majority of the time I spent complaining about how tiresome it was going up instead of appreciating its beauty. I even paid 100 pesos for one of the guides to carry my luggage. Hindi...

Categories: Cebu, Kawasan Falls

Ester's Homestay in Moalboal, Cebu

Learning through another travel blog of this cheap accommodation with overnight stay in the standard fan room good for 4 at 1,500 pesos only, we decided to contact Tita Ester. Our trip coincided with the town fiesta hence Tita Ester said the rent rose to 1,700. We haggled a bit over the phone so she said she can give the room for 1,600 and food will be free since fiesta naman daw. Winner! When we got there she brought us to the aircon room. Naisip...

Categories: Accommodations, Cebu, Ester's Homestay, Moalboal

Siliman University's Marine Lab

I wasn't prepared enough for my solo trip to Dumaguete. Having less than a week before my actual flight, I hastily researched about the top places to go to and most blogs mentioned Siliman University. So as the tricycle driver dropped me off in front of its huge gates, I muttered “Ano ba’ng gagawin ko dito? Magpipicture ng building?” Natatawa na lang din ako sa sarili ko. The guards let me in with no apprehension, not even an I.D. was asked of me....

Categories: Dumaguete, Siliman University, Solo Travels

Things To Remember When Travelling Alone

So you've decided to go on that solo travel? Here are some friendly reminders when you're about to go on your own adventure =) · Secure your luggage. If they can be bolted with even a small lock, the better. Lagyan mo ng alarm kung medyo praning ka. Dorm Type Room in Harold's Mansion...

Categories: Dumaguete, Solo Travels, Thoughts

My First Ever Climb - Mt. Timbak, Benguet

Third highest mountain in Luzon daw. Mountaineers claimed this was an easy hike. I hope people don't judge me when I say I broke my right knee trying to conquer this mountain.  I'm a beach person and people who know of my lifestyle can attest to this but Saturdays and Sundays don't pass with me sober and I sometimes slip a couple of drinks through the weekdays too plus the fact that I am super lazy. No, I don't exercise. Long story short, aminado...

Categories: Benguet, Climbs, Mount Timbak

Snorkeling in Moalboal, Cebu

I wish I could say DIVING experience but what the heck. It was still so much fun despite every hassle that we encountered. Our boat services was provided by Tita Ester from Ester's Homestay. Rate is 1,300 for the trip which includes the Marine Sanctuary and another spot about 10-15 minutes from the sanctuary for 5 Pax. 2-hour duration. We tried contacting Kuya Dodong because he was highly recommended on other travel blogs but he was out when...

Categories: Beaches, Cebu, Moalboal

Potipot "The Miniature" Island, Zambales

If you are looking for some place to go to where you can feel the rawness of being on an island but at the same time enjoy some cozy and comfortable access to your hotel room, Potipot Island is the place to be. You can choose to stay at multiple resorts sprawled close to the island (about 10-15 minutes boat ride away) or sleep in a tent or one of the cottages located on the island itself. ...

Categories: Potipot Island, Zambales

Northern Cebu's Pride

I have lived in Cebu for two years and my biggest regret is not taking the my time in exploring its beauty. But regrets will only remain as such if not acted upon and I've already had a handful so when my friend asked me to go, I didn't think twice in booking for a flight. Chaka may piso fares pati ata nun. Nyahaha.. Our scheduled trip  would however fall the day after the unfortunate Tsunami event in Japan. So know that I'm blogging this...

Categories: Bantayan Island, Beaches, Cebu

First Solo Flight. Why do it?

I’ve heard of numerous and varied reactions on my solo travel to Dumaguete with some being funny and amusing while some are just plain annoying.  Loner lang? Maghahanap ng majojowa? Broken-hearted? Depressed tehh? Kaya mo ba talaga mag-isa? The answer will be no, no, no, no and hopefully, yes. I am aware that traveling on your own and being a girl in particular is not a popular practice in the Philippines but I am decided to do it....

Categories: Dumaguete, Solo Travels, Thoughts

Surf's Up La Union

As the weekend is fast approaching, we prayed so hard for Typhoon Juaning to leave. I, along with 4 friends from way back elementary days, had a planned trip to San Juan, La Union. Mags and her friend Jean frequented Urbiztondo to surf but the rest of us are first timers. On the news it said Juaning was on her way out but another one named Kabayan was also looming. It poured that Friday night but we still went ahead. We reached Urbiztondo...

Categories: Beaches, La Union, Surfing