Something exceptional will happen in September, and I’m holding my breath to be a part of it.

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) & Microtel Philippines are choosing eight lucky bloggers to join an all-expense paid travel to Boracay for a weekend of fun, recreation and relaxation.

Now, I have been to Boracay in 2008, that was too long ago, yes? Since then, I’ve been lusting to go back. It’s a tropical paradise like no other, incomparable to the many beaches I had the chance to frolic under the sun and over the moonlight. I can’t wait to feel the powdery sand and stare at the endless stretch of the beach all over again.

I haven’t got a chance to fly with SEAIR yet, perhaps this might be quite an eventful for a first time experience. Something noteworthy to share with you and possibly the kick-off to my next ultimate dream travel destination: Batanes!

As if it couldn’t get any better, cozy accommodations are provided by Microtel Inns & Suites. Isn’t that wonderful? Who wouldn’t want a complimentary stay in a world-class economy hotel on the resort island of Boracay? Best deal so far.

This is  the ultimate weekend getaway. Furthermore, there are fellow bloggers for a companion who shares the same passion as I do. We can exchange notes and I’ll gain few more friends from this trip, so please will you fly me to paradise with you?

You might be the lucky one to win SEAIR & Microtel Boracay Bloggers’ Tour! Check out SEAIR Facebook Fan Page for details. While you’re at it, can you like my wall post as well, pretty please?

Cebu Pacific Zero Fares are out for one day only! Hurry up and grab a seat to any of these local destinations. Wooah, this is better than Piso Fare, yes!

Try your luck today as the seat sale starts one day early.

Manila to Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi,Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran or Zamboanga

Sale Period: Jul. 31, 2010

Travel Period: Jan. 1 – Mar. 16, 2011

Source: Cebu Pacific Air

Isn’t it so fun to live in the Philippines with 7,107 islands to explore? While you’re in the search for the best ticket deals, why not check out AirPhilExpress too. Piso Fare is up for grabs from July 30- July 31, 2010 for selected domestic destinations.

We woke up to a weekend of good food at Legazpi Sunday Market 5th Anniversary Celebration. A diverse selection of goods ranging from specialty foods, fruits and vegetables, breads, organic products, gourmet items, fabrics, art pieces, plants and more.

We started the day with the appetizing Takoyaki Balls, Chorizo Paella and Lengua Estofada from Spanish Cuisine Paellas. I could have ordered Wagyu Paella and Paella Negra if I wasn’t so full on my first serving.

LSM offer a cultural mix of cuisine from Filipino dishes to Indonesian, Chinese, Spanish, French, Korean and more. Almost all parts of the country is represented too, from Lechon Cebu, Kapampangan Homemade Classic Empainada to Negros’ Budbud-Kabog. Ah, we can spend the whole afternoon here, celebrating good life!

We went around and found some wonderful art pieces, handcrafted items, ceramics and colorful fabrics. One can find great bargains from the many bazaar stalls. As the afternoon sizzles, more families came in to spend a day-out, probably to eat and shop together.

The Grand Buffet was the main event for the Anniversary Celebration where a long list of Legazpi Market’s food vendors offer their exquisite dishes to a One-Go Buffet for only P180.00 each. Darn, we shouldn’t have eaten earlier.

We had to leave before the heavy rain started to pour in and spent a healthy walk to the strange serenity of the usually bustling Ayala/Makati life.

Legazpi Sunday Market is located at corners of Legazpi and Rufino Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati. It’s near Union Church of Manila. Open every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

.
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.

~William Shakespeare

Our Mt. Pinatubo Day Trek Challenge was a challenge from the start. It was quite demanding when you have a changing weather, tentative participants and a certain budget to meet.

After some last minute cancellations, we ironed out the final details from budget to transportation and groupings. Check out our Mt. Pinatubo Itinerary here. In the end, we were able to list 18 participants.

18 participants, that goes to say that we were lacking 2 people in the group to make it an even number.  We didn’t get any discount with the 4×4 jeeps so we still have to divide the expenses of 20 down to 18. Good thing, we were able to cancel the other van we reserved and the owner was very understanding.

Our meeting time is 2 in the morning at Shell Station in Ayala Avenue. By half past 2, we were already sailing through NLEX.

We we’re down with 1 van and Mhike’s SUV. Mhike agreed to use his car after finding out that the van will not be as comfy if we crowd it.

Tines, Regs, Grace, Malen, Jen A, Jen G, Joanne, Badette, Icze, Cat, Ace, Ferdie and I fit ourselves to the van. We were ready to catch some sleep.

Rogel, Liezl, Anna, Dang & Mhike were behind us.

Since we are going on a convoy. We made a Stop over at Shell Select Bulacan for early breakfast and take-out. Then off to a long road trip again.

Dropped by at Mc Donald’s in Capas to ask for direction and last minute meal provisions. After a few more turns, and gazillion Reycat’s political posters later, we landed at the tourism office.

7:00 AM : We registered and divided the group by 4 jeeps. Each has one driver and a guide. We were so ready for the rough ride, sans any injuries. There were other groups ahead of us and a few more trailing behind.

One hour of rough ride, shallow waters, soft lahar land, ah, this makes a different weekend haven. It is equally an amazing experience should we proceeded by foot. It’s unsafe though during rainy season.

If you want to bring your own off road vehicle, you just need to register from the tourism office and get a guide.

The bumpy ride, amazing blue skies, and rolling hills are some things we love about a nature getaway. Something that our future generation might not see if we aren’t keen on keeping it the way it should be. An all natural stress-relief just by energizing the body and mind while embracing nature.

After bouncing off our energy, we reached a dead end, that seems to be a huge parking lot. From here, we have to walk to the crater for about 1 hour. But since, we weren’t in a hurry and we don’t have enough preparation to trek, we’re taking it slowly. Photo op for the most part of the break.

The trail seemed unending. I was so close in asking our guide, “are we there yet?”

So much for expecting a 30 minutes trek. The road was badly out of shape. Huge rocks from everywhere, which forced the jeep club to make the parking area a pit stop. This left us with only one choice, to trek for 1 hour and 20 minutes to the crater lake.

A light drizzle welcomed us when we reach the crater. The sky is a mix of dark clouds and blue horizon with the occasional sun streak.

The view is breathtaking, I can’t even imagine if I can make a fine print of Mt. Pinatubo in my mind. Everywhere we stand is a different landscape view. The crater lake  have taken the boundaries of 3 towns, Pampanga, Zambales and Tarlac.

It saddens me that  years from now, this place will just be a part of history. The surrounding lahar mountain walls are eroding gradually. The caldera may eventually collapse and this park and crater will be gone forever.

We positioned ourselves to eat lunch down the crater. Some groups hired the boat to transport them to the other side of the crater for P350 each. The others were more adventurous and took a dip through the cold waters.

The heavy rain poured after our delicious meal. We had to seek comfort at the nearest picnic hut. We used the time to introduce everyone to each other.

When the rain finally stopped, our guide proposed to start our trek back to the jeep. We are an hour early but we never know if the rain will be stronger so instead of risking to be trapped in our soaking clothes, we followed our guide without uncertainty.

It was a different trekking experience this time. The rain shower was heavier but I enjoyed it and almost everyone did. Its a nice diversion while concentrating on not to trip over the sharp rock edges. The cool water streams are soothing too. I miss the rain. and it was the first time I trek under such bad weather. But it was a blessing. No one was hurt.

As if the weather was teasing us, the rain stopped when we reached the parking area. And for the record, some of us were able to doze off during a bumpy ride. Exhaustion took its toll that even the sharp turn and rugged terrain  feels like a rhythm swinging us to sleep.

Use of bathroom at Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town is P100 each. It comes with a towel, soap and locker. We find the price a bit steep but we can’t help but to avail this to shower and change clothes following our encounter with dusty road and a surprised nature shower.

When everyone is refreshed, It is then a battle between Sisig Restaurant and Isdaan. Sisig Restaurant won by slightly a few more votes. Headed to Angeles City to savor the best Sisig in town, tokwa’t baboy and more before going home.

We had a blast and even if it was just a day of adventure, we were able to shake off some stress, get away from the bustling city life, reunite with old friends and gain some new ones.

——————————
Contact Numbers:
Wendell – 4×4 Jeep Service 09196084313
Rent A Van – Sally 215-5645  | 0917-8239111 or Efren 964-8534  | 0917-8070911
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Photo Credits:

Independence Day at Mt. Pinatubo by Rogel
Mt. Pinatubo Independence Day Trek by Ferdie
Pinatubo Shots by Malen
Mt. Pinatubo Trek by Tines
Independence Trek by Jen

Special thanks to Chyng for the itinerary and 4×4 jeep contact details.

All natural cardio workout!

Travel is the name of a modern disease which became rampant in the mid-fifties and is still spreading. The disease – its scientific name is travelitis furiosus - is carried by a germ called prosperity.

~George Mikes

We reach the last leg of our journey up North and we still have some places to visit before we head home. It’s an inspiring weekend and fun adventure ’till the very end.

Check out our Vigan – Laoag – Pagudpud – Ilocos Itinerary as well as our First Day Adventures in Vigan & Laoag and 2nd Day Beach Bumming at Blue Lagoon and other tourist spots of Ilocos.

3rd Day : All our bags are packed now and ready to go… but wait… we can’t leave just like that!

After breakfast, we headed off to the local market to check out authentic Ilocano specialties, from bagnet to tupig to Sukang Iloko, to longganisa. Mind you our weight doubled these past days with the yummy dishes prepared by our generous hosts. And we still have a few take outs from them.

Not included in our itinerary was a  visit to the church of Sta. Monica or also known as Sarrat Church in the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. It’s only a few minutes away from Vintar where we stayed, so we grab the chance to drop by.

It’s an old Baroque church in a beautifully arranged red bricks. Further reconstructions were made when the former Philippine President Marcos’ daughter, Irene Marcos, choose the church to be a venue of her fairytale wedding to Gregorio Araneta in 1983. Sarrat Church holds the record of the longest  church aisle in the Philippines.

The ruins of a torture chamber can still be seen at the site of the church. In the torture chamber are 2 enormous brick-covered pillars. Filipinos accused of subversion and other major crimes were said to have been hanged from these pillars during the Spanish colonial period.

Our next stop is Batac, Ilocos Norte to visit Marcos Museum and Mausoleum.

Picture taking isn’t allowed at Marcos Mausoleum where the glass-entombed, preserved corpse of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos can be found. He died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 but this dictator is well-loved by his hometown.

Beside the Mausoleum is Marcos Museum where the former President’s  military awards, plate number, photos, and his work desk are displayed for viewing.

We found colorful graffiti just outside the museum. Impressive, perfect for a background!

We had the chance to catch the photo exhibit happening  not too far from the Mausoleum. Photo collection and memorabilia are displayed on wall with great pride. The newspaper which announces that former President Marcos topped the bar exams and with a score no one in history has ever beaten yet, we were in awe. The first couple’s photos of their younger years were also displayed. Former first lady, Imelda Marcos exudes elegance even at a young age.

Did I mention we have Ferdinand and Imelda joined our group?

Of course we can’t leave Batac City without sampling the authentic Ilocos Empanada. Ohhh, tastes heavenly.

We continued with the long drive to Juan Luna Shrine. The Shrine is the ancestral home of artist and world-renowned painter, Juan Luna (1857 – 1899). It was close when we went there, but we are lucky enough that the curator seen us surveying the area. He let us in and happily gave us a tour in the two-storey house. The restored house is now open to the public after it was converted into a mini museum which showcases various memorabilia and Luna’s works of art. A reproduction of his greatest masterpiece, the Spolarium, hangs on the wall, won a gold medal in 1884.

Interesting point is the genealogy which connects Imelda Marcos to Juan Luna’s ancestors.

We didn’t stay long for we still have to drop by Vigan before heading to Manila. The long journey gave us a free time for an afternoon nap.

Then there was Viva Vigan Festival. Some of the roads were close for the celebration. It is the grandest cultural activity in the North. Crisologo Museum was closed. We decided to have lunch first at the restaurant in Calle Crisologo then we’re off to Baluarte.

Not just a zoo, Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens. Some addition I recognized from my 2006 visit is a camel ride, where you can actually sit on it and take photos. A huge dinosaur by the Baluarte signage and Butterfly Garden. There were colorful parrots on display too.

Baluarte is an 80 hectares of gently rolling terrains, hills and mountain sides, the structures of facilities and amenities, its phases of construction is in its best possible realistic and natural habitat for good and sound animal care. It is open to the public and admission is FREE. It is the home of Governor Chavit Singson.

Our day is coming to an end, we made a stop at Barangay Pagburnayan to witness Pottery Making. Burnay means earthen pot. Too bad, it is holiday in Vigan and there were no one in the jar factory to show us the potter’s tool. We did roam around though to our hearts content and check out some huge and broken jars.

We went back to Calle Crisologo to do last minute shopping. We have free time to scour for goods, bargains and Vigan’s best souvenirs. Oh, we did drop by at the town’s market too, to buy the most coveted chichacorn in various flavours, sweet and spicy, cheese, garlic, etc.

At half past 6 in the evening, we left Vigan, fortunately not in a calesa. :-) We stop over at Pangasinan for dinner and safely landed in Manila by 3 in the morning.

To wrap it up, it was a long, three days journey, but it was all worth it. We were able to meet new friends, discover new places, experience the North side of the Philippines, been welcomed warmly by our hosts and Ilocanos we met along the way.

For More Photos, visit :

Weekend Haven Album
Group Shots by Charlone Ibanez
Lakbay Nikkitaa  by Ferdinand Teves
Northern Escape by RL Bernardo

Viva Ilocos!

A 4×4 Experience at Mt. Pinatubo

{click image to enlarge}

Everyone get ready for the biggest seat sale event this season! Fly like a rock star! Travel within a budget. Live your dreams. Pay for the cheapest airfare. Fight for Independence and Grab that airline ticket you always wanted to.

I know you’ve waited enough. The Philippines’ largest airline thanks all of its passengers with a one-day Piso sale. Dig this, P1 for all Domestic Destinations. Can’t get any better than that. 111,111 seats up for grab.

It’s time everyone flies!

Sale Period: June 11, 2010
Travel Period: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2011

Now, I feel a little regret on pushing through with Cebu Pacific seat sale last April. Darn, I could have get the best deal in airfare for our Siargao and Palawan trip for next year. Oh well, at least I don’t have to battle with Internet booking tomorrow.

Source: Cebu Pacific

Budget Jet Set!

Summer gets warmer with fabulous crew around. More about our adventures as we’ve plunged deeply into our Lakbay Norte Experience.

If you are interested on a budget travel to the North, hop in to read our Ilocos itinerary and check the customized 3 days adventure which covers cultural, historic and nature encounter at its best.

Day 1 covers Historical tour and Cultural exposure to Ilocanos Heritage.

Day 2 offers a different kind of fun. Summer, Sun, Sea and Sand. What more can we ask for?

Day 3 filled our hungry soul with authentic Batac Empanada, blast from the past to Juan Luna Shrine and unleashed the kid within us at Gov. Singson’s Baluarte.

So, what really happened on Day 2?

Day 2 : Sun Kissed!

Our day started early to catch up with the morning sky at Bangui Windmills. The “Wind Farm” is located at the shoreline facing South China Sea. This amazing structure is the biggest in Southeast Asia which consists of 15 wind turbines that generates 40% of power requirement of Ilocos Norte.

Notice the  towering size of each wind turbines.

The giant blades are stationary by the time we arrived. I think the mechanism is on a timer to simulate only in the  afternoon, like we we were able to catch on our previous visits.

Our 2nd destination is Blue Lagoon Cove,  Maira-Ira Beach in Pagudpud. It was once a secret destination, tucked away in the  hamlet of the northernmost tip of Luzon. My vague memory of this virgin beach consist of unspoiled powdery white sands, deep blue waters and soothing sea breeze that fills our mind only with nothingness. It is Boracay of the North, minus the heavy commercialization.

Four years ago, there were no accommodations available except to pitch tent by the beach front. No restrooms for the public and we had to ask permissions from the local to make use of their personal bathroom. No pushy souvenir sellers and only few people stroll the beach even on weekends.

Our visit surprised us with lots of major changes in this hidden paradise. Hotels and Home-stay now mushroomed within the vicinity. The price of everything sky-rocketed too. Oh well, so much for developments.

We settled for the shabby cottage where we  have the best location on hand at the center of the cove, we can either go to the left side of the beach stretch where all the hotel guests frolic under the sun or stroll on the right side, the less-traveled sand. The waves at Blue Lagoon get crazier at noon, so I would much prefer to lounge at the sea bed on the right side where the water is serene.

Rock the beach! Shoot here and there. Nikon and Canon are our new bffs.

Our lunch was heavenly. We have grilled fish and pork and all things luscious. Diet wasn’t on our vocabulary for the last days.

We have 4 hours to celebrate and be merry, swim and get a tan before we head to our next stop.

We were supposed to go to Ilocos – Cagayan Boundary Canopy but dark clouds signal a heavy downpour on that side of town, so we skipped it on our list. We hit the end of the long and winding road of Patapat bridge, and made a stop at Paraiso ni Anton (Anton’s Paradise). The Grotto of Mother Mary and the refreshing water coming from the mountain is said to be miraculous. Tourists and locals alike bring home a bottle or two for its healing power.

The northernmost road of Ilocos Norte is where the breathtaking Patapat Viaduct is located. This elevated concrete highway bridge is the window to Cagayan Valley Region. To it’s right is the lush Cordillera Mountain Range , and to it’s left is the scenic Pasaleng Bay. It’s the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines.

Further ahead to our next stop, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in the town of Burgos. This site is the newest addition to Ilocos tourist spots. Popular for it’s strangely shaped formation that is intricately created by nature through time.

The off-road adventure was quite long. Dusty rough road on summer and muddy on rainy days. I was losing hope that if we encounter flat tire any minute, it wouldn’t be worth it. Then, we reached the end towards the make-shift car park. We have to walk from this point forward. It’s only a few meters away from the coastline, and from an eyesight we can already view the awesome rock.

Check the first  photo on this post and see how massive this structure is. The waves crash against the boulder just a few feet below.

The trail by foot going to Kapurpurawan Rocks can be tricky. It isn’t advisable to go on a rainy season as sharp coral rocks bound the path. One slip and you’ll get yourself in serious emergency.

Finally, for our last stop and saving the best for sunset shoot, we headed  to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, still in Burgos town. The highest lighthouse and the oldest in the Philippines is located in the hill of Vigia de Nagparitan overlooking South China Sea.  It was constructed in 1892 and it is still operational with the addition of solar panels.

We truly enjoyed the weather and the company. As usual we were welcomed with a delicious dinner at home.

A heartwarming thanks to Andres family for adopting us during our Northern Luzon trip.

More Photos :

Weekend Haven Album
Group Shots by Charlone Ibanez
Lakbay Nikkitaa  by Ferdinand Teves
Northern Escape by RL Bernardo

With certified beach babes,

Color Splash at the newly opened Tagaytay Summit Ridge

{click image to enlarge}

Get Ready for some Outdoor Challenge and an off-road adventure weekend to  Mount Pinatubo!

Promote healthy lifestyle and indulge in a  30-minute trek to dried-up river beds and lahar field. At the end of the journey, indulge your senses with a panoramic view of ash covered peaks and turquoise crater lake.

Sta Juliana in Capas, Tarlac is the gateway to our Mt. Pinatubo Day Trek Challenge. Being an active stratovolcano, it has been a popular destination to backpackers, foreigners and locals alike. But with the new developments in the area by Sta. Juliana Tourism Council, family and kids enjoy this challenge with an ease as well. 

Itinerary

02:00am : Assembly
02:30am : ETD to Capas, Tarlac
06:00am : ETA Tourism Office, Tarlac; Registration
06:30am : 4 x 4 Skyway Ride to jump off point
07:30am : Start of trek to crater: 30mins (might be shorter depending on the speed of participants)
08:15am : ETA crater; free-time, swim, explore, photo ops, boating
11:00nn : Early Lunch
01:00pm : ETD to jump off point (30-mins trek)
02:30pm : ETA jump off point; 4 x 4 ride back to Tourism Office
03:15pm : ETA Tourism Office; wash-up
04:15pm : ETD to Capas Shrine
04:30pm : Side trip to Capas Shrine (if time permits)
06:30pm : ETA Isdaan Restaurant/ Taksyapo
08:00pm : ETD Manila
10:00pm : ETA Manila (arrival time in manila may vary)

Budget/Expenses:
P1,700
Minimum of 10

Inclusions

* Roundtrip Private Van Transfers
* 4×4 Vehicle to hiking trail (via skyway)
* Local Guide
* Conservation Fee
* Skyway toll fee
* Sidetrip to Capas Shrine (if time permits)

Exclusions:
Lunch, Dinner

Optional:
* Boat ride to crater – P350 each
(will take you to 3 parts of the crater: pampanga, zambales, tarlac)

What to Wear:
* Shirt: short or long sleeved
* Shorts, tights, leggings or anything comfortable and light.
* Trekking sandals/ rubber shoes (prepare to be wet/ no slippers)
* Sun protection : Cap, umbrella, sun block, warmer/sleeves, shades
(you might want to keep your hair under a hood/cap, unless you want to expose it through the rough ride on a 4×4 jeep in the midst of dusty lahar field)

Must Have:
- Water
- Packed lunch & Snacks
- Camera
- Personal medicines
- Umbrella/cap/sun block
- Waterproofed gadgets
- Extra clothes
- Fresh Eggs (try to boil it on the other side of the crater)

For More Information : Go to Event Page

Picture Source : RL Bernardo

Can’t wait to get back on trail,