The Beautiful Islands of Coron, Palawan

Another Summer, another set of islands yet to explore out of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines. Come to think of it, we only knew about about 7,107 islands back when in elementary. Thanks to NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority) who were tasked to discover and enlist 534 more islands making a record of 7,641 Philippines Islands to date.

This summer, we are ticking off one of the best islands in the Bucket List. I've been badgering Monchet that we go to Palawan for years but, being workaholic and someone who prefers modern cities for traveling, it didn't come to fruition until now. Thank God his family likes nature and sceneries and alas, 2018 is another blessing.

Some of Coron's most treasured views:

Welcome to the Breathtaking Islands of Coron, Philippines!

Trekking Tangadan Falls, San Gabriel, La Union

Traveling with adventure seekers, I didn't have to research and plan an itinerary this trip. So this is one of the places I went to but had little idea on what to expect. All I knew was that there is a 50-ft-waterfall where my friends where excited to jump from.

Anther day in the summer of 2016. Here's to another clean, fun moment with ze best weekend crew! 

Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte

Kalanggaman Island! How it captured my heart the moment I laid my eyes on it from miles away as we were sailing toward it on a Friday afternoon. It's probably the best up and coming island this summer of 2016 and for the succeeding years hereafter. I can attest to its beauty as I've walked in its white sand and clear waters.

We arrived here at around 3:00-4:00 in the afternoon. Better lavish on sunblock to protect your skin from the scorching heat. Else, your skin will be burnt up before you even set foot on the island as it takes about an hour boat ride from Palompon port to here. 

Patar Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Posting good vibes again with my happiness crew! As promised, I'll be posting more of Bolinao, so here goes! Hope you guys like it here as much as we have!

It was one of the best days of the year but the truth is, it was just a simple 2-day stay, a simple beach, a simple hut, a simple morning, with simple people. In a time where technology took over our lives, we've never enjoyed the simple things this way before. What a blessing!

Bolinao Waterfalls 2, Samang Norte, Bolinao

One of my favorite days of the year: November 07, 2015. It's so nice to just pack your bags and go on a spontaneous trip with a few of the closest friends once in a while. (I think we'll have more of these soon though haha ;) )

We had at least 2 U-turns locating this scene we craved so much. First try, we were just a few kilometers away from the falls, we had doubt so we asked a resident in the area where the falls were. The lady said it was the other way so we turned back and got out again on the street.

San Guillermo Church, Bacolor, Pampanga

There are days when I really feel the urge to connect: to my roots and my religion. And there's nothing more calming than praying inside a Church where its peaceful and quiet so I go places whenever I have the chance.

Bahay Na Bato, Luna, La Union

"Bahay na Bato" (Stone House), a house made of stone is located in Luna, La Union. Ate Jean, our former dorm mate in Ortigas who now lives again in La Union thought we might enjoy the place, especially me given my line of work. With elements of major stone and wood art + beach scenery. I hope you guys appreciate it as much as we have.

Having personally experienced extreme heat emitted from the sun, the stones and the pebbles in the summer, I'm very confident to suggest it as a tourist destination even during the rainy season. Why? Because its shore is basically made up of pebbles. Therefore, they balance the temperature in the area as the stones and pebbles emit stored heat to combat the cold air brought about by the season.

Halo Halo de Iloko Balay, San Fernando, La Union

Having a really hot, humid weather in La Union calls for a cool and delicious merienda (that meal taken in the afternoon/brunch, which fills in the meal between breakfast-lunch or lunch-dinner).

Ate Jean hooked us up on a tight schedule of visiting beautiful local destinations as we hopped from one awesome activity to another and dined at the best local food spots there. The choice for the afternoon is Halo Halo de Iloko Balay, a quaint place to to enjoy that merienda we so fervently deserve. Yes, we do!

Fun Baler Itinerary: Jampacked 2D1N Stay!

Let the surfing frenzy begin! It's true what they say, you can't brag that you've been to Baler unless you've danced with the waves! If you don't already know, the best time to surf is before or after every storm when the winds and current are strong.

Oasis Pub & Maranao Grill, Angeles City, Pampanga

I've long recommended restaurants in my city, but then while pondering a while ago, I realized I haven't posted one of my favorite pubs yet. That feel-good bar and, a perfect place to cap down a busy week.

Tugawe Cove, Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines Sur

For my 2014 year end post, I thought I'd share the best resort we recommend you should visit for the year (and years) ahead. This is not a place for loners, but romantically designed for lovers...and friends. A big shout-out to Coco for hooking us up in heaven! Love you :)

This is for the semi-adventurous, beach lovin', walks on the beach, sunrise, sunset, romantic breakfast/lunch/dinner type of people. If you find yourself saying yes to all I just mentioned, then go ahead and scroll down... get jealous! haha kidding :)

Cagsawa Ruins and Patio De Cagsawa, Daraga, Albay

Once a glorious church peacefully overlooking the beautiful Mayon Volcano was a Franciscan church built in 1724, now widely known as Cagsawa Ruins.

Lahos Island, A Bright, Sunny Day in Caramoan

After our enchanting trip to Matukad Island, our next target was the infamous Lahos Island, which was where the international reality show "Survivor" was held at some parts of the show.

From afar, you can see a low, horizontal arrangement of islands. I was wondering how it would look 'cause I have this expectation in mind since it's been chosen as one of the locations for the well known show.

Matukad Island, Caramoan

Caramoan, one of the must-see destinations in the Philippines. Thing about it is it's not just one destination, but a collection of beautiful islands to make up the whole of peninsula of Caramoan. Today my friends, I'm going to expose one of its many precious islands: The Enchanted Matukad Island.

All You Need To Know About Trekking Mount Pinatubo

For the first time in my 20+++ years of existence, I and my friends finally dared to sweep the infamous "Pinatubo Trek" off our bucket lists. I believe we discussed it months before we finally decided to get through with it December last year, 2013 on the 7th to be specific.

Tarsier Encounters in Bohol

Our very first encounter with an animal whose eyes are as large as its brain. Philippines, specifically Bohol is one of the very few destinations in Southeast Asia to be blessed with the presence of Tarsiers. 

Barcelona Church and the Ruins of Presidencia Building, Sorsogon

Barcelona Church. As the Spaniards found its panoramic view of the coastal area similar to their hometown, they named the place Barcelona as in Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It took us about 10-15 minutes travel time from Gubat beach to Barcelona Church.

Exploring Sorsogon

I never actually knew a place called Gubat my whole life, 'found it funny the first time. To pronounce correctly the word Gubat here, you'd have to stress it with the second syllable "Gu-Bat". It is part of Sorsogon, Bicolandia found in the South-eastern part of Luzon along the coast of the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Mount Samat Shrine), Pilar, Bataan

I didn't quite know how to go about with this post at first. My thoughts when I was taking photos: appreciate art, nature, the good weather, most especially the moment and stepping my foot on an icon of history where I became more proud being a Filipino. And so it came to me, history as it is, shall be shared to repeatedly pay respect and be proud of the heroes that sacrificed their lives in order to free us from Imperial Japanese invasion in the 1945 Battle of Bataan.

Guys, I'm eternally proud to present to you our Shrine of Valor, more commonly known as "Dambana ng Kagitingan" or could also be referred to as "Mount Samat Shrine" to locals.

Catching Paguriran Island Lagoon & Beach Resort on a Low Tide

It's just one of those happy days! Originally, we had a different itinerary planned for this day, but someone on my IG liked a photo I posted in Barcelona, Sorsogon, I checked out his page and saw a beautiful photo of this lagoon with hashtag #Sorsogon. Hence, I asked ate Ophel if Paguriran Island was far away, she happily told us that it is one of her favorite spots to visit in her province. Coco did like the photo too! And so, I guess y'all know what happened next!