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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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.

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.

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!

Baler Lighthouse & Dicasalarin Cove, Baler, Aurora

I don't think I'll ever get tired wandering and searching for the best destinations in the Philippines. But I do get tired being told by peers to go travel overseas already and see the rest of the world, I'd just smile. Not that I don't want to, (and although the expenses may relatively be the same) they just don't understand my lifelong love affair with the beauty of my country, it's culture and traditions. To make it short, I love the Philippines! :D

This summer, my friends and I chose to visit Baler. And I, being a travel freak, researched on a short amount of time to plan a packed itinerary. It didn't go as planned though (blame it on the weather). Anyways, this entry is about the cream of the crop of our trip - Dicasalarin Cove and Baler Light House.

Digisit Beach, Baler

The cool Digisit Beach of Baler! Day two of our Baler trip, 2014. An exciting morning for ze vacacionistas.

Serene River Cruise at Loboc, Bohol

One of the things worth spending the time in Bohol is definitely a river cruise in Bohol. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. A lunch date coupled with a romantic cruise is all we needed to relax from the busy schedule we had for the day.

Sandugo a.k.a Blood Compact Shrine, Bohol Philippines

Nature has it's own way of teaching us lessons everyday. We may often take things for granted as we move about our present day, so I guess the recent tragedy that hit Bohol last month on October 15, 2013 was a major reminder that we should protect our National Treasures to keep them intact for generations to come. Just like how the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy have been stabilized and reinforced to prevent it from further fall down, to withstand time and possible unwanted natural calamities. 

I've not even started to publish any of the many places I've visited in my favorite Island during my blissful visit last February this same year, 2013. This is one of those times when I am ever so grateful that I have witnessed such beauty before mother nature took away some of my country's best kept heritage sites. :(

Experience Asian Buffet Dinner at ABC Hotel, Angeles City

Another get together night celebrating the Christmas season in 2012. This particular night, we chose to put on some casual clothes and dine in a lavish hotel at Angeles Beach Club Hotel, more commonly known as ABC Hotel for locals.

Note: Vari Asia isn't usually packed but you might want to make a reservation if you're planning to dine here on holidays, else you might end up frustrated. Be sure to have your second option if plan A doesn't work out. 

All in a day: Capones Island and Anawangin Cove

Summer, summer summer! There's this light and happy vibe when February arrives in South East Asia: it signifies the start of summer and everybody wants to go to the beach during this season. :) This trip happened in Mid-April, at the time when the sun hits hottest. This trip, I get to explore Capones Island and Anawangin Cove all in just one day with Ian and his friends.

Abe's Farm: A Paradise in Magalang, Pampanga

It makes me happy and proud whenever I feature events and places from my very own state. And one my recent favorite restaurant in Pampanga is Abe's Farm.

Abe's Farm opened to the public in 2008 and has been a favorite of travelers and food enthusiasts since then. The thing I love most about this place is that it gives me a peaceful and tranquil feel - consistently anywhere I laid my eyes on this inland paradise. 

The Capampangan word "Abe" means companion or a friend in English. In Filipino culture, people would call you by how they know or recognize you. The farm is a tribute to Mr. Emilio Aguilar Cruz, father of Larry J. Cruz. In his time, Mr. Aguilar was called "Abe" by his friends, and so, this haven was named Abe's Farm or simply, Friend's Farm.