Legazpi '12: Cagsawa Ruins

Finally saw Cagsawa Ruins..

Hindi na lang sa postcard ko siya makita..

Sayang lang at cloudy kanina..We never saw Mount Mayon..

Another reason to come back

CWC '12: Wakeboarding at CWC

It's not how many times you fall..

its how you rise up every time you fall..

Writing from Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex..

Donsol '12: Whale Shark Encounter

We had a not-so-early breakfast somewhere near the market.

Php20 mami

Clowned around with a couple of owner's kids at the eatery.

Then we headed to the Tourist Registration Center.
I was not expecting anything from this trip since it's only February, off peak season. But when we were out in the water, boy, all the whale sharks were out at the time. Too bad we didn't have a decent camera. But still, to see SEVEN whale sharks on an off peak season. And not just seven whale sharks, SEVEN HUGE whale sharks. I must say, my second visit to Donsol just gets better.

Off to CWC tom.. Wakeboard, please be good. Hope I can stand on the board this time enough to cross the lake.


Writing from Santiago's Homestay, Poso, Donsol.

Coron '12: Ship Wreck, Calumbuyan Island, Coral Garden, Hot Spring

I missed the smell of the sea..

the sound of the waves..

Something with the sea when it turns into glass..

mirrors everything you do not see in yourself..

Writing from Coron, Busuanga

Now, my last day in Coron is something new. Not the usual tour. An off the map tour. Boy, did I fell in love with snorkeling.
I have never seen coral formations this great. marine life this rich. Its true its a different world underwater. And I thought Siete Pecados was good.

Sabi nga ni Jill feel daw niya siya si Ariel..
..Up where they walk, up where they run, up where they stay all day in the sun..

And all of these are only steps away from Calumbuyan Island, where we had lunch. I thought it was just an ordinary snorkeling site but when I saw the corals one by one. I was awed. Coron is indeed one of the best snorkeling sites in our country. Now I want to see Balicasag and compare the two.

I was so impressed with what I've seen. A good dip at the Hotspring is the best way to end the day..

Coron '12:The Island-That-Must-Not-Be-Named

Market day on our second day. Its just sad that we didn't get to buy as much seafood as we want. Because most of the catch for the day were preordered. Meaning, someone else already owns them. Whatever's left were the ones we got. Oh well.. but we scored some decent seafood. Sayang nga lang talaga yung King Crab. Sipit pa lang, solb na. hehe

Market scene @ 7am. No seafood in sight.

No. We didn't buy those.

C H I L L
My day. haha.
Beach bumming mode : ON
The supposed itinerary was. Malcapuya Island. Banana Island. And Malaroyroy. Until Mamita, our landlady, let us into a secret. She suggested to see this certain island, which I won't be naming, haha.  Intrigued, highly intrigued, we took her advice.
And we fell..head over heels..

Words can't describe how the place was so.what's the word? I might be making too much of it. But for an entrance of Php200, the island was so worth it. so worth it, every centavos of my 200 bucks was so worth it.
And when I saw this gazebo on top of the hill..

I went..Sorry for the lack of words.haha.
But the hammock.
That did it.
It shut me up.
For a person, like me, who knows what to say most of the time, I have no words to utter at that moment. And let me tell you, its rare that I'm left speechless.

Now, where's my book and that bottle of beer.

It's decided. We were never leaving this place.
We actually didn't. For the whole day, we never left the island. Beth was even trying to convince us to spend the night. Not possible for we didn't bring anything with us.

 The place is a private island owned by a family. They decided to open it to the public. Kuya , the caretaker told us that the family was thinking of turning the place into a private island. The kind which will be only included in tour packages. Yes, that means, exclusivity, steep prices. We're lucky to see the place before all of that. In a year or so sabi ni kuya, the family would do it. They own a resort in boracay and they're planning to sell it. Maybe that's why they want to develop this island.

Coron Town at night

Boat ride home was smooth. We all doze off half of the trip.
Dinner was a different story.
We had a lot of lunch leftovers so that's what we're having for dinner. Wrong move coz they're serving lobsters at the guesthouse. argh. we all wanted to kick ourselves.
We were halfway eating our dinner when we noticed the next table, who were two foreigners, which we all decided were gay, (c'mon two dudes on a trip! that is so gay.haha), were not touching their lobsters. Phrys almost rose to her seat to ask them if they're gonna eat. haha. Nakaramdam siguro ng hiya, hindi tinuloy. Suddenly, a game plan was formed. We wait for them to leave, then we'll take the lobsters. The shells will then be thrown two blocks from the guesthouse, to get rid of the evidence. haha. And so we wait..
and waited..
then they left..
Phrys went charging at the table, grabbed the lobster and throw them at our kaldero quickly. We all digged in at the stolen lobster..
Until..
Shells.. 
Everything were shells..not a single meat! Every single lobster was actually consumed. It was so perfectly sliced, its hard to tell that there were no meat left.
For the whole ten minutes, we were all laughing. Our grab-the-uneaten-lobster plan was fool proof! We weren't expecting anything like that. We were not tasting our real dinner anymore because all we thought of was that lobster. Now, we REALLY want to kick ourselves.




Tomorrow will be something new..
So, looking forward what Coron has for us..

Coron '12: Kayangan Lake, Siete Pecados, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon

16 January 2012

Finally landed at Busuanga airport

Met a mishap.

Jill lost her bag..

I wasn't really that worried coz I know we were gonna find it soon

And that's how our first day in Coron went.

So you could imagine what else happened the rest of our stay.
Backtrack a bit.
The reason.The single reason why we lost Jill's duffel Nike bag in the most attention grabbing color pink.All because of a dude.But not just any regular dude. A good looking one. Picture this. Western guy on a bike. Shirtless. Sweaty and panting. Waving at us. Imagine that and you'll understand why  we just notice our bag missing long before it was gone.
But at least, we found it. hehe. So worth staring that dude.
I was in Coron two years ago. February of 2010. And I fell in love with the island. By far, the best I've seen at the time. I vowed to come back. And I did, two years after.
We did the routine, obligatory tour on the first day.
Siete Pecados. Last time, we were not able to snorkel because of the strong current. This time, weather was damn good. Snorkel to the max.Sawang sawa kami.

Kayangan Lake. Cleanest Lake in Southeast Asia. 

Then lunch at Banol Beach. The weather was really good.

 

After lunch, there's the Twin Lagoon. It was a high tide, so we weren't able to pass through the hole, we used the stairs this time.

You know the thing with tour packages, when you still want to stay in a certain place but because your tour guide says you need to leave, you have no choice but to do so? 
The thing is, the four of us were all stubborn, we really took our time in each of the places that, at times, we were the first to arrive and the last to leave. Though I've already seen these places, I still enjoyed it. Especially the snorkeling at Siete Pecados. We skipped the sunken ship and Barracuda Lake since it was already getting dark when we arrive at Twin Peaks.

I went to bed that night beaten. Buti na lang beach mode the following day..

Of sunrises and sunsets..

Someone asked me why I’m so into sunsets and sunrise. 
For him, the sun rises and sets just the same. 
That’s it. For him, that's all there is to him...

For me, it’s different.

We see it daily. For 365 days, the sun does it thing. It never fails, every single day. 
But people would still tell you where to see the best sunrises/sunsets. 

It’s like wanting something I am familiar with. 
I know I'll be having the same thing but I choose it anyway. 
Though it’s the same, I know it will be different.  
It might either be better or worse... but different.

Repetitively surprising.

The beauty of the unknown, of not knowing the outcome, 
of trusting something I have no hold of. 
Letting go.

I think, what makes sunrises beautiful is the sacrifice put on it. Not anyone will wake up in the wee hours of the morning to purposely see a sunrise.  You chose to leave your comfortable bed just to see a few minutes of that breathtaking sunrise. 

For that brief moment, whether I’m on top of a mountain, on a beach or some house's rooftop, when I finally feel the warmth of the sun, for a few seconds, I feel the rest of my day will be all right no matter how screwed my yesterday was. 

One day a time. One sunrise at a time.

And the sunsets, the way the sun's rays hits the clouds, 
how it changes every second, you have to pay attention for you might miss something great.

I know I will be seeing it again. 
In a different place, maybe in a different shade..different color..  
I'm certain, I will be seeing it again..

 

Maybe that's how you love something.

You never tire of them..

People might see them ordinary..monotonous

But for me, they're beautiful..Exceptionally beautiful

No matter how ordinary they are..

So, where the hell was I..?

SAGADA 11: ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Manila - Banaue : Php450
Banaue - Bontoc : Php150
Breakfast (people's lodge) : Php150
Tryke (banaue town - viewpoint) : Php100/3pax  33
Bontoc - sagada : Php50
Sagada accomodation (Residential Lodge) : 250/night (2nights) Php500
Lunch (st.vincent's) : Php150
Dinner (st.vincent's) : Php150
Bomod-ok falls guide : 600/3pax php10 each for reg.fee Php210
Sagada - Bomod-ok : Php50*
Bomod-ok - Sagada : Php50*
Lunch (st.vincents) : Php150
Dinner (lucky shanghai ) : Php150
Breakfast (lucky shanghai ): Php150
Sagada - baguio : Php220
Baguio - manila : Php450
Baguio dinner : Php150
TOTAL : php 3,213

*I forgot the local rate for the fare. I just estimated. I think its less Php50.
I didn't keep track of the expenses so most were based on what I remember and research. The food I just posted an estimate of Php150 each meal. Basically, you spend Php4000 or less when you go to Sagada. Excluded here are my pasalubongs and personal expenses.


ETD: 10pm leave manila

Day01
am: arrive Banaue
breakfast at Banaue
Banaue - Bontoc (1h30mins)
Bontoc - Sagada (45mins)
pm: arrive Sagada
lunch
Cave Connection
Day02
am: Bomod-ok Falls
pm: lunch
siesta
Day03
am: leave Sagada (10am last trip to Baguio, 8h)
pm: arrive Baguio (ETA: 6pm)
dinner/pasalubong shopping

ETD: leave Baguio 9pm (7h)

Sagada 11:Back in Sagada

It was supposed to be a six person trip. Faith, Jhayme, Jade+1, Cj and me. Faith just got hired on a new job and asking for a four day leave is impossible. And worst comes to worst, the day before the trip, Jhayme bailed on us because of an immigration interview which can never be rescheduled. Jade almost didn't made it, CJ and I just convinced him to go. That would suck if it will just be the two of us (CJ and I) on this trip. Though I was hoping CJ would back out on me so I can do a solo trip. hehe
So on the night of 22nd of November, there we were, all three of us, at Ohayami bus station at Fajardo St at Sampaloc Manila, boarded on an eight hour bus bound to Banaue
It won’t be the first time for me in Sagada. But it is for the two. A year ago, they were to go to Sagada but seeing the NON AIRCONDITIONED bus at Dangwa terminal in Baguio, the boys chickened out. (girls!) haha.
Last time, I did the Baguio-Sagada route; this time I'm doing the Banaue-Sagada route to see the Rice Terraces.
We did, I think, two or three stopovers along the way. One in Nueva Ecija and in Nueva Vizcaya. It was freezing cold in the bus. And it didn't help that my seatmate's mobile was on a loud mode that every single time she gets a text, I would know. Actually, the whole row in front and back of our seat would know. Worst was her ring tone. I don't know what is it but somebody's rapping on it, not really pleasing to the ears. Sleeping was impossible.
Around 7 or 8 in the morning, we arrived at the town of Banaue. We're trying do some trekking on the nearest terraces but a whole day should be allotted because of the jeeps leaving Bontoc is limited. No rice terraces trekking for us, I guess. Perhaps, another trip. Anyone?

Breakfast at People's Lodge

After breakfast, Kuya offered to take us to one of the viewpoints. We were supposed to go where judy ann and piolo had their shooting but the fog is not lifting. It would be a waste to go there just to see fog greeting you.

The jeep picked us up at the viewpoint. It took an hour and a half to reach Bontoc and another 45 minute jeep ride going to Sagada. Now, this trip is what I've been waiting. Top loading!!! haha.

The two chicks (jade and cj) were having second thoughts about top loading. I told them I'd do it anyway even without them. At the end, they climbed the jeep after all. Scared scaredy cat those two. Haha. Now this is commuting, we have to pass the police checkpoint first before climbing up because, for your info, top loading is prohibited. It was a 45 minute ride to Sagada. And it was great! Cold wind on my face, Chico River on my left while the mountains unfolding before. If taking the public transportation is as fun as this in the city.  Now, the pollution is a problem. tsk.tsk

I noticed the two were not used to the tourists we see along the way.  I was talking Jade into befriending one of them. Or just have a talk with them. True enough, he made friends with the Canadian sitted beside him.. His name is Andre, a 60 year old retired pilot. I think Jade was having fun chatting with Andre. He sort of believed that English was his second language at one point. haha.

Andre with us toploading

Past noon, we arrived at Sagada. Registered ourselves first at the tourism reg. booth and booked an afternoon spelunking. I did the caving before so I didn't sign myself up. A whole afternoon without the two. All by myself. hehe.
We checked ourselves in at Residential Lodge. After lunch, we went back to Kuya Mark, the guy at the reg. booth, for the spelunking and there was a surprise waiting for the girls..hahaha. Someone's hitching.. Kuya Mark and I can't contain our laughter. Haha. Its payback time for the two. I think Cj and Jade almost didn't want to continue. So, it was an afternoon of ménage a trios for the three. Swerte ni teh! Jackpot! haha.
And a few hours of alone time for me. Electricity was out so there's basically nothing to do. I dozed off instantly.
It was six in the evening when the two came back. It was evident they were wasted but were trying hard not to show it. haha. Chicks!!! So full of themselves for finishing for two hours. Come on, who wouldn’t?? First, there were only three of you and second, and the most viable reason, you're with a gay dude! Inside a cave! Anyone would have finished sooner .haha.
Since electricity was still out, the two had to shower with freezing cold water. Yaaaa! Then dinner at St. Vincent’s café; which we will be frequenting for the rest of our stay.
These two were fooling around while waiting for the lights to come on. I can't handle these two!! iba ang trip!

We had some shots with the owner. Sarap magshot kasi ang lamig. As expected, I was turning a different shade of red after a few shots myself. The walk back to our lodge was cold. Freezing cold.

ano n nga b name ni ate?

sarap ng chicken at un fries..ulam na!

Sleep was easy that night. Until I heard someone snoring...the who? hahaha. I was up at 3am and sleeping was impossible. Good thing, there's wifi. So I blogged away..hehe
The next day, we're off to see the Big Falls.
Sagada Tourism Info doesn't hold any tour at the Big Falls anymore. The barangay where the falls is has their own. So  we have take the jeep to the Falls and get us a tour guide. The trek lasted for about an hour.

Finally, I saw Bomod-ok Falls.

We just lied around and killed time. Past noon,we got back just in time to catch the last trip back to Sagada.

I learned a thing or two about the way of life in Sagada. Did you know that the rice they harvest is all native? I mean, the binhi they used is. It didn't come from the govt unlike the white rice we are used to eating. And whatever they harvest, that's the food they will eat. The harvested rice is for personal consumption, not for retail,not their source of income. You reap what you sow literally. haha. There were also some families who would do something for the community. Like this family, who are all well off. In spite of their status, they'd still do some tour related stuffs., for free! And when asked why. It’s their contribution to the community. I wish every one of us think that way.
 Back in Sagada, I was trying to talk the two into trekking Mt. Ampacao and Mt. Bato. But knowing them, they wouldn't do it.  After lunch, went to see St. Mary's Church but it was locked. We stayed a couple minutes at the nearby benches while a stray dog has been following us. The dog was actually following Cj. what a bitch. hehe. True to Sagada's vibe, both slept the whole afternoon. I. on the other hand, tried some of Sagada's food. Some alone time. 

alamid coffee

granola yogurt @ Yoghurt HOuse

I regret not trying the pinikpikan, the etag and the food served at Log Cabin. All the more reason to come back again.

It was raining that night so imagine how cold it is. We chose to do shots at our home stay. As expected, I was the first one out. haha. I went to bed beet-red. And yet again, I woke up at past three in the morning. And still, the snoring.. haha.
The Kiltepan point sunrise viewing is impossible because of the rain the night before. Waking up early will just be a waste if we continue. We had lunch, said goodbye to tita merry at residential lodge and boarded the last trip back to Baguio.

With Tita Merry @ Residential Lodge. Sayang blurred.

bus ride back to Baguio

We happen to meet Andre on one of the stopovers. He was leaving Sagada earlier than he planned coz his girlfriend is starting to get jealous of whom he's been company since. So to avoid some quarrel, he decided to leave early and continue the trip in Baguio. I was telling him to see Palawan if he can. El Nido was indeed in his list. I was telling him Coron. But I was a bit apprehensive of sharing coron. haha. That’s the thing. At times, I don’t want telling people where I’ve been, especially if the place was exceptionally beautiful. Not that I’m selfish or something. Because if I did, people will come and see it. And eventually, the serenity of the place, the beauty of the place will be gone. The place won’t be the same anymore.

With Andre in one of the bus stops going back to Baguio

We arrive in Baguio at five in the afternoon. Did some pasalubong shopping and drop off our things at Rina's place. We were to see Mark here for a quick dinner before going back to Manila. Mark was supposed to be with us in this trip. But he has a talk in Baguio at the time. Ikaw na! haha.

I slept the whole ride back to Manila. No loud mobile phones to wake me up this time. Till we meet again Sagada.. Maybe next time I will be alone..I hope so.