After Boracay, I decided to have a break in travelling to give way to rainy season (figuratively and literally) . My so-called freeze travelling went on up until now. I even let summer of 2012 passed by. Thank God it was so timely that I don’t feel good about my figure. That was enough reason for me to stay out of the beach. Second, it was a short summer. Third, I moved to a different company (Yey!) so, the emergency fund was used during the transition.

So, where did I go since then? Well, I was just in the Metro trying out new things the city can offer for less through group buying sites. Sometimes you get what’s your money’s worth, Sometimes you get a really good deal.

Groove Your Way to A New Body with 10 Classes of Zumba, Yoga, Spinning etc. at Gold’s Gym

Vane, Sissy and I  tried 10 classes of yoga.  It was relaxing and fun but it couldn’t take off the 20lbs. excess weight that time. Those body twirling and stretching felt great session after session. In fact there was a time when we were cooling down I fell asleep while the rest was wrapping up routines already. Lol.

Two Sessions of Radio Frequency at Somewhere I Can’t Remember

In the pursue to lose weight fast and in a more laid back way I bought 2 sessions of radio frequency. The only pounds I lose in my tummy were for sacrificing an equivalent of a 1 week meal to pay for this deal. Nothing beats diet and exercise.

Unlimited Warts Removal at Power Peel – Get Beautiful and Flawless Skin with a Zap

I feel most lugi about this deal! Worst! I got less than what’s my money’s worth. Let me express myself in tagalog for a more intense feelings. Bara-bara ang pagkakagawa. Ang lalaki ng burns sa mukha ko causing me more dark spots and di lahat ng “too obvious” na warts were cautarized. Two office friends had the same operation 1 week before me in some other clinic and they were satisfied.

Say Goodbye to Unwanted Hair with IPL Laser Hair Removal on any Body Area at Asian Tropics for P300 instead of P2500

Here’s another FAIL attempt to goddess (Lol). I brought 6 sessions of IPL Hair Removal but no effect. I only said goodbye to 5% of my hair in legs. Here’s the real deal – You were only given 10-15 shots on your selected body part (hati pa sila pag armpit or legs ang pinili mo) the whole thing lasted only for 2 minutes. Imagine if you are living from a far and you thought it’s a good deal so you bought it for nothing but wasted money, time and effort. I was just a tricycle away yet I felt lugi!

Experience a Rejuvenating Facial Diamond Peel at Dermcare and Feel Younger for P250 instead of P900 (35 Branches Nationwide)

Among the best deals I bought online. In just 3 sessions my face was glowing. The session lasted for almost an hour with intensive facial preaking, diamond peel, head and shoulder massage. Sulit! It’s up now in Metrodeal and yes I bought 6 new vouchers.

Total Beauty Package at Keon Salon (Hair Color, Hair Cut, Manicure and Pedicure)

I used this voucher 2 days before my birthday last year. I felt so pretty after the make over. Boyfriend was so jelous to see me making other boys turn their head that night. Okay, the last statement was exaggerated. Anyway, I feel beautiful! :p

P175 instead of P500 for a 1 Day Unlimited Pass to Active Fun at SM City North Edsa & Soyami Soya Chips, Drinks & Ice Cream

Jerome and Aiyesha had the greatest time. Sulit na sulit! Not to mention the free Soya Chips that I enjoyed.

Body Scrub with Body Massage at BFF Spa

Since I learned the hard way that not all deals were good deals I became so diligent about buying online specially on services like this. This one was so-so. It made me sleepy and lazy even after the massage. Probably I would just like to complain how sticky the oil used specially when you get out of the sun. Sweat galore!

Paint Ball Game at La Mesa Eco Park 

My friends and I had a great time but the game was not just for me. Ichi and Hyde did enjoy the game.

Max Chicken All You Can

Given it was Max restaurant, ang pambansang chicken ng Pilipinas, sure win ka na dito. We were even brave to sneak chicken legs on our baonan. That makes the dinner more fun and exciting. I think it should be our panata to participate in Max’ Chicken All you can yearly.

Craving’s Unlimited Coffee and Cake for P150.00

It was a disappointment. The rave about it were overated. First, They only had few choices and for limited supply and the serving was slow.

How to Enjoy Boracay on a Rainy Season

When Karen and I saw an all-in-package deal to Boracay in one of the group buying sites the adrenalin boozed up, and we forgot that we were scared to purchase online using our credit cards. The next thing we knew the Boracay trip was on.

After a  month of anticipation, torturing diet  and work out  we finally touch based Boracay on a stormy long weekend of June.

Boracay is a 40-45 minutes flight from Manila to Caticlan, Aklan.  As it promised, its sand was white, fine and gentle.  The water of course was not sparkling and vibrantly blue as the clouds were gray that day.  Nevertheless, it was still beautiful and proudly only in the Philippines.  The long stretch of Boracay seashore was also lined up with hotels, bars and restaurants and souvenir shops. Boracay has it all for a luxurious dream vacation.

We stayed in Microtel, situated on the northern tip part of the island. It is about less than 20 minutes of challenging walk to station 1.  Far from the crowd and loud music in the island Microtel offered us a beachfront perfect for solitary confinement. No regrets, staying in Microtel for their homey service, great rooms and unlimited coffee.

Ideally, we wantedto party hard.  We picture ourselves crawling our way back to our rooms or zipping coffee the next morning regretting the crazy things we’ve done. However, the weather did not permit us. On our first night, glamoured with our sexy summer dresses, blow dried hair and “no make up” make up look, we attempted to conquer Boracay. To no avail it rained and wind so hard leaving us wet but not wild instead chilling to death.

So, here’s the list on how we made most of our Boracay Trip on a stormy weather:

1. We took off our cover ups and swam anyway. The beach was more warm than rain drops.

2. Since it’s impossible to drink on the bars, we bought beers and chips  and owned the hotel lounge and just chill.

3. We strolled and shopped at D’ Mall and D’ Talipapa. These are located in station 2. D’ Mall is where you can find restaurants, souvenir shops and boutiques. For budget travelers like me, go to D’ Talipapa for cheap deals. Boracay Shirts cost P75.00 to P100.00 and fashionable native bags cost P150.00 to P300.00. There are actually a lots of best buy out there.

4. We had our first taste of Greek cuisine at Zuzuni. Their Chocolate Sin is truly to die for.

5. We toured Boracay West Cove, the controversial resort believed to be owned by Manny Pacquaio.  It made us appreciate Boracay some more.  Its architectural designs and fixtures is one of a kind. No wonder why some department in the  government has it’s eye on this. Perfect for romantic getaway and relaxation.

6. The sky was clear and the sun shined on our last day.  It was a bit hot strolling so we refreshed ourselves with Jonah’s Fruit shake.  This is the famous fruit shake in Boracay. Include this in your must try list!

7. Craved for that much acclaimed Calamansi Muffin of Real Coffee in Boracay.  Only to find out that it should be ordered ahead of time. Unfortunately, we can’t wait anymore because it was our last few hours in Boracay when we learned about it. Real Coffee is located in Station 1.  Calling out my friends who are bound to Boracay soon! Pasalubungan niyo ko nito please! 

8. Karen and I looked for Boracay Sand Castle but we failed to catch it. We learned that it is built somewhere in front of La Carmela Resort every afternoon and dissolves early in the morning of the next day.  The folks told us that making sand castles is no longer allowed in the island. Jun and Des were lucky to have pictures taken with the sand castle when we lost each other on our 2nd day in Boracay.

9. Went over the edge just to get that “this is it” Bora pic! Kudos to Jun! Ikaw na! Ang best in over the edge pic!

10. Kept our fears to ourselves and prayed hard because it was a risky flight back to Manila. There was a lot of turbulence and the pilot even mentioned that we were 20 mins. away from Manila on a zero visibility. @_@ The flights after us were canceled.

There could have been a lot more to do if only the skies were blue and the sun was up on that long weekend but looking into the brighter side (if “brighter” is the right term), while the rest had experienced Boracay on its sunniest it was unsual to be there raining!

Photos by: Karen, Des and Jun

Pangasinan Trip Part 1: The Homecoming

My longest relationship ended last April 2010.  The transition was a roller coaster ride.  And, just when I was about to reach the You-made-me-stronger moment,  my ex-boyfriend died due to brain anuerism.  I expected myself to deal with his death better because I have gone through losing him when we broke up but I would often caught myself crying for losing him for the second time.

An invitation came to me to visit his family in Pangasinan.   At first, I was reluctant because the situation was a bit complicated but it was hard to say no to their sincere invitation. There was also a tiny voice telling me that a homecoming in Pangasinan is what I needed. I marked it as the start of a journey to find and to complete myself again.

It was a 6 hours bus ride from Cubao, Quezon City to Bani, Pangasinan. I had my sister for company.  When I saw the familiar town hall, church and park I was confident we took off on the right place.  It seemed the town plaza did not change  ever since I went there some 5 years ago.  Or, did it just brought me old feelings and memories?

Nikko and his father interrupted my nostalgia when they arrived to fetched us with their tricycle in the town’s police station.  When we took off the tricycle, Tita Liberty welcomed us from the gate.  She looked fresh and seemed somehow recovered from the pain of losing her eldest son.  Nikki, Dianne, Colin, and Nikko were grown ups. They were just kids back then. Now, they were drinking their hearts out with beer and vodka. New faces of kids appeared but I realized they were the babies before. Then, there was Papa Eding. His illness have taken away that strong and groovy grandfather I met years ago. I’m sure they saw changes in me too.  I was no longer that timid girl that gave out a shy smile and hid a bit in their kuya’s back  during the first time we met.

As they promised we went to a beach to give my summer 2011 a kick off.   We started drinking vodka during the ride to Bolinao.   The drinking session  added up to the heat of the April sun. We should be going to Patar Beach, which is the most famous beach in Bolinao but we were all sweating and all we ever wanted was to plunge unto the water.

The beach we settled shared the almost-white sands and clear blue waters like most of our favorite beaches in the Philippines. The difference would be the dry seaweeds on the seashore and resorts were too close to the shore. Nevertheless, we enjoyed bathing and wading in the water.

When the sun was hot, we all went to the cottage and owned the stage as we sang our favorite novelty songs in videoke.  We ate, danced, sang,  got drunk, took pictures till we felt his absence.   Occasionally,  even how much I tried to resist I found myself imagining he was there.

Most of the time I wished that the world is perfect.  If the world is just perfect he will be there with us. He will sing his favorite videoke songs, eat his favorite foods,  cuddle his mom, swim and play with his cousins and sibling. If the world is perfect after each tiring activity he would sit beside me and just hold my hands.

But the world is not perfect, we broke up and months after, he died. What was left was his wide smile that we could imagine him doing for every milestones and happenings of our lives he misses out.   Like what they say we all have lives to live and we must live it the best way possible. I know he would love to see me not veering on the what ifs but looking forward to the future.  I know he wanted me to move on and love again.

I found pieces of me in Pangasinan.  I found the girl I was once — the girl in love.  And, someday I will fall in love to some deserving guy out there but for now I’ll work on finding and completing myself some more through travelling.

Calaguas Summer Affair

The original plan for Holy Week was actually to make new memories in Puerto Galera.  The direction of the wind blew differently when my officemates decided to lived by the dream of our recently departed officemate who planned travelling to Bicol.  

It was a 13 hours bus ride from Cubao, Quezon City to Daet, Camarines Norte. It should only take 8 hours during normal days but it was Holy Week and what more to expect.  

Calaguas was actually the given name of tourists to Mahabang Buhangin or Long Beach in Tinaga Island.  Tinaga Island is one of the 17 islands of Calaguas Group. It is  located at the pacific coast of Vinzons, Camarines Norte.  I  read in reviews that it is a paradise in Luzon as it seems to look like Boracay  many years ago, when it was still virgin and unspoiled.

Calaguas is a 2-hour boat ride to the mainland of Vinzons. We were kind of hesitant about this trip for the reasons that boat rentals were expensive and we were not sure if boats will sail on Good Friday. But we were more excited than anxious.  And so,  we decided not to prolong the agony and head off to Calaguas.   Bahala na si Batman.. Boatman.. Whoever!

From our officemate’s house in Daet, we took a tricycle to Vinzons port, the famous jump-off point to Calaguas Island.   Originally, we wanted to take the public boat that cost only P60.00 to Brgy. Banocboc and from there we can rent a cheaper private boat. However,  boatmen discouraged us to take public boat saying it’s hard to find a boat in Brgy. Banocboc. We haggled for the boat rental from P5,000 to P4,500 for 6 persons. It was still way out of the budget but would you turn around knowing you’re  just 2 hours boat ride to your dream destination this summer. We bought our foods and miscellaneous in the mini grocery store beside the port. Fishermen also sell their caught fishes in Vinzons port. We had 3 Bangus (Milkfish) for only P240.00.

The 2 hours boat ride was an adventure itself. Sailing out of the river was smooth and easy but as we enter the open sea rough waves welcomed us.  Waves came from one after the other. Our boat jumped off the loops that caused us to scream. Splash of water made us all wet. It was indeed frightening and from the way it looked I knew I was on my way to adventure.  Sitting and sailing for 2 hours made us acquianted with the sways  and the loops but still no one was uttering.

After more than 1 and a half hours,  islands became bigger, and few more minutes we were surrounded with small pristine islands with white sands, gorgeous rock formations, and lovely green hills. Finally we were no longer in the middle of nowhere. The sea went calmer and at ease as we draw nearer to Mahabang Buhangin.  Feeling delighted and relieved we exchanged wows with each other. Click! Click! Click!  At long last a photo opportunity on the boat with the backdrop of the islands and rocks!

They say nothing worth having comes easy and the voyage to Calaguas lived by the quote. We were mesmerized by its beauty. The color of the beach is turquoise over white powdery sand.  The water were clear and sparkling. In fact, the people swimming were even glowing. I have not yet alighted on our boat but I have concluded that it’s the best beach I have ever seen so far. I fell even more in love when I stepped on its fine sands.  It was so gentle on my feet.

Calaguas or Mahabang Buhangin has 3 parts. Lets call it station 1, 2 and 3. Stations have different camping rates. We were situated in station 3 (right side of the beach), where camping fee cost P75.00 only. The 2 stations has more or less 100-150 camping rates.

After setting up our tents we cooked our lunch since we were all starving. While other groups had the comfort of organizers preparing their foods, we prepared ours the nomadic way. (Say hello to team building!) Boatmen around us said we were brave  hearts to embark the trip specially we were all girls. Tutoy is gay but remains a gentleman. (Girl power ito!) We were still thankful though to the group of boatmen for the help and company.

The beach was really inviting but the sun was on its peak. We can’t just let ourselves get too toasted. So we  talked, chilled, took pictures and napped for a while.  We waited until 4pm to finally merged with the water. It was cold and felt soft. It was not too salty in the eyes. The sands were still smooth and powdery even when you swim further.  By mere floating I had beachgasm! 😀

Manong Odong toured us to the nearby islands that share the same beauty of Mahabang Buhangin. I was on the point of praising God for the nature’s wonder when to my amazement, 4 white fishes jump over the water surface. It was just for a split second.  I thanked God some more!

Sunset is my least favorite part of the day, but watching the sun goes down in Calaguas made me look forward to more sunset in different places.

Our boodle feast was also to remember. It was cooked and shared with mockeries, jokes and laughters. After dinner, we cleaned up and prepared ourselves for the booze. It was a fine evening of star gazing, urban legends, dares and shots of vodka. One night in Calaguas Julie got drunk and messed up.  That’s all. Thank you! I reserved the story to closest friends and the people who witnessed how I went crazy and lost my poise. Worry not I did not strip tease or did I?  Kidding. Honest! I did not!.  🙂

The next morning we bid goodbye to Calaguas. Surprisingly,  we had a smooth sailing trip way back to Vinzons port. It was so smooth we had the guts to sleep on the 2 hour boat ride. They said the waves depends on the wind.  It was not that windy that morning.

I felt that I have unfinished business in Calaguas. I need a good comeback to redeem myself. Seriously, I have not yet explored it much. I have not yet snorkeled, trekked or climbed it’s hill and view the beach from above. I want to take pictures some more. I haven’t done it all yet but it was clear from the very start of this blog post that I fell in love.

I’m sure people who have been to Calaguas will agree to keep it unspoiled and unexploited.  I hope that they will reserve it for the people who are fierce enough to combat the 2 long hours of waves and uncertainty.  To experience Calaguas is a treasure.

Check out Tourist Guide to Calaguas, Camarines Norte!

Photos courtesy of Mari Chris Ong

Travel Guide to Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Calaguas or Mahabang Buhangin is found in Tinaga Island in Calaguas Group of Island. It is found in the pacific coast of Vinzons, Camarines Norte.   Two hours of boat ride to Vinzons riverport will bring you to the long immaculate stretch of turquoise beach and white powdery sands of Calaguas.

While there are travelling agencies that organize trips to the island, nothing beats the fulfillment of going there on your own – getting lost and finding ways, anticipation, discovery and surprises.

HOW TO GO TO CALAGUAS? 

From Metro Manila

By Land

Take a bus going to Daet.  From Daet bus station terminal take a tricycle to Vinzons port.

By Air

Take a flight to Naga, Camarines Sur.  From the airport take a cab going to van terminal where you can get a ride going to Daet.  Van fare cost P145.00. Van terminal is across SM Naga.   Once in Daet terminal you can ride tricycle that will bring you to Vinzons Port.

From Vinzons Port

Hire a boat that will bring you to Calaguas or Mahabang Buhangin. Rental fee starts from P3500 for 4 persons. Boat rates depend on the number of your group. This rate was last April 2011.  I don’t know if they change rates during off peak season.

Alternative Route

I read in some blogs and forums that you can also go to Paracale Port on your way to Calaguas.

1. Ride Daet bound bus from Manila to Talobatib (town of Labo, Camarines Norte approx. 7 hours)

2. Ride bus in Talobatib going to Paracale. Buses from Daet pass through Talobatib junction every 30 minutes. Travel time: approx 1 hour.

3. Take a TRICYCLE from Paracale town to Paracale port. Travel time: 10 mins

4a. In Paracale port, ask around for public boats going to Brgy. Mangkawayan, Calaguas. Travel time: 1.5 hours
4b. Hire a boat to Maculabo-Calaguas (Max of P1500.00 per boat)

5. Applies only if thru 4a: In Brgy. Mangkawayan, ask the same
boat to take you to Halabang Baybay (Mahabang Buhangin) beach for an extra fee or take the 1.5 kilometer walk from Brgy. Mangkawayan to Mahabang Buhangin.

Source: Bluewin of Pinoy Exchange

WHERE TO STAY?

You have to bring your own camping equipments when you visit Calaguas. There are no hotels to stay in the island. However, there are nipa cottages for rent but are mostly for dinning.

ACTIVITIES 

• Swimming and Beach Bumming
• Island Hopping
• Trekking
• Snorkeling
• Watching the sunset
• Star Gazing

BUDGET

Going to Calaguas is not expensive at all. It is an approximate of P2500- P3000.00 budget for a night in the pristine paradise.   Most of your budget would go to transportation. Accomodation and foods are cheap and flexible.

Here’s the breakdown of my personal expenses to Calaguas:

Bus Fare (Cubao, Q.C. to Daet) – P580.00

Merienda and Lunch on the bus ride – P80.00

Load – P25.00

Tricycle (Officemate’s House to Vinzons) – P17.00 (share) | P100.00 (group of 6)

Boat (Vinzons to Calaguas) – P750.00 (sharing) | P4500.00 (group of 6)

Battery – P50.00

Food, Drinks and Miscellaneous for an overnight stay –  P130.00 (sharing)

Camping Fee – P75.00

Water Boy Service P17.00

Tricycle (Vinzons to Officemate’s House) – P25.00

Tricycle (Officemate’s House to Bus Terminal) – P8.00

Bus Fare (Daet to Cubao) – P580.00

Total Expense: P2,337.00

TIPS

• No electricity.
• No mobile signals.
• You can buy fresh fish in the Vinzons Port.
• Public market is  tricycle away from the port.
• Expect moderate to rough waves on and off the island.
• There are comfort rooms in the island but you have to get the water from the pump outside the rest room.  There are locals that you can ask to get water for you for an extra cost.
• There is a store in the island that makes life a bit convenient.

Related Post: Calaguas Summer Affair

Nagsasa Cove

My bff, Van and I were loaded with works and pressures last March so an  escape to a city life was planned last April. It was supposed to be Anawangin Cove but friends who have been there told us that it is crowded in Anawangin specially this summer. Tranquility might not be achieved. So, we decided to go back to Nagsasa Cove which we visited just 5 months ago.

Nagsasa Cove is 45-60 minutes boat ride from Pundaquit, Zambales. You will pass along Anawangin and other several coves, mountain and rock formations. Your adventure begins in the boatride on the way to Nagsasa. Scenic views of silhouettes of mountains and the splash of colors blue, white, orange and yellow in the sky is to die for.

When I saw Nagsasa for the first time the Marlboro classic commercial flashed on my mind. Green mountains, crystal blue green beach, grayish to white sand, and a lake that reflects the mountains and pine tress welcomed us. It was like a painting coming into life in front of our very eyes.  By the way, the mountains are brown during summer and green when we were there last November.

And what could a stressed city girl would do in in a place like this? Take a nap, feel the summer breeze and fall a sleep to the humming of the birds and the sound of beach in the seashore.

After hibernating, we trekked to the water falls in the mountains. The waters from the falls are  fresh and cold. However the stream and the small waterfalls on the mountains dried out during  summer season, but it is still worth a trek, as you will pass along the golden field of the mountain or view the beach from above.

At night, nothing beats a bonfire, booze and chitchats to set your mood to a goodnight sleep.

Nagsasa Cove is a paradise, a place where you can just forget about the world. It never failed to amazed and distressed us for the second time around. We just found a perfect hiding place.

HOW TO GO TO NAGSASA COVE?

From Metro Manila

Take a bus going to Iba, Zambales. Tell the driver to drop you to the municipal hall of San Antonio. The bus ride is about 2-3 hours from Metro Manila. We took the bus in Caloocan terminal of Victory Liner. In our experience, the boatman fetched us with a tricycle in San Antonio’s Municipal Hall  and we were brought to Pundaquit, the jump-off point to Nagsasa.

Here’s the mobile no. of our boatman +63908-787-2692. His name is Manong Edward. However, you will talk to Ate Rowena. She will answer your phone calls and SMS.

WHERE TO STAY?

You can camp along the beach. Bring your own camping tent. However, a small community of Aetas and other locals have already established nipa huts for accommodation. It is located on the right side of the stretch. I’m not just sure how much it is for a night.

BUDGET

Our no. 1 reason why we love Nagsasa is because it is a paradise for less than P1500.00/pax of group of 5.

Bus Fare (Caloocan Terminal – San Antonio) – P265.00

Tricycle (San Antonio – Pundaquit) – P30.00

Boat Rental -P400.00

Food, Drinks and Miscellaneous for an overnight stay – P300.00

Camping Fee – P100.00

Pasalubong – P100.00

Tricycle (Pundaquit to San Antonio) – P30.00

Bus Fare (San Antonio  to Cubao Terminal) – P265.00

Total Expense: P1,490.00

TIPS

• There are no electricity in Nagsasa. Locals who lived there used generators though.
• There are no mobile signals which we found so perfect for a sweet escape.
• It is advised that you take the boat ride in the morning as the sea is rough during afternoon.
• Near San Antonio Municial Hall, there’s a public market where you can buy foods, water, charcoal, and booze. Buy everything that you need before heading to Nagsasa. There’s a store in Nagsasa but the prices are really high.
• Don’t forget to buy charcoal, gas, drinking water.
• There are comfort rooms in Nagsasa. My friend who have been to Anawangin can’t help but compare the rest rooms of both. She said Nagsasa has better rest rooms.
• Be careful walking barefoot as the sharp small twigs from the pine trees can wound you.
• You can borrow kitchenwares to Manong Edward/ Ate Rowena. They are very kind not to charge.

Photos courtesy of: Gilbert and Van