AFTER TRAVEL REPORTER

Conquering Pinatubo

2012-01-16T23:26:00.002+08:00

Mt Pinatubo, at its peak....sortov literally, only, its the crater...

Another...

As majestic as it is... I am hesitant, nay, unwilling to hike up again. HAHAHA. I blame the long and winding rough road one has to tread to be able to reach the crater (even with the VIP accommodation and escorts we had)... I don't mean to sound simple-minded but no, I would not allow myself to have my shoes ruined for the second time nor have abundance of time to rant about gravel, my height, the heat, my shoes, my skin tone while sweating like a pig, all at the same time. LOL.

I am adventurous but reluctant to do it the hardway. :p

Still, the experience was one of a kind. Given it was one of the successful unplanned endeavors I had, it was worth the shot. Note to everyone, bring with you handkerchiefs, towels, towelettes, plenty of bottled water (these stuff cost a fortune up in Pinatubo), wet wipes, baseball cap, a stick, and wear footwear for outdoor adventure i.e. Sandugo, Tribu, Northface open toe sandals and not your trusted rubber shoes... You're gonna get wet so might as well.

If only we could use this rotary wing as means to get to the crater all will be well :))

The great thing about the trek was that we had a military 4X4 to our advantage, and one hellov a security escort system

start counting the alikaboksss

Also, unlike the commercial 4x4 tour which is open to the public, we used the other route that had a shorter trek requirement, open only to the most priveleged .HAHA YEHEY BOOYEAH!

Start trekking people!

The baby goat was stuck.. so given his circumstance and my ability to not do anything about it, I took the liberty of taking a photo of him, instead. How cute :D

The gangs of Pinatubo

Yep, hoping to say "Good times"

Here's one of my NFFs, PJ with Ali

The escorts, who would likely be our bosses someday, take out the kid however since that would mean we never changed future social status if he will, in the future, become our boss

You can also try the boat ride for about PHP1000 (USD 22) to PHP1500 (USD33)

Lo and behold, the water was very VERY cool and fresh, I thought water up there was salt water, and weedy and deep. So given my vertical strength, I only went off and played with one of the kids.

Highlight shoes without soles ...

I can't thank the TOG 3 people enough for making our trip possible (parang sponsors ang peg) and for doing the best they could to make us feel comfortable

For emphasis, thank you abovementioned people :) Hoping for a repeat performance before the Group Commander leaves his post :))) Other possible places may be ventured.

I'm so dead... so dead, and crazied I could use an alone time with Ali's pet lion.

2012 Travel Destination I: Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival

2012-01-12T00:05:00.001+08:00

I've been slacking, I know... last year, as uneventful albeit satisfying as it was, I should've at least shared some of my travels: i.e. my Pinatubo hiking rants...

... and HK adventures and misadventures, so people would've learned (HAHA!note to self: in the event that there are still avid readers and re-readers who take the time out of their busy day looking forward to seeing something interesting in the word wide WILD web, mine notwithstanding XD)

So for 2012, I plan on doing a headstart and giving you a heads up for easy travels you might wanna try too.

First to check off my travel list for 2012, just so you know..

Travel with my almost two-year old Allan (of which, I am now selling.. sad) to try out the Annual Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival this February!

Spell R-O-A-D-T-R-I-P.

Colorful balloons here I come!

Photo taken here

Ali and the gang let's do this just like old times eh?

Pinatubo-style

This time the more the manny-er! (note to everyone: KKB) HAHAHA in layman's international tongue, pay your own... :p

Let's go and not plan... it works best that way!

CDO Series III: Zipping down Bukidnon

2012-01-03T21:54:00.000+08:00

Dormant blog on hold for eternity... must revive....

To start...

A rehash of my blogging skills through a series of 2010 photos of me with my friends zipping down Bukidnon. :)

Looking good ladies

This has been in my draft bin for over a year. Neglectful mother blogger. Grrr.

If I didn't know better we'd end up looking like members of the third sex during the whole trip

Moving on, expenses have been, in lieu of time spent as a professional blogger, forgotten. Peace \/.

(LOL Peace sign). For now, I'm hoping an estimate would suffice.

Total cost of the White Water Rafting and the zipline with dinner and lunch and land transfer to and from destination sums up to PHP2,000 (44USD) with a conversion rate of PHP45 to 1USD.

One more thing about blogging, you have to do all the photo-ops

I believe this blog is so late that this girl hereunder has been married for 5 months now and have given birth to Uno, and this post is still halfway to being posted. HAHAHAHA

And this cry-baby migrated to the States for almost a year now :'(

On the other hand, 4W rough road experience costs PHP400 (9USD) for the whole tour. :)

A year late post still one of the sweetest adventures we had <3

CDO Series II: White Water Rafting

2011-06-22T19:42:00.008+08:00

First, of the series in Cagayan De Oro Adventure comes the White Water Rafting experience.

One of the best and wettest experiences we can ever have. The cold waters plus the rough rocks...

...and witty jokes our divers cracked made the experience nothing less than perfect.

Though this entry is two quarters-of-a-year old, I still can't believe we did it and pursued one of the cheapest and first albeit only on-a-plane adventure since 2005. :)

The best adventures happen when you have the best people around.

For a Php 5,000 package all in from a roundtrip airfare only costing a measly Php 200.00 (USD 4.00) and a Php 750.00 (USD 15.00) good-for-seven hotel billeting, every little detail was worth every penny.

Love you guize! :') Looking forward to our own Cebu trip in September :)

CDO Series I: First time flying

2011-04-30T00:21:00.000+08:00

It was my first and still (only) time flying with my longest set of awesome friends. A short and sweet hour plane ride :) and it was a product of a very sweet deal of PHP200 (USD 4.44) per head plus PHP500 (USD11) for terminal fees. Nothing but cheap thrills! Love.

Here're some photos...

Boarding in two hours...Ergo waiting (im)patiently

Finally...boarded!

Tarmac, hello

At CDO Domestic Airport...

First entry for the CDO Series :)... 'Til next...

Crocs and Culture

2011-02-13T23:23:00.006+08:00

Next Stop: Crocodile Farm.

Entrance fee to Croc farm only costs Php 150 (US $3) which includes a tour to Tribu Kamindanawan (a look-see at the Mindanao culture).

Aside from the usual croc feeding events such..

there were also some men versus beast moments such as this pretentious attempt

Or this sexy lady at the back of lady thor

And Thor himself

With anaconda fighting off men.

Aside from a park of would-be animals. Croc farm also offers a wide array of animal species and a white water rafting adventure we failed to try. But I did get the courage to take this snake and throw in a scarf for a change.

And shoot the cute gorilla

and the bird

sloth

bird

bird and a soda

The Tribu Kamindanawan event showing off native princess (right)

and the Mindanao cultural dance

Of Eagles and Waling-walings

2010-11-24T22:39:00.021+08:00

Davao is the largest City of Mindanao, which is incidentally the second biggest island group of the Philippines (first Luzon, Mindanao then Visayas). With which, I came to the conclusion that Davao City...

(1) is a vast area of land with no trash, riots or any feel of Makati urbanity in it (in the best way plausible)

(2) travel will take years before it is actually fulfilled and

(3) google map I so believed in was inaccurate lest I have to admit that I do have poor estimation skills. (I'd prefer believing in the former)

But worry not, on our first day we were able to eat all the crabs, visit all the crocs, watch a fire show, and of course have some "Hope". (blog entries on these are either in the making, are done, or hoping to be conceptualized soonest.

Truth be told, my Davao travel was as effortless as sleeping on my desk after office lunch break (easy-peasy-lemon-squeazy). For one, we had a driver for the whole duration of the trip riding what I call an "awesome bus" with full blast air conditioning and enough space to stretch my not-so-Daddylonglegs legs (not just a hint: good old love of my roadtrip life, Starex van). Life where you could always stretch your legs anytime is noice.

Probable heading to another direction let's go back and rack our brains a little. When Davao comes up what do you pictrure?

Durian? hmmm yeah.

But remember those black and white DECS (now DepEd) approved Civics and Culture (Sibika at Kultura for us) books that always talked about large birds, large flowers.. and anyway that does not ring a good tone so let's move on. What else Pinoys? But of course. (Run drum roll please.....)

The monkey-eating Eagle of Davao. Tada!

So travelling down South won't be "travelling down Davao" if not for a peek at Pag-asa, or "Hope", who was the first of its kind to be bred and hatched in captivity.

I honestly forget where my Pag-asa photo is. (And in my defense having an 18-55mm lens wouldn't do him justice so it's way better to pretend this guy above and the portrait below is Pag-asa. Silly me) Also, they all look the same when there's just staring at you. Seriously.

Back to more sensible stuff, Pag-asa is one of the eagles bred and well taken cared for at the Philippine Eagle Center at Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City (three separate ideas in one address. whew!). The Center is located at the heart of the Malagos Watershed. Much like La Mesa Park, the Malagos watershed is one of the eight watersheds supporting the supply of water for Davao City. Some of its land were converted into a park, agricultural landfill and a wildlife conservation for Eagles.

Mom says "HI!"

The Center endeavors to release some of the Eagles in the wild once proven safe and eagles proven ready. (Enter, Butterfly by Mariah Carrey). Czech the scene. BEETEADOPLYU, entrance fee only costs Php 50 bucks (US $1). Some other photos of owls, that lazy sleep-all-day croc, and a family photo at the tarp of an entrance banner. Yey!

Here's a photo of Mulawin (nah)

That croc who's been lazing around alllll dayyy looooong

That family photo at the entrance (obviously)

Also, since my mom was born with a big green thumb we opt to visit Sul Orchids that flaunts an eight-hectar orchid farm located in Tugbok, Davao City. On your way back from Crocodile Farm I highly recommend a short visit, it's just off the highway street anyway my way by the way Jose (er.).

Another of Davao's finest, the Waling-waling or Vanda Sanderiana also called the "Queen of Philippine Orchids" one of the largest orchid species in the world, may be found in the flower farm. It has become one of the most sought-after flower in Mindanao for its rarity and beauty. The Sul Orchids owners are dedicated to creating hybrid orchids since once bred, the Waling-waling together with other orchid species creates some of the world's multi-billion dollar investments in the cutflower industry. Think about that.

Here's some waling-waling hybrid :)

and my Mom, having the best time of her life, bought as much orchids as can be allowed through the plane.

Note, 8 hectares.

Anyway, this post was long overdue and my blogging skills are in a rough stage so forgive me if you find this entry a tad uninspired. Whilst I find the time and my travel junkie mode, I'll get back to you full blast.

FYI, orchids range from Php 800 (US $16) to Php 2,500 (US $50). But take heart, an investment worth spending. :)

Island Garden City of Samal

2010-11-23T20:33:00.007+08:00

To my amazement, Samal Island is not only made up of one island but of an island in an island in an island. Hence, shortly after I have found out through rigorous (or googling all night) research that Samal, derived from Isamals, the first inhabitants of the island, is a cluster of islands known as the Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCoS after its declaration in January 30, 1998.

It is one of the best places in Mindanao that showcases world class choices of unspoiled beaches and niches which are ideal refuge to escape the taxing and fast paced urban life.

From Davao City, we visited the island at around 09:00am assuming the place is an hour ride away. The best surprise was that the island is only around 15 minutes away by way of a pump boat which costs Php 30.00 a ride (US $0.60).

During our visit, we stayed for a day tour at the Blue Jazz Resort for only Php 200.00 (US $4.00)

Here's a rundown of our Samal activities:

Kayaking: Php 150.00/hour (US $3.00)

Body Boarding/Wakeboarding: Php 150.00/hour (US $3.00)

We no longer visited the famous bat cave and Hagimit waterfalls

Here's a peek of Samal. :)

To the port.

In this picture, I kinda looked like my auntie

The island of Samal, Blue Jazz side.

Small pump boats cost around Php30.00 per head

Mom and Dad, the lovely couple. I'm so inggit. HAHA

Blue Jazz

The Wake boarding person who gave us a huge discount just because we were attentive enough to let him talk... and talk.. and...zzz was well very accommodating and talkative. But if I were him, I'd probably do the same. For crying out loud, I'd be so effin' proud if I were in his shoes. Wakeboarder kunnam man.

Kidding aside Manong taught us the best places to wake board and beach bum. So daghang salamat, selamat gatang, maraming salamat at Thank you!

All we honestly did was bodyboard

Though it seemed we did a lot more

Photos can create an illusion of you being awesomely god-like but no, for real we only did body boarding which meant we laid flat on the board praying to survive. HAHAHA. How adventurous of us.

Then I found out kayaking ain't that great as I thought it would be. It was nothing but boat rowing! GRrrr.

Then the kids came and assumed (or was brought to assume) thate Ate Dale was a celebrity and we were part of an ABS-CBN crew. Ergo, they smiled like it could save their lives

There're so many koreans in so many places in Davao. Honestly. So, where has the Pinoys gone to?

Here's what billeting in Blue Jazz looks like. Friggin' cool with wide windows and all.

If you wanted a nice place to get a massage, well... here it is!

This place offers all kinds of water sports but... you know, I ain't rich to try them all out. Haha

Going hoooome

As you can see, Ate Dale and Josh unconsciously color coordinated themselves with the flags

The happiest people!!!!

Aldevinco Aldeventure

2010-10-21T00:14:00.004+08:00

The Aldevinco Shopping Center is nestled conveniently at the junction of Claro M. Recto and Manuel Roxas Avenue, which are both considered to be the busiest thoroughfares in the city of Davao.

It is the premiere destination that showcases the culture and heritage of Mindanaon people. Much like a museum itself, Aldevinco is a shopping destination for native Davao products such as Batik, tie-dyed kamisons, tablecloths, slippers, dusters, bags, purses and musical instruments made from indigenous products such as coconut shells, carabao skin for those "bob marley" drumsets.

More importantly, the place is well known for its spend-thrift souvenir shops where shirts go from 90 pesos to 180. Not bad for people like me who look for cheap but quality take homes.

What I've spent so far for Davao souvenirs?
4 Guy Shirts (White): Php 120 (US $2.40) each
2 Girl Shirts: Php 90 (US $1.80) each
1 Durian Magnet: Php 30 (US $0.60) each or 3 for Php100 (US $2.00)
1 Batik Doctor's bag: Php 180 (US $3.60) each
10 Batik Long Wallet: Php 20 (US $0.40) each
Sulit diba? :D

Succeeding Photos courtesy of Ate Dale. :)

Tie-dyed Products in bulks the more the cheaper!

bags from Batik and other Malay textiles

Expensive pearls, pretty yes bet but pricey.

Davao halo-halo drives my mom crazy

2010-10-20T23:40:00.013+08:00

In all her years, my mom had one feel good food that made her survive the life of a soldier's wife.

HAHAHA. Not.

Anyway, this treat is a mixed concoction of shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet potato, saba banana, water yam or ube for the native Filipino tongue, topped with ice cream and yes, red beans, green beans, mr bean.

This traditional Filipino treat needs no further introduction, Halo-halo that literally meant, "mix mix" is a treat for your eyes and taste, as well.

The halo-halo established itself through the idea of challenging people. Of course, Pinoys love challenges, we live for that and so halo-halo need no more gimmick.

The challenge: Mix all ingredients thoroughly before digging in. Positively, it is a skill that can only be honed through practice. Mixing all the above mentioned spill-easy goodies without making a complete fool of yourself by fussing over spilled evaporated milk is a challenge only true Pinoys (or people who are just friggin' dexterous and precise) would be up for with no hesitation.

And as one blogger puts it, "it is a skill that must be honed by continuous and regular indulgence".

Yes, during our Davao trip, this one food train located at Matina Square (the nightlife place for yuppies, and illegal minors posing as yuppies but turns into your regular people's park during the day), Aling Foping proudly caters the check-your-own-list of goodies for your mix-mix.

In other words, you are at the liberty to choose only ice and evaporated milk. If you are pretty lame that is. And again, all photos courtesy of Ate Dale. (My cam died on the last day)

Mommy: "You see? I told you, had halo-halo here is zow zikat we had to try it even with the time constraint of impending flight delay"

Matina Square looked like your next door park which turns into a rock and rolling gig pub at night

but when you're with the folks, you had to clean up and go to Matina Square when the sun's still up. Oh well.

Here's the then bride and groom at their best, whilst their aching knees are starting to show. Loling still.

Me: "Mommy, stop convincing me halo halo can save the world"

The checklist

For a hundred bucks (US $2.00) you get to taste their famous eat what you choose halo-halo.

(Special meant ice cream on top) Dad, out of focus, still curing his aching knee (hay, old people HAHA piz)

Yeah, I had to admit though it can not save the world or promote world peace, halo halo can calm you down. And make small talk even better.

Davao Billeting

2010-10-20T22:25:00.007+08:00

Disclaimer: Please bear with me for my lack of better words in this entry, I just have to let them out before I forget all the deats and honestly, I'm getting kind of rusty on blogging. Blame the workplace's use of boxed-up communication and lack of creativity but absolutely, not me (HAHA, no blame no shame.) I'm shameless, I know.

It's been months since my last post, count two! For the love of travel I've forgotten you. So to back track, the bookings I've made months before are slowly coming and sadly going.

And free from the taxing worry of budget, my Davao travel was not only my first taste of Mindanao culture it was also the basement of all bargain travels.

Why? Because until the time comes when she no longer carries the household surname, Ms Paula Joan Garcia will be the bacon eater and not the bringer and will suck up all shamelessness and ask for free passes from Marisa and Virgilio but will, in time, ultimately make it up to them when she's three-million pesos richer. (Notice, the third person perspective)

Ergo, it was for free care of my family.

BTW, although this blog won't be about you two, HAPPY 26th anniversary, one year too late for the silver celebration. <3

Seriously, accounting all expenses, the travel was at a bargain price since we spent around Php 25,000 (US$ 500) for 5 people which obviously means 5,000 pesos (US$ 500) each counting everything in from the RT plane ticket to the terminal fee, the the nice stay at a decent apartelle, the air conditioned land transportation we had, and the experience of being in one heck of a clean tourist spot. Too small a price to pay for pricelessness.

Let me start off by doing an after travel report on accommodation. (Tour destinations, food etcetera shall follow soon thereafter)

Although many pexers (Pinoy exchange forumers) gave rave reviews on My Hotel for Davao City travel, we chose to stay in one of the lesser known accommodations.

Jogue's Apartelle was a few blocks away from NDCC mall, which is why I consider it still at the heart of the city. (Where there's a mall, there's ZIVILAYZAYSHUN!). Located at Mangga Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City, Jogue's failed to disappoint me.

For people who haven't been reading my past blogs but somehow managed to get lost and find my site, let me tell you that on my first try on DIY-ing for hotels it turned out not so great or better yet allow me to end the statement with ellipses. "turned out not so..." (full story here).

So yes, after that experience, I couldn't care less if our Davao accommodation meant non air conditioned rooms with some petty blunders and no amenities, as long as there's a bed I'll go straight ahead.

But on the contrary, it was a good place. Not that I think it's grand, however it was just the right place for enough privacy, daily supply of amenities, kitchen utensils, and VIP videoke lounge! woohoo.

Anyway, here're some photos. Photo Courtesy of Jogue's website :)

Here's Mom and Dad's suite

The kids family room

The rooms of all other Jogue's people (if we'll ever be called that)

Adri's Cafe (One of Ate Dale's Friend's Namesake Cafe)

That's my mom spotted terribly trying and failing to make a "Welcome to Davao pose"

And here on our last day :)

And again if you're wondering where're my other brothers. Well, you just have to wait and find out on my next entries. And for the lost lurking blog readers hope to hear from you soon keep visiting until you find some substantial amount of information from this blog. teehee.

Crab Attack more like heart attack!

2010-10-10T19:33:00.013+08:00

For one thing, Davao is the place to be for eat-all-you-can buffs. I've never been to a place where a strip of restaurants offered buffet lunch and dinner. Buffet-ple all the eat-all-you-cans and what do you get? A buffet all you can, nonstop eating saga!And to give justice. Begin with day one.

Day One:

Lunchtime

On October 1, 2010 the first place we went for buffeting in Davao was the Glamour Crabs Resto were all-you-can-eat crabs has come to lure you. Risk you 328 pesos (US$ 6.25) for a taste of bulging crab meat, sauce and slob. Do you hear it?

Gluttony beckons!

After three halves, I was having a mild high-blood pressure nausea. But I refuse to believe it let alone let it stop me from eating yet another.

Not kidding. I do not recommend this place for people with a bean sized stomach, or golden people aged 30 and up (golden just got younger!), or even me.

It's pretty pricey for people who get easily overwhelmed with crab fat. Nauseated I tell you, that was how me and my Mom felt an hour after the crab eating festivities.

But! We did not fail to take photos of ourselves as we say "Naimas" (Ilokano for delicious!)

or I was here. For people who do not posses the talent of penning other thessaurusurian terms for delicious.

or just some random "call me I need a textmate". (Josh!Freal??? and we tried to salvage this photo by pretending he was the one who wrote down "great food". But honestly, he was jotting down his digits or of some random friend's. kids these days. LOL )

Welcome to Crabs Buffet! Truth be told, there was only one tray of crabs so maybe it would've been better for publicity to call it Glamour Crabs.

Total expenditures: 1,970 pesos (US $34.40) for 6 people

NO SODA. Drink it straight up no chaser just water. :))

Isdaan Floating Restaurant, just when you're halfway through

2010-08-22T21:01:00.028+08:00

Welcome to ISDAAN!The Halfway to the North -- as it was conveniently tagged, is arguably half way through the North.

In three points it may go halfway. Let me map it out:

1. By virtue of hunger: If you only ate breakfast at home (assuming you're from Manila) or (give or take at Mcdonalds Munoz) from there to Bulacan, to Pampanga, and finally to TARLAC it may be assumed that you are quite hungry and spotting the 7am to 10am breakfast buffet may be deemed "halfwayable by virtue of hunger pangs"

2. By virtue of time: From the aformentioned provinces down to Tarlac, time may lapse in a 2 to 3 hour interval depending on traffic and since a bus ride to Baguio lasts for about 5 and a half hours. Yeah, halfway by virtue of time is acceptable.

3. Lastly, by virtue of province statistics: Okay this is were it gets tricky. Since North is very arbitrary, let us presume that North is Baguio (since I'm clannish and I'm from Baguio). That would mean among Bulacan, Pampanga, TARLAC, Pangasinan, La Union, obvious enough, Tarlac equally divides the provincial equation into two parts thus becoming the provincial map statistical median.

Halfway definition LAWYERED.

Moving on, Isdaan, which meant fishery in English, is a sister company of Barrio Fiesta, the other restaurant known for its gargantuan statues of presidents, everyday people and the like. For almost five years now, I've always wanted to make a pitstop at Gerona, Tarlac to take photos of the enormously, larger-than-life obviously extremely BIIIGGGG (and all other superlatives apt for bigtitude) statues of primates, what I can only assume as Mangyan-inspired fishermen, and fishes. Finally, it was not the short pitstop I was hoping for, but better. Luckily, a planned road trip for my brother's MD boards celebration series I of August 2010 was what brought us there!(Lol) Thank you, brother for being so smart. HAHA.

As for the food, the restaurant caters to traditional Filipino cuisine served in banana leaves and a small kaldero or pot for your rice eating convenience. It was so cute, I could get one and carry it in my hand bag. Best in their menu, the lechon baboy. Oddly enough, it was the best dish I tasted. I'm not a big lechon eater but the Tagalog saying "nag-aagaw ang lambot at lutong" succinctly describes how it tickled my taste bud fancies. It's not one of those must-try restos, the value for your money is up-ed by the fact that the place is an eye-candy for photography.

Here's an estimated budget: (hope it helps)

Round trip Manila/Baguio to Gerona (via Victory Bus lines): 500 pesos (US $10)

Menu for 2 people: 1000 pesos (US $20)

Tacsiapo wall: 15 pesos (US 30 cents to 1200 pesos (US $24)

Suggested Singers/Dancers tip: 20 pesos (US 40 cents)

As always photos are the best story tellers so here are the highlights:

Namaste :) Hold the Buddha's right hand, make a wish then ring the bell.

Brother one!Ring it not eat it. Boo. Brother one and two.

View from the Buddha wishing bell, Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a hectare-wide facility with overwhelming number of white elephant statues.

TACSIAPO WALL

Opt to let off steam or let out your inner hulk at the famous Tacsiapo Wall. Target the best suited wall of rage to tickle your anger buds. Smash your boss, your neighbor, or that little gossip-hungry lurking goffer who always manages to tick you off. Let it all out by throwing either a saucer (16pesos = US 32 cents), a plate (20 pesos = US 40 cents), a mug or cup (15 pesos = US 30 cents) or even...wait for it...

yes! A 14inch TV at your own will but of course, only when the price is right at 1,200 pesos (US $60). Imagine that. Wrecking havoc and going amok is legal in this place.

TRIVIA: "Tacsiapo" is a local expression close to the point of swearing abominable profanity.

Here's me trying my luck at calling my inner FIERCE! but I was kinda too happy I projected the face of a cutie-patutsie toddler with brother three.

And then I did look kinda irresisting. (or gigil which is waaay less monotonous) with matching flailing nose pa at that. Roar.

Fishes gone awry! Feeding fishes food bring out their inner hulk and not the Tacsiapo wall.

But please don't cook them :) Yo Pogi Kuya Chefman, smile for the camera! (click) and he did. Pinoys are such camera whores. Be it men or women.

Lamb Ride: One of the free kiddy rides, which my brother did not fail to try (hard as he did) to get into.

FAUCET FRENZY

A bike made of some fifty faucets which, suprisingly work among many other weird-enough attractions.

FREE FISH CHALLENGE

Unggoy-ungguyan and the other floating kubos or huts is connected by a 6 to 9 foot deep lake where an 8inch bridge lies. The challenge? Cross the bridge while carrying two buckets full of water from one end of the bridge to the other. The Prize? A kilo of fresh fish of your choice. :) However, we were at Isdaan around lunchtime and they say the games begin later at night since the resto is open from 7am to 12mn. It's a good publicity stunt since it'll make comers and goers to Manila stop by and have not-that-ordinary floating restaurant experience. Add to that another challenge. The Isdaan Idol challenge. Sing with or without a group and win another kilo of fresh fish. Doesn't get any better than this.

Here's an Isdaan rendition of the reknowned "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi" (Blind, Mute and Deaf).

And then here's our rendition. Who belongs best? Hmm...

And so as the above photo shows the thumbs up! kingkongs. I bid adieu! It was one of the nicest trips that is bound to become another Garcia tradition. The Long Weekend Road trip!!!

For the saints and souls.

2010-08-10T16:45:00.006+08:00

While the wait for the next piso ride would take months, for those backpackers wanting to experience spending the Saints' and Souls' day away from home. You may book now for only P499 (US $10) to selected domestic destinations. I'll keep you updated until the next lowest rates come my way. :) Click me! to book your flight. :)

As I was saying.

2010-08-08T22:05:00.005+08:00

Come grab these seats starting August 10 for travel to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur! :) Click me! to be directed to their website. Happy booking!:)

We provide seat sales!

2010-08-08T19:14:00.025+08:00

Oh yes!I haven't blogged for awhile for obvious reasons:

1. It's raining and

2. I'm budgeting aka planning for future travels.

Its sad I know since I've stopped for a month giving my 2 cents on travelling but forgive me and heed my reasons to heart. These are all fortuitous limitations. Anyway, I'm agitated and willing to do anything to move the months faster, like even only a month faster.

Here's a rundown of the places I've booked half its normal flight seat price. Take note that all prices are round trip fares. :)

September: Puerto Princesa, Palawan for 2!

My brother and plus one for his post MD boards celebration. Since the boards would end mid-August we made a two-week leeway for arrangements and savings time for the actual trip. Ergo, September!

However, the flight costs 4,200 pesos (US $84) or 2,100 pesos each. Which is, mind you, expensive for tight-fisted, penny-pinching travelers. But forgive me, it was one of my first travel bookings. :)

See the photo below, I've scratched the confirmation numbers out just in case my brother or I have any stalkers we don't know of. LOL. Talk about self assurance and thick-facedness.

I've set a 10,000 Pesos (US $500) trip for three days and two nights. Let's cross our fingers hoping that that's enough. And don't worry I'd be blogging about that after second week of September so standby.

October: Davao for 7!

This travel is for me and my family to celebrate my Mom and Dad's 27th wedding anniversary!And I did a LOT of research to get the best budget travel since this would mean the travel cost would fall on the hands of the kids aka me and my brothers.

Yihee. :) Going strong for very long. <3

This time I had another travel booking booboo which is a major downfall for restless bookers. I clicked on the "with check-in baggage" to Davao but "Go Lite" back to Manila. Goodness grey shoes! If only I could turn back time and turn the tables around then it would make more sense to bring pasalubong back to Manila and not bring pasalubong to Davao. That's just sheer absurdity. But well guess how much that costs? Only 1,900 pesos (US $38) or 271 pesos for each. Going to Pangasinan is much more expensive let alone longer and another let alone, only in Luzon. Phew.

November: Cagayan De Oro for 7!

Here's yours truly with high school friends first major out of Luzon outing. Yup the power of twelve (HAHAHA, you could actually curse me for dropping that bomb) will be travelling all the way down South (of Philippines). Sadly, only seven of us would come hence, power of seven. HAHAH. kill me now. And I'm sorry for those who tried to catch up since you know how seat sales work, they only work for an hour or so. :)

Anyway here's our photo! Six or five years ago. Lol. I have no recent complete photo of us. Shucks

This is kinda our ninth friendship anniversary celebration. :) For only 1,100 pesos (US $22) or 157 pesos each. The price just keeps getting cheaper and cheaper now does it? Tarlac travel would prolly be much more expensive freal.

June 2011: Hongkong for one!

And this time yours truly is flying solo. No less than to someplace where Filipino and English is not what I need to survive but my ability to use hand signals and body gesture. And for only 2,800 pesos (US $56) HK here I come!

Oh yeah! Bring it hengkeng I'll conquer you fancy. I'll bring a flag with me to the Big Bus to Oceanpark to Macau and to the night markets. Go Pinoy! I'll go and take millions of photos with my handy camera and tripod. But that's a year from now I'm getting waaaay too excited and booking events and stuff like there's no tomorrow.

Lastly, for you my dear reader who's like me hmm, pragmatic (for political correctness), adventurous and willing to wait, send me an email at paulajoangarcia@gmail.com for your booking needs and I'll book you on your most convenient time, place and of course budget range. In a few months, weeks or days I'll be putting up a column and/or space for people who want to be booked and given DIY tours complete with estimated budget and people to contact etcetera etcetera AKA I'm gonna be your travel agent just pm me ayt? Help me help you and we might just travel together!Imagine that.

Chinatown, bring a bro to the broventure

2010-07-12T00:02:00.008+08:00

click here for photo attribution

Let me tell you in on another wish.

Dream with me: I was hoping my friends Nikki, Cielo, Erin, Grace, Ces, Fedi, Ian, Marky or any other person on the planet who I'd likely brush elbows with could accompany me to my first "DREAM BIG" adventure: China.

All I can do is sigh. You know what they say shoot for the moon, if you fail you'll land among the stars. That is why I am first, shooting for China which prolly meant I'd most likely land in Binondo. So just for kicks, I tell you dear reader, let's dream it.

It has been my other wish for like forever(approximately 5 years. to reiterate original post may be viewed on my now defunct Pauleepocket blog) to travel around Binondo, Manila without the hassle of Divisoria frenzy. So in lieu of the current situation (daily work and um lacking funds) I have vied to dream a more pragmatic "dream big" dream, I'm calling it: the Manila dream. (were you just not fed up with the word "dream" there?)

To be ready what we need are the following:

a. bring ample money --- hmm 1k would allow us to buy some 50 peso "ready to wear everybody has" piece of clothing, buy THE hopia, eat at some Chinese woks, Pinoy street food vendor and may be a burger in a burger joint or two, pay for transportation fees such as bus, jeep or even the Pasig ferry if we're lucky and yes, allocate some change for prepaid load . Yup, now going to Binondo makes me feel *blissful*.

b. bring cameras --- of course you know what they say "your travel is only as good as its coverage" so cover well.

c. bring a buddy --- a wingman must be present during happy times. Bring them good okay? If you've heard of the Bro Code (courtesy of latest addiction to HIMYM) then remember Article 2. If not well, okay I'll tell you its gist "Article 2: A bro is always entitled to do something stupid, as long as the rest of his Bros are all doing it."

Maybe finding your way through Binondo would be pretty stupid since

1. you're not familiar with the place

2. you obviously brought a GARGANTUAN gadget called a DSLR with humongous lens displaying the most stupid eye candy for snatchers and

3. I bet you'd like to look like a nonconforming tourist but eh, it would be cool to play the part with a wingman eh?

So kids!Let's go Binondow. :)) FYI, this is my first before travel report so all photos are attributed to websites appropriately. :)

The Big Binondo Food Wok!

Friends! Let's try this. :)

I'll do a review as soon as I've tried eating here at Cafe Mezzanine.

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Corregidor, heroes never die they just fade away

2010-07-11T17:20:00.024+08:00

Some of the perks of being in the Office (emphasis on capitalization meant) are:

1. free food (via CWS Division where yours truly belongs)

2.(if lucky) bonus grocery give-aways (through AFPCES fluctuating supply of gift checks)

3. minimum zero (by foot), two-peso (via peso ride services) to a maximum forty-peso or US 95 cents (by cab) ride cost of transportation (n/a to non-GHQ residents)

4. per diem pay on out-of-the-city conferences (have not experienced but willing to take part of)

5. free tours (depends)

6. TTH 1500H Athletics (3pm dismissal need I say more?)

7. and of course, remarkable holistic growth.

Underrated as the AFP may seem, it had proved itself to be an imperative catalyst to my growth as an amateur careerist. On a lighter note, let me take number 5 point and let you in one of the tours that I've been lucky to be hitched on.

"It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past - a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice."

- General Douglas MacArthur

I've been in the island before, mostly with my dad and his big boats but all I did was walk around and take a swim. It was rocky I tell you. I never thought the big guns and canons where honest to goodness, interesting. But now you know what I've realized, they once were and still are only thing uninteresting was my then perspective.

Corregidor, or the "Island of the Corrector" or "the Rock", is a small island strategically located 48 kilometers west of the port of Manila Bay. The island epitomizes valor and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought side-by-side against the overwhelming multitude of Japanese forces in World War II. Corregidor, taken from the Spanish word "corregir" meaning "corrector", became a warning outpost for incoming ships, a customs outpost, and a correctional (prison) ergo, the Island of the Corrector.

It is my sincerest wish, that history classes where held outside the classrooms, it renders fruitful, comic even and heartfelt when kids, like me, learn history up close. (I never knew history could be full of so much bromance drama, Quezon and MacArthur umm hello.)

As an add-on to one's formula to successful smart Alecking, here's a trivia: Did you know that Douglas MacArthur's world renowned "I shall return" was actually proofread and revised by our very own first Filipino Pulitzer Prize winner for Correspondence, Carlos P Romulo? Imagine what pronouns could do when you're hanging onto the cliff of death.

Not in toto or verbatim even, but I think their conversation, if there ever was one went something like this: Only if Barney Stinson said the story though.

MacArthur: Hey Carlos, yah think my closing remark (points to "WE shall return" line 3 of his last paragraph) compelling enough to up the hype and bring our soldier bros to the awesomest nirvana of battle hypetitude?

Romulo: Nah Dude, yah think (as if he'd say Yah) people read "we" as if they're convinced enough to stand on rocky island grounds with nil power, nada food or null what have yous? No they'd probably say., "we" my a**". WE are for wimps nay, we are for wimplings. That's why in the future, Wii would be a game for cyber boxing, all cyber, dude, no world. Now tell you what, when you say I, you're like their super-bro (superman only NOT with his tight brief out of his pants). It's like you carry all the kryptonite. You put the I in winner, the I in integrity and subsequently in the future again we'd put your I and my I and create Wii. You know.

MacArthur: I just have to hand you a patriotic five for that! (Slap!) Then, I shall return it is.

TRUE STORY. (roflmao)

Anyway, since the tour was practically for free I regret to inform you that I do not have a breakdown of expenses from the NAIA airport (for non-Luzon or Manila residents or simply for Plane travellers to Manila) or even from anywhere in Manila. But okay, an estimate would be for NAIA airport 1, 2,3 passengers, when you ride the yellow taxi to Manila Bay be ready to splurge unusually on a fare that only takes around 15-30 minutes to accomplish give or take (300-500 pesos or US $6 - US $10). So find a way to get a bus or jeep or white regular taxis(outside the airport or maybe at the departure area: for taxi cabs only). For Manila travelers there's always the taxi give or take 150-200 pesos (US $3 - $4) when you're from Quezon City or better yet ride a bus and/or fx going to Vito Cruz (located along Edsa) then take an orange jitney to Harrison Plaza, MOA etcetera. I'm not that hundred percent sure though, it won't hurt to ask other ops on this one.

Here's a rundown of the tour:

Here's Laurie, DJ and Pau at the Manila Bay Port waiting for the Sun (transit) to arise.

Ruins, this is only one of the many condominiums or housing for the soldiers' families living in a small community in Corregidor.

Here's another one.

Here's the tranvia we road all throughout the tour. Picture (Laurie, Melai and Ali)

Here's one of the seaports at Corregidor where dingy boats are stationed

Actually, this was the first stop of the tour, the John Wainwright memorial park

The tranvia, the old train transport of the Philippines back in its hayday

Sir Tour Guide

was not able to note what this place is. sorry.

The little American community the soldiers built for their family.

Did you also know that Corregidor had American houses with little chimneys on top. Without any regard for the tropical weather, the Americans built those chimneys as a memory of the homeland they've sailed way from to do a courageous act of patriotism and camaraderie with the Filipinos. Those little chimneys as cumbersome as they may seem, was a reminder of "home". :')

It's one of those trip where I only remember snippets and true facts are mixed with true fiction (see previous MacArthur-Romulo conversation above), so this time when you go to Corregidor, what I may have said and/or shared would only be 10 percent useful. Nonetheless, it was a history worth revisiting.

Be surprised by the sweet Batchoy of Iloilo

2010-06-29T18:57:00.005+08:00

As time goes by, my blog looks more like a bullet-point presentation than the journal-esque scribbling I was aiming for. But then here goes some of the Iloilo food trip highlights in what else... bullet-form:

(Here we go tickler-style)

I'm IN LOVE WITH BISCOCHO HAUS. PERIOD.
Iloilo has the best Butterscotch in the Philippines, and I'm not talking about the Biscocho Haus Butterscotch but Tita Sandra's friend's butterscotch. Awezyumm.
Looking for pasalubong? Biscocho haus has too many food to take home and Deco's offer a wide array of food give-aways or pasalubongs.
Since Iloilo is located near Bacolod, there is no place that (or people who) worship Andoks or Sr Pedro's lechon manok. What's in? What else? Mang Inasal. Doi. Don't be surprised if prices are just the same, they're franchised. Doi.
Also, chicken parts from breast to legs to necks to feet are sold like fishballs at the heart of Iloilo City. The site is parallel to local streetfood vendors of Manila. Note well that "pecho"is latin for "breast" ergo, chicken breast. Street pechos range from 45 pesos (US 95 cents) to 55 pesos (US $1.05)
Try Deco's or Ted's (a toss-up), best Batchoy house(s). FYI, Batchoy in Iloilo is kinda sweet and take note, you could ask for extra chicharon in any Batchoy house franchise, or major Inasal restos nationwide. :')
I tried the fresh cow's ice drops. Honestly, there's no much difference with the ice drops here not really a "Eureka!" moment.

As an appetizer you can say "Batchoooyyy!!"

Yeah, I ain't mindin' the mugshots when indulged with eating.

Introducing... Fedi Lima! HAHA. That's the food and the chicharon right there LOOK!

For (second) main course. The original Mang Inasal.

Food time! 13 ain't a lucky number hence, food arrived LATE! wenks.

For dessert. Try out native cow's milk ice drops :) ...

...at Racso's Woodland Hotel and Wildlife Resort, where there's zoos, pools, and rooms and stuff.

if that ain't enough. go to your nearest Gaisano Mall and try the Krystal Ice Ice cream!

where else but. duh.

Iloilo, land of the singing voices

2010-06-26T22:31:00.015+08:00

Disclaimer: Let me reiterate my heed to goldfishdom, this entry had to be prompted from the tablets of my memory.

In the last week of October 2009, for the first time in my two decade and one year long adventure, I finally went on a tour away from Luzon with no parental supervision. Yes, I can finally say to myself "This time, I'm flying solo".

For five months, I saved up (though save up is not really the right term, more like dropped a penny in a box daily) for this travel which served as my graduation self-ish gift.

Sent and Sealed: Happy Graduation Self! From, Self :)

Truth be told, my Iloilo travel was with another friend (graying the line between solo travel and not) who was a dweller of the land.

Fedi Lima, my two-year roommate in Kalayaan and Molave Residence Hall in UP Diliman, accompanied me with utmost zest and pride.

As a background, Iloilo is one of the five provinces making up Panay along with Anklan, Antique, Capiz and Guimaras island (read: Island of sweetest mangoes).

It is rather a misrepresented fact that Ilonggos (people of Iloilo) and Bisaya are interchangeable. So instead, we must be made aware of the distinction in the Bisaya tongue and the Hiligaynon dialect, which is the most appropriate alternate for Ilonggo.

Ilonggos are known for their affectionate intonation. Where else can you hear 'I hate you' sugarcoated with musical notes in your head? Nowhere but Iloilo (or nowhere but from Ilonggos). Next time you hear there voice don't say "Bisaya ka man gyud." (You're Bisaya)

Here's a rundown of my fare share of anecdotes:

As you scroll down, be ready for a LOT of church photos. Visayas was the first group of islands conquered by Spanish conquistadors therefore, churches grew like mushrooms. (not a relatively new fact)
Lingual disconnect, even among Filipinos, is rather a hard line to bridge. It has always been a debate among Bisayas (Natives of Visayas) and Tagalogs (Natives of Central Luzon, CALABARZON etc). And same goes with Hiligaynons, Filipinos being locaholics (in love with hometown), everybody wants to have their language, the language of the majority. It is hard to always say "Tagalog lang po" (Tagalog only) and hear "Unsa man day?" (What Miss?). Like okay.
Iloilo is streamlined with beaches, bangkas (dinghy boats) and islands. Though this ain't white beach, it is still THE BEACH! Oh yeah.

Of beach and bangka.

And so photos have arrived. :) I was aiming at taking photos of all the UP Obles around the Philippines. Unfortunately, on my Cebu tour I totally forgot prolly because of too much planned tours.

Oble in UP Iloilo,Iloilo City.

Paula lookin' (smaller but) good in UP Visayas.

Was this Plato or Confucius I get confused. It's just a big man on a chair. or was it LINCOLN? Nahh.

Oble flaunting his stuff in Miag-ao, Iloilo

Here comes the churches.Jaro Church.

Jaro Bell Tower

Parish de Santo Nicholas de Tolentino

Parish de Santo Tomas de Villanueva

Here's me at Parish de Santo Tomas de Villanueva

And like any other decent celebrity (LOL), I would like to thank the following:

Thanks Enzoy who loves NOT to talk to me because of aforementioned lingual disconnect but hates ketchup so much he can finish a bottle in two days tops. (sentence fragment needs major overhaul)
Tito Art, one of the best cooks I've met who gave me a lot of cooking tips (which I forgot eventually)! And who fed me all the seashells by the sea shore. I love Iloilo for that.
Tita Sandra, who even gave me pasalubong (keepsakes or presents) from her sisters in Chicago ergo, I had Iloilo AND Stateside pasalubong. And who always was all smiles about my little quirks and perks. Thanks for the hospitality Tita!Hope to visit you soon.
And of course, to Fedi. You know why. <3.>

Enzoy and Tito Art.

Fedi and Tita Sandy.

Dai's week out

Goodbye Iloilo! I had so much fun for my first solo travel sans family funding. Proud to fly solo for the first time!:)

Oh yeah, the above photo was actually taken before the Iloilo travel but it was a rather appropriate closing, don't you think?

Guimaras, the island of the sweetest mangoes

2010-06-17T22:17:00.031+08:00

Aloha Guimaras. :)

October 28, 2009-- I welcomed Guimaras with utmost candor and love (and it welcomed me a bit forcibly. hehe). Too tanned for someone who has lived her life as a morenang, I gathered all the strength in me to stride into the sunny afternoon once again.

Before moving on, since the following blogs on Iloilo and Guimaras would be waken up from a dormant dream, I must gather all my goldfish powers to showcase what the island has to offer. And let me tell you now that the travel from Iloilo to Guimaras and extensively back again was as cheap as cheap can be since I was welcomed to the humble abode of my good friend and two-year roommate, the Ilongga herself, Fedi Lima. Not only welcomed in the humbled abode but toured for, all for the price of pricelessness. I thank you with all the hearts I can get.

So back to the blog.

Woke up early in the morning around 6am to travel to Guimaras. To reach Guimaras from Iloilo you could ride dinghy ferries at the Iloilo Metro Port heading to Guimaras. The ride only lasts for some 30 to 45 minutes and one ride costs about 30 pesos (US 60 cents). Be reminded that its no window features and limited space meant electronic valuables (i.e. DSLRs) are in danger of e-death and e-torture. But good memories require high definition, single lens reflex cameras therefore best strategy would be to buy your camera waterproof ziplocks and the likes of it.

Once docked, I've fallen head over high heels with Guimaras at the very site of tranquil mountainous seafront horizon. Lovely, lovely, lovely. To let you in a secret even, I've sworn (or hoped to swear) to be the place for my wedding bell ringing days. AHAHAHAHAH. And I'm done (it's too gooey to qualify for a good vibe). So let's just move on.

Guimaras is an island well known for its sumptuous and sweetest mangoes downgraded by the unfortunate downfall, the oil spill in 2006. Since then, they've moved forward and restored their immaculacy. I've discovered a horizon lined with white island beaches unadulterated by commercialization, foreigners and booze. I've trekked mango farms that have whole-year round mangoes, January to December and back again.

I don't have any photos on my mango eating mantras. I'm sorry for you for not seeing but satisfied with the personal memory of sweet taste.

The dinghy boat.

The Trappist Monastery taught me that ketchup or catsup can be made in any color it was from. Like for example, banana ketchup should've been yellow but with the capitalist take over on ketchup color, it had to be turned red. Talk about global conquerers of condiments.

On another note, it is the only men’s monastery in the Philippines run by Cistercian Order, established in 1972. The Trappist Monastery was a retreat place of serenity, solace and self-preservation from taxing endeavors of the materialistic world. The souvenir shop with island shirts, banig wallets, bags, jams and condiments is what keeps the place running.

Here's a snapshot of the church used for Services and taking photos are not allowed in it. So make do with 55mm zoom and 10ft distance.

Cabaling Beach Resort is one of the many (best) resorts in Guimaras. Blessed with coral reefs alongside mountainous terrain embraced by the sea, Cabaling is an enticing spot for intimate gatherings and travel tours.

The resort is surrounded by tropical gardens, a private place where you can relax in a comfortable ambiance.

Room rates range from 3000 (US $60) pesos to 7000 pesos (US $120) but fret not, the more people you gather the less the frenzy on booming budget needs. I advice you to go on group tours for less need for personal fund but catch is, it also requires less intimacy. Choose.

Oh, I remember when we were there, some bar takers around 20 (now passers/failers(?)) from San Beda law school were having there "goodbye SCRAs! and Cases! Hello beach, beer and brothers!". Good times.

Point is, less intimacy does not ALWAYS require less people.

The Hotel.

You could reach the resort through private boats, ferries, motorboats and sailing boats from the Panay island. However, be sure to book your reservation to do so(or else you'd end up being sailors without the sailboat).

Oh coconut nuts spell tranquility and sunshine! :)

We forgot to bring swimming gear (?) and suits so we ended up taking photos (with a very very wrong aperture and shutter speed. sad to say). FYI, I forgot to look at what the photos DID appear since in the end when I got home, dang too dark for my shutterbug. Though I wasn't able to capture the true and vivid beauty of the place in these photos. (Pardon my unsophisticated portrayal).

There's Enzoy, Fedi's brother wa(lk)ding at the beachfront.

Here's one of those "let's take our duo photo even without a tripod" picture.

One of the best spots to view the sea since the hotel is seafront and about 50 meters from the shore.

Here's Fedi's cousin.

Moving on, we visited the Guimaras Provincial Monument and Museum. It was built in 2006 by then Governor Juan Carlos Rahman A. Nava, MD, now incumbent Congressman of the Lone District of Guimaras. It was written that the structure serves as a landmark for the people of the province as well as a museum for the memorabilia of its history.

It is a one-story building with accessible rooftops on both sides of the rooms and another on top of the main hall. The monuseum (as I've now dubbed it myself) is the integrated effort of building a monument atop the museum showcasing a sculpture of a man with a fishing tool and a plow. In an article I've read, it says this symbolizes the main livelihood of many Guimarasnons (is what they are called), farmers during the planting season and fishermen during the off-planting season.

The Guimaras Provincial Monument and Museum. Photo Courtesy of Discover Guimaras website.

This article that put Guimaras on the frontpage of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, either number one, two or three (fluctuates like that) newspaper in the RP is ... (???) I've forgotten what it was talking about so I promise to create a blog solely on this after ample research.

Inside is an exhibit area of 12 x 20 meters with multipurpose rooms at the sides. Full of statues of Santo Ninos, Virgin Marys, and saints complete with the whole paraphernalia of rosaries.

Save me!Is what I'd call this

Feed me. Is what I'd call this one.

Love me. Is not appropriate but.

Goodbye Guimaras, until my wedding day. (LOL)

The Food in Cebu and Bohol

2010-06-10T21:36:00.015+08:00

Photo Courtesy of Riziel Cabreros (And her plate of delicious delicacies too!)

Remember the first day in Cebu? Well, if you do good for me. (HAHA) If you don't, then here's a snippet of the highlights.

We just came from Manila and managed to tour Mactan Island. After so we headed to Cebu City and were ready to eat at the buffet lunch served at Crowne Regency Plaza when Ziel realized she forgot her wallet at the hotel. Long story short, we were hungry, tired, and ready to eat each other alive but had to run home to get the money. So bye-bye Zielork (Ziel+pork, if I ever end up eating her. LMAO)

Given that we've been hungry for some 5 hours now, it may be assumed that"nalipasan na kami ng gutom" (how can I say that in English that'll get my feelings across? dunno).Maybe, we (I mean, I) got tired of being hungry. But of course at that time, I couldn't care less. All I knew was that there's a mountain full of food and I'm famished. I ogled at the sight before me. And what I do best when I ogle, I dive in, divulge, and overestimate --- sort of the traveler taking everything in (literally and figuratively).

In other words, I gave myself too much serving of every century egg, baked shallots, braised chicken, penang rice and the other what-have-yous I cannot remember.

So let's fast forward a bit. We talked a lot for the rest of the meal and I've reached my 15-minute food attention limit. There lying on my plate was a full meal able to feed 2 kids. (There are people who die of hunger. Crap, I knew that). Good news was, Ziel finished up her meal good and clean. Thank you Lord, there still exists the balance of nature.

Check out the place. 18th floor of Crowne Regency Plaza Tower II. This is where all that food happened. It's not a good photo so bear with me.

Wang Shang Lo serves Buffet lunch from 10am to 2pm daily.

Here's the long-line of temptation.

The story of the first day foodfest did not end in an anticlimactic mood, moreover we went home in high spirits. When you visit Cebu do not forget to eat at Larsian food strip, a place that caters to a wide number of stalls serving grilled chicken skin, pecho (chicken thigh), isaw (chicken intestines, sounds disgusting but is actually a gratifying surprise), barbecue and more sumptuous grilled food on a stick. And of course, the puso, a Cebu local delicacy also known as the hanging rice.

If you hail from the Northern regions of the Philippines the distinct physical look of this delicacy would remind you of the classic suman, rice cake wrapped in dried banana leaves. The puso thereof is made of cooked rice wrapped in woven coconut or banana leaf pouch. The best part of the Larsian expedition is the kamayan style of eating (eating with your hands)! When do you get to do that? Well, not most of the time that's for sure.

Larsian is a great chill-out place where you could drink beer and feel the Cebu vibe right in the puso of the city.

Here's the layers of Cebuano pecho. Yum-yum! Photo Courtesy of Riziel Cabreros

Heres' my plate and this time I ate them, ATE THEM ALL!BWAHAHAHAHA. I miss Cebu.

So now you must have an inkling that this is the famous puso.

And this is how I roll, Cebu food trip style. Don't dare disturb.

After 10 minutes. Full?Check. Happy?Check. Pretty?Um (I'll get back to you). With Joe.

Here's another pose, an even more orchestrated "we're too cool for you, fool" pose.

Ah, and here's a photo when we had so much fun about everything under the artificial sun (aka lightbulbs)

Then here I am, happy, full and of course slobbered all over the chin, notice some of those dark spots are sauce(s).

Here's the Cebuana tourist, Johanna Poblete.

Then here's Ziel, who took most of our photos since me and Joe had a lot of catching up to do (We haven't seen each other for years).

Let us skip the sleep. On with our Bantayan travel on the next day. The beginnings was as uneventful as it was memorable. Our two hour wait at Hagnaya port for the next Roro ride gave way for a once in a lifetime experience.

It was the 7th heaven of street food, the monumental allegory of dirty grilldom. Yes, I had a taste of the best, most tasteful and distinctive barbecue priced at 10 pesos that I (or anyone else) will and have ever tasted. Love it, love it, miss it.

For you to smell even the slightest aroma of heaven in your mouth envision tiny pieces of meat precisely cut into thin bite-size pieces, looking delightfully on their own. Then add marinate with the right amount of soy sauce, tomato sauce, and some secret ingredient sauce sprinkled with pepper and coated with a thin layer of oyster sauce to top it off. Mmmmm. Finally, bake them into perfection with the right temperature, passable tricycle pollution, (deplorable but) tolerable smokers' smoke and the precise number and manner of fanning. Yep, best ten pesos I've spent.

Sadly, we were not aware of its importance and no photos were taken. The inset picture is not of the barbecue made from heaven since we were hungry and too delighted to remember taking photos. Boohoo.

Once you've had a taste of the best, the worst will kill you. Before checking-in for the Roro ride, we decided to have another barbecue session (just for the kicks or was that for lunch?) with another store (assuming it was of the same ambrosial quality). Obviously, lightning does not strike same place twice. We were dismayed, worse, we fell from heaven face down to the hell of grillhood. The barbecue were like screws in my mouth. (I can hardly chew them into pieces!). It tasted like charcoal as if the meat disappeared on the hands of the wrong griller. Dang, I hated that barbecue, I wish I bought the rest of the barbecue(s) of Manang from the best barbecue stall on the face of the earth. GRRR.

Anyway, we ate banana cue after the best barbecue and before the worst (HAHA. sounds bitter). That's just too many cues in a paragraph. Banana cue is made of kind of banana that we call, saba (banana used for cooking) rolled in brown sugar and deep fried. The banana was good, not great but it passed the test of edibility and was miles better than the friggin's barbescrews!

That's a ba...wait for it....nana cue (LOL).

The Bantayan Island food trip did not happen because we arrived at 1pm and can only travel the little island for 2 hours so we did not waste any on eating (waste??what waste??).

Moving on, for the last tour day we had another buffet lunch at the Loboc River floating restaurant cruise that was a part of our Bohol tour package. After learning a lesson from talking while eating I took the high road and shut my mouth (for the talking) and opened it wide (for eating). It worked! I ate everything on my plate (except for the chicken, but Ziel wasn't able to finish it either so that's no longer counted.food-lawyered) and actually enjoyed it all. Hmm, best of them was the chewy green seaweeds. Believe me, try the most bizarre looking food and be gratifyingly mistaken. At the end of it all, you've got to taste the experience.

The food of fun. Wee!Burp!I'm done.

Last tip for travelers, buy a big bag of soda crackers, Skyflakes, Bluskies or Rebisco crackers and water because when you're walking or hiking or simply in a bus with no food, it'll ruin your trip. Enjoy the food and drink safe water. :))

-Pau

Cebu City, Metro of the Visayas

2010-06-09T23:04:00.008+08:00

Our original preplanned IT for Cebu was to,obviously, discover Cebu. But then this happened which led to a delimited Cebu City tour. Well not that I approve novelty tourist spots more than historical landmarks however, they're just newer and less people know about it (justified? or am i too guilty, for lack of some Filipino history). We finished up with the Sky Experience tour at around 6pm which meant most tourist landmarks were either closed or simply dim (so we won't see anything unless we touch them which sounds wrong and IS wrong). Nonetheless, we did not pass the opportunity to discover Magellan's Cross.

Magellan's Cross is an emblem of Catholicism (it is the Sistine Chapel of Philippine Catholicism, since it's pretty and it's about Catholicism. crude basis). Introduced by Spanish explorers lead by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it is housed in a small sanctuary in front of Cebu City Hall and of close proximity to the Santo Niño Church or Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Trivia: A sign below says that the authentic cross is actually encased inside the wooden cross in the middle of the shrine. Therefore, the cross that we see is the casing of the cross. This was done as a preemptive measure for people who chip away parts from the cross with the belief that it can create miracles.(Paradoxically, it is a symbol of Christianity but people use it to fill their pagan beliefs). There have been legends, heresy and more about the whereabouts of the authentic Magellan's Cross, but then let's move on.

Here's what we've been talking about for a paragraph now.

Here's some history for you. I can't read 'em but you try. :)

So here's the sign that says the thing I said in the above mentioned short description.

Here's Ziel trapped OUTSIDE the sanctuary. Sucks.

Here's Cebu City Hall

Then here's Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Located at the heart of Cebu City, the Basilica is known for its architectural design meshing cultures that have once crossed paths in Cebu. From Islam to Catholicism.

I forgot to mention how we got to Magellan's Cross. I personally thank Joe Poblete for being our Cebu City tour guide (although it seems you're not too much of a Cebuana anymore. LOL). From Crowne Regency Plaza cross the skywalk and wait for jitneys that have 21-B on them. Then tell them to drop you off at the Sto Nino Church (of course this is if you are a tourist or in Joe's case, JOE). You can't miss it, it's at the right side of the road (From your point of view, if you are in the right direction, that is).

Arriving at the Sto Nino Church, you could walk from there to Magellan's Cross. If you tour in the morning you may subsequently try visiting Fort San Pedro near Pier One (Pier for Oceanjet transit, the sea transit we used for our Bohol tour). BTW, it's also the nearest Port to Cebu City from Fuente Osmena.

The blurred people are Joe! (A friend from UP who's a Cebuana) and Ziel.

On the next day after our Bantayan Tour we were famished, tired and stingy. So as last only resort, we went to Joe's place. Yey! And finally saw Andre again.

Andre is Joe's son who I last saw in Capitol Hospital along Quezon Avenue when he was born. That was two years ago and now look at him all gwapo and Russel-y (that's what I call cute little chubby kids. Recall: UP).

Here's me, Andre and Mommy Joe!Thanks for the food, kahit pambreakfast it was LOVE. FYI, chorizo at low-low prices @ Kings across SM Robinsons near Mercury Drug.

And here he is in full regalia. We did find a way to talk. Bisaya man gyud.

As an add-on, we did visit SM Cebu City and guess what, they have very high ceilings as if foreigners were always all over the place. There was this Volkswagon Beetle Mania happening in the event center so we took some photos.

The Beetle. :)

Beetle Maniac

Here's me.

-pau

Bantayan, an island paraiso

2010-06-08T19:23:00.023+08:00

Bantayan Island Paradise

Which is better: two or ten? I'd say TWO, hands down

June 3, 2010-- At around 5.30 in the morning, sleep deprivation finally took its toll and our alarm set at 4:30 am was altered by the snoozefest button. Ergo we overslept and the schedule was adjusted accordingly but reluctantly.

Tip for Bantayan travellers coming from Cebu City, wake up early! To make myself clear, wake up at 3am early. The travel from Fuente Osmeña to North Terminal (The bus terminal for travel to Hagnaya Port) would last around 15 minutes since it is located near SM City Cebu. But the travel from the bus to Hagnaya port lasts 3 hours!TH-REEE A-WERZZZZ.

FYI, Hagnaya port is located at northern Cebu whereas Cebu City is located at the Southeast area. So imagine traveling pass towns, municipalities and cities of Cebu.

Finally, at around 9:40 am we arrived at the Hagnaya seaport praying we can still catch the 9:30 scheduled Roro departure. Roro boats are called to be so as acronym to a ship that houses a vehicle (ro)lling-in and (ro)lling-off. Ergo, Ro-ro.

Back to the topic, the most deplorable highlight of that day was due to the fact that the next Roro will come at 11:00 and will depart at 11:30 am. In short, we were not able to catch the 9:30 schedule.

While the last trip from Bantayan back to Cebu is at 3:30pm. Take into account the one and a half hour Roro ride. You do the math. But since I hinted with the two or ten question, yes, two-hour tour and ten-hour round trip travel time.

Travel to Hagnaya port. Taken by a very high shutter speed (1/100 and F 18 aperture.)

The island, however, was worth it. Upon arrival at the Bantayan sea port we rented a motorcycle driver to tour us around Sta Fe.

Bantayan proper is located on the next island (we're not in the mood to swim that far). It was a great high point of the day since I'm not a fan of motorcycles for they're cumbersome machinery (and well, I can't get on and/or off them easily) and still the change of heart was a good vibe. The ride was enjoyable considering the thrill of falling off while taking photos.

Here's my driver photo for Bantayan. He's the best since he charged us 200 pesos for his motorcycle (Check my other driver photo(s))

From Sta Fe Beach Club, here's Sta Fe, Bantayan Island

(Bantayan is made up of three municipalities Bantayan, Madridejos & Sta Fe)

Another Thumbs up! to the Philippine Island Paradise

Green trees, blue skies, white cotton candy worthy clouds, blue green sea = Paraiso.

Ziel's White Castle pose. LOL. OR Palmolive ang gaan-gaan ng feeling pose. Whatevs.

It is my belief that these rocks are (were) corals some time in the past.

This is Ogtong Cave of Bantayan Island. One of the island's famous landmarks.

Here's me swimming. woohoo. But those rocks are killing me.

And then another pose.

Here's Ziel with her pose.

Ogtong Cavvveee!!

Look I'm so tall these kids are sailing around me. LOL

Riziel's waving goodbye (or bidding a welcome)

Goodbye Bantayan Wait for me! Arrivederci! (@ the Roro from Bantayan back to Hagnaya port)

-pau

The men in their motors aka the drivers with the driven tourists

2010-06-08T09:33:00.020+08:00

Let us take a moment to recognize the people who made the travel possible and less cumbersome.To the point guards of our NBA-driven metaphors (you bring the ball we shoot it), Daghang Salamat!

Philippine Airlines, for their promo that only cost us 1.500 pesos round trip air fare for our Cebu trip.

Manong Padyak, who told people we were tourists so it made us look cooler and dumber at the same time. We would've never have had a good conversation with Bisayas without him.

Manong Tricycle driver,who we were at a lost in translation with but nonetheless instructed and nudged us to the right eskinas and place(s) in Mactan
Manong Taxi driver from SM Cebu to hotel, who taught us how to protect ourselves and how to veer away from "Boodle-boodle" gangs of the South. (Boodle-boodle gangs are snatchers and bandits who are dressed better than their counterparts.) We've learned that people who cough a lot and nudge you in the jitneys are actually preparing to nap your money, phone, Ipod or anything they can get their hands on.
Manong Motor Driver, who we had a good time with while perusing Bantayan Island (peruse makes the island seem so small.) And who kinda looked like "The Transporter" with his ultra-fast scooter wheels with bebots (points to self) as sidekicks. HAHAHA. Bebots are the Pinoy 90s slang for boutylicious babes.
Manong Hagnaya to SM taxi driver, who out of nowhere told us "Akala ko hindi na kayo tatahimik eh" *grins* (I thought you two would never shut up). But told us in a good way. Still after that we did shut up, since we seem to be talking for the whole two-hour taxi trip.
And last but not the least, Kuya Francis, who made our last day more enjoyable and a lot easier. Thank you Kuya Francis, our Mr. Photographer, driver, Tour guide, Tour adviser and Skag Buddy. He said the next time we visit Bohol it's better to try out their public transportation for us to enjoy the Bohol breeze.
Oh yes, we should also thank ourselves, and God, for our pair of feet(foots??lol). Still the cheapest and most reliable means of transportation.

Manong Tricycle from Alegre to taxi bay, who was so game he had a photo with us here.

Here's our motorcycle man in Bantayan Island who dodged humps and carried our luggage while driving. Beat that.

Kuya Francis from Bohol Day Tour(s) who was there through it all (well, of course since he's the designated Bohol Tour guide)

We had no photo of our actual trike. So here's Manong chillin' at Hagnaya.

The Oceanjet liner who has a Libre-Balik promo that we were not able to avail.

Our Bohol ride for two. The white Toyota Corolla.

Who could forget the Roro? Well, not me. FYI, no smoking is a state of mind since the photographer(s) [not in photo] at the back were smoking as if there's no "No Smoking" Sign.

Here we are at the man-made Bilar rain forest. Pretending to walk. Kuya Francis was taking our photo.

PAL airfare: 1500 pesos (US $30)
Trike fare: 50 pesos (US $1)
Motorcycle fare: 75 pesos/hour for 2 hours 150 pesos (US $3)
Roro fair: 150 pesos (US $3) for Business and 140 pesos (US $2.8) for open-air riders one way. 300 pesos (US $6)for roundtrip travel.
Oceanjet sea fare: 420 pesos (US $8.4) one way. 840 pesos for roundtrip travel (US $8.8)
Taxi driver from Fuente Osmena to SM Cebu: 75 pesos (US $1.5). Roundtrip taxi fare would be 150 pesos (US $3)
Taxi ride from Hagnaya to SM Cebu:150 pesos (US $3)
Jitney ride(s): 7 pesos (US $0.12)
Bohol Car tour: 1600 pesos (US $32)
Walking: ZERO
Estimated Total transportation cost: 4,700 pesos (US $96)
*note that trike fair and motorcycle fare is good for two people.

-Pau

Cebu Crowne Regency Plaza Sky Experience

2010-06-07T10:44:00.015+08:00

Living the friggin' Xperience!

June 2, 2010-- So al(l)most everything happened on that day for Cebu. But the highlight of it all was the unexpected man-made Sky Experience Adventure we had at Crowne Regency Plaza Tower II! (to be exact and overly elated). I have to thank one of my high school friends who was snoopy enough to visit my facebook profile and learn about my dilemma on the whereabouts of tourist spots in Cebu.

To Lean, yeah yeah I owe you one! It was awesome! Voyeurism never honored the voyeur-ed this good.

So where did we left off... hmm yup right here!

We arrived at the hotel, which looked more like a backpacker's inn (the ones that were livable but not likable enough to praise) and did what all backpackers had in mind months before the actual travel, checked-in and went out. Easy as pancake.

Since Crowne Regency Plaza was only a few blocks away from where we stayed, we tried the cheapest transportation around, walking on our own two feet. WOW.

Anyway, we were ready to pay for our Sky Day Tour worth 888 pesos (US $18) when the unimaginable happened. The aforementioned companion forgot THE most important essential during vacations; the deniro, moolah, steak, money, kaching, johnny cash or whatever urban dictionary has yet to call it. Talk about too much travel titillation.

And so our cheap walking thrill went back to taxi fare and running. Or you could call it, "each's own paradox".

For lack of people to blame we considered the universal conspiracy.(Running thought pau: what if you (Ziel) no longer have money? hmm I don't have enough for both of us. noooooo) .

Thankfully, the money was not napped but abandoned on the top of her bed. I charge the mishap to our budget hearing plus excessive agitation before going out of the room.

ziel: magkano dadalhin (how much will we bring?)

pau: maybe bla bla bla amount.

ziel: ah eh di ito lang dadalhin ko? (this'll be the only things i'll bring?)

pau: oo blablabla (yup, continues on 10 minutes explaining the tour which was actually written down in detail)

Yup, it was because of too much organization. We went back just in time to have an hour to eat at Wang Shang Lo since the buffet starts at 10am and ends at 2pm. Because our last meal was the bread sticks provided by PAL, imagine our famine.

Talk about gluttony.

But we did get out fine, happy, (guilty)and contented

So after eating we went straight to the sky experience tour. Where we experienced the Edge coaster (bold font required to emphasize impact). It is a place I experienced hearing Ziel cursing for her life.

The Edge Coaster is the first of its kind in the country where you are safely and tightly fastened in a coaster that is tilted 55 degrees and revolves around the 38th floor. Whooooosshhh.

Here's the goings on in the elevator: we were on the 19th floor going to the 38th.That was it, nothing special. And the attendant who came with us suddenly disappeared when we were looking down the elevator/skyscraper. What a douche.

We celebrated survival through this pose.

and this pose.

For this, we just pretended that we went through with it.

also this one.

But these kids actually did walk the Skywalk (not Moonwalk, Skywalk).

This is the 38th floor where we had the Edge Coaster Experience, that's me under a hat.

The idea of showing that lengthy cable bridge was to point out that we were, honestly on the tallest tower hotel in the country (LOL). Yeah, I guess it doesn't work when I explicitly point out what it is for.

this is Ziel, pseudo-watching (we did not have any coins to drop) showing off her long legs (naks!)

We then went down to the 16th floor of Tower 1 for the 4D experience of the movie entitled "The Lost Island", (I know 4D experience is available in Manila or somewhere within a nearer proximity). Still, buying one ticket for the 4th dimension costs 100 pesos for students (US $2) while we got it as a package (almost as if it was a dead giveaway).

And I've learned that the 4th dimension involved the other senses as touch and smell besides sight and hearing. We got spit on by elephants, and drooled over by tigers. eeewww. Oh, and we fell some 100 feet off a cliff. Right there, the four senses and the four dimensions.

This is a not so flattering photo of both of us, but heck!It's 4D.

We asked Kuya to take our photo, he was more than willing and asked us to just pose and pose but I'm no longer putting the other photo(s) since they're practically the same. We were asked to pose but what can we do, we had limited modelling talent since we were looking forward to the next stop.

Lastly, we arrived at the Prana Spa to get our much awaited Sauna and full body massage. Don't get me started with the sauna that almost cooked me alive. It was a first that I would not be too sure to try again. But the bath after was too refreshing for my fats.

After around 40 minutes of sauna we had our full body massage. One word, heavenly. It was one of those times when time runs against you. Case in point, when the masseuse asked me to turn around so she could do my front massage I kinda thought I was still sleeping and never wanted to respond, dang that masseuse I was ready to reach nirvana (and I honestly thought it just lasted 15 minutes but maybe it did since there were no clocks around the vicinity. Ah conspiracy theory number 2).

Here's yours truly at Prana

and Prana

and Ziel with Prana.

and our after Sauna look. Cuhrazzzzy.

That was one of the best products of my mathematical budgeting travel skills Look at the breakdown:

Prana Sauna and full body Spa: 700 pesos (US $14)

Wang Shan Lo buffet: 400 pesos (US $8)

Sky Experience Entrance fee: 200 pesos (US $4)

Sky Experience Edge Coaster ride: 250 pesos (US $5)

4D Experience: 150 pesos (US $3)

That totals to a whopping 1700 pesos (US $34) while we only spent 888 pesos in total add to that the ultimate holistic first time experience: PRICELESS.

-pau