A Dreamer's Notebook: Places in Philippines

Showing posts with label Places in Philippines. Show all posts

Malalison Island Day Tour

I did want to have some adventures during my stay in Iloilo so my brother and I decided to go out of town and to the place named "Culasi". He recommended the Malalison Island (sometimes being called as "Mararison" because of the dialect of locals who lived there) which I heard is a remote and beautiful place. We went there for a day tour only and I know it's kinda "bitin" (short) but the place was so spectacular and I mean it.

We took a Van from Iloilo City (since we were not able to catch the Bus) for 6 hours just to reach the Culasi terminal and from there we rode a tricycle going to the port. We then rented a boat going to the island. In the port, we have to register and pay some fees there. (Tip: It would be nice to group yourselves to 5 to minimize the fees of the boat). We arrived at the Malalison Island around noon time and we hired a guide to tour us around the mountain side of the Island. The trail was so easy to trek and reaching the top was way too fast. Indeed, the view up there was worth it. People who have been there called or tagged the place as "The Little Batanes". Our guide told us that the mountain looks like a resting bird with its feathers widely spread out.

Just a side story regarding the sister island, the "Batbatan Island", which was once a tourist destination same with Malalison Island. During those early times, locals taking care of the that Island and those how lived there would put poison on the water they offered to the Tourists for drinking. This is the reason why there were not a lot of Tourists go there anymore and if ever they do visit that place, they will never drink the water the locals offer them. Maybe the locals were not that fond of people going into their home place but still, a little bit scary.

Now going back to Malalison Island, the top of the mountain offers a scenic and panoramic view of the island. Just a perfect place to take some beautiful pictures with different angles. Of course, I didn't let that moment swift away without taking Instagram worthy pictures and of course, for my blog. After the trek, it's time to eat our lunch. It was a bit late already but thankful for the people there because of their hospitality. They cooked food for us and it was good and affordable. Actually, you can even request a dish or style of cooking you want. After eating our lunch, we went to the seaside for a walk. Since we only went there for a Day Tour, we did not have a room for our things. Good thing our guide offered us a "Kubo" where we can put our things safely while we go on swimming.

The Island has a short white sandbar that makes the place looks gorgeous. I even spotted some white foreigners in the island having a good time swimming. The sandbar was so perfect for me. The locals kept on reminding us not to go beyond the sandbar for our safety. I got some photo of the sandbar and a picturesque of Mt. Madja'as in front of the island. The view of the mountain from the island makes me wanna stay a bit longer. I even promised myself to climb that mountain in the near future. There are so much on that Island that I was not able to do or even visited because of lack of time. We even need to chase the last trip going back to the City since the place is a bit far off.

Our way back to the port is a bit adventurous I can say. The boat that fetches us is a bit smaller compared to the previous one who drove us to the Island and we can really feel the waves in the water especially those big ones. I don't know how to explain it but just one wrong move of the driver, the boat will sink. Every time there was a big wave, I feel that we were on top of it and then it tries to pull us down. My brother got so nervous that time and did not even moved an inch thinking that the boat will sink if he does. And as for me? Yeah, I felt nervous a little but enjoyed most of the ride and even got excited. That was my first time riding a small fishing boat, four of us and in an open sea. :D

My experiences there was kinda fulfilling for me and adventurous. It was my first adventure alone (without my husband whom I kept on relying) along with my not so little brother. I would really recommend the place to visit for those who love adventures. I would advise you to stay for a night, go for island hopping to see the caves at the back of the Island, diving/snorkeling, trek the mountains and talk to some friendly locals about the history of the place. Going to remote places like this will make you a new person. Feel and embrace what nature can bring you.

"Let nature heal your soul, sometimes we need that."

Preset By: Arjhay de Leon

Iloilo City Escapade

I was so excited when my husband booked my plane ticket going back to our hometown. It's a blessing in disguise that he went to Cape Town, South Africa for a business trip for two weeks. It gave me enough time to stay in Iloilo. Going back home to our place was nostalgic. Remembering all those happy and sad moments when we were there. The life we have now when compared to before, says it all. Anyway, I have 20 days to enjoy my hometown which means I need to maximize it and make sure that my itinerary should be followed so that I won't miss a thing.

I arrived in Iloilo at 7:00 PM with heavy rain welcoming me and my first dish was laswa (Mixed vegetable soup) and fish. It was so delicious and perfect for the cold night. On my first week, I decided to stay in the house and did some cleaning and fixing of our personal stuffs. I also went visiting families and eating foods where I missed the most. Seeing my family happy and okay was my goal.

I really missed the peaceful nights at our place, the simple lifestyle, the fresh air, the rice fields, chirping of the birds and the smell of the plants and trees during sunrise. For me, this is the life that I've missed and has always been missing when I'm in Manila. Again, I experienced eating without buying anything where I can just pick all the ingredients in our backyard. The taste of the food that my Nanay (Mother) cooked can't be compared to any restaurant I've visited. I have experienced again how to ride a Tricycle in the bumpy rocky road in our town. It was so funny remembering how I have been complaining all of those time when I was still living here. All those times I thought life was so hard but it all changed when I experienced living Manila. Experiencing traffic for hours, flood anywhere and expensive kind of living. I can now just simply say that life in the province is far more better and easy. Reminiscing the past made me laugh and teary-eyed. I am a different person now I can surely say. I have changed a lot. Changed to someone better, stronger, loving and more understanding kind of person. I praise God for that and to all of His promises to my life. Life taught me so much.

Iloilo City I must say, is a well developed city already. Living for 3 years in Manila caused me to miss a lot of things. More buildings were built, more restaurants and bars to hang-out, more amenities to enjoy and many investors coming in. I am so proud to what the City of Smiles has become.

Iloilo has so much to offer as well if going out of town is your trip. My brother was my tour guide during one of my trip outside the city. He let me experienced staying in a well-known resort of San Joaquin, Iloilo, The Assemblage Point Resort and Convention Hub. From Iloilo City proper, it will take you at least 2-3 hrs riding a Jeep. The place has an overlooking view of the sea and it was not crowded. The calmness of the sea gives another flavor of peaceful time during your stay there. This place is perfect if you are looking to relax and be far from the city noise. Booking our stay there comes with breakfast. The room was cozy and comfortable with nice interiors. Expect to have no signal on your mobile phones there and that the place does not offer free WiFi. The place though was a bit expensive for an overnight stay.

My Iloilo itinerary comes with meeting my close friends and trying some new places to hang out. I've been to different restos and coffee shops. My favorite from all of them was the San Jose Café, located in Southpoint Annex. I like their smoothies and sandwiches. The place was cozy and they have excellent customer service. I also did running in a fully developed Esplanade which the City is so proud of. It is estimated to be around 3 kilometers from end to end. The view of the sunset is so dramatic and bizarre. Make sure to have this on your itinerary when going to Iloilo.

The simple life in my province recharged me and helped me to recover from all the stress I have experienced in Manila. All the gala and touring around makes me appreciate what we have. I know there are still a lot of things I might have missed during my 20 days stay in Iloilo but I will be back soon, ready to explore more and enjoy what the place can offer. I just want to thank God for the overflowing blessings we have received from Him and for the good health.

Till next time guys. God bless you all.

Baguio City, Philippines

Baguio City, so far, is one of my favorite place here in the Philippines. It is a highly urbanized city in the Northern Luzon and also known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". I love the cold weather na parang meh Korea feels lang. :D I love roaming around the city seeing people wearing their best winter clothes (and I just love winter clothes because maybe kinain na nga ata talaga ako ng sistema ng KDrama. LOL). The view of the pine trees are just so beautiful that you will feel like you're in a different world. It is really an amazing place for me compare to the hot temperature and traffic in Manila. You could really relax and feel refreshed after your stay here. The place itself is just perfect for me.The food there is cheaper compared to other places i have visited but tastes good. Meat and vegetables are fresh and each servings can be shared by two people already. A lot of nice and cozy restaurants located inside and outside the City you can visit and enjoy.

We have visited beautiful and breathe taking places in Baguio City. I've been here twice already and looking to have more in the future. During our first trip here, we visited those known places where people would usually go if they stay there. Please follow through as I narrate what I have experienced during my trip.

First stop was in the "Burnham Park". A 32.84 hectare urban park located in the heart of Baguio City. We rented a boat to experience paddling around the pond where I enjoyed a lot. I feel like I was still in my younger years then. We ate ice cream in spite of the cold and freezing weather. You can see people rent bicycle and roaming around the park too. There were slides and swings for kids to play with. The scenery in the area was just so nice where you can see a lot of beautiful smiles in people faces. Different kind of flowers were planted to add color to the place. There were also some stalls selling bling-bling, accessories and souvenirs around the park. Food stalls and restaurants were also there for those who become hungry and tired roaming around. A cup of hot or iced coffee is just perfect. SM and other shopping Malls are around the corner too.

Second Stop was the well-known "Strawberry Farm". This is the most common place were most of the tourists go and experience picking strawberries and to have some Instagram selfies too. The farm contains not only Strawberries but different fresh Vegetable like Lettuce, Broccoli, Cauliflower and with different colorful flowers too (like Sunflower, Roses, etc.). The place was just so awesome and it was the first time I experienced eating a strawberry flavored ice cream made locally and it was delicious (they call it Dirty Ice Cream). I picked up one basket of strawberry and the price was reasonable.

We also went to the "Botanical Garden". In the entrance, there were local Igorots wearing their costumes and you can have some pictures with them for 20 Pesos only. The place is big with nature scenery and lots of pine and other big trees. There were some souvenir shops inside and food stalls. The weather there was so nice and perfect to lie down on a grassy field staring up the sky. There is also a Cave in this place that contains different caged wild animals like snakes, lizards, etc. So if you are up to wild adventures, this is the place for you.

Next stop is this amazing "Mines View Park". This is an overlook park on the northeastern outskirts of Baguio. The view is just superb. More souvenir shops here selling different goods like Baguio shirts, Strawberry and Ube jams, Malongs, etc. Going up here was not easy. The road was kinda steep and traffic during peak season. You can also do picture taking with a Pony for 20 Pesos only. Not much adventures here except for the magnificent view.

Other places we visited were Camp John Hay and the Christmas Village. Camp John Hay, or what they previously call as John Hay Air Station, is a Major Tourism and recreation attraction located in the City of Baguio. The place offers a lot of stuffs to the Tourist. Currently, a lot of hotels and restaurants were constructed and opened in the Area. There were Adventure Parks and Museums also just around the corner for the Tourist to enjoy. Christmas Village on the other hand were specifically mounted during the Christmas Season. The place is equipped with a Snow making machine and it offers Christmas presentations like dancing and singing.

Oh before I forget, we have dropped by at the "Bell Church" just after we visited the Strawberry Farm. The Bell Church is located north of the downtown area of Baguio along the road leading to the town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons.

It has a pagoda, and beautifully landscapped gardens. There are some artifacts about Buddhism that you will find at the Bell Church as well as some literature about the history of China.

More pictures during our trip...

Strawberry Picking at the Farm is quite fun. Anyone care for a bite?

Fresh Vegetables at Strawberry Farm (Yum Yum)

Inside the Botanical Garden with all the Pine Trees at the Back

Taking a shot at the Entrance of the Botanical Garden

Ooopppsss... Something is starting to cover the whole city...

Just to add guys, be sure to check the weather forecast before going to Baguio. Weather here is unpredictable and you might experience thick fog along the way. Double check your car brakes and tires if you are driving. Be safe everyone and enjoy.

Till here for now, will have another post of my other adventures in Baguio City.

Zambales, Philippines

It was one of our dreams to visit Mt. Pinatubo and it has kept us a while in planning the trip. We were all prepared a night before and ready to invade the Volcano just to hear the bad news that the Local Government decided to close the location to the Public/Tourist for some reasons. The Tour Agency advised and provided us other options like going to Zambales with Island Hopping package or move to other dates. We were so disappointed considering that we were so excited to see the Volcano and we have not searched or checked what are we going to have in Zambales. Since we cannot move to other dates anymore, we decided to take the Zambales Cove and Island Hopping Package Tour. We left around 3 in the morning the following day and thoughts of how Zambales will look like kept playing in our minds. We passed thru Subic and have witnessed part of the sun rise. It was almost 9 in the morning when we arrived at Zambales and was so tired due to heavy traffic. Our eyes grew big when we had our glimpsed of the beach and islands ahead of us. The excitement and adrenaline started to pump up in us.

Capones Lighthouse

Snap with Family

We took a small motor Boat from the main land and first dropped by the Capones Island. It is located almost at the outer part of the main land and the highlight of the island was the lighthouse (named Capones Island Lighthouse). It is a historic lighthouse located in Capones Island off the coast of Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio. The view of the West Philippine Sea from the lighthouse was extremely overwhelming. You will feel like you we're on the top of the world. The water on the sea and the blue sky makes it a perfect view. You might just want to stay there dreaming and relaxing the whole day long.

Hidden River in Anawangin Cove

Beach Front Anawangin Cove

After Capones Island, we jumped off to our Boat and went to Anawangin Cove to have lunch. This place was a popular destination for camping and beach outing. It has white sands, pine trees, hidden river, a hill and mountains to climb. Do expect though that the place has no electricity and that Mobile Phone's signal is a bit weak. Just the perfect place to relax and disconnected yourself to all those busy and stressful days in the city. After lunch we climbed the hill near us and took photos of the whole area. It was a bit tiring plus the scorching heat of the sun. Since this was an unplanned and unexpected trip, we never got the change to swim at the beach.

We left Zambales at around 4 in the afternoon having a "Bitin" feeling but then decided to have another trip back here. Of course, should be perfectly planned ahead.