Quick summer getaway

I’ve had one whole year (2011) without a vacation! No summer, no beaches, no surfing and no out-of-towns. This time, it’s definitely gonna be different! This time I can finally say I got a piece of this year’s summer season! 🏊☀🌴

It all started with small talks of beaches, of travelling and a road trip. My friends wanted to get out of the city and just have a night to themselves! Yes, ‘themselves’! I really didn’t want to go at first and it really kept me thinking. I was not really sure but nonetheless booked a 1-day leave. I decided to join them the last minute. Meaning, 3 days before the set date. Our destination: Anawangin, Zambales.

It was an amazing adventure! We made our own bonfire, no electricity, no cellphone, cooked our own food, set up tents, had a boat ride to Capones, climbed a lighthouse and basked in the sun! My friends and I had an amazing 2 days worth of fun, sun, beaches and friendship! It was a breather everybody hoped for and we can’t wait for another adventure together! I’m really happy I didn’t pass up this opportunity! 😄😄😄

Photoholic Ilocos

This is my first Photoholic trip, first time with TF in Ilocos, first time without other TF barkada (except POMS), first time to assist in a TF trip!

My day started when I went to HQ for the pre-trip meeting, we were mainly briefed of what to do and was given scenarios or situations that we might encounter along the way.  There were only half of the expected participants who registered so instead of a bus, we were provided a coaster or a minibus.

The coaster was small but I thought that it will be okay since there were only a few of us and well, they were informed to pack light.  When we got to our pick up point to meet the participants, I was totally shocked.  Not because I was scared of the trip and all the work but because I saw the bags.  On the contrary, they were luggages.  Then I knew we had a problem.

All the participants found the coaster too small.  They were first and foremost curious as to why we had that kind of transportation for a very long ride such as this.  Apologies and brief explanation as to what happened was our response.  We were a bit thankful that somehow the questions stopped by the time we left Manila.  It was a smooth yet uncomfortable ride.   There were really no issues until our first stop, the vehicle wasn’t cooperating.  There were problems and we had to stop a few more times that resulted to our delayed arrival time in Ilocos Sur.  Heaven heard our prayers when the alternate bus arrived on our first destination and everyone almost had a breather.  The trip was good, we had some laughs, a few smokes and definitely a great time.  Met good people and had fun in their company for most of the trip.

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Time to head back home after four crazy, challenging, fun and eye-opening travel days.  Although it was a little bit tough and indeed something different, I wish there are more trips to assist and coordinate real soon!  And before we even leave the province, we have yet to transfer to another coaster since the second coaster is showing a hiccup and we need it resolved right away.

Ilocos indeed is a magical place and I am coming back for more magical experience!

Conquer Montalban

It started with rappelling.  Never thought that the activity would include rock climbing ‘free climb’ style.  So rappelling it is on the first day and hard core rock climbing on the second.  Had to pass spelunking so I might be back for more.  Cheers!

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**Some pictures – from my friends from this trip!

Summer 2010: Magalawa Island

They said that summer is almost over but it’s not over ’til I get to my last beach destination this May.  This will be my last beach trip for the summer as I consider June to be well, er, not summer.  And so the end has come and so has my summer beach trips.  I am on my last trip to the beach for the month of May and I’m heading to Magalawa Island, Zambales.

It took us around 4 hours to get to Palauig, Zambales where we can ride the boat going to the island.  A 15min boat ride and tada! you’re there.

When we arrived we all went to the ‘hall’ so we can rest and get a bit away  from the sun.   The group started to get to know each other more.  There were only 11 people in the group  and as always, I am a solo traveler mingling with the rest of the crowd. And you bet that it was a success!

The island may not be considered as  a ‘virgin’ though only few people from the metro know about this place.  This island actually has cottages, a camping ground, dinner hall and lunch tables for visitors.  The shoreline is short but clean and there are many wonderful sea creatures to see.

'under the sun'

starfish

sea urchin

We enjoyed and explored the island right after lunch and we definitely got burnt!  There’s only one restroom in the island so all visitors must share and fall in line.  There’s also no faucet but there’s a deep well where one should get their own water.  We were a small group and it was really fun getting to know everyone.  Helping each other get water and wash up out in the open was fun and crazy but the darkness of the place worked to our advantage.  Dinner was then served and of course ‘socials’ is up next!  We just had enough to drink and a few good laughs before calling it a night.  A new day awaits tomorrow.

cottage by the beach

pick a spot

having fun

moving out

A couple of photoholics woke up very early despite how later we slept.  Nevertheless, some got what they wanted but some found sunrise amidst a very well lit sky, umm, not sure how’s that but the sky was already bright when the sunbeams hit their camera.  A few more hours for beach bumming, swimming, lounging and just having fun then we’ll be on our way back to Manila.  We left after lunch and decided to eat in Subic. I was amazed at how big the pizza is and  the burger I ordered for take out.

PIZZA!

With it’s warm water, friendly locals and guide, and trees to run for shade after a dip in the water, I can say that this so far is indeed one of the summer destinations I will never forget.

Another weekend by the beach, under the sun and with wonderful new found friends.  I know that summer season is almost over, but my adventures will never end.

**Some pictures courtesy of my friends from this trip!

Summer 2010: Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

I was in Paradise in my last trip and I never thought it can get any better but ‘lo and behold!  It CAN get better!  This time we travel far up north to Cagayan Valley. It’s about 14 to 16 hours drive from Manila and about 8 hours away (boat ride, yikes!) from the infamous Batanes group of Islands.

We were at first concerned with the low pressure area in the province since it’s been raining for the past few days.  There has been a threat of stronger winds and heavier rainfall so all participants prayed hard for a better weather.  Astonishingly, Heaven heard our prayers and gave us a bright and sunny sky when we arrived in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley.

From Port San Vicente, we went to a place called Anguib Cove to camp for the first day.  It was still part of the mainland but a boat ride is necessary to get there.  There’s no electricity and mobile signal and again it was just me, my friends and definitely, more new friends!

Anguib Cove

Walking

Socials' Bonfire

Beach bumming, picture taking, food tripping, swimming, and socials were the activities that day!  Some of us walked around and explored the rest of the cove, some waited and were expecting to shoot the sunset, some were just eager to swim and party afterwards and everyone just wanted to have fun.  Dinner was magnificent and socials’ topics were about yourself + politics.  Few more shots of vodka and red wine, the crowd turned in and called it a night.  Though we were blessed with a bright and sunny morning, we experienced downpour around midnight.  Luckily for most of us, we were too drunk to feel the cold and wet ground beneath us.

The day after, we need to wake up early, eat breakfast and break camp so we can go explore Palaui Island!  This is one of the best islands I’ve ever visited.  It has a wonderful cove and the scenes from the trek to the lighthouse was breathtaking!  This was something I didn’t expect and really gave me more motivation to visit Batanes!  More beach bumming and trekking towards the mini falls then off to the mainland where we rested, dined and had a few more bottles of vodka to drink.

Cape Engano

'Lighthouse'

on the other side

Closer to Heaven

Mini Break at the Mini Falls

It was past lunch time when we headed back to the Port.  We are now going to enjoy the rest of the day in a resort in Gonzaga, Cagayan.  We had merienda when we arrived and had our group room assignments. Some rested for a while but the others wasted no time and headed directly to the beach.  The beach is clean, with its fine, black sand and the stronger waves (the body-boarders are definitely enjoying this.)  Another night of fun games and socials, more stories and get to know moments before going back to Manila.

The Beach

Body Boarders

Socials

This is one trip I will never forget.  We had great food, good company, great weather, fun games, spectacular scenes and breathtaking views!  What more can I ask for?

**Pictures courtesy of my friends from this trip!

Summer 2010: Calaguas Islands/Bagasbas Beach

Have you ever uttered these words? I AM IN PARADISE! I definitely have! I have been traveling and seeing a lot of beautiful places since I was kid but I haven’t seen anything like this place before. Welcome to the Calaguas group of Islands, Camarines Norte!

Mahabang Buhangin

My friends and I were around 10-15 minutes away from the shore when I realized that we were actually seeing the most serene and calming beach ever. What’s more exciting (for me) is that there’s no electricity in the island. No establishments. No chaos. Just the waves, the sand, the sun, the sea and the softdrinks and halo-halo vendors! 🙂 It is one of the best place for an ultimate beach bumming! You can swim all day long or bask under the sun or just eat halo-halo and enjoy the oneness of everything around you. If you want to be more expressive in capturing this wonderful island on film, start with a few jump shots or explore the island and just walk by the beach. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and experience the star-filled, vast evening sky. Now this is why they call this place, the ‘Happy Beach!’

'Beaming Aura'

Beachbum!!!

Rock climbing?

After camping out at this magnificent island, it’s time to head back to the mainland and get to ride some waves. Next stop is Bagasbas Beach in Daet. One of the beaches with fine, black sand and cool waves to ride!  There are resorts and restos just across the road from the beach where the tourists and travelers can eat and relax before and after indulging into any beach activity!  And though I missed riding the waves here, I still had fun eating street food and drinking coffee.  Well, I might’ve missed some activities but I am sure, this will not be my last visit.  I will definitely go back and visit the ‘Happy beach’ and finally ride the waves of Bagasbas!

Bagasbas Beach

Pump it!

*Pictures courtesy of my friends from the trip.

Where to?

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Summer 2010: Baler, Aurora

Have you ever been mesmerized by the sparkling ocean water? Have you ever thought of being swallowed whole by it’s force? Have you ever thought of taming and riding the waves? Have you dreamed of doing any of this in your lifetime? I did. And I loved it!

It’s time to go back to the ocean and enjoy the sun. My destination, Baler, Aurora.

It’s the 2010 TF Surfvivor Beach Games and it’s time to ride the waves again. I missed surfing. I missed the sun. I simply missed being at the beach. Basically, the beach games consists of surf clinic, frisbee clinic and other fun games. It’s main event of course is the surfing competition. There were a number of participants and two lucky winners won surfboards and many more cool prizes. It was a crazy and busy three day event but it was all grand.

This time not only did I surf (&party) but me and my friends had a bit of a walking exercise going to the waterfalls and took a bumpy yet thrilling trike ride to one of the biggest Balete trees in the country. Enough said and time to show you where I’ve been and how wonderful it was to explore this beautiful place.

Surf's Up!

Balete Tree

The Falls

Summer 2010(Holy Week): Tayabas Quezon

Tayabas, Quezon was my destination last holy week. I was excited since it’s been awhile since I went out of town with friends on Holy week. I was clueless as to what will happen and as to what kind of activities were in store for me when we get there.

Day 1 – April 1
We left Manila before 6AM. I was taking pictures of almost everything I fancy on our way. Had some laughs and definitely sound tripping in the car. It was my first out of town trip with the Felicitas and I am not expecting much, just some time to see how they celebrate holy week and just to spend time with them. With heavy traffic we arrived around 1:30 PM. We had our late lunch and I started taking pictures. It was a simple and quiet day in the province. Not much to do but relax and just simply experience life in the province. We stayed at Mi Casa en Tayabas hotel and I felt it to be relaxing and very homey. There were a lot of antique furniture and I loved taking pictures. The aquarium was breath taking. I saw the town very well from this tower and had a breath of fresh air yet again. A thousand pictures after, I decided to rest and soon, we were back to the old house and then we’re off to Palaisdaan for dinner.

Day 2 – April 2
Procession Day. We were to decorate the float of St. Martha for the afternoon procession. It was so hot and I thought that the flowers will start wilting, good thing that it didn’t. It was exciting and mind boggling since I’ve never worked with very few flowers before. It was successful since Tin’s cousin was actually pretty good with decorating the float. We rested and cleaned ourselves for the procession and right after we were to give thanks to those who joined and helped escort St. Martha’s float by serving them dinner. A few more snapshots of the images for the procession and a shot of the Church’s long aisle was incredible. I was both mesmerized and astounded with the people, the images, and the food.

Day 3 – April 3
Time to go home. I decided to wake up early to get a few more shots of the place but was too lazy to go out of the room. Tita had some trouble with the billing and with a few yet long exchange of sides, it was all good. We left after a very hearty lunch at Palaisdaan and headed back to Manila… The ways and activities in Tayabas are really not different from the way other provinces or places commemorate Christ’s passion but being exposed to this kind of activity still gives me goosebumps and renews something deep within me. This simple and short vacation in Tayabas helped me again see our religious traditions and culture. It may be brief but it’s something we don’t see and definitely don’t feel everyday.

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Summer 2010: Singapore Adventure

I started my summer a little bit earlier than expected. It started with a tip to Singapore with my highschool friends. Though it was much more tiring and draining than expected, we definitely had a few laughs and shall we say… a few shrieking moments. Nevertheless, the trip was a success as me and my friends were given a chance to rediscover and get to know each other once again.

It gave me an opportunity to see how much they’ve matured as have I. There are times when I get to just sit around and think of the old and carefree days we had, still amazing. And now as the three of us explore a new place, we saw  more of each other and every minute spent together was a revelation. A word was like sweet honey or an overworked paper shredder. A new location a mirage of something we’ve seen as individuals but not as group of friends. Everything was not what it seems. Still, it’s worth my while… definitely does.

It’s still harder to put into letters what and how crazy we’ve been in the FINE City. So let these images show what my heart captured then.

And that was our Singapore Adventure!