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Camping at Lambingan Hills, Tanay, Rizal

Camping at Lambingan Hills

My friend Ruby’s quest to go camping at Cagbalete Island was called off due to our mishap of missing the boat thus we set another trip to fulfill her dream of camping – bonfire, marshmallows, coffee and friends.

After 8 months of lockdown, tourism gradually opened and we planned our next destination. Originally, we were supposed to go to Mt. Gulod but it was raining hard so our guide referred us to Lambingan Hills instead.

Lambingan Hills is located at Cayumbay, Tanay, Rizal which is around 2 hours away from Manila. We were picked up by a private van at 1PM and arrived around 3PM.

Upon arriving at the area, we were checked for temperature and listed our names and numbers for contact tracing. We waited for a few minutes for the rain to stop however we did not see it stopping anytime soon so we went to proceed with the climb.

Since it was raining hard, our trek going to Lambingan Hills was very challenging. Be very careful during the rainy season as the path gets slippery and muddy. If this was a sunny day I think it would only take 5-10 minutes to reach the top.

I lost track of the time since we moved up very slowly. There are kids here playing around and they helped us carry some of our things. Once you reach the signage, you are near the area.

We pitched our tent however it was raining hard with strong winds – Typhoon Quinta is fast approaching! The tent will not withstand the typhoon thus we rented a hut to keep us sheltered through the storm.

After setting up our hut, we went to take pictures.

We stayed in our hut throughout the night and just had coffee, snacks, played scrabble, talked about goals and future, listened to songs. It was a very fun night despite the bad weather. 🙂

Since our quest for camping and bonfire has been ruined by the typhoon, we will be setting another tour to get this fulfilled! 😀

Morning came but still Typhoon Quinta battering us with heavy rain and wind. My DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and Tecno Spark 5 Pro were tested by the rain as well. Despite all that, they are still working great! 🙂

We had our final picture at Lambingan Hills with their famous signage I ❤ Lambingan before going home.

Since this is a private tour, our expenses were a bit up. We were only 6 so the transpo cost is a bit expensive. Imagine having 18 pax with the old normal, transpo would only cost 222 pesos each roundtrip 😉 DIY budget would cost less than 1k.

That’s it for our Lambingan Hills story! 🙂

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Cagbalete Island Itinerary 2D1N for less than 2k

Cagbalete Island

It was during our extended New Year’s Day celebration when my friend Ruby said one of her 2020 goals was to experience camping by the beach – marshmallows, bonfire, tent, waves, starry skies. Cagbalete Island comes to mind when considering a not expensive weekend trip on a white sand beach somewhere near Manila.

Below is our expenses during our Cagbalete Island experience.

EXPENSES	PER PAX
BUS Manila – Lucena – Manila	514
VAN Lucena – Mauban – Lucena	130
BOAT Mauban Port – Sabang Port – Mauban Port	200
AC Room Accommodation (1000 / 5 pax)	200
Pansacola Beach Day Tour	200
Environmental Fee	50
Trike around Mauban	60
Foods and Baon	500
GRAND TOTAL	1854

To maximize this experience, the group should depart Manila by 2 or 3AM. Since some of us work the night shift, this is not possible. By leaving at 10AM, we could still catch up the last boat which departs at 4PM. We were at DLTB bus terminal few minutes before 10AM but the bus departed almost 12noon plus the traffic in EDSA which spelled our doom. Travel time is 3 to 4 hours and fare is 257 pesos.

We reached Lucena around 4PM and went for a quick toilet break before transferring to a van going to Mauban. We were at the tourism office few minutes past 5PM and we were told the last public boat departed at 4PM. Even private boats won’t be allowed by the Philippine Coast Guard to sail so we had no option but to stay in Mauban.

Cagbalete Island Itinerary

Sadly, we won’t be able to spend the night at the island. We then asked some locals for a resort where we can stay for the night. We were recommended to Lumberio’s Travelers Inn and we found a nice deal for 1000 pesos (divided by 5 = 200 each). There is a nearby barbeque-han and surprisingly, it only costs 15 pesos. I had 3 and a rice for just 55 pesos. Solved. We were up till 1AM drinking and going down the memory lane. I was awakened around 3AM by the heavy rain. It felt like there was a storm. I think it was a blessing in disguise since we planned to only have tent accommodation on the island. Thought it might be an unpleasant night with that rain.

We woke up 5AM for the sunrise and strolled around the beach. We checked out at around 7AM and then went back to Mauban town proper. We bought some groceries and lunch before heading back to the tourism office. At the tourism office, you will have to pay for the Environmental Fee of P50 as well as pay a down payment for your chosen resort. If you wish to contact specific resorts in Cagbalete Island, the numbers are posted below:

Cagbalete Island Itinerary

On your way to the boat, there are street vendors – don’t forget to try and eat Pancit Habhab which only costs P10.

TIP: Go for the public boat, it only costs 100 pesos per way. First trip is 10AM and last trip is 4PM. Be there atleast 30 minutes before departure since the boat leaves when it’s full. The fare is collected by the crew during the sail.

The boat departed earlier than the 10AM schedule because it has already reached the maximum passenger capacity. Travel time is around 45 minutes. We reached Sabang Port in Cagbalete Island and we were greeted by a staff from Pansacola Beach Resort and he assisted us with our belongings.

Below is the map for Cagbalete Island as posted at the tourism office. If we had plenty of time, I would love to walk and explore the island up to Nilandingan Cove.

Pansacola Beach is 10 to 15minutes walk from Sabang Port. Since we won’t be staying for the night, we only paid 200 for the day tour. They said we can stay on the cottages and we got ourselves a nice one for free. The restrooms and shower rooms are clean and they have good supply of water.

Cagbalete Island Itinerary

Cagbalete Island boasts white sand beach and is a perfect weekend getaway from Manila. It is also child friendly specially during the low tide.

Cagbalete Island Itinerary

Our boat will depart at 3PM so our call time was at 230PM. We cleaned our table and then walked back to the port. It was a smooth sail and we safely arrived back to Mauban Port.

We went to buy some raw pancit habhab for pasalubong before hopping to the van bound for Lucena. We dropped by SM Lucena for our dinner at Buddy’s.

We boarded the Jam Liner bus bound for Cubao at 8PM and arrived 1130PM at their Kamias Terminal. I was asleep the whole ride. 😀

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Masbate 2D1N Itinerary for 4k

DIY Trip to Masbate

When it comes to Bicol, Masbate might be the one that is least visited mainly because of its distance from the mainland. As a Bicolano, I admit I haven’t been to Masbate. The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar has recently caught my attention and for days I was itching to go. I finally get the chance to visit Masbate during a long weekend and wow it was such a paradise.

Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to Masbate however, we haven’t scored a PisoFare deal yet so we decided to go on a bus trip. I always take the bus to LA (Ligao, Albay) so I’m used to the long bus travel time. I thought we’d only have to add a couple of hours and we’re in Masbate so it was not a bad deal. Also, we haven’t experienced RORO so it was another reason to go on this epic adventure.

EXPENSES	2 PAX	PER PAX
Cubao – Masbate	2500	1250
Pio Duran and Masbate Port Terminal Fee	120	60
Masbate – Cubao	2300	1150
Accommodation at GV Hotel	951.59	475.795
Boat + Environmental Fee in Buntod	640	320
Trike GV – Buntod – GV	100	50
Habal Habal GV- Mobo	60	30
Habal Habal Mobo – Mayong Payong – Mobo	250	125
Habal Habal Mobo – Mangrovetum	100	50
Mangrovetum Entrance Fee	30	15
Trike to GV	40	20
Trike to GV-Safehouse-GV	150	75
SafeHouse Entrance	40	20
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner	700	350
GRAND TOTAL	7981.59	3990.795

For 4k, I think this is expensive lol. But this should only cost 3k if you could score Cebu Pacific’s PisoFare 😉

Bicol Isarog Transport has multiple trips throughout the day going to Masbate. You can book online at https://bicolisarog.com. In our case, we just walked-in at EDSA Cubao and bought tickets since it is not peak season yet. One way ticket costs 1250 pesos inclusive of the RORO fare. I think it’s a great deal just that travel time would eat up 16-17 hours.

We departed EDSA Cubao terminal at 2PM and arrived in Pio Duran Port 2AM the next day. We have to get off the bus, clear the security checks and pay the terminal fee at the port, and then finally get to the vessel. The RORO vessel departer at 3AM and we arrived in Masbate at 7AM. I thought I’d wait for the sunrise but then it rained and then I fell asleep. When I woke up, the vessel was already at the port lol.

We walked our way to GV Hotel which is located just a few blocks away from the port. The standard check-in is 2PM however, they allowed for early check-in at 7AM. Awesome right? 🙂

Since we had plenty of sleep from the long bus ride plus the smooth sailing RORO experience, we decided to go on tour already. We first grabbed a heavy breakfast and some baon before going hailing a trike to the port going to Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar.

We paid 500 pesos for the roundtrip boat transfer, 100 pesos for the entrance/cottage as well as 40 pesos for the environmental fee. That’s 640 pesos for two. The trip is only 10-15 minutes from the port and there’s only few human beings on the island. This is why I love off-peak seasons.

Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar is the highlight of this tour and looking at the drone shots, I fell in love with Masbate. I think Buntod can take on Maldives!

We stayed for 4 hours in the island and then went back to the hotel to freshen up and then we decided to go to Mayong Payong Mountain Peak next. We hailed a habal-habal to Mobo, Masbate and then another habal-habal going to the peak. It was a crazy trip going to this place but the view on top was worth it. If you’re going to Masbate, definitely add Mayong Payong to your itinerary.

Masbate Itinerary Mayong Payong

I have made a quick video on our trip to Mayong Payong and it shows our struggle to get up there 🙂

We were supposed to watch sunset at Mayong Payong however the clouds turned dark and it rained. We decided to go back as soon as the rain stopped. Our habal-habal driver waited for us and then we asked if he could take us to Mangrovetum. He said they are only allowed within Mobo so we had to transfer to another habal-habal.

Masbate Itinerary Mangrovetum

Mangrovetum is just 10-15 minutes away from our hotel and entrance is only 15 pesos. It is a nice park with lots of green. The visitors here are mostly lovers and there are romantic songs being played on the park speakers. This is also a nice place to watch sunset. Mangrovetum was still in Valentines Mode and we were waiting for the lights however the rain came again.

We hailed a trike outside Mangrovetum and asked to take us to SuTuKil however it was closed during our visit. What a shame! We just asked the driver to take us to Kaykay’s Sinangag. They offer delicious meals for very very affordable price plus it is just a few steps away from our hotel.

Lights Out.

I woke up very early and went to the port so I could secure a bus ticket going to Manila. I first saw Raymond Transportation booking office and inquired. It seems there’s only one trip daily to Manila and that leaves at 12noon. I bought our tickets already so I could secure our seats. Supposedly, I planned to go to Ticao Island but it seems we don’t have enough time.

I bought some pandesal on my way back to GV. We had breakfast and then went to Masbate Cathedral which just a few steps away.

Masbate ItinerMasbate Itinerary Masbate Cathedralary Masbate Cathedral — Masbate Itinerary Masbate Cathedral

We then hailed a trike going to Safehouse where the famous I ❤ Masbate signage is located. This is located near the port going to Buntod. Ideally, you can go here right after your visit to Buntod 🙂 We asked the trike driver to just wait for us. The resort is under renovation but the owner allowed us to go inside. There’s a P20 entrance fee.

We then went to Masbate Public Market and bought some pastillas for pasalubong. We also had buko for just P20. Too bad we couldn’t find a ref magnet!!!

We went back to our hotel to packup and went to the port to catch our bus bound for Manila.

Masbate Rodeo Capital of the Philippines

Masbate, you are such a paradise. Thank you! We will be back! 🙂

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How to Get DSWD Travel Certificate for Filipino Minors?

According to my nephew, I am the best tito in the world. (lakas mang uto no?) That’s because everywhere I go, I always bring him. I know there are tons of Titos and Titas and Lolos and Lolas who love to bring their favorite pamangkin or apo out of the country. I wish it could be easy as buying a ticket and flying to the target destination but wait – we are missing a very important piece of document. A child traveling out of the country without either parent or legal guardian must secure a DSWD Travel Certificate – this is to protect the minor from child abduction or trafficking.

I will share you with how we were able to get one – this is for a child who will travel out of the county other than the parents or legal guardian.

DSWD REQUIREMENTS FOR A TRAVEL CERTIFICATE

– Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form
– Photocopy of either Birth Certificate or passport of the minor
– Written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country
– Affidavit of Consent and Support permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country with a specific person other than them indicating the authorized traveling companion of the minor and his/her relationship to the minor, country of destination, length of stay, purpose of travel, and tentative dates of departure and arrival
-Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last six (6) months
– Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion

IS IT FREE? OR IS THERE A FEE?

There is a processing fee of 300 pesos for 1-year validity and 600 pesos for 2-year validity.

VALIDITY OF A DSWD TRAVEL CLEARANCE

A DSWD travel clearance is valid for either one year (or two years if you opted to pay for 600 pesos) from the date of issuance. The clearance is valid for multiple travels given that the conditions haven’t changed. If a change in condition occurs like a change in traveling companion or a new destination – a new travel clearance must be secured.

HOW TO APPLY?

Complete all the required documents and head to the DSWD Office. Take note that you must go to the DSWD Office that has jurisdiction over the minor’s residence. We live in Region IV-A (Rizal) and the closest and most convenient DSWD Office is in Manila. The DSWD Office in Alabang has jurisdiction over Region IV-A so the application must be submitted there.

FOR REFERENCE, HERE IS A LIST OF THE DSWD OFFICE.

DSWD-National Capital Region
389 San Rafael Street, corner Legarda St.,
Sampaloc, Manila
Tel/Fax: (02)313-1435 loc 210,733-0010 to 14/488-3104

DSWD Field Office I
Quezon Avenue, San Fernando, La Union
Tel/Fax: (072) 888-2505/888-2184

DSWD-Field Office II
3 Dana Pagyaya, Regional Government Center
Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Tel/Fax: (078)846-7532/846-7043

DSWD-Field Office III
Government Center, Maimpis,
San Fernando, Pampanga
Tel/Fax: (045)861-2413 (telefax)

DSWD Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON)
Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City
Tel/Fax: (02) 387-2632 or 850-8380/807-1518

DSWD Field Office IV-B (MIMAROPA)
1680 F.T. Benitez corner Gen. Malvar Sts., Malate, Manila
Tel/Fax: (02) 336-8106 local 401/336-8106 local 103

DSWD Field Office V
Magnolia St. PBN Buraguis, Legaspi City
Tel/Fax: (052) 821-7920 or 480-5346/480-5754

DSWD Field Office VI
M.H. del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City
Tel: (033) 300-0526/ 337-6221

DSWD Field Office VII
MJ Cuenco Avenue corner Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City
Tel/Fax: (032) 233-8779 or through trunkline no. 412-9908

DSWD Field Office VIII
Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City
Tel/Fax: (053) 321-3090 or 321-1176/ 321-1007

DSWD Field Office IX
General Vicente Alvarez St., Zamboanga City
Tel/Fax: (062) 991-6030, 991-6056 (trunkline)/993-0652

DSWD Field Office X
Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City
Tel/Fax: (088) 858-88-92/858-89-59

DSWD Field Office XI
Suazo St., cor. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City
Tel/Fax: (082) 226-28-57/227-8746

DSWD Field Office XII
9506-Purok Bumanoag, Brgy. Zone 3, Koronadal City
Tel/Fax: (083) 520-0572 or 228-3180/228-8637

DSWD Field Office CARAGA
R. Palma St. Butuan City
Tel/Fax: (085) 346-0113/815-9173

DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
40 North Drive, Baguio City
Tel/Fax: (074) 444-3209 or 444-3262/442-7917

More comprehensive information can be found here : http://www.dswd.gov.ph/faqs/travel-clearance-for-minors/

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Step by Step Guide for Philippine Passport Appointment

Philippine Passport Appointment

Want to travel abroad but don’t have a passport yet? Lucky you, it is very easy and convenient to schedule a passport appointment nowadays.

Here is a guide on how to get yourself an appointment.

First, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website for passport appointment at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment

You will be landing at the Appointment page. Read the important notes and terms & conditions. Tick the check box and select either individual or group appointment. I will use individual appointment as example.

Next is the Site Location page, you will need to select your preferred DFA Branch.

In this example, I chose DFA NCR EAST (SM Megamall). Once done selecting your site, click Next.

Next is the Date and Time page, select your preferred date and time. Tick the CAPTCHA box and click Next once done.

The next part is the Personal Information page. Key in the details and follow the format used as example.

Next is the Family Information page, key in your parents’ name and citizenship. Click Next once done.

Next is the Application Information page. Select the Application Type (New or Renewal), Citizenship (Birth, Naturalization, etc) as well as the emergency contact person and contact number.

Last would be the Contact Information page. Type in your complete address, occupation and office address/number.

Hit Next.

The next page would be a summary of your information. If you find an error, click Edit and then Save once finalized.

The next page will ask you to confirm the schedule. Tick the CAPTCHA box and agree. Click Confirm to proceed.

Next will be Processing and Payment page. Choose between Regular or Express Processing and then click Pay Now. A new dialogue box will appear, tick I Agree and Proceed to Payment.

Your request for appointment will be initiated. Proceed and Confirm.

Note that the status has changed from Initiated to Pending.

Lastly, you will receive an email with the subject DFA Passport Appointment System – Payment Reference. Go to your email inbox and take note of the payment reference number like the one above.

Go to your nearest Bayad Center and pay the amount due. Don’t hesitate to ask the crew in case you need help in filling up the form.

You will then receive your booking confirmation in your email inbox upon settling the amount.

Hope this guide has helped you. 🙂

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Mayon ATV Ride – Get Up Close and Personal with Mayon Volcano!

Wherever you are in Albay – Mayon is a sight to see – it seems like it follows you. The closer you get – the more mesmerized you become with the world’s perfect cone. The best way to get close to her is riding the ATV! I’ve always wanted to try this activity since 2013. Despite being in our hometown almost every year – I never got the chance to cross this off my list.

I told my girlfriend that if we go to Bicol for vacation, we’ll definitely experience Mayon ATV Ride. Quality Time. They say couples should try new things together right? :”>

Prior to our trip, I have texted Sir Noel (09291932759) from DIY Group and I informed him that we’ll go for the ATV Ride once there. Our pickup point would be at Sumlang Lake then transfer to their base in Legazpi. Originally – this was planned as an activity for two and my family will just wait at their base while we’re gone for an hour for the ride.

While en-route to the ATV base, I asked my Mom to try the ride but she was uncomfortable – reluctant even. She said that she prefers to just look after the kids. Sir Noel said that the kids are FREE as back ride so she has no choice but to go haha.

We picked the shortest and also the cheapest trail. It costs P700 per person and would take an hour to complete. For 3 adults, it costed us P2100. I would’ve asked for a P100 discount but the kids were not charged so it’s not a bad deal right? 😉

Here’s our pictures and more of the story 😉

JACS Outdoor Adventure ATV Trail. Their base is located at San Agustin St. Diversion Road, Pawa, Legazpi City. You don’t have to worry about getting there since they have a van to pick you up in Legazpi City. They have free WiFi, water station, lockers and comfort room. You can select your preferred ATV from their fleet. You may reach out to them for inquiries at 09957320289 / 09063716374.

Gear Up! After selecting our equipment, we had a brief orientation regarding the activity – do’s and don’ts. We also did a couple of laps maneuvering the ATV at their base.

Photo Op! Too bad Mayon was covered with clouds though.

The trail consists of paved to muddy to bumpy to rocky and dusty roads as well as shallow to knee-deep rivers. Wear comfortable clothes and slippers/sandals.

This was the end of the trail. Photo op before heading back to base.

Look at the smile on my Mom’s face. She truly enjoyed this activity! <3 #LolaDuties

So yeah – if you find yourself in the Bicol Region – don’t miss this fun activity. I’m sure everyone will surely enjoy the Mayon ATV Ride – from kids to grandparents! Truly an unforgettable experience!

I highly recommend JACS Outdoor Adventure ATV Trail. They have very courteous and friendly staff. Kudos to them for our safe ride as well as for taking most of the pictures and videos! Salamat tabi!

We’ll definitely be back to try the Black Lava Trail! B-)

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Albay – 2D1N Itinerary

I’ve always known that Albay – which is 500+ kilometers away from Manila – is 12 hours away by bus. I was surprised that my recent trip only took 9 hours one way! This made me realize that my birthplace got even closer and can be visited on a long weekend.

I’m really not a fan of taking a plane to Legazpi since I feel like the time allotted to prepare, travel to the airport and be there 2-3 hours before the flight is not worth it. I always prefer to leave late Friday afternoon at Araneta Bus Port and be in Albay early next morning and then start touring right away.

Where to Stay?
Since I am from here, I don’t usually spend on accommodation. I stay at my Aunt’s place. Check out Agoda for your accommodation.

Going Places?
It is easy to go places in Albay by riding jeeps and trikes. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals for directions should you find yourself lost (but I doubt this lol) and they’ll be willing to help you out.

Here is my simple and very relaxed purely DIY itinerary for Albay that is very child friendly as well. I’m sure the kids would enjoy touring the province just like my nephew and niece who seemed to have so much energy during our tour!

DAY 1

0600 Arrival
0800 Sumlang Lake Eco Park
0900 Quitinday Hills and Nature Park
1000 Mayon ATV Ride
1230 Ligñon Hill Nature Park – Lunch
1400 Albay Park and Wildlife
1600 Embarcadero de Legazpi
1700 Legazpi Boulevard
1830 Ayala Malls Legazpi – Dinner
2000 Lights Out

DAY 2

0800 Daraga Church
0900 Cagsawa Ruins
1000 Kawa-Kawa Shrine
1200 Ligao Centro / Public Market – Pasalubong Hunting
1230 St. Stephen Church
1300 Home Sweet Home
1800 Back to Manila

If you have an extra day or two, you can explore more of the region and add Sorsogon province as well as tour Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte as you go back north to Manila. 😉 I plan on doing this and once done, I’ll share it of course.

Oh, before I forgot, pictures!

Legazpi Boulevard with Mayon Volcano at the background :)

Sumlang Lake

Geared up for Mayon ATV

Look at that dinosaur at Albay Park and Wildlife!

Embarcadero de Legazpi

Atop Kawa-Kawa Hill

Going back to Manila

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Baler, Aurora – 2D1N Itinerary

My office mate Liz found a package tour for 2D1N in Baler for only 2000 pesos. I was asked if I’d join and of course, who would let this offer slip right?

Composed mainly of office mates and their other friends, we exceeded the target joiners for this package. Instead of 2000 pesos, we got the package for 1700 pesos per head. The package is inclusive of one night accommodation, tours around Baler, van transfer (Manila-Baler-Manila), fuel, toll fees and driver’s fee, entrance & environmental fees. I think the package tour is already a good deal since going the DIY way could cost more.

Baler is or was known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. Located just 5 hours from Manila, Baler is ideal for out of town road trips and this place will make you tick that surfing goals off your bucket list easily.

My head was full of surfing. All I can think of was me and the surfboard and the cool pictures while surfing. To my surprise, Baler has way more to offer than surfing! I’ll let the pictures do the talking 🙂

Here’s a quick summary of the itinerary and expenses.

DAY 1

0300 – Departure from Manila
0700 – Pantabangan Dam
0800 – Balete Tree
0900 – Breakfast at Baler Town Proper
1000 – Ditumabo Mother Falls
1400 – Rest
1500 – Late Lunch and More Rest
1700 – Lukso Lukso Islets
1730 – PAGASA Weather Station
1900 – Hotel

DAY 2

0600 – Rise and Shine
0700 – Lunch
0900 – Surfing at Sabang Beach
1100 – Packup
1230 – Eat All You Can Buffet Lunch at Gerry Shan’s Place
1400 – Hanging Bridge
1500 – Pasalubong Hunting
1600 – Departure from Manila

EXPENSES

1700 – Package Tour
0075 – Day 1 Breakfast
0050 – Day 1 Meryenda at Ditumabo Mother Falls
0150 – Day 1 Heavy Late Lunch
0075 – Day 2 Breakfast
0400 – Day 2 Surfing Fee
0199 – Day 2 Buffet Lunch at Gerry Shan’s Place
0300 – Day 2 Pasalubong
2949 – My Grand Total

Book Your Baler Stay Here:

The expenses varies per person since some items are optional. Some opted not to go surfing and instead went all out on pasalubong haha.

Oh! Of course, pictures:

Stop-over at Pantabangan Dam

Balete Tree – it is huge and 600 hundred years old!

The famous BALER signage

Ditumabo Mother Falls – My favorite experience here in Baler! Be careful, sometimes the current is so strong that it can drown you!

Our home in Baler – it was still under construction during our stay and is located steps away from the beach! If you’re looking for a place to stay in Baler. Book thru Agoda.

Lukso Lukso Islets

At PAGASA Weather Station in Baler

Can you surf with these waves?

SURFING! – It was fun riding the waves! Sadly though I did not have pictures of me surfing. No waterproof camera and no zoom lens.

Buffet Lunch at Gerry Shan’s Place. Buffet for 199, you should never miss this place! I was so hungry and the place was very crowded so I wasn’t able to take decent pictures.

The famous Hanging Bridge. Some were purposely swinging the bridge so you’ll get dizzy feels

Lastly, pasalubong and souvenir hunting! Don’t forget to ask for discounts ;)

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Bantayan Island, Cebu – Sawi no More

My first domestic flight was bound for Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines. I never really helped with the itinerary and all I did was say “yes” to my friend Jie regarding this trip, not even minding the expenses.

We were greeted with heavy rains on our way to the airport. It was a 4AM Cebu Pacific flight which we thought was going to be cancelled or delayed greatly due to the bad weather. Fortunately, the weather subsided and we boarded the plane after a few minutes of waiting. I was really happy because it was my mom’s first flight!

We arrived at Mactan-Cebu International Airport before 6AM. Rode a taxi to Cebu’s North Bus Terminal and boarded a Ceres bus bound to Bantayan Island. All I did was complain about the lengthy bus ride and kept asking if we’re already near the island. After 4 or 5 hours, we finally arrived at Hagnaya Port. Another hour of sea travel and finally, Bantayan Island! I stopped complaining the moment I saw the island!

Here’s the summary of expenses. Taxi and trike fares we’re shared by a group of 4.

For your accommodation, Agoda has you covered. Book now!

And let the pictures talkin!

Here’s the Ceres Bus Schedule going to Hagnaya Port.

Hagnaya Port Schedule

View from the 2nd level of the ship. Touchdown Bantayan Island!

View from Sta Fe Port in Bantayan Island

Our humble abode at Budyong Beach Resort, just adjacent to Kota Beach Resort. We scored this for P1400 per night.

Bantayan Island’s waters and sands. Heaven.

Here’s my mom’s moment!

Me!

We ate at Kota Beach’s Restaurant and stayed a few hours before bedtime.

Bantayan Island Sunrise

Kota Beach Resort which housed the famous Camp Sawi filming.

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