How to go to Puerto Galera?

As requested by jen:

If you are traveling on a budget like me you might wanna try this. Last year me and my friends went to puerto galera particularly in white beach for a 5 days and each of us shell out only 2500php for the whole trip including bus fares, boat transfers, food, recreation (banana boat ride and snorkeling), and room accommodation.

From Manila, take a Batangas City bus, it should cost around more or less 127.50 pesos (that is the current fare price in Quezon City). The best way to go there is to commute, bringing a car would just cost you the parking fee at Batangas Pier. Trips to Batangas City leave as early as 3AM for Tritran, ALPS in Cubao. At the pier, there are a lot of trips going to Puerto Galera, the best way to go to White Beach is of course to take a boat that will bring you directly to the White Beach. M/B Brian has one of the earliest trips at 6AM, costing 120 pesos. There are boats leaving every 30 minutes to 1 hour. If there are no more trips directly to White Beach, you may take a ferry ride to the port of Puerto Galera, a place called Muelle. Ferry ride costs around the same of the boat rides to White Beach. From Muelle, you may ride a jeep or tricycle to White Beach which will cost around 30 to 50 pesos.

Tips:

• People will approach you as soon as you get down the boat and offer you places to stay. They will be your friend if you do not have reservations. Try to haggle as low as you can. Houses with two airconditioned room can cost up to 4,000 pesos a day at peak season. Reasonable budget for peak season would be 500 pesos per person per night for airconditioned rooms, but you can actually get cheaper rates. Places near the beach may cost more because they are very accesible. Consider the distance of the place to stay to the beach and bars.
• Bring cold cash as there are no ATM facilities in White Beach at the moment.
• Haggle in everything that you will buy. Anklets can be obtained for as low as 10 pesos for 3 pieces. Souvenir shirts can be as low as a bit under 100 bucks. You can haggle on boat rides by asking them for free use of gears, if you will hire boats for to snorkle etc.
• Have reservations for the boat ride back to Batangas a day before your scheduled trip.
• White Beach is a place with very steep beaches, so beware, specially for people who do not know how to swim.

Note: There is also a place called Coco Beach but we opted to go to white beach. If you make a hotel reservation via a travel agency the bus and ferry transfers are included.

Treasure Island

It was my tito's b-day so me and my family went swimming in Panggangan Island, Calape Bohol. It was just a small family gathering that is once in a lifetime and we enjoyed even though I didn't took the plunge. The backdrop was really nice. Super nice. I've met the other members of the family that I didn't knew, I've seen my grandma on my father side. I've seen my other aunt's and uncle's. Then one of my uncle on my mother side who happened to be there and approached me not knowing who I was and asked me where are we from. I thought he was kidding and then in a snap he recognized me. I had a lot of fun actually just playing with my 2 1 year old nephews and niece and my 2 bubbly cousins.

Mosquito bites

After a couple of days here in Bohol this is what I got. Even if I use off lotions and we used katol at night the mosquito still wants a piece of me. I dunno why. My cousin who slept beside me has no bites at all. :( I thinks that's weird. Thank God that our place is not a dengue hot spot or else I'll be in big trouble!

Lesson of the story: Use of the mosquito net. But this is not advisable if you are claustrophobic.

Bohol Trip

Tomorrow afternoon my family will be living for Bohol for a vacation. We're going to stay there for almost a month. :D That's neat.. We'll my ancestral heritage is from there so we really don't have a problem on accommodation. The only expenses that will incur is our food, airfare and pocket money. Thats it.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Bohol, it is located in Visayas near Cebu. The famous white sand beaches in Panglao Island,(there are a lot of white sand beaches in bohol that is not commercialize) Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, oldest church and many others are the famous landmark in our province. We have also a version of Sinulog which is known as Sandugo Festival which is held also every January.

The beaches of Bohol is truly a paradise. A natural wonder with powdery white sand and shallow clear waters. It is a solemn and peaceful place. Where you can unite with nature.

This is one of Bohol's finest forest in Bilar. A must see..



I always love this place because its so laid back. With friendly people, very good food, nice scenery and of course for the simplicity of life people are showing here. But, mind you even if this place is simple its not that left behind. There are also cable channels, internet shops, wi-fi spot, a tiny yet posh mall with a huge parking lot. Everything is so accessible here.

From Manila the flight to Tagbilaran(city proper) takes 1 hour and 45 minutes only. Either by Cebu Pacific or Air Philippines. I'm not sure if Asian Spirit still operates there. But there's no harm in inquiring 'ayt? You can also travel by a ferry. Either by negros navigation, super ferry - this two is direct to Tagbilaran port, or sulpicio lines via cebu port. Don't worry taxi's and hotel services are available in Bohol.

So there. I will post my pics soon so watch out..

My travel advisory tip: DON'T FORGET TO
1. Bring bikini's of course (LOL)
2. sunblock
3. Mosquito repellant or anti-mosquito lotion
4. digi cam/video cam
5. loose bills
6.preferably a globe sim because some area don't have a smart/sun signal
7.comfy clothes and slippers.


Check out their website if you wanna know more about my home town.

gotta pack now..

Sinulog sa Sugbu

Sinulog is a dance ritual performed in honor of the holy image Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. It is danced by moving two steps forward and one step backward in sync with a primal drumbeat provided by a band.

The annual Sinulog Festival in Cebu is one of the biggest in the Philippines: a week-long spectacle of Catholic masses, processions and concerts, culminating in a grand parade of costumed dancers and accompanying floats depicting the different periods of history behind the development of the festival.
With radiant faces all over people from all corners of the world go gaga over this festivities. It is the most awaited feast every January. With a colorful costumes all over, and participants dance gracefully to the rhythm. Everyone was fascinated by enchanting floats, towering higantes, and comical puppeteers. The sea of people don't mind the hot weather and all because everyone is having fun. There are also some bazaar and souvenir shops that lined across the street that sells wide array of deli products. But people go there not only to party but to celebrate and to give thanks to Señor Sto Niño. Not minding the hundreds of people that flock the area, the excruciating heat, the stinky sweat, and the noise because thats what makes this event so great.

So what are waiting for? Don't just sit there, read and gaze all the pictures. Get your bags ready and join in the Cebu crowd, be a part of this feast, groove your body to the beat of Sinulog, and together we will shout Viva Pit Señor.

My Puerto Galera Trip

This was our trip last June 2007 with my dear friends who are also nurses like me.. It was my first time in this beautiful Island I was amazed because it was near and accessible and a very near get away outside the metro manila. We actually took the trip after our licensure retake exam.. The place is very lovely, with white sand beach, and activities such as beach volleyball, snorkeling, banana boat ride, flying tsenes, a stroll to the jungle, water fall adventure and swimming of course. Our accommodation has airconditioned rooms, toilet and bath, mini kitchen, and a veranda. Believe it or not each of us spent only 2000php each ($50) including the roundtrip bus and ferry plus 5nights accommodation, plus food and water. Who says you need a tons of money to get somewhere? Whew! A very good stress buster indeed, to travel with friends!

Note: if you want to mute the sound just click the speaker icon!

Manila Ocean Park (Philippines)

Manila Ocean Park will open its door soon in the Philippines. With hi-tech design and really cool amenities in just one stop place. Imagine being in a world of wonders that is very accessible and affordable to the general public with admission on the Oceanarium for 400php adult rate and 350 php kids rate. Cheap huh? The open marine habitat where people can explore the under the sea mode, seeing the fishes and other marine life just above their head is cooler as we think. It's like playing Ariel in Little Mermaid except that we don't have the tails. LOL! Oceanarium is open from 10am-6pm.




Plus... Plus... Having a wide array of the activities to choose from like shopping (it has a mall) Dining (they have a lot of posh restaurants). Or just stroll in their bay area wing where you can inhale fresh air with the remarkable view of Manila Bay. And many more activities for the children and child at heart. I'm sure I'll be frequenting this place soon. It's my new form of relaxation from my so so stressful life. I'm sure many people will go there once it will open its doors to the general public. After all its the coolest place to be. The hottest thing about is its just around the corner. And in we don't have to travel internationally or to subic just to see something like this.




By the way the much awaited opening of the park will be this Feb. 15, 2008. See you there!





Here's their address:
Behind the Quirino Grandstand Luneta, Manila, Philippines
Tel: (632) 4000604, (632) 4000681, (632) 4000691 Fax: (632) 4000732

Appletoe

When me and my cousin visited Hongkong last November 2007 we came across this sidewalk food vendor near Mongkok Station. My cousin bought this salad that is according to her is yummy since she frequented Hongkong tons of times. I was apprehensive to buy because this salad costs 10.00 HKD (70.00php) and that to me is already expensive for some sidewalk vendor. Anyways, i tried it knowing the walkaton that we have to endure later on for our shopping. I just bought it so my stomach has something to digest while we discover and venture Hongkong. And truly it was so delicious you cannot actually distinguish what's inside because of its white coating that looks like sour cream or whip cream. I've figured the recipe according to the taste of it and I will share this to you and for sure you now have a clue of what it is made of? :D

I've made a version of this during the holidays. And i call this:

Apple toe Salad:
6 apples cored and peeled and cut into cubes
4 boiled potato peeled and cut into cubes
3 eggs sliced
1 kiwi fruit sliced
2 strawberry sliced
1 1/2 pack mayonaise lite (I use this because I can't afford sour cream nor whip cream)
salt to taste

mix the apples, potato, eggs and mayo then garnish with kiwi and strawberry. Chill before serving. This is good for 4-5 persons.

Bon appetit! Ü

Cebu Pacific Piso Fare Promo

Today me, my mom and my niece hurriedly rush to Robinson's Galleria to purchase a ticket bound for Tagbilaran, Bohol for our vacation. Imagine paying a piso for an airfare? That's so cool and obviously cheap. To our surprise the ticketing outlet was soo jumpacked like a sardines because almost everyone wants to grab the chance of purchasing a cheapest fare for any domestic destination here in the Philippines. They're latest promo was called every JUAN(one) should fly. Piso fares are for limited seats only so I suggest you should check out the nearest outlet or visit their website Cebu Pacific Air.

Btw, even if its so crowded in their office its worth the wait, the travel agent was so nice even if she's so exhausted and all. She still manage to smile and to attend to every inquiry thats being asked to her.. Fly high Cebu Pacific!

Our Last day in Macau

I was just kidding Kuya Aries to take me somewhere because it's our last day there and he agreed that he will take us to Guia Hill. It was just a walking distance from their place and the cable ride is like 3 patakas(15php) The beautiful garden at the entrance greeted us on our way. We hike uphill because the trail is very beautiful and you can see the lush park with birds and monkeys and many more. The view at the top is breathtaking. I am not kidding. You can see half of Macau and you'll appreciate its beauty even more when you are at the top of Guia Hill. The city skyline is the best and amazing view. The forestry are also a historical landmark and you'll learn a lot while you walk. Then we played at the exercise center. We took a lot of pictures. By the way, I didn't sweat on my way to the top because its so cold. LOL! The We had our firs ever cable car ride. ^_^ I have fun.. super fun. But in a few hours we will be on our way to Manila. Back to reality again..

Hongkong Day Trip

My Day 2 in Macau, and immediately we took a side trip in Hongkong. It was almost afternoon when we left. geez.. The ferry ride was so cool but kinda expensive though It cost me 150hkd for a one way ride. But heck it was worth it. Me, my ate and kuya dict got a separate seat # and I end up sitting up with a chinese woman. She was nice but when I asked her about the toilet she cannot understand me. :(( My bladder is about to explode any minute and the ferry is finishing up boarding all the passengers. After 5minutes of describing about my nature call she immediately finger point the toilet. And as I was finishing up in the toilet the ferry was blasting its motor. I was a bit afraid that I might end up stuck in the toilet so I hurried up. When I was on my sit the very good lady gave me an embarkation card for hongkong the problem was I don't have a pen. I lost it somewhere. So i have to borrow the crews pen instead. Then when we arrive at the Hongkong ferry terminal another problem arise. The immigration officer won't let kuya dict in because she is asking some documents and kuya don't have it with him. So we immediately live the line. And the ferry police talked to us and asks some questions. The problem again was language barrier. Darn.. They can't even tell what documents they in english so we don't know what is the problem. Why they can't let Kuya in. Good this there is a filipino guy who happened to pass by and asks what's wrong and we told him the synopsis of the problem and the filipino guy said that all you need is the old embarkation that was given at the airport. But kuya don't have it because he was in Macau for almost 3 months and he threw his copy away because he never thought he might need it again. Super thanks to the filipino guy and no thanks to the police and immigration officer..

We finally entered Hongkong's Kowloon ferry station.. it was so pretty. A ferry station inside a mall is a brilliant idea. It's not just a typical mall but it was high end. Its similar with Shangrila-Mall in EDSA. So.. so.. We proceed to the MTR because we are heading to Mongkok to shop at the ladies market. I just bought a few souvenir items, a bag, a few silver jewelry and a chinese dress for my niece. Because I still find everything expensive. But my ate bought a lot as in a lot. She's a certified shopaholic. Then we ate at a nearby kiosk and it was delicious. And mind you I brought my own fork and spoon because I don't know how to use the chopstick. LOL! Then, when we decided to go home. We almost miss the ferry back it was like 2minutes before the ferry will sail and we are running and rushing to the first ferry terminal because they will leave us any minute and it was the last ferry to macau i think... It was like joining the extra challenge or the amazing race. whew!

My tips for the day is:
1. Bring ballpen
2. Always keep your travel documents with you especially embarkation card
3. Carry loose change
4.Wear comfortable clothing
5. Ready yourself to the walkaton

My first ever Macau trip

My flight to macau was exactly 8pm today Nov. 22, 07. But I arrived to the airport at past 5pm so I can check-in earlier and I am going to wait for my cousin there. Since I arrived early I did go to the OFW center just to sit and let the time passed by since I don't know where are the sitting area for the passengers that haven't checked-in yet. So there. I know I can loiter at the OFW center and at the same time I can watch a cable channel tv. While waiting for the flight monitors schedule. The OFW center was a nice place to be with while waiting. There are a food stalls which of course pricey but I'm sure you will not mind the price if you are hungry. Many pinay FA's often went to the center as well while waiting for their flight. Anyhow, I do love this center because I am fond of watching people and observing people. That's why when I was younger I dreamed of working in the airport so I can see the people just come and go. Thats when I realize I wanted to be just like them. Come and go for a job and not just stuck here in the Philippines forever.

so.. so.. My cousin arrived past 6pm and we checked-in immediately at cebu pacific counter and we chitchat. And the lady of the cebu pacific counter asked me If I have sufficient funds to travel. I found the question absurd.. Totally! Who in the right mind will travel without sufficient money. I was shocked to know that the terminal fee increased from 700 to 750php. What is that for? That's too much. Other countries don't even ask for a fee and yet their airport is very posh and sophisticated. Oh well, if we want to travel might as well bear with it. So there, our flight was delayed. Arrgh. I am too excited to see Macau and yet the flight is delayed. Hell.. We arrived at almost 12 midnight and it was so chilly. super.. brrr... The place is so clean. The only problem we have was the communication problem. They hardly speak English as in. Including the roadsigns are Chinese. Darn! There are lights sparkling everywhere. And the place is so lively. It is truly a beautiful night attraction. Well, when we arrived at Kuya Dicts place I was mesmerized when I saw that they are living in a posh condo with 3 bedroom 2bathroom a large veranda. And even if its cold in macau every room has aircondition including the sala...

Hey, it's kinda late. I might as well sleep.