“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

-Anonymous-

You know Apo Reef is like falling in love with a blogger. You’ve heard of him before you even met him. You saw him in pictures online, and maybe at some point you’ve dreamed about him.  Without you knowing, the photos and write up tells you what to expect of him.  Sadly, you’ve created an image of him and judged him before you even met.

When I first saw Apo Reef  during a bad weather, those high expectations came crashing down.  You know the “It doesn’t look as good as it is the photos” feeling?  I’ve felt that at first sight. But don’t get me wrong, Apo Reef is beautiful in its own right.  Maybe the expectations are just a bit too high.  Like a blogger, the beauty of Apo Reef couldn’t be foretold by the photos and write- ups about him.  You have to meet him in person, sit with him, talk to him intimately and travel with him to get to know him better and appreciate his beauty.

Apo Reef reveals its beauty to those who are willing to see it.  And I was more than willing to get to know him beyond his imperfections.  The fact that I was there, waiting for him to show up, meant he is special.

They say the best place to view a beach is by either climbing up or diving its bottom.  But for me, it was during those “high moments” that I saw Apo Reef’s majestic charm.  It felt good climbing the minimalist lighthouse while it teases me with the view of the mangroves.

The unassuming lonely sentinel stands in the midst of a mangrove forest overlooking the vast sea as if  it owns the entire deserted island. I could see the blue sky meet the sea in the horizon and yet the world doesn’t seem to end there.  It’s tempting me to crave for more.  I want to see more of  him.  I could stay there on top, watch him in awe, and wait in vain till he tells me all his secrets.

It was 6am the next day. I thought I dreamed I was sleeping with someone.  But the cold wind blowing inside says otherwise.   I unzipped my fragile tent, and was greeted by a sole vulnerable tree and the deafening sound of the waves whispering redundantly to my ears.

I think I’m starting to fall for Apo Reef.

***  This is part of my Mindoro travel series****

Part 1 – Apo Reef : At First Sight

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That’s just one of the rewards of solo traveling – bumping into travel buddies along the road or  finding one back home and realizing after all, you’re not really alone.

Palaui Island photo : from Jerome Baluyot's camera

I will never abandon solo travel, it will always be my first love but it’s not my only love anymore.  I travel solo and write about it to encourage everyone to do it, at least once in their lifetime.  But I’m not here to renounce traveling in groups.  Ever since I started travel blogging, I’ve meet a lot of  strangers who share the same passion in traveling.  I feel so blessed to have met them and call them my friends now and they’re the reason why I’m mad about group trekking and adventure lately.  Let me share to you some lessons I learned when travelling in groups.

The Benefits of  Group Travel

1. Cost Sharing 

Group travel is equated to cost reduction.  Instead of joining a trek group, we decided to do our own trekking and adventure.  Initially the trip was meant to be a much-awaited return trip to Palaui Island with Angel but it ended up as a group camp trip when Edcel whose based in Cebu arrived in Manila, and Darwin asked about the camp trip then later on Jerome joined us.  We’re able to save much on this group  adventure because we shared the expenses of the trip.

Our challenge is to spend Php 2,000 each including foodies, fare to and fro Manila, boat, guide fee.

Our Budget:

5 Manila to Tuguegarao Bus  Tickets- P2900
Trike Victory to Van Terminal – P100
Tuguegarao to Sta. Ana Van (5 pax) – P900
Royal 1.5L on Lunch – P30
Grocery Items – P230
4L H20 – P60
Trike Centro Sta. Ana to Port – P70
Packed Foods – P210
Boat/Guide – P1000
Trike Port to Van Station – P75
Sta. Ana to Tuguegarao Van (5 pax)- P900
5 Tuguegarao to Manila Bus Tickets – P2900

Total = P9375
P9375 / 5 pax = P1875 each

Jump here for Palaui Travel Guide

2. Ability to Share the Experience

Sometimes I doubt if  I could actually convey my travel experience to you or if you could relate to what I;m trying to express, unless you’ve actually been at that place or experienced that moment.  I don’t know if my photos or writing could give justice to a destination I explored or if they’re good enough to convince you that the place is really heavenly or how standing there feels surreal.

Whenever I tell my travel stories to my family or friends, oftentimes I see blank stares or generic smiles. All I know is they’re glad I’m home in one piece.  It doesn’t matter to them what happened out there or what I did, so long as I’m back safe.  I wrote this blog initially as a memento, something that I could read 20 years from now or so and remind me of how it feels to be in that place at that moment.  But as constant as change itself, this travel blog is also evolving.  Now one of it’s goal is to encourage you to experience how it feels to be in that place and make your own story to remember.

under the blue skies! (photo by Angel Juarez)

Traveling in a group erases that doubt- you know your travel buddies can see the majestic sight that you just marveled or relate with what you’ve gone through because you’ve shared that travel experience with them. There’s no surrogate for actually being there.

 ”Happiness is only real when shared.”

-Into the Wild-

3. Two heads is better than one.

Jack and Jill finally made it to Palaui Island's highest peak!

When you’re planning on traveling solo, most of the time you spend hours of hours online trying research about the place before embarking on that trip. But when you’re joining a trek group, most often than not some of your travel buddies know some areas to explore that you haven’t encountered online.  This adds twist and more excitement to your travel. For this trip I feel like Angel knows more about Sta. Ana, Cagayan than us, so we were pretty dependent on him.

4. Constant Support

A camping trip with like-minded people is inevitable in group trekking and adventure. You may be flexible but as humanly as possible, you don’t want to join a group of whiners.

Darwin and Jerome photo by Angel Juarez

In this trip, I was lucky to have traveled with fellow travel bloggers : Angel, Edcel, Jerome and Darwin because during the entire trip we we’re just , helping and supporting each other and uhmm..taking their vain photos!  Just pure happy moments!

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to know whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

- Mark Twain-

Indeed, traveling with a group is fun especially if you’re traveling with flexible people who shares the same interests. I prefer a smaller group of 4-6 people so we’d be able to enjoy each other’s company. I’m sure there are more advantages of group travel that I have failed to include here.

I'm not vain! lol (paparazzi shot by Edcel Suyo)

Traveling alone will always be my passion, no one can steal that away from me even if  that invincible love finds me on my way home.  My ultimate goal is to help, understand, inspire poor girls like me to travel and meet diverse people and culture on the road. And hopefully find myself and restore myself in the process.

This time I’d like to thank my travel buddies who were able to handle me even at my worst and never left me despite my imperfection.  No explanations needed, just pure faith.

*This is part of  Cagayan Valley series.

* Click here for Palaui Travel Guide 

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we can’t ever go back to old things or try and get the ‘old kick’

out of something or find things the way we remembered them.

We have them as we remember them and they are fine and

wonderful and we have to go on and have other things

because the old things are nowhere except in our minds now.

Hemingway to Bill Horne, Paris 1923

For most beaches I know, a thing is true by daylight but at the end of the day it becomes a lie, except for one island…Apo Reef .

I  secretly wish the gloomy sky would lighten up after all we paid a hefty Php7,000 for the boat.  Good thing we chanced up on a team of divers on a late holidays, so the fare was divided into 2 groups. It was a grueling 2+ hour boat ride.  But before we even came to that, it was a 2+hour bus ride to the port, 2+hour ferry ride and another 2 hour bus ride to Sablayan, Mindoro the gateway to Apo Reef.

The cloud shrouded the sky above the Golden Bridge, no it wasn’t gold it was in fact red.  Slowly, I took a few steps, imagining I was alone crossing the bridge. But I wasn’t, I’m with my friends; Marcos, Darwin and Marky.  And we’re off to the island to camp.

At first sight, it wasn’t like the paradise that I expected. I was craving to set foot on a powdery white sand surrounded by a turquoise beach and a cloudless blue sky plus a turtle down the water.  Blame it on Angel’s photo of Apo Reef which is inscribed in my mind.

At first sight, Apo Reef is like any other white sand beach in the Philippines nothing extraordinary, huts tucked in the island surrounded by trees and one huge cabana where the rangers orient the  tourists about the island. We unpacked our things, Marky started preparing our food while Darwin hopelessly tried to fix his camera.

A beam of sunlight suddenly emerged out of the gloomy sky which brought a smile in my eyes.  I grabbed my camera and run into the shores with Darwin.  While Marcos and Marky waited for our turn to snorkel after the divers raise out of  the underwater.

In Apo Reef, diving is not a requirement, but with an island considered as underwater wonder of the world like, you’ll regret it if you don’t dive!  Well pretty much like us. Apo Reef  National Park is Asia’s largest atoll-like reef  and the World’s 2nd largest after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  It is therefore not surprising that is is considered a mecca by divers.  But  even inexperienced snorkelers like us can glimpse a magical array of coral, fish and other marine life.

As we walked farther along the shoreline, the island’s pulchritude was slowly unveiled to us.   The beach turns green and bluish farther down the horizon. The white washed modern lighthouse added more drama to the tranquil surroundings and pristine waters.  Rock formations are clustered at the edge of the island  adorned with verdant foliage.

I lied down on the sand under the shade of  a  scrub bush.  The sand pinkish orange up close.  ”I know Apo Reef  has more to offer than this. The weather must be better tomorrow“, I tried to convince myself. I fell asleep in the bare sand.

I heard scratches of the twigs followed by some footsteps. Darwin came back after browsing the edge of the island. We went back in time for snorkeling.  I didn’t like the way they handled the snorkeling though, we we’re left clinging into a bamboo while a smaller outrigger boat  pulled us. It was tiring, not to mention it was too deep for us to see the marine life clearly.  Good thing, the next day,  we’re able to snorkel freely (and not pull us with that bamboo)  into a boat wreck  somewhere in the midst of the sea. Apo Reef has something more to offer aside from it’s legendary underwater and long coastline of white sand and pristine waters.  But I’ll leave you hanging for now.

Maybe at  first sight I wasn’t that impressed with Apo Reef, but  it’s charm was gradually introduced to me.  Besides, this is my ideal trip; just bumming around the island without thinking of moving hurriedly into the next destination like we normally do.

At the end of the day, we we’re sitting in the sands watching the one of the most breathtaking sunset  our eyes have ever laid on. The sun is visible  nowhere but it looks as if  it is rising from an unusual direction. The sky illuminated rays of pink and orange curtain-like lights reminiscent of aurora borealis (polar lights) that  couldn’t be justified by my photo. While on the other side, the bright bold moon is making it’s way up in the sky.  The mood looks as if there’s a war between the 2 gods; who will take home the crown for the most lovely scene. I will always vote for the sunset though. Not because I am lonely, but because I am fragile.

My  first sight of Apo Reef  has thought me one important thing: the real voyage of discovery consist of not seeking new landscape but having new eyes.

I look forward to the day that we return to her womb and dive, hoping to regain what we’ve lost…But for now, all we have left is the indelible memories of Apo Reef…

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So after 3 freakin’ years, I decided to write a travel guide and I promise to update this when I hit Calaguas again pretty soon!

How to get to Calaguas from Manila (by land/ by bus):

Buses bound to Camarines Norte (Bicol,Philippines) where Calaguas is located  are everywhere, you can find several buses in Ali Mall Bus Station in Cubao, Quezon City, along EDSA highway, Pasay, and Alabang (fronting Metropolis Mall).  Famous bus lines are : Raymond, Philtranco, Amihan, Penafrancia, etc. Look for a bus bound to Paracale, if there’s none, then Daet is your nearest choice.   There are buses bound to Panganiban / Paracale  in Superlines Cubao and Philtranco in Pasay.  Bus fare ranges from Php500-Php600 (cheapest is Raymond bus), for non-air-conditioned buses it’s Php 300-Php400 and most buses bound to Paracale are non-airconditioned. Travel time is 8-9 hours so it’s best to leave at night and Bicol buses are usually night trips.

I’m from the south so I boarded a  bus in Alabang,take note most buses will bring you to Daet, Camarines Norte, only a few would pass by Paracale and  I was lucky to board one but was stupid not to get down in Paracale and and instead I got off in Daet because I had planned on visiting Apuao Grande first and then get to Calaguas via Vinzons port. Very smart decision Gael!haha

Coming from Daet, original plan was- -> board a jeepney to Vinzons or Mercedes and ask around for the fish port, hire  a boat to take me  to the island -> at Vinzons fish port, I will hire boats to  Brgy. Banocboc –> I will rent a boat  to take me to Mahabang Buhangin on Calaguas Island.  But when I reached the fishport in Brgy. Banocboc, no one wants to take me there saying it’s too far.   One tricycle driver offered to take me to a group of tricycle drivers who can take me to the highway called Talobatib junction where buses to Paracale passes, the nearest jump off point to  Calaguas or Mahabang Buhangin beach (Halabang Buhangin).

From Daet, the town of  Paracale can be reached in less than two hours by public vans, fare is around P150.00. But if you are coming from Manila by bus to Daet, you can get off at  Talobatib junction (Brgy. Talobatib) in the town of  Labo and ride another bus for less than an hour to get to Paracale town and then head to Paracale fish port by tricycle or by foot.  You can ask around for fishermen’s boats to Mahabang Buhangin or Calaguas (facing the beach it’s located on the right side  not the port the left side where the old lighthouse is located), I paid Php1,500 for the entire bangka good for 6 people (they gave me a discount because I’m a Bicolana)  but recently, the boat fare is said to have increased to Php 2,500 -Php 3,000. Boat ride to Calaguas from Daet will take approximately 2 hours, the sea is rough and the boats have no life jackets since they are usually used as fishing boats only.

Route 2:

In Daet, board a jeepney to Vinzons or Mercedes and ask around for the fish port. Hire a boat to take you to the island. At Vinzons fish port and pier, there are daily schedules of boat trips to Brgy. Banocboc at 11am. Return trips to Vinzons town proper from Banocboc is at 6am. In Brgy. Banocboc, you can hire a boat to Mahabang Buhangin/ Calaguas. In Brgy. Banocboc, you may rent a boat to take you to Mahabang Buhangin on Calaguas Island.

How to get to Calaguas by air/ by plane:

Naga Aiprort is the closest airport with flights serviced by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirPhilippines and Zest Air.  Head to Naga Van terminal, forning SM Naga, looks for vans bound to Daet , fare is Php 145, 5Am-7pm. From Daet you can take a van to Paracale for Php 50 or  alternatively you can take a jeep to Vinzons. (see by land/by bus guide)

Calaguas Travel Tips:

Paracale is a fishing village, life is simple and most fishermen who own boats for hire to Calaguas have no cellphone. But trust me, it’s easy to get a boat in the port, there are tons of them out there.

Mahabang Buhangin is a secluded beach, no food, no water and no store, better bring everything  that you need and make sure your stock is enough. Camping when your in a group is recommended.

At Paracale, the last bus (non-air-conditioned buses only) to Manila is at 6pm so if you don’t wanna be left like me.  Better leave the beach at around 4:00 pm (estimated travel time from Mahabang Buhangin to Paracale is 2hrs)  to catch the last trip.  If you miss it,  you could stay at the only hostel  in town (forgot the name , still waiting for the response of the owner’s son) for as cheap as Php 200 or hire a tricycle to take you to the highway (Talobatib junction) where you can take a bus  to Manila.

But I suggest with the long ride and all, you stay at least overnight in Calaguas, bring your tent and other camping equipments and

Please be responsible . Do not leave your trash in the beach.

*Activities in Calaguas:*

island hopping- you can actually ask the boatman for other islands, other famous islands are: Maculabo Island and Pinagcastillohan Island

other  offbeat islands: Comalasag Island (Brgy.Banocboc), Cagbalisay Island, Little Siapa Island, Siapa island, Huag Island,Ingalan Island, Amalia Island, and Paquita Island.

diving at Quinamanukan Island and Banocboc. 

swimming and snorkeling – bring your beach gears

camping – bring your own tent, and camping gears as well as foods, drinks and booze (no resort nor store in Calaguas)

trek – Tinago hills is the hills on Mahabang Buhangin beach

visit Mangakawayan village – it’s a fishing community at the back of the beach, approximately 30 minute by foot.

*Other Attractions in Paracale, Camarines Norte:*

the old church of Paracale

gold mining and smithing processes  in Paracale gold shops

Pulang Daga Beach Resort (it means red sand beach) (Day resort only) can be reached by tricycle it’s on the far left of the lighthouse  at the other side of the hills

Pabirik  festival ( February 1-2) – “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the gold mining industry in Paracale.

*Other attractions in Vinzons, Camarines Norte:*

the century-old church of  St.Peter, the oldest in the province

Wenceslao Vinzons Historical Landmark –  Open Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm.  Admission is free.

Hotel in Paracale (jump off point for Calaguas) : CM Hotel

For Calaguas travel story , click here—> Calaguas Island

*This is part of my Camarines Norte series, click here–>Camarines Norte

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How to Get to Subic Beach and Tikling Island in Matnog:

*From Manila to Matnog*

There are several bus companies (Philtranco, Raymond Bus, Amihan, Penafrancia) in Cubao bound to Matnog particularly in the bus terminal fronting Ali Mall. Trip takes roughly 11-12 hours so better take a night bus. There’s also a treminal in Alabang (fronting Metropolis), airconditioned bus is up to 8-9pm whereas ordinary bus are available 24/7.

Philtranco bus website: www.philtranco.com.ph

Penafrancia Tours website: www.penafranciatours.com

*From Legazpi to Matnog*

Take a tricycle to the bus terminal at the nearby Gaisano Mall, there are buses bound to Bulan or Sorsogon.

If you take the bus to Sorsogon, from the jeepney terminal, there are several jeepney that ply the route to Matnog.

If you take a bus to Bulan (my hometown), ask the driver to drop you off at “Trece” (the Spanish word for number 13). The landmark is the Lion’s club standing in the mniddle of the crossroad.  The left turn is going to Matnog.  From there you can wait for a jeepney bound to Matnog or take a tricycle for Php25 each if you are a group of

There’s no resort or hotel in Tikling Island or Subic beach but you need to pay an entrance fee to the caretakers.  You can camp or rent the nipa hut if you plan to stay overnight, pls bring mosquito repellent lotion (OFF lotion).

Bring food, drinks  and enough booze, you can buy it from Matnog town. Bring snorkeling gears and life jacket.

Activities in Subic beach, and Tiling Island: swimming, snorkeling, and diving (bring your own equipment).  Swim with the fish in Juag Fish sanctuary, no entrance fee as of the moment but I encourage you to donate to the good caretakers.

Subic Beach & Tikling Island Matnog boatman: Manong Eddie: 09261404577 (boat rate if you’re alone Php700 (day trip), overnight/ group rate Php 1,500)

*Other Places to See in Matnog*

Another white sand beach lies North of  Matnog, you can take a trike to  Sta. Magadalena. There’s 2  resorts in Sta. Magdalena: New Port Beach Resort and Villa Veronica.

If you’re going back to Sorsogon, you may wanna drop by in Irosin and Bulusan.

How to Get to Irosin :

From Matnog, take a jeepeny bound to Sorsogon, ask the driver to drop you off in Irosin. If you’re coming from Sorsogon City, there are plenty of jeeps bound to Irosin in the terminal.

Places to see in Irosin, Sorsogon:

—–> The Valley View can be seen before you reach the town of  Irosin from Matnog

——> Mateo Hot and Cold Spring- located at the foot of  Bulusan, it’s past the center of the town of  Irosin. Can be reach by tricycle from the highway.

How to get to Bulusan, Sorsogon:

From Matnog, take a jeepneys bound to Sorsogon, ask the driver to drop you off in Irosin. If you’re coming from Sorsogon City, there are plenty of jeepneys bound to Irosin in the terminal. In Irosin, there are jeepneys bound to Bulusan until 6pm.

Places to see in Bulusan, Sorsogon:

–> Mt. Bulusan National Park : Aside from Mt.Bulusan, the area features Bulusan Lake, the two other mountains known as the Sharp Peak, Hormahan and Lake Aguingay.

activities in Bulusan lake: swimming, kayaking and trekking.

—->Dangkalan Beach

—-> Palogtoc falls is one of my favorite cold springs when I was a kid because of it’s  lush green surroundings and clear waters.

—- > Masacrot Springs

You can also head to Masbate from my hometown Bulan. There are several jeepneys bound to Bulan from Matnog, or from “Trece” to Bulan. In Bulan, look for the port called Pier Uno (1) , which is just a walking distance from the center of the town or take a tricycle to the port.

If you wanna head to the beautiful province of  Samar, ferries fly the route 24/7 between Matnog and Allen, Samar.

If you plan to go back to Manila from Matnog, there are several buses back to Manila in this sleepy town.

For my beach experience in Subic beach, Tikling Island and Juag Fish Sanctuary, read here:

Matnog: Beyond Borders

Book holidays to Lanzarote by comparing deals online. The holiday experts promise to beat the brochure prices and they offer great deals.

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It’s not surprising at all that you see foreigners & tourists travel in the province of  Pangasinan, it’s because of the famed tourist spot featured in our sibika at kultura books back in our elementary days, the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City!  I remember when we were in Batad last summer, the solo backpacker from Korea who joined us asked the European backpacker we met along the way about the best beaches in Luzon that he should go to, and the the latter suggested the Hundred Islands.

In 2008, the Hundred Islands National Park appeared on the cover of the book entitled  501 Must-Visit Islands published in the United Kingdom. In the same year, the book Birdwatching in the Philippines was launched at the World Travel Mart in Great Britain which included the Hundred Island National Park as one of the 13 best bird watching sites in the Philippines.  Another honor that Filipinos must be proud of.

Mr. Reynaldo Livara Jr. is the 1st tour guide accredited by the Department of  Tourism in Alaminos and that day, we are privileged to travel with him.  He was wearing a white shirt shouting: “Proud to be Alaminon” as he sat in front of our boat.  I’m hearing shutter clicks everywhere as our boat passed by rock formations floating on the sea covered by trees with full crown leaves.  Although there’s 123 islets in Hundred Islands, only a few can be visited.  Our boat docked on an island  named the Governor’s Island.

My bare foot touched the white sands for the first time, then I wiggled my foot on the clear warm water, sat on the sands & clicked the shutter aimed at the rock formation which seems to be an ordinary sight in this tourist spot.  I turned around but everyone’s gone as they are already trekking the stairs towards the deck view.  This is the most photographed part of the Governor’s Island, we were looking at what appears to be floating lush green forests on huge rocks dotted on the sea.

The Hundred Islands Photo

Mr. Livara must have regretted pointing at the Virgin island and saying one could walk there from the main island because everyone agreed that we should! The sand under the water is  white & fine but the dead corals and some rocks makes it hard for us to walk in barefoot, thus, footwear is a must.

Hundred Islands Photo

After that, we got off at an uncrowded island called Shell Island. The coast is hugging the islands and an opening separating the rock formations making it possible for the sea to create a shallow lagoon-like escape.  Some locals are fishing in the area using a bamboo strewn with nets and styrofoams attached on each end which is left floating at the sea until the fishes are trapped on it. It’s been said that before, illegal fishing was widely practiced here reason why some corals are dead & scattered all over the island, smashed to fragments by dynamite fishing.  It’s a good thing that the government of Alaminos City has implemented programs and projects to conserve, protect and use the resources in the most effective but sustainable ways to achieve growth and progress.

From Quezon Island, we kayak to Marcos Island.  I sat on the dock’s edge dangling my legs over as I balance the cockpit’s edge with my feet.  Swung one foot then quickly the other into the center of the cockpit as I crouched down quickly.  Each paddle stroke is a pull with the downward stroke while the upward arm pushes the paddle shaft away from me. Paddling seems rhythmic – it  feels like an extension of  my upper body and it flows smoothly when I’m not so conscious about it.

bloggers on kayak (photo by Mr.Rey Livara Jr.)

We reached Marcos Island and we headed directly to the enchanting cave instead of going to the beach front. I wish I have a waterproof camera so I would’ve taken a photo of the beautiful cave withe the sun rays passing through it’s opening on top. Though I didn’t see any single fish inside the cove, it’s clear turquoise water was enough to entice me to take a dip!  One can also climb the cave, cliff dive or head towards the white sand beach adjacent to the cove to picnic.

We ended the island hopping at Quezon Island watching the sunset and kids frolicking in the waters.  Last May, I’ve planned on traveling to Pangasinan, particularly the Hundred Islands National Park but I know it’s not one of those tourist destination that I can travel alone.  This place is indeed better enjoyed in groups! And I’m glad that I’m with fellow bloggers : Mica, Anton,Ada, Marky, Darwin, Roby & Josh that day.  I  figured not all sunsets looks gloomy when shared with friends, like not all heat of the sun hurts when you’re enjoying the beach with friends at the Hundred Islands!
*This is a sponsored trip.

*Hundred Islands National Park*

Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City Pangasinan

Tel.No. (075)551-2505/552-7406

http://www.alaminoscity.gov.ph

Special thanks to :

Alaminos City Local Tourism esp. Mr. Rey Livara Jr.
Mica and Anton, we greatly appreciate your efforts. Thank you!

*Island Hotel is our home in Alaminos City , Pangasinan!  A hundred reasons to stay!*

Barangay Palamis, Alaminos City
Province of Pangasinan, 2404 Philippines
Landlines:  +63-75-551-3683 / +1-718-255-5894

Mobile:  +63-916-334-7868

Email:  info[at]islandiahotelph.com or islandiahotel_corp[at]yahoo.com

website: http://www.islandiahotelph.com/

*Experience Filipino Dining at Island Tropic Restaurant!*

The bloggers with Mr. Rey Livara Jr. (photo from Mr.Livara's camera)

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Gael Hilotin

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Caramoan Gota Beach photo

How to get to Caramoan:

You can either take a plane (estimated travel time 45 minutes)  or a bus to Naga (estimated travel time 9-10hrs). Bus terminals are located at : Ali-Mall Cubao, Pasay & Alabang (fronting Metropolis). to  Naga-Sabang-Caramoan

1. From Naga, ride a jeep or minivan at Naga Central Terminal to Sabang or Talisay Port.
2. Take a motorboat from Sabang or Talisay Port to Caramoan Port (Guinlajo Port).
3. Ride a jeep orrent a bike (motorbike)  from the Port to get to Caramoan town (Sentro).
4. At Caramoan sentro, you can find several guesthouse/inn. Then you can wait for a jeep to Bikal port which passes by rarely, rent a tricycle for Php 50 (special trip) or ordinary trip for Php 12 (you have to wait for the tricyle to be full though) or ride a motorcycle (Php 50) or your inn can arrange a special service for you (normally Php 100 each).
5. At Bikal port , you can rent a bangka for island hopping. Php 1500 for small bangka (1-10 persons) or Php 2500 (11-20 persons). *This post is based on my Caramoan visit summer last year. As of my last check, boat rate has increased to Php2,000-Php3,500 depending on boat size.
6. The grotto  is a different route. Bangka cost’s Php 800 or you can hire a motorcycle for Php 300 to take you there. You can also get around the town by motorcycle, tourist inns would usually offer one (gas not included)  for Php 250 half day or Php 500 full day .

Pinay solo backpacker stayed at: Rex Tourist Inn – @ Real St, Brgy. Tawog in Centro Caramoan, rates for fan room is Php 300 while regular room to executive room rates are ranging from Php 700 to Php 2500. other Caramoan accommodations : click here. *As of my last check with friends who visited the island recently, there’s a  lot of newly constructed accommodations.

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Choose the tenerife holidays best suited to your lifestyle. The holiday specialists will help you find and book the right resort. Windsurfing, golf, hiking and surfing are all popular on the island.

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I was born and raised in Bulan,  another remote town preceding Matnog.  On my latest journey home, I thought that that it’s best to spend cheap holidays on the beach and discover the virgin beaches of our neighboring town. I boarded a tricycle along with other passengers  en route to downtown Matnog from Trece (read as the number 13 in Spanish), the border of  my hometown. I got off  at the center of  the sleepy town.  Matnog‘s town plaza complex dictated a pattern influenced by the Spanish urban town plan wherein important institutions like the church, the municipal hall, the market and the school were built close to each other.

I  walked around the plaza attempting to find the port, where the  ferry (RORO) is located.  After asking around,  a man in his 40′s  accompanied me to a narrow alley near the market and the port.  As we passed by humble abodes made of  nipa, plywood and  strewn-bamboos , smiling faces and curious eyes followed me. And as I stood outside the house waiting for the fisherman who will take me to the the hidden beaches,  I was forced to introduce myself to the neighborhood to satisfy their curiosity.  It seems as if they’re not used to seeing a lone girl wanting to discover their town’s pride  that’s why they can’t decide how much to charge me for the boat fare or perhaps  they just rarely encounter tourists so they don’t have a standard boat fare yet.

“Is it okay if we charge you Php700 since the islands are far off each other?“, the fisherman’s wife asked timidly.  I’m used to shouldering  such boat fares,  they’re even more expensive that what those locals charge.  That’s one disadvantage when traveling solo in remote places, though the place is all yours to savor there’s no other tourists around to share the costs not to mention that there’s no life jacket.

I sat close to the edge of the bow as our outrigger boat paved the way to Calintaan Island passing by some fishermen and their kids armed with obsolete goggles and arrow aiming for a fresh catch.  For a moment, I was completely stunned, somewhere in between the space of 2 islands,  schools of  fish  were jumping before me!

And as the boat moved swiftly to the right side of  the rock formations, the clear turquoise waters  of  Subic beach was uncovered before my own eyes!

As I looked  down at the clear waters below, I saw some coral reefs teeming with small fish. Undoubtedly, the marine life there is still unspoiled and I hope the community can preserve it for the long term benefit of it’s people.

The boat docked in a long stretched of  almost powdery white sand and somewhat pinkish sands.  Subic beach in Calintaan Island is almost deserted except for a few cottages & a tree-house  lined up on the shores  for rent, there are fishing boats, a few chickens and the caretakers.  After  strolling around the island, I finally succumbed to the heavenly beach.  It’s been a while since my last solitary trip to a beach.

As much as I  wanna stay in  Subic beach, I still have 2 more stops. The boatman started the engine and  our boat slowly made its way through some scattered islets where a fish sanctuary called Juag is nestled on the middle.

To get to the fish sanctuary,  I had to ride on a sliding bamboo raft  pulled by the the fisherman on the other end.  The fish sanctuary is manned by 2 fishermen. There’s no entrance fee, but donations are welcome. This is the part that I enjoyed the most, swimming with the fish.

Before we head to the shores of the mainland. We crossed to Tikling Island. Another beach similar to Subic beach but it is more deserted.  The current is quite strong though.  Our small boat would plunge down on the back of the wave, hit the bottom and would bury it’s bow into the upcoming wave.  The waves were splashing against us, filling the air with spray.

We chanced up some locals working on some coconuts for copra production. Traditional fishing methods are highly evident here, the fishing nets, fishing arrows and other fishing gears are seen hanging on the trees. Cyanide fishing is strongly discouraged.

Tikling Island is near the coast of  mainland Matnog.  The clear turquoise water and the seclusion is what sets the virgin beaches of  Matnog apart from the other famed beaches  of  Sorsogon, though the sands aren’t that powdery white, the unspoiled marine life really amazed me!

I  explored the long coast of the island trying to find a different adventure. But  I was rewarded with the same powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, lush green surroundings, and blue skies like when I was in Subic beach. Too bad!  I don’t have a snorkeling gear and underwater camera with me! Bummer!

Once again I was lost in another virgin beach abundant with marine life.  And I’m pretty sure there’s so much more in the 7,107 island of the Philippines that are waiting to be discovered.   I shall keep on exploring!

***For Subic Beach and Tikling Island Travel Guide..click here –> Matnog

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On our second day, it was past 6pm and I’m still  napping on my chiropractic bed in Microtel Boracay, my roommates Brenna and Gervic woke me up for dinner at Zuzuni boutique hostel & restaurant. Our dinner was set at theground floor of  the  cozy restaurant.

The wall is painted in posh red accented by vintage-inspired mirrors of  diverse designs and Greek-inspired lamps hanging on the ceiling. A long softy sofa is fixed on the wall making the whole dining experience relaxing and comfortable. The  yellow light and candles lit up on the table adds up to the romantic setting.  Although I’d prefer it if  the place would’ve been a bit more spacious for easier mobility, and the internet shop & store beside it compliments the image of  the Mediterranean-inspired resto because it sorta ruined the image of  the structure but oh well, I’m sure that store slash internet shop is pretty helpful to the tourists.

Zuzuni also offer the rooftop bar for intimate gatherings and functions and has tables and lounge chairs as well on the beach front. Yes, it’s facing the famed White Beach in Boracay! At Zuzuni, you have a variety of dining options to choose from.  Zuzuni boasts of 4 eclectic rooms with wi-fi, cable TV, air conditioning and mini bar for deluxe rooms. I couldn’t make a review though of their rooms since we didn’t stay there so I’ll just share to you the Greek foods that were served to us.

Tirokafteri is a traditional cheese spread from Greece and surrounding Balkan countries.  There is a wide variety of cheeses made in various regions across  Greece by the way, some of them are unnamed.  The preparation of the dish may vary from region to region, but ingredients most commonly include feta cheese (sometimes combined with one or more other types of soft, white cheeses), hot peppers (such as red cherry pepper), roasted peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, or oregano. Variants are  Tzatziki, with yoghurt, garlic, olive oil, cucumber and a bit of vinegar.  (Php155), and Melitzanosalata (smoked eggplant dip (Php145).  They are commonly eaten as part of a mezze platter, or by itself, with slices of warm pita bread.  The dish has a spicy, salty taste, with mellow undertones of olive oil. They are perfect compliment to grilled meats and vegetables and is also used as a condiment for Souvlaki.

Souvlaki is a well known treat for Greeks, it can be a  chicken, pork, lamb, shrimp or swordfish grilled on a skewer and marinated in oil, salt, pepper, oregano and lemon. The pita bread souvlaki contain, apart from the meat, fresh tomatoes and onions, French fries which are optional and tzatziki.  If  in Greece, souvlaki is usually sold like shawarma or kebab,  in Zuzuni, we had chicken souvlaki (Php270) which is served without pita bread but like a barbecue, so you have to order tzatziki separately.

And oh, we had the Greek summer salad made up of  tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, parsley, oregano, tossed in olive oil and red wine vinaigrette, topped with fata cheese (Php260). I didn’t taste it though coz I was waiting for the full meal, I was starving! haha

But of course, they don’t have rice,so we had pasta! Garides Saganaki pasta consists of sauteed prawns in tomato pomodoro sauce with feta cheese. Garides saganaki is one of the most famous meze in Greek or Middle Eastern cuisine often served with an aperitif. but in Zuzuni they tossed it with spaghetti pasta. With each bite you’ll taste the sweetness of the shrimp and tomatoes, some heat from the hot peppers, and a slight tartness from feta cheese. I’d recommend you order this once you’re in Zuzuni, it’s a bit expensive though, will cost you Php 450 for that one plate!

Moussaka is a baked layers of eggplant, ground beef and ground pork, with bechamel topped with creamy cheese (Php290).   For me, this is one of the best served dish in this restaurant, it’s practically a crime not to finish it! If you’re on a limited budget, and you want to just practically order 2 dish. I’d say you try Moussaka and Mati Chocolate Sin!

A dish can make or break a restaurant, and Mati Chocolate Sin hath made Zuzuni! In fact, Zuzuni’s tag line is: home of Boracay’s must-have dessert, the Chocolate sin, and more..The term chocolate sin was perhaps derived from the infamous ecclesiastical debate when chocolate fell under religious scrutiny. During the 16th and 17th Centuries, a heated public debate arose among Catholic theologians focusing on the question of whether consuming the chocolate, constituted breaking the ecclesiastical fast. Oh well, all I can say is there are sins you just have to commit!

*This is a sponsored post.

Zuzuni is open daily from 7am until 11pm. Located at station 1 (beachfront), Boracay Island

tel#: +63.36.288.4477

Zuzuni website: http://www.zuzuni.net/

SEAIR offers 35 minute flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan.

website: http://www.flyseair.com

For that “healthy-for-the-back” chiropractic beds stay at : Microtel Boracay

email: sales@microtel.ph

website: www.microtel-boracay.com

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No, this isn't Calaguas, this is Subic beach in Matnog

Huag fish sanctuary

Tikling Island another virgin beach of Matnog

Mt. Bulusan

Bulusan lake dubbed as "the Switzerland" of the Philippines

Magallanes: the site of the 1st Mass in Luzon

Parola Beach, the largest Spanish shipyard in Bicol

San Mateo hot spring in Irosin

Irosin valley view

the festivals (Padaraw Festival in Bulan)

the beautiful Bicolanas...

and so much more that I have yet to explore!  Prieto Diaz, Gubat, Castilla, Juban, Casiguran, Barcelona, Pilar, Sta. Magdalena  & Sorsogon City!  

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