Our room had everything we needed ; complete bed and bath linen set up, flat screen cable TV,IDD/NDD phone lines, coffee and tea making facility,mini bar, lighted closets with hangers, luggage rack, in-room safety box,bathrooms amenities, hot and cold water and 24 hour room service except free Wi-Fi, as you have to pay for it to be able to avail of it in your room. But you can also get wireless internet in the lobby.  The hotel is also equipped with swimming pool and waterfall, a spa, fitness center and a business center.

Dining is one of the most gratifying experience in Widus Resort.  The Salt Coffee Shop features a wide variety of delectable Asian, Western and local cuisine.  We only had breakfast here though which is part of the complimentary breakfast buffet when you stay in the hotel.

But oh boy, the food choices were superb! The hotel’s dedication to decent food was more than evident, and left us wanting for more. We experienced nothing but warmth during our whole idle stay. As we ate in the lively, refreshing surroundings of Salt Coffee Shop, we congratulated ourselves on having such a wonderful and welcoming corner in Clark, Pampanga.

How to Get to Widus Resort (Hotel Vida):

Hotel Vida is an hour and a half away drive from Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway and a 40-minute drive to Subic via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac-Expressway. The hotel is strategically located within 5 minutes away from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, 5 minutes from the the Mimosa Golf and Country Club, and 3 minutes from the Duty Free Shops within the area.

Widus Resort / Hotel Vida

5414 Manuel A. Roxas Highway

Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

For Inquiries and Reservations:

Phone: +45-4991000 or + 2 5844091

For Widus Resort / Hotel Vida room rates, check out:

Widus Resort website: http://widus.com

* During our last night for Lakbay Norte 3, we stayed at this pleasant deluxe hotel.  Lakbay Norte 3 is an eight day media familiarization tour of Northern Luzon Philippines organized by North Philippine Visitors Bureau in cooperation with Manila North Tollways Corporation, Victory Liner, Mc Donalds, Petron and Universal Robina Corporation.

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Here’s the Panagbenga 2012 Calendar of Activities for your disposal.

Major Highlights of Panagbenga 2012:

February 1 – March 4, 2012 

–> Market Encounter

February 11, 2012 – Saturday

–> Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

–> Handog ng Panagbenga sa Baguio

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

–> Fluvial Float  Parade

February 19-26, 2012 

–>Iptik Festival

February 25, 2012 – Saturday

–> Grand Street Dancing Parade

February 26, 2012 – Sunday

–> Grand Float Parade

February 27 – March 4, 2012 

–> Session Road in Bloom

March 2, 2012 -Friday

–> Pony Boy’s Day

March 4, 2012 – Sunday

–>Panagbenga Closing Ceremony and Grand Fireworks Display

Community Led Events

February 2, 2012 – Thursday @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

–> Kid’s Stage Performance   @ Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 2-4,2012

–> IPMS-Baguio Scale Model Exhibit and Competition @ MPH,BCC

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

–> The Power Plus Race @ Burnham Park Lake Drive

February 17-19, 2012

 –> Panagbenga Media Shootfest 2012 @ primehills Firing Range in Tuba, Benguet

February 18,2012 Saturday @ 8:00 PM

–> Colt 45 URCC IV-Battlegrounds Mix Martial Arts @Baguio Convention Center

February 18-19, 2012

–> Airsoft Challenge @Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 19,2012 Sunday @ 7:00 AM -5:00 PM

–> Dog Show and Rabies Awareness Program @People’s Park

February 24-26,2012

–> Panagbenga 2012 Flower Fest Inviational Darts Fest 100K Guaranteed

      @ The Ian Bolinget Billiard and Eatery

February 25, 2012 Saturday @ 6:00 PM

–> Mr.Panagbenga 2012 Muscle Showdown @Baguio Convention Center

March 2, 2012 Friday 5:00 PM onwards

–> 1st Ramp Model Competition @Baguio Covention Center

March 3, 2012 Saturday @ 8:00 AM -5:00 PM

–> Swimathon Big Splash : Great :Lengths for a Great Cause

       @ Athletic Bowl Swimming Pool Complex

March 3, 2012 Saturday @ 5:00 PM-12:00 Midnight

–> Handog Pasasalamat ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM: Free Concert & T-shirt

      @ Melvin Jones Grandstand

March 3, 2012 Saturday  @ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

–> Sail on Caravan Tour II @ Baguio Convention Center

March 4, 2012 Sunday @ 6:00 PM – 12:00 PM 

–> Tambalang Saya sa Panagbenga 2012 @ Melvin Jones Grandstand

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The 2012 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Schedule:

February 9 – Thursday

First Fiesta Day

5.00-5.45 am
Philippine Flag jump

5:50-6:00am
PAF High Speed Opener and SF260 Fly By

5.45-7.00 am
Hot Air Balloon flight

5.45-7.30 am
RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition

7.30-8.30 am
ACFC Ultra light / Micro light Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing

8.30-9.00 am
Maynard Halili  Aerobatic Show

9.00-9.30 am
AFP/PNP/Brunei/Malaysia Sky Diving Exhibition

9.30-9:45 am
Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration

9:45-10:00am
USAF F16 Flight Demo

10.00-11.30 am
AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition

11.30-12.00 nn
KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition

12.00-12.30 pm
Air link / WCC / Omni /Aviators/ Alpha flyby

12.30-1.00 pm
Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo

1.00-1.30 pm
Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition

1.30-2.00 pm
Ultralight Flour bombing demonstration

2.00-3.00 pm
AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition

3.00-3.30 pm
FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry Demonstration

4:00-4:30 pm
Philippine Air Force Silent Drill and SPOW Bomb Sniffing Dog Exhibition

3.30-4.00 pm
ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights

4.30-5.00 pm
Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

5.00-5.30 pm
RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition

5.30-6.00 pm
Hot Air Balloon Fly-In

February 10 – Friday
Second Fiesta Day

5.00-5.45 am
Philippine Flag jump

5.45-7.00 am
Hot Air Balloon Flights

7.00-7.30 am
RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition

7.30-8.00 am
ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing

8:30-9.00 am
Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

9.00-9.30 am
Sky diving exhibition

9.30-10.00 am
Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration

10.00-11.00 am
AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

11.00-11.30 am
KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition

11.30-12.00 nn
WCC / Aviatours / Omni / Aviators/ Alpha/Leading Edge / flyby

12.00-1.00pm
German aerobatic glider flight

1.00-1:30 pm
Skydiving exhibition

1.30-2:00 pm
Jet Turbine Radio-controlled modeler demos

2.00-3.00 am
AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

3.00-3.30 pm
Car Drifting Display

3.30-4.00pm
FEATI/Philsca Rocketry demonstration

4.00-4.30 pm
ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights

4.30-5.00pm
Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

5.00-5.30 pm
RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition

5.30-6.00 pm
Hot Air Balloon Fly-In

February 11 – Saturday
Third Fiesta Day

5.00-5.45 am
Philippine Flag jump

5.45-7.00 am
Hot Air Balloon Flights

7.00-7.30 am
RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition

7.30-8.00 am
ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing

8.00-8.30 am
Tandem Skydiving exhibition

8.30-9.00 am
Turbine RC flying display

9.00-9.45 am
Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

9.45-10.30 am
Helicopter flight display

10.30-11.00 am
Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration

11.00-12.00 am
PT13 Stearman /  AOPA-P Flyby

12.00-12.30 pm
WCC / Aviatour / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / flyby

12.30-1.00 pm
Radio-Controlled model aircraft demonstration

1.00-1.30 pm
Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight

1.30-2.00 pm
KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration

2.00-2.45 pm
AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition

2.45-3.15 pm
Skydiving Exhibition

3.15-3.45 pm
CIAC Fire-fighting demonstration

3.45-4.30 pm
Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

4.00-4.30 pm
ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights

4.30-5.00 pm
FEATI/Philsca Rocketry Demonstration

5.00-5.30 pm
RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition

5.30-6.00 pm
Hot Air Balloon Night Glow

February 12 – Sunday
Fourth Fiesta Day

5.20-5.30 am
Philippine Flag jump

5.30-7.00 am
Hot Air Balloon Flight

7.00-7.30 am
RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition

7.30-8.00 am
ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing

8.00-8.30 am
Tandem Skydiving Exhibition

8.30-9.15 am
Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show

9.15-10.00 am
Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo

10.00-11.00 am
Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition

11.00-12.00 nn
CIAC Fire-Fighting Demonstration

12.00-12.30 nn
Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration

12.30-1.00 pm
Car Drifting demonstration

1.00-1.30 pm
PT13/ WCC / Aviatour / Omni / Leading Edge/ Air link flyby

1.30-2.30 pm
KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition

3:00-3:30pm
AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition

3.30-4.00 pm
ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights

4.00-4.15 pm
PT13 Stearman fly by

4.15-5.00 pm
Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show

5.00-5.30 pm
RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibit

How to Get to Clark, Pampanga for the Hot Air Balloon Fest:

Ride a bus that is bound to Dau, Pampanga (Victory Liner,  Baliwag Transit see contact info below) Fare is below Php 200. Travel time is roughly 2 hours from Cubao.

then from Dau Bus Station walk left to Caltex Gas station (you should pass by the jeepney station to SM Pampanga)

cross the street, you should be on the other side of  Caltex

ride a jeep headed to Main Gate. fare is Php 7.00

then from Main gate, ride a jeep to Clark. fare is Php 10.

Baliwag Transit

2nd Ave Caloocan City

Tel: (02)3634478 or 4331 telefax: 0236757886

33 EDSA, Cubao Quezon City

New York-EDSA, Cubao Quezon City

Tel: (02)9123343 * (02)9129131 or 32 * (02) 9123361

Victory Liner website:

http://www.victoryliner.com/schedules/

713 Rizal Ave Ext. Caloocan City

Tel (Main Office) (02)8335019 or 20

EDSA cor East Ave Kamias, Quezon City

Tel (02)9231296 * (02) 9207396

EDSA near Aurora Blvd, Cubao Quezon City

Tel (02) 7274688 or 4534

Espana cor Galicia St, Sampaloc, Manila

Tel (02) 7411436

By Car:

NLEX, SCTEX – Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and continue past Dau toll plaza — but do not take the Dau exit. Pull to the right and take the SCTEX on-ramp. From the SCTEX toll booth, take the southbound lane to Clark South exit. You will be entering Clark through the Yokohama complex. At the stop light, turn right into Roxas highway. The Balloon Fiesta will be to your right

NLEX, Dau- Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. One simply needs to take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Take a left turn towards Angeles City and make an easy right turn into Clark itself. After entering the main gate, proceed along Roxas highway, and the Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.

The car trip should take about an hour and a half from Manila.

Hotel Vida photo

Recommended Hotel in Clark, Pampanga: 

check out my Widus Resort/ Hotel Vida review

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 So when they opened the invite to Lakbay Norte 3  again to the new media last November, me and my Palaui travel buddies Angel and Edcel secretly talked about joining. Luckily, I was selected along with my friends : Angel Juarez of  Lakwatsero, Marcos Carratao of Ambot-ah, Edcel Suyo of SoloflightED, James Betia of Journeying James and Christian Sangoyo of Lakad Pilipinas.   Another blogger/writer friend Kara Santos of Sunday Inquirer Magazine will be joining , along with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Travelife, Travel Plus, Asian Traveler, Cebu Pacific’s SMILE magazine, One Sport Magazine / One Radio, and Living Asia Channel.

Lakbay Norte with its tagline: Rediscover the North, aims to promote tourism in North and Central Luzon.  Most of us who are based in Luzon seem to have taken for granted the allures of North Luzon. Oftentimes, when we plan for our vacation during holidays in the Philippines, we  almost always look for tourists spot down South of the Philippines, we tend to ignore the scenic spots and outdoor adventures that North Luzon Philippines can also offer with just one bus ride away via Victory Liner!

To give you a teaser of this 9 day sponsored trip, it will involve a lot of outdoor activities and adventure sports like sports fishing in Nueva Ecija, karting in Tarlac, white water rafting in Kalinga, airsoft in Baguio, trekking in La Union, off -road adventure in Angeles, jungle survival in Subic, surfing in Pagudpod, paddle boarding at Paoay and river cruise in Pangasinan.  You can also try these adventures sports over the weekends, your vacations or during holidays in the Philippines!  Visit North Luzon!

For more information and updates on Lakbay Norte 3 you can visit:

Website:  northphilippines.org

You may also add them  on:

NPVB Facebook Page: facebook.com/northphilippines 
Lakbay Norte Twitter Page: twitter.com/lakbaynorte

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HOW TO GET TO KWEBANG LAGPAS

First go to Pagbilao, Quezon:

HOW TO GET TO PAGBILAO QUEZON

Ride a bus bound to Lucena and get off at Lucena Grand Central Terminal. From the terminal there are jeepneys  to  Pagbilao.

Since I took the bus from Alabang it’s roughly Php 160 for an ordinary bus to Lucena ( my apologies,this trip is back in 2010 so I can’t remember the exact figure). Travel time is around 4 hours.

HOW TO GET TO KWEBANG LAGPAS
From Lucena Grand Terminal. Look for the jeep bound to Pagbilao. Fare is Php10. Then at Pagbilao Market Terminal, look for a jeep going to Brgy. Polo. Get off at the jeepney terminal in Brgy. Polo. then you can walk or rent a tricycle to Kwebang Lagpas. The Marker is the Power Station.

Travel tips:

Bring enough food, booze and water. There’s no store at the beach.
Don’t litter. Save our shores.

Kwebang Lampas Travel Expenses (rates  based on May 2010 solo trip):

Ordinary Bus Fare (Alabang-Lucen Grand Terminal) - Php 160.00 ( Buses en route to Bicol will also pass by Lucena Grand Terminal and Pagbilao )
Jeep Fare (Lucena Grand terminal – Pagbilao) - Php 10.00
Jeep Fare (Pagbilao Market – Brgy.Polo) - Php 30.00
Tricycle Fare (Brgy.Polo to Kwebang Lampas) - Php 150.00 (but you can also walk to Kwebang Lampas from Brgy.Polo’sjeep stop may take around 30 minutes)
Entrance Fee to Kwebang Lampas jump off-point (tricycle) - Php 25                        Entrance Fee to Kwebang Lampas jump off-point (visitor) - Php 5.00
Boat Fare (Kwebang Lampas jump-off point -private beach)- Php 35.00 but you can also walk, may take 15-20 minutes                                                                             Entrance Fee to Kwebang Lampas - Php 50.00
Tricycle Fare  (Kwebang Lampas jump-off point to Brgy.Polo crossing) – Php 400  (but you can also take a jeepney back to Pagbilao from Brgy. Polo last trip is 5pm, just leave  the beach around 4pm to catch the jeep to avoid renting a trike which is pretty hefty otherwise you can rent a tricycle. Check the rates above.                                                                                                                                                 Bus Fare (Lucena – Manila) - Php 160.00

Total Expenses: Php 975

It’s a private property and the owners doesn’t allow overnight stay for security reasons.

Cottage rental – Php  300- Php 500 pitching of  tent is allowed.

Where to stay in Pagbilao, Quezon:

Villa Anita Butterfly Garden and Resort  ( my family stayed in this charming resort sometime in 2006 because this is owned by the family of my uncle’s sister -in-law).

KM 174 Brgy. Cabuyao                                                                                                           Padre Burgos, Quezon

Telephone #: (042) 716-0326
Cellphone #: (0921) 524-0110

Check out Time: 12:00 pm
inclusion:
Free use of swimming pool
Breafast for 2 persons

Villa Anita Room rates:
Suite Room - Php 3,200
Dorm Type - Php 4,000
Nipa Hut -Php 900
Nipa Hut Jr. - Php 800
Tent - Php 500
Extra Person - Php 200

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

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“You have been created as one of a kind…for you might make a difference. You have the power to change the world. What you do with your life today …it matters forever.”

-The Butterfly Effect-

Travel, Inspire and Help. Let’s make a difference. 

Yes! I’m finally embarking on a long journey after contemplating for the longest time.  The biggest fear is letting go of  everything, and saying goodbye to my comfort zone for more than a decade.  I sometimes find my life shallow not because I am a deep person but because it has always been my dream to HELP.  I want to tell you that, this blog is not all about me.  But it’s also about that dream of inspiring and helping while I am traveling.  It’s not that I don’t want all this, believe me, I do appreciate everything that’s happening with my blog now, and I feel so blessed with all your support.  But you know there’s always that missing piece in this puzzle called LIFE that I am yearning for.  There’s always that missing purpose that makes me pause and think.  There’s always that inner voice that says, “this is never in your wildest dream and it’s good and it’s great but  remember you have that purpose in life more than this.”

I remember my 1st ever online interview with Journeying James September of last year when I was just starting out in blogging, I mentioned about my plan on doing a long term travel early this year.  That plan failed and yes I guess that makes me fiasco and I am not going to be defensive about my present status.

I have always been a mediocre.  Always too lazy to plan my life, too scared to lose everything, and too timid to stand out. I am not at all competitive.  I wasn’t born a leader nor did I ever try to make myself one. I guess am not just built like that. I have always voted for the simple and quiet side of life.  Chaos makes me bleed, competition kills me.  I guess I’m what The Prince calls low Mach.

“Whenever I see poverty, famine, sufferings, and struggles on my travels, I weep because I feel so blessed for my freedom but I’m also sad because I feel so helpless. I dream that one day I can help not just one but countless souls. But at the same time, I feel guilty because I am never satisfied. Whenever I see how the locals appreciate even the simple things they have in life, things that I disregard and take for granted every day, I am reminded to count my blessings.”

-Gael on Journeying James Interview-

 I have tried to withdraw from blogging a couple of times, I guess it is pretty obvious with the lazy excuses and inconsistent blog updates.  I tell you now, I might.  But I don’t think I am ready to withdraw from traveling.  I am glad for everything that’s happening, but I am not satisfied.  I have this dream; I want to Travel, Inspire and Help.  

So what took me so long?

Fear in the unknown and insecurity. You know there’s this great fear of losing everything, and starting all over.

I am letting go of  the things that stops me. Life is too short to think small.

Whatever we lose, we gain something else.  Everything happens for a reason.

This 2012 help me make that dream come true.  Please help me spread that dream and bring some change in our society.

Because no matter how small I am, I know I can make a difference in this world.

This 2012 please help me spread a positive Philippines.

I will be traveling around the country and will also donate pencils and school supplies to school children in remote provinces. I will be selling my clothes soon to buy these donations.

I will be traveling in a budget, hitchhike, couch surf, and sleep in public places, around the Philippines.  But I also hope to splurge occasionally if  my budget would permit (wishful thinking).  I don’t want to give an exact start or end date  of my travel for a lot of things may happen in the road. And knowing me, I want to take things slow.

What is your goal?

Travel. Inspire. Help.

The goal is to travel + help and to let the world know that good Samaritans exists everywhere.  And of course,  to help promote the beautiful Philippines.

I have created a new website called Happy Philippines a month ago.

How can you help?

You can donate in cash or in kind. The funds will help buy  school supplies. Or perhaps you can buy my clothes  or exchange it with pencils or school supplies, raincoats or slippers  for kids or if you happen to bump into me on the road, you can hire me to wash the dishes or be my host me so I could save on the cost of accommodations and use the funds allotted for paying hostels to buy school supplies instead. 

You can email me at thepinaysolobackpacker (at) yahoo (dot) com for more details, but I will also be writing a detailed post about this soon.

or  you can also donate thru my Paypal account below:

This 2012, please help me make a Happy Philippines.

Let’s Travel, Inspire and Help.

Let’s make a difference. 

•  The 2012  Travel Around the Philippines Challenge : Making a Difference

is Part 1 of my 2012 Travel Plans

  www.HappyPhilippines.org 

Viewed 70557 times by 7832 viewers

“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

Viewed 77216 times by 8449 viewers

photo credit: Edwin Castillon

How to Get to Moalboal from Cebu City:

There are buses from Cebu City South Bus Terminal  to Moalboal (City Hall)  for roughly 2.5 to 3 hours ride for Php 107 + Php 5 terminal fee. Look for Ceres Bus bound to South Cebu or  Librando Bus going to Badian (just ask the driver to drop you in Moalboal, they will have a stop over there anyway). Vans are also available in One Citilink Terminal.

Once you’re in Moalboal town, you can hire a trike to take you to White Beach or Panagsama beach.  Tricycle fare is roughly Php 80-Php 100.  For  Moalboal beach resorts and Moalboal hotels look for one in White Beach or Panagsama Beach.

We went to Alegria first before going to Moalboal so we retraced the route via Badian. From Badian we took a bus to Cebu City and ask the driver to drop us at Moalboal.

Moalboal expenses: How much will you spend in Moalboal? 

Here’s our list of Moalboal expenses per pax ( 4 people):

107 Php - Bus to Moalboal (or Php 33 from Badian to Moalboal)
40 Php - Dinner
20 Php - Tricycle to Moalboal (P80 total)
375 Php - Overnight at Ester (the normal rate is P1500 for non-aircon room)
38.75 Php - Brunch at Moalboal
200 Php - Boat to Tuble Marine Sanctuary (boat fare is P800)
25 Php - Sanctuary Fee (per boat is P100)
25 Php - Tricycle back to Town proper
107 Php - Bus Back to Cebu City South Bus Terminal

Total : Php 937.75 per pax (Php 3,751 for 4 people)

Moalboal Accomodation:

There are several resorts, hostels, backpackers lodge and home stays in Moalboal.

We recommend staying at Esters homestay : Php 1,500 for a clean non-aircon room good for 4 people. You can inquire about the air-conditioned room rates with Ester Basdaku.  The place is ideal as it is away from the crowded part of the beach and noisy videoke sessions at night. There are also small cottages in Ester’s fronting the beach.

Ester Homestay : +63(927) – 578-5983

Moalboal Snorkeling / Boatman

For snorkeling, there are several boats for hire in White Beach. But we recommend you hire kuya Dodong Jaquez because he will really guide you while snorkeling while others will just let you hang on a bamboo while the outrigger boat pushes you around.

Dodong Jaquez: +63 (923)- 937-6699

Where to eat in Moalboal:

There are several dirt cheap carinderia and small restaurants lined up in White beach,Moalboal you can also use there videoke/ video cinco  for Php 5.00 per song.

Other Tourist attractions in Moalboal:

photo credit: Edwin Castillon

Pescador Island: this uninhabited limestone island with a charming lighthouse is a marine sanctuary and a famous diving spot because of its schools of sardines and turtles.

Marine Sanctuaries:  Aside from Tuble, you can also check out Bgry. Basdiot and Saavedra marine sanctuary.

Busay Caves and Springs :  the underground springs and caves are located in Brgy. Busay, Moalboal.

You can also take a side trip to Kawasan Falls  located near Moalboal, in Brgy. Matutinao in Badian. Bus fare is Php 33 from Moalboal to Badian.

For me, Moalboal’s beach is just an ordinary white sand beach in the Philippines.  The water is clean but the sand is not that powdery and there are rocks and dead corals under the water so be careful when swimming near the shores.  The real beauty of Moalboal is hidden under the water, so snorkeling and diving in Moalboal beach is highly recommended.

*** This is part of my Cebu travel series. ***

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“The people applauds the fireworks, but never the sunrise.”

Philippine International Pyromusical l SM MOA 2011

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Boring eh?

Death has always been shrouded by mystery.  It’s a universal truth that we all have to face, sooner or later.  Death no matter how noble brings misery and pain.  That’s why the fear of dying is inherent in most of us. We fear the unknown.  We fear “The End”.

This October the Pinoy Travel Bloggers brings you the “Tales from the Dark Side of Travel”.  Find out the stories behind our exploration of destinations in the Philippines that can be attributed to Dark Tourism and macabre tales that some of us experienced along the road.

Kara Santos of Traveling Up‘s wrote Travel Tips for a Zombie Outbreak, an entertaining read just in case you end up in a City of Zombies!  No, I won’t spill the secrets here but do head to her page to find out how.

Zombie photo from Kara Santos of Traveling Up

Macabre Tales

Baguio is a famous hill resort in the Philippines best known for its cold climate, pine trees, strawberries, ukay-ukay, Panagbenga, bohemian culture, talented artists and artsy cafes and museums.  But behind all this beauty and exoticism, is its painful past that caused the hill city to be known for its paranormal events.  It earned the moniker of the ”Ghost Capital of the Philippines” due to a lot of  Baguio ghost stories circulating online and by word of mouth.   Many locals believed that it’s because of the tragedy that shook the Philippines in 1990 where the  epicenter of the 7 magnitude earthquake is Baguio so a lot of buildings and hotels have collapsed and many people where trapped and died.  Others say, it’s also because some of the houses, lodges and villas are empty and only used during the summer or Christmas season that’s why many ghosts reside here.   Good thing that during those days when I used to visit Baguio a lot, I didn’t know any of these stories so even if  I’m alone in a supposedly dormitory room with 8 beds, I never really felt anything weird or unusual in Baguio unlike my good friend Pliff Damon of Flipnomad.  Check out his Baguio ghost story  “Scariest and Weirdest trip Ever” as he narrates:

“ I don’t know if I believe in ghost or any other supernatural beings. I have experienced a lot of “weird stuff” in my own home and in some places that I travelled to and I always try to find the logic behind those “scary moments” that I encounter although sometimes there really is no explanation.”

- Pliff Damon-

These ghost stories can be traced to as far as the Japanese colonization of the Philippines during the World War II where the ghosts of both Japanese soldiers and Filipina comfort women (women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II) are said to haunt  the city.   One famous haunted hotel is Dominican Hotel in Baguio City.  Izah Morales of  Tripadora recounts that this building with a spooky atmosphere is originally a vacation house of the Dominican priests.  It was built in 1913 and was finished in 1915 during the World War II.  Check out her Dominican Hotel ghost hunting story as she joins some of Baguio’s spirit questers on her spine-chilling story backed up by a spooky video on Hunting, Hunted and Haunted.

“The fog and the glimpse of light covered the City of Pines.  The breeze of the morning was refreshing.  We were reminded that darkness doesn’t remain forever…”

-Izah Morales-

What I Talk About When I   Talk About Cemeteries

If you’re not tough enough to hunt ghosts then here’s one weird and interesting destination for you nestled in the City of Pines.  Mica Rodriguez of Senyorita shares her leisurely walk at Camp John Hay Cemetery of Negativism.

“This symbolic cemetery was founded by Major John Hightower. It aims to encourage all its visitors to bury the banes of productivity in clever epitaphs.”

-Mica Rodriguez-

The Cemetery of Negativism mostly have images of animals displayed with the tombs, which may left some visitors wondering if there’s any real cemetery in the Philippines for the animals when they die?   Such is the case when John Marx of  Marxtermind  who wrote  Do Dogs Go to Heaven? discovered the cemetery of K-9 Dogs in Pampanga.  ” The K-9 cemetery was established by Americans before they left the US Air Base.  Now, it was being eyed as a full-fledged cemetery for pet dogs,” he continued.

“Cemetery may seem to be dark because of grief and death. But a place like this for our k-9 dogs is something that we can pay off for their heroine. They laid their lives for our safety, our people and our country.”

-John Marx-

Panag-apoy photo by Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com

A cemetery is defined as a place where the dead are buried but in a moving tale of Flames and Mirrors at the Mission Compound Cemetery in Sagada, Mountain Province discover how Yoshke Dimen of The Poor Traveler  redefines the meaning of cemetery and discover how the Sagadians remember the departed during All Souls Days and keep the flames burning in festival called  Panag-apoy.  Imagine how pillars of smoke kissing the fog looming overhead as crowds gather in a place that is usually very quiet in ordinary days, imagine what all these mirrors like Yoshke hath.

“… the opposite of life isn’t death. The opposite of life is the inability to leave a mark, to touch another life. The cemetery is home to not just dead bodies six feet under, but to memories. It is not death that makes people flock to graveyards. It is not death that makes us light candles — or bonfires — and keep their flames burning. It is these memories that make us do all that… “

-Yoshke Dimen-

It’s true that one of the things that make us flock to graveyards is the memories of the people that touched our lives, ever wondered what the most flocked graveyards in the Philippines?  It must be the tombs of the famous and notable people.  On his recent trip, Ivan Cultura of  Batang Lakwatsero features the tombs of the late Presidents of the Philippines in his article Where Presidents Rest in Peace.

“Question started to play on my mind, where do the other past presidents rest in peace? how grand are the graves of our past leaders? do I still know them? And so my quest of searching for these graves has started.”

-Ivan Cultura-

Diosdado Macapal's tomb (photo by Ivan Cultura of Batang Lakwatsero)

Filipinos place a large importance on All Souls Day, it’s the time of the year when most people who grew up in the province but moved to the city to work flock to the bus stations to go home to the province to pay respect to the relatives that they’ve lost.  Aleah Phils  of Solitary Wanderer  shares a nostalgic post about  Traditional All Souls Day Practices in Tandag, Surigao del Sur. 

“I look forward to going home in the provinces during the holidays.  Nobody in our town is buying into the commercialized Halloween (yet), and on All Saints Day (November 1), whole families would troop to the cemeteries to pray for their dead, with the tombs already cleaned a few days before. They would bring candles and rosaries, while some would bring food, either for themselves or to leave on the graves of their loved ones.”

-Aleah Phils-

Cemeteries have always been attributed to paranormal events, like how Josiah Sicad of Lakas ng Trip recounts a Creepy Bangka Experienced  beside the Verde Island Cemetery.

“I’m not the type of person who’s afraid of cemeteries, not until we left town.  We were about 20 meters to our journey when the motor of our bangka suddenly became silent. “

-Josiah Sicad-

La Loma cemetery photo by Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com

While most people visit cemeteries to commemorate the death of their loved-ones, and some are scared of its creepy atmosphere,  other tourists and photographers visit it for  its architectural wonders and historical importance.  Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero unveils two  iconic cemeteries that are tucked in the bustling city of Manila - The Old Chapel of St. Pancratius and La Loma Cemetery.  In his post  Campo Santo de La Loma and it’s Lumang Simbahan, Angel elaborated the  style and interiors of these architectural wonders.

“Its architecture can be considered as a pseudo-baroque with its elaborate facade characterized by detailed carvings of various figures and ornaments. The walls are made of stone blocks, its roof has a big dome and a cross, and the sides are supported by buttresses with windows in between. “

- Angel Juarez-

In his impressive post  of 10 Old Cemeteries You Shouldn’t Miss, travel photographer Estan Cabigas of Simbahan showcased the beautiful old cemetery chapels  in the Philippines particularly those found outside Manila.

“The old cemetery chapels located in the camposanto built during the Spanish colonial era is one of the interesting religious heritage structures in the country.  Unfortunately many don’t have the focus they deserve.  Only a few remains that still exist in the Philippines and their deterioration continue this day.”

-Estan Cabigas-

Pinoy Adventurista also gives us a glimpse on the well-known cemeteries turned into major tourist attractions that he has visited in the Philippines from Manila to Mindanao in his post My Fascination with Cemeteries.

“I visit cemeteries because of its rich historical value, notable architures and vibrant past. These cemeteries had been part of our rich culture and heritage, thus, paying a visit brings me back to the past. 

-Pinoy Adventurista-

Still for others, they need not go that far to visit the cemetery because it is just in their neighborhood.  Such is the childhood experience of AJ Poliquit, in his nostalgic post Cemetery Corner, he narrates how the gaping gate of the public cemetery (Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery) would greet  him everyday in their hometown in Bacolod.  But what’s remarkable about this cemetery is that it’s “the only cemetery at the intersection of two highways” as stated in the Guinness Book of World Records.  The private cemetery of the Luzuriaga family occupies the center island of Lopez Jaena Street, perpendicular to Burgos Street.

“My first parade was a funeral procession, my first live band music a dirge. My neighbors across the street were stacked in cement boxes painted white, guarded by frozen angels and adorned with melted candle wax and wilted flowers.”

-AJ Poliquit-

photo by AJ Poliquit

Aside from cemeteries there are other equally interesting destinations that  can be attributed to Dark tourism.  As defined by Dr. Philip Stone,  Dark Tourism is the act of travel and visitation to sites, attractions and exhibitions which have real or recreated death, suffering or the seemingly macabre as a main theme.  Here’s other interesting sites covered by fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers:

Disaster Tourism

My 1st trip this year is an adventure trip with my friends Chyng and Dong Ho of Eskapo where we sailed through a submerged village.  In his post  Lake Mapanuepe he recounts our trip to the eerie lake in the sleepy village of Aglao in San Marcelino, Zambales which was formed by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.  A disaster that caused countless of  lives and lost properties and has reshaped some of the most visited tourist destinations now in Zambales.

“It was a different experience to sail on a lake with a semi-clear vision of a submerged village. And never leave without setting foot in the sunken church. You’ll feel the creep and its mystery.”

-Dong Ho-

Lake Mapanuepe, Zambales

Another outcome of a spasmodic eruption of a volcano is  the sunken cemetery of Camiguin.   Kuya Bonzenti Panganiban of  Con Tour Blog tells us the devastation caused by the mad Mount Vulcano in the 18th Century period.  He shares that , the sunken land and the graveyard reached up to 20 feet was due to the molten lava that burst out from the said volcano in his entry The Resurrected Memories in the Sunken Cemetery.

“Every time I hear terrible stories of this kind, my imagination would tend to bring me back to their time, a feeling like I was there, hearing those people yelling for help which you cannot give to them since you felt also so helpless to save yourself…”

-Bonzenti Panganiban-

Disaster tourism can be categorized under dark tourism but it should be observed as disaster learning  and not  just out of curiosity.  Another disaster that took place 20 years ago is the Ormoc landslide in 1991  brought about by a heavy flashflood that killed around 6,000 people.  On his visit to Ormoc, Leyte, Edcel Suyo of  Soloflighted joined his friends as they spent the hours strolling around, observing the holy week festivity.  He recounted the experience with a hint of eeriness in a deep and poetic tale Ormoc, Leyte: Remembering the Tragedy 20 Year Ago which he matched with hunting photos.

“I listen as I walk in the dead of night.  Sounds that unravel a mystery but ignorance plagues my mind. I hear silence that echoes thousands of cries. Cries that were never heard, of souls that remain unfound.”

-Edcel Suyo-

But perhaps the most well-known of  all disasters that hit the Philippines is the eruption of the beautiful Mt. Mayon in  Daraga, Albay known for its almost perfect cone.

Cagsawa ruins photo by Marky Ramone Go

Marky Ramone Go of Nomadic Experiences writes in his article Haunting Tale of Cagsawa Ruins  how he missed seeing the iconic volcano but was deeply moved by the story of  the Cagsawa Ruins as recounted by a child guide.

“ The mystery, the enigma and the history of Cagsawa brings a loud ovation to the senses. It is mythical in its own, it transgress from beyond.  The scenic surrounding may be acknowledged as a romantic setting, however it lurks a dark and shadowy past, that proves that the Earth and its inhabitants has this love and hate relationship.  ”

-Marky Ramone Go-

Exotic and Creepy Destinations

The Philippines has rich cultural heritage.  Prior to the Spanish colonization, the indigenous Filipinos have been known to practice early funerary rites and practices reflective of  our early unique culture and have spread stories of mysticism, Filipino legends and folktales across the country.

Apo Anno is a famous century-old mummy, which has been stolen, and rumored to have been bought by a benevolent rich man back to its resting place in sitio Nabalikong, Buguias,Benguet.

In an exotic tale of  Eating Berries, Shooting Mummies during a  trip to Timbak, Benguet, read the encounter of Ding of Explored  with Apo Anno and how he was introduced to weaving of Burial cloth for the Kadangyan (rich people) in the town of Guinzadan.

“Admittedly, I was shivering.  I didn’t know if it was the cold air or the act of photographing a mummy itself.  Perhaps, both.”

-Ding Fuellos-

Siquijor Falls photo by Chin Chan of JuanderfulPinoy

Siquijor is a quaint town in Visayas that earned the moniker  ”The Island of Fire”.   On his entry The Mystical Island of Siquijor, Chin Chan Lakwatsero of Juanderful Pinoy started his story by sharing the legend of Siquijor – a rustic island in the Philippines  believed to have a number of healers, and witches.  But as they explored the islands, he found a different kind of  mystery – not black magic instead he was drawn to the natural charm of  Siquijor and its people.

“Siquijor island is laid back island forgotten by time. Great place of white sand beaches, old ballet trees and virgin forests, real people and genuine paradise. A perfect place for a weekend holiday. A perfect island for a magic. Yes , in Siquijor  magic does exist. ”

-Chin Chan Lakwatsero-

On the other hand, RV Escatron of  Living in a Backpack  is willing to go off-the-beaten path just to discover the mystical stories that shrouds Siquijor in his well-written account of  the Black Virgin Saint of Siquijor.   On an adventure trip with his  group, he narrates how his much awaited encounter  with a lady that he has longed to see – Santa Rita de Cassia and  how he met the mananambal (faith healer), a bolobolo practitioner with a mutya or black stone.

“…a saint carrying a skull and with a wound on her forehead. She reportedly walks around town at the stroke of midnight!”

-RV Escatron-

Another tale of a mysterious Saint – Saint Pio or Padre Pio  can be found in a major tourist attraction in the Philippines - Baclayon Church in Bohol.  In her  deep and hunting article, Brenna Bustamante of Philippine Travelogue tells as a moving story of  how Baclayon is considered to be a very special town, a chosen town for Padre Pio to which his face has only appeared since his death in here touching post The Mystery of  Baclayon Church in Bohol.

“Some mysteries can never be uncovered and there are no possible answers to our questions. However, there are some mysteries, hidden in the darkness of death, but lighted by the rays of belief and religion, that makes a country like ours a gem to visit.”

-Brenna Bustamante-

Baclayon Church photo by Brenna Bustamante of Philippine Travelogue

James Betia of Journeying James presest a list of  5 must-visit places that makes death a main feature in his interesting post When Death becomes “The” Destination.   From cemeteries to hanging coffins in Sagada to the Kabayan mummies to Opdas cave – a cave that has been the resting place for about 200 skulls and bones  and to the iconic (replica of the) Manunggul Jar.

Manunggul Jar Replica photo by James Betia

The young mountaineer Kaiz Belga of Miss Backpacker tells us their experience at the dreaded Mountain Cristobal in Dolores, Quezon in her post The Evil that is Cristobal  Did she encounter paranormal events?  That is for you to find out.

“The so called mystical and holy mountain Banahaw lies just beside Cristobal, hence the conclusion that Cristobal possesses  negative energies thrown away by its neighboring mountains. It is popular among mountaineers as the evil mountain.”

-Kaiz Belga-

 War Memorials

The Philippines has suffered a lot from the wounds and a bruise of it’s tragic past brought about by foreign invasion.  That’s why the sight of war memorials that were constructed to commemorate the victims of war is no surprise.

Manila American War Memorial (photo by Jerome Baluyot of Balintataw.org)

One beautifully designed war memorial is The Manila American War Memorial located in The Fort, Taguig City in Manila which Atty. Mhe-Anne Ojeda of My Comings and Goings mentioned as one of the twenty-three military cemeteries on foreign soil being maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission of the United States government in her post Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Jerome Baluyot of Balintataw also added on his post “A Piece of America” that  with a total of 17,206 graves, 3,744 of which are unknown burials while 570 out of the total number of graves are Filipinos. It is considered as the largest cemetery in the Pacific for U.S. personnel killed during the 2^nd World War.

Aside from its historical importance, what draws both tourists and photographers to this cemetery is its stylish architecture and design.

“Reading a few things about the place helped this group of friends to stop goofing around and actually realize the importance of this place — remembering the soldiers and the things they sacrifice. Some of them became emotional; others are just happy and thankful for the freedom they are experiencing.”

-Jerome Baluyot-

Another remarkable war memorial in the Philippines is the Plaza Cuartel in Palawan which kuya Edelito Sangco of Island Vacations visited.  In his article My Plaza Cuartel Visit in Palawan Island, Philippines, he recounts a detailed story of  how the most vivid story of a survivor of  the Palawan Massacre - Don Schloat sent shivers down his spine.

“I left the war memorial harboring a bitter feeling of war atrocities…”

-Edelito Sangco-

When we talk about war it conjures images of guns, coastal artillery, warships, ammunition magazines, and the likes.  A great reminder of the images of war and a well-preserved destination is Corregidor Island.  Karen Valdez of  Tips and Travels shows us the top sites we can explore in this craggy island that is shaped like a tadpole on her entry Tadpole Shaped Fortress.

Corregidor Island photo by Karen Valdez

Meanwhile Eileen Campos of Possibly Pinay narrates how Taking the Malinta Sub lateral Tunnels Tour brings out the darker history of Corregidor. Armed with a hard hat and flashlight, she dove into the dark pit that lay behind the Tunnel’s Lights and Show Exhibit.

“I’m not to be a fan of highlighting very dark aspects of a tour, but this time, I believe it is a great way to learn history. ..”

                                                                                                                                                                            -Eileen Campos-

Religion and culture plays a vital role in understanding and accepting death and bringing comfort to those people who have lost their loved ones or those who are facing death themselves.  But the mystery of death is so profound that, despite the religious doctrine, mythology, scientific research, and the many theories and explanations that exist on the subject, it still remains the great unknown to date.   Even a leisurely walk in a cemetery would give you a glimpse to how diverse these beliefs on death are.

Manila American War Memorial (photo by Jerome Baluyot of Balintataw.org)

But no matter how complex death is, the commemoration of the departed, the visitation to such sites of  architectural and historical importance and disaster learning should never be forgotten because the wounds of  our history should never go out of memory.

 This October The Pinay Solo Backpacker is the host for the Pinoy Travel Blogger’s Carnival entitled ” Tales from the Dark Side of Travel”.  For  more topics  click on the carnival photo.

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