Talisay City, Negros Occidental 2014 : The RUINS

The Ruins is the most visited tourist spot and must-see in Negros now. They called it as "Taj Mahal of Negros" because the story behind is almost like the story of Taj Mahal of India. It was renovated and restored and turned into one of the tourist spot in Negros.

Sagay City, Negros Occidental 2014 : Carbin Reef

The last time I've been in La Carlota Negros Occidental, my mother's home town and I grew up for almost 6 years (from 1990-1996) was 2006. For almost 8 years, finally! I'm back! 

I had a lot of childhood memories in that place. I bonded with my Lola (which I am certified Lola's girl) :) Last holy week of 2014, we decided to visit my Lola, she's already 84 years old and very very strong :) We arrived last Maundy Thursday, rest until Good Friday to observed the essence of Holy week :) We decided to go to Sagay City, particularly in Carbin Reef. I did research beforehand and booked our tour in Sagay City Tourism office for the tour. :)

We left La Carlota at 6am last April 19. We took a Ceres Bus to Bacolod. Since the road was under repair, we took 1.5 hours to Bacolod, instead 45 mins normally :)

Pangasinan 2014: Hundred Islands

When I was in grade school, (probably grade 3), my teacher posted different pictures of tourist spots in the Philippines in our room's wall. Among those pictures she's posted, I was amazed with the pictures of Hundred Islands. And in my innocent mind that time, I was thinking to go there when I grow up. 

Years passed and right now, I already in the field of being a "travel enthusiast", one of my bucket travel list is to go to a place I dreamed when I was young :) H U N D R E D  I S L A N D S :)

Last April, we planned a very quick getaway to unwind :) And yes,  we chose Hundred Islands :)
We called Island Tropic Hotel and Restaurant for a room reservation and deposit 50% down payment a week before our travel date :)

The Divine Mercy Shrine, El Salvador 2014

Two years ago, I planned to go to Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. Even it takes only a few minutes bus ride from the CDO town proper, I didn't have any chance to go there. But on my second time, I'd make sure that I never miss the opportunity to go there :)

The Divine Mercy Shrine of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, Philippines is located in Divine Mercy Hills, overlooking Macajalar Bay on the Mindanao island, southern part of the Philippines

The nine-hectare land for the Shrine was purchased for a nominal amount and the shrine was constructed by donations. The shrine was completed in 2008 and is noted for having a 15.24 metre (50-feet) statue of the Divine Mercy Jesus. It serves as a pilgrimage site for Divine Mercy devotees. (Wikipedia)

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Cagayan de Oro 2014: White Water Rafting

*Camiguin 2014 Getaway*

An awesome experience in Camiguin again (for me as second timer) :) hahaha. Our next adventure was White water Rafting! This is my 3rd time :) My first one was  in Davao last 2011 and the second one was also in Cagayan De Oro last 2012. :) Our host for this activity is Kagay White Water Rafting. Kat, Ate Mae, Kuya Gary and Faith are all first timer. Woohoooo! Just like me in Davao, I felt bit of nervous knowing that I am a good swimmer (partida). Since all of them are not a good swimmer, they're panicking! Lol! 

Panorama of Cagayan De Oro river :)

Camiguin 2014

*Camiguin Getaway 2012

Camiguin is one of my favorite place. I don't know why but somehow I really feel that in my past life, I was living in there. :) Camiguin blessed with natural hot/cold spring, picturesque landscape, beautiful beaches and very warm and hospitable locals :) As early as September 2013, as usual, I texted Kuya Teddy Pabualan, owner/operator of TRUSTED Camiguin Transport, to avail again their service and he never failed to answer my "kakulitan" questions. :) Two thumbs up and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Camiguin tour operator!!! 

                      

Bukidnon 2014: Dahilayan Adventure Park

Last year (2013), when our Singles for Christ (SFC) 20th International Conference (ICON) announced the place where our 21st ICON will be held (which in CDO), I was so excited! :)

Zambales 2013: Potipot Island

I thought that Puerto Galera was my last getaway for the year 2013. :) But fortunately, no. hahaha! Due to my financial crisis this year (hahaha), some of my bucketlist this year did not push through. Anyhow, it's alright. Bawi na lang next time :)

Approximately 4-5 hours travel time from Manila to Sta. Cruz Zambales where the jump off point to Potipot Island, less crowded, more of nature and relaxing. It was named as "Boracay of Luzon". Well, it's not as  powdered - white sand as Boracay but the unspoiled place of island was worth visited than to a noisy and commercialized place. We left at 12 midnight of December 14, 2013. We rented a van cost P 1,000 each ($22) roundtrip for 12 person. Not bad :)

Mindoro 2013: Puerto Galera

A short weekend escape from the noise of Metro. Puerto Galera is the best quick getaway. Luckily, I am living down south of the Metro Manila and it's very accessible to go to Puerto Galera. :) Katzy (female friend) message me thru skype (that day was Thursday) that she wants to "soul searching" thing (haha). We were discussing where to go, either in Baguio, or Batangas, and/or Zambales are the first choices, hahaha! And we ended up with Puerto Galera (Wala sa choice). hahaha

Pangasinan 2013: Bolinao

This year, I have a lot of bills to pay that's why I choose not to travel far from metro. :( We decided to have a short (weekend) vacation in the north and we chose Bolinao Pangasinan :)

Coron Itinerary and Expenses

Itinerary and Expenses (as of April 2011)

Check Coron photos :)

*Coron Getaway 2011: Day 01*

*Coron Getaway 2011: Day 02*
*Coron Getaway 2011: Day 03*

Puerto Princesa Itinerary and Expenses

Check my Puerto Princesa photos :)
*Puerto Princesa Getaway: Day 01*
*Puerto Princesa Getaway: Day 02*
*Puerto Princesa Getaway: Day 03*

Itinerary and Expenses (as of April 2011)

Lucban, Quezon 2013: Kamay ni Hesus

In Catholic Church, Holy week is the last week of Lent and before Easter. For Catholics like me, it's our way of remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who dies for our sins. And this is also the way of others to spend time to their respective families and to travel (yeah!) because it's a long weekend (starts Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday) :). Even I love to spend holidays in traveling, I choose not to go out of town during this season and everyone knows that in this season, there's a lot of tourist everywhere (for some reason, I don't wanna spend a vacation on crowded place). I am a devoted Catholic and this is the way of my sacrifice/fasting :) (Well, I spent holy week last 2011 in Palawan but I made sure that I've practiced doing our tradition). :)

Albay 2013: Cagsawa Ruins and Guinobatan

Series:
*Bicolandia Getaway 2013: Calaguas*

Albay is my father's home town (specifically, he's from Manito, Albay, approximately 45 minutes jeepney ride from Legaspi City) and I've been there countless times. But surprisingly, even we visited in Manito, I've never been in Cagsawa Ruins, one of the most visited place in Albay which located only in Daraga, Albay (just an hour drive from Manito).


Couple of days before our Calaguas trip, my friend Gelene told me that her mother wants us to visit their house in Guinobatan after our trip. My initial plan was after Calaguas, we are going to try surfing in Bagasbas Beach which is located in Daet (that I want to try it sooooo badly). But later on, we end up going to Guinobatan. :)

Camarines Norte 2013: Calaguas

Series:
*Bicolandia Getaway 2013: Cagsawa Ruins and Guinobatan*

One of my travel bucket list this 2013 is to explore the unspoiled beaches in the Philippines. I read a lot of travel blogs and type on Google search engine the places where tourists rare to visit. Calaguas is the most and recommended beach and it compares to Boracay's powdery sand.  I searched  how to go to Camarines Norte and blogger's recommended contacts and boatman. I was thinking of availing tour packages for hassle free trip. But I prepared DIY (Do-it-yourself) itinerary and estimated budget for this trip (I always love to do because I can save a lot) and compared it with the rate of tour packages, we saved almost P1,500 to DIY. Since we are tight in budget, we stick to our own itinerary. :) Yey! 

 Despite of long long long hours of travel, it's really worth it when you get in Calaguas. :) Let the photos below described you how we fell in love with Calaguas :)