Up North: When in Laoag

The Ilocos Region, especially Pagudpud, has been on my bucket list because I like the beach and a bit of  Spanish Era feels (and because of the pictures posted online!). And when Cebu Pacific had a sale I didn't think twice and booked our tickets for Ilocos to fulfill my bucket list. This will also be a celebration for my parents birthdays! We stayed in Ilocos Region for 4 days and 3 nights and I tried to squeeze in all tourist destinations of Laoag City and its surrounding towns, North and South Pagudpud, and Vigan! Whew, it was exhausting but it was all worth it!

around Aurora Park, Laoag City at night

Campuestohan Highland Resort

Negros Occidental is known to be the "Sugarbowl of the Philippines", where sugarcane is planted and harvested in its rich and vast plains. The region is also blessed with mountains, and with these comes the many resorts which made the beauty of the mountainside accessible to those who want to enjoy the scenery. One of such resort is the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City.

 

BALESIN ISLAND CLUB: Ultimate Indulgence

It's popular among the stars - numerous weddings, pre-nups, and maybe a quiet getaway, and recently this place has made headlines because of its "Yaya Meals". But one thing's for sure, once you've seen and experienced the beauty of Balesin you'll always be forever mesmerized and daydream about this place. I know because until now I can't get over this jewel of an island!

chartered plane from Alphaland's private hangar in Pasay

BALING HAI BEACH RESORT: Your quiet spot in Boracay

Baling Hai Beach sunrise

PH-INDONESIA RORO TRIPS THIS 2013

According to ABS-CBN News, a Philippine roll-on, roll-of (or RORO) will start its trips which will utilize the Davao-GenSan to Bitung, Indonesia route to start in the middle of this year. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce stated that this project between the two countries will improve trade, tourism, and connectivity. This is also our country's first RORO service to an ASEAN country. The project was pursued after a memorandum of cooperation between Davao City and Manado (Indonesia) chambers of commerce was signed last November.

RORO, en.wikipedia.org

E.A.T. AT DANAO ADVENTURE PARK

Be bold, be adventurous... Explore and experience E.A.T. Danao!

If you want extreme adventure amidst the green lushness of nature, Danao Adventure Park is the place for you...it is located at Brgy. Magtangtang, Danao just 2 hours away from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, and which used to be the base camp of Bohol hero Francisco Dagohoy....

SHERIDAN BOUTIQUE RESORT ILOILO

Located in Brgy. Buray, Oton, Iloilo, Sheridan Boutique Resort Iloilo gives the Ilonggos and visitors a luxurious respite from the crowd and noise of Iloilo City. Read here for my friend Cor's blog about the place. Enjoy the pictures!

The Casitas overlooking the lagoon

"Experience a first class treatment in a more reasonable price. Sheridan Boutique Resort offers adequate and suitable accommodations of your preference whether you’re on a family vacation, romantic getaway or an escapade with friends. It houses a total of 7 Casitas, 2 Deluxe rooms, and a Presidential Suite." (click here for source)

SWEET LAGUNA

  For almost a year that I have lived in Laguna, I have discovered some of the best tasting baked creations the province has to offer. Read on and enjoy!

MER-NEL'S

Originally from Los Banos, Laguna, Mer-Nel's Cake House has been a favorite of locals and worthy of endorsement for visitors to try out. Their famous chocolate cake has always been the favorite, with its sweet icing one could never get  tired of. And the good news? It's for a reasonable price!

JARO ILOILO: A RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

Jaro is one of the six districts of Iloilo City, and the most popular of them. With its role in the religious and economic history of the city, Jaro, with the well known Jaro Cathedral and its Belfry, has remained a strong symbol of religious and cultural heritage for the Ilonggos up to the present times.

Jaro Cathedral

LILIW: In the Land of Tsinelas!

Because it was only 15 minutes away from Nagcarlan, and we still have some time left of our Halloween "escapade", we decided to expand and visit Liliw, the "Land of Footwear" in the south. :) One thing I've noticed is that the houses and buildings in Liliw only occupies about 100sq m each of land. My friend said that this is because the town's land area is small, and to maximize space, houses and buildings are usually 2-3 storeys high. One would also notice the uphill slope when walking towards the St. John the Baptist church, so therefore I conclude the town of Liliw is on a hill :P

Tsinelas logo/replica of some shops

NAGCARLAN, LAGUNA PART I: Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

     

Thanks to friends again, I had a chance to visit the National Heritage Site that is the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. And what more appropriate day to explore the site than on a Halloween? Hihi... (sorry for the not-so great pix... We forgot, of all the things, to bring a decent camera! So we rely on our not-so high end mobile phone cam :{.. )

Underground Cemetery

THE RUINS of the past glamour

(re-blog and updated from iloilocityoflove.blogspot.com)

It was a summer break we all have been waiting for, and our destination before this golden moment ends was Bacolod City, a city known for its sugarcane plantations and its festival, the Masskara..

MT. PULAG - AMBANGEG TRAIL

Mt. Pulag summit is out there :p

I was invited by my sister to join her and her officemates (some were seasoned mountaineers already) to experience Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet which is the highest peak in Luzon. This is my first real mountain climb (not counting the fieldtrip we had in highschool in Moroboro in Dingle, Iloilo), but eversince, I had wanted to become a mountaineer. So enthusiastically I said yes. And both my sister and I were in for some big surprises...

ISDAAN FLOATING RESTAURANT - CALAUAN, LAGUNA

The Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac has enjoyed many great reviews. It has been a favorite pitstop of "biyaheros" from north going back to Manila. This is owned and operated by the Barrio Fiesta group of restaurants, so they say the food is delicious (sorry but I have not experienced Barrio Fiesta because it does not have a branch from where I come from :)).. The concept of the restaurant is Buddhist with giant statues of mermaids, buddha, and animals, linked with Filipino food.

PLAYA LAIYA BATANGAS

Thanks to friends, I got a chance to experience Laiya in San Juan Batangas. For years, Laiya has given tourists and locals alike the chance to enjoy sun and surf. on its creamy white sands with Mt. Daguldol (San Juan's highest peak)as the backdrop. Many have said this slice of paradise is popular, but when I searched the web for reviews and information, there were so few. Only a handful of resorts in Laiya have reached mainstream which are offering prime accommodations and amenities.

Playa Laiya beach

PALAWAN: THE LAST FRONTIER part 2

EL NIDO (DAY 3)

Bacuit Bay, El Nido

We traveled approximately 6 hours from Puerto Princessa to El Nido by private van across winding roads (again) and mountain and farm landscapes. There's nothing much to see while in transit so you may prefer to sleep. At approximately 1-2 hours in the trip, you 'll get a glimpse of the islands of El Nido, and just like an enchantress taunting you. In reaching El Nido, you could opt by plane from Manila (much costly), from Puerto Princessa you could ride a bus or hire a shuttle van. For more info on daily trips to El Nido, click here.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM: The Magic Lives On

A trip to Manila would never be complete without a tour to Enchanted Kingdom (aka EK). Located 2hours away from the busy streets of greater Manila, this fun land (with the famous Eldar) will truly give you the magic it promises.Its spine-tingling, gut-wrenching rides will left you either craving for some more or screaming for your dear life.