Boracay Island: Things To Do

Everyone is dreaming to spend their vacation in the best beach in the world, Boracay Island.  It is known for white sand beaches and leisure activities like; scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, and water sport rides. It is among the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. In fact, Boracay Island was awarded as the best island in the world in 2012.

This small island is located at the Northwest of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. 

It was developed among the best travel destination for relaxation and nightlife. It is also one competitive venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour. The white beach is well known beach on the island –it is about four kilometres long. There are various establishment likes resorts, hotels, lodging houses, and restaurant.

Beforehand, this island is included in the to-do list of a traveller like me. I am glad that I was able to visit here. The original plan, actually, was to join the Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan and sidetrip on Boracay Island.  The plan was changed because when I make some inquiries for reservation all Inn and hotels are fully booked. I was so frustrated!

So, hello Boracay Island…

It was my first time on Boracay Island and so with my travel buddy, both of us have no idea on what to do. Since, I was appointed to make our itinerary. I stumble upon on a different blogs to have learned interesting activities.  

Things to do:

Fire Dance: The evenings on Boracay beach offer shows and entertained tourist like cultural dancing, live band or acoustic singer, and the most interesting is the Fire Dance.

Island Hopping: The Island is home of undeveloped beaches, crystal and turquoise waters, and colourful coral reefs. So, your adventure will not be completed if you did not do this!

Explore White Beach:  Boracay is known for famous white beach with crystal clear water and fine white sand. So, discover the beauty of four kilometres white beach. You can jog/run in the morning or in the afternoon. Walking with your bare foot, sun bathing and then, watch sunset!

Puka Beach: If you want to escape from the busy and crowded Boracay station from 1, 2, and 3. Then, Puka Beach is good for you! It is a peaceful stretch of white sand in the northern tip of the island. The sand is not as fine as white beach. You can hire a tricycle to take you there.

Snorkeling: Take a glance of the thriving sea life. But, sad to say, we can’t see the beauty under the sea because the weather is not so good due to the low pressure that hits Visayas and Mindanao. The water is not so clear!

Pig-Out: There are several restaurants establishments around the beach. We tried to consume in the street foods, which is very interesting, Smoke Restaurant, and finally, I tried the Jonah’s Fruit Shake.

Other leisure activities are mentioned above and other interesting pastimes are FlyFish, Banana Boat, ATV car ride and buggy cart, Parasailing, Jetski, skim boarding and more.

Since, our flight was re-scheduled and so we decided to join the last part of Ati-Atihan Festival. I am so glad that we can still witness the festival. Next time, we will try the other activities Boracay Island can offers. Lastly, we enjoyed the trip because of the amazing scenery. Happy travelling!

More photos here...

Keep safe guys,

Marco 

Panagbenga Flower Festival 2014: Who Don't Want To Miss Out?

Baguio City is situated at the northern part of Luzon in fact it is a very much urbanized city. This was developed by Americans in 1900 at the place of an Ibaloi village, also known as Kafagway . It is also referred to as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

The festival gets the name from a Kankanaey term, it means “a season for blossoming,” that’s why, it is also called the Flower Festival. It is also the biggest festival in the northern region that features street dance and flower float competitions.

Panagbenga Flower Festival is a long month celebration and the theme for 2014 is “Inspiring the Community for a Greener Tomorrow”.

 Schedule of Activities

February 1
Opening Ceremonies
7:00 AM - Panagbenga Park
Grand Opening Parade: Drum & Lyre Dance Competition (Elementary Division)
8:00 AM - Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 2
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 3
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Chinese Spring Festival Parade
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 4
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 5
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium
Inauguration of DOT (Department of Tourism) Adopted Garden
10:00 AM - BGHMC Garden’s Park

February 6
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 7
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium
Baguio’s Ultimate Model Search by Viva La Events Production
6:00 PM - Baguio Convention Center

February 8
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium
Ginuman Fest 2014 Concert and Game Show
5:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 9
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 10
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 11
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 12
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 13
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 14
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
PMA Alumni Homecoming
PMA Grounds
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 15
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Flower Tee Golf Tournament
6:00 AM - Baguio Country Club
PMA Alumni Homecoming
PMA Grounds
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 16
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio
Burnham Park
Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom
8:00 AM - Melvin Jones Grandstand
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Team Lakay 15th High Altitude Grapplers’ Cup
Igorot Garden, Burnham Park
Panagbenga Run 2014
4:30 AM - In front of Children’s Park, Burnham

February 17
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 18
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 19
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 20
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 21
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Festival 2014 Invitational Darts Fest
Cong. Aliping Headquarters, Bokawkan Road
San Miguel Beer Variety Show at the Park
6:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 22
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Exhibitors’ and Sponsors’ Day
Athletic Bowl
Grand Street Dancing Parade
8:00 AM - Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Festival 2014 Invitational Darts Fest
Cong. Aliping Headquarters, Bokawkan Road
San Miguel Beer Variety Show at the Park
6:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand
Mr. Panagbenga 2014 Muscle Showdown
6:00 PM - Baguio Convention Center

February 23
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Exhibitors’ and Sponsors’ Day
Athletic Bowl
Grand Float Parade
8:00 AM - Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Festival 2014 Invitational Darts Fest
Cong. Aliping Headquarters, Bokawkan Road
San Miguel Beer Variety Show at the Park
6:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 24
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 25
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Handog Pasasalamat ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM sa Panagbenga 2014: Free Concert
4:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 26
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 27
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 28
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

March 1
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Pony Boys’ Day
Wright Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Marathon 2014 by Team Malaya Dunamis
4:00 AM - Panagbenga Park

March 2
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Athletic Bowl, Main thoroughfares of Baguio
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Tambalang Saya sa Panagbenga Part 3 by ECarta Media Productions and Promotions / Z-Radio
5:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

There are at least 2 million people who joined the festival last year, 2013. For those who don't want to miss this out, plan your trips ahead. Enjoy travelling! :)

source: http://panagbengaflowerfestival.com/

Kalibo: Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan is annual celebration in honour of Santo Nino. It is a two-week festival, which the highlight is on the third Sunday of January. During this day, participants of the street dance parade wear colourful and exceptional costumes, paint their faces in different styles and it consists tribal dance and music. 

It is also known as the mother of all festival in the Philippines. Other neighbouring provinces encouraged to have their own version of festivity like Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

The major street in Aklan fills with locals bringing drums and dancing very lively with their colourful costumes, shouted “Hala! Bira!” The Aetas are the earliest and the primary settler in the Panay Island, the festival named Ati-atihan means “to be like Aetas” or “make believe Ati’s”, that’s why, all participants of this event get darkened with bright color of dress, which attracts tourists.

The best part of the festival happens on the last day, when the groups representing the different tribes to compete and it ends with a procession with thousands of people joined carrying torches and various images of the Santo Nino.

It was my first time to witness the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan and I wanted to visit there again, maybe next year. And, I will recommend this also to my co-travellers and friends. I was there on the last day of the festival after my Boracay adventure –will blog it next time. 

How to get to Kalibo, Aklan?

It can be reached by sea, air and by land. You can book flights via Kalibo Internation Airport with the following airline companies:

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippines Airlines
• Airasia Zest

By sea, it consumed 12 hours from Manila North Harbor going to Aklan –it has three ports; Jetty Port in Caticlan, the port in Dumaguit, and the port of New Washington.

• Moreta Shipping lines (Caticlan, Dumaguit, and Kalibo)
• The Caticlan Jetty port caters Roll-on and Roll-off (RORO) shipping lines like Montenegro Shipping Lines
• MBRS Shipping lines (Caticlan & Dumaguit, Aklan)
• WG&A Super Ferry - Our Lady of Medjugorje (Dumaguit, Aklan)

By land (bus), it takes 12-15 hours from Manila bound to Aklan. The following bus companies are:

• PHILTRANCO Bus (Cubao, Quezon City)
• Bachelor Express
• Dimple Star Transit (Araneta Center, Cubao)

Happy travelling!

Marco

Malarayat Mountain Range Traverse (Mt. Malipunyo - Manabu Peak)

Holiday gives us the chance to discover places, mountains and travel around. A year ago, we hiked two mountains in just for one day and now, before 2013 ends we challenged ourselves to do a traverse. This is a challenging and exciting adventure and we felt nervous because we don’t know what will happen during the hike. But, the eagerness is there and we are fully energized that day.  

The Story
Our first traverse is Mt. Malipunyo to Mt. Manabu via Mt. Malarayat mountain range -  it is one of the major features of the Southern Tagalog scenery (also includes; Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, and Mt. Maculot). 

Mt. Malipunyo is located between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna. It has three peaks with the summit of 1005 MASL, it is sometimes spelled as Malipuño. This mountain is a forested and grassy, even in the summit. Mt. Malipunyo, Mt. Susong Dalaga, and the Manabu Peak are the interconnected destinations. Some part of the trails would be steep, but there are many trees to hold on to, but be careful of the harmful plants.

Mt. Manabu is typically cloudy that gives you an almost wistful air. It is one of the three major peaks of the Malarayat range, the named itself is the abbreviated from the word “Mataas na Bundok”. The trail is easy and is the most accessible mountain from Manila. The very beautiful surroundings and add the spectacular view of the Malipunyo mountain range. You can see the perfect scene!

After our early breakfast, our group rode a bus going to Batangas City and from the bus terminal; we headed to the Fiesta Mall and rode a trike to the jump-off. We meet Mang Mario, our guide for the day. Then, start trekking around six thirty in the morning.

struggling the slippery trail

reached the Peak 1

There are noxious plants and pruritogenic lipa trees which can cause itching. Thorns bushes are also visible in the mountain so be careful to avoid getting injury. It is important to wear clothes that can protect your skin. You can get out of the forest after hour later then passing by the grassland or also called “Talahiban”. The trail, after passing by the grassland, is not less of dangers anymore, but it’s going on a sharp edge. It's very tiring, but after all, you will realized how beautiful the world is.

Mt. Susong-Dalaga

dirty but happy feet

encountered various wild plants

reaching the Manabu Peak

Note: If you are not familiar in the trail, it is important to hire a guide to avoid getting lost here.

ITINERARY:

03:30AM - Assembly Jollibee-Buendia

04:30AM - ETD Jam Terminal (going to Batangas City) 

06:00AM - ETA Fiesta Mall (take trike to Jump off)

06:30AM - Arrival at jumpoff - Start Trek

07:30AM - Arrive at the river, first water source.

08:15AM - 2nd water source 

09:00AM - Arrive at Peak 1

09:30AM – Arrive at Peak 2

10:00AM – Arrive at Peak 3, Mt. Malipunyo Summit, take lunch

11:00AM - Start descent

11:30AM - Arrived at Balete park

12:00NN -  Start descent

12:30PM - River. Water source

01:00PM – Tri-House, rest, take coffee, snacks

02:00PM - Arrived at Biak na bundok

02:30PM - Start descend

03:30PM - Arrived at Mt Maraduhan. Rest

04:30PM - Arrived at Manabu Campsite. Rest

05:00PM - Set foot on Mt Manabu Peak

05:30PM - Start descent

05:45PM - Coffee Break at Manong Pirying

06:30PM - Arrived at Mt Manabu Jump off. Rest. Tidy up

07:30PM - Take tricycle to lipa Bus stop, Dinner

08:00PM - Arrived at Lipa Bus Stop

08:30PM - Take bus to Manila

09:30PM - ETA Manila

Expenses

Bus – 157php 

Trike – 20php

Registration Fee – 20php

Guide Fee – 200php each (we give 100php each as tip for Manong Mario for being nice and kind to us)

Food/Water - 250

Guide contact number: Mang Mario, +63-9994106990

More photos here...

Malipunyo makes my 11th conquered mountain a successful one and it was my second time to climbed Mt. Manabu! Hooray!

Happy climbing,

-Marco

Conquered Mt. Banoi

The last mountain I climbed was Mt. Kalisungan with 760 MASL. It was my 8^th official mountaineering together with my friends. I stop climbing a mountain for almost three months because I am busy for my commitments. But, one day my friend Jeff invited me to join him to climb along with Ian, our mountaineer friend. Since I missed mountain climbing, without any hesitation I accepted the invitation.

Mt. Banoi, my 9th conquered mountain, is 850 MASL for the Two Towers Peak and about 960 MASL for the Main Peak, is located in the town of Lobo, Batangas, and is part of the mountain range that surrounds in the town. This is a minor climb and it’s about two to five hours of reaching the summit.

The first time we attempted to climb Mt. Banoi is failed because we are not able to reach the summit. From Sitio Malabnig, according to the local, is one to two hour trekking before you can reach the summit depending on how fast your pace is. And, take note, we arrived at Sitio Malabnig at two o’clock in the afternoon. Very late! So, we’re not able to make it. We just stay there for a while and we go back to the town because we need to catch up for the last trip going to Batangas that is five o’clock in the afternoon.

On our second attempt, we need to accomplish our mission, to reach the summit. Only Jeff and Ian are available on this day. This time, we arrived early in the town of Lobo. We rode a tricycle and asked the driver to drop-off at the Chapel.

You will begin your trek at the end of the road of Brgy. Balatbat, landmark is the Chapel. And, from there, about one and half an hour you will reach the major jump-off at Sitio Malabnig –is a community with dozen of houses and I salute to people living on the top of 400 MASL. 

The trail, actually, is not really confusing because it is mostly straightforward and you can ask the locals along the way, they are very helpful! You can also ask the people in the Sitio Malabnig the right way going to the Mt. Banoi. You can reach the first peak in 1.5 hours to two hours; it is easily identified because of the communication tower. The mountain features the scene of animal farm, villages, and the whole town of Lobo. Mt. Lobo, Mt. Daguldol, and Mt. Naguiling can be seen in the east.

We arrived at the first peak of the mountain during lunchtime and we decided not to pursue on the Main Peak instead of having a good lunch on the first peak. However, the views from the mountain are the same all the way through the peaks. It’s really up to you to visit the Main Peak. But, for us, we didn’t pursue to the Main Peak and we just stay and took our lunch. Then, descent.

Mt. Banoi Itinerary:

04:30 AM – meet up in Buendia, Pasay

05:00 AM – board bus bound to Batangas Grand Terminal, 157php

06:40 AM – arrive at Grand Terminal, ride jeepney going to Balagtas, 12php

07:15 AM – from Balagtas, ride a jeepney to Lobo Terminal, 8php

07:30 AM – board jeepney going to Lobo Town

08:50 AM – arrive at Lobo Town, register at police station, and ride a tricycle to jump-off (chapel)

09:00 AM – start trekking

10:00 AM – arrive at Sitio Malabnig

12:00 NN – first peak, Two Towers Peak, lunch

01:00 PM – descent

02:00 PM – Sitio Malabnig

03:30 PM – back to the Chapel, ride trike back to Lobo town (NOTE: get the contact number of the tricycle driver so he can pick you back to the town)

04:00 PM – clean up, ride a jeepney back to Batangas City

05:30 PM – Grand Terminal, back to Manila

Expenses:

Transportation: 500php
Food: 200php

And this is my 9th conquered mountain. Hooray!

Happy climbing! :)
Marco

What and where to eat in Legazpi City, Albay

Some people do their adventure with friends and family and some people do it alone. They like to do it yourself! They like to go to a place where they’re not familiar and explore the place. I am jealous of them because they are brave enough to do a solo trip. And as they are saying, do solo trips add more self-confidence. And, that’s what I like, to do a solo trip.

I am always accompanied by my group and friends when travelling or doing a great adventure.

Now, I am planning to do a solo trip and thinking where to go.  I decided to go Legaspi, Albay with the suggestion of my friend. I am so excited because that was the very first time solo trip. I am searching on the internet where to go and where to eat in Legaspi, Albay. And, with the help also of my friend, he suggested where and what to eat.

For now, I will share you what and where to eat in Albay. Here are my lists:

Small Talk Cafe

I’ve always heard about Pinangat Pasta and I wonder what is it? I am interested in it. He suggested me that you try it and so when we are in Small Talk café I ordered one of it. When the waitress served it to our table, it smells good. The taste of the pasta was good and delicious. It’s creamy Pinangat Pasta! The serving is good enough for one person. The place, for me, is nice!

Location: Doña Aurora Street, Legazpi City

Pinangat Pasta, Php110

1^st Colonial Grill

Did you hear sili ice-cream? Yes! I heard it from my bicolano friend. So, when I was there. I would love to taste the sili ice-cream though I am not into chili food. But, I love to try it.  I was accompanied by my friend during that day. I tried the sili ice-cream and he got baileys ice-cream. I would love to say that you must try I am pretty sure that you will love the creamy and chili ice-cream. It is very unusual ice-cream because of its flavour.

Location: Villa Amada Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Sili Ice-cream, Php79. Bailey's Ice-cream, Php79

Bigg’s Diner

On the next day for my trip, I went to Daraga Church for a picture scene of Mt. Volcano. Afterward, I have my breakfast to Bigg’s Diner. It was named Carl’s Diner and it changed on 21^st of October 1994 and true to its name, Bigg’s Diner was a big hit easily which became the busiest restaurant in town. I tried Bistek Pinoy and it was good.

Location: Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Bistek Pinoy, Php105

Red Continent Dine and Café

Before I’m going back to Manila, my friend suggested that I should try Red Continent – it’s an authentic Bicolano and Filipino cuisines to greater heights and redefine the word spicy. They challenge their customers to pick from their desired level of spiciness that is warm, hot or volcanic.

And, he suggested that I will try the chili chicken express. So, I ordered what he suggested and without my knowledge it was good for two to three people. What? I was shocked when it served to my table. Haha! Anyway, you will be asked if your order will be warm, hot and volcanic (volcanic means super-hot).   I also tried their Pili Strawberry Sabayon. The chili chicken express is delicious. The pili strawberry sabayon is good, too! But, it was a small serving.

Location: GTS Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Pili Strawberry Sabayon, Php45. Chili Chicken Express, Php180

So, if you are visiting Albay I do hope that you could try out the food listed above. I love and I really enjoyed my solo trip. And, I will do it again maybe next year. Thank you for visiting my page!

Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure

In my previous post - Weekend Getaway | Majayjay Falls, I talked about our weekend getaway in Tanay Falls or known as Majayjay Falls. After that, our next adventure is in Magdalena, Laguna. What to do with Magdalena? Hmm, that’s what we are going to find out. Upon browsing on the World Wide Web we learned that we can do river rafting in the place.

As we all know, only Cagayan De Oro offers river rafting, but Magdalena offers also this kind of activity. 

Who would have thought that Magdalena, Laguna offers this kind of activity? Without a doubt, that’s true!


If you are on a tight budget and you can't go to CDO to experience this kind of adventure. Well, don't you worry because Magdalena has to offer and I am sure that you will also enjoy their river rafting! After doing the rafting here I am eager to go to CDO and try their the so-called wild white river rafting! Whew! I am ready to that!

Anyhow, lets talk about Magdalena first. Hehe!

There are several well-known sights in Magdalena, Laguna just like Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Mali-mali Bridge, Emilio Jacinto Shrine, The Rizal Park, Bahay Laguna, The Pintong Kabag and The Pintong Pilak.

Magdalena - the fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna is Magdalena, it has 22, 976 population according to the latest census. It is also formerly a barrio of Majayjay, Laguna. On January 18, 1820, Magdalena was proclaimed a new town by Gov. Gen. Don Mariano Fernandez de Folgueras after the petition from the residents of the barrio. It was named first as Magdalena de Ambling which derived from its patron saint Maria Magdalena.

Magdalena also held Kawayan Festival. It was a colourful festival that celebrates the native bamboo and the role in the culture and livelihood of the town to promote bamboo-based industries.

It had been the sun-drenched day when the group decided to do the extreme adventure in Magdalena, Laguna. Though, it was quite a long drive, but we are just so patience and excited because that was our first time doing a river rafting together.

We usually leave as early as we can avoid traffic if we are going to have a weekend getaway. But that day we decided to meet late in the morning because our river rafting adventure will start at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

Our meeting place is at Buendia Bus Terminal then from there we rode a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It’s about two to three hours’ drive. From Sta. Cruz, we rode a jeep bound to Magdalena and drop-off at Basketball court. 

Since, we arrived early we decided to take our breakfast first and have to explore around the area. We visited St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church and The Rizal Park. They have a Walk of Fame version in the park, too! Not only the name of FPJ to Walk of Fame can be seen in Magdalena, Laguna because the blood marked one hero had also here. Who? Emilio Jacinto, his bloodstains were found on the floor of the church.

Then, went to the office to meet Sir Raf (the guide) and we’ll wait for an hour for our extreme adventure. Furthermore, before heading to the river, Sir Raf briefed us for safety. And, then, it’s already lunchtime, so we asked him if where we are able to acquire each of our foods for lunch. The good thing is that they also offer food. 

After our lunch, the adventure begins…

RIVER RAFTING PACKAGE

Fee: 550 pesos per head
Inclusions:
Transportation (From Magdalena town proper to rafting area and back)
Use of Gears & Equipment
Raft guide
Cottage at Dam area
Photos


EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Buendia - Sta. Cruz) - 140 PHP
Jeepney to Magdalena - 13-15 PHP
Rafting Package - 550 PHP
Packed Lunch + drinks - 60 PHP
Jeepney to Sta. Cruz - 13-15 PHP
Bus Fare (Sta. Cruz - Buendia) - 140 PHP
Safe budget - 1000 PHP

HOW TO GET THERE

From Buendia, take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna (fare 140php) and travel time is 2-3 hours. 

From Sta. Cruz, take a jeepney to Magdalena, fare is 13-15 pesos and travel time is around 15-30 minutes.

For inquiries/bookings:

Contact Tito Raf - 0916-5906424

FB: facebook.com/buenojanraphael

It was really a fun and unforgettable experience. We thank to Sir Raf for the experience and for the hospitality. We love to do it again.

Weekend Getaway | Majayjay Falls

under the trees

It is the fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna, located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw.  In 1578, the Spanish colonial government made it a town and it is one of the most populated towns in the newly founded province.   

Locals use to call it Malay Barangay.

It became Majayjay because of a tired travellers sighed, HAY! After climbing a hill, after scaling a cliff, and after crossing a raging river. 

Therefore, guests referred to the place “Mahayhay” which means many sighs and Spaniard spelled it “Majayjay”. That’s how Malay Barangay got its name Majayjay. 

Majayjay Falls

Majayjay is a home to the Taytay Falls but it is also known as Majayjay Falls, is a two-storey high falls which located in isolated scenery where the forestry is plentiful. In order to go to Taytay Falls, one has to go down the pebble steps leading to a kilometre-long trail.

The group has various suggestions where to go before summer ends. From beach, mountain hiking, water rafting, surfing, road trip to food trip – these are the options of the group. But after a long day of arguments and suggesting a new nice place to go, we settled to explore Majayjay and what they can offer for a weekend traveller like us.

We left Taft Avenue at exactly 7 o’clock in the morning and the trip is about 2-3 hours’ drive.  We board in a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna and from there we rode a jeep going to Majayjay Town. We arrived at Majayjay around 2:30PM and we go ahead to registered at the Brgy. Hall and we rented a tent for our overnight stay. 

We are all excited because it is our first time to visit the Majayjay Falls and stay there over the weekend. It’s a walking distance from Brgy. Hall to Majayjay falls. And from the entrance we already heard the drift of the water falls and it was cold.  It's freezing cold!

our tent

We look up a place where to build our tent and then, Manong assist us to fix our tent. Our location is nearby the river and a bit far from the crowd. During that time, there are many tourist stay there overnight. It’s really a long drive from the metro to Majayjay that is why we ate dinner after fixing our tent. We’re all thanks to our guide for helping us to build up our tent. 

Expenses:

Fare: 500php

Tent: 350php (good for 4-6 people, 70php per person)

Registration: 20php

Food: 250php

Total Cost: 840php

Safe budget: 1100php

Itinerary
Day 1
0630 Meet up in Buendia LRT
0700 Board bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1000 ETA Sta Cruz, Laguna; Board jeepney to Majayjay Town
1100 ETA Majayjay, Ride jeepney to Taytay Falls
1130 ETA Brgy. Hall
1200 Lunch (at Brgy. Hall)

1330 fixing tent

1400 Rest

1500 Early dinner

1600 swimming time

Day 2
1400 Tidy up
1530 Ride Jeepney back to Majayjay
1630 Ride jeepney to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1800 Ride bus back to Manila
2100 ETA Manila

More photos here...