The Great City of Singapore!

If I were to choose between nature and city, there's no doubt, I'd always pick nature to spend my 5-day vacation. But sometimes, majority wins. 

And there I was, marvelling the beauty of Singapore's busy city. Everything and everyone is fast-moving, transportation is efficient, roaming around even at wee hours is relatively safe, towering buildings are beautifully designed. All I wanted our city in PH to be is in full view as if I'm looking at the future (atleast in my imagination).

Singapore is a small country, nevertheless, it showcases a wide range of attractions, entertainment, malls, and themeparks to its tourists.

Start wandering within your reach.. and go directly to Plaza Singapura where you can find Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the eye in the sky, and the city skyscrapers at the background. Then walk around the Gardens by the Bay, visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest and when it's time to refuel, there are restaurants where you can find good food at Clarke Quey.

Universal Studios is one of the main attractions, almost all visitors include this themepark on their list when coming here. You should expect, though, that outdoor rides could immediately stop its operation  on a cloudy weather and rainshower.

A bit early, we decided to try out Transformer's 4D ride at Sci-fi city. First of, we didn't expect the super long line as well as how super realistic it was. A thrilling, heartpumping experience! My friends beside me cried their hearts out, one pressed her hands so hard, my arms becomes red after the 15min ride. 

I was able to manage my fear of being in an eclosed, crowded room for almost an hour too. I felt so relieved when it was finally done!

And when you already explored the small world of USS, stroll around Resort's World or go treat your eyes with some cool illusions at Trick Eye Museum just outside USS.

I could have tried riding a luge back in Bukidnon a few years ago but upon looking at the steep slopes, I didn't dared to try. In Sentosa's promo board, it says "Once is never enough!" And when we tried the first time, it really wasn't enough! We went back up for another round, I want one more but we ran out of time! 

Had we had enough time, we could've set our feet to Sentosa's beach too! When I go back, I'll definitely spend more time here just for the luge and beach! ;)

Cross the border when you can, Malaysia is just hours away via bus. The closest you can go for a daytour is Legoland and Hello Kitty town.. 

So, where to next? 

Road Trippin' Mindanao

March 18-22, 2015

I was over the moon when I received an invitation from a good, old friend living in the southernmost part of the Philippines. I know it will be one heck of a 5-day road trip.

On flight day, I was supposed to travel with a buddy but she cancelled the last minute with the reason of her parents being "skeptical" about the town's safeness, I am too, but I boarded the plane anyway.. 

It was a very fine day when I landed at Francisco Bangoy International Airport. I instantly saw this gorgeous lady waving at a distance, widely smiling. =) My friend, welcomed me with open arms. I'm finally at her beloved hometown... I tagged her "Road Princess" mainly because at an average of 5 hrs of travel a day, visiting their business branches around the province, she doesn't seem to get tired at all. She is just one amazing lass.

And then, the adventure begins!

Going places around Mindanao means getting your butt sore. Sitting for long hours in a car until you reach your next destination, it was a bit tiring but was all worth the soreness and boredom. =D 

DAVAO

When you're at the city proper, you should not miss to dine at Bulca Chong and try their specialty Bulcachong Buffalo Stew! (not pictured). It was, according to my friend, manginginom's favorite. They eat it after the inuman session to help them sober up.

Samal Island would be a no-brainer  if you want to go beach-bumming. You can choose among the many resorts to stay in. If you're not in a tight budget, check into Pearl Farm Beach Resort, it is one of the famous resorts in the island.

Gretch planned to bring us there overnight but since, we're only 2, we just settled in at the nearest resort, the Paradise Island, to indulge in some good food for lunch.

SOUTH COTABATO

I never imagined myself setting foot in one of the danger zones of Mindanao (or at least what we've been thinking all along). I was also in doubt when Gretch sent me the itinerary but she's been here and she assured me that we'll be safe. I'm glad I did trust her, I love the thrill and the experience! =D

I love ziplines! when I learned that we'll go ziplining over Lake Sebu falls, I was overjoyed, like a kid given a lollipop! =) It was 600 ft above the ground, the first one was 700m long and the shorter one was 400m.

We had lunch on Punta Isla Lake Resort's floating restaurant, which had cruised along Lake Sebu's fish pens. It was hosted by a group of T'boli's. While having our meal, they treated us with some entertainment featuring their traditional music and dance. We also got to know a bit about Lake Sebu and T'boli tribes' history from the host's story-telling.

Punta Isla Lake Resort's floating restaurant.

SULTAN KUDARAT

My heart raced when I was told about the highway going to Maguindanao. As we know, Maguindanao is where the brutal Ampatuan massacre took place and it wasn't that far! I was scared to death at that moment and I'm wearing an Army shirt! Stupid me! 

During the night, check points are all over the place, inspecting vehicles one-by-one. It's just so uncomfortable, you will feel the tense and that, threat is just somewhere waiting to happen. 

The grand Provincial Capitol. It is beautifully lighted at night but I was just too tired to take pictures (a regret) the first time we passed by. We stopped by the next day before we head back to Davao though. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we didn't had the chance to see the interior.

The Golden Sultan

If you also happen to be in Isulan, you should try Bidz Inasal and buy some cakes and pastries at Le Gre' just beside the resto.

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Tinuy-an falls is located in a humble town of Bislig, Surigao Del Sur. 

We took a raft and plunged into its refreshing waters right after eating our late lunch. We then climbed up for the second tier falls and it was lovely! There are affordable cottages you can rent and bathroom for shower.

My aqua shoes over the falls

And the best one yet, was perhaps, the Enchanted River. Underwater pictures just doesn't give it justice, you have to see it first-hand to truly appreciate this hidden gem. But I do hope it won't get abused by the local government and the tourists as well.

Feeding time occurs at exactly 12 o'clock in the afternoon. A bell ring signals the visitors to get out of the water and the start of fish feeding. A relaxing music plays at the background. And when all the fish comes altogether, they throw in the fish pellets. 

I stayed at the shallow part near the cave opening. It is just unbelievable! you're like inside a huge aquarium only there's no glasses surrounding it. I took photos and videos to my heart's content 'til my camera's battery dies on me.

Mindanao have so much to offer. I do hope our Government will do something to boost tourism in places such as these, ensuring as well, the visitor's safety.  

It was a thrilling 5-day summer vacation. All thanks to our Princess! =)

I would love to try paragliding in Saranggani next time. =)

Micro Summer Vacay 2015

February 19-22, 2015

Off to Baguio City to make most of our time with the Alimodian family who are, in less than 7 months, migrating to Canada.

Sitio Pungayan, or also known as La Presa, becomes an instant popular destination especially among the avid followers of ABS-CBN's favorite telenovela, "Forevermore". People flock the said shooting location most of the days.

 Souvenir Shirts were available at the site and we also met this charming little local in traditional Igorot costume. You will be charged of a fee on taking photographs with the "La Presa" banner (not pictured).

There were just a few group of people when we arrived at about 7 in the morning, so we got to enjoy the location and had extra time to explore. Walk further and you'll get to see this panoramic view.

We revisited the usual attractions in the City of Pines over the course of two days: Rollerblading with the kids at Burnham Park, Strawberry-picking at La Trinidad, Hot choco tasting at Choco-late de Batirol, Thrill-seeking at Tree Top Adventure, and just goofing around at The Mansion.

Team Alimodian enjoying some corn and sunshine at Mine's View Park. We will surely miss the company of this wonderful family. 

Gandara getting caught on camera by ABS-CBN crew for our Music Video =D

Calamansi-picking and veggie-harvesting at the farm. And the icing on top of the cake, a boodle fight! =D

Weekend Getaway: Baler's Summer

Welcome to Baler, the provincial capital of Aurora, which is one of the top surfing spots of the Philippines! 

Before the summer ends, my friends and I went off the road and enjoy the scorching heat of summer at this awesome place.

May the following photos convince you to go see and experience Baler!

A view of the town from one of the viewing decks of Ermita Hill.

Replica of survivors that symbolizes the (only) 7 families who had survived the tsunami (or also known as the "Tromba Marina") that struck the small town in 1735.

Digisit falls

Low tide in Digisit Beach

The largest Balete tree in Asia. It takes about 60 people with outstretched arms to encircle this massive and towering tree. We were told of strange and frightening stories about these kind of trees when we were young so, when the guide told us to go inside, I was a bit hesitant. But we went in anyway, and I'm glad we did! 

Our guide climbed up to take a photo of us, he's really good at taking fun shots. That's one thing I learned from this guy, how to use the panorama from my phone and point-and-shoot camera. hehe..

At the end of a 30-minute green-ish trek is a beautiful waterfall called Ditumabo or also known as the Mother falls. Plunge into its cold but refreshing water and bring out your waterproof camera for fun shots under.

Enjoy walking along Sabang's long shoreline and fine sand

Learn surfing with the expert local surfers. The best time to catch big waves is between September to February. 

Don't forget to buy pasalubong...

and take a picture of the scenic views

along the way.

Due to time constraints, we're not able to see the other must-sees or try their local food which gives us the excuse of coming back some other time =D

By the way, when going to Baler it is recommended to plan ahead and ask for  right directions instead of relying only to GPS or google maps. You may end up driving along the unfinished bumpy-dark-rough road at the edge of the mountains. Be safe and enjoy! =)

Island-Hopping Zambales

April 12-13, 2014

Summer isn't complete without throwing yourself into the beach! So, let's hit the road...

Good thing, one of our colleagues, invited us in his home, accommodation and food is free! =)

San Antonio, Pundaquit Bridge

 A simple stone-balancing art(?) at Camara Island

The mandatory group jumpshot at Capones Island 

Other tourists 

 Enjoying the black sand at Anawangin Cove's long shore

Calm waters is calming... =) 

The Simple Life: Just waiting for the sun to set beautifully.