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.

Weekend Getaway: Tagaytay's Sky Ranch

August 9 is a Holiday, which means 'long weekend' for us!

Since we're on a tight budget, we only settled in to a nearby town, Tagaytay City! and LJ's hospitality saves us an accommodation expense, thank you! =)

We spent the day at Sky Ranch Theme park @ Php50 entrance fee. The park wasn't fully developed yet and most of the rides are designed for kids, so we just took a ride at the country's tallest Ferris Wheel @ Php200 overlooking Taal Lake and sipped some flavorful Buko Shake!

 

 

 

Hungry bellies and tired feet took us at Bulalo Point Restaurant. We ordered, well, fatty Bulalo!, and inihaw na bangus, and ensaladang talong. Fresh Buko for drinks.

We walked along the busy street down to the market to look for Rowena's Bakeshop for yummy tarts, a good choice for dessert and pasalubong! =)

Back at LJ's home, I made some nachos for midnight snacks that goes with tanduay ice. Went sleep fully loaded! Such a pig! =D

Weekend Getaway: Badian, Cebu

I had a whole day training in Cebu branch on 7th of December. My college friend iki was coincidentally within the area that time so I extended my stay to spend the weekend with her.

Conference Room @ Cebu Office

My officemates took care of me during the training, taking me out for Lunch  (Chika-an Restaurant) and Dinner. Thank you for the treat Mommy Lyn, you are always so accommodating!

Forgot the name of the resto but the bbq and its sauce is yumyum!

My dear friend offered her humble studio for a sleepover on Friday night. The  following morning, we decided to take a bus going to the southern part of Cebu. In a small, quiet town of Badian to see the Kawasan Falls and super calm waters of Badian Beach. It was a 3-hr drive from the City. 

Two Kuyas guided us to the main falls of kawasan, there were also bamboo sculptures. We bought water and bibingka along the way. And when we got to the resort, we hurriedly ordered sinigang na liempo, lechon kawali and coconut juice for lunch. Hungry much, I asked for an extra rice! 

With the bamboo raft, we were able to get within the falls and had a pressurized water massage. We then hiked up to the 2nd, 3rd and all the way up to the main source which was so isolated. The water was super cold, I had cramps but still made our way back thanks to kuya's help in massaging my feet. :D

Korean Tourists enjoying the bamboo raft

We stayed at a small, quiet resort, La Playa Beach Resort, where I took some of the best sceneries I have ever shot!

Can you spot the other Rainbow?!

Life of Pi?!

Hues of Sunset

Tiny fishes!

With the Resort's owner, Nanay Sony

Peeking @ my seatmate's korean book. =D

A memorable trip with my old pal!

Weekend Getaway: Urdaneta-Tayug

Lisland Resort
Urdaneta, Pangasinan
March 17-18, 2012

We were waiting for Kuya Jojo at the waiting area. He arrived at 12:30 MN and we were still up, energetic and excited to enjoy the weekend.

My parents greeted us at the gate as we arrived at around 5 o'clock in the morning. They started preparing our packed lunch and meryenda, pork adobo/mangga with mum's bagoong/spaghetti, while we took a rest. By 11 AM, we hit the road to Urdaneta City. Below are pictures from Lisland Rainforest Resort. Entrance Fee: Adults @ Php100, Kids @ Php80 and Regular Picnic Huts @400. The resort has one large 4 to 6ft deep pool and a small one for kids. It also has a playground. I love the trees surrounding the place but the Comfort Rooms and Showers were not that good at all.

At night, since it was our town's fiesta, we went to the plaza to have fun. Gi tried the strike zone and luckily she striked the tower of bottles with only two balls! 

We slept in tents. Here, we had a photo op with our adorable dog, Smile. =)

We had Itlog na Maalat with tomatoes, steamed Katuray and eggplant, tuyo and rice for beakfast. Then, we went to the market to buy pork liempo for lunch. Ramon and Raven did the job of grilling the meat and Cecille mixed the bagoong rice! And mum prepared the chocolate ice scramble for dessert!

Weekend Getaway: Cagbalete Island

PS&MIS Team Summer Escapade 2012

Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon

March 02 to 04

The Main House.

 Game Facilitators and Guest Judges.

 The Energizer. Ha. Haha. By Blue and Yellow Teams

Red Flash Team.

The Balls Team.

Team Games.

 

Somebody likes Me?! hmmmm...

Night Swimming.

The Great Jump Shot at the Background.

The Whole Product Support and MIS Team!