Architect's Summit Day 2 + 1: El Nido Tour A without the C

I arrived in El Nido around 4:00 AM Sunday morning.  There are plenty of tricycles at the terminal even at this hour.  I asked one to take me to Tay Miloy's Inn.  I originally planned on just leaving my things and just wait for the tour around 8:00 AM at a coffee shop somewhere.  But because I wasn't able to sleep on the bus, I decided to check in that early morning.  I texted my reservation the Friday prior for a night's stay at a Fan room for only 400php.  When I got there, my name was not listed and there's no vacancy.  The owner was kind enough to take me on his motorcycle to Egay's Place a few blocks away and finally I was settled.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the contact number for this new place.

Tay Miloy's Inn
0929-7955756
Lisang Street, 5313 El Nido Bacuit, Palawan, Philippines

Early Morning, navigating my way around town looking for the stall of Northern Hope Tours

I booked my tour at Northern Hope Tours for A&C combination and was asked to be at their shop by 8:00 AM.  That morning, I forced myself out of bed to look for their place which is just beside the church.  When I got there, I was informed that they don't have the combination tour due to lack of participants and was asked if I am willing to go on Tour A.  Since, I was not presented with any other option, I said yes.  Just as soon as I gave my payment comes another guy in a motorcycle asking if he could just include me in their group for Tour A&C combination.  The person from Northern Hope declined saying he was able to convince me to take tour A.  I can't help but feel bad because all of these is happening right in my face.  Looking back, I wish I just went with the other guy, since I only have a day to spend in El Nido.  I'm sure Northern Hope had very satisfied clients but they need to learn from this.  Some guests have limited time and would want to maximize their tour experience.
 

Everybody seems to be on their way, except us!!!

I am not letting this incident ruin my vacation.  I figured, maybe this is God's way of giving me a reason to go back.  I will just go with Tour A and hope all things go well.  I was asked to be at the beach by 9AM.  The tour organizer assisted me in paying for the environmental fee and was asked to wait.  It was disappointing how other Filipinos have no respect for other people's time.  We waited almost an hour for a group of guests joining us.  That's not all, nobody explained what to expect and what we need.  It was when I had the initiative of asking if we ever need a Kayak or Aqua Shoes, when they got them for us.

Finally, after waiting for an hour, we boarded the boat to our first stop, The Secret Lagoon.

Walking from the boat, up to the beach and the entrance is made challenging by the rocks on the sea bed.  It is said, that this was once a cave that collapsed.

The small entrance to the Secret Lagoon

What the Lagoon looks like... let's keep it a secret for future visitors.

Shimizu Island

On this stop is where the boatmen will prepare our food.  While waiting, we explored the cliffs, coves, swim and snorkel in the nearby reef.

 

The Lunch Prepared for us.

Small Lagoon

You can either swim or kayak your way to a hole in the cliff to enter the small lagoon. 

Big Lagoon

Unfortunately, the tides are low when we got here.  We just swim on the sandy floored portions of the reef. We were encouraged to kayak to the lagoon, but I don't have the energy anymore from lack of sleep and the long travel.

Seven Commandos

The last stop, ideal for swimming, with white fine sand beach.  It also has a bar and the perfect place to view the sunset.

The Bar at Seven Commandos:  Beer Costs 75 pesos per bottle and they do have mix drinks as well.  A Buco Stand is located farther on the opposite direction of the bar

In spite of what happened in the morning, It was a great tour.  Our tour guide was fun and the crew very helpful.  I will definitely be back for the other tour package.  We arrived almost 5PM, and by this time, I feel feverish from fatigue.

Northern Hope Tours
Lisang Street, Maligaya Pob. (Barangay 1), 5313 El Nido, Palawan 
0927 735 3221

Expenses:
Tour A:  700 pesos
Environmental Fee:  200 pesos
Kayak Rental:  700 pesos
Coffee while waiting for the other participants:  20 pesos
Beer at Seven Commandos: 2 Red Horse, 150 pesos

Total: 1,770 pesos

Architect's Summit Day 2: Aziza Paradise Hotel and Roro Bus to El Nido

After the Honda Bay Tour, we have very little time left to prepare for our fellowship party.  I for one, would be packing my things for the night trip to El Nido. With 4 visits to the souvenir shops, and the kits and loot from the convention, my bag is now twice as heavy.

The venue for our fellowship is Aziza Paradise Hotel.  It's the newest high end resort hotel in Puerto Princesa City boasting of modern interiors and amenities. 

https://www.facebook.com/AzizaParadiseHotel

https://www.facebook.com/AzizaParadiseHotel

https://www.facebook.com/AzizaParadiseHotel

Aziza Paradise Hotel
BM Road, Barangay San Manuel, 5300 Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa, Philippines(048) 434 2405 / 0917.580.1198/ 0998.983.3220

I arrived in the venue in my all white white outfit, which is the theme of the evening with my bag in tow.  The guest of honor for the night is former Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn.  We are also graced by the presence of Ms. Earth Philippines Runner-up Jonalyn Quiray, also a graduate of Architecture.

I was only able to stay for dinner and half of Mayor Hagedorn's presentation.   The tricycle that's going to take me to the RORO Terminal is already at the entrance of the Hotel.  Tricycles in the city can be expensive at night.  I fortunately made friends with the driver who took me to the same terminal the day before and volunteered to take me there again for this night trip.  They are also tourism accredited and can be hired for city tours.

Tricycle Tour and Transfer Service
Jaypee Latoja
0999-9983464

We were at the terminal around 9:30 PM.  I boarded the non air-conditioned bus still in my all white outfit.  Not really the best choice of color for this 6 hour journey.  To secure a better seat, you need to come early.  The seat I got was at the back in line with the aisle.  

The picture is as shaky as the ride!

It's only the RORO Buses, who has a night trip as late as 10 PM.  Don't bother contacting the numbers from their social networking sites because you wouldn't get an answer.  As of the moment, they only have two trips per day to El Nido.  One in the morning, and this 10:00 PM schedule, both non air conditioned.  If you're not pressed for time, there are vans that leaves regularly throughout the day as late as 6:30 PM.

If you think you can use this time to rest like I did, think again.  The bus will take in and drop passengers the entire trip and the road will get bumpy after the town of Taytay to El Nido.  Except for a few dead spots, cellphone signals are relatively good the duration of the bus ride especially in major towns.  

I arrived safely at the El Nido terminal around 4:00 AM.

Architect's Summit Day 2: Honda Bay Tour

I almost did not make it to the assembly area by the imposed meeting time at 7:30 AM.  We went out drinking the night before until about 3:00 AM and my alarm did not turn on. It was my room mates phone whose not taking part of any tour that woke up.  I was able to take a quick shower and change to my beach outfit, and went to the lobby with still 30 minutes to spare for breakfast.

I joined the other delegates to our assigned van after eating.  Inside the van, the Reggae music playing perked me up. Our driver turned out to be one of the members of the Reggae group Mito's Tribe that performed at our welcome dinner the night before. We were the last one leaving the hotel, because we were waiting for another participant who didn't show up.  We had separate vans but, it was just to take us to the wharf where all the other tour attendees boarded a large boat owned by Legendary Tours.  Legendary Tours is the Tour Organizer that caters mainly to the guests of Legend Hotel Palawan. According to our van tour guide, the wharf came from the tailings of a mercury mine during the 70's.

Before reaching the wharf, we made a quick stop to a dive rental shop to get aqua shoes and bread to feed the fishes at Pandan Island. The aqua shoe rental was 150 pesos.  I made the mistake of settling on the small size that actually hurt my feet rather than protect it. 

We went straight to Pandan Island which is 45 minutes away from the wharf.  Just as soon as we reached the shore, it started raining and most of us just seek shade from the many huts that lined the shore.  Then one by one, people started exploring the beach and soon most of us are in the water.

The beach is teeming with fish.  You don't have to swim far to see them.  Just throw a piece of bread in the water and they will come to you.

You will never go hungry on this island.  Just behind the huts are stalls selling the fresh catch of the day.  They will even cook it to your liking.

Since we will be here most of the day, our group ordered large clams, crabs, sea urchin and fish to add to the provided lunch.

Legendary Tours even provided beach games for us.

At around 2:00 PM we boarded the boat again to visit Star Fish Island.  It's smaller than Pandan Island and home to its namesake.  We stayed around 30 minutes to explore the sand bar and the mangroves on its side.

On our way back, we passed Luli Island, short for Lulubog, Lilitaw.  Is also a sandbar that disappears during high tide.

We were not able to visit Snake Island because of a claim dispute and they are letting the Pambato Reef recover from human visitors.

We're back in the wharf around 4:00 PM.

Travel Tip:

Most hotels can arrange the tour for you.  They have a tie-up with the different travel agencies in the city and can combine you with other groups.  For Honda Bay Tour, it normally cost 1,100 - 1,300 per head.  Try to know the inclusions for you to compare.  Normally, that would include Lunch and Snorkle.  Aqua Shoes can be helpful, but make sure it fits you well.  You can buy fresh seafood at Pandan Island and have them cooked to your liking.  Toilet Facilities are also available.  The beaches in Honda Bay has a steep drop and wearing life vest at all times is advisable.

Asgard in Victoria Court

Coming to Asgard is now made easier in Victoria Court.  No need for the convergence of the 9 realms or access the bi-frost.  Just visit the Malate and Pasig Branch.

Architect's Summit Day 1: Zero Carbon, RA 9266, and Bhutan as the Happiest Place on Earth!

After my Chaolong fix,  I went to Legend Hotel, which will be our home for the next two nights.  The exhibits was open already participated in by our ever loyal business partners. 

The registration is also on-going.  I just went to the side assigned to my Area which is B.  I immediately saw my name under the cluster of sheets of the district where I belong.  There were five of us attending, but I only know 4 in the list.  The same thing happened last February, where a delegate who is now based in Palawan decided to join the Assembly.  This time, it was a requirement from the government office where our long lost member is employed that prompted her to join.  It's always good to re-ignite old ties with the Chapter.

My timing was just perfect.  The opening ceremonies was just about to start, and they were about to serve lunch. 

After lunch came the talk of Robert Wimmer on Zero Carbon Resorts.  With the success of S-House project in Vienna, where sustainable technology was introduced and still being used, he is now sharing the best practices here in the Philippines and now to us Architects.

The General Meeting is next with the update on RA 9266 as the main topic.

We then took a break as delegates settled into our rooms and prepare for dinner where ABS CBN Foundation, Managing Directr Gina Lopez is the Guest of Honor.

When dinner was formally announced, we were entertained by Mitu's Tribe.  A very talented local reggae band with the leader turning out to be our driver for the Honda Bay tour the next day.

I personally was trying hard not to stand up and sway to contagious percussion and the reggae beat.

A standing ovation welcomed our Guest of Honor Gina Lopez.  I admire her passion for what she's doing.  You can feel her sincere intention to help every individual Filipino.  I enjoy her very candid speech! She shared, that the Philippines is such a beautiful country, with more than 7k islands, why are we living in spaces where we can't breath fresh air and block ourselves from nature and not see the stars at night? It's a challenge to all of us, especially architects. Our drive should not come from wealth, but from happiness!  That's why Bhutan is the happiest place on the planet because they believe in this rule.

Tokens were given, and Raffle Prizes were given out to end the evening.  Some retired to their rooms, but most of us went out to sample the night life of Puerto Princesa.  I would have wanted to follow Mitu's Tribe at their gig in Katabom, but I went with the majority and explored the more popular hang out places.

Architect's Summit Day 1: Chao Long

The day has finally arrived for ASSET.  I purposely scheduled my trip early to get the most of what Puerto Princesa offers its touring guest.  The day before, I already went on the City Tour and had dinner at Ka Lui's.

For Day 1, the organizers scheduled the Opening Ceremonies, General Assembly and Seminar as well as the Welcome Dinner.

I checked out early from my hotel around 10:00 AM to drop by the Chaolong place I passed by yesterday on my way back from the tour.  I figured the formal program might start after lunch to accommodate the delayed arrival of delegates.

I remember Chaolong from my February visit.  It was the first challenge that we have to complete for the Amazing Race inspired game.  Our first instruction was to go to Viet Ville on board the assigned tricycles.  At the entrance, we were asked to find letters of this famous Vietnamese Dish, hidden in 10 abandoned resettlement houses.  Once complete, we will then present the word formed to the waiter for him to give us a fresh serving that we need to consume the fastest.

Viet Ville, is the site where Vietnamese refugees were accommodated during Vietnam War.  Only a few families remain, but the restaurant still serves the best and most authentic Vietnamese dishes in Puerto Princesa City.

Like all the sights I've visited during the race, I have no picture to document my visit.  I could not even remember the taste of Chaolong, since i gobbled it up in less than 3 minutes.

Chaolong in Palawan is different from Chaolong in Vietnamese.  In Vietnam, it refers to porridge or what we call locally as Lugaw.  The Chaolong in Palawan is called Pho in Vietnam and most of the Vietnamese restaurants elsewhere.

My Beef Stew Chaolong, I forgot the neame of the Food Stall where I got this, but it's just a few blocks away from Island Stay, going towards Ka Lui's.

The french bread, ordered separately!

It's very much like the local Mami, that also comes in different meat toppings.  The difference is the chewy rice noodle and and the sweet, spicy, savory broth.  It is served with bean sprouts, basil and calamansi on the side with an assortment of condiments.  It is best paired with freshly baked french bread.

Never leave Palawan without tasting this dish!

Pasaway Moments in the Airport

As a solo traveler, maybe because since I don't have anyone to talk to, I can't help but observe the many Pasaway Moments inside the Terminal 4 of NAIA, from the entrance to boarding.  I know you yourself have encountered some of them.

1. Those who have a different definition for empty and those who does not know what a wallet looks like.

No matter how loud or how many times the airport security personnel shouts out the instruction to empty your pockets and place your phones and wallets in your bag, there would always be that person who would be requested to go back for not following, and they're always ahead of you.

2.  Those who think they could get away bringing a large bottle of perfume or an aerosol body spray.

I am guilty with this one.  There is this one time when we emptied a can of body spray to ourselves, so that it wouldn't go to waste.  We were the best smelling passengers in that flight.

3. 100 Peso Lugaw and Mami at the Pre-departure area.

I'm not willing to part with my 100 pesos for that portion of Lugaw in a styro bowl that I could get for 10 pesos outside.  For extreme gutom, I would just get the donuts that's priced the same everywhere.

4.  Those who would create a second line at the gate during boarding and pretend its unintentional.

5.  Those who thinks there's price given to the first person to board the aircaft.

6.  Those who are excited to have their photos taken inside the plane, when you haven't even reached your seat.

7.  Those who would pretend to be seated window side when both of you know ITS YOU!

That's the reason why I don't purchase seats online.  Even if you book it in advance, or request for it at check-in, there will be times that somebody will take over your preferred seat.  If the person is my age, then i would impose, but how would you do that to an elderly or young kid.

8.  Those who have 3 separate bags for hand carried items.

9. Those who seems to have a bladder problem, continuously making trips to the restroom and would impose to be seated window side.

10.  A group who can't stop talking and taking pictures when you're between them.

This are the only items, I have identified do far.  Let me know if you have something to add.