Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2014

I have been going back to White Beach yearly for almost 10 years now.  Except for the year we went to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, it has become my yearly tradition.  The first years were spent with housemates, and the last 2 was with my Waray Zumba Expert Friends.

Going there at these time is a challenge.  You would have to expect long lines at every transportation station, starting at the bus terminals in Manila.  This year was no different.  When I arrived at our meeting place at JAM Terminal along Taft corner Buendia, the end of the line has reached 7 Eleven around the corner excluding the many turns of the queue.  My tip, is that JAM is not the only terminal in the area that has trips to Batangas Pier.  We abandoned our line when we saw an empty CERES Bus, a few meters away towards Libertad.  We reached the Port of Batangas in less than 2 hours.  There we bought the earliest boat trips available.  Our mistake was buying round-trip.  You would find out later on its disadvantage.  Fixers, although not encouraged will provide you with convenience in terms  getting terminal fees and assist you with directions.  Some would even get you inside the terminal without having to go through the lines.

For first timers, the boat ride is just as long as the bus ride, so its best to find a seat that will allow you to catch up on sleep you missed the previous night.  We arrived in White Beach around 10AM, erlier than what we expected.  Our room was pre-booked months before at Las Villas de Natividad.  This has been our home for the last 2 years.  It is conveniently located behind Mikko's, and would be easier to crawl back from a night of drinking.  They charged us 5,000 pesos for a room good for 6.

The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking, partying, and hook-ups for some.  I for one, was so drunk on the first day, and missed out on the beach event that Thursday night.  We were drinking Mindoro Sling as early as lunch, and consumed two bottles of Jaggermeister in the afternoon.

The day after was a bit more controlled.  Loud music is not allowed during Good Friday, and expect the party to start at 12 midnight.  I need to pace my drinking this time.  Morning was spent with a Massage, Eating, Swimming, and ZUMBA!!!  It was only til late in the afternoon that I started with 2 beers.  I lost count by dinner time, and was partying like crazy when the music started playing until the morning.

I woke up with very little recollection of the previous night.  I would have extended my stay, but with the work week lurking ahead, I need at least a day to detoxify.  I left that Saturday afternoon after having lunch with my Galera buddies.  My return trip was originally scheduled at 2 PM, but the boat arrived 3:30 and we left White Beach at 4PM.  I would have booked my return trip with vessels that left on time like Manolo and Gallerian.  Ours is with Father and Son.  The boarding area is not really conducive for waiting especially under the scorching heat of the sun.  I was back in Manila by 8PM.

I think I would still be doing this for years ahead.  Apart from the sun and the beach, I enjoy the challenge that comes with the travel and the company of friends that makes it more fun.  And of course the BOOZE!

Special thanks to Janna, Franco, Joseph, Robby and Eirik for the company and the Zumba lesson! To Ate Juliet of Las Villas de Natividad (0917-4820505) and to Red Horse, Jaggermeister, Mindoro Sling and Liki Tiki, for making our stay so much FUN!!

Read about my other Puerto Galera Trips:

Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2013
Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2012

Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

I can't resist an invite to visit new places, especially a secluded beach I haven't been to.  I received an invite from friends going to Burot beach during the last week of March for April 5-6.

Since I have nothing to do, we'll actually I have tons of things to do, but the opportunity is too good to pass out.  Plus, the pictures I've googled about the place is so tempting.

Our scheduled meeting time is 10 AM, but due to late arrival of companion and changes on meeting place, we left the South Bound Provincial Bus Terminal at NAIA Rd. around noon.  We took the Nasugbu bound bus, because the Calatagan bound has no air condition, and looks as if it has no plans of leaving. Three hours later, we arrived at the town of Lian.  This is where the Nasugbu bound bus makes a turn to the opposite direction to Nasugbu.  There, we waited for a mini bus to Calatagan, while others ordered a quick snack from a convenience store at the corner.  Bus going to Calatagan is very rare, and we don't want to wait any longer.  Instead, we went to the public market where there are jeeps departing as soon as it gets filled.  Luckily, we were the ones that filled the jeep and immediately went on our way.

The jeep took us to the Public Market in Calatagan.  There, we purchased our provisions for the night and the next morning.  Also, our tricycle driver contact picked us up and took us to the Beach.  It is still 15-30 minutes ride from the market.  We passed by a fenced property, over rough roads that seem to traverse mangroves and fish pens.  Towards the end is the stretch of white sand that is known as Burot Beach.  We arrived just in time for sunset, and it was breath taking.

Since, its the start of Summer, the beach is more crowded than I expected.  The shaded areas were occupied and we pitched our tent on a clearing above the beach.

Immediately, we started preparing our meals.  Actually, my friends started preparing our meals since, they don't trust my cooking skills.  There are toilet facilities in the area, but you have to wait for your turn, since the line gets longer as the beach becomes crowded.  There's also a store that sells ice and just about everything that you would need.  They even rent out tents.  Some guests would even drive their vehicle to the beach and camp beside it.

I still managed to swim while the sun was still out.  The evening was spent eating and drinking and star gazing.  We were blessed with a clear sky that evening and I managed to see a shooting star.  That was until the red horse took over me, because all of them seemed to be dancing.  Thanks to the store nearby, I think I managed to finish two grande.

It was surprisingly cool that evening.  That afternoon, my tent struggled with the wind.  The next morning was different story.  It was hot and humid by 8 AM, and since were at a clearing, It became unbearable for us, that we decided to pack earlier than our itinerary.  We left the place around 10 AM on board a bus from Calatagan Market straight to the South Bound Provincial Bus Terminal near Macapagal.

As usual, Robb, our organiser made it fun with new found friends who are just as eager to discover new places.

Our small group, with Robb taking the picture!

Aegis and the Rak of Aegis

I have been a fan of theater, but like most of Filipinos, I don't have the money to spend for tickets.  I remember in college, I would watch the free staging of plays and musicals by Intramuros Administration at the many venues within the historical walled city.  I have heard about the musical Rak of Aegis last year.  Being a fan of the group, I am instantly drawn to watching it and curious on how a story develops from their popular songs I would attempt to sing along.

Now, I am very fortunate to belong in a company that supports Filipino Music, Theater and Artists.  Victoria Court have help sponsor concerts of big artists like Regine, Ogie and Musicals like Full Monty, and Rock of Ages.  I literally jumped off my office chair when I found out that, we are also sponsoring Rak of Aegis.  It was a different Marketing team that handled the project, and I was texting and emailing non-stop to secure myself a seat.  I got an Orchestra seat for the 8PM show last March 5.

In the audience were the officers of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong  Mang-aawit that included Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez to name a few.

I was laughing and crying with the different characters in the story, top billed by Aicelle Santos.  It was about the struggles of girl who lives in a flooded area of the City who dreams of making it by posting a video on youtube hoping it would go viral and be invited on Ellen Degeneres show.  I will just name the more popular cast members that included Robert Sena and Isay Alvarez, but all of them gave a stellar performance.

After the curtain call, and the standing ovation, I was on my feet again, when the actual group Aegis entered the stage and performed their classic hits.  I was singing on top my lungs not caring to hit the high notes.  I would have posted pics, but my battery gave up on me.  I am close to tears hearing them perform live.  Now I know how it feels to be a fan and seeing your idol up close.

After the show, I waited at the entrances so I could have a photo of them.  I so love Aegis!!!

Cutting Calories and Cutting Cost

Me and my best friend have found a new way to cut on calories and cost.  Instead of ordering individual meals, we would just share on one and have it served half.

Now, everytime we catch up for dinner at our favorite hangout Cafe Adriatico, we would have them split the French Onion Soup and the Lola Ising's Adobo into two.

Below are pictures of our half serving!

Half Serving of French Onion Soup

Half Serving of Lola Ising's Adobo

My Week with Diet Diva

I was overweight at the start of the year, and with my renewed gym membership, I was focused on gaining my ideal weight back.

To fast track my progress, I enrolled myself with Diet Diva.  Its a food delivery service that will deliver all your meals for 5 days all within the 1200 calorie limit using fresh and healthy ingredients.  I was only in the program for a week, but it jump started interest for eating healthy and counting my calories, and gave me an idea on the right portions.  I took it from there.

I would say, it has worked, especially if you devote time for exercise. As of the moment, I already lost 10 kilos. Although, I'm eating more lately, I would combat it with cardio!

Check out Diet Diva on Facebook!

Bataan on a Weekend

The year has just started, and I have been constantly traveling all the weekends that passed. We spent New Year in Baguio, followed buy a trip to Borawan in Quezon, afterwards a 4 day trip to Davao and just last Saturday, a day trip to Bataan.

We left Manila around 6:30 AM with a couple of friends to look for a perfect beach getaway for Summer.  Along the way, we passed by other attractions in Pampanga, like the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, Pampanga.  We did not go down to check it out because of the bus load of tourist during our visit.

When we reached Bataan, we made a stop at the Dambana ng Kagitingan on top of Mt. Samat.  I have visited Bataan quite a number of times before but would just enjoy the view of the cross from below.  It was a steep drive to the summit.  I was glad that my Toyata Vios didn't gave up on me.  An entrance fee of 20 pesos per vehicle, per person is collected at the gate.  Some people would climb the summit at this point, but you can still drive up to the base of the cross where the parking area offers a breathtaking aerial view of the province.

The Giant Cross on top of Mt. Samat.  An elevator takes you to the intersection where both arms serves as viewing level.

View from one end of the cross's arm.

Inside the cross is a small elevator that takes passengers further up to its arms.  They would collect 10 pesos for the ride.  Here, there are windows that gives you a higher vantage point.

It was almost lunch time when we left for Bagac.  We passed by Balanga City along the way, the last area where you would find decent restaurants other than the big resorts.  We opted to have lunch at Montemar Beach Club and Resort.  From the gate, we made our way through the garden up to the reception.  Although the buildings look old, it has kept its rustic charm.  The landscaping are well kept, the pools are inviting and the beach view is so calming.  Initially, we thought that entrance fee of 1000 pesos was a bit too much, but after seeing the inclusions, it was worth it.  The restaurant also serves filipino food with a modern twist.  We enjoyed the Pork Binagoongan with Chocolate.  All agreed to go back, when were not in a rush and just want to escape the city.

La Marea Restaurant of Montemar Beach Club and Resort

Fried Chicken, Kare-kare, Pork Sinigang and their famous Pork Binagoongan with Chocolate

We were so full after eating that we almost didn't want to leave.  There's another beach we would have to visit that requires a boat ride.  After settling our bill, we were on our way to the town center of Bagac and parked our vehicles on one of the smaller resorts that line the shore.  We looked for a boat to take us to Matikis Beach, known to some as Playa La Caleta.  We were able to haggle the ride originally priced at 1500 pesos to 1100 pesos.  An entrance fee of 50 pesos per person is collected on the beach by the caretakers.

The cove has basic amenities with a few huts and sheds.  Toilet facilities are available, but only tent accommodation is allowed for those who wish to stay overnight.  You can bring your own food or arrange your meal plans with tour operators for the area.

Check out the contact details on the invite below:

After a short stay at the cove, we were on our way back to Manila, stopping at San Fernando's Everybody Cafe for dinner.  The restaurant claims to serve the most authentic Kapampangan Food since the 1940's.  We thought the meals are outrageously priced with small portions.  It's a must try but not worth going back.


Note:

Some photo's were grabbed from Heath's album without permission. Haha!

Davao City Tour: Day 3 Samal Island

Originally, we were suppose to go Pearl Farm for their day tour package.  The day before, the management suddenly decided not to take in day tour guest.  What was unreasonable, is that they can cancel day tour packages but does not allow cancellation of their overnight booking.

To compensate, we converted our activity to Maxima Aqua Fun Resort.  Like the previous days, our van and guide boarded the barge and took us to the resort.

Maxima is known for the water slides and the blob.  Please take note that the resort is located on cliff without a beach.  Meals are available, and our guide made sure that were well fed.

After swimming, we travelled by land to take our other companions to Pearl Farm where they will stay for the night.  I was dropped of at Camp Holiday Resort where I got a bed for 350 pesos a night in one of their dorm rooms.  It was intended for sharing, but luckily, I had it all to myself.  The resort have a small beach and two swimming pools.  One for the kids and an infinity pool beside the beach area.  A convenience store is located near the entrance for your mini gutom.  The restaurant also serves value meals for less than a hundred pesos.

There were not many visitors in the resort and I just used the time to rest.

My friends love the amenities at Pearl Farm, but was disappointed at the service.  The room was still charged in full, when I already paid 10% online.