Aye!!! Its my Hubby's Birthday @ Boracay!!!

Boracay was never included in my bucket list, simply because its getting crowded every single day! Should I had the resources 10 years ago, I would have definitely visited the place. While we (couple of friends) were secretly planning the trip, we came across with another Zest airfare promo and everyone (yes, including me!) agreed to visit Boracay!

There are so MANY water activities you can do while in Boracay and one that I enjoyed the most is HELMET DIVING. For someone who cannot swim, this activity made me see what I have been missing on our previous trips where everyone were enjoying their snorkels and underwater photo shoots. Plus, its surprisingly cheaper than we thought (@300php). Next visit to Boracay, we will definitely try ZORB, Glass Bottom, and wind surfing!!!

Survival Mode @ Balete Island, Pagbilao, Quezon

Initial destination was Malaguinoan Island in Polillo, then became Laiya in Batangas. Resorts were too expensive (as per Gem) and we already set our mind that we will be spending our long weekend in an island with tent accommodation, so we headed to the southern part of Quezon. While we were having our breakfast, we continued searching for a nearby island thru our mobile internet. There we found Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Bukas.After getting the necessary directions, we headed to the "port" and ask around. Unfortunately, waves were too big on the way to Puting Buhangin. Hence, our bangkero recommended Balete Island.

Visiting Bagamanoc, Virac (05202011)

To celebrate Iris' birthday, we  were invited to visit her relatives in Bagamanoc, Virac. Plane tickets were bought as early as February to ensure that everyone would have the same schedule and would still be cheaper. Unlike with the previous celebrations  held outside of the metro, we had more attendees (total of 13 to be exact) and this, so far, is the farthest.

Conquering Pagudpud (05142011)

Pagudpud has been classified as one of the top tourist attraction up north. Numerous blogs favoring Pagudpud over Boracay have been circulating over the net. Thus, we decided to travel 573 kilometers away from Manila to check the beauty underneath the name. Of course, it will not be complete without visiting the famous "Vigan".

First, I would like to thank my brother-in'law's friend, Waki, who financed this trip. What did I say? Best things in life are free!!! 

Family Getaway @ Cote d' Azur, Infanta, Quezon (05012011)

Initial plan was to celebrate my Uncle's birthday @ a private resort either in Laguna or in Cavite. We spent 2 months of planning it but in the end, the supposed outing was cancelled. Instead, we were invited to join the celebration at his home. The fact is, all the kids in my family were very excited to the extent that their parent bought "things" for the trip already. Plus, we don't have anymore available schedule for the remaining days of the summer season and it has been our commitment to spend at least a quarterly getaway with our parents and the rest of the family.

Our holy week in Mariveles, Bataan (2011)

It has been a tradition of my sister and I to walk from our home (Caloocan) to Lourdes Grotto during Holy Wednesday and attend the mass. We normally spend 6 hours to get there by foot.  For some reason, we stopped after I got married. For the last 3 years, during this season, my husband and I would just stay home, watch movies, and rest.

Magalawa Island 041611 (Summer Getaway 2011)

Of all the islands we have been to, this sure tops the list of most recommended. 

We left MLA by 5AM, stopped at Shell NLEX for breakfast and left around 5:30AM. By 7:30AM, we're already in Subic. We failed to turn left at "Ulo ni Apo" shrine, no signs at all %^$#. We ended up going back to Subic and retraces our way. Arrived at Iba, Zambales around 8:30am. Stayed there for about an hour or so to buy food supplies. By 9:30am, we found the Radyo Veritas rough road. Literally, ROUGH!!! we decided to take the trike and left John and JM in the car as we are not sure how far we are from the port and how rough it will be along the way. FINALLY, by 11AM we're already in MALAGAWA island. LO and BEHOLD! It's really breathtaking.