Sagada Getaway 2014 (Sumaging Cave, Lake Danum, Kiltepan Peak & Bomod-ok Falls)

We were supposed to go to Kota Kinabalu, bought the tickets from Airasia 6 months ahead, even had a pencil booking for the K2 climb! Unfortunately, most of us stumbled some challenges to push through with the trip.

Its Our 4th @ Tropicana Castle Resort

Its our 4th wedding anniversary, and unlike last year where we went far across the metro (Coron, Palawan) to celebrate it, we settled at Tropicana Castle Resort in Sabang, Puerto Galera. We were given a 50% discount on their honeymoon suite or more commonly know as the "DOME". Spent  2 days and 3 nights at this amazing room or rather suite. The dome has its: 

own bathroom with bath tub in the balcony extension

Hello Bacolod - Part 3: Carbin Reef

One of the most amazing island I have been too, next to Magalawa Island is Carbin Reef. Its a white sand islet - 150 meters long and 30 meters wide to be exact. It is part of Sagay Marine Reserve - 30 minutes boat ride from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. And since it is strictly protected, tourist must secure permit first. I suggest that days prior to arrival, permit should be properly secured through coordination with City Tourism Office of Sagay or you may contact Mario/Ramil (our boatmen) at +639216955665 and +639216374341.

Hello Bacolod - Part 2: Mambukal Resort

On our 2nd day, we went straight to Mambukal Resort which is located in Murcia, Bacolod City. From Circle Inn, we rode a jeep (php8.00 each) going to Libertad Terminal and took a mini-bus (php30.00 each) going to the town of Murcia. Good thing one of us speaks Ilongo, he was able to convince the driver to drop us off straight to the gate of Mambukal, otherwise it will take us another 15-20 minutes of walking. Also, he was able to request for the driver to save us seats on our way back to the city.

Hello Bacolod - Part I: The Ruins

Another seat sale we found and BOOM, we found ourselves booked for Bacolod. It took us sometime to create our IT since most of the tourist spots' locations are far from one another. Being a beach bum, I personally prefer  sandbars, island hopping, discovering sea creatures, etc. but I was told of the famous Mambukal Resort where one could visit their 7 cascading falls. I wouldn't miss the chance of seeing it.

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.