Calaguas another Trip to look Forward for a Weekend Getaway

Philippines definitely offers thousands of places to visit. As I was browsing my colleagues/friends facebook accounts their Calaguas Trip got my attention. Am sure this would be fun fun fun. I am sure my friends would definitely want a weekend giveaway and travel that is worth the experience.

Your Back Pack should include the following:

• swiss knife with can opener
• rechargeable lamp (fully charge)
• mosquito or insect Repellent
• blanket - light blankets just for you to cover yourself
• lighter or matches
• food (also include emergency food like biscuits and canned goods)
• pajama (optional)
• camera (to catch those perfect scenes)
• speaker (battery operated)
• potable water, soda, liquor
• Swimming and hiking clothes like board shorts, sando or shirt, shades, sunvisor, extra slippers (it should be a heavy duty slippers for island hoping and mountaineering.
• personal hygienic kit (bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc)
• portable stove and cooking utensils (optional) 
• Dont forget to bring ziplok for wet clothes and camera…
• Bring your own cigarette and liqour though there's a store in the island to buy some stuff.
• BRING YOUR OWN TENT if you are doing DIY.

Your Travel options:

• Calaguas Island Package Tour - there are a lot of tour packages available on line that you could take advantage. Some packages would actually include almost everything from lamps to tents to food. All you need to bring is your bag and some stuff you want to bring. Acceptable packages would actually range from Php 1000 per pax to Php 3700 per pax depending on the package you want to select.

          - The advantage of package tours is a worry free. All you need to do is just bring some stuff not    

            included in the signed agreement. Disadvantage, most especially if it is online transaction is the 

            "SCAM" so take extra pre-caution in booking and dealing online. Another DISADVANTAGE is 

            you need to go there in group of 10 at the least or they will charge you extra.

• Do It Yourself (DIY) - A do it yourself is free flowing itinerary. So you can actually go anywhere you want to go. You can even have side trips along the way if your time permits. Most of the time its also cheaper most specially if you happen to have good deals on van rentals and or bus. By the way this are your options in traveling by land. Thru Van Rentals or Bus.

1. Van Rentals - Renting a van is more expensive compared to commuting through bus. However the best part is its relatively easier because you manage your time and you can talk with the driver as to where you wan to go. Your luggage would have a space and it is hassle free as well since you are going there with your tent, back packs and cooking utensils.
2. Bus - commuting through bus is the cheapest way to go. Disadvantage though is your luggage all over you as you will be bringing a lot. Also, you will be transferring from one bus to the next until you reach your destination.

If you chooses to go through bus. Below is an option you might want to take and its possible estimated fare rates:

1. Ride a bus going to Daet.  There are provincial buses at Pasay and Cubao. Travel time is around 7 hrs and fare rate is around 750 pesos.
2. From Daet, tell the driver to drop you off at Barangay Talobatib junction.
3.  From Talobatib take those a bus going to Paracale. The first trip to Paracale is 6:00 am. and the last trip is 6:00pm. Travel time is around 1 hr. Fare around 100 pesos.
4.  Rent a boat going to Calaguas. Travel time approx. 2 hrs. Boat rent: 2000-3000 pesos.

Visiting Salcedo Community Market

Salcedo Community Market is located at Salcedo Village Makati Philippines. So one fine weekend of June I visited this weekend flee market by the park. I tried 2 ways on how to go there.

1. Via Rufino St to LP Leviste Street then to Jaime Velasquez Park where the Salcedo Village Weekend Market is happening. So when you are at Ayala Avenue look for PBCOM Building at the side is the Rufino St then go straight to Herrera St where you will be passing by the Starbucks at the back of PBCOM tower. Then go straight till you reach KFC then turn right then just go straight till you reach destination.
2. Another option is via Ayala Triangle Park. If you are near or at the Ayala Triangle park at the left side of Ayala Corp Building where the Philippine Stock Exchange is located. Just across the park is the Paseo de Roxas street just go across the street and you should see the Paseo Center (looks like a small Mall) just go straight Sedeno st till you reach LP Leviste Street then turn right till you reach the park.

I was actually expecting a plain market at the park theme to my surprise there's a lot of things going on there.

Of course I saw the usual are shoppers buying the stuff they needs.

I also see other people walking their dogs around, jogging and also exercising on the beat of the music coming from the flee market.

It was such a nice experience at the Salcedo Weekend Market. Everyone there is so friendly and very much accommodating to their customers.

Themes & Motifs: The Philippine Wedding Summit

I just had a wonderful time earlier at the World Trade Center its indeed "The Grandest Midyear Wedding Fair By Themes & Motifs"

It was my first time to attend such an event and I just set aside all my hesitation and just enjoy the said event.

This wedding summit rocks.... so if you are planning to have your wedding this fourth quarter this year or next year I would suggest you attend their upcoming Philippine Wedding Summit on September.

Here are some reasons why you want to join the summit not only for wedding but for all occasion:

1.       SAVINGS!!!! Because the moment you step into the said event designers, food caterers, give away, invitation cards. They’ll waive something as a gift if you book with them.

2.       It’s easier for you to compare prices and their samples because everyone that you need is gathered together in one place. It saves you time, effort and money to go one store to the other.

3.       You can have custom made shoes, wedding gowns, gowns, barong tagalong and even food. What makes it more exciting is, you can talk to the designers or event organizer or simple the business owners and managers.

There’d be more reason for you to join the said event. So next time you have a big event, join any of Themes & Motifs events. To know more about their upcoming events please visit Theme’s & Motifs website.

Travelling Mount Pulag

Are you a daring backpacker, mountaineer and adventure seeker?  Then a climb to a challenging Mount Pulag trekking is just the right adventure for you!

So to start your wonderful backpacking experience is an 8-hour bus trip from Manila to Baguio City. I am a fan of Victory Liner located at Pasay City because it has the most trip going to Baguio. The Mt. Pulag backpacking extravaganza trip is best done overnight so you could have a feel the most wonderful nature tripping experience.

 

I suggest that the best trip going to Baguio are the trips that leaves Manila by 10-12 so that you will be in Baguio by 5 to 9 AM the following day perfect to start travelling from Baguio to  Kabayan Benguet where Mt Pulag trail starts. Once you’re in Baguio City by taking a cab and just tell the driver to bring you to Norton buses (Northern Transit Terminal Station) at the top of Magsaysay Aveneu bound for Kabayan Benguet. There are three established trail for Mt. Pulag namely the Ambangeg (Babadac), Ellet (Eddet) and Kabayan (Akiki or Killer Trail) this trail is a much trail it will take approximately around 2 or more days to climb atop.  Another trail goes directly to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya which is known as the Lusod trail or the easier route which will only take you approximately half day.

 

Also, it would be best to camp at Mt Pulag and stay there overnight because Mt Pulag offers the best sunset and sunrise in the country.

Photo credit: Robert Domoguen
Photo Enhance by Author

Igorot's Dwelling Place

What makes the mountainous areas a beautiful place to live in?

Maybe there's a lot reason for me and I can't enumerate all of them. Maybe I am biased because I am a proud Igorot.

Here are my reason why I love the mountains of Cordilleras.

Aside from the relaxing views of the mountains are fine jewel of the north adorning the landscape of the mountains.

Other than that... the fine people of the North and their Gardens and Paddies. The reason why we have strawberries and vegetable in the metro.

Baclaran: National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help

The Baclaran Church is one of the oldest church here in Metro Manila. It is situated near the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City Philippines.

This place is very much known to most Filipinos as this church hails as the National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help. Click here to know more.

Baclaran Church is also known as one of the largest Marian Church in the Philippines. It is also authorized by the "Holy See" to operate 7 days a week.

Here's there Mass Schedule:

Shopping at Divisoria

When we say low-cost shopping destination in Metro Manila, we would automatically think of Divisoria. Divisoria is located at the heart of City of Manila. It is also a shopping destination for all kinds of low priced goods from accessories, to kitchen accessories, apparels, toys, vegetable.

Divisoria is actually jump packed with shoppers in May and December. It is also advisable to buy in bulk rather than in pieces because it is cheaper if you buy it whole sale.


Tips for a successful shopping at Divisoria:

• I would say before you go there you list down all the things you need and include the needs of the whole family so when you go there you could at least bargain when you buy. The more the merrier as they say. haha
• Always bargain. It is a known culture in Divisoria to always bargain with the sales girl. However when you bargain always bargain at a reasonable price so you get the price you wanted to avoid discussion.
• If you are a Divisoria Shopper or if you go to Divisoria frequently you would definitely know that going there at past 9 is difficult. Go there early so you would have more time to look around and to avoid the rush and there'll be fewer buyers.
• Don't be an impulse buyer. It is always good to canvas the prices of the other stores and so you would have an idea as to how much you would bargain for the price of the item. Here's a good tip... the farther you go the cheaper the price is. Check every corner and every roads along Divisoria before deciding where to buy.
• Don't wear jewelries, watch or any other expensive accessories. Bring the cheapest cellphone you have and of course as much as possible your money should be in hundreds, twenties and fifty pesos. This would be easier for you to pay them at exact amount and also it is not advisable to bring with you a handbag. Instead use a clutch bag if really necessary.
• Don't bring kids. So you could twist and roam freely and you can do shopping at your own pace.
• BE PATIENT! Expect that there would be huge crowds since this place offers relatively cheap good item and canvasing is painstaking but worthy.
• Wear tight jeans or tight shorts. The only reason for this is for you to feel if someone is attempting to get your cellphone or wallet on your pants. Always make sure as well not to place your money on one pocket only as much as possible pocket the 20's and 50's denomination on your pocket and the 100's denomination on your wallet (dont put your wallet on your pocket)

So here's a general map so you would know where to find some specific items: Go to Ilaya Streets if you want to buy fabrics. Tabora is a perfect place for ribbons, buttons, beads, crafts and or other notions. Also, since this is street market you would definitely see street vendors who will be selling other stuffs like native products, housewares or even clothes. Its good to ask their price because you might be surprise when you see these stuffs inside the shops just behind this street vendors. Good to note so you could bargain inside the shop and or you can go back to this street vendors and buy the said product.

This is also the best place to buy affordable wedding gowns and barongs. Next stop is the New Divisoria Mall along Tabora. It offers air-conditioned comfort with various items like apparels, housewares, balloons and the basement with a wet market and dark corridors. The corridors sell the cheapest party toys and giveaways (this toys and giveaways are really just for fun it don't last a day)

Across the New Divisoria Mall is the Divisoria Shopping Center. It also sells cheap plastics toys, wooden toys and decorative materials like artificial flowers and leaves. 

Streets between Divi Shopping Center and New Divi Mall for fruits by the kilo.

168 Mall also offer almost everything from toys to apparels. It is more expensive than the other mall but of course still cheaper than any other malls in Metro Manila. 

If you are shopping for t-shirts but planning to buy it in bulk Juan Luna Street is your best place.

On your way out to Divisoria is Q. Paredes St near or closest to Binondo Church offers school and office supplies.

Enjoy shopping and Good Luck!

Lepanto National High School Graduation 2012 (part 4)

When we are having breakfast and since we are already teasing each other. They all agreed that we go swimming.

 So we asked our cousin's Jeepney so we could use it going to Cervantes Ilocos Sur. Our nearest swimming destination. It is approximately 2 hours. Waahhh!!! its been so long since I revisited this place.

 So everyone is actually excited. In fact after we announced that we go swimming the kids are gone in 1 minute. When asked, they all went home to grab their readily prepared swim wears....

 So, off we go to Cervantes. The teenagers including myself went at the top or roof of the jeepney (we call it TOP LOAD) meaning we sit on top of the Jeepney and we will just hold on the railings for support so we wont fall down when we the car start going ZigZag!

 I am thrilled and happy and excited. Just like when we were kids. We are all waiting for special occasions like this so we could all go swimming in the rivers or sometimes in some resorts.

 When we reached the said resort I didn't believe myself. It was really developed. The water is free flowing and so it is relaxing. Water is a little bit warm maybe because it has come from a warmer source or the weather is just warm. hahaha

 After we parked... All the kids already went off the pool and started swimming. It was so nice seeing this kids so happy.

 While the children are so happily swimming. We went picture taking.

 Everyone has their own poses and everyone are photogenic in their own rightful way.

And so this end's my visit in Lepanto for 2012! I hope I could make it again on 2013! lol