day2: this surfing thing in bagasbas

day1:  i left my heart in calaguas

And I'm baaack! More Calaguas stories for y'all!! Brace yourselves for my exciting first time surfing experience. Here I go again exaggerating but anyway let's begin where we should begin.

good morning, Calaguas

We all woke up early on our second day but there's no beating Ruel with regards to this matter. As soon as I opened our tent I saw him running around playing frisbee. Move over Gary V, he's our own version of Mr. Pure Energy. Hahaha! More proof? I invited them to go jogging and tadaahhh.. only Monique and Ruel went with me. Monique got tired a little past our starting line {hehehe} and I went on with Ruel. I thought I can make it 'til the other end of the island but you know how sometimes we fail ourselves. Haha! So there, only Mr. Pure Energy finished until the other end. Partida naman sa 'kin, I still jogged on our way back. 

After that, Jun and I had our fair share of 'kada' moments. That's how we call each other by the way. So highschool I know, but who careeess!? *taas kilay*

We were also teasing Ruel and Sheena the whole time hence their picture below. Once and for all Ruel, hindi ka crush ni Sheena kaya wag kang masyadong suplado. I-add mo na sya sa Facebook. Hahahaha! Uh-oh, I'm losing control over my words but I'm definitely not taking them back. Friends, this is what happens when I blog feeling hyper. Yes, at 3 in the morning. Nocturnal person, right heerreee! xD

momeeentss

Breakfast followed but we were not able to take 'breakfast' pictures. The whole time we were in Calaguas we ate like hungry dinosaurs - not minding we have blogs waiting for the littlest detail. I apologize. I promise to do better next time. Pinky swear, anyone? :)

Knowing that we were heading to Bagasbas by around 9am, we squeezed in a short pictorial. We also took our last dip in Calaguas waters. Too bad we didn't have underwater cameras. As understandable as it is, everyone's scared to bring their cameras near the water. Better luck next time dearies, I wish we have an underwater camera in Boracay.

fave shots ♥

We allotted ample time for preparing our things and probably ourselves too. We were the first group, again, to ride the boat. We took the same good seats as we had on our way there. It took a while before we left as we waited for the others to arrive. If I'm not mistaken, which I hope I'm not, we left Calaguas at around 10am. The boat ride this time is way better. The waves were more calm and according to them, we are no longer against the current. You can roll eyes as you please, I felt the same when I'm being refreshed of my Physics. {Or was that Chemistry? Hehe. I kid!}

We were almost back in the port at around 1pm but luck was against us. The water was too shallow for us to dock so we waited until we can pass. We arrived at the port almost an hour after. At the port, several jeepneys were waiting for us. They brought us to where we can transfer to the bus that will bring us to Bagasbas. We were there at around 3pm.

We had our super duper mega late lunch at Surfer's Inn. It was still included in the package. Sulit trip is sulit. :) We hurried to finish our food to make way for the day's highlight.. surfing!!  We availed of their 1 hour surfing tutorial for 400 pesos inclusive of the surf board rental and the kuyang instructor services.

in case these will be our last photos

As expected, we were briefed first - types of surf board, parts of the surf board, techniques, tips and horror stories. Hahaha! They were sorta sexist as they keep on reminding about girls' faults when it comes to actual surfing. Kesyo after the semplang inuna pa magtali ng buhok bago hanapin ang surf board.. Common guys, I know I proved you wrong. xP

How's the surfing experience, you may ask. It was difficult and frustrating at first. I thought I won't be able to stand at that damn board. But after a few tries, and slowly learning the techniques.. I made it!! It feels so good to have reached the shore standing at that surf board. Heaven, pare! I felt so proud of myself. Hahaha! I have this feeling I get judged when it comes to physical activities because I look fragile and pa-girl, but I see to it that I prove everyone wrong.

with kuya bob, thank youu!!

Moving on, at around 5pm, we're done with our first time surfing experience {except for Jun who's tried it already in La Union.. or Baler?!} We freshened up at Surfer's Inn and had our dinner there too. It's no longer included in the package, by the way. We only ordered in advance before we went surfing so that as soon as we're done, our dinner's ready.

We all thought that we have to hurry to make it to Melvic's van transfer to the bus terminal.. but we're wrong! We had quite a lot of time waiting for our departure. Good thing they provided rooms where guests can rest or take a quick nap. We really can't ask for more from this package. :) 

The moment we were able to charge.. we were hyper kids again. Kung kelan pauwi na, that's when we had our group shots. Magaling!

 now let me see those funny faces

At around 8pm, we left Bagasbas. Several vans brought the guests to the bus terminal where we caught our ride back to Manila. It was another 9pm to 8am bus ride but we didn't mind, nevertheless. We all went back to our home cities happier kids with another travel milestone in life.

Aaaanndd speaking of milestone..Goal #11. Surf in Calaguas - CHECK!!

Stay tuned for my itinerary, expenses and some link lovin' post.. that's up next! :)

calaguas-bagasbas: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

ELSEWHERE

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day1: i left my heart in calaguas

calaguas-bagasbas: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

I left my heart in Calaguas. ♥ Not literally though because if so, I would have died. Haha! Here goes my pathetic humor again. Moving on, I went there last month with my forever travel buddies - Sheena and Dwin, my classmate back in college - Jun, and my projectmates - Monica and Ruel. Stop wondering why everyone is related to me. I arranged this trip, that's why. But as Sheena said, I didn't have a hard time planning for this since all I had to do is to contact Melvic of Calaguas Hullabaloo Island Tours. 

Initially, we planned to avail the 3 days, 2 nights package for P3700 each. It was just unfortunate that there's typhoon in Bicol so we had to resort to the shorter package, 2 days, 1 night for P3200. We already paid P1850 each (half of 3700 supposedly) prior to the trip, so in the last day we only paid Melvic P1350. 

By the way, the package includes almost everything except for breakfast in day1 and dinner in day2 (technically the first and last meals). To list down the inclusions - round trip fare Manila-Daet-Manila (DLTB bus), land and boat transfers, tent accommodation, environmental fees, camp meals and complimentary drinks.

We chose Cubao as our pick up point. We were there at around 8PM but the bus left at around 9PM. Good thing we left Manila during the night, it made sleeping in the bus easier. Imagine being wide awake for 12 to 13 hours while traveling. Juskoday, diba? We arrived in Daet at around 7AM. They dropped us at Jollibee just in time for breakfast. At around 8AM, they picked us up again then dropped us off somewhere to transfer to a jeepney. It was a quick land transfer and at around 8:30AM, we were in the port.

just left the port

It took a while before we left the port as we had to sign waivers and wait for the others to arrive. We were the first group to ride the boat hence we were able to choose good seats. True enough, those who were seated in both ends of the boat got wet even before reaching Calaguas. Madiskarte travel tips from yours truly. ;)

Our boat had some technical difficulties few minutes after leaving the port. We weren't informed of what happened nevertheless we didn't mind. What was supposedly 2-hour boat ride became around 4 hours not just because of the technical difficulty but because of the waves too. The waves were crazy perhaps because of the typhoon. We reached Calaguas at around 1PM. Lo and behold, the island was worth it!

 

my first shot of the island

By the time we arrived, the tents are not yet prepared. Surprisingly, there are cottages in the island where we put our stuff first. After we have settled, you know what's next. Endleeesss, picture taking!

outfit to Calaguas. can I just say i love my vest? :)

We chose to rest first before trying the Calaguas waters. We were also starving at that time since it's past lunch time already. Good thing friends never run out of things to do and matters to talk about. :D Life, love, career and everything else under the sun. Friends got them all covered. I know you all agree. :)

Can't exactly remember when our lunch was served but one thing's for sure, it was a late lunch. Meeeh, I hate it when I get hungry but you're forgiven, guys! By the way, it was a buffet with two viands, rice of course, dessert and free flowing water. :P The food may not be the best, but they're not bad either. Remember, it's a trip for less than five thousand. Know what you deserve.

bonding by the beach

After our tummies got full, we headed to the beach. I swear it's the best beach I've been to so far. It's not only about the perfect blue skies, clear waters and fine sand.. It's more of the relaxed vibe of the place. Perfect for beach bumming, reflecting, forgetting about the rest of the world. If you find me exaggerating, I suggest you see it for yourself. And I suggest you tag me along. :)

my sexaaay back

By late afternoon, our guides invited us to trek up the mountain to see the island from above. Everyone from our group went along except for Dwin. He chose to finish his work of art in the sand. Whatever, Dwin! :P However, Sheena and Monique being the wimpy kids that they are, surrendered after reaching the first hill. I still love you though, my wimpy girls. Haha! So there, only Ruel, Jun and I went on. It was nice seeing Calaguas' full view from the mountain. It was worth my few hundreds baby steps. Hingal kabayo man, may picture naman.

overlooking Calaguas

As night time approaches, we prepared for the socials. Although there is a makeshift bathroom we opted to take a bath by the poso and only change clothes in the bathroom. Of the entire trip, this is the most difficult part for me. I am not the sensitive type when it comes to restrooms but a makeshift one is entirely different. Then again, I overheard Melvic's planning to renovate that so it must not be a worry for future Calaguas visitors.

As soon as we were ready we hit the mobile bar. The drinks were free but as usual, I did not get to avail the said perk. I don't drink nor smoke. Read that, mother? :) I am still your most obedient daughter. Haha! 

gimik ala Calaguas

Before calling it a night, Jun, Sheena and I had some sort of heart to heart talk while the rest got first dibs on our tents. 

day2: this surfing thing in bagasbas

ELSEWHERE

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