throwback august 2o1o: puerto princesa honda bay tour

I plan my days - if you still haven't assumed that from my obvious oc-ness. Today says I should blog about my next throwback post so here I am blogging despite being a little restless and bothered. If the 'thing' that's bothering me turns out well, I'll tell you exactly what it is but if not, I am keeping it a secret. I am unfair like that. Harhar.

Let's continue with the Puerto Princesa series I started days ago. From Underground River, I'll take you to  Honda Bay. You ready?

Day 2 Honda Bay Tour

Have I mentioned we felt so at home at Aniceto? We had our no fuss breakfast at their rooftop. We only brought our baons then freely used their kitchen - utensils, hot water for our noodles, cold drinking water.. what else can you ask for? Ah, libreng kape! Oo nga naman.

After our homey breakfast, we started preparing for the long day ahead. We went to a local market to buy stuff for our lunch at the island - fish, shrimps, squid, etc. On our way to the wharf, we also passed by a random grocery to complete our island needs.

At the wharf, we went through the usual registration process. Can't remember though if we signed waivers, but most probably we did. We then gave our groceries to the boatman because he'll be the one to prepare our lunch. O diba, buhay mayaman?

Our first stop was Pandan Island. It's where we stayed the longest - snorkeling, lunch then lots of photo ops. 

I remember how scared I was when we started snorkeling. This was back in the days when I still can't swim and it's just my second time to snorkel. Poor little girl. The first time I tried snorkeling was back in 2009 in Puerto Galera and the big difference was that we were holding on to a boat that time. This time, we only had a single makeshift salva vida. I did not let go of the salbabidang gulong. Not.even.once.

Then it was time for lunch. To date, it was one of the best lunch I ever had; not only because of the food but because of the entire feel of the island. Yung tipong masasabi mo talaga, "ang sarap ng buhay". Hahaha!

We made the most out of our first island by taking lots and lots of photos. Our guide slash boatman also showed us some camera tricks. Amazeballs! But seriously, we were indeed amazed as at that point we were only starting with our travel dreams. Mga batang uto-uto pa. 

Our next stop was Snake Island. We only stayed for a while as there's not so much to see. Aside from that, it's a lot scarier than the previous island as we cannot see the ocean floor. Our guide was having fun of us by saying he cannot assure the absence of sharks. I have to admit he got me there!

Next stop: Starfish Island. If I have to rank the islands we were able to visit, this comes next after Pandan Island. Pandan being the best, of course. I had fun in this island because it's where we used our disposable underwater camera. Our guide made us pose underwater one by one. Ha! It was fun. And there were lots of Nemos. Oookay, I meant there were lots of clownfish. Now I know why it is so hard to find Nemo - the real one. #anodaw #waley

Fourth island: Pambato Reef! One thing I'll never forget about this island was the itch and rashes the eggs of the corals gave me. It was so itchy, disturbing, annoying, itchy.. did I say itchy already?! Haha! The feeling is fresh on my mind, you have to understand. To make it worse, it was the scariest among the five islands. Yung feeling na nasa gitna ka ng dagat, tas sobrang lalim at hindi ka marunong lumangoy.

Our last island was Luli Island short for lulubog-lilitaw. The said sand bar sinks underwater on high tide. Isn't that cool? Thank God we did not snorkel because at this point I was hella tired already and four islands to snorkel at is more than enough. Agree? Although we had to use what's remaining of our energies for jump shots.

After our honda bay tour, we went back to Aniceto to rest and freshen up. Dinner came in next at KaLui. I love the ambiance! Super relaxing, perfect after a long day of swimming and snorkeling. After our dinner, we stayed a little longer outside. Just like the other guests, we made the most out of the beautiful place by taking photos. It's all worth it. 

ELSEWHERE

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throwback june 2o1o: naga and caramoan

Let's do another throwback just 'cause I'm bored. Guess where will I take you? I am guessing you guessed that one right.. to Nagaaa! Hop on board!!

I went there with my former {just how sad that word is, ha!} teammates. It was only my second trip via plane hence the excitement of taking airport photos. 

We stayed at Moraville. Of course I won't be able to tell you the rates and stuff because I no longer remember. Haha! Here's a link of their official website though.

Our first stop, SM City Naga! Isn't that the most exciting thing ever?! But kidding aside, it's interesting to see that there's a huge fan on their ceiling. Have you seen any other SM mall with a fan? Just wondering.

Next stop, CWC! It's not really a part of the itinerary so we came unprepared. We only took photos and left. Ang exciting talaga ng trip na 'to noh? :P

Then we had dinner at Biggs Diner. I heard they're the biggest food chain in the Bicol Region. Ok, I didn't hear that. I just read it, like just now? Hahaha! And oh, please understand my haggard look in the next set of photos. Probably because of all the jumping from CWC. 

The next morning, we were off to Caramoan. It's supposedly the highlight of the entire trip if not for the waiting games. 

And heeeyy, this is me feeling oh so purty! Please notice how fair-skinned I am back then. I miss those days sooo bad, it's depressing. Then again, I'm exaggerating perhaps.

I told you about the waiting games right? Upper right photo proves my point. We were really a big group in this trip, you know the deal.. friends of friends of friends. So, we had no choice but to ride different boats for the island hopping. Basically explains the waiting game. Plus there was no signal. Perfect!

Although this may not be the best among my trips, I am still thankful for the opportunity. Caramoan is a nice place after all. Ask Survivor!

The next day, we were off to leave Bicol. Hopefully I'll be able to go back. Wait for me CWC, will you? :)

ELSEWHERE

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throwback may 2o1o: puerto silangin

Hi guyyysss!! I am one heck of a bored person already. It's been two months since I quit my job. I'm running out of things to do, not to mention, running low on funds too. I am so kawawa. Hehehe. :P On the brighter side, I have this blog and I still have couple of items on my throwback list. Sooo.. once again, it's throwback time!!! 

Today I am going to bring you to Puerto Silangin, San Antonio, Zambaleeesss!! Yes, it is a neighboring island of Anawangin, Capones and Nagsasa. I honestly do not get why Silangin is a lot less popular. I've been to Anawangin and Capones too and if you'd ask me where to go back, I'd choose Silangin without thinking twice. You'll find out later why.

Presenting Puerto Silangiiinnn! I know, I know. Above are photos too nice to have been taken by me. As much as I hate to admit it, I didn't took them. A friend's friend did. He was our official photographer then. I told you guys, choose your friends wisely. Hahaha!

Anyway, I was with my college friends in this trip. We used to travel a lot then until well, we grew older and life happened. I also tagged along my sister so I'll have someone to share the tent with. I always had issues getting in close proximity with people and my sister was the closest thing to possible. 

It was my first camping experience and I felt like it was some sort of bahay-bahayan. Sobrang nakakaaliw! Although, of course, it's not all fun. We had to work hard for each meal. And maaann, cooking is really a lot of work! We had to practice camaraderie for 3 days and 2 nights to get along harmoniously and with happy bellies. 

Come night time, it was swimming time! I didn't bring any swimsuit hence I didn't join the girls in their photo sessions. I predicted I won't be in the mood to swim too much. And my prediction was right!! Matter of factly, I can't remember dipping in the water. Hahaha! As much as I can be too 'game' at times, I can be too 'kj' also. When do we consider one as bipolar again? Hahaha!! 

Before bedtime, the guys made a bonfire. It could have been perfect with hot dogs and marshmallows but obviously, we didn't have them. What made the night more interesting are the photo ops. DSLRs are not yet a common thing to us then so we were all giddy for professional-looking photos.

Time for some more shots of the place in the morning. Ain't the view so fetch? Plus we were the only group in the island. We had it all by ourselves on a summer month!! I doubt if Anawangin will ever be this solemn again. 

And then here's our obligatory group shots collage. It's always like this - the girls are beautiful *eheeemm ubo ubo* while the guys are fun! They are soooo fuuunn! Yes, fun is the right adjective. Hehehe. 

Then there's a little horror. Dun dun dun duuunnn!! My turn to help in cooking came! Back then, I know nothing about cooking. I am our kitchen's worst nightmare, believe me. But still, I managed to help! I fried meat looaaff!! Whoaah!! I am so amazing! Hahaha! My cooking stint was successful but that doesn't mean I escaped the teasing. Oh well.

Before going home, my sister and I kidnapped our photographer somewhere far for more photo ops. Ang kapal lang namin. :P I was sporting a black and yellow ensemble tapos feeling ko sobrang porma ko na!  Hahaha! 3 years after, I won't dare wear something as matchy matchy as this. Ughh!

Before I end this noncomprehensive post, let me give you more reasons why Silangin is the booommbb!! First, the place has electricity and water source. Sarap buhay considering we were camping. And then, the comfort room! My goodness, it's so posh. Definitely far from what we all expected. I stole a photo from Biyaherong Barat just so you can see.

And then the kitchen! It's complete with a sink and utensils. It also has a bed where one of my friends slept. Instant accommodation!

And lastly, it has a cool viewing deck! I stayed there for most of my me-time. Perfect tambayan for loners like me. Hahaha!

Ohaaa!? Didn't I tell you Silangin is the perfect escape from its crowded neighbor islands. Didn't I tell yaaahh? Didn't I tell yaaaahhhh?! Hahaha!!

ELSEWHERE

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throwback march 2o1o: bohol

Throwbaaaccckkk!! :) But it's not like I already ran out of recent happenings to blog about. I actually still have Nuvali and my dad's birthday celebration on queue. The culprit of this throwback is the fact that I haven't gotten a copy of our Nuvali photos - well except the ones I took from my camera which as expected are not enough to give justice to a travel post. Why am I even explaining?!! Ewan nyo sa 'kin! Haha!

So anyway, back in 2010, life gave me my first real travel experience. Of course prior to that I've been to some neighbor provinces - Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas and.. uhmm.. geez, here goes my limited knowledge in geography again. :P And oh, I've been to Puerto Galera way back in 2009. But the point is THIS  is my first airplane ride!! Milestone kaya to! And my first destination? The queen city of the south.. CEBU!!!

I won't go through a detailed itinerary of how many hours our flight got delayed, or how long the travel time was, or where did we replenish our starving tummies.. let's just leave that to Sheena! Click on the link later though. Hahaha! Rather, I'll be posting photos of the places we visited and some other highlights.. like my outfit shots. Hehe. Alam nyo naman tayo, maipilit lang. So, you guys ready? Time warp na toohhh!! 

Our first airplane ride. Thank you to Cebu Pacific for sharing this special moment with us. So yun na nga, we landed in Cebu only to travel more all the way to Bohol. I was with my Accenture girls, by the way.

Dumaluan Beach Resort. That's where we stayed and that's where the outfit shot below was taken. It's only now that I realized - even before this blog, and even before I knew of the term OOTD, that's apparently what I've been doing. Top and Skirt from Crissa. Flats from Gibi. Back in the days when Forever 21 isn't in the picture yet.

DBR Grill. I can vividly remember how long it took before our food got served. Lumubog na't lahat ang araw, wala pa rin. 

Panglao Beach at Night. My first love. Unfortunately, I do not believe in the saying "first love never dies". It died when I saw Calaguas. It died the second time when I saw Boracay. So much for first love. 

Panglao Beach in the Morning. It's amazing how the shore moved several meters further leaving the sand cement-hard with a starfish print on the side. Amazeballs!

Tarsier Viewing. A Bohol trip is never without a photo op with the tarsiers. I am just glad my contact lenses made my eyes seem smaller. I could have been captured and placed on a tree just like them. They also had a flying lemur which we were trying to show off in the photo below. I chopped it off in favor of our faces. Brilliant!!

Chocolate Hills. I didn't expect it to be that commercialized. I thought we were going to trek a little among trees and wild plants in order to get to the hills. But no. They had stairs, ornamental plants, cottages, photo packages and lot more I didn't expect. At that time, I was unaware that blog exists and that there are travel blogs and that they can help you manage your expectations. At least now I know. :)

Butterfly Sanctuary. It's where butterflies are a little weird. I could have asked if they were trained or what. Photo below shows a butterfly that landed on my head. Had that happened back in Manila, it would creep the hell out of me. But moving on from creepy butterflies, the place sells one of the best ice candies I've ever tasted - Madame Butterflies Natural Fruit Ice Cream.

Loboc Hanging Bridge. Definitely a no-no if you have fear of heights. It's really kind of scary walking on a loose bridge and seeing a huge river beneath it. I was never afraid of heights but I still can't swim back then. Look at me holding carefully on the rails. Haha! I hate looking like a loser.

Loboc River Cruise. The food may be mediocre but the experience is definitely one of a kind. Imagine having your lunch while being lulled to sleep. Haha! Kidding! But it's close to that. Eating while being serenaded plus a calming view. Although the river reminded me so much of Amazon. I can be ironic at times. Calming tapos Amazon? Kalma kalma din kahit may malaking ahas na? Hahaha!

Prony the Python. And speaking of snakes, here's one! But far from the snakes in Amazon, this one's a gentle giant. Although at that time, I found it to good to be true. It was like he's just trying to deceive us and by the time he's able to get our trust, bigla kaming lulunukin ng buo. Hahaha! Paranoia.

Baclayon Church.Super old church with super strict rules. Good thing I have my bolero {I mean shrug, not a bolero person. :P} with me or else I ended up being wrapped with a huge piece of green cloth. Don't you just wish churches here in Manila could implement the same? It wouldn't hurt dressing up a little more decent once in a while.

Blood Compact Monument. Blood compact, anyone? Just a thought. Let's say blood compact will ensure you tighter friendship bonds, will you do it? Hahaha! Waley! That's what I get from blogging in the wee hours of the morning. Weird blogging time. Weird thoughts. Tara! Blood compact na!! Girls? Girls? Yoohooo!!! Have you seen my friends? Hahaha!! :))

PS

I am thinking of blogging all my previous travels since 2010 until I acquired this blog. Encouraging words? :)

ELSEWHERE

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