ilocos sur-ilocos norte: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

Whattup guyz? As promised, here are more details on our public tour package from Parana Tours and the usual itinerary, expenses and blog post links.

Parana Tour Public Tour Package (P3750/pax, 10-12pax/van)

• Inclusions
• 3 Days &  2 Nights Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte Tour
• Van Transfers, Manila-Ilocos-Manila (Brand New Toyota HiAce Commuter 15 Seaters)
• Standard Resort Accommodations (Maria Exaltacion Lodge, Cathy's Beach Resort or Klasik Beach Resort
• Entrance Fees & Local Guide Fees
• Gas, Toll Fees & Driver's Meals & Accommodation
• Taxes & Surcharges, with Official Receipt & Itinerary of the Tour
• Freebies (side note: can't exactly remember if we had any. meeh.)
• Reservation & Payment Details
• Reservation fee of 1000 php per pax must be deposited at least earlier than or 2 weeks before the scheduled tour dates.
• Send the scanned copy of deposit slip on the given email address (rson68@yahoo.com) attached with information chart. (side note: they'll be sending the chart as soon as you inquire.)
• Please keep your deposit slip for it will serve as your receipt for your down payment.
• Please settle your balance before departure on the chosen pickup point of participants (always ask for the official receipt).
• Reservation fees are non refundable but transferable to a replacement/proxy participant.
• In-case of a last minute back-out or no show, the participant's group will be responsible for the payment of his/her balance.
• Reservation fees are only refundable if we cancel due to target slots were not filled (participants will be advised 3 days before the trip).
• In-case of weather issues Parana Tours will reschedule the trip at least a week after the client’s target date.
• Children (3-7 years old) are entitled to a 50% discount of the package price.
• Different rate applies for foreign nationals.
• Account Details:  7570028772 Parana Tours BDO San Pedro Rosario Branch
• Other Reminders
• Meals are not included for personal preferences.
• Always remember to pack light, only 5 kilos of baggage is allowed per participant. (side note: they didn't check our baggage. :P)
• Driver/tour coordinator's contact details will be sent 3 days before the trip thru SMS or email.
• Print and sign the tour voucher/contract and present it to the assigned driver/tour coordinator before full payment (ask for official receipt).
• Group tour van seating arrangement is on first come first served basis, please come early to your assigned pickup point.
• Contact Details
• Parana Tours
• Blk 2 Lot 8 Phase 2-C Pacita Complex 2 San Pedro, Laguna
• (02) 847-4415  
  
• 0917-8242223 
• 0949-1244654
• rson68@yahoo.com  

itinerary from Parana Tours

Here's the catch: There were differences between our actual itinerary and the one provided by Parana. For one, we didn't get to visit the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag. Also, we visited Bangui Windmills on the third day instead of visiting it on the first. Then the time slots. Soo.. this is where my precious stories come in. Hehehe. ✌ Check out the links below to find out what actually transpired during our 3-day Ilocos Tour. Enjoyy!!

day1: ilocos sur - santa, bantay and vigan tour 

day1: ilocos norte - batac and paoay tour

day2: ilocos norte - pagudpud tour 

day3: ilocos norte - bangui and burgos tour

day3: ilocos sur - calle crisologo tour

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mt.pinatubo: itinerary, expenses and a link loving ♥

Here's our Mt. Pinatubo Itinerary and Expenses as promised. Please note that aside from the 888-peso deal we got from Nature Trip Travel and Tours through Metrodeal, we also availed of their van rentals for 700/pax, minimum of 10 people.  We had to deposit half of the total amount (P3500) for reservation.

itinerary from Nature Trip

Lastly, click on the link below for my Pinatubo disaster stories. :P

mt.pinatubo: a worthy disaster

Nature Trip Travel Tours

naturetriptravelandtours@yahoo.com

0922-890-6380/ 0917-883-6363

0928-505-0764/ 455-4248

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prelude to summer

No more throwback posts this time, I promise. Just in time that I finished my throwback series, I got a copy of the photos I've been waiting for. JUST IN TIME. It's always like that with me and the big Guy above. :)

So anyway, here's my early summer treat for myself back in February - a trip to Republic Wakepark, Nuvali with the Badjaos.

First things first, ootd!! I've always wanted a matching blazer and floral shorts outfit. I even have that on my peg board. Having said all those, who can blame me for savoring the moment? I almost didn't change to my wakeboarding clothes. Hahaha! I had an excuse though 'cause it was also the time of the month. I had a pretty long decision-making time.

We got there at around 9 am sans breakfast. Hungry and all, we registered first. We chose the 4-hour package for P595 each. We also deposited P600 each for the life vest, helmet and digital wrist tag for time tracking. We got the 600 peso deposit back when we returned the said safety gears. They also took our individual photos and an ID; one for the group may do.

Right after the registration, we proceeded to their cafeteria. I had grilled ham and cheese sandwich for P150. By the way, bringing of food is prohibited. I was able to snuck chocolates and sour candies though. 

We did not get to finish our breakfast because we they were so ecstatic to begin wakeboarding. I fought the urge to join them for about an hour. Aside from the fact that I am making the most out of my outfit, the thought of my monthly visitor freaked me out. Eventually, I gave up. It was a tough battle inside my head, you have no idea.

My first try was a good one. Unfortunately, only few of my next tries were better. It was darn difficult!! I guess it has something to do with my lack of balance (can't ride a bike, remember?). Then again, I learned to surf. I really wonder who or what is to blame. Haha! Kelangan may masisi lang? :P On a more positive note, I am not the only one who sucked at it. Ohai, guys!!

They are implementing a 12 to 1 pm lunch break so we had no choice but to go on break too. I had pork mami for P150 and it's the worst I've tasted. Sobrang walang lasa. I asked for fish sauce and they did not have it. My 150 bucks went to waste just like that. 

We were on a wakeboarding spree until around 3pm. Freshening up took a while because three of us were girls. And with girls, I do not mean average maintenance ones. Ang aarte namin. I just had to be honest. :P It took forever before we left the shower room. Sorry boys!

Of course we had to take more photos before we leave. Admit it, taking photos nowadays is just as essential as making memories. Photos can document in detail what our minds may only vaguely remember or possibly forget altogether. 

Lastly for dinner, we had pizza, pasta and chicken at Shakey's Paseo. It was my time to catch up with everyone after a month of not seeing them. To date, it's been three months since I left my job. Perhaps I miss my work, but I know for sure I miss these people more. Lakwacha, soon?

Listing down my expenses just in case I got you interested. :) No reservations needed. Simply go there, have fun and look silly. :P

And..

"Getting my shit together" update..

Goal #12 Wakeboarding - CHECK! 

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boracay: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

I do not have much words right now 'cause I'm in a hurry. Domestic works are waiting for me. So here yah go guys,  seven freaking days in Boracay for almost P13500!! That would even be more than P20000 if I add all other miscellaneous expenses - clothes, swimsuits, cover-ups, toiletries.. Yikkeess!

 

Links, links, linkkkss!!

day 1: let's fly to boracay

day 2: banana boat and atv

day 3: got inked xD

day 4: beach boom booms

day 5: helmet diving and parasailing ♥

day 6: fishing and snorkeling

day 7: some good things never last

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

Blogger Apple reporting for duty from the islands of Boracay. :) We're currently stranded here, thanks to bagyong Pedro {I really meant Pablo. Teehee. Thanks, Tiny!}, so I thought of doing something productive.

From this point on, I'll be coming up with an "itinerary, expenses and some link loving" post of my trips. You like that? You like that? Huh?

Fortunately, Melvic's site already got my responsibility covered so all I have to do is to repost them. :D

Package Cost

2D/1N - P3200
Although I think I spent around five thousand due to the exclusions.

Inclusive of:
- Boat Transfers
- Land Transfers
- Tent Accommodation
- Camp Meals
- Life Jackets
- Environmental Fees
- Complimentary Drinks

Exclusive of:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Dinner on the last day
- Boat for Island Hopping, P2500 (optional)
- Surf Board Rental and Tutorial P400/hr (optional)

---

Itinerary
Day 0
20:00 - Bus Station
20:30 - ETD- Manila-Daet

Day 1
07:00 - ETA Daet/ Breakfast (own pax Account)
08:00 - ETD for Calaguas Island (tentative) or side trip Macolabo island
10:00 - ETA Calaguas Island/ set camp explore
12:00 - Lunch
13:00 - Siesta/ swimming/ explore/ picture happy campers
18:00 - Dinner
19:00 - Socials
22:00 - Lights out

Day 2
06:00 - Wakeup call
07:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Break Camp
10:00 - ETD Calaguas - Daet
12:00 - ETD Daet
13:00 - Late Lunch
14:00 - Surfing Bagasbas
17:00 - Rest
18:00 - Dinner (own pax Account)
20:00 - ETD Daet-Manila

---

Link Lovin'
day1: i left my heart in calaguas
day2: this surfing thing in bagasbas

And that's all for tonight. I have to sleep a little early since we were given the hope we can parasail and helmet dive tomorrow. We need all the good vibes in the world, please. :)

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hundred islands: cliff jumping, anyone?

Can I have a woot-woot? I just did another life threatening activity - CLIFF JUMPING!! But before we proceed to the story of risking my life, which by the way is rather usual, let's begin where we should begin. :)

This Hundred Islands trip is our summer teambuilding slash S and C's despedida. J and O planned this trip while M's the one who rented the van. So here's an interesting story. We left our office at around 6pm and decided to just stop over somewhere for dinner. So there, we were happily eating at Mang Inasal when an armed soldier {as in may mahabang armalite, c'mon} entered the place looking for the owner of our SUV. He said that the van was carnapped and that its passengers were kidnapped. We were like WHHAAAAT?!! Okay lang kami dito, anong problema nyo? And then the investigation begun with a crowd of other policemen and officers. Turned out someone who saw us at NLEX reported such and it was for crying out loud, a FALSE ALARM. We went on with our trip knowing that we were still under surveillance for our safety. Definitely a prelude to our cliff jumping adventure.

while everyone was obviously worried -
there I was making pa-cute to the camera :")

Fortunately, we got to Alaminos safe and sound. Our accommodation was O's friend's lodging. By the way, we got lots of perks due to the fact that O's a friend of the owner's son. {ano daw? asawa ng kapatid ng ninong ng kapitbahay nyo. hahaha!} Thanks big time, D. :)

By 4am, two of us went to the market to buy our food for the entire trip. If I understand things correctly, nagpaluto lang kame sa kanila for the entire day. Obviously, I wasn't part of the organizing team so katuga lang ako - kain, tulog, gala. :D

good morning, Pangasinan ☀

Our first stop was at Lucap Wharf where we got to buy pasalubong and other souvenirs. I got myself a t-shirt and a fan. It was so hot even at around 6 or 7am hence the pamaypay. I hate sweating! I don't know how many times I already said that in this blog. :P

By the time, we got back to our house, breakfast is ready. And mind you, with presentation pa! We ate somewhere at the back of their house with a nice view of the sea. For breakfast, deadma kame sa dining area ng bahay nila. 

 on the way to Lucap Wharf
Hundred Islands says welcome. :D

my talikodgenic shot plus the view plus our breakfast

Our Hundred Islands trip started at around 9am. I guess we were all still feeling maganda and gwapo by that time, we were so fond of taking pictures - group or solo, just shoot! We probably all knew that towards the latter part of the trip we'd look wasted from all the snorkeling, trekking and spelunking.

fresh pa? magpapicture na!

The first island we visited was Century Island. It was just a cave and all we did was easy spelunking and take pictures, what else? I was so thankful I was wearing comfy knit top and shorts and I didn't have a hard time transferring from boulder to boulder. Independent ang peg ko. Hi M! Hahaha! :*

when you have gone to Sagada,
what any other cave can make spelunking difficult?

Our next stop was Governor's Island. We had to trek to get to the viewing deck. It was tiring but worth it as it offers a stunning view of the other islands. Perfect spot for pictures too. See for yourself. ♥

didn't I tell yah?

Then it was lunch time. We were supposed to have it in Children's Island but the place is too crowded already. We had no choice but to take our lunch in the boat, anyway it wouldn't make our food less pleasing. Gutom na choosy pa ba? :P

bangus, tahong, pusit and adobo for lunch

The third stop is where I risked my life for the nth time. It was in Imelda Cave, Marcos Island {sounds cheesy, eh?} M and K were the first ones to try cliff jumping. They just called us from where we were swimming and told us to jump as well. They were the first ones to jump again and then I followed next. You perfectly know I can't swim in deep waters so imagine the thrill. Prior to jumping, I told K to save me in any case my life vest escapes me. Sigurista ang peg.

In case you might wanna know the feeling.. it was like two seconds of free falling and then when you finally splashed to the water, you won't know whether to complain about your hurting butt or the saltiness of the water you have swallowed. No regrets though. It is a lifetime experience.

1..2..3.. JUMP!

right before cliff jumping

Fourth stop is Quezon Island. Prior to docking to the island, some of us went snorkeling while others stayed on the boat for some rest. I proudly belong to the 'others' group. Upon arriving in the island, we headed to the clam viewing area. It was in this island where we stayed the longest. And while the others were just chilling in the dining pavilion, S and I were soaking ourselves in  salt water and under the scorching heat of the sun. It was a literal 'everything under the sun' kwentuhan for like an hour.

clams, corals and starfish
plus photographs in the dining pavilion

Fifth Island, Cuenco Island with its matching Cuenco Cave. It was a just a quick photo-op since we were going back to the lodge already.

my almost silhouette shot :)

We also passed by Paniki Island where hundreds of paniki reside. Syempre, pass by lang talaga ang drama sa island na 'to. It was amusingly creepy.

bored? count the bats! teehee

Going back to the lodge, we had dinner first then the despedida drama. I dozed off after we had dinner but J woke me up for the said activity. I was so sleepy that after C {or Carol as revealed by the picture :P} gave me her message, I fell asleep again. They were actually joking since the start of the trip that my sleeping time is part of the itinerary. You know me so well, guys.

we'll miss you, Carol :*

Then finally, they woke me up again as it's time to head home already. And guess what I did on the way home.. sleep of course! Hahaha! Boo! You sleepyhead! :P

By the way, I'm leaving you with the expenses, albeit discounted. The itinerary on the other hand is quite obvious for a day trip. Fine with you? Yes? Oh, good.

 

Yay! Done! I'm excited for my champorado. :))

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camiguin-bukidnon-cdo: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

Hi Sey! Oopsie, I mean hi dear readers. Haha! I take promises seriously so here I am spending half of my day digging my braincells for this post. See how much I love my 80 followers? ;)

But waaaaaiiiitt! Before you even look at my own version of our Mindanao trip itinerary and expenses, disclaimer muna. :D I honestly did not take note of how our trip went on hour by hour. At one point I thought I can't do this post anymore because a month has passed and I already forgot the details of our trip - time we woke up, slept, had lunch etc. etc. Then a light bulb moment happened! Yung tipong may *ting* sound effects pa.  Haha! I suddenly remember pictures have timestamp. So the rest is history, alam nyo na pano ako nagcome-up sa IT ko. I feel so bright. Hahaha! :)))

As for the expenses, I listed them down but I accidentally deleted the note from my phone. Matalino man ang mantsing, minsan tanga din. Haha! To the rescue are my travel buddies and the receipts I kept. Buti na lang basurera ako.  At thank you sa travel buddies ko.

And this is where my disclaimer ends. Go take a look at our Itinerary. I hope you guys get something from it. Enjoy your Camiguin-Bukidnon-CDO trip. Higit sa lahat, wag kalimutan ang pasalubong ko. ;)

There's moooore! If you missed my Mindanao series, I'm listing down the links here. Go read 'em. 

day1: camiguin countryside tour

day2: camiguin white island tour and chill at bbc

day3: bukidnon dahilayan adventure park

day3: cdo whitewater rafting

Got to go! I'm finalizing my goals for 2012. Boo! I know it's March already. :P

Contact: Brenda, 09175490866

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day 3: capones island - short side trip before we hurry home

day 2: anawangin - lazeh beach bumming day

Third day. I can almost hear Manila calling us back but we had to ignore it for a while to make way for a short Capones Island side trip.

We were up so early hence the chinky eyes in the photo below. We only had quick breakfast - bread and instant noodles. We didn't want to spend too much time preparing breakfast 'cos we need to get back to Manila as Lex still had to report for work at night. Boo! Work has always been, and will always be, a party pooper!

singkit-singkitan sa umaga

It took time before we were able to break our camp. It's no easy to pack up - tents, groundsheets, cooksets, utensils plus personal stuff. Most importantly, never leave the place with traces. We may have left garbage and other recyclables but they were neatly kept. The caretakers would simply pick them up for disposal or re-use.

Just as were ready, we asked our boatman to take our 'real' group picture. We no longer had the luxury of time so we were off.

credits to kuyang bangkero

In Capones, our main activity was to climb up the lighthouse. It's as if we didn't get enough from climbing a mountain. :| Again, it was soooooo hot. Number of o's equate to how hot it was. Hahaha! Jef and I were joking of 'ang greasy mo lines'. Kasi naman, ang init talaga!

the lighthouse

When we reached the lighthouse, I realized that the view is worth all the whining and the sweat. The lighthouse showcases the beautiful island of Capones and it is way more breathtaking than Anawangin. I have never seen the sky and the sea so blue. I can stand there and stare for hours {On second thought, mainit pala. So 'wag na lang. =p}

Ok, I concede. mas maganda ang view

The entire time we were in the lighthouse, we were just taking pictures. I wonder why we never get tired of posing and smiling for the camera. Care to guess?

Even when we were about to leave the lighthouse already, we managed to sneak with some pictures on our way down to the shore.

with Jigs, the official Capones photographer

just before leaving this side of the island

From how I understand, the side of the island where we stopped for the lighthouse trip is not suitable for swimming so we transferred to another spot for a short swim. Ma-feel man lang ang tubig ng Capones.

But the ever maarte spirit in me decided to just make use of whatever time remaining for photo-ops. Aside from that, I also didn't want to feel all icky with salt water on our way to the boatman's house where we'd take our bath. So there, another good excuse. =p

And that's the last installment of my Holy Week get-away. Whheew! More summer escapades and one silly videoke night, upnext. Let's all waste time here, kk? :D

day 1: mt.pundaquit trek - the hard way to get to anawangin

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