Holy Week Journey Suggestion

Next to the Christmas holidays perhaps Holy Week is the next longest series of break that every Filipinos can enjoy each year. 

Conservative people may question why some choose to have fun during Holy Week, when people are expected to make some sacrifices in commemoration of Jesus’ sufferings. In my case, I stop thinking like manangs and manongs long long long time ago. 

Holy Week now for me is the time when I can re-charge myself after period of being serious at work.  And besides, Holy Week is not really a season to grief, but a season to rejoice because with Christ’s death and resurrection, the promise of eternal life is made close at hand to all. 

So have a guilt-free vacation this Holy Week. Now if you are still wondering where to go this Holy Week and tired of going to either Boracay Island or Puerto Galera, let me give you some of my suggested places: 

1)     Anawangin

      If you like the challenge of going back to basic, Anawangin is the place for you. It is a cove in the town of San Antonio, Zambales. I have to warn you though that there is no electricity, no cellphone signal and no resort in Anawangin. You have to put-up your own tent and cook your own food. There is no room for Primadonnas in the island.

       If you are into photography, you will surely enjoy Anawangin. You can also schedule a side trip to Capones Island and Camara Island when you are in Anawangin. 

2)     Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island is a paradise just waiting to be discovered in the province of Quezon. Nature lovers and adventurers will enjoy the rich flora & fauna that Cagbalete has to offer. The sand bar of Cagbalete is spectacular so be sure to take its picture when the tide is low. Jump-off point for people wanting to visit Cagbalete is Mauban, Quezon.

If you need a place to stay , be sure to check-in at Pansacola Beach Resort. 

3)     Guimaras Island

      Guimaras is an island province located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The island is located in the 

     Panay Gulf, between the  islands of Panay and Negros. The island also boast of itself as the  producer of the sweetest

     mangoes in the world.

    Guimaras is just 15 minutes boat ride from Ilo-ilo City so if you want to experience nightlife, you can also decide to

    spend a night in Ilo-ilo City.

4)     Siquijor Island

Siquijor is an island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is considered by many Filipinos as a mystical island due to the strong beliefs of its local to supernatural. Aside from swimming, spelunking, trekking and church hopping are some of the things that you can do in Siquijor.

To date, I consider it as the best island I have been in the Philippines.

5)     Coron , Palawan

Coron is one of the most beautiful town of Palawan. For the longest time, I rated Coron , Palawan as one of the top three places in the Philippines. It has the country’s cleanest lake i.e. Kayangan Lake which has a breathtaking view. Barracuda Lake is equally enhanting. It has a lot of dive spot surrounding Coron. Words are not enough to describe Coron. You have to go there and experience it.

So there you go, pack your things and have fun in the sun. 

Don’t forget to pray, it is still Holy Week anyway. 

Cheers to the good life!

A Journey to Guimaras Island

I made a sudden change of trip itinerary when I had my vacation in Ilo-ilo City last March 12-14, 2010, and part of the changes was the inclusion of a side-trip to Guimaras Island.

I have always known Guimaras as the island which produces the sweetest variety of mango in the world. The island is located in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of  Panay and Ilo-ilo.

 I never have problem getting to Guimaras Island from Ilo-ilo. There is a regular boat ride heading towards Jordan Wharf (Guimaras) that leaves every 15 minutes from Ortiz Port of Ilo-ilo City.

 From Jordan Wharf, there are several options in getting to your resort of choice: 1) rent a tricycle, 2) rent a mulitcab or 3) ride a a jeepney. Since I am not really in a hurry, I opted to just ride the jeepney and the process saved me some hundreds of pesos.

There are lots of beach resorts in Guimaras Island. Some of the most popular are Raymen Beach Resort and Baras Beach Resort.  I decided to check-in in Guisi Clear Water which is more than one (1) hour ride from the Jordan. I selected Guisi Clear Water because of the good review I have read about one of its satisfied visitor. In addition to the review, I am also thrilled to know that the second oldest light house in the Philippines is in Guisi, as a matter of fact it is just some fifteen minutes walk from Guisi Clear Water.

In all honesty, Guisi Clear Water has a very simple accommodation.  Their rooms are just similar to those you will see in the provinces of Cavite but the scenery around the resort is spectacular. Their staffs are very accommodating too! I have read complaints with the staffs and management of Raymen Beach Resort & Baras Beach Resort on internet reviews so I avoided both resorts. Between good customer service and outstanding infrastructure, I go for good customer service. Guisi Clear Water staffs didn’t fail my expectations, when I wanted mangoes they send someone out to go get some for me. When I wanted to eat squids for lunch and it was not available they did their best to get one so I can have it for dinner. Isn’t that amazing?! Guisi Clear Water should consider though to improve their rooms ( putting wallpapers/paint and installing excellent curtains can already do the trick )  and should improve the flow of water in the bathrooms. Other than that Guisi Clear Water could already be a haven for travelers.

Some of the things that one can find enjoyable in Guimaras other than their sweet mangoes are snorkeling and island hopping. A short visit to the Trappist Monastery is also suggested. There you can find some quiet moment and thank God for all your blessings. They also have a souvenir shop that sell varieties of locally produced delicacies. I personally like their mango bars!

I strongly encourage you, guys, to include a side trip in Guimaras Island in your next trip to Ilo-Ilo City. And discover Guimaras … the island that fits your taste!

Journey to Awesome Anawangin Cove

I first heard of Anawangin Cove from some officemates who went there last May 2009. They spoke good things about it: fine sand, crystal clear water, magnificent rock formations, pine trees by the beach etc. etc. etc. But what thrilled me the most was the idea that it is still untouched by commercialism: no electricity, no cellular phone signal and no beach houses for rent. Unfortunately, I wasn’t available to make it on the two occasions that they scheduled a trip to Anawangin Cove.

But being an adventurer that I am, I surfed the net and planned my own sojourn to Anawangin Cove last Aug. 28-30, 2009. With me was a former officemate who owns a tent that will serve as our dwelling place for our stay. The news that a typhoon was expected to hit the Philippines over the weekend did not stop me from going to Anawangin.

I left Manila at exactly 11:30pm at Victory Liner terminal in Pasay City and reached the town of San Antonio, Zambales around 2:30am. At 3:00am, we are already in the baranggay of Pandaquit where I instructed our boatman to meet us up. Mang Alfring (our boatman, 09196498563) advised us that we should wait a little longer because it is hard to navigate the sea without some light.

Honestly, I was a little afraid as we sail our way to Anawangin Cove because the waves were really big. A word of advice, be sure to place your camera inside a ziplock plastic bag to ensure that it will be dry. I was so wet the whole time. My hands were completely locked to the two sides of the boat because we don’t have any life jacket during our sailing. However the sight of Capones Island , Camara Island and all other small islands were enough to overcome all my fears. In my personal opinion, the most beautiful sight to look forward to is as the boat makes its final turn towards Anawangin Cove. Awesome will be an understatement to describe how beautiful it is. Indescribable! You won’t ever think that you are still in the Philippines, I promise!

We were warmly welcomed by Nanay Ligaya, the island’s caretaker. She gave us a table that we can use during our stay. Immediately, we searched for a good spot near the pine trees and fixed our tent. I approached Nanay Ligaya and told her we weren’t able to buy some cooked rice because we arrive so early in the morning. She offered to cook us some rice so we can have something for breakfast. She indeed is so hospitable. I shared her some adobo so she can also have something for breakfast.  At around 8:00am, we started to go around the island. We first checked the river stream at the back of the woods. The water was more than knee-high, but we braved to cross it to get a better glimpse of the other side of the island. And of course, we did not miss to take some pictures. I have not seen any place as picturesque as Anawangin. It has a very calming ambiance. All pictures taken can be mistaken as postcards.

At 10:00am, people started to arrive in the island. By late noon, we are already over 100 in the island, but there is still a lot of area to put up one’s tent. Swimming, playing freezebie, surfing, guitar-playing and drinking are some of the things that you can do in the island. I took sometime to read a book from lunch time  to around 4:30pm. After which , I headed to the beach. I took away all my inhibitions and played like a kid against the waves. Never minding the rain and the thunder. I was once more a kid.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience to be in Anawangin Cove. It is not everyday that you will find a great treasure in the Philippines, and Anawangin will be one of my rare find.

I will definitely be back in Anawangin Cove.

A Journey to La Virginia Resort & Hotel

If you are looking for a weekend getaway that is not too far from Manila, yet want to have a refreshing experience then La Virginia Resort and Hotel in Mataas na Kahoy , Batangas is the perfect place for you.

The resort is surrounded by coconut groves and offers a breathtaking views of Taal Volcano Island. For photo enthusiasts, every corner is a perfect background for picture-taking. Honestly, the child inside me was temporarily unleashed and I competed with my friends in getting myself photographed.

The resort has five world-class swimming pools and a heated Jacuzzi for family and personal fun. There are also numbers of hotel accommodation and picnic facilities within the resort. But one thing that I really appreciate in my tour in La Virginia Resort is the availability of “restrooms” around it. I am sure in one time or the other we all experienced falling in line in restrooms in most resorts, I don’t think that it will be your problem when you visit La Virginia Resort.

I can actually put my integrity as an explorer at stake that you will have a wonderful and relaxing experience if you pay La Virginia Resort and Hotel a visit.

Getting to La Virginia Resort and Hotel:

Take a bus bound to Batangas City via Tanauan-Lipa route, and get-off at Robinsons Lipa. Ride a jeepney bound to Bayorbor or Nangkaan and tell the driver to drop you off at Longos. From Longos, you can just get a tricycle ride to La Virginia Resort & Hotel.

Rates:

Entrance fee is P200 for kids and P300 for adults. This is inclusive of the use of swimming pools.

Some Useful Information for Guests:

Touring hours for inquiries are from 7:00pm – 5:00pm; Swimming hours are from 6:00am to 10:00pm only; Pool users must be in proper Swimming Attire; Video rentals are for 10 hours and until 10pm only; Function and Picnic Facilities are for 12 hours and until 10pm

Things to Do at La Virginia Resort and Hotel:

Swim , play basketball , play badminton (outdoor) , silence your soul , meditate , enjoy the view , take pictures , take pictures , take pictures.

Contact Information: Tel. Number (Resort) : 043-703-2145 Tel. Number (Manila Office) : 02-743-2047 Email Address: lavirginiaresort@yahoo.com Website: www.lavirginiaresort.com

Disclaimer: This is not a paid ad.

Journey to Captivating Cagbalete Island

I first came to learn about Cagbalete Island from an article written by Gibbs Cadiz in Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle Section. Mr. Gibbs vividly narrated his experience to the still “unexploited” Cagbalete Island. His article created a spark of fire in me …longing to experience Cagablete Island as well.

Unfortunately, due to a very tight schedule last year, I wasn’t able to make it to Cagbalete Island on 2009, but I promised myself that I will see her on 2010. And so after some months of delay, I finally make it to Cagbalete Island last Jan. 30-31, 2010.

Honestly, I underestimated the task of getting there since I have been to farther and more remote places in the Philippines than Cagbalete Island. But I was WRONG! To my great surprise it was a whole lot challenging. For one, there are only two schedules of sea transfer to Cagbalete Island : one is at 10:00am, the other at 4:00pm. If I miss it, I will have to rent a boat which eventually cost me more.

So as early as 5:00am, I am already traveling to Lucena City where the terminal for the buses bound to Mauban, Quezon is located. Mind you, the buses are non-airconditioned and are moving at a very slow phase. There are airconditioned vans at SM Lucena, but it takes century to get filled-up. It will wait until 10:00am before it leaves Lucena City, you can pay the van Php 900.00 and it will bring you to Mauban in less than an hour but why pay more when regular bus only charge Php 50.00 to Mauban.

At Sabang Port, there are two big bangkas : Neneng & Anthony … I wonder if they are boyfriend-girlfriend. I rode Anthony because it was bigger. Unfortunately, they are putting a big colored plastic material infront of the Bangka so we don’t get wet but because of the big plastic I wasn’t able to see the view of the sea during my travel. At Neneng, the plastic is translucent so you have opportunity to see the view.

There are two resorts at Cagbalete Island: Pansacola Beach Resort and Villa Cleofas. Three weeks ago, I contacted Villa Cleofas through their email account in the net and immediately I received an email from Mr. Ed Jacob, unfortunately after stating that I might be just alone, I never hear from him again. I guess, I am not worth it … I am just one customer. Too bad! Fortunately, I found in the internet that there is Pansacola Beach Resort in Cagbalete Island, I called up the number and I was entertained by Ms. Fe who referred me to her husband Mr. Rommel who in spite of being alone, I was treated well. They are ANGELS!

Honestly, I was a bit scared on how Pansacola may looks like, because not much information is there in the net about them. So when I got to Mauban, I asked people around which is a better place to stay at Cagbalete: Villa Cleofas or Pansacola Beach Resort? Three out of the three people I asked answered that Pansacola is a better resort. Whatta relief! And true enough, it was a good place! I got a house with two rooms plus a loft which normally cost Php 3,000. The resort owner, Mr. Rommel politely asked me though if I could just use one of the room so the other two guests can get the other room. How can I say NO to a very polite request and the opportunity to meet new friends. He then just charged us Php 1,000 for each room.

The best part of the story was that my housemates availed of Pansacola’s meal package (which I encourage everyone to avail). Pansacola’s serving was big enough to serve a family of four. Can you imagine serving a whole crispy pata , paco salad, inihaw na isda and leche flan for two guests? My housemates whom I now consider friends shared their food with me. Ang sarap!!! I spent the rest of the day chatting with Signet and Cheng (my housemates), taking pictures and occasionally looking at their very serene-looking beach.

Shortly, before the sun set I got myself a sweddish massage at the loft of the house. The view of the sun setting from the window of the loft while getting a massage is magical. The massage costs Php 250 and when I asked the masseur how much part of the Php250 goes to them, the masseur answered back Php250. Unbelievable! Little by little I am gaining so much respect for the resort owner. At night time, bonfire was set for the guests to enjoy. Like a kid: Signet, Cheng & I alternately posed at the bonfire. Sometime in the evening, Mr. Rommel Pansacola set a videoke machine for his guests to enjoy at no cost at all. He also joined his guests on a videoke session that night and surely he can carry a tune. He toned down the volume after 10pm which the guests understood. From time to time, we talked about the humble beginnings of Pansacola. He honestly answered all my question even the most controversials one.

In all objectivity, I will say that while Cagbalete Island is not the best island that I have been in the Philippines, but my experience at Pansacola Beach Resort is one that I will truly remember for years to come. As a matter of fact, this is the very first time that my beach resort experience upstaged my island sojourn.

I will definitely comeback in Pansacola Beach Resort in Cagbalete Island.

What is JOURNEY-LISM All About?

JOURNEY-LISM is more than just a travel blog.

Although I must admit that most of the time you will expect me to feature my explorations, my favorite cuisines from different localities, my reviews of different resorts & spas, some landscape photography and some travel tips, but still JOURNEY-LISM is more than just that.

Moreover, JOURNEY-LISM is a chronicle of my reflections about life as a personal journey. Odd but true, my life is analogous to a long journey, with several roadblocks, dead-ends and detours. And though there are times that I take a pause, I never really stop and give-up. For in the end, I know that what is more important is not how fast I get into my destination but how I get there.

Enjoy your passage to JOURNEY-LISM.