I Heart Travels

After our trip to Botanical Garden, we ate a hearty lunch at a restaurant. Then we went to Mines View Park. We were dropped off in this very commercialized section where there were concrete shops selling all sorts of items.  The people traffic led me through this maze of cobble stoned steps with stalls selling souvenir items (pasalubongs) on both sides. There were food, garments and little bric bracs for sale. There were a couple of St. Bernard dogs for hire so you can have your picture taken with them. They were quite big and dare I say they exuded quite an unpleasant odor. My friends really wanted to take some pictures, although I'm a bit afraid of their size I give in. There were also some ponies which you can ride for a fee and yet again have your picture snapped. Other stalls offered genuine Igorot head dress and 'bahags' which you can wear for another photo opportunity. But we weren't interested to pay some fees for the photo opportunity. I was looking forwar...

I always pray for good weather when planning an out-of-town trip, as a typhoon can easily disrupt carefully planned travels. Fortunately, when we visited Puting Buhangin in Pagbilao, Quezon, the weather remained clear. I had been longing to visit this place since last year, but unforeseen circumstances always led to cancellations. Growing up in Quezon province, I felt a deep connection to this destination and wanted to appreciate the beauty of my hometown.   Initially, I had planned a solo backpacking trip and shared my travel plans online out of excitement. That's when I received a message from Mac, who expressed curiosity about my travels. I proposed the idea of going together to Puting Buhangin to cut down on expenses. Without hesitation, Mac agreed to join me on this adventure.   On the day of the tour, heavy rain poured down, making me fear that the trip would once again be cancelled. I reached out to Mac via SMS to confirm if he still wanted to go. If he had changed his...

Sunbloom Resort is just one of the many resorts in Potipot . It is located along the shoreline of Barangay Uacon in Candelaria, Zambales. The resort is very charming the offers gentle hospitality and tranquility for that perfect escape that you’ve been longing for. One thing I notice is the Spanish influence in its architecture. I think that it’s an old Mansion turn into a resort hotel. They don’t allow pets unless it’s caged. They also have a huge parking space so its good for groups that will bring private cars. I feel so secure in the area and It feels like home. They have picnic tables for rent for day trippers but free for those staying for a night. Their view deck gives a perfect sight of Potipot Island.    With rooms at Php1200 good for 4 pax, their rooms have a/c and fan, two double comfortable beds, rattan sofa-bed and really clean toilets with complimentary towels & soap but without hot & cold shower though.  All rooms look the same, with sa...

Our Lady of Manaoag is a religious shrine with countless miraculous tales and healing powers. It is considered the pilgrimage shrine of northern Philippines.  The Filipino Catholics consider Our Lady of Manaoag as the revered patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy. I came here with friend from La-Union and getting to Manaoag Church is such a breeze because I have someone who can speak Ilocano and knows the traffic going there.   It’s already 4 in the afternoon when we arrived in Manaoag and I really felt the positive energy in the area. I love the welcoming feeling of the church. It is in the northern part of the town and it’s spiritually uplifting. We were welcome by street vendors which is normal in every church. You just need to walk along the inclined road and you’ll see the majestic Manaoag church standing like a father figure.   Devotees from different provinces in the Philippines frequent the shrine all year round. Catholic devotees that needs a ...

Baguio City is known for its transient houses for travelers who wanted to find value for money. The first time I set foot in the beautiful city of Baguio I was welcome by a very cozy transient home in Crystal Cave.  Although it’s my first time I feel that I am in a very special place. We were welcome by the Filipina owner and her foreigner husband. They were very friendly and accommodating.   We booked the 3rd level of their apartment-type transient. The place is so huge and their units can accommodate groups of 5 to 20 at very low cost. Each room comes with its own cooking implements like stove, pots, among others and is fully furnished down to the rest room located near the kitchen.   The units are all housed in a huge condo-type apartment enclosed in a large gate. Security is not really an issue since there are CCTV cameras everywhere. If you plan on driving up north, the place can accommodate your car for parking.   We had a great time staying here howeve...

  I've been to a lot of beaches in the Philippines before, but it's gone so touristic that I no longer know where to go for some romantic secluded beach vacation. The seclusion of the beach, the peace and quiet, and the utter simplicity of countryside living that make for a good and restful vacation. The northern Philippines boast this beautiful secluded beach the Patar Beach in Bolinao Pangasinan.    Bolinao is known for a number of pristine beaches, the most popular of which is Patar Beach, situated on the western coast along the South China Sea southwest of the town proper. The road going there is unpaved along the last stretches to Patar Beach, but it is at least graded and the ride is not bumpy at all.   I heard that the most popular hotel hear is Treasures Bolinao which has the monopoly of the long white sand in Patar but we stayed in a more cheaper resort hotel which is Villa Soledad. We were 15 persons that need to squeeze in to four king size beds. Th...