I Heart Travels

Boracay 2024: Day 1 - Arrival Despite Typhoon Warnings   The anticipated Boracay vacation commenced with an early morning alarm, a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere expected of a tropical getaway. Prior to departure, advisories regarding Typhoon Pepito, a potential threat to the region, generated a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The uncertainty surrounding the weather posed a significant question mark over the success of our planned trip.   Upon boarding the aircraft, a palpable tension was evident within the family. My mother voiced concerns regarding potential turbulence and emergency landings, while my younger brother attempted weather forecasting based on the visible cloud formations. In contrast, I prioritized rest, conserving my energy for the planned beach activities.   The flight, however, proved remarkably smooth. The pilot's skill, or perhaps a temporary abatement in the typhoon's intensity, resulted in a calm and uneven...

Boracay 2024: Day 1 - The Great Plane Delay, or How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bus Ride   The air crackled with anticipation. It wasn't just the electricity in the air, though that was certainly present, thanks to the seemingly endless supply of outlets at NAIA 3. No, this was the kind of anticipation that only a travel blogger could truly understand. Boracay, here we come!   First things first: breakfast. We weren't exactly going for a Michelin-star experience, so Wendy's it was. Chicken and ice tea, a classic combo that would fuel our adventures. We were like seasoned explorers, fueled by fast food and dreams of white sand beaches.   Then came the dreaded wait. You know that feeling, right? The one where you're surrounded by a sea of people, all with the same destination, all buzzing with the same excitement, but the plane is nowhere to be seen. We were starting to think we'd be stuck in the airport for the rest of our l...

Siargao: Where Spam Dreams Meet a Bleached Reality (and a Cocktail or Two)   Day three in Siargao, and I'm starting to feel like I've been living in a tropical fever dream. It all began with a breakfast of champions – a plate piled high with eggs and spam. Yes, you read that right. Spam. Apparently, it's the only cheap option here, and I'm not one to judge. After all, when you're surrounded by turquoise waters and palm trees, even spam tastes like paradise.   Next up, a van transfer to the Tourism Office. After a quick stop, we were whisked away to the port for our snorkeling adventure.   The boat ride was a blast. The sun was shining, the breeze was cool, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves. We finally arrived at the snorkeling area, and I dove into the water with a sense of childlike wonder. The coral reefs were sadly bleached, but still a sight to behold.   After a refreshing swim, we hopped back on the boat ...

A Dawn Departure for Paradise: Embracing the Unexpected on Our Boracay Adventure   The alarm clock shrieked at 5:00 AM, a jarring reminder that our long-awaited Boracay trip was finally upon us.  Despite the early hour, a sense of excitement buzzed through the air, a potent mix of anticipation and nervous energy.  We had a flight to catch, a paradise to reach, and a typhoon named Pepito lurking on the horizon.   Our first hurdle was the journey to the airport.  We opted for a Grab taxi, a familiar and convenient choice in Manila.  The early morning air was refreshingly cool, a welcome respite from the usual urban heat.  The traffic, surprisingly, was smooth, a pleasant change from the usual chaotic dance of vehicles.   As we sped through the city, the sky began to paint itself with hues of orange and pink, a breathtaking sunrise that mirrored the excitement bubbling within us.  We reached NAIA 3 airport at 6:00 AM, a m...

Siargao 2023: Day 2 - From Canton to Cloud 9 and Back Again (With a Side of Spam)   Day two in Siargao dawned with a promise of adventure, and I, fueled by a breakfast of eggs and pancit canton (because who needs fancy when you can have carbs, right?), was ready to conquer the island. My first stop was Tourism Road, a bustling hub of activity, reached via a trike ride that felt like a rollercoaster through the island's charming chaos.   My mission? Grocery shopping for the next six days. This is where my "I'm-going-to-eat-like-a-king" plan met the reality of Siargao's limited options. Picture this: a tiny store crammed with enough instant noodles to feed a small army, a limited selection of vegetables, and a surprising abundance of spam. Yes, spam. Apparently, it's a Siargao staple. I even managed to snag a Mang Tomas, channeling my inner Nadine Lustre with a grocery store selfie. I emerged from the store with a bag of questionable p...

Siargao 2023: Day 1 - From 4 AM Bus to Bliss (and a Jollibee Pit Stop)   Alright, folks, buckle up because this is the tale of my epic journey to Siargao, a tale that began with a 4 AM bus ride and ended with the salty kiss of the sea breeze. It's a story of buses, bikes, and a whole lot of Jollibee, so grab your sunscreen and your sense of humor, because we're about to embark on a wild ride.   My adventure started in the heart of Quezon Province, where I boarded a bus that could only be described as a rolling freezer. The air conditioning was so powerful, it felt like I was stepping into a giant refrigerator. The music was a chaotic blend of pop hits and local ballads, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat and excitement.   After what felt like an eternity of honking and weaving through traffic, I finally arrived in Magallanes, Makati, specifically Alphaland. My next challenge was to navigate the city's infamous traffic, and let me tell yo...

Hue Hotel and Resorts Boracay: A Review So Good, It's Almost Un-bear-able!   Boracay, the island paradise known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, is home to a plethora of hotels catering to every traveler's needs. But amidst the sea of options, Hue Hotel and Resorts stands out, offering a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and a touch of island charm. Our recent stay at Hue was a delightful experience, leaving us with a smile on our faces and a longing for a return trip.   Let's start with the location, which is a major plus. Hue is strategically situated on the main road, making it easily accessible for those who want to explore the island's diverse offerings. E-trikes, the ubiquitous island transport, are readily available, ensuring hassle-free commuting. And if you're craving the white sands and turquoise waters of Station 2 White Beach, a leisurely 10-minute walk will take you there.   Beyond its convenient location,...

Day 3: Buffet Bust, Spa Shortchanged, and the Quest for the Perfect Selfie   Day three of our Pasig Staycation dawned bright and early, fueled by the promise of a delicious breakfast and a day filled with spa treatments and a dash of retail therapy. We, the Primus Besties, were ready to conquer the day with our usual blend of enthusiasm and a touch of chaos.   Our morning began with a leisurely breakfast at the condo, fueled by a feast of scrambled eggs, hotdogs, and croissants, and enough coffee to fuel a small army. We were fueled and ready to tackle the day's agenda, which, as it turned out, involved a trip to Wensha Timog for a spa day and a solo mission to SM Megamall for a new phone.   We piled into a Grab and headed to Wensha Timog, our hearts filled with anticipation for a day of relaxation and pampering. We were greeted by a calming atmosphere, the scent of essential oils wafting through the air, and the promise of pure bliss.   Our...

Day 2: Water Jet Massages, Chaka Girl Encounters, and Pineapple-Infused Adobo   Day two of our Pasig Staycation began with a symphony of chirping birds and the faint aroma of bacon. We, the Primus Besties, were up early, ready to conquer the day with the same gusto we had tackled the grocery store the day before.   Our morning started with a leisurely breakfast at the condo, a feast of sunny side up eggs, crispy bacon, and enough coffee to fuel a small army. We were fueled and ready to tackle the day's agenda, which, as it turned out, involved a healthy dose of medical checkups, spa treatments, and a chance encounter with not one, but two memorable individuals.   First stop: Market Market, where Ken, our resident hypochondriac, was scheduled for a checkup at Healthway. We piled into a Grab, our laughter echoing through the car, a testament to our unwavering support for Ken's (slightly exaggerated) medical concerns.   With Ken's health secured (at least for the time ...