Tagaytay Ridge and Zipline

I live in the south, and living in the south of Metro Manila has valuable perks especially when it comes to accessing the most accessible destinations known for leisure and recreation. One of the most visited destinations here in the south is perhaps Tagaytay.

My boyfriend Pao and I celebrated our 5th anniversary (2009)  in Tagaytay Ridge and Zipline. We are both thrill-seekers, but since we were still in college back then, we did not have the luxury of time to take on weekend trips to try out something novel and exciting. However, a zipline adventure may be the next-best-thing to do to celebrate. And so we were off to Tagaytay to experience a new kind of adventure.

We drove from Makati to Tagaytay in a matter of less than 2 hours since there were intermittent traffic jams along the way. But nevertheless, the long drive seemed a lot better when we were welcomed by the cool breeze of Tagaytay brushing through our faces.

Taal Volcano and Lake

Toasted in Taramindu

I’ve visited Laiya, Batangas countless times already, but it never fails to give me that very comforting and familiar feeling.  And it’s always nice to find yourself completely comfortable with the beach, and just… surrender. (Haha. Emo pala eh)

Taramindu Beach Garden Inn view from the beach front

Conquering the Hundred Islands in three days!

Equipped with the thirst for adventure, a rented van, and a company of great friends, we were set to conquer the famous Hundred Islands of the Philippines. It took us a 5-hour ride from Manila to get to Alaminos, Pangasinan, which is in the northern part of Luzon.

 It is referred as the Hundred Islands, primarily for the reason that it is a group of 124 islands (when low tide) and 123 islands (when high tide) in the Lingayen Gulf. However, because the islands are not developed and are not commercialized, there are only five islands that are developed to accommodate tourists. These are the Quezon Island, Governor Island, Children’s Island, Marcos Island and Lopez Island. 

Prior to our island hopping experience, we stopped by the town church to pray for safety and guidance and by town market to purchase several household necessities that are keys for our survival for the next coming days. We arrived in Pangasinan and settled in a house that we rented. It was just 5 minutes away from the Hundred Islands National Park hence it was very convenient because it was complete with all the household amenities. 

Boracay: Your Fantasy made Reality

If there is a particular island in the Philippines, famed for its remarkable beauty and exquisiteness, perhaps Boracay would top the polls. Even CNN, National Geographic, New York Times, and a lot more agencies would always include the island of Boracay in their list. And it’s true, Boracay is indeed beautiful, without a doubt.

My family and I paid a visit to Boracay in July of 2008. I couldn’t believe it. We had perfect weather in Boracay (in the Visayas Island) despite the numerous typhoons which pass by Manila (located in Luzon) during July. Perhaps it was a great consolation since I was only going to stay in Boracay for one night, since I had to fly back immediately due to an Economics exam. Bummer.

Budget Traveling in Puerto Galera, Mindoro

Smooth ride going to Puerto Galera

If you would like to take a getaway from Manila, but you are on a budget, Puerto Galera in Mindoro will always be one of the popular options to take. Puerto Galera is 130 kilometers south of Manila. It takes about a 3-hour bus trip at Php 120 from Alabang to Batangas port and 1.5 hour trip by boat at Php120 per pax. It promises white sandy beaches, cool blue waters, water sports and water activities, and a lively night life. 

Cottages are normally priced very low during off-peak season, but still incredibly affordable during the peak season. White Beach beachfront cottages are normally priced higher compared to the cottages a little farther from the beach front. But nevertheless, tourists will get to enjoy and experience the same shoreline of the white beach.

Puerto Galera White Beach

The Beauty that is Puerto Princesa: Underground River

Imagine taking on a quest towards a grand adventure towards an underground cave enriched with million-years’ worth of limestone rock formations as evidenced by its stalactites and stalagmites beneath lush mountains, and you find yourself in immense awe with all its wonder as you cruise through a quiet and tranquil river. And then you realize, everything you just imagined can happen in front of your very eyes. This unspoiled beauty of nature presents pleasurable exploration found in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. 

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It is a significant core area of the Palawan Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program. It is also considered as one of UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Sites, therefore securing an unwritten mandate to safeguard and protect this natural sanctuary for all of humanity.