Take Me Back... to the island of Boracay

I know that the Philippines is blessed with so many good sights and of course boasts with great beaches. Out of the 7,100 plus islands, there is one island I'd definitely go back over and over again... 

Take me back to my home, to a place where I belong... Take me back to BORACAY!

Quite honestly, Boracay has changed a lot from way back.. It used to boast with the long white powdery sand (they said it could take you minutes walk from the shore to touch the water), clear pristine blue shallow waters, picturesque view of the sunset coasting along the horizon.. It was a place of solace, peace and calmness.. Ahhh take me there! 


But now, Boracay has changed. Sand is no longer white in the whole stretch of the island. Parts of the island (like in Station 2 or 3) sand becomes rather darker, tan I must say. Numerous establishments are built EVERYWHERE (from resorts to restaurants to bars to pubs to shopping malls and outlets and the list goes on and on and on...). It has become a place for partying, drinking, meeting different people... It has is no longer a place of bliss for most people. Go there on certain times of the year if you are looking for peace and bliss (not the peak seasons)..


The question is, why do I love going back? Here is a photo of a little reminder I saw in one of the small cafes in bora (Real Coffee) Must try are their Calamansi Muffins and Peanut Butter Brownies!! Yum! 

Be who you are. Say what you feel. 


BORACAY for me is not a place to get wasted, drunk, or high. NEVER was it that for me. Whenever I am in that island, I know I am in for a total relaxation program. The beach is still beautiful no doubt (just don't compare it with way back). There is a certain vibe that you really do forget everything in your city life. You can walk around the beach any time. Swim in the water any time. Get a good tan. Great company. Good friends. Good times. Great island vibe. 

Frisbee. Paraw sailing. Swimming. Sun bathing. Fruit shakes. Sunsets. Skim boarding. Gah... Fun fun fun!

Another thing. One of the best things about bora is the FOOD FOOD FOOD!!

- Chori/Longga burger

- Isaw

- Kropek

- Real Coffee

- Shakes

- White House happy hour

- TWO SEASONS: Pizza!!!

- Smoke

- Talipapa...

- Mongolian

- Juice Bar

- Andoks

- ETC ETC....

Four cheese pizza and Mushroom with Truffle Sauce both from TWO SEASONS. Must try

Take me back...
I just hope it won't be destroyed with so much waste and partying.. SAVE BORACAY. 

Til the next adventure. See you in the island!


Kookie.

LORD HOW MAJESTIC ARE YOUR WORKS. :) 

We are on a Boat!

A few weeks ago, my cousin, Nikki, celebrated her 18th birthday.  Now back in my day, it's either you go all out with a Cotillion or have an Anti-Cotillion party.  I had the latter and had 18 shots instead of the usual 18 roses -- "more booze, more fun" that's what I say! :P

So anyway, this little box came one day.  It opens up to the invite and map to where the party will be.  Party on a yacht?  I must say, this is a first.  I've done sailing trips, yeah, but nothing like this.  This just now trumped all future parties (and Kookie's wedding, hahah).  Epic.

Come the 12th of March, we drive to CCP Bay Terminal Complex in our cocktail outfits and I reckon that was the end and start of history.

  

Call time was about 5 o'clock as we boarded the M/Y Shanti to be greeted by hip grinding beats, hand shaken drinks and delectable Hors d'œuvres (I specially liked the salmon canape and mango tuna cups).

  

The weather was right, the wind was cool as we sailed around the Manila Bay as we consumed bite after bite and drink after drink.  Girls just wanna have fun!

After an hour and a half or so, we watched the sun set along the horizon as we slowly turned back to dock just in time for dinner.

  

The birthday girl was welcomed and greeted as she made her grand entrance from the yacht to the dinner area.  Dinner was perfect, and I gave way to my selfishness and completely forgot to take photos!

There was a second sailing, this time with her schoolmates -- we wanted to go again but there was a 50pax capacity for the yacht and well, when you're that popular, 50 is just too small!  We were bumped-off!  They got to watch the final Pyrolympic presentation, lucky ducks!

Meanwhile, we got our caricatures done as we watched wish laterns ala Tangled fly up to the sky.

And as the fairytale goes, they partied on the boat until midnight! <3


Yacht: M/Y Shanti, Realship Corp
Venue: CCP Bay Terminal Complex
Caterer: Chef's Quarter/ Old Vine
Mobile Bar: Event Shaker, Event Shaker Mobile Bar
Macaron Tower: Empire by Georgia Rocha, Empire
Cake: The Cake Artist, The Cake Artist
Artists: Grapiks, Grapiks Karikatyur


Pat you completely missed out.. but then again, BOOKS BEFORE BOATS! :D


See you on the portside,
Justine

25 things to do in the Philippines (copy)

Here are 25 reasons why I love the Philippines! I definitely agree with Jill in everything! 

(got this from Inquirer.ph)

25 Things To Do In The Philippines

By Jill Lejano

Philippine Daily Inquirer 

December 4, 2010

… before fantasizing about exploring other countries

1. Go white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. (check)

2. Visit Batanes.

3. See Mt. Mayon up close.

4. Swim with the whale sharks in Donsol.

5. Climb Mt. Pulag and be awed by its sea of clouds.

6. Dive, swim and explore Palawan’s underground river. (check)

7. Hike and let the view of Mt. Pinatubo crater take your breath away. (check)

8. Party in your bikini in Boracay. (check)

9. Surf’s up! Choose your wave—La Union, Zambales or Real, Quezon. (check)

10. Missed out on the pristine beauty of Boracay 15 years ago? Visit Malapascua, Cebu.

11. Dive and see the rich marine life of Anilao, Batangas.

12. Travel back in time—go to Vigan.

13. Let Bohol wow you with its many offerings—the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier, the Loboc River Cruise, old churches and the beach. (check)

14. Go high! Drive to the Mountain Province of Sagada. Check out the caves, the hanging coffins and enjoy the laidback lifestyle.

15. Grab a Viaje del Sol map, visit Ugu Binyan’s pottery studio, eat at Kusina Salud and unwind at Casa San Pablo.

16. Spend an entire week up north. Take a road trip from Manila to Vigan, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Aparri and Isabela!

17. Try wakeboarding in Camsur. (check)

18. Check out Malate, Old Manila and all their secret spots. (check)

19. There are many reasons to love Davao. Kublai’s artworks, its proximity to the beach, the tasty pastil and juicy suha. And did I mention that it’s a smoke-free city?

20. Spend a weekend roughing it in Anawangin and Capones in Zambales.

21. Check out our colorful fiestas and document them with your camera. Ati-atihan, Dinagyang, Masskara, Sinulog, Higantes, Panagbenga and more.

22. Pick your own strawberries at the Strawberry Fields in La Trinidad, Benguet.(check)

23. Go to Pampanga for sisig.(check)

24. If it’s too hot in Manila, grab a few friends and take a quick trip to Tagaytay.(check)

25. Enjoy a food trip in Iloilo. You’ll never go hungry in this city.

PROUD TO BE PINOY. :) 


Adventure is out there!
Kookie :) 

Higher Than Pine Trees

Baguio just got a new reason for tourists to take the road trip up the mountains of Cordillera -- not just the sweater perfect weather, or pink-haired horses, nor the strawberries -- there's a new kid in town and it takes guts.

Treetop Adventure now opened its doors in Camp John Hay last November 2010 and opening to a new level of adventure too!

It is located near the Historical Core and at the back of the Bell Amphitheater all the way overlooking Happy Hallow where the old Yellow Trail used to lie.  They offer five activities to choose from ranging from easy to daredevils:

Superman Ride, a 250m zipline, 150m high, which zooms you like a super hero flying on top of pine trees while you enjoy the vast scenery and actually feel the wonders of nature (or let the moment pass you by cos you're too scared to open your eyes!)  Ride lasts one backwards and one forwards.  Farthest from entry point, takes about 5-10mins leisure walk along a track to get to the superman tower.  

The Silver Surfer ride is described as an exciting 150m ride at a 45 degree angle, up and down the mountain.  Good to know: on each leg the "surfer" stops and swings back and forth --- this I found a bit too uncomfortable.  Ride lasts 3 sets of back and forth motions.

Now this is the most relaxing of them all (except if you have acrophobia), the Canopy Ride will bring you to a tour of the pine forest canopy while suspended on ropes from one steel tower to another.  You will transfer three times to three towers.   

Last but not the least, the pièce de résistance, the Tree Drop Adventure, love the feeling of falling?  Well this one is for you and for adventure seekers alike, walk the Skywalk then  prepare as you free fall from a 60ft to zero in under 2 seconds.  According to the staff, you can go in three positions: ala mission impossible, rapelling style and upside down!  I have yet to try head first, maybe next time!


Not to forget, Trekking Adventure, the name says it all, with a tour guide to come with you.  Trekking schedule as follows: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00.

Adventure Rates start at 100php to 300php for each activity.

Superman Ride, 300php

Silver Surfer, 200php

Canopy Ride, 200php

Tree Drop Adventure, 150php

Trekking Adventure, 100php

They also have packages which is the most reasonable thing to do, plus you save on a per activity too.  We took the Package G which consists of all the zipline activities for only 800php.  Or all activities, including trekking for 850php. 

They are still in soft opening as we speak, but I overheard they will have a grand opening on 12/13 February 2011 (not sure of the exact date).  Other TreeTop Adventure sites: TreeTop Adventure Subic and TreeTop Adventure Circulo Verde.

You just gotta love the rush you get, the feeling of life and of wonder!  We all had a fantastic experience and I bet you will too!  So yes, here's to another reason to go up north, Cheers!

Wheeee,

Justine

OPA!

Only in my dreams. 

Opa! greek.

       a. Good life and happiness; statement of euphoria

       b. Often used during celebrations 

I’ve always wanted to go to Santorini. AH… The white façade of the landscape overlooking the crystal blue water… Nothing but pure amazement. Imagine just strolling in the little alleys, drinking wine, having a taste of the Mediterranean life at its best, with joyous people around you. Everywhere in anytime would seem like there is a grandeurs celebration. But as of now, only imagination and day dreaming would bring me to that place. 

Dream closer to home. 

Though Santorini is located in Europe and is roughly about half a days travel from Manila, God is generous enough to provide a nearer “Santorini” in the country. In the islands of Marinduque, lies the country’s very own miniature version of Santorini in the paradise of Bellaroca. 

Bellaroca Island Spa and Resort is a luxurious private resort where one could relax and really feel like VIP. It is an island enriched with cliffs, valleys, springs, and of course the beach. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted with the calming view of the clear blue ocean. For people with a heart for thrill and adventure, there are also caves for you to explore. 

You might be thinking, what the heck would I do in an island for days? The island does not just boast with nature’s beauty and it’s Santorini inspired look, but it has lots of activities and amenities lined up for you: (taken from the official website of the Bella Roca)

Entertainment Room

Fully-equipped Gym and Fitness Center

Bellarocca Spa 

Meditation Sanctuary

Tea House

Hotel Lap Swimming Pool

Seaside Swimming Pool

Natural Hot Spring Pool

Aqua Sports Center

Picnic Grove

Pristine white sand beachfront

9-hole Par 36 Golf Course and driving range

Kayaking

Jet ski

Banana boat

Windsurfing

Hobie cat sailing

Trekking/hiking

Fitness Walks/Jogging trails

Oh and before I forget, for you internet junkies, they also offer internet connections for you. But hey, the island is too beautiful to miss out on. Leave your laptop! Enjoy and relax!

A friend once asked me, why do you think people love going to the beach, give 10 reasons. I thought for a while then said, “to relax?, to enjoy?” And he nodded in agreement. So I asked, “what about you, what do you think is their reason?” without hesitation he said, “there’s only one reason. It’s to escape.”

Escape. Celebrate life. OPA!

Up Up and Away!

Kookie

Majestic Mt. Pinatubo

Surreal.

"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom, You made it all. The earth is full of your creatures" Psalm 104:24

Many would probably remember waking up to an unusually gloomy morning in 1991 with snow like droplets started to appear from the sky. I was a young kid then, gullible and innocent as I was, I really thought it was snow, minus the cold breeze. It was uncanny. Of course it was not snowing in the Philippines! The sky turned gray and white ashes started to fall from the sky not because of global warming or because a nature elemental was getting married, but simply because of the world-renowned eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

That eruption changed everything. People say, there is always two view points in every story, you either view it as a misfortune or as a blissful occurrence. They also say, when God closes a door, He opens a window, doesn’t He? Though the eruption destroyed a lot of lives both here and abroad, it brought forth a haven that is surreal.

Could I still be in my homeland?

First impressions last. I fell in love with the place even before I got there. It was love at first sight thanks to social networking sites and pictures of friends who got there. Instantly, Pinatubo became part of my bucket list.

As summer was fast approaching, I contacted e-philippines* for a tour package.  Upon learning that it would be better and cheaper to get to Pinatubo if we were a large group (the more the merrier!), I immediately invited a lot of people. By God’s grace, I got 12 friends to join me. Each of us spent Php 2,000 for round-trip air-conditioned transfers (From Metro Manila to Tarlac and back), 4x4 ride with driver, all permits and fees, and local mountain guide.

We left Manila at 4:00am (you can choose the best pick-up location for your group). We had breakfast in McDonald’s  in Capas, Tarlac on our personal account. When we got to the registration hall, everything was fixed, so we just registered and off we go. We had the liberty to choose the 4x4 cars we wanted to use. It was a long, bumpy and dusty ride and thank God for sunglasses that protected our eyes from the dirt and everything else. An hour of traveling with the view of the ashes and mountain ranges made everything worthwhile. It was a splendid view and itself is majestic enough. Hard to believe we were walking and moving on volcanic ashes.

After roughly an hours travel in the 4x4 ride, we could almost smell and feel the mountain. The 4x4 ride ended up at the foot of the volcano and we had to trek up the mountain to get to the crater. Rubber shoes and obedience to the rule “pack light” saved us in this obstacle. It was not a steep climb except in the part where cement steps were already built, which is really near the crater already. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the top.

We were greeted by the signage “Welcome to Mount Pinatubo.” I could not explain the feeling. I was so excited. Some of my friends already went to the viewpoint to see the landscape of the crater, while I stayed in front of the signage to take snapshots. I had to prepare myself for the view that I was going to see. It was another dream come true. I could hear all their reactions— full of praise, and I could also see their faces in awe. As moved forward to get a glimpse of the view, I could not utter a single word. My jaw dropped open, blood started to rush all over my body, goose bumps started to raise up.. it was unimaginable. It was surreal. I could not believe what’s right in front of me. I could not believe I was standing in the crater of the very volcano that destroyed a lot of things.

After awhile, we started to go down to get to the lake to swim. It was a pretty scary experience because with just a few steps from the shallow part is an abrupt drop to the immeasurable depth of the lake. This is the reason why it is not recommended to swim, just at your own risk. Water was really cold. But on the other side of the crater, which cannot be seen from where we were, is a different story. You have to ride a paddleboat going there for Php250 pesos and since we were on a limited budget, we opted to stay right where we were. They said that on the other side, one could see water from the lake bubbling up cause of the heat from the volcano. It was already breathtaking from where we were. By lunchtime, we were introduced to mountaineering food that our guides had. :) We were scheduled to trek down at 12noon but we left the crater at about 3pm. The only thing that was missing in the lake was a good bathroom. :p But otherwise, everything was awesome.

We had ample time to really look around and see the view. It surely did not seem that we are still in the Philippines. Lake is clear and blue, surrounded by trees and enclosed in an array of mountain made of ashes, I think, which looked like it was covered in snow too. Simply marvelous.

In Awe

It was really amazing to be the only group to be at the crater the whole time. We had it all to ourselves. We had freedom. Freedom to shout and make noise. Freedom to be ourselves. But above all, freedom to just experience the majesty of God’s creation.

As I always say, you never see the beauty of a place until you experience it.

Majestic Mount Pinatubo, check. You are amazing.

Til the next trip,

Kookie

Happy Christmas everyone! :)

* e-philippines is the cheapest and best amongst all I saw :) highly recommended. like them on facebook too.

Just Another Day in Paradise: Sun, Sand Surf in Baler

One of my life mantras has always been this quote from the film The Beach, “I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for, 'cause it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever...” But after I spent a day in Baler, I dare say, paradise is a place you can look for and experience. :)

The mention of Baler conjures the images of the films Apcalypse Now and Baler with Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis in most people’s mind. But beyond these images lie paradise in itself…

Baler: At a glance

Baler, the provincial capital of Aurora province, is best known because of the surfing scene in the film Apocalypse Now shot in 1976. Since then, it has been one of the surfer’s paradise in the Philippines.  Though waves could be fickle, beginners can learn the basics in the peak months from October to February that bring large waves. Calm waves come in from through June where people can take leisurely swims and windsurfing too.

(Don’t you dare leave this place without learning how to ride the waves! Get ready to be stoked! Try Aliya Surf Camp Baler. 

Road to Paradise: How to get there

Baler used to be a 6-7 hour drive from Manila because of the dirt road near the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. But thank God for paved roads, you can get to Baler in 5 hours drive. It would be best to use a 4x4 car if you plan to drive.  Other alternatives would be either via SEAir or via bus.  Genesis Liner has daily trips from both from Baler and Manila.  They have deluxe buses with comfortable seats, somewhat like lazy boy types, worth Php500 for a one-way trip. Not bad! It took us 6 hours from Baler to Manila including several bus stops along the way.  Safe driving too.  Bus trip highly recommended. :)

At home in nature: Where to stay

Lodging in Baler is affordable.  Sabang Beach, a long strip of fine black sand beach, nestles not just fantastic waves but also good places to stay in:  Bay's Inn Baler, Bahia de Baler, to name a few. Lodging is fairly affordable and reasonable. There are other places good for “cowboy” types too. (By cowboys, I mean those people who go with the flow with anything and can stay and eat anywhere.) Locals have their houses for rent. For beach lovers like me, any place along the shore would be good, as long as it has fairly good comfort rooms. Nothing beats the cold sea breeze and the sound of the waves to lull you at night.

Sweet indulgence: Where to eat

When I go to new places, one thing I never fail to ask is the delicacies they offer. Though Baler does not have native delicacy to offer (well none that I know of… for now), it boasts with scrumptious fruit shakes! When you get there, make sure you head on to Bays Inn for their mouthwatering Mango and Buko shakes for just Php 60. Food would cost about 100-150 pesos per meal! :)

If you are a true-blooded cowboy, a must try would be the “turo-turo” or the carinderia types for good and cheap home cooked meals. Make sure to check out the Rolling Stone food stall. Gerry Shan is a known Chinese restaurant in the city right across Mercury Drug. They offer delectable sweets: Halo-halo, mais con helo, and shakes too! :)


(Check out food reviews :))

Beyond the water: What Paradise can offer

The main goal for my trip to Baler is to learn how to ride the waves. Was I successful? Yes indeed. But of course, Baler has more to offer than just beautiful waves. In every trip, one has to experience the life of the place, and that is where you can find perfect paradise.

My trip to short trip to Baler is the reason why I cannot stop thinking about going back. I know I have yet to experience much more about Baler life. But spending a day in this place is enough to say that its paradise lies not only in its majestic nature life, but also in the heart of every local of Baler. Everyone is warm and friendly. People here make you feel at home: safe, secure, and serene. One is greeted with an earnest smile everywhere you go.

Baler goes beyond surfing, it’s a place where you feel that you belong.. and that moment definitely lasts forever…

I shall see you again soon, Baler.

See You Later,

Kookie

(Thanks to Deddy Wong for the amazing shots :) )

"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom, You made it all. The earth is full of your creatures" Psalm 104:24