The Wonders of Camotes Island

The "Lost Horizon of the South" as it was once known is a beautiful island in the northeastern side of the province of Cebu. I was so curious to roam around the island. I've been here before but I only stayed at the resort and didn't went around the place. This time I was very excited since finally I would have the opportunity to discover the wonderful place with my berks!

"Camote" is a Cebuano word that means sweet potato. This was how the place got its name.

Christmas Eve Nailart 2013

HAPPY NAILS THIS YULETIDE SEASON

This Christmas I have been so fond of doing my nails. Having a Christmas themed nails just made the season more fun and exciting! I have been inspired by watching nailart videos on youtube and I wanted to try 'em all out. The designs were so cute and artistic and really very easy. Good thing I have a steady hand 'cause there was no one here to help me out with my nails, just me. 

Christmas have always been the ultimate year-end holiday. Gifts are everywhere and it's amazing how people become so loving and generous although here in the Philippines we don't get to experience snows, snowball fights, and making a snowman, the Christmas spirit will forever be in the air. We in fact have the longest Christmas holiday in the world beginning September and ends after the Three Kings celebration.

Side Trips in Legazpi City: Japanese Tunnel, Ligñon Hill, Daraga Church and Food Wonders

THE CITY OF FUN AND ADVENTURE

I was so excited to finally set foot in this wonderful place, Legazpi City, the "City of Fun and Adventure". Me and my berks enjoyed every moment of our stay here. A marching band was set-up at the airport to greet arriving guests. We really don't have a fixed itinerary when we got there. Good thing a tourist info center was readily available within the vicinity.

Exploring Dumaguete City: Twin Lakes and Casaroro Falls

DUMAGUETE TWIN LAKES: BALINSASAYAO AND DANAO LAKE
Lake Balinsasayao

This is one of the major tourist attractions in Dumaguete and is a protected natural park. I was amazed to know that there were many animal species found here as well as different kinds of trees.

Exploring Dumaguete City: Siliman University, Dumaguete Belfry, and Gastronomic Wonders

The "City of Gentle People", as it is named is the capital city of Negros Oriental. Why nicknamed as such? Well, from the name itself, it's the people and maybe it is! The folks here were very warm and friendly. From the airport personnel to the cab drivers, and from the street officers to the store/hotel staff, they were all very accommodating. This was the first time I've been to this place with my closest buds and our stay were indeed memorable. 

Side Trips in Ilocos Norte: Paoay Church, Patapat Viaduct & Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

I just have to see these amazing wonders in Ilocos Norte. I'm already here so better check 'em out! I have learned that Ilocos Norte was very rich in history. I've never imagined seeing these wonders in person 'cause back then these were just in print from my thickest history book. My trips to Paoay Church, Patapat Viaduct & Cape Bojeador Lighthouse were just short due to time constraints but to me, these side trips completed my Ilocos Norte itinerary and I'm fulfilled that I didn't missed any of it!

PAOAY CHURCH

Its called Church of Saint Augustine but popularly known to many as "Paoay Church" and just like any other old churches a bell tower was present. This was actually a Baroque kind of church architecture.

Windmills Of Bangui

When I visited Ilocos Norte I made it a point to see the great windmills. These were one of the most exciting attractions in the region and I don't want to miss it. My friends too were excited as I was. These wonderful windmills are located in the municipality of Bangui in Ilocos Norte. The location of the Philippines makes it ideal for some regions to have wind power installation particularly in Ilocos Norte, where power source was limited and so these wind turbines greatly helped in the regions power source supply. To date, there are approximately 20 wind turbines installed in Bangui.

Malacañang of the North: A look inside Pres. Marcos House

Malacañang Ti Amianan, as the locals called it, is located in Ilocos Norte, northern part of the Philippines. This wonderfully built house was the official residence of the 10th President of the Philippines, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in the north. As history may tell, the former president faced many controversies during his reign but he also made the country known to the world and helped shaped the nation to what it is today. At present, the Malacañang of the North was opened to the public and converted into a museum. It now served as a window for Filipinos at this time to have look inside the lives of the people in the past, to reflect on  and to share to the world.

Sand Dunes 4x4 Adventure

PAOAY -

A wonderful municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, located in the northern part of the Philippines. The place is home to the famous Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) and the Sand Dunes (4x4 and sandboarding adventure). 

PAOAY SAND DUNES 4X4 ADVENTURE

For thrill seekers out there Paoay Sand dunes 4x4 adventure is the most sought after activity here in Ilocos Norte, I for one was looking forward to try out this extreme sport. Me and my berks went here to experience the thrill and excitement first hand. 

The sand dunes was by the way a favorite for filmmakers. Movies like "Panday" and "Born on the 4th of July" were shot here.

The Magical Enchanted Kingdom

The Magnificent World of Enchanted Kingdom

Enchanted Kingdom is the only amusement park in the Philippines. This can be compared to that of the Universal Studios and the famous Disneyland. The face of Enchanted Kingdom is a wizard named Eldarl which can be seen at the main entrance of the park, on paper cups, plastic bags, souvenir items, and many more. Enchanted Kingdom is located in the province of Laguna. Going here is very easy if coming from Manila. Buses are available anytime.

Every time I come here, the park never fails to surprise me. I have different companions each time I visit Enchanted Kingdom though the rides were the same, the feeling is always different. There will always be thrill, excitement and childlike happiness.

Bacolod the City of Smiles

BACOLOD CITY - 

the "City of Smiles" as they say. Bacolod city is the capital city of Negros Occidental, located in Western Visayas region in the Philippines. Me and my gang went here in time for the "Maskara Festival", the famous festival known for the capital city. 

It was last October 26, 2013 where we experienced the place. It was tiring in coming here since we didn't took a plane. Since we were adventure seekers, from hometown Cebu City, we took a bus, then a slow boat, then bus again for total of 8 hours until we reached Bacolod City. 

Visita Iglesia 2013

Visita Iglesia 2013 - 

Visita Iglesia is a solemn religious activity by Catholics. This was my first time ever to have done this spiritual activity. The feeling was very rewarding and I'm fulfilled in a very spiritual way. It is best to start in the morning so you'll finish by twilight. During this time, most people assemble in groups and they would walk their way to the church with a megaphone, praying the rosary as they marched. For some, private cars were a means in hopping from one church to the other and because of this parking lots surrounding the church area were packed with variety of private vehicles. But nevertheless, the feeling that you've accomplished such act was very uplifting. So, I'm hoping to do this again next year and hopefully with a new set of itinerary.

Accompanied with my three gorgeous friends; Darlyn, Angelie, and Era, these were our itinerary of the fourteen Churches we've visited:

1. San Lorenzo Ruiz Church - Located in Brgy. Tisa Cebu City. Going here was navigable. you can ride a jeepney from wherever you were and then just walk or take a pedicab going to the church. For those with a car, the parking area was not so spacious. The church area was specifically surrounded with residential homes, so it was like going inside a village and there you can find this church. The interior is modern, the distance from the entrance to the altar was short, it was pretty much a typical barangay church.

2. Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church - 

Located in Brgy. Punta Princesa Cebu City. This Church and the 1st one were neighborhood churches. Brgy. Tisa and Labangon were right next to each other.

Travel 101

Basic Rules of Traveling

As a traveler, I've developed my own style/ideas in terms of how to be organized on my travels bringing only the essentials and not the entire closet.  It was hard at first since I would end up bringing more than what I actually needed. It was stressful knowing that on your way back you will have to carry extra load like gifts/pasalubongs for friends/family and your luggage was already heavy. 

That's why I have these pointers for myself and I want to share it to the world hoping it will help you guys out there 'cause, in any destination you will be these things are certainly a must that should be checked and take into consideration at all times. 

Here are my top five pointers when travelling:

Boracay Baby

The very famous beach island in the Philippines and is becoming the top tourist destination. The 7 km stretch island amazes local and foreign people because of its powdery, superfine white sand. Mostly every summer people come here to enjoy, indulge and relax. This is indeed a stunning, magical place for everyone!

Me and my partner went here for our anniversary. We got a Cebu Pacific flight 5J 132 bound for Caticlan last 02Sep2012. We also got a 3D2N accommodation at Villa De Oro Resort for only 1000php a night. So affordable for a resort situated beachfront!