Coming from a refreshing swim in Puting Buhangin and a visit from Kwebang Lampas, our boatman, Mang Urong brought us next to Dampalitan Beach for around a thirty-minute ride. We brought all our stuff because he will fetch another group from Borawan. But as soon as we were approaching the island, the sky became cloudy.
The refreshing view from our table
I was amazed when I saw pictures of Puting Buhangin in Pagbilao Grande Island in Quezon. When my family rejected the idea of going back to Baguio for a Holy Week vacation, I showed them pictures of this island. Beaming with excitement, they all voted for a Quezon family beach getaway.
Puting Buhangin is radiantly beautiful from afar
Caramoan of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region is now becoming famous for two reasons. First, it is blessed with islands with pristine white sand, caves, lagoons, islets, and limestone karts formations. Second, it has been the site of the global reality game show Survivor by several countries, including the USA in 2012.
the awesome limestone cliffs in Sabitang Laya
Part of our Caramoan tour with my former office mates is to visit Albay’s primary tourist attractions with Cagsawa Ruins topping the list. This sojourn is for Sir Alex and Alma who will capture memories as they will set foot in my beloved hometown for the first time. I was a tour guide on this exciting getaway.
seize the moment
Potipot Island is a small 8-hectare island located near the shore of Barangay Uacon in Candelaria, Zambales. What attracts travelers here are its calm clear water, soft creamy sand, solitude, the sunset, and proximity from the mainland.
The Enchanted Kingdom or EK is the last place to visit in my little girl’s field trip this year. I volunteered myself a chaperon for I was excited to enter again the magical world of EK to see their newest attractions EKstreme Drop Tower and Disc-o-Magic. High school level had their field trip here yesterday and my teenage son Pao told us he enjoyed riding in these two heart-stopping rides.
the new EKstreme Drop Tower
Fort Santiago or Moog ng Santiago (Fuerza de Santiago in Spanish) is the most important historical site in Manila which served as a defense fortress during Spanish Colonial Period and World War II. This is part of Intramuros (within the walls) which was referred to as the walled city of Manila.
entrance to the fort
My hubby and I enjoyed so much in our one-day Guimaras tour, with Flor, Vic, and Mat-mat. The minute the boat moved swiftly away from the island, I can’t help to look back and be thankful that we explored another beautiful place.
I can’t wait to explore more of Iloilo. My excitement on my second day in the city was still soaring high. While walking away from the wharf along Ortiz Street, Flor halted her steps when we were in front of a well-preserved and beautiful mansion. She told us it was owned by the Ledesma’s. The structure’s design and color were compelling. The white eagles on every post looked like guards protecting the entire house. There were other mansions in the province owned by the Lopezes, Jalandonis, Coseteng, and Montinolas. It’s good that we unexpectedly saw one.
the Ledesma Mansion – one of the popular mansions in Iloilo
In going to Guimaras, what is commonly asked for a pasalubong is their sweet mangoes which are being exported worldwide. I’ve discovered that this island has something more to offer. Their stunning beaches, caves, yummy fresh sea-foods, and verdant landscape made me say, “this is a holiday!”
sweet mangoes of Guimaras
Iloilo is located in the Western Visayas Province. Its capital is Iloilo City. It is known for its century-old churches, yummy bowl of Lapaz Batchoy and Pansit Molo, Dinagyang Festival, and their soft-sweet tone Ilonggo dialect.
getting ready for landing at Iloilo International Airport
