Category Archives: Travel

Paguriran Lake: In My Little Conquer

Posted on by
8

The nestled lagoon in the middle of an island, a natural sanctuary for giant seafaring turtles, fills with saltwater during high tide.

This was the caption of the March to April 2007 page of PNOC’s (Philippine National Oil Company) calendar with their theme, “Our Undiscovered Country” with the stunning picture of Paguriran Lake in Bacon, Sorsogon. Imagine an enclosed lagoon in the middle of an island? I jotted it down in my brown notebook and vowed to visit it in the future. Below the main picture were small pictures of Vera Falls which I visited last year (so thankful) and the other was Naghaso Boiling Lake (next target to explore), both are found in my humble hometown Albay.

IMG_9944

The scenic view atop the jagged rocks

Continue reading →

Agoho Beach in Jonop: What a Nice Discovery

Posted on by
4

Election day was over. Part of our one-week vacation in our hometown in Albay is the exciting sun and sand getaway. My relatives mentioned a secluded beach in Baryo Jonop in the municipality of Albay. I was puzzled for I knew there’s no beach resort in this town. Out of curiosity, we contacted a van for hire, hastily cooked for our lunch, and off we go for another water adventure.

1

the elusive Mayon Volcano

Continue reading →

Quezon Wonder – Part 2: Dampalitan Beach and Borawan Beach

Posted on by
1

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

The refreshing view from our table

Continue reading →

Quezon Wonder-Part 1: Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas

Posted on by
Reply

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.

IMG_9009

Puting Buhangin is radiantly beautiful from afar

Continue reading →

Our Caroman Dream Tour – Part One

Posted on by

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.

IMG_8709

the awesome limestone cliffs in Sabitang Laya

Continue reading →

Part Two of our Caramoan Dream Tour

Posted on by
Reply

I stepped out of bed early to savor the cool breeze and the fresh morning scent of Caramoan. There was no sunshine photo because the sky was gloomy. A bit dismayed, I took a quiet walk on the peaceful road, amused to see early riser locals and pleased to smell the sweet wafting fragrance of flowers. Oh I just can’t sustain my excitement and happiness looking at the pleasing sights.

Good morning lovely Caramoan!

sabitang

the long stretch of creamy white sand of Sabitang Laya

Continue reading →

Cagsawa Ruins: Picture Perfect Moment

Posted on by
Reply

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.

IMG_8477

seize the moment

Continue reading →

Potipot Island: Enticing Island From Afar

Posted on by
Reply

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.

IMG_2078 Continue reading →

Fort Santiago: Into History and Heroism

Posted on by
Reply

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.

IMG_1852

entrance to the fort

Continue reading →

Iloilo: There is More To Explore

Posted on by
Reply

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.

IMG_0847

the Ledesma Mansion – one of the popular mansions in Iloilo

Continue reading →