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Airphil Express P12 Seat Sale

2012-01-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

Promo period: Jan. 1-4, 2012
Travel period: June 1- Nov 15, 2012

Free 15kg baggage for check in plus 7kg for hand carry.

Check out Airphil Express. Hurry and Book now!

Bound for Iloilo

2012-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Nov.10, 2010

Day 1- Naia terminal 3 to Iloilo airport

via Cebu Pacific airline

^ waiting to get onboard.. my little princess was excited on her 1st ever plane ride

^ of course the kuya too... all packed up with his own mini-trolley bag

^ yey.. finally onboard

^ chingching and mama

^ Iloilo airport

I was impressed. Iloilo airport is big and very clean.

^ less crowd

When it comes to transportation, Philippines is most famous for having jeepneys. It is our main transportation anywhere in the country. Made of stainless steel. Only in the Philippines.

Before heading back to Manila.. We went to the famous original Biscocho Haus. It's been named after Iloilo's one of the famous delicacy which is Biscocho- a baked bread topped with butter and sugar.

^ this little boy just hoarded these delicacies for "pasalubong"

^ we passed by SM City Iloilo on our way to the airport

Next adventure: Boracay here we come!

Promo Alert: Zest Air- P12 on All Domestic Destinations

2011-12-29T02:31:00.000-08:00

Have any plans to go somewhere in the country for a getaway next year?

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Promo period: Dec 30, 2011- Jan.01, 2012
Travel period: June 15, 2012- Oct. 15, 2012

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Our Anniversary Getaway to BOHOL

2010-04-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

Our 5th year Anniversary

Bohol Getaway: March 22-25, 2010
Via Cebu Pacific airlines

Itinerary:

Day 1 > Manila to Tagbilaran then went to Panglao. Accomodation Hunting. Beach bumming.

Day 2 > Countryside day tour ( Baclayon church, Chocolate Hills, hanging bridge, man-made forest, Loboc river cruise, tarsier encounter, Phyton and Ostrich encounter, Hinagdanan cave, blood compact site)

Day 3 > Sea tour (dolphin watching, balicasag island, virgin island)

Day 4 > Beach bumming. Off to Tagbilaran airport going back to Manila

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
March 22

Departure: 10 am we're off to Naia terminal 3 for our 12:10pm flight to Tagbilaran via Cebu pacific

Arrival: Tagbilaran 1:25pm

From Tagbilaran airport, we've been picked up by hubby's friend then headed to Panglao which is only 25 minutes away from the airport. Then we looked for a place where we can stay.. Our first stop was at Dumaluan Beach resort. We inquired for a room. Standard room is for P1,300. Single bed, with aircon and without tv. The rest is P2,500 up... The place was real nice and the beach was really refreshing. No floating boats by the shore so you can have a nice view at the beach.

Second stop was at Bohol Divers Resort situated at Alona beach. Room rates starts at P600 (for 2pax with two single bed, private cr with shower, electric fan) P800 for 2-4pax, P1600 (for 2pax with 1 queen size bed, private cr, electric fan). Rooms with aircon is for P2,500 and up...

We opted to stay at Bohol divers and got the standard room. Just being practical since we're out most of the day and we just needed a place to rest in at night.

Since its already late in the afternoon when we arrived in Tagbilaran, we just stayed at the resort and went for a splash in the pool and beach bumming. At night, we went for a walk by the shore. We explored the place of alona beach from Bohol divers resort to Amorita resort. It was such a nice evening walk. Imagine a couple in H2W2- Holding Hands While Walking :-) cheezzy!... The night was so alive with lots of people dining at the beachfront. We also witnessed a live show which is a fire dance as we passed by one of the resorts nearby. Looks amazing! I enjoyed watching it.

Oh, and we got a big slice of cake for free when we went to a store located in Alona seaside to buy a bottled water and i spotted a cake which made me crave for a dessert. I wanted to buy one slice of it but instead they gave me two slices... for free! I learned that its the store owner's birthday so its ok to treat the guest. Well, no wonder Boholanos are known for their kindness.

Earlier the next day, we're up for our countryside tour. We had our breakfast first at BDR's resto before leaving. I ordered their Filipino breakfast worth P100 - tocino, sunny-side up egg, fried danggit, plain rice plus hot choco.

Day 2- Country side tour: Bohol's Attractions

Baclayon Church
- is said to be the second oldest church in the Philippines. Its a wrong timing when we went there because the church was closed. Sad that i didn't saw its interior.

*** No entrance fee.

Chocolate Hills
- is one of nature's most magnificent wonders. Bohol's most famous tourist attractions. We took the 200 steps up to its view deck and its really challenging. But once you reach the top, the amazing view will surely ease your tiredness.

***Entrance fee- P50/person

^ way up

^ way down

Hanging Bridge

- it is made of bamboo and hanging above Loboc river. I found it exciting since its my first time to walk on a hanging bridge above a river.

*** Entrance fee- P10/person

Man-made forest
- a two- kilometer rainforest planted with mahogany trees that is uniformed in height. It's made of Boholanos labor of love. Stunningly beautiful and very refreshing.

***No entrance fee.

Loboc River Cruise
- on board of a 'floating restaurant' where a buffet of local delicacies is served. Food here was fine and a band is serenading while the visitors are cruising and eating. The trip ends at the cascading mini waterfall called Busay falls. Here, guests are treated with Boholanos native songs by local rondalla group situated under a floating cottage. And they have really good voices.

*** Fee: P350/ person

^ while waiting for our boat

Tarsier Encounter
- Tarsiers are considered to be the world's smallest primate. These are nocturnal animals with large eyes and strange-looking toes. It was only about 4 to 6 inches tall.

*** No entrance fee. Donation only.

Blood compact
- a very historic site in Bohol.

*** No entrance fee.

Phyton encounter
- the phyton named Prony was said to be the longest and biggest phyton in captivity.

*** Entrance fee- P10/person

Hinagdanan Cave
- inside of this cave, you'll see beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. There's also a lagoon which the water is said to be fresh and cold. It seems so deep that i got scared to go near as if something out of the water will pull me.. Silly thoughts! Its slippery and dark inside the cave that you may hardly see this lagoon so just be careful with your steps. Also expect a foul smell since this cave is also a bat's place.

*** Entrance fee- P15/ person; Parking fee- P15

Day 3- Sea tour

Dolphin Watching
- seeing the dolphins in the wild doing acrobatics is a very good sight to be seen. Best time to see them is at dawn just before the sunrise. Unfortunately, we didn't capture any good shots. Its probably because they showed up really fast. But i was very happy to have seen them many times though its not clearer enough because whenever they showed up, we're far behind. I admit that we're not that fortunate to see them closer... Sad!

Island Hopping> Balicasag Island
- after the dolphin watching we sailed away to the small island of Balicasag. The sun was already up and it's super hot.

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary

Aboard of a mini boat (good for 2 pax) off we went to the Marine Sanctuary which i think is only 2-3mins away from balicasag island dive resort. Its better if you have your snorkeling gear and aqua shoes with you, so you don't have to rent it there which will cost P150 each/ pax. Good thing i got ours for free :)

I was super excited to go snorkeling and i enjoyed it bigtime. I encountered countless colored fishes and corals are everywhere... they all look so beautiful. I just can't take enough pictures of them. The underwater world is truly amazing. A haven for school of fishes and corals. From the shoreline the water suddenly runs deep and it scares me a bit. So I only stayed at the shallow water where i can still hold my feet on the ground because i ain't a swimmer and i got scared to go deeper even if i have a life jacket on. But i didn't let my scariness totally spoiled the fun of being underwater and see the world underneath. I even wanna try to go scuba diving... someday! Oh how i wish...

*** Rent of motorized boat- P1300
Snorkeling gear- free
aqua shoes- free
mini boat- 150/ pax

Virgin Island
- an enchanting paradise of Panglao. The view is truly breath-taking. The finest white sand and clear blue sea is so inviting to take a dip. I was just so excited to take a splash but before that a photo opt is great with a super nice background view...

If you're a seafood lover, you can also try these sea urchins. I've been told, its a good delicacy. I didn't know its edible until hubby's mom requested to buy some for them. It tastes good, they say. But i wouldn't try tasting one. It looks strange for me.

After the island hopping, we went back to Bohol Divers resort, took a splash at the pool and enjoy the view at the beachfront. After a little while of rest, it's beach bumming time, baby!

So much for the tiring whole day tour, now its time for a delicious dinner...
We had our dinner at Bohol divers resort resto.. the food was great and worth a penny.

^mine

hubby's

Day 4- last day in Bohol

We took a morning walk at the seaside and stroll around Alona beach. Then back to our resort we had our breakfast at the beachfront. Food at Bohol divers is fairly good for its affordable cost.
I ordered their so-called American breakfast: french bread, scrambled egg, bacon, jam, hot choco and mango juice. BURP!

Goodbye, Bohol

At 12noon, we headed to Tagbilaran airport for our 1:55pm flight back to Manila. I'll be missin Bohol for sure but i had been so occupied with excitement of going back home to see my baby princess and lil prince whom i really missed.

So long... Bohol!

Breakdown of expenses:

4,428.48 (2,214.24/pax) roundtrip ticket via Cebu Pacific
400 (200/pax)- terminal fee
1000- roundtrip airport transfer
1800 (600/night)- accomodation @ Bohol divers resort
100- dinner for two
230- grocery (bottled water, softdrinks, piattos, biscuits)
85- Mango shake
60 (30@)- bottled mineral water
200 (100/pax)- breakfast @ Bohol divers resto..
100 (50/pax)- chocolate hills entrance fee
700 (350/pax)- Loboc river cruise
20 (10/pax)- hanging bridge entrance fee
20 (10/pax)- phyton encounter- fee
45 (15/pax +15 parking) - hinagdanan cave entrance fee
2000- Countryside tour c/o driver Jun from RJ
102- dinner for two
1300- Seatour c/0 Oye (highly recommended- 09076389408)
300 (150/pax)- small banca @ balicasag island to marine sanctuary
370- lunch at bohol divers resto (180/mixed seafood sizzling, 150/pork spare ribs, 20/2mineral water
100- halohalo
500- pasalubong
--------------------
P13,860.48 Total expenses for 2 pax. Not bad, huh!

Calling All Bloggers!

2010-04-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

Calling all bloggers who want to gain friends in the blogosphere and build links at the same time – BC Bloggers 3 is now open. To join just visit Mommy Diary, read the requirements, and fill out the Application Form.

Just follow the simple steps and you're in!

Vacation in Bicol

2009-08-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Okey am back. So what did i miss? I guess a lot.

Been on a vacation for almost 2 mos. in Bicol. From July 05- Aug 15, '09. It's been quite a while since I've been home. I make it apoint to go there at least once a year. I love to be with my family.

Unfortunately, during our stay there, can't keep in touch on line often due to my globe tattoo's very poor connection. Argh! i hate it. it eats my prepaid load out of use... I almost run out of patience. Yet i had no choice, i still had to use it so i can communicate with hubby thru ym and skype.

In general, our vacation was full of fun. I had breathe the fresh air of nature again. Ate good foods. and bond with my couz and with the rest of the family. But i think it's Klyne who enjoyed the most. He enjoyed playing with his tito and tita's. Fly a paper plane. He had endless playtime under the sun which resulted him into dark-skinned. He had eaten a lot. He loved riding the "padyak" (Tri-bike) Most of all, he enjoyed feeding the animals like chicken, doves then chased them afterwards.. lolz

My lil boy- Klyne smile excitedly as we're waiting to get on board
He watched barney while waiting...

Klyne poses for the camera with the beautiful view of Mayon Volcano on the

background upon arriving at Legaspi airport

It seems like Mayon Volcano is welcoming us by showing its
breath-taking view

The famous halo halo in Albay. Specifically located at the town of Tiwi, Albay
The DJC halo halo!

Oh well, it's my first time to have tasted their halo halo. But unfortunately, i found nothing special on it. I just wonder why mostly everybody love it that it even became famous not only in town but with almost 'round the country. Oh maybe it's because im preggy. Well you know, preggos have weird taste most of the time.. (roll-eyes). Im really looking forward to taste it again---of course i'll make sure im not preggy that time.

My abuelo and abuela. Sweet. Love 'em so much.

Ok, so here's the "padyak" that im talking about.
It's an exciting ride which can only be seen in Bicol... i think!

I missed going to resorts and beaches there due to my condition. Well, there will always be next time. Hopefully next year, on summer vacation we'll go there again, with hubby this time.
I love going to Bicol. I know i'll always go back there. It's my home and it's where my clan is.

See more pix at:

Our vacation in Bicol

A Visit to VIGAN

2009-04-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Our first time trip to Vigan.

Vigan- is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and the seat of the provincial government. The city is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon and is facing the South China Sea and is 408 kilometers northwest of Manila.

The oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country.

The name Vigan came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" which is a tuberous plant that once grew along the banks of its rivers.

It was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. Vigan is situated at the delta of the Abra River going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river connected to the China Sea has made trade feasible and convenient with other islands and with China. Vigan was where Juan de Salcedo established the Spanish government of Ilocos and was made the seat of the Bishopric of Nueva Segovia in 1778. It became the center of Spanish rule and influence and the preaching of Catholicism and pacification movements in the Ilocos Region.

It's also been called "the Heritage" because of it's antique houses, cobbled narrow streets and calesas.

- the Heritage -

- the antique houses -

- Calesas - the suitable mode of transportation within the city -

Plaza Burgos was built in honor of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of three Filipino priests who were garroted by the Spaniards for espousing church reforms.

Some said, you've never been to Vigan if you never tasted their famous empanada.
So we decided to have empanada for our merienda.
We didn't go far because there are various stalls just around burgos plaza which served crispy 'Vigan empanada' fresh off the pan. There we also witnessed how they make it from preparation, cooking then serving.

For P35 , we have a hot empanada which is actually a mixture of vegetables with one whole egg on the center and wrapped in locally made dough. The dough is then dip fried in a boiling hot cooking oil. Right after the dough turned orange, it is then taken out of the frying pan and served on a platter with the famous Ilocos vinegar (vinegar mixed with various spices - onions, sili, ground pepper). Hmm.. yum yum! (i think im craving for it now.. i want oneeeee pls!)

-This is how they make the famous Vigan empanada -

- freshly cooked -

- my piece of ukoy and vigan empanada -

- yum yum! truly salivating... -

Next tour: BALuaRtE

Chavit Singson's Baluarte Zoo..

Not just a zoo, Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens.

Memorable events such as feeding the animals, petting them, riding the "tiburin", a small horse-drawn carriage, and visiting their Butterfly Garden will surely be an extraordinary adventure for you and your family. What's more incredible is that admission to Baluarte is FREE.

my two boys wid pareng chavit.. lolz

-cowboy momma-

a butterfly kiss

my lil boy trying to catch a butterfly

More photos at:
Baluarte zoo

ILOCOS- Holy Week '09 VISITA IGLESIA

2009-04-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Holy Week '09

Maundy Thursday: (April 9) We left Manila at 2am then arrived in Ilocos almost 5pm... whew! Not a long trip huh!.. hehe

Usually, we only go as far as La Union then Baguio. But this time is quite different coz we had crossed the border by heading Ilocos. And the truth is, we didnt know where are we truly heading since it's our first time and we ain't know no one from there. So we just enjoyed the road trip anyway.

On our way, we did Visita Iglesia (a traditional Filipino custom of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday to pay respect to the Blessed Sacrament)

First stop: Basilica of Our Lady of Charity @ Agoo, La union.

-In front of Basilica-

the church's wall painting that said to have Imelda's face on each angels

me and klyne on the tree house located just across the church

Second: San Juan De Sahagun Parish @ Candon City, Ilocos Sur

-Candon City church-

- inside the church -

Third: Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion church @ Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

This church was built by the Augustinians with an 82-step stairway in 1765. This church gives visitors a good panoramic scenic view ofthe town and the green fields and the blue sea in the horizon. This church served as a fortress during the Philippine Revolution in 1896. The Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Sta. Maria town was designated as a National Historical Landmark on Sept. 26, 1982, and was included in the World Heritage List on Dec. 11, 1993.

Enshrined in the church is the Virgin’s statue made of wood in ornate
sculptural style, with ivory face and hands.

a snapshot of the church from the highway while inside the car

- an 82- step stairway that will surely tire you on the way up..hehe -

- inside Assumption church -

family pix with the belfry on the background

- the most amazing scene- our happy family -

More photos at:
Ilocos Sur getaway

Fourth: Vigan Cathedral

St Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral also known as Vigan Cathedral faces Plaza Salcedo, and is an imposing creamy-white building built in the "earthquake baroque" style with thick buttresses to support it through earthquakes and typhoons. A separate belltower (or belfry) was built 15 meters away from the main building -- so that if one structure was destroyed in an earthquake, then the other might still remain standing. The belltower is about 25 meters high and it is surmounted by a large bronze weathercock that is said to symbolize St Peter.

The first church was built on this site in 1574 (by Juan de Salcedo) and was damaged in the earthquakes of 1619 and 1627. A second was built here in 1641; and the present baroque-style church was built in the 1800s.

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral or VIGAN Cathedral

- front view of the cathedral -

- an impressive altar with hammered-silver panels -

- the mass goers -

Fifth: Church of Paoay

St. Augustine Church popularly known as Paoay Church was built in 1694 and was completed in 1710. It was commissioned by the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo.

This Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

Known as the “Earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines, Paoay church was built of baked bricks, coral rocks, salbot (tree sap) and lumber, and has 24 carved massive buttresses for support. It is an architectural solution to the area's challenging, natural setting. Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick made of the same materials. Its bell tower, which is detached from its main building, is made of coral stone. It stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse.

the “Earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines

front closer view

Originally, the church roof was thatched; and it is conjectured so that buttresses not only support walls but give roof access during fire and typhoon.

hmm.. nice background

Sixth: Sto. Domingo Parish, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur

- church inside view- taken at night -

Seventh: Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel @ Greenbelt

Trip to Benguet

2009-02-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

From Sagada, we are bound for Benguet

Back to the harsh road... Benguet is a 4-5 hours drive from Sagada..
yeah, we should be all ready for that long trip again with a zigzag road and all that...

But along the way, we enjoyed the majestic view of endless mountains and terraces landscapes. Be it a rice or vegetable terraces. They're all over Mountain Province. And its really an amazing sight.

^ vegetable terraces

Mountain Province

I even saw the house of Marky Cielo on our way.. I saw his giant tarpaulin hanging on the wall just outside the house. And had noticed that there's been a lot of people outside.

So there, we're heading to Benguet to visit the newly bought house of tita alice at Genesis Point Village in Irisan, Benguet. A 45 mins drive to Baguio City.

But since we're already at Benguet, we visited the famous Strawberry field in La trinidad... There's been a wide, wide field of strawberry.

It also has a very nice setting, quite amazing.

We didnt picked up strawberry there but instead we just bought the ones that is already in a basket. For 55/kilo. Not bad really. I have known lately that during peak season, the strawberry cost as high as 150+ / kilo.

This is the end of our Mountainous North Luzon Escapade.

We Survived SAGADA

2009-02-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

From Banaue we headed to Sagada. We had taken the Banaue- Bontoc- Sagada route. Banaue to Bontoc is a two-hour ride while Bontoc to Sagada is a 45 mins. ride.

Our travel from Banaue to Sagada is a big adventure. We were uphill and the zigzag road was harsh and rough.

The rain poured hard which terrified us of the occuring landslides along the steep road. We witnessed how the sands, and big rocks literally fall off from the mountain just infront of us which caused to blocked the road. We have to standby while the trailers and big trucks are taking it all out.

We arrived at Sagada nearing sunset. So we stayed at George guest house extension to sleep over for a night. We have been told that the building is new, so all is clean and fresh. Accomodation rate is 200/head/ night. The room was big with cozy beds, bath towels, 2 separate comfort rooms for men & women with water heater each, and with a small balcony.

^ here's the view from the balcony...

Sagada was a small town in Mountain Province.

Attractions here includes:

Sumaging Cave- unfortunately we missed this. We didnt get to visit this cave due to hard- rain. But i learned that it was the most famous and beautiful caves in town. Visitors should register first at the town hall and will be given a guide. No one is allowed to go there without a guide.

Burial Cave- this one too we didnt get to visit. i've known that this is where you can see a large stack of coffins put on top of another.

Sugong Hanging coffins- this is the only one that we saw. It's truly a mystery and unique in the world. Coffins are literally hanged on the mountain cliffs. It has been said that its a burial practice done by the people of Sagada century ago. And im not sure if people there nowadays still do the same.

It's really an amazing yet very mysterious sight.

The next day, we're all ready for the next trip which is to Benguet. But before leaving Sagada, we passed by Sagada's church called St. Mary's church.

^ the church's interior

On our way to the church, we passed by an old, rustic giant bell.

More photos at:
We survived SAGADA

Next trip: Benguet

Banaue- Rice Terraces Escapade

2009-02-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

Banaue is one of the province in Ifugao and a 10-hour drive from Manila...
the road leading to this town offers a majestic scenery of nature. One can definitely appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the provinces.

Here, we had seen the famous Rice terraces- considered as the "Eight wonders of the world " and has been called as " the Stairway to Heaven" An ancient sprawling man-made structure. One of the tourist spot in the country.

It is truly an amazing sight but as we had noticed, there are lots of houses nearby view point, which probably lessen the amazing view of this landscapes.

There have been signs of erosion and distortion. It's now barely planted and lose the perfect green as often seen in postcard, books or landscape painting. Many are in a sad state of disrepair. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

^ Truly an amazing sight

^ this little boy enjoyed the view

^ pretty boy at Banaue

^woooo.. cold!

^we've seen this native house alongside of the road

^ the natives of Banaue (you can donate a minimal amount for picture taking with them)

^ comfort rooms.. named after the two president of the Philippines

More photos at:
Banaue escapade

Next Adventure: SAGADA