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I booked a room for six on the night of Maundy Thursday. I said that we would be checking in at 12 noon on Black Saturday.

CSI Warehouse Club Alaminos

We rented a van from Alaminos town to take us to Bolinao. We passed by CSI Warehouse Club Alaminos to buy canned food, chips and drinks. Then at a flea market in Brgy. Balingasay get some food to cook.

flea market at Brgy. Balingasay

We got to Bing’s Beach Resort (which is actually the last resort in the stretch, together with Hans-Min Beach Garden) at around 11 am and my contact person informed me that there were still guests in the room that I booked and they would leave after eating lunch, and we could get the room after they clean it.

bing's beach resort

main building

We did not want to waste time so we hired a tricycle to take us to other resorts so we could canvass for more rooms. Unfortunately, Bing’s Beach Resort had the best deal compared to Hans-Min and Dutch Beach Resort.

The room was not yet ready when we came back so we started cooking our food. The staff at the resort were nice enough to lend us one of their grills at the back kitchen, and let us stayed in the air-con function room in the reception hall. They let us keep our food in their ref too, wash our food in their sink and gave us glasses with ice on the house.

function room

relyenong bangus!

sauce for the grilled stuffed milkfish

We passed the time cooking, eating, playing PSP and cards. So much time wasted. And when we finally got our room at 3PM, yeah, we waited that long, the staff still made me wait when I asked for an extra mattress. Generally, they were nice and apologetic, but they still need to learn more about client servicing. Especially that most guests on peak seasons, like this lent, were from Manila, and went there to enjoy the beach. And waiting wasted us precious time and left us with only two to three hours of sun in the beach.

Here is the room that we rented for Php 2000 and P100 for an extra mattress:

Kubo unit 6

Kubo unit 8

dining area outside the room

The water in the bathroom is definitely stronger than the water in Lucap Point.

clean w/ strong water

Bing’s Beach Resort has units on both sides of the road. What we got was not on the side of the beach. Here are some photos of the units that are on the beach front:

bungalows in front of the beach (shot from the road)

bungalow-type units

This is in the middle of everything. I don’t know if it’s an elevated cottage, or just a view deck.

elevated cottage

Bing’s Beach Resort
09282477501
09212807142
Look for Grace

Related Posts:

Hundred Islands, Alaminos Pangasinan

We took the first bus to Alaminos last Good Friday. 4:30 AM is the earliest trip from Victory Liner Cubao at Php 350. We got to the town of Alaminos at around 9:30 AM and rode a tricycle (P100) to Lucap Point in Barangay Lucap to check in at The Last Resort. Lucap Point/Lucap Wharf is where you hire outrigger canoe to go to the The Hundred Islands National Park. Boats are in small (6 pax, Php 1000), medium (12 pax, Php 1500), large (16 pax, Php 2000) and extra large (can occupy up to 20 pax, price can be arranged).

There are only three developed islands in the Hundred Islands (123 islands, to be exact). These are Children’s Island, Quezon Island, and Governor’s Island. A support staff from The Hundred Island’s official website said that Quezon Island is the best island to go to for first timers.

Our boat took us around the islands so we can choose an island to stay in. The first Island to see is the Governor’s Island where there’s a house for rent. The Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house, in particular.

We passed by Children’s Island that looks really fun. With hanging bridges, kayaks and other water activities.

We would have stayed there if there weren’t too many people. Same with Quezon Island.

So we went to the smaller islands and docked at the Old Scout’s Island. We would have stayed in this little island but then we saw a lot of jelly fish floating in the shore.

We saw another island that has a longer shoreline and we told the boatmen to take us there. It was Marcos Island. It’s got a view deck on the top right of the island, and a bat cave on the top left. I heard that visitors can actually jump to the water below the batcave. But be warned, it must be full of guano (bat dung).

The beach is good. The sand is creamy and the tide’s a bit strong. And in between 11AM and 4PM, the sun is really high. You can stay under the overhang of the island and enjoy the waves.

Extra:
Guess who’s sunbathing when we came to the Marcos Island.

Visiting the Enchanted Cave in Bolinao last January, the caretaker of the cave, who’s a local, told us that there’s a white sand beach below Cape Bolinao. He said the locals call it their own “Little Boracay”. Coming back two months later, me and my friends did not settle for Bolinao’s calm beach, where we were lodged. After 15 minutes of walking in the shallow Bolinao beach (that stretches from Brgy. Ilog Malino where Puerto del Sol is, and Brgy. Patar where Bing’s Beach Resort is), we decided to go back to the road and wait for a tricycle and go down to this so-called Little Boracay.

Bolinao's Little Boracay

Tricycles were pretty scarce, good thing there’s someone from Bing’s Beach Resort who has a trike and was willing to drive us. The fare (two way) is Php 250.00 per trike. There were six of us so that’s only around Php 42.00 per head. Which was pretty cheap, considering that the white beach is around 15-20 minutes away, by up and down hills of dirt road.

It is Patar White Beach. It is a public beach just like Saud and Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud. Patar White Beach was full of people that Black Saturday afternoon. I think it’s the “happening” place in the area. It’s got Videoke stations, sari-sari (mini convenience) stores that sell chips, sodas and alcohol, eateries, and open cottages one after the other. There’s even a tricycle line waiting for guests leaving the area. It looked like there was no available lodging in the area. But it’s okay to camp in by tent.

the sea

The beach is not visible from the entrance (no entrance fee, by the way). And just like Saud and Blue Lagoon, the beach has a steep slope (unlike Boracay), so once the view of the beach huts and stores clear, you will see the beach. It’s pretty good, actually. Sand’s texture is like that of Station 3, cream/yellowish in color, and really soft. I am hoping that it’s soft because the beach has low foot traffic that compacts the sand. The water is ok, but we were there around 530 PM, so I think it’s clearer under brighter sunlight. There are few rocks under water, but over all, you can walk and swim on it barefoot.

my feet in my pink aqua shoes

The 500ml Red Horse beer goes for only Php 30.00. Tortang talong (eggplant cooked with egg), that we ate for our Bolinao dinner, goes for Php 10.00.

looking for a spot

Since we started beach bumming late, we stayed in the beach until around 8PM. It gets kinda breezy and cold while the night fell, and it got really dark on some parts of the beach, because there’s only light around the area with open cottages. But it’s amazing watching the stars appear in the sky. And the sunset’s even more breathtaking. One of Lingayen Gulf’s claims is its beautiful sunset.

sunset

Kuya Arman, our driver, left us on the beach and fetched us again at 8PM. Globe Telecom’s signal in the area is weak, so better bring a Smart sim card. Or make sure that your service will be there on the time that you will be leaving. I asked the lady in the eatery if she could lend me her phone so I can send Kuya Arman a text message. Though she only had Php 6.00 worth of load, she was kind enough to let me use her phone. I offered to pay her for the text message that I sent, but she refused. There’s a stronger signal for Globe near the gate.

Kuya Arman (tricycle service): 09197806217

There should not be anything stopping us from going to different islands of our country. The Philippines is really beautiful, so go on, explore. And enjoy the promo fares that airline companies are offering.

Now that Philippine Airlines’ Seat-All-You-Can Promo is back, with flights to major destinations, what else are you waiting for? Click on the photo to book a flight!

Here’s a first timer tourist’s guide to Singapore from another first timer tourist. This contains the walking, shopping, sight seeing and eating that I’ve done the first time I was in Singapore last December. I went back soon on March for the Indigo Girls concert.

Essential:

First thing that you need to do is be familiar with the MRT stations. The MRT can take you to most of the places you need to go to.

Here’s a hi-res map:

The trains are always on time and the stations are easy to navigate because of the numerous signage that point you to your destination. MRT rides cost .80 to 1.90 SGD, quite affordable for its efficiency.

Here’s our itinerary (click on linked items to see related article/s):

The First Day

1. Vivo City
- Food Republic – Toast Box and Java Kitchen

2. Sentosa
- Islander Card
- Sentosa Express
- Skyride and Luge Car
- Underwater World
- Dolphin Show
- 4D Magix Show
- Songs of the Sea

3. Clarke Quay

The Second Day:

1. Ikea

2. Suntec City Mall
- Fountain of Wealth

3. The Merlion

4. Hawker Center / Hawkers, Esplanade

5. Orchard Road

view from The Merlion's bridge

The Third Day:

1. Singapore Cable Car

2. Museums
- National Museum of Singapore
- Singapore Art Museum
- 8Q SAM

3. Bugis

4. Night Safari

5. Mustafa – 24 hour mall

The Fourth Day

1. Funan / Funan DigitaLife Mall

2. Chinatown

3. Marina Square

4. Ikea

—
Other useful tips:

If you’re a smoker, prepare to be watchful, most places are smoke-free and there are only small smoking areas which you have to spot while strolling. Don’t worry too much, if you’re mindful about it, you’ll find these smoking areas.

Transportation

Go to ticketing offices in the MRT stations to inquire about the Tourist Pass – an all day transportation tap card – if you think you will be heavily relying on public transportation. There are also the standard card (enter – exit MRT card with 1 SGD deposit) and a prepaid card for MRT and buses.

I’ve seen two types of taxis – Comfort Taxi and Silvercab. Comfort is blue and dominant in the streets and looks like a mini cooper. Silvercab is white, seldom and intimidating. Its cabs are Mercedes Benzes! Really. Don’t get intimidated (like I did), I heard that the fare is the same.

Food

Rice is about .50 SGD a cup at the Hawkers, Coke in can at vendo machines is 1.60 t0 1.80 SGD. A decent meal is at 4 to 7 SGD the cheapest. Airport food is ok, at 7 to 15 SGD. We tried the Hor Fun, Mui Fun and another food when we get there. Milkshakes are nice too, it’s got a faint taste of tea.

I have yet to update this once I’ve posted the write ups about the other destinations. :)

We went to Pangasinan for The Hundred Islands National Park for the long weekend and our first stop was well, the Last Resort. The Last Resort is in Lucap Point, Alaminos Pangsinan. The resort is just in front of the pier where outrigger boats bound for The Hundred Islands dock.

We got a big closed cottage with an air conditioned room, good for 10 single beds, a spacious room with kitchen lavatory for cooking, two bathrooms (showers of both not working, but faucet water was ok, water’s not too strong) and a long dining table with matching benches on the porch. It’s originally priced at Php 3000 for 10 beds. But we got it for Php 2500 since we were only six.

our bed room

REALLY big kitchen

dining outside

room number 7 - good for 10

The Last Resort do not sell food so we ate brunch at the Maxine by the Sea Lodge & Restaurant which is just in front of it, right beside the wharf.

Lodging at The Last Resort is generaly comfortable since visitors need not share a bed, and a big space for cooking is advisable for families. Market is in town, 10-15 minutes by tricycle. Tricycle from the town (where Alaminos-bound buses from Manila arrive) to Lucap Point is P100.  Manila to Alaminos is P350 via Victory Liner. First trip from Cubao is 430 AM.

The Last Resort said they don’t sell food, and referred us to Maxine by the Sea Lodge & Restaurant. Walking across the road to go to Maxine by the Sea, a kindly old boatman approached us and asked what we were looking for. He pointed us to the opposite direction for an eatery, saying it’s a bit expensive to eat at Maxine by the Sea. He then noted that he’s a boat man, if we ever need to rent a boat. Too bad he was not there when we were about to leave (by boat) for the Hundred Islands National Park.

Maxine by the Sea signage

the sea

stores in front of Maxine by the Sea

Maxine by the Sea is not only a restaurant, it is also a resort. There are stores in front of the resort that sell colorful beach clothes, hats and souvenir items but the entrance to the main building is pale and gray, because of the concrete walls. The restaurant is really big, and looks ok. There’s even a more intimate al fresco set up at one wing of the resort.

al fresco wing

al fresco close up

Other areas of the resort:

Dining on the first floor

waiting area

dining on the second floor

Mr. Boatman was right, price of the food in the resort is a bit steep if you’re on a budget. This was what we had for lunch:

rice platter (good for 3-4 people)

dinaing na bangus

seafood kare kare

menu card

Seafood Kare Kare was good. I did not try the bagoong (shrimp paste) because it looked salty. The Dinaing na Bangus (milkfish) was ok, but not really as yummy as I was expecting, since Pangasinan is famous for Bangus. Mango shake tasted like over-riped mango. It could be good, or bad, depending on your preference.

I paid P 105.00 for my share of food, and P 65.00 for my mango shake.

bill

Before going to Pangasinan, I got the resorts rates from the online support staff of the Hundred Islands’ official website. But the waiter in the restaurant said that their room rate is Php 2500.00 per room for 2 people, plus 5% at peak seasons. Here’s the rate that I got from the The Hundred Island’s official website’s staff:

- Php 1,288.00/day for 3 pax
- Php 600.00/3 hrs.
rooms with aircon & CR

Maxine by the Sea

MAXINE BY THE SEA
Lucap, Alaminos City
Tel: (075)551-2537

Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc. Resort encourages guests to bring in their own food with no corkage charges. Alcoholic beverages, however, are not allowed.

oh crab!

Because we are a family who loves traveling, celebrations, cofee bonding and food, we brought in our own cooked food:

green mango and bagoong

chicken adobo

more crabs!

ripe mango

prawns

We also had spaghetti, fried chicken, kakanins, and lots of chips and cookies, and doughnuts and a lot of other finger foods! Yum-my!

Thank you all for participating in my survey: What Hairstyle Should I Get.

Though the clear winner was Naima’s hair, the stylist wont give me a mohawk, because of my hair type, according to him.

So after spending A LOT of cash for getting it chopped by someone who does dreadlocks, getting scalp treatment, and finally having a final haircut, here’s the result:

styling my hair

teasing my hair

And finally.

there you go

Now that I’m ready, let’s go to the beach! :D

So this is the beautiful extension of Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc., in Pandi Bulacan.

breezy pathway to the pool area

bastketball court

themed mini park

floating gazebo

other side of the gazebo

Here are the photos of the big swimming pools.

big pool for kids and adults with slides

aircon cottages

signage to the kiddie pool

continuous improvements

Some areas in the annex are still in construction but the whole resort is already fully functional.

kiddie wave pool

You will surely enjoy it in the annex because of the big pools and the homey ambiance.

Since some people have been asking,  here’s the direct link to the resort’s rates.

Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc. is located in Brgy. Masuso, Pandi Bulacan, 3014. You can reach them through 044-661-88-88 or 0917-892-64-85. Or send them an email at vcwwwi@yahoo.com. Check out their videos at www.villaconcepcion.cjb.net. Or go to Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc.’s Multiply page.

Related Article:

Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc. Main Resort

Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc. is a wave resort in Brgy. Masuso, Pandi in Bulacan. All you have to do to get there is go to Pandi then follow signs that lead you to Villa Concepcion. It is roughly an hour drive from Manila.

Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc., Pandi Bulacan is an ideal place for a fun swim for the whole family. The resort recently added an Annex that has a pond with a floating gazebo, big pools, activity areas and a kiddie wave pool.

Here are some photos of the main resort:

outside the resort

It is obvious that Villa Concepcion wants to cater to the whole family especially kids because of the garden statues that feature different popular cartoon characters.

garden gnomes

probably the admin/office of the resort

And some more garden statues.

bugs bunny by the wave pool

policeman at the entrance

The pathways to the pool area are landscaped and decorated with hanging lamps.

pathway

to the pool area

And lined with beautiful orchids.

pretty orchids

pretty

The wave pool is full of people in the morning and around lunch time. Especially when the waves start coming.

villa concepcion wave pool

The pool clears after lunch.

the wave pool at around 130PM

There are also areas in the resort where the adults can relax. Pocket gardens with wooden benches/garden sets to hang out in.

wooden bench 1

wooden bench 2

wooden bench 3

It has kubo (nipa hut) cottages by the pool side and aircon rooms for more privacy in the area.

I like resorts that are landscaped and well decorated. It seems that the owners of the resort made the place thoughtfully, for putting all these little sweet touches. So this gets a thumbs up from me.

Go to Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc. website.

Related Article:

Villa Concepcion Wet & Wild Waves Inc., (annex)