altum viditur

Two days after arriving from Davao, I packed for a road trip to the North. I’ve been saying that there are two places that I want to visit again, Camsur and Ilocos Norte, particularly Vigan and Blue Lagoon. Since my sister and her husband, an avid photographer, have not been to Pagudpud, we started driving North at midnight of April 01, Holy Thursday, even if we’re not able to book a room in Pagudpud.

Of course, it’s a long drive there so we had to stop for rest rooms and food. We had breakfast at Tropical Hut Total, in Apalit Pampanga. Caught the sunrise somewhere in Tarlac, ate merienda at McDonald’s San Fernando La Union, and reached Vigan just in time for lunch. We took a couple of shots of the Plaza and the Cathedral, ate Vigan Empanada then headed back to our journey. I was asleep most of the time, maybe because I was catching up on sleep since Davao. We got to Bangui Windmills a little before sunset. The Bangui Windmills were awesome!!!

After taking hundreds of shots of the windmills, we continued our long journey to Pagudpud. We went straight to Blue Lagoon with the help of “Susan”, our Satellite Navigation System. It was a long and super dark drive to Blue Lagoon. It’s the side of a mountain and most of the route had no lamp posts. But of course, at the end of the tunnel, there’s light. Party lights, actually. We could see the resorts in Blue Lagoon from afar.

Fish eye shot by Amrei Dizon

www.amreidizon.com

I was a little disappointed to see how much the place has changed, there’s too many people, traffic was heavy, too many resorts and huts and cottages and activities by the shore. And this was around 7 PM, maybe I would appreciate the place better when the sun rises the next day.

Since all resorts were fully booked, we went ahead and booked a room at a ‘home stay’ place at Wally’s World. It’s the last home in the area, right before Kapuluan Beach Resort. Since we just arrived and Wally’s World did not prepare food for walk ins, we ate at Kapuluan Beach Resort, where I saw Bebe Gandanghari and Earl Ignacio. I had my picture taken with Bebe.

We stayed a whole day and two nights at Wally’s World before we started driving again. On the way back to Vigan, we took photos of the roads, the mountains and the seas. We went to Cape Bojeador to see it beautiful Spanish structure. We stoped at Shorestop Inn and Restaurant in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, for Merienda then straight to the Marcos Musueum in Batac. We also passed by Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, and of course, tried out Batac Empanada in Riverside Empanadaan. Since it’s already getting late, we called a resort on our way so we can rest for the night. We saw a resort’s ad in a gas station and it looked really pretty. Lucky for us, it still has a room available for us. The resort is Playa Tropical, a pretty Bali-inspired resort hidden in Currimao.

We had breakfast at Playa Tropical then headed back to Vigan to eat empanada, buy souvenirs and pasalubong and take some last photos. We were to get dinner at Isdaan in Tarlac but since it’s Sunday of the long weekend-holiday, the place was jam-packed. The orders were on hold! It’s ok, we’ll try it next time.

Though we’re not able to get to the other destinations that I’ve been to the first time I visited Pagudpud, like the Patapat Bridge and the Aqueduct, I still enjoyed everything about Ilocos Norte! I think I still want to go back again, maybe on a peak season, for a change.

Related Posts:
Kapuluan Vista Resort, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Vigan Heritage Village, Ilocos Sur
Bangui Windmills
What is the Best Empanada in Ilocos?
Wally’s World Homestay, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

According to a Travelpod Article

The seven-hectare Isla Malipano, also a part of the resort, has a white sand beach, an offshore reef plus 7 private luxury villas (5 three-bedroom and 2 four-bedroom), each with a wide veranda and its own butler for food orders and other guest assistance.

Take a look how pretty this place is:

The sandbar overlooking Pearl Farm Beach resort

resort rules and beautiful tree

the island is surrounded by white sand and greens

Isla Malipano's Luxury Villa

It’s just too bad that when one of my friends accidentally stepped on a sea urchin, no one was there to help. Was it because no one was checked in at the resort that time?

Related Posts:

Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Davao (part 1)
Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Davao (part 2)
White Water Rafting in the Davao River
Giant Slide at Maxima Aquafun, Garden City of Samal
Aldevinco Shopping Center, Davao City
Crocodile Park and Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village, Davao
Bogser’s Coffee House, Bangkal Davao

After enjoying the beautiful Isla Malipano and the yummy buffet lunch, me and my friends had fun in the infinity pool. Here are some beauty shots of the Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s infinity pool:

Beautiful Infinity Pool at Pearl Farm Beach Resort

And here we were, chatting and fooling around:

Gossiping girls, facing the sea

Fooling Around. That's Mems, Joan, Arvee, Me and Ria

Related Posts:

This was what I was really excited about, going to one of the most famous and recommended beach resorts in the Philippines, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Davao. I used to only see it in photos, DOT’s website, videokes and on TV. It has always been a wonderful sight. The seawater was always cool green and blue, the sand always white, and the fishes, always near the shore. Most famous of all Pearl Farm photos is the floating cottages. Hundreds of media have already featured that view.

Samal Cottages

And that same view greeted us when we neared its shores in the Garden Island City of Samal. Though the water was not as cool green then, it was still a delight. I was looking for a longer shoreline but then realized that the beach resort had only small beach fronts on both sides of the main dock. While the boat was getting near the dock, I could see a couple of tourists in the terrace of their floating Samal cottage, throwing bread in the water below to attract fish.

A walk where one can see the schools of fish

Everything is an experience in this premier beach resort. A welcome drink of pineapple juice greets the guests in the Parola. A resort staff will brief the guests about the resort and its neighbor, the Isla Malipano. After the briefing, we crossed a short bridge leading to the main dining area, passing by the clear water of the beach. It was low tide and I could see a lot of starfishes on the sand.

At lowtide, the Parola from afar.

A typical Mandaya Room

We frolicked a bit in the low tide before visiting the Isla Malipano.

Food in the plate looks good, tastes good too!

We were very lucky to have booked a room in EcoVillage on the Holy Week of 2007 when all resorts near Camsur Watersports Complex were fully booked.

EcoVillage is a gated community with different natural and man-made structures and sights to see.

It has a bird aviary of exotic birds, a floating gazebo, hanging bridge, bird houses, small parks within the area, a swimming pool and different kinds of trees and flowers. there was also a man-made bat-cave on top of a stream and surrounded by tall bamboo trees so the cave does not look man-made at all.

It’s accommodation facilities vary from studio type units with own T&B to cabins. The cabins are the most inexpensive at Php350, having a bed and an electric fan, with a little camp-feel at night since it’s located outside with trees and it’s dark. If you’ll be out exploring the whole day, and on a budget, this lodging is good enough for you. Eco Village has comfort rooms and shower facilities near the cabins so no worries about that.

It’s in the same vicinity as CWC but quite a long walk. A tricycle ride costs Php 10.00 per person.

Enjoy world-class cable skiing facilities at Camsur Watersports Complex and enjoy some relaxing time at The EcoVillage in Pili, Camarines Sur.

For more information call:
Telephone # (+6354) 477.56.36 or (+6354) 478.00.93
or e-mail us at: infocamsur@gmail.com

The EcoVillage Management Office
Capitol Complex, Cadlan,Pili, Camarines Sur
Philippines 4410

Related Posts:

Camsur Watersports Complex, Pili, Camarines Sur
The Great Bicol Adventure: Rest and Relaxation in Awesome Camsur

In April of 2007, Amrei and I went to Bicol in time for the Holy Week vacation, we were going to meet with Angku and Ryan who were currently vacationing there (Angku’s hometown is Bicol), the day after we arrived. Then Abet and Hasmin will follow from Manila, on our third day.

Jetski

Our first stop was where we would be staying – EcoVillage. It was only very lucky for us to be able to book a room in EcoVillage because it was the holy week so all accommodations that we contacted near CWC were all fully booked. We got a room because we very eagerly followed up for cancellations. The Eco Village management was nice enough to notify us when a room became available.

Fooling Around

Ate Lyn (but we call each other “Teng” short for “Ateng”), my sister, her husband and their friends were already in Bicol for three days when we arrived. They’ve already swam with the whale sharks in Donsol. On their last day in Bicol, they tried out the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) where we met them up for breakfast.

Pancake with Bacon and Egg (Php 100)

We had pancakes and omelet. I remember that the breakfast foods were only around Php 90-110. I was a vegetarian then so I requested for a tomato and mushroom omelet.

Vegetarian Omelet by Request (Mushroom and Tomatoes only)

CWC at that time only had a few accommodations, the containers were under construction.

The Clubhouse

Pool with Bamboo Lounge Chairs

I was delighted to enter the complex, with a big pool that’s surrounded by cabanas for spa and lounging, the clubhouse, and the 6-point cable ski system. The whole walking area is made of wooden flooring too! It’s a very relaxing atmosphere.

Cable Park

The place also has a good view of Mt. Isarog.

Pool Surrounded by Cabanas

Read what you can do when in CWC here.

Contact Camsur Watersports Complex at these details:

Camsur Watersports Complex Office:
Provincial Capitol Complex
Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur
Contact Number: +63(54) 4773344 / 4773347
Fax Number: +63(54) 477-5162
E-mail: infocamsur@gmail.com

Related Posts:

The Great Bicol Adventure: Rest and Relaxation in Awesome Camsur
Eco Village, Pili, Camarines Sur

The photos in the internet built up my expectations, and it’s good to discover that the Andanita Taj of Tagaytay delivers.

lounge area

It’s small in front, and all that I saw in the photos  is the facade with three lighted domes. But when you enter, it’s a big, cozy place with couches and pillows. Ambient music that’s distinctively Indian, and walls full of illustrations and artworks, plus a closer view of the Taal Lake!

paintings on the wall

Description: Hot and spicy dish with tomatoes with Goa. Heavy use of vinegar and the traditional meat is from Portugese Influence.

It’s really spicy with the chilly powder showing in the dish (those red dots).

Chicken Tandoori (Php 290)

Description: Chicken marinated in yoghurt with freshly ground spices and lemon juice grilled in Tandoor.

I enjoyed this chicken very much because I like all viands with lemon. It’s a bit spicy and can be improved by adding a bit butter to buff up the taste a little. But still, all is good.

Taj of Tagaytay is the name of the restaurant of Andanita Bed and Breakfast Hotel. Check out their website here.

Relates Posts:

Souk Kafe
REHM Apartelle, Tagaytay City
Ming’s Garden
Sonya’s Secret Garden
Tagaytay City

Bicol is really beautiful, no doubt about it.

We plan to exhaust the wonders of this great region (if that is at all possible!) little by little. And so we plan our travels well, making sure we go to the most number of places we can on a limited time. But one place that is always present in our itineraries is awesome Camsur. Specifically, the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC).

watching the wakeboarders make their moves

While we are novice wakeboarders and kneeboarders, we are nevertheless hard core “TH” – as in trying hard – we really tried very hard, though many times we failed. :)

While our muscles ached after the adventure, we will always yearn for the unique rest and relaxation Camsur has to offer.

So, here are some traveling tips to help you unwind and have fun in awesome Camsur.

textures of san, water and wood

If you fall after just a few seconds of being in the water, try again. And DON’T swallow that water!

it's a wrap!

Most of all, have fun! Make sure that you are able to laugh at yourself. On that note, let’s ride!

Recommended travel time: year-round
Approximate Budget: USD 25 (day travel) for one person

Lyn Almario is my older sister and travel buddy. A freelance writer and an Engineer, in no particular order.

Photos by Amrei Dizon and Roma Regala.

We were in Camarines Watersports Complex on April 2007 and we need to go back!!!

Related Posts:

Camsur Watersports Complex, Pili, Camarines Sur
The Great Bicol Adventure: Rest and Relaxation in Awesome Camsur

We went to Marinduque some five years back, but the good memories still stay with me. I have never heard of Marinduque until we were planning for a vacation there, but I am so glad that one of my friends knew about the place. So off we went for a vacation that was not so planned, yet turned to be magnificent.

This was a time when digital and old school cameras ruled the scene, so you’ll have to forgive me if the photos here are not of the same quality as those in the other blogs (I’m sure my husband would want to have that disclaimer). In fact, many of the pictures you see here are scanned. One thing I remember most from this trip is the fact that it was my first time to taste C2 iced tea.

You can reach Marinduque by taking a bus to Dalahican Port in Lucena (3 hours) then riding one of the fast ferries (less than 2 hours). You need to take a jeepney ride from the Marinduque pier to the town (30mins).

Marinduque is a very simple town, and in fact it will be hard to find establishments still open after 8pm. It may have changed since we were there last, but there were no bars, no restaurants, and no malls in town. We had a great time, though, talking about ghost stories, as there were rumors of extraordinary incidents in town.

We stayed at Boac Hotel, the one hotel that we were able to book. It was nice, clean, and most of all, affordable. Though one of our friends swears that he heard people talking in the hallway at 2am, only to find none when he looked out. Creepy!!!

There are gems of places to unwind and relax in Marinduque. Though food was quite hard to find, their beaches were perfect for rest and relaxation.

We went to Tres Reyes Islands, a virgin island that boasts of perfect white sand.

We went spelunking in Bathala Caves, and saw some big snakes in the process (notice I am not jumping with glee).

Anyway, here are some traveling tips for you if you ever plan to go to Marinduque:

• Bring cash! Perhaps it’s progressed now, but back then we cannot find an ATM in sight! For the ladies, bring extra cash! You can buy a lot of good handwoven abaca bags, for very reasonable prices.

• Get a friendly driver with his own jeepney to act as your escort service. There are not much public transportation in town, and you would want to be sure that someone is there to bring you back to land.

• Make reservations in the Boac Hotel. Although it is not the Shangri La, it is quite hard to get rooms if you just walk in. The Boac Hotel is DOT certified, and many workshops and seminars are held there.

• When you start traveling, bring plenty of food and water to last you through the day. Food is very cheap, but it is not so easy to find.

Most of all, respect the culture of the town. Don’t wander around town late at night making noises. You never know what you might find!

Lyn Almario is my older sister and travel buddy. A freelance writer and an Engineer, in no particular order.

Facade of The Sunflower

For a garden that’s been listed in travel menu of Travel Café Phillipines (TCP), which is a marketing initiative of the Department of Tourism, this place may not be a real secret anymore, though it’s location is still far from the hustle of the city.

basin of flowers

The Book

Sonya’s Secret Garden is located at Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, about 2KM from the main road, taking the way to Nasugbu from the Tagaytay Junction. The place is well kept with lots of plants and small areas for relaxation. There’s also a spa at the end of the trail.

Relax at Sonya's Secret Garden

The food is mainly served at The Sunflower, one of the many dining areas of Sonya’s Garden. I did not try their eat-all-you-can set menu. It costs Php 610 (USD 14) for  green salad, bread, pasta, dessert and drink. Since the Sonya’s Garden is one of the recommended places of TCP, I feel a little disappointed having to be on a tourist destination with very limited food choices. Paying quite an amount for food is no problem if you feel that it’s going to be worth it, right? I was also expecting an elaborate gourmet menu, which they don’t have. I was hoping to taste some gourmet Filipino favorites, or exotic garden foods, but my expectations were let down. But I am sure that the food will be very filling and worth it, only that I was looking for something else to eat. So if you plan to go to Sonya’s Secret Garden, don’t expect for a gourmet eating experience, but enjoy the garden experience that it has to offer, especially with the delightful ambiance.

Inside The Sunflower

Dining Area

Bench at the entrance of the Spa

Here’s the map to the place (taken from Sonya’s Garden website).

Sonya’s Garden also offers bed and breakfast services for those who wish to have a relaxing time.

Sonya's Garden Map of Tagaytay

Fortunately for us, on our way back to the junction, we decided to go to the Taj of Tagaytay, which, from my www-reading, is a fusion restaurant of Indian and Persian cuisine. The photos of the place looks interesting too. To my delight, the place really cool and artsy.

Related Posts:

My Tagaytay City Story
Ming’s Garden
Andanita Taj of Tagaytay
Souk Kafe
REHM Apartelle

As I’ve mentioned in My Tagaytay City Story, we searched for a good place to stay in for the night. REHM is not within the junction with the lake’s view, it is along the route to Sta. Rosa from the Tagaytay Rotonda. From Tagaytay junction (rotonda), take the route to Sta. Rosa, make a left in front of Econo Inn Hotel, it gets a little dark but don’t worry. There’s a lighted signage to see REHM Apartelle. The place is on the opposite lane and is about 2 minutes from Econo Inn Hotel. It’s decent and worth it because most inns, apartelle and hotels (including Microtel and Days Hotel) were already fully booked or are kind of expensive, in a sense that a room is too small for comfort, considering it’s price.Especially if you just need a place to stay in for the night.

This is REHM, fronting Jessar

So we got a room for Php 1500 (USD + 33) that has a big bed for two, free breakfast, cable TV, hot and cold shower and the thing that made us have a look, free wi-fi connection. The place has two towels, a roll of tissue paper, a pair of toothbrush, small soap and a sachet of shampoo, which I actually liked because for it’s price, it is trying to be as hospitable as possible.

Bed with towels

Table for two and TV

Clean CR with complimentary toiletries in the basket

It also has a small round table inside where breakfast will be served. Yes, there are no common kitchen or dining area, so you’ll eat at your room, which is also ok for me because it’s more convenient. For it’s price, it’s actually ok for comfort, only thumb’s down for me though was when the kid (yes, he’s a teenager) that was in the reception, forgot to wake us up at 9 AM! But everything else is ok.

Tocino, Egg, Rice with vinegar

Signage

REHM APARTELLE, Tagaytay City
Contact Details:
213 Francisco Road, Tagaytay City
0906-2835777, (046) 483-2683.

Related Posts:

My Tagaytay City Story
Ming’s Garden
Sonya’s Garden
Andanita Taj of Tagaytay
Souk Kafe

Last Saturday was my friend Ktin’s bday celebration (today is her birthday, Happy Birthday, Ktin!) in her house in Cavite. We drove for about two hours to get to Dasmariñas. After the party, we visited Souk Kafe in Robinson’s Dasmariñas and met with the very bubbly owner of the restaurant. We were there until 12 midnight.

Sorry it's a bit blurry, but you get the picture :)

We already had a plan to go to Tagaytay after the meeting. I searched for lodgings that are economical since we’re only going to sleep the night away until we go sight seeing in the morning. Too bad it was hard to find these places in the internet. Only the more famous, and of course more expensive accommodations were at the first few pages in the searches. I even searched for resorts, so just to be prepared, I brought a set of swimwear.

Since we finished late, we still tried to call up Microtel, which was said to be 10 minutes away from Souk Kafe, but it was fully booked, and so was Days Hotel. I was ready for an adventure, anyway, so me and my travel buddy decided to go up to Tagaytay and canvass for accommodations when we get there.

It was a really dark drive from Dasmariñas to Tagaytay, and there were a few forking roads, but stay on the right side until your gut feel says you’re almost there! Well, our gut feel would know because our way started to get foggy with a really fine drizzle. We rolled down the windows a bit and… brrr! The second sign of getting near the Tagaytay Junction is the “hotels / room for rent” signage in every couple of meters. Then the famous rotonda (junction) with 7-11 on the right.

From the rotonda, to the right (side of 7-11) is the way to Nasugbu, Batangas and to the left is to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. And somewhere there is the famous Taal Lake that we were not able to see because of the darkness.

I dropped by at 7-11 to pick up some snacks (that amounted to Php 485) and from there, I could see Overlook Inn so we checked it out. They have a room for two at Php 1350 with a small bed and Php 1670 with a bigger bed. Both have a T&B, TV and free breakfast (hotdog, egg, rice). Since the rooms were a bit small, we tried to look for other places further down the street to Nasugbu. We found Tirona and Eufel. We did not ask for the rates of Eufel because we did not quite like the look from the outside (like a real house, so there’s probably some common areas with the other guests) and Tirona seemed fully booked with all the cars parked around it. Then a man, from nowhere, came y my window holding what seemed to be two coupons. I opened my window and in his hands he held two business cards for Jessar Inn and REHM Rooms for Rent, their rates and amenities. He talked to us saying that Jessar is his Aunt’s place and he’s on his way home and he could guide us there with his tricycle, which was four minutes away, en route to Sta. Rosa, the opposite side of where we’re at. He even wanted to show us his ID. He does not look shabby so I said there’s no need for identification. What got us interested was that there’s free wi-fi connection on both places. And so we followed him. It was around 10 minutes away at 40 KPH.

Calabarzon Map (image from from www.guinayangan.com)

There’s a hundred peso difference between the rates of the two Inns, the cheaper one, REHM, has two available rooms while Jessar was fully booked.

We checked out the next day at around 2PM, went to Ming’s Garden and Sonya’s Secret Garden. Had super-late-lunch/early-dinner at Taj of Tagaytay and passed by Olivarez Complex (where there’s Mercury Drug and Mc Donalds) and left at exactly 9:20 PM. We were in Kamuning at 11 PM with no stop-overs but with a bit of wrong turns and getting lost, when already in Manila! All in all, it was a fun time though I was not able to use my swimwear.

A decoration at Ming's Garden, Tagaytay City

I’ll be posting separate articles about the places I’ve mentioned, but for now, I shall hit the sack.

Related Posts:

Souk Kafe
REHM Apartelle, Tagaytay City
Ming’s Garden
Sonya’s Secret Garden
Taj of Tagaytay