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Although it says Wally World’s Homestay in the signage, the place is more popular as Wally’s World Homestay or Surf Homesstay, with its own recall due to pop culture, Walmart and London.

Wallys World a.k.a. Surf Homestay, Pagudpud Beach, Ilocos Norte

Wally's World a.k.a. Surf Homestay, Pagudpud Beach, Ilocos Norte

We went to Maira-Ira Point, to its more popular beach, Blue Lagoon, in Pagudpud on a Maundy Thursday night, knowing that new resorts have emerged, we hoped to be able to book a place to stay. Too bad, most hotels were fully booked, or could not accommodate the five of us. We searched the stretch and found nothing but home-stays. We chose the one at the end of the road that is Wally’s World.

Since we’re walk in guests, they did not have dinner ready to cook for us, so we had dinner at Kapuluan Vista Resort, just a few meters away from Wally’s World.

We were given a room with two big beds that’s near it’s communal comfort room. It’s a very simple and basic accommodation which was really fine by me. Besides, we were there for the great outdoors. The room had a flooring of crushed corals which extends the beach feel from the shore.

Tired from the road trip and happy with the food from Kapuluan Vista Resort, we all hit the sack before midnight.

Wally's World Homestay 1 Wally's World Homestay 2 Wally's World Homestay 3

The next morning, we were ushered by Kuya Wally himself to the beach, where make-shift tables and benches laid. It’s breakfast by the beach! Apparently, with home-stays, guests can request for food to be cooked and served at their preferred time. Fish was abundant in the area, of course. And I just love the breakfast they served us. Rice, eggs, vegetables and a bunch fresh catch! The best part is the view.

view from the dining table

view from the dining table

We also had lunch and dinner here, some beer after dinner, and breakfast the next morning.

Breakfast on our last day in Wallys World

Breakfast on our last day in Wally's World

It was great having lived a day like this again. Simple life, simple pleasures. Away from the city. Home-cooked food served with matching soup and siding. Wally’s World took care of us like a mom. :)

Though it’s not a room of hotel convenience, everything else is perfect there. They have a store that sells almost everything. Halo Halo is available in the afternoon. The dining area is the perfect place. In front of the beach, with the cool breeze, sound of the wave crashing in the shore, the vast South China Sea that meets with the morning skies. PERFECT! I love it. I love home-cooked food. I love rice in the morning. I love enchiladas. I love the beach. I truly enjoyed it! Plus Kuya Wally’s puppies running around the shore!

I wish I could’ve stayed longer there.

Contact Kuya Wally at 0921-275-2340.

Related Posts:

Kapuluan Vista Resort, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Vigan Heritage Village, Ilocos Sur
North Luzon Road Trip

Bangui Windmills, Bangui Ilocos Norte
What is the Best Empanada in Ilocos?

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Our journey from Manila started at around 2AM. At dusk, we were somewhere along Zambales to take photographs of the beautiful sunrise. At lunch, we were at Vigan Heritage Village, eating Vigan Empanada at the Plaza in front of the Vigan Cathedral. By sunset, we were shooting the very awesome Bangui Windmills. Note, very awesome!!! As the sun disappeared from the horizon, we continued our journey to Pagudpud. Saud, a public beach was much closer to Bangui. But I insisted that we go directly to the Blue Lagoon.

I remember my first trip to Pagudpud. We went to Saud Beach, slept on the sand overnight, the next day, rented a van to Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon was really blue. And from afar, we could see some surfers. I really wondered if they were locals, or tourists who brought their own surfboards. They were about a kilometer away from Blue Lagoon. There were seldom waves waiting for someone to hitch. We walked from Blue Lagoon towards the surf but was not lucky to reach the tip of Luzon. Yes, I could really imagine then that the beach break was at the tip of the left of North of Luzon.

Kapuluan Vista Resort

Kapuluan Vista Resort

And I was right. It was the tip of Luzon. And there’s a resort there. A beautiful resort, actually. It’s the Kapuluan Vista Resort. It was fully booked when we arrived, and so were most of the resorts. We couldn’t find a resort that could accommodate all five of us and our requirements, so we settled for a homestay accommodation in Wally’s World. Since Mang Wally, the owner of the homestay rooms, did not prepare dinner for night walk-in guests, we ate at Kapuluan Vista Resort. These were our orders:

Yummy chicken with salsa

Yummy chicken with salsa

Adobo

Adobo

Tinola

Tinola

The food was good and in generous servings for PHP 150-250 (+ 5 USD). While waiting for our food, we saw Bb Gandanghari. Of course, we did not pass the chance to have our picture taken with her!

i know i look a bit starstruck here, but this ones for the community! :)

i know i look a bit starstruck here, but this one's for the community! :)

The next day, when I got halo-halo from a store, the lady who sold me Halo Halo said Jericho Rosales was in Kapuluan, surfing. We were supposed to surf that morning, but was not able to wake up early. Then in the afternoon, we would have gotten to surf with Echo on the same beach (would have been my second time since someone told me that when I attended the Surf Clinic in La Union in 2008, Echo was also there, but I did not see him since the Urbiztondo beach is always jam packed at Surf Clinics) but the waves seemed to be lazy that afternoon with very short and seldom rides. So we passed up until the next morning.

View from the outside

View from the outside

longboard and shortboard just lying around

longboard and shortboard just lying around

resting areas near the beach

resting areas near the beach

The next morning, there’s a very wild Amihan and doesn’t look advisable to surf. Though not able to surf, we still enjoyed our breakfast by the beach and I took the chance to photoshoot Ananda Kanani’s Summer Earring Collection! :)

It was unfortunate that Kapuluan Vista Resort was fully booked then. But there’s always a ‘next time’.

Resort Photos by Amrei Dizon

Related Posts:
Wally’s World Homestay, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte
Vigan Heritage Village, Ilocos Sur
North Luzon Road Trip
Bangui Windmills, Bangui Ilocos Norte
What is the Best Empanada in Ilocos?

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We went to Davao City to attend one of my close friends’ wedding that turned out to be one of the loveliest ceremonies I’ve been to. The guest list was exclusive to family and close friends. The vows happened at the St. Paul’s Parish in Davao City, reception followed at the Apo View Hotel. Since we got there a day earlier, we decided to book for a white water rafting adventure at Crocodile Farm the headed to Island Garden City of Samal, just below Davao del Norte for some adventure.

It was a long ride to Samal so we had buffet lunch at The Stadium Sports Lounge in the City first. Buffet costs only Php 129 (less than $3)!

We then took a cab ride to Sta. Ana wharf for around 30 minutes, a bus ride to Peñaplata for 45 minutes, including a 5-minute Roll On Roll Off (RORO), and finally, a 10-minute habal habal (single motorcycles) trek to Maxima Aquafun. Bus fare is Php 40 ($1), habal habal fare is Php 25.

Maxima's Giant Slide

Maxima's Giant Slide

Maxima Aquafun is right on a cliff to the open sea of Davao Gulf. It has several water-fun features like the 40-meter drop Giant Slide, a diving board and a floating trampoline — all of these will throw you to the open sea! But don’t worry. They have a “No life vest, no swim” policy. There are also resort staff that will watch you when you’re in the water.

First thing we tried was the Giant Slide. Here’s my video, on my first slide down  to the Davao Gulf:

I did not scream. It was the person behind the videocam. :P The person that you see at the end of the slide is the staff that takes photos while you’re on the slide, upon request. They’ll give you a print out at Php 60.

We also tried the diving board. I jumped twice! :)

Related posts:

Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Davao (Part 1)
Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Davao (Part 2)
Isla Malipano, Davao

White Water Rafting in the Davao River
Crocodile Park and Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village, Davao

Aldevinco Shopping Center, Davao City
Bogser’s Coffe House, Bangkal Davao

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Capones Island is one of the main attractions in Pundaquit Zambales. The island is actually a big lump of rock formation with very little soil. Beaches around the island aren’t that homie for the usual tourist mainly because of the sand and rock mixture from the crashing waves of the open ocean.
calm water on the way to Capones Island

calm water on the way to Capones Island

One of the best things to do on the island, aside from just hanging around and not being able to enjoy the beach, is go up and take a tour of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is at the back of the island when you’re facing the open sea.

reference: Pundaquit’s Website

the Capones Island lighthouse on top of a big rock formation, from afar

the Capones Island lighthouse on top of a big rock formation, from afar

Capones Island is 3 kilometers away from its neighboring island, Camara Island. Both islands are side-trip destinations from the more popular Anawangin Cove. offshore).  A Spanish-era lighthouse which visitors can explore lies on top of the Island.

a steep ascend to the lighthouse

a steep ascend to the lighthouse

To get to the lighthouse, visitors would go up a steep hill (but actually is a large rock formation) from the shore.

beautiful rocks that will make your ascend a bit difficult

beautiful rocks that will make your ascend a bit difficult

hundreds of slippers scattered in the rocky shore of the island

hundreds of slippers scattered in the rocky shore of the island

I never found out why but there were a hundred of footwear scattered all over the rocky shore of the island. Maybe the visitors were not careful during their trek that they bust their footwear there. It’s the only realistic explanation, though it wasn’t very hard to trek along the rocky ground. I hope to find out why when I come back.

Before reaching the lighthouse, visitors will enter a forest-like area, then a canopy of trees that will show the gate that welcomes everyone to the lighthouse.

on the way to the Capones Island lighthouse, lush greens

on the way to the Capones Island lighthouse, lush greens

canopy of trees (view of the ocean)

canopy of trees (view of the ocean)

the lighthouse at Capones Island

the lighthouse at Capones Island

Inside, everyone can explore the whole vicinity. Visitors are allowed to go to the top of the lighthouse to view the ocean. There is a beautiful spiral staircase in the main entrance, and some enchanting Spanish floors, walls, doors and windows.

spiral staircase – ornate, rusty and beautiful

spiral staircase – ornate, rusty and beautiful

Spanish window with the view of the sky, the ocean and the hills

Spanish window with the view of the sky, the ocean and the hills

After exploring the lighthouse, we frolicked in the water around the island for a while before boarding our boat to Camara Island.

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

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Camara Island is the closest island from the shores of Pundaquit Zambales. The island, like its close neighbor Capones, is also a big lump of rock with very little soil. Trees aren’t that many but because of the rock formations and angle of the island, it’s not hard to find shade and scenic spots for a great photo shoot.

The island has a great view of the open ocean. It has two sides separated by a white sandbar that becomes visible during the lowtide and disappears during the high tide. Big rocks that dwarf the tourists are plenty on this island. It won’t be long till you find yourself taking photos of them or with them and just be astonished by their size and weight.

reference: Pundaquit’s Website

We were in Camara Island very briefly, less than 30 minutes, coming from Capones Island to see the lighthouse. Camara and Capones Islands were our side trip destinations from staying overnight at Anawangin Cove.

Approaching Camara Island

Approaching Camara Island

It has fine white sand and a sandbar that was not visible at the time we were there, but we knew it was there because there was a group of tourists who were quite far from the shore, but the water’s still knee-level. I wasn’t able to enjoy much though, because on my first few minutes in the water, my foot caught a thorn. Luckily I got my army pocket knife with tweezers. Careful, a lot of areas underwater were a bit thorny.

our boat docked at the white sand beach

our boat docked at the white sand beach

But enjoy it just the same, it’s a wonderful view!

view of the sea from Camara Island

view of the sea from Camara Island

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales

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Yes, La Luz is the life.

At least for weekend getaways and short vacations, La Luz Beach Resort will offer you a very relaxing and worry-free stay.

I can’t remember when or where I first heard of La Luz but every time I search for blogs and information about it, a certain image comes up — an image of a pair of lounge chairs fronting the sea. This could be one of the resort’s best features.

Lounge chairs fronting the blue sea

Lounge chairs fronting the blue sea

Since most of the write ups I’ve read says that the place is usually fully booked on weekends,  I emailed La Luz for a booking on Feb 27-28. No one replied at first until I sent an SMS to their mobile phone. A reservation officer named Erna replied to my inquiry. Some of my last inquiries, she did not answered that’s why I had to text their mobile phone again, and call their office to clarify some things. Cherry, another reservation officer replied, until I paid my reservation fee of 50% on Friday, then Cherry sent the confirmation email to me.

It’s another housemates’ road trip, much like when we went to Subic, stayed at the beach and went to Zoobic.

Day 1 at La Luz Beach Resort

We planned to arrive at 12 noon and we were only late by 10 minutes. In the parking area, a staff approached us to help us with our thing, then down to the information and registration desk, we were greeted by friendly staff and a welcome drink (gulaman). Then we were ushered to our room at the Annex, near the day trip area.

Newly opened Annex rooms

Newly opened Annex rooms

The room is for four people and there were only two towels and two pillows set when we arrived so we requested for extra pillows and towels for our room and everything was delivered quickly. The staff at the desk would radio in the requests to the staff that’s probably stationed in the Annex, so service was fast.

Our room at Annex 2-C

Our room at Annex 2-C

There were probably no day-trippers at that time so we were lucky that our side of the resort had very few guests staying in the cabanas and the lounge chairs, unlike in the main area where the rooms where fully booked. Most people were hanging out at that side of the beach.

Junior Premier Rooms at the main resort area

Junior Premier Rooms at the main resort area

There are naughty monkeys tied up in the tree near the dining hall. One of them has an amputated arm, but still very playful and snob at times. He did not like us taking his pictures while he was eating. Maybe he thought we’d take his cookie away.

monkey with the amputated arm

monkey with the amputated arm

We freshened up when we get to our lovely room then charged to the dining hall where the lunch buffet was served. There’s chicken, pork, vegetables and fish, and water and juice. There’s burong mangga and a sweet yam-banana for dessert. We stayed in the dining hall until around 2PM, just chitchatting and having a lazy afternoon. We then went to one of the cabanas and fell asleep. We awoke at 4PM, then it’s already time for snacks, so we had snacks. We were still full from lunch.

Kalai with the ball

Kalai with the ball

Then we played volleyball and was supposed to try out the Kayak and I really wanted to snorkel but Amrei said we can just wake up early the next day for that, since it might get dark anytime. Nick and Kalai took a dip at around 5:30 PM. Amrei and I went to the rock formations at one end of La Luz to see the changing skies because of sunset. Though the sunset is blocked by mountains. These could be what the mountaineers call as Gulugod-Baboy, a mountain area with three peaks.

beautiful sunset sky

beautiful sunset sky

We scheduled a massage at 830 PM, right after dinner. The massage is Php 250, which will be done in the cabanas. After the massage, we got our drinks and got a bucket of ice and played Pinoy Henyo. But a lesser competitive version. We also played “dugtungan” (one player will sing a famous song then the next player will continue with another song using the last word that the first player sang) just to pass the time because it was still early. At 12 midnight, we were all getting ready to sleep.

Day 2 at La Luz Beach Resort

We woke up early on Sunday to be able to kayak, snorkel and swim, since we were so lazy on our first day.

I got all my gears ready — waterproof camera, snorkel and mask, booties and life jacket. I was ready for adventure. I was excited to try the kayak. We were already in the dining hall at 7 AM but food was still under preparation. We ate breakfast — omelet, longganisa, and fish. There’s also cereals and loaf bread and butter. After eating, we inquired for Kayak but the wave’s kinda strong so it wasn’t advisable to kayak. Too bad. We  just headed to the rocks and snorkeled. There are some fishes and corals at shore, but they are not as pretty as I expected, since it’s a marine sanctuary. Maybe if we go a little bit farther, we’ll see more colorful marine life. But it’s wavy and the tide was rising high quite fast so we abandoned the adventure and bought fruit shakes and bummed in the beach lounges and the cabana. Then dipped in the water every now and then. We checked in past 12 noon and drove our way back to Manila.

We had lunch at Pizza Hut, Petron Mamplasan, Laguna and was at home at around 5:30 PM.

The only few glitches in the resort service would be that I think they should serve their breakfast earlier, like in most hotels, breakfast starts at 6AM for the morning people, and that dinner will last until later, like 9PM (dinner is served at 7-8 PM only), since snack is until late afternoon. The facilities are all good, there are trashcans and ashtrays everywhere. There’s hot and cold shower, linens are clean and the curtains of the cabanas are clean too. Only glitch was that our door would not close unless we lock it once.

All in all, it was a lovely trip and a lovely stay at La Luz Beach Resort. I will definitely go back and make sure to avail the marine sanctuary and kayak!

Photos by Amrei Dizon.

Related Post:

Correct Directions to La Luz Beach Resort, Laiya Batangas

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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.

Marinduqe087
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.

Marinduqe255

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).

Marinduqe243Marinduque 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.

Marinduqe066We 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.

Marinduqe264We went spelunking in Bathala Caves, and saw some big snakes in the process (notice I am not jumping with glee).

Marinduqe130

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.

Marinduqe182

  • 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.

Marinduqe025

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.

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Previous article: Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

The items in the menu were a bit expensive, especially when our waiter told us that the servings were only good for one person. But when we got our food, i must say that it’s actually worth it, and the orders are ok for two people.

Veggie Enchilada - Php 150 (cooked with melted cheese)

Veggie Enchilada - Php 150 (cooked with melted cheese)

Chicken Sauteed with Cashew - Php 280

Chicken Sauteed with Cashew - Php 280

Plato Mexicano (Platter of java rice, refried beans, enchilada, taco) with Chilli Con Carne

Plato Mexicano (Platter of java rice, refried beans, enchilada, taco) with Chilli Con Carne

Chili Con Carne - comes with the Plato Mexicano

Chili Con Carne - comes with the Plato Mexicano

Seafood Curry - Php 300 (with bacon, raisins, tomato and onion sidings)

Seafood Curry - Php 300 (with bacon, raisins, tomato and onion sidings)

We were very satisfied with our food, and so with our waiter — John, a trainee who was doing a great job serving us and apologizing for delays, since the kitchen is far from where we ate. They have an air-conditioned restaurant in front but we chose to ate at the Playa Seaside Restaurant, fronting the beach. I give John, the trainee a high passing grade!

Photos by Amrei Dizon

Related Posts:

Subic Trip
Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

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Related article: Subic Trip

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant is just beside 7-11 at Olongapo’s National Highway and there’s a signage at the facade for Playa Papagayo and Cantina Mexicana. Pass by a couple of resorts first, including Arizona Beach Resort, before getting there. Arizona, just like Blue Rock Resort was almost full and Palm Tree Resort would not accommodate four people in a room even if we pay the extra bed and person so we’re left with no choice that to get two separate rooms which would cost Php 2,500 (54.50 USD) per room. And that made me wonder if Subic Bay resorts do not have rooms with two beds on it. Lucky for us, we found Playa Papagayo. After checking out its neighboring resorts, we found it to be the best in terms of ambiance and affordability.

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

When we checked in, the receptionist was polite and accommodating. We got a 20% discount upon checking in, so our Superior Deluxe Room, which had two beds, priced at Php 4,032.00 was cut down to P3225.60. We had the choice of getting the Standard Room that is good for two persons at a discounted price of Php 1,200.00, which would be cheaper for us, but we preferred the Deluxe room because it’s more spacious and was on the second floor.

Room

Superior Deluxe Room

The place reminded me so much of Bamboo Beach Resort in Boracay.

We ordered our dinner from the resort, Cantina Mexicana’s menu, before 6PM then had some fun time at the beach.

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant - The beach

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant - The beach

Playa Seaside Restaurant

Playa Seaside Restaurant

The Playa Seaside Restaurant

The Playa Seaside Restaurant

After eating, we prepared for a night out. We went out to have a couple of beers. We tried Oriental Rose Tavern, a red-light bar. The girls said that shows are not allowed in Barretto, girls only dance. I don’t know what kind of “shows” are prohibited there, but I’ve been to Fields Avenue for a trip of student journalists and I don’t remember any remarkable shows. I was in Fields Avenue to interview girls about their job, and about the whole system in Fields as well. Also, I’ve been Venus in Puerto Galera and the shows the dancers/showgirls did were actually entertaining. There were star dancers who do acrobatic and sometimes almost athletic pole dancing and all the girls in the dance floor were very energetic. So anyway, we played five rounds of billiards at Php 10.00 per game. San Miguel Light is Php 60.00 and Rhum Coke is Php 65.00.

Before finally going home, we bought Ice Cream on Stick and some snacks from 7-11.

In the morning, we had our continental breakfast at Nina’s Margarita Bar. A breakfast includes three freshly baked pan de sal (salted bread), a slice of butter, a spoon of jam, small a small serving of juice and a cup of coffee. You can ask for more butter and/or jam anytime. But we ordered for additional food.

Nina's Margarita Bar

Nina's Margarita Bar

Nina's Margarita Bar (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Nina's Margarita Bar (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Continental Breakfast

Continental Breakfast (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Bacon

Bacon (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Bacon – Php 110 — menu says there are five (5) slices, rather it was weighed according to grams

Freshly Baked Bread

Freshly Baked Bread (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Butter and Jam

Butter and Jam (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Egg

Egg (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Egg – Php 20 — menu says it could be cooked any style, but you can only ask for scrambled and sunny side up. I asked for ’scrambled and curry’ style (meaning with tomatoes and spices, and I’ll just pay for the additional ingredients) but they could not accommodate it.

The waiter in the morning was not as good as John. He’s not very lively, which was actually, not bad, as long as he’s attentive. But he was not able to get our orders correctly for a couple of times, and I would always ask him to repeat our orders, because it so seemed that he’s getting a little confused. So it would’ve been perfect if not for the minor restaurant hassle in the morning. So my advise: revise the menu and say that the side order of bacon is served according to grams, and eggs could only be scrambled or sunny side up. Breakfast is served until 10:30 AM.

Beach in the Morning

Beach in the Morning

After breakfast, we enjoyed more of the silver-white sand beach. The water was cold when we first dipped at around 5PM the day before, and it was also a bit cold at 10 AM. But it’s fairly clear and the shore is clean. The sand turns dark gray when wet, and the sand below gets easily disturbed and the water becomes “dusty” so taking pictures underwater was a bit hard for us.

We checked out at 1PM and had lunch at Rizal Highway then off to Zoobic Safari! Read more about our tour in the Zoobic Safari.

Related Posts:

Subic Trip
Cantina Mexicana, Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

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Subic Trip

By altumviditur on January 4, 2010

On January 01, my family went to White Cove, Laiya Batangas to jump start a year of lakwatsa. You’ve heard the saying — whatever you have in the first day of the year, you’ll have the whole year round. That’s why we always welcome the New Year with a feast, hope that no one’s sick or broken hearted at the time, and the family is celebrating together. I was not able to come with them because I was not prepared, and I never go to the beach unprepared. I was not informed that we were going out of town that day, and the only clothes I had on my bag were overnight clothes, and this was because I do not live with my parents, so all my gears are in my apartment, far away.

At night, with Laiya on my mind, I thought of a place that I would want to go to. I thought of Subic because Amrei, my travel buddy and designated driver, has been saying that she wanted to drive to Subic and experience the beautiful Subic Clark Tarlac Express Way (SCTEx). We also wanted to go to the zoo and shake hands with some monkeys on the way.

So off we go at 11 AM of the second day of the year. We stopped by at a convenience store in Timog Avenue to pick up chips and water while we fill the gas of the car. At around 1PM, we’re in North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). The first stop over is a Shell Station but we opted to stop at the Petron Station in Balagtas.

Balagtas Shell-Select Stop Over

Balagtas Shell-Select Stop Over

This is our favorite stop over, last time I was here was last November when we drove off to Dagupan.

Road Sign along SCTEx

Road Sign along SCTEx

We entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone at around 2:30 PM, we followed the signs that said “BEACHES” which was also the same way as Zoobic Safari. We took a left turn after exiting SCTEx and drove until there were signs that said “Beaches”. We  realized that we’re on the wrong route when all we can see was the way to Camayan Cove and Ocean Adventure, after passing by the Zoobic Safari road and meeting some monkeys on the way, and since we’re already there, we went ahead and checked out Camayan Cove. The place was fully booked. We turned back and checked out two other beaches at the other end of the road — Bungaree Beach, at Php150 (3.27 USD) entrance fee, without overnight rooms. Then All Hands Resort, P150 entrance and only one type of room available for overnight stay at Php 4,500 (98.09 USD). Since it seems that this was not going to work, we headed back to where we should’ve come to in the first place — Olongapo’s National Road where most of the Subic Bay beaches are. We checked out several other resorts, where the look, feel and rates vary wildly, before we finally found a nice place. Playa Papagayo. Read more about our fun stay at Playa Papagayo.

SCTEx - beautiful road surrounded by mountains

SCTEx - beautiful road surrounded by mountains

Camayan Cove's Shore

Camayan Cove's Shore

Handsome Monkey on the Road

Handsome Monkey on the Road

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

We were able to catch the last minutes of sun, had a wonderful dinner at Playa Papagayo, rested for a while and went out at night to have a few round of beer and billiards. In the morning, we got our free continental breakfast, enjoyed some more morning beach, and checked out at 1 PM to go to the Zoobic Safari. Read more about our tour in the Zoobic Safari.

Related Posts:

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Cantina Mexicana, Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant, Subic Bay
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

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This year at Puerto Galera, instead of the usual Coral GardenBuketeBayanan island hopping, we only went to Coral Garden and Bayanan. We were supposed to go back to White Beach, where we were checked in, but the boatman was nice enough to wait for us while we have lunch at the nearby Aninuan Island. So instead of going to Bukete, we went to Tamaraw Beach Resort to have lunch.

We went to the small dining area and ordered for food.  think it took about an hour before our food was served. While waiting, I took photos around and surveyed the place. They offer different water rides: banana boat, glass bottom boat and wakeboarding, even. But a little pricey for half an hour’s worth.

There are lounge chairs in the shore, and ping pong table beside the coffee shop. The place is full of plants and flowers too.


I asked for their rates becuase Tamaraw Beach Resort seemed a nice place for families and honeymooners. The rooms look nice and clean too. They even have weekly and monthly rates for the units that have kitchennette.

It’s peaceful and quiet, with its quaint own shoreline. I wish to get away to Tamaraw Beach Resort soon!

Related Post:

AMCI Anniversary Weekend

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Though the sun setting and fading out from the horizon is not visible from Anawangin Cove, you will surely appreciate the sky at dawn. As I have mentioned in previous articles about the cove, the sky that one sees from Brgy. Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove has a naturally beautiful blue gradation, fading to white as it touches the horizon.

anawangin cove
As there is no electricity in the cove, no one will miss the vibrant colors of the sky as it changes from blue to warm colors, while the water catches and reflects the hues.

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Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

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