♥ Cagbalete Baby ♥

Summer is about to end.  Me and my friend haven't had a blast yet.  We wanted to go somewhere new but not too far from Metro Manila.  Somewhere that doesn't require plane ride but worth the visit.

Upon keen searching on the web, we discovered Cagbalete Island.  A tranquil place in Quezon Province where you'll find serenity. 

We started our trip by riding a bus at Buendia going to Lucena.  4 hours travel.  Fare is P210. Got off at Diversion (Jollibee) then rode an ordinary bus going to Mauban, 1 hour travel for P54,  In Mauban, a lot of tricycle drivers will invite you to ride tricycle going to the port. No need.  You may want to buy food or water before riding the boat so just walk.  Go directly to Tourism Office to buy tickets. Boat fare cost P70 plus environmental fee of P50.  It will not leave until a total of 70-75 passengers are riding.  Travel is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.  

Upon reaching the island, a small balsa like will fetch you from the boat going to Sabang port.  No more extra fare.  It's a little nerve wracking because everyone is just standing and It felt a bit overcrowded.  Good thing its just few minutes away from the shore. 

You may want to ride a smaller boat to bring you to your resort.  You can also walk but the trail is quite long.  In our case, we opted to ride motorcycle @ P50/person/motor to bring us to two of the resorts we wanted to check because we don't have reservations.  We tried to call a lot of resorts but all of them are fully booked.  The first we reached is Pansacola Beach Resort.

As expected it's jam packed!  I wanted to try another resort but it's too far and maybe it's also fully booked. They offered us their only vacant AC room for P3000/night.  Pricey but better than nothing. It just made me think twice when they told us that we are required to pay P1,000 each person to cover our full board meals. Meaning no choice to what food they will offer.  I don't like a set-up like that and we already brought food for our dinner and snacks so we just decided to pitch a tent! Isn't that exciting?  No forced payment for food, rental is just P300 and entrance P200/person.

Tent pitching by the beach is new to me while it is a norm here in Cagbalete.  I know it'll be hot and tight and uncomfortable but I really wanted to try this :)  This is quite challenging! 

We then told the motorcycle drivers to pick us up 9 am the next day.

I was kinda board looking at the beach this afternoon because it's low tide. 

The weather is very good but we can't swim. Good thing we love photos so we just roam around and below's the evidence.

                        

 Low tide created a sand bar.

Look at the sand.  So white and fine, formed into waves glistening with the sunlight.  I am in love :)

Because the water is hot we cannot swim by this time.  But the others are enjoying so I think it's temperature is bearable.   

Here comes the challenge.  After a very sunny afternoon, the rain poured.  We were at the shower room then, when we came back, there's already flood inside our tent.  We felt a little misfortuned so please don't ever go tent pitching after April.  The rain lasted for about an hour.  Some of our things are soaking wet except those inside our bags.  We were very hungry after clearing the water.  We ate dinner then decided to wear our rash guard while sleeping so we will be prepared to swim just in case it rains again :)

We still can't sleep.  We are hearing loud sound coming from the reception area.  Whoa! there are fire dancers.  We still watched even if we felt awkward in our rash guards :)

We woke up to a very beautiful morning.  The beach is in it's normal state.  We are so excited to swim.

There are floating leaves in the water but it's fine.  This is maybe because of the heavy rain last night.  There are small creatures forming a hole in the sand.  I was scared so we ask one of the locals if the creature bites.  He told us -- > sometimes :)  Luckily small creatures did not bother us at all.

While swimming, we begun to tell each other that we like this place already.  This is like paradise.  No need to air travel to experience fine white sand and nice beach.

It's nine in the morning and we are ready for departure but the motorcycle drivers did not show up, good thing there is a lady vendor who is kind enough to help us.  You cannot get out of the island unless you reserved a boat or in our case we contracted a motorcycle (no show) or walk 30 minutes with your feet under the sun.  We walked for few minutes and we reached the house of the lady vendor.  She told us that they owned a small boat and her husband can bring us to the port so we immediately agreed.  We gave them P200 for that.  

While we are on our way back to Mauban, we planned to go to Lucban, Quezon to see Kamay ni Hesus and have our lunch at Palaisdaan.  I'm gonna have a separate blog for that.  

We left the island with all smiles in our faces.  We are so astonished that an island like this exists in a place not too far.  This trip is one of my favorites.  Will definitely come back next summer and try tent pitching again ( minus the rain ☺)

  

   

Splash It!

If you are looking for short but fun-filled trip - Splash Island is the best place to go.  Located at Southwoods Eccocentrum in Biñan Laguna, for just an hour travel from the Metro, you will have all day to enjoy.  It's my second time this year to come here.  First was last February and second, April.

Aside from swimming they also offer outdoor activities such as paintball, kayaks & zip line which I tried.  Its a bit low and I felt kinda awkward when it passes by the wave pool because almost everyone swimming there was looking at my butt literally.  I felt awkward too when somebody stopped and find her own way to reach the end of the line and everybody's like if not cheering, mocking at her.  So I don't wanna try it again.

                                    What I really enjoyed the most is their S L I D E S :)

They have different types of slides that will definitely give you adrenaline rush.  Slide all you can! But you need to check on their schedules so you can maximise your time.  They have blood raising, heart pumping slides that will make you want more.

The Magellan's Drop (which I don't know why it is named like that) is my favorite.  You need to get your own mat and you will ride on it facing down while sliding on a long tiny slide which will prevent you from screaming aloud because the water will literally be all over your face.

(Photo credit: google)

Big Bam Boo is where you need to be when you really want to scream it all out.  It's an enclosed long curved slide.  I have said lots of bad words while sliding in here.  Whew! Good exercise for the heart.

(Photo credit: google)

You will definitely be delighted when you ride an inflatable & slide at Rio Montañosa especially when you are with someone.  It's just like strolling around the park with a twist.

(Photo credit: google)

 The kids and even the kids at heart will surely enjoy their "Water Wahoo" Swimming pool especially  after being thrilled with their slides.

There are still other attractions you can try such as King Pilipit, Tausug Trails, Balsa River & Agos Grande.

Just few infos, Splash Island is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Sunday.  Operating dates and hours subject to change during off-peak season.  Entrance fee is P500/person. They are offering some promos so better check the web first.  Parking Area is not concrete and fee is P50.  They do not allow bringing of food inside their premises.  Food in their food court is not so good and highly priced.  They have very pricey cabanas with sala set, private bathroom & bedroom valued at P5000. Cabana / Nipa Hut ranges from P1,000 - P2,000.  In our case, we just rented a locker for P100 only. Lockers are located beside the changing rooms inside the park. Tents with tables and chairs are free of charge but on a first come first served basis.

Overall, the park and their staff needs improvement.  I enjoyed my visit so I will recommend it especially for day tours and short getaways.

Bataan Naman!

Honestly, I have a lot of doubts with regards to the beaches in Bataan because they are known to have rocky & very dark sand.  But because it's my first time, I'd like to give it a shot. --> Aja!

I was part of the outing committee in the company I am part of and my group was assigned to any resort in the North nearest Manila so we decided to have an ocular visit in Bagac, Bataan last May 31, 2016.

It took us 3 to 4 hour drive from Manila to Bagac Bataan. We passed by SCTEX, turned to Dinalupihan exit then opened our GPS and cellular data. Voila! There we are!  We just trusted Mr. Google and he did not forsake us :)

We went to different resorts but we only chose the one that stands out.  The one we visited has been the place where our Company Summer Outing was held.

Presenting, the Montemar Beach Club.

It's a membership beach resort also open for non-members, exactly located at Sitio Pasinay Brgy. Pag Asa, Bagac, Bataan.

See the Bermuda Grass - isn't it beautiful?

What I really like about here is the unobstructed view of the beach which is so mesmerizing.

They have three swimming pools but only two are open because the other one near their restaurant is being renovated. 

Another attractions are the Tree House and Hanging Bridge.  They also have pony ride around the vicinity if you want to have that "Haciendera" feels for just 200 pesos.

The rooms though... :) very inviting!  Their cheapest is Deluxe Room (Garden or Pool View) at P4,700.00 per night with breakfast for two (2).  They have Superior & Suite too.

They may not have the biggest flat TV but their restroom surely have bidet :) yey!

Since staying overnight is out of our company's budget, we asked them to quote us a Day Tour. We were 50 pax and they quoted us P2,350/pax. Special thanks to their Account Executive Bon Adrian Sazon who is very nice to accommodate some of our special requests.  Below are the inclusions for our Day Tour.

• Access to the Club from 8:00AM to 5:00PM 
• Use of the Bath Houses / Shower Rooms 
• Meals as follows: 

           - One (1) AM Snack with One (1) glass of Fruit Juice

        - One (1) Managed Buffet Lunch with One (1) glass of Iced Tea 

        - One (1) PM Snack with One (1) glass of Fruit Juice 

AMENITIES: 

• Welcome Drink upon arrival 
• Complimentary Welcome Banner 
• Use of the Meal Venue/Function Room 
• Use of the Basic Sound System 
• Complimentary Roasted Pig (De Leche) 
• Complimentary use of Videoke for Eight (8) hours only 
• Complimentary use of Three (3) Kayaks for Two (2) hours only 
• Access to Recreational Facilities such as the Garden Pool, Blue Pool, White Sand Beach, Basketball Court, Playground and Hanging Bridge with Tree House 
• Access to Beach Facilities such as Volleyball, Tug-of-War, Obstacle Course and Sack Race 

For children between 5-12 years old, there is a charge of P1,950.00 which includes entrance and meals.  Children that are 4 years and below will not be charged provided that they share their food with their parents.

It's June 18, 2016 when our company held our summer outing here.  It's now my second time to be here but still my first time to really experience Montemar. 

How was it?  Definitely enjoyable and memorable :)  

I started my day roaming around and picture taking.  The place gives me good vibes and that feel of excitement.

I have spent more time kayaking than swimming at the beach.  I have paddled twice with my friends and once alone. 

Look at that picturesque view. Who wouldn't want to render a pose?  This place really exceeded my expectations.  Wide sand area, white and fine sand, clear water.  Couldn't ask for more.

We also took time to try their stunning pool.  They just don't have an enclosed shower rooms which are needed mostly by girls like me.

Having said all of that,  I also would like to acknowledge their courteous staff who are helpful.  The food they served us though are in small amount but very delicious.  

Obviously will recommend Montemar Beach Club especially for group tours and outings.  You may reach them @ their Manila office with telephone no. (02) 8115496 or (02) 4637201.

Road Trip to Nasugbu, Batangas

It was May of 2016.  We took the Skyway then South Luzon Expressway .  Go straight then turn right to Santa Rosa exit.  We decided to stop over Paseo de Sta. Rosa where you can find a lot of outlet stores.  Since I am a bit sporty, I headed to Nike Factory Outlet.  You may also want to go to Nuvali. Just go straight ahead. 

Next interesting place you may stop by when going to Nasugbu is Tagaytay.  You may pass by a lot of restaurants there and also the famous Sky Ranch.  I think I should have a separate blog for that

After few minutes we then reach the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hiway.  This means we are on the right direction.  We have our reservation at Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa which is located at Piloto Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas where we will spend a night then go back to reality again.

Canyon Cove is a 4 star hotel.  Its a bit old and needs to be refurbished.  The lobby a bit crowded because of high occupancy but the receptionists maintain their calm and they were very accommodating.  They also have a nurse where you can ask for free over the counter meds if you need any. I have no complaint with their room.  It’s very spacious same with their CR except they don’t have bidet which is a must have in every cr in a hotel room.  King size bed is comfortable and they also have a day bed beside a big window and a veranda where you can see the view.

Aside from their big swimming pool, they also offer water sports activities such as:

• Kayak
• Banana Boat
• Snorkeling
• Jetski
• Island Hoping
• Pedal Boat

One of the first thing I check when going to a beach resort is their shoreline and the sand of course.  I am very keen on how fine and white the sand is.  With this in mind, I was disappointed with how narrow the sand area is.  And knowing Nasugbu, there are a lot of rocks if not moss on the beach.  The air a bit smelly too so I decided not to jump on the water.

While waiting for our dinner I hopped into the children’s playground just beside their restaurant.  They serve food from Max’s so you already know what to expect.

After dinner we headed to the Bar to have some drinks & play billiards.  Ambience is nice so as the drinks and the bartenders.It was their breakfast though which I don’t like.  It was included in our reservations.  Oh by the way, our stay was valued at P5,626.00 which is so much pricey.  I am expecting for a buffet style breakfast if not food from Max's but they gave us only 2 choices of whatever viand they cooked & plain rice and any additional will be charged. They don't even have an egg station.  A very big X for a 4 star hotel.

The swimming pool is very refreshing but needs a bit of cleaning specially during this times of summer where a lot of children are taking a plunge.

Overall I can say that our stay was average. Overnight is just enough.  Definitely will not come back. Not recommended specially during peak season.

Ready, Set, Go!

Its July again, MBC Manila Bay Clean-Up Run is on its 6th year now. Every year it is being held at CCP Complex all the way to Roxas Blvd., gun start in front of Manila Broadcasting Company where I am a part of.  Its my 6th time to join but my first time to run 10K. First three years I ran 3K then last two years 5K.  Am a bit hesitant at first to go twice as much kilometers as last year but hey, I did it!  I finished the race at 1 hour 27 minutes.  Not bad for a first timer huh?

Guys who are running for 10K are all set.  We started with a zumba warm up just enough to wake all those sleepy muscles. Same goes with any other categories.

Here I am all geared up.  Its nearly 4:30 a.m.  I am wearing a cap so whenever it rains I'll have it to protect me.  I have my armband to hold my cellphone so I can cheerfully listen to music while running.  And a little belt bag to hold my towel and candies if ever I'll be needing it. No need to bring your own water bottle for they have drinking stations all over.  

That is me in action.  Photo courtesy of the running photographers.

And that is my running pose :) Ah-ah, i mean walking pose with head held high :)

I just want to give a shout out for my Evian Water here for it gives back my energy after a long race. It's too lavish I know to buy this kind but my friend bothered to give me one.  I told him before that it's the most expensive water you can buy in 7-11 maybe because it's imported from France.  I don't know where else you can buy this but I heard it in the movie "Love, Rosie" where it is being requested by a guest in a hotel saying "i only drink Evian" so I was curious about how it tastes and just like any other water, it tastes the same :)

The yellow & green laces though are proof that I am able to pass by all the needed stations for 10K.  I don't wanna brag but I'm proud of myself.

Here's another proof that I finished.  My certificate :)

Surely will be joining again next year not just for fun & exercise but also because part of the proceeds of this event is given to the clean up of Manila Bay.