Ditey sa Baler (Part 1)

It was June 12, Independence Day 2015 when me & my friend went to Baler, Aurora. Our target is to learn how to surf.  It's both our first time so we are very enthusiastic.

We rode a Genesis AC Bus in Cubao for P450 each.  Travel time is 6 hours with 15-30 minutes stop over.  We then rode a tricycle across the bus terminal going to our hotel. We stayed at Costa Pacifica overnight which costs us P5000 ++ with breakfast for two.  Food was okay but the room was great.

We spent our afternoon at the beach.  We hired somebody to teach us the basics of surfing. He charged us P500 for an hour session. We asked him if we can share the session for 30 minutes each and he agreed.

Here are some surfing 101 :)

First position 

Then this.

Make sure that your arms are firm and your legs are stable when going up.

Do not be afraid. Be confident in standing up so that you will not fall.

Make sure to spread your arms a little to give you balance. 

Be brave enough to overcome the waves that you will face. And most of all - have fun :)

Never get tired of trying. Don't give up until you finally succeed :)

You will have the most rewarding feeling once you see the fruit of your labor. But also be prepared for body aches and  bruises :)

After surfing, don't forget to have good food at Baler Surfer Grill. This place is a "must visit".

Next on my blog: ♦ Baler's Hidden Treasure ♦

Come'on La Union

If I haven't tried a lot of resorts, I wouldn't have appreciated Thunderbird Resorts & Casinos Poro Point. With an average overnight room prices not lower than P7,000, who wouldn't think twice and ask what is so special with this resort aside from being featured in one of the local movies.

Let me start with its Santorini themed design. Very refreshing to the eye. Since you can only find it in Greece, now you can have a taste of it here in the Philippines.

  The ceiling from the reception area. Lovely :)

(photo credit: google)
With a room that is very relaxing - comfy large bed, big flat screen tv, cool AC, complimentary fruits. Who would want to go outside?

But of course, I don't want to get comfortable inside the room all day so I decided to breath some fresh air. They have a very nice view here.  Accommodations are inclusive of buffet breakfast at Olives Restaurant. 

  You can enjoy their swimming pool while ordering drinks at the pool bar.

It was month of July when I went here. There are big waves during that time so I wasn't able to experience the beach. I can see clear blue water with some rocks and moss though from a far.

They have a very large property you can walk and explore the place. Best for bonding with loved ones.

They have team building facilities too so a company outing is encouraged.

After a long day, you can relax and dance to the music from a band in their bar just beside the reception. They also have a casino with scheduled shows. Just ask the concierge. It's a bit far so you need to take a shuttle.

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Been to Thunderbird Binangonan Rizal too, aside from being near the Metro, it's no measure to Thunderbird Poro Point La Union.  They have small pool, no beach & no Santorini architectural themes.

Here's a peek:

This place is good for family & small group bonding. They also offer competitive prices for company outings with full board meals and use of team building facilities.

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For one night at Poro Point I was able to experience a luxurious stay at a Mediterranean inspired resort and I definitely have no regrets. All worth it! :)

Subukan mo sa Lucban

From an overnight stay at Cagbalete we headed directly to Lucban, Quezon. From Mauban, we rode a jeepney. Then we rented a tricycle from Sampaloc Lucban for P150 to bring us to Kamay ni Hesus then waited for us so we can also go to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan.

Kamay ni Hesus is a healing church and a pilgrimage site for those who want to repent, be healed or just give thanks to the Lord.  Founded by Fr. Joey Faller also known as the Healing Priest. It will take 300 plus steps from the grotto entrance to the Shrine of The Ascending Christ.

 Inside Kamay ni Hesus is the Garden of Eden and Noah's Ark with animal playground.

 You can light up candles and say your prayer intentions. 

Right after Kamay ni Hesus we went to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan Complex where you can find rows of restaurants. We chose to visit Air Summit Gourmet because it's the newest place to go.  

They have like airport where you can stay while waiting for your queue. They have staff dressed ala stewardess that will give you the menu where you can choose a variety of highly priced food. Nevertheless, I still want to experience dining inside a plane. Yes! you read that right! 

When it is already your turn you will hear a voice announcing just like what you are hearing at the airport. It felt awesome when i heard the voice saying "Calling the attention of Ms. Lourdz Canonce, please proceed to the boarding gate".  Whoa!!! So coool!

This is what it looks like inside the plane. Very elegant. Each table has its own chandelier. Tables have different colors of cloth and waiters are dressed like pilots.

Food is fine.  I am able to enjoyed their nicely cooked from the grill pork chops best partnered with mashed potato which is surprisingly color green.  Their calamari is quite just like any other's. I ordered melon shake but it's not available so they offered watermelon shake. I hate watermelon but for some reason, I loved their watermelon shake :) and from this moment on, most of the time I order it for my drink. 

We left the place still with rooms in our stomach for more food. We wanted to try another resto before going home. We thought of eating seafoods ☺

We went to this place still inside Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. They gave us welcome turmeric tea drink. We settled on one of the floating kubos. We waited for somebody to approach us but to no avail no one went to our kubo.  We are being bitten by mosquitoes already so we just left.

We rode a tricycle going to Sampaloc again so we can ride a jeepney going to Lucena Grand. 4 hour travel started again as we hopped on a bus going to Buendia.