2013: The Year That Was

Five days to go and we will bid 2013 goodbye. Another year is about to come to an end and we will welcome another in less than a week. How time flies.

The year 2013 was a  productive year for me. I was able to travel more, share more, and learn more. The last quarter might have been a disastrous one for the Philippines, especially for the Visayas region, but this won’t keep me from exploring different places in the Philippines and beyond. My advocacy for 2014? Travel more and help the Visayas stand up and rise again.

As a yearender report, let me give you a recap of where we’ve been, what we’ve seen and experienced throughout the year 2013.

I left my heart in Biliran

For our birthday getaway, we chose to celebrate it in one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines, yet it is one of the richest (in terms of natural beauty) and the most picturesque. It is undoubtedly the most memorable trip we had this year. It may not be as famous as Boracay or Palawan, but what we had seen is priceless.

My favorite was our journey to Sambawan Island, a sub-island of Maripipi Island off northwest Biliran. The island has a long stretch of white sand beach, several interconnected islets, a view deck, and a marine sanctuary. The view in Sambawan Island is simply breathtaking.

To check out my travelogue on Biliran, click here.

Sambawan Island

Dalutan Island

Ulan-Ulan Falls

And because we were so enthralled with the spectacular views in Biliran, we are going back there for the Holy Week next year.

Calm before the storm in Tacloban
As a sidetrip to our Biliran getaway, we had spent a night in Tacloban City, our gateway to Biliran. Yes, we were there less than a month before the devastating super typhoon Yolanda. We were actually there during the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. The memories  of seeing the chandeliers sway left and right at the Sto. Nino Shrine (the Romualdezes’ mansion in Tacloban) are still etched in my mind. We almost walked out of the mansion barefoot!

San Juanico Bridge

Tacloban is one of the cleanest and most organized cities in the Philippines that I’ve been to. That was before the typhoon. The eateries beside the airport are now gone. No more McDonald’s in downtown, near the jeepney terminal (for jeepneys bound to McArthur landing site). I guess no more Ocho Grill and Sunzibar for the moment. Oh, and even the hotel were we stayed, including my friend’s coffee shop, were down the drain. So you could just imagine our grief when we first saw Ted Failon’s video of the destruction caused by the typhoon Yolanda. We were literally in tears and goosebumps at that. So sad. =(

To know more about our Tacloban trip, click here.

McArthur Landing Site in Palo, Leyte

The first floor of Sto. Nino Shrine less than a month before the typhoon

A series of unfortunate events in San Vicente, Palawan
What we thought would be our most awaited trip of the year turned out to be the most disastrous one. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. In fact, if not for the series of unfortunate events that happened during our San Vicente escapade, my friends and I might not have enough time to bond with each other. We blame it to super typhoon Odette!

Yes, we were finally able to set foot on the famous 14 km long white beach in San Vicente, Palawan. It is known to be the longest white beach in the Philippines, even longer than the famous white beach in Boracay, Aklan. But…it was also our first time to get stranded in an island amidst pouring rain, gigantic waves and a damaged boat. It was our first time to get rescued by the Bantay Dagat. We were not able to go to German and Exotic Islands and the famous Boayan Island where Discovery’s new luxury resort will soon rise.

To read the full story, click here.

Travel buddies at the Long Beach in Brgy. Alimanguan, San Vicente, Palawan

Stranded in Tandan Island

Surf’s up in Baler
I was also fortunate to have been invited to have a sneak peek at the newest boutique resort in Baler during its soft opening — Costa Pacifica Raintree. The Raintree group is famous for managing luxury resorts and top of the line restaurants (Misibis used to be under their umbrella, by the way).

The familiarization trip also gave me the opportunity to explore Baler’s treasures like Dicasalarin Cove, Diguisit Beach, the majestic falls, historical sites and delectable gastronomic delights. It is in Baler where I have discovered that suman is best dipped in coco jam or peanut butter.

To read about our Baler escapade, click here.

A view of Dicasalarin Cove with a modern lighthouse by the architect Ed Calma

Revisiting Misibis Bay in Cagraray Island, Albay
As a mid-year trip, we went back to one of the most talked about luxury resorts in the country — Misibis Bay. Our last time at the resort was during it’s humble beginnings, and the facilities were not yet finished that time. It was so nice to see it the second time around, all complete with state-of-the-art facilities and a myriad of activities to enjoy during our stay. My favorite part was the ATV tour with sunrise breakfast at the hilltop overlooking Albay Gulf, the sunset cruise along Sula Channel, and the whole day snorkeling at the resort’s own marine sanctuary.

To read full story, click here.

The Amphitheater

I swam with these babies

The alluring Bucas Grande
Another destination has been crossed out of our bucket list as we were able to explore the majestic Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte. The journey may not be the fastest and most convenient one, but every step of the way was worth it. The cove has an enchanting aura different from any other tourist destination I’ve been to.

Click here for the whole story.

Entering Sohoton Cove

La Fortuna Lake

Bucas Grande Island

A quick look at Pangulasian Island Resort, El Nido
While everyone has been raving about El Nido Resort’s newest baby, I was lucky enough to go on a business trip to Pangulasian Island Resort. El Nido is by default beautiful and the addition of world class amenities and impeccable service at this resort made our stay “a shoot to remember.” We were also able to stay for a night at Miniloc Island Resort, El Nido Resort’s first ever resort venture.

The beach at Pangulasian Island

See my story here.

Not your ordinary beach in Surigao del Norte
Before going to Bucas Grande, we stayed for a night at Almont Beach Resort, a sister resort of the Bluewater group. Since we have time to spare, we took a chance to explore Surigao and visited the famous pebble beach in Brgy. Mabua. There is no fine sand here, just pebbles…humungous pebbles.

See my travelogue here.

Mabua Pebble Beach

Almost naked at the Naked Island, Siargao
After exploring Surigao City, we also stayed a night in the world-class surfing destination — Siargao. Instead of surfing, we went island hopping! There were three beautiful islands nearby namely: Naked, Guyam and Daku. Of the three, my favourite was Naked Island. Why? It’s like a stretch of flour at the centre of azure waters. No huts, no trees, no whatever. Just naked!

Checkout our island hopping getaway here.

Naked Island, Siargao

Fiery company outing in Punta Fuego, Batangas
This year, our beloved company had our outing in Peninsula de Punta Fuego. It was my second time in Punta Fuego, the first being in Terrazas de Punta Fuego years ago. It was nonetheless a fun-filled day with colleagues.

Read the whole story here.

A bird’s eye view of the Peninsula de Punta Fuego

Honda Bay the second time around
This year, I brought my family to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. And of course, what is a trip to Puerto Princesa without exploring the pristine islands of Honda Bay! We checked out Luli Island and stayed for the day at Pandan Island. We were so happy to play with fishes of all sorts at knee-deep water!

Check it our here.

Saying hello to Pandan Island’s residents

The beach at Pandan Island

No more pink buildings at Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Years ago, I was able to check out Hilton Resort in Cebu. Back in the day, it was one of the most popular resorts in Mactan until there came a time when the resort became quiet and a bit out of the limelight. When it reopened this year, it was all abuzz with its new management (under Movenpick Resorts) and a whole new look at that. I was again, lucky to be a part of the blogger group who went there for a familiarisation trip.

The resort was made chic and hip. Plus, a brand new Ibiza Beach Club – one of the hottest clubs in the city- was opened. And by hot I mean fiery hot. Think about Churrasco dinners with unlimited serving of about 14 kinds of meat and seafood, fine wine and cocktails. The beach club also has lounges by the sea and a Jacuzzi.

To read my story on Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, click here.

Ibiza Beach Club b day

Fish feeding at Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Resort

Barefoot in Carabao Island, Romblon

While everyone is going crazy over Boracay during the Holy Week, we chose to cross the sea and stay in Carabao Island, a laid back destination just an hour away from its famous twin sister, Boracay. It was as if we own the entire stretch of the beach for three days! We were castaways for awhile and we love it!

Read our Holy Week escapade here.

Said Beach, Carabao Island, Romblon

Surviving Calaguas
We opened 2013 with a trip to what is referred by many as the most beautiful beach in the Philippines – Munting Buhangin in Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte. While the waves en route were terrifying, what welcomed us on the island had erased all our fears. The beach was breathtaking. We were awestruck. It deserves to be called the best beach in the country.

See how to go to Calaguas here.

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte

Postcard from Vietnam
My one and only out of the country trip for the year was again courtesy of my beloved job as a full-time writer in a luxury magazine. Our shoot was done in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! It was a memorable one since I also had the chance to visit my godfather who I haven’t seen in two decades! How cool is that! We went on a food tour, savoured pho and banh mi, as well as hoarded my favourite Vietnamese coffee and a lot of spices from Ben Thanh market.

Saigon Notre Dame Basilica

It was indeed a fruitful year for Travelogues and this won’t be possible without the support of my hubby, family, travel buddies, and industry partners. Thank you all for your help!

Plus, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who helped us raise funds for the affected families of the super typhoon Yolanda in Coron. To Charisse and Jonel, this relief ops would not be possible without your dedication! Kudos to the two of you for braving the waves of Palawan to be able to send our little help to the needy. And to the donors, may all of you be blessed more in the coming years!

Here’s to more travel and charity initiatives in 2014! Cheers!

Roughing it out in Calaguas (Part 2)

The cleanest shore I’ve seen so far

Since there are no resorts yet in Calaguas as of this writing, the only option is to pitch a tent, grill your food and enjoy a boodle fight. Exciting, isn’t it? =)

Sir Noli Tourism Officer of Vinzons (09206611018), had lent us two tents, each can fit two people. Tents are usually for rent starting at Php 100 up, but you can also sleep at the open cabanas. I am not sure though how much they are renting out the cabanas.

When we were there, there was only one source of fresh water — a deep-well where we had to get water by ourselves and bring it to the bathroom which is a few meters away from the water source. You can also take a shower (by the deep-well) and just pay Php 10. This will save your biceps to carry the huge pail of water!

There was also a concrete bathroom, but it needs improvement on sanitation. There was no water and electricity in there, so at night, bring your flashlights or hold your pee until sunrise.

Tents are pitched near the trees

Since there are no restaurants in Calaguas, you have to buy all your supplies from the mainland. Our friends took care of buying our food at the Vinzons Public Market. Our “chef” Uly was so prepared that he even brought his butane stove! But if you don’t have one, better bring lots of charcoal!

As for the food, our budget is Php 300 each, but we went a bit over and spent almost Php 400 each. This already includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast..and by that I mean crabs, fish, pork, veggies, rice, booze and even chips! Plus, our friend had brought some Spam and tuna, and we cooked it as additional breakfast! Talk about camping!

Crabs galore

Our sumptuous breakfast

Man, I can’t recall how many of these I ate in a snap! (Photo by Sherwin Evangelista)

Prawns courtesy  of Sir Noli

 We also bought some native delicacies before leaving Vinzons. These donuts and suman are so delish! The suman wasn’t that sweet, but it’s chewy!

Local desserts, anyone?

When in Calaguas, make sure to bring a sleeping bag, or a small comforter that you can use as a liner in your tent. I wasn’t able to bring mine and so I just drank the night away to make sure I fall asleep fast! True enough, I slept tight amidst the hard surface, LOL. Make sure also to bring a heavy duty flashlight that you can hang in your tent so that it won’t be eerie dark at night.

Our home in Calaguas

And after a few drinks and crab fat overdose, we settled inside our tents and called it a day. Too bad, we had  to leave the next day. Bitin.

To sum it up, here are a few things you should bring when embarking on a DIY trip to Calaguas:

1. Tent (unless you want to just rent one)
2. Sleeping bag, a thick towel or a pillow
3. Heavy duty flash lights
4. Charcoal or butane stove
5. Insect repellent
6. Sunblock
7. Wide-brim hat
8. Cooking pots/pans
9. Disposable plates/spoons/forks/knives

Up next, roaming around Vinzons, Camarines Norte

                         —————————————————————————–

How to go to Calaguas?

Roughing It Out In Calaguas (Part 1)
Roaming Around Vinzons, Camarines Norte

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Special thanks to:

Mayor Agnes Diezmo-Ang (Vinzons, Camarines Norte)

Noli Pajarin (Vinzons Tourism Office)

http://www.calaguasislands.com/

Roughing it out in Calaguas (Part 1)

A magnificent view of Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Group of Islands

We were blessed to have visited the breathtaking Calaguas Group of Islands on a bright sunny day. The waves were calm at 1.8 – 1.9m, and the sun was scorching hot! From Vinzons, it took us around 2.5 hours to get to Mahabang Buhangin, the usual base camp in Calaguas. The boat ride may appear too dragging, but with the stunning land- and seascape on the way, we surely did not have a single dull moment. Our cameras went busy when we started to see the lush rolling hills and amazing rock formations en route to Mahabang Buhangin.

Halfway to Mahabang Buhangin, Sir Noli, Tourism Officer of Vinzons (09206611018), pointed at one island from afar. Maculabo Island is actually within the jurisdiction of Vinzons’ neighboring town, Paracale, but tourists usually add this as a sidetrip especially if they are plying the Paracale-Calaguas route. I have also seen photos of Maculabo Island on Google and it looks beautiful, too! While we did not dock at Maculabo Island during this trip, we promised ourselves to go back in April.

Maculabo Island from afar

Unlike Palawan, Caramoan and Islas de Gigantes, there are no limestone karts in Calaguas. Rather, there are rolling hills covered in verdant trees. There are some parts  of it that are inhabited, too, but when I asked one of the locals, they said public boat rides to Brgy. Mangcawayan are on a rather erratic schdule.

We saw this stretch of white sand thinking that it is Mahabang Buhangin. But we were wrong. It is just one of the beaches in Calaguas Group of Islands that is yet to be explored. If you want to have a serene and quiet vacation, you may pitch your tent here, but there is no bathroom/CR and other basic comforts here. Just sand, sea and sun…oh..and stars at night!

Cumalasag Island is also part of the Calaguas Group of Islands, but you’ll have to go inside the loops of the islands and islets to get there. We were suppose to go there but the waves are going against that direction, so we decided not to go. Instead, we headed straight to Mahabang Buhangin.

A beautiful rock formation covers a secret paradise

And just before we arrived at our destination, we saw another strip of white sand. Again, we thought it was Mahabang Buhangin, but turned out it was just one of the beaches in Tinaga Island. To avoid confusion, Tinaga Island is a huge island composed of several coves and beaches, and Mahabang Buhagin is one of those.

And when our boat maneuvered to the right, we saw a glimpse of sky blue waters that began to become more vivid as we went nearer. The team was quiet. We all stood in awe. Seeing the spectacular beach of Mahabang Buhangin with my own eyes validates all the claims I had read online. This place is divine.

Approaching Mahabang Buhangin

There were around five boats parked at the beach when we docked in Calaguas. The water is surreal. Clear is an understatement. We can see how clear it is from our boat all the way to the other side of the island. It’s jaw-dropping.

Our boat docking at Calaguas

And across Calaguas we  can also see another island with a glistening strip of white sand. I wonder why there are no campers there.

Across Mahabang Buhangin

So you’ll ask how does the sand in Calaguas look  like. It is powdery. Seriously. As in no trace of shells or stones. Just plain powdery sand. You won’t need your aqua shoes here. As in forget it! You can walk barefoot even from end to end. In Boracay, I can walk barefoot infront of Discovery Shores, until Willy’s Rock. Beyond that, I could already see trash, shells, stones, seaweeds and more. I need not mention about Station 2. I’m sure you’ll agree how terrible the sand there is. The closest I can compare to Calaguas is Malacapuya Island in Coron (which will soon become Malcapuya Regency). I actually like Malcapuya Island more in the sense that it appears richer in marine life — walk a meter away from the shore and you’ll see a baby stingray, or a school of fish, or jellyfish! Haha! We haven’t seen a single fish in Calaguas. So, our snorkeling gears were also useless.

In Calaguas, there are no resorts as of the moment. But soon to rise is a resort at the other end of the island. It has been allegedly purchased by the owner of Waling Waling Resort in Boracay, who also allegedly bought Bulog Dos Island adjacent to Malaroyroy Island (now Two Seasons Coron). Hmm. As long as the resort will be responsible in preserving the beauty and serenity of Mahabang Buhangin, then I have no objections. But, if we are seeing another Puerto Galera or Boracay in the making, then that’s a big problem. I hope they will also maintain a certain distance from the shore, so that the beach will remain pristine as it is.

The local government unit is also putting up five rooms made of indigenous materials on Mahabang Buhangin. These rooms have their own toilet and bath, as well as a bed for added comfort. These rooms weren’t finished yet when we were there.

For the meantime, tourists can pitch a tent or sleep in native cabanas overnight. Tents can be rented from Php 100 depending on the size.

When we arrived, Sir Noli lead us to our cabana which will serve as our base camp. Since it was already past noon, our friends Uly and Sherwin started cooking our lunch. Tip: It will be better if you can bring your cooking utensils with you. Remember, you are camping and you’re not in a hotel, so that means you’ll have to cook your own food. You can borrow pots and pans from the locals but that will consume time just waiting for your turn.

Our cabana

While “masterchefs” Uly and Sherwin prepares our lunch, we took time to roam around and explore the island.

A peek at paradise

I need not repeat that the beach is divine.

The side of the beach in front of our cabana

I rarely put my photos in my blog, but Calaguas is an exception!

After lunch, we had our afternoon siesta at the cabana and woke up at around 4:00 pm. By that time, it was already sunset and we decided to have a dip into the pristine beach while waiting for the sun to set.

Here are some of my sunset photos:

When God created the sunset, he must be in his best mood!

The sunset took our breath away. It was so dramatic. Needless to say it was spectacular!

More of our Calaguas trip…up next.

                         —————————————————————————–

How to go to Calaguas?
Roughing  It Out In Calaguas (Part 2)
Roaming Around Vinzons, Camarines Norte

—————————————————————————–

Special thanks to:

Mayor Agnes Diezmo-Ang (Vinzons, Camarines Norte)

Noli Pajarin (Vinzons Tourism Office)

http://www.calaguasislands.com/

En Route To Calaguas