Blogs

The Matinloc Island of El Nido

The water was rough one February morning when we visited El Nido‘s Hidden Beach. The waves weren’t cooperative either and the rocks below it were as sharp as newly whetted knives. Out boatman, Captains Jones, advised us not to proceed. Though I am willing to take the risk, as few others did, my companions were reluctant, hence, I agreed to skip it – with regrets, of course. Tapiutan Strait Captain Jones slowly navigated to Tapiutan Strait were the sea is calmer. That time, I promised not to skip any spot within the placid channel between Tapiutan and Matinloc islands. Matinloc ... Read more

See How Two Grandmas React on Their First Flight?

Can you remember what you feel on your first flight? If you don’t, you can relate to these two grandma’s on their first sky cruise experience, crossing the skies of Europe from Netherlands to Spain. Grandma Ria asked Daisy (the flight attendant of the chartered, private jet) about how the take-off feels and Daisy replied: “Grandma, its just like you’re in love”. Grandma An called her husband, Jan, to tell him about the experience – and it was a very touching scene. This video maybe a promotional ad of Vodafone but I admit, it struct me big time. Want to ... Read more

Travel Tip: How to Pack for Your Next Getaway

You may be planning for your summer getaway but you have no idea on how and what to pack. Note that once you’ve travelled once, you could hardly resist the temptation to travel more. So the best thing for you to do is to invest on quality travel essentials which you can use in your future sweet escapes. The list below may help you out in choosing your personal travel companions. Choose a light and durable backpack At some point of your travel, you may be running a lot to catch the last transport schedule or trek to the farthermost ... Read more

Solaire Resort and Casino Clinches 1M Fans on its First Anniversary

Solaire Resort and Casino, a billion-dollar mixed-use resort, is the first of its kind to open in the famed Entertainment City Manila. It features luxurious suites and villas, wide fine dining options, unlimited entertainment, and of course, word-class casino. On its first year, Solaire had able to gain significant attention of the social media. One great proof of such achievement is the 1 million following it earned in Facebook for just 1 year. [custom_table style=”1″] Solaire Resort and Casino “1 in 1”: (ONE Million FB Fans in ONE year) Solaire Resort and Casino, the fastest growing integrated resort in the ... Read more

Camiguin’s Stations of the Cross

Thinking for a place to contemplate this Lenten season? Why not try visiting the Walkway to the Old Volcano in the island province of Camiguin. The place features a traditional Stations of Cross (Via Crucis) which stops are spread across a trail of average steepness. They said that the total length of the trail is 8 kilometers but it seemed shorter during our visit. The early part of the trail, probably up to the fifth stations (if I remember well), is pave with concrete stairs. The remaining portion of the pathway is somewhat a little penitence. This very spot is ... Read more

Seeing Calaguas Again Felt Like it is a First Time

Calaguas, A tropical beauty How was/is your first love? I guess, he/she was/is the person you could hardly forget the most (if you’re no longer together) or the person that you cherish and love the most (if you both enjoy the married life). Love is at its sweetest if you are each other’s first. I know you can remember well the very detail of your first date, your first kiss, or even your fist sex (Oh, don’t raise that brows to me!). I bet you agree that your first was you most remembered and your most talked about? Seeing Calagaus, ... Read more

Navigating to Calaguas: Another Life-Threatening Boat Ride

The Risk-takers I returned to Calaguas, and I couldn’t wait for my sunburn to heal for me tell you what transpired. Would you know why? Because it was another life-threatening adventure. We sailed in a raging sea again, with waves large enough to consume the precious lives of ours. It may not be as huge as the waves we encountered in Anawangin last January 2013, but still, it did give us the same eerie feel. A friend of our companion offered us to cook for breakfast and had it ready upon arrival in Paracale, Camarines Norte. While waiting for the meal ... Read more

Shutter: Panoramas of the Small Lagoon of El Nido

The Small Lagoon was the final stop of our awesome island hopping tour in El Nido. It is just one of the three lagoons to visit in El Nido‘s Tour A, which are all located in Miniloc Island. The other two are: the Secret Lagoon and the Big Lagoon. The smallest is the Secret Lagoon followed by the Small Lagoon and of course, the Big Lagoon. The Small Lagoon Though it is called a small lagoon, don’t belittle its size and depth. It’s large enough to swim around and best explored with a kayak. It was low tide when we ... Read more

Solo Trip to El Nido: How I fitted my Budget to 3K

To put the record straight, the 3,000-peso budget excludes my round trip airfare, which I got for ₱1,500 and my expenses and accommodation in Puerto Princesa, which falls on another budgeting category. Expense Summary To give you a quick summary, refer to the following table. Expense Description Amount Cherry Bus: Puerto Princesa to El Nido ₱370 First Night Accommodation: Our Melting Pot Hostel EL Nido Free Day 1 English Breakfast: OG’s Pension House and Restaurant ₱230 Combination Tour: Tours A & C of Northern Hope Tours ₱1500 Day 1 Dinner ₱180 Belle île’s Mango-Nutella Crepe (you must try this) ₱100 Second Night ... Read more