Bakasyunan | May 2015

When we are stressed with our work and we need to have a short break, this is what we do. Go explore and swim.

Bakasyunan is one of the tourist spot in Tanay, Rizal. From the name itself, this is a vacation place that brings back to nature ambiance and breathtaking views of Sierra Madre. It is nestled in a 15 hectare forest property surrounded of old trees in different kind.

From Junction (Ortigas Extension), we took a jeep then drop off to Jollibee Tanay. Because we are so early again, we had our breakfast first and do some freshen up. After that, we took a tricycle from Jollibee to the Resort. Tricycle drivers will ask P50 per head but if you're travelling alone or just the two of you they will ask P150 for a one way trip. 

711, Jollibee and Tricycle pictures :)

As we arrived to the venue, we saw that this resort is really big. Some companies love doing their team buildings here because of the resort's team building areas offerings. The Giant letters also attracted our eyes and wanting to take a picture. It actually reminds me of Baler but this one is longer. 

The resort also offers Zipline, Rappeling, Mudslide, Camping, ATV, Snook Ball, Earthball, Wall Climbing, Horseback Riding, Carabao Ride, Table Tennis, Trampoline, Hanging Bridge, Billiards, Videoke, Moutain Biking, Frisbee, Crockett, Golfing, Amazing Race, Freedom Wall, Airsoft,  Volleyball, Darts and basketball. 

We didn't get a chance to do all of this because of our limited time and it is also raining during that day. 

Nice view from the Infinity Pool

We chose to rent a tent (P250 only) because we need to go back to Manila before 6pm. 

Tourist Mode

We explore each corners of the resort

took selfies whenever we are

Instagram

Took advantage of the view

Smaller Sagada version

Near the second pool

Short clip of our Tanay Trip. We love doing videos together that's why this is longer than the other videos posted earlier.

All in all, we enjoyed our short time trip here, even the foods are great. 

And I can say that Bakasyunan in Tanay is a paradise regained!

Labor Day | Antipolo | May 2015

A well spent day with my former students and a happy happy birthday Veron. This place is private and located Richdale Subdivision Antipolo City.

Pool is open from 8am-6pm.

Here is short clip of what we did.

Coffee. Dogs. And Everything Nice. | April 2015

My parents are pet lovers and this may be the reason why I love pets especially dogs. Dogs are known as man's best friend. They may not speak in human language but you will feel their care and sincerity especially when we are sick and sad. 

I do have my own dog and he is already 8 years old. He is my baby boy and I can't imagine my life without him. He was there during my junior and senior prom. He was also there during my high school and college graduation. He was there during my debut. In short, my dog is always with me especially in my important events and I want him to be still there when I get married and have kids. 

While me and my colleagues are talking about dogs, we thought of going to a cafe wherein you can play with different dogs. So, we went to Barkin Blends that is located in Katipunan. We are so excited that we even waited an hour and a half just to go inside. 

Pet Cafe originally started in Japan. They do believe that pets can help in taking away the stress of a person. The idea of these places is for the people to be able to "pet and play" with them especially when you are living in a place that pets are not allowed. 

This kind of idea has been popular also to Korea, Singapore, Thailand and now to the Philippines. 

Barkin Blends just opened last September 2014 located at katipunan. 

The store is divided into two parts. The dog zone and the non dog zone. In case you just want to drink,eat or chill non dog zone is for you.

People are obliged to remove their shoes and wear the slippers they provided.

The cafe offers different kinds of dogs. There are chihuahua, Dachshund, Golden Retriever and many more. They are very friendly and accommodating. Their trainer did well! You can hug them, you can kiss them, you can pet them. These dogs are adorable!

Inside the dog zone, there are some caretakers to help the dogs to do some warm ups with the new visitors and they will also take pictures. We really had a great time spending our night with these cute and adorable dogs. 

The cafe have rules that you need to follow like bringing of food inside the dog zone is prohibited, waking up sleeping dogs, horse playing, bringing in other dogs are also not allowed. For more information, you may visit their site at http://barkinblends.com/

"We believe the bond between human and dogs enhances the lives of everyone and every dog."

Jasmin's Birthday | EK | April 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASMIN!

An EK trip for our friend's birthday. 

I didn't get much pictures for two reasons. 

1. I think this is my 5th time going here. Don't get me wrong, I love EK and I'm a fan of it but I already collected a lot of pictures from this place. 
2. I forgot to bring my camera. All I have is my action cam. I prefer taking videos using this than taking pictures. 

Entrance of Enchanted Kingdom

This is a short clip of what we did at Enchanted Kindom

I will definitely write more when I go back there. Hehehe

Bye!

Byaheng Zambales | April 2015

These past few months, I've been hearing a lot of stories about Capones and Anawangin Island that's why I decided to took a trip during the holy week season.

Zambales has been recently became a tourist spot because of the popularity of its island. 

Travel time is roughly 3 and 1/2 hours from Manila and we joined the Trip again with DLC Travel and Tours. 

Good morning!

I decided to have this trip with my college friends whom I have not seen for 3 years. 

Our first stop is San Antonio Market to buy foods, seafoods and other things we need to have before going to the island. After that, we went to Brgy. Pundaquit to ride a boat going to Capones Island. 

Capones Island

 A 4 km from Brgy. Pundaquit to Capones Island or also known as "Isla De Gran Capon" during the spanish era. The island is quite rocky near the shore and there are no commercial establishments on the island except for a light house that has a 65 foot tall with original bricks but ragged and neglected already. The view from the top of the Light House is magnificent and it is a 360 degree panoramic view. 

I will realized that the world is really round when I reached the top of the Light house. The view is great and I just can't stop staring at it. 

Anawangin Island

After exploring the Capones, we went to our next island which is Anawangin. This is where we are going to stay overnight. How? We have a tent for us to be able to stay here because there are no hotels or inns available. We immediately took our lunch, swim and enjoy the island. 

Before getting dark, we witnessed an amazing sunset from the shore. We had a bonfire to give us lights during night. Did I mention that in this Island has no electricity and network signals? So you better have flashlights in the night and power bank for your gadget. 

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On our Day 2, we woke early to have our breakfast and immediately trek to the Hilltop. 

Summit :)

It is recommended to bring under water cam for more fun.

After trekking, we did snorkeling and of course non stop swimming til afternoon. 

We left the Island after lunch.

This is a short clip of what we did during our trip. 

I am recommending this trip to those seeking an experience of camping in an isolated island with low budget. We only pay P1,900 inclusion of Round trip Transportation from Manila to Zambales, Boat Transfers, Camping Tools and Food.

Below is the sample itinerary and guidelines. 

HAPPY TRAVEL. BE SAFE!

Discipleship | NOW! | March 2015

Our annual discipleship event to activate and ecourage current and upcoming Victory Group leaders on our discipleship process. We are also hope to foster a culture of making disciples for the next generation and beyond. 

With Pam and Anali

With the mighty women of Victory QC!

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" -Matthew 9:37

Wakeboarding. Nuvali | February 2015

After trying surfing at Baler, I had this feeling that I want to have another water sports to do. 
Good thing Laguna is quite near to Manila so I immediately jumped to Republic Wave Park located at Nuvali Laguna.Thank you for my friend who accompanied me in my very sudden decision.. 
So from Cubao, we left at 5:30 am riding a bus for P65 only. Too early? Yes because we want to be the first one to be there when they open. 

Thank you Jollibee for the awesome breakfast. Hahaha.
And because we are too early, we had our breakfast at the bus and it's really not bad. 

When we arrived at Nuvali, I can say that this place has been well developed. I never expected that we are going to see this kind of view in Laguna. Poor thing, we didn't took a lot of pictures of the place because we are busy figuring out how to go to Republic Wave Park. 

Good thing we asked those bikers we passed by of what do we need to do and where to get a ride. People here are very nice and as you can see they even asked to take a pictures with us. Actually this is what I love in exploring, you'll meet a new people and friends. :)

We took the shuttle and pay P20 only.

And finally, we arrive at the place. Just a reminder, bringing in of food and drinks are not allowed because they serve food inside but don't worry it is not that expensive unless you have a car and you can leave it there at the parking area. 

As we reach the place, we went to the information area for our registration. Rates are the following:

1 hour pass -  P250
2 hour pass - P475
4 hour pass - P595
8 hour pass - P995

Day & Night pass - P1,500

Night riding pass P595

Private Cable rent - P800/hour

VIP Pass - Free!

Unlimited Riding Package

1 Week unlimited - P5,000

1 month unlimited P15,000

3 months unlimited P24,000

6 months unlimited P35,000

1 year unlimited (cash) - P55,000

1 year unlimited (monthly) P60,000

And because this is our first time, we took the 4 hour pass and includes helmet, board and life vest. Aside from the ratings above, we have also deposited 800 pesos each (Wristband-P200 plus Life Vest and Helmet - P600). This deposit is refundable. It was returned to us after we had brought back the gears at the counter and at the end of our play. This deposit will become a fee in case the user damage or didn't return the gears.

The other side of plain course area. We chose to stay here because of the lesser people

After gearing up, we proceed to the activity. The area has two parts, the Pro wakeboards (with ramps and obstacles) and the other is for the beginners which plain course only and we belong to the plain course. Hahaha. 

It's tougher as we thought but it is similar with surfing. You really must have a balance. Good thing we tried surfing before this. 

This is short clip of our Nuvali Trip. 

Overall, we enjoyed our trip here at Nuvali and we will definitely go back again soon. 

Important Reminder: 

There are no lockers at the park so you need to be mindful with your belongings.

For inquiries, 

Contact Republic Wavepark @ info@republ1cwakewapark.com

Baler Adventure | January 2015

A very sudden trip with my colleagues. 

Whenever I hear Baler, it is the movie that I always think about. A movie of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales. It is a 2008 drama film which really advertise the hidden beauty of the place. But this year, it's different.

Baler is the second class municipality in the province of Aurora, a 143 miles and 6-7 hours trip northeast from Manila. It is also one of the "Top Surf" spots here in the Philippines because of its amazing nine (9) feet waves that serves as the main tourist spot.

Our first stop is the famous Balete Tree!

Looks creepy.

It is estimated to be 600+ years old and about 60 meters tall. Having the first look at the famous tree I was amazed by how gigantic it is. Some says the tree is home to some mythical creatures, it's up to you to believe it or not. 

Trying to go inside.

There's no entrance fee but you might want to give something for its maintenance. 

Epic Fail Jump!

Jump shots are also famous especially when you're doing it with friends so you might want to ask someone to take pictures for you. 

This is where we had our breakfast

"Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade but the memories last forever"

Next stop is the Ditumabo Falls or also known as "Mother Falls". Nestled deep in the mountains and it flowed out and gave birth to several smaller falls and streams that we passed on the way. We ride a tricycle to get on the jump off. Mostly they will ask P50 each passenger and you need to ask their number so you can text them to pick up again back to the town proper. 

Hiking to this falls is not that easy also especially when the water is very strong. You might want to wear a good quality slippers. It is a 30 minute trekking (1.3km) from the jump off to falls. 

While on our way to Mother Falls, we passed by a lot of rocks, smaller falls, a reminder how many meters we need to walk and we even saw a fresh drinking water hose available in the middle of out trekking. The tour guide told us that the water coming from the hose is very fresh and clean so there's nothing to worry about. 

After seeing the Mother Falls, I must say that this is one of the most beautiful falls I've ever seen. It is very refreshing and it is very clean. This is one of the most unspoiled place despite of being a well-known tourist spot in Baler. You can really get closer with the falls because it's not that deep as it is compared with the other falls. I remember, we even shouted a lot of times because of the happiness we felt. It seems like all of our stress in Manila are gone. 

I am happy and proud to recommend this falls. 

After going to falls, it's our time to take our lunch and check in to our rooms. 
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Museo De Baler

One of our side trips is the Museo De Baler  which is located at the town proper. It is relatively a new museum. Based from our tourist guide, it was open last 2002 only created by Sculptor Toym imao, son of National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao. The three of us are not a fan of History so we didn't stay that much. 

Quezon Ancestral House

Or also known as Doña Aurora Quezon House, Doña Aurora is the wife of the former President Manuel Quezon, the first lady of the Philippines. This house is another tourist spot worth checking, a typical old bahay kubo with wooden stairs and its roof is made of nipa only. 

Outside of the house is a vintage car own by the former President. They say it was restored last 2009 by a Vintage Car Club. 

Baler Church

A Catholic Church just in front of Ancestral House. The structure is old with a simple facade. 
Ermita Hill

We had a breathtaking views when we went here. It is very relaxing and it serves as a Tranquil Sanctuary for locals and tourists. We saw amazing waves in the Pacific Ocean. 

Let's go Surfing!

This is my first time doing surfing that's why we did a basic training first with our instructor. It was a very nice experience and I definitely want to do it again and again. When I tried surfing, my desire for water sports got stronger. 
Surfing Fee is P350/her with instructor and board.

This video is a short clip of what we did in Baler. It was really unforgettable and worth the money and time. In case you will ask, we join a Baler Trip from DLC Travel and Tours and we only pay P2,200 per head. I thank Lord for this wonderful beginning of my 2015, it's really a blessing and I'm looking forward for more adventures like this. 

Sample Itinerary!

Day 1
0100am Assembly-MCDO Quezon Ave., in front of Asiatrust Bank and National Bookstore right beside Max's Resto and Red Ribbon, near Great Eastern Hotel or Aberdeen Court)
0130am MANILA DEPARTURE TIME
0700am Maria Aurora ARRIVAL TIME,  Giant Balete Tree
07:45am Arrived Baler Town Proper- Breakfast
08:30am Tour Around Baler Aurora Quezon Ancestral House, Baler Church , Museo de Baler, Ermita, Tromba Marina ,Diguisit Beach, Rock Formations
1200 Lunch

01:00 Resort/Lodge/Inn- Check In-Rest
04:00pm Pick up for Sabang Beach Tour-Optional: Surfing,Swimming
0600pm Back to Resort, Wash up
0700pm Dinner, Socials, Free time

Day 2
0600am Wake-up Call ( Breakfast)
0700am Trekking Mother Falls

0900am Depart Mother Falls
10:00am Back to Accommodation -Wash up/Pack up
11:30pm Lunch
12:30pm Pasalubong Center

1:00pm ETD Baler
0700pm ETA Manila

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME,

TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES.