I have a confession, and a stupid one. Just before I went to Siquijor, my limited knowledge of that place had been nothing more than an island where "barang," shamans and love potions are everywhere. And it was no surprise that when I told my friends about my trip, I got a few rolling eyes and brows raised, as if asking me "why Siquijor, of all places?"

Oh boy, I was wrong. My friends were wrong. Way too wrong. And true to what I always say, one of the perks of travelling is learning -- age-old stereotypes and unfounded notions get to be corrected.

Having spent an amazing weekend there, exploring all its six municipalities, I was left baffled with how this small island could offer infinite fun and adventure. From white sand beaches, to charming seaside cliffs, to historical churches and bell towers, to clear and gentle cascades, and to eco-tourism destinations and enchanting trees. They have it all.

More than these beautiful sights, though, the thing that struck me was the warmth and kind smiles the people there gave me. It would be ridiculous to avoid their gaze and smiles (having been warned not to look straight in the eyes of strangers to avoid trouble). I thought, those genuine kindness need to be reciprocated.

This one thing is true: Siquijor is as mystical as it is already known. It is raw, remote, and quite a revelation. An unspoiled and perfect destination for those gunning for some peace and quiet.

This island is located in Central Visayas Region, about one hour ferry ride from Dumaguete. The most common means of transportation within the province are jeepneys and trikes. For those wanting to explore the whole island, trikes are available for hire. My friend and I, however, chose to rent a motorcycle to drive around to our desired destinations.

Here are my top 10 must-visit places in Siquijor:

1. Siquijor Port/Beach - I've seen a lot of ports but nothing compares to the panoramic view at Siquijor Port. Just adjacent to it is a wide stretch of white sand beach with clear blue water which is a perfect visual treat to visitors coming in to the island.

2. Kagusuan Beach (Maria) - After passing through a thick forest, it was a pleasant surprise to see a beach securely hidden to most tourists. Taking into consideration the seascape, fine sands and nice rock formations, Kagusuan made it to my favorite beaches in the country. I enjoyed swimming there!

3. San Isidro Labrador Church (Lazi)- A national Cultural Treasure and one of the most outstanding cultural heritage churches in the country.

San Isidro Labrador Convent (Lazi)- a historical landmark which is said to the one of the biggest and oldest convents in the Philippines.

4. St. Francis of Assisi Church (Siquijor) - another historical landmark in the island, this lovely church is made of stone rubble and cuciform. What's interesting is that a few meters from the church, in the middle of a plaza, stands the bell tower which suggests that it once served as a watch tower to warn the people of Siquijor of approaching danger.

5. Cambugahay Falls (Lazi) - From the base falls, we had to trek a bit to reach the second and third level of this tiered cascade. The sight from there was refreshing enough for me.

6. Enchanted and centuries-old Balite Tree (Lazi) - this 400 year-old tree in Lazi is believed to be enchanted because of its eerily hanging roots and vines. It also provides water to residents near the area.

7. Salagdoong Beach (Maria) - a more developed beach compared to Kagusuan Beach. The place is ideal for picnics and family gatherings. There are concrete tables, a restaurant, rooms and a swimming pool available there.

8. Larena Bell Tower - completed in 1889, this massive hexagonal bell tower was made of coral stones and rubles.

Larena Triad Coffee Shop - a coffee shop atop a hill seemed unimaginable at first but it's one of our best finds in the island. From the hill, we got a good view of the seascape and landscape around. They also serve meals there.

9. Guiwanon Spring Park (Siquijor) - we had to walk along wooden bridges and pass by huts and mangroves. This place is a sanctuary for various marine species.

10. San Juan Beaches - It's no wonder that a lot of the best resorts in Siquijor are located in the town of San Juan. It has a long stretch of white sand beaches, and in some areas, there are cliffs and rock formations that can make good photography subjects. This place is perfect to catch sunsets!

St. Agustin Church (San Juan) - one of the oldest churches in the island.

Capilay Spring Park (San Juan) - This park with a natural spring-fed pool is located at the center of the town. It's a good place to simply relax.

Visit and Enjoy Siquijor! :)

I caught myself gasping for air as the small boat slices through the calm waves. Must be excitement, must be nostalgia. In front of me, I see patterns of hues fluttering and dancing with the gentle sea breeze. Yey, I'm in one of the vistas of Zamboanga.

You know that feeling when you come face to face with one of your childhood dreams? You relive the sensation of wanting that something too much? That's how it has been for me ever since I started traveling around the Philippines. It allows me to come close to the Philippines' scenes that I have so raved for and seen straight from the pages of my Sibika and Kultura books back in grade school.

And experiencing the vintas of Zamboanga is definitely not an exception. The sight of the sail with assorted vertical color in the center stage of Zamboanga seascape had never escaped my mind. So in my recent visit to Mindanao, riding one of the vintas was on top of my must-do list.

Aboard one of the vintas

Along with my perpetual travel buddies Cha and Janet, we arrived in Zamboanga on a humid August afternoon. Upon touchdown, first thing I noticed was their Muslim-inspired airport. It's one of the airport terminals where you would want to be photographed in because of the design of the facade.

Zamboanga International Airport Terminal

Zamboanga City is known as Asia's Latin City. Nowhere in the Philippines have the imprints left by Spain after its three-century rule ever more felt. From the local language to unique heritages to its many quaint structures, there's always this Hispanic influence in them. As the only city in the Philippines and in Asia that speaks the Spanish-derivative Chavacano (60 percent Espanol and 40 percent native words), this old city is indeed a place plucked from the very heart of Spain.

Zamboanga City Hall

As what we usually do on our trips, we wasted no time and immediately hit the road in search for the places worth visiting.

Here's the summary of the things I would recommend doing, seeing, eating while in Zamboanga City:

Chasing Cascades - See the stunning Merloquet Falls in Tagasilay and Nancy Falls in La Paz. From the city proper, it takes one hour ride and fifteen minutes trek to reach Merloquet Falls. Nancy Falls is accessible in a two-hour drive.

The tiered and delicate cascade of Merloquet Falls

Pink Island – I did not get to step on this island since we chose to go to Basilan (read my Basilan story here). But I heard a lot about it and I hope to visit it someday.

Go to Sta Cruz Island and lounge in its pink coral sand (creamy fine sand mixed with red pulverized coral). It can be easily reached via 15 minute boatride. It is advisable to coordinate with the Department of Tourism (near the gate of Paseo del Mar) since they are the ones arranging transportation and providing military escorts. The boats going to the island are docked at Paseo del Mar, near Fort Pilar.

Ride a Vinta– For only P30 per person, you could go sailing in one of the colorful vintas (local sailing boat) near Paseo del Mar. These vintas are available only during weekends and the sail starts at 4p.m.

Sunset and Food Trip – Head to Paseo del Mar during sunset and experience food coma by trying out some of the local favourites including the famous Knickerbocker (P65), Baolo, and Satti. This place has stalls that serve locals meals, and even street food. There are benches along the pathway where visitors could spend a cool afternoon near the sea and throw in coins to the Badjaos paddling near the breakwater. Paseo del Mar is about 100 feet away from Fort Pilar.

The magnificent sunset at Paseo del Mar

Knickerbocker

Don't Miss the Museum– Fort Pilar houses the National Museum. It has wide collections of cultural memorabilia and paintings which could be a good reference for the history of the people of Zamboanga.

Inside Fort Pilar

The National Museum at Fort Pilar

Relax in a Park– Spend a relaxing afternoon at Pasonanca Park and just rest underneath the lush trees, and be surrounded by flowering plants and shrubs around the park. It is about 10-minute jeepney ride from the city proper. You can also explore the Boy Scout camp site where you can see the tee pees and the tree house.

The Boy Scout Teepee at Pasonanca

Visit Religious Sites - Outside the eastern wall of Fort Pilar is a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city. Tradition has it that Virgin Mary made apparitions in the city on December 6, 1734 to a soldier and on September 21, 1897 which according to witnesses she was attempting to save the city from a tsunami.

Marian Shrine at Fort Pilar

Another religious site worth visiting is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

As I was mulling over the things I liked about the trip, one of the thoughts I had is the idea that there is no special reason to fear visiting Zamboanga City. While there is apparent diversity in religion and tradition among the people there, peace is still very much around the city. And I hope peace will remain there in years to come.

"Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the sea." - Y Tu Mamá También

I feel an unbearable lightness these days. Changes are unfolding. Brilliant ideas are pouring in. Backpacking Pilipinas is evolving.

With the prodding of some of my closest friends, I caved in to giving this blog its own rightful place in the world wide web. From www.backpackingpilipinas.blogspot.com, it's finally www.backpackingpilipinas.com! Yey!

There are also so many exciting ideas brewing on my mind right now. From completing the challenge to travel to 80 provinces before I turn 30 (almost close), to doing more volunteer works (yehey!), to taking some roles that I have yet accepted (yehehey!), to writing more often for this blog (fingers crossed). I can't wait to share these to you all in the coming days.

I want to thank you all for dropping by (reading my posts during your lunch break), staying with me (reading my emo and personal entries), and backpacking with me (on the road, under the sea and anywhere!). Thank you!

Special thank you to all those who liked this page at least three times this year! It just hit me that Facebook likes are wiped each time I change my domain. hehe Thank you! :))

Happy Backpacking Pilipinas, everyone! Enjoy your holidays! ;)

I’m having a serious case of writer’s block today. I'm eternally stuck in the first paragraph that I've been so achingly composing for about an hour now. I want to scold myself because I shouldn't be having this dilemma especially that I’m writing about one of my best and favorite travels this year – trip to Apo Reef.

How could I not write about my first 50 feet dive experience? How could I not weave words to describe how it was to chase sea turtles and a manta ray, or to spot a shark, or to swim alongside colorful and overly cute fishes, or to see a beautiful underwater garden?

Maybe I’m not in the mood to write, but I’m definitely not in the mood to be selfish. :) And because there are some things that are better seen than read, I’ll share here some of the pictures I took while exploring the magnificent Apo Reef. These wealth of still photos are but snap shots of the massive underwater wonder of the entire reef. Believe me, there's a lot more down there! For now, I hope the pictures could somehow suffice your curiosity.

I’ll share my prose in the coming days!

Special thanks to my friend Muy for allowing me to borrow her camera during my dive and to Angel for capturing some of the most adorable underwater photos. I wish I'm a marine biologist or scientist so I could properly identify -- well at least scientifically -- all the species I saw down under. :)

This school of fish does not follow any traffic rules

Nemo's lair

They get rowdy down there sometimes

Shark spotted!!!

Underwater garden

starfish

A sea turtle at Pandan Island

A rare and beautiful capture of a sea turtle swimming with a yellow fish in an almost subliminal way

The manta ray

My first dive documented. :)

I was caught off-guard when my friend told me that we’ll go camping in Apo Reef. I was unprepared for a tent accommodation since I thought we would just go snorkeling and beach bumming there. Who goes beach camping late November, anyway? But since I didn't do my own research about our destination, I conceded. The night before our scheduled flight to Occidental Mindoro, I had to crazily leave out some stuff in my backpack that does not qualify as a “camping essential.”

Little did I know that despite joining in a bit unprepared, this trip with my fellow kaladkarins Janet, Ciel, Muy, Lira, Marvs and Angel would rank high among my favorite travels this year.

Break of dawn at Sablayan Sea Port

The early morning sun was beating down lightly as we arrived at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Since it was just in time for breakfast, we managed to snag a quick fix of good-old coffee and tapsi meals in a carenderia near the terminal. We all know that it was going to be a long day so we had to prepare ourselves up well. After breakfast, we hailed a trike to drive us to the nearest bus terminal going to Sablayan. The bus we got into was Manila-bound but we were told that we would be dropped off at Sablayan. After about an hour waiting for the bus to fill up passengers, we started rolling along the dirt rough road of Occidental Mindoro.

The bus ride from San Jose to Sablayan was almost agonizingly painful. I find it very appalling to see a major thoroughfare left in such destitute state. I hope the LGU takes an immediate action to make better of the impoverished road system in the province.

After two hours, we safely made it to Sablayan. We headed straight to the town tourism office to register and pay dues for boat rental and guides. It was decided that the trip to Apo Reef will have to be put off for the next day so that we could prepare and buy all the provisions we would need in the island, and to give some more time to see what this small town has to offer.

The infectious smiles of the children of Mindoro

Late afternoon, we found ourselves exploring the town proper. Here’s a list of places to see around:

Lumang Simbahan (Old Church)– a 16^thcentury church found at the foot of the centennial forest. Even until now regular masses are still being heard there.

Presing Park – this place offers a good sunset view and a panoramic view of the town and its neighbouring islands. We also saw a watch tower, a lighthouse and an ancient canon there. Restroom and cottages are available within the park.

Sabang River Hanging bridge

Sablayan Museum- houses a collection of historical, cultural and biological artifacts donated by the people of Sablayan.

How to get to Sablayan:

By Air. The fastest and more convenient way to get to Sablayan is by air. Local airlines like Cebu Pacific, Pal Express and Zest Air has daily 45-min flights from Manila to San Jose. Then, two to three-hour travel by bus or van to Sablayan. Small chartered planes could also land directly to Sablayan Airport or Mamburao Airport. Mamburao is about two-hours drive to Sablayan.

By Sea. Take a RO-RO ride from Batangas Port to Abra de Ilog Port then three-hour land trip to Sablayan. Another option if you will be coming from Manila is to take an airconditioned bus to Sablayan (via RO-RO ferries) which takes about eight hour.

Once in Sablayan, trikes are available if you want to tour around the town.

Contacts:

Municipal Tourism Office

Buenavista, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental 5104

Website: www.sablayan.net

Email: amazingsablayan@yahoo.com

Contact numbers: 0929-428-0431, 0915-995-3895

Landline: (043) 458-0028

San Jose Airport

It's Christmas! I just want to say "Thank You" to all of you who've been sharing with me this small space in the world wide web. You are all awesome! May you and your family have a wonderful time today!

And of course, 2013 is just around the corner! Have a happy new year, too!

Cheers,

Che Gurrobat l www.backpackingpilipinas.com

A Letter to My Future Daughter

Tomorrow is my 29^th birthday, my child. I’ll have another candle to blow, another white hair to grow, and another year to look forward to. But before I get caught up too excited with next year, I’ll look back at how this year had been. In retrospect – following the series of fortuitous events that happened to me —I’m just glad to have survived 2012.

Times may have greatly changed as you’re reading this letter. Realities may be different. But for now, I’d like you to know how I have walked through everything that life had thrown at my direction in the past 363 days. I’ll share with you some important lessons I’ve bitterly and sweetly learned this year.

Lesson 1: People change, and that life is impermanent.

It was initially very difficult for me to embrace this reality, and it took a while before I chose to creep into the dark room of acceptance. But the enlightenment was worth all the agonizing fight. You see, the man I've once loved was brave enough to break our long relationship off. And as it usually turns out in this tragicomic world, he changed – his priorities shifted and he dreamt of a future without me. It’s not that he is a terrible person. Believe me, he is a good man. But he is, just like the rest of us, a normal flawed and imperfect human being. Despite all the hurt, I want us both to have a happy ending – even if it means getting there separately.

Lesson 2: If there’s one thing travelers are good at... it’s the art of moving on.

2012 is one amazing travel year! I stepped into three countries and visited 23 provinces. I had countless plane, boats, bus, jeepney, habal-habal, and trike rides. I witnessed numerous sunsets and sunrises. I met and talked to many interesting people while on the road. I visited temples, churches and other religious sites. I’ve seen white, black and even pink sand beaches! I've spent a day volunteering for some underprivileged kids. I had amazing encounters with whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, a shark, and many beautiful underwater creatures! I survived the most notorious province in the country! I traveled solo for the very first time! I fell in love with surfing and diving! And the list goes on forever...

A round-up of my favorite travel moments in 2012

So you might be wondering why even though my life was steadily heading southville, I still managed to make myself mobile? It’s because I need to. I have to admit it got me financially depleted (and my work was left in limbo) especially that most of the trips were unplanned and spontaneous, but I thought travelling kept my life in equilibrium. It lessened the impact of the crazily swinging pendulum. It made me look forward to day 1 of every trip. During the times when I’ve lost my appetite to almost everything, travelling was the only pulsating force that throbbed deep in my heart –pushing me to move forward and move on. And travelling did wonders. I moved on ahead of schedule.

Lesson 3: Always keep yourself in the company of good music.

Music is everywhere -- inside my room, in my workplace, while waiting in the airport, while aboard a fast craft in the middle of a wild sea, in a bus while on long night trip, and while catching a magnificent sunset beside a beach. Music needs no space and time. It travels with me.

Music is a beautiful art that heals. Its dynamics - the beats, harmony, the lyrics, and melody -became my daily source of happiness. Music wakes me up in the morning, teaches me to push forward, allows me to let go, makes me appreciate the tiny beautiful things around, and more than anything, it allows me to breathe through life's challenges and promises. It urges me to just live, and to live no matter how bad life gets sometimes.

My current playlist is a smorgasbord of everything which includes songs from Up Dharma Down, The Beatles, Lisa Hannigan, The Weepies, Nirvana, Norah Jones, M.Ward, Damien Rice, Nina Simone, Gary Granada, Coldplay, Jason Mraz, Enya, U2, Rascal Flatts, Noel Cabangon, Gus Teja, Passenger, and Michael Buble.

Lesson 4: Be kind to everyone.

Many people we meet on the street are hard-pressed with their lives – a mother struggling to make both ends meet for her family, a man who had just been fired at work, an old lady fighting breast cancer, a child being bullied at school, a woman having difficulty hiding her sexual preference to her family. Everyone is fighting his or her own individual battle. There are some who are good at hiding their own scars and wounds. And the best to do is to not add further hurt to their already grieving lives. Compassion and kindness are two things our world need nowadays.

Lesson 5: Be grateful... always.

Thank you... these are the two words I oftentimes say these days. After all I've been through this year – the extreme lows and the blissful highs—there is nothing but gratitude in my heart. Thank you to my family who stayed with me all throughout. Thank you to my friends who didn’t mind having a second cup of coffee just to listen to my repetitive and elaborate pains. Thank you to some special people who make me smile these days. Thank you to my bosses and workmates for patiently dealing with me eight hours on weekdays. Thank you for the kindness of the many random people I meet while travelling. Thank you, God. Thank you, kind and beautiful universe.

This is by far my most challenging year yet, but I reckon it also has been the year that had taught me so much about life. And these are the lessons I will carry on for a long time. These are the same lessons I will share with you in the future.

After all the torrential rainfall this year, I could only wish for plentiful of sunshine this coming 2013.

Lots of love,

Your future mom

This post is my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for December 2012. With the theme "2012: This Year in Travel," this blog carnival is hosted by Gay Mitra-Emami of Pinay Travel Junkie and Regine Camille Garcia of Between Coordinates.

Visit Estan Cabigas' Langyaw.com to see the archive of Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival! :)

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful,

and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.

And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."

-Neil Gaiman-

Neil got it all in. Well almost. He left out something important to me -- to travel. I hope to travel massive this year. I hope to do more crazy and adventure-filled travels, to meet more interesting people, to chase more sunsets, to surf and dive more, to visit other Philippine churches and mosques, to have more bus and RORO rides, to be able to swim well, to ride a bike, to fly a kite (again), to score a mountain or two, to eat more exotic local dishes, and to have more relaxing beach bumming experiences. And maybe, just maybe, somewhere down the roads of 2013 I’ll be able to find the love that will travel with me for a lifetime! (yihhaa! confetti and wine!!)

In terms of travel, 2013 is a big one for me. Hopefully this year I’d be able complete my 80 before 30. This is my personal challenge to travel to all 80 provinces of the Philippines before I turn 30 years old. As of now, I've been to 52 provinces, and still have 28 to visit. I’m ecstatic with this year’s roster of provinces because I'll be visiting less touristy and some off-the-beaten track destinations like Abra, Apayao, Quirino, Marinduque, Romblon, Biliran, Tawi-Tawi, Sarangani, and Dinagat Islands.

Schedule permitting, I plan to complete the list within the first half of the year so I could spend the remaining months catching up on blogging and doing some more leisure trips to some places I would like to go back to. And here's the thing, just when I thought that I'd go solo in some of the trips, someone of kindred spirit expressed willingness to take this challenge with me! Yey! I can't wait to hit the road. :)

And since traveling opened my mind to a lot of social issues in the country, I hope to help out and give back in my own simple ways. In the coming days, I'll blog about a project I've been planning with some of my closest friends. Tentatively entitled "Tawid-Dagat: Braving Philippine Seas for Literacy," this project aims to bring books and to share to children from far-away islands the values of reading. As planned, our first destination will be Palumbanes Island in Catanduanes.

I can't tell you enough how excited I am with this project. I hope you can share this excitement with us and be our partner in bringing smiles to these children!

2012 was a breakthrough in blogging for me, but I feel 2013 will be more epic! I have a lot of brilliant ideas in mind, and I can't wait to share it all here! I hope I’d be more inspired to write – to allot less time to day-dreaming and spend more time actively romancing my keyboards. I also hope this year, I’d be able to publish a write up for a magazine or be featured in a travel program! (still day-dreaming...hehehe) Just stick with me and continue reading on. I’ll keep you posted and I'll tour you around this beautiful country the backpacking Pilipinas' way.

Personally, I hope I could read more books (lessen my book-abandonment rate), walk more miles with Anchi (to stay fit), listen to more music, watch more films (attend more free-admission international film fests), get enough sleep on weekends, visit more museums, attend more Sunday masses, grow plants in my veranda, lessen my pork intake, replace coffee with tea (this will take time), to cook healthier meals (yeeeeeehh!), and go back to practicing “religiously” the Meatless Mondays.

One year, 365 days. Tons of things to be done. But unlike the previous years in which I felt I've raced with time, this year, I'll take things at my very own pace. To eat slow, to walk slow, to laugh harder, to appreciate more. This time, I'll allow things to simmer down and take in everything there is to feel and experience. To live life and not just exist.

I feel good vibes radiating this new year. As if pushing me to sail away in this year-long journey that's going to be filled with surprises and happy adventures. Here's to you 2013, bring it on!

This post is my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for January 2013. With the theme "New Beginnings," this carnival is hosted by Roj Braga of Adventuroj.com

Visit Estan Cabigas' langyaw.com to see the archive of Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival! :)

I grew up in a beautiful island where we live 10 minutes bike-ride away from the beach. But truth be told, I don't know how to swim. I've developed a certain animosity towards swimming after an unfortunate pool incident back when I was taking my swimming class in college. (For some mind-boggling reason though, I passed the class.)

When I started traveling and got the chance to see the best beaches in the Philippines, I've been handicapped not to cross the borderline of the shore and the sea unless a life-jacket is strapped around me. And since swimming and I aren't exactly friends, I've always thought that I couldn't enjoy surfing, snorkeling, diving and some other water activities.

Despite this, I feel so drawn to the sea that it has become my refuge each time I feel high or low (emotionally). Just recently, I have fallen in love with diving and snorkeling. Here's what I learned, I don't need to be a pro swimmer to dive and snorkel. I only need proper gears, do proper breathing and get a full sense of adventurous spirit. :)

Magnificent dawn with the stillness of the sea and the changing hues of the sky

I've been to some diving and snorkeling spots in the country, but I guess the underwater treasures of Apo Reef and Pandan Island are two of the best that we have. I found myself frolicking in its massive and diverse underwater garden when I went there, and found everything to be very satisfactory.

Apo Reef Natural Park is the largest atoll-like reef in Asia. Some of its dwellers include colorful fishes, schools of jacks, snappers, stingrays, manta rays, sharks, barracudas, crevice-dwelling moray eels and gobies amid gardens of soft and hard corals. Also, the 29-hectare Apo Island is a nesting ground for hawksbill and green sea turtles while the other two islets near it are home to migrating birds and some resident birds like the endangered Nicobar Pigeon. *Information from Sablayan Municipal Tourism Office*

The crystalline blue-green waters greeted us as we pushed towards the island

For those planning a trip, it is a must to contact and get help from the Municipal Tourism Office of Sablayan. Here's a link on how to get from Manila to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. The staff could arrange your transportation and assign guides and cook. They also offer rentals for tents and snorkeling/diving gears.

From Sablayan Sea Port, it takes about 2hrs boat ride going to Apo Island. According to our guide, on some fine and lucky days, playful dolphins could trail from behind the boat. It would have been an awesome visual treat but unfortunately, we weren't so lucky during the trip.

Once in Apo Island, we got our accommodation ready. And by that I meant, tents. Yes, we were there to camp. There are no hotels or cottages for overnight stay so I highly suggest you bring your own tents, mats or hammocks. For food, we bought provisions from Sablayan Public Market and sought the help of our guides to cook our meals since we didn't bring utensils with us. *The cooking was good by the way.* :)

One fine day in Apo Reef

For a certain fee, we got to enjoy the reef by signing up for a 1-hr introduction to diving course. I got lucky to have about 40-minute assisted dive! My first ever!

In summary, we spent most of our time in the island out in the sea, snorkeling, diving, and just swimming to our heart's content!

Other activities that could be done there include trail walk along the mangrove area leading to the lagoon and the lighthouse. I would also suggest waiting for the sunset and sunrise atop the lighthouse. The view of the vast expanse of the clear blue waters in contrast to the verdant mangroves below the lighthouse is superb!

This is a view of the lighthouse seen from the lagoon

Apo Reef Lighthouse

The mangroves and the lagoon as seen from the lighthouse

Bamboo path walk along the massive mangrove area

Our group also had bonfire and let off eight wish lanterns under the beautiful and starry November sky. FYI though, we used a tray to hold the flaming twigs and woods. I’d highly suggest using a tray when doing a beach bonfire instead of directly starting the fire on the sand. Let’s love and protect our beaches. :)

Our tiny version of "Tangled". True that it could be magical to see the lanterns flickering up in the air. But this is one activity that could be regulated for environmental reasons. Maybe, it would be better to use eco-friendly wish lanterns in the future.

Heads up to those planning a trip to Apo reef, please keep the cleanliness within the area. As I always say in every beach I go, leave nothing but footprints. If you can carry your spoils back to the mainland (and dispose it properly), so much better.

One of the best memories I took home from this trip is the chance to see and play with the amazing underworld creatures. It made me realize how fabulous our world is, up and under. :)

A souvenir photo from the underworld

Side Trip: Before heading back to Sablayan, our group decided to stop by Pandan Island for a closer encounter with sea turtles and manta rays. And we were never disappointed. I had the chance to chase four sea turtles and a manta ray. The experience is one for the books! I would definitely recommend passing by this island on your way to or from Apo Reef.

As dusk creeps silently in the island

Fees (Overnight stay):

Boat from Sablayan to Apo Island VV - P7,500 (7 pax)
Boat from sablayan to Pandan Island VV -P800
Food catering/labor- P750
Tour guide- P750

Equipment Rentals
Snorkels - P100
Tent - P300

Entrance Fee (per pax)- P225

Contacts:

Municipal Tourism Office

Buenavista, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental 5104

Website: www.sablayan.net

Email: amazingsablayan@yahoo.com

Contact numbers: 0929-428-0431, 0915-995-3895

Landline: (043) 458-0028

In a race to tick off six provinces from my 80 before 30 list, I'll be on a five-day adventure around Northern Luzon in a few days. It's going to be a long road trip, and I know exactly what my friend and I would need as the countryside beauty up north seduces our very eyes -- a lot of cotton candies for our ears!

These two are buddies -- travel and music.

Music is one thing that I couldn't travel without. It goes where ever I go. It puts me to sleep while trying to bay out boredom in a slow boat ride, or calms me down while waiting for a delayed flight, or keeps me up while on a long bus ride.

I'm sharing with you some of my favorite travel songs. These are the songs that make me want to run away at least for a little while, make me imagine speeding off on a long highway on a beautiful sunset, inspire me to live in the moment and catch the breathtaking views of each place I go, or cast the spell of good vibes of an otherwise gloomy day, and songs that simply make me look forward to going back to a familiar place -- that which I call my home.

Hit the play button! Hit the road!

Enjoy! :)

(Disclaimer: I do not own any of the videos used in this blog. Credit goes to the owners.)

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me

"And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me."

John Mayer - 3x5s

"And I want to wake up with the rain
Didn't have a camera by my side this time
Hoping I would see the world through both my eyes
Maybe I will tell you all about it
When I'm in the mood to lose my way but let me say."

Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

"You've got a fast car
Is it fast enough so we can fly away?
We gotta make a decision
Leave tonight or live and die this way."

Jason Mraz -93 Million Miles

"Just know, that wherever you go,

no you’re never alone, you will always get back home."

Dido - Life for Rent

"I've always thought

that I would love to live by the sea

To travel the world alone

and live more simply

I have no idea what's happened to that dream

Cos there's really nothing left here to stop me."

Jack Jackson - Better Together

"With only two

Just me and you

Not so many things we got to do

Or places we got to be

We'll sit beneath the mango tree now

Yeah, it's always better when we're together."

Daughter- Run

"Will you stay with me, my love

For another day?

'Cause I don't want to be alone

When I'm in this state

Will you stay with me, my love

'Till we're old and gray?

I don't want to be alone

When these bones decay

Run, run, run."

Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen - Good Time

"Good morning and good night

I wake up at twilight

It's gonna be alright

We don't even have to try

It's always a good time."

The Corrs - Runaway

"Say it's true, there's nothing like me and you
Not alone, tell me you feel it too
And I would runaway
I would runaway, yeah
I would runaway
I would runaway with you.

Up Dharma Down - Pag-Agos

"Isang umaga muling aahon

At sisikat sa mga panahon

Na tayong pang dalawa

Masayang pagsasama."

Eraserheads -Alapaap

"Hindi mo na kailangan ng

magtago't mahiya

hindi mo na kailangan ang

humanap ng iba

kalimutan na muna

ang lahat ng problema

huminga ka ng malalim at tayo'y lalarga na

handa na ba'ng gumala?

paparapaparapapap3x ooh

ang daming bawal sa mundo

sinasakal nila tayo

buksan ang puso at isipan

paliparin ang kamalayan."

Rascal Flatts - Fast Cars and Freedom

"I see a dust trail following an old red Nova

Baby blue eyes, your head on my shoulder

You don't look a day over Fast Cars and Freedom

That sunset river bank first time feeling."

Sitti - Para sa Akin

"Kung ika’y magiging akin
Di ka na muling luluha pa
Pangakong di ka lolokohin
Ng puso kong nagmamahal
Kung ako ay papalarin
Na ako’y iyong mahal na rin
Pangakong ikaw lang ang iibigin
Magpakailanman."

Lisa Hannigan -Ocean and a Rock

"Thoughts of you, warm my bones, I'm on the way, I'm nearly home,

Lets get lost, me and you an ocean and a rock is nothing to me."

Daughtry -Home

"Oh, well I'm going home,

Back to the place where I belong,

And where your love has always been enough for me.

I'm not running from.

No, I think you got me all wrong.

I don't regret this life I chose for me.

But these places and these faces are getting old.

I said these places and these faces are getting old,

So I'm going home.

I'm going home."

Passenger - Caravan

"And you follow the blackbird home, through the early winter snow.
Your footprints track you through the grass.
And you ache just to smell her clothes, and her cooking down on the stove.
You see her face in everyone you pass."

Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars

"If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?"

The Weepies - Gotta Have You

"No amount of coffee, no amount of crying
No amount of whiskey, no amount of wine
No, no, no, no, no,
nothing else will do
I've gotta have you, I've gotta have you."

Kelly Clarkson -Breakaway

"Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away
And breakaway."

Enya - Sail Away

"Let me sail, let me sail,
Let me crash upon your shore,
Let me reach, let me beach
Far beyond the Yellow Sea."

Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful of Sunshine

"Take me away, a secret place
A sweet escape, take me away
Take me away to better days
Take me away, a hiding place."

Imago -Sundo

"Sa akin mo isabit
ang pangarap mo
Di kukulangin
ang ibibigay."

Gus Teja - Hero

Of the many beautiful Roman Catholic churches I've visited so far, four made it to the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS). These are the Church of San Agustín in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur; The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin in Intramuros; and Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miagao, Iloilo.

These churches have been selected taking into consideration the style of the building and design that was adapted to the physical condition in our country. According to UNESCO WHS, "the four churches are outstanding examples of the Philippine interpretation of the Baroque style, and represent the fusion of European church design and construction with local materials and decorative motifs to form a new church-building tradition."

Their common attributes are their massive appearance which shows a fortress/protective-like character in response to invading forces/pirates or protection from earthquakes.

Since these churches are in-scripted, they are covered and protected through RA 10066 (National Heritage Law) an RA 10086 (National Historical Commission of the Philippines Law). Through these legislations, these churches are secured of funding for its conservation, protection and regular maintenance.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion
Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

Sitting atop a hill surrounded by a defensive wall, this massive church is unlike many other Philippine churches that's always located near the town plaza. Some of its unique features also include the convento that lies parallel to its facade and its bell tower that stand a few meters away from the church building. The walls are without ornaments or designs but the buttresses are massive enough designed to withstand an earthquake. The interiors are endowed with a pulpit, lectern, and huge altar. It also boasts of a simple fresco on its ceiling near the altar.

Church of San Agustín
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Said to be the most outstanding example of "Earthquake Baroque," this church has fourteen monumental buttresses situated along the sides of the building. A pair of buttresses at the midpoint of each nave wall have stairways for access to the roof. A huge coral stone belfry that was added half a century after the church was erected, stands a few meters from the church as a protection against damage from earthquakes The interiors boasts of a pulpit and a massive altar. This is one of the most photographed religious sites in Ilocos Norte.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin
Intramuros, Manila

Built in 1571, this Agustinian church was the first to be erected in Luzon, immediately after the conquest of Manila. It survived a long history of destruction after surviving a war (1945), a fire during the revolution against Spain (1989), and an earthquake (1880). The interiors of the church is endowed with wall paintings that dated back in the 19th Century (although they overlie the original tempera murals), retablo, pulpit, lectern and choice stalls. It's also very interesting to see series of crypto-collateral chapels lining both sides of the nave. The walls separating them act as buttresses. The stone barrel vault, dome, and arched vestibule are all unique in the Philippines. A monastery complex was formerly linked to the church by a series of cloisters, arcades, courtyards and gardens, but all except one building were destroyed in 1945.

As of this writing, reconstructions are being done in the exteriors of the church in preparation for its 450th anniversary since its construction.

Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva
Miag-ao, Iloilo

This church has the most beautiful facade I've seen so far. It stands on the highest point of Miag-ao in which its two uniquely-designed towers served as lookouts against Muslim invaders. Its intricately designed facade is said to be the finest surviving example of "Fortress Baroque." "The sumptuous facade epitomizes the Filipino transfiguration of western decorative elements, with the figure of St Christopher on the pediment dressed in native clothes, carrying the Christ Child on his back, and holding on to a coconut palm for support. The entire riotously decorated facade is flanked by massive tapering bell towers of unequal heights."

Source: UNESCO WHS

There's more to Sorsogon than just Butanding (whale shark) watching! This province in Bicol offers a plethora of awesome sights and adventures. From trekking to surfing; island-hopping to firefly-watching; chasing caverns to sight-seeing waterfalls; and diving with manta rays to visiting old and charming churches. They have them all!
During my visit in Sorsogon late last year, I tried island-hopping and surfing. And that weekend there left me wanting for more! :)

My friend and I spent 15-hour looooong bus ride from Manila to Matnog. This small town in Sorsogon, which is the southernmost part of Luzon, is the jump-off point to our first destination -- Calintaan Island. We were told that this island has very little amenities so we made sure we come in prepared. Before sailing off, we bought foods and water in the market near the port.

From Matnog proper, a motorized outrigger boat took us to Subic Beach (never to be confused with the one in Zambales). This beach located in Calintaan Island is gaining popularity among tourists for its pinkish white sand.

The boatride going there wasn't a smooth one. We had to brave a few gigantic waves and some whirlpools. But it was worth it! As the boat drew nearer the island, my heart jumped (literally) as I see the white beach and the blue-green waters coming in sight. As soon as we hit the beach, I was ready to fall inlove with this new-found beauty! I could say it's my second best beach in Bicol, next to Calaguas Island. The sand is powdery pink and the water is crystal clear.

The place is ideal for overnight camping. I could imagine myself gazing at the stars while lying in the sand or enjoying a magical firefly sighting near the beach. There are a few cottages lined-up near the shoreline, but for overnight accommodation it's better to bring your own tent. There's a restroom available for rinsing up. I didn't see a store around there so it's advisable to bring in your own provisions.

After barely three hours of micro-bumming along the beach, we hopped in to our boat excited for our next destination. Kuya Bryan, our boatman, gamely toured us to the cave near Subic Beach and allowed us to enter Juag Lagoon, a protected fish sanctuary.

Next stop, we headed to the lesser-known but equally-beautiful Tikling Island. There are like only two households living in this privately-owned island. With its sparkling water, white sand shoreline, blissful peace and quiet (devoid of any urban comforts we are used to) we felt very much like staying in an island paradise! Our stay in Tikling was made even sweeter by the kindness of the caretakers who offered us grilled fish and bananas, for free!

Quite a short stop, but definitely these two islands are on my must-visit-again list.

How to get to Matnog, Sorsogon:

Those coming from Manila can take a bus going straight to Matnog -- inquire at Philtranco, Raymond and Amihan (Cubao, Quezon City). Travel period can take about 13-15 hours so it's advisable to travel at night.

Another option is to take a flight going to Legazpi City (Cebu Pacific, AirPhil Express, Zest Air). Then hail a trike going to the Central Terminal where you can take vans headed to Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City, take a jeepney going to Matnog. Once in the town proper, you can take jeep or trike to go around.

To go island hopping (day trip), you could ask some boatmen at Matnog Port to take you around for P700 (1-2 pax) and P1500 (group). They provide life-jackets for safety and you could make arrangements if you wish you stay overnight in the island.

Contact boatman: "Arangkada" Camcaman, Bhrian Garcia Geneblazo - 0926-545-8648

If you want a hassle-free Matnog trip, you can contact my friend Mayleine Olfindo at Weekend in Bicol. She offers tours to Subic Beach and Tikling Island, and other beautiful spots in Bicol.

Tonight, all roads will lead to BookSail's event -- Plates for Books! :)

Some 70+ awesome people (ahem! ^_^) will be meeting up tonight, February 23, 7p.m., at St. Honore Clubhouse in Quezon City, for a benefit dinner for the 333 schoolchildren from Palumbanes Island in Caramoran, Catanduanes. All the proceeds will be used to purchase books and school material for the kids. :)

There'll be food, music, and a lot of sharing of ideas for the cause. I'm super excited, and I can't wait to meet everyone!

How to get to the venue:

a.) If you're taking the MRT, stop at GMA Kamuning Station. Walk a few steps along EDSA Southbound. Follow the red trail as shown in the satellite image below. Take the first turn left before the Shell gas station. It will be at held at Sct. Borromeo cor. Samar Ave.

If you're riding a car coming from the North, you could easily turn right to Scout Borromeo from EDSA southbound and follow the blue trail. If you're coming from the South, take a U-Turn near GMA7 then turn right to Timog Ave. and follow the yellow trail. :)

Important to know:

a.) Look for Kiks at the entrance and present your ticket (if you already got one) or purchase it for only P350. This will entitle you to enter the venue (of course, hehe) and enjoy the buffet dinner (yehey!). Then take your respective seat, feel the crowd, enjoy the food and the music! :))

b. ) If you want to donate new or used books and school materials, we'll be setting up a space for it at the venue. Hope you could bring some! :))

What to donate:
Story and picture books (English and Filipino)
Elementary books (Math, Science, English, Filipino)
Coloring books
Science laboratory materials
School kits - pad papers, pencils, crayons, etc

c. ) There'll be no dress code. Come as you are. :))

d.) This activity is encouraging sharing of ideas about literacy. If you've got one, please don't hesitate to come up the stage and share it to the group. :))

e.) If you need help, contact us here: Che Gurrobat: 0917-745-4538, Eph Aguilar: 0917-506-1814

I'll see you tonight, guys!

Cheers,

Che Gurrobat
Backpacking Pilipinas

Food, music, people, and a worthwhile cause. What a fun and wonderful night it was!

Seventy seven beautiful people attended Plates for Books, a benefit dinner for the 333 schoolchildren of Palumbanes Elementary School in Palumbanes Island, Caramoran, Catanduanes. This was the first event held for our BookSail project in which we have succeeded in gathering a substantial amount of money that will be used to purchase the books for the kids.

I would like to personally thank everyone who were there last Saturday night, and special thanks to Eph, Jha, Kiks and Madel of Mirage Manila for making the event possible. Thank you also to those who brought in books and school materials during the event. Your overwhelming support for the project brings warmth to my heart. Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting y'all, hanggang sa muli po! :)

Here are some of the still images captured during that memorable night.

photosline

With my friends Eph Aguilar and Jha Bobis of Mirage Manila, the event organizer

Discussing (with a huge smile) the history of BookSail, and the current and future projects.

Meeting for the first time fellow Bicol Universitarian Alumni

Guests lined up for dinner

Friends from Inquirer and Bicol Universitarian

Friends from Teleperformance

Friends from Bicol

Classmates from Catanduanes

Friends from GMA7

Friends from Bicol

The Kaladkarins

Ciel Estacio sharing her thoughts on the importance of literacy

Gel Amarillo on volunteerism

Angel Pascual on how he got into this advocacy

Lira Avedillo and her thoughts on education

Megs Sorra pledged his support for BookSail

Eph Aguilar and the Tricoustic Band

The happy Kaladkarins :)

♥ Thank you ♥

The placid Bato River

An island facing the mighty Pacific Ocean. A destination oft heard but seldom visited. A place where the resilience of the people is mixed with warmth and smiles. A gem beautifully molded by the harsh and wailing winds fronting east of the Philippines. A place I call my home.

Welcome to our province – Catanduanes!

This island province is one of the six provinces in the Bicol Region. Its capital town, Virac, is the center of commerce and the jump-off point to the other 10 municipalities in the island. The other municipalities are: Bato, Baras, Gigmoto, San Miguel, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Caramoran and San Andres.

For those wanting an off-the-beaten track type of vacation, Catanduanes is definitely a great choice. But one of the things to consider when planning a trip there is the weather. With its geographical location in the Pacific, the weather in the island can be unforgiving especially from October to early January. March until June is the best time to visit as the season becomes dry and there is a huge chance of a clear blue sky. But for those wanting to chase the waves of Puraran, the most ideal time to surf is starting the fourth quarter of the year.

Okay, so before heading to our province, here are some words/phrases that will be useful while going around or talking to the locals.

Magayon– Beautiful

Para tabi- Pull over please

Dios mabalos - Thank you

Tigpila tabi ini?–How much is this?

Dios mayad na aldaw– Good day

Cruising along Bato River

There are a lot of activities that could be done on your visit to Catanduanes. Here are some:

Visita Iglesia– Catandunganons or the people of Catanduanes are predominantly Catholic. It is no surprise that in almost every corner in almost every village, there is a small chapel. It is a province where patron saint's days or fiestas are celebrated big time – a time for “balikbayans” from Manila and abroad go home to attend the festivities.

For those planning a trip, church-hopping is something not to be missed. Foremost in the list is the historical and beautiful church in the town of Bato (St. John the Baptist Church). Still in Bato, you can also visit the Batalay Church (also known as Batalay Shrine) – said to be the place where the first cross in Catanduanes was planted. History has it that this is where Agustinian priest Fray Diego de Herrera died. On the same spot, a spring sprouted which is believed by the locals to have healing powers.

Bato Church

At Barangay Batong Paloway, a few kilometers from the town proper of San Andres, is where the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, beautifully etched on a stone, is displayed. The miraculous image on the stone is believed to have increased as time passed by and as of today, one can see it with bare eyes unlike before where devotees have had to use magnifying glass when viewing it.

The miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows in Batong Paloway, San Andres

Other churches that can be visited in island are: Virac Cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption, Saint Andrew Church in San Andres, and Saint James the Great Parish.

Virac Cathedral

Surf – The town of Baras, about 26 kilometers away from Virac, is fast becoming the face of tourism in Catanduanes. It is the location of the “majestic waves,” a surfing spot known locally as Puraran Beach. To get there, take one and a half hours jeep or bus ride going to Baras (P45 fare). From the town proper, you may opt to hire a tricycle going to Puraran beach (P150/tricycle). Once in Puraran, head up to the beach and pay P10 for entrance. Cottages are available for a day and overnight rent near the beach. For a certain fee, there are also surfing lessons available for beginners.

Contact:Puraran Surf Beach Resort

Brgy. Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes

(+63) 919-678-5895, info@puraransurf.com

Puraran's Majectic Waves
Photo Credit: Puraran Surf Beach Resort

Waterfalls – Catanduanes is also home to three vibrant cascades. Take a refreshing dip and enjoy a weekend picnic at Maribina Falls in Bato, and Dororian Falls and Nahulugan Falls in Gigmoto.

Maribina Falls, Bato

Beaches- A great Catanduanes experience will never be complete without spending a day lounging in its golden and cream sand beaches. For those wanting to catch a good sunset with a nice view of Mayon Volcano (on a clear day), visit the beaches in Marilima, Balite, Mamangal, Kosta Alcantara, Amenia. These beaches are about one hour tricycle ride from Virac town proper. The other popular beaches are Twin Rock Beach Resort in Igang, Virac and Puraran Surf Beach Resort in Puraran, Baras.

Mayon Volcano as seen from Mamangal Beach in Virac

Mamangal Beach, Virac

Marilima Beach, Virac

Puraran Beach, Baras
Photo Credit: Puraran Surf Beach Resort

If you decide to go north, you can hire a motorized boat going to Palumbanes Island, 45-minutes boat ride from Caramoran. You can ask the boatman to drop you off at Bitaog Beach, a pristine white sand beach hidden in that island.

Bitaog Beach, Palumbanes Island, Caramoran

And there's another beautiful beach off the coast of Barangay Bote in Bato. This place is achingly beautiful and serene. :)

Bote Beach, Bato
Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan

Bote, Bato
Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan

How to get there:

The fastest way to get there is by taking a commercial flight via Cebu Pacific. The flight from Manila to Virac takes only about 55 minutes. Cebu Pacific is flying to Virac four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

Another option, though an arduous one, is by taking a 12-hr bus ride from Manila to Tabaco, Albay. From Tabaco City Port, you can take a ferry boat going to either Virac (4 hours travel time) and San Andres (3 hours travel time).

San Andres Port

RORO Schedule from Tabaco, Albay to Virac or San Andres, Catanduanes (vice versa)

Point of Origin to Destination	ETD	ETA	Fare
Tabaco Port to Virac Port	6:30 am	10:30 am	Aircon - P320.00 Non-Aircon - P240.00
Virac Port to Tabaco Port	1:00 pm	5:00 pm	Aircon - P320.00 Non-Aircon - P240.00
Tabaco Port to San Andres Port	7:00 am	10:00 am	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00
Tabaco Port to San Andres Port	1:00 pm	4:00 pm	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00
San Andres Port to Tabaco Port	8:00 am	11:00 am	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00
San Andres Port to Tabaco Port	1:00 pm	4:00 pm	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00

Data from www.catanduanes.gov.ph

Where to stay:

Catanduanes Midtown Inn

Address: San Jose, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27
Website:www.catmidinn.com
Email: info@catmidinn.com

Marem Pension House

Address: Sta. Cruz, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-18-21
Email: snlandig.eudoramail.com

Kemji Resort and Restaurant

Address: San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com

Rakdell Inn

Address: San Pedro, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-08-81

Twin Rock Beach Resort

Address: Igang, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: +639-19-473-78-22/+639-21-664-02-45

Majestic Beach Resort

Address: Puraran Baras
Contact No.: +639-15-741-62-77

Puraran Surf Beach Resort

Address: Puraran, Baras
Contact No.: +639-26-710-87-11

Where to eat

Sea Breeze- Enjoy a smorgasbord of seafood and Filipino dishes on a relaxing set up near the sea. This place is ideal for those wanting a sumptuous dinner.

Address: Salvacion, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: Landline (+6352) 811 06-64

Blossoms Restaurant - A quiant restaurant ideal both for small talks and group meetings.

Address: Rizal Avenue, Virac, Catanduanes

Virac Food Hauz

Address: Rizal Avenue, Virac, Catanduanes

Di's Diner

Address: San Roque, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27

Kemji Resort and Restaurant

Address: San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com

I'm not a pro-surfer, not even close to being one. I've tried surfing several times, but my rides end up mostly in heartbreaking wipe outs and no more than five successful rides each session. I also brand myself as "girl-tulak" being that I hardly go out to the sea without an instructor. The instructor also acts as my taga-tulak when the waves arrive. :) And my surfing ritual starts with briefing my instructors that I don't know how to swim. They'd often assure me that I should do fine and that I just need to stay close to my surfboard. :)

I feel like a beginner each time I surf, always like my first time to try it. But I'll never stop attempting to ride no matter how many times the board refuses to keep me afloat. Despite the pre-ride jitters, the wobbling legs while trying to stay up on the board and the cuts I sometimes get from falling, I will continue to surf!

I'll do so because I get an unparalleled high in surfing. It teaches me to conquer my fear, to harbor patience, to feel a certain balance, and to let myself out in the sea. Each session is about waiting for the perfect waves, paddling mighty hard once it arrives, taking time to feel the rhythm, and standing without hesitation when the board dances with the waves.

Surfing also teaches me to never give up after every ungraceful and disheartening wipe out. A fall from the board means getting up, and doing the same routine again until the "better" ride comes in. A good ride and a hard fall are in every surfer's diary. And most of the time, the harder the fall, the more exhilarating the stoke is!

Tips:

1) Don't forget to put on sunblock to prevent sunburn.

2) Wear rash guard and board shorts. It's important to be on the right surfing attire to avoid putting on a show. :)

3) It's okay if you don't own a surfboard since most of these local surfing spots offer rentals for hours of use. Prepare P200-300 rental fee.

4) Beginners need not worry because there are instructors who could help with the basics in surfing (P200-300 hourly fee).

Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte
A perfect beach break for beginners.

How to get to Bagasbas:
1) From Manila, ride a bus bound for Daet (Superlines, Philtranco). Fare is around Php 600 per way.
2) From the terminal station, you can ride a tricycle to the Bagasbas Beach.

Accommodations (for overnight stay) and restaurants are available just across the surfing area.

To the sea

An attempt to stay up on the board

The kids of Bagasbas enjoying the sand and sun

My instructor Kit on the board

Gubat, Sorsogon
There is a beach in Gubat called "Breeding" which is fast becoming another mecca for surfing wannabes. But for those who are up for more advanced surfing, they also have Nico's Reef which a spot with more wild and challenging waves.

How to get to Gubat, Sorsogon:
1. Take a 12-hour bus ride from Manila going directly to Gubat (Raymond Transport, Silver Star, DLTB Co.).
2. Another option is to take a one-hour flight to Legazpi City, Albay (Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines Express, PAL). Take a van to Sorsogon City, then a jeepney going to Gubat.

Contact: Bidge Villaroya
Gubat Bay Surfers

One of my favorite rides in Gubat

Out in the sea to surf

These kids in Gubat are awesome surfers

San Juan, La Union

La Union sure has "baby waves" compared to other surfing spots like Gubat, Sorsogon and Bagasbas, Camarines Norte, but I love the positive vibes there! Good food, beautiful sunset, friendly people. :)

How to get to San Juan, La Union:

1. Take a bus going to San Fernando, La Union (Autobus, Dominion Transit, Farinas Transit Company, Genesis Bus Lines). From there, just take a jeepney to get to San Juan. Travel time takes about 5-6 hours.
2. Going by private vehicle:
Take the NLEX and follow this main route: Sta. Ines -> Bamban-> Tarlac->Urdaneta->Pangasinan->Damortis-> Agoo-Aaringgay->Caba->Bauang, La Union->San Fernando, La Union (One can also go thru the SCTEX and exit at Tarlac.)

Contact:
Lemon Dines- Surf Star School, La Union

Going for an afternoon ride

The sea is these kids' playground after school

There's a certain peace in surfing as dusk falls

With my longboard in LU

Guiuan, Eastern Samar

I love this place so much because this is where I had my longest and most satisfying ride ever. ABCD Beach boasts of massive and challenging waves from April to November. Summer months are perfect for beginners with gentle 2 to 3 foot waves.

How to get to Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar

1. Take a commercial flight to Tacloban City (Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines Express, PAL). From Tacloban, hop in a van (Duptuours or Van-Vans) going to Guiuan (3 hours travel time). From Guiuan proper, rent a trike going to ABCD Beach in Calicoan Island (45 mins travel time).

Contact:

Alvin- (0905) 977-3976

Guiuan Surf Club

The Surf Camp is one of the accommodations in Calicoan Island, Guiuan

The view of the sea from the pool area at Surf Camp

Listening to instructor Jason for some pre-ride instructions

This is ittttt!!!

Guiuan surf is my favorite so far! Best reef break!

Awesome sunset at ABCD Beach

I've been to Baler, Aurora but unfortunately I didn't get to surf since there was no swell during my stay. Baler is still in my bucket list along with surfing in Puraran Beach in Catanduanes, Cantilan in Surigao and at Cloud Nine in Siargao Island. :)

If you ever get the chance to be near one of these surfing spots, try to get on the board and surf! Experience the thrill and you'll end up hooked to it. Just like how I've been bitten by the surfing bug! :)

I was going through my files and realized that there are a lot of past travels that I haven’t really blogged about. One of which was my adventure-filled weekend in Bohol with my sister, Cha. As I was reviewing our photos from the trip, I feel compelled to share a better feature of that amazing island in the Visayas.

Bohol is undeniably one of the most visited and most beautiful places in the country. Every year, it enjoys a steady influx of both local and foreign tourists. And its visitors are always in for a treat – from the powdery white sand beaches, to centuries-old heritage churches, to green meandering rivers, to world-famous hills, to adrenaline-hyped adventures, to the best deep dives, and to endearing and exotic wildlife encounters.

Here’s a list of my personal favorites in Bohol:

1. Panglao Island– About an hour away from Tagbilaran City is where one of my favorite places in Bohol is located --Panglao Island. It has a lot of pretty beaches without the party and the noisy crowd. The most famous is Alona Beach which is about 800-meter stretch of pristine white sand.

A pretty beach without the party crowd

At Bohol Beach Club

A lovely pink afternoon

The trees seem to be smiling back at me

Cha and I spent a day lounging in the immaculate white sand at Bohol Beach Club. I totally loved my stay there that I could easily pick it as one of my top 10 beaches in the country!

Worm's eye view

Aside from enjoying the beach, we also spent time touring some of the famous spots around this tiny island. We hired a van and went to Dauis Church, Hinagdanan Cave, Panglao Watch Tower, Shell Museum and Bohol Bee Farm.

Dauis Church

Bohol Bee Farm

Handicrafts made by locals at Bohol Bee Farm

Entrance of Hinagdanan Cave

Cha at the Shell Museum

Jumpshot at Panglao Watch Tower

2. Chocolate Hills– Back in grade school, the sight of these famous hills in Bohol never failed to amaze me. I remember telling Cha how exciting to see these hills in real life, and not just in the pages of our Sibika at Kultura books.

When we reached Carmen, about 55 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City, our eyes feasted with the wide expanse of land covered with green dome-shaped hills. Although I would have wanted to see brown and not green hills, I still marveled at the sight of this natural wonder.

The famous Chocolate Hills

These 1,268 cone-shaped hills which are spread across three towns in Bohol (Carmen, Batuan, Sagbayan) were declared as one of the country’s National Geological Monuments. These hills are covered with grass which turns to chocolate brown during the dry season, hence the name. It is now being proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

3. Heritage and Historical Sites– Bohol is home to many old and historic churches. One of the most famous and oldest churches in the country is the Baclayon Church. Located 6 kilometers east of Tagbilaran City, this church can be reached via jeepney or bus. You can also hire a tricycle that would drop you off in front the church. It is imperative for visitors to be dressed appropriately and modestly if you wish to attend a mass or look inside the church. In most churches in Bohol, offensive dress styles and shorts are not allowed. To still accommodate church-goers, they provide pieces of clothes that you could use to cover yourself up.

Inside Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church

Loboc Church

Tagbilaran City Church

Other churches in Bohol that are worth-visiting are Panglao Church, Maribojoc Church, Dauis Church, Loon Church and Loboc Church.

We also visited the Blood Compact Site in Barangay Tool, Tagbilaran City. This is where Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, and Spaniard Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi forged a blood compact on March 16, 1965.

The Blood Compact Site

Other historical sites located in Tagbilaran City are the President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park (Carlos P. Garcia, forth President of the Republic of the Philippines, is a Boholano); Mt. Carmel Hill, a historical tower of a church which was burned down during the Philippine revolution; Dagohoy Marker, located in Magtangtang, Danao which is about 92 km from Tagbilaran City. It was built to honor Francisco Dagohoy, leader of the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards.

4. Encounters with the Wilds– One must-do when in Bohol is to visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary which serves as the protected area for the Philippine Tarsier. These endangered species and small primates have big eyes and heads that they can rotate to almost 180 degrees. I must warn visitors to never take a photo with flash of these tiny creatures as it may harm them.

The Philippine Tarsier

We also met “Prony” at Albuquerque Zoo. With a length of approximately 23 feet and an estimated weight of about 300 kilograms, this famous python is said to be one of the biggest pythons in captivity. The zoo also houses some other animals like hawks and turtles.

Prony, the phyton

Known as one of the best dive spots in the country, you can also dive and be awed by the rare specimens and coral walls in Balicasag Island. Other sites great for diving and snorkeling are at Pamilacan Island and Danajon Bank or Double Barrier Reef.

Dolphin and whale watching are also not to be missed while in Bohol. Dolphins and whales are usually seen from a distance around the sea at Pamilacan Island.

5. Rivers, Waterfalls and “Forest”– A buffet lunch of Filipino dishes or a romantic dinner aboard a boat restaurant while cruising Loboc River is a must-do in Bohol. We started the cruise at Loay Bridge and ended near the Busay Falls. Along the river, there are locals entertaining the tourists by dancing and singing folk songs.

Green and serene Loboc River

Locals offering entertainment along Loboc River

Dance and songs from Boholanos

Some of the most famous cascades worth-visiting in Bohol are: Mag-aso Falls and Inambacan Falls in Antequera, Can-umantad Falls, Tontonan Falls in Loboc and Busay Falls in Sevilla.

Another site that we passed by going to Carmen is Bilar Man-made Forest which is about two kilometers stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees.

Cha and Che at Bilar Man-made Forest

You may also check our itinerary here ---> Bohol and Panglao Trip.

There's something about 20s that's both bitter and sweet. I personally have experienced days filled with disquiet, restlessness and rage. But on some really fine days, my thoughts blossom with colorful dreams, hopes and wishes. There are just too many contrasts in this decade of my youth, too many conflicts between the real and ideal.

I finished my college degree with honors, and with this I thought I was more than ready to face the world of media. I was filled with enthusiasm to be the change that I hope to see in everything and everyone around me. I dreamt of seeing my "by-line" on a major broadsheet, to cover an important "beat", and to be able to travel around the country in search for exciting stories to publish.

But as life rolls in this tragicomic world, my dreams started crumbling in a slow crescendo. I had duties in my family that I need to fulfill and I had big shoes to fill in. Right after graduation, I found myself applying for a post in a place I least expected to be in -- call center. I became a nocturnal employee working for American clients. And the by-lines, beats and travels were soon locked in the recesses of my mind like a faded memory.

But the dream kept hunting me, the restlessness kept growing. I didn't get to pursue Journalism, but I found myself chasing a dream that I feel so drawn to. I challenged myself to pursue travelling, to continue sharing my stories, and to make an impact in any way that I could.

I am currently on the road to completing 80 before 30 in which I am challenging myself to visit all 80 provinces of the Philippines before I turn 30 years old. As of today, I've visited 61 provinces already. It's a long way to go but I'm very excited to setting foot in my 80th province.

And since I love writing, first and foremost, I've started compiling my travel photos and stories which gave birth to my personal online journal, www.backpackingpilipinas.com. I told myself that If I couldn't be a journalist by profession, then I'll be a blogger with a definite advocacy which to help promote Philippine tourism. I felt that despite the rants and rage against our country, the ugliness hurled upon us, there's still so many flowers hiding in those rubles, so many amazing layers of beauty behind the rogue textures, so many interesting places yet to be discovered. And these stories have to be shared to the world.

Aside from travel blogging, the most important project I'm working on now is BookSail. It is a literacy campaign which aims to bring books to fur-flung islands in the country. We also aim to raise awareness about the state of literacy in the country, and hopefully to inspire others to act in our own ways. In a poor country as ours, even the most basic needs in education like books, classrooms and teachers are not given the utmost priority. Schools without libraries are aplenty. And it is in knowing these facts that drove me to do what I could to help out, somehow.

Along with some of my closest friends, we are initiating online campaigns and fund-raising activities to promote the project. We are looking at the huge potential of the internet --social media like Facebook and Twitter -- to get our message across to a broader audience. And since our project launch last February, we have been receiving a lot of donations and massive support for the cause.

Our initial book drive will to send books and school materials to the 333 schoolchildren of Palumbanes Island in Caramoran, Catanduanes. As of today, we are still in the process collecting donations, and we are set to distribute the books by June.

In retrospect, I may not have landed a carrier in media, but I feel excited where the direction my life is heading to. After all, I still get to see my "by-line" in my own travel blog and I get to share stories from the best "beat" I could ever be assigned to -- Pilipinas.

Most importantly, I'm very enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing more books to more far-flung areas in the country. But I also dream to see a library, enough classrooms and teachers in every school hopefully, someday.

I'd be turning 30 years old exactly 9 months from now. As days go by, a part of me wishes to stay in the adventurous crevices of my youth and the other wants to move forward to the more matured and responsibility-filled 30s. But despite the qualms, I still have a lot of beautiful memories to be look back to in my 20s, and exciting times to look forward to in the years ahead.

It's not everyday that I get to wake up to a call for an interview to be featured on TV. I'll figure in a national primetime newscast for the very first time! Ok, as you can imagine, I was very ecstatic!

Although still unsure what the storyline is, I immediately said yes to Toni, a producer for GMA 7's 24 Oras. The date, time and place where we would meet was set.

Along with my sister Carina, we met Toni and the crew at UP Diliman last Friday morning, April 12th. The shady Acacia trees at the Academic Oval provided a perfect backdrop for the interview. I thought what could be any more better than being filmed in one of my favorite spots on earth? It was a double yey!

Backpacking Pilipinas goes to UP Diliman

The interview was about my backpacking Pilipinas stories, mostly about the 80 before 30 challenge and the BookSail project. The interview was quick, fun and relaxed. I was very giddy answering the questions which apparently reflected on the final report, but I think I got my message across. :)

Watch the interview below. :)

This story was aired in 24 Oras (April 12) and Balitanghali (April 13)

Courtesy: GMA News

*Thank you to my friend Ephraim Aguilar for pitching in my story. :)
** Thank you Toni Tiemsin, GMA NEWS and 24 Oras for the chance to share my story. :)

phot-op!

Cha and I boarded the first Cebu-bound ferry from Tagbilaran City in Bohol. The challenge was to explore the Queen City of the South for a day. And despite time constraints, we were up to the challenge.

After two-hour ferry ride, we reached the port in Cebu. We wasted no time and went straight to the Tourism Office near the port to get a map of the province. Because we were pressed for time, we decided to just rent a cab (P1,500) to tour us around. With just a map in hand, we went on to tour Metro Cebu - one of the most visited provinces in the country - from 11am to 5pm.

The first thing that struck me while going around Cebu is its certain semblance to Manila. And like its counterpart in Luzon, it gives an impression that it is just a place with the accumulation of buildings and people. But at the end of our day tour, I learned that Cebu is not called Queen City of the South for nothing. Suffice it to say, a day is not enough to roam around its many historical sights. But I think Cha and I covered some of the most important ones.

Cebu lies at the very heart of the Philippines. Located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands, Cebu Island is stretching 225 kilometers from north to south and surrounded by 167 smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands.

Its capital Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines. It is part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighboring cities including Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City and eight other municipalities.

Cebu is also one of the most developed provinces in the country. Its main industries include furniture making, tourism, business processing services and heavy industry. Most of the population are Roman Catholic and the main languages spoken there are Cebuano, Tagalog and English.

Here are some of the places we've visited during our six-hour stay in this metropolis.

Basilica Minore del Sto Nino (Cebu City)- Our first stop is the Basilica del Sto. Nino. This beautiful basilica houses the image of the Sto. Nino, considered the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. This relic is said to be the same image that Magellan gave to Queen Juana as a gift during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on April 14, 1521.

Magellan’s Cross (Cebu City)- On April 21, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan ordered to plant a cross upon arriving in Cebu. At present, this cross is encased inside a wooden cross housed in a chapel near the Basilica Minore de St. Nino.

CNT Lechon (in front of SM Cebu) - The best lechon in the Philippines, nuff said.

Taoist Temple (Cebu City) - Located in Beverly Hills Subdivision and built in 1972, this temple towers at its elevation of about 300 meters above sea level.

Lapu-lapu Shrine (Lapu-Lapu City) - This shrine is a 20 metres (66 ft) bronze statue in Punta Engaño erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a native leader who defeated Spanish soldiers and where the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the midst of the Battle of Mactan on 1521.

Marcelo Fernan Bridge - From Cebu to Mactan, we passed by the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. It is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel.

Casa Gorordo Museum (Cebu City)- This house was built in mid-19th century and was declared a National Histrocal Landmark in Spetember 24, 1991. I wasn't very enthusiastic about the reception we got there, but there were good stuff inside the house. There is a fee to get in the museum, but heads up, taking photos inside is not allowed.

Cebu Heritage Monument (Cebu City)- We passed by this monument which can be found near Casa Gorordo.

Fort San Pedro (A. Pigafetta St, Cebu City) - We decided to check this important historical site which is located near the sea port. This military defense structure was built by the Spanish and indigenous Cebuano laborers under the command of Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi and the Spanish Government in Cebu.

Souvenir shopping- Some of the best pasalubongs (souvenirs) you can take home from your trip in Cebu are Shamrock Otap, CNT Lechon, danggit, tablea, sylvannas, and of course, the famous Cebu guitars.

How to get to Cebu:

As the center of tourism, commerce, and industry in the Visayas, Cebu is accessible by all possible means – air, sea and land.

Via Air

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the second busiest airport in the country. Major domestic airlines like Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, AirPhil Express and Philippine Airlines have daily service to and from Cebu. International airlines like Silk Air arrive from Singapore, Cathay Pacific and Cebu Pacific from Hongkong and Qatar Airways from the Middle East.

Direct flights from Manila to Cebu take only about an hour.

Via Sea

If you choose to go by sea, Super Ferry has daily (except Saturday) trips from Manila to Cebu. It offers a more comfortable means of transportation that would be necessary since the whole trip takes about a day.

For ferry schedule from Bohol to Cebu (vise versa), check click here.

Via Land

Busses abound in the province, and could take you to almost all places in Cebu. However, if you want to explore the city, the most preferred mode of transportation are jeepneys. Likewise, there is the tartanilla, which are horse-drawn carts, which gives you a chance to experience the lives of early Cebuanos. However, if you want to conveniently explore Cebu and its cities, there are also metered taxis available for this purpose.

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