Boracay + Palawan = Borawan

Have you been to Boracay? How about in Palawan? How about Borawan? Yes, you’re reading it right. There really is a place called Borawan.

It got its name, obviously, from these two tourist spots, Boracay and Palawan. It has rocks like the ones you’ll see in Palawan and sand like in Boracay...

A Night at Dampalitan

If you know Anawangin Cove in Zambales, Dampalitan is something similar to it because of the pine trees... The sand is not that fine unlike in Puting Buhangin and Borawan but it is where you can enjoy swimming especially when you're going during the rainy season...

Picture Taking at Puting Buhangin

So what would you expect? From the name of the island itself, you’ll already know what you’ll see. This is our first destination and among the three islands, this is our favourite. The fine white sand... the grass... the shade... the cave... everything is beautiful!

A Weekend at Borawan – Itinerary

Do you want to escape from the busyness of the city? Its pollution and noise? Well, aside from the destinations found at nearby provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas, there is one found also in the southern part of Luzon... and don’t worry, it is not that far... and it has white sand.

Have you heard of Borawan? Yes... it is not Boracay... and also not Palawan... but Borawan...

Monasteryo de Tarlac

“You are not here by coincident. You are here because you are called by God.” – Officiating Priest in the Mass

Our plan is just to go and eat lunch at Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac. But while talking about the plan with tatay, ate, and Jan Ray, they suggested that we also go to a monastery where the relic of the True Cross of Jesus is kept.  And since Monasteryo de Tarlac is just near it, we opted to visit the place first and attend the mass then go to Isdaan afterwards...

happy hearts day!

A heart that is as hard as stone.
Oh yeah, it is really a stone found on
our way to Capones Island lighthouse.

Feb 14 is really fast approaching. And what’s with the date?
Looking at a usual calendar, it is “St. Valentine’s Day”.
To single ladies and gentlemen out there, it is “Single Awareness Day”.
To those in a relationship, it is “Lover’s Day”.
To sick people, it is "Another Day to be Thankful For".
To busy people, it’s just an “Ordinary Hectic Day”.
To us, it’s our “Meeting Day”. Hehehe.

By the way, since it is February and you’ll see lots of heart decors everywhere, I’ve thought of sharing our pictures with hearts. Some are obvious, and some, you’ll have to figure out...

Whitewater Rafting

Rapids.

Thrill.

Excitement.

Team work.

Adventure.

Real extreme.

Adrenalin rush.

Forward!
High five!

And what can you think of when you hear those words?

up north: palaui island and anguib beach

White sand. Nice view. Nature. Travel. Swimming. What place comes to your mind? Is it Boracay? Puerto Galera? Palawan? Camiguin? Bantayan? Bohol? Dakak? Have you noticed that all of them are in southern part of the Philippines?

How about going somewhere north? There's Potipot Island or Capones Island in Zambales, Casiguran in Aurora, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte to name a few.

And if you are willing to travel farther that is not far as Batanes, you might want to go to Palaui Island and Anguib Beach in Cagayan...

puerto galera

Summer is just around the corner and I bet you are already looking forward for a beachy escapade. But... your budget is limiting you to stay inside your cube! Or you don't have time to take a time off...


Well, don't you know that not all travels are expensive? And not all require you to take an extra 2 or 3 days off from your work... 

Cone in Albay

When I was still an elementary student, I always read about this volcano that is in perfect shape found in Bicol region. And I always wanted to see for myself if it is really shaped a "perfect cone". It is an active volcano located in Legazpi City, Albay. Near yet so far. Near from Manila because it is still in Luzon, but far because if you'll be traveling by land, you need to wait for almost a day just to reach and see the beautiful shape of Mayon Volcano...

Oooops!

Look at our reactions guys! :)

The kind staff of The Cordillera Inn in Vigan, Ilocos Sur took us a should-be-picture, which turned into an accidental video, that then became a source of good laugh to all of us. :D

bato springs

If you are planning to go to Bato Springs in San Pablo, Laguna, here is our itinerary that might be helpful in planning your trip...

rock rainy summer outing at bato springs

 fun . laughter . rockfriends . nature .

3-hour travel from Manila, Bato Springs in San Pablo, Laguna is a very nice place to go to during summer. With the coldness of its spring water, man-made falls and pools, you’ll definitely beat the summer heat.

Unfortunately, when we went there, it is already rainy season so we have to bear with the coldness of water. Superrrrrrr lamig ng tubig!!! brrrrr…

But, despite the weather, we still enjoyed swimming at the cold spring with free massage c/o of water falls and of course everyone will agree that the place is so beautiful because of its nature-inspired theme.

anawangin-capones island adventure

have you wondered how much we spent in our adventure trip to anawangin cove and capones island?

below you will find our itinerary and the expenses we incurred.

really really cheap!

capones island

Do you think our adventure stopped in Anawangin?

Of course not! There is a secluded island just nearby and our feet were not yet tired. So, the morning after, we packed our bags and got ready for a long trek going up to the lighthouse. 

“More energy, mas happy” sabi nga sa commercial. So, with our energized minds and body, we headed right away to Capones Island...

snowy anawangin cove

Do you know a place here in the Philippines where it snows?

Hmmm.. With our tropical climate, hot and rainy seasons, you wouldn’t think that it will even snow here, huh?

So, where do you think we took this picture? :)

Taal - Cute Little Volcano

When you go to Tagaytay, aside from the cold weather, the main attraction is the view of Taal Volcano, known to be the smallest active volcano in the world. And while looking at it, have you wondered how it looks like on a closer perspective and what's in it?

It is cited in the Philippines as the world's largest island within a lake, on an island, within a lake on an island. Again again again... A Vulcan Point within crater lake, on Taal island, within Lake Taal, on the island of Luzon. Isn't it interesting?

Rock Climbing in Sagada

Have you tried rock climbing? Me? I have only done wall climbing. It’s my first time to try it and to think it’s in Sagada and not a man-made one, which most of us have tried, I am really excited.

After trekking to Big Falls, we went straight to the rock climbing site since it is already getting dark. It is time to use those muscles.. hahaha! Natural rock climbing, let's get it on!

Big Falls

Have you seen waterfalls, heard the sound of music they produce, and wonder how it feels to be at the edge of it and fall with the water like in a movie?

I have always wanted to see Maria Cristina Falls in Lanao and Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna. I know those since I was in elementary through books. But unfortunately, I have never been there until now… still on my bucket list… but not the falling part. I think it only happens in movies. :)

Although I have not seen those two yet, I can say that seeing Big Falls in Sagada is very fulfilling.. One of the many words to describe the feeling is “refreshing” or should I say "spectacular."

Sumaguing Cave and Hanging Coffins - Sagada

After  more than 12 hours of travelling on the road and many hours of waiting... Do we still have the energy? Of course!!! :)

The cool breeze of air... pine trees... small town.. rice terraces.. mountains.. locals.. serene place.. These are just some of the many things that gave us the energy we needed.

And our first destination? Sumaguing Cave and hanging coffins!!! Go go go spelunking!