It's more FUN in the Philippines!

I have been working overseas for the past 6 years now. I usually go on vacation to my hometown, Cebu, twice or three times a year. However, these trips back home are usually short and quick. The longest I've stayed for vacation was 3 weeks and that was during our wedding in 2009.

I have always hoped I could have a longer vacation in the Philippines so I can visit the islands and beaches I love. If I had the time, we always do quick trips to nearby beaches and resorts for day use. And when I say nearby, its just within Cebu province.

My country is very rich in natural resources and known for its beautiful beaches and islands. We have a lot to offer and its shame that most of us locals have not been to most of these paradise. I have traveled to quite a few beaches in Southeast Asia but realized I have seen very less of my country. I envy my friends who have seen a lot of these places. But happy nonetheless that Filipinos are truly appreciating the beauty of what the Philippines has to offer to the world.

Now that I am in Cebu, I hope I could at least make a trip to some of my dream islands. I know I am here for delivery and can only travel once my little bun is older, but what the heck! I think it wouldn't hurt to get out of the house and spend a day or two under the sun. So while I dream away and wait for things to fall into place, let me share to you the beautiful islands and resorts I want to check out soon.

#1 Club Paradise, Coron Palawan - http://www.clubparadisepalawan.com/index.html

(image from google)

I haven't been to Coron, Palawan ever and this resort has been top of my list since last year. Although I don't mind staying in a less expensive resort but if we have the moolah, why not go all out?! Hehehe

#2 Amorita Resort, Panglao Bohol - http://www.amoritaresort.com/

(image from google)  

Unlike Coron, Panglao is not new to me. I have been to the island quite a few times since Bohol is just 45 minutes away from Cebu by ferry. But this new boutique resort is such a sight and I could not allow myself not to include it in my list. I have read raves about this place and its making me more excited.

#3 Tao Philippines Expedition, Palawan - http://www.taophilippines.com/

(image from Tao's facebook page)

I know this is not a resort but this group values the beauty of Palawan so much that they organized an expedition which connects El Nido and Coron. The trip is not a tour between these islands but sort of immersion to the place with the locals helping out and explorers will experience the local life. Check out more information in their website. 

#4 Fridays, Boracay Island - http://fridaysboracay.com/

(image from google)

The second time I was in Boracay was to celebrate our honeymoon. We really didn't have the time to explore the island due to our tight schedule. That is why the husband and I promised we will go back and explore the island big time and we will stay in this resort, which I fell in love the first time I saw it.

I can't wait to visit these beautiful places. Indeed, my country has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. It's more Fun in the Philippines!

Sunset Watching in Boracay Island

No words to explain this magnificent beauty!

The most beautiful sunset I've seen was in Boracay Island, Philippines, where we had our honeymoon last January 2010. Since we were there to just chill out and relax, the activity we did most of the times was just lying in the beach, drinking the island's famous fruit shake, people watching and enjoying this beautiful scenery.

Next Summer - I will be an explorer in Palawan!

Tao Philippines: Explorers Wanted from Scott Sporleder on Vimeo.



In the beautiful island of Palawan, Philippines!

I've seen their feature in Discovery Channel today and I am just in awe. I've been to Puerto Princesa and dreamt of visiting Coron and El Nido soon. However, I never thought I could actually join an expedition in the island and visit smaller remote islands. All I had in mind before was to beach bum and island hop in the usual place.

I learned that the expedition is organized by a group called Tao Philippines. After reading through their website, reviews and articles written by other travelers, I am paying my highest respect to them. What they're currently doing in Palawan is everything I dreamt of doing in Cebu in the future.

Surviving the Ride to Caramoan Island!

Caramoan island has been one of my dream beach destination. After it became famous because of French Survivor reality show, its popularity from locals and foreigners alike increased. It is isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur, reason for keeping its natural beauty unexploited.

Last February, we planned our much awaited trip to the island. Together with my husband, my little sister who was also on vacation and my two beach-lover friends, we packed our bags with very high expectations and imagination of tan lines, white sand beach, crystal clear water and delicious local food. However, I would like to think that our trip was more than that. It was an adventure from day one. First, during our departure from Cebu, a low pressure was announced to hit Bicol (region where Caramoan island is located) and flights might be cancelled. To make the situation more exciting, we are travelling on different flights and first to take off is my little sister, alone! Imagine us praying really hard before each flight and at the same time trying to calm our parents :))

My sister reached Naga, Camarines Sur safely while for us, it was a different experience. Because we were too stubborn to believe that our flight will be smooth and safe inspite of the low pressure, we literally experienced a near-death experience while the plane was about to land in Naga. God must have heard the cry in my head that I was not ready to die at that instant, he guided the pilot and we landed safely with applause from all passengers. Whew!

We stayed one night in Naga City at Sampaguita Tourist Inn. We booked our room at the very last minute (special thanks to my friend's brother who lives nearby). The room is pretty decent and very affordable. Their location is also very accessible to the mall and bus/van terminal. Very much recommended for those who will be travelling to Caramoan early morning the following day.

From Naga city to Sabang port (starting point for your boat ride to the island), it will take around 1.5 hours travel. It is advisable to take the first trip in the morning so you can catch the second boat trip to Caramoan and reach the island around lunch time. Keep yourself awake during this roadtrip as there are beautiful sceneries along the way. Once you reach the port, few guides will be assisting you on which boat to take. If its low tide, they will take you on a small boat/bangka to where the bigger boat is docked otherwise, the bigger boat will be waiting at the port.

The smaller boat/bangka - our ride to the bigger boat.

photo swiped from my sister's facebook album :)

Finally, after a 30 minute bangka ride, we reached the "real" boat that will take us to the island.

This boat or ferry (as what the locals call it) is not really that big.  There's not so much leg room for you to move/stretch. And you have to really sit still when the boat is kinda loaded with passengers, vegetables and even chickens :)

Since the weather during our trip was not that nice, the boat ride was a bit bumpy too. Plus the occasional downpour of rain made us really uncomfortable.

After two hours of sitting still and praying for a safe trip, we reached Guijalo port (main port of Caramoan island) in one piece. Until now, I still felt sad that it was high tide when the boat docked. Otherwise, we would have experienced this... :)

photo swiped from google.

In spite of the whole travel experience, we were all thankful that we reached our destination safely. The beauty of the island is very much worth it. 

Next post: Island hopping!

P.S. All photos are owned by yours truly unless specified :D Please ask permission if you want to copy or at least give proper credits. Thank you!

We LOVE Bohol Bee Farm.

My friends are right! This place is such a happy place - Full of pretty rustic things. Food is healthy and organic. Decors were handcrafted and some were made from old/reusable materials.

Everything inside Bohol Bee Farm is screaming lovely. I want to visit this place again and stay at least a night or forever :D

My favorite table set-ups in their resto - vintage sewing machine converted to dining table, pretty table tops, rustic wooden tables. Love!

Their homemade Malunggay and Spicy Ginger ice cream is a must try!

Some of their handcrafted decors - inspiring and full of bold colors. These were labor of love from talented women who work in the farm.

.

And of course, food and drinks are healthy because they promote organic farming. Everything served in their restaurant were harvested from their farm. If you want to know how they do it, you better join one of their guided farm tours when you visit the place.

Yes, we can eat the flowers according to the tour guide (although we were very hesitant to do so :D). These flowers are edible because of pollination. 

By their name itself, yes, they have beehives in the farm :)