Another climb to a summit with rain. It's harder but still... "The day ended with a big SMILE on my face ^_^. What a great day spent with great people. I'm thankful for meeting another great mountaineer group."
I went to Baler last August long weekend and ohh boy after 6 years ALOT has changed! I can't even find the restaurant we used to dine.
So after 6 years, if you asked me if it's still a good destination? My answer... well YES DEFINITELY! I actually enjoyed my visit this time.
QUICK TIP: SURFING RATE (200 per hour or 400 whole day with surfing tutorial)
A photo tease
The sunset is still lovely! The difference with other beach is the sound of the waves
New shake stand near the beach!
How to go: Genesis Bus Station at Cubao (Monday to Sunday) until 5am++
Genesis Bus Station Pasay (M-F) 10am++ only due to MMDA restrictions
If you are left behind like us hahaha! DON'T WORRY there's another bus station beside the Genesis bus station. You can ride a bus to Dagupan then another bus to Baler.
The famous kwekkwek/tokneneng ang kikiam.
Pardon the background lols :p Filipino street food.
Baler has a developing cuisine scene. During 2012 there wasn't too much option but now, ohhh boy!!! You have LOTS of OPTIONS. From your carinderia (cheap food) to casual dining to classy restaurants. Baler has it! I suggest you just walk along the beach and inside the "subdivisions" to explore the food scene. I can even give you a tip ask your fellow travelers for recommendations or even use Instagram check #baler and see the food trips of fellow traveler.
See below a taste of some of the food scene of Baler ;p
Try the pares, skip the tapa
Carenderia style I love the smoke fish! They also have a tapa. There's a tip box, please put some ;)
Now now now I know what you are thinking. Where's the beach!????
Here we go!!!
Be sure to wake up early to see the sunrise
It's a bit gloomy but you can see the waves! Good for surfing!
Sunset is not that impresive here but hey the sunrise is the best!
This year I tried the chillax approach to travel. Well the reason is I mixed business and traveling so I really don't have much time to go around. Nevertheless I really enjoyed Baler the 2nd time around.
For a list of activities here they are:
Hiking + Ditumabo Falls + Ermita Hill + Baler Museum and Church + SURFING (200 per hour or 400 whole day with surfing tutorial)
Prepare for the ultimate guide of enjoying Batanes. Here we go!!!
Prologue
Ultimate Tip
What not to miss?
Tour
Room
Food
Pasalubong (GIFT)
PLUS some random bonus tips
Prologue
Hello Batanes! It has been 3 years since we’ve seen each other. You don’t know how much I miss you BUT I DO! I DO! I DO MISS YOU SOOO SOOO MUCH! This time I’ll be with you for 7 days! Most people think traveling to Batanes is expensive YES it can be, but it can be cheap too. So how did I get to travel Batanes for less than Php1,000 ($22) a day and actually not hurry to go where I wanna go and just enjoy and relax and have some adrenaline rush adventure too? Well here’s the secret READ ON ^_^
First major thing to know there are 3 major island in Batanes: Batan (this is where the airport is and can be divided by 2 tours North[half day] and South[whole day]), Sabtang, Itbayat (go here the next day if you really plan to go to this island and to avoid being stuck [more of this later]) For Batan Island and Sabtang you can rent a room without air conditioning for 200-300 a day. And for the Php300 you can have the best room in the world! You have some of these options: A view of the beach, sunset, sunrise, or the stars from the window of your room. If you are good in finding the perfect room you can even have all that in one room.
I prepared 3 ITI for Batanes but before thawouI’m going to give some tips and a list of things hopefully you won’t miss.
ULTIMATE TIP: I have been to Batanes twice and I have experience tours from different locals. I'm suggesting 2 of my trusted tour local provider
(1) Batanes tour by an Ivatan via tricycle (trike) THIS IS AWESOME!!! If you want to see Batanes in a local Ivatan’s view Contact KuyaOliverJavier 09208855643. He is the Ultimate Guide of Batan, Batanes! Kind, funny, generous, handsome (tell him you got his number from Weekend Lakwatsero) Tell him you can’t wait for the story for the magical cherries, Spanish bread and the meowing cat! And ohh he got you covered for your Sabtang Tour too, he knows many people from there too! You can actually stop reading my blog he got you covered. KIDDING! Haha read on!!!
(2)Local Tour via Van/Multicab/Motor Bike (3rd one is AWESOME TOO!!!) Carlos “Carling” Asa 09264694994 he may have been one of the descendant of the Augustinian (ok not the priest!)
(3)Local tour via ATV THIS IS AWESOME!!! Batan Tour Jover Vargas 09054988003, 09985519656
The best thing about the 3 is they can wait for you no matter how long you want to stay in one place! Plus they can take your photos too!
***WHAT NOT TO MISS***
Things most tourist forgetting to do in Batanes
FOOD!!! NEVER miss to try the local foods. No diets allowed! DON’T MISS the flying fish, pakak tipuho and the other local foods
1. Fishing: Borrow a fishing rod from anyone who is fishing at Mahatao or Basco port.
2. Bike + ATV + Trike + Jeepney rides. You may opt to bike at night time it’s cold but use proper safety signal lights
3. Top load at jeepney (safe?)
4. SUNRISE, SUNSET, STARS/MILKY WAY: Lay around the beach for hours(find a good coconut tree for shade/rock), also wait for the sunset, and the stars to come out
5. Roam around the town buy some local breads, bbq, kwekwek, halo-halo, banana wrapped in crunchy sugary rolls
6. Talk with locals in sari sari store/bbq stall
7. Siesta:
a. Lay or sit for one hour or more on one of those green hills and just relax
b. Songsong Ruins: There’s a free hammock
c. Milky way (stars) during the night and early morning
d. If you get lucky you can opt to sleep near the famous tour spots
8. Cook your own food. Buy flying fish (Php10 EACH hahaha!) Buy organic eggplant, tomato,
9. it’s more of not doing but a BLESSING: Free food (by a baker), free bike ride(from local sari sari store), free ROOM (Than you Sir Jover!!!), almost free room (I love you Mahatao)! Just be naturally you and you’ll experience the kindness of Batanes people
10. LASTLY never miss to smile and great good morning NO MATTER HOW SHY YOU ARE.
How to go Kwebang Lampas Puting Buhangin (Lukang Beach) Barangay Isla Polo, Pagbilao Quezon
Why go?
The beach, cave, CHAMI :)
Still not convince why? Well here's the photos :)
Kwebang Lampas
On the way to Puring buhangin and Kwebang Lampas SULIT na ^_^
HIKE time :)
Puting buhangin on the way to Kwebang Lampas
Kwebang Lampas
When to go?
After
Pahiyas Festival on May 15 or the long week festival of
Lucena (Pasayahan sa Lucena (May 27-29), City Fiesta - May 30 (St.
Ferdinand) and Santacruzan - May 31)
What to do?
Beach bum
Sunset at the other side (jump off)
Caving (just 3 minutes away from the beach)
Island hopping
Trekking
Bonfire and star gazing
If you went during fiesta time free food, music and booze :p
How to go to Kwebang Lagpas Puting Buhangin?
"Taking Public Transportation
If
you are from Metro Manila, you can ride a bus going to Lucena City.
Recommended to take JAC Liner as they have several bus stations and have
trips every hour. They have bus stations in Kamias, Quezon City and
Buendia-Taft, in Pasay. These stations have trips to Lucena. The trip to
Lucena is approximately 4 hours. There are few ways to get to Kwebang
Lampas:
1.)
Once you arrived at Lucena Grand Central Terminal you can ride a
jeepney going to Pagbilao. Then another jeepney to Brgy. Isla Polo. At
the terminal in Isla Polo you need to take a tricycle going to the jump
off.
2.)
Another way of getting to the jump off from Lucena is by taking the
mini bus going to Calauag or any buses going to Bicol. Just tell the
driver to drop you off at Crossing to Isla Polo. Once you reached the
crossing, wait for the jeepneys going to Isla Polo. Or you can hire a
tricycle going to the jump off. (Not recommended for first timers as you
might get lost).
3.)
From Manila you can ride a bus going to Bicol and get off at
Pagbilao-Crossing to Isla Polo. I am not sure how much the fare would be
and how long is the travel time. I haven’t tried this one. Again, not
recommended if you are not familiar with the place yet.
***You still need to ride a trike and pay 150-200 pesos YES it's expensive!
Wait,
don’t get too excited! You still need to cross the river by the boat.
Then you have the choice to either trek to the beach for about 10-15
minutes. Or cross the sea for about 3-5 minutes." gladjaytor.wordpress.com
WARNING: Be
sure that you have a trike going back to the town or else you will
walk. This is what happened to us BUT HEY! I enjoyed it :) star gazing
:) and trekking at night :) hehe
Negative side EXPOSED:
Expensive trike fee 200 pesos fee well before it is only 100 peso
Dogs in the beach
Some garbage :( PLEASE refrain from littering COMMON guys!
How to go, What to do, How to go home -Pahiyas Festival - Philippines
Blue, yellow, red, orange, green and every colors in between. The beat of the drums! The music! The food! The beer the wine! The people. Ohhhh Pahiyas festival what a unique festival!
"Lucban celebrates the Pahiyas Festival every 15 May in honour of the patron saint of farmers, St Isidore the Labourer. This festival showcases a street of houses which are adorned with fruits, vegetables, agricultural products, handicrafts and kiping,
a rice-made decoration, which afterwards can be eaten grilled or fried.
The houses are judged and the best one is proclaimed the winner. Every
year, tourists roam the municipality to witness the decoration of houses"
From Cubao/Buendia/Alabang, anyone may take a bus bound to Lucena City. Click here. Tell the bus conductor to drop you at Lucena Grand Central Terminal where you can take a jeep bound to Lucban.
The backdoor route (Manila-Pagsanjan-Lucban) P148.5 pesos
From Cubao/Buendia/Alabang, take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
There's HM Bus line in Cubao and Greenstar Bus in Buendia. Tell the bus
conductor to drop you at the terminal of jeep bound to Lucban. [ivanlakwatsero]
Other Options:
via Manila-Lucena-Lucban
1. From Manila, take a Lucena
bound bus. There are buses that has daily trips to Lucena
City, located along Buendia-Taft,
Pasay-EDSA, EDSA-Kamuning in Quezon City,
and Araneta Center in Cubao.
2.1 Upon
reaching Lucena Grand Central Terminal, take a Lucban bound jeepney or
mini bus. It’s just around 45 minute ride from the grand terminal.
or
2.1 Jolibee Crossing - ride a jeep going to the Municipal of Lucban
via Manila-Sta. Cruz-Lucban
Ride a
bus going to Sta Cruz, Laguna. There are bus companies located in Cubao or
Buendia-Taft Ave.
that ply daily the Manila-Sta. Cruz route.
Get-off
at Sta. Cruz and take a jeepney bound for Lucban
JAC Liner 0917-JACLINE
5225463
9286140 , 927
1815, 927-6139
Kamias 2:00AM - 11:00PMleaves every 20 minutes
2 Mapagmahal St. Bgy. Pinyahan, cor Edsa,
QC
Alimall 4:00AM
- 9:00PM 09228522904
Araneta Center Terminal,
Cubao, QC
Lucena Lines
Tritran
What to do in Pahiyas Festival
Pancit Habhab (tip you have this for free @ the Municipal Hall, or if you can't wait just buy it :p
Lucban longganisa
Grilled Kipping
Take photos of the colorful houses (TIP: you can even go up stairs)
Morning Mass at Lucban Cathedral (San Isidro Labrador Church)
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine
See Mt. Banahaw
Art and photo exhibit
Grand Parade featuring a parade of Carabaos, floats, marching bands and street dancers
Awarding of Best Pahiyas House Design and Decors during the afternoon
Best Lights Design in the evening
Fireworks Display and Band Performances
How to go home from Lucban Quezon
Keep track of time or else you will be stuck :p Batang Lakwatsero experience this one
"When we found them, we hurriedly rode a tricycle to the terminal of jeep
bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna where we again saw the long line of
passengers. We patiently waited, burned the time with cool stories and
gossip, until we finally boarded the jumbo jeep around 8:30 PM. Marco
and Lauren once again did a top load ride, Gael, Darwin and I wanted to
sleep so we hopped inside.
By 10:00 PM, we reached the town plaza of Sta Cruz, Laguna. No more
buses bound to Manila, the last trips were at 8:00 pm. OMG, the Pinoy
Travel Bloggers were stuck in Sta. Cruz. Our last resort was to take a
jeep bound to Calamba then ride a bus to Alabang, unfortunately jeeps
were scarce that night." [ivanlakwatsero]
With our experience we left the next day so we can still buy some lucban longganisa, halo-halo and buy what local delicacies we can find. By the time we get home wow I have otap, puto seko suka in my tampipi. Ohh I also bought local bag and a hat at a very cheap price ;) nakatawad pa hehe .
After this we still have time so we went to Lucena Quezon for the Kwebang Lagpas (Puting Buhangin).
LEGO City exhibit is now open at the SM Mall of Asia! Check out the latest LEGO City sets. The exhibit will run until September 1, 2012. LEtsGO ^____^ Check out the slides below ^____^ wooot!
Click the following link to see how will they represent the Philippines's Map
For more than half a decade now, Backdoor Ventures had been diligently promoting the arts through a grand one-of-a-kind celebration that gathers thousands of artists of different disciplines and genres all under one roof.
This July 13, 14, and 15 the 6th Backdoor Ventures Arts & Music Festival is celebrated. This festival gives a complete and total arts immersion experience.
Experience the yearly celebration of the Arts & Music industry.
Experience the 3-day feast for the mind and senses.
Art exhibits Art workshops
Talks and workshops
Clinics / demos on painting
Theater/Cultural performances, Concert Slides
Theater/Cultural performances, Concert (VIDEOS)
Musical Live Performances by some of the country's best performers representing different genres and inspirations.
Dance performances from classical ballet to modern dance.
One Man Band
Taditional Mindanao Music
Triple Fret- 3 Pilipina Classical Musician
Brigada and Hoop Nation
Miko Pepito- Magtanin ay Di Biro (A modern twist of a Pilipino folk song)
FUN METER: Arts, concert(the best Jeepney Joyride + other OPM artist, performances (modern dance, classical dance, at may magic show pa ^_^) Food trip. Longanisa Davao ^_^ + Fries overload panulak na gulaman SOLVE na hehe ^_^
4/5 FUN ^_^ day
-1 for the feeling press photographers na nanghaharang ng view ng ibang tao O_o. Matuto po tayo sanang yumuko :) Yung mga may ID na official yumuyuko gumigilid kayo pang inde official kung makaharang wagas :)
Fete de la Musique (World Music Day) 2012
June 23 to 24 , 2012 (4pm- 2am)
The most-awaited music event this year!!!
Word Music Day was first celebrated in Paris, France June 21,1982 and is now celebrated around the world. From France(1982) to China, Greece to India, Israel to Pakistan, United States (2008) to Philippines (2007). Religion nor Political stance is never an issue with music *.
From a cultural event in France held every summer solstice, the longest day of the year, to the global force it is now, the Fete has now invaded the central business district of Makati.
Let the music heal your soul ^____^ ♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
Main stage back view - (c)Kimbra McCaul
Besides the main stage, there will also be other venues hosting different kind of music. Well it's too bad you can't be in many places at once haha I wish I had the power of Multiple Man! So the most time we spent is in the Main Stage.
MAIN STAGE
Chinese Man (from France)
Chinese Man (from France)
Slides
Main Stage and Society Lounge(World, Reggae, Ska)
NOTE: more videos from me later :p
MAIN STAGE Hoopnation Fire dancing
Brigada
the drum beats... the dance...
Pepe Smith plays "Beep beep" at the 2012 Fete De La Musique main stage
(c)npalfaro Pinoy Rock legend Pepe Smith plays Balong Malalim at the 2012 Fete De La Musique Main Stage to the delight of everyone.
Fete de la Musique AROUND THE WORLD
FRANCE (mainstrem pop to jazz)
M.Pokora & Tal - Hey Ya ! - Fête de la musique 2012 - France
Pour clôturer la fête de la musique sur France 2, les artiste ont chanté "Des ricochets"
Fête de la Musique Tendance Live Show 22/06/12 Helmut Fritz
POPa, Proximity of the Objet Petit a, Mazurka !, live, Fête de la Musique Caen 2012
*********
*********
Concert du groupe EQUINOX JAZZ pour la fête de la musique 2012
OTHER COUNTRY
2011
Some music are weird but hey weird for you might be a good music for me and vv :p. Well that's music! ♩♪♫♬♩ Missed the event this year? I almost did! Mark your calendar for next year and well you can still watch from you tube :)))
FUN METER: 8/10
Just 8 because my mountaineer friends went home earlier than I expected and I can't find Mafi O_o haha! I'm a bit tired since I have been awake since 5am O_o and yep I had a quiz in Statistics prior going to this festival. Nevertheless music=FUN ♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
I wish that there would have been more lights :) and the number of people is not that much considering this is a world wide event. Maybe there's should have been more advertisement...?
Intramuros Tour, Sunset , Sampaguita ice cream and special ube ensaymada
Here's a peek of what you will see in the slides later ^_^
Finally before our school starts again, I have the chance to see the sunset in Fort Santiago. ^_^
Fort Santiago Flora
Well @ Fort Santiago bamboo garden
The adventure begins... ^_^
Out first stop is to go to Ilustrado restaurant we went here just to try the sampaguita ice cream (Philippines national flower-mostly used in creating flower necklace for the Saints). We also tried the Illustrado Ube the weird thing is the price is 50 pesos if takeout, 100 peso if dinein O_o. Ohhh well other restaurant are doing this also. Ilustrado Location
Why try the sampaguita ice cream? I'm so sure you will be one of the special people on Earth that will be able to try it. ;p You should also try the ube ensaymada,
This time I was planning to take the route from General Luna to Fort Santiago (South->West->North) but to our surprise that route is close. The route that we took is from Baluarte de San Andres (South->East->North), the usual route that I take.
Passing through Puerta Real, Revellin de Real de Bagumbayan, Baluarte de San Andres, Revellin de Recoletos, Baluarte de Dila O, Mapua, Lyceum, Puerta del Parian, Revellin del Parian, Baluarte de san Gabriel, Puerta Isabel II, Aduana, and finally we reached Fort Santiago.
Intramuros Slides
Fort Santiago Slides
TIP: Try to stay beyond 6pm until the guard reminded you that Fort Santiago is open until 6pm only. Depending on the month of the year sunset can be as early as 530 or as late as 630.
TIPS:
1. Check the sunset time via timeanddate.com
2. Before you start the tour you should have printed the map and the information regarding each Baluarte's and Puerta's.
3. Wear a comfortable clothing, bring a cap, bottle of water, and snacks.
4. Start around 3pm/4pm so that you will avoid too much exposure to the Sun.
5. Beware of scammers/beggars. Only go with the legal one.
6. If you are going to rent a calesa(horse-drawn carriages) the rent is by hour. SO even youa re inside the church they will charge you. Last time we tried the calesa we were charge 3000Peso(70 dollars)
7. You can also get a tour guide Tour Guide (900 or less) for a different/lively/emotional view of Intramuros Carlos Celdran. Please ask the Fort Bonifacio Visitors Center for other options. This includes a 15minutes ride in a calesa.
8. One day is not enough for Intramuros, This is my fourth time and I still haven't seen all.
How to go to Intramuros
Get around: You have the options of touring by walking, calesa (horse-drawn carriages) or padyak (bicycle).
What you can do/see in Intramuros
1. Walls
2. Gates
3. Churches
4. Restaurants
5. Plazas, monuments, and public buildings
What you can do/see in Fort Santiago
1. History (dungeons,prisons,ruins, museums,)
2. Photography
3. Picnic area/playground
4. Watch the sunset ^_^
5. Souvenir, restaurant
The day ended as I see the sun sets in one of the most historical place in the Philippines. This is while we are eating the ube ensaymada :) sarap!
FUN METER: 4/5 the other route are inaccessible... nevertless it's a FUN DAY ^_^
Chowking, FEM I Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271339 / +632-5272903, [19]. 7 AM to 10 PM. Chinese dishes with a Filipino twist. Branch store of a major fast-food chain.edit
Greenwich, Ground Floor, FEM II Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271682 / +632-5220331, [20]. Fast-food-style pizza and pasta. Look elsewhere for authentic Italian cuisine, but it's a decent enough place if all you're after is a quick, tasty, reasonably priced meal.edit
Jollibee, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla, ☎ +632-5270489 / +632-5270505, [21]. M-F 6AM-8:30PM, 7AM-7PM weekends. Typical fast-food joint: burgers, fries, fried chicken and so on. Branch store of the country's largest homegrown fast-food chain.edit
Mid-range
Andria's Taste, Chamber 8, Puerta Isabel II, Muralla (in front of the Letran dormitory), ☎ +632-5366427 (andriastaste@gmail.com), [22]. Serves an assortment of popular dishes, including roast chicken and chicken sisig.edit
Bistro Marinero, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Santa Potenciana (near San Agustín), ☎ +632-5272261 / +632-5278461 loc. 367 or 373(casa.marinero@nykfil.com.ph, fax: +632-5272234 / +632-5272264), [23]. The menu features a mix of Western and local dishes. Special "payday" buffets, combo meals, etc.edit
Coco Bango Cafe and Restaurant, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Urdaneta (attached to the White Knight Hotel), ☎ +632-5266181, [24]. Offers Asian and Western fare.edit
Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎ +632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533), [25]. Part of a nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specialises in fried chicken (not the cheap fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favourites.edit
Ristorante delle Mitre, CBCP Building, 470 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (near San Agustín), ☎ +632-5595220. Features simple, hearty Filipino meals inspired by the favourite dishes of the country's bishops and clergy. The culinary team is supervised by a nun who formerly served as a cook to a prominent local cardinal, and the walls are decorated with portraits and mementos of senior clerics - perfectly in keeping with the sacred atmosphere of the San Agustín area.edit
Splurge
9 Spoons, 9th Floor, The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria (inside the Bayleaf hotel building), ☎ +632-3185000, [26]. 6AM-1030PM.Contemporary interiors, access to a roof deck and splendid views. The restaurant serves both international dishes and local specialities. Buffet breakfast daily, buffet lunch on weekdays.edit
Barbara's, Plaza San Luis, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (right across the street from San Agustín), ☎ +632-5273893 / +632-5274086, [27].Housed in a Spanish colonial-style building a stone's throw from San Agustín Church, this centrally located restaurant serves traditional Filipino and Hispanic fare in an old-style setting.edit
Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few blocks down the street from San Agustín), ☎ +632-5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph), [28]. Mainly Filipino-Spanish cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in the heart of the walled city.
Drink
If you're feeling peckish - or need something more substantial to go with your beverage - the cafés listed here also generally offer light meals and snacks, making them a good alternative to the restaurants listed in the previous section.
Cioccolata – Churros Café, Ground Floor, The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria (look for the Bayleaf hotel building), [29]. 6AM-10PM Mon-Fri, 8AM-8PM Sat-Sun. Nothing like some good old-fashioned churros con chocolate to relive colonial days. Also offers a selection of more contemporary beverages, sandwiches and desserts.edit
Starbucks, 15-A Puerta Isabel II, Muralla cor. Magallanes (near Puerta de Isabel II), ☎ +632-5274282, [30]. No matter where you go, you can't escape Starbucks. Sits not far from the historic Puerta de Isabel II, the last gate built in Intramuros. source (http://wikitravel.org/en/Manila/Intramuros)
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