Camiguin at it's best

Being an OFW where I am surrounded with tall buildings and greeneries, I am looking forward to come home to spend summer with my siblings. This year, we opted to go in Camiguin instead of Coron as last year, we had it at El Nido. Camiguin, the second smallest island in the Philippines.

So, the day has come when we met at Cebu-Mactan International Airport to take our domestic flight to Camiguin. That's the shortest travel, by 30minutes, we could get to the island since taking ferries would take a day to arrive there. We went straight ahead to our accommodation which didn't let us disappoint. 

Paguia Cottages.
The accommodation is located at Mambajao where it was considered the central part of the Island. The venue was not actually beach front but with a 2minutes-walking distance and near the boat terminal going to the White Island. Paguia Cottages was just 7-minutes by boat in the island. Paguia have their own motorboat (Php400) which you can rent for the entire day stay at the White Island. They have a multicab that you can rent for Php1,500 for the whole day to tour around the island. If you know how to maneuver the motorcycle, you can rent it to Php300-500 a day.

The cottage is good if you are traveling by groups and it is very affordable, a reasonable price for your stay in Camiguin.

The downfall of the accommodation is that they only offer breakfast (corned beef, egg and rice---entirely) but there are resorts nearby where you can dine in or to go. There is a nearby resto and a pizza parlor (just two blocks away), a motorcycle away (habal-habal) to Northern Lights and Perry Pizza. 

PC Google Images

Our itineraries.
We stayed 3 days and 2 nights in the island. The island is called "The Island of Fire" as it was composed of most of the active volcanoes in the country.

First Day. We spent our first day exploring the hot springs, waterfalls and the Sunken Cemetery. The warm mineral baths are raved by most tourists for their therapeutic and rejuvenating effects from the springs in the island. The falls are breathtaking and the water is so cold and enjoyable. We trekked the Old Volcano Stations of the Cross which we only finished up to the 6th station. We hurriedly went down to captivate the beauty of the Sunken cemetery. Beneath the sea rests the remains of what used to be the old cemetery of Camiguin. During the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan that lasted from 1871 - 1875, some area in the town of bonbon subsided, sinking the cemetery of the town to below sea level. We also visited the Ruins of the Old Catarman Church that was destroyed and partly submerged by volcanic debris during the eruption, leaving the main church and the bell tower.

Second Day. We headed to the southern part of the island, exploring Mantigue Island and the Giant Clam sanctuary. It is more larger than the White Island and the beauty is captivating. It is a white sand beach off the island of Camiguin. Its a 10-15minutes motorboat away that will costs you Php400 and will wait for you for 4 hours - just enough for you to snorkel and explore the city. If you want to stay in the island for a longer period of time, additional Php200 is charged. 

Lunch was spent at J&A Fishpen which gave us the time to chill and relax after the tiring snorkeling we had in Mantigue. Price was costly but reasonable if you by groups. Additional Php100 if you choose to dine in the cottages at their pen. Zipline and fishing are other amenities in the resto.

After our sumptuous lunch, we hopped on to the Giant Clam Sanctuary. The Siliman University Marine Biologists had taken care of this area. Camiguin have 7 out of 9 species of clams in the world which you can see them in the area.

Third Day. We opt to had the easiest itinerary on our last day. Since the White Island is just around our cottage, its the last but not the least in our list. We headed earlier in the island. Food is available in the area. There are kiosk in the island selling local viands and drinks. We stayed in this beautiful sandbar for 4 hours and headed back to our cottage as we want to explore more of the locals and the town proper.

Camiguin is a mystifying place with so much to offer. There are lots of tourists in the area where this is the source of living. But one thing for sure, Camiguin is a must visit island and for sure #ItsmorefuninthePhilippines .


P.S. Don't leave the island of Camiguin with their pastry " Pastel".

Bacolod: My hometown

I've been writing stories (so far) about my travels and how awesome the place is but It didn't crossed my mind to write something about a special place so dear to my heart. And now it does. Bacolod. It's where food, sweet dessert treats, smiles and "malambing" (sweet) people are find. So let me do the honor to bring you (ill try my very best...) to my place, my home.

"Bacolod?"

(Bacolod?)

Bacolod City is the capital of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is located at the Western part of Visayas, an hour travel via plane from Manila and 30mins by plane from Cebu. You can also travel by bus from Cebu and from other municipalities and cities (You can check those big yellow buses when you're in Cebu and Bacolod. They don't have website nor you cant book online. Be in the terminal earlier to get the early trip). From Panay islands, you can also travel an hour by ferry (http://www.weesam.ph/).

 

Bacolod Public Plaza where most of the city's events are held.

It is notable for its MassKara Festival held during the 3rd week of October. Known for being a relatively friendly city, it bears the nickname "City of Smiles". In 2008, Bacolod ranked number 1 in a survey as the "Best Place to Live in the Philippines". The city has also been declared by the Department of Science and Technology as a "center of excellence" for information technology and business process management operations.

Negros Occidental (PC Google Images)

"City of Smiles? Paano? Masskara Festival? Ano na siya?)

("City of Smiles? How? Masskara Festival? What is it?)

It is known as the City of Smiles because of its MassKara Festival, a Mardi Gras-like festival and a spectacularly vivid mix of dance, color and music. The festival first began in 1980 during a period of crisis. The province relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, and the price of sugar was at an all-time low due to the introduction of sugar substitutes like high fructose corn syrup in the United States. It was also a time of tragedy; on April 22 of that year, the inter-island vessel MV Don Juan carrying many Negrenses, including those belonging to prominent families in Bacolod City, collided with the tanker Tacloban City and sank. An estimated 700 lives were lost in the tragedy. 

 

Colorful masks covered the streets of the city during the Streetdance Competition. (PC from Google Images)

In the midst of these tragic events, the city's artists, local government and civic groups decided to hold a festival of smiles, because the city at that time was also known as the City of Smiles. They reasoned that a festival was also a good opportunity to pull the residents out of the pervasive gloomy atmosphere. The initial festival was therefore, a declaration by the people of the city that no matter how tough and bad the times were, Bacolod City is going to pull through, survive, and in the end, triumph.

Nowadays, Masskara Festival is a month long celebration of colorful masks dancing along its streets, group of local and national bands playing in the streets and bars covering the weekend nightlife of Bacolod and enjoying the sidestreet food along the busiest streets. This celebration is done every October. Streetdance and highlight events are every third week of October. One of its highlights during the streetdance parade is the Giant puppets made by the La Consolacion College Fine Arts students and the Electric Masskara where masks and costumes were lighted at a night streetdance with colorful light bulbs.

Aren't you excited to witness the Festival?

"Ano makita ko didtu?"

(What can I find there?)

Bacolod is more of food and the architectures it left from the Spanish Era and a lot more to offer. So let me break it down for you:

Pagkaon.

(Food.)

Bacolod is known for food. Fooood. (That makes me drool thinking of what to post; and being far away from home, I'm missing these foods bigtime.)

  

 Inasal 

Chicken Inasal (PC www.bacolodcity.gov.ph)

Grilled or barbecued chicken, as you may call it, was originated in Negros Occidental and popularly known in Bacolod City. Taste one of the best chicken inasal in what the city calls MANOKAN COUNTRY. The Manokan Country is where you can find the original blend of this Chicken Inasal. If you are visiting Bacolod, never miss to indulge yourself

in this sumptuos meal. 

The best way to it this: Pour chicken oil onto your hot steamed rice and flavored with salt (or you can ask for a garlic rice for alternative).

The best dipping sauce: Pour a little of soy sauce and vinegar. For some, they prefer squeezing lime or red chilli.

Cansi

Cansi (PC www.bacolodcity.gov.ph)

One of the must-haves in town. Locals of Bacolod City flock regularly to Cansi houses for its tasteful beef shank with bone marrow and its broth. It's good to savor especially during rainy season. Paired with steamed rice, hmmm, "namit" (delicious)!

The best dipping sauce: Fish Sauce

The best part: The bonemarrow.

Bob's Sate Babe

Sate Babe

When you are in Bacolod, you shouldn't miss going to one of the finest resto in the city. Mostly in their menus are all-time favorites of Bacolodnons and tourist. But one of my fave is the Sate Babe. 

Sate Babe is pork barbecued topped with creamy peanut sauce and paired with Java rice. This comes in chicken, too.

Some of their mouth-watering irresistible servings are their burgers, paninis, pancit molo and pancit palabok paired with their popular fruit punch.

They also served cakes and pastries and even hot breads.









 Sweet Pastries 
 In Negros, acres of land are owned by hacienderos where we have a wide plantation of sugarcane and that is  our primary product. Sugar! So, turn your sweet tooth on as I introduce you to some sweet delicacies.

         ~ Piaya

Piaya - best served with coffee or tea

This is the number one delicacy of Bacolod when it comes to pasalubong. Its a must have to bring to your loved ones when you're coming back home (or even just try). Its shape and basic formula are constant round thin dough with dark brown muscovado filling inside. It comes with various flavors and its is best paired with coffee or tea.

Try some of the pasalubong centers who prepares a freshly cooked hot piayas such as Bongbongs and Merci.

         


   

  ~ Barquillos

Barquillos can be paired with your favorite ice cream too,

The crispy biscuit roll is a type of biscuit snack. It is crunchy and can be easily broken into pieces. These biscuit rolls are made of wheat flour, butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla flavour where you commonly sold in souvenir shops or delicacy stores all over towns, cities, and highways along the provinces.

Another version of this biscuit roll is called barquiron. The barquillos is being stuffed with polvoron -  uses a large amount of powdered milk which is left dry, as well as toasted flour, and butter or margarine instead of lard - and comes in different flavors such as chocolate and milk. 

  
     ~ Napoleones
 

Napoleones is best paired with tea.

A tasty pastry with a delicious custard-like filling topped with sugar glazing. You will surely enjoy this treat and it may actually become part of your all-time favorite. This is a must have for "pasalubong" or something to take home with you for yyour friends and loved ones. 

     

  

These are the few of my favorites. Whenever you visit Bacolod, don't miss these out.

'Sa diin kita to makadto?"
(To where are we going there?)

Bacolod, despite in it's city life, you can visit the New Government Center, Negrense Museum and Negros Showroom. You can also stroll at the malls such as Robinson's Place, Gaisano City and SM. There is one newly opened Ayala North Point located in the outskit of Bacolod.

Negros Museum showcases what you want to know about Negros - its culture and its history. The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10:am to 8:00pm. Entrance fees would be:

Negros Museum (PC Google Images)

*General Admission - Php50

*Senior Citizens - Php40

*Students and Children - Php20  

The Negros Museum is located at the Former Agricultural Building, a historic neoclassical capitol building built in 1925.

Negros Showroom showcases the Negros handicrafts and products (from tabletops, jewelries, lighting materials, etc.) being imported and exported by Negreneses.

Negros Showroom is located at Robinson's City Walk and Lacson Street. (PC Google Image)

To get away from the city, you can also have a quick getaway to Mambukal resort at Murcia. Mambukal Resort will give you one relaxing stay with their hot sulfur  springs and get closer to nature. It serves as a gateway to Mt Kanlaon. Check their website for more information and contact details: http://mambukal.negros-occ.gov.ph/

One of the newly and famous resort was also built for family and friends, The Campuestuhan Resort on the way to Brgy. Granada would take you to your quick weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. http://campuestohanhighlandresort.com/

While in the city, visit the famous Taj Mahal of Negros, The Ruins located at Talisay City. 

PC Google Images

You would like to visit Silay Cit when going to the airport on your last day in Bacolod, a 30-mins away from Bacolod City, you can take a jeepney going there to visit Spanish houses and museums. 

PC Google Images

If you are into Organic, a newly built Penalosa farm is located an hour away from the city. When you dropped by, go head to the North and be with the Penalosa's hospitability. They offer seminars in Organic farming, accommodations and served with delicious organic food straight from the garden to your table.

Penalosa Farms (PC Google Images)

Dont miss out the restos in line for you, there are more to go but few of them are my favorites. So, here's the list:

1. Bob's
Bob's have many branches within the city. The last time I went home they had six. They have in lacson Street, and branches inside SM Malls and Robinson's Mall. Its a family business owned, you can see themselves really hands on these places. Don't miss their Sate Babe/Chicken, Pancit Molo and Burgers paired with refreshing fruit juices. 

Bob's Restaurant in one of its branches. (PC Google Images)

2. Lord Byron's
Lord Byron's specialty is their baby back ribs. It is located at Brgy. Montevista, beside the Montevista tennis court. They also served Linagang Baka.

 

3. Tikboy's
At the Terra Plaza Foodcourt, Galo St. in Bacolod, there is one small place oozing with barbeque aroma. Known for its pork barbeque, Tikboy's are got-to-go for every lunch-merienda and dinner.

PC Google Images

 
4. Felicia's
This haven is heaven. Located at 6th Lacson Street, Felicias is known to its cakes and pastries especially the moist chocolate cake paired with tea and coffee.

 

Felicia's (PC Google Images)

5. Calea
Pastries and irresistible cakes waiting for you at this fancy sweet cafe.  Calea is one of the dessert place marked in every people who visited in the city to satisfy their sweet tooth. 

Calea (PC Google Images)

There are more from the list I can give. Now, restos sprouts everywhere especially in Lacson Street. SM and Robinsons also extend to accommodate more retail shops to bring in the City of Smiles. Bacolod now is quite improving and a lot of development--being awarded as one of the most safest and greenest city in the country, who cold not resist to go there? 

This is my home.

The unexpected trip to Kuala Lumpur

  I stayed at Singapore for almost 4 years but never even reached an hour away by plane to Kuala Lumpur; though i actually really wanted to see what's the country has to offer aside from the majestic Petronas Towers I could see from photos in the magazines. (You know when you get to browse a magazines with amazing comments on certain attractions that you also wanted to go to but it always ends up in the bucketlist.) 

Until a discussion was open about the mission service in the community where I am serving was brought up that in need of mission volunteers for KL and I was one of those eager and was excited to serve without having any thinking of the expenses such as round trip plane tickets. 

Staying in Singapore, with a higher cost of living, everything is budgeted; especially when you are sending money back home. The plane tickets were actually booked by a friend in order for me to go as I already confirmed I'm going. So, plane tickets were solved. And here comes the "other" expenses I should consider about---accommodation, food, transportation, etc, etc. When I asked one the volunteers, he said "nothing to worry about as the KL members of the community already fixed everything for us---that includes the accommodation, food and transportation. "That was a relief, Lord!" Indeed, saying "yes" to Him assures that He will provide everything you need. 

Since it was my first to go in Kuala Lumpur, I would not miss on going to the majestic Petronas Towers. Before I go back to Singapore, I shall have my photo taken on its foreground. From our venue, we can see the towers brightly lit and was like floating in the sky. In mind, I should go there upclose. 

After the activities which we ended up quite late, the KL team drove us to these towers. It was actually closed when we get there, well in fact, I don't have plans to go inside it yet; to see it was actually enough for the visit. 

The Petronas Towers

I was stars-trucked with its beauty that my cameras were not clicking. I wanted to see it in my very own eyes how intricate it was built. One shot and another and gazed; so I have very few....as in I just can count it on my fingers....photos I took. 

The Petronas Towers

That ended the day, the viewing of Petronas Towers. But the trip didn't end it there, infact the team had brought us to different spots in the city. We had a very quick city tour and of course, some photo ops which I enjoyed the most. 

The skies were so blue and not that cloudy at all so we had the opportunity to see KL in a clearer perspective.

The city at daylight

The quick city tour we had on our last day before leaving KL.

The Kuala Lumpur Museum

      

There's more to explore in Kuala Lumpur. Next visit, would definitely be it. 

Victoria: the second time around

When I was given a one year visit visa to Australia, my brain cells went wild of so many travels I need to make in the country in a year given to me aside from Melbourne. I need to go to Sydney. Gold Coast. Brisbane. Queensland. Darwin. Perth. But I end up going to Melbourne and Melbourne alone.  Indeed, it's lovelier than the second time around. The visit was just ok--just chill and not too tiring.

It's a quick v-cay and an escape from the busier and stressful life I had in Singapore. Oh well. And besides, I need to make the most of it before my visa expires. (That fast!) So, the trip to Melbourne starts from exploring the city. I arrived at past 8 in the morning which I was caught with the busy and the longest queu in the immigration. Took the skybus, put my luggage in the travellers' locker and started to find that "Pancake Parlor" I saw in the Visitor's Guide. That was a good start before exploring the city. Unfortunately, from the southern cross station heading to Bourke street, I was walking for an hour trying to find my ultimate breakfast craving. (An hour walk, yes. Including the stops to get a picture of old Victorian buildings and churches.) I end up staying at the Federation Square where I could avail the Free Wifi as I need to ping my aunt who was staying in Melbourne to meet me for Their home will be my home for the 10days I am there. We did a quick walk around the city and headed home.

Docklands

Docklands

Docklands

Coffee Break at Koko Black

Take a horsey ride around the city

Got talent? Can earn of it in the side-streets of Melbourne

Painting using spray paint

The following day, it was time to meet the Koalas and friends and had lunch at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice creamery where they made some yummy chocolates and creamy ice cream. Of course, I can't say no to an ice cream! Grabbed a Salted caramel for myself. Oh, and they are giving samples for you to try their chocolate. The view was pretty cool and a relaxing place while having our lunch. Surrounded with beautiful roses, oranges, plums and apricots.

Isn't he adorable?

Watcha doin', mate?

Wally, The wallaby.

Truffles at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

My salted caramel ice cream

For chocoholics: 1 meter chocolate of your choice (milk, dark and white choco)

It was in my itinerary to meet up with my college friend who was staying in Wonthaggi for 8 years. I had fun staying with her and meeting her family again and some of her friends. As Wonthaggi was in the coastal area of Southern Part of Melbourne, she brought me to some beaches, winery and had visited Phillip Island again. Went to Panny's Chocolate factory where I met two workers who were Filipinos. I felt proud about it and very envy of them. Imagine, they were soaked with chocolate for the entire day!!! (Entire week!!) It was a nice catch up and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna miss her big time.

Mae in the winery

Amaze'n things at Phillip Island

Kilcunda Beach look out

San Remo Jetty where you can witness Pelican feeding

Mae and Moi

I want to bring this mirror back home

She's a Filipina. I so envy her working at Panny's Chocolate Factory!!! Imagine being soaked with chocolate the whole day?

During my quick city tour, I had myself booked for the Great Ocean Road adventure. We are about 24 in a small bus where we had a quick stop at Anglesea for a snack and headed to the Koala Conservatory. The site was a good start for picture taking but damn! My camera won't turn on. The battery was not there!! I left it charging and I totally forgot to take it. Good thing I had my Sony Experia with me and my powerbank. We went for Koala spotting which a few were seen, and had some bird feeding. We headed to the Rain Forest were we had a short trek before we go to see the picturesque view of the 12 apostles. The coastal view as we drove along the Great Ocean Road was magnifico. I wanted to have a quick nap before we get to the major attractions but the views were irresistible. We headed to the Gibson steps where we were allowed to go down to the shore and I was not hesitant enough to take that opportunity to see the golden rock formations. These rock formations were like gold when the sun shines on them. We also went to The Wreck where you could see the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard George. The weather was just perfect enough when we went there giving our cameras one amazing photos. I took a very few photos in a day's trip, a very limited one as I'm afraid my phone would drain out, (Damn. I left my camera battery charging at home) but the views will definitely remain in my mind how stunning were those. The Great Ocean Road is the fondue of my trip.

A day before I'll leave Melby, I was planning to stay at home and cuddle in the bed. But, I forced myself to get up and explore the city by myself. Why not, I was already there and make the most out of it. From Doveton, it will take me an hour to go to the city by train. Annnnnndddd give me a pat.....I took the bus and a train to get to loooooove city....by myself. Took the City Circle Tram and visited Melbourne's City attractions and did some photo walk. The Melbourne Museum and the Parliament took mostly of my time. The last dinner was pretty awesome with The Humphreys. I finally got my stacks of Pancake at the Pancake Parlor.

This is the best thing for tourist: FREE TRAM RIDE

The Parliament

For those travelling in Melbourne, you can tour around the city a day or two by taking the City Circle Tram for a free ride. Its a hop-on, hop-off tram where every stop where major attractions are being announced. In front of Flinders Train Station, a one-stop Melbourne Visitor Information booth is located where you can also book a tour to Great Ocean Road, wineries, zoos, etc.

That was a great quick get away for me. Now, why did I get in to Melbourne instead of different state? It's where I feel home is I guess.


For more photos:

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