Tuesday, April 14, 2015

TRAVEL | Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

The tour was planned as early as February when the supposedly visit to Baguio did not pushed through. Everyone was excited since this will be the first trip in a long while since the family travel together to the beach. So after endless discussions, preparations and planning, the very last day of March was the day we finally decided to see the beach for ourselves.

View upon entering the gate

It took us almost four hours of travel time from Kalayaan, Laguna to Calatagan, Batangas and everyone was a bit weary until we arrived at our destination. Although it was scorching hot, the scenic blue skies, clear waters and semi fine cream sand were all there waiting for us. Good thing we went there on a weekday as there are only a few people around and we almost have the whole place for ourselves. 

View from our campsite

Unloading our belongings and grabbing something to eat were done in a jiffy. Afterwards, some prepared lunch, while the kids immediately head out to the beach to swim and play while the others took their turns in capturing the beautiful scenery.



Rented cottage where we placed our belongings and food

Enzo with a starfish

Brent and Peter took their turn with the starfish

Venus, Brent, Romer and Vesy playing in the sand

Kids enjoying their day

Sisters

Love birds #1

Love birds #2


After lunch, while some are resting and the kids still playing in the water. Some of the girls walked towards the other side of the beach. They found some mangroves and a different stretch of wide sandy beach. 

Other side of the beach

Girls walking through a dusty path towards the other side

Jump shot

Beach Girls 

Jump shot, again

Cousins
  • There’s no electricity here, it’s best to bring your own camp light
  • Bring your own potable water and food
  • Allot considerable amount of time when taking a bath as it normally queues up at noon.
  • Don’t expect too much on the restrooms

Expenses:
  • Transportation: Rented jeep for 4,500
  • Entrance Fee: 130 Pesos Overnight / 65 Pesos Day tour
  • Table: 200 Pesos
  • Torch: 70 Pesos
  • Bonfire: 100 Pesos
  • Tent Pitching: 30 Pesos
  • Tent Rental: 300 (Good for 3)

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Bohol Trip 2008



It was the Holy Week, we were expecting to meet large crowds since it was a holiday. Yet, somehow, the people were at the other famous white beach island. We were here for the famous sights and of course the beach.




Boarding for Cebu.
We decided to just took the fast craft from Cebu to
Bohol since it will be cheaper than flying directly to Tagbilaran.
Kindly see this for the details of the schedule.


All smiles by the model who does not 
seem nervous for a first time flyer.


First trip together.


Flying over Cebu, approaching the 
Mactan Cebu International Airport.


Arriving at Mactan, Cebu.


After getting a ride at the airport towards the port, we then took the fast craft on the way to Tagbilaran port and from there we went straight to Panglao, Island.


Upon arrival, I went straight to the waters while
Gemma decided to capture the beautiful images around.


While waiting for our dinner.


The next day we went on the countryside tour.
First stop is the blood compact site where the Sandugo of
Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and 
Datu Sikatuna, chieftain of Bohol took place in 1565.


Then, we traveled a couple of hours to reach the Chocolate Hills which were initially called Carmen Hills since it was found on Carmen, Bohol.


It was a breathtaking site as you can see countless hills in the horizon. 
It was said to be around 1,260 hills but some locals mentioned that 
the numbers can reached up to 1,776 spread in 
an area of 50 square kilometers.


On our way to Loboc river, we stopped by a man made forest 
which were full of mahogany trees and stretched for 2 kilometers. 
Our tour guide mentioned that some tarsier lived here as well.


Ms. Beautiful was a bit weary waiting for the Loboc River Cruise to start. 
We paid around 400 pesos which includes an eat all you can lunch buffet.


All smiles once again upon the start of the cruise. 
The menu was very simple and the food was tasty enough 
to satisfy our hunger but unfortunately it was overrated.


The Loboc Children Choir singing and dancing is the highlight of the cruise.


Picture before the cruise ends.


Meeting the smallest primate in the world, the Tarsier.


At the Baclayon Church which where built
with millions of egg whites and not cement.
 


Dinner alongside the beach after a tiring day.


The next day we woke up very early
for the dolphin watching and island hopping.


We saw the dolphins in the wild.


It was a memorable experience for the both of us
which we hopefully could share with our son very soon.


We arrived at the famous virgin island which has a long stretch of sand bar.


We spend the rest of the morning goofing around.


And taking photographs.


Our ride back to the main island.


After lunch we just bummed around the beach
and waited for the sunset.


While occasionally swimming and of course taking selfies.


It was one for the books and hopefully we could come back very soon.



Boracay Trip 2013


It was the summer of 2013, Gemma's cousin Janice is coming home from Dubai for her vacation. Part of it was spent by visiting Boracay with his son and Mom. We tagged along with them for a trip in paradise.

Day 1

It was the first major out of town trip of our family.


Enzo was so excited to finally ride an airplane.


Picture with mom


Picture courtesy of one of the flight attendant.


Fixing his seat belt before the take off.


Arriving at Kalibo, Aklan. Leyton is so excited to be with his mom in this trip.


Milk break during the boat ride to Boracay Island.


The rooms were not yet ready when we got there 
so we just left our bags and looked for a place to eat. 


When we finally settled in our room,
Enzo quickly changed to his swimming attire.


Her beautiful mom also changed her outfit.


The sun was scorching hot but this did not stop the little guy from playing.


Running from the waves.


Playing in the water.


Or just staring at the beautiful surroundings.


We enjoyed the waves even though the sun is blazing.


Meanwhile, Leyton just sit by the shade
and enjoyed playing in the sand.


He enjoyed it so much he did not want to leave his little spot.


Enzo was also amazed with the beautiful little rocks he saw.


Trying to explain why the sand particles are insoluble to water.
Nahhh, I honestly can't remember what we're doing here.


Janice finally convinced Leyton to go the water.


A beautiful lady sleeping by the beach.


Enzo could not get enough of the water so 
we headed to the pool after swimming at the beach.


He was so tired after that.


We capped the day by leisurely walking along
the beach and taking time for photos.


With our very own guitarist


We head back to our rooms after our first day
in paradise and call it a night.


Day 2



 We started the day with a breakfast by the beach.


 While waiting for our food.


 All smiles before eating.


 After breakfast, it's time to head back to the beach.


 Afterwards, it's time to eat at their famous paluto.


 After lunch, it's back again at the beach. 


 Enzo playing at the sand.


 Trying to build a sand castle


Her lovely mom by the sunset.


 Enzo and her mom with the sunset at the background.


 Tita Beth and Leyton.


 Tita Beth, Janice and Leyton.


Tita Beth helping the boys with their sand castle.


Janice, tita Beth and the boys playing while watching the sunset.


The boys continued their swimming at the pool.


Another stroll by the beach after eating dinner.


With our new guitarist.


And her beautiful mom.


Day 3



 We started our day by just bumming by the beach.


Enzo is still sleepy but it did not stop him from playing.


Family selfie by the beach.


Walking and running towards Station 1.


Selfie 


Exhausted after playing all morning.


Last meal at the island before heading back to home.


Exhausted or sad?



Arrived at NAIA 3 around 9 pm. 


It was a trip to remember for all of us since it is our first time together at the world renowned Boracay. Hopefully, we can come back very soon.