I am here to promote Albay. Oas edition

Cagmanaba Oas Albay is the newest destination of Bicolanos looking for that budget friedly beach outing.

Must do/see: Trinity islands, white beach/cove with no name. The beach at diwata imacoto resort is so-so, crushed corals/rock instead of sand is not friendly for my feet. The boat rental is a major rip-off, 1,200 for about 4 hours, two destinations which are very near.

Captivating EL NIDO, Palawan

What to expect:

1. The road is long and winding, hence, bonamine for the hiluhin. Van travel takes an average of 5 hours, over concrete yet bumpy because there is no asphalt overlay, with portions of rough road. Read: B-U-M-P-Y. May I suggest you set your schedule according to the sked of Daytripper vans which I heard is very comfy. But, your time in El Nido wont be maximized. If u want to maximize ur time, take the last trip, its safe, dont worry :)

2. There are vans at the airport, check them out and see if the seats are comfortable before committing and what time it will leave.

3. Do Tours C and A, in this order. Spare yourself from the hassle of scouting for cheap tours by booking thru your hotel.

4. So many food choices! But don't miss the real nido soup :)

5. Get a gopro or rent it but practice with it first, to get that perfect shot and angle make sure its not foggy.

Why Do You Travel?

Getaway. To get away from it all. The daily grind of worklife and family life can be stifling at times. Add a sprinkle of frustrations, unrealized dreams or goals, difficult people you have to deal with, and its a recipe for an emotional breakdown. Sometimes, prayer is not enough, I need space, space to breathe. To be away physically from the source of the stress gives me relief, a temporary high. While I know that this does not solve the problem, it still feels nice that for a brief period of time I was carefree, happy and content. It is educating of course, getting to see and experience a different culture, or way of life and be amazed by the wonders of God's creations. Yes sometimes it is pleasing to the eyes, nature's beauty is bewitching, and man-made wonders will leave you baffled at how it was achieved. But still, what drives you to explore? Isn't it to be happy and away from it all? Perhaps you might disagree with me, perhaps you won't. So tell me, why do you travel?

Boracay Beaches

Puka Beach, where the water is cool, and not too salty, is my favorite. Fewer tourists here. Peace and quiet :)

 Bulabog. Not worth it :) but this dog loves it

 Diniwid, hmm. docking area of boats for hire. Some lumot. Not going back.

White Beach, station 1, sad.

CALAGUAS : Mahabang buhangin beach

The powdery sand everyone is raving about is located at far end of the beach, when facing the sea, right side. It is not the sand that is enchanting but the sea and the view. It is a pity that its pristine beauty has been tainted by so-called resorts and tents that seem to think theyre pleasing to the discerning tourist's eyes. Add to that some rowdy liquor smelling vacationers that you will come across while enjoying the beach.

CALAGUAS : Waling Waling Resort

This is the only resort in the island offering accommodations with "ensuite" comfort room. I won't bore you with the details which you can find on their website or fb account. Here are some tips to help you out in planning your getaway:

1. There is no proper port in Paracale. If your package includes boat transfers, look for the "waling port" and you will be directed to a concrete house beside the bridge. There's no one to meet you there so just ask around.
2. Electricity at the resort runs from 6pm to i dont know what time in the morning. Pack as many powerbanks as you can for your cameras.
3. Bring earplugs for a good night's sleep, impromptu parties by other guests who think that theyre the only ones in the resort can ruin your vacation.
4. Do not expect that brewed coffee is available, so bring your "pressers" or ground coffee in teabags for your caffeine fix.
5. Always check the weather forecast. If there's gale warning, dont expect the staff to inform you about it!
6. Lower your expectations.
7. Towels will be provided, but not toiletries.
8. Good news! The mattress and pillows are comfy.
9. The sleeping area at the kubol sleeps 4 people comfortably, two queen size mattresses.
10. Have a plan B like Mercedes group of islands, or Caramoan, where its cheaper :)

BIRI Beautiful: How to get there

Biri is an island municipality in the province of northern samar. It can be reached by means of a passenger banka from the port of lavezares of the same province. The boat ride can take 45 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the wave conditions. Fine print: the waves can be rough, very rough.

We initially rented a banka from Matnog port, but after 45 minutes, the boatman decided to turn around and return to the port. It was a boat ride from hell, it wasnt my first boat ride, ive been to many island hopping sprees but this one was one for the books. Tip: check the wave forecast before you rent a banka from bulusan or matnog sorsogon.

And so, we decided to take the ferry from matnog to allen, northern samar. Oh the trip was a breeze, despite the fact that we were soaking wet from the previous attempt to reach samar. When we reached allen, we boarded a tricycle to take us to the jeepney terminal which was less than 5 minutes away. The jeepney was bound for catarman but it will pass through lavezares. The roAd was concrete thank goodness. In 15 minutes more or less we reached the small port of lavezares, just behind the fish market.

The banka fare from lavezares to biri is Php 50.00. If youre in a group of more than 6, its better to rent the banka for a special trip. The rate can be as low as Php700.00 one way :) Tip: waterproof your stuff! need i say more? oh and bonamine for the seasick!

Roughest travel ever but it was soooo worth it. Just look at the picture below.