LaBoracay Adventure

Had my first ever out of town trip with colleagues and this isn't just our ordinary getaway for summer's sake, but it's something we'll all treasure and happily look back to. :) We arrived at Iloilo International Airport around 9 in the morning on May 1 and traveled for about 9 hours to Caticlan, including the stopovers for pasalubong, restroom and lunch breaks. I'm quite regretful for not being able to take photos during our long overhaul travel. Problems with not being on a window seat. Oh well. We stayed in Boracay until May 2 in the afternoon, then went back to Iloilo in the evening for our early flight back to Davao on May 3. Oh such a limited time yet it felt like a week of fun and adventure! :) I just can't believe I've been to 3 different provinces in just 3 days! Iloilo, Aklan and Antique are now my 21st, 22nd and 23rd on my list! :) Though we weren't really able to explore everything but still we stepped foot at some places in these provinces. :)

At the pre-departure area at Davao Airport and arrival at Iloilo Airport with CebPac's freebies :) 

Walked along the shoreline and had dinner at La Carmela de Boracay.

White Beach, Boracay

Went on an island hopping the day after, snorkeled and dropped by at Poka Beach. I always get fascinated with crystal clear seawater plus white sand! ♥

Here's one of the highlights of this trip... Helmet diving!!! It costs us Php600 to go 15 ft underwater for 15 minutes and it's all worth it. That helmet actually weighs 30kg and becomes 2kg under. And yes, using that you can still normally breathe. No stress. Haha! I never thought it could be this fuuuuun! I'd definitely go back for this. :)

If we dared to go feet below, we also braved parasailing! Woooh! I never imagined chilling meters above sea level is also possible. Hahaha! It's worth a thousand pesos but it's worth the experience though.

Dinner in Kalibo and spent our last night at Gohotels Iloilo.

It's the best time to just thank the Lord for His wonderful creation! It's amazing how people intellectually and creatively conceptualized all these kind of superb activities. These places aren't meant to be visited once. I'll definitely be going back here in the coming years and spend more time to explore! :) Makabitin ni nga laag. Haha!

Memory Lane Monday: Whale Shark Encounter

What made this trip unforgettable is that this was my first out of town adventure for this year. Our whale shark experience with family made it extra special! Though I've had some encounters with other sea creatures like sting rays, but this time I swam with them—the whale sharks! It wasn't scary after all. :) 

We left Talisay at exactly 4 AM on that day because it takes more or less than 4 hours to get to Tan-awan, Oslob, and the whale sharks usually show up only in the morning and we can't afford not to see them!! So despite the sleepless night due to excessive bonding with the long-time-no-see relatives in Cebu, we managed to get our sleepy butt up and prepare our things all for the love of whale sharks! :) We rented a van for 5k good for 10 people (back and forth). If you only want to see the sharks but don't want to swim with them, you only have to pay Php300 but if you like to see them in action underwater and take a SEAlfie with them (Nyehehe), it's Php500, inclusive of snorkeling gears.

This became controversial because of animal rights but actually they have set several rules for the guests to follow and also to protect the aquatic resources. Guests are discouraged to put on whatever kinds of lotions, are not allowed to touch the whale sharks, and are advised to keep a certain distance from them. They have some professional divers hired to check on the whale sharks from time to time as well.

I therefore say that we have special family ties with sea creatures to go back to. Hahaha! They all love water and I'm actually no longer as fond as they are. I'm now conscious with my skin. Charos! Hahaha! Seriously, I've just started taking care of my skin. I now use body scrubs, papaya soap, moisturizer for my face and lotion after I take a bath. I'm gonna be using facial scrub soon. Lelz. ;) For those who are very fond of soaking their bodies into the waters under the heat of the sun, I think it's advisable to use skin care products. There are a lot to choose from at Zalora. I have just stumbled upon that page while window shopping over the net. ;) Patty herself as a lot of advices on her blog too you might want to take a look. :)

January 3, 2014

Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu

Paradise

I've been to this island for a couple of times already but this one's something I enjoyed the most. Thanks to the weather it cooperated! My parents always need mini vacays in between stressful working days and Samal Island has been our escape since then because it's the most convenient and accessible beach resort to us. Practically, beach-wise, Paradise has it all. We don't need a Pearl Farm kind of environment because first of all, it's toooo expensive for people who only need a little break on a weekend. :)) Also, what they're only up to is the fish feeding which Paradise happens to offer. :)

October 4, 2014

Pradise Island, Samal, Davao City

Holiday Getaway

Had an overnight stay at Golden Bay Resort in Samal Island last Christmas with the family. It was the lights I enjoyed the most! It's an ideal spot for proposals. Achichi. :)) I fell in love with the yellow lights! Nagpatagbaw jud ug picture. :)) As a hopeless romantic person, I was imagining myself being proposed to under the lights. To keep the happy feeling for a long while, I passed by the aisle for many times! I created my own world—my fantasy world. Heeee! Gikanta nalang ang gibati. Hahaha! Mao na pag naay mag propose sa ako in the near future, dapat jud ani ka romantic kay mao jud ni akong gusto! ♥ Hahaha!

 Aside from my love (the lights!), nice pud ang beach. I usually don't stay long in the sea water sacrificing my skin (Arte2x Hahaha!) but the water is clean so I ended up burning myself. :)) Mabato lang nuon pero overall okay jud siya. Di pud crowded kay di siya ingana ka sikat na resort so peaceful pud didto.

We went to Playa Azalea the next day. It's situated near Golden Bay. I thought it was a resort but it's a subdivision. Thanks to our auntie for giving us the authorization to enter the place because only home owners are allowed there and we are NOT. :)) Very very nice view! It's overlooking Davao City. I could've enjoyed it the most when it's night time because of the city lights. But anyway I still had fun. :)

Our trip was only good for 2 days and 1 night but it didn't feel like it's just 2 days. Well spent! :)

December 2013

Samal Island, Davao City