Vote for the Philippine Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World!

The subterranean river located in Palawan is one of the 28 finalists for the New 7 Wonders of the World. Voting will end on Nov, 11, 2011

To vote:

http://www.new7wonders.com/vote-2


Photo courtesy of: http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/887500

Bohol-ific Long Weekend

Chocolate Hills!

We planned our trip to Bohol before the announcement of the August long weekend. But, we just initially booked a plane ticket and almost forgot to reserve a place. Just as we thought, almost all the resorts, hotels, and even rooms for rent are fully booked. Good thing the receptionist from Cherry Homes resort thought that we already reserved a room when we just inqiured :P So, I just had to pay the confirmation deposit.

San Pedro Church along Loboc River

The place was clean and just walking distance from the beach front. It has a pool and jacuzzi which operates from 8am to 10pm. They also offer an airport to hotel service and vice-versa. We also decided to coordinate with their receptionist to get a package tour. Given that we just have 3 days and two nights to enjoy Bohol, we just chose two types of tours: the Panglao Island tour and the Country side tour

San Agustin Cathedral

Panglao Island Tour:

The tour guide slash driver brought us to the Baroque churches in Panglao. The tour also covers a visit to the famous Hinagdanan cave wherein tour guides are 'hyper' in a 'kalog'-funny type of way. But, I must say the cave guides are used to serving foreign clients as I was impressed with how they speak and relate to guests, even if at times done jokingly. :P We also had the chance to visit the Nova Shell Museum where in the  "shell expert" is very knowledgeable on the economic worth of shells :) I personally enjoyed the Bohol Bee farm as it offers everything in organic style which reminds me of Tagaytay's Ilog Maria. It is just that the bee farm is larger and even has a resort and a restaurant.

Blood Compact Site

Country-side Tour

Second day made us experience the tour that brought the things we just read in books to life. It offered both scenery and history as we went to the famous Blood Compact site and Baclayon church. We had our lunch - buffet style (500php with entrance fee included). This is while we cruise the romantic Loboc river. Tourists can choose one of the cruise boats offering buffet meals and the schedule they are most comfortable with. We chose the Loboc Village boat ride. Initially, guests are a bit annoyed due to the long waiting time. Apparently, some arrangements confused guests due to the unexpected volume of guests by the crew. Nonetheless, I was able to enjoy the premium option of the boat ride because of the luscious view of  greens and calming river cruise. Never mind the lack in the variety of food as i was able to enjoy their Mais con Hielo and Fresh Fruit Selection. Plus, the premium boat ride option gives guests more space as less guests are allowed to the boat compared to the others.

In the afternoon, we were able to see the smallest mammal.. the cute tarsier! Glad to know that there are people who care for these species which are considered endangered. Visiting guests should keep in mind that following the rules in the conversation area would help improve the conservation of these animals. Aside from the tarsier, the province is famous for.. Chocolate Hills. The lovely topographical gift of the province is such a hit to domestic and foreign  guests. As our Social Studies books would say, the hills really change colors on an enchanting way of nature. The tour guide also brought us to the Hanging Bridge in Loboc and Bilar Butterfly Garden for some photo ops and tour. He was also kind to let us drop by the Shiphaus (20 pesos entrance fee) which offers a feel of a ship inside a house.

Bohol Bee Farm's Honey-made Organic Ice Cream (Php 30)

We are considered blessed to have this trip push through and the province's tourism did not affect Panglao and nearby towns. We are blessed to have this Bohol-ific weekend as we discovered the variety of things to do and see in  the province. Danao and other parts of Bohol should be visited next! :)

Travel Thoughts:
- Cebu Pacific flies to Tagbilaran twice a day
- Alternative route to Bohol is via Cebu City. Then, fast craft trip to Tagbilaran port
- Panglao Island is connected through a bridge to the main island of Bohol
- Cherry's Homes Too Inland Resort (one of three cherry homes resorts in Panglao) offers room accommodations for as low as 1.3k php to 3k plus php depending on the features of the room and the number of people with free breakfast. Contact: cherryshome.com
- Panglao Island Tour costs: 1,500 php for a car service and tour guide (good for 1 to 4 pax)
- Country side Tour costs: 2,000php
- Note that tour guide costs do not include entrance fees
- For affordable ihaw-ihaw along the beach front, try Long Horizon's restaurant
- Alona Hidden Dream Grill is more pricey but has generous servings for some of the viands offered

Loboc River

Barbecue Night at Heat

Located at the Ground Level of Edsa Shangri-la

Jz and I love having dinner buffet at Heat. As a matter of fact, the week before we just said to try other buffets but when given the option to have a free dinner for two, I chose.. Heat again :P We just can't get enough!

Where we Love to Have our Dinner Buffets 

When we were finally seated by the attendant, we just ordered our drinks and immediately headed to the barbecue row. We scheduled our gastronomic date on a Saturday which happens to be the resto's barbecue night. The choices are overwhelming: surf and turf skew, chickecn tomidon, traditional lechon roast, baby back ribs, etc. Since we got stuck in this row during our last buffet, I just got one of each to save more space for the salad and deserts later. But, that did not stop me from enjoying the roast feast.

Barbecue Night

My second plate was filled with healthier options. Receiving weekly advise from the nutritionist does not stop anyone from enjoying a buffet as oppose to what we use to believe :P . In fact, the salad bar already made our buffet worth it. It;s as if I have not tried the same caesar salad the night before from Edsa Shang that I excitedly got a plateful. I just curiously tried the equally-delicious thousand island and vinaigrette choices. My plate #2 also included my fresh  fruit selections: watermelon, banana, pineapple, melon, and kiwi slices.

Healthy Buffet Options

Time to cheat: I tried their naan with fish curry sauce which is very Asian in taste. It is a bit spicy, but just enough for me to enjoy it. I went straight to the dessert bar to taste one of the favorites - make your own crepe! Jz tried the choco banana mix. Meanwhile, I requested the expert crepe maker to do the same but with vanilla and dark choco drops onstead of milk on it.

One of the Best Crepe Makers! 

Just when I thought we can end our crave feast after the fruit fondue, my favorite pudding arrived! I used to sprinkle vanilla syrup on it, but I tried choco this time.

Jz's choice

Food thoughts:
- Heat is located at the ground floor of Edsa Shangri-la Hotel.
- Dinner Buffet starts at 6pm and ends at 1030pm
- Every Friday, Seafood Buffet is the them and Saturday is Heat's Barbecue night
- Price of Dinner Buffet is 1,900php plus for Fri and Sat; 1,600php plus from Sun to Thurs

The Favorite Pudding! 

The Heat is On..in Saigon!

Inside the Post Office

I CHANCED UPON A SEAT-SALE SEASON OF CEBU PACIFIC AIR AND SPONTANEOUSLY DECIDED TO BOOK A TRIP TO SAIGON. WHY SAIGON? I HEARD OF ITS COLORFUL CULTURE, WARM PEOPLE, AND SHOPPING PLACES.






WE BOOKED a Room in A HOTEL RECOMMENDED BY MY AUNT WHO LIVED THERE BEFORE. SHE RECOMMENDED FAMILY INN SAIGON.(LocaTED AT 84A BUI THI XUAN STREET,DISTRICT 1, HO CHI MINH CITY - COntaCT #: +8 48 3925 7461/ FAMILYINNSAIGON.COM). 

THE DAY CAME AND OUR SAIGON TRIP BEGAN. WE ARRIVED SAIGON AT 12 MIDNIGHT ON A FRIDAY (SaTURDAY MORNING). IT WAS A WEEKEND THING. WE MET WITH MY AUNT AND COUSIN IN THE HOTEL AND PLANNED OUR ITINERARY. SECOND DAY CAME AND WE WERE SO EXCITED TO START ROAMING AROUND SAIGON, WHICH IS NOW CALLED HO CHI MINH CITY. I JUST HEARD THAT MOTORCYCLE IS THE PRIMARY TRANSPORTATION HERE. WHEN WE START OUR TOUR OF THE CITY WE FOUND OUT THAT.. MAN, IT REALLY IS! VIETNAMESE OF ALL AGES, GENDER, AND PROFESSION ARE ON THE STREETS WEARING THEIR HELMETS AND DRIVING THEIR BIKES AWAY! A CHALLENGE WAS CROSSING THE STREETS! BUT, CABS ARE EVERYWHERE SO TOURISTS CAN STILL HAPPILY TOUR THE CITY. WE VISITED THE WAR MUSEUM. THE PICTURES AND ARTIFACTS IN THE MUSEUM MADE ME APPRECIATE VIETNAM'S CULTURE MORE AND MADE MY HEART BROKE A BIT, KNOWING WHAT THE CITIZENS HAD TO GO THROUGH AT THAT TIME. RECOGNITION SHOULD BE APTLY GIVEN TO THOSE WHO COLLATED THE PICTURES AND WRITTEN THE WRITINGS IN THE WALLS OF THE MUSEUM THAT NARRATES EACH STORY VERY WELL. AFTER OUR HISTORICAL TOUR, WE DROPPED BY ONE OF THE FAMOUS FRENCH ARCHITECTURES IN THE CITY - THE NOTRE DAME CHAPEL. IT REMINDED ME OF MANILA CATHEDRAL, IT IS JUST THAT OUR VERY OWN IS A SPANISH ARCHITECTURAL VERSION.

WE MET A KABABAYAN IN "BARBECUE GARDEN" WHERE EVERY GRILLED FOOD YOU ORDER IS BEING DONE IN FRONT OF YOU. AND WHAT WILL COMPLETE ANY VIETNAMESE MEAL? VEGGIES! SO EVEN GRILLED FOOD HAVE INSTANT VEGGIES AS SIDEDISHES.

NEXT STOP IS FOR SHOPPING! FOR THIS SPREE WE STAYED LONG ENOUGH IN TWO FAMOUS SHOPPING SPOTS: SAIGON SQUARE AND BEN TANH MARKET. SAIGON SQUARE IS LIKE GREENHILLS WITH STALLS OFFERING GOODS AT LOW PRICES. AND SINCE VIETNAM IS WHERE FAMOUS BRANDS HAVE THEIR FACTORIES (SUCH AS NORTH FACE, KIPLING, COLUMBIA ETC) , MARKED DOWN PRICES ARE FOUND IN THESE STALLS. BEN TANH MARKET OFFERS A MORE WHOLISTIC CATEGORIES OF GOODS- FROM FOOD TO CLOTHES TO APPLIANCES TO GIFT ITEMS. THE PLACE IS DIVIDED INTO WET MARKET AND DRY. CHEAP FINDS FOR "PASALUBONGS" ARE FOUND HERE.

Saigon Square

KFC Tart

TRAVEL THOUGHTS:

OTHER TRIVIAL THINGS ABOUT VIETNAM: THERE ARE NO MC DONALDS AND STARBUCKS BRANCHES, (AT LEAST OF WHICH I SEE PERSONALLY SEE) THERE ARE SEVERAL JOLLIBEE BRANCHES THOUGH :)



EGG TART BOUGHT IN KFC BRANCHES IS A MUST TRY! 

HOW DID WE FLY?  I WOULD GIVE CEBU PACIFIC AIR - 4 OUT OF 5. WITH A FARE EQUIVALENT TO 4,000PHP (MORE OR LESS) , AND A SMOOTH FLIGHT TO EXPERIENCE, WHY WOULD NOT I GIVE A PASSING SCORE.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The other Side of the Cathedral

FAMILY INN SAIGON HOTEL - 4.5 OUT OF 5. THE ROOMS ARE SPACIOUS AND THE PRICE IS AFFORDABLE (2.5K/ROOM/NIGHT ONLY!)WITHOUT SACRIFICING THE QUALITY SERVICE OF THE STAFF AND CLEANLINESS OF THE ROOMS! WE JUST WISH THAT THE STAFF ARE TRAINED TO SPEAK ENGLISH BETTER SINCE IT COULD AFFECT THE RELATIONS ASPECT TO THE GUESTS, ESPECIALLY IN NOTICING THAT GUESTS ARE OF VARIOUS NATIONALITIES.

Hotel Complimentary

Try the MZ Cafe Burger - MZ Cafe is just beside the Hotel

Saigon Morning

Cebu: the Island and City Living

The Cebu gang took a past-four-in -the -morning - PAL flight. We planned to visit two different places in Cebu province: Bantayan Island and Cebu City. It was almost six a.m when we got our luggages in the conveyor and headed to the taxi queue. We asked the cab drivers to bring us to the Ceres bus station, so that we could commute to Hagnaya Port. Ironically, when we reached the terminal, we just decided to take the shuttle vans offering faster rides to Hagnaya Port(with pick-your-own-schedule edge) due to shorter stopover.

Municipality of Sta Fe

Upon reaching Hagnaya Port, we took the earliest schedule to catch which is around 9:30am. After a two-hour calm ferry ride, we finally reached one of Cebu's picturesque islands - Bantayan! We checked-in at Santa Fe Beach Resort. After some rest, we just spent beach-bumming the entire day. There's nothing like exchanging stories by the beach and relaxing under the bright sparkly night sky. 

The next morning, some of us decided to go to Santa Fe Beach Club (our accommodation's sister resort), where Ogtong Cave is located. Our eyes were just mesmerized by the breathtaking view the beach club gave us. We spent a few hours doing the usual photo ops and enjoying the view that only God-created scenery could offer. 

Before heading back to the resort, we passed by the public market to buy some 'pasalubongs'. Since we could not contain our cravings, we dropped by a small decent eatery to taste Cebuano viands. We were more than satisfied with the taste of cold-cuts and dried fish - Cebuano style.

We also passed by the island's town plaza. Baroque churches influenced by European architecture stands out in the quaint town. We just hung out at the park after offering s simple prayer at the church. This gave us a clearer picture on the lifestyle of the people living in the island.

Upon arriving at our resort, stories were shared by some who opted to stayed as they had their own stories on how they understood the island's way of living more - simple and laid-back. This is through the semi-fishing villages near the resort and the kids that play along the shoreline. We also catched the amazing sunset view opposing the island. We made our last sunset in the island for the trip as worth it as possible since we are headed back to the city the next morning

--

Cebu city gives me a feeling of being in another country. Not sure exactly why. The nearest rationale I could think of is because it seems that the progressive city is similar to Manila but also different in a lot of ways (dialect, landmarks, way of living etc). It also gave us the opportunity to recall those things written in history books at school upon seeing Magellan's Cross, Basilica de Sto Nino. Fuerza de San Pedro,Casa Gorordo,Plaza La Independencia, and Lapu Lapu Shrine. 

There are also a lot of things to try and a lot of food to eat in Cebu. We have tried the famous CNT Lechon. One dinner spent in the city was also spent to taste the famous Pochero in Abuhan Dos which happens to be near one famous nightspot. This nightspot pertains to Club Ultima which is also famous for Skywalk and Edge Coaster Rides. The Skywalk is waking on a glass floor in one of the building's high peaks. However, this is only offered during the day. Since it was already evening when we dropped by, we tried the eliptic-edgy ride: the Edge Coaster. Also, we did not miss the night life in Uptown Cebu, where the I.T/BPO  Park and Ayala Mall is located.

Travel Thoughts:

would just like to share that....

- Trip to Hagnaya Port is 3 hours from Cebu City and trip from Hagnaya to Bantayan is 2 hours.

- Shuttle fare is 3k per van

- CNT Lechon is famous for its delicious lechon (even without sauce). This is located across SM City Cebu

- Club Ultima is located at the Crowne Regency Cebu which is walking distance to the restaurant that offers huge and yummy pochero - Abuhan Dos

Macau Mix: Food, Culture, & Lights

The Famous Sky-illlusioned Venetian ceiling

We decided to visit Macau from Hongkong, without joining a travel tour nor group. With one of my besties, and her brother, we decided to just be guided by our instincts. With just 2,500 PHP (350 HKD) of roundtrip ferry ride fare, we were able to make it to Macau. After immigration, we noticed several attendants waiving the placards of their employer hotels and resorts. Luckily, one attendant noticed us (it could be our very obvious actions) checking on where to go. The attendant happened to be a Pinoy working for Venetian. There we met our first Macau angel :P He taught us some directions and suggested to visit Venetian Hotel first. After all, he is promoting the place and he is assigned to guide tourists to their free shuttle bus! When we reached Venetian, we were more than happy to stroll the place, did some pasalubong shopping, and decided to fill in our hungry stomachs. Never been to Vegas yet, but my travel buddy siblings said that the place is very much similar to the Venetian there.

The Venetian - Macau

Remembering the attendant's tip to take the shuttle bus from Venetian to Fisherman's Wharf, off we go. This is around 1 to 2pm. We stopped for some rest and photo ops.


After an hour, we were all by ourselves without tips to follow so we just spontaneously decided to ride a bus. Before proceeding to our seats, we just asked the driver first if it would go to the famous  Rua Sao Paolo. At first, we were hardly understood as we asked in English. Good thing, I just guessed the Portuguese version of the names of the places and it was easier for the driver to understand. Checking our maps, it says that we can get off at Leal Senado and we could just walk around the place. Being alert is helpful since when we saw the Leal Senado sign, we got off the bus. We just followed the street signs and then we are there. While rushing through St. Dominic's Church and Rua Sao Paolo, we passed by street stalls and stores that showcase the food only Macau can offer. In an instant, I fell in love with the beef jerkies and Portuguese tarts. After reaching several historical landmarks showing the Portuguese influence to Macau, we took some rest and I just realized how I love the mix of Macau's history. We ended the never-ending walking and a bit of food tripping by 5pm.

Fisherman's Wharf

We took our chance by riding a bus - again. We do not know where it is headed to. When we saw Lisboa and other casinos, we knew that we were back to the casino district. We strolled some more, and decided to drop by Macau Tower. In the bus ride we hopefully is going to the tower, we met our angel #2. A contract worker in Macau, we called our kababayan 'ate' and she told us that we were right in taking the bus. We asked where she is off to , and said that she's off to the Macau Food Festival. 'Ate' encouraged us to attend the festival after our trip to the tower. Up in the skydeck, the view is just lovely! Macau is just lovely especially at night. Past 7pm, we decided to drop by the Macau Food Festival and we are thankful that we did. Exotic and native food of Macau and from the nearby countries (including the Philippines) are being presented in the festival. There are musicians and live bands to make the event more festive. What can we say, but Pinoy talents are also showcased because most of the musicians are kababayans as well. To cap the night, I was dared to taste the sweet and sour crocodile. After almost saying no, I gave in and the taste..... was just yummy! :P

St. Dominic Church

At 9pm we were back to the Macau port to take  the ride back to HK. It was a fun 12 hour Macau sidetrip.

Macau at Night: View from Macau Tower Sky Deck

Travel Thoughts:
- Take advantage of the free shuttle to Venetian, not only because it is free..Mote importantly, the itinerary can be planned more clearly if the tour starts at Venetian. It is more strategic if one would like to visit almost all of the main tour spots in Macau. The route if the buses ,and its schedule, also makes it all the more strategic.

Macau Tower

- If lost, no worries. There are a lot of kababayans working at the famous tourist areas such as Venetian and Casino district. You can ask directions.

- Portuguese tart is a must try!
- Be prepared to walk. Some of the landmarks and tour spots are clustered together but there are a lot of stairs and twisted roads between.

Macau Food Festival

:) 

Macau from above

Hongkong High

HK Disneyland

Proximity is one of the reasons why we Pinoys would take a time to go out of the country and visit Hongkong. But, many of us know that there's more to Hongkong like - shopping, food trip, culture, and theme parks that make Hongkong one of the most frequently visited out-of-the-country destinations.

For a foodie, one would know that eating authentic HK dishes is a must on every visit. Fact is, sidewalk stalls are sometimes even more pricey than some fast food and restaurants in the malls.But still, foreigners flock to these stalls to enjoy authentic warm HK noodles and/or dimsum. Posh food trip in hotels and accessible restaurants is also worth to try. 

Ladies Heaven

As a shopper, one would enjoy the famous shopping areas like Nathan Road, Tsim Tsa Shiu, and  Mongkok to name a few. For the ladies, HK is just a fun destination because it is the nearest home to H&M! The bazaars and night markets never tire the tourists and shopping until the wee hours in the morning seems to be a normal routine.

Aberdeen Court

For tours that would give a glimpse of the history and capture a bit of the colorful culture of HK, Aberdeen Court and Harbour View are just two places to go to.

To feed the child-like hearts in us, Hongkong Disneyland and Ocean Park are always the top picks.

Travel thoughts:

- Best time to visit HK is December when weather is cool but not that cold yet. For shoppers, it is August because of the sale

- Sidewalk food stalls are sometimes 20% more expensive than some restaurants found int the malls. But, it is highly recommended for tourists to try.

- Sidetrips to Shenzhen and Macau ,in the middle of the whole duration of stay in HK, is recommended. 

Ferry rides are around two hours of travel time to these destinations.

- MTR card credits can be used as payments to some of 711 stores.

- It always works to visit Disneyland in the afternoon to enjoy the rides and the spots. Plus, the castle firework show, usually held from 7 to 8pm, is a good exclamation point to end the day in the theme park.

Bacolod, Negros Occidental and all Its Sweetness

Ruins at Talisay City

We were invited by our friend Tet and Mark to attend their wedding to be held in the Sugar Capital of the Philippines and specifically in the City of Smiles. We were all excited attend because aside from being sure that it will be a fabulous wedding, we are also sure that the place has a lot to offer.

I can say that the Silay Airport is one of my fave airports in the province because of its modern and clean interiors. We checked in at Circle Inn Hotel. The place is simple but nice and is strategic to the restaurants where we planned to do our food trip :p Our fisrt choice was L'fisher but the place could not accommodate us all. The couple had the reception in the latter. The price per night is more pricey, but the place is classy and clean. The church venue is at St Jude. A simple church where wedding can be as solemn as it can be.

My mom was right in telling me that people in Bacolod just offer the warmest smiles and sincerest hospitality. Aside from getting close to these sweet people, the trip gave us the opportunity to taste the widest range of sweets. There's sweet 'pasalubong'  from a cozy place like Pendy's. And of course, how can we skip the famous Calea which is just near the hotel? As if the desserts during the wedding is not enough, we dropped by the pastry house to grab some of their products for... midnight snack :D Now, I am wondering why do people I know who grew up in this province are thin?! With these kinds of food?!

Bob's Baby Back Ribs

The city ,and the province for that matter, is not only known for delicious desserts. There's the famous Inasal, where we tasked at Chicken House. We also tried seafood kare-kare, kansi, and different kinds of ihaw-ihaw at Imay's Everything just made our tummies smile.. and gulp! :P

Tenderloin from Bob's

I cannot forget that our eyes also smiled with the quaint and close-to-nature scenery and spots in the city and nearby towns - from ancestral houses in Silay to the Ruins and Muscovado Chimney of Talisay City

Travel Thoughts:
- L'fisher Hotel rates start from 3k plus. The hotel is located in one of the city's main streets - Lacson St.(it is also near Calea)
- Circle Inn offers more affordable rates and is situated near Bob's and other food strips
- Maskara Festival is held ever October
- In Bacolod: Be smile-ready.. always. This is to reciprocate the warmth given by the people ;)