JOVIAL WANDERER

Even if summer's long gone, it doesn't mean we forget about the beach - especially when we live in an archipelago like the Philippines surrounded by all these gorgeous beaches!

Related Read :30 Best Beaches in the Philippines - According to Travel Bloggers

Just last week - end of June and the start of hot choco season, I traveled to Bohol with fellow bloggers for a relaxing 3 day stay at Amorita Resort. Built on a limestone cliff, it is one of the first resorts near the stretch of the famed Alona beach of Panglao island and a favored escape for families and honeymooners (the place, with its interiors and layout just screams, "FALL IN LOOOVE NOW!"). That was one of the most relaxing trips I've ever done and it has inspired me to come up with this post.

*I still ended up going home with a back pain because, well, I can get really restless, tell you about it in another post which I link here once I'm done with it. :P

Cliff view of Alona beach in Panglao, Bohol

Here's a list of what I normally bring on trips to the beach. If you're not into beaches, you can also use this as guide on what to give to your beach loving friends and family. :)

1. SUNGLASSES
More than just an accessory, it serves as protection for your eyes against the sun's UV rays - too much exposure to which can damage your eyes and cause cataract, so make sure you choose a pair that offers UV protection. (Source : Mayo Clinic).

Awesome news! Sunnies, a Filipino brand that offers affordable and stylish sunglasses are now available in Philippines Air Asia flight (check out flights for your next beach getaway here). No need to stress out if you forget to pack a pair! There's a catalogue in the pocket of the seat in front of you. Available designs on board were carefully selected to make sure there's a style for everyone.

My favorite pair of Sunnies.
(I realized I should have worn my sunglasses but I'm not fond of selfies, I love food porn though :P)

If you want to purchase ahead of time, you can check out their list of stores or purchase online through their website, Sunnies Studios. (I love their kiosk at the Fashion Hall of SM Mega Mall. That's where I bought my first pair of Sunnies. You see, I've always struggled with picking which style would suit the shape of my face which is a mix of angular and round and the girl at the booth was very accommodating and helped me find a pair which I really love!)

P.S. If you're wearing prescription glasses, you can go for transition lenses that darken when exposed to certain types of light so it's like you're wearing sunglasses. Inquire at an optical shop.

2. REEF-FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN
We can all be ambassadors of nature preservation by being mindful of the products we use. Sunscreens that contain ingredients such as paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone can contribute to coral bleaching when it washes off. (Source : National Geographic | Swimmers' Sunscreen Killing Off Coral). Coral bleaching, which is primarily caused by global warming (changes in the water temperature), drives away algae that gives corals its color that may lead to its death. (More info here.)

*Sunscreen, as opposed to sunblock feels lighter and not visible when applied.

Looking for a reef-friendly sunscreen? Consider these two brands I've tried. (I'm quite happy with both which is why I'm sharing it to you :)). First one is Safe Sea. It helps prevent jellyfish stings without being harmful to marine life. I bought one at Watsons, around 500 Pesos for a 125 ML bottle, SPF 50. The bottle's almost empty so I'm now using Human Nature's SafeProtect, another reef-friendly sunscreen which was given to me when I attended a Coastival (post here). It offers both UVA protection & UVB protection and has SPF 30, which blocks 97% of the UVB rays (SPF 50 blocks about 98%). It's good to my skin too - my skin glows when I'm using it and it doesn't dry up . (Details where to buy here).

*More info on Safe Sea here.

Tip : Choose products that offers protection from both UVA & UVB radiation. UVA rays causes premature aging while UVB protection causes sunburn and can potentially damage the deeper layer of the skin which can cause cancer. If you're concerned about your skin tone and premature aging, choose the one that offers a maximum PA rating, PA++++ (4 pluses). Human Nature's SafeProtect has PA++++.

Related reads :
How to choose the right sunscreen?
Does a higher SPF sunscreen always protect your skin better?

3. DRY BAG or A WATERPROOF POUCH
Keep your stuff dry when you go island hopping or engage in water sports like kayaking by putting them inside dry bags or waterproof pouches. These are reusable and if you're using a reliable brand, it lasts for years! Though it can be more expensive than using plastic bags, it's worth the investment. It's more expensive to replace a gadget you know :). (Price range is 1,000 Pesos above, depending on capacity and the brand) so ask around, utilize social media to get insights from users before buying one. I have a dry bag from Osprey but I have not tried submerging it under the water so I'm unable to vouch for it yet.

Tip : Reliable dry bag brands (based on friends suggestions) that can be purchased in the Philippines include Sea to Summit (FB page here) & Blood Red.

A dry bag saves you from worrying about your stuff when you go on a water adventure
(Photo taken at Dumaluan beach in Panglao island, Bohol)

If you don't have a budget for a dry bag yet, you can also put your stuff inside resealable plastic bags (which you can reuse after). Ziploc - I use the one for freezer storage because it looks thicker and is very easy to seal. Some resealable bags are cheap but it's so hard to close it.

4. BEACH BLANKET

Do you love hanging out by the shore but don't like having sand all over you? Bring a beach blanket! Go for a brand that is sand repellent so you don't contribute to the thinning shoreline.

If you're looking for a sand repellent beach blanket, check out Lagu.

I have one which I won from a friend's blog giveaway, teehee! I don't just use it for the beach, it has also protected me from cold and light rain (Testimonial : forgot my jacket on a recent rainy trip to Baguio and I used my beach blanket to shield myself from the rain. No boyfie but Lagu kept me warm.)

Lagu Beach blanket retails at 999 Pesos. It's an awesome gift for yourself and love ones if you ask me! You can buy it in stores or online. Visit Lagu for more details.

Kudos to brands that promote environmental conservation! :)
P.S. It's also available in Philippines AirAsia flights as part of their inflight merchandise!

5. CLARIFYING SHAMPOO

As part of my training for an open water swimming event, I swim thrice a week in a chlorinated pool and about once a month on open water. While this routine helps me prepare, I noticed my hair is always dry and it has been falling off at an alarming rate. Every time I touch my hair, I end up with several strands between my fingers. Recently, I switched to using a clarifying shampoo from Human Nature that help remove impurities in the hair. It has helped addressed my concern with falling hair (I think using a Strengthening conditioner after greatly helped too). It also feels lighter and cleaner each time, especially after a two hour swim!

You can buy it from Robinsons Department store, Robinsons Supermarket and Robinsons Selection. You can also buy it online. Check it out here. (Price : 200 ML - 149.75 Pesos
400 ML - 319.75 Pesos)

6. STRENGTHENING CONDITIONER

I can never ever skip using a conditioner these days now that my hair is extra dry. I'm almost always under the sun and falling hair is a concern, especially since I'm approaching mid 30s. Reco : Try the strengthening conditioner from Human Nature. I prefer the Cool Peppermint variant - I love the smell of mint and that cooling effect on my scalp.

7. LOTION
I don't like having dry skin because it makes me itch so I make sure I apply one after spending time in the water. Fortunately, I have loads of lotion given by family and from some blog collaboration, hehe! I'd love to try the all-natural lotion once I finished all these bottles I have. :) (Don't like lotion? Another option is virgin coconut oil from the drugstore.)

Travel Tip : If you're taking a plane and not checking in your luggage, ensure you put all the liquids in 100 ML containers.

8. ECO FRIENDLY FLIP FLOPS
I'm loving my latest pair from Banana Peel's Earth Hour collection. These pretty, nature-inspired design feature glow-in-the-dark straps - I can easily find my slippers in the dark! :). It's made from eco-friendly and non-harmful materials. The print is made from non-toxic paint too. Most importantly, the straps and soles are soft and I can walk far in these.

Eco-friendly slippers from Banana Peel.

Banana Peel also offer a line with skid-proof outsoles so you don't easily slip off, perfect if your adventure involves walking on natural trails like waterfalls and rivers. (To buy online or find a branch closest to you, visit their website here).

9. FIRST AID KIT
The hiker in me can't seem to go anywhere without bringing a first aid kit. It's a good habit to keep though because you'll never know who might need it. My kit has bandages, medicine for diarrhea, fever, pain reliever and Betadine. (Reminder : Be careful when giving meds as some people are allergic to paracetamol.) Bandages can be used to cover a cut in case you brush up some rocks while swimming.

10. DURABLE WATER BOTTLE

Keeping yourself hydrated has a lot of benefits - you think clearly, your skin looks fresh and more! (Tip: Drink before you feel thirsty to avoid getting dehydrated). I usually bring a water bottle with me so I can drink while traveling and fill it up again at the hotel. If you're also into hiking, best to get one that won't shatter easily. My mind has the tendency to wander and think about random things (Can you relate? Like, you need to brush your teeth and suddenly, you remember a photo of a rainbow cake you saw online and you suddenly decide you have to get one later so you need to rearrange your day just so you can squeeze a quick trip to a cafe!). As a result, I often drop things - including my phone (Samsung S5 is so durable!) which is why a reliable water bottle is exactly what I need in my life.

Tip : Nalgene is a really good brand! I have not broken any bottle and I take them everywhere! :P You can buy one from R.O.X., Conquer Outdoor Shop (Robinson's Forum in Mandaluyong). Price depends on the size and model.

11. GARBAGE BAG
Again, this is another "habit" from hiking. I can't seem to pack my bag without bringing my own trash bag so I can dispose waste properly. Being an outdoor lover means doing your share in preserving the beauty of nature. For beach trips, I just bring a small bag where I can put food wrappers and other rubbish. It was also very useful when I went on trip once and this adorable little girl puked inside the van. :P

How about you? What's in your beach bag? Please feel free to share! :)

Pacsafe, a reliable brand providing stylish and secure anti-theft bags and accessories has finally opened its flagship store and it’s right here in the Philippines! Located at the ground floor of Glorietta 5 in Makati city, it carries a wide range of products designed to protect travelers' valuables from theft - from luggage, carry-ons and accessories (camera straps, TSA-approved locks, steel wire mesh, RFID blocking wallets and more!).

The simple and gorgeous Pacsafe Venturesafe X30, I WANT THIS!

Here’s a preview of what they carry in their store.

Pacsafe's Flagship store in Glorietta 5 (Photo from Nuffnang Philippines)

Picture below shows their Adventure Collection for travelers who are always on the move (ehem!)

Note :Some of the photos were taken with permission from staff when I attended the store launch last July 20, 2016.

My pick : As someone who loves to travel light and go for quick day hikes, I’d choose the Venturesafe X22 or the X30. These are the green and blue backpacks in the photo below. It has the features which I find fitting for an adventure such as a built-in raincover, slashguards and more. (Full specs are listed on the Pacsafe site. Click here. Venturesafe X22 retails at 6,990 Pesos)

Below is a shot of Pacsafe’s Urban Collection. These are bags designed for everyday use of city dwellers like shoulder bags and sling bags.

For jetsetting travelers who prefer to bring luggages, the Leisure Collection’s for you!

Here are some of the cool safety features of all Pacsafe bags listed on their website:

-lightweight eXomesh slashguards are concealed in the vulnerable areas of the bag. Simply put, some areas of the bag are protected from slashing, offering extra protection from thieves who use the knife as their ammo for stealing.

-RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets and material. The RFID microchip in most passports and credit cards contain personal information that can be stolen and used against you with a device called an RFID reader. Pacsafe bags has pockets that are RFID safe. It blocks all transmissions between 10MHZ-3GHZ which covers the radio frequency used in most e-passports and credit cards.

-Carrysafe slahsguard strap – the bag straps contain a lightweight stainless steel wire

that prevents snatchers from detaching it from your bag and running off with your belongings

-Puncture resistant ToughZip. Ever seen that video of a luggage that can easily be opened using a ballpoint pen? With Pacsafe, you don’t have to worry about your stuff being pulled out from your bag or have wanted items put in just as easily.

For a full range of Pacsafe’s anti theft features, visit their website here.

With its stylish and functional design, Pacsafe bags come at a steeper price than regular bags, averaging from 3000-9,000 Pesos for the adventure & urban collection depending on the model – a reasonable amount for the security and priceless peace of mind it provides. You can check out prices by visiting Pacsafe in Glorietta or online at Lazada.

Pacsafe, an advocate of sea turtle conservation

On the brand’s logo, you’ll notice an image of a sea turtle. For Pacsafe, these endangered marine animals represent the bold nature of a global traveler. Sea turtles spent most of their times at sea but travel miles to nest on specific beaches. According to this post from the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program site, turtles lay their eggs within 5 to 35 miles where they were born or nested in the past. What an adventure that is! As part of Pacsafe’s commitment to preserving the sea turtles, they launched a Pacsafe Turtle Fund in 2014 which grants funding to sea turtle conservation projects.

As they launched their flagship store, Pacsafe provided a grant to Bataan Peninsula Tourism Council Foundation Inc to rehabilitate the Pawikan Conservation Center in Brgy. Nagbalayong in Morong, Bataan.

Awarding of Kick-off fund by Pacsafe’s Co-Founder Magnus McGlashan to Bataan Peninsula
Tourism Council Foundation (BPTCFI) (Photo fr Nuffnang PH)

Travel Tip : A great time to visit the Pawikan Conservation Center is during the Pawikan Festival, held every last week of November, the highlight of which is the release of the sea turtle hatchlings back into the sea. Curious about what goes on during the Pawikan Festival? Check out my friend’s post here.

Where to buy Pacsafe anti-theft bags

Aside from their flagship store at the ground floor of Glorietta 5, find authorized retailers by by visiting Pacsafe’s website here.

Buying tips :

-To purchase online or to check the prices of some of their merchandise, visit Lazada.

-For sales and promo alerts, like their Facebook Page (PacsafePH), or follow their Instagram @pacsafeph.

Pacsafe flagship store

Ground Floor, Glorietta 5, Makati City, Philippines

Website : http://www.pacsafe.com/

Last June, I joined fellow bloggers for a three day stay at Amorita, a cliffside resort near the stretch of the famed Alona beach of Panglao island. Though I was still sore everywhere from playing in the Corporate Football League and swim training , this relaxing trip was exactly what I needed to cap off a physically grueling month. (While I'm no professional athlete and not required to subject myself to this kind of torture, I enjoy physical activities because it keeps my mood at bay. I tend to be a little crazy and grouchy if I don't sweat. :P)

marine sanctuary at the back of Amorita resort

From Manila, we flew via Air Asia to Tagbilaran, the provincial capital of Bohol. Domestic flights of Air Asia depart from NAIA Terminal 4, which had been renovated and much to the delight of my frequently hungry stomach - has now more options for food and brewed coffee at the departure area (There's Papa John's, Cinnabon, Krispy Kreme, Seattle's Best and more).

Boarding Air Asia's air bus to Tagbilaran city, Bohol

From Tagbilaran airport, we were picked up by the resort shuttle and we traveled another 30-40 minutes to Panglao island.

"Honeymoon" suite for one
Our first day was all about getting oriented with the resort. I stayed in a spacious - 80 sqm to be precise :P, one bedroom suite. Its earthy colors - a mix of brown, black white and grey is relaxing to the eyes while the dim, yellow lighting exuded a romantic and sexy vibe.

This photo shows the kitchen, living room and balcony area of my one bedroom suite at Amorita.

To me, it feels like a room fitting for sultry interactions. It was mocking me, a budding spinster. I managed to stand my ground and I truly enjoyed my room. The welcome treats - a basket of fruits and a jar of chocolate cookies (which were heavenly by the way!) helped.

Here's a collage of the bedroom and the spacious bathroom

It was so quiet inside my room, I could hear my thoughts - and my thoughts go around my head like fruits being processed in a blender, it's noisy and it gets messy. :P I decided to put on some music from my phone so I can regain my focus. Thankfully, there's a loudbasstard amplifier in my room. My phone fit perfectly in the slot and music sounded crisp. (My playlist for the entire trip was "Beach Vibes" by Spotify. If you want to listen to it, just search for it on Spotify :)).

During our stay, I managed to try the comfortable king-size bed inside my room and the two day beds outside. What can I say, I love sleep. :)

You really don't need to go out much when you're staying at Amorita. For food, there's Saffron restaurant which serves Boholano and Western dishes and Tomar, a tapas bar. (Tip from one foodie to another : The chocolate milk served at the breakfast buffet is really good, it's like a melted chocolate bar minus the sickeningly sweet taste. Had I discovered it before I consumed three heaping plates of food, I would have skipped the other dishes. :P)

Saffron Restaurant.

The food at Tomar where we dined on the second night was delightfully memorable. Everything was a harmonious combination of herbs and spices. Unfortunately, I got overly enthusiastic at eating, I wasn't able to take as much photos as I wanted and I ended with this messy shot below. While I'm a little embarrassed about that photo, I have no regrets - especially when I think about all the time I spent on actually eating rather than trying to get a good shot. (That said, I have no beef with people who love taking food shots within a reasonable time and I admire those who can take beautiful food shots so effortlessly!)

One of the many plates of tapas I enjoyed that evening. I am just shameless.

Amorita offers packages inclusive for website and direct bookings: unlimited beverages including standard wines, local beers, and house cocktails from 12 noon to 8PM at Saffron Restaurant, Tomar Bar, and Azotea Lounge, per paid night stay. To book, click here.

If you're into sports and water activities, you can also try volleyball, kayaking, paddleboarding and SCUBA diving. Amorita has its own in-house dive center along Alona beach which is managed by PADI-certified Sea Explorers Philippines.

Amorita has its own access to a protected marine sanctuary that has lots of colorful fishes and corals. It has a narrow shore with a few lounge chairs for sunbathers. I rarely stay put whenever I see water so I decided for a solo swim at 3:00 PM. Seeing that I was swimming alone, one of the supervisors (?) was kind enough to ask the guard watch over me. I was advised to stay close to shore which I obediently followed. What I love about the water here is that you can see the bottom of the sea so it feels less intimidating while the area past the buoys which is off limits anyway, is where you can find the deeper, bluer section of the water. I swam for a good 40 minutes - shoving thoughts of violent sea creatures attacking me.

The marine sanctuary at the back of Amorita Resort

Me and my new found friend, Abi from Sting Like Abi tried tandem kayaking on our last day. The use of kayak is free when you're staying at Amorita and it's just a short, 15 minute paddle from Alona beach to the marine sanctuary at the back of the resort. After kayaking, we joined Edgar for some more snorkeling.

I also love that there's plenty of amenites at Amorita when you're not in the mood to do anything.There's plenty of lounge chairs around - near the rooms and beside the pool area, it's perfect for someone who prefers to do nothing - which I also enjoy once in a while. The massage at Sea Tree Spa is also a treat. While you can choose to have it in your room, I opted to enjoy it at the facility itself which is situated just beside the reception area. Its warm decors, friendly staff and most importantly, the massage itself was soothing. I was totally relieved of muscle sores.

Infinity pool beside Saffron Restaurant, offering a view of the Bohol Sea

Then there's the infinity pool. It looks small when you're staring at it from the pool side but when we did an evening swam, I realized it's not as short as I thought it was, it's probably at least 20 meters long and you should be able to enjoy a good pool work-out.

Other activities outside the resort include island hopping, snorkeling and dolphin watching. From Alona beach, we rode a boat that took us near Pamilacan island to watch dolphins in their usual playground. I put up a video of the dolphins on my Instagram account. Click here to watch the clip. :) Exuding a carefree character, dolphins feels so amazing to see in the wild. Their movement in the water is contagious, nearly everyone in the group exclaimed when they saw them come out.

Our boat docking at Balicasag island.

Balicasag island which can be combined with a trip to Pamilacan is a popular site for diving and snorkeling. The water is azure and you can already find fishes and vibrant corals in the shallow area. Of course, it's also exciting to venture into the deeper section of the ocean which we discovered in the area where we snorkeled. It was a sheer drop, thankfully, the currents weren't strong. (More information on diving and snorkeling at Balicasag island at the Sea Explorers website)

Other places of interest near Amorita resort include Alona beach, a 1.5 KM stretch of beach and can be considered as the center of tourist activity in Panglao island. Also a good visit is Bohol Bee Farm. Located just 8.8 KM away from Amorita, it serves delicious, organic dishes. They also have a store which has souvenirs and farm products (I love their squash muffins and their ice cream!) For more information on where to go in Bohol, visit their provincial tourism website, here. (Oh BTW, when you pass by Tagbilaran city, please try the food at Garden Cafe, a restaurant that gives employment opportunities to the deaf.:))

Amorita is a Spanish word which means "My Little Darling". During our stay, the resort, with its amiable staff, classy rooms, great food and amenities has won me over. What an honor it was to finally meet Bohol's Little Darling!

Group photo before flying back to Manila with Ms. Kata Agmata of Amorita Resort and fellow bloggers, (L-R) Edgar of EAZYTraveler, Melo fr Out of Town Blog, Mervin fr Pinoy Adventurista, Me, Nina Fuentes of Just Wandering
and Abi fr Sting Like Abi

(Related Post : In 2010, I went on a kayak trip in Panglao with Buzzy Budlong. In 2009, he and Singaporean adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow established the first kayak trail in the Philippines starting from Sarangani to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Post here)

Room Rates :PHP 11,607 - one bedroom suite
- Includes daily breakfast, round trip airport or seaport transfers, government tax. Only 50% deposit is taken upon booking. Refundable subject to applicable cancellation policy.
Other room types are available. Visit the Amorita Resort website for more information.

How to get to Amorita Resort?

From Manila, take a flight to Tagbilaran city. From Tagbilaran, travel by van/tricycle/jeep to Panglao island. Ask driver to drop you off at Amorita Resort.

Amorita guests can be picked up by the resort shuttle from the airport or seaport.

*Air Asia has daily flights to Tagbilaran. For fares and schedules, visit airasia.com.

Amorita Resort
1 Ester A. Lim Drive,Barangay Tawala, Alona Beach
Panglao Island, Bohol
Facebook Page : Amorita Resort
Instagram : @AmoritaResortBohol
Bookings can be done directly through their website, www.amoritaresort.com. You can also get special rates through Agoda. Click here to book.
Vacation Packages check here.

Trip Advisor reviews here

Manila Office :Landline: +632 856 1443 | 553 9549
Mobile Number:+63 0917 861 9441
Resort's contact numbers :
Landline: +63 38 502 9002
Mobile: 0917 726 4526

Amorita Resort is not just for vacationers, it is also open to those who need a venue for a corporate function or a celebration in the family. To inquire, get in touch with the resort directly.

For discounted rates, check out Agoda.

For details on package rates, email inquiries@one-ofcollection.com

Amorita Resort is under the One-of Collection, the same company that owns The Funny Lion resort (Coron), Sta. Monica Beach Club (Dumaguete) and Momo Beach Club (Momo beach, also in Bohol)

Note : This post is a collaboration with Amorita Resort and Air Asia which just launched its new in-flight merchandise, Sunnies eyewear, find out more at 11 essentials in my beach bag.

The 5 team finalists for Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016 with their adventure coaches

2009 for me was as memorable and joyful as the smell of warm pancakes and coffee. It was the year I got really hooked to traveling and I was always somewhere else. I haven't made it big, but the primary reason I could afford the frequent travels were due to the numerous seat sales of budget airline, Cebu Pacific. With all the amazing adventures I experienced and the priceless lessons I learned on the road, I will always be thankful to this airline! :)

Like any supportive fellow traveler, I was delighted when I learned that Cebu Pacific has been organizing its own travel challenge. Now on its fifth year, the Juan for Fun Backpacker challenge gives younger people from different universities, a chance to discover what their home country has to offer.

For seven days, 5 teams explored and experienced the Philippines following an itinerary they created with a travel allowance of 35,000 Pesos. The challenge alone feels like a prize already! But you know what's even more amazing? The winning team gets a Travel-All-You-Can pass! Each member of the winning team will be able to book as many free flights as they want to any domestic and international short-haul destinations within one year. They also got to take home gift certificates from Cebu Pacific’s partner brands: Tripologie travel store, Merrel shoes, and Boreas travel bags.

#JFFJuanTeamPH

At the end of the challenge, the student team from La Salle Bacolod, #JFFJUANTeamPH, was declared a winner. The criteria was based on itinerary creation, fun activities, points scored on the challenges and social media posts.Teammates Glenn Layola, Audrey Ramos, and John Ray Blance, were guided by their adventure coach, TV host and VJ Robi Domingo. The team's exciting itinerary included Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Surigao, Butuan and Legazpi, Albay. Congratulations everyone! :)

Placing second was #JFFTeamPura, composed of Marie Tuason, Karlo Carranza, and Samantha Rice. Their itinerary covered Bohol, Cebu, Dumaguete, Siargao, Iloilo, and Davao. Their energetic adventure coach was Bogart the Explorer.

#JFFTeamPura performing their cheer at the Juan for Fun awarding ceremony

In third place, group of friends #JFFTeamWork, Serge Calumpong, April Nacion, and Jaysson Presores. Together they explored Laoag, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao. Their adventure coach was travel writer Jude Bacalso.

#JFFTeamWork

Tied at fourth place was #JFFTeamPablo and #JFFTeamTAG. The former is comprised of Brendan Tangan, Linus Pagulayan, and Cherson Bariuan from St. Paul University Philippines. JFFTeamPablo's enjoyed Coron, Camiguin, Iloilo and Cebu. Their adventure coach was Saab Magalona .

#JFFTeamTAG’s Tricia Quintero, April Baldovino, and Gian Nicdao of University of the Philippines-Manila headed to the country's popular destinations, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Their adventure coach was musician Champ Lui Pio, who performed a couple of songs during the awarding.

#JFFTeamTag in yellow shirts and #JFFTeamTag in pink

Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016 has Boreas Gear as the official travel gear, Merrell as the official footwear, and GoPro as the official camera. The challenge is also supported by Wenger and Dan’s, and endorsed by the Department of Tourism and Commission on Higher Education.

Get going and explore more of the Philippines with Cebu Pacific. Revisit the adventures of the Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016 teams by visiting www.juanforfun.com. For bookings and information on new and exciting programs, follow Cebu Pacific’s official Facebook and Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) pages.

(Side story : The cheapest round trip airfare I've snagged to date was a booking I made in 2009. For a round trip ticket from Manila to Tacloban, my colleagues and I just paid 56.02 Pesos each, all IN! Since we already had a lot of trips scheduled for that year, we decided to just do a day tour. As though it was just any regular day, we had breakfast in Tacloban and another hearty lunch in Samar. By evening, we were back in Manila to have dinner with our own families. Full story here.)

Note : All photos used in this post are from Stratworks.

From Manila (:P), I traveled by plane to Cebu City. It was the second morning flight and
at past 7AM, I had already made my way out of Mactan International Airport(book flights here). Normally, my first agenda when arriving at a destination is to eat but after two months of no hiking, I couldn't wait to hit the trails!

There are motorbikes near JY Square in Brgy. Lahug in Metro Cebu and the drivers are pretty familiar with Sirao Peak. As an alternate, you can take a van to Balamban from the terminal at Ayala Center. I boarded the one flagged by my cab driver who I chatted earlier in broken Cebuano which I've been trying to learn for the past couple of months (proud moment right there :P).

Passing the scenic Transcentral highway in Balamban, a steep, winding road that goes around a mountain, the ride to the jump-off turned out to be 30-40 minutes short but very exciting.

Welcome scenery at the trail head.

From the highway, the driver turned to a smaller road and stopped. He started talking again in Cebuano. I only picked up a few words but I understood the directions to the peak. From what I know, it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to get there. The single track trail I followed led to a fork and each trail led to another fork. To avoid getting disoriented, I made it a point to look back every time I passed a fork so I'd remember what it looks like going back. I could still hear the sound of vehicles from the main highway - which in a way was comforting for a solo hiker.

After climbing up what appeared to be the highest point, I found the trail that led to the view deck which I totally missed on the way up. This enormous area considered as the summit campsite offers views of Metro Cebu, Mactan and other mountain peaks.

a view of Metro Cebu and Mactan island at the summit campsite

After enjoying the fresh air and the view, I went back to the jump-off and walked about 400 meters to Sirao Pictorial Garden & Campsite (Entrance fee : 25 Pesos), the second attraction in the area featuring Celosia flowers. The first one, Celosia Flower Farm is a little farther down the road.

Sirao Pictorial Garden & Campsite

Manang, the lady at the gate was very friendly and offered me a bouquet of roses for only 50 Pesos! Gah, if only my hotel room had a bathtub, I would have bought it and soaked in rose petals! Hehe!

There was a motorbike just across the garden's entrance which I rode to get back to Lahug. Lunch was at Ding Qua Qua, a Chinese restaurant at the second level of JY Square mall. The waiter recommended that I avail of their buffet so I can save money. I laughed inside. An ala carte meal can cost as little as 150 Pesos which is enough if you're not a hefty eater, while the lunch buffet is at 248 Pesos net. Whatever made him think I won't get satisfied with an ala carte meal? :P Seriously though, I was grateful for the suggestion. Getting an unlimited serving of dimsum and steamed fried rice pot (must try!) certainly made up for skipping breakfast!

Travel Info:
How to get to Cebu
The quickest way to get to Cebu from Manila is by taking a plane. During airline seat sales, it may even be cheaper than taking a boat. A boat departing from the port in Manila takes 22 hours and costs around 1,400, one way via 2GO. Boat schedule here.

Budget airlines Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and the flag carrier Philippine Airlines flies to Cebu from Manila. Air Asia departs from T4 in Manila which has been renovated. With its numerous dining establishments, clean restrooms, I find it really nice to fly out of Manila from T4 then take a flight back to Manila via Terminal 3 where there are more cabs (where Cebu Pacific lands).

How to Get to Cebu City from Mactan International Airport the Cheap Way?
If you're not in a hurry and not carrying too much, take a MyBus, a public aircon bus stationed at the arrivals area near the exit gate. Fare is 25 Pesos and drop-off is at SM Cebu. Trip schedules are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a 30 minute interval in between. Going back to the airport, you can take the same bus from the terminals at SM Cebu or SM Seaside. Waiting time is around 30 minutes.

How to get to Sirao Peak via Busay
From JY Square Lahug, I rode a motorbike (also called habal-habal) to the jump-off in Busay near Ayala Heights. Fare is 100 Pesos. As of August 2016, there are no registration fees to be paid. Just tell the driver you're going up Sirao Peak.

There is a longer and more challenging trail via Barangay Budlaan in Talamban, Cebu that passes Kabang Falls that takes 6 hours. Details here.

Related Blogs :
For information on other hiking destinations in Cebu, check out this post from Pinoy Mountaineer. Another helpful site is Adrenaline Romance, owned by Cebu-based hikers, Sheila and Gian.

Where to dine after your hike?
Ding Qua Qua
2/F JY Square, Lahug, Cebu
Lunch Buffet : 11AM-2PM, daily
Dinner Buffet : 6PM-9PM, daily
Price : 248 Pesos net/head. Drinks not included.

Accommodation in Cebu City
Cebu R Hotel (Capitol Site, near Robinsons Cybergate)
*I was able to snag a nice room at a cheaper rate (922.05 Pesos/night) which I booked through Agoda, link here.

I've always loved being in the water but it wasn't until 2-3 years ago, in my early 30s, when I started focusing on swimming. Last August 21, I joined an open water swim for the first time!

Organized by Betsy Medalla (aka Swim Junkie), the Caramoan 10 KM Swim Challenge featured a route around the idyllic Caramoan Peninsula in the province of Camarines Sur. In this event, participants can join a 5KM or 10KM distance. With clusters of islands close to each other, about 1KM-1.5KM apart, it is an ideal venue for an open water event!

My sister on top of a rock formation in Matukad Island, Caramoan

Having limited experience, I opted for the shorter distance, 5KM. In the world of open water swimming, that's actually considered a short swim (I've met some people who regularly swim 4-5 kilometers just for fun!). Those who were up for a tougher challenge joined the 10 KM event, the standard Olympic distance for open water swimming.

Two days before the swim, I traveled by land to Naga with my brother, sister and cousin, who came along to cheer and explore Caramoan. We left Manila at around 11:00 PM. With my brother driving, I served as the navigator and that meant being awake the entire evening. By the time we arrived in Naga, after 10 hours on the road, my throat felt scratchy, cold began to set in.

Welcome banner approaching CWC where we claimed our race kits. Seeing this made me
think, "What was I doing here?!".

After picking up my race kit at CamSur Watersports Complex, my family tried wakeboarding. I decided to conserve my energy and just took their photos on the side. None of them are experienced and it was fun to watch them try to stand on the board. The instructors were quite supportive and gave them helpful tips so they really enjoyed it. It's truly an ideal facility to try wakeboarding for the first time.

Caramoan was another 3+ hour drive so we decided spend a night in Naga and eat. We're a family of foodies and with plenty of options for a good meal, it's a must visit.

The next day, my colds got worse. Decolgen helped and I actually felt better when we arrived in Caramoan around noon. After arranging a boat at the resort, I joined my family for island hopping and to check out the race course. We just had enough time to go around three islands, Lahos, Matukad and Cagbalinad before we had to get back to Gota Beach for the race briefing.

Underwater scene near Cagbalinad island. Photo was taken a day before the swim challenge when I went
island hopping with my family

I started feeling really crappy right after the briefing - sore, feverish, nauseated. I could barely walk back to our room at the resort.

I took Bioflu before bed and said my prayers. I knew my family prayed for me too.

I woke up nervously at 4:00 AM the next day. The fever's gone, I felt better but not entirely well, but I could get up and somehow, that's all I needed to be able to put on my bathing suit and get to the starting line.

I forced myself to to consume a banana, a pack of energy gel and a bottle of Pocari Sweat and by 5:30 AM, I had gotten my body marked. I was still feeling shitty but when I finally got into the water for a warm-up swim, I felt so much better!

We were told that August is normally a calm month but not this particular day. Waves that were closer to shore were big and came in fast intervals, the kind of waves where you see people surf!

The swim started around 6:30 AM, just after the buoys were checked again as it had rained hard the night before. The shore in front of Gota Village Beach Resort served as the start and finish line. Scared that I might get hit on the face if I start with the crowd, I was one of the last persons who went into the water. About half of the participants had already made a turn to Hunungan Cove when I started.

The race course for 5KM swimmers. 10KM swimmers would have to do a second loop on the same course.

With the waves and currents working against us, it was a tough start. 1.5 KM later, I arrived to the first hydration stop, a pontoon in the middle of the sea. The next island stop, Lahos, is 1.1 KM away.

The water going to Lahos island was still a bit choppy and there were parts were I was swimming against the current. It felt like I was hardly moving at all. I got stung by jellyfish numerous times. The first sting caught me by surprise, like someone piercing your skin with a pin. The pain went away after a few seconds but then I got stung again - and again. Fuck it. :P I focused on moving forward, one stroke at a time.

Apart from being physically demanding, the swim proved to be a mental challenge as well. A couple of times, thoughts of being attacked by a shark popped in my head but I had to shove it away. Fear increases your heart rate, makes you lose focus and stressed. When you're out there in the sea, you can't really afford to feel afraid.

Lahos island. This is a nice place to take photos with enormous rock formation as your background

I couldn't see the bottom of the water, in fact, I couldn't see anything else underneath but water. Ironically, I found that easier than seeing fishes and corals. The underwater scenery was colorful - but very distracting, especially for someone like me who gets excited about marine creatures.

I swam at a very relax pace. At times, I'd swim like a dog because the current was just too strong and it felt easier that way.

I stopped at Lahos Island very briefly to get a marker and to rehydrate.

The next island stop is 1.1 KM away at Matukad island. If you stand at the shoreline, you'd see its beach clearly and it seemed so near but once again, I felt I was swimming against the current and I got off course several times. Sighting is another skill I'm yet to master.

Matukad island

I was excited to reach Matukad island because of two things. According to the race guide, there were fresh coconuts and Gummy Bears on this island! This was also the point that determined if you can complete the course. Any participant whether from 5K or 10K who is not out of the island after 4.5 hours from the start of the swim, would have to get on the sweeper boat and forfeit the race. I made it just in time. It felt great seeing and talking to other swimmers, I thought I'd be the last one to finish!

After stuffing myself with gummy bears and coconut, I joined fellow swimmers in the water and we pushed each other for the final 1.4 KM swim.

I was so happy I opted for a 5KM swim. I was feeling very tired and my shoulders were beginning to hurt, like it's about to pop out!

View when you climb one of the rocky peaks in Matukad. Just ask your boatman for directions.

From the water, I had a very good view of Gota beach. It seemed so near yet it felt like ages till I got to the finish line. It wasn't until I was a few feet from the shore when I stopped swimming and unlike some of the participants who ran and cheered loudly to the finish line, I felt instantly shy as the attention shifted to me. I just walked calmly, like I just came from a short, nice dip. Haha!

Feeling hunger set in, I immediately grabbed a pack of chocolate milk and bottle water from a marshal before actually crossing the finish line. (Priorities! :P) There, along with a dozen other people waiting for their swimmers, was my family, their faces looking equally ecstatic as I was for completing the swim! It's a dream come true!

A fitting finish line photo for a foodie like me! This was the post race meal served boodle fight style.

I finished a 5KM swim in 3:30:00++ :P. That's slow, but it was enough to get me to the finish line. :) Jessie Lacuna, who finished first in the 10KM distance was able to cross the finish line in 2:30:00++. Awesome!

My swim, albeit considered a short one felt really good. Months of training, avoiding junk food, getting laughed at for having goggle eyes (the area near my eyes is whiter than the rest of my face making me look like an unusual panda) has paid off! I wouldn't mind doing it again next year! :) I'm hooked!

Thank you to everyone who rooted for me! :)

To God be the Glory!

I'm posting some info below in case you'curious about open water swimming, as well as travel information for those who are planning to visit Caramoan soon. :)

Naga & Caramoan Travel Information

Naga City is around 10+ hours from Manila by land travel (70 minutes by plane) and serves as the primary jump-off to Caramoan. It's also a good stop offering a number of worthwhile attractions such as CamSur Watersports Complex, a world-class watersports facility where you can try wakeboarding and other water sports, hike and rappel at Nalalata Falls, trek Engkanto Falls and more. It's also a great place for travelers who love food! (Check out my blog post for tips on where to get good food in Naga here.

How to Get to/Where to Go around Caramoan? Check out this helpful Caramoan Travel Guide by Travel Up

Where to Stay in Naga & Caramoan?

Below are the places we booked for an overnight stay :
Accommodation in Naga City - Eurotel
Since there were 4 of us, we availed of a dorm type room that had two bunk beds for a discounted rate of 1,870.68 Pesos/night, booked through Agoda (Click here to book).

Accommodation in Caramoan - Island View Lodge and Restaurant
This is a seaside resort and also a starting point for island hopping tours.
Island View Lodge Rates (as of August 2016)
1,300 Pesos/day -aircon room with private t&b, good for 2 persons
1,800 Pesos/day - aircon room with private t&b, good for 4 persons
Free parking available.
Text to book. Contact Number : +63 919 393 2223 (Mobile Number)
Facebook Page here

Here are some helpful resources on swimming :
Swimming Technique
You Tube : Effortless Swimming
Blog : Just Add Water

Open Water swimming tips
Top tips for preparing for open water swimming in the pool
How to Survive Your First Open-Water Swim: 8 Tips for The New Triathlete
Open water swimming tips and training
6 Common Worst Case Scenarios for Open Water Swimmers and How to Avoid Them

Need swim lessons?
If you want to get into swimming, I highly recommend you get a coach. It's so hard to unlearn an incorrect swim stroke! Below are some of the FB page of swim coaches here in the Philippines who can teach swimming for beginners. I haven't taken any classes from them but I often seem them in the pool where I train. Please get in touch with them directly.
Coach Nur - http://www.facebook.com/swimnur/
Swim Central - http://www.facebook.com/swimcentralph/

Every November, the lakeside municipality of Angono, in the province of Rizal celebrates Higantes Festival honoring San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen.

Below is this year's schedule as shared by my lovely friends at Angono Tourism.
Tip : Highlights of the festival are on November 20 (Higantes Festival Grand Parade) and on the 23rd (Town Fiesta) ;)

For more information, get in touch with Angono Tourism on Facebook. :)

Higantes Festival: Press Conference

Venue/s: Sangguniang Bayan Hall

Date: October 28, 2016

Time: 10am

GAD IEC on Women in Nation Building

Venue/s: Angono Forest Park

Date: October 29, 2016

Time: 1pm-4pm

Cosplay Contest: Angono’s Local Mythology

Venue/s: Angono Municipal Plaza

Date: October 30, 2016

Time: 5pm

104th Birth Celebration of National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco

Venue/s: SM Center Angono (Event Center)

Date: November 4, 2016

Time: 3pm

Angono “Beyond Exposure” Photo Exhibit

Venue/s: SM Center Angono

Date: November 4, 2016

Time: 3pm

Kik Zumba Fest Year 2

Venue/s: in front of Municipal Plaza

Date: November 5, 2016

Time: 6am

Christmas Tiangge

Venue/s: Angono Municipal Compound

Date: November 7, 2016

Time: 6am-9pm

Angono Food Mart

Venue/s: Dona Aurora Street

Date: November 7, 2016

Time: 6pm-12mn

Higantes Festival: “Angono Noon at Ngayon” Poster Making Contest

Venue/s: Municipal Plaza

Date: November 11, 2016

Time: 9am-2pm

Higanteng Padyak Year 2

Venue/s: Municipal Plaza to Lakeside Eco-Park

Date: November 13, 2016

Time: 6am-12nn

Ginebra Concert

Venue/s: in front of Metrobank to Tanay Rural Bank

Date: November 18, 2016

Time: 8pm-12mn

HANDOG SINING: Kultura ng Bayan ng Angono ating Pangalagaan, ating Pagyamanin

Venue/s: Lakeside Eco Park

Date: November 19, 2016

Time: 5pm

Art Dialogo in Angono

Venue/s: Nemiranda Arteliers Cafe

Date: November 19, 2016

Time: 2pm

Higantes Festival Grand Parade

Venue/s: SM Center Angono to Municipal Compound

Date: November 20, 2016

Assembly: 6am

Parade: 7am

Higantes Festival Activities:

Parehadora Festival Exhibition

10AM

Band Drill and Baton Twirling

Exhibition 11AM

Higantes Race at Palarong Pangkabataan 2PM

TNT Concert: It’s a Tropa Showdown

Venue/s: in front of Municipal Plaza

Date: November 20, 2016

Funfare: 8am-11pm

Concert: 5pm

Palarong Pangkabataan

Venue/s: in front of Municipal Plaza

Date: November 20, 2016

Time: 2pm

Angono Artist’s Association Inc. Art Exhibit

Venue/s: SM Center Angono

Date: November 20, 2016

Time: 2pm

Bisperas Mayores

Venue/s: Rainbow to St. Clement Church

Date: November 22, 2016

Employees Parade: 8am

Grand Parade: 2pm

Konsiertong Handog sa Bayan

Venue/s: St. Clement Parish Church

Date: November 22, 2016

Time: 7pm

Angono Town Fiesta

(Kapistahan ni San Clemente)

Venue/s: St. Clement Parish Church

Date: November 23, 2016

Time: 5am

San Miguel Concert

Venue/s: in front of Metrobank to Tanay Rural Bank

Date: November 25, 2016

Time: 7pm

Blanco Family Museum Art Exhibit

Venue/s: Blanco Family Museum

Date: November 28, 2016

Time: 2pm

Serenata (Concert at the park)

Venue/s: Municipal Plaza

Date: December 3, 10, 17 2016

Time: 5pm

Angono Christmas Concert

(Endramada Festival)

Venue/s: Angono Lakeside Park/ Municipal Compound

Date: December 18, 2016

Time: 4pm

Rizal Day Celebration

Venue/s: Municipal Plaza

Date: December 30, 2016

Time: 8am

Kasarinlan ng Angono

Venue/s: Rainbow to Municipal Plaza

Date: January 1, 2017

Time: 7am

Related blog : Curious about what goes on during Higantes Festival? Check out this post from Traveler on Foot!

The province of Rizal is close to a section of the Sierra Madre mountain range and I've gone here several times for hiking but with limited to go around, I haven't explored much of its surrounding towns. Last week, I joined my fellow bloggers on a 2-day tour and this time, I was introduced to the thriving food and art scene of one of its municipalities, Angono! :)

Dubbed as the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono has numerous galleries, museums, food establishments featuring art works and even an entire street lined with murals! It is also the hometown of two National Artists, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, a noted muralist and Lucio San Pedro, the composer behind the classic, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (Listen to it here.)

After two days of overeating, I'm sharing with you all the food establishments we visited, where you can indulge in affordable, quality, comfort food. :)

Related Post : Where to Go in Angono for arts and recreation!

BALAW BALAW RESTAURANT AND ART GALLERY

Shooting the food at Balaw Balaw Restaurant. #Bloggerlife :P

Opened in 1982 by the late artist Perdigon and his wife, Luz Vocalan, this specialty restaurant has become a prominent establishment in Angono. While its menu focuses on serving Filipino food cooked the traditional way, it is widely known for serving exotic dishes with ingredients such as native duck, frogs, snails, balot, Soup #5 (cow's testes or penis) and is often featured in blogs and television programs. The restaurant's name, Balaw Balaw was derived from a dish of tiny fermented rice and shrimp with the same name. It serves as an appetizer and sauce, considered a common accompaniment of every satisfying meal.

(Left) Cream dory wrapped in Alagao leaves
(Right) Soup Number 5(cow testicles)
(Top) Fried Alamang, a crunchy and salty side dish, love this one!

Aside from exotic dishes, they also serve Filipino favorites such as kare-kare, sinigang and more, as well as palatable experimental dishes such as Cream dory in deep-fried Alagaw leaves and fried alamang.

Balaw Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery
Address : 16 Doña Justa Subdivision Phase 1, Manila East Highway Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : +63(02) 651 0110
Business Hours : Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balaw Balaw
Website : http://www.balawbalawresto.webs.com/
Price Range : 200 Pesos above per dish
Notes : main dining area is open air and can accommodate big groups
Aside from the food, also worth checking out is its art gallery featuring paintings and sculptures of the Vocalan family and other local artists.

KIM IS HUNGRY

Recommended for those who have a relentless appetite for sweets, this cozy pastry shop offers moist cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, coffee and cold drinks that are budget-friendly (Price range : 30 pesos for the cupcakes and 70-140 Pesos for a slice of cake).They also serve snacks such as pastas and quesadillas, fitting salty accompaniments to sweet treats if you ask me. :)

Some of the items we tried at Kim is Hungry - Quesadilla, Carbonara, lasagna, lots of cakes and cupcakes!

We had several cakes and cupcakes - at least five of each! All were moist and aptly sweet. The quesadillas' a hit too. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try it. My fellow foodies finished everything off before I could have a bite so it must be really that good! (Friends, I forgive you, I have my selfish, weak moments too :P).

More cakes from Kim is Hungry. My personal favorite is blueberry cheesecake because it has real blueberries!

Kim is Hungry
Address : 2nd floor Paulina Bldg. M. Diaz corner A. Ibanez Brgy. Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : + 63 0916 271 7551
Email Address : kimishungrycakes@yahoo.com.ph
Business Hours : Monday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM / Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Facebook Page : KimisHungry
Notes & Tips : Seating capacity is limited, ideal for small groups (5-10 people); has aircon;

WINGS ON THE GO

Budget-friendly menu of Wings on the Go

Its name pretty much gives its menu away. Their buffalo wings are flavorful and crispy, a great pair for their grilled burgers which comes with juicy, sizable patties. The bread is on the sweet side which complements the salty flavor of the beef. Other items to enjoy with the wings and burger are nachos, fries and salad. It opens late in the afternoon at 3:00 PM, making it a it a good place for a heavy snack or dinner.

buffalo wings and burger at Wings to Go

Wings on the Go
Address : #213 E. Rodriguez Street Brgy. Sto. Nino Angono, Rizal
Contact Numbers :
Landline +63 (02) 6513051
Mobile Number +63 09265332794
Business Hours :
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Thursday, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Wings on the Go
Notes & Tips :waiting time for orders is 30 minutes to one hour. If you're really hungry or traveling with a group, call on the numbers above to order in advance)

LAVA MOCHA

Overloading on sugar at Lava Mocha. Better bring your friends when trying this out!

Another option for those who love sweets, this cafe offers ginormous coffee shakes, snacks and meals such as pastas, rice meals, nachos, camote chips, chicken wings, cheeze fries and mojos (Menu here). It's of the bigger cafes we've visited and is conducive for hanging out long hours.

We were so full but I just had to try the food which turned out to be a good decision. :P Yum!

Aside from serving coffee and food, it's also a space that showcases paintings and arts & crafts of its locals. A signature item on the menu is Higante Frappe, a dessert coffee topped with syrup, candies, marshmallows, candies and chocolates. At 280 Pesos, it's good enough to be shared by 3 people. You can also choose a DIY frappe and and top your drink with your choice of marshmallows, wafers, candies and chocolates.

Lava Mocha
Address : 97 Doña Aurora Street Barangay San Roque Angono Rizal
(near Angono High School and Pandayan Bookstore)
Business Hours : Daily, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Facebook Page : Lava Mocha
Notes & Tips: with free wifi; try their photo booth at the second floor. You need to bring your own camera though but the masks and other props are free to use.

BALWARTE

Balwarte's Pork steak, balun-balunan (chicken gizzard), and isaw.

Located on the second floor of an unmarked building, this obscure family-owned restaurant features mostly meat dishes that are packed with a lot of flavor. Their bestseller is the buffalo wings. Inspired by a relative undergoing a heartbreak, customers have the option to select from three levels of spiciness namely Nagmahal (a little sweet), Nasaktan (slight spicy) and Nagpatiwakal (overly spicy).

*For the benefit of foreign readers, these Tagalog words translate to Nagmahal = pertaining to someone who loved, Nasaktan = got hurt and Nagpatiwakal = committed suicide). Pork steak and balun-balunan (chicken gizzard) are also must trys.

Balwarte
Address : 201 E. Rodriguez road cor. Mauricio Diaz, Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal(it's on the 2nd floor of a building at the cor Mauricio Diaz street. Downstairs, you'll see other food stalls like Bulalugaw, Captain's Burger and I Love Milktea)
Contact Number : +63 0998 997 4548 (mobile)
Business Hours :
Monday : 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday-Thursday & Sundays : 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday-Saturday : 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balwarte
Notes & Tips : If bringing a car, you can park at the side of a nearby gym or at the municipal hall.

ART CAPITAL CAFE

Coffee shakes at Art Capital Cafe

This cafe's a little farther from the rest of the establishments on this list, about 2KM away from Angono Municipal hall, but still very accessible. It's close to Manila East road, a major highway used by both public and private vehicles traversing Rizal.

Though slightly more modern than the other cafes we visited, it stayed true to its creative roots with paintings, miniature Higantes, surrounding its dining area.

The menu consists of sandwiches, nachos, mini burgers, pizza, pasta, beautifully decorated coffee frappe and non coffee-based shakes, teas (they serve Dilmah tea here). I was most impressed with their Amerikano, which you can have hot or iced (I prefer it hot). Freshly brewed, the flavor is strong, exactly the way I like it. It's the type of brew that leaves you inspired and feeling productive. I enjoyed it so much, I came back a week after, traveling all the way from Mandaluyong. It was a Sunday so the traffic was light. :P

Nice treats to pair with coffee at Art Capital Cafe

Art Capital Cafe
Address : M. L. Quezon Avenue, Brgy. San Isidro
Angono, Rizal (Nearby landmarks, San Martin Subdivision and Caltex)
Contact Number : +63 0920 597 6985 (Mobile Number)
Business Hours : Monday, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday-Thursday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:00 AM
Facebook Page : Art Capital Cafe
Notes & Tips : Dining area has around 5 small tables so consider that when visiting with friends; It has ample parking space though.

ANGONO DELICACY
Similar to a lot of other Filipino delicacies, Kumanoy is made of coconut milk, ground rice and sugar. In other areas, it’s referred to as inutak. Sweet and sticky, it's usually eaten as a snack.

For other delicacies to try in Angono, check out, 3 Angono Delicacies You Must Avoid (or Not) by Celineism

Where to Try Kumanoy/Inutak?
One of the known makers in town is Jhoana Miano of Tindahan ni Inday, located along E. Dela Paz street, Brgy. San Pedro. Angono being a small town, it's easy to ask around for directions to "Tindahan ni Inday". Aside from Kumanoy, you can also order Pancit malabon, a Filipino noodle dish. You may also get in touch with her at +63 09176802779.

Prices :
50 pesos (lanera - this is a small molding dish, good for 1-2 persons)
Tray - 500 Pesos
Batya - 750 Pesos

Jhoanna Miano of Tindahan ni Inday

Chef Joel's Inutak (Kumanoy)
Chef's version is made from Thai glutinous rice flour mixed in with pure coconut milk.
Prices :
Big Pan(5x7in) - 180.00 Pesos
Small Pan (3x5in) - 95.00 Pesos
Solo pans (2x2) - 40.00 Pesos each or 220.00 Pesos for a box of six (must be ordered in advance)
To order, get in touch through their Facebook Page, Chef Joel or through his mobile number, +63 0917 632 3878.

Chef Joel's Inutak

TRAVEL INFORMATION
How to get to Angono
If commuting, you can take a a UV express van from Shaw Boulevard. The terminal is right in front of Star Mall (This mall is on the southbound side just along EDSA, across Shangri La Plaza Mall). The vans going to Angono run daily but trips start around noon. As an alternate, you can board a van going to Binangonan which has trips 24/7 and ask driver to let you off in Angono. Fare is 50 Pesos as of Oct 2016. Travel time would be dependent on the traffic. On a Sunday, ride takes only 30-40 minutes.

TIPS FOR FOOD TRIPPERS :
The establishments listed above are within walking distance from each other.
Click on this link for a map which I plotted it for you! :) With the exception of Balaw Balaw and Lava Mocha, the seating capacity of most establishments we visited are limited, suited for a group of 5. Consider that when planning your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN ANGONO

Villa Jhoana is a former residence turned resort, located near the town proper. It served as our home during our 2 day tour. With its spacious rooms, function halls, adult and children's pool, it's also a good option if you're looking for a venue to hold your teambuilding or company outing.

Villa Jhoana
Address : 1070 Ibanez St. Carebi Subdivision, Brgy. San Isidro, Rizal, Angono, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 542 8975
Mobile: +63 917 453 5311
Website :http://www.villajhoanaresort-rizal.com/
To reserve, click on this link (this goes to the resort's website)
Rates :
2,800 Pesos-5000 pesos depending on room type

Angono celebrates Higantes Festival every November. For a comprehensive schedule of activities, please check out my post. Click here.

For more travel information and to receive regular updates on what's happening in Angono, please hit the Like button on their Facebook page, Angono Tourism

Shout out to fellow blogger Celine Reyes and Lady of Angono Tourism for inviting us to explore Angono's joyfully edible side.

Please click here for my post on art galleries in Angono! :)

If you're in Manila and looking for a nice day trip, consider Angono, the Philippines' art capital. Located in the province of Rizal, it's only 1-2 hours away (depending on traffic) and easy to reach either by public or private transportation. With most galleries and restaurants close to each other, it's an ideal destination for food and art lovers who have limited time.

Here are some of the art galleries and other places I visited recently with my fellow bloggers.

Related post : Check out part 1, Where to Eat in Angono

ART GALLERY AT BALAW BALAW SPECIALTY RESTAURANT

Though Balaw Balaw is popular as a specialty restaurant serving exotic and folk dishes, their gallery is also worth a visit! It features paintings and sculptures from members of the Vocalan family and other local artists, showcasing Filipino folklore and traditions. Do try out their adventurous dishes while you're there! Crickets anyone?

Fellow blogger, Gretchen Dublin of Filipina Explorer taking photos in the art gallery of Balaw Balaw Specialty restaurant

Another equally interesting art gallery and restaurant which you can actually spot from Balaw Balaw is Nemiranda Arthouse and Atelier Restoran along Dona Elena Street. Click this link for more information. (Facebook Page : Atelier Restoran)

Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant

Address : 16 Doña Justa Subdivision Phase 1, Manila East Highway Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : +63(02) 651 0110
Business Hours : Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balaw Balaw
Website : http://www.balawbalawresto.webs.com/

BLANCO FAMILY MUSEUM

Mr. Michael Blanco, one of the owners and artists whose work is on display in the family-owned museum. I enjoyed touring around and listening to his stories on some of the paintings. :)

Built on a 1,200 meter lot in 1980, this museum houses a collection of more than 400 artworks by all nine members of the Blanco family. Their works highlighted Filipino culture and tradition using realism,a style depicting real life. They've mastered it so well that staring at a painting infuses a dose of inspiration to its viewer. With the wide pool of artistic talent in the family, it's no surprise that the Blancos became the first to stage a family exhibit at the National Museum in 1978!

Going around, visitors can witness the progression of each artist, with the paintings arranged in different galleries starting from the youngest of the siblings, Peter Paul (born 1980), followed by Gay, Jan, Joy, Michael, Noel and Glenn, then on to their parents, Loreto, their mother who began painting at 48 years old and the patriarch who started it all, Jose "Pitok". Each gallery of the siblings contains their works as children up to the time they grew up. It was amusing to see how each sibling evolved in terms of technique!

Dada of PointandShootWanderlust.com checking out one of the galleries in Blanco museum

Other Facilities :
- audio visual room that can accommodate 50 guests for lecture or meeting
- Jose Blanco Hall that can be used for performing arts, lectures and conferences
- a gallery for art exhibits
- garden and koi pond

Blanco Family Museum
Address : 31 Ibanez St., Brgy. San Vicente, Angono, Rizal
Email : blancomuseum@yahoo.com
Contact numbers : +63 (02)651-0048 / 09266730805
Operating Hours : Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM-1:00 PM-6:00 PM
Entrance Fee : 100 Pesos
Facebook Page : Blanco Family Museum

CARLOS "BOTONG" FRANCISCO SECOND GALLERY

In 1973, Carlos "Botong" Francisco (November 4, 1912 – March 31, 1969), a notable muralist from Angono was conferred posthumously as a National Artist for Visual Arts.

When he was alive, his former residence along Dona Aurora Street also served as his studio. Now under the care of his grandson, Totong, also an artist, visitors of the gallery can view Botong's memorabilia including his old tools and the medal awarded to him as a National Artist. Totong's works are also displayed near the entrance of the gallery.

Memorabilia of Botong Francisco displayed at the Second Gallery

Works of Totong displayed at The Second Gallery

Carlos "Botong" Francisco Second Gallery

Address : 217 Dona Aurora St. Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : +63 661 05 98 (Landline) | +63 998 532 5004 (Mobile Number)
Facebook Page : http://www.facebook.com/CarlosFranciscoStudio2Gallery/
Entrance Fee : Donation only.

DONA AURORA STREET GALLERY

Dona Aurora Street

The street that served as Botong Francisco's old residence is lined with murals featuring replicas of his works, created as a tribute by Charlie Anorico and other local artists.

A replica of a mural by Carlos "Botong" Francisco featuring a significant event in
Philippine history, the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal

At the end of the block is a mural honoring another National Artist, Lucio San Pedro, a notable musician. Featured on a wall of a house are the lyrics to one of his works, "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan".

A mural dedicated to Lucio San Pedro located at the end of Dona Aurora Street

Tricycles regularly pass through this narrow street. Be careful when taking photos of the murals! It would be nice if they can limit the vehicles to residents. As this is an open street, you can pass by at any time. No fees are being charged to visitors. Best to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat or bring a cap or umbrella.
Location : Dona Aurora Street, Poblacion Itaas, Angono

ANGONO LAKESIDE PARK

Laguna de Bay as seen from Angono Lakeside Park

Locals refer to this place as "Wawa" (not to be confused with Wawa Dam in Montalban :P), a recreation area in Brgy. San Vicente. Located beside a section of Laguna de Bay, it offers residents and visitors a tranquil space to hang out. It's also a good space to run or bike. Entrance to the park is free but trying out other activities like the zipline and boating across Laguna de Bay come with a minimal fee. Another beautiful attraction in the area that's free of charge is the sunset. :)

Travel Tip: Apply some insect repellent when you come here.
Read more about it on Celineism's blog.

Angono Lakeside Park
Barangay San Vincente, Angono
Best time to go is around 4:00 PM when it's less hot or early in the morning if you want it really quiet. Facilities and food stalls may not be open if you come in too early though but you can always grab good food near Angono town proper. :)

ANGONO PETROGLYPHS

From the main entrance, visitors must pass this tunnel on the way to the viewing deck of the Angono Petroglyphs

Located in an old forest, the rock shelter where the drawings were found was used by Filipino guerillas during World War II and was a serendipitous discovery by National Artist, Carlos "Botong" Francisco. He was on a field trip with a troop of boy scouts when their group stopped for a rest. While lying down, he noticed the engravings on the rock and reported it to the National Museum in 1965.

The 127 drawings, in a shape similar to frogs and lizards were engraved on a rock shelter and is officially recognized as the Philippines' oldest known artwork.

Viewing platform of the Angono Petroglyphs. It's also a good place for Instagram worth nature-inspired shots :P

How to Commute to Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs
From Angono town proper, hire a tricycle towards the site. As the road is steep, not all tricycles may be willing to climb up all the way to the entrance so be prepared to walk.

Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs National Museum
Brgy. Bilihiran, Binangonan, Rizal (same road going to Thunderbird Resorts in Binangonan)
Operating Hours :
Mondays-Fridays, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays by appointment
Entrance fees : P20 for adults | P10 for students.
Contact Information: National Museum Central Office; +63 (02) 527-4192
Email: nm_asbmd@yahoo.com

For additional info, please check this article from National Museum.

Related Blog : For other museums in Angono, check out this post by Angono resident, Celineism.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
How to get to Angono
If commuting, you can take a a UV express van from Shaw Boulevard. The terminal is right in front of Star Mall (This mall is on the southbound side just along EDSA, across Shangri La Plaza Mall). The vans going to Angono run daily but trips start around noon. As an alternate, you can board a van going to Binangonan which has trips 24/7 and ask driver to let you off in Angono. Fare is 50 Pesos as of Oct 2016. Travel time would be dependent on the traffic. On a Sunday, ride takes only 30-40 minutes.

Where to stay in Angono? During our 2 day tour, we stayed at Villa Jhoana, a nice resort close to the city proper. For details, please see part 1 of this post by clicking here (info on the resort is near the bottom of the page.

TRAVEL TIPS
- Note that most art galleries/museums are closed on Monday. Check the operating hours for each gallery on this post before going. However, schedules may change. You may contact the galleries on the numbers or FB page which I've also shared.
- With the exception of Angono Petroglyphs, all galleriesm including the Lakeside Park are within walking distance from each other. Wear comfortable footwear and clothing.
- Need some quality, cheap clothes? Come visit the tiangge (bazaars) in Taytay located near Club Manila East. Nice dresses can go as low 100 Pesos and shirts at 70 pesos! Taytay is just next to Angono, about 15-30 minutes away. Check out this blog for some helpful info! :)

For more travel information and to receive regular updates on Angono, please hit the Like button on their Facebook page, Angono Tourism

Angono celebrates Higantes Festival every November. For a comprehensive schedule of activities, please check out my post. Click here.

Shout out to fellow blogger Celine Reyes and Lady of Angono Tourism for inviting us to explore Angono!

Please check out part 1 of this post, Where to Eat in Angono.

Christmas is only a few weeks away and if you're looking for gift suggestions, this post is for you! :) Here are some recommendation on what to give to your adventurous, wandering loved ones.

Not celebrating Christmas? You can also make this part of your wish list or shopping list! :)

Note : I've excluded some items which I've already featured on previous years' lists (For more gift ideas, see past lists here, 2011 | 2013. You'll still find most of them in the market! ;)

1. TAKE THEM OUT ON AN ADVENTURE!

Rockies peak, Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas

Mountain Hike

To organize a DIY hike, visit Pinoy Adventurista's site for some recommendation, Top 6 Hiking Spots Near Manila Ideal for Romantic Dates (Update : Pico de Loro which appears #5 on the list is closed indefinitely for hiking activities.)

Get discounts on unique accommodations here.

If you want a hassle-free mountain hike in the Philippines and some peaks in Asia, contact Trail Adventours. They're passionate outdoor lovers who can organize a nice mountain adventure for you and your loved one/s!

Website : Trail Adventours
Email:info@trailadventours.com
Contact Number:(+632) 8023401 | (+63917) 5827517
(+63998) 5887611 | (+63917) 8116654
Office Hours:9am to 6pm
Monday to Friday

http://www.instagram.com/trailadventours/

Go caving in Samar. With over a hundred caves, the province of Samar in the Eastern Visayas region is dubbed as the caving capital of the Philippines. It is also where one can explore and spend a night or two inside the Philippines' biggest cave (2nd biggest in Southeast Asia!), the Langun Gobingob Cave in Calbiga. Other caves are also open for spelunking enthusiasts of all levels. What caves to visit in Samar? Check out this article from FAQ.PH.

For customized tours, rates and additional information, get in touch with the ever-reliable cave master, Joni Bonifacio through his website or Facebook Page,Trexplore.

Click here to get good discounts on flights, hotels and vacation packages around the Philippines and overseas.

How to Get to Samar?

From Manila, book a flight to Calbayog or Tacloban. Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) has flights to Tacloban (Leyte) while both PAL and Cebu Pacific offer flights to Calbayog (Samar).

Related Article : 15 Cheap but Awesome Destinations Near Manila | The Poor Traveler

2. OUTDOOR BOOKS

Day Hikes and Nature Walks from Manila - this book authored by Pinoy Mountaineer, Dr. Gideon Lasco is a handy guidebook providing information, itineraries and topographic map of selected hiking destinations near Manila.

"Day Hikes and Nature Walks from Manila launch"
A photo posted by Christine Fernandez (@jovialwanderer) on May 25, 2016 at 10:51pm PDT

Review here

Where to Buy :R.O.X. Marque Mall - Pampanga, R.O.X. Ayala Center – Cebu, and Solidaridad Bookshop in Padre Faura, Manila.
Price : 390 Pesos

To confirm availability on R.O.X. branches, contact their stores here.

For orders of 5 or more books, you can order by email at info@pinoymountaineer.com (with free delivery nationwide!)

AKYAT! A Filipino's Journey to the Seven Summits - written by veteran mountaineer, Romi Garduce, this book contains an account of his journey, struggles and anecdotes on climbing the highest peak of each of the seven continents, dubbed as the Seven Summits.

Where to Buy :Central Bookstores, Amazon& R.O.X. stores.

To confirm availability on R.O.X. branches, contact their stores here.

Price : 499 Pesos

Romi Garduce's team climbing Vinson Massif, highest peak in Antartica (Photo from Primer Group of Companies)

3. A BOX OF TRAIL FOOD!

Make sure your loved ones are getting enough sustenance while they're out on an adventure. Look for those that are easy to pack, low in sugar and high in protein such as energy gels, and sports bars. Brands I've tried are Nice & Natural (available in Rustan's Supermarket, Pioneer Center in Mandaluyong). You can also find those in Healthy Options stores. Energy Gels are available in sports stores such as Toby's, R.O.X., Multi-sport stores (Stinger or GU works for me). Note : The effectiveness of energy gels varies from person to person. You'll have to "spy" on them to figure out which brands they use before giving it to them.

A sample of some of the food you can put in your gift box

4. SPORTS SOCKS
Buying footwear for you loved ones can be a little tricky - it may not fit or it just might not be their style. A safer alternative are a pair of socks. Specifically designed for hiking or running, these provide maximum comfort and offer extra protection from chaffing.

Here are two local brands which has good reviews online.

Ahon
Price Range : 399-1,200 Pesos/pair depending on model
Where to Buy : Basekamp branches and online through their Facebook page, Ahon.PH.

Vamos Socks
Price Range : 395 Pesos/Pair-795 Pesos (bundle of 3).
Where to Buy : Visit their website for a list of retailers or to purchase online.

5. BOOK THEM A FLIGHT
Surprise them by flying them to their favorite destination or a place they've never been! How to Find a Cheap Flight | Nomadic Matt

Not sure which destinations to book? Check out this helpful article posted on recommendation from the travel gurus at Lonely Planet for their Best Destinations for 2017

Need to spend a night in Manila or in Hong Kong? Visit this link to avail of discounted hotel rates.

6. HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY
Here are some local online stores offering accessories inspired by nature and travel.

Crafted PH - offers affordable and customizable accessories

Hello MNL Store : 864 Moret St., Manila
Price Range : 100 Pesos above

Cat+Kai Handmade Jewelry - Store description : "Lovers of the sea and environment! We love creating unique, handmade & personalised silver and seaglass jewelry."

Facebook Page : www.facebook.com/catkaihandmadejewelry

Tali ti Amianan - Store description : "local,handmade and eco friendly providing sustainability for the local surfers,women & elders in San Juan La Union Philippines"

Are you the adventurous type who loves traveling and trying out new food? Are you willing to book a flight or ride a boat solely just to eat? (No judgement, I'm that way too! :P See related post, Samar-Leyte in a Day)

Yes?!

Well hello there kindred soul! Have I got a treat for you! :)

Last week, I received a box of snacks from World Bites, a newly launched online store and subscription box service offering popular international snacks you rarely see in retail stores around the Philippines.

World Bites website, http://worldbites.ph/

Seeing treats I haven't tried got me really excited and before I could stop myself (I had just taken my breakfast), I'd already open four bags. I was with my siblings at the time and we all enjoyed trying it out. The selection of snacks were a variety of sweet, spicy and salty, over-all, a nice combination of flavors. Coming from a family of foodies, it also turned out to be a nice bonding activity for us. I'll write a separate review about what we've tried on another post. :)

For now, here's a preview of what World Bites offers.

Snacks from Korea, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, India, Canada, France, Romania, Serbia,
Mexico, Israel, Sweden and Brazil, whew!

Though I have mixed feelings about sharing food (why share when you can eat everything, diba?), the saner, kinder side of me prevailed - must be from ingesting all those cookies earlier, haha! I'm extending the joy of discovering treats from around the world through a a giveaway! The mechanics are super simple. Just follow instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below.

Up for grabs : World Bites Mini Box - contains 5-6 snacks, the contents' a surprise! :)
Who can join? Open to foodies residing in the Philippines only
World Bites will ship the prize free of charge via Xend so if you won, please expect to be asked for your full name and shipping details. :)

One winner will be drawn via Rafflecopter and announced on my Twitter account, @jovialwanderer and on this post by December 12! :) I will get in touch with the winner. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you can't wait for the blog giveaway (who has the EQ to wait for food?!), you can start shopping by visiting their website, http://worldbites.ph/. You can purchase the items by piece or surprise yourself with a box of snacks every month by availing of their subscription service (1, 3, 6 and 12 month terms available).

To receive updates quickly, follow World Bites on their social media accounts -> Facebook Page : World Bites PH | Twitter :@worldbitesph | Instagram : @worldbitesph

A view at Puting Bato Peak

Samal island in the province of Davao del Norte is known for its beautiful beaches but if
you’re craving for a refreshing mountain scenery, there's a nice trail going up Puting Bato. At 410 MASL, it is the island's highest peak, offering views of the sea and nearby mountains. Its name, translated to English is White Rock, drawn from a prominent white limestone wall at its peak.

From Davao City, I took an Island City Express bus to Samal Island. The bus also stops to pick up passengers at Magsaysay Park but to get good seats, I took a cab to the terminal along F. Bangoy Street. Taking a bus was quite convenient. I didn't even need to get off when the bus got to the port as crossing time only takes about 15 minutes! Another entry point is at Sta. Ana Wharf where motorboats take passengers straight to Kaputian and Talikud islands.

Ferry to Samal Island. I was seating inside the bus when I took this shot! :)

At Babak wharf, the bus continued its journey to Penaplata, its last stop. From the terminal, I boarded a motorbike and the driver took me to the jump-off at Guilon, the longer and steeper of the two entry points to Puting Bato peak. To maximize my day trip, I decided Ito do a traverse - go up via Guilon then back down via the shorter and easier trail at Brgy. Tayapoc.

As we parted ways, the driver expressed concern about leaving me alone but I assured him I'll contact him if I ran into some issues. He wanted to come along but he said he is no longer fit to hike.

When he finally left, I felt a familiar sense of excitement of seeing a new mountain and setting off on a new trail! :)

The white limestone wall at the peak where Puting Bato got its name

As it was my first visit, I decided to look for a guide. A local I met near the jump-off called on his nephew to accompany me to the peak.

The trail is mildly steep all the way passing through a clear path filled with trees on both sides. I was breathing quite heavily all throughout but thankfully, it only took less than an hour to get to the campsite where I rested on a bench and paid an entry fee of 10 Pesos. From here, you can see a view of the ocean and nearby islands.

After resting, my guide gave me directions to the summit. I paid him 150 Pesos, the rate we agreed on and parted ways. The peak is only 10-15 minutes away through an exposed trail with grasses taller than my 4'11 feet frame.

After the grassland, the view got even more beautiful. Another hut, fascinatingly built on a ravine, served as a view deck and rest area.

Walking further up, I walked in a middle of a large garden surrounded with colorful flowers - bright pink, orange, yellow, purple! A signage said I was at Huyong-Huyong Mountain Park. Yellow benches strategically placed near the cliffs offered views of the sea.

A group of dogs started barking at me which caught the attention of the occupants of the hut, a woman and a child. Here, I wrote on my name on a log book and paid another entrance fee of 10 Pesos.

I ran into another gated area and waved to some locals and started to make my way down. I think there's a trail here that leads to the area just below the white limestone wall but I skipped it because was beginning to feel tired. I made my way down towards Brgy. Tayapoc. Some hikers enter the mountain on this side where the trail to the summit takes about 30 minutes.

When I got to the jump-off, I asked some locals for some directions to Canibad, the closest beach. There is a trail that takes another hour but to save my energy for swimming, I decided to flag a passing motorbike. The driver, a young guy who looked like he couldn't be more than 16 years old, was impressive. He knew how to navigate the super bumpy road towards Canibad quite well. It was an uncomfortable ride which was actually felt more tiring than earlier's hike.

The driver picked a resort and let me off. A huge signboard that said "Canibad Adventures starts here" welcomed me. I couldn't see any people or even the water. Living up to its name, the path towards the water is on this super steep dirt trail down a cliff!

As though I was hiking a second mountain, I was sweaty, breathless and feeling annoyed by the time I got to the resort's main entrance but the annoyance brought by fatigue (incidentally, it was also that time of the month making me feel more moody than usual :P), quickly disappeared as soon as I saw the beach. While the shore is filled with pebbles and rocks, the water is beautiful - still as a river and as clear as a pool! There were many people but the groups were well spread that you can get a quiet spot and enjoy.

The resort charge a minimal entrance fee of 20 pesos. Cottages can be rented for 250-350 Pesos but since I was alone, I just walked to the beach, put my backpack by the shore and jumped in the water in my hiking clothes. Though water was clear, I felt a strong current pulling me out towards the sea so I stayed in the shallow area.

Fellow visitors were very friendly and I actually felt like I could walk up to anyone and join their group but I was really enjoying my time alone, I didn't have too. The water just felt so nice!

Canibad Beach in Samal island

After swimming, I walked up to another resort to use their shower facilities. I wanted to get a nice, heavy meal but unfortunately, there's not much food around here but snacks.

I dreaded the steep set of stairs I had to take to get back to the main road so I walked around a bit in search of a gentler way up. I did find one - a concrete stairs with smaller steps. It was easier indeed but still tiring.

Lunch was at Aznebo Grill and Restaurant, a popular food establishment in the island
offering delicious Filipino dishes that come at affordable prices (around 100 Pesos for a combo meal).

By 6:00 PM, I was back in Davao city exploring its restaurants! :P

As a first time visitor to Samal island, experiencing its greener side turned out to be a wonderful surprise. A return trip is in order!

Samal island is among the destinations featured in this helpful interactive beach map from Expedia. Visit the site to learn more of the country's breathtaking island getaways.

How to get to Puting Bato Peak

From Davao City, board a Island City Express Bus.

The terminal is at F. Bangoy Street but it will also make a stop at Magsaysay Park.

Fare to Penaplata is 50 Pesos. From the terminal, you can board a habal-habal to the jump-off.

As of November 2016, the only fees being paid are the ones located at the rest stops on the mountain. Guides are not required especially when entering via Brgy. Tayapoc as the trail is established. However, if taking the Guilon trail for the first time, it is recommended to get a guide. It's a longer trail that takes 1-2 hours and has some forks along the way. There is no established guide system but you can always ask around. If hiring a guide all the way to the summit and back, a rate of 200-250 Pesos would be fair.

Other sights to visit : Kaputian beach, Taklobo Clam sanctuary and Hagimit Falls.

Here's some exciting news for you fellow adventurous foodies!

If you're curious about snacks from other countries and want to try some, head to World Bites, a new online store and subscription box service offering popular international snacks.

For those who are not familiar with a subscription box service - it's basically paying a service provider a fixed fee per month to curate stuff and send it to you. It's for people who want to try new things but don't have the time or the patience to research on what's good to try. In the Philippines, I've seen subscription box services on books and cosmetics but food is quite new.

Trying out some snacks from World Bites

Related Post : Gift ideas for travelers and outdoor lovers

Two weeks ago, I received a World Bites Classic Box which contained a selection of 10 snacks from various countries in Asia, Europe and North & South America. I opened the package with my siblings and friends - open-minded foodies who welcome new flavors.

We got really excited pulling out snacks from the box one at a time. It was amusing to find out which countries it came from! We actually yelled the countries as though we're announcing contestants in a beauty pageant, haha!

Here are the snacks we tried out :

Photo from World Bites

Kurkure Masala Munch from India are shaped like Cheetos - orange, crunchy, short sticks and filled with strong flavors. My brother commented, "it tastes like India in a snack". Being a fan of herbs, I actually enjoyed its salty, mildly spicy and tangy taste.

After consuming salty food, I always crave for something sweet, so we opened the Crvenka Jaffa Cakes next. Originating from Serbia, these chocolate-covered biscuits with orange jelly has been around for 30 years now. It crumbled easily, a bit messy to eat, but I liked the mix of citrus and chocolate.

Hanuta. Photo from World Bites

If you love Nutella, you'll surely enjoy the familiar flavor of hazelnut from Ferrero Hanuta! This wafer snack from Germany is crispy, aptly sweet, perfect for cheat days or that time of the month when we ladies crave for sweets. The pack can be consumed in one sitting and not fun to share with others, haha! :P

My sister and I are huge football fans and another country which we associate to the world's most popular sport is 5-time World Cup winners, Brazil! Finding a snack from the same country turned out to be a nice surprise. Nestle Passatempo are biscuits with milk chocolate filling - you can't go wrong with that. :)

I love eating falafel, balled up chickpeas usually served with a pita. Ossem Bisli Falafel from Israel has recreated its flavors wonderfully into thin, noodle crisps. (Foodie tip : If you want to try some good falafel, the real deal, visit Beni's Falafel in Makati!)

All the way from Romania, Eugenia Original biscuits are crisp sandwich biscuits with a generous and enjoyable filling of cocoa and rum cream.

Takis Fuego. Photo from World Bites

Trying out Barcel Takis Fuego, a snack claiming to be the hottest chips on earth was intimidating. These corn chips from Mexico are red, matching the color of red peppers. It looked so spicy, but after taking a careful, small bite, I realized it wasn't so bad. While it is too spicy for my taste, I enjoyed the flavor of lime which was mixed in it. One bite is all it took for me to move to the next snack but another friend enjoyed it and actually finished off the entire pack.

Samai Jungle Chili Plantain Chips from Ecuador puts a nice twist to plantain chips. Instead of the usual sugar or honey, the chips are mixed with jungle chili and medium hot spices, making it tolerable to the palate.

Another treat for those with a sweet tooth is Ahlgrens Bilar Original. Originating from Sweden, these car-shaped marshmallows are chewy and fruity. It's not too sweet, something you can have to get you to the next big meal.

I've seen Nestle Violet Crumble around but I don't remember ever tying it out. First made in 1913, this bar made of creamy chocolate with a honeycomb in its center is one of Australia's favorite chocolate bars.

Being a curious foodie, it was a great experience trying out a World Bites Classic box. The selection of snacks were quite good - a mix of flavors - sweet, salty and spicy. Serving size is good for one person but it's really fun to open everything at the same time and try it out with a group. It's also a nice gift idea for your foodie loved ones.

If you missed my blog giveaway, visit World Bites to order a box of snacks from around the globe now.

About the website:
The Worldbites website has a clean, straightforward and user-friendly interface.
From the main page, you can easily find the "Subscribe" and "Shop" buttons - two ways you can buy from them.

Clicking "Shop" shows you all the available snacks you can order while "Subscribe" button provides instructions on how you can receive snacks per month. The subscription plans are quite flexible ranging from 1-12 months in case you want to try it out for a month or so. In case you're trying to limit your food intake, you can also choose from a World Bites Mini which contains 5-6 snacks or World Bites Classic which has 10-11 snacks. :) For a World Bites Mini, rates range from 499-595 Pesos per month and 998-1190 Pesos/month for the World Bites Classic, depending on the subscription. For subscription details, go here.

The Helpdesk contains frequently asked questions and if if you have more questions, there is a customer chat box on the lower right part of the page.

Buy a box and try it out with friends or family as part of a bonding activity or it can also be a gift for your foodie loved ones. Ahem! :P

Related Read :Cosmo Philippines - A Cute Gift Idea for the Traveler (And foodie) in your Life

Here's something to add to your travel bucket list this 2017! If you've been wanting to join a cruise, no need to go out of the Philippines as Star Cruises introduces the first cruise ship to homeport in Manila, the gigantic beauty that is SuperStar Virgo! :)

Read on for more info!

Photo from GreenBulb PR

Itinerary
6 Day/5 Night Cruises to Laoag, Kaohsiung and Hong Kong on board SuperStar Virgo

Travel Dates
From 19 March to 28 May 2017

Itinerary Departing from Manila
- Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, featuring Spanish colonial buildings, baroque churches and white-sand beaches
- Kaohsiung, the largest southern port city in Taiwan, a centre of Chinese culture and cuisine
- Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis world famous for shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife.

SuperStar Virgo (Photo from GreenBulb PR)

Facilities Onboard SuperStar Virgo
- 13-storey SuperStar Virgo equipped with 935 cabins, including sea-view cabins and balcony suites.
- offers a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment choices, her facilities embrace Chinese, international and Japanese restaurants, an alfresco bar
- duty-free shops
- foot reflexology salon and spa, gym, steam and sauna rooms
- hairdressing salon
- two-level theatre
- for the water babies, a 100-metre mega water slide, outdoor swimming pool
- mini golf course
- karaoke room, children's activity centre and more
- A calendar of themed entertainment constantly refreshes the onboard fun and excitement, ensuring every voyage is a brand new enjoyable experience.

About Star Cruises
Star Cruises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, a leading global leisure, entertainment and hospitality corporation. A pioneer in the Asia Pacific cruise industry, Star Cruises has been operating its fleet since 1993, taking on the bold initiative to grow the region as an international cruise destination with a fleet of six vessels including SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Libra, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Aquarius, Star Pisces and The Taipan.

Rates
Early Bird Discount starting from PHP 24,500* Per Person (Twin share) will be accorded for cruise departures on 19, 24 and 29 March 2017; third and fourth persons (Quad share) can enjoy an additional 50% off from PHP 12,250 per person*.

Inclusions
Deluxe accommodations, up to 6 sumptuous meals daily, spectacular performances, pampering recreational facilities and much more – all part of Star Cruises promise to deliver exceptional cruise experiences infused with a touch of warm Asian hospitality.

How to Book
For more information and reservations, please call Star Cruises at (632) 836 6830/ 31/ 32 or visit their website www.starcruises.com.

*Fares shown above are based on twin-share in an Inside Stateroom on SuperStar Virgo, excluding port and gratuity charges, subject to Star Cruises’ terms and conditions.

Star Cruises on Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/starcruises
Instagram: www.instagram.com/starcruisesasia
Twitter: www.twitter.com/starcruisesasia

NOTE : Information on this post was from a Press Release provided by GreenBulb Public Relations. For bookings and additional inquiries, please get in touch with Star Cruises directly.

To kickoff 2017, I returned to the Cordillera region with one of my closest friends, Jules. We wanted to take it easy so we decided to try a couple of short but very scenic trails in Benguet I found online (References posted below).

Barangay Tawang in La Trinidad,the capital of the province of Benguet is less than an hour from Baguio city and features several accessible, scenic mountain trails - Mt. Yangbew (also known as Mt. Jambo), Tayawan view deck and Mt. Kalugong. These are all beginner-friendly or as the younger Pinoy millenials would say, pabebe-friendly. :P

Facing one of the several clusters of rock formationat the summit of Mt. Yangbew in La Trinidad, Benguet
(Photo taken by Jules Picato)

Since we were taking a super early bus ride, (1:30 AM early! :P), we made sure we got nice, comfy seats. Fortunately, with 3 days prior to the trip, we were able to book online via iWantSeats.

In five hours, we arrived in the City of Pines and walked towards Session Road to hunt for a hotel. Fortunately, a vacant room was immediately available at Benguet Prime Hotel so we were able to leave our bags. We took our sweet time and grabbed a simple breakfast at Zola, a 24 hour restaurant along Session road.

Tawang Barangay Hall located a few blocks off the main road.

From Session Road, we took a cab to Barangay Tawang in La Trinidad. Taking Ambiong road, travel time took less about 30 minutes, maybe even less. After registering at the barangay hall, we walked about a kilometer or two towards the trailhead of Mt. Yangbew. Guides are not required but should you need one, you can inquire at the reception. Personally, with only one trail leading to the summit from the jump off, I can't imagine anyone getting lost in its trails.

A view of La Trinidad from Mt. Yangbew

It takes an hour to get to peak, if you take it slow. The trail is relatively easy - nothing technical. You basically just walk your way to the top. The most difficult part for me was this steep, sweat-inducing cement road at the start of the hike. It was a shock to our lowlander lungs!

After this section, we went up a mildly steep dirt road and took numerous stops along the way because the view of La Trinidad from behind is so nice! The weather was perfect - bright, clear blue skies and though it was past 9:00 AM, it was still cold and the sun was gentle on the skin. We actually wore our jackets while hiking because it still felt very chilly.

My yogi friend Jules

The peak is so enormous, there's a riding trail for horses! There's also stunning views everywhere, which includes the entire La Trinidad and other mountains in the Cordilleras. From afar, we saw the radio transmitters from Mt. Cabuyao in Tuba,which are shaped like the ears of Mickey Mouse.

There's so much to see at the peak that we spent about an hour, admiring the view and taking tons of souvenir shots.

Mt. Yangbew, with its scenic peak and short, beginner-friendly trails is a recommended mountain for those who are looking for a quick hike close to Baguio.

Our next stop was Tayawan View Deck which has a trail at the side of Tawang Barangay Hall (Will post about it soon).

Environmental Rates as of January 2017 (in Philippine Pesos)
Local hikers and bikers - 30 PHP
Local Students - 25 PHP
Foreigners - 50 PHP
Campers, those who are spending the night (foreign and local) - 100 PHP
Notes :
- Walk-in hikers, campers and bikers are welcome.
- Bring your own trash back down with you.

How to Get to Mt. Yangbew

From Manila, take a bus to Baguio. The closest terminals from NAIA airport are Victory Liner and Genesis, both in Pasay (just refer to Google maps to locate the terminals). Joy Bus is the deluxe bus service of Genesis, which we took. You can book online via iWantSeats or PinoyTravel. I prefer the former because I can choose seats in advance. However, payment mode is through bank deposit. For online payments, try the latter. I haven't booked with them but my colleagues have and it's legit.

From Baguio city, take a cab to Tawang Barangay Hall in La Trinidad. Our driver took Ambiong road to avoid the traffic and our fare was 120+/- PHP. (Note : GrabTaxi, a ride hailing service is now in Baguio. Download the app to book a cab). You can also take a jeep bound for Tomay from Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio and asked to be dropped off at the junction to Brgy. Tawang.

Where to Stay in Baguio?

I prefer staying close to Session road and my favorite hotels in the area are Hotel 45 Main which is almost, always fully booked, City Center Hotel (2000+/-/night) and Benguet Prime Hotel (starts at 2000 PHP/night). I also usually check Agoda. Click here to search for excellent deals on your accommodation.

Visit below sites for additional information :
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2016/07/06/mount-yangbew-re-opens-hikers-483787
http://www.cordilleransun.com/2016/03/hiking-destination-in-la-trinidad-gets.html
http://francramon.com/taleofthetrail-mount-kalugong-and-mount-yangbo-la-trinidad-benguet/
http://www.pagnapagna.com/2015/11/mt-tayawan.html
http://roamulofied.wordpress.com/2015/05/26/mount-jumbo-la-trinidad-benguet-ph/

After hiking Mt. Yangbew (post here), my friend and I walked back to Tawang Barangay Hall. Just outside its building is a path that leads to our next stop, Tayawan view deck.
Similar to the start to Mt. Yangbew, we were welcomed by a steep trail, but thankfully, not as "breath-taking".

Interestingly, there is a cemetery built on a mountainside along the trail, so we walked quietly as we passed tombs out of respect for the deceased.

It took around 30 minutes to get to the shed of Tayawan View Deck. Fortunately, we had the spot to ourselves. It was almost 12 noon and the sun was out to play but we could hardly feel its heat as the breeze was cool. Once again, we put on our jackets, slumped on the benches and ate our snacks.

From where we sat, we can see houses and other structures in La Trinidad. Gazing down, everything looked like tiny, colorful Legos scattered at the foot of mountains.

Tayawan View Deck in Barangay Tawang, La Trinidad

From Tayawan view deck, we followed a trail to Mt. Kalugong, our last stop.
Again, the trail was easy to spot and unlike the first two trails we did, it was much easier but still scenic. Along the way, we spotted huge rock formations at the side of the trail.

Trail from Tayawan view deck to Mt. Kalugong

Behind us, a view of Mt. Yangbew. It was amusing to see where we were a few hours earlier. :)

The hike from Tayawan to Mt. Kalugong took less than an hour. We emerged at the side of the eco park where we found nice picnic tables, tree swings and traditional huts. There's also a store selling snacks. After paying the entrance fee (50 Pesos), we explored the area to check out more rock formations.

One of the numerous areas in Mt. Kalugong where you can see La Trinidad.

To be honest, climbing over rock formations has become very scary for me every since my rock climbing accident in 2009 where my left leg got stitched up and took months before I fully recovered. If it wasn't for my brave friend Jules, I may have skipped the rocks at Mt. Kalugong, which would be a shame because seeing clouds hovering over the town below was beautiful, truly a must see for nature lovers!

Mt. Kalugong has several small peaks that can accommodate several small groups. Though there were other visitors, we enjoyed a quiet time and even met the friendly manager of its cliff side cafe! (Check it out here.)

On the way down, we took the road to Barangay Cruz which is close to the main road to La Trinidad where you can take a jeep or cab back to Baguio city. This is also the road used by non-hikers or people who just want to enjoy the park's facilities at Mt. Kalugong. You can actually take your vehicle or cab all the way up to the entrance.

How to Get to Mt. Kalugong
From the jeepney terminal along Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio city, take a jeep bound for La Trinidad and asked to be dropped off at Barangay Cruz (Upper). Your marker would be Baguio Memorial Services which is an establishment along the main road. From there, ask for directions to Mt. Kalugong. You can also take a cab either from Baguio or La Trinidad town proper until you're close to the park entrance. Take note that Mt. Kalugong is in Barangay Tawang but is accessible from Barangay Cruz.

Entrance Fee : 50 PHP

Check out my post about other easy hike in La Trinidad, Mt. Yangbew. :)

Other helpful resources:

https://roamulofied.wordpress.com/2016/01/10/mount-kalugong/
http://www.pagnapagna.com/2015/11/mt-tayawan.html
http://francramon.com/taleofthetrail-mount-kalugong-and-mount-yangbo-la-trinidad-benguet

Not everyone enjoys malls or have the time or energy to visit one, especially if you’re someone who’s either hiking or swimming or just sleeping or eating :P. (ehem!)

I only go when I really, really have to and it’s a chore I just have to get over and done with.

Fortunately, it’s so much easier these days to just buy stuff online and it’s become more secure too which is why I love online shopping. It’s just so convenient and if I see several options online, I have time to do more research or ask around (thank you Social media!) before making a purchase.

Since I love shopping online, I got excited when Shopback invited me to try out their platform. Shopback is a website that helps you get the best deals and discounts on 300+ stores, plus Cashback! Cashback is really just "getting cash back" when you make a purchase passing through Shopback’s site.

Check out fantastic online shopping deals with ShopBack

ShopBack works with merchants who reward them with a commission when referring a customer to shop on their site. When you spend online through ShopBack, they give

you a portion of your purchase back as Cashback.

Just recently, I had to buy a MicroSD card for my Supremo 4K action cam. I decided to go to a mall and sadly, not only did it stress me out having to talk to sales people (I wasn’t feeling sociable that day), I also didn’t find anything that suited my needs.

The next day, I followed a friend’s advice to check out Lazada and in a few minutes, I was able to buy one, a reliable MicroSD card that came at a good price! I only wished I learned about ShopBack before I bought one. (Lazada vouchers and promotions up for grabs at ShopBack!

So, how to get Started with ShopBack?

Go to ShopBack website. Create your profile – either use your Facebook login or sign in using your email address.

Here are some screenshots that explain how Shopback works :

You can request for payout once you've reached Redeemable Cashback of P300.00

Bonus can only be cashed out when your Redeemable Cashback reaches P300.00

How to get your cash?

You can get your cash through PayPal or bank account:

Paypal

BDO

BPI

Metrobank

Eastwest

Chinabank

Security Bank

RCBC

UCPB

Globe GCash

Unionbank

PNB

Shop with Zalora promo codes on top of cashback.

For easier access, you can also download its app on Google Play, Apple App Store or through Shopback Cashback Buddy website (for laptops and desktops only)

You also get a PHP100 Bonus on your first purchase. Cool deal eh?

For travelers, below’s a screenshot of ShopBack’s partner merchants. I have an upcoming trip soon and I’m looking forward to getting good deals on accommodation.

Save with Booking.com discounts!

Over-all, ShopBack presents another fun and creative way of giving customers a discount, a treat for us online shoppers. J

Need more information on ShopBack? Check out these articles about their service on Inquirer, Manila Times and The Philippine Star.

When I started hiking about 16 or 17 years ago, my mentor, a mountaineer from AMCI Mountaineering Club, formerly called Ayala Mountaineers shared with us this outdoor philosophy when in the mountains :

Leave nothing but footprints

Take nothing but pictures

Kill nothing but time

Supremo 4K action camera

Starting young, this got imprinted in my head but back then, taking even just one photo or video clip was costly. You need to load your camera with a film and have it printed - and if you want videos, you need to buy a separate gadget! Nowadays, with technology, taking pictures or videos as souvenirs of a happy adventure is now cheaper and much more convenient. I’m so happy I don’t have to borrow a friend’s film to get a copy of pictures, whew! There’s also so many options that would fit your budget.

As a matter of convenience, I use my phone to take photos and videos but I’m not comfortable bring it out all the time especially when there’s water involved such as river trekking, canyoneering or kayaking.

Thankfully, Supremo Philippines sent me their latest action camera to try, the Supremo 4K which can take 4K videos and quality photos up to 16MP. When put inside its waterproof casing, you can bring it underwater upto 30 meters, so that's around 98 feet. That's deep enough to enable you to take shots while snorkeling as most spots are close to the reef.

It came in a nice box and packed with an overwhelming number of accessories which you can use to attach or mount the camera depending on your adventure.

Here’s a list of what you’ll get along with the Supremo 4K camera :
Supremo wrist remote, Waterproof case + replacement backdoor, Frame, Quick Release buckle, J-hook buckle, 360-degrees rotating swivel arm, 3-way pivot arm + thumb screws, Lock bolt, Flat mount, Curved mount, Clip mount, Handlebar mount, Safety tether, Straps, 3M Adhesives, Rechargeable batteries (you get 2 for each unit!). Wall charger, USB Cable and User manual

Technical Specs : (Skip this part if you're like me who's not quite keen on the technical specs. To be honest, the only thing I was interested in was knowing how deep I could use it underwater, hehe!)
Lens angle - 170 degrees, 7G A+ FIsheye Super Wide Angle Lends
Screen - 2.0" LCD screen (960*240)
Video - 4K at 24fps, 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps video quality
Photo - 16MP (20MPx interpolated/14MP/12MP/10MP/8MP/5MP JPEG
Battery - 1000mAh, 3.7V lithium battery
Waterproof - maximum at 30 meters
Ports - HDMI Mini (Type D) and USB 2.0 ports
Memory Card - 4GB to 32GB Micro SD Card (sold separately)
Diving Mode - Red light compensation function in diving mode

Note that you'll need a Micro SD card to be able to use it. As mentioned above, it's not included in the unit but other retail stores may offer it. Supremo recommends using a Class 10 MicrosSD card with at least 48mb/s writing speed to enjoy seamless HD and 4K video recording. The memory card can be expanded up to 32GB. I'm currently using a 32GB Samsung Evo microSD which I bought from Lazada. I haven't had any issues with it so far. Transferring files from my camera to the laptop is quite fast. I just plug the cable in, select Mass storage from the camera and I can easily view the files and videos.

Supremo 4K retails between 3,680-6500 Pesos depending on where you buy it. It's 3,680 Pesos at Kimstore as of this writing. I posted a list where you can buy Supremo 4K below.

I’m also sharing with you this informative unboxing video which I found online by Life is Kulayful and Manila Shaker. Click here.

So, how do I find Supremo 4K?
Like I've said, I’m not a very techy person. In fact, when I opened my Supremo 4K, I felt a bit intimidated but following the manual and user guide was quite easy and in about 30 minutes, I felt comfortable using it. Don’t lose it!

As an ordinary user who just wants to take nice photos and videos as keepsakes, I’m quite satisfied and would happily recommend Supremo 4K to everyone who is looking for a budget-friendly action camera that takes quality photos and videos. I also swim in a pool about 1-3 times a week and I love how I can record my swim sessions so I can see how I'm doing since I normally swim alone. It‘s also worth noting that you would may need to change or experiment with the settings to fit to your liking. I can’t deal with poor image quality and I don’t like editing too much so I searched online for suggestions on the proper settings.

Supremo 4K sample photo#1
I only cropped it a bit as my hand popped in the screen :P.
Settings :
Photo size - 8MP
Picture quality - fine
HD On

The sky was really dark and cloudy when I took the shot and there's a bit of fog at the peak.

Taken on a hike at Manabu peak in Batangas

Supremo 4K sample photo #2
I didn't edit this in any way. This was taken deep in the forest so it's also a bit dark when I took it.

Papaya river at Mt. Tarak, Bataan

Supremo 4K sample raw video
Settings : 1080P 30fps

*When watching a video on YouTube, remember to update the viewing quality (click the settings button near the bottom right of the video on YouTube) as default view might be a low resolution. 480p is clear enough and easier to load if your internet access is slow.

Tip : Should you need more sample videos taken with Supremo 4K, just type "Supremo 4K" on the search box on YouTube.

As for durability, I’ve only been using it for about two months so I can’t give a fair verdict yet. I’m the type who absentmindedly drops stuff (which is why my phone is in a reliable Otterbox case :P). You can ask me again on Instagram after a few months if you’re curious to know if my Supremo 4K is still functioning. My IG user ID is @Jovialwanderer.

To help you make a decision, you can also check out what other users have to say about Supremo 4K in this Facebook Group. I'm not sure if it’s affiliated in any way with Supremo Philippines but it’s helpful. It's a closed group so you need to join to view the content.

Where to buy Supremo4K in the Philippines?
Abenson, Ambassador, Automatic, AV Surfer, D'24K, Electroworld, F8 Photo,
Globe Telecom Stores, IGIG, J&R Appliances, Kimstore.com, Lazada.com, M20 Enterprise,

Macys Camera Shop, Photoline, PRG Photo Shop, The Landmark Corp and SupremoWorld.com

Supremo World
Facebook Page : facebook.com/supremoworld
Website : http://supremoworld.com/

Here are other reviews on Supremo 4K which you may want to check out :
Pinoy Adventurista
Justin Vawter

Most of my travels are short and involve a mountain hike so I’m often dirty and tired (but still all smiles!) at the end of the day. After an adventure, all I want is to be able to change my clothes and rest somewhere nice, so if I’m spending a night or two away from home, I always, always make it a point to book my accommodation in advance so I could get comfortable rooms at better deals and spend what I saved up on food or perhaps for another trip (but it will be most likely on food. :P).

Traveloka is a fairly new booking site where you can snag cheap flights and hotel bookings. Making it even more easier and convenient for travelers is its app which I recently downloaded. Its clean, highly-responsive and user-friendly interface is delightful. At its homepage, you can easily navigate your away around whether you’re looking for a flight, hotel or just checking out ongoing promos.

I've recently used the Traveloka App to book a hotel for my next hiking trip in Pangasinan. To find a good deal, I clicked on “ongoing promos.” Fortunately, there was one that was ending on the same day so I took advantage! The deal was for a hotel discount of up to 50% off if I completed a booking within the promo period.

I entered “Pangasinan” at the Destinations and my check-in dates. I blurred out my travel dates in below screenshot but on the app itself, you’ll be able to select and see the dates.

After clicking the “Search” button, the app immediately led me to all the available properties on my travel dates. The variety of options by which you can sort out the accommodation is really useful. If budget is a concern, you can sort by “Price” (the icon to sort is at the bottom of the page). Just make sure it’s not too far from where you’re going so you don’t overspend on transportation costs.

When choosing an accommodation, I always check out the reviews within the app and on other sites (other blogs, review sites, Facebook pages). On the app, Traveloka shows feedback from the popular travel review site, TripAdvisor.

There are several options located all over Pangasinan, which is an enormous province so I opened up Google maps on my laptop as well to check the proximity of the hotel from my destination. In the end, I chose Hotel Monde in Dagupan for its excellent location, reviews online and its reasonable price.

When booking through apps or websites, I only do the actual booking once I’ve made up my mind. This way, I avoid making errors or encountering a website timeout which is an additional hassle since you need to verify if your booking went through.

After pressing “Select Room”, I was led to another page that showed the price, room details and the cancellation policy.

For a stylish private room with shower located near the city center, plus the promo discount, I thought this was a fair deal.

After finalizing my room choice, I provided my contact details. On this page, you can specify whether you’re booking for yourself or for another person. You can also enter your special requests such as a room away from the main road, late check-in, late check-out, etc. You will also see the price at the bottom of the page. After pressing “Continue”I was led to another page where I saw my booking details again and this makes it easier for you to review and make revisions on your booking before you pay. (Note : Actual travel dates were blurred on below screenshot)

I clicked “Continue” and this led me to the payment page.

Traveloka App provides you with a variety of payment methods. For convenience, you can pay through credit or debit card. You can also pay at 7 Eleven stores, M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier and through banks BDO, BPI, Metrobank. BDO, Landbank, UCPB, RCBC and Chinabank. Note that Traveloka gives you a specific timeframe to make a payment and while there are several payment options, some may not be available at the time of your booking. When paying through banks, it is best to do it during their business hours.

Credit card has always been my preferred payment mode as I can get instant confirmation and it’s more hassle-free for me. (If you want to check out how payment goes through via bank payment, check out Lakas ng Trip’s Post here)

In below screenshot, you’ll notice a time frame beside each payment method. That is the number of hours/minutes you have to make a payment to secure your booking.

On the next page, I entered my card details. Before paying, I applied the coupon code which I copied from the “Ongoing Promos” section and gleefully saw the room rate reduced to 50% off. Yay!

I clicked “Pay Now” to finalize my payment. Since I used a credit card enabled with a verification code for online payments, I had to enter the code sent to me which took less than a minute. After I received confirmation that payment was successful, I received a text right away confirming my booking then after another minute, I received my Traveloka voucher containing my booking details along with a receipt.

In a matter of minutes, I was able to book a room through Traveloka’s user-friendly app. My stay will be in May and I will update this post to tell you how it went.:)

Check out my posts on hiking here.

Summer's here, a season where a lot of companies and organizations plan getaways for its employees or members. If you're looking for a venue to hold your team building, conference or seminar near Manila that's close to nature, consider Haranah Eco Park.

A wide open space for your activities

Located in Tanay, Rizal, this 16.2 hectare family-owned eco park offers its visitors a expansive venue to unwind while enjoying generous views of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

With its proximity to the mountains, the weather is cool year-round and gets even colder at night, a nice contrast from the heat in the lowlands.

Scenic mountain views from the Bahay Kubo

Getting here takes around 1.5 hours from Quezon City and 2 hours from Manila with moderate traffic. It passes MARILAQUE (short for Marikina, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon) highway, a well-paved road offering scenic mountain views and rocky peaks, a reason why it's frequented by bikers.

Established friendly hiking trails

Haranah Eco Park offers the perfect venue for its visitors to interact with each other without the modern day distractions. In place of television and radio are nature's sounds. Cellular network connectivity is limited to Smart and Sun users. It's a good place to disconnect and do some reflection.

In line with its mission to promote environmental awareness, some of the flowers and trees along the hiking trail have tags containing its common & scientific name, description and region of origin. Being a plant lover, it was nice to just walk around and look at plants and know its name. (Related post :Tree trekking with Haribon)

Other activities you can do here include hiking, mini obstacle course, bonfire in designated spots, rock balancing, a form of art where rocks are stacked without the use of adhesives or other materials. You can also bathe in a small natural pool which can be hiked down a very steep hill.

For more information on Rock Balancing, visit their Facebook page here.

Trying out rock balancing with my fellow bloggers Joshua Berida and Julia who's on assignment for Langyaw.com

Tent accommodation with foam mattresses are offered. You can also bring your own tents but pitching is allowed in designated areas to preserve the beauty of the place. The camping grounds is on a well-tended grassy area close to trees and surrounded with flowering plants. The restrooms and shower area is also a couple of feet away so no need to worry about going to the toilet in the middle of the night.

They also have a kitchen you can use but availing of their food service is also a good idea because they serve good food! The multi-purpose hall which also serves as the dining area is an excellent spot to watch the sunset or just stare at the Sierra Madre mountain range. There's also another area in the property where you can witness a beautiful sunrise.

Breakfast with a view at Haranah Eco Park's multi-purpose hall and dining area

Here's a summary of its facilities :

Solar-powered multi-purpose hall (seating capacity : 200)

Bahay kubo

View deck and lounge (seating capacity : 15)

Conference Hall (seating capacity : 40)

Amphitheater which can be a venue for outdoor lectures

Designated bonfire areas

Geodesic domes for planting herbs and spices

Hiking trail with stone steps

Kitchen

Admin building & Clinic

Shower hall and restrooms

Basketball court

Currently, Haranah Eco Park is by reservation only and for big groups, a minimum of 40. In April however, they will be accepting solo or small groups. You just need to book in advance. Details provided below.

Day Tour
April 13,14,15,16, 2017
Fee : P1,000
Inclusions : a day tour with set lunch
For reservations, contact +63(02)376-6645 or +63 (02)411-6567 or send them an email at postmaster@haranahecopark.com.ph.

Other places to visit in Tanay?
Hiking destinations in Tanay by Pinoy Mountaineer
Tanay Travel Guide by Travel Up

Haranah Eco Park
Sitio Mayagay 2, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Contact Number : +632-376-6645
Email : postmaster@haranahecopark.com.ph
Facebook Page : http://facebook.com/haranahecopark

Note : This trip was in collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board and Haranah Eco Park, the marketing arm of DOT (Department of Tourism, Philippines).

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Pacsafe Opens Flagship Store in the Philippines!

3 Days of Fun at Amorita, Bohol's Eco-friendly Luxury Resort

Cebu Pacific Awards Young Travelers in Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016!

Hiking in Cebu : Sirao Peak

Surviving my first Swim Challenge (Plus Caramoan & Naga Travel Information!)

Events : Higantes Festival Schedule - 2016 (Angono, Rizal)

Angono Travel Series Part 1 : Where to Eat (Plus travel information!)

Angono Travel Series Part 2 : Where to Go (with Itinerary and travel information!)

Gift Ideas for Outdoor Lovers & Travelers

Blog Giveaway c/o World Bites : Win a Box of Treats from Around the Globe!

Hiking in Samal Island, Davao del Norte

Discover Treats from Around the Globe with World Bites

Travel News : Take a Glamorous Sea Adventure from Manila to Taiwan and Hong Kong with Star Cruises

Hiking in La Trinidad : Mt. Yangbew

Hiking in La Trinidad : Tayawan View Deck and Mt. Kalugong

Feature : Save money for your next travels with Shopback

Review : Supremo 4K Action Camera for the Everyday Adventurer

Booking a Nice & Budget-Friendly Hotel via the Traveloka App

Team Building venue : Haranah Eco Park (Tanay, Rizal)