Kwentong Kaladkarin #53: Baler Break – Of Surfing and Serenity

Da Where: Baler, Aurora, Philippines
Da When: February 23-25, 2013
Da Who: me, Vin, Maggie and Ferdz

One of the good things that greet you as soon you step into Secret Spot is the warm sweet-salty air playing with your hair. This was a welcome change from the freezing AC of the 8-hour bus ride from Cubao to Aurora. The other is the sight and sound of waves crashing just a cartwheel away from where we were standing. And of course, Tita Rose's welcoming grin.

In Between: Sagada Smitten

I'd be starting 'In Between' updates in the spirit of me being unable to post real-time or as often as I should. It could be due to the following reasons: too busy with work and school, too tired, too fed up with my snail-pace internet connection, too lazy or simply just preferred sleep over facing a blinking cursor. ;D

I took a trip to Sagada in the Mountain Province in November of 2012 and it was my third visit, coinciding with my first solo trip. Blogging about it soon... :)

7 hours bus ride to Baguio

7 hours bus ride to Sagada

Spelunking at Lumiang-Sagada Caves

Rappel and rock climb at Echo Valley

River-trekking to Pongas Falls

Bonfire and beer with the locals

Daybreak stars and wishing on falling ones

Climbing Mt. Ampacao to catch the sunrise

Hiking to Lake Danum

Visiting Ub Ubbo Pottery

Touring the town

7 hours bus ride to Baguio

7 hours bus ride to Manila

Three nights. Four days. Pine trees. Blue skies. Chilly air. Amazing people.
I fall in love with this place over and over again.

Music Credits:

Blown Away - A Fine Frenzy

I Want The Sky - Lucy Schwartz

Kwentong Kaladkarin #52: Spicy Legazpi – The Trip's Travel Tips

Da Where: Legazpi, Albay, Philippines
Da When: September 27-29, 2012
Da Who: me and first-time travel buddies from work, Red and Meis :)

With so many things to do and so many things to see in the Bicolandia, a weekend trip would probably make you groan and say "I wish I were staying longer!"

Ditto. However, a weekend trip is entirely possible. Take it from me, who didn't even plan where to stay, where to go and what to see. Okay, maybe not the 'what to see' part. I did read up a bit to get me all hyped up. :D

Magayon Mayon from Embarcadero

Kwentong Kaladkarin #51: Spicy Legazpi – Of Fantastic Views and Fiery Frozen Delights

Da Where: Legazpi, Albay, Philippines
Da When: September 27-29, 2012
Da Who: me and first-time travel buddies from work, Red and Meis :)

The previous night's alcohol buzz was non-existent when I woke up that Sunday morning. The famous almost-perfectly-cone volcano that is the pride of this region and also infamous for being finicky in showing all her glory is waiting for us!

I saw her once from afar on a banca on our way back to Naga from Caramoan shrouded by clouds and then once on a clear day while I was on a plane to Davao. This time, hangover or not, pretty much nothing will stop me from coming up close and personal with Mayon.

Breakfast, at last!

Kwentong Kaladkarin #50: Spicy Legazpi - Of Authentic Bicol Express, Healthy Lungs and Damaged Livers

Da Where: Legazpi, Albay, Philippines

Da When: September 27-29, 2012

Da Who: me and first-time travel buddies from work, Red and Meis :)

What I found weird when I told some folks I'm off to Legazpi, was the question "Why?" I wanted to ask back, why not?

After all, it's home to one of the Philippine's stunning landscapes, the majestic Mayon Volcano. Seeing it up close would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, especially for someone who does not hail from the Bicol region.

A timid Mayon greeting my arrival