Kwentong Kaladkarin #40: Davao Delights – Soaking Up the Samal Sunshine

Da Where: Isla Reta Resort, Talicud Island, Island Garden City of Samal
Da When: August 13-14, 2012
Da Who: me and Deej, on our Davao Duo trip

Serenity and the sea

 The past two weeks before this trip, Manila was once again drenched in heavy rains brought along by the southwest monsoon or habagat. Several colleagues even experienced flooded homes and landslides in the northern mountainous areas became news on the nightly programs.

Save for a few minutes of heart-thumping turbulence before landing in Davao, it felt like Deej and I were in a whole different continent. It actually made feel a little guilty to laze around in sunshine while my Facebook news feed filled up with woes of never-ending rain, flood and horrible traffic. I was sending virtual sunshine to friends, hoping that helped a little.

Kwentong Kaladkarin #39: Davao Delights – A Day in Eden

Da Where: Eden Nature Park & Resort, Mt. Talomo, Toril, Davao City
Da When: August 12, 2012
Da Who: me and Deej, on our Davao Duo trip

If you were brought up in a Catholic home and had Christian Living, Religion or Catechism classes when you were younger, then likely the word Eden is synonymous to Paradise. It is said to to be the garden where Adam and Eve were brought and there was no want or need in this place.

Kwentong Kaladkarin #38: Binabagyong Boracay, On My Birthday!

Da Where: Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Da When: June 3-5, 2012

Da Who: me and Vin, to celebrate my 26th year and our 47th month together

The downpour experienced recently jarred me back to the wet and cold beach trip we made just a month ago for my birthday and our month-sary. Yeah, coz we're cheesy-gooey like that. ;P

Boracay is still beautiful, even in tropical storm turmoil.

Kwentong Kaladkarin #37: Surviving Zambales – The Trip's Travel Tips

Special thanks to Jam and Zee for doing all the legwork and yes, including the mind-bending budgeting and back-breaking logistics. :)

Know more about our weekend adventure here:

Kwentong Kaladkarin #35: A Night in Not-The-Same Nagsasa Cove

Kwentong Kaladkarin #36: Capones Camp Out ala-Survivor

BUDGET (per person)

CONTACTS

Kuya JR / Ate Liezel - +(63) 9173809104

Boat Rental, Camping Logistics, etc.

TIPS

• If and when you can, opt for weekdays instead of weekend trips. Because of the proximity to Manila, Zambales beaches are packed during holidays and weekends.
• Commuting is manageable, last bus trip from Manila leaves at around 2300 and the tricycle from San Antontio proper to Pundaquit is pretty much round-the-clock but never sacrifice safety. If you're pressed for time, van rentals are still the best way to go.
• Don't forget your sunblock lotion and water shoes/sandals when visiting Capones Island. The limited shade areas and pebbly seabed can be a pain in the...
• Support the local trade! Do your logistics shopping at the San Antonio public market. They pretty much have everything! :)

Dreaming to zone out in Zambales soon? Go ahead, plan away! :)

Kwentong Kaladkarin #36: Capones Camp Out ala-Survivor

Da Where: Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales
Da When: May 20-21, 2012
Da Who: me, Deej, Jam, Zee, Adam, Leo, Mark, Iggy and Ron
Da Word for Da Day: 'Gullible's Travel!' :D

I was still wiping off the cobwebs of sleepiness in my mind at around 0900H when Jam woke me up. I needed to break camp and pack up my tent and stuff before the boat carts us off to Capones Island just off the coast of Pundaquit. Breaking camp is always my hatest part of trip and this was not an exception, especially since I'd be doing this twice in one weekend. :D

Nagsasa Cove