tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54847308588712683762024-02-19T00:32:48.890-08:00Ava was here.Just my personal travel storiesavahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-80079260645015420182019-08-06T19:04:00.000-07:002019-08-07T05:14:14.271-07:00In between vaporetto rides in Venezia<span class="”fullpost”">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burano, Italy</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br />We skipped breakfast because John said we had to catch the first vaporetto to Mazzorbo from Venice. It was a chilly morning and the narrow alleys of Venezia were still empty. The waterbus arrived. Half asleep, I picked a spot with enough sunlight hoping to get some warmth. Before I could even sneak a power nap, I felt the sea breeze numbing my cheeks. Ah, I have yet to get used to seeing sunlight and feeling cold at the same time!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I didn’t know where we were headed but John, who was celebrating his birthday that day, said that “we were having local wine.” </span><i style="color: #444444;">It was barely 10am</i><span style="color: #444444;">. Then I saw the salmon-hued façade and the sign – Venissa. </span><i style="color: #444444;">Omg, were we really going to Venissa?</i><span style="color: #444444;"> I saw it on Youtube once and I know that it is Michelin-starred and they make their own wines from Dorona, Venice’s local grapes. Apparently, we had a reservation for two at Venissa so we were ushered into the restaurant which was still empty. The room, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooked the vineyard. (If John and I were a couple, this is when I'd be thinking that he was going to propose by the end of the meal hah!) After opting for a table by the garden, a lady, with what seemed like a Portuguese accent, welcomed us. John and I were toured around the vineyard and told with stories about Venice’s past and how both geography and history came together (the very reason why I got so fascinated with the world of wines) to create a terrior that was unique to Venice alone.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorona, the only local grapes in Venezia</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Then food was served. It was sooo pretty I didn’t want to eat it. The island’s deep gold wine was a delight at first sight and it tasted really good and unique too – must be the saltiness of the sea and the other underwater character that you won’t find in other terriors.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">After devouring the food and wine, we decided to go for a stroll in nearby and candy-colored Burano where people told us that in the past, they had to assign a home color to each fisherman so that it was easy to tell who was missing at sea. Burano was an instant emotional booster. On the other hand, there was a small town vibe going on -- grandmas knitting, grandpas chatting with fellow grandpas. The island was cheerful just as it was melancholic at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">We ended the day in one of the more quiet and non-touristy waterbus stops which gave us a good view of main Venice. While waiting for the vaporetto, John and I sat on a bench watching Venice being flocked by tourists. I asked him if he could live there to which he answered "Yes, but I will live here where we're at and not on main Venezia." <i>I can't live there.</i> L</span><span style="color: #444444;">ike Elio's town in Call Me By Your Name, i</span><span style="color: #444444;">t felt too old and sleepy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">The city was pretty and rustic but there was something about it that was very nostalgic, especially when you're just sitting on a bench and watching life around you move. Its vibe froze me as just the spectator and I am scared me to be just that. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">It's funny how places confront a vulnerability in you. In retrospect, I always remember a place based on 'what it made me feel.' Venice would be like a grandma I did not meet - welcoming but distant, wise, nostalgic. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some tipsy me strolling around Burano</td></tr>
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avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-77833546507904385282019-01-31T02:03:00.003-08:002019-01-31T17:49:48.679-08:00Tasting vintage champagnes in Reims<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere after the tour, in a park, with my brain trying to connect "sunny" with "chilly"</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444;">10 am – We arrived in Reims, France’s champagne region. It was sunny, the skies were blue but I felt the chills as soon as we hopped off our bus. </span><span style="color: #444444;"><i>When you’re from a tropical country, it is almost difficult to associate “sunny” with “cold”. Apparently, there’s such a thing.</i></span><span style="color: #444444;"> Reims was even colder than Paris but we didn’t need to reach the center to realize that people here were so much nicer. Less complaints, no gasping nor weird, annoying sounds that Parisians make when they’re stuck in a long queue. A local girl even asked if we needed help with buying tram tickets!<br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br />We needed to eat lunch in the next 40 minutes or take the second half of the wine tour drunk. McDonald’s was the nearest option. I indulged. I’ve missed my nuggets. Then, after a few minutes of eating and blocks of walking, there it was -- the orange logo. We were headed to</span><span style="color: #444444;"> Maison Veuve Cliquot. </span><span style="color: #444444;">We arrived right on time and hurriedly joined the group of 10 waiting at the lobby. The tour guide was a girl about my age. She had Mediterranean features with dark hair and was about an inch taller than me. Nice and friendly in a refreshing kind of way. When she talked in English, her zzzzs were being thrown like a sweet lullaby to my ear. I thought to myself -- I want this girl’s job! How easy would it be to fake a French accent when I speak English? It would've been nice but....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">A long staircase led us down to the cellar. It was dark but the orange letters “VCP” right at its foot looked like orange fire temptation; a force of gravity pulling you down slowly to an infinity in hell.<br /><i><br />It felt like heaven to me.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The stairs leading you down to the cellar<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">We talked about the history of the brand, Madame Cliquot and her emancipation, champagne, bottles of champagnes, disgorgement of champagnes, old champagnes, new champagnes then finally; the last and best part – tasting the champagnes! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Champagne glasses were beautifully arranged on top of the bar. Our tour guide first opened a non-vintage -- champagne made with grapes harvested from different years. It was good. But nothing too special. Then, came the vintage – La Grande Dame. We were told to wait and aerate the wine before drinking. We did. Et voila – it was a bursting flavor of “age” and “celebration” with notes of apple, orange and apricot blended beautifully by a highly-respectable minerality. Or maybe I was drunk… but it was good. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sight of a vintage - pale gold; and a sniff of good age</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Grande Dame -- the guide say that this vintage was a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting room<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bienvenue au Reims</td></tr>
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Earlier that day, when my alarm started beeping at 5 am, the first thing that came to mind was the glass of pale-gold vintage that I would be having in a few hours. More than 12 hours later, I leave Reims drunk and poorer but also amazed at how history and religion interrelates with wine.<br />
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À la tienne !<br />
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avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-29903077361264956722019-01-22T20:28:00.000-08:002019-08-01T19:30:58.637-07:00Golden afternoons and red wines in Porto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRby2TaFPxj4FCA69ILAL2BRW_ZE2WAtzfQH8kbHw7MQ4A6HZANTNMLo6SvldlhJCK_y7IVRJ5gJgz2Kx-AncZcFcvAHbEGQmpiEjh255rdzgTTUrN61ZKB6-p3se0I8lPbRFntC0N5w/s1600/porto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRby2TaFPxj4FCA69ILAL2BRW_ZE2WAtzfQH8kbHw7MQ4A6HZANTNMLo6SvldlhJCK_y7IVRJ5gJgz2Kx-AncZcFcvAHbEGQmpiEjh255rdzgTTUrN61ZKB6-p3se0I8lPbRFntC0N5w/s1600/porto.jpg" /></a></div>
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Porto was a sweet surprise. It doesn’t call me the way Paris does but if I were to settle in Europe, I’d definitely want a holiday home in Porto. <i>Et pourquois pas?</i> It has nice beaches (and bonus that there is surf), people are friendlier, men are good-looking (but not in an overwhelming kind of way like Spain), most people understand English and the best of all – the wine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSQzyeIFqCY_DSzYdMNbYqHcqXTm6JsuFJQL0kUQvyLCpGdZFRjkQFb4rIxSaEIo_eQawEQREpx1FJpuTAJ0uZGQucwq3cvd1JsHsFK8Bge8kLd7sjJQYPdNmyA8PfVktI64WJLG9JQ/s1600/porto+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSQzyeIFqCY_DSzYdMNbYqHcqXTm6JsuFJQL0kUQvyLCpGdZFRjkQFb4rIxSaEIo_eQawEQREpx1FJpuTAJ0uZGQucwq3cvd1JsHsFK8Bge8kLd7sjJQYPdNmyA8PfVktI64WJLG9JQ/s1600/porto+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taken from somewhere in Vila Nova Gaia</span><br />
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Since it’s a small town, it’s nice to go around by foot. Our Airbnb was located just a few steps from the Ribeira so in the afternoon, when it was not raining, we’d catch the sunset by a local bar and watch people go by. When it rains, the mood drastically changes. Still pretty but a different kind of pretty, it’s the kind of afternoons that I still spend by the Ribeira but with preference to sitting near a crackling fire, drinking my glass of red from the Douro. Whatever the weather, there was always something charming and calming about being right in front of the river. At night, when the little bars that dotted the riverside lit up, we’d hear the chatter in different languages careening through the soft music of Fado bars nearby.<br />
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The mornings, or at least the hours before 11 am when I’d start drinking, were spent going around. Personally, I like looking for bookshops, local libraries, vintage shops and cheap rooftop bars. Around 11 am, we’d have lunch. There is, honestly, always no plan to down a bottle of wine but every single day that we were there, we have always finished a bottle of wine in one seating. That said, by around 2 pm, I’d be drunk so I need to go back to our room and catch some sleep. By the time I wake up, it would be dinner and the perfect time to have another round of wine -- and why not? And if the day was good and I wasn’t drunk by lunch, we’d cross to Vila Nova Gaia where all the wine cellars and tours are located. It was candyland!<br />
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The reason why I wanted to go to Porto was primarily because I heard surf was good. But a surf spot with good wines? <i>Tell me how to relocate!!!</i> If I move to Europe, I guess Porto will be my Baler. Hah.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpgESfY7coozGkEde2m9gztJ1ZacDRDN2jXZFMsI95_i2_41kFDB11h0QSTf5WSBFHNJmf4OFF_gwiMpJG_Vlewd_ORlJqSWm4wtru4KXiYgdvUxRkX37amxuP7L1YFobK_mqsxU55A/s1600/porto+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpgESfY7coozGkEde2m9gztJ1ZacDRDN2jXZFMsI95_i2_41kFDB11h0QSTf5WSBFHNJmf4OFF_gwiMpJG_Vlewd_ORlJqSWm4wtru4KXiYgdvUxRkX37amxuP7L1YFobK_mqsxU55A/s1600/porto+4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Le vin, bien sûr. Admittedly not a big fan of sweet wines but the reds from he Douro are really good and insanely cheap too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfRZx0KvY_WxNiscNEKt6ZfJ7cSQFhUC0hxHmCOh4f6qDr0A5FD_axpNSaVtV_18_nN7F1BsJhiTmmPcF5Paw6fCDDxZk2dpItAG8lEpoGN4qT7JJFe0xOJZX1kepWHOCMuLSzol3lA/s1600/porto3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfRZx0KvY_WxNiscNEKt6ZfJ7cSQFhUC0hxHmCOh4f6qDr0A5FD_axpNSaVtV_18_nN7F1BsJhiTmmPcF5Paw6fCDDxZk2dpItAG8lEpoGN4qT7JJFe0xOJZX1kepWHOCMuLSzol3lA/s1600/porto3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cold, sleepy, tipsy mood at dusk</td></tr>
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-29452817628532127732018-12-10T19:30:00.000-08:002019-08-01T21:44:08.723-07:00Ode to the best pizza I've had -- in Milan<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;">It is almost impossible to remember Milan and not think of the pizza that I ate on the night that we arrived. We were tired and it was drizzling but we headed to Brera anyway. Brera, they say, is the artistic and boho side of Milan. Its streets are lined up with quaint shops selling posters and there's lots of cozy bars – the ones with soft music where you can sit alfresco and people-watch.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I am not a big fan of pizza but I thought where else should I be eating pizza?! So I ordered one, its size at first I thought I could not finish, and a bottle of Sicilian wine. Even with wines, I’ll admit that I’m not a fan of Italy but that night, we may have hit the jackpot because the pizza topped with figs went so well with the Nero D’Avola. I immediately made a mental note to visit Sicily next time!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">The rest of Milan felt like its weather – subtle, gloomy but with little surprises of color.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Italian wine red that I have tasted so far!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spent hours in one of the big universities studying students</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, apero at a rooftop bar with a great view of the Duomo.</td></tr>
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-66164201868025901752018-10-18T23:37:00.000-07:002020-02-19T21:10:24.945-08:00The last days of mercury retrograde in Osaka<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJECIcv8jCDItZ8PNHbTI0nNLKF4sVbpm-9FbisV-TpZTwX92FdRRcyc4x00Zn6YieB_JDZbTRWkbPMHJXo9vC4VNxHvNgSkmVz8EoST_w2H-GhUewRJreZ_0vOFRmMRHgPjdg1PZAlQ/s1600/japan6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJECIcv8jCDItZ8PNHbTI0nNLKF4sVbpm-9FbisV-TpZTwX92FdRRcyc4x00Zn6YieB_JDZbTRWkbPMHJXo9vC4VNxHvNgSkmVz8EoST_w2H-GhUewRJreZ_0vOFRmMRHgPjdg1PZAlQ/s1600/japan6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fave - Kyoto. We sat down for a few minutes by the bank before moving into a bar.</td></tr>
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Japan – I don’t exactly know how to feel about Japan. For me it was a sea of emotions, of thousands of people in Dontonburi, of uncomfortable and sad, tipsy walks under the scorching sun.<br />
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See, I am not a fan of astrology but somehow, mercury retrograde always (always) gets me. I was in Japan on the last few days that the mercury was on retrograde. It started with a cancelled flight. A plane skidded off the Manila airport and hundreds of flights had to be cancelled; unfortunately, including ours. This meant that we’d miss Summer Sonic, Tokyo and that our money would go to waste.<br />
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But we still made the most out of our Japan trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right across is Arabica. It tastes exactly the same as the one in BGC.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every meal, beer. Kanpai!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for sundown on one of the terrace bars in Kyoto, where I splurged on mugs of beers and delighted at the fact of finding a waiter who could speak English. </td></tr>
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Interestingly, both of the good moments that I can think of happened right in front of a river. Water really keeps me calm. Amidst the scorching heat, right by the Hozu (hope I got the name right) River in Kyoto, I was eating convenient store bread – the one that looked like <i>mantao</i> but with red bean inside - listening to the rush of the water. I did not want to move. I just wanted to stay still and look at the passers-by one by one. It was a refuge both from the heat and from <i>everything</i>.<br />
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That same day, we went to one of the terrace bars in Kyoto, along the Kamo River. It was full moon (hello cosmos, bring it on) and it was so refreshing to meet a waiter who could speak English. Finally, I could ask for a glass of water in room temperature without having to bring out google translate. I was feeling the moment! Because who doesn’t like to drink outdoors basking in the glorious moonlight!? I was chugging on my Sapporo like water before I realized that my billed shot up big time. Tipsy and poorer, I catch one of the last trains back to Osaka.<br />
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I spent only one day in Kyoto and yes – it was my favorite! Hope to be back sans the retrograde and the heat.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-69751142504965441132018-06-21T20:18:00.001-07:002019-01-24T20:00:36.910-08:00The long wait in gloomy London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7LG4lahtbCTKt4BUdZbdOjjnWfMaMlkWIE6vbH8e_LpQhig5lgjYTgrXuHuj6OzryydRDHbxDkF8lgiBS5tiVPwtpurnUJOa7Tph4bzh2O4K6XQCk5WmHKuCBoFeJfM4tlhtTM1mpg/s1600/london2v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7LG4lahtbCTKt4BUdZbdOjjnWfMaMlkWIE6vbH8e_LpQhig5lgjYTgrXuHuj6OzryydRDHbxDkF8lgiBS5tiVPwtpurnUJOa7Tph4bzh2O4K6XQCk5WmHKuCBoFeJfM4tlhtTM1mpg/s1600/london2v3.jpg" /></a></div>
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It’s been 45 minutes since I arrived at the gate of my hotel, which I booked through Booking.com. The owner keeps telling me that he is on his way so I patiently wait. 30 minutes later, he sends me a message saying that he is cancelling my booking and will refund my money. <i>What?!! Did that just happen?</i> With 16 percent phone battery, I immediately message one of the very few friends I know who live in London. I told him what just happened. He asked me to wait at a nearby coffeeshop and so I did. My London trip was starting a bit off but I’ve always believed in the kindness of strangers and that it can over-compensate for anything that goes bad. At the coffeeshop, I happened to sit beside a Pinoy couple. They let me use their powerbank and after telling them what just happened, they bought me coffee. Not even an hour has passed after I called my friend for rescue and there he was in front of me, telling me that I can stay at their place – for free! Good karma.<br />
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I did not plan anything for London. Good food, good drinks, it would be great. So the first night, we strolled around Chiswick where my friends treated me to dinner and drinks. The next day, I met up with a cousin and spent the entire day walking – a lot. It was a good day to walk – the sun was up, the skies were blue and it was breezy. First order of the day was Shoreditch. Shoreditch reminded me of Berlin with alley walls covered in colorful murals. Everywhere, you’d hear a street busker. Skaters in plaid, groups of friends with drinks on hand, aroma of food – it was a vibrant mood.<br />
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One building had the sign “vintage flea market downstairs" so (of course), I went. Vinyls, denims, posters. I found my way through a small booth filled with Levi’s denims. I knew that if I went inside, I will come out with a new pair. I went in anyway and there I found the perfect high-waist Levi’s jeans which would become my new favorite piece of clothing. Lol. After denim heaven, I found myself talking to a girl selling pendants. She showed me a pretty pendant with a deep-blue stone that reminded me of the ocean. Before I knew it, I was giving her 15 bucks which I was supposed to spend on dinner. To avoid splurging some more, I hurriedly forced myself to get out of the building. After more walking, we took refuge under a tree in Hyde Park. Eating chips while counting swans; time passed by quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLXhrUwLTEH7ZmxP4uw0WEwSk7QiPHhWxrcXsTl_1VquZGL1RZ3ab06YZL8tIckAON13StUhe4iz1-o0giLkhGVU7_9ZphC-6Mi0nRCTLdrMcZHb0gAZFzLqhj9KQTeqLHB9YOsl8CQ/s1600/21015960_10213901146308020_4893587131887179908_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLXhrUwLTEH7ZmxP4uw0WEwSk7QiPHhWxrcXsTl_1VquZGL1RZ3ab06YZL8tIckAON13StUhe4iz1-o0giLkhGVU7_9ZphC-6Mi0nRCTLdrMcZHb0gAZFzLqhj9KQTeqLHB9YOsl8CQ/s640/21015960_10213901146308020_4893587131887179908_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The next day, I spent the entire morning in Tate Modern. There’s a small veranda where you can go out and enjoy the view of the Millennium Bridge. I decided to get some fresh air at the sound of an Aimee Mann cover coming from the outside. A street busker was singing "Save Me" and it seemed to be lulling me into the London that I had in mind – gloomy skies, rainy, cold. I have waited for this! I guess I am indeed in London.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-75373106496723942982018-03-25T06:14:00.000-07:002019-01-24T23:34:32.898-08:00About Berlin – black, music + hipster Kreuzberg<div class="wText">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We just felt that we needed some polaroids taken in Berlin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This drummer brought the house down. Tourists and locals stop by before going to the U-Bahn.</td></tr>
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Black. -- I thought to myself. Everyone was in black. It was cold, probably the coldest city we’ve been during the trip, and the skies were cast in grey. I had wondered – what would Berlin be like during winter? Maybe I will be lonely if I live here but as soon as we hopped into our first U-Bahn ride, a group of buskers rushed in to play Daft Punk. Maybe that was all I needed. Suddenly, I was feeling the travel rush.<br />
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The first night, we ate Vietnamese food. We needed something familiar to warm our bodies. We lived in Kreuzberg, which I picked simply because of Bloc Party, and turned out to be one of the hippest (okay fine, hipster) cities in Berlin. On our way back to our hotel, the night scene was just starting to pick up. A long queue of people in black, with eyeliners and red lipstick, lined up outside bars. I decided to finish a cigarette while watching the queue. I asked the store owner why people were lining up and he said that they open the bar at exactly 11pm. Cool. I wanted to go but I ended day 1 curled up in bed and wishing that my comforter was thicker.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafoam!</td></tr>
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Day 2 was still cold. I was halfway through the Berlin Wall when I started feeling a headache. I thought maybe it was the cold, so I took comfort in one of the kiosks and drank my hot chocolate. A petite girl, not wearing black, was playing a downer Regina Spektor song. She was a refreshing sight. Then, teenage boys started whisking past me in their skateboards. For a moment, I found it difficult to reconcile what I was hearing with what I was seeing. And maybe this is what Berlin is all about. And if I’m in, this mish-mash could turn into something beautiful. <i>Of course, I was in.</i><br />
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Several more hours and beers later, black has started to become a normal sight. I took out my eyeliner and red lipstick and indulged myself in a fleeting feeling of belongingness. I notice that music is a big part of Berlin culture. Everywhere we go, there was always someone playing good music. Then one time, while I was watching a man showcase his drumming skills in Alexanderplatz, I remembered that David Bowie used to live here!<br />
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I leave Berlin with everyone around me still wearing black but I leave with the city’s vibrant heart.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-51174916911924527782017-09-27T00:30:00.002-07:002019-01-24T23:36:58.887-08:00Praha - Beer all day, every day, any damn day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cellist is playing "Love me Tender"</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Before the trip, I searched "what to do in Prague during summer" and "not touristy things to do in Prague". It gave a range of places but one thing stood out - Riegrovy Sady Park & Beer Garden - Because of - beer! It's not that we haven't been doing night caps in this county. In fact, I have never drunk as much alcohol as I have in Prague! They serve beer for breakfast. Even the kids drink beer. And if you go to restaurants, beer is cheaper than water (so why will I order water?). It wasn't surprising why we've been feeling bloated for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">It was summer and the sun was up. I'd say that the warmth was almost similar to Manila except that it gets erratic and suddenly, gets so cold that you'd have to wear a cover-up.</span><br />
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So one afternoon, we looked up Riegrovy Sady. We got off short of a few stops so we ended up walking. It wasn't a sweet leisurely walk. It was almost an hour of uphill walking. The heat was not helping so we were all getting a little grumpy. Finally, we found the beer garden! It was right in the middle of a huge park. There wasn't really anything fancy but the energy of the crowd felt like there was a music festival. We picked a restaurant that looked very unassuming in the assumption that beer would be cheap. True enough - beer was cheap. The restaurant reminded me of Sarah's in UP, filled with young people and buzzing conversations. After Amsterdam, I told myself that I'm never drinking Heineken (somehow, I find it too bland) again so I was determined to search for the best beer in Prague. Thankfully, I found Gambrinus. It found it so good I gulped quite a lot - "a lot" enough to make me tipsy by sunset.<br />
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With their beers and mats, people had started going down to the open area so we decided to follow. They were all facing the west so at first it looked like it was a movie screening. We found our spots and were back to business with our drinks. It actually felt like drinking on the beach, waiting for sunset, except that there was no body of water. When the sun finally started setting, everything became a slow-mo with everyone stopping their conversations and turning their attention to the sun. Meanwhile, I was feeling and thinking of so many things while this was happening - that we are so lucky to see a beautiful sunset every day and that I'm amazed at how people in Europe take time to breathe in the moment and forget social media. I took a few snaps of the sunset and quickly hid my phone. I'm still Asian, after all.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-27309568633602230592017-09-08T04:54:00.004-07:002018-08-12T22:42:04.274-07:00Paris mon amour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">We arrived in Paris via bus from Amsterdam. My first impression was that it wasn't as clean and fashionable as what I usually see in photos. Why did Amelie look so safe as she was waiting for her train in Abbesses? For a while, I thought I'd been fooled.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROH1RiSg9vTapVy6_ZEzn4IxM7nhvo5vFAmlW-RZ6tLEFeKFI0Chvozuqbzc7Hcp7pa7mLFwgBsimbG96iC-dNuL5RyuTpYCx4aqv1I-CVcOM1meEPlDUef7zCXnexU1EohmbZ6ZUxA/s1600/15349806_10211256919884012_5685988603566269641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROH1RiSg9vTapVy6_ZEzn4IxM7nhvo5vFAmlW-RZ6tLEFeKFI0Chvozuqbzc7Hcp7pa7mLFwgBsimbG96iC-dNuL5RyuTpYCx4aqv1I-CVcOM1meEPlDUef7zCXnexU1EohmbZ6ZUxA/s1600/15349806_10211256919884012_5685988603566269641_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Paris from the top of Arc de Triomphe </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOEW1Wieuji1EtYbqyxs9FfnqnzX6W8CjImzt0vgcDYQILQoPV9fIq_jTLXybquev4Y3RvROC-qeW2A0p10gcBBvv-3fEdHkzZSdAbNNZPUBSn6ZeJbTgHJCPiW5r1OHNPGzbOkip4w/s1600/15337374_10211256919203995_8238412066080941014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOEW1Wieuji1EtYbqyxs9FfnqnzX6W8CjImzt0vgcDYQILQoPV9fIq_jTLXybquev4Y3RvROC-qeW2A0p10gcBBvv-3fEdHkzZSdAbNNZPUBSn6ZeJbTgHJCPiW5r1OHNPGzbOkip4w/s1600/15337374_10211256919203995_8238412066080941014_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh, Paris on a gloomy day. This was Museum Day and I was at the top floor of the Pompidou.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did a DIY <i>Before Sunset</i> trail and of course, we had to stop here. I came back the next day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSorZKfn1lHPe30hmC3abryeHiNrnR36GFkBxbWblSQoDchhg594wkyPKoxOibOmCpXzcu2AE3203wSyyLAJhSNlnkUg3apZcSbIhu5AquUHixcp7jl2jf8wKn9HSmTFwa8aB2MIV1Xg/s1600/15390945_10211256977085442_6890837104670424675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSorZKfn1lHPe30hmC3abryeHiNrnR36GFkBxbWblSQoDchhg594wkyPKoxOibOmCpXzcu2AE3203wSyyLAJhSNlnkUg3apZcSbIhu5AquUHixcp7jl2jf8wKn9HSmTFwa8aB2MIV1Xg/s1600/15390945_10211256977085442_6890837104670424675_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you remember that <i>Amelie</i> scene in this station?</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>But after lugging our bags through five flights of stairs and checking into our Airbnb, it instantly occurred to me that in a parallel universe, maybe I was a French girl! Our BNB was owned by a lady our age. She was renting it out for a few weeks because she was backpacking in Tibet (she became my instant girl crush when she said Tibet). She had wavy hair that she tossed in a messy bun. Her face was bare with just gloss on her lips. I couldn't tell if she worked out but looking at her bookshelf, she loved to go to places with mountains so I assumed that she liked to hike or at least, walk - a lot. Our apartment was the typical French apartment that I'd see in movies - wooden floors, big windows, no TV, with lots of books, lots of herbs. During sunset, hues of gold would peep through the windows and we'd head out to the balcony and wait for the sky to turn pink while we drink our Bordeaux (because that's what French girls do in the books that I read, LOL!!!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our small balcony - so pretty! I loved watching the sunset from this spot. It was summer so the view was perfect. Can you see the plants? Zoom in some more and I'll leave it to you to figure out what they are.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Versailles - look at the ceiling? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my favorite in Pompidou. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because of relatability? I like a piece of art when I feel something. I think this made me feel something?</td></tr>
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We spent the first two days hopping from one museum to another. First stop, of course, was the Louvre, which was humongous. Personally, I'm not so much into classical art so the only thing that I was excited about was the Mona Lisa.<br />
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I was able to appreciate the Pompidou. It featured a range of modern and post-modern artists, which I love. There was also a Beat Generation exhibit that made me happy because I'm a Kerouac fan.<br />
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Versailles was a bit far from the city and we had to queue for more than an hour just to get in. We got an audio guide for free and somehow I was able to appreciate it more than Louvre.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello. Let's do what we see in the movies. Let's read, drink wine and mess our hair up because we're in France.</td></tr>
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We allotted a day for the Eiffel Tower. I first saw the Eiffel Tower when we were on the train from the terminal to the city. Before seeing it, I thought it was overrated but as it whizzed past us, it struck me that I was indeed in Europe! No other sight is ever a greater reminder that you are in Europe than the Eiffel Tower. At that moment, I wanted to go down and just take it all in. Finally, we had half a day just for the Eiffel so we brought our mat, bought wine at a convenience store and some books (because checking mobiles is so uncool and we somehow felt obliged to read instead of check Instagram). We really had to rub it in, huh?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wS3MKJKWb9W8nqGh9cDgGzjMEbCzUy0a88vfeIWcS2cz7N2mGVd5bIsDS4DLeisi_I6GBYPB4aimP_UOJZEv0GrTWe2s4tGK-I383-0gJrUR-BcRUIh2sycegO1EtCLWzjv6T9YuQA/s1600/15268008_10211256983045591_2612808253608429444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wS3MKJKWb9W8nqGh9cDgGzjMEbCzUy0a88vfeIWcS2cz7N2mGVd5bIsDS4DLeisi_I6GBYPB4aimP_UOJZEv0GrTWe2s4tGK-I383-0gJrUR-BcRUIh2sycegO1EtCLWzjv6T9YuQA/s1600/15268008_10211256983045591_2612808253608429444_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bordeaux! The first full sentence that I learned in French was "Je voudrais un verre de vin rouge." I didn't bother learning about hotel directions. By the second bottle, we were buzzed. It was drizzling and our BNB was a few metro stops away. <br />
We went to a nearby chocolate shop (which turned out to be the Chocolate Museum) hoping that the sugar would help us sober up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mornings were tolerably colder but we'd walk to a nearby patisserie to buy our freshly baked croissant au chocolat. I remember I had a hard time buying from the lady so I searched it on Duolingo and promised myself that the next time I'd go back, I should be able to order croissants fluently. I hope I can now. </td></tr>
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The sight of the Eiffel was surreal but when you're slightly buzzed, in the middle of a Montmartre restaurant, somehow, the whole experience begins to feel real. It was drizzling and we were on our second bottle of wine. Everyone was speaking French and all the women had messy (but still fab!) head bed with just red lipstick. They were all so pretty and regal. I wanted to be like them.<br />
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I think the best part about Paris was the daily grind. For the rest of our trip, we were hopping from one metro station to another checking out markets, parks, bookshops, more food and wine. We did a <i>Before Sunrise</i> and <i>Amelie</i> trail because we loved the films. And every morning, we'd buy freshly baked croissants from a nearby patisserie. Paris had the biggest impact on me. After our Euro trip, I was consistently listening to Coffeebreak French, logging into Duolingo and reading more French literature. I really want to be a French girl!<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-38007374280828794292017-08-22T22:41:00.002-07:002017-08-23T17:45:54.454-07:00Smells like Amsterdam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amsterdam Central</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The only non-gloomy shot I have! And I remember this moment. It was early morning and it did smell like Amsterdam. Must be the nearby coffeeshops (that do not serve coffee; if you want coffee, you go to a cafe)</span></td></tr>
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After almost 24 hours of traveling, we were officially in Europe! It was 8 in the evening and the sun was just about to set. Seeing that it was sunny outside, my tropical skin was anticipating some warmth. This anticipation was short-lived as we exited the airport gates and a rush of chilly winds welcomed us to our first ever European country. "Maybe this is how Europe feels like," I told myself. Our Airbnb host, picked us up and we drove for 15 minutes to our apartment.<br />
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The next morning, we headed to explore Amsterdam downtown. Finding the train station was a bit of a challenge because all the houses and the streets looked alike. The village was sickeningly quiet and all we could hear were the chirping of the birds and the sound of clonking bike bells.Thank god to CityMapper (must-download app if you're traveling!) and Google Maps. The scene changed when we reached Amsterdam Central. It seemed like mishmash to me. The scene was gloomy but the music from street buskers offered a sense of vibrancy. I felt the daily rush in the people who walked fast trying to catch their trains but there was also a feeling of peacefulness at the sight of the canals. As we walked farther from the terminal, it began to feel, look and smell like the Amsterdam that I've read in books. Still gloomy and cold. Women of different forms, in lingerie, inside big floor-length windows. Gouda displays. Bikes. And more than anything, there was a distinct smell. I know that with the smell alone, I was in Amsterdam. I could not be wrong!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward pose after going around Van Gogh</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was summer and people were out drinking as early as lunch.</span></td></tr>
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Since it was our first time, we didn't mind being touristy at all. Our days were spent going to museums, people-watching, drinking beer (Because why not? This is where Heineken was born!) and joining Sandeman's free tours. Sandeman's walking tours are "free" but most people usually tip at the end. Our first tour was the more general intro to Amsterdam. We had a really cool tour guide. She tells the entire group that she's from Poland but has lived in the city for a few years and that when Amsterdam gets cold, she heads to Portugal for a few months to surf. (Music to my ears.) This was all I needed to hear.<br />
<br />
So I approached her and told her that I'm from the Philippines with some nice surf spots. In between tourist locations, we'd exchange surf stories. She'd tell me that she hates big waves and how surfing has got her to practice veganism and yoga. My kind of girl. The tour was informative and fun but I'd say that the highlight was talking to our tour guide about Portugal and her lifestyle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9ZkwhyphenhyphenX9eg8E1CRQZWzu4JSw3DjVGquxOJGytIQyc_2mJkkzMo1lWUnwjC3IlPqcmb2ZTx8HOXCYIokHSEqgLm5_feM9yW_A7UGwuox5kBE4VZZtv5LpL1gCg0dUpD2d22-qqcI6VQ/s1600/WhattodoamsterdamPhilippineBlog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9ZkwhyphenhyphenX9eg8E1CRQZWzu4JSw3DjVGquxOJGytIQyc_2mJkkzMo1lWUnwjC3IlPqcmb2ZTx8HOXCYIokHSEqgLm5_feM9yW_A7UGwuox5kBE4VZZtv5LpL1gCg0dUpD2d22-qqcI6VQ/s1600/WhattodoamsterdamPhilippineBlog3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gouda!!! I wanted to hoard a lot of these. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dam Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoVJFEl0nAkrk1Vn4lRt3ievqHhyphenhyphenOfBvSaim5pXxj8SfLcikCHWxoArCEwVeAVdJxE213BDBM6oLY2SLo-fdDGQmJc7xi2Q_TiNgxMgxfON7aUgkw4_mQcZjKWR6n4uKVJ3K2ZIDIzw/s1600/WhattodoamsterdamPhilippineBlog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoVJFEl0nAkrk1Vn4lRt3ievqHhyphenhyphenOfBvSaim5pXxj8SfLcikCHWxoArCEwVeAVdJxE213BDBM6oLY2SLo-fdDGQmJc7xi2Q_TiNgxMgxfON7aUgkw4_mQcZjKWR6n4uKVJ3K2ZIDIzw/s1600/WhattodoamsterdamPhilippineBlog5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">I'm not a big fan of Heineken so I tried other beers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXhWYBtUlPf72PUv99GIR1zE63OhWRLk1U9_aW6VMUmTXW6n2Hx5dFcX35Uf2urp49Gpn2uLG2wP17CkFmVt-CC2L0RfM8disCXaaKjm4BbGGLVjjVodrFF5L3N8v3sIAATm_f49Z8Q/s1600/WhattodoamsterdamPhilippineBlog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXhWYBtUlPf72PUv99GIR1zE63OhWRLk1U9_aW6VMUmTXW6n2Hx5dFcX35Uf2urp49Gpn2uLG2wP17CkFmVt-CC2L0RfM8disCXaaKjm4BbGGLVjjVodrFF5L3N8v3sIAATm_f49Z8Q/s1600/WhattodoamsterdamPhilippineBlog2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vondelpark! I loved coming here for alone time - just with my beer that I'd buy from a convenient store.</span></td></tr>
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Since it was summer, everyone was just crazy to get some sun. They were all over the parks. I noticed that there was almost no one holding a mobile. They were either talking, drinking or reading. The city center is very walkable or should I say, bikeable if you want to feel more like a local.<br />
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To me, Amsterdam was intense. It looked, felt and smelled of liberation.<br />
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avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-26619481759557430442016-01-04T19:27:00.001-08:002018-03-21T00:57:08.621-07:00Baler guide: And why I keep coming back<div class="MsoBodyText">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYv7wUekDzU1pwUSPfglss8E1NeMxWCN6mh_aMiprY345bHVFz-7I_RReWhyphenhyphenod4zfFyQ_fbEBOvG8eIYXeDzfOk5Xq1Wv37PH8wNhLtpLqoy6kGU3wuK3tYhmGVWJLl9impa6DateQQ/s1600/WhattodoBaler1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYv7wUekDzU1pwUSPfglss8E1NeMxWCN6mh_aMiprY345bHVFz-7I_RReWhyphenhyphenod4zfFyQ_fbEBOvG8eIYXeDzfOk5Xq1Wv37PH8wNhLtpLqoy6kGU3wuK3tYhmGVWJLl9impa6DateQQ/s1600/WhattodoBaler1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was raining in Sabang and we couldn't surf because a landslide just happened. Instead of sleeping, <br />
our friend took us to Dipaculao, a nearby town of Baler. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMc7gvLNJmOdfGQ-9Dys7xyaBNszDNy7UTSOeII2olOlkkyAlc_PAzvVZuTcYS-3W_YvEqpC-QtZFUi5ElLXTUffXG5cI4Xe51VvnQ4TaFAHz5anpULRVv9chqwGb50FthhSJzXlxng/s1600/WhattodoBaler4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMc7gvLNJmOdfGQ-9Dys7xyaBNszDNy7UTSOeII2olOlkkyAlc_PAzvVZuTcYS-3W_YvEqpC-QtZFUi5ElLXTUffXG5cI4Xe51VvnQ4TaFAHz5anpULRVv9chqwGb50FthhSJzXlxng/s1600/WhattodoBaler4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the morning, you can get clean and big waves. Personally, I don't really like big waves. In fact,<br />
I panic! Haha. Baby peelers are my favorite which is why maybe I'll never learn to surf using a short board. <br />
This is Ingkit, a friend who resides in Baler.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
couldn't find any word or any place to better associate my 2016 with than
Baler. I fell in love with Baler! It wasn't love at first sight. I've been to
Baler a few times before and it was <i>just</i>
okay. I had to keep coming back because I was trying to overcome my fear of
deep waters by learning to surf again. That meant going to Baler, even if I had to spend 12 hours of our time on a bus, at least once a month. Before I
knew it, I couldn't take Baler off my mind. It wasn't even for the surf. I just
felt something drawing me back. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4blmNkqH7khqWKTft2u2bWW9G_0YsKj6bHmlKWh4Uc3vnshtw8tuB1ljz24wFsluKVwSqJraItt00FX9uKl-4MkUM9idqHMj7CF6AuJm6MeflTtsqBPpK9O1x3hBXotWpVWquG99GAQ/s1600/WhattodoBaler6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4blmNkqH7khqWKTft2u2bWW9G_0YsKj6bHmlKWh4Uc3vnshtw8tuB1ljz24wFsluKVwSqJraItt00FX9uKl-4MkUM9idqHMj7CF6AuJm6MeflTtsqBPpK9O1x3hBXotWpVWquG99GAQ/s1600/WhattodoBaler6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still in Dipcaculao - the rain had just stopped and the skies and the sea were blending softly, <br />
meeting through the horizon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhiCBMgxIgWtqN8H2fenUknvCn5RhuGOolFGANCcRtpMJqlF4BufQraoBUYV1zw6Yd-PaohuobgvBS_XcERFKcZSV7j5I0tWoR16otpog2sNtuczW9TpbM9Jadd2EyqotIhWPI5vciA/s1600/WhattodoBaler5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhiCBMgxIgWtqN8H2fenUknvCn5RhuGOolFGANCcRtpMJqlF4BufQraoBUYV1zw6Yd-PaohuobgvBS_XcERFKcZSV7j5I0tWoR16otpog2sNtuczW9TpbM9Jadd2EyqotIhWPI5vciA/s1600/WhattodoBaler5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a year of coming back every month, we felt obliged to have a touristy photo. This was taken during<br />
our last trip in 2015.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>People</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We said, "It's funny how things work out in Baler." It really is!
Because it's such a small town, one acquaintance will lead you to another
acquaintance. Before you know it, you've exchanged numbers and you're taking
his board out for a ride. The surfing community is small so there's a huge
chance you'll find a regular ride, thanks to your fellow city surfers. And the
good thing about this is that you find people who, like you, come to Baler for the same kind
of high (I guess "stoke" really exists!). You get stoked together. You can't get it out your head. You want it bad - again. So, you come back. Together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>Surf</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Surf here is laidback and chill. Shoreline is long so you don't worry about crowded lineups. Personally, I like the break in Baler more than anywhere else. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">From beginners to advanced surfers, there's
always a perfect spot. Beginners can always find an instructor in Sabang while
advanced surfers can try out other spots like Diguisit and Cemento. I'd say you
stick with one instructor if you have plans of turning surfing into a hobby.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuslpMfhOegbhRG5uSMzP3AEnlc9uWNDUh6LcbBmeUlqiIbwCLt-G6msgDXt1tqWjfMKa0nGECyC3nssCYbmdudMFxPY7YdK-RvWF2aQJ3v2nRxrV2TLuCudoXFLCcbn46EO_fuqkEQ/s1600/WhattodoBaler3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuslpMfhOegbhRG5uSMzP3AEnlc9uWNDUh6LcbBmeUlqiIbwCLt-G6msgDXt1tqWjfMKa0nGECyC3nssCYbmdudMFxPY7YdK-RvWF2aQJ3v2nRxrV2TLuCudoXFLCcbn46EO_fuqkEQ/s1600/WhattodoBaler3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet the 1.0 burger from Good Food, my favorite! I was surprised to find out that the owner was a neighbor <br />
in Tacloban. I can't say what to try because everything is good. Food is so yumeeeh and affordable. <br />
We even buy a takeout before leaving for Manila.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>Food</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">So you surf and then what happens after? You eat! You eat and you talk about your wipeouts. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There's more to Baler food trip than what you see along Sabang. Good Food
always tops my list. Kusina Luntian, Puno's ice cream, Madison's Cakes and
Pastries, Dialyn's.... The only thing lacking is good coffee. El Union coffee is good and I wish we can find one in Baler.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;"><b>It's
a respite</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You leave Friday midnight after a long day's work and then you wake up right in time for sunrise in Baler. I come back to collect happy cookies which I use to make it through
my daily battles in Manila. When these happy cookies thin out, I feel the need
go back. It's been like this for the past year and every
time I look at my to-do list at work or wait for late-night conference calls, I
just think about my next Baler trip and I'll be motivated to finish everything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Oh,
Baler. I hope we all find a happy place. Happy new year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-26456213545665752472015-11-10T01:34:00.003-08:002018-03-21T00:59:35.701-07:00 A Review: Amorita Resort, Bohol<br />
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As long as I have the beach, I am totally okay with just a hammock, a fan room and a book. But I have to admit that there are times when I like to sleep in a nice room. I've always thought that the perfect beach room would be a water villa with a tiny ladder right in your balcony that leads you into clear blue waters where you can just swim whenever you want to. This wasn't our room in Amorita but it was close enough and I could not complain.<br /><br />
A van picked us up upon arrival at the Tagbilaran airport. The staff, both very friendly, offered us bottled water and carried our backpacks. They asked us if there's anything that we want to buy in Tagbilaran before heading to Panglao. There wasn't anything we needed except for some R&R so we asked the driver to head straight to the resort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRMpYtJIkI8ysjy2S7dUJigeMWiZzORHX06if-F1Ec_7sZ4E5W13BBtuQjecBP9aPmixmJQ-oKQ-YGj9-nh8bYAbreM2706W1RlGPIvauLHwcRny0KYziTEH-djgIeiyDWkEtd01wlA/s1600/AmoritaBoholReview2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRMpYtJIkI8ysjy2S7dUJigeMWiZzORHX06if-F1Ec_7sZ4E5W13BBtuQjecBP9aPmixmJQ-oKQ-YGj9-nh8bYAbreM2706W1RlGPIvauLHwcRny0KYziTEH-djgIeiyDWkEtd01wlA/s1600/AmoritaBoholReview2.jpg" /></a><br />
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Amorita, nestled right in the heart of Panglao, sits on top of a "hill" giving you a sprawling view of the island. We had a taste of excellent customer service the moment we arrived. We were ushered into our first room (we had two rooms throughout our stay), the Deluxe Garden Room. Days before our vacation, I called up the resort and told them that it was the birthday of one of my companions. When went inside the room, we saw a birthday greeting on one of the beds. It looked a bit honeymoonish but then again we found it thoughtful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to try Amorita's version of Pork Sinigang!</td></tr>
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At sundown, we went to the pool. The pool is right beside Saffron restaurant. Food is great at Saffron but the pool is just as inviting! It foregrounds the wide stretch of beach in Panglao dotted by bangkas that seem like white paper boats from afar. Some resort pools give off an intimidating vibe but this one in Amorita was cozy. The pool beds were pleading me to grab a book and just lounge there all day. When we got back to our room, there was a plate of sweets waiting for us.<br />
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We spent the second day just the same except that we woke up early to be ahead of everyone at the buffet and to catch the sunrise. (More for the buffet.) Food was good! After breakfast, we went down to the beach and burned ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our villa with a plunge pool</td></tr>
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On our last night, we transferred to the Villa. It was closer to the beach, had a sea view and a plunge pool! Our room also had a mini lawn where we can sunbathe in case we didn't want to go down to the beach. The waiters told us that we can take everything from the fridge including a couple of beers and that we can use the Loudbasstard speaker! The villa was so charming that we villa-locked ourselves the whole day.<br />
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We didn't bother going to other places in Bohol. Ha! We just stayed inside the resort. Oh what nice resorts and excellent resort service can do.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-33866528634930318572015-11-06T19:30:00.000-08:002017-08-23T17:40:11.737-07:00Going around Bali<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Why not a surf trip?</i> I haven't really officially gone back to surfing when I went to Bali last year so surfing was not a huge part of the itinerary. In fact, I was feeling a little lazy so wave checks were out of the question. While my present self tells me - why did you not (surf)? - I comfort it in the fact that there was a tiny skip in my heart when I peeped through my plane window and saw swells unfold into a rush of white water. I felt a pang of envy every time I'd see people load boards into pickups and there was a shy rush of adrenaline when I was looking at surfers catch waves at Padang Padang.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All sorts of coffee</td></tr>
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We arrived in Bali early morning. We went straight to <a href="http://www.agoda.com/the-haven-bali-seminyak/hotel/bali-id.html?asq=DrKb2FvhZdpuB4RIieDTlqC16ZEC%2b%2fDe4YLX8siy30p2R93AC7%2bBrCkZMk3J038AM7eEnZB1ar%2bXH1fh0LAtU9c%2fb4wvqG3VLsUeedAZOSgKzjN1%2bn79O8eo%2b1COEAHcgFhK3fQ%2bmty8mVP%2brY99zu3Q9t5jQMXf%2fgFEPiHFyuA%3d&cid=1646619&tag=8cc1cafb-d1e0-4b92-92d8-0a40bd8ef5ee" target="_blank">The Haven in Seminyak</a> and ate breakfast. Since check in won't be allowed until 2 PM, we decided to go on a city tour right away. There was a long queue of private car drivers right outside the hotel offering tour services at surprisingly affordable rates! The first few hours came in quick. Dazed and very sleepy, I had to force my body to perk up and shake hands with monkeys, walk, and be consumed in the vastness of the sea (mostly to be consumed in the vastness of the sea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3nZ9l99rzk7nNYYHkoFsmJImeKHL-K6LJ2nECqlRclnVXOZPhHJK9CQRtbtUtOpTrAWIFFndjltzxS6ApOqdckMf4yameH7Ocvdjr6pJWL8zarHUvX8D2pyovx7eB3KBt0kMAD6V9w/s1600/whattodoinBali4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3nZ9l99rzk7nNYYHkoFsmJImeKHL-K6LJ2nECqlRclnVXOZPhHJK9CQRtbtUtOpTrAWIFFndjltzxS6ApOqdckMf4yameH7Ocvdjr6pJWL8zarHUvX8D2pyovx7eB3KBt0kMAD6V9w/s1600/whattodoinBali4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ubud - looking so much like our very own Banaue Rice Terraces</td></tr>
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On the second day, we went on a day trip to Ubud. Except for the rustic and coastal furniture pieces for sale on the side of the roads, it's almost like riding a bus to Baguio. We spend most of the day in Ubud - spacing out to the terraces, talking to locals and fellow tourists, buying stuff to bring back home - and then it rained. We rushed back to the car and drove back to Seminyak.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Haven, our hotel in Seminyak</td></tr>
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That night, we decided to take things slow and enjoy our hotel. Our hotel was a relaxing piece of tropical home! We bought a couple of Bintangs at a convenient store nearby and passed time by the pool. We may have been talking too loud because someone comes out and tells us to hush. He wasn't bitchy but his presence was enough to embarrass us. As soon as he's gone, this really cool woman in her 50s appears. She was sending off gypsy vibes (maybe the tie dye tube dress gave it away) that soothed the big talker in me. She tells us to shrug the scrooge off and carry on. We indulge. Then we learn that she's from Australia. Her kids are all grown-ups and she's traveling around the world with her husband. When she speaks of Bali, her eyes light up and then I see a resemblance to Debbie Harry for a few seconds. She takes out a bottle of chardonnay and then two pieces of pomegranates. I hardly drink white but she squeezed the pomegranate into our glasses before we could even beg off. I sip and it tastes okay. That night, we slept buzzed and sound.<br />
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The last day was spent mostly at the beach. I downed a couple of Bintangs while the sun set in Kuta. It almost looked like La Union sunset except that the stage was a bigger shoreline foregrounding shortboard riders whipping massive peels. What a pretty scene it was for a sunset sesh but there I was glued to the sun, not even batting an eyelash.<br />
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You might also like:<br />
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<a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2015/11/where-to-eat-drink-in-bali.html" target="_blank">Where to eat / drink in Bali</a><br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-27078205835461512202015-11-05T02:53:00.000-08:002017-08-23T17:55:16.066-07:00Where to go and what to do in BaliMaybe it comes with age but I find myself trying some mid-scale spots more and more often when I travel these days. But I comfort myself in the thought that I always end up enjoying more when I hang out in unassuming places like the tiny old bar in the corner of a less-crowded street in Seminyak.<br />
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Here's my honest opinion about some of Bali's hotspots.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>Potato Head</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-Wp3bzhPCYueyOkvF9__6ptOG70I2D6RfYniYsWoVG_VwLi6nTusGh1Yp2wu0NCY8459g8RsXH46KWqDm-kIJg14Hd-XjcNwaPJZxT4VIJ175_cbk_cbAn9YPW5Wxp5q0fW3x-MLcA/s1600/PotatoHeadBali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-Wp3bzhPCYueyOkvF9__6ptOG70I2D6RfYniYsWoVG_VwLi6nTusGh1Yp2wu0NCY8459g8RsXH46KWqDm-kIJg14Hd-XjcNwaPJZxT4VIJ175_cbk_cbAn9YPW5Wxp5q0fW3x-MLcA/s1600/PotatoHeadBali.JPG" /></a><br />
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I've heard that we need to arrive early to be able to get a beach bed. We arrive around 9 AM and all the beach beds have been taken! I'd be quick to say that Potato Head was a bit overrated but there was something about the sun beds that would make you want to crawl into one, read a book and gulp a beer along with the entirety of Bali's yuppie crowd.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>Sardine</b></span><br />
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I'd say I loved Sardine more than the other spots we've visited. It's a restaurant nestled in the middle of a rice field. Maybe I like it because the concept is new to me. We were the first diners and had the chance to pick the best table. There was something about dining in the middle of a rice field that made the food taste bland. The scenery was too pretty commanding my sense of sight to go on full force that my other senses had to take the backseat.<br />
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<b style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">Ibu Oka</b><br />
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I made sure that we dine here for their version of roast pig. Anthony Bourdain said it has one of the best roasted pigs he's ever tasted. The biggest fan of lechon that I am, it was a priority in our itinerary. After a bite, I knew right away that it fell off my expectations. Don't get me wrong but coming from the Visayas, I have high standards for roasted pig. I was sad that I didn’t even finish my meal.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>Ku De Ta</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFKZpikE3ZvDOGL0QXIqbhatCXd_AJVHOy2qsJvMO9Y4eu8igr1LQb7PhD5ez1dpLRK4VAmWcttAPHkAh8YqUJe5AQ28SD74pckUyRid3TcAKvlySLRe8b2L_dX4NaDAtebzxvSBKFQ/s1600/Kudetabali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFKZpikE3ZvDOGL0QXIqbhatCXd_AJVHOy2qsJvMO9Y4eu8igr1LQb7PhD5ez1dpLRK4VAmWcttAPHkAh8YqUJe5AQ28SD74pckUyRid3TcAKvlySLRe8b2L_dX4NaDAtebzxvSBKFQ/s1600/Kudetabali.JPG" /></a><br />
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Everyone was alive as the EDM blasting in the stereo. You get to choose whether you stay indoors or outdoors. The space for outdoors is bigger and you can tell easily that many choose to dine al fresco. Some were lying down and sipping their cocktails; and others, spacing out and looking at the ocean. The sun had started to set and hues of pinks, golds and blues have turned the sky into a canvass. EDM wasn't my kind of music for this pretty sunset so I sip my expensive cocktail then we leave.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>WahWah Burger</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-TZmDkw417q9MrFEi2aVL83sxpXXu2YiOCyxSfoM3j9VQmZnGUMkuUbRgBGWoAtNhXq-_tFqoV6FfDN46KeaDqpQY2iJt8NfA40Ke7Dzjb7ydR0zIWTDM6IyTUBW4k4qJKbFnSLxBg/s1600/wahwahburgerbali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-TZmDkw417q9MrFEi2aVL83sxpXXu2YiOCyxSfoM3j9VQmZnGUMkuUbRgBGWoAtNhXq-_tFqoV6FfDN46KeaDqpQY2iJt8NfA40Ke7Dzjb7ydR0zIWTDM6IyTUBW4k4qJKbFnSLxBg/s1600/wahwahburgerbali.jpg" /></a><br />
We got hungry while walking around Seminyak and saw this huge "WahWah" sign. The Pulled Pork burger was good but not good enough to make me come back.<br />
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Among all the spots I've been to, I think it was the old bar across our hotel that I loved most. It was old enough with interiors that looked like they were about to fall off. (It looked like Mayric's!) But what can I say? They were playing old-school blues and that was good enough for me.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-91241807863285366682015-07-23T02:17:00.000-07:002017-08-23T17:55:31.348-07:00The Circle Hostel: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUOsZcJ2xB9sjfBa6gUmQtnUwujffkeZ2aY4H6QoUwlec4AXvrELgsszojxe7lCTblpmod-Ec_mc0F6hmvqJtdT6lgXPIHKJB-iOW4BvZsBhyphenhyphenV015d4__1RNUMDh6ob-o58D7ydvryQ/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUOsZcJ2xB9sjfBa6gUmQtnUwujffkeZ2aY4H6QoUwlec4AXvrELgsszojxe7lCTblpmod-Ec_mc0F6hmvqJtdT6lgXPIHKJB-iOW4BvZsBhyphenhyphenV015d4__1RNUMDh6ob-o58D7ydvryQ/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been to <a href="http://www.launion.thecirclehostel.com/" target="_blank">Circle Hostel in Zambales</a> a few times before and the reason why I'd choose it was because I felt too friendly and wanted to make new friends; and, value for money. Whenever I feel like traveling on my own (which happens quite often), these are the two things that I look for.<br />
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So when I got an invite to check out <a href="http://www.launion.thecirclehostel.com/" target="_blank">Circle Hostel in La Union</a>, I said yes right away. The invitation came in as perfect timing as I was also starting (to try) to learn to surf again.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">For those on a surf trip</span></b><br />
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I'd say it's the perfect place to stay for those who are just starting with surfing.<br />
- Meet people who are fellow surf enthusiasts and get tips from them<br />
- Stoked, not broke. Surfing alone is an expensive hobby. During season when the waves start to pick up, you'd find yourself in a spot almost every weekend. You cannot not go but at the same time, you don't want to overspend. At Circle Hostel, for P350 a hammock or P450 for a bunk bed, you'd get stoked and not broke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAy2mMT1ougBd9HjXrX3jF1z8ASEkbGPmLs5clkXzlVzrkQFK36Zgv7VyfgjTw3s1kzpTuc5Co9Y3FOC51DDX7t72nYM2fvXvTq-179XzLnQ4YKWOGOIjdzQus2c9NeTZcQkVNHooAg/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAy2mMT1ougBd9HjXrX3jF1z8ASEkbGPmLs5clkXzlVzrkQFK36Zgv7VyfgjTw3s1kzpTuc5Co9Y3FOC51DDX7t72nYM2fvXvTq-179XzLnQ4YKWOGOIjdzQus2c9NeTZcQkVNHooAg/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-size: large;">For solo travelers</span></span></b><br />
- A sense of community. I've met a lot of people just by staying at Circle. You'd sleep in your private bunk but you'll have to go to the common area to charge, read, take a nap and of course, shots at night. You can meet interesting personalities including backpackers from around the world just by lounging at the common area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTJDa6kns89q3i-Sx7tteYjW8s1Obn2CwCWa7PTO_SfEIHcacOPR4-VDMpRYzzTGRcxwVjcMKO2vqxMfKuYq2f8pwxmxD2iVxk7iO-eOhySBBVZzbim0R096dcZzbYQkKRyScbGOQJA/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTJDa6kns89q3i-Sx7tteYjW8s1Obn2CwCWa7PTO_SfEIHcacOPR4-VDMpRYzzTGRcxwVjcMKO2vqxMfKuYq2f8pwxmxD2iVxk7iO-eOhySBBVZzbim0R096dcZzbYQkKRyScbGOQJA/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion5.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmOXjSOR1RRK2X9GquEr2xIp-Ba9zazjCmty4uN9DLxoD6i6LqbHUIDFDDvvrYpU4DLh-dTklWghTxjJ3BcTR-U-ElPbFzQ6Cp0C2gcEQtPe46aWOlKWlwi7cSIl1xPFinV2ff1rx1w/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmOXjSOR1RRK2X9GquEr2xIp-Ba9zazjCmty4uN9DLxoD6i6LqbHUIDFDDvvrYpU4DLh-dTklWghTxjJ3BcTR-U-ElPbFzQ6Cp0C2gcEQtPe46aWOlKWlwi7cSIl1xPFinV2ff1rx1w/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion8.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-size: large;">Families and groups</span></span></b><br />
Contrary to what most people think, Circle Hostel is also a good place to stay for big groups and even families. The newly-opened <a href="http://www.baler.thecirclehostel.com/" target="_blank">Circle Hostel in Baler</a> now has private rooms with A/C.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Bonus</span></b><br />
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Pet-friendly. As long as you take care of your pets and clean after them, you can take your pets with you to Circle.<br />
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Free breakfast. You always start the day with hot pandesal, fruits and coffee. The even better part is that you get to share this with new people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXUm7vtxrtA6TESS4Hjv_kGebBujuA9FMCjVScI3yZUTu_WlCDkDPxMR52fh2lZ2K0fLzbaAQfJpzR0GBTdcHmCOm0MTVa-JNTZ-n_KLYqeTwWke-P-uP5-yqfVg2GO9QhG2mLBZYgQ/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXUm7vtxrtA6TESS4Hjv_kGebBujuA9FMCjVScI3yZUTu_WlCDkDPxMR52fh2lZ2K0fLzbaAQfJpzR0GBTdcHmCOm0MTVa-JNTZ-n_KLYqeTwWke-P-uP5-yqfVg2GO9QhG2mLBZYgQ/s1600/CircleHostelLaUnion7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also check out the new <a href="http://www.baler.thecirclehostel.com/" target="_blank">Circle Hostel in Baler</a>!<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-92171370594755633292014-09-21T01:48:00.001-07:002018-03-26T03:43:56.670-07:00What to do in Batanes: Going around South Batan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi44o5HEZAPY40-TGdWm73Yk8YZYWLkSvInR_TP11kAE0JQr6VHoidzMcPyQuqwHHobvHnydlA4FaHZ3SRRlr0xFYK4yS5jL42KzMFS2k86u_Y9qrZ0sJhKeaR45jWBWz81n5eMjXtQ/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi44o5HEZAPY40-TGdWm73Yk8YZYWLkSvInR_TP11kAE0JQr6VHoidzMcPyQuqwHHobvHnydlA4FaHZ3SRRlr0xFYK4yS5jL42KzMFS2k86u_Y9qrZ0sJhKeaR45jWBWz81n5eMjXtQ/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour4.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pQvA24ti1vCqOJ7Owr5WbhfZCtmqsZBJ_0CcZa5006FbEtXx1DfaVCkcqyh6XA76xnEVP99qTSL2xEizFuML_XGtizRC0vU0qAEClqcDbocPUPRqhspK40KPNFcYV2qHRTFGDLXo9Q/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pQvA24ti1vCqOJ7Owr5WbhfZCtmqsZBJ_0CcZa5006FbEtXx1DfaVCkcqyh6XA76xnEVP99qTSL2xEizFuML_XGtizRC0vU0qAEClqcDbocPUPRqhspK40KPNFcYV2qHRTFGDLXo9Q/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour1.jpg" /></a><br />
Day 2 in Batanes was for my South Batan tour. I asked Kuya Toto, who was also my tour guide for the <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2014/09/what-to-do-in-batanes-going-around.html" target="_blank">North Batan tour</a>, to pick me up at 10:30 am because I wanted to spend some time with my "housemates" and bike around Basco in the morning. I bought a 3-in-1 coffee from <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2014/09/marfels-lodge-batanes-review.html" target="_blank">Marfel's</a> mini honesty store for P8 and ate the bread that I brought with me from Manila. Then, I rented a bike at Marfel's for P25 per hour and went around Basco. When I got tired, I decided to have an early lunch at SDC.<br />
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We started our South Batan tour at 10:30 am. Kuya Toto tells me that South Batan would take longer than the North Batan tour. I told him that my only request is that we catch the sunset at the Marlboro Hills, like what we did at Vayang the day before. Still blessed with a beautiful weather, we went on our South Batan tour and here are my favorites.<span class="”fullpost”"></span>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Paderes Point and Cliff Road</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ux4YcX2VnrlYBitlNb2E0hqJoxEUV8t10PLtCMhbU0sD92Tc4INLqzroCXJCO8uwd0ZGiZVD9Vo_LkCGrtvWN_NYZ1rpYRoYJ77nvDmHFez6SGHVCVZ9B9puA7wee589DYQtQ-R1VA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ux4YcX2VnrlYBitlNb2E0hqJoxEUV8t10PLtCMhbU0sD92Tc4INLqzroCXJCO8uwd0ZGiZVD9Vo_LkCGrtvWN_NYZ1rpYRoYJ77nvDmHFez6SGHVCVZ9B9puA7wee589DYQtQ-R1VA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour13.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Chawa Viewing Deck</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuxZ2QU8RzUgCqAN_vDp7NqjYJ3ibrpNhqLu6ex1F7UKy6ZYl86otkEtE1xHRKkJWyDfr13ru2fuT_nsyfDRtUuaWif-Q-NeFyBzVv_dLD8Ibvtmv44VgDnAChyphenhyphen3oTpiKW5mcRRPUCg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuxZ2QU8RzUgCqAN_vDp7NqjYJ3ibrpNhqLu6ex1F7UKy6ZYl86otkEtE1xHRKkJWyDfr13ru2fuT_nsyfDRtUuaWif-Q-NeFyBzVv_dLD8Ibvtmv44VgDnAChyphenhyphen3oTpiKW5mcRRPUCg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour14.jpg" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa2dYG5ZuSzzxWJTrtm0IyEZ4AaZVTW_wvaXLY-QAtXSBx_tRGN3TgfF5tephu79U5-WfYaApybd0Cwy3T68bz0ru8aIFo7aWmcub06gMvZq0LavB6p0G7LvdDlmYk_pz1GULr8dxSA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa2dYG5ZuSzzxWJTrtm0IyEZ4AaZVTW_wvaXLY-QAtXSBx_tRGN3TgfF5tephu79U5-WfYaApybd0Cwy3T68bz0ru8aIFo7aWmcub06gMvZq0LavB6p0G7LvdDlmYk_pz1GULr8dxSA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these benches! You can sit here while taking in the view of the ocean and the hills. Kuya Toto tells me that a lot of tourists stay here at night for star gazing. I'll definitely do this next time.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Mahatao Boat Shelter Port</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpcQKJxmax_itfImsymrjVs9u-uPCyM7vZ4jomz6zH3-LEChlIPBxjwJ_2PV2JdnPiO9TUBmmNcFYwZ0IH83vLL3NM2mIK2xI-S5uC6sZEuOa_epDBJB-BqvyHm7LID5TLZmoz9Uxsg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpcQKJxmax_itfImsymrjVs9u-uPCyM7vZ4jomz6zH3-LEChlIPBxjwJ_2PV2JdnPiO9TUBmmNcFYwZ0IH83vLL3NM2mIK2xI-S5uC6sZEuOa_epDBJB-BqvyHm7LID5TLZmoz9Uxsg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXI0yIQF9ZIRlftglU6a0RAjePyE4zGUpE-ELlUOhqb4AZUZOvbK5zhK9ikFyQVJ9GG2zKRCQRRB8QRrSj0gGN3cu709_J4oGTHS-MBv6-pLgYfTdyNaLXPISS5vSdIZc1b_jh9wULA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXI0yIQF9ZIRlftglU6a0RAjePyE4zGUpE-ELlUOhqb4AZUZOvbK5zhK9ikFyQVJ9GG2zKRCQRRB8QRrSj0gGN3cu709_J4oGTHS-MBv6-pLgYfTdyNaLXPISS5vSdIZc1b_jh9wULA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where they keep the boats during typhoons. I love that the water is so green! </td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Honesty store</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjg1laevxRygBPMA7objDCGJ1gloCS8zb8ByZpW5ZBTe_KzuPAM_iwBiraHGrmMaRmsF3xOy2l1HmovRvibAZOMolwRRHpVJ10Cd8jxVHfJf6AuxKkPUxiC_FW-oz-R78uSKS2EKOXQ/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjg1laevxRygBPMA7objDCGJ1gloCS8zb8ByZpW5ZBTe_KzuPAM_iwBiraHGrmMaRmsF3xOy2l1HmovRvibAZOMolwRRHpVJ10Cd8jxVHfJf6AuxKkPUxiC_FW-oz-R78uSKS2EKOXQ/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True enough there was no one inside. Here, you can buy coffee, bread cup noodles, etc.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Alapad Hills and Rock Formation</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuS336SRKpVJihgfWiUakBEPS2RZls4MRTSg-djnn9s5x51ANsIXwMKQ34znXpRemIMUlQF6TmIYnVwkj78ZjFIpNfzEpJzeOtFP8BuHFVhQPBWjLIgRqGELn33gBGC_N2VpbTAnung/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuS336SRKpVJihgfWiUakBEPS2RZls4MRTSg-djnn9s5x51ANsIXwMKQ34znXpRemIMUlQF6TmIYnVwkj78ZjFIpNfzEpJzeOtFP8BuHFVhQPBWjLIgRqGELn33gBGC_N2VpbTAnung/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_91N4tmM4Mg97hmmx4j0zZoWCV0E55svjOFKwLepByVMV-2EzwZj5R56zgBnbz2bvQtAEMjPoT4aRQq8wipxCqNjTP2MarZCEX-ntItGAmnGmpv-Z4s8qex9mbSyQkJEU3k1cnrlbQ/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_91N4tmM4Mg97hmmx4j0zZoWCV0E55svjOFKwLepByVMV-2EzwZj5R56zgBnbz2bvQtAEMjPoT4aRQq8wipxCqNjTP2MarZCEX-ntItGAmnGmpv-Z4s8qex9mbSyQkJEU3k1cnrlbQ/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't that picturesque?</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>A beach along the way</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhIX9u8zN036IwTLky3APe0t4IPhRWCJSsBxe7BnkAH2jyBidagsbBueEcrYt3CZyOCaA6fa3-NYUep65yozNclP1yBJ4dWTTeOPrr7rAGQ4Sb1VXWhi4jkPONaHgI3aHNEkgsL7flA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhIX9u8zN036IwTLky3APe0t4IPhRWCJSsBxe7BnkAH2jyBidagsbBueEcrYt3CZyOCaA6fa3-NYUep65yozNclP1yBJ4dWTTeOPrr7rAGQ4Sb1VXWhi4jkPONaHgI3aHNEkgsL7flA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot the name of the beach! You'll pass by a lot of beaches in your South Batan tour. Most of the beaches are empty. The sand here is not white and fine but the water is very clean. Kuya Toto also tells me that it has a great view of the sunset. Too bad I didn't have a lot of time to explore the beaches! </td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Racuh a Payaman aka Marlboro Hills</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito4N1cFlDTNwiiV-MjPAj4iyuUSqmgm-bw693gusvyelezB0Dg3l-NI4YvIHhfx8uWoodySoRfMLuDUXX4vtrw66F_UAMiu2VBAf4Td31wIt0fvYPkDCsUbFERfJxO57Vuz_9c6qlxg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito4N1cFlDTNwiiV-MjPAj4iyuUSqmgm-bw693gusvyelezB0Dg3l-NI4YvIHhfx8uWoodySoRfMLuDUXX4vtrw66F_UAMiu2VBAf4Td31wIt0fvYPkDCsUbFERfJxO57Vuz_9c6qlxg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour16.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one of my favorites in the South Batan tour - The Marlboro Hills. Too bad we were too early for sunset but the view was so relaxing and breathtaking. The sun was up when we arrived but I did manage to go around to get a 360 degree view of the place. Cows roamed. Hills rolled. Waves drifted. The whole picture was so pretty! </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXWPpXkiIjq7tH2-PCkYbrDvxwdMMAfvbcuVtVXFfHbirNf_4UoSxBqRNcKilv0uiE7IGi2bLC0rVztyaM995UJbmkLL5F3l9yS3bODv6IskwUq92e-HN7Smg03pdccFW4e3Zt3HqKg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXWPpXkiIjq7tH2-PCkYbrDvxwdMMAfvbcuVtVXFfHbirNf_4UoSxBqRNcKilv0uiE7IGi2bLC0rVztyaM995UJbmkLL5F3l9yS3bODv6IskwUq92e-HN7Smg03pdccFW4e3Zt3HqKg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this was my favorite! Aside from it is a pretty sight, Kuya Toto and I had a nice conversation about Ivatan culture and life in general. There's an area at the lighthouse base where you can sit and converse right in front a herd of cows and the vast ocean. We talked about his family, life in Manila, Ivatan food, and many more</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanuK0KcnQpMkD2Gv1QkE6n1VLfYZViRtO6mLLMsga1IdVq-PrsIqAvunIl96lGAHEYvi9OXdiyMDA6wNmwhMx7_bMz3eLt1OodueyguvPf_KITb2voI65NqwbgsBWr1lI2oOmNbxdhg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanuK0KcnQpMkD2Gv1QkE6n1VLfYZViRtO6mLLMsga1IdVq-PrsIqAvunIl96lGAHEYvi9OXdiyMDA6wNmwhMx7_bMz3eLt1OodueyguvPf_KITb2voI65NqwbgsBWr1lI2oOmNbxdhg/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5NAi_ivAo-vjhG7sDtg6AM6Axkv3mVpiq1GMvR0R3dVYVAVUVaNZOgzm5K1sUx3dhCiy5BFVgDOcjwH3mD1TDWqkMdc1Pa1pWM3V2brqrUAejuymWZ27LzbPI_95PI1YFPi2uy2H8Q/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5NAi_ivAo-vjhG7sDtg6AM6Axkv3mVpiq1GMvR0R3dVYVAVUVaNZOgzm5K1sUx3dhCiy5BFVgDOcjwH3mD1TDWqkMdc1Pa1pWM3V2brqrUAejuymWZ27LzbPI_95PI1YFPi2uy2H8Q/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesSouthBatantour5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I learn from my guide that college students in Basco go to school at 4 pm and come home at 9 pm because they help their families at the field in the morning. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Batanes travel kit</b></span><br />
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Also sharing with you some tips from my Batanes trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkh4fOq_YM1MV6VxgJMxz5E8sBpkqDM5MYV-_ew3niUeVTMMVEO9IvaRFd4Iz0ZUZ9_dVyx3ZtM_VGyO9XwMrsFLUCWtSADEC4wMq-LlAt5C0VjlaR9StHstwT4avbWo7X2TUKFrc4w/s1600/avawasherebatanesbudgetguide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkh4fOq_YM1MV6VxgJMxz5E8sBpkqDM5MYV-_ew3niUeVTMMVEO9IvaRFd4Iz0ZUZ9_dVyx3ZtM_VGyO9XwMrsFLUCWtSADEC4wMq-LlAt5C0VjlaR9StHstwT4avbWo7X2TUKFrc4w/s1600/avawasherebatanesbudgetguide.PNG" /></a></div>
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avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-17830636432589697212014-09-10T21:13:00.002-07:002018-10-19T03:14:18.669-07:00What to do in Batanes: Going around North Batan<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWCpURZ7huBIKFaNMhS6s2C05_UIZTKewq2BY47Ot-xECn3w1Irxql0ChIBIx2wQr1cci9xE1TbHIaoP0Dw9sdyVF8WtZponqNbWIs4YOdGJpTfCs75vhHuFUkrQhYaAV9c2t_TLPdA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesNorthBatanTour14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWCpURZ7huBIKFaNMhS6s2C05_UIZTKewq2BY47Ot-xECn3w1Irxql0ChIBIx2wQr1cci9xE1TbHIaoP0Dw9sdyVF8WtZponqNbWIs4YOdGJpTfCs75vhHuFUkrQhYaAV9c2t_TLPdA/s1600/WhattodoinBatanesNorthBatanTour14.jpg" /></a><br />
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As our plane descended for the Basco landing, passengers took out their cameras and started taking photos of what would be the most picturesque plane landing I'd ever see. The sun had just peeped soaking a range of rolling hills in hues of gold. With my bare eyes, I could actually frame the clear blue skies, the green hills and the deep blue green sea in just one picture and it was a pretty sight.<br />
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I stepped out the plane and couldn't believe that I chanced upon a really beautiful weather. I checked in at <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2014/09/marfels-lodge-batanes-review.html" target="_blank">Marfel's lodge</a> and since it was a little too early and I haven't had a good sleep the past night, I told ate Fe to have my tour guide pick me up at 10 am so I can have a quick nap. When I woke up, I walked a few steps to Octagon for breakfast. The music, mostly Celine Dion, was playing aloud and too loud for a few things that I was emotionally going through. But when I walked in, the view was breathtaking. So I picked a table that overlooked the beach and ate a good breakfast to Celine Dion.<br />
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After a quick breakfast, Kuya Toto, my tour guide, was already waiting outside in his trike. I actually had the option to join a group for the North Batan tour but I wanted to take my own pace so I opted to be on my own. The tour was P1000 for 1pax. Kuya Toto, who is a member of Ryan's Batanes Tours, was very accommodating and nice but not too intruding. What I liked most about him is that he was so game in taking my photos. Haha. I had to instruct him about the framing and he'd be very patient (and a pro, too) in taking several shots until we get the perfect photo.<br />
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Batanes was exactly how I'd imagined it to be. May I repeat (and sorry if seems like I'm exaggerating) that the skies were the bluest of blues; the sea the darkest green of greens. Kuya Toto also told me that while summer is the safest time to visit Batanes, the best time to see the place is after summer when the rolling hills are basked in grass that had just turned green. Later, I learn from Ate Fe that Batanes has a "little summer" which happens some time in between August and September. There is a leeway for a great summer weather and I got in right in time.<br />
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So where to go? Most tourists avail of these tours:<br />
North Batan - P1000 for 1 pax<br />
South Batan - P1500 for 1 pax<br />
Sabtang - Group tour; P1700 for 1 pax including meals<br />
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But if you're feeling a little brave, you can always go all the way to Itbayat. In this post, I'll share with you my personal favorites in the North Batan tour.<br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Tukon Church</b></span></div>
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Made of stones and sits on top of the hill and overlooks the sea. It's so pretty! It's exactly the Church I've been picturing in my mind for the day that I get married. Haha. </div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Valugan Boulder Beach</b></span></div>
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In Batan, there are hardly any beaches with fine sand. Most of the beaches here have huge boulders and stones, which the Ivatans use to make their homes. But what makes these beaches stand out is the clean water. The waters are very clean.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Naidi Hills</span></b></div>
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I was torn whether to watch the sunset at Naidi or at the Vayang Rolling Hills. Kuya Toto said sunset is best seen at Vayang so I we went to Naidi first. Here, you'll find the Basco lighthouse. The view was stunning. A kuya lent me his bike so I had some time to bike around.<br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Vayang Rolling Hills</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This trip was special to me because I was alone (again).</td></tr>
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I'd say this was the highlight of my North Batan trip. We arrived at the Vayang Rolling Hills at 4 pm but I asked Kuya Toto if we could stay to watch the sunset. As a solo female traveler, it would've been a crazy idea to be with a stranger in the middle of a range of hills. But Batanes has zero crime rate to date and I was pretty confident that my tour guide was harmless. So we walked around every possible spot for photo ops. Kuya Toto said my timing was really perfect because it wasn't windy and the hills were green. When we got tired, we sat at the summit that overlooked the shorter hills nearby and the vast green seas that surrounded it. We waited for sunset. Then it came and it was beautiful.<br />
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Before I knew it, my first day was over. I asked Kuya Toto to drop me at SDC, a cooperative canteen that offers meals at cheaper prices. I ate dinner and walked back to Marfel's Lodge on my own.</div>
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avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-62985261705520205122014-09-04T05:30:00.001-07:002018-03-26T03:44:18.556-07:00Marfel's Lodge, Batanes: A Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9005dytZ4ayOQ3LpVWD-WHioRQ2dnzY27SrI04TNXlKhynt1lMq9kU0jRPvTxogcAAtguxk3vt9CdJWZz21ClhXzr5kDknY-MI0E0eSBsACS9svdS96lfZAYZwyQxnyXvGyj0tmIufA/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9005dytZ4ayOQ3LpVWD-WHioRQ2dnzY27SrI04TNXlKhynt1lMq9kU0jRPvTxogcAAtguxk3vt9CdJWZz21ClhXzr5kDknY-MI0E0eSBsACS9svdS96lfZAYZwyQxnyXvGyj0tmIufA/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Basco!</td></tr>
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I arrived via Pal Express in Basco at 7:50 in the morning. I was so ecstatic seeing that the weather was perfect! The skies were blue and the sun was up. The exterior of the Basco airport showed off Ivatan craftsmanship. The thick walls made from stones were foregrounded with rows of santan plants in full bloom.<br />
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At the arrival area, I saw a welcome placard with my name on it. I approached the lady and she said that she was from Marfel's Lodge. She told me that we have to wait for two other groups to arrive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fZwBOYNHy8HJ6buYe8s0hvX9ExsnZIX04kq67ION5x7-JjJ9vJ_BtcFppqTPnlYY3F84NA9A9pbrkk5mRijwWRe48x3W5aPMyHfrwDaIg0DvllJtWPR_50xV7xU1WNLOq8CXQIl8mg/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fZwBOYNHy8HJ6buYe8s0hvX9ExsnZIX04kq67ION5x7-JjJ9vJ_BtcFppqTPnlYY3F84NA9A9pbrkk5mRijwWRe48x3W5aPMyHfrwDaIg0DvllJtWPR_50xV7xU1WNLOq8CXQIl8mg/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden at Marfel's Lodge Annex where I stayed</td></tr>
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I had reserved at Marfel's two days before I flew. All it took was a text message to Ate Fe. There was even no need to deposit a down payment. Ate Fe simply asked for my flight details and my complete name for the placard. When the other guests arrived, we got into a van and dropped the first batch at Marfel's main house. I learn later that Marfel's now has three locations in Basco and that, together with the second group in the van, I will be housed at the Annex which is farther from the main location. It was totally okay considering that distance from the airport to either of the Marfel's locations was very short. (We could've walked!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5t8VQRtsgJaKRbHPtxfij_0Yg3dg7vURkEj19fiM3PXBhnOurGhzVQVqADT6we2WFLtXGLN0SXTGEFpMdaCWC-W9FaatR3d_xp6v0RfYBd_nj2FlZ-Z9Jt-nkatPNP2w9D8cbFUVwQ/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5t8VQRtsgJaKRbHPtxfij_0Yg3dg7vURkEj19fiM3PXBhnOurGhzVQVqADT6we2WFLtXGLN0SXTGEFpMdaCWC-W9FaatR3d_xp6v0RfYBd_nj2FlZ-Z9Jt-nkatPNP2w9D8cbFUVwQ/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes2.jpg" /></a><br />
Upon arriving at Marfel's Lodge Annex, the first thing I noticed was that the lawn was spacious and the garden was simply yet beautifully trimmed. Ate Fe welcomed us with a smile. She toured us around the common areas - the sala, kitchen, toilet and bath, and then gave us the keys to our rooms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8F0Y7kyA3AfsqplXyYTIK150XqTgy2xKHeJpnvv3wCU5MfmaqwbvZ7r6yI2aTsUDk_v1xpWHSN4-SHsS_VJATQxoMkBSEbaDsdJXor7pWmZUhgQokAHWfXMBIv_BSl2ZSyP5QEBMQJw/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8F0Y7kyA3AfsqplXyYTIK150XqTgy2xKHeJpnvv3wCU5MfmaqwbvZ7r6yI2aTsUDk_v1xpWHSN4-SHsS_VJATQxoMkBSEbaDsdJXor7pWmZUhgQokAHWfXMBIv_BSl2ZSyP5QEBMQJw/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fan room at Marfel's Lodge where I stayed for P350 a night</td></tr>
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I got a fan room for 1 for P350 per night. It had a double bed, dresser, fan and came with a clean towel, roll of tissue and soap, It was a decent and neat room for a cheap price but I'd have to share a common toilet and bath with the others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0MLv-TKW99hTcpgk5E1CMPeG4mR5EBNg69nY8iHNjqLm8i2Q47o3dwerP7RXaCn4-KTSpq0byd1pCbCasJqn7anti2mbkoMdrw_62_3Kx0hBSV6ooy1KkqVlU95IaaxVonAWkMEnFA/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0MLv-TKW99hTcpgk5E1CMPeG4mR5EBNg69nY8iHNjqLm8i2Q47o3dwerP7RXaCn4-KTSpq0byd1pCbCasJqn7anti2mbkoMdrw_62_3Kx0hBSV6ooy1KkqVlU95IaaxVonAWkMEnFA/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes11.jpg" /></a><br />
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The house also had two air-conditioned rooms; each could accommodate up to 4-5 pax. Guests are also welcome to use the kitchen and cooking facilities for a minimal amount; or buy from a mini honesty store selling coffee, tea, etc. If you want to explore the town in wheels (though not highly advisable for leisure bikers), Marfel's also rent out bikes for P250 per hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFCanqlAN_L7IvW-9Kli2utQSS1-xVRu5edmUTn_C17oydnAcGDjnhAOix61aKmDs7S5C3GXFFXQSY1fxhQ4VXbAaCeJacyOEj9erU5X-GZz16FMOCMd82zT441GYjfQoi5Y1gj-Zcw/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFCanqlAN_L7IvW-9Kli2utQSS1-xVRu5edmUTn_C17oydnAcGDjnhAOix61aKmDs7S5C3GXFFXQSY1fxhQ4VXbAaCeJacyOEj9erU5X-GZz16FMOCMd82zT441GYjfQoi5Y1gj-Zcw/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sala at Marfel's Lodge Annex</td></tr>
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At the end of the day, guests would come together at this living room to talk about the highlights of our trips and share travel tips.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8pU3oBnR_tF89rUfmpY_5LXf-blCmKBr4gcznBksoxgme29YxdMW_X715d7H3AfvFO1bWJNsOXBdSF5CXfeWItCsCwla8AT8SPto_UAnQpWpNHtKndFZL70Tv1B5ZRXDMQAxe6OTcg/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8pU3oBnR_tF89rUfmpY_5LXf-blCmKBr4gcznBksoxgme29YxdMW_X715d7H3AfvFO1bWJNsOXBdSF5CXfeWItCsCwla8AT8SPto_UAnQpWpNHtKndFZL70Tv1B5ZRXDMQAxe6OTcg/s1600/WheretostayinBatanesMarfelsLodgeBatanes1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes for rent for P25 per hour</td></tr>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></b></div>
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What I like most about Marfel's Lodge Annex is that it's just a few steps away from Octagon Restaurant, a restaurant with a great view of the beach; and SDC, a cooperative canteen that sell cheaper meals compared to the other food establishments. It's also walking distance to PNB, one of only 2 ATMs in Basco, Aside from the distance, Ate Fe and the rest of the staff were very friendly and helpful the whole time. Ate Fe helped me connect with her network of tour guides, headed by Ryan, and ensured that all her guests were okay throughout the stay. I'd definitely consider Marfel's Lodge again the next time!</div>
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Contact Ate Fe at these numbers:</div>
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09209764966<br />
09178833249<br />
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Marfel's Facebook account:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/marfelslodge.batanes">https://www.facebook.com/marfelslodge.batanes</a><br />
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avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-54869818006630008402014-06-07T21:38:00.001-07:002018-03-26T03:47:53.410-07:00A Review: Movenpick Hotel Mactan, Cebu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6z2mP41CWu5k3P8sTA_RlV03_A6Rmh0Fq83cX2X6DsKVR2RMxuxxSHeCwseiF4NpSPp7iYH5SMw8gXJSowpcSsZFGModECTqhwsEM6F9ReVqavnl2j0nIoT0Zs64JB5kyFdFpk8dwg/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6z2mP41CWu5k3P8sTA_RlV03_A6Rmh0Fq83cX2X6DsKVR2RMxuxxSHeCwseiF4NpSPp7iYH5SMw8gXJSowpcSsZFGModECTqhwsEM6F9ReVqavnl2j0nIoT0Zs64JB5kyFdFpk8dwg/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu30.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-SfTkQoapZruFohsYZn_HPaa0pVbyrnkp2HMIJay3ny-wka0Bv-0uINJMPLtwuoXxTu8TLUeO6ISqRcmvsMj_UJ1jex_M2JP7HBTY7nz_IhlndDleIOZu57DM0sNsu5P-ARCLrcjqA/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-SfTkQoapZruFohsYZn_HPaa0pVbyrnkp2HMIJay3ny-wka0Bv-0uINJMPLtwuoXxTu8TLUeO6ISqRcmvsMj_UJ1jex_M2JP7HBTY7nz_IhlndDleIOZu57DM0sNsu5P-ARCLrcjqA/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu7.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGrk0HmotNeu1TjbygrwNBuSv5CuVtShx5VuJqAEiNpNWTXCVmfLzXS5GYV6P5f0kzA3bOv5e3v1ET__-iHbMJHVs9GZJwQ0llDRHl37HIokbTyu2CHAE2zw5NZDJ27qrH0MGq9bdQg/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGrk0HmotNeu1TjbygrwNBuSv5CuVtShx5VuJqAEiNpNWTXCVmfLzXS5GYV6P5f0kzA3bOv5e3v1ET__-iHbMJHVs9GZJwQ0llDRHl37HIokbTyu2CHAE2zw5NZDJ27qrH0MGq9bdQg/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu32.jpg" /></a><br />
For our last night in Cebu, we decided to give it a bit of a splurge and book a room in Movenpick, Mactan. It was a reward for having endured the long hours on the road to and from Bantayan. We arrived in Movenpick at 2pm, right in time for check-in but we were told that our room wasn’t ready yet. Tired from the bus ride, we decided to just rest in one of the lounge chairs facing the beach and read.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfjJHsHQ5kkDXIxhYrppzroE10edXCj9v3ZyumebEdaGkrr_h8jvem2xyQtaLXb-sjg6So-tKM1A_MCbFPlyWuTF4lTJBe4XMvgQPUKLn0hsYtsW2y7jpR1YhDq1I7U3IJR7zy-lR-g/s1600/MovenpickCebuReview2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfjJHsHQ5kkDXIxhYrppzroE10edXCj9v3ZyumebEdaGkrr_h8jvem2xyQtaLXb-sjg6So-tKM1A_MCbFPlyWuTF4lTJBe4XMvgQPUKLn0hsYtsW2y7jpR1YhDq1I7U3IJR7zy-lR-g/s1600/MovenpickCebuReview2.png" /></a><br />
Movenpick's lobby was accentuated with couches in hues of seafoam, yellow and other sunny colors that stood out against the lobby's all-white walls and high ceiling. Go further towards the beach and you’ll see the pool, which was the outdoor eye candy. The plastic white seats planted around and within the pool were a tease and the water was such a refreshing sight in the middle of a scorching hot day. By the shore were beach beds which would have looked normal if you frequent high-end resorts but Movenpick knew very well what accent to use and what certain pieces designed by world-class Filipino designers to put in spotlight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9WxFj2G2JIUYOyqoRRXtBrtmW2k7ei6tE1OuX8jKtSGw2MgMhg9JTWEOl5elvgeOkDF_daJGs5HfTC1k0YODTPSmAVG7gj5QKi6lnw2IOLMycxPVwXJrzPQJ6PZGpNZPwy52zLJvLg/s1600/MovenpickCebuReview1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9WxFj2G2JIUYOyqoRRXtBrtmW2k7ei6tE1OuX8jKtSGw2MgMhg9JTWEOl5elvgeOkDF_daJGs5HfTC1k0YODTPSmAVG7gj5QKi6lnw2IOLMycxPVwXJrzPQJ6PZGpNZPwy52zLJvLg/s1600/MovenpickCebuReview1.png" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At night, the pool lights up.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">The room</span></span></b><br />
It was already 3PM when we checked in. Our room had a huge bed with a seafoam headboard (which I loved), and an amazing view of the resort – the pool, Ibiza bar and the beach. After taking a quick shower, we wasted no time and went to Ibiza Bar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx8O86C_1vIZ0ofGT2BynbRy0zZ0h57GF2tlAiU0rXW24wD1no-NJL91OyhSpg3JHpsEguuIlZXKECzOTWIpjv3m4cqFkZ70-uR97HGo1zSYjPF7wEfGP6IxzbH4WdWYj-ov9i_P6rw/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx8O86C_1vIZ0ofGT2BynbRy0zZ0h57GF2tlAiU0rXW24wD1no-NJL91OyhSpg3JHpsEguuIlZXKECzOTWIpjv3m4cqFkZ70-uR97HGo1zSYjPF7wEfGP6IxzbH4WdWYj-ov9i_P6rw/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu25.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bed could fit 3 people</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDun9GjIFvGXKehPxeypBl6d-yMsMYLg5MoQqmi4MbkJCtCdW1CvdZoBpfySRlp2XcXJvrgj_3F0IfvjZIG6vkwWWM00mj-qlQpXVFi_ICIa-EJ6uXWOmPxnGS4pUs13WWsr9wAnmfw/s1600/MovenpickCebuReview3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDun9GjIFvGXKehPxeypBl6d-yMsMYLg5MoQqmi4MbkJCtCdW1CvdZoBpfySRlp2XcXJvrgj_3F0IfvjZIG6vkwWWM00mj-qlQpXVFi_ICIa-EJ6uXWOmPxnGS4pUs13WWsr9wAnmfw/s1600/MovenpickCebuReview3.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the balcony of our Deluxe Room. <br />
<i>Left: </i>Look down and you get a bird's eye view of the resort. <i>Right: </i>Mactan at sunrise.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br />Ibiza Bar</span></span></b><br />
Ibiza Bar is so chic. It's all white with a Jacuzzi nestled right where the action is. On the side were net lounges that hung right above the water. The net lounge was our favorite! It was the perfect spot for sunset sessions. Imagine lying down right above the water – with a good drink!<br />
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While the bar appeared chic, the service wasn’t as worth raving. The waiting time for the food and cocktail was too long. We also had to follow up with the waiters a couple of times just to check on our orders. We experienced the same service the next day by the beach. We ordered pizza and beer from the seaside bar but service also took a while. I’d like to think that maybe this was because we were there during peak season and I'll leave it that way with the benefit of a doubt. Good thing the staff were very friendly and accommodating so they made up for the slow resort service.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cDE1YtelKrPhZKqwBnbid9GeNtU5R-stD_6kW3z8AWqXyBlK6u90_jmhxN1oUeJgodf6uenpYRUYkCa4E20-8hxSDI2nc1eMl_FMl6niPkvglZ39dSsonhQ4Xfodrp7o156I77DZaA/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cDE1YtelKrPhZKqwBnbid9GeNtU5R-stD_6kW3z8AWqXyBlK6u90_jmhxN1oUeJgodf6uenpYRUYkCa4E20-8hxSDI2nc1eMl_FMl6niPkvglZ39dSsonhQ4Xfodrp7o156I77DZaA/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu31.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibiza Bar at night. See the jacuzzi?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFi32Lf2DtL9C6WSk4fZM7zKOoCK9NJLv_2m451BUz00S4vHJOxJZMAqo8FW0fnP-Pitsnrjei6fHsmysMW9SCC24fASjP-tSZ0rR8OpezzqWCEChEwEZV69bbYrYPTI6EIPOiJ7bcw/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFi32Lf2DtL9C6WSk4fZM7zKOoCK9NJLv_2m451BUz00S4vHJOxJZMAqo8FW0fnP-Pitsnrjei6fHsmysMW9SCC24fASjP-tSZ0rR8OpezzqWCEChEwEZV69bbYrYPTI6EIPOiJ7bcw/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The net lounges by Ibiza Bar</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi660GALjG7Blg7xiAQ7mYiFGolnE7R2oPyfBgKslDUdnW_BFbSoGiyZnFmzq8fi9y_dWITer_IJNatGTmkhyBQbrUQNPzfd8fUL6lSi_n8Erw3C3a-5BWArwSXUAPDrcITE_qFdmfZhg/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi660GALjG7Blg7xiAQ7mYiFGolnE7R2oPyfBgKslDUdnW_BFbSoGiyZnFmzq8fi9y_dWITer_IJNatGTmkhyBQbrUQNPzfd8fUL6lSi_n8Erw3C3a-5BWArwSXUAPDrcITE_qFdmfZhg/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu19.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">The beach</span></b><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4b1n7r-ibnOLga7Gk_EXSiRlUBGEqKdCQZzJ7Nn9-H_ceolXR5Fgv0H5uja7y6200CsdJvnWKKhEKvSulw9WG5CFC7gh_9LfG0J1rEZyfo1puLTLETxj3l7xZpcIaOoD1UBHALv0dQ/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4b1n7r-ibnOLga7Gk_EXSiRlUBGEqKdCQZzJ7Nn9-H_ceolXR5Fgv0H5uja7y6200CsdJvnWKKhEKvSulw9WG5CFC7gh_9LfG0J1rEZyfo1puLTLETxj3l7xZpcIaOoD1UBHALv0dQ/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu27.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The sand was not as fine but the resort details made up for the whole beach experience.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO5gRgyMiYWkpgiOO2sHz0CHskd3N1D9007dq7nhdNOJ-ep0d9C7BQWSosTT0p6iaMbbpCMx25miQ9nsYo_FfnlCXqeKd56TFGMMgQL0pRFk3wcmOSXS4tR1SM_wYoufrar_F97RG0A/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO5gRgyMiYWkpgiOO2sHz0CHskd3N1D9007dq7nhdNOJ-ep0d9C7BQWSosTT0p6iaMbbpCMx25miQ9nsYo_FfnlCXqeKd56TFGMMgQL0pRFk3wcmOSXS4tR1SM_wYoufrar_F97RG0A/s1600/ReviewMovenpickCebu9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Since we checked in late, the hotel allowed us to check out at 1pm but I haggled for extension since our flight back to Manila was still at 7pm and they granted us an even later check out! In the end, we checked out at 4pm. Not bad.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Overall</span></span></b><br />
Overall, I’d say Movenpick is a very chic urban resort perfect for those looking for a quick weekend getaway. I'd recommend it to groups who want a hip party by the beach. Maybe not the perfect pick for those wish to forget about city life, but the friendly staff, the resort facilities and the view make up for it.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-66306776579904901252014-05-31T03:12:00.001-07:002018-03-26T03:44:42.763-07:00Your travel guide to Bantayan Island, Cebu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosI2qI7WCTvlYfl6mUfFR_nvKSW6oy0mkBL45aNXE8e4PHsh8r_gWRd7chAWWkLqSweFitezTDnCwmqdKb59K-AT0zwIHwwRTBCW6jG-aHnNwye_b2lJnuks9-IU9Qifzh84aJKOLBA/s1600/BantayanIslandCebu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosI2qI7WCTvlYfl6mUfFR_nvKSW6oy0mkBL45aNXE8e4PHsh8r_gWRd7chAWWkLqSweFitezTDnCwmqdKb59K-AT0zwIHwwRTBCW6jG-aHnNwye_b2lJnuks9-IU9Qifzh84aJKOLBA/s1600/BantayanIslandCebu1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyQuE1TASJ25IgPXn2AvVOdcfur9GnlIb22-CvZfihX_4fhxrUKtzgYPI1Ovs7H3RQHlNKDWVGTNEUAZ2WfufGK8YM5tie-2bcV-wn1QhBzpJxYNPseyZIEtDUUtwx_fin2UE7SwMUg/s1600/BantayanIslandCebuTravelTips10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyQuE1TASJ25IgPXn2AvVOdcfur9GnlIb22-CvZfihX_4fhxrUKtzgYPI1Ovs7H3RQHlNKDWVGTNEUAZ2WfufGK8YM5tie-2bcV-wn1QhBzpJxYNPseyZIEtDUUtwx_fin2UE7SwMUg/s1600/BantayanIslandCebuTravelTips10.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm usually at the beach during Holy Week but I always make it a point to choose a quiet beach where I can allow myself to be consumed in silence and do a bit of reflection. Last year, I was in <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2013/04/staycation-by-beach-at-puerto-del-sol.html" target="_blank">Puerto Del Sol</a> in Pangasinan where I enjoyed quiet time just to myself and a few friends exploring the <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2013/04/hundred-islands-pangasinan-island.html" target="_blank">Hundred Islands</a>.. This year, I thought about going to Bantayan Island in Cebu since I haven't been there yet. I had the impression that Bantayan would be quiet and discounted the fact that many Cebu locals would be coming over for the long weekend. So I booked with two friends.</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>The long road to Bantayan on a Holy Week</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkSL2WwtPMZ-2VVwxCP-DJkBJmhAfhu3leBL2P3uVYMQME0-G4cUVd5_W8wggSbI6OnrA1nP245LCcOG4qEKeveqbTgbgenyTg9c3abSiHgb4dQSgzi993jUotR_apHTDNTrll2-FOA/s1600/BantayanIslandCebuTravelTips8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkSL2WwtPMZ-2VVwxCP-DJkBJmhAfhu3leBL2P3uVYMQME0-G4cUVd5_W8wggSbI6OnrA1nP245LCcOG4qEKeveqbTgbgenyTg9c3abSiHgb4dQSgzi993jUotR_apHTDNTrll2-FOA/s1600/BantayanIslandCebuTravelTips8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I woke up one morning to this - natural spotlights from the sky on this side while the moon was setting. On the opposite side, the sun was just staring to rise.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKMEE1PKpjy-zxouGCIOpvJ8DnEWGiZdvNAXi1YMfB-u56K4C8ylEGGQcncEU7Mhr3DY3-VuFLpdIJ9fBFYPyhTlbuIJNKWfk3wrMUwlwc-ZRpP13uKgiaE38zyomTgZuLQGjBlJgzQ/s1600/BantayanIslandCebuTravelTips11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKMEE1PKpjy-zxouGCIOpvJ8DnEWGiZdvNAXi1YMfB-u56K4C8ylEGGQcncEU7Mhr3DY3-VuFLpdIJ9fBFYPyhTlbuIJNKWfk3wrMUwlwc-ZRpP13uKgiaE38zyomTgZuLQGjBlJgzQ/s1600/BantayanIslandCebuTravelTips11.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our flight was 4am on a Thursday and we arrived in Cebu at exactly 5am. Air Asia was on time and everything was going smoothly until we reached Central Bus Terminal. To my horror, the line was VERRYY long. I found myself amidst the sea of eager and hot-headed travelers wanting to reach Bantayan ASAP. I knew the bus would be hopeless so I started negotiating with a van for hire. Luckily, another local group was also looking for a van and in about 30 minutes, we were able to gather and complete 16 persons who'd carpool and split the van rent with us which was P3,000.</div>
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The travel time was approximately 3 hours and at around 10am, we were already at Hagnaya Port, jump-off point for Bantayan. After seeing the line at the Central Bus Terminal, I had expected the crowd in Hagyana to be like this and had no choice but to just endure it. Secretly I was telling myself "never again on a Holy Week!" I dragged myself to fall in line and buy our boat tickets. After over 30 minutes, we got ours. It was only 11 am but we were told that the next ferry available would be at 2pm. Bummer! I imagined myself already sunburnt by 2pm. So we waited again. Luckily, ferries arrived one after another. Our tickets were color coded – one color per ferry. After 4 ferries, we were finally asked to line up for (drum rolls please) our very own ferry! We were the first ones to enter and I knew the moment we were seated that that would be last of our travails.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">Arrival in Sta. Fe</span></b></div>
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Tricycles and padyaks await you in Sta. Fe and just like in any other place, you can choose to commission the driver or wait for other passengers to join you. In our case, our hotel van was there waiting for us which was a good thing because after all that we’ve been through, I no longer had the energy for more long lines. The van was pretty big, even bigger than the one we hired from Cebu City to Hagnaya, and it was all to the three of us.</div>
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After almost 12 hours of traveling (left home for the airport at 2am), we arrived at Maia’s Beach Resort. And then the Murphy's law ended. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">Where to stay in Bantayan</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shore in front of Maia's Beach Resort at high tide, the only time where you can swim.</td></tr>
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There is a range of options for you to choose from. If you want a good beach where you can laze around, pick hotels in Sta. Fe. The sand here is finer than in other beaches in Bantayan. Just bear in mind that these are the resorts that get too crowded especially during peak season.</div>
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However, if you want a quiet time, choose hotels located in other areas. In our case, we chose Maia's Beach Resort in Sulangan. It's a 20-minute drive from Sta. Fe. The resort is clean, well-kept, quiet and serves good food! I recommend it to those who are looking for a peaceful time. Read about my Maia's Beach Resort <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2014/05/a-review-maias-beach-resort-bantayan.html" target="_blank">review here</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">What to do in Bantayan: Eat, burn, repeat.</span></b></div>
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Peace, quiet and the fun personality of everyone in the community is what Bantayan charm is all about. We made the most out of this by eating, bumming, reading, watching the stars and waiting for the sun to set and then rise again. Bantayan had a certain vibe that forces us to sleep early and wake up at 4am. I’d see the skies as dark as midnight and then slowly blending with the beautiful hues of pink and gold just before the sun rises again and the cup of our favorite homemade hot chocolate is served.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kabayan in Sta. Fe is one of the local restaurants that you have to try</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzU5Z8fu8NThMOGBeJOyIPc4OjXvBrmetZkSL6EJNAj0whAEiuBiLp_N4Vih1Vr8MgyWEWK24xVrslYH-DPSw-lcFJ1fdkiJrLfbjfwa7hSgVsAXunWgvt5Ew2EHc1Q2jgIIGePGEfg/s1600/BantayanIslandCebu10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzU5Z8fu8NThMOGBeJOyIPc4OjXvBrmetZkSL6EJNAj0whAEiuBiLp_N4Vih1Vr8MgyWEWK24xVrslYH-DPSw-lcFJ1fdkiJrLfbjfwa7hSgVsAXunWgvt5Ew2EHc1Q2jgIIGePGEfg/s1600/BantayanIslandCebu10.jpg" /></a><br />
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It was a very relaxing stay in Bantayan, overall but some day, I’d like to come back minus the crowd and stay in a resort in Sta. Fe.</div>
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Happy summer!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Read more of my Cebu series:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2014/05/a-review-maias-beach-resort-bantayan.html" target="_blank">A Review: Maia's Beach Resort, Bantayan Island, Cebu</a></div>
<a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2013/03/my-birthday-dare-swim-with-whale-sharks.html" target="_blank">My birthday dare: Swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu</a><br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-2126403569815355102014-05-06T19:09:00.003-07:002018-03-26T03:44:53.139-07:00A Review: Maia's Beach Resort, Bantayan Island, Cebu<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUAdaKvjYdQCMp7FbgmlJATXDgk8ofy1r8zKx8Zum0YEXK6IN7hxTsQbzXqDgEWBSagGE2ysbuDKzEshBRuQcxiLug4D_nEMb6fRZ5oZtJBtsUxFi_0cFiZHUEzZH3Er8BcbUbglSQw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUAdaKvjYdQCMp7FbgmlJATXDgk8ofy1r8zKx8Zum0YEXK6IN7hxTsQbzXqDgEWBSagGE2ysbuDKzEshBRuQcxiLug4D_nEMb6fRZ5oZtJBtsUxFi_0cFiZHUEzZH3Er8BcbUbglSQw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had this pool all to ourselves; pool also available for day tours for P150</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5g3RyW_PLbIbE7TM3PHKPYrfWTLaQUwKqFZQzfzDggNQbs_DaumLvg4kVWs9b42U72XZLJVsu8JnMYT4shWz2eHrZM0aZ_5d-oq8iIUWlXrVGzvLdKyxJfp9jKxfxmMw5yNW9fPyyg/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5g3RyW_PLbIbE7TM3PHKPYrfWTLaQUwKqFZQzfzDggNQbs_DaumLvg4kVWs9b42U72XZLJVsu8JnMYT4shWz2eHrZM0aZ_5d-oq8iIUWlXrVGzvLdKyxJfp9jKxfxmMw5yNW9fPyyg/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging bridges connected the garden point to point</td></tr>
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We spent Holy Week in Bantayan Island, Cebu. Since most of the resorts in Sta. Fe were fully-booked, I picked a resort further south and about a 20-minute drive from the Sta. Fe Port - Maia's Beach Resort. I'd consider it a blessing in disguise because the resort was all that I could imagine for a quiet Holy Week vacation.<br />
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Because it's a bit far from Sta. Fe, Maia's Beach Resort offers land transfers for free to and from the port. The driver was already there when we arrived, which was a huge relief, after traveling for hours in the mad peak season rush. We arrive at the resort at around 3pm. We are told that it's just been re-opened to the public after a few repairs to address the damage caused by Yolanda.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">The rooms</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRulHx1RYjfJ7msZ5Iyr5NIsDtKcHpK7v237PM6vhdqCbLElxtoyDJ3eC3tCbxd36-g0PfQDbdy5AyWay6HIe_kyqhEcTTXIileTb-9zGNv0-a_gEJi_i6vWcJ2tAsf9UWa7K7Ii_AWw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRulHx1RYjfJ7msZ5Iyr5NIsDtKcHpK7v237PM6vhdqCbLElxtoyDJ3eC3tCbxd36-g0PfQDbdy5AyWay6HIe_kyqhEcTTXIileTb-9zGNv0-a_gEJi_i6vWcJ2tAsf9UWa7K7Ii_AWw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu3.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c0QFlX9izuGrBuEdOBTCt0LKvtqYGmJYbc7dp_rCCZd166IMslluiqNP7whTv7utY0G0QxC-8HHTSOTGlY95RJri69luOqXF5snYjpKxChngDWoPCTAmmUErOr5OVKVj7yct0Ktduw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c0QFlX9izuGrBuEdOBTCt0LKvtqYGmJYbc7dp_rCCZd166IMslluiqNP7whTv7utY0G0QxC-8HHTSOTGlY95RJri69luOqXF5snYjpKxChngDWoPCTAmmUErOr5OVKVj7yct0Ktduw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu6.jpg" /></a><br />
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We were very happy with the rooms. We got ours at P3,600 per night (good for three; with breakfast for two). After going through the all-day waiting (hello again, Holy week rush!), arriving to a very neat and ready room was a consolation. I booked for a twin room but requested for an extra mattress but we were surprised that they didn't just give us an extra mattress but an extra bed. The white walls, curtains and sheets complemented the elements of coconut wood and bamboo; and gave off a very beachy and windy feel. It was not a luxury room (not even near it) but it was tidy and comfortable so I'd be quick to give it a thumbs up.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>The food</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc285dvRwctTa0x6MLjPXHOFsnBZ0ezaDfna2nUz3qsOak-8evcTo-QYKiNy4kZ4QVsAt2_TVIW_ug2TBndSSwOPzITJ-ZLzKvaHbkRtituuQKv8Se4xbBo_LbqfsObbp-uMFLWtXTw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc285dvRwctTa0x6MLjPXHOFsnBZ0ezaDfna2nUz3qsOak-8evcTo-QYKiNy4kZ4QVsAt2_TVIW_ug2TBndSSwOPzITJ-ZLzKvaHbkRtituuQKv8Se4xbBo_LbqfsObbp-uMFLWtXTw/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu9.jpg" /></a></div>
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The food was great!!! We made friends we Ate Awe, who was their only staff at the restaurant. He (technically still a guy but preferred to be called 'ate') was very accommodating. I appreciated the fact that Ate Awe was so proactive. There was no need for us to tell him what we needed because he'd always be first to offer. The star of the menu was the hot chocolate, made from pure cocoa. Weeks after this vacation, I'd still find my self craving for Ate Awe's hot choco. The pork belly is also a must-try.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>The beach</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbaH8K2OAU98t0HxNbfnzOSfz0xJ1su9JScSOJrfGXWH8wYgzHiXoIRyjuYx0uHdyL0iE2CVBym3zxZofkmYpXKXL4eWeZkiMvBKzbRlLlTqEIaTNTCH0MTh3NMiJFgaX141q7PFOwQ/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbaH8K2OAU98t0HxNbfnzOSfz0xJ1su9JScSOJrfGXWH8wYgzHiXoIRyjuYx0uHdyL0iE2CVBym3zxZofkmYpXKXL4eWeZkiMvBKzbRlLlTqEIaTNTCH0MTh3NMiJFgaX141q7PFOwQ/s1600/MaiasBeachResortBantayanCebu5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Maia's Resort is beachfront but the beach is not as nice as those that you'll find in Sta. Fe. The beach here can be rocky and during low tide, the water gets really shallow. The best time to swim is in mid morning. Good thing, there is always the pool for your swim fix. Maia's just have six cottages which is why we had the pool all to ourselves even if it was peak season.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b>The ambiance</b></span><br />
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The overall ambiance of Maia's Beach Resort is relaxing. There is a sprawl of greens with hanging bridges to connect the garden from point to point. Aside from the resort itself, the staff (special mention again to Ate Awe) is also very attentive. The place may not boast of fine sand or a wide-sprawl beachfront but the resort itself and the staff are worth your bucks. I still recommend; however, that you drop by the beaches in Sta. Fe to experience Bantayan at its nicest.<br />
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If you're looking for resort to stay in Bantayan during peak season, I highly suggest that you consider Maia's Beach Resort for some quiet time<br />
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Maia's Beach Resort<br />
Telephone : 0917 635 8612 or (+6332) 406 77 43</div>
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-38270548775964002822014-04-23T03:18:00.000-07:002018-03-26T03:47:41.010-07:00A Review: Crimson Hotel Alabang<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqW6t2xizODmpnAZhc1x0UeoRapqbYT7dlabf1gGokd71vzdZtCzHk0EzvvEzcWkm6vPR23W1WsOuJFRP98O6MHLLR_4SpG4dr5ahou4XE6c_kH7a4mIOyc_0YwCrOZIuw4pqQ_r5V9g/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqW6t2xizODmpnAZhc1x0UeoRapqbYT7dlabf1gGokd71vzdZtCzHk0EzvvEzcWkm6vPR23W1WsOuJFRP98O6MHLLR_4SpG4dr5ahou4XE6c_kH7a4mIOyc_0YwCrOZIuw4pqQ_r5V9g/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qGaHK2kszkSt65yhbk_uHh7G_wIPgTdudIyoz657WNZaTBKLXCky1A0Vk9mYHyuttJKBBsH7GuQRWa5oi9dDKUcFvF5170lu3JEszyBs6sWAX92jdP0ZQ2KSDNdmhanQwVIrmivsjQ/s1600/IMG_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qGaHK2kszkSt65yhbk_uHh7G_wIPgTdudIyoz657WNZaTBKLXCky1A0Vk9mYHyuttJKBBsH7GuQRWa5oi9dDKUcFvF5170lu3JEszyBs6sWAX92jdP0ZQ2KSDNdmhanQwVIrmivsjQ/s1600/IMG_4099.JPG" /></a><br />
Last weekend, I met with good friends and my cute inaanaks at Crimson Hotel in Alabang. When they bring the kids, we always make it a point to look for a kid-friendly venue. I’ve been searching for Manila hotels that kids would love but since it was the start of the Holy Week and most of the households left in the metro would probably flock into hotels for R&R, we decided to just settle for the first good deal that came. Luckily, I have a friend who gave me discount coupons for Crimson Alabang – P3,500 per night for two people including breakfast – not bad!<br />
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If you’ve been to Crimson in Mactan, don’t peg Crimson Alabang to look and feel the same. What they have in Mactan is a beach resort catering to vacationers but Crimson Alabang markets businessmen so the hotel is a bit straightforward and stiff. <br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><strong>The rooms</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVtZqWmub6OT6zlwviSfH8X9ksNe1sSNGCSf4ZnKwwQwCkw7joyHvdEDKVXPbkDFRbAO1bCGa44fKyzYkfLdmRiScMQtAX_EufAaQeOUK4CPn4kdJCN0YLdJCTU4TlKq2xD-BlBfwrA/s1600/crimsonalabangreview1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVtZqWmub6OT6zlwviSfH8X9ksNe1sSNGCSf4ZnKwwQwCkw7joyHvdEDKVXPbkDFRbAO1bCGa44fKyzYkfLdmRiScMQtAX_EufAaQeOUK4CPn4kdJCN0YLdJCTU4TlKq2xD-BlBfwrA/s1600/crimsonalabangreview1.jpg" /></a><br />
The rooms were the average size of any twin room except that the beds were smaller. It came with the usual complimentary stuff – toiletries and water bottles. It was clean and may I say – corporate? Personally, city hotels are not my kind of staycation and I probably wouldn’t book here but for those who live in the south, Crimson would pass for a comfortable weekend nook…<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">The pools</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcammfPXdY5O71ai6dBojUWkIJpeVkh-bFSEHSsG6CkjKbKI8UtwoRvuhECuyrcrnzphZSE-iM5g6LBI2wpnjSocnt8lWYlVEZ4lft7dXZX9NCe9YapaAOwFrd6kHvkr_Qq1CSWrMYg/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcammfPXdY5O71ai6dBojUWkIJpeVkh-bFSEHSsG6CkjKbKI8UtwoRvuhECuyrcrnzphZSE-iM5g6LBI2wpnjSocnt8lWYlVEZ4lft7dXZX9NCe9YapaAOwFrd6kHvkr_Qq1CSWrMYg/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4JbUCC3ohZhKEtATlURWwTBE4NwtvX_jFnHerPD398Pm2Xxnd1UBFfzqsvxVwerDAsEQlGz3G4sW29E8LLXtWZHWDu158EV1xUGKe3eOn0WBHdW1mL6iSdVLDxMkjPXo1SkVsNpUqA/s1600/crimsonalabangreview1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4JbUCC3ohZhKEtATlURWwTBE4NwtvX_jFnHerPD398Pm2Xxnd1UBFfzqsvxVwerDAsEQlGz3G4sW29E8LLXtWZHWDu158EV1xUGKe3eOn0WBHdW1mL6iSdVLDxMkjPXo1SkVsNpUqA/s1600/crimsonalabangreview1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy39iW6LHvpayHXC2FcPuxbNp8lwvrC5uKW6YxNQBQ5wuqvAHGO_rW1eqTHp8253VnEjPaB4EXN3XnscjJ8-SKtMvmnFifBgImEEUhy4n3A25wvxWXxhyaZPzcn2LrlgsSZ-MNbanWog/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy39iW6LHvpayHXC2FcPuxbNp8lwvrC5uKW6YxNQBQ5wuqvAHGO_rW1eqTHp8253VnEjPaB4EXN3XnscjJ8-SKtMvmnFifBgImEEUhy4n3A25wvxWXxhyaZPzcn2LrlgsSZ-MNbanWog/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqW6t2xizODmpnAZhc1x0UeoRapqbYT7dlabf1gGokd71vzdZtCzHk0EzvvEzcWkm6vPR23W1WsOuJFRP98O6MHLLR_4SpG4dr5ahou4XE6c_kH7a4mIOyc_0YwCrOZIuw4pqQ_r5V9g/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
…and that’s because of the pool. The pool area has a zen feel with tall grasses (sorry I couldn’t tell whether they were natural or plastic) planted on the side to obstruct the view from the highway. I’d say it has the same vibe as the pool in Fairmont, Makati. It would’ve been the perfect zen pool if you couldn’t hear the buzzing vehicles. <br />
There were two pools – one adult and one for the kids. The kids sure enjoyed swimming in the kiddie pool while the adults stayed at the bar and watched. There’s also a lifeguard on standby. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">The food</span></strong><br />
I only tasted the food at the pool bar. It was okay but a bit pricey like how I expected it to be. There’s also a pastry area in Crimson Alabang which I was dying to try but didn’t have a chance to check it out because I was told that we couldn’t have it delivered by the pool area.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">The plus</span></strong><br />
The plus, especially for those with little girls is the mermaid swimming lessons! Crimson in Alabang offers mermaid swimming lessons taught by coach Arabelle Jimenez. She's a certified Rescue Diver from the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy so your little girls are safe with her. She drops by Crimson's Deck Bar every Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Those interested may avail of the Magical Tail Room Package for P5,000 for a Deluxe Room including overnight accommodation, breakfast for two and 2-hour mermaid class lessons for 1 person<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRudzCQiBRtpCIWYrFOBmysVVNvYDB4J5ArBT1oVgkLeFzsT_qNijm8OdJTmOJ5nBcPhSEPy_fvMQG3juKCMO8ZMc7UI8URXCHt0zkQdbbv-oLuWUFx2uFRd2UXR0Rx2_KRm2rna5OHA/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRudzCQiBRtpCIWYrFOBmysVVNvYDB4J5ArBT1oVgkLeFzsT_qNijm8OdJTmOJ5nBcPhSEPy_fvMQG3juKCMO8ZMc7UI8URXCHt0zkQdbbv-oLuWUFx2uFRd2UXR0Rx2_KRm2rna5OHA/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3rTM4qcn9dGKoQSb2zvb1IGXB-zsQLguksbl6x1PAN3cQ75Y-uNwz8Mts0fXD01U7zq4YLuQs5-73KIAM3VBu0AMruqMVeHw0HPD8yKfPiqfpUqHEgtJLYVjAmesGKnc1-L2i6l8sg/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3rTM4qcn9dGKoQSb2zvb1IGXB-zsQLguksbl6x1PAN3cQ75Y-uNwz8Mts0fXD01U7zq4YLuQs5-73KIAM3VBu0AMruqMVeHw0HPD8yKfPiqfpUqHEgtJLYVjAmesGKnc1-L2i6l8sg/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">Overall</span></strong><br />
Overall, Crimson Hotel Alabang was okay, like how you’d expect business hotels to be. I wouldn’t book here for R&R because I’m a beach person and would probably just hit Batangas for a weekend escape but for those who simply want a new environment for the weekend or if you have kids who’ve been bugging you for a swimming pool treat, this hotel could just be the right choice for you.</div>
avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-18298906134253360142014-04-08T20:42:00.002-07:002018-03-26T03:57:22.952-07:00Boracay travel tips for big groups<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Just came back from another Boracay trip. It has become a
yearly thing for me and my friends to hit Boracay in summer. I always have the
deadliest travel hangover after every Bora trip and maybe it’s because time spent
with your bestest buds at a nice beach with booze all day and your favorite playlist
spells a lot of FUN. My blues would usually last for a week or so and I can’t
stop wishing that I’d be brought right back at that moment when I was just setting
my office’s OOO or boarding the plane in high spirits and excited of the happy
tipsy beach feels that await would us.</span><br />
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Because of this, I’ve decided to share with you tips for big
groups who are planning a Boracay trip with friends soon.<br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Take the ship getting
there and the plane coming back</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br />
If you don’t catch a seat sale, you can always travel by
sea. 2go has a daily schedule to and from Caticlan which costs a little over P1,000. The ship leaves Batangas
Port at 9PM and arrives in Caticlan at 7AM making it highly convenient especially for employees. No need to file a leave as long as you reach Batangas Port before
9PM. You sleep the entire night and when you wake up, you’re smack right in
Caticlan! Take the cabin for 6 if you’re in a group for a more comfortable experience.<br />
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The schedule from Caticlan to Batangas is not as favorable
because you’ll have to burn almost the whole day traveling which is why I
suggest that you prioritize the return flight when you book.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Where to stay in
Boracay</span><span style="color: #45818e;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br />
In <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2014/04/where-to-stay-in-boracay-all-rooms.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, I’ve listed down some of my recommended
accommodations in Boracay. But for big groups, I suggest that you book in La
Fiesta. It’s a beachfront resort in Station 1, a few steps beside Starbucks and
Gerry’s Grill. The beachfront rooms are taken quickly so be sure to reserve
ahead of time. When you book, be specific that you want the beachfront room
with a veranda. Their rooms can accommodate as many as five people. La Fiesta
is not yet on Agoda so reservation is done through text or email.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">What to do in Boracay</span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
There is a range of activities to do but if you’re like my
group, we simply just want to drink, toast, swim, eat (on repeat) the entire day.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">Drink, toast, swim.</span></b> There’s only one place for these three activities and that’s been
tried-and-tested for years now – Mamita’s! It’s a restaurant in Station 1 right
after you pass by the stretch of shaded trees past Astoria and right before
Obama Grill. It’s perfect because the water here is cleaner than in Stations 2 and 3. Beach beds are also available for a minimal amount. If you
want to drink, go for the bottle because it’s cheaper. But if you’re buying by
the glass, I say try the classic margarita! And for your meal? Their crispy pata
is a winner.<br />
<br /></div>
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Wait, I haven’t even mentioned the best part – you can play
your own playlist! I’m not sure if this applies to all customers but in our
case, we’ve always been allowed to connect our players every time we’re
here. Drinks, the beach, great friends, and great music – all in Mamita’s!<br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When in Boracay, eat.</span></b>
</span>Only you care too much about your tummy so forget about the diet and for
goodness’ sake, E-A-T! For big groups, the paluto at the Talipapa is always a
great option. Here, you get to eat fresh sea foods for almost half the price in
Manila. For our group of 8, our Paluto bill would usually fall between P250-300
per person and this includes dishes of crabs, shrimps, tuna, mussels, rice,
etc. <br />
<br />
For breakfast, Real Coffee is always a favorite. We always swing by for
pancakes and to make an advance order of kalamansi muffin for pasalubong. By
the way, Real Coffee has moved to the second level of Sea World in Station 2.<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>Watch the sunset and take pictures at
Puka Beach.</b> </span>This is probably the only non-White Beach activity that
we do. <a href="http://www.avawashere.com/2012/07/puka-beach-boracay.html" target="_blank">Puka Beach is the less busy stretch</a> on the other side of the island.
There are no restaurants except for small sari-sari stores. The sand here is
not as white and fine as that in White Beach and the waves are stronger which
may not be conducive for swimming but still; we come here for quiet sunset
sessions. And for photographers, the golden hour is best witnessed in this part
of the island. No need for filters or post prod! To come here, take a trike
from D’Mall. Price is usually P150 per trike one way.</div>
<span class="”fullpost”">
</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-57689062861148138942014-04-07T19:45:00.002-07:002018-03-26T03:57:33.404-07:00Where to stay in Boracay: All rooms below P1500<div class="MsoNormal">
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Boracay is one of my most-frequented local locations. I
usually come here at least twice a year. I’ve been here both with a big group and by
myself. And contrary to what some may think, Boracay resorts aren’t always as
expensive as you think they are. If you do your homework, you’ll be amazed
at how cheap a decent beachfront room can cost! <br />
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In this post, I want to share with you my top three tried-and-tested Boracay accommodations. <br />
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">La Fiesta Boracay, Station 1</span></b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lafiestaresort.boracay?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/lafiestaresort.boracay?fref=ts</a><br />
Telephone: +639477656946, (036) 288 4234<br />
Price range: P3500 for 4 pax; P875 per person<br />
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La Fiesta Boracay in Station 1 is by far my favorite. I’ve
stayed here for four times and I always get the same service everytime. What I
like most about La Fiesta is its beachfront location for a non-beachfront
rate. The rooms are spacious enough and could fit as many as 5 people for as
low as P3500 for a summer rate. <br />
<br />
When you book, be specific that you want a beachfront
room with a veranda. The number of beachfront rooms are limited and could be taken quickly especially during summer. I'd usually book as early as January for summer accommodation. La Fiesta is not up on Agoda or any booking website.
Reservations are done the old school way – you call, you deposit 50% payment
and they send you the confirmation. </div>
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<b>Good:</b> Beachfront location! The veranda is also great for people
watching. <br />
<b>Room for improvement:</b> It can take days before they reply to my email or text so
I suggest that you call them if you need an answer ASAP.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><b><br />Ernest’s Place Boracay </b></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ernestsplace.boracay?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/ernestsplace.boracay?fref=ts</a><br />
Telephone: (036)288-1965<br />
Email: ernestplaceboracay@yahoo.com<br />
Price range: P2200 per room for 4 pax; P550 per person<br />
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<br />
If you’re not too keen about staying on White Beach, Ernest Place Boracay may
just be the right accommodation for you. Located approximately 50 meters away
from D’Mall, Ernest Place has a neighborhood vibe but the rooms are very clean
and nice too. It’s a relatively new establishment so you can expect better
facilities compared to Tan’s Guesthouse or La Fiesta. Sari-sari stores and local
eateries are also accessible for those who are on a budget.<br />
<br />
<b>Good: </b> Clean and nice
rooms! Staffs are also very accommodating.</div>
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<b>Downside:</b> You’ll have to walk a little to and from White Beach.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Tan’s Guesthouse Boracay, Station 2</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.tghboracay.com/">http://www.tghboracay.com/</a><br />
Telephone: 63 36 288 6878, 09209202481, 09177234570<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:tgh_bora@yahoo.com">tgh_bora@yahoo.com</a><br />
Rates: P2500 to P8500; P1250 per person for the queen room<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajJoQj_oze-zOi-UEoOU4LgwnDQvlOcr8IgOnJdY7AgsRXbsrIpoGw6xBcL92lLPLp0y8qrhVR3UxPRKOp5TXbQocO4OqbI0SUD8dGx2Wr0LJ3UbTSUYaTMLEHiSYuqhPEn8zCc9wRw/s1600/TansGuesthouseBoracayStation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajJoQj_oze-zOi-UEoOU4LgwnDQvlOcr8IgOnJdY7AgsRXbsrIpoGw6xBcL92lLPLp0y8qrhVR3UxPRKOp5TXbQocO4OqbI0SUD8dGx2Wr0LJ3UbTSUYaTMLEHiSYuqhPEn8zCc9wRw/s1600/TansGuesthouseBoracayStation2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos taken from www.tghboracay.com website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I usually stay here when I’m alone because it’s located right where the action is – Station 2. It’s not beachfront but within White Beach and located just a few steps away from Island Souvenirs in D’Mall. Tan’s Guesthouse Boracay offers a range of rooms to fit every traveler – solo, couples and big groups. Check their site and you can score a family room good for 10 pax for P8,500 during peak season which can drop to as low as P6,500 when off peak.</div>
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<b><br />Good: </b>When I stayed here, I was happy enough to have a comfy bed with nice-smelling sheets. My room also had a TV with cable, AC and breakfast. Location is also a very convenient.<br />
<b>Room for improvement: </b>Wifi was available but only at the lobby.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Other resorts I’ve
tried but do not necessarily recommend</span></b>
<br />
<b><br />Orchid’s at Station 3</b></div>
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The resort is a bit old and the last time I was here,
there were a lot of mosquitoes. But if you’re on a budget and want an area that’s
away from the crowd, check out Orchid’s. It’s not right on the beach but just
about 30 steps away.<br />
<br />
<b>
Boarding House Boracay</b><br />
Look it up in Agoda and you’ll find it. While there are good reviews and some
of it are true, it is not one of my top recommendations because I feel that
there was a mismanagement of expectations (could be my fault). Yes it is cheap – imagine paying
only P3500 for 8 pax! However, the room was small and not as tidy as the others
that are in this list. It could make a great find for those who want to rough it
up. While our stay wasn't completely positive, I’d like to recognize that
Wolfgang, the owner, was very kind, apologetic and attentive.<br />
<br />
Hope you find the Boracay accommodation that fits your budget! Enjoy beaching!</div>
<span class="”fullpost”">
</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484730858871268376.post-84146754435586893332014-03-11T02:03:00.002-07:002018-03-26T03:57:59.439-07:00At the Seaside Boulevard, SM MOA: The 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBpRNP288h-vj20DAzmzVIUgn61cJgJKfR59Uo5IaIuwgxAEcDNU90Adt4Lhtgk2aPQipTQoRL0WLgTwDN9eFbznNWaF0qUcR95iMFFG9NcITsJQVu7RpIGGyZ6fpM7RLOxYIHXOaIQ/s1600/MOAPyromusical.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBpRNP288h-vj20DAzmzVIUgn61cJgJKfR59Uo5IaIuwgxAEcDNU90Adt4Lhtgk2aPQipTQoRL0WLgTwDN9eFbznNWaF0qUcR95iMFFG9NcITsJQVu7RpIGGyZ6fpM7RLOxYIHXOaIQ/s1600/MOAPyromusical.JPG" /></a></div>
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Water is my element but after watching the 5th Pyromusical Competition, I realized that fire isn't as bad I thought. In fact, it was amaaazingg. So if hitting the beach is out of the budget, worry not because there are activities in Metro Manila that won't cost you as much. </div>
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The 5th Pyromusical Competition runs for six consecutive weekends which started on 15 February and ends on 22 March at the Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">When?</span></b></div>
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You can still catch the 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition on the following dates.</div>
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<b>March 15</b><br />
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Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd. of Finland</div>
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Rotal Pyrotechnie of Canada</div>
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<b>March 22</b></div>
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Atlas Pyro Vision of USA</div>
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Platonum Fireworks, Inc., of the Philippines (Closing Exhibition)</div>
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Show starts at 7pm and there is a break in between presenters.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz83nCb3JdbEWTVmPR-HYZxanS14sNJs89C_smzpIhzZKQsrsPgOt8qpouGff7jlExgp8TZg8f3pUXYDNDFICNC19AYmfxkSNK4ylevGmMZ4QV83t-ag0BX3TyN9-nJos8bji4dRlnw/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz83nCb3JdbEWTVmPR-HYZxanS14sNJs89C_smzpIhzZKQsrsPgOt8qpouGff7jlExgp8TZg8f3pUXYDNDFICNC19AYmfxkSNK4ylevGmMZ4QV83t-ag0BX3TyN9-nJos8bji4dRlnw/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip: Be early to catch the sunset. Manila Bay still has one of the prettiest sunsets I've ever seen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hNsreqkpOCLFamlkOFI0-yr79l5TQIZ_a2DxwPKVw-OCBsZH6X5zzF23o4a2Nba4bXZ85dJN3uB_fP32NFa2-U-TLP0B0LAMs52AO3niOhQ3b_alM4D8ZknmCgk0O3o1q9OL50lfJg/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hNsreqkpOCLFamlkOFI0-yr79l5TQIZ_a2DxwPKVw-OCBsZH6X5zzF23o4a2Nba4bXZ85dJN3uB_fP32NFa2-U-TLP0B0LAMs52AO3niOhQ3b_alM4D8ZknmCgk0O3o1q9OL50lfJg/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much to do in MOA - eat, shop, ride the ferris wheel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6_hYpAQvmU6_Zko4cpwgS5di2fUaU8vkuW4sEQLbJFl7UZj1Xbz7W4XsrQTtntZJlArRN3WRujykK5kzIIp1NaSAj0fWBH6y8mx4YeiLY21dHom7ambOKyH8hEB6IyJHfQVrztZcUw/s1600/IMG_2291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6_hYpAQvmU6_Zko4cpwgS5di2fUaU8vkuW4sEQLbJFl7UZj1Xbz7W4XsrQTtntZJlArRN3WRujykK5kzIIp1NaSAj0fWBH6y8mx4YeiLY21dHom7ambOKyH8hEB6IyJHfQVrztZcUw/s1600/IMG_2291.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This particular photo is from my iPhone</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLebLIuwAj5v8J2QFchE0EPHQtmVYXoygPRQJs0119GVzV40fvbMOlUf5zCprBtNrHmr3z3EjzFInVQ0C2AUDwRD0BjGxdbyY33-P9tP8KXmemddXJIDqwwWEE1cqlvAttnN89bS0Tw/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLebLIuwAj5v8J2QFchE0EPHQtmVYXoygPRQJs0119GVzV40fvbMOlUf5zCprBtNrHmr3z3EjzFInVQ0C2AUDwRD0BjGxdbyY33-P9tP8KXmemddXJIDqwwWEE1cqlvAttnN89bS0Tw/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR58UUPdXNGXlmbkFJJIJv9qA0m0xHzVjw8dLQKhu8FWiYzHVswg5lB_Xcz0whEvoKdKgcQl41Dfrwm_cNnvUg_EpvTrcXPqb7dm_ua8CSWvqd7aM5dJjW-yF2nsfOiGbZzLPS2MPUoA/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR58UUPdXNGXlmbkFJJIJv9qA0m0xHzVjw8dLQKhu8FWiYzHVswg5lB_Xcz0whEvoKdKgcQl41Dfrwm_cNnvUg_EpvTrcXPqb7dm_ua8CSWvqd7aM5dJjW-yF2nsfOiGbZzLPS2MPUoA/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Rt4FoLVADAHKWTB2MfO6CId7G8m5PnrEQc47ef4m0u-h04Zj6GzACcoTvjXOAJrQT2RPpRAJlcXPwPsgpnModLnUWHWo9oSww-PE_oU5msORR0nkGm53JQeTVIjugZys-KXFy6YcQw/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Rt4FoLVADAHKWTB2MfO6CId7G8m5PnrEQc47ef4m0u-h04Zj6GzACcoTvjXOAJrQT2RPpRAJlcXPwPsgpnModLnUWHWo9oSww-PE_oU5msORR0nkGm53JQeTVIjugZys-KXFy6YcQw/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These photos do not, at all, justify the real works. I didn't have a remote and couldn't decide whether to continue shooting through my camera's view finder or just look at the sky to watch the fireworks with my eyes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhIVqkqdWcM_ZePAHE8FYMHSMv4vyWRcmZMxg4OU_77IgcHJpMHuUnkzE-ddw77dpDGy-KbILl3cF1B1gLtbJB1gmrJXuA5rg2dWGGFRGf7ROw5bS6QWQHEk_i4XCn28e3L8pNqimag/s1600/IMG_2345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhIVqkqdWcM_ZePAHE8FYMHSMv4vyWRcmZMxg4OU_77IgcHJpMHuUnkzE-ddw77dpDGy-KbILl3cF1B1gLtbJB1gmrJXuA5rg2dWGGFRGf7ROw5bS6QWQHEk_i4XCn28e3L8pNqimag/s1600/IMG_2345.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know this photo isn't clean but had to post it because... are those sunflowers?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkXgVoXranQNmxUabwjUqCrctigeVs9oDOsFx0YqNOdWtHUniCSARXzDcwNbrOIXaWcxqToPqI4GFC_D3ruei_ndaFqbPiPClJqoDvd0FtFMMwbSv3lEEnIiyKHbUdnXsjEguKDrsPg/s1600/IMG_2358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkXgVoXranQNmxUabwjUqCrctigeVs9oDOsFx0YqNOdWtHUniCSARXzDcwNbrOIXaWcxqToPqI4GFC_D3ruei_ndaFqbPiPClJqoDvd0FtFMMwbSv3lEEnIiyKHbUdnXsjEguKDrsPg/s1600/IMG_2358.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b><br />How much?</b></span></div>
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You can buy your tickets <a href="http://www.pyrophilippines.com/buy-tickets/" target="_blank">here</a> or at SM Ticketnet, TicketWorld or SM Tickets outlets. The tickets range from P100 to P1,500.</div>
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Silver - P100</div>
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Gold - P300</div>
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VIP - P500</div>
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Patron (comes with dinner) - P1,500</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-size: large;">What other activities can I do?</span></b></div>
The Pyromusical Competition is a great activity for families and friends. Aside from the event itself, the Mall of Asia grounds offer a range of activities for you to choose from . You can ride the giant ferris wheel; eat, eat and eat; and of course, watch the sunset!<br />
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Don't miss the last two weekends of the 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.<br />
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</span>avahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462005040962470640noreply@blogger.com0