Family Getaway at The Village!

The Village Entrance

Before the summer vacation ended, our family decided to have a little out-of-town escapade! June is the start of classes for the kids and also for the teachers so there would less chances to just simply pack up and go somewhere. Lots of things have to be considered before we can take time away so, we decided to have one last hurrah for the summer!

We decided to go to a place called The Village in Camarines Sur. It's actually called The Village at San Bernardino. This place is located in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. I first saw this place at my friend's Facebook page and I thought it looked great so I suggested it to my sister. She liked it too that's why we decided we're going there some time in the future. The chance came sooner.

The place was very relaxing, it was far from the city so it was really quiet and peaceful there. It's the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city! Some parts of The Village are still a work-in-progress but I'm pretty sure they're going to be awesome when finished.

Video of Our Swimming Time in Aguirangan Island

Aguirangan Island

Our time in Aguirangan Island was one of the most fun events during the summer. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can still feel the sandy beach under my feet, the sultry island wind on my face, and hear the rush of the tide on the beach. Oh what bliss it would be to be able to go back there.  

During idle times I can't help myself from taking a look at the photos of our fun time there. It's been two months since then and I've forgotten that I took some videos while on way to Aguirangan Island. While browsing through the files in my PC, I came across the videos and I thought I'd better put them to good use so I thought of uploading them on YouTube. 

Some of the videos I took only lasted about a few seconds so, if I upload them separately, viewers won't find them fun to watch. I tried to fuse four videos into one through Windows Movie Maker but the error about a codec not being downloaded kept popping up. I knew it was useless. Good thing I remembered that YouTube had the Video editor feature and that sure saved the day! I was able to fuse the short videos together and here's the final result! It's the video of our Swimming Time in Aguirangan Island. 

Hope you enjoy it!

Kinahulogan Falls: Cool Wonder of Nature!

Kinahulogan Falls (Photo Credit: Doods Gigantoca)

 A few weeks ago I promised I would tell you about another great spot we went to in Sabang right after we left the pristine Aguirangan Island. We'll here it is and it's called Kinahulogan Falls! My brother-in-law said that it's a great falls but I really didn't know what to expect. All I could think of was that it's going to be another adventure! Before we even stopped by the shoreline, I could already see that the shore was full of rocks; it wasn't sand as most beaches have. When our boat stopped by the shoreline, we immediately got out and I got a closer look at the rocks which looked like the igneous kind.

The Way Up (Photo Credit: Doods Gigantoca)

It was about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the shoreline to the foot of Kinahulogan Falls. And when we reached the entrance, we didn't see the Falls just yet. We had to hike for a little bit because it was uphill! And the terrain wasn't easy! It was very rocky and we really had to careful where we place our foot or else we'll slip and get injured. Some of the rocks we stepped on were sharp so it was a good thing we had our slippers on. Other parts were slippery as can be expected from places like it. It was also a good thing we didn't carry much or we would have been in trouble!

Sights Along the Way to Pinamuntugan Island Beach

Summer vacation is already halfway over and I think many of you out there are trying to squeeze every bit of enjoyment from the remaining time. And I think that a lot are still trying to get the best beach experience that can be found at Pinamuntugan Island in Bacacay, Albay. The place is definitely getting rave reviews.

I just found out that Pinamuntugan is a beach located in Barangay Langaton, Bacacay, Albay. It's not actually Pinamuntugan Island. At the back of the beach are actually residences so those who live there can simply walk and swim to get to the beach. And of course they can paddle going there. And apparently the Barangay fiesta in Langaton was last April 28-29. For sure lots of visitors took time to bathe at Pinamuntugan Beach!

The Breathtaking Aguirangan Island!

Aguirangan Island, Lagonoy Gulf, Camarines Sur, Philippines

I told you that we had two fabulous summer outings last month right? BUT I was only able to write about one of them and if you read my previous post you'll know what transpired on our first summer getaway. I'm not going to talk about that here anymore since there's a more exciting destination that I have to share with you! I think you'll love this place more, like I did!

Our second summer getaway was in Aguirangan Island, Camarines Sur. It's really a tiny island about 30 minutes from Sabang port in San Jose. I think some of you who went to Caramoan  probably passed by this island.

The sun was high and not a cloud was in sight when we, my sis' family, and Uncle Boy's family and cousins, went there last April 9. The sea was calm as we sailed offshore around 9 in the morning. The seawater was clear blue from the Sabang port all the way to the Island,which made me think it wasn't that deep. The water's usually dark when it's really, really deep. The boat ride was great, we saw many fishing boats along the way. But the only thing I have to complain about was the sound of the boat's engine roaring in my ears! it was sooo loud! So you can just imagine how thankful I was when we finally reached our destination, the breathtaking Aguirangan Island!

Summer Getaway at Pinamuntugan Island!

It's summer time again here in the Philippines and boy can we feel the heat! And this is the reason why the idea of going to the beach is very tempting. Call us guilty but we did give in to the temptation!

We already had two beach escapades this month but I think that's just about it. Nothing else will follow unless we get invited again. But even if these two beach escapades don't get any follow up I won't be sad ecause at least I can let my skin return to its normal color. As of now I'm so sunburnt and my face is peeling that I don't really want to go out because I look hideous!

Anyway, our first beach outing was last week, April 5 to be exact. I'm writing "our" because hubby was with me. We went to Pinamuntugan Island in Bacacay, Albay. We went there with my former officemates. I can say that the boat ride going there is an unforgettable experience because we were almost into the open sea, into the Pacific, and the waves were very strong! We had to make our way far from land because it was low tide, which would have been dangerous for the boat and us of course we went too near. Anyway, after like an hour's boat ride we were able to reach our destination.


Pinamuntugan Island has very light sand, though it's not white. But the water is bluish-green. When we were the current was quite strong is some parts that we were being tossed in the water like dolls. But it was fun. Though there were some parts that were very rocky and weren't good to swim in.


Anyway, here's a few snapshot of Pinamuntugan Island. Enjoy!

Sea, Sand and Sun at Subic Beach, Matnog

Who is attracted to beaches? especially ones with pure, white sand? I AM! And I had a chance to visit this heavenly wonderful place in Matnog, Sorsogon where the sand in not just white, it's pinkish white which is more beautiful. I can sincerely say that it's like paradise on earth.The place I'm talking about is Subic Beach, in Calintaan Islands, Matnog, Sorsogon.

Good thing the weather was great yesterday. The sea was not so rough and we were able to enjoy the sea, sand and sun to the max!

One of the sights along the way to Subic Beach

First glimpse of Subic Beach :)

The shores we passed by gave a hint of what to expect. The white sand and crystal clear waters that the boat passed on heightened my excitement about the place even more. And truly, my first glimpse of Subic Beach took my breath away! It was so beautiful! It exceeded my expectations. 

I know some of you won't believe it without evidence so here are some pictures!

Birthday Trip Treat

About two weeks ago, hubby and I went on a little weekend getaway. It was the weekend leading to my birthday so it served as an advance birthday celebration. Instead of just going to Legazpi, which is just an hour from our place, we chose to go a little bit farther to Naga City. Monday was a holiday then so we stayed there overnight.

Sunday dawned as a fine day, which was a good thing since we'll be roadtripping in the motorcycle. We stopped over at the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Pili. Surprise, surprise, there were lots of people there that time unlike when we were there in December. After a few minutes of picture taking we proceeded to Naga City. After resting a bit we went to SM for some window shopping, yup just window. We tried out the cinema there. The movies being shown during that time were Green Lantern, Super 8, and a Tagalog flick.Our first choice was Green Lantern but changed it to Super 8 instead. It was a good alien movie.

The next day we visited the old churches in the city like the Basilica. I forgot the names of the other catholic churches.

Anyway, it was a fun time. Thinking about it makes me want to go on a road trip again!

Ride to Ligñon Hill!

After a long. long time I was finally able to step on the peak of one of the popular tourist spots here in Albay. Care to take a guess which one? It's Ligñon Hill! Yesterday, Sunday February 6, 2011, marks my first time at Ligñon. Some of you might be thinking, "What? An Albayana who's never been to Ligñon?" Well it's true. I've always just looked up at it in the past, thinking to myself when will I be able to go see the top? Going up is not a difficult feat actually since you can hike or ride a motorcycle. I just couldn't find the time before.

Anyway, yesterday's trek was unplanned but good thing I had my camera with me. Honestly, I felt kinda queasy and scared as Ryann and I were going up in the motorcycle. I dare not look around and down! I was thinking, if the brakes become faulty on our way up we won't stand a chance. But good thing we made it up safe and sound.

It was very clean on top and I loved the breeze! You can really see the whole of Legazpi from there. And of course, a great view of Mayon Volcano. It was just too bad Mayon's peak was covered by clouds and we could only see the base.

Going there was fun and we were able to get some great pictures! I hope to go there again soon but I'd like to try walking to the top instead of riding!

Chance Meeting with Miss Maria Venus Raj

I've traveled to and from Legazpi through Cebu Pacific for several times already and I've never yet had a chance to be with a celebrity on the same flight! Well, this weekend I was lucky! I flew to the Legazpi last Saturday. Woke up really early because my flight was at 6a.m. The wait for the boarding announcement was boring and uneventful. Even the flight was the same. I just slept through it. When we were about to  disembark, the flight crew suddenly announced, "We would like to acknowledge the presence of Miss Universe Maria Venus Raj" Everyone was surprised, I was surprised and delighted because I really haven't seen her in person ever! It seemed she was seated at the forward part of the plane and though I tried to crane my neck as high as I could, I couldn't even catch a glimpse of her. So I just decided to wait at the arrival area. 

There was a welcoming committee for her waiting for her at the arrival area. I recognized the Bicol University President Madam Fay Lauraya together with other BU faculty standing beside the banner for Miss Venus Raj. After what seemed like a long wait, Miss Universe 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Raj finally stepped out of the plane. She's really tall and very slim! She was smiling as she walked to the arrival area. As expected there was a pictorial session. I was also able to take some shots, luckily my camera's battery still had a charge. Lots of people were able to take pictures with her, lucky for them. Miss Raj looks really beautiful and sweet. 

Here are some of the pictures I took with my cam. Enjoy! 

Jellyfish: The Rarely Seen Beauty Under the Sea

Have you ever seen a jellyfish up close? I have. I think it's one of the most beautiful creatures of the sea.

Take a look at these. These pictures were taken at the Ocean Park in Hong Kong when we went there last October.

Back to History and Nature

I think it was two Sundays ago that my friends from work and I made our little adventure in the historical part of Manila. Care to take a guess where? Hmm, it was in Luneta Park! Hehe. It was fun! Our first stop was Lapu-Lapu's statue. He had great pictorial there. And then we checked out the Relief Map of the Philippines. We were just on our way to exploring the rest of the park when the rain came pouring. Good thing the Museu was open, so we just decided to explore the nation's treasures there. It was really our lucky day because there was no entrance fee. The guard there said it was free during Sundays. The rain was pouring down real hard there that is why we spent most of the day there. We didn't have the chance to go to Intramuros.

Our next stop was Ocean Park. Again we had a splendid time. There were all kinds of sea creatures - fish, starfish, and even sea horses! It was my first time to see one live.

Anyway, here are some photos of our little adventure with history and nature.

Time in Laguna and Cavite

When I came here in Manila to look for work, I met up with my best friend Alpha. When she heard that I was in the city she invited me to stay with her one weekend and so I did. She works in a bank in Makati. I had an interview in the Makati area that Friday and after that I looked for the bank where she worked and just waited outside for her. I waited and waited outside until 6 o'clock because she still had to finish up some work. Anyway, I went with her and spent the weekend in their place in Laguna.

We took the van from Makati to Laguna. The whole trip took an hour I think. When we reached their house we already famished so we ate. Spent some time chatting with her siblings the it was off to sleep. That Saturday our route was Cavite where we went to church at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP). It was there that once again I got to eat delicious vegetarian food. I guess I shouldn't forget to mention that we had our lunch for free since the cafeteria doesn't take payment during saturday. The students who eat there have their accounts in the caf. We went home around 5 o'clock in the afternoon because we also attended the afternoon service.

AUP is a very nice place. The air is so fresh and cool. They also have some very nice landscaping there too.

This is the church where we attended service that saturday.

This picture was taken near the church when we went walking around after lunch.

This one was a cute nook there. You can see a river below.

Travel Musings

Lately, I’ve been thinking about traveling to another place. I have itchy feet, yet I don’t have the guts to just let them lead me wherever. Traveling alone is not my cup of tea. Guess I’m not brave enough to go traipsing around the globe alone. It would be more enjoyable if I have a companion. This way I would not be nervous in finding accommodation where we can be safe. Since we’ll be hailing from the Philippines, we must first have a Philippines accommodation to stay while waiting for our flight date.

First stop would be Thailand where numerous cheap Thailand hotels can be found. Though they are cheap in price, they must be safe and have all the conveniences. But if we can’t find one, I have some friends there where we can stay for a few days. Thailand and Malaysia are just neighboring countries, so it would be a shame if we don’t take time to visit the place. I especially want to see Kuala Lumpur which is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is a great urban jungle that you’d get lost in it if you’re not familiar with the place. After that, we’ll fly to China. Maybe at this time of year it will be hard to find last minute China hotels because of the upcoming Olympic Games. For sure plenty of tourists will be swarming about the country to witness this great event.

Oh well, all these are just musings for the meantime anyway.

To Travel the World

Since I was a child, it has been my dream to travel the world! Well, I'm pretty sure it's not only me who dreams of it. When I was in high school I grew to love reading paperbacks, especially the novels authored by Barbara Cartland. All of the settings of her novels were in United Kingdom, London in particular and the surrounding counties. She gave such wonderful descriptions of the places and this has inspired me to dream of visiting those places someday. If I go there a place to stay will not be a problem I think because there are cheap hotels where I can stay. And even if I don't make hotel reservations, there are also last minute London hotels ready to take tourists in.

If you also want to travel, another great place to go to is Australia. You know this place has British influence written all over it, so it'd be just like visiting UK. There are also great places to see in Australia. I'm sure you've heard about the Great Barrier Reef. And if you don't have a great liking for the sea, there's always the Outback where you'll see a vast desert and all kinds of creepy, crawley creatures. But it's not bad especially if you see a great view such as the Uluru Ayers Rock, WOW! Cheap hotels are also all over the place, so board and lodging will not be a problem.

Maybe the United States is also another country that would be great to visit. Now, cheap hotels really abound here no matter what state you happen to hop on.

Too Lazy To Write

We got back from our Bukidnon trip last Tuesday. It's already Thursday now, but I can't seem to muster up the enthusiasm to write a blow-by-blow account of what transpired in the Youth Congress that we attended. Maybe I just feel too lazy to write about it...and maybe I don't want to think back on those days and the bad things that happened. I still have a hangover from the tiring trip, uugghhh! And I can't even post some of the photos because I still haven't downloaded them from my cam. Like I said I feel lazy! And another thing, I can't find the USB for my cam, but I'm sure it's just there among my jumbled things. It'll be another big bad luck if I lost it.

Not Much Time for Blogging

Does my blog look abandoned? I feel sad that I haven't been able to update this for the past few weeks. There's just so much going on lately, especially with work. I'll try to be more diligent in giving updates in the next few days...but I'm not promising anything haha.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to our trip to Bukidnon next week. Maybe this is the change of environment and rest that I badly need, even for just a short time. This trip will be my farthest trip so far. The farthest part of the Philippines that I've been to is Baguio, and that was back in 2001! So, you can see how much I'm looking forward to this trip. I hope everything will be ok during our time there. By "we" I mean myself, Ryann, Yagz, Gold, Mandy, Jenny and Ryan. There are seven of us from our church who are joining the Congress to be held in Bukidnon next week. Last weekend, we've already bought the things we would need, so it's just a matter of waiting now.

We will leave on Saturday. Well, I can hardly wait!

Touring Asia

I’ve always liked the notion of traveling. Well, I’m sure seasoned travelers know the excitement of going to places they’ve never been to before. If I were to travel the first area I would go to is just here in Asia. Asia is one of the locations of some of the most fascinating tourist attractions around the globe. A lot of Westerners even come to Asia to experience the different culture and entirely different way of life. The regular haunts of tourists are Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

So what’s amazing about these countries? In Thailand for example, there are so many beautiful beaches in which to sunbathe and take a dip. If you don’t like the beach there’s always Bangkok, the nation’s capital. They say it is the place to shop if you want good outfits for a cheap price. And there are always Cheap Hotels in Bangkok where you can lodge in. You can also go to the provinces if you want to experience the more quiet way of life.

Another fascinating place is Singapore. From what I’ve heard from people who have been to this place, Singapore is one of the cleanest and most disciplined countries in the world. There’s hardly garbage on the streets and no policemen either since petty crimes rarely happen over there. Well, sure would love to visit Singapore someday soon. Cheap Hotels in Singapore also abound so a place to stay won’t be a problem. It’s the same thing with Malaysia. Cheap Hotels in Kuala Lumpur are easy to find if you decide to extend your tour to this country.

Wish I could tour to these places one day :-)

Nature Walk

Going out for nature walk is one of the programs our church has agreed upon to make our Sabbath afternoon more lively. These pictures were taken during our first nature walk. enjoy!!!