Camiña Balay Nga Bato: An Ancestral House of Iloilo City

Aside from seeing beaches, view from mountain decks and tasty delicacies... visiting ancestral houses is one of the many things I look forward when traveling. Simply because I got to see even a bit of what it's like to live in the past and also to hear stories and learned new things from those old houses.

So during my visit in Iloilo City, I have been blessed and was able to see an 1860-ish house which is now called Camiña Balay Nga Bato. Balay Nga Bato is a two-storey house that showcases an antique/souvenir shop (ground floor) and living area (top floor).  A tour to this aged-house would costs you 150 PhP which includes an experience to taste their signature Tsokolate.

A Farm-to-Table Dining Experience at Sisterfields Tagaytay

Tagaytay is a well known place for weekend vacationers for so many reasons. One, is because it is accessible to Manilenos. Second, it's much colder there and the view is undeniably spectacular. Lastly, because of great food! In fact, Tagaytay has evolved and become a food haven due to vastly growing restaurants rising in this town. And as for this blog post, let me highlight a restaurant which happens to be in Tagaytay making astonishing and unique dishes. It is called the Sisterfields, one of the newest concept restaurants by The Cravings Group.

How to get there?
Sisterfields is within the vicinity of Summit Ridge Hotel and just one bus ride away if you'll be taking the bus terminal at Coastal Mall in Parañaque. Just take the route going to Tagaytay or Batangas and just ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Summit Ridge Hotel. The hotel is a distinct spot in Tagaytay so bus conductors surely know the place.

A Review: Henann Resort Alona Beach of Panglao, Bohol

Henann is a known group which offers world-class accommodations and top-notch service. They made a statement when they constructed their first luxury resort in the beautiful island of Boracay. And just last year of August, they expanded in Bohol where they opened a 6.5 hectare of property. The resort sits at Panglao, Bohol and along the pristine shores of Alona Beach. Henann Resort Alona Beach currently reigns as the biggest resort in the island of Panglao. And with that, I was so curious what it feels like to stay in this kind of resort. So, as for my girlfriend's birthday, I convinced her and her family to book at Henann since we will be celebrating it in Bohol. Luckily, they agreed!

How to get there?

Like what I have stated above, Henann Resort Alona Beach is located in Panglao. So, if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Alona beach in Panglao. Taxi ride may costs you 600-700 Pesos. But if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Henann Resort Alona Beach is so popular in the area and drivers know where exactly it is located.

Island Hopping in Panglao, Bohol: Alona Beach, Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island and Virgin Island

If you think that the province of Bohol is just about old churches, hills, tarsiers and all on land travels, well, better think again. As this province is also blessed by stunning beaches, rich marine life and incredible islands and islets. In fact, Panglao is an island in the southwest region of Bohol which is famous for island hopping activity. The island hopping covers a visit to Alona Beach, Balicasag Island and the Virgin Island. Along side, some of the activities you can do during island hopping are: dolphin-watching, fish feeding, snorkeling and of course swimming.

Apple Watch has finally arrived at Power Mac Center

Apple Special Event last September made another milestone as it introduced to the world the all new series Apple Watches. The unveiling of Apple Watch made so much noise that ever since the day of event, people can't get enough to have it on their hands and experience it. Which includes us, Filipinos.

But after a month of anticipation, finally, I can now say that the long wait is over as Power Mac Center launches Apple Watch in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail  shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer. That's why it is no surprise why Apple appoints them to have the first launch of the Apple Watch here in the country. The big reveal happened yesterday (October 23) at Power Mac Center's flagship store in Greenbelt 3.

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol and ATV Tour

If you ask Filipinos what is the must see spot when visiting Bohol, there's not a chance that they will forget to say the Chocolate Hills. As It has been featured so many times in our textbooks when we are in grade school and high school and even tourism advertisements never forgets this place when promoting the Philippines. In short, this place has been an icon not only of Bohol but also the country as a whole.

How did we get there?
We met Kuya Bernie outside Tagbilaran Airport. He offers different tours in Bohol and one of the tour he has is Tagbilaran tour (I'll make another blog for it). He has a van for hire which can accommodate 5-7 persons. He also told us that he has another service which can hold up to 12 persons. What's nice about his tour is you can collaborate with him in terms of the places you want to visit. You can eliminate sites which you want to skip and replace it with another. As for our Tagbilaran City Tour, he only asks for 2,500 Pesos which includes a trip to our hotel in Panglao at the end of our tour. Note: entrance fees of each places are not included. Having said that, it is still pretty convenient and cheap than other tours I saw. You may contact Bernie at 0999-929-8445

The Islands of Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Caramoan is one of those municipalities in Camarines Sur who stands out not only in the Philippines but around the world. Aside from it is one of the famous site where Survivor TV show was held and still being hold, Caramoan exhibits one of a kind experience in terms of nature tripping. It is known for island hopping adventure as the province is characterized by crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and unique islands & islets.

How did I get there?
Coming from Manila, we took a bus going to Naga. One of the bus lines which offer ride going to Naga is the Philtranco in Pasay. Bus ride is about 9 hours which costs 750 PhP per head. As we alight at Naga bus terminal, we rent a van to take us at Sabang Port. We paid 100 PhP per head and it was an hour ride. Then from Sabang port, we secured a ticket going to Guijalo Port. The travel time from Sabang port to Guijalo is no more than 2 hours and costs 120 PhP per head. Guijalo is the entry point of our Caramoan adventure. By the way, we paid extra 30 pesos per pax which serves as an environmental fee.

Flowboarding at Flow House Manila

Calling all thrill seekers out in there! A new water activity has set and waiting for you to be tested! Have you already tried wakeboarding? Surfing? Skimboarding? Yeah? Hmm... how about flowboarding? Not yet? Well, flowboarding is the new hype in town which gives waterboard sports a new kind of face. Flowboarding combines the look of surfing, the tricks of skateboarding, and the boards of wakeboarding yet instead of doing it outdoor, flowboarding are being manipulated/controlled by mechanics. The said sport has been evolving since the 80's but been an underdog since the market which offers this sport is just limited as they are only seen on some resorts, cruise ships, etc. But worry no more because Flow House Manila brought it to the metro and they are now operating!

How to get there?
Flow Hose Manila is located at Molino Boulevard corner Masaito Drive in Bacoor City. If you are going to commute, you may take a commercial van in MOA having a signboard of Paliparan-Molino. Just inform the driver to drop you off at Flow House Manila as it is just along the road. Just in case the driver do not know where Flow House Manila is (since it's just new in the area), just tell them to drop you at V-Central Mall along Molino Boulevard. V-Central Mall is just beside Flow House Manila. Travel time is maximum of an hour.

Geejay Travel log meets IJuander of GMA News TV

Weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from a Program Researcher of GMA News TV. I really didn't expect that I'd be able to get a call from a TV network that big and inviting me to join them in an escapade. IJuander is a tv program here in the Philippines which features/tackles wide range of topics that deals about Filipinos' culture, history, beliefs and the country. It is hosted by GMA's veteran news reporters Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario.

[DIY] A Ride to the Crater of Mt Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo is situated in the section of Luzon called Cabusilan Mountain Range also known as the Zambales Mountains. It became a mainstream right after its major eruption back in 1991. That eruption was labeled as the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century next to Novarupta where its effects were devastating and felt worldwide. Now, although Mt. Pinatubo and areas surrounding it is still covered by lahar deposits, it has also become a tourist attraction of the country because of the wonderful landscape it has become. Adventure seekers, nature lovers and landscape photographers will surely enjoy exploring the site most specially its crater part.

Travel Highlights Of The Year 2014

Before 2015 kicks in, join me as I take a look back on some of the destinations I've been to this 2014. It has been a great year for me and to my travel buddies as we've unlocked and explored new places -- specifically in the Philippines. Although I hadn't worn my travelling shoes 'til the end of the quarter (due to some circumstances), I am still thankful and grateful for the 9 months of non-stop expedition.

Bangui Windmills of Bangui Ilocos Norte

Windmill is a machine which uses wind energy to generate electricity or extract groundwater. Here in the Philippines, we also have our own windmill farm and it can be found in the municipality of Bangui in Ilocos Norte. It is also said to be the first power generating windmill farm in Southeast Asia. The project was named NorthWind Bangui Bay Project (oftenly called as the Bangui Windmills).

Malacanang of the North of Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Malacanang of the North also known as Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals call it, is a 5-hectare property situated in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is considered as one of the important landmark in the province of Ilocos as this has been the official residence/rest house of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his family whenever they are in Ilocos. It's no acquaintance that the said foremer president is a famous son of Ilocos Norte as he was born and raised in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

The 2-storey mansion was said to be given to former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos by her wife and first lady then, Imelda Marcos, as a gift for his 60th birthday. This has been an extension for the office of the president and alternative venue to welcome local and foreign dignitaries.

Paoay, Ilocos Norte: Sand Boarding and 4x4 Ride in Sand Dunes

The province of Ilocos is not only about the different historical sites and/or wonders of nature as it also offers extreme activities for adventure/thrill seekers. La Paz Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte is a known site where the extreme 4x4 ride and sand boarding are being held. Sand Dunes already gained popularity as one of the must visit place when in Ilocos Norte. It has been featured to different blog sites as well as on television and films. In fact, some scenes taken from the local movie, Panday (FPJ version) were shot in Sand Dunes.

Island Hopping and Tours in El Nido, Palawan

The province of El Nido in Palawan has been globally recognized for its exquisite natural ecosystem. It is also known as the "BEST" beach and island hopping destination in the Philippines. I could still remember when I had a chance to talk to a group of Europeans (I forgot where exactly in Europe they were from) when I was in El Nido. Since they'll be staying in the Phippines for 2 days, I asked one of them, among the 81 provinces in the Philippines why did they chose to visit El Nido? And she answered that it was referred to her by her Malaysian friend who's been in the Philippines and when she googled it, she was mesmerized by the place beauty right away. So she asked other of her friends to go with her and they booked a flight. By that, I couldn't say more but told her that her Malaysian friend really have a keen eyes on beautiful places.

Ok. Moving forward. If you are planning to visit El Nido's finest beaches and islands & islets, there are four Island hopping schemes or tours you can avail. The 4 tours cover all the amazing spots one can visit when in El Nido. These tours are available in different agencies around El Nido (trust me, these agencies are scattered and neighboring to one another and they're hard to miss out). Ratings of each tour is around 1,200 pesos to 1,400 pesos depending on the tour you'll get. They tagged the tours as Tour A, Tour B, Tour C and Tour D.

Subterranean River National Park: Puerto Princesa Underground River

When people are discussing about the Province of Palawan, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa never missed out of the topic. That is why its no wonder that Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or simply the Puerto Princesa Underground River was chosen and now officially enlisted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The great news was announced last November 11, 2011.

Other than that, Puerto Princesa Underground River is also included in the list of UNESCO, a convention concerning the protection of world cultural and natural heritage, along with other 3 cultural sites (Baroque Churches of the Philippines, Rice Terraces of the Cordillera and the Historic Town of Vigan) and another natural site (Tubbataha Reef Natural Park).

Mt Pico de Loro and the Parrot's Beak - Ternate, Cavite Route

Mt Pico de Loro is not new to me as this is already my second time to conquer this mountain. But like what every mountaineers say, every hike is different. The difference of this hike were 1) unlike my first climb, I only went there for a day hike. Now I'll be staying for an overnight. 2) We did a night trek going up and 3) lastly, I climbed the monolith slash the famous Parrot's Beak.

Just to give you a short background, Mt Pico de Loro (also called as Mt Palay Palay) is situated in the boundaries of Cavite and Batangas. While having said that, trekkers who wanted to climb Mt. Pico de Loro have a choice whether they'll start on the jump off point in Nasugbo, Batangas or the one which is located in Ternate, Cavite. Cool huh? Also, in Cavite it is considered to be as the highest point with a topography of 664 MASL (according to Pinoy Mountaineers).

Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

If you're at White Beach, Puerto Galera and you find the beach shore to be too crowded to relax and enjoy the water then you have another choice. All you have to do is go out there and wait 'till a man approach you and offer you an island hopping tour plus a snorkeling experience. Do not worry because they were boat agents of the islands and that is just a normal scene in the beach front of White Beach.

Tamaraw Falls and Virgin Island of Oriental Mindoro

White Beach, Puerto Galera is no doubt the best destination when you asked for a tourist spot in Oriental Mindoro. However, it doesn't mean that it is the only tourist destination they have. As Oriental Mindoro houses some of the majestic moutain (one is Mt Halcon), prestine beach water, white sand, and other unspoiled natural beauty. So during our 2 days (yup, 2 days only) visit at Puerto Galera, I really compressed our itinerary so that we can be able to see some of their natural resources.

One of the natural resources Im talking here that they offer to tourists and catches my attention is the Tamaraw Falls. Why? Then read further...

White Beach of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Summer is fast approaching in the Philippines. People will start looking again for a destination to spent their vacation which includes me and my colleagues. To some, they wanted for a place that is just accessible and near the metro. A place wherein one who is employed doesn't need to file a VL (vacation leave) to enjoy swimming on a beach or experience a stress free environment but still they can say its worth their time and travel.

One place I can recommend that suites the above criteria is Puerto Galera of Oriental Mindoro. White Beach is one of the famous beaches in Puerto Galera. It is known for its blueish water, active nightlife, all kinds of bars and restaurants, and varieties of accommodations from first-class to economy class. Sounds fun and exciting huh?