When in Boracay: the 2nd time around

Last week, me and my friends went to Boracay for a 3D2N vacation. A little bitin, but the come back to the island paradise sure was worth it. We didn't get the chance to do much because it's raining from time to time but we still enjoyed our stay to the fullest. 

Island Nook Boutique Hotel

Overall, I enjoyed our short 2 night stay. Rooms are clean with simple black and white interiors. We rented the double standard room for P2,150 per night which is good for 4 persons. The beds are comfortable and the air-con doesn't make any noise. The water heater works perfectly. They serve free breakfast for the guests. The WI-FI connection is steady and the staff are friendly and approachable. They offer hassle free round trip transfers to and from Kalibo airport for P1,000 per head. Just inform the hotel upon booking and they will be glad to arrange it for you.

Double Standard Room

ATV. More Fun in Boracay!

We tried the ATV ride via Zetro ATV & Buggy Car Adventures. we met kuya Bong in station 2 who managed to offer us a reasonable price of P450 per person for a one-hour ride. That includes free back and forth van transfers.

ATV route

The trail is short and simple, the goal is to drive yourself uphill and back. One can see Boracay dreamland and Zorb Park on the way. The last stop is upon reaching Mt. Luho, an attraction where you can see the picturesque view of Bolabog beach. There is an entrance fee of P150 per person though. We opted not to visit the peak as we want to go back to White Beach before night.

Snorkeling Stint

We were scheduled for Island Hopping on our second day but due to the strong current, we were not able to visit more islands and spent time on the snorkeling sites instead. Thanks to good ol' kuya Bong and his cousin, we got the boat rental for only P1,400. I think it's a pretty good price since there are only the three of us. 

Good Morning, Boracay!

Snorkeling gears - rented for P100.00 a piece

Crazy swimmers!

The tour took 3 hours more or less. We concentrated on swimming and snorkeling our hearts out, we even bought a piece of bread to feed the fishes. 'Twas a very nice experience! I can do this all over again once I get back =)

Sidetrips

Eat, shop and relax. That's the way it is in Boracay =) One should have an ample budget when it comes to food and souvenirs. As for the three of us, we came prepared. ^ ^

We were tired after our ATV adventure so we walked along station I to have some refreshments. Jonah's fruit shake has become one of the tourist attractions in Boracay. They offer a wide variety of shakes and some snacks too. My perennial favorite is the mango milk. It's somewhat pricey for a shake, costs P95 but every sip is all worth it. 

We got ourselves Henna Tattoos before beach bumming on our second day. Tattoo artists are everywhere along Boracay's strip. The cost is P100 for small to medium designs. I got a flower design improvised by the artist himself as I cannot choose from the catalogue. We were told to rinse them with water only after an hour of application to remove the residue. 

colorful refrigerator magnets

We only had 4 hours to shop for pasalubong on our last day as our transfer will be picking us up early. It's raining but we had to shop no matter what so we borrowed the hotel's umbrellas and went to D'Mall. good thing it's very near our place, just 2 street corners away. There we bought ref magnets and key chains for our oficemates, friends and family. They're sold for P100 per seven pieces. Fancy bracelets are sold for P100 per five pieces depending on the design. White shirts can be bought for as low as P180 per 2 pieces. We were short of pictures as we were busy shopping :)

And that marks our short visit to paradise. I'm very dismayed about the weather. We could have done so much if not for the rain but I'm still thankful for the gift of life and friendship those three days had given me. I will definitely see you again this summer, Boracay!

Photo Blog: Panagbenga float parade 2013

Here are some photos taken from the Panagbenga float parade through the eyes of a first - timer and that is yours truly :) I've been to the city at some instances but I only got the chance to experience the festival this year.

The festivity was held last February 24th along Session Road at around 9:00 in the morning. These are my favorite shots during the program. Dealing with a big, excited crowd was not fun at all but it's worth every sacrifice.

I hope to be back next year to witness the street dance parade :)

The crowd - lined up early to get a better view of the floats

This year's theme: A Blooming Odyssey

The city of Baguio's float

Love them colorful costumes!

Ms. Shamcey Supsup in a Rio - inspired float

The handsome Daniel Matsunaga on the Smart Communication's float

Hi there, Jollibee!

Of butterflies and gardens - this random float is cute

The SLU majorettes

The SLU band

A couple of cheerleading stunts

The DOLE float with real flowing pineapple juice!

Parade ender with a bunch of cosplayers

PRC license renewal version 2.0

Due to my busy work schedule during the night, it didn't occur to me that my teaching license has already expired for 5 months now. Even though I am not practicing my profession, that piece of card reminds me of one of my greatest achievements and it still serves as a valid ID after all.

Last week, I finally had the time to process the renewal. Good thing my office mate told me about the renewal centers at different SM malls. I went to SM North Edsa's business center located beside the Cinemas; within the boundary of the main mall and The Block. 

What are the requirements needed?

1. Passport sized photo wearing a collared top with name plate and white background. If in case you came without a picture, you can go to SM Annex and look for photo editing shops. I didn't have one with me so I went to Photoline to have my picture taken for P80.00.

2. Existing professional ID card. Photocopies will also do.

3. Fill out the renewal form given at the business center and have your picture taken for back-up.

4. A renewal fee of P500.00 should be payed. Kindly take note that there is also a minor fee for late renewal.

The process has been very easy. It only took me 30 hassle-free minutes to submit the requirements including the time I had to wait for the pictures. They told me to come back after 20 to 30 working days to claim my new ID.

 The collaborative idea of PRC and SM is indeed very efficient, cost-effective and time-saving. I was overjoyed to know that I don't have to go to the PRC office, wait for the long line and jump from one window to another anymore. Cheers!

Photo Blog: Cebu City in the eyes of a first-timer

We only had two days to explore Cebu so my mom decided to take me around the city for my first time. Cebu is such a really big place; I only see multicabs, taxis and private cars roaming around. it is advisable to rent a taxi for a more convenient touring experience.

Stop by Mactan and say hello to Datu Lapu-Lapu, the famous Cebuano leader who became a hero in the battle against the the Spanish forces. Take a glimpse of the Magellan Shrine, the spot believed to be the location of Ferdinand Magellan's death during the battle of Mactan.

See the famous Magellan's Cross housed in a chapel just by the city center. Dig away amongst the famous ukay-ukay places in the city namely Carbon, Colon and Fortuna streets. Embark on a shopping spree, dine and relax inside Ayala Center Cebu. and lastly, don't forget to take home the best Cebuano souvenir of all: danggit, pusit, chicharon and dried mangoes! And not to mention the famous Otap.

Magellan Shrine

Lapu-Lapu Shrine

Magellan's Cross

Cebuano accessories

Artsy stuffs for souvenirs

Cebu's primary mode of transportation - multicabs

Ayala Center Cebu

Dried fishes galore - Taboan public market

Danggit, Bai!

Photo Blog: Mactan Cebu's Sutukil

After arriving at our hotel, we headed straight to Mactan for dinner. At first I thought we're just going to a restaurant called "Shoot to kill". I don't know if it's me who didn't understand at first but my mom keeps on saying  "Shoot to kill". she's been to the place many times so I believed her.

Me and my sister can't get hold of ourselves laughing when we arrived. the "Shoot to kill" our mom is talking about is actually Sutukil, a Cebuano word for a certain style of preparing and cooking dishes, especially seafoods. it is derived from the combined letters Su (sugba or grill), Tu (tula or stew) and Kil (kilaw or eating it raw).

One has to pick and buy the seafoods of their choice, the people in charge will then cook it for them. and voila! Seafood like no other :) only in Mactan Cebu!

The people going in for the "kil"

A heavy-weight pincher

Shellfishes - they scare me!

Sexy looking fishes

Salo Salo Sutukil

Photo Blog: Philippine Taoist Temple, Cebu

This is my take on the Queen City's most famous Taoist Temple. It is located inside the Beverly Hills Subdivision where most of the wealthiest people in Cebu reside. Going there is an uphill route so it's much convenient to bring your own car or rent a cab, just tell the driver to wait for you on the entrance. I felt sorry for our driver, he is a native Cebuano but he has never been to the place. Good thing he agreed to take us, he now have his fair share of a happy first-time experience.

People usually have to climb 99 steps to reach the top but due to my mom's arthritis we were allowed to take the shortcut all the way to the other end. The place welcomes worshippers and non-worshippers alike, except that picture taking is not allowed inside temples. One cannot also make the temple as a background photo or take pictures beside it. 

Take the time to pray, light an incense stick, take pictures, sit back, enjoy the view, feel the cool breeze and relax. 

Entrance to the Temple

The walkway reminds me of the Great Wall of China

Beautiful plant and flower patches

Let the dragon guide you

Picturesque Dragon

Pagoda-like roof

The main temple

99 steps away from the main entrance