Seeing Singapore

AIR FARE

It was another promo day for Cebu Pacific airlines, and so we waited for the clock to strike 12, and booked our 2-way flight to Singapore. Our ticket was priced at PhP 5,328.08 for 2 persons, with a 15kgs baggage allowance. (That's around PhP 2,665 per pax)

The Travel Taxes is still the same as it was a year ago, when we went to HongKong, PhP 1,620. The Terminal Fee was surprisingly lower, at PhP 550.

THE HOTEL

Southeast Asia Hotel

190 Waterloo Street
(Located behind IBIS Hotel and beside the famous Kwan Im Temple)

We were actually looking at tour packages and Hotels in Agoda, and we're zooming in on Fragrance Hotels in Geylang (the hotel usually included in the package tours). But when we asked some friends who lived in SG, we were told to look for other places like Bugis since Geylang is the red light district of Singapore. We were referred to Southeast Asia Hotel by a friend. We contacted them only through email alone. And we got our room booked. Just like that! No hassle! No Downpayment even!

I like the location of the place. It is located in Bugis and it is walking distance to the Bugis MRT Station (less than 500m and around 5 mins walk) and it's also near some Bus Stations. Albert Centre (a food center) is just right in front and Sim Lim Square (one of Singapore's famous gadget malls) is also around 400m or 4 minute walk. The Bugis Village (something I would compare to the street market in Baclaran) is at the other side, also within 400 meters. You can buy a lot of stuff for pasalubong there, have a snack and taste thouse yummy fruit juices (2SGD). There's also a Bee Cheng Hiang store located in there (Victoria Street side).

The room was clean enough. We were actually a bit hesitant at first becuase we read about a review stating rooms with splotches or marks that would make you feel like there was blood before. Scary! But we found none of such. The bed was clean. The floor, ceiling, doors may not be new but they were clean enough for me. The CR was also clean. The room comes with a free shampoo and soap. And it also comes with 2 coffee sachet and 2 tea sachet, replaced on a daily basis.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. They offer two kinds of breakfast - The Continental Breakfast (Toast, Jam and Butter, Orange Juice and your choice of coffee or tea) or Vegeterian Buffet (there's raddish cake, vegetarian buns, vegetarian rice, and vegetarian vermicelli, plus your choice of coffee or tea). We tried the continental at first becuse we were quite afraid of what the Chinese Veggetarian breakfast would taste like. But the next day we tried it and it was delicious especially the rice (mmmm...yummy). It really is a better choice than the continental breakfast and so we had t again the next day. :)

What about the price? All that is just for 100 SGD per day, good for 2pax. (This is pretty inexpensive considering that the only hotels you can get for less than this are those located in Geylang) I think it's good enough value for money.

The only thing I wasn't too happy about was the receptionists not being too friendly. Being Filipinos, we are familiar to being treated with utmost hospitality, but hey they are Singaporeans, not Filipinos. And when it comes to service, I'd give them the credit.

You can find out more details by checking out their website in the following address: http://www.seahotel.com.sg/

OUR ITINERARY

Before the travel date, I was actually a bit bothered because I was used to just going along and not planning anything for our trips. There's usually someone more responsible to do these stuff, or we book no-hassle package tours. But fortunately, we made it through with my (ehem...) planning.

DAY1: The Merlion, Marina Bay, Esplanade Mall,

DAY2: Sentosa Island, 

DAY3: Universal Studios Singapore

DAY4: Shop for Pasalubong, Souveneir....Back Home :-|

DAY 1 -

We arrived in Singapore a little before 10AM. We called our hotel to confirm our arrival (free phones are available at the airport - there are no charges really!!). We then rode the Airport Shuttle for 9SGD per pax, which made us feel like real tourists (not backpackers on a tight budget...haha) as it  brings us directly to our hotel.

We checked in, walked outside for awhile, saw the Burlington Square and had our lunch at Burger King :p Then we went back to our hotel for a short nap (as we lack sleep due to our early flight). We went out again around 4PM, where the sightseeing on the first day began.

THE MERLION

MERLION by DAY

MERLION by NIGHT

THE MARINA BAY

ESPLANADE MALL

Before we went home, we had our dinner in Thai Express, at Marina Square. Our transportation for Day 1 was all by bus. It was faster (compared to the Philippines) but of course still slower than MRTs. Price is cheaper though, at approximately 2SGD back and forth to Fullerton.

DAY 2 - SENTOSA ISLAND

After having our breakfast, we went straight to the MRT Station and rode to Vivo City Mall to head on to Sentosa Island. We were supposed to ride the cable car to Sentosa but we were quite lost looking for its entrance in Vivo City. When we went out in one of its doors we saw the way to Sentosa. Little did we know that it's already the Sentosa Walkway. It was a bit far (roughly more than a kilometer or 15min walk) but there are walkalators and this will cost you nothing - only the 1SGD entrance to Sentosa Island.

There are three ways to get around Sentosa Island - by the Monorail, by Tram and by Bus. The Bus and Tram usually has a longer line but allows you to look around as you pass around the road whereas the Monorail gives you only a top view of the island.

We first took the monorail, got off in Beach Island and had our lunch at Kofu Foodcourt. Surprisingly, not all food is expensive. You can have a lunch somewhere between 4SGD to 8SGD. We even saw a store selling Black Pepper Crab for only 7++SGD, and we're so excited! Unfortunately, the crab is not available. :( So I had my wanton noodle instead, big enough to stuff me for the day.

We weren't really planning to take the rides except for the Cable Car which is worth 26SGD for a back and forth ride to Mt. Faber so we did not get the Day Play Pass. We were also thinking that we might lack time to fully enjoy the day play pass. But as we were going through one of the brochures, we saw the Noon Pass (44SGD) and immediately bought one. This pass entitles a person to choose 4 rides from the ff:

Fort Siloso  - $5

Flying Trapeze   -$10

Sentosa Cineblast  -$18

Tiger Sky Tower  -$15

Desperados in 3D   -$14

Sentosa 4D Magix  -$18

The Merlion  -$8

Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom  -$16

Cable Car  -$26

Bi-pedal Cycle  -$12

Images of Singapore   -$10

Segway Fun Ride  -$12

Sentosa Nature Discovery   -$8

Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium   -$11

The Skyline Luge    -$12.50

(List down based on brouchure)

We chose and tried The Skyline Luge (something where one ride is definitely not enough!), the 4D Magix which featured the Pirates in 4D (I really enjoyed this one), the Tigar Sky Tower (just a 360 degree view of Sentosa from the top, and something I realized is a little repetitive for the cable car) and of course the Cable Car. I think the noon pass is worth it since we would have paid more if we bought each ride individually.

We had our merienda at KFC. The taste of their chicken was surprisingly different from here in the Philippines. It was like more peppery. But I loved the cheesy fries - just the normal fries like the ones we have here in Jollibee or McDo with melted cheese and mayo all over topped with these small green leafy stuff.

Because we were insistent on trying out the Black Pepper Crab and as we were strolling down Bencoolen Street we saw this good deal at Taste Restaurant in Ibis Hotel - Choose 3 small dishes for 15SGD

Thus the Chili Crab and the Black Pepper Crab with another dish before we end our day:

DAY3: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

We rode the Sentosa Express this time, knowing now where it is located. We've already bought our tickets ahead online for 74SGD each so we  need not line up at the ticket counter. We were waiting for the turnstiles to open at exactly 9:00AM. 

Our first ride was the Transformer - it's all I have to ride for me to say my USS ticket is worth it! Fantastic! Amazing! The Revenge of the Mummy was next, it got me scared because there's a part where we're moving backwards and I couldn't see anything --total blackness and there's actual heat from fire. Shrek 3D is a good balance. So is the Waterworld. It was the first time I experienced this kind of show. Audience prepare to get wet! It was really nice, my heart was so happy I felt like a child enjoying an amusement park. We also tried the Canopy Flyer, poor me so afraid me of this somewhat kiddie ride :P And of course, more water in Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and more more water for the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure (good thing we were wearing our ponchos). I did not try the Battlestar Galactica and I wouldn't anytime in the future. It practically took the soul of my friend after her ride (haha!) We also didn't try the Accelerator and the kiddie rides like Treasure Hunter, Enchanted Airways, and Beach Party Go-Round.

There were also a lot of mascots like Puss in Boots, Frankenstein, Kung Fu Panda, and the Madagascar who even performed a dance number for the USS audience.

 

We had our lunch in Mel's Drive In. It was cool, the designs and style made me feel like I was in the U.S. in a real drive-in restaurant. There were even cars parked (displayed) outside. And just  outside too are the Beach Boys performing. Price in this place is a bit higher though, at aroung 11-15 SGD per combo meal.

DAY 4 - BACK TO REALITY

And now....back to reality. :(

Since our flight was scheduled at 2:20PM, we do not have much time to visit Chinatown or Little India or other places in Singapore, but we have more than enough time to pack our things, and go shop for pasalubong and souveneirs in the nearby Bugis Street market. There were lots of stuffs to choose from.
This is what I got:
Sun Glass for SGD10
Bee Cheng Hiang Prawn Rolls and Prawn Crackers for my family, aunts, uncles, and cousins SGD46.50

Shirt for my nephew @4SGD

Shirt for myself @3 for SGD10

Our Cebu Pacific flight back home was late, bumpy (due to the clouds),  but we landed safe and sound in Manila 3 hours after.

And so...back to reality. (How I wish I could just travel and just make money by being a real travel blogger)

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS:

*Because of my experience in HongKong, I learned one lesson - research before you visit a new place, especially the weather. I've read tons of reviews saying that it's a tropical country and you never know when it will rain so it's best to be prepared. But we didn't and it did rain. Good enough we were in USS that time, and there were ponchos for sale at 2SGD

*It's good to visit the USS Website and buy the tickets online. Not only will it free you up from the hassle of lining up to buy your ticket personally, it also allows you to see when are the expected peak and non-peak days so you can better choose on what date to visit.

*It's helpful to study the Bus Lines, because not all Bus Lines will stop at all Bus Stops. You might need to walk farther if you don't plan which Bus Line to ride...but you'll be where you want to be nonetheless.

*You do not need to buy Singapore maps or books. There are a lot of maps, and 'brochures' in Changi Airport and in the hotels that are free and very useful. Some would contain a list of places to visit, the MRT Line, and the Bus Line.

Byahe sa Bohol

PRICE
Air Fare: Php 1,551.68 for a two-way ticket from(to) Manila to(from) Tagbilaran via Cebu Pacific
Room Rate: Php 1,800 per night for an A/C Room for a  group of 4 at Dumaluan Beach Resort

Tours: A. Panglao Tour for 1,800 (plus 200 tip) B. Countryside Tour for 2,000 (plus 300 tip) C. Island Tour for 2,500 (plus 200 tip)

ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Arrival, Panglao Tour, Dinner by the Beach (paluto)
DAY 2 Countryside Tour with Buffet Lunch @ Loboc River, Packed McDo Dinner
DAY 3 Island Tour, Lunch on the Island, swim and rest at Dumaluan, Dinner at Dumaluan Restaurant
DAY 4 Buy Pasalubong, Departure

DAY 1

Straight from the airport, we had our Panglao Tour. Whereas some would only have 3 or 4 places visited for the whole day, we were able to visit around 7 places from 1:45 pick up at the airport til we checked in at our hotel in Dumaluan Resort at past 6. We first went to Dauis Church, had some pictures taken, looked at the miraculous well with the miraculous healing water and bought some. We then visited Boyoyoy, a man the age of 63 with a dwarfism syndrome. We simply dropped by, asked a bit about his life and found out that there were 15 of them as siblings with 6 having the same condition. He’s the only one with the condition, who’s living to date. We gave a little donation then off we go to Bohol Bee Farm where entrance fee is at 25 each. Here we were able to appreciate more the life of the bees. I even learned some new infos like the males being lazy bees and works by having sex with the queen bee but dies right after the deed. We also tried their ice cream (malungay-avocado flavour on a –casava cone—for the price of 50). Next we visited the Hinagdanan Cave. An entrance fee f 15 per head. The water was very clear and very cold.  Then we went off to Ostrich Farm, where monkey, baby leopards, and other animals are found. Entrance fee is at 30 per person. We also went to the Watch tower though most of the pictures taken were not that captivating since the place was a bit dark and it’s almost evening when we got there. We also went to the Shell Museum. Also at 30 per head entrance fee. I used to collect shells from beaches I’ve been in but only for the sake of having a free (priceless in the literal sense) souveneir. But never have I been amazed by shells as when I saw this collection. I was even surprised to see the smallest shell, where a magnifying glass even had to be used just to see it and to know that there are also poisonous shells existing. Tired of the fun filled yet exhausting flight and tour, we went straight to Dumaluan Resort. I was just a bit disappointed because based on the phone conversations, we were supposed to be booked at Dumaluan 2 (the more hotel type of Dumaluan) not Dumaluan 1 which is more of the house to house type. We also had our dinner there in Dumaluan 1, with the paluto by the beach side.

 

DAY 2

In Day 2, we are scheduled for our Countryside Tour. We first went to the Blood Compact site, had some pictures taken. Then off to Chocolate Hills, the much awaited place by my mom. Entrance at 30 per head. The view was really nice. We also visited the Butterfly garden. Because we had a really good tour guide I was able to enjoy butterflies this time. I was amazed with the silahis butterfly, learned that a moth is itchy, not butterflies, that they only had 27days to live.  We also had our pictures taken as if we were butterflies J

We went straight to Loboc River, had our buffet lunch at River Watch while cruising on the river and being serenaded. 100 is the entrance and the price for the buffet lunch was 300. We had Seaweed (guso salad) for appetizers, grilled fish, pork barbecue, chicken, pansit, mixed vegetables, various fruits and a variety of rice cakes for dessert.

 Since it was raining hard, we did not stop by the Bilar manmade forest. We just passed by, and had pictures taken inside the car. Too bad though we were not able to see Prony, the famous python, because the area has been flooded. But I wouldn’t miss what I came here for -- Tarsiers. I was so happy to see one (and touch one even if it was forbidden and I felt guilty after for I’m not sure what would have happened to that little monkey hours after we’ve left). We then went to Baclayon Church. – that has a good number of saint displays. On the way home, we just stopped by for McDonalds and Donuts so we could save a little more for what’s ahead the next day.

DAY 3

Day 3 was more relaxing. This is the time for beaching! We started our day really early.  We were picked up at aroung 530am and had to ride the motorcycle for around 15-20mins. We also had to walk around a kilometer on the shore. This was because of the low tide. We first went to Balicasag where we rented another small boat to bring us to the snorkelling place, a charge of 600 and a 50 fee for those who would be snorkelling. After an hour or so snorkelling, we had our early lunch on the island. We feasted on pansit, a really big big fis , halaan soup with talbos ng kamote. For a group of 5, including the rice, it cost us 1000. We then went to Virgin Island where there was a sand bar. It’s pretty cool how there can be a sort of walkway to another island during low tide. We only spent around 15mins there for fear that hightide will soon come and the sand bar will be washed away. My father had experienced eating very fresh sea urchins for the price of 100 for 3 pieces. It was only splashed with calamansi and it can already be eaten. The seller said it was good for arthritis. We went back to our hotel and had a chance to have a beach view of the other resorts, one which caught my attention was Villa Escaya, which upon checking over the net is way way over priced compared to Dumaluan. We had our dinner at Dumaluan 2 this time, where a live band playing on one side and the sound of the waves lulling me on the other.

Again for the summary of expenses:

HELPFUL CONTACTS

Melbert  – 09263128305 (the driver/contact of a group of friends who went before us, we booked our tours with him)

Panglao - 1800

Countryside – 2000

Island - 2500

Tata Rabe – 09173060608 (We had a quotation from a package from her, less hassle but a little more expensive)

Hotels and Package Tours were given at the price of 5,600 to 7,500 depending on the hotel of our choice.

Ciano Danila – cianodanila@yahoo.com (someone I only met at the airport during our departure and he seems to be offering the tours for less as he was giving the Countryside Tour for only 1,800)

Celo Busbuso – 09278589940 (my parents’ driver from sea port to air port, also seems to be offering the tours at a lesser package)

Hongkong Here We Come

PRICE

Air Fare:Php 3,548.55 for a two-way ticket from(to) Manila to(from) Hongkong via Cebu Pacific

Travel Taxes:Php 1,620; Terminal Fee:Php 750

Room Rate:HKD 50 per night
Entrance Fees:

DisneylandHKD 350

Ocean Park HKD 222

Peak Tram RideHKD 36

OurMeals Expenases total HKD 201.4 per pax

Our Trasnportation Expense total HKD 152.75 per pax. This consists of the Tram, Bus, Taxi, and MTR, the different trasnportations available in HK.

My pasalubong amounted to HKD 388.6 and the pair of boots I got for myself is at HKD 130.

The first thing that I was surprised with in Hongkong was…the climate. I did not expect it to be this cold. One can wear two shirts, two jackets and two pants and still feel cold.

Upon arriving at the airport, we went straight to Disneyland, thinking that we could avail of the discount for day tourists. But of course our departure tickets would be checked and so not only were we not able to get a lesser price for the entrance tickets, we even had to add HKD 60 per rented storage per bag. We did enjoy the ride and the fireworks show, but this day was really more for the kids than for adults. We had also been lucky enough to watch the float/parade. It was really nice, all the dancing and music and display. Some of the rides/attractions we get to enjoy are as follows:

• Mickey's PhilharMagic

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Mad Hatter Tea Cups

• Stitch Encounter

• The Jungle River Cruise

I would really love to try Space Mountain andAutopia too, but we had no more time as the line was really long and the kids may not be allowed to take those rides anyway.
We had our noodles with us, and traveling with a limited budget we just asked around for a two cups of hot water and got ourselves a steaming noodle for merienda. Poor us. But it’s better than nothing.

We then took the tram to a certain station I already forgot the name of, to meet the contact person for our accommodation. They said it was a small house but I did not expect it to be that small. It wasn’t even a house, just a room, something that might be even smaller than a studio type condo here in the Philippines. I did not expect that the seven of us would crowd ourselves in a double deck bed. Neither did I expect that the house will not be to our own, that is, there’s another double deck bed in the same room where the renters of the unit would be spending their night. Add to that the small door that leads to the comfort-room-slash-kitchen. Poor us. But sill it’s better than having nowhere to sleep.

For Day 2, we had an early morning departure as we had a long day ahead of us. Today is the day for Ocean Park. To tell you honestly, I was actually more amazed with the Ocean Park than the Disneyland. Disneyland was fun but it was more for kids than adults.

There were two separate locations for the amusement park, and we had to ride a cable car to get to the other side. Too bad for my companion as she seemed to have fear of heights. These are the park attractions that we got to ride (not necessarily enjoy :s):

·         Dragon Roller Coaster (something I would not dare try again)

·         Raging River

·         Panda Village (this is where I had my first Panda Experience!!!)

·         Sea Jelly Spectacular

·         Ocean Park Tower

There were other rides too that we were not able to try either because the line would take up much of our time or because those who were with me were too afraid of the ride and I am hesitant to try them on my own. Some of which are The Abyss, the Mine Train, Space Wheel, Eagle, Flying Swing, and Ferris Wheel.

We had a really tiring day this day because we did a lot of walking in the amusement park but we still managed to have some energy for the Night Market at Mong Kok. It was just like what you see in Divisoria or in Baclaran, only we’re in Hongkong. Good thing is you get to haggle too. I was actually able to buy myself a pair of boots for only 130HKD. Had I not been on a strict budget, I would have bought myself a gadget too or my would-be first Nike rubbershoes.
We had our evening meal at McDonalds. There were no Chicken rice meals, only burgers – big burgers. And the orange juice taste a bit bitter but it tastes real, not some eight o’clock orange juice. When we got home, we had to clean up a little then get to bed early so we can start early again the next day.

For Day 3, we spent the day going to Peak Tram – a Tram going up the peak. At the peak there was this sort of mall where you can also visit the wax museum and have a view of Victoria Harbor, only it was bad timing and we saw nothing but fog. There was also a souvenir shop, though it’s a bit more pricey than the night market.

Overall, it was not a very relaxing vacation. It was rather tiring.
But I guess, it was worth it, to see another place outside the country, to experience the rides from another place, to meet Disney characters in person, and to witness first hand another culture.

Too bad though we were not able to go visit Macau. Poor us. J

**When you would like to visit another country, it’s better to make some researches about the place you’re going to live in. There’s Google map that will allow you to see at least the place where you’d be spending the nights of your vacation. There are sites available also that will enable you to know the weather/climate and be prepared for it. If you’ve got friends around the country, you can also ask them for tips on budget, tourist places to see, suggested clothing, and any other things you might need to know.



For a more funny version of this trip, please visit:
http://the-7th-sense.blogspot.com/2011/02/kakaibang-trip-sa-hongkong.html

  

Para Kanino ang Kwento Ko?

PARA KAY B ni Ricky Lee

BUOD:

Ang aklat ay tungkol sa limang kwento ng pag-ibig na isinakatauhan ng limang babae – si IRENE (ang babaeng umibig sa isang memorya), si SANDRA (ang babaeng umibig sa sariling laman at dugo), si ERICA(ang babaeng nagmula sa Maldiaga at hindi makaramdam ng pag-ibig), si ESTER (ang babaeng umibig sa kapwa kasarian), at si BESSIE (ang babaeng kung kani-kaninong lalake sumisiping na parang sex is all that matters, not love). Pero ang totoong bida ng kwento ay wala sa kanilang lima, kundi si Lucas na siyang pinakamakapangyarihang tauhan sa kwento. Sa teorya niya umiikot ang istorya. Ngunit mapatunayan kaya ang teorya niya? O mabago kaya ito sa takbo ng kwentong mismong siya ang may likha?

PAGNINILAY:

"Me quota ang pag-ibig. Sa bawat limang umiibig, isa lang ang magiging maligaya. Ang iba, iibig sa di sila iniibig. O iibig nang di natututo. O iibig sa wala. O di iibig kailanman."

May ngiting naglaro sa aking mga labi. Halos parehong-pareho ito sa ideolohiya ko noong nasa hayskul at kolehiyo pa lamang ako. Isang teorya na napagbago na ng panahon, naliha at napakinis. Kaya ngayon natatawa na lamang ako tuwing maaalala ko kung gaano ako nagmatigas noon sa haka-haka ko at pinanindigang isa ako sa apat sa lima. Isa sa hindi magiging maligaya.

1. PAG-IBIG vs. PAGMAMAHAL

Sa limang kwento, mahigit isa ay may kahawig sa buhay ko. May sobra, may kulang, pero umiikot sa halos katulad na sitwasyon. Pero mas marami pang kwento bukod sa limang ito. Mula sa mga kaibigan, kamag-anak, at callers ni Papa Jack. Mga sawi, NBSB, NGSB, bigo, SMP. Mga successful, masaya at matagal nang nagsasama. Iba’t ibang kwento para sa bawat isa. At minsan ang isa ay may iba’t ibang kwento pa. Kaya para sabihing 1 out of 5 lang ang magiging masaya, ay parang hindi tama. Di ko masasagot kung 3 out of 10, 7 out of 20, o 1 out of 100 pero siguro kailangan muna ng statistics para sa mga numero.

May kung anong sarap na dala ang pag-ibig. Minsan (o kadalasan) ay mayroon ding pait na parang aftertaste ba. Pero hindi ang pagmamahal. Hindi ko alam kung tama na ang teorya ko pero ito ang produkto ng pagliliha noon...na ang pag-ibig at pagmamahal ay magkaiba at kung papipiliin ako, mas pipiliin ko ang pagmamahal. Ilan sa tauhan sa kwento ay umibig, ang ilan ay nagmahal. Kung alam mo ang pagkakaiba, alam mo kung sino-sino sila.

2. HINDI PAGKAKATULUYAN ≠DINEVASTATE NG PAG-IBIG

"God may have allowed him to be your first boyfriend but it doesn’t mean he is supposed to be your last.” ~quote mula sa vypress ng isang kaibigan matapos ng aking first break-up.

May mga tao tayong mamahalin para lang mabago ang ating pagkatao. Meron namang para buksan ang isipan natin sa ilang mga posibilidad. Posibleng para magbigay sa atin ng unang halik, unang mainit na yakap, at kung anu-ano pang perstaym. Meron din tayong mamahalin na mag-iinspire sa ating magsulat o kaya magsumikap. Merong para turuan tayo kumain ng isaw, adidas, at dinuguan. Merong para samahan tayong magkomyut papuntang Quiapo, 168, at Divisoria. Merong para lang matuto tayong magdrive ng tsikot. Merong ang purpose ay baguhin hindi lang ang pagpapatakbo natin ng sasakyan kundi maging ang takbo ng buhay natin. Meron ding para magbigay sa atin ng lakas ng loob na magpatakbo nito.

Kaya hindi ako naniniwalang dahil lamang hindi nagkatuluyan ang ilan sa mga tauhan sa istorya ay dinevastate na sila ng pag-ibig. After all, sino ba naman ang makakapagsabi na happy ending na ang lahat, nang hindi dumarating sa tunay na ending ng buhay.

Para sa akin, para masabing bigo ka, sawi, hindi maligaya, o devastated, ay nasa sa iyo rin naman. Dahil it’sa fact na pag umibig ka, kasama roon ang possibility na masugatan, madapa, at masaktan. Pero nasa iyo ang kapangyarihan kung hihilata ka na lang basta o tatayo at muling lalaban, dahil walang iba kundi ikaw ang writer ng kwento ng buhay pag-ibig mo.

First Stop: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Travel By Air

PRICE:
Air Fare: Php 1,412 for a two-way ticket from(to) Manila to(from) Palawan via Cebu Pacific
Package Tour: Php 5,000 c/o Seablitz Travel & Tours

ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Check In, Grocery, Dinner at Kalui
DAY 2 Underground River with Buffet Lunch
DAY 3 Honda Bay Island Hopping with Buffet Lunch; Dinner at Balinsasayaw
DAY 4 City Tour


Our departure flight was in the afternoon, so when we arrived at the Palawan airport at around 5p.m., we went straight to our lodging. We lodged at the Fran Pension House. It seemed like a secluded area so I found the place good because it was quiet and peaceful, a real rest on a vaccation trip. The only disadvantage, though was since it was far away, tricycle drivers charged us a higher rate whenever we need to go to or from the city.
Having left only a few hours til bed time, we decided to go to the city to buy some groceries for our stay so we went with our travel agent, Bles, to the NCCC mall - the biggest mall in Palawan, but still small if you compare it to the small malls in Manila.



That night, we had our dinner at Kalui. It was a weird (in a good sense) experience. They ask you to removce your footwear and go barefoot inside the restaurant. The floor was made of wood ( I'm not sure it were bamboos) The place was dimly lit with dim lights and candles. The decorations were a little absurd as well (again in a good sense). We had the seafood platter at Php 375, which includes salabat soup, seaweed appetizer, grilled fish (which I'm not sure if it was Blue Marlin, Adobong Pusit, Lobster, rice, and mixed vegetables (don't know what it's called but it's not chop suey). This was already good for two! Plus, shakes were also available for as low as Php 50. Can you imagine that?

On our second day, we went to the Underground River. The travel time from the city to the beach (where we had our buffet lunch) was roughly 2 hours. From that point, you still need to take a boat to get to the other island, where the underground river is specifically located. But the travel was all worth it! As in! It was really amazing!!! Until now, I keep on wondering how such stalactite and stalagmite formations can be formed. We only traveled as far as 1.5kms (taking us aroung 45 minutes back and forth), which is the usual package included in the tour but the river is about 4.5 kms long, and you can actually get a trip as far as that though you will have to spend a little more cash and allot a little more time. It was pretty awesome - Jesus’ face, the Holy Trinity, a market of fruits and veggies, different animals including Nemo - all and more in rock formations. The cave was also inhabitted by bats - not just one kind but different species of bats and you can clearly see them. Also inside the cave are swallow birds, which I didn't really see but only heard. It's no wonder this qualified to be on the New 7 Wonders of the World! :)

Our third day day was spent island hopping. This is what they call the Honda Bay Island in the package tour. Our first stop was the floating house at Pambato Reef. We got under water and did some snorkeling there. There were tons of corals, it was beautiful! And unlike my snorkeling trip in Bauan and Puerto Galera, we had a tour guide snorkeling with us. He was pointing the different corals like the table coral, mushroom corals, branching corals ( all without further explanation necessary as the name depicts what it looks like). There were also tons of fish. Our next stop was the Snake Island, where we did fish feeding. It was a very close encounter with fishes, one fish even tried to bite me, not the bread I was feeding him! :) We also had our buffet lunch here (yumyum!) and did some picture taking! Our last stop should have been in Pandan Island, unfortunately the waves were really big that time and our tour guide feared we might not be able to handle the waves anymore, so we just stopped at Starfish Island, where starfishes are supposed to be found, though we only saw one - looking much the same like the one I saw in Grande Island. On the way, we also had a view of Luli island (or as explained by our tour guide - the Lulubog, Lilitaw Island)

We had our dinner at Balinsasayaw this time. We ordered for Garlic Crab, Litson Kawali and Bird’s nest soup. It wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. Shakes were priced even lower at Php 39. Our total bill for this dinner was at Php 650, good for 2-3 persons.



Our last day was spent touring Puerto Princesa City, a.k.a. the City Tour. We visited the Iwahig prison, where I had some reservations at first because first, it was a prison (I think we all know what prisons are for), second the prisoners were not behind bars (which is what makes this prison a tourist place). But the tour turned ok, we just visited the souveneir shop where some prisoners approached us to buy from them. We also went to the Crocodile Farm, where I saw the biggest crocodile so far, big enough that I think it could swallow the three of us in one gulp. There was also a small zoo, where we only got to see the Ostritch and the Katala who left a very good souveneir for my friend, a bite! Next stop was at Butterfly Garden – the pupa was cute, and the differently colored butterflies as well. We also went to the little Tagaytay in Palawan, where Mitra's mansion is located. Next was the Baker's Hill, where we did a lot of our picture taking with Looney Tunes characters and others. During the tour, we also passed by Palawan's version of the Baywalk, and the area that looks like Tondo.

It was a very good experience...away from the hustle bustle of the city life. The huge waves served us a pretty good adventure. It was like riding a roller coaster ride with the cool waves spalshing on your face. The sights were amazing. Tour guides were great. The people we were grouped with for the tours were friendly. Foreigners shared their culture as we shared stories from both sides.

One of my observation was how simple life was in this place. We even had a chat with one of the tricycle drivers, and he told us he was from Tondo, Manila but upon setting foot in Palawan, he decided to live there. People work whatever work and they were happy. They don't seem to want more, they're contented. One thing though, electricity wasn't stable in the islands of Palawan yet, as brown outs are experienced on a daily basis. Still, I consider it a good retirement place overall, though the price of land was a little pricey for me (Php 1,200 to Php 5,000 depending on the specific location). Well, it's definitely something worth saving for! :)