Taralets Bagets!

NEW BLOGSITE-CHASING PHILIPPINES

2011-01-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hi I already have a new blogsite - Chasing Philippines. Thanks

Cagbalete Island

2010-03-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

When we were trying to locate Balesin in Google Earth, we spotted this island called Cagbalete.

Enthralled by the untouched beauty of an undiscovered paradise, we decided to pack for our new destination.

The island of Cagbalete rests east of Quezon Province, along the waters of Lamon Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

HOW TO GET THERE

Suggested time of departure from Manila is 3am.

•From Buendia, you can take JAM or JAC Liner to go to Lucena. Around 3-4 hrs trip. Fare is Php209.00 each.

•Once you're there in Lucena Grand Terminal, you can take the ordinary bus to Mauban via Mainit, which is a 1 and a half hr trip. Fare is Php50.00 each.

Lucena Grand Terminal, get off at Total

•From Mauban Station, get a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Pantalan Port, to be more specific, you can tell them to bring you to the port to Cagbalete (since there are 2 ports in Mauban). Standard rate of tricycle ride will be Php9.00 each.

•At Pantalan Port, look for the ferry boats to Cagbalete. I highly recommend for you to take the big ferry boats Anthony or Neneng. It will be a 45mins-1hour hour boat ride depending on the weather. Fare is Php40.00.

•Once you're there in Cagbalete (Sabang Port), for you to get to the resorts you have to walk/trek for about 10-20 mins. It is for free but you can also ask some of the kids who are playing there to bring you to the resort. They are so nice. :) Or if you like, you have the option to rent a boat to bring you either to Villa Cleofas or MVT Sto. Nino Resort. Boat Rental Fee is Php400.00.

Public Ferry Schedule (IMPORTANT!!!!)

Mauban Port to Cagbalete 1st trip 10:00-11:00am
2nd trip 3:00pm

Cagbalete to Mauban Port 1st trip 7:30am

                                                        2nd trip 1:00pm
Private Boat (you have the choice of what time to go and leave Cagbalete)

     10 pax Php2,500.00
     20 pax Php4,000.00
     50 pax Php7,000.00

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT

WHAT TO SEE

•Pine Trees

•Rivers Meet the Sea

•Bonsai Island

•Lowtide

WHAT ELSE TO DO

•Villa Cleofas Resort

Horseback Riding Php100/30mins

Fishing Tour Php200

Snorkeling/Diving P100-150/pax

Boating Php50.00

Videoke Php100/hr

Island Hopping

Skimboarding

•Pansacola Resort

Bonfire Free

For more info, Click here to download the complete itinerary.

Khao Keow Chonburi

2010-03-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Khao Kheow Open Zoo gives a unique look and feel of nature. It is located in the rolling hills of Bang Phra Precinct, and it is spread out over 2,000 acres of land. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo serves as a sanctuary with more than 300 species of animals with a population of 6000 lives. Since the place is so large, visitors are allowed to bring their own cars and motorbike (you can also rent some golf carts for 100 baht); an easy to follow map is also provided upon arrival.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is not really a safari park, the animals have plenty of space and the bigger beasts are surrounded by moats, so there isn’t the feeling that they are hemmed in.

Each area has signs in Thai and English to explain what you’re looking at, and there are several hands-on features for youngsters and longer explanations for adults. The cats’ complex is particularly well presented, with lots of detail about each animal’s natural habitat, diet, and life expectancy.

Fees:
Adult -Bt 30
Children -Bt 5
Vehicle -Bt 30
Bicycle -Bt 10
235 Moo 7, Tumbom Bang Phra, Umphur Sri Racha in Chon Buri Province ( a 45 minute drive from Pattaya); and opens every day fr 8am-6pm. Tel (038) 298 188

Amazing Thailand: A Friday Night in Patpong

2010-02-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

When my aunt and uncle were talking about Patpong, my first impression was that, it’s like a hub of cultural shows and the like where most of the performers are women; a big auditorium where they showcase the talent of Thai’s (that’s why I thought it’s really on top of their list to bring me there so I can learn more about the Thai culture). Hmmm.. I can still remember the smiles on their faces when they told me we’re going to Patpong that night.

When we got out of the pink taxi, we headed to this long dark alley. Unaware of what I was about to see, I’m already getting some idea what Patpong is. There’s a lot of ‘barkers’ that will present you their bar’s cardboard which shows the rates of their shows. FYI, Patpong is Bangkok’s best known most notorious nightlife area. It is being considered one of the tourist spots in Bangkok, and yes, a different tourist spot. It has over 100 back-to-back neon-lit bars. I tell you, one could never ever really forget his/her first visit in Patpong. The place is not exclusively for men, couples and ladies are also welcomed.

We had our a-go-go-bar hopping in Patpong (baileys, baileys, baileys!!), quite embarrassing at first but it was fun and memorable at the end; different a go go bars have different themes and style. There's a center stage and girls were just roaming around if not naked, just a thong on. There's about 20-30 girls dancing on the stage, some in Japanese student uniforms, some were really naked. And you wont see the same girls the whole night coz I think, every 15 mins or so, a new batch of girls goes up on stage. Girls from all ages (aside from 14 and below) perform the nightly rituals in a rehearsed fashion - shows generally include a fixed menu of acts, in which naked dancers open bottles, shoot blow-pipes and perform a variety of other tricks using only their vaginal muscles. And oh, I never really imagined that we, girls can have that amazingly 'muscle control'. The 'string of razor blades' trick is one that most spectators especially women would rather not have seen, promise, just by watching it, it would leave you cringing in pain. Eeeeeee.. But the most awaited trick is the PingPong Show, if only I, can exactly share what I witnessed. Tsk

And the result is, I’d never look at Ping Pong Balls the way I used to be. :P

No pics for this post. Patnubay ng magulang ay kailangan. :)

Amazing Thailand: Bangkok

2010-02-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

Thailand is my first-ever and only out-of-the-country destination as of now. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend 10 days there. Three days in Bangkok and the rest in Pattaya.

Bangkok is the business district of Thailand (just like Makati here in the Philippines). The city is bombarded by big shopping malls, small temples in almost each street corners, big posters/tarpaulins of the King, and pink taxis. Yes, pink taxis :D Though, the city is so busy and got this enormous urban overdrive, still, you can feel a different ambiance that comes from the smiles of the Thai, their religious spectacle, and their great respect for their King.

What I Love in Bangkok:

*Its glitzy modern shopping malls and food court

*street side barbeque and thai delicacies (mind you, their street food looks clean!)

*their no-smoking policy in Starbucks

*and last but not the least, the BTS Ride :D

Siam Paragon at Night

the MBK Mall

the BTS ride :)

Coral Beach Club

2010-02-27T03:23:00.000-08:00

The place is quite a paradise for beach lovers who want silence and privacy. You'll also love to stay in their balsa even at exactly 12 noon; the heat of the sun won't prevent you from loving the serenity. One won't hear anything but the sweet sound of the sea breeze, the splashing waves that hit the balsa, and the laughter of the kids playing in the sand.

And take note: the food is excellent too! Taste Bud Treats *Coral Beach's Margarita Mix - So far, I can say that Coral Beach has the most well-mixed margarita. Try it while your dipping yourself in their jacuzzi, Oooh! You'll really love it! That's the best combination, margarita+jacuzzi = tipsiness to the highest level. Just be careful going back to your rooms, you might slipped straight to the pool. Oops! Must-See!

*the white pristine virgin beaches nearby - You can go there by renting a pedal boat (fixed rate:Php300/1hr). Don't worry if you're gonna exceed 1 hour, the Manongs are nice, they won't charge you extra. So just enjoy!

*Low Tide - Weird, but yeah, people who stay here wait for the water to go down. You'll enjoy walking on the big rocks or I think dead corals. Just make sure to wear your slippers on. This is also the time when people watch the sunset and collect some shells for souvenirs.

Getting There Click this link to view the MAP. for more images, check my Coral Beach Album.

15th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival

2010-02-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

(February 13, Saturday) It was my first time to attend the annual event of the PIHABF. I was wide eyed when I woke up at around 1:30 am, excited to catch up the setting up of the balloons. We headed off to Clark from our house in Cavite around 2.30am. Sad thing, we got there around almost 8 in the morning and the sun was already up and shining. I was not even able to see the balloons while they are being inflated by those propane burners. :( Fortunately, I was able to grab some tickets from SM Ticketnet, so me and my family did not wait in the long que. Tickets are sold for 150 each. It was just disappointing to buy tickets in SM Ticketnet because they just look like the usual concert tickets that they have, so if you are a first-timer or someone who keeps the ticket for souvenirs or as a remembrance, better to buy some tickets in Ayala (same price also). When we got to the venue, there were just only 3 balloons that were visible enough from the area. Better to really go there as early as 5 am because the balloons flies out so early and goes back late in the afternoon to prepare for the Night Glow. We just took some pics and started to roam around to check the other attractions; there were a lot of kids playing around with their kites, and yes, it was true that it is really a weekend of everything that flies. There's a free kite from DHL too! (just present a company id), some kites are also being sold for Php150.00.

For photography enthusiasts, there were some photo contests too - one was sponsored by DPP and the other one by Caltex. (Unfortunately, there were a lot who were not informed where they can avail the VIP Pass. Promise, gonna get one on the 16th Phil. Hot Air Balloon Festival.) :)

There were also a lot of booths that promote other destinations in Subic. They offer great discounts too. So while we were there, we took advantage and grab some tickets of Zoobic Safari. Schedule: Feb 11 - 14, 2010 How To Get There: NLEX, SCTEX

Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and continue past Dau toll plaza -- but do not take the Dau exit. Pull to the right and take the SCTEX on-ramp. From the SCTEX toll booth, take the southbound lane to Clark South exit. You will be entering Clark through the Yokohama complex. At the stop light, turn right into Roxas highway. The Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.

Click here to view the MAP.

NLEX, Dau

Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. One simply needs to take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Take a left turn towards Angeles City and make an easy right turn into Clark itself. After entering the main gate, proceed along Roxas highway, and the Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.

Tickets: Tickets are for 150.00. You can buy tickets at the gate or you may also inquire by calling the PIHABF office at +632 384-0085, or through mobile number: +63 927 340-4994. Tickets are also available via TicketNet and from Recreational Outdoor eXchange (ROX) in Bonifacio High Street. If you want to ride the balloon, they charge US$150 per person, but this is a first-come-first-serve-basis, you can go directly to the Information Booth upon arrival for booking. See you on the 16th guys!!

Bag of Beans

2010-02-19T01:01:00.001-08:00

Just one morning, when I woke up, suddenly, I felt this urge of having a good breakfast. Since I’m just residing in Cavite, I grabbed my bag and headed to Tagaytay. It is just less than an hour trip, one can even take a jeepney or a bus. While on the bus, I have this feeling of excitement, that feeling brought by the spontaneous getaway I’ll be having for the day just to gratify my cravings of a good food + good ambiance. I’ve been hearing a lot about the ‘Bag of Beans’, yes, you got it right. I also thought that Bag of Beans is just a small bakery/pastry shop that I only whenever we’re stuck in the traffic jam but this resto have been making it’s name for quite a while now, and to cut the story short, I decided to look for that place. Tricycle Fare from 7-11 Mendez Crossing to Bag of Beans is at fixed rate of 70.00.

Chances are you wont be able to easily recognize the place because it really looks like a small coffee shop at the outside.

TasteBud Treats

a must-try, Bag of Beans Panacotta

The Garden

Bag of Beans Coffee Shop & Bakery 115 Aguinaldo Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City

Tagaytay

2010-02-19T00:57:00.001-08:00

For sure, there are times that you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manila , and most often than not, Tagaytay is the first place that one can think about. Why not? Tagaytay is no hassle especially if time and location is a constraint. Only 55 km (34 mi) away from Manila via Aguinaldo Highway, it is the country's most popular tourist destinations; may it be just for the roadtrip itself or for the craving of a mmm.. hot and yummy Bulalo. Due to its high altitude (688 meters above sea level), the city is blessed with a very crisp and cool climate. Actually, it is being considered now as the 2^nd Summer Capital of the Philippines.

The Must-Sees!

The Panoramic View of Taal Volcano (located in Batangas). Taal Volcano is the smallest volcano in the world.

A lot of restos are built around the Taal Lake; but if you would really like to have a close encounter and feel the unruffled serenity of the lake, you can rent a boat. (One sign that you’re already in Tagaytay City is when you start seeing guys with ‘plakards’ or sign boards that say ‘Boat Ride’, ‘Boat for Rent’, ‘Boat Trip’) Last time I checked, boat trips are for 1,500. Of course, you can haggle, maybe it can be down for about a hundred to 300.00 depending how you mastered your skills in haggling. I was not able to try the boating though…. not yet.

TasteBud Treats

*Starbucks

A cup of coffee is really a must here in Tagaytay City! If you want to have some cool Japanese Food.

*Sonya's Garden Sonya’s Country Bed and Breakfast is a must-try; It's a paradise of that soothing aroma from hundreds of flowers from Sonya's Garden and a house of good food. An overnight stay with dinner and breakfast is Php 2500 per person on weekdays and Php 2800 per person on weekends and holidays (plus 10% Service Charge and 12% VAT). Check in time is at 2:00pm and Check out time is 12:00 noon. One can also just drive and dine, 650/pax for the Eat All You Can. Inclusions are green salad, bread, pasta, dessert, and their home-made dalandan juice. If you are a rice person, much better if you can go there earlier because they only serve breakfast fr 8am-10 am only (427.00/pax).

Backpacking Tips

For those people who are not that ready to stay overnight, no problemo, there's a lot of convenience store on the way. So just grab a toothbrush and that's it! :D

Where To Stay: *Boutique Bed and Breakfast This hotel is perfectly conceptualized for weekend getaways, travel adventures, and passion for food and culture. Trademark of Boutique that you would never find in somewhere else is that each room here is inspired by an emotion: 'I Lust', 'I dare', 'I desire', 'I dream', 'I surrender', 'I love', and 'I escape'. Quite exciting right!

Boutique Bed and Breakfast is located at 45 Aguinaldo highway, Silang Crossing East, Tagaytay City//Contact numbers: 046-4131885 or +639273632660

A minimum deposit of Php 2,500 is required to confirm booking. *Katrina's Restaurant and Pizzeria

The lodging is quite good for a price of 999.00 for an overnight stay. The room is big and it wouldn't matter if how many people will stay. A bucket of San Mig is affordable, 199.00 w/ free pizza, but dont ever order a pizza here, it tastes like a carton with ketchup on it. Katrina's Restaurant and Pizzeria is located at Brgy. Kaybagal South, Aguinaldo Highway,Tagaytay City/Contact Nos. (046) 413-1942.

Travel Expo 2010

2010-02-19T00:43:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar guys for the biggest and most awaited event for the travel and tourism industry! The 17th TravelTour Expo 2010, conceptualized by PTAA, will take place on at February 19 to 21, Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. This year's theme, 'Ready-Jet-Set-Go!', will feature two new segments – lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and wellness products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas. So for those who are planning to explore and enjoy Year 2010, better to take advantage the travel packages, promo rates and reservation services which will be available ONSITE during the event dates. Entrance fees:

General Admission: PHP 50/day Senior Citizen: PHP 20/day

Opening Hours:

19 February - Friday 11 AM - 9 PM

20 February - Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM

21 February - Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM

Ticket booths close 30 minutes before end of show hours

Accompanying Events: Raffle coupons will be given for every P5,000 worth of travel products purchased during the Expo. Qualified visitors will win exciting prizes from the exhibitors.