I have a heart that yearns to travel. Always dreaming of travelling the world one place at a time. As a pinoy saying says, “Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan.” So, what better place to start with but here in the Philippines. One of the most renowned places in our country is Palawan. The island is like a national gem already. Pristine waters, clean environment, welcoming people, and one of the most scenic views I’ve seen to date.

When I got invited via a text message from a former colleague I was hesitant because it was addressed to another person but she then said that it was a group message sent to most of us who were form the intensive care unit that I’ve worked for. Everyone was so excited and a lot of us signed up. In the end, only a few were able to join but still quite a group.

There were a lot of struggles before the trip actually happened. Like credit card payments, tours, reservation, unavailability and conflict of schedules. It was all stressful but I think we should give credit to Rej who made most of the effort to make the trip happen and resolving issues quickly.

With all that said, we made it to Palawan.

We flew from Davao to Cebu. Spent one night at the city and flew the next day to Puerto Pricesa. Upon arrival at PPS we were welcomed by our chosen tour package – Kara Travel and Tours. They had variation on their tour packages but we went for tour A. We were rode a van, had a quick lunch at McDonald’s, and after a few minutes we were on the road travelling to El Nido. It was a LONG ride. Even my prepared playlist wasn’t enough to keep me occupied the whole trip. You better pack those neck pillows used for travelling because it will surely serve you well.

As we arrived at El Nido at around 11 PM? I forgot but I’m guessing around that time. We checked in to our hotel and we were instructed to rest well since we were leaving early in the morning for our island hopping. So, we weren’t able to sleep early because first of all… It was already late when we arrived. LOL!

Morning came and we were all set for the tour. It took quite some time for it to get started. We went around islands/lagoons and they were all amazing. I was expecting to like the secret lagoon the best, but I’d say it was the big and small lagoon. I can’t remember where we went kayaking but that was my favorite. We spent a lot time there and  I guess my paddling skills were of use again. But my arms were so sore when we went back to the hotel.

After resting a bit, we decided to go out for dinner searching along the shore line for some good food! There were a lot of restos to choose from. We wanted to try the famous Art Cafe but it was already full and seats were not available anymore unless we were willing to wait long. We ended up transferring. Since we were at the beach, we expected and planned to eat seafoods but it was too expensive. Hahaha! So, guess what? Most of us ended up eating grilled pork and chicken. But some ordered some fish and squid. Everything was tasty, or we were just hungry.

After eating dinner, we strolled a bit and bought souvenir items. Cornballs and I ended up getting lost but we weren’t that worried because there were a lot of people strolling down the streets and most of them were foreigners. I guess the ratio between locals and foreigners were like 1:5. There were more foreigners than locals! Not statistically, just based on observation. As we figured our way back to the hotel, others were already leaving again since they were craving for crepes and ice cream. Would have loved to join them but I was too tired. I had to rest well for the next day.

We were already bound for PPS for the underground river tour which lasted a few minutes. But to get there it was another LONG drive and a short boat ride. The underground river tour was amazing but kinda eerie. It was just so dark inside the cave and so silent since we were discouraged to open our mouths because droppings may be harmful to health. Tip! Bring your flashlight if you don’t want to depend on the tour guides light. It was kinda scary since the water and the boat’s sides were almost on the same level but the water was calm so… Hahaha! I tried not to mind it since we had life vests on. The boatmen were very skillful and jolly. They made the experience more fun! Whenever a group leaves the cave, they were called survivors.

Upon going back to the main dock, we had a buffet lunch just somewhere near. Then we were off again to another souvenir shop to buy more goodies. The rest of the day were free. We decided to eat halo halo at Noki Nocs Savory House. They are very popular for their halo halo. The tricycle driver told us, "Masarap ang halo-halo diyan ma'am! Ice pa lang papapakin mo na!" Then, went walking again. Then went to Kalui? But unfortunately it was reserved for some students so there were no available seats again. The we decided to eat at a bbq place at the baywalk. Rode bikes and just chatted and went home.

Upon resting well that night, we arranged for a city tour at PPS before our flight. My favorite one was Baker’s Hill. It was just a wonderful place to be in. We ate pizza and bought some pastries too. Tons of photos too. It was a good thing that our tour guide was also a nurse so she actually had a lot things to say. Hehe!

When we were home bound we spent another night in cebu. Then flew back to Davao and back to Kidapawan again.

It was a tiring but very fulfilling experience for me. Especially that it was my first time to travel with Cornballs that entails riding a plane and with my workmates as well. I’m really looking forward for more adventures! To see the world and to appreciate how wonderful it could be. It’s a pleasant experience and I guess I will never get tired off travelling and learning! It’s an investment for the soul.

Until the next adventure.

Xoxo

P.S. If you want to see my travel vlog on my Palawan adventure please do visit my YouTube Channel

Links to VLOGs:
Palawanderes Part 1
Palawanderes Part 2
Palawanderes Underground River
Palawanderes City Tour

 

Too early for another throwback but this one's worth it. Last March 15th we celebrated 2 years of togetherness. It's been a nice journey and I am thankful for that. We originally planned on going with friends to Chemas By The Sea but they all bailed so we decided to push through, just us two. It turned out to be fun and relaxing. We just enjoyed the scenery and the water. I really like it there because there were less people compared to other resorts in Samal. A bit expensive compared to others but I'd say it was worth it. We went home the same afternoon. Boracay and Palawan would be our next goal but I think it would take a long time to achieve it. Always saying this but I think this time it's for real! I'm going to save up for all the adventures I'm planning on. Haha. Wish me luck!

Toodles!

XO

Posted by Kitty Purry on Saturday, 13 June 2015

My first ever summer outing as an employee! Yes, my first because I never got to try one from my previous employer and since this is just my second job… Yayyy for me! I guess.

So, we originally planned to go to Camiguin but the odds weren’t in our favor. So we ended up to the nearest summer getaway island - Samal! Yup. We wanted to go on island hopping and surprisingly it was going to be a first for some of my companions and I was so excited for them. I can remember my first time going on island hopping. It was such pure bliss.

We went to Davao the night before the scheduled day. We spent the night at our manager’s home which was so cute I wanted to live there even if I was only a house help (not saying that like it’s a bad thing). I shared the room with the girls which meant like 90% of us. It was so exciting to be sleeping on interconnected beds with color coordinated sheets and pillows, just like a sleepover! Endless chit chatting until everyone finally felt the need for sleep.

Waking up early that morning trying to vlog the happenings. Sir Fred and Ma’am Ana cooked breakfast for all of us which meant they woke up extra early. As for the rest of us, it was a constant battle on who was taking a bath first. I was like second to the last on the list.

When all of us were prepared we just waited for Sir Shan to fetch us and off we go!

We waited at the port for our supposed boat ride. What can I say? Over excite can cause quite a disappointment.  The boat was broken and they said we can’t go island hopping. And all other boats at the port were already taken. It was intimidating to talk to the owners, who were foreigners, because it’s hard to talk back since I’m really not that fluent talking. I understand their side but maaaaaaaaaaaaan! We came all the way from our hometown and travelled 3 hours to Davao just for this? Who wouldn’t get disappointed? We haven’t prepared food because the package we availed included it.  We had to make and wait for our orders.

We ended up calling and looking for other means to get to the island just for the summer outing to push through. Guess what? It was a lucky day! After waiting for like an hour or so we finally had a boat! And the game was on.

I always went on the same route whenever I went island hopping at Samal only to find out there were different packages available. This time we were on package B which means I get to see a lot more than what I saw before.

We randomly stopped and took a dip in the water looking for cold spots. Took photos. I don’t even know how to swim but thank God for life vests. I wasn’t alone so it was okay. It was so funny looking at the ones who were slower than I was in navigating the waters with life vests on. I can be mean sometimes but it was really funny.

I saw a lot that day. We saw a colossal squid! A school of fish surfacing, God knows why they were doing that, but it was pretty. A jelly fish. I was looking forward to see a dolphin but I didn’t. I even went rock climbing on a big rock in front of a cave just to take photos. Maybe I could pass for a dare devil, not! We also enjoyed looking at Newton(not sure if I got the spelling right) munching on food every now and then.

Anyway, it was really a fun filled day! A summer like this one should be remembered!

If you can’t swim, who says you can’t enjoy the beach? “Salig lang sa lifevest!” Hahaha. But seriously its scary but make sure there will be people on standby to rescue. Safety first!

Until the next escapade.

XO