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

I've been eyeing over secdea for quite sometime since I saw photos of it on instagram. It was quite alluring. I said to myself I must go there.

Well, I just did. A few days before Christmas Team LG planned out a day tour for all of us. I was so hyped! We got our reservations and waited for the day to come!

Haven't been around them for quite sometime so it was a little reunion. Not all of us came because of the schedule differences which was a bummer. College friends should treasure the moments where they could schedule getaways with less complications just because of the schedules. Block sectioning I now appreciate you.

I had to make some errands so I came a day earlier. Good thing my colleague Nina agreed to swap scheds from pm to am shift. So I had time to prepare. The following day everything was set and we were good to go. We met up at Mcdo Bajada first to grab some breakfast.

We then went to Sasa wharf to get on a barge. We had to pay 10 pesos for the token. That's one way, another ten on our way back. After riding the barge we rented a tricycle on the way to secdea. I think it was a 20 minute ride? More or less. Didn't really noticed but it took forever. We had to get down from the tricycle on high areas because it was such a struggle. But don't stress. Good vibes all the way!

Upon arriving we were fetched by a golf cart because it turned out the resort was still found a lot further inside from their gates. We enjoyed it though. The view was nice. Perfect for pictorials. One of my friends had their pre nuptial photo shoot there and it was pretty.

We arrived at the lobby and paid. We spent 750 each for the day tour which is inclusive of a buffet lunch. We also saw a fat ass pug totally adorable.

Our overall experience was such a pleasure. Highly recommended place especially to those who have such an easy access to the place. Until the next trip!

Xo <3

One bright sunny day after spending the night at my cousins' house we decided to go on a road trip!

On an early morning drive we had to drop off one of my cousins to her school and after that... Poof! Here we are at the place where coconut is flooding. Haha. A lot of stalls lined up all selling fresh coconut. I was a fool for their improvised spoons. 

and after eating we took a quick drive around the city. We got to see McArthur Park but we didn't find it necessary to take a photo because I've been here before and I had photos when I was younger and I totally regret not taking one now that I've grown up. Haha... Here's a photo so you can visualize. 

[CTO]

Later that afternoon another bright idea came to mind. To San Juanico Bridge we go! Haha. Like it was that easy but we went anyway... and my cousin Razel doesn't have anything else to do but trying to take ugly photos of me... so I selected some that doesn't look quite what he wanted to achieve. Lol.

So we drove all the way to the other end and reached Samar. Parked the car somewhere near and started walking to a perfect spot where the view(of how long the bridge was) can be appreciated. It was kind of scary because every time a vehicle passes by the bridge gives a little shake and of you look at the clear waters down below you can see a slight swirling formation that forms like whirlpool. Small boats are not allowed to enter the premises near the bridge anymore.

Just us five! Good thing my cousin brought her tripod with her. 

A quick fun fact about the bridge: It is also known as the "Marcos Bridge." The decision to erect the bridge was made during the mid 1960's during the late president Marcos' administration. It is 10 KM from the city proper of Tacloban to Sta. Rita Municipality, which is in Western Samar, and 96 KM from Catbalogan (where the famous host Boy Abunda came from).

Since the weather was kind of gloomy we hurried ourselves back to where we left the car after taking photos. Both ends of the bridge had due security. The Golf & Country Club was nearby so we decided for a quick stop. Good thing their father plays golf there so we need not to pay the entrance fee. The view was fascinating and this high school musical fan in me ignited and my imagination goes gaga. 

If my memory serves me right, its my first time to visit and actually get inside a golf course. 

A few moments later when we wanted to take a walk by the pool the rain drops started falling. My equally or even crazier cousin Razel and I went sun dancing but it absolutely has no effect.

Before driving home there's still one more place we had to see. UP!

I had so much fun. It really is different when there are no adults around. Well, the older ones I mean. We felt so free but of course with responsibility. I can't remember what we did after though but one thing is for sure... it's always fun with the cousins. Great minds! :D

I have one tip if you want to go to Tacloban... Learn a little waray. Prepare yourself because language barriers can spoil your vacation. Plus! Learning is always fun. You can really learn a lot when you travel and you must grab every opportunity you have.

Until the next adventure!