PHILIPPINES: Magalawa Island, Zambales

As early as a bird could get. By 6am we were on the NLEX and me happily snapping sunrise photos from a moving van. We had our in-van projects on queue during the long ride to Zambales – make-up transformation of Queen Amidala with the neck pillow put up like a headband (some imagination here), and 15-sec clips of lip synching to what’s on the playlist, then bought les viandes, fruits et legumes at the Bocaue market and groceries at Puregold Iba.

At Port Luan. By 12 noon, we were taking photos of Magalawa island from the mainland and off hopping on our boat in no time.

 

Water by the port was clear enough to see the sea grass and starfish beneath. While on our 5-min cruise towards the island, the electrical line came in parallel view and someone in the group thought it was a zipline (nice try haha.).

   

On the Ruiz Beach Resort. We got fan cottages, comfortably fitting 4 people, priced at P1200 each. No corkage needs to be paid if you plan to cook but make sure you have all the cooking paraphernalia, though they can lend you pots/pans at no extra cost. If you forgot to bring toiletries or want a cold drink, a sari-sari store is right next to the volleyball court. There are around 7 stalls for toilet/bath purposes and two posos if you need to wash anything else.

 

The fan cottage and some cooking on the side!



And then there was lunch!

Right after lunch was swimming time! We tried to ease our way through the water (lots of seagrass!) towards the other resort, Armada, because honestly its beachfront looked so attractive and white. BUT(!) when we were a few meters into their jurisdiction, a manong warned us that we were not allowed to cross over to their side and we had to pay P50 if we wanted to, which was unlimited till the following day. He also explained further that we were going to be part of their responsibility especially if any harm happened right at their resort. Hmm, since we’ve seen that part already anyways, we declined but me and my gals wondered why they were charging, so ummm… no neighborly welcome here. 



Our beach front. The white strip of sand afar is the Armada Beach Resort.





Things to do at night. That night we had a bonfire, out of probably 4 bundles of firewood bought at around P40 each. No wind really so it was easy to set up. It was not how big the fire was but how long it before it burned out, said the wisemen (?) of the group. There were several other groups scattered along the shore lazing around as we did as well and some of them had a large huddle of tents. I’ve had my share of tents, felt like I wanted cushion beneath my back that night. The sea was calm and so one could stay in the water staring at the stars also so it was your pick on where you and your friends wanted to chat the night away.

  

Things to do during the day. I already mentioned volleyball. I swear I’ve never played so much volleyball my life in one weekend! We played 2-on-2 Saturday afternoon and a 4-on-4 on Sunday morning right after breakfast. But wait there’s more! A jetski was up for rent along the shore, which pulled a floater which could hold 2-3 people, as they grabbed on, and it was only P100 per head. The three guys in our group had 2 on the floater and 1 on the jetski along with manong may-ari and paid only P400 for about 15mins in the water. Talk about sulit.

Then we went on a balsa (floating bamboo cottage) pulled out to open sea paying P100 per head. It was 100% water fun jumping in the water, seeing some fish, and yes having our amateur underwater photos taken.  

The balsa which was pulled out to water

Homeward bound. Back at the resort and already past noon, it was immediate bath and packup. There were at least 3 people in line before me in a 4-stall bath, so some patience needed here. By 2pm we were on the boat leaving the island. C’est tout, au revoir!

And it's a wrap. Bye Magalawa!

Entrance fee 100/pax overnight,(includes CR and maintenance fees)
Boatpick up (2 way)-- 100/pax-from Luan Port-- 200/pax-from Masinloc
Cottage 1200/night (up to 5pax)

More details: http://angislako.blogspot.com/

PHILIPPINES: Boracay Island, Aklan

Boracay, Boracay, how could one not fall in love with thee? Not all Filipinos get to visit this island paradise in their lifetime. Only my second time here and it has changed a lot – the tinderas now speak Russian and Korean, and D’talipapa was now in business. I was on training the whole week and the only time I really got time do some serious photos was during one sunset on the last day of training. So voila! Enjoy!

Of Mother and child

Of photographers in photographs.



Of friends, lovers and sails.

Of selfies and sunsets.

INDONESIA: The 101 Bali Legian Hotel, Bali

So here's some for those who plan to go to Bali soon... Our gang stayed in two separate places, one was at the 101 Bali Legian Hotel which is right smack in the young lively neighborhood of Legian and the other in Danoya Villas in the outskirts of Seminyak. The 101 Bali Legian hotel has a very efficient staff. There was a Starbucks was at its ground floor and minimarts were a few steps away. I honestly couldn't think of anything wrong with the place.

The Reception Area

The Reception Area. When we checked out early morning around 7am, we noticed that the receptionists had some rice stuck on their foreheads. It hardly looked like it was accidental but seemed more intentionally placed. We learned from them that it was part of the morning ritual and one of the many times each day of Hindu prayer, which is part of their culture. Couldn't help but admire the lady's make-up, had to say!



The Standard Room. Nothing much to  say really. It was clean and I had a good night's sleep. ZZzzz..

 

 

The Rooftop Breakfast Lounge. Although the breakfast buffet was not that of a 5-star hotel's it had enough to make a happy tummy out of any Filipino (bacon! fruits! and an egg station!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rooftop Pool and view. We had a night swim and the rooftop pool to ourselves with a good city view. One could order drinks from the poolside bar but it's only up to 11pm.

 

 

 

 

Some caution. The Legian area is an international, party area and just be wary of any possible trouble. We didn't mind the sidewalk vendors of shrooms though, but I got into an encounter with a small money changer. The exchange rate was a bit irresistible and so I went in to get some rupiahs. Only back at the hotel did I realize, some of the bills were missing and my exchange did not add up... I was simply robbed. But hey, it could happen to anyone, or in any country, so let's put this in as part of a traveler's diary.

 

 

The Gang. A group of MBA graduates from the University of the Philippines Diliman, out to travel and be tourists. Members of the Travel Tourism group and the Bridge Club Society. Never a dull travel when you've got bridge to play during transit.