Bataan and Subic Leg

Travel Destination:  Bataan and Subic Multi City Trip
Travel Dates: May 17-18, 2014
Travel Buddies: Karen

This is our first solo multi city driving trip.

First stop: Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan

Bataan has always been known as one of the historical provinces in Luzon so a trip to Mt. Samat is definitely a must-see. It is the thrill to drive your way up to see the cross that was built to honor the martyrs who did things to help liberate the Filipinos then. Being able to climb up (by elevator, of course for P10 each) 302 ft, 36 floors was a nice feeling. You will get to see the great land of Bataan (though its sad coz all you will see is the mountains surrounding the cross now has turned brown instead of the greens).

Second Stop: Kilometer Zero of Death March in Mariveles, Bataan

This is the legendary starting point of the Death march to commemorate the gallantry of the Filipino and American troops during the battle of Bataan. The marker was built in 1967.  

Third stop: Camaya Sands Coast Leisure and Resort in Mariveles, Bataan

I heard of Camaya for years and recently it was featured by Kris Aquino on her morning show made me revisit the idea of going there myself.  I have been hunting for sale packages for months, so getting more than 60% off Camaya Sands Coast Leisure and Resort was very timely. It included a day tour package and free lunch. 

I would not recommend it to anyone though. I personally do not think it is worth the time, the travel and the money. The facilities did not really WOW us. The food was not all worth what we paid for. The whole staff of the resort did not have any system. It looks like they aren't ready to accommodate the people. It may be worth 10 years from now, but I am sorry to say that "No, not now!"

We went straight to Subic to check in to our hotel for a quick shower then straight to find the GIANT TACOS of Olongapo.

Fourth stop: The Coffee Shop, Home of the Giant Tacos

Definitely a must - try.  It was worth the drive plus it's really cheap.

Fifth Stop: SM Olongapo

We promised to pay a visit to the ever famous, elevator girl.  Meeting Che was really awesome.  It is always nice to see people enjoying what they do.  I always believe in giving dignity to whatever you do for a living.  This woman lives by that principle. Kudos to you!

Sixth Stop: Ocean Adventure, Subic

I've been here for a few times, but it never stops me from being really excited every visit.  There were a few revisions and improvements on the shows presented at the park.  It was a good 4 hour stay at the park.

Seventh Stop: Funtastic Park

Funtastic park is one of the newest destinations within SBMA.  It houses a number of attractions like the Mirror Maze, 3D pictures, Magical Forest and more. Truly making elarning fun and exciting.  Families will have a wonderful time here much as "barkadas" would.  You can get in touch with them via their Facebook page.  One of the most responsive and professional customer service I've dealt with.
Get to know more about this great park Here

More Pictures Here

Summer Fun

Travel Destination:  Villa Alfredo's, San Fernando, Pampanga
Travel Dates: April 12, 2014
Travel Buddies: Karen and Bel

It's the first official Summer 2014 get away.  Oh well, not really a "get away" as we only headed to San Fernando, Pampanga to Villa Alfredos Resort.  It was a free and easy trip.  

We went to see the Kia Family Service Day in the morning to get our freebies and some knick knacks. Freebies are always nice you know.

Just right before lunch we headed to SM Pampanga to grab our food before going to the resort.  We decided to go Korean---Samgyeosal!

It was a fun, quiet day especially Bel and I got to catch up on a lot of things.  We should do this more often.

Bangus Festival at Bonuan, Pangasinan

Travel Destination: Bonuan,Binloc, Dagupan City, Pangasinan

Travel Dates: April 5, 2014

Travel Buddies: Karen, Ma Lian, Ate Rina, Kurt and Ken

It was a month long planning till we finally arrived at a date.  It was just an overnight trip. A little unwinding outside of Pampanga.

Ate Rina was hoping to visit the down and grab a few kilos of the famous Bonuan Boneless Bangus.

In our search for a hotel to stay I saw Leisure Coast Resort.  It's one of the nicer and cheaper hotel we can get on a high peak season.  The resort has its own giant slides and wave pool so it was perfect for this short getaway.   

                       

And the STAR of it all....the Bonuan Public Market tour.

Watch actual Bangus de-boning 

HERE

Croco - Davao: Another Childhood Dream Destination

Travel Destination: Davao City
Travel Dates: March 12 - 16, 2014
Travel Buddies: Karen, Leny and Glenn


Davao is one of my 4 childhood dream destinations together with Cebu (which I have been to already), Bohol (I visited already) and Palawan (still on my list to go to).  Davao is known to be one if not the most disciplined city in the Philippines - thank you to their Mayor.  Aside from that, Davao is known for the fruit called Durian which is described as "the fruit that smells like hell but tastes like heaven".

The trip was all worth it.  The activities were really awesome at D' Leonor. Karen conquered another dream when she finished the wall climbing activity and reached the top. Woohoo...

D' Leonor Inland Resort and Adventure Park is one of the rising adventure park in Davao. It is a 26 hectares resort where visitors can do various activities like zipline, wall climbing, segway.

 
 
                                      

There was a lot of great food in Davao so it also became a wonderful food trip for the 4 of us.

      

 

 Go Nuts Donuts "Durian" Flavor

When you say Davao travelers would always talk about Samal Island. It's a 10 to 15 minute bangka ride. We went to the ever famous Maxima Aqua Fun located in Penaplata, Igacos.

 Water blobbing is an outdoor water activity where you sit on the end of a partially inflated air bag (known as a water trampoline or blob) and is launched into the water when another jumps onto the air bag from a platform on the opposite side.  I didn't have the courage to do this, but Karen did.  We had a lot of laughs while watching her.

This slide is a 40 meter long slide all the way down to the 120 feet deep blue sea.  It was a super awesome experience.  A must do!

We also got the chance to try Banana boat in Paradise Island.  My first ever.

The beach can't stop me from working

                        

After all the beach bumming we also paid visit to the crocodile farm in Davao to try the crocodile ice cream while watching their croco performer cross the rope over 50 odd number crocs.

 
Just beside the crocodile park is the Tribu K' Mindanawan Cultural Village.  The tribe will present the best ever fire dancing you can see (by far it is for me)-- colorful fire, fast movements, synchronized moves and all.

How else should you finish the day of activities and fun? Ending the night with the scrumptious dinner at Jack Ridge Resort and Restaurant.  You can see the beautiful lights of Davao while you enjoy your dinner with your family and friends.  You only do not satisfy your appetite, but you also satisfy your eyes.

Overall, Davao is certainly a place to go back to.  The city's discipline, history, activities and scenic views are a few things to talk about.  We highly recommend visiting Davao with our friends.  There is more this city can offer to every fun, thrill seeking traveler.