Lomography of the month!

Clearwater, Pampanga

photo by Bituin Biglang-awa

Oktomat

We love Lomography and I'm sure if i had more money then I would be doing it on a regular basis. As it is I have to wait for 5 rolls to finish before I have it processed in Digiprint to avail of their discounted prices. This first one was taken last year in Clearwater Pampanga, what used to be a promising vacation spot near Manila before its contractors bolted leaving it half-finished and disappointingly. Still, the scenery is, well, serene I guess. Now if only, they finish all the construction going on, then it will be a peaceful getaway near Metro Manila.

One from the Archives! of the week: Crossing on Giant steps

Banaue

I've been to Banaue twice before we went 3 years ago as part of our holy week escape. The first time, I had chicken pox because my mom wanted all of her kids to get it at the same time, while we were little to prevent having it later, so i stayed in the hotel pretty much the whole week. The second one, we took a coaster (a small luxury type bus) and what I remember the most is the curtains of the vehicle having the same print as my mom's shirt on the way there. Also, we stayed in Banaue hotel, and back then, I was too lazy to really experience crossing the giant pilapil, I was content with just looking at them.

This time was different though. We decided to experience it fully and to cram as much as we can in the 3 days that we were staying before we set off for Sagada. The best time though was hiking to the village of Batad and the Tappiya waterfalls on the last day. It was an exhausting day but the pictures that we got and the close calls (one wrong step can send you down 20 feet or more feet, the pilapils were huge!) and of course the reward of seeing the waterfall at the end of the trail made it all worthwhile. Here's a link to my original post. I must say, of all the places I've visited, so far, Banaue has been the most photogenic. 

One from the Archives! of the week: The Enchantment of Sagada

Sagada from our Hotel

Like I said, it's a pity I only did this now. But I've had a bit of practice, so this will be a regular Wednesday thing. Why wednesday? I don't know. There's something about the middle of the week that feels like the eye of the storm for me. You're settled into the week, gone is the resentful feelings of Monday morning and it's too far away from Friday to start getting excited. So it's the perfect time for reflection. Or, maybe it's just because I thought of this now, on a Wednesday. No, it's definitely the first one.

Anyway...

On the summer of 2006, the familia along with the usual folks went up north to visit Banaue and Sagada. What followed was a week of adventure that we still talk about to this day. Sagada is a wonderful community. With plenty of food choices most of which are far from the usual stuff you get down here in quezon city. I recommend the yogurt, I was too young then to fully appreciate the little things around me (like remembering the names of the restos), so you're just gonna have to find the place where they sell the best yogurt. Goat cheese is also nice as well as the blueberry bread, jam and every-other-thing-you-can-stick-blueberry-in-product. They're all good. Here's the link to my original post 

Excuse the pictures since to this day we still don't have a fancy DSLR camera. But if you ask me, I'd still go with the OLYMPUS water/shock proof series. 

Surviving Caramoan part 3

Trekking in Caramoan

We were told at new year's eve that if the weather cooperated, then we would go island hopping at 8am. But if it didn't, then we would go trekking to the bat cave as long as the water didn't rise too much. I was sleeping next to the window in our cabin in Gota Village so every morning I was wishing that the sun would be waking me up, rather than the patter of rain. Well, on the first day of the year, I finally got my wish, blue skies baby...which lasted for about an hour. But at the time, I was so ecstatic because I thought that we were going to see more of the islands of Caramoan not to mention get to snorkel which my family loves to do. So when Cathy told us that we couldn't go because the waves were to big, i was very disappointed. It's not that I don't like hiking, i just like the water better. Well, we did get a lot of water in that trek, not to mention a lot of fun.

Crossing the Pilapil

Caramoan offers more than just fine beaches and comfy cottages, The scenery in this place is outstanding.  The rock formations look straight out of Jurassic Park and the forests are lush and alive. It's really nature at it's best, I'm proud to say that I did not see any trash wether we were at the beach or going up the mountain trekking. Too bad some people couldn't help writing on the walls of some parts of the caves. Cathy told us that we had two options: 1. go on a kayak trip, a 20 minute ride through the mangroves then a quick climb up to the mouth a cave then the climb down to the bat cave. Or, if we were feeling adventurous, option 2. take the long way up to the cave, crossing through the local farms, a rushing river twice, climbing up another rock then down the cave then up again then down again to the river where we will take the kayaks back to the hotel. So, as Cathy always says (and you'll find this out if she takes care of your group in Caramoan) "why not?!". So off we went.

The guide's amazed with our uncanny ability to pose every single time as if we weren't dead tired

If you've been to the Banawe Rice Terraces and have trekked down the pilapil, you should basically know that balance is very important. It's the same deal in the Pilapils of Caramoan only they're about a third of the width, but also thankfully, if you fall, like two or three of us did,  you'll just get a bit of mud on your foot, unlike in Banawe where you might end up breaking a bone or two. If you decide to go on this trek, make sure you bring sandals or hiking boots. you might not need them with the pilapil but trust me, you will later, i have the scars to prove it. After the irrigation canal and the field of thorny plants and cow poo, you will get to the river. You will cross this river twice and at times it might be easier than how we did it. Because of the season the river was feeling a little raunchy,  to cross the river you will have to use a guide rope so you won't get dragged all the way to the ocean. 

That's me and Bituin crossing the river

We did that twice and it was easily the funnest for me. Not so much going through it but more of watching the other 13 of us do it was pretty cool. The current was faster at around the end part, just when your muscles begin to hurt the most, good thing Coach Hercules (dad) was there to egg us on and shout "whatever you do, don't let go!". Right.

After crossing the river twice we posed for the photo on top (which Gota says, might appear on one of their brochures or something) then proceeded to the steep climb up a rock and down to the cave. 

climbing down the cave

At this point the majority of us were already tired so only me, bituin, brother roy, mother luchie, Father Hercules and friend Michele went down to where the bats actually were. We were rewarded by a massive cave with high ceilings where the bats were sleeping. There was also a cool stalactite (or stalagmite?) formation which looked like people enveloping you. 

cool formation

the sleeping bats

After the obligatory picture takings, we started our ascent up the cave and down the rock once more. At this point I was secretly thanking my high school basketball coach for making us run that much back in the day. Finally we were greeted by the river which would lead us back to Gota via kayak. Since we were a pretty big group though and a kayak can only hold one or two guys at a time, some of us just decided to ride the river's current back to the resort. I was actually the last one to go and I chose to just ride the current. I was asking the guide I was with if there was a chance of an encounter with wild life. He just smiled and said in tagalog "Oh sure". Nice. I asked what kind and he said, fresh water crabs (i didn't know there was such a thing), snakes and the occasional crocodile. Very nice. I learned after that the first batches who went ahead didn't ask the wildlife question, so they were oblivious to the fact that we actually risked our lives an extra time for the trek. 

The Obligatory Picture

Easy Way Back

So that's that. That was our Caramoan adventure. Some might say (like the guides and hotel staff) that it's a lot better there on summer but now, I'm not disappointed at all. Just make sure that if you to Caramoan to bring the following along with the essentials:

• sandals or mojos
• sunscrean (especially in summer)
• camera (preferably waterproof)
• first aid kit
• dvds for when the weather suddenly turns on you

Despite the weather, Caramoan turned out to be just how I expected it. A taste of paradise at its pure form without sacrificing comfort. Gota village is up there on my favorite resorts. The staff, although not yet completely ready for the coming hordes of people are all very friendly and accommodating. Just make sure that when you do go to Caramoan, respect the place, it's one of the promising places in the country but if we're not careful, it can easily turn out to be Boracay version 2. Here's to hoping the next time I go there, it's still the same. Simply Paradise

 

   

Surviving Caramoan Part 2

Matukad Island

Before going to Caramoan, you should be absolutely sure of the weather in Camarines Sur on the dates for your stay. Tap your inner Ernie Baron and you'll be thankful that you did the research. I'm not saying the bad weather stopped us from having fun, in fact we wouldn't have had our high-risk anecdotes without it. You'll just have to trade snorkeling, comprehensive island-hopping (we did get to go to two islands, some of the other islands were inaccessible to the katig boats because of the waves), and the many photo opportunities you get with the clear waters.

Posing in Baybay Island

Anyway, the islands we did go to were amazing. Baybay island has a beach that went from one side of the island to the other while Matukad island offers powdery white sand and a lagoon which is reported to be enchanted. The locals say enchanted bangus or milk fish inhabit the lagoon and that touching it might spell bad news for you. To get to the lagoon, you will have to climb up the rock formation on the side of the island. With no harness at all. Looking up the big rock, I was actually waiting for Cathy to show us a path beside it but then one of my titos started climbing up. Somebody once said that Camarines Sur boasts about their extreme activities. They weren't kidding. Of course we all did it though. Nothing like coffee and imminent danger to jump-start a day.

climbing up the rock

the lagoon was so-so so

Here's a tip, don't do this if only for the reason of seeing the enchanted lagoon. Climb it for the experience of climbing through rocks and trees without anything between you and a plummet to the beach bellow. Climb it for that, because if you climb it for the lagoon, you'll be disappointed. It's not nearly as pretty as you would expect and you won't even get to go near it unless you go through thorny bushes. Sure the view from the top is amazing looking out to the sea, but the lagoon itself isn't impressive. The Matukad beach however is very impressive. White sand and clear water even with the weather, i had the best time in this island especially since the sand is perfect for skimming. We stayed here until the weather forced us to go back to Gota, but not before a quick look at the next resort being developed by the government. This place still has no name but it's right beside Gota and the formation of the elevated beach-side cottages have an aman pulo feel to it (not like i've ever been there before). They're not furnished yet though, so I still can't tell what you'll be getting for the hefty $200 price tag.

The unnamed resort

That was day 2, that night was new year's eve, Gota treated their guests to a live local cover band and a midnight buffet of steak, fish fillet, pasta and all the beer you can drink! There was a fireworks show which almost ended in disaster when a fuse from the cabana holding all the fireworks got lit accidentally. That was 2 mins worth of fireworks we never got to see. Still was a party to remember though.

Happy New Year!

Surviving Caramoan part 1

baybay island

While we were planning our trip to CWC it was brought up that going straight to the Caramoan Islands was too good a prospect to ignore. We heard a lot about the islands, a lot of people were saying that it was a better version of boracay. An untouched paradise waiting to be discovered. Since the family has never been to boracay (although individually a few of has have been there), and we just can't get enough of the ocean, it was an easy decision. We were going to welcome the new year in paradise.

Gota 1

Caramoan is a two hour boat trip from the port of Sabang in Camarines Sur. From Manila, there are flights and busses that will take you to Naga. If  you like driving a lot you can drive there, the trip can take as long as 9 hours if there's traffic though, but there can be a lot of interesting stop overs (including CWC in Naga). It has been dubbed  the new Boracay but if you ask me, it's a lot better than the congested island mentioned. Some of the islands do compare to the pearly white sands and clear waters but the similarities end there. Caramoan is a whole lot better. Only time will tell though if it stays that way.

Aboard the Harry

We rode The Harry  to Caramoan, a commuter katig boat which caters to the locals going to and from Naga as well as some vacationers on a budget. The boat ride was 120 pesos per person one way. If you ask me, just shell out the extra 260 pesos and take the  Fast Craft package. They will shuttle you from CWC to a different port where you will ride a faster boat to the islands. This costs 500 pesos round trip. It's the better choice since you get to save gas also from the 50 minute trip to Sabang and you're cars will be secure in CWC rather than left in the port. We took the cheaper one of course since there were a lot of us and we thought a katig boat ride would be fun. The  ride was ok, just make sure that if you're the type that gets seasick sit in the back where there's much more room. At the port we were greeted by Cathy from Gota Village  where we were going to stay, a 30 minute car ride from the port. 

Gota Village

As of this writing, only Gota village is the accredited resort in Caramoan. It's a very charming place and it really feels like a village. All the wooden cottages are well done and, surprisingly, fully furnished with AC and an entertainment system. Being inside one will remind you of a sauna minus the heat but with the smell of wood. There's a compact but nice bathroom complete with the essentials. We chose the smallest huts (good for 2-3 but really feels more like a couple's room)available since they are the one's closest to the beach. Just refer to their site for the pricing. If you ask me, it was a bargain considering where we were. The rooms are nice enough that if you want to spend the rest of the day lounging around after a whole morning of activities, you'd be very comfortable. We know that very well since the weather wasn't cooperating last week so we spent most of the afternoons at our cabins watching dvds on the room's LCD monitor. THe resort also rents DVDs for free, pirated though. There's also Dream Satellite TV although the whole time we were there, the service was under repair. Of course, this shouldn't matter since if your in Caramoan, you should be outside experiencing exploring the land rather than holed up in your room, yet the comfy-ness of the room doesn't help that cause.

One of the Small Cottages in Gota Village

Gota has two areas: Gota 1 where the "activities" beach and the restaurant are located. A path on the right of Gota 1 leads to gota 2 where the swimming beach is. I spent the first day here since the incline was perfect for wave riding in my skim board (never mind that it was a bit rocky at the bottom, the waves were to big to resist). My only complain was the amount of seaweed present. The lifeguards said it was because of the power of the waves. Gota 2 is still under construction, I think they're going to put another restaurant or a clubhouse there. A volleyball court was already present, and you can borrow a tent and chairs if you want some relaxation. But if you're like me, just have fun under the sun!

Gota 2

Eating in Gota was a repetitive experience. You can always choose the buffet for 350 pesos with drinks but I don't recommend this unless you're starved from a day's worth of hiking or island hopping. You can have a good  full sized meal for two for less than 300 pesos. But whatever happens, don't forget to order the laing , their laing is the bomb, not too spicy, just the right creamy consistency. Dad says he's had better, not me though.I say eating in Gota was repetitive because when you taste the laing, you'll get it every single time  Laing Festival baby! The only reason I went for the buffet that one time was the laing. good stuff.

Eating in Gota, notice the abundance of laing

Oh, and their lapu-lapu is nice also.

 

 

Believe the Hype. CWC

Righteous!

(photo by Dodi Legaspi)

The first thing we noticed as we drove into the parking lot of the Camsur Watersports Complex were the people. The hordes of people who were there waiting in line to experience what has been called the best Wake boarding complex in the entire world. And the best were in fact there. Till last week, I've only seen people fly on these boards on videos. Of course, I tricked myself into thinking that by the end of the day, I would be flying on the board as well but it was not meant to be (More on why, later).

We arrived in Naga at around noon where we checked in at the Sampaguita Travelers' Inn. CWC was fully booked and will be until summer of 2009. The hotel was fine. Besides we were only going to stay for a night. It had the basics" AC, Cable TV, and a so-so comfort room. The front desk said that they had hot water, but we found out later that wasn't true. But the place was serviceable if you plan on a whole day of activities, which we did.

                                              

    front office

CWC is located in the town of Pili, Camarines Sur. Upon arriving, you will have to line up in the registration area where they will tell you how long you will have to wait before you get your turn in the lake. We were unlucky to have arrived on a very busy day, good thing our friends who arrived a day earlier already cued us so we only had to wait for an hour and a half. It was fine since we also needed some time to take our lunch anyway. We proceeded to the clubhouse restaurant and bar. I decided to get the Philly Cheesesteak since I'm a huge chesestake fan. Bituin (Girlfriend!) wanted the bacon cheeseburger and some of us tried the chicken salad. We settled down and called for the waiter...called again...and again. Mom got unnerved so she went to the cashier and demanded for a waiter. I don't know if it was just us, but it seemed like the waiters were favoring the foreigners before us Filipinos. But then again, it was a full house, but still I counted two groups who sat after us and got their orders in before us -both foreign groups. Finally, the bartender came and got our orders, she apologized saying it was a very busy day. We got our orders in and waited...and waited...and waited some more. After an hour some the food arrived, but by that time we were already getting ready for our turn at the lake. When we did finally get to eat the food, I couldn't tell if it was any good or not because the bread was already hard and the meat cold. Bituin said it the burgers were fine, and the chicken salad that came after our turn in the lake, was delicious.  

The pulley system, cabanas, and the "beach"

Learning how to knee board

waiting for our turn

When it was finally my turn to knee-board, I got into position and prayed that I won't wipe-out since there were a lot of people watching. I didn't mind the physical pain, I just didn't want to fall flat on my face in the water in front of everybody. I was the first one to try from the group and I wanted to show them that it was as easy as it looked. When the guide said "knee-boarder ready!" I braced myself and I was off to the water. It was an awesome ride! And I didn't fall flat on my face, In fact it was easier than I thought it would be. Sure, it was hell on the arms, but I don't exercise for nothing. After me, my brothers and sister went and we all enjoyed the ride. A few more rounds in and my brothers and i decided it was time to try standing. Too bad we didn't have enough time left so after 2 failed attempts at standing up, our time ended. One hour isn't nearly enough to appreciate wake boarding and we were disappointed to learn that the next available time was 5 hours away. 

 

brother alex on the knee-board (photo by Dodi Legaspi)

 

waiting for the signal

Despite the long waiting time, and so-so service, CWC succeeds in giving the people what they came for, and that's the accessibility of a world-class wake boarding facility. The thrill you get when you finish a lap (or not) on a board will have you smiling for the rest of the day. Even my parents who are turning 50 this year were able to ride and enjoy the park. It really is a unique experience.

If you do go to CWC just make sure you reserve a room ahead since most of the time they are fully booked. You can also try the hotels and apartelles in Naga, if you run out of options. A whole day in CWC should be enough for first-timers since the next day, you're arms will be too sore to ride again. Although I'm sure you'll find a way to ride again even with the pain. For food, just try to bring some in with you, the service is too slow, and if ever you get tired of the lake, there are lot more activities to try. 

For CWC rates and rentals follow the link.

Till the next adventure!

Hello World!

Masayang Pilipinas

My ode to the Philippines

With all the places I have visited in my short life, I regret that I only thought of doing this now.

This is my tribute to our wonderful home country. If there's anything that I've learned from traveling around the Philippines, it's that you can't run out of places to visit, things to do and knowledge to learn. Our country is home to over 7,000 islands. That's over 7,000 unique places, over 7,000 potential life-altering experiences. I was blessed to have parents who taught me how to appreciate the world around me. Our family has always loved to travel. Maybe it was because we were 4 kids and it was always too expensive to go abroad that we had to always find new places in the mainland to explore. We loved to go around and explore new frontiers, along the way we found our favorites and of course, a few "one-time-onlys" but for sure, there wasn't a day out of town that we regretted. Well, maybe apart from that one time we spent new year's eve in a cold isolated beach in Dagupan, Pangasinan. But yeah, we all still agree. 

Masaya ang Pilipinas!