Sunday, October 16, 2011

New site

This site has been moved to a new location @ www.trip-na-trip.weebly.com. Here's the quick link.

Trip to the Philippines

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Moriones Festival, Marinduque

The last three years I've been planning this trip and yet every time I failed for a lot of reasons but mainly, the transportation issues.

But not this year folks!

I was lucky to have joined a photoholic group, peeps who are shutter bugs, and we braved the long 4-hour road trip and another 4-hour RORO (roll-on roll-off) sea trip. Imagine sitting next to strangers on a long road trip you just met merely hours ago.

The midnight road trip was uneventful as we're all in&out of consciousness except for quick pit stops along the way, contrary to the RORO trip which is quite a revelation. An eye-opening experience as we all try to find a square-inch real estate just to manage to stand for the next 4 hours. The ship was so full that you dare to leave your precious spot and it'll be gone. All thru the RORO trip I walked and walked up & down the ship floors trying to find my comfort zone. I finally ended up outside with front view of sheer darkness until we reached the port.

Our 4-day stay in Marinduque to witness their elaborate Moriones festival was quite an experience to say the least. Not to mention I got to meet some cool guys and gals with the same passion for photography and fun adventures as mine.


Thanks Travel Factor for a great trip.


And of course also to the photoholic group, Ned & Ting (not in the picture), Law, brother from another mother Lanskii, Bibi (Binibining Brisbane), RJ, Leyna (the travel expert), me, roommate Jay, and Jhesz(sorry you're half-out of the picture).


Cheers y'all!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

El Nido, Palawan

Since Amanpulo is beyond reach for my bleeding pockets, I ended up in El Nido,Palawan as the place to visit this year, after Dos Palmas made a good lasting impression on me last year.

Nestled in a cove with a backdrop of awesome landscapes and humongous sheer limestone cliffs, at rustic and native-style Miniloc Island Resort is where we stayed for 3 days.

I actually preferred this resort than the more luxurious Lagen Island Resort.

Both are equally awesome but Miniloc is relatively cheaper and much closer to most activities such as kayaking in big and small lagoons, snorkeling, wind surfing, rock-climbing, island-hopping, among other things.

Now, if you don’t want to miss an episode of Maalala Mo Kaya or want to continuously feel connected to the outside world, then Lagen Island Resort is for you as they have tv’s in the hotel-type rooms and wifi connection for you Facebookers. Also, it has a swimming pool for those afraid of the open seas.

Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy both since guests are transport between resorts if one chooses to avail of its amenities.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Dos Palmas, Palawan

What can I say? This place is really awesome! Suffice it to say that I'd love to come back even if it just for a day trip. Actually, a lot of guests are day-trippers who can enjoy the resort and its amenities (excluding the pool) for a minimal cost of I think Php1,500 buffet lunch included.

This is where I had my first scuba diving lesson in the swimming pool and the subsequent dive to open water and enjoy the underwater landscapes. Our package includes introduction to scuba diving where you can learn the basics but dive no deeper than 20 feet under.

It's funny that of all the guests arrived the same day we did, I was the only one in the group to avail of the scuba diving lesson. All of them chose instead the safer option...spa massage!

Check out some of the pictures I took...

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Underground River - Sabang, Palawan

As suggested, we stayed at Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort, an excellent place to spend the night or 2 before exploring the underground river that is within walking distance.

Because Underground River is in Sabang, a nearly 2-hour drive from Puerto Princessa City, it is wise to book a room in Sabang, be it in Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort or somewhere else, then explore the famous river early in the morning when it is not too crowded.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

What type of Pinoy Traveler Are You?

I’ve noticed there are only two types of Pinoy traveler:

First, those who prefer to explore other Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Macau, and Hong Kong because for them, they feel they get their money’s worth and seem economically convenient for them to do so. They were even saying, “ganun din naman ang gastos” if we travel locally, so we might as well spend our "moolah" somewhere else outside of the country, “mas feeling sikat pa kasi vacation abroad”. :-)


And you know the second type of Pinoy traveler: Like me!

I’ve been asked many times (by foreigner friends and pinoys alike) why I loved to visit the Philippines and spend my hard-earned dollar and vacation time every year instead of other places in Asia and even perhaps Europe.

...and I give them the same answer year-in and year-out.

I am seriously committed to discovering the beauty and hidden gems of the Philippines first before anywhere else. I am proud to put local explorations first before any foreign travels.

Kaya naman next vacation stop ko: Palawan, to check out the famous Underground River, Bicol Region, of course to see Mayon Volcano and experience swimming with whalesharks, locally known as Butanding, and then Marinduque, for the Holy Week Moriones Festival…in that particular order!

Ikaw, which type of Pinoy traveler are you?

Monday, September 7, 2009

Places in the Philippines I Promised To Visit Before I Die

There are so many places in the Philippines I would love to visit soon, if not before I die. Places I wonder why many of our “kababayans” who can afford to visit chose to ignore and instead spend their time and money looking into other Asian countries if not Europe or the US. It’s really a shame if you were to ask me..but of course that’s just me. Oh well...It’s their money; it’s their time…

Here’s a short list of the places (in no particular order) I promised myself to visit before checking out some place else outside of my own country. I’ve already been to some of them but would love to visit them again. I will try to give you a quick snapshot of the places I’ve been to with the short memory span that I have. Good thing we have pictures to prove that I was there…hehehe

 Taal Volcano, Batangas BEEN HERE!
 Vigan, Ilocos Sur DONE THAT!
 Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte ALSO THIS!
 Cebu DONE THIS!
 Boracay ESPECIALLY THIS ONE
 Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Bohol AWESOME!!!
 Palawan REALLY AWESOME!
 Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro
Batad/Sagada/Banaue MAJESTIC!
 Marinduque BIBLICAL!
 Zambales
 Batanes
Bicol Region MADE LOVE WITH THE BUTANDING!

I am sure there are more beautiful places not in the list but for now, that’s good enough. I will continue my journey and would like to take you for a ride. Trip mo bang mag-trip?