Michi Photostory: Day 5: Daet to Cubao - Pasalubong Hunting and the Long Journey Home

Our final day in Bicol was intentionally slow. After several days of exploring, I wanted to save my energy for the long bus ride back to Manila. Instead of squeezing in one last tour, I had only one mission for the day: to buy pasalubong before heading home.

Breakfast at One Platinum Hotel

We're early birds, so I was happy that breakfast at One Platinum Hotel started at 6:00 AM. By the time the restaurant opened, we were already ready to order.

The three of us enjoyed Tapsilog, Bangusilog, and Longsilog. I ordered Longsilog once again because I really enjoy Lucban longganisa. It's one of my favorite breakfast dishes, but unlike Vigan longganisa, it's not something I can easily buy back home.

Pasalubong Hunting at Jannah's Pasalubong

The day before, we had planned to buy pasalubong, but our driver brought us to a small souvenir shop where there wasn't much to choose from. We decided to skip shopping and head straight to the bus terminal instead to buy our tickets.

Fortunately, while passing by, I spotted Jannah's Pasalubong. I made a mental note to check it later once I had internet access.

That evening, I searched for the most recommended pasalubong shops in Daet, and I was happy to see Jannah's on almost every list. Even better, they had a branch just a short walk from One Platinum Hotel. AI also mentioned that the store opened as early as 7:00 AM, so after breakfast, we headed there.

Unfortunately, the shop was still closed when we arrived. Instead of waiting, we walked to Graceland and bought brownies and banana bread, perfect snacks for our long journey later. We also explored the nearby public market because I wanted to buy fresh pili nuts with shells. I actually prefer these over the sweetened ones. They're harder to open, but I enjoy eating them that way.

We were debating whether to return to the hotel or continue waiting when we noticed a long line already forming outside Jannah's Pasalubong. We decided to join the queue.

The store finally opened a little past 7:30 AM, and I was relieved that our early walk wasn't wasted. We ended up buying quite a lot because, in my mind, who knows when I'll get the chance to visit Daet again? I'll share everything we bought in a separate blog post.

Lunch at Cafe Supremo

Originally, we wanted to try another restaurant near the hotel, but by lunchtime, we were already feeling too lazy to walk around. We decided to return to Cafe Supremo, where we had breakfast earlier that morning.

We ordered Fish and Fries (₱180), Creamy Tuna Carbonara (₱250), and Shoyu Ramen (₱250). It was a simple and satisfying meal before our long trip home.

Daet to Cubao

We checked out of the hotel at around 11:30 AM and stayed in the lobby until noon before heading to the DLTB bus terminal. We rode a tricycle, which cost ₱20 per person.

Although our bus was already parked at the terminal, passengers were only allowed to board a few minutes before the 1:00 PM departure. If you're taking this route, there's really no need to arrive too early since you'll just end up waiting outside. We spent the time browsing a small shop beside the terminal and picked up a few more pasalubong while waiting.

Thankfully, our Daet to Cubao bus was much better than the one we took going to Daet. It was newer, cleaner, and the air conditioning worked well.

The bus departed about 15 minutes behind schedule. Just like our trip to Daet, there were several stopovers along the way, including Labo, Tabugon, dinner at Pagbilao, Turbina, PITX, and Buendia.

Instead of going all the way to Cubao, we got off at Buendia because my husband had parked his car near his office. From the time we left the hotel until we finally arrived home, our journey lasted almost 14 hours. Whew! Another long land trip was successfully survived.

Final Thoughts

Travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and this trip was no exception. There were delays, unexpected changes, and moments that tested our patience. But looking back, those little imperfections became part of the story.

Our Daet and Calaguas Island adventure may not have been perfect, but it was meaningful, and that's what made it unforgettable.

In the end, the memories I treasure most aren't just the beautiful beaches or the crystal-clear waters. They're the laughter we shared, the patience we practiced, and the quality time we spent together as a family.

Sometimes, that's what makes a journey truly worth remembering.