Michi Photostory: Camarines Norte

Showing posts with label Camarines Norte. Show all posts

July 10, 2026

Where to Buy Pasalubong in Daet, Camarines Norte: Pili Delicacies and More

When people think of Bicol, pili nuts are usually the first thing that comes to mind. We've also received pili nuts as pasalubong from friends, relatives, and even my husband's colleagues whenever they visited the region.

During our trip to Daet, Camarines Norte, I discovered that there's more to bring home than just pili nuts. Since it was my first time visiting the area, I made sure to set aside time for souvenir shopping before heading home. From fresh pili nuts in their shells to delicious Pili Tarts and Pili Rolls, I found plenty of local treats that were worth bringing back for family and friends.

If you're visiting Daet, Camarines Norte, don't miss the chance to bring home some of the best Bicol pasalubong, especially the famous pili delicacies.

Graceland

After breakfast at One Platinum Hotel, we walked to Jannah's Pasalubong. Unfortunately, it was still closed, so we explored the nearby stores to see what we could buy while waiting.

We came across Graceland, which reminded me of Goldilocks because it offers meals, bread, and pastries. I bought a box of brownies (PHP 210) and a banana loaf (PHP 90) so we'd have something to snack on during our bus trip.

Buying Pili at the Public Market

Next, we visited the public market to look for pili nuts in their shells. Our experience wasn't exactly pleasant because the vendor didn't seem to be in the mood to sell that morning. When I asked how much the pili cost, her first response was, "Mahirap buksan 'yan" (sungit tone). I asked again, "Magkano po?" before she finally gave me the price.

Despite that, I still bought: ·

Pili with Shells – PHP 300 per kilo

Pili Tart – PHP 75

I bought the Pili Tart from the public market just to compare it with the one from Jannah's Pasalubong. After trying both, we liked Jannah's Pili Tart better. It had a richer flavor and a softer, more enjoyable texture than the one I bought at the public market.

If you're planning to buy Pili Tart as pasalubong, I highly recommend getting it from Jannah's.

Jannah's Pasalubong

After our quick stop at the market, we returned to Jannah's Pasalubong. When we saw the line outside, we decided to wait. I was actually thankful they opened a little past 7:30 AM because I initially thought they wouldn't open until 8:00 AM.

I was surprised by how many people were shopping. Some customers were filling several baskets with pasalubong, and the line at the cashier was quite long. Since they compute purchases manually instead of using a cash register, checkout took a bit longer. They also accept cash payments only, so make sure to bring enough cash when shopping here.

Here's what I bought:

· Pili Roll – PHP 150

· Pili Tart – PHP 120

· Pili in Bottle – PHP 265

· Pili Polvoron – PHP 120

· Pili Mazapan – PHP 80

· Pili Pouch – PHP 100

· Ginataang Santol – PHP 160

· Masa Podrida

Of everything we bought, our absolute favorites were the Pili Roll and the Pili Tart.

I only bought one box of Pili Roll because I was worried it might get spoiled during the trip. Looking back, I wish I had bought more! Thankfully, I bought seven packs of Pili Tart, although they still disappeared faster than expected. There are 15 pieces of pili tart per pack.

My husband also bought a few packs as pasalubong for his colleagues, and they all had the same feedback: they loved the Pili Tart.

I even told my family that the Pili Tart and Pili Roll alone would be enough reason for me to visit Daet again.

Last-Minute Pasalubong

As I mentioned in my previous post, there's a pasalubong store near the DLTB Bus Terminal, making it a convenient stop for last-minute shopping.

I also bought a cassava cake (PHP 150). At first, I hesitated because I thought it might spoil during the trip. Surprisingly, it didn't even make it home because we finished it on the bus! Even my son, who isn't usually a fan of kakanin, really enjoyed it.

Writing this blog post is making me crave Pili Tart, Pili Roll, and cassava cake all over again. Our trip to Daet, Camarines Norte, may have been short, but it introduced us to some of the best pasalubong we've ever brought home.

Kung malapit lang ang Daet, babalik talaga kami agad. But with a 12-hour bus ride, parang ang hirap balikan.

Where to Buy Pasalubong in Daet

If you're looking for the best places to buy pasalubong in Daet, here are my recommendations:

Jannah's Pasalubong – My top recommendation for Pili Tart, Pili Roll, and a wide variety of Bicol delicacies. Their Pili Tart was our favorite among all the ones we tried. Note that they accept cash payments only.

Daet Public Market – A good place to buy fresh pili nuts in their shells and other local products at reasonable prices.

Store near the DLTB Bus Terminal – Perfect for last-minute pasalubong before your trip home. I bought a cassava cake here, and it turned out to be one of our favorite purchases.

If I ever visit Daet again, I'll definitely go back to Jannah's Pasalubong for their Pili Tart and Pili Roll.

July 09, 2026

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.

July 06, 2026

Day 4 in Calaguas: Delays, Rain, and an Unforgettable Boat Ride to Daet

Our third and final day in Calaguas Island started on a quiet note. We could have gone for one last swim or an early-morning trek, but with our 10:00 AM check-out and scheduled boat departure, we decided to skip any activities and focus on packing.

We woke up before 6:00 AM because the electricity would be turned off by then. Getting ready without lights didn't sound fun, so we made sure everything was packed before the power went out.

Breakfast was served at 7:00 AM, and while we were eating, the resort staff informed us that our boat departure would be delayed because of the low tide. Since we couldn't leave yet, they also told us that we would be having lunch at the resort before departing.

Honestly, that caught us by surprise. We've been on several island trips before, and this was our first time experiencing a boat delay because of low tide. Usually, delays occur due to bad weather or rough seas, not because the water is too shallow.

Thankfully, the resort served us a complimentary lunch while we waited, which was a nice gesture. Still, I couldn't help but worry. The sky was getting darker, and I silently hoped we would still be able to sail safely before the weather got worse.

Our boat finally arrived a little past 12:00 noon, and despite the gloomy weather, we were relieved that we were finally leaving the island.

Little did we know that the real adventure was only about to begin.

As we approached the port, we were told that the larger boat couldn't get close enough to shore because of the low tide. We had to transfer to a much smaller boat to reach the port.

Since we booked the Calaguas White Sand Resort package, I expected all boat transfers to be included. However, the small boat operator asked us to pay PHP50 per person for the transfer. I was honestly disappointed. We had already paid for our boat transfers as part of our package, so I believed it should have been the responsibility of the operator to bring us all the way to the port without charging extra. It also felt like the small boat operator took advantage of the situation.

Just when we thought everything would be fine, another unexpected incident happened.

While transferring passengers, another small boat accidentally bumped into ours. For a few terrifying moments, our boat was caught between the larger boat and another small boat. I watched the outrigger on our side bend after hitting the larger boat, and I genuinely thought our boat might tip over.
Thankfully, it didn't.

We made it safely to the port, but it was one of the most nerve-wracking moments I've ever experienced during our travels. I was thankful that my husband was with me during that frightening experience.

The boat ride from Calaguas Island took more than two hours, and by the time we arrived, we were completely soaked. We got splashed by the waves while boarding, got drenched again because of the rain during the trip, and ended up getting wet one last time when we had to walk through ankle-deep water because the boat couldn't dock properly.

Upon docking, the small boat operator asked for the payment, and while we were paying, another boat operator shouted, "PHP20 lang dapat ang bayad, sobrang singil yan!" Unfortunately, we had no choice, so we paid the amount they were asking.

What a day!

At that point, all I wanted was to check into our hotel and enjoy a long, hot shower. But our journey wasn't over yet because we still needed to go to the DLTB Bus Terminal to buy our tickets home. Thankfully, our rented van dropped us off there.

We decided not to purchase round-trip tickets before our trip because we weren't sure what time we'd be arriving from Calaguas. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at the terminal, my husband could no longer get a ticket for that day's trip because they were already sold out. In the end, we all decided to travel home together the following day instead.

The bus fare was PHP943 per adult and PHP758 for students, which turned out to be cheaper than the one-way tickets we had booked online from Cubao to Daet.

From the bus terminal, we rode a tricycle to One Platinum Hotel. We checked in for the night and paid an additional PHP900 for one extra person. My family waited a few minutes while the staff prepared the extra bed.

For dinner, we ate at Alvino's Roast, Grill and Fry. We ordered Pork Sinigang (PHP320), Beef Pepper Steak (PHP199), rice, and a 1.5-liter Coke (PHP105). After three days on the island, that ice-cold soft drink tasted incredibly refreshing. Simple joys!

Our Calaguas adventure officially came to an end that evening.

Although our last day was filled with delays, unexpected expenses, rain, rough seas, and a few scary moments, it also reminded me that travel isn't always about perfect sunsets and crystal-clear waters. Sometimes, it's the unexpected challenges that turn into the stories you remember the most. Looking back, our trip to Calaguas wasn't perfect, but it was certainly unforgettable.

July 03, 2026

Day 3 in Calaguas: Island Hopping, Hidden Views, and Strong Currents

It was our second full day in Calaguas Island. Since breakfast was scheduled at 7:00 AM, we spent the early morning exploring the nearby resorts and visiting a small sari-sari store to buy souvenirs. We also stopped by the famous sandcastle with the "I Love Calaguas" sign, where visitors can take photos for PHP30 per person.

After breakfast, we got ready for our island-hopping adventure. Honestly, the beach in front of Calaguas White Sand Resort was already so beautiful that some members of our group were hesitant to join the tour. But I convinced them that Calaguas isn't the easiest destination to visit, and we never know if we'll have the chance to come back. Since we didn't have any other plans for the day, it felt like a missed opportunity if we skipped island hopping.

Because of our late decision, we missed the joiner tour, which costs PHP500 per person. Instead, we booked a private island hopping tour for PHP5,000. Although it was more expensive, we appreciated the flexibility of having our own boat. We could decide where to go, how long to stay, and when to move to the next destination.

Our island hopping itinerary included:

Balagbag Island (PHP75 entrance fee)
Sandbar
Snorkeling site near Balagbag Island

We left the resort at around 9:20 AM, a little later than planned, and headed first to Balagbag Island. You can already see the island from Calaguas, making it an inviting first stop.

Balagbag Island has a different kind of beauty compared to Calaguas. The sand isn't as powdery white, but the island offers a scenic trekking trail leading to a beautiful viewpoint. The climb isn't particularly easy, especially for senior citizens, but the view from the top makes the effort worthwhile.

After the trek, we cooled down with fresh coconut juice for PHP50 before spending a few more minutes enjoying the beach.

Our next destination was the sandbar. Before the trip, I imagined something similar to the sandbar we visited in Camiguin, but this one was quite different. It rained while we were on the way, but thankfully, the skies cleared just as we arrived. We were able to explore the sandbar and take plenty of photos before moving on.

Originally, we planned to return to the resort for lunch before snorkeling. However, we decided to continue with the itinerary since the snorkeling site was close to both Balagbag Island and Calaguas. We figured it would be better to finish everything in one trip.

Our final stop was the snorkeling site. My immediate family had tried snorkeling before, but for some of our relatives, it was their first experience. Unfortunately, the water current was very strong that day, making it difficult to fully enjoy the activity. Even with life jackets, it felt more like survival swimming because the current kept pulling us away.

Although we didn't get the snorkeling experience we had hoped for, we still had fun floating in the clear blue water and enjoying the scenery. We didn't stay long since lunch at the resort was only available until 2:00 PM.

We returned to the resort at around 1:30 PM for a late lunch. After lunch, we rested for a while before heading back to the beach for a late afternoon swim. We waited until the sun was lower, making it much more comfortable to swim without the midday heat. It was also a nice way to pass the time while waiting for the electricity to come back on at 6:00 PM. We wanted to enjoy every last moment in Calaguas before leaving the following day.

Our Meals for Day 3

Breakfast: Fried rice, Sunny-side-up egg, Danggit, Longganisa, Salted egg, Coffee
Lunch: Fried fish, Chicken tinola, Pinakbet, Pineapple

Merienda: Turon
Dinner: Grilled chicken, Chopsuey, Squash soup, Watermelon

Looking back, booking the private island hopping tour turned out to be worth it. Despite the stronger currents while snorkeling, we enjoyed discovering another side of Calaguas through Balagbag Island, the sandbar, and the freedom to explore at our own pace. Sometimes, the unexpected moments become just as memorable as the destinations themselves.

July 02, 2026

3 Days at Calaguas White Sand Resort: Our Honest Review, Expenses, Food & Island Experience

When people say that traveling around the Philippines can sometimes cost as much as traveling to nearby countries, we used to think it was just an exaggeration. But after visiting destinations like Batanes, Davao, Bohol, and now Calaguas Island, we realized there is some truth to it.

Of course, every trip depends on your destination, travel style, and comfort preferences. But once you add transportation, accommodation, meals, and other travel expenses, a local getaway can surprisingly come close to the cost of an international trip.

For comparison, we previously traveled to Taiwan with a similar budget, which helped us understand why many Filipinos make this comparison. It doesn’t mean local trips are always more expensive, but it shows that exploring the Philippines can also require careful planning, especially for island destinations.

For our 3-day, 2-night Calaguas Island trip, we spent ₱11,500 per person for the Calaguas White Sand Resort package. This included boat transfers, environmental and terminal fees, processing fees, accommodation, and full-board buffet-style meals.

However, transportation to and from the jump-off point was not included. We also stayed in hotels before and after our island trip, which added to our total travel expenses.

Choosing Our Calaguas White Sand Resort Package

Before booking, I searched for accommodations in Calaguas Island and noticed that Calaguas White Sand Resort had some of the highest ratings. I checked their website, but I was surprised to see that all available dates seemed fully booked until June.

Waah! I thought I had to search for another resort. Luckily, we decided to call them directly, and thankfully, they still had available rooms for our travel dates.

We reserved three rooms for six people. To confirm our booking, we needed to pay a 50% downpayment through bank transfer. The remaining balance was required before boarding the boat, but we decided to settle ours a few days before the trip.

I also want to mention that our original reservation was only for six people. Since the booking was already confirmed, my husband made a separate reservation. But during our stay, he joined us in the Rose Room, so our family of three ended up sharing the room together.

Calaguas White Sand Resort Package Rates

The resort offers different accommodation options depending on your budget:

· Glamping Tent – ₱10,500 per person

· Cabana (Non-Air-Conditioned) – ₱9,700 per person

· Premium Air-Conditioned Room – ₱11,500 per person

· Deluxe Sunset Air-Conditioned Room – ₱12,500 per person

We also found other Calaguas tour packages priced around ₱5,500 per person, including round-trip van transfers from Manila. The main difference is that most budget-friendly packages involve camping or tent accommodations.

Could we have spent less? Definitely. But since we were traveling with senior citizens, comfort was our priority. We chose Calaguas White Sand Resort for a more convenient and relaxing experience, and for our family, the additional cost was worth it.

If you are planning your own Calaguas trip, your biggest decision will be whether you prioritize saving money or having a more comfortable stay.

In this post, I’ll share our experience at Calaguas White Sand Resort, including the rooms, food, facilities, activities, and whether we think the package was worth the price.

Traveling to Calaguas Island

As mentioned in my previous posts, we traveled from Cubao to Daet via DLTB bus. We stayed at One Platinum Hotel before heading to Vinzons Port using our rented van.

Since we booked the Calaguas White Sand Resort package, the process at the port was simple. We only needed to fill out the boat manifests and wait for boarding. The call time was 7:00 AM, so make sure to arrive early. Boats follow their schedule, and you wouldn’t want to miss your departure.

After around two hours of traveling by boat, we finally arrived at Calaguas Island.

First Impressions of Calaguas White Sand Resort

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with refreshing drinks and snacks. Our rooms were already prepared, so we were able to check in immediately.

But then reality hit us: there was no electricity during the daytime, no phone signal, and no WiFi connection on the island. It was definitely a different experience from our usual vacations, but it also gave us the chance to disconnect and enjoy the island more.

Even though everyone paid the same ₱11,500 package rate, our room assignments were different.

Our Rooms at Calaguas White Sand Resort

For my family of three, we stayed in the Rose Room. This was the biggest among the three rooms we booked, but the lighting was not the best because it had limited windows for natural sunlight. My son also slept on the sofa bed.

My brother and sister-in-law stayed in the Lily Room, which was the smallest room among the three.

Meanwhile, my mom and aunt stayed in the Sunflower Room. Among all the rooms, this was my favorite because it had more windows, making the room brighter during the day.

One thing to note about the Lily and Sunflower Rooms is that their bathrooms do not have windows. During the daytime, the rooms can become very dark, so bringing your own flashlight is highly recommended.

Food During Our Stay

I already shared some of the food photos in my previous post, but here is the complete list of meals served during our stay.

Breakfast: 7AM to 9AM
Merienda: 3 PM to 5PM
Dinner: 7PM to 9PM

Lunch: 12PM to 2PM

Day 1

Lunch: Laing, Ginataang Crab, Fried Chicken, Fresh Melon

Merienda: Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

Dinner: Ginisang Ampalaya, Nilagang Buto-Buto, Grilled Pusit, Fresh Mango

Day 2

Breakfast: Fried Rice, Sunny Side Up Egg, Danggit, Longganisa, Salted Egg, Coffee

Lunch: Fried Fish, Chicken Tinola, Pinakbet, Pineapple

Merienda: Turon

Dinner: Grilled Chicken, Chopsuey, Squash Soup, Watermelon

Day 3

Breakfast: Fried Rice, Tocino, Omelette, Dilis

Lunch: Grilled Liempo, Chicken Afritada, Sinigang na Shrimp, Fresh Mango

Our scheduled check-out and boat departure were at 10:00 AM. However, because of the low tide, we were unable to leave immediately. The resort provided a complimentary lunch while we waited for the water level to rise.

One thing to keep in mind during your stay is that drinks served during meals are not cold. If you prefer to have cold drinks with your meals, you can buy your own ice and prepare your drinks ahead of time. It is a small detail, but something worth knowing so you can manage your expectations before your trip.

Island Hopping Experience

Aside from relaxing on the beach, the resort also offers additional activities for guests.

We decided to try private island hopping, which costs ₱5,000. Some members of our family also enjoyed a relaxing massage for ₱600 per person.

The island-hopping experience was a great addition to our trip and allowed us to explore more of the beauty surrounding Calaguas.

Staying Connected in Calaguas

One thing to prepare for when visiting Calaguas is limited connectivity. There was no regular phone signal and no WiFi at the resort. However, if you really need internet access, you can use their piso WiFi or visit some sari-sari stores that offer internet access.

For us, the digital detox was actually part of the charm of being on the island.

Final Thoughts: Is Calaguas White Sand Resort Worth It?

Overall, we truly enjoyed our 3-day stay at Calaguas White Sand Resort. The beautiful white sand, clear blue waters, delicious meals, and peaceful atmosphere made this trip memorable for our family. While it was not the cheapest island getaway, choosing a comfortable room instead of camping made the experience more enjoyable, especially since we were traveling with senior citizens.