Michi Photostory

January 18, 2017

Day 1 in Sagada

My husband has a family reunion in Pangasinan last December 27 so he decided to go to Sagada after the reunion. He booked December 28 onwards but he canceled it because he learned that there is number coding scheme in Baguio so we cannot travel on that day.

And because of that, we were not able to experience the Sagada Bonfire Festival. We extended our stay in the province and had a day trip in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Read: Day Trip in Lingayen Pangasinan

The following day, we left before 5AM and had a quick breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio. We left immediately because travel time from Baguio to Sagada is 5 to 6 hours. My son and I took bonamine to avoid motion sickness, fastened our seat belt and prayed for our safe trip to Sagada.

I’m afraid of heights, but it did not stop me from appreciating the beauty of the scenic views. All I can say is amazing, I’ve seen fog, rainbow, green mountains and rice terraces are everywhere. I did my best to take some videos and photos on our way to Sagada, just in case you are wondering if it is safe to drive or to bring your own car in Sagada. Check the video of Hanselma Highway here.

We saw the Highest Point landmark in Atok but we could not park. (insert sad face) We continued our journey, then we saw Amgaleyguey View Deck, can you see the roads? We’re traveling at the side of the Cordillera Mountain Range, bangin kung bangin.

After several hours of driving, I felt relieved when I saw the Sagada Town Proper, finally we reached our destination. But we have no idea that our lodge is far from the town proper, as in ang layo niya and the road is under construction pa. Good luck sa kotse!

Read: Sagada Bilza Lodge

We just left our baggage and off we went to the town proper. We registered at Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Center, paid P35 each for environmental fee. Always bring your receipt or take a photo of it because they will check that in every tourist spot that you will visit.

It was already late so we did not book any tour but we asked the lady in the tourist center for orange picking activity but she said, ubos na daw ang orange since Monday (December 26). Waah!

We ate a late lunch at Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant. We liked the food here, sayang lang we were not able to taste their desserts. When we went back last December 31, they were closed during lunchtime. They were busy preparing for New Year’s Eve Buffet.

I did not have an itinerary or map when we went to Sagada, and I asked for brochures or maps, but they did not have any. Lesson learned, be prepared and print a map.

Sagada Parking Area

Sagada Hospital

We visited St Mary Virgin Church, we parked our car here for P50. We did not stay long because we wanted to rest na.

Day 2 Echo Valley Walking Tour and Sumaguing Cave
Day 3 Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum
Day 4 Goodbye Sagada
Sagada Bilza LodgeWhere to Eat in Sagada

January 17, 2017

Sagada Bilza Lodge

Sagada is a town in Mountain Province, it is 5 to 6 hours travel from Baguio. Unlike in Baguio, there are no hotels in Sagada, but there are inns, homestays, or lodges. The accommodation offers basic things that you need, like a bed and a private or shared bathroom.

My husband has been meaning to visit Sagada, he even reserved a room last 2015 for our anniversary, but I told him to cancel it. I wanted to go to Sagada when I was still single but things changed when I got married. Before, I had no idea about the zigzag road of Sagada but after few years of reading blogs, natakot na ko so we had glamping instead of a Sagada Trip.

Fast forward to 2016, my husband wanted to visit Sagada again, and since he is the one who wanted to pursue the trip, I let him search, book, and pay for our accommodation. I just told him that I want a private room with a private bathroom. It was not easy to find accommodation because we’re going there on holiday, and 3 weeks before the trip pa lang siya naghahanap.

He asked his officemates who had already gone there for recommendations, and one of the suggestions was Sagada Bilza Lodge. His officemate stayed here way back December 2014, and according to him, bago pa lang daw yung lodge.

My husband called, texted, and messaged Sagada Bilza Lodge for a reservation. Thank God that they still have an available room. He was advised to make a 50% down payment to confirm the reservation. And because of that, I have no more reason to cancel the reservation, sayang ang bayad.

Welcome to Sagada Bilza Lodge. As you can see in the photo, the lodge is under construction, but we did not see any construction workers there, maybe because peak season, stop muna expansion. There are Ifugao Huts too, I wanted to experience this room too kaso separate ang bathroom.

My husband went to the reception, and he was ushered to room 205. Sharing the room with you. Sorry for the quality of the photos of the room, brownout kasi nung dumating kami. Ang saya-saya. Hehehe!

They charged us P1300 per night, we’re 2 adults and 1 kid, but I think the room is good for 4 people since there is a pull-out bed. As I mentioned, the accommodation in Sagada is very simple, so we have a private room, a private bathroom, and a small veranda. There is one blanket, one towel, and four pillows. No free toiletries, so bring your own.

I did not bother to ask for an extra blanket and towels because we brought our own stuff. We have toiletries, towels, blankets, pillows and even a comforter. Yes, always ready.

The room package has no free breakfast but the Lodge has a restaurant so you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast meal is from P100 to 115. Coffee is P30, Hot Choco P25 and Milk P30.

Sagada Bilza Lodge is far from the town proper but it is a few minutes walk from Sumaguing Cave. If you don’t have your own transportation, I suggest you book any accommodations near the town proper. But if you have your own vehicle, you can stay in Sagada Bilza Lodge because it has its own parking area. We have a good view of pine trees too.

Sagada Bilza Lodge

Mampukong, South Road,

Sagada, Mountain Province

Day 1 in Sagada
Day 2 Echo Valley Walking Tour and Sumaguing Cave
Day 3 Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum
Day 4 Goodbye SagadaWhere to Eat in Sagada

January 15, 2017

3 Days in Puerto Princesa Palawan with Kids

A few days ago, I posted our 4 Days Adventures in Coron, Palawan. Now, I decided to share our 3 Days Puerto Princesa Palawan trip with the fambam. Almost seven years ago we went to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for our family outing. This was a much-awaited trip because this will be the first family out of town of via plane. Four generations kami, from my grandmother up to our own kids.

Read: 4 Days Adventure in Coron Palawan

Ysabelle Mansion

We’re group of 13 people so a month before the trip I already booked our accommodation at Ysabelle Mansion and rented a van for our three days tour. We stayed in Ysabelle Mansion for our 3 days and 2 nights trip. It is a hostel that offers basic accommodation. The rooms and bathrooms are clean. The service staffs are all friendly and nice. It is very near in seaport, airport, market and restaurant so transportation is not difficult.

Day 1: Honda Bay Island Hopping

Our rented van picked us up at the airport and we dropped by at the hostel to leave our baggage and off we went to sea port for our Honday Bay Island Hopping. Since our flight was delayed for almost an hour, we only have limited time for island hopping.

On our way to sea port, we went to 7 Plates Building to book our Underground River Tour, we bought mineral water and picked up our food. I ordered BBQ liempo, Grilled Pusit, Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Ensaladang Talong, Lato Rice, Grilled Baby back ribs, Buttered lobster, Kangkong w/oyster sauce and Atchara. The food were placed in a bilao and plastic container. I also brought disposables just in case magkulang. Good thing that I already ordered our food in advance because we were all hungry before we reach Snake Island. Sa sobrang gutom, walang pictures ang mga food.

Boat rental is P1500 good for 6 person, additional pax is P250 including kids. There are different islands in Honda Bay that you could visit such as Cowrie Island, Bat Island, Lu-Li Island (lulubog-lilitaw), Dos Palmas Island, Pambato Reef, Pandan Island, Starfish Island and Snake Island. Each island has its own entrance fee except for Snake Island but you have to pay for cottage.

Pandan island entrance fee P 50/head
Starfish island entrance fee P 50/head
Pambato reef entrance fee P 50/head
Pandan island cottage P 400/cottage

Snake Island

We only choose Snake Island, Star fish Island and Pandan Island. First stop is Snake Island, where we ate our lunch. The place is quite crowded maybe because there is no entrance fee. You will enjoy swimming and snorkeling even you are not a good swimmer because you can see school of fishes at knee deep of water.

Starfish Island

Next stop is Starfish Island but we just dropped by and moved to Pandan Island.

Pandan Island

Pandan Island has the best facilities and amenities among the three islands. They have their own comfort room, restaurant and massage place. So we already stayed in this Island till 5PM.

Bilao at Palayok

After Honda Bay Island Hopping, we went to Bilao at Palayok for our dinner. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Puerto Princesa so we want to try it. The place has native ambiance and look.

We ordered Boodle Feast, Lengua Estofado, Buttered Garlic Crab and Ginataang Seafood. Among the food, my favorite is Lengua Estofado. For 13 persons, our bill is less than P2000 so price is very reasonable. Don't forget to bring your insect repellent. We took tricycle on our way back to Ysabelle Mansion.

Day 2: Underground River Tour

It’s been raining the whole night because there was LPA. I am bit worried that our Underground tour will be canceled but thank God for giving us good weather in Sabang. The travel time going to Undeground River is almost two hours and expect that is very long and winding road. It is not a smooth ride because some roads are not cemented.

Fortunately, we had stopover at Viewdeck because some of us are really dizzy and about to vomit. So don not forget to take bonamine to prevent biyahilo moments. This road is the same road that I will need to travel if I want to go to El Nido so I am really thinking twice about El Nido.

Underground River Expense

Van Rental P3000
Permit P150/head local, 200/head foreigner, 13-17 yrs old P50, 6-12yrs old P30 and 5yrs old below free
Boat (good for 6pax) P 700/boat

Tip: Do not forget to bring ID because they will look for it. I forgot the cost of terminal fee. For toddlers, bring your own life vest.

You need to ride boat to get to Underground River, it is just 15 minutes travel time. Upon arrival, you have to wait for your turn, yes pila ulit sa boart for Underground River Tour, it is about 45 minutes tour inside the cave. You will not get bored because the tour guide is really good, he will explain everything to you. I am proud that I have been here.

We availed the buffet lunch at the beach for P200 per head. The food is just ok so it is not worth the price especially for the kids because they have the same rate.

Puerto Princesa City Tour

After lunch, we decided to proceed with City Tour since we still have time. Itinerary for the day: Iwahig Penal Colony, Cathedral, Crocodile farm, Mitra’s house -Sta. Monica Ranch and Baker’s Hill.

Crocodile Farm and Nature Park

First stop is Crocodile Farm, there is a souvenir shop where you can buy pasalubong while waiting for your turn. I bought crocodile stuffed toy here. Between Crocodile Park of Davao and Crocodile Farm, I like Crocodile Park because there is so much to see in their park. But in Crocodile Farm, we were able to hold baby crocodile.

Then we visited Iwahig Penal Colony, Mitra’s house -Sta. Monica Ranch and Baker’s Hill. At this point, my grandmother was already complaining bakit hinto daw ng hinto, hehehe! City Tour nga e! So we did not stay long in each spot because our grandmother was just staying inside the van.

You will enjoy the Baker’s Hill because there is a playground for the kids. The place is big and it is not just a bakery. You can also buy food pasalubong here, the famous here is hopia.

Last stop is Cathedral na ako na lang ang bumaba just to take pictures because pagod na ang lahat. They did not want to go out anymore for dinner so we just ate at Ysabelle Mansion.

By the way, there is Vietville, Plaza Cuartel and Butterfly garden too but we did not include them in our itinerary.

Day 3: Palawan Museum

This was our last day in Puerto Princesa, since our flight was still 2PM, we decided to go to Palawan Museum. We just took a tricycle to get there. P10 for entrance fee.

We checked-out at 12 noon and naiinip pa kami na ihatid sa airport. Yun pala sarado ang airport, hindi man lang kami ininform na nagsasara pala yun. So we waited more or less an hour bago nag-open ulit ang airport.

Ysabelle Mansion
214 Abad Santos Extension
Puerto Princesa City Palawan, Philippines 5300
Contact Nos.: Landline (63)(48) 723-0992
Mobile No. (63)918-4089377 / (63)929-2417797
Email: info@ysabellemansion.com
Website: www.ysabellemansion.com

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January 13, 2017

Baguio: Cafe by the Ruins

We used to go to Baguio when I was in college but things changed when I moved to Southern Luzon. Now we prefer going to Tagaytay if we want to experience cold weather. It’s been five years since our last visit in Baguio. It was just a quick trip but we were able to visit most of the tourist spots within 24 hours.

Read: 24 Hours Trip in Baguio

Last month, we were supposed to spend one day in Baguio but my husband learned that there is number coding scheme in Baguio so we extend our holiday in Pangasinan and revisited Lingayen Pangasinan. Waah! Natapat pa talaga sa coding.

Read: Day Trip in Lingayen Pangasinan

So Last December 29, off we went to Baguio. We just ate breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins. I’ve been hearing and reading a lot of reviews about this restaurant but I haven’t tried it yet. My husband was surprised when he learned na hindi pa ko nakakain dito so he decided that we will eat breakfast in Cafe by the Ruins before going to Sagada.

The parking was limited and good thing that we’re still early so we were able to park. The entrance was not appealing but when I entered the restaurant I was surprised, maganda pala sa loob. Indeed, it is Baguio's best-loved restaurant because it is unique when it comes to interior and menu.

The menu was already on the table so we browsed it immediately.

My son ordered Pan de Sal P85+. A traditional Filipino bread with a choice of regular, whole wheat or malunggay variations + a choice of cheese, jam or butter for spread. We were shocked when we saw the pandesal, it was enormous, malaki pa sa kamao ko so my son was not able to finish even one piece of it.

I ordered Bacon and Egg P340+ so I can share it with my son. The meal includes thick slices of home-cured bacon, one egg and your choice of garlic rice or pandesal. I have no idea that they will served red rice, Waah! I requested for white rice but they don’t have any so I have no choice but to eat it. It is not bad naman but I prefer white rice lang talaga.

My husband ordered Mt Data Tapa Rice P340+. The meal includes cured beef tapa, tomatoes and onions with scrambled egg. I liked his order. hehehe!

All breakfast meals have free coffee or tea and a cup of fresh fruits so it is already a complete meal. My husband suggested that I should try the hot chocolate because it is good so we upgraded my drinks to hot chocolate for additional fee. He also requested for strawberry and mango fruit shake which we liked it too. I’m not sure if it is included in our breakfast meal.

The breakfast meal is not cheap but I think the price is already reasonable because you have fruits, drinks and main course. The serving is big too and if you don’t eat that much you can really share the food with your kids, just order extra rice or bread.

Now I know why I haven’t tried this restaurant before. Mahal pala siya and last trip namin sa mga mura lang kami kumain. Hehehe! But if you have extra budget, don’t forget to drop by in this restaurant if you will visit Baguio.

From the menu

... Its menu changed quarterly according to the seasons, represents not only a restaurant concept but an ethos. The food reflects the ecology and rhythm of Baguio and Cordilleras. It is fresh, representing the best of the day's market; it is home-cooked and reflects the vision of native tradition and of health.

Read: Food Trip in Baguio

Update: July 21 2017

I just heard the news, closed na pala ito. I'm not sure yet kung lilipat lang ng place. Let me know.

January 12, 2017

4 Days Adventure in Coron Palawan

Two days ago, my husband told me that Nickelodeon is planning to build an underwater resort and theme park in Palawan. Yesterday, I started seeing a lot of posts about it, and I’m one of those people who do not agree with the idea of building an underwater resort or theme park in Palawan.

Coron, Palawan is a gem—please don’t destroy it. We visited this place 12 years ago, and we’re planning to go back so our son can also experience the beauty of Coron. But not anytime soon, since most of the activities here involve island hopping. #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom

Because of this, I suddenly found myself reminiscing about our trip. Coron, Palawan, remains one of my most memorable vacations, and I consider it one of the best places I’ve ever been to. Honestly, I wasn’t familiar with the place when my ex-boyfriend—now husband—first suggested it.

I’m happy that I was able to visit this place 12 years ago because today, the rates are quite expensive. Imagine—almost all the places we visited back then had no entrance fees, but now, the entrance fee is around ₱200 or less.

The main disadvantage back then was the airfare. There were no promo fares, and only two airlines offered flights to Busuanga: Sea Air and Asian Spirit. In 2005, they were the only ones flying that route. The planes were small, with only 19 seats, so you could really feel every movement. (Those airlines don’t exist anymore)

We visited Coron with no preparations at all. We just booked our flight and off we went—with no room reservations and no itineraries. There were so many first-time experiences and unforgettable memories from that trip. It was truly an adventure for all of us.

Sharing with you our adventure. #AdventureInCoronPalawan

Day 1: Off to Coron, Palawan

It was our first trip by airplane—just me, my friend, and my ex-boyfriend (now husband). Level-up na kasi may work na! We were a little nervous since it was also our first time flying on a 19-seater plane. Thank God we landed safely at Francisco Reyes Airport. I was surprised to see how small the airport was!

From the airport, we rode a jeep to get to the city proper—₱100 per head.

We didn’t book any accommodation, thinking it wasn’t peak season. Unfortunately, Sea Dive Resort was already fully booked. They suggested we try Darayonan Lodge, so we took a tricycle to get there. Sadly, the lodge was also fully booked, but they told us that a room would be available by evening. It was only lunchtime, but we had no choice but to wait. The room with a private bathroom was ₱300 per head, plus an additional ₱50 if you wanted a TV.

Lesson learned: Always book your accommodation in advance.

We also asked where we could rent a boat for our tours, and they referred us to Calamian Geo Eco-Culture Expedition Travel and Tours. Not wanting to waste any time, we left our baggage at the lodge and went to the travel agency. They offered several packages, and we booked the Coron Tour (₱1,200) and Culion Tour (₱1,800).

Maquinit Hot Springs

We hired a tricycle to go to Maquinit Hot Springs for ₱100—round trip, with the driver waiting for us. This was our only itinerary for the day. We truly enjoyed the hot spring; it helped relieve the stress of not having a place to stay. Hehehe!

We returned to the lodge, and we were so glad we finally had a place to rest.

Day 2: Coron Island Tour

We woke up early because our tour was scheduled to start at 8 AM. We headed to Calamian Travel and Tours to rent a kayak, snorkels, and fins—and of course, to meet our boatmen for the day.

The seaport is just beside the market, so before hopping on the boat, we bought cooked rice, bread, and ingredients for grilled liempo—enough for five people (3 of us + 2 boatmen).

Itinerary for the day:

Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, CYC Island, Barracuda Lake, and Maquinit Hot Spring.
(Since we already visited Maquinit Hot Spring on our first day, we decided to skip it.)

First stop: Banol Beach

A small and peaceful beach, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. It’s also great for kayaking and snorkeling. This was our first time trying kayaking, and we really enjoyed it!

While we were enjoying the beach, our boatmen cooked our lunch—and we ate right there on the beach. What a treat!

Next stop: Twin Lagoon

This place was absolutely beautiful! There were so many fish, so we even tried fishing—and we were so happy because we caught several! We gave the fish to the boatmen. Apparently, they were all edible. Yay!

Then we went to: Skeleton Wreck

Here, you can see a Japanese shipwreck underwater. Honestly, I got scared. I had this weird feeling that something might pull my legs—so I didn’t stay in the water too long. LOL! But if you’re a diver, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this spot a lot.

Next stop: CYC Island

It was too crowded when we arrived, so we decided to move on to the next destination.

Barracuda Lake

To get to the lake, we had to trek a bit. On the way, we saw a lot of sea urchins—so be careful! The lake itself was crystal clear and so beautiful, but we were the only people there. It felt a bit eerie, so we didn’t stay long. We joked that if something happened to us, even if we screamed, the boatmen might not hear us. Hehehe!

Last stop: Siete Pecados (Marine Park)
We were too tired from swimming all day (even with life vests!), so only my ex-bf went for a swim here. Unfortunately, he lost our ring in the water. Good thing we weren’t married yet—at least it wasn’t the wedding ring that got lost. LOL!

Day 3: Culion Tour

This was our last day of island hopping since we had an early flight the next day. Just like the previous days, we bought cooked rice and fresh fish from the market for our lunch.

Itinerary for the day:
Culion Tour, Sangat Island Resort, Gunboat, Coral Garden, Culion Church, and Culion Museum.

Culion Island is a bit far from Coron, so the boat ride took a while. But since Palawan is so picturesque, you won’t get bored during the trip.

First stop: Gunboat
While we enjoyed the beach, our boatmen grilled our fish. We had lunch here before heading to the next destination.

Sangat Island Dive Resort
This is a private resort, so we just stopped by briefly to take some photos.

We went to Sangat Island Dive Resort, it is a private resort. We just took some pictures.

Next stop: Coral Garden
A beautiful snorkeling spot with vibrant marine life. Perfect for underwater photos and a relaxing swim.

Last stop: Culion Island
You’ve probably already heard or read about this place. Culion was once known as “The Land of the Living Dead” because it was where people with leprosy were relocated during the American colonial period. It was only in 2006 that the World Health Organization officially declared Culion leprosy-free. So when we visited back in 2005... hindi pa siya leprosy-free—waaah!

We didn’t have a tour guide, so we did our own walking tour. We visited La Immaculada Church, Fort Culion, and the Culion Museum. At the museum, there was a guide who gave us an overview of Culion’s history, which was both informative and touching.

We didn’t stay too long since we had to travel back to Coron Island—about a two-hour boat ride.

Day 4: Back to Manila

Three amazing days were over—time to go back to reality.

When I returned to the office, my officemates were surprised. “Negra ka na!” they said, thanks to all the island hopping. 😅

I still dream of visiting Coron again. And when we do come back, I hope we finally get to visit Mt. Tapyas View Deck, Banana Island, Malcapuya Island, and Calauit Safari.

I’ll definitely take more photos next time! If you notice, our pictures aren’t that great—this was still the time we were using film cameras, so we were super tipid with our shots. Hehehe!

Read: 3 Days in Puerto Princesa Palawan with Kids

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