Michi Photostory

March 02, 2011

Camiguin White Island

When you say Camiguin, you will always think about White Island because of its famous sandbar. It is only 2 kilometers away from Mambajao so you can see it from your resort. It is best to go there either early morning or late afternoon. The shape of sandbar may vary depending on the tides, sometimes it is letter C and sometimes it is letter I.

We decided to go there early morning so we waited outside the resort shore as early as 5:30AM where the boat will fetch us. Travel time from Secret Cove resort is 15-20 minutes depending on the waves. P450 is the roundtrip transfer of the boat, you have the option to stay long and the boat will just pick you up. We stayed till 7AM. Entrance fee of P20 per pax.

There is nothing you can see in White Island, there is no cottage, no trees, no shades and no comfort room. It is just a sandbar where you can see the Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Old Volcano.

The water is not too cold so you can swim and snorkel. I love the place because it is so peaceful. It is a perfect place if you want to unwind and relax. The island is really beautiful and every angle is picture-perfect.

March 01, 2011

Day 1: Camiguin Tour

We did not want to waste our time so after lunch we started our tour. Itinerary for the day: Tres Marias Volcano, Walkway to the Old Volcano, Ruins of Gui-ob church, Sunken Cemetery, Sto Nino Cold Spring, Soda Swimming Pool, and Ardent Hot Spring.

You will see the Tres Marias volcano on your way to the Ruins. We just took some pictures and we went straight to Walkway to the old Volcano.

Since we have kids in tow we did not dare to climb the stairs and we proceeded to Sunken Cemetery. If you want to go to the cross you can ride a boat, P100 per person but we’re not interested anymore because of the strong wind.

Next stop is the Ruins of Gui-ob church.

There’s one guy who volunteered to take our pictures, pang Facebook daw ang mga shots niya and siya pa talaga nagsabi kung san kami tatayo. Ok naman pictures namin.

They say that this huge tree is more or less 100-yr old.

On our way to Soda Swimming Pool, we saw lansonez tree, we stopped by and took some pictures. It was my first time seeing lansonez tree. I don’t know why this is called a soda swimming pool and I did not taste the water just to prove that it is soda water. But the water is so cold.

We only stayed for a few minutes and we went to Sto. Nino Cold Spring and as expected the water is too cold so hubby and son did not enjoy it.

So we moved to our last destination which is Ardent Hot Spring. Finally, we enjoyed the water and felt relaxed after our amazing race tour. But we did not stay till evening because there were so many insects.

Entrance Fee

Sunken Cemetery (P100/boat to the cross)

Walkway to the Old Volcano and Via Cruces –station of the cross (entrance: Php5)

Sto Nino Cold Spring (P20-entrance P50-cottage)

Soda swimming pool (P20-entrance P50-cottage)

Ardent Hot Spring (P30-adult P15-children P70 –cottage)

Day Trip at Kabayan Beach Resort

It was already the first week of May and of course, we do not want to end our summer without swimming. This time we're heading to Batangas at Kabayan Beach Resort. I have read so many good reviews about this resort so we chose this one. Just follow their direction and you will not get lost.

Kabayan Beach Resort formerly known as Laplaya Beach Resort, it started operating in 1996 so it is already an old resort. This resort is one of the affordable resorts in Batangas, you can have a day trip or overnight stay. They have different types of rooms that can accommodate couple, family and even team building.

Activities that you can do:

1. Kayak
2. Beach volleyball
3. Billiards
4. Speed Boat
5. Banana Boat
6. Flying Fish
7. Bandwagon
8. Playground

The good thing about this resort is you can bring your own food which we did to save money. But if you don’t want to bring food, don’t worry because you can eat at the Kabayan Fastfood or El Kapitan Bar. Corkage fee applies for all beverages, wines, and liquor.

It was no longer surprising if there were so many people at the resort because it was summer time but because we were early, we were able to get a cottage at the beachfront. Since there were so many people at the shore, we rented a boat for P1500 for the snorkeling experience, it is just one-hour snorkeling so I find it so expensive but we have no choice since it is peak season.

The place is nice just do not expect too much. The price is already affordable for P100 per person and P50 for children. My son who was 19 months old was not exempted from the entrance fee. They have a swimming pool but you need to pay a fee. They also offer Day Trip packages so just visit their website for more options. They have a chapel, multi-purpose hall, souvenir shop, and convenience store.

Check here the other resorts that we have tried in Batangas

Kabayan Resort
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan Batangas

Nuvali

After Caleruega, we went straight to Nuvali to eat our lunch. I was so happy because there is Contis in Nuvali and I no longer need to go to Serendra to eat my favorite lengua estofado and mango bravo.

We ate first before trying the different activities in Nuvali which is not a good idea because we waited till 1PM so we could buy feeds and ticket for water taxi.

After our visit, I know that this won’t be our last time.

Manila Zoo

It has been two decades already since the last time I have been to Manila Zoo. This is not really a planned trip, I really want to go to Divisoria but Tutuban Center and Mall was closed (Good Friday) so instead of going home, we went to Manila Zoo.

lonely Mr. elephant

mukhang statue

I was sad and disappointed because I did not see any major improvement in the Zoo.

Manila Zoo

Quirino Ave., Adriatico St., Malate Manila Luzon Philippines

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Telephone numbers: (632) 400-1884 (Manila Zoo) / (632) 522-6179 (Kinder Zoo)

Day Trip at Villa Escudero

This is a delayed celebration of our fourth wedding anniversary and we decided to go to Villa Escudero. I always want to go to Villa Escudero and this time, it will be a dream come true. Lol! It is the best place to unwind and relax because you will really feel nature away from the metro.

I was surprised that there are so many people who visit the place such as foreigners, students, couples, and family. The staffs are all nice and friendly. There are welcome drinks for all the guests so you will not get bored while waiting for your turn at the reception area. We only avail day tour package which is P1250 per pax. After paying you will receive a stub that you will use inside including your buffet lunch at the Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant. Just proceed to the entrance to start your tour.

There are jeepneys and carabao carts that are all waiting for guests, they will take you to the resort proper. It is nice to ride in a carabao cart because there are musicians that will serenade you all the way to the resort.

Lunch will start at 11AM so before eleven we already went to Labasin Waterfalls restaurant because we want to sit near the food table and falls. Lol! It is a different experience so we take our time and enjoy the food.

We were not able to try the bamboo rafting because my son is not allowed to ride it.

There is a locker for rent if you want to swim and leave your things safe and secure.

There is a cultural show at 2PM and we went there at exactly two so we no longer have seats. We finished the show because the performers are really talented and good.

After the show, we went back to the entrance via jeepney service and we visit the AERA Memorial Foundation and Museum.

We had a great time in Villa Escudero, it is worth the time and money. See my latest post of Villa Escudero 2011 here.

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

San Pablo City, Philippines

Manila Office: 1059 Estrada Street, Malate 1004 Metro Manila

Telephone Nos.(632) 521-0830 (632) 523-0392 (632) 523-2944

Fax Number: (632) 521-869

E-mail: info@villaescudero.com

Provincial Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4 San Pablo City 400, Philippines

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February 28, 2011

3rd Wedding Anniversary in Tagaytay

February month was our third wedding anniversary. Hubby has only one day leave so we decided to celebrate it in Tagaytay with my mother and son.

Picnic Grove

The first stop in Tagaytay is Picnic Grove, it is not really our favorite place but if it is your first time visiting Tagaytay, this is one of the favorite tourist spots. We’ve been here for the nth time already but since we’re traveling with my mom, we will visit Picnic grove. I think this was her first-time visit.

The entrance fee is P50 per person and P35 for the vehicle. It was a weekday so parking was not difficult and only few tourists were there. There are zipline and cable car but we never dare to try. There were ABS CBN crews; they are setting up to tape Kim and Gerald teleserye so we did not stay long. We had a quick snack in their restaurant before leaving. Next stop is T-House.

T-House Tagaytay

After our visit to Picnic Grove, we went to T-House Tagaytay. It is located in Mendez, Cavite few meters away from Picnic Grove. It is a bed and breakfast hotel that also offers a spa. The place is not that big but the ambiance is very relaxing and peaceful. Since I have my son in tow, I have no choice but to take care of him while my mom and hubby are enjoying their massage.

T House Tagaytay
3195 Calamba Road
Tagaytay City Philippines

Leslie’s Tagaytay

We had lunch at Leslie’s Tagaytay, I can’t remember what we ordered but one thing for sure, we know that we have a bulalo. We always order that whenever we dine at Leslie's.

Hawaiian BBQ

Hubby was on leave so we went to Tagaytay to stroll around. After visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Church we had lunch at Hawaiian BBQ, it is located in Boutique Bed and Breakfast. I’ve been meaning to try their famous baby back ribs but Boracay is too far so I was glad when I’ve learned that they have a branch in Tagaytay.

We ordered Bulalo Steak and Baby Back Ribs. We’re happy with our ordered and it is worth the price.

Staycation: Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay

My son was only 2 months old so we decided to spend our New Year in Tagaytay, away from noise and smoke. We booked at Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay, the rooms were almost fully booked so we settle for double standard room.

The place is quite new; it looks simple, modern, and elegant.

We had a great time in Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay because the room includes welcome drinks, buffet dinner and buffet breakfast. There is swimming pool but of course we did not dare to swim, it is very cold in Tagaytay. There is also playground for kids. DVD’s are also available in reception area so we borrow 5 DVD’s for our movie marathon while waiting for Year 2009.

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Day Trip at Golden Sunset

After our quick visit to Caleruega we went to Golden Sunset. We were supposed to visit this place last 2007 but we decided to let it go because we need to save money for our Singapore trip. But after two years we had our chance to visit Golden Sunset.

I was not expecting that the travel time would be long so we were really hungry when we got there. I thought we could find some fastfood where we could eat our breakfast but most of the fastfood was still closed maybe because it was Good Friday.

We avail of a day tour trip only; the entrance fee is P300 per person. Golden Sunset has a cashless payment system, so you need to buy a passport at the reception area, you will use this passport to pay for anything inside the resort. The resort is quite big but good thing that they have a mini-jeepney to transport guests.

And because we were really hungry, we took our breakfast first. Bringing of cooked food inside is prohibited so we have no choice but to eat inside. The price of the food is quite expensive and the taste is just ok. This breakfast is P180 and even though I was hungry, I was not able to finish this serving. We did not know that yesterday was Ricky Reyes birthday and food were free.#sayang