Amansinaya Mountain Resort

            Do you think you've explored Tagaytay and know all about Batangas? Think again. One week day, my friend and I decided to visit the place one of my office mates talked about: Amansinaya Mountain Resort.  I was informed the place is far from Manila and its not as developed as Tagaytay City or other part of Tagaytay nor Batangas but it's so beautiful and breath-taking. Wanted to see it for my self, we decided to packed our bags and off we go.

             As instructed by the receptionist who answered my call couple of days prior to the trip, we took an FX ride from Star Mall at Shaw Blvd - EDSA around 8AM (P180/pax) to Lemery, Batangas. After 2hrs, we were dropped-off Tamayo Road, Tamayo, Batangas to ride a motorcycle (P130/pax) up until we reach Laurel Town, Batangas.  The ride? Oh, a roller coaster I may say (I mean, if I may write!).  As expected, more of a dirt road  and a lot of going down slope.  After 30 minutes, we've reached the Bayan of Laurel - right in front of the Municipal Hall you will see  a lot of tricycle that will bring you to the resort (P50/pax).  Another route from Manila is to take SLEX then STAR Tollway until you reach the exit of Tanauan City.  Keep to the right  and pass through Tanauan City and Talisay City until you reach Bayan ng Laurel.

             

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp

            Batangas is known for its white sand beaches and "kapeng-barako".  One of the nice beach area I've been to is in Nasugbu, Batangas - where you will find beach resorts that offers different water activities for different types of clients. One of the best option for a public resort is Munting Buhangin Beach Camp.

             The beach was created for adventure-seekers for it great outdoor setting.  The area can suit up to 5,000 people and you have a choice to book an exclusive or semi-exclusive accommodation. Or you can camp on the shore or inside the resorts safe forest camp site.  Accommodations includes air conditioned cottages (P4,000-P8,000 for 4-15pax); tree-houses (P2,500-P2,900 for 2-10pax); nipa/umbrella/picnic hut (P900-P1,100 for 8-15pax) and different sizes of tents with comfortable cushions, pillow with case and blankets.

             To feel the camping spirit, one can choose to build a tent inside the forest, plat the resorts native game, learn their survival courses and other camp activities.  Feel the warmth of the campfire together with your friends and family.

Subic Park Hotel

            Plan to visit Subic Bay but confused where to stay?  Depends on the budget and the view you wanted to see - there are so many world-class hotel/resorts inside SBMA.  If you wanted the view of the sunset or sunrise before you go to sleep or when you wake up in the morning, here are some of the hotels you can choose from:  Camayan Beach Hotel, Lighthouse Marina Resort, Legenda Hotel - some of the best options I can suggest.  These are hotels situated right next to the Moonbay Marina shore.

            I chose to stay in Subic Park Hotel,  Its located in Moonbay Marina, Waterfront road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  Its affordable but you'll not be deprive of the luxury that you're looking for.  There are thirty (30) comfortable rooms (has its own toilet/cold and hot shower, TV, air-conditioning, intercom) and offers an awesome view of the bay and its surrounding mountain and other hotels nearby.

           The entrance area was elegantly designed combined with a stunning and "feel-at-home" furniture makes one think you are not away from home. A very cozy place, I may add. And don't forget to check out the grand staircase at the lobby that welcome each visitors to go inside and roam around.  The hall from the lobby is connected to the hotel's conference room which face the coffee shop.  This corridor also leads the visitors to the swimming pool.  The swimming pool is facing the Moonbay Marina - one can get the chance to see the sunrise or the beautiful sunset while enjoying the fresh-water.

           

Hundred Islands National Park

             One of the best places Pangasinese's must be proud of is the Hundred Islands, located in Lucap, Alaminos, Pangasinan.  The islands are truly remarkable for it offers not just a simple island tour to both local and international tourist but a lot of water activities you cannot just do in a resort.  One of those is Cliff-diving  - where you have to trek a little to get to the top of the cliff inside the cave and jump. I just loved the adrenaline-rush and the splash of the cave -water along with the noises from the cave bats visible on the cave ceiling.  This cave is located in Marcos Island.

            If you love the beauty you see on the surface, you'll love more the beautiful scenery under the sea.  I get to see the giant clams and how big and beautiful each one in its own territory. Giants Clams watching was sooo much fun I forgot I am swimming farther from the boat.  We are provided of snorkeling gear prior to the start of our day activities and life jackets for those who don't know how to swim.  The clam's area is located right behind Quezon Island, the famous island where the tourist can stay while on a picnic and where the locals in the area lives. Campers normally chose this island for its wide shore.  Guest can cook their meals in the island, play, swim, snorkel, take pictures, do some kayak, etc.

           

Davao City

            Known as the largest city in the world by land area, approx. 2,443.61 square kilometers, Davao City is where the highest peak of the country is located at: Mt. Apo. Located at the border of Kidapawan City and Davao Del Sur, Mt. Apo offers a sanctuary to the almost extinct Philippine Eagle.

            Now called the Metro Davao , it comprises of Davao City, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Digos City and Sta. Cruz and Carmen.  Recently, in the year 2014, a new province was created now called Davao Occidental which is composed of Saranggani, Santa Maria, Malita, Jose Abad Santos, and Don Marcelino.  The city is typhoon-free, so you'll get to enjoy the weather anytime you want to visit the place.  So, what you'll get to enjoy in the city of Durian?  For adventure seekers, Davao offers a variety of activities: Davao Whitewater rafting; Longest Zipline in Asia (Outland Adventure); Trekking/Hiking in Mt. Apo; wakeboarding experience in Deca  Wakeboarding Park; scuba diving in the beautiful and mysterious island of Sta. Rita or anywhere in Samal or you may contact Wind and Wave Center.  Wind and Wave Center also offer various water sports: snorkeling, jet ski, para-sailing, kayaking, etc.

             

Enchanted Kingdom

           My friends and I always make sure not to forget to have fun once in a while and laugh amidst trials in life.  That being said, we make a point to clear our schedule once a year to visit the place we know we can laugh, eat, have fun and be a kid again: Enchanted Kingdom.

           The biggest theme park in the country is located at Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  The park is divided into seven (7) interest/zones: SPACEPORT (space shuttle, kart track, Exodus: ATV Ride, etc.); JUNGLE OUTPOST (jungle log jam, swan lake, tropic trading post, etc.); PORTABELLO (4D discovery theater, flying fiesta, rio grande rapids, SRR:X The EXperience, XPP Xtreme Paintball, etc.); BOULDERVILLE (Air Pterodactyl, bumbling boulders, dinosaurs, rock quarry, etc.); MIDWAY BOARDWALK (Anchor's Away, bump n' splash, roller skater, dodgem, up, up, and away, wheel of fate, etc.); BROOKLYN PLACE (rialto, Broadway and Brooklyn shows, fun house express, etc.) and VICTORIA PARK (grand carousel, grand gateway, etc.).

             

Bohol Trip

I was asked once by a friend where in Visayas Island should I visit first if given a chance, I immediately answered:" If not Siquijor or Boracay, then I'd go for Panglao beach and Chocolate Hills!". Why should I not, I've only seen those places on the books and in my dreams. But not long after that, I've seen myself as one of the passengers of Cebu Pacific Airlines bound for Tagbilaran City, capital of Bohol.                          Along with my five friends, we checked-in at Dumaluan Beach Resort in Panglao Island.  The resort offers standard rooms, standard deluxe rooms, superior deluxe rooms, suite room and presidential suite. Each room offers air-conditioning and private toilet and bathroom and refrigerator, bath tub and cable TV for other higher accommodations. They also have a swimming pool with a jacuzzi, bar and restaurant where you can jam with the band, function hall and video KTV for those who chose this resort as reception of their memorable events/milestones in life. An internet cafe, souvenir shop and a medical clinic.

Corregidor Island

            Looking for tranquility, peace of mind, and an adventure of some kind? What about a beach for serenity? Or a cave for peacefulness? Perhaps the jungle will do? What about a look back to your beloved country's history? I believed I knew what you are looking for: Corregidor Island.

             This tadpole-shaped island is a ferry ride from Manila Bay.  Beach bummers will truly enjoy the quiet beach in the south of the island known to the locals as South Dock.  Concrete benches are made available for beachgoers.  Corregidor Inn offers different beach activities you can do alone or with your friends: Sunset viewing, sunrise viewing, beach volleyball, tug-o-war, bonfire, camping by the beach, fishing in Corregidor North and South Dock, and doing some rock picking for your rock collections or simply laze on your beach towel by the beach enjoying the hot sun.  The Corregidor Inn staff also offers fishing by boat, island hopping, or simply touring around the island with your local guide.

             

Subic (Updated)

            Many to mention, that’s going to be your answer when friends will ask you what they can do in Subic.  Friends who love beaches, animals, shopping and art.  This is the venue of all the venues of various vacation activities - name it,they have it.  When they first heard the place, I bet they thought that they can only get to enjoy the scenery and activities by checking the worldwide web.  They might think that’s it too far from Manila and it is expensive.  But it will change once they read this.

             You can reach Subic by air though domestic service is limited from Manila to Subic.  You can also arrange a charter service from Manila though you will need a budget to have this luxury.  Another way is thru ferry.  A ferry service from Manila CCP's terminal is available though it will only reach as far as Orion, Bataan.  A land transfer to Olongapo is advisable.  The most common and advisable is by travelling by land. The Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway (SCTex) is already available.

           

Lago De Oro

            When somebody says…adventure...one thing that comes to mind is Lago de Oro in BaliBago, Calatagan, Batangas.  This place is situated on the shore of South China Sea and a 115 km South West of Manila.  Its more than 2 hours drive from Mandaluyong City.  Here's where you can try and enjoy the now-famous cable wakeboarding/water skiing.  For those who don't know yet, Lago de Oro is the first in the Philippines who offered this kind of sport.  You can also relax from the hassle and bustle of the city because its situated in a non-noisy neighbor in Zobel highway.

You can watch first the pro-players show their spectacular stunts and rode their boards to the max before you will be ask by  the operators and trainers to ride.  They will teach you all you need to know as a beginner.  It's kind of scary at first and embarrassing especially if it’s your nth try and you still can't manage to stand up on your own (ha!ha!ha!).  But it’s mind-boggling and extremely satisfying if you finish the first round without kissing the water.