TRAVEL: LOCAL

Me at the accomodation at Calumbuyan Point, Calatagan Batangas, Philippines
and this is one of the Nipa Huts.

The shallow sea at Calumbuyan Point @5:30am

 

CALUMBUYAN POINT MOUNTAIN RESORT, CALATAGAN BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES 

Our Holiday Vacation with my husband and 2 close friends at Calumbuyan Point in Calatagan Batangas. We stayed there for 2 days and 2 nights. This is a very nice place for many kinds of relaxation and adventure. I will never forget this resort because there were unforgettable memories that happened here. It really is a far place to go to so make sure that you have prepared all the necessary stuffs that you and your loved ones will be needing. Recommended for people who have private cars, for commuters that are adventurous and with budget it's still a good experience, but tricycle fare going there is quite expensive because it really is far from the Bus Terminal of Calatagan.

 

AN AI ART CREATED BY PIXSELL26

Klook Travel is an online platform that offers a wide range of travel and local leisure experiences. Founded in 2014, Klook connects travelers with local operators in over 350 destinations worldwide. 

Here are some key features:

• Discounted Tickets and Tours: Klook provides access to discounted tickets for attractions, tours, and unique experiences. This includes theme parks, museums, and local day tours.
• Convenient Booking: The platform allows for easy booking of activities, often with instant confirmation and options for last-minute reservations
• User Reviews and Support: Travelers can read reviews from other users and rely on Klook’s customer support for a smooth experience.
• Focus on Asia-Pacific: While Klook operates globally, it has a strong focus on popular destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Klook aims to enhance travel experiences by making it easier and more affordable to explore new places and enjoy local activities. Have you used Klook before, or are you planning a trip soon?

Benefits of Traveling

Traveling can be incredibly enriching for a variety of reasons:

1. Cultural Exposure: It allows you to experience different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles, broadening your perspective and understanding of the world.
2. Personal Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal development, increased confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
3. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Traveling can be a great way to unwind, relax, and take a break from the daily grind.
4. Learning Opportunities: You can learn new languages, try new foods, and gain knowledge about history and geography.
5. Inspiration: For content creators like you, travel can provide fresh ideas and inspiration for your blog, AI art, and print-on-demand products.
6. Networking: Meeting new people can lead to new friendships, collaborations, and even business opportunities.

Do you have any upcoming travel plans or destinations on your bucket list? 🌍✈️

A Family Adventure in the Highlands: Baguio and Beyond 

 Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, our family embarked on a 3-day, 2-night vacation to the cool climes of Baguio City. Known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio offered us a refreshing retreat with its pine-scented air and picturesque landscapes.

KLOOK TRAVEL PROMO

Our journey didn't stop there; we ventured further to the Northern Blossom in Atok, Benguet. This place was a hidden gem, with rows upon rows of vibrant flowers set against the backdrop of rolling hills and clear blue skies. The panoramic views were simply breathtaking, and it was clear why this place is a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.

One of the highlights of our trip was Beacon Hill, a mountain-themed park, having a touch of British influence that captured our hearts and our camera lenses. Every corner was a postcard waiting to happen, with meticulously landscaped gardens and artful installations blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the highlands.

This trip was more than just a getaway; it was an opportunity for our family to bond, to share laughs and create memories in the embrace of Mother Nature's masterpieces. Baguio and its neighboring attractions proved to be the perfect canvas for our family's story, painting experiences that will be cherished for a lifetime. If you're looking for a place to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with your loved ones, this highland adventure might just be what you need. 🌲🌸📷

Baguio, known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is a place that never ceases to amaze with its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture. It's a haven for those who love to explore parks and cafes, each offering a unique experience that tantalizes the senses.

The city is dotted with numerous parks that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Burnham Park, with its serene lake and colorful boats, invites visitors to relax and enjoy the moment. Then there's the Botanical Garden, a showcase of the region's flora and a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Cafes in Baguio are not just about great coffee; they're about the experience. Each cafe has its own personality, often reflecting the artistic spirit of the city. Whether it's a cup of the locally sourced brew 

or a slice of strawberry shortcake, the flavors of Baguio are sure to leave a lasting impression. And let's not forget the food! Baguio is a foodie's paradise, with a culinary scene that's as diverse as its population. From the night market's street food to fine dining restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate.

@Beacon Hill

Mirador Park is another gem that deserves a mention. Perched high, it offers breathtaking views that make the climb worth it. The park is a testament to the beauty of Baguio and the surrounding areas, a place where one can truly feel on top of the world.

For those who have been to Baguio, the desire to return is understandable. There's always something new to discover, another cafe to try, another view to admire. And for those who haven't yet experienced its charm, Baguio awaits with open arms and endless adventures. So, when are you planning your next visit?

We took so many pictures but really cannot upload all the photos here. I'd like to share some here for this blog.

@Beacon Hill

@Burnham Park

@Mirador Park

@ Mirador Park

Hoping that I can go back to Baguio next year!

Old Photographs and memories.......

Beyond Walls and an Alarm Clock...

is to explore the beauty outdoors, one of my ultimate dreams. Ever since this has been and still part of my wish list, yet to accomplish and fulfill. I may not be rich to get into the most fascinating and luxurious tourist spots across the shore nor lucky to travel that often, but then in my memory, there were a few I can mention as my so called "Travel & Adventures" in my own little way, although these were not the risky ones like hiking or trekking but refreshing enough to break free from the stress that work and life has been throwing at me. Places that can be considered as usual galaan or common ones by some, but  at  least for me - the feeling, the bonding and the experience were all rolled into the pictures and memories to look back onto, so someday I have the chance to get in touch with the past I filled fun and adventures to my youthful years that I could cherish forever.  Somehow, I would be able to say  "Yeah, I've been there or Yeah I have tried that" kind of thing.  It would be sweet enough for me to recall these when I get old. Besides, I wouldn't regret anything of not challenging myself to see God's creations, outside my house walls and roofs and from work most importantly, where stress usually arises. 

5 of the Cool Travel & Adventures to Remember:

TRIP TO ILOCOS SUR & ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES

Ilocos Sur & Ilocos Norte 2014

Why are this part of my so called " 5 Cool Local Travel & Adventures Worth to Remember"?

Simply because it's one of the most unforgettable & unplanned 2014 travel/adventure I've had. Hannah beach was so great and beautiful. The entire sights of fields and lovely spots (man made & natural) were really astonishing. Awesome food experiences were unforgettable. SARAMSAM a beautiful old house that was converted into a high end restaurant was lovely and of course the food too. I was glad I did the fun activities that I never thought that I would do like the 4x4 ride in La Paz Sand Dunes, the sunny desert of adrenalin. I have had the chance to walk through the pavements of Vigan finally, since at a young age I was eager to walk the popular streets in Vigan because I used to see on movies, teleseryes and history books. Bagui Windmills were breathtaking up close, I never thought that it will really give that captivating feeling when I was there and felt like a dwarf. Kapurpurawan (Mountain of white stones) was just majestic!  Few of the pictures, showed laughter and fun for 3 days & 2 nights, even a week wouldn't be enough to explore it's sustained views. Indeed, I would really really wanted a second visit! Truly worth it because of it's beauty and rich culture that can be seen with the ancestral houses, breath taking water and land views. Food experience was unforgettably terrific too! Hidden Garden & Mini Malacanang were so great like the other lucrative places I've been to. Too bad I can't elaborate more.  Lovely is the word for me to describe ILOCOS SUR and ILOCOS NORTE. 

ZOOBIC SAFARI ADVENTURES, SUBIC ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES

Zambales Zoobic Safari 2013

Felt like I was a child again, that's the thought which came across! Close encounter with tigers was really an incredible feeling for me, the fact that this is one of the thing I wanted to do, to see one closely (too bad when it was already a chance for me to get close to a cub, but I got nervous. I even  got scared holding the feeding bottle for a cutie cub during the picture taking, effin failed). Camels feeding with dried leaves were the funniest thing for me though I didn't know but I kept laughing every time they move their mouths to gasp for the dried leaves. When it came to the part were we rode the shuttle were the tigers rode the top most part of the shuttle were we can watch them was scary but adventurous. 

Getting close to captivating different animals was a great adventure though. I appreciated the animal show and the parade. This was also a perfect timing & great bonding for me with my cousins as well, since I live in Manila, truly a priceless and rare experience that can't be repeated due to our normal busy schedules. But still I'm thankful to my closest male cousin and his wife who made this event possible. One of the happiest bonding with the dear cousins of mine.

Anawangin Beach in Zambales, PHILIPPINES

Anawangin Take 2 Adventure 2.0

I call this Take 2 because my first experience here was way back 2010, (it was 4 girls 1 day out in the beach). But I chose to share photos on my second visit. A cool and very laid back overnight experience with my close friends/churchmates in a pretty beach filled with shimmering, fine but grayish sand (hehe). People rarely come in here, but sometimes there are bunch of peeps comin' over, depending with the season. No accommodations and no electricity at all. Obviously, I love beaches. I have a thing for the relaxing "sea scent" that brings comfort inside me and takes away my stress. I enjoy riding a motor banca no fears with waves at all, minus the bad weather of course to really enjoy it that much.The only means of transpo going to and from Anawangin cove is by a motor boat. It was a great experience for me although there were times when I felt kinda nervous when there were strong splattering of excited waves towards our boat but it felt great riding one. We've had photo shoot most of the time since there are scenic views to capture and that served as pretty background and no photo bombers (that's the best thing). Even though I was accompanied by a monthly visit I was able to feel relaxed because of the calm place and I felt so comfy there lying on a duyan made of woven rope I think? Yeah.  

People's Park in the Sky - Tagaytay City, Philippines

Tres Marias in Tagaytay 2013

 A plan from out of blue my close friend at work and I decided to head to Tagaytay because we've had common rest day (luckily) so I brought my bestie to join us. This was actually a "biglaang plano" kind of thing. Since the only reason why I wanted to go to Tagaytay was only to experience of eating Bulalo in Tagaytay. The three of us were supposed to eat a warm and tasty Bulalo, it was indeed successful because we have ordered and enjoyed it with warm gesture of the local folks there who serenade us too. The next thing was to head to People's Park in the Sky(my actual third visit). Then the day turned out to be a pictorial for us, courtesy of the kind tricycle driver/photographer and tour guide. Hassle free commuting because of the Mang Albert (driver) effort of making our trip somehow enjoyable. 

6 Day Vacation in Camarins Sur, Bicol Philippines

My bestie just got a week of approved VL and decided to visit her hometown with her mom. She thought of bringing someone to accompany them, (that's me). I never thought of going to Bicol but then it happened and stayed for 6 days there. My besties' relatives was so warm and hospitable. I actually went to different homes of their clans because her mom has so many siblings living in different parts of Camarines. I liked the experience of eating tasty tilapia and eating meat of pili nut. Buying native handmade bags were really fun. My bestie's mom who have known me since our high school days made me feel so comfortable all the time of our travel and sleep overs. We had Sili ice cream experience in Legaspi. I can now say that I Happy to experience a life in a peaceful and so greeny view even for a week.My heart's warm thank to my besties' aunt and uncle and cousins whore so warm and generous. Longest bus trip experience for me though.

If there were failures and inevitable predicaments encountered then there will still be plenty of savored memories, which I will forever wanted to go back in the corner of my heart. I will do it with a smile on my face and a delighted heart. Looking forward to remember when the beautiful sunshine wakes me up in the morning in those different places I have been to, breezy wind, that gave me chills, the tear-like fogs on every leaves I touched, chirping birds on top of the roofs that I've heard, flowers of different hues & trees of different looks I have behold. Relaxing sand on my feet that I felt. Calming small waves in the beach, and other admirable scenery that my eyes were able to capture and my heart would cherish forever. We can never tell when everything will wither, fade or vanish, this blog is one good way to keep track of the "ADVEN-TOURS" I did and I'm looking forward to do so in the near future because I want to say that "Yeah, I have loved my life".

I can't wait for the next trips and photos so I could share it here! I hope you could too! :)