Coron, Palawan 2014 [Sun, Sea, and Sand Tour]

The world has a lot of natural treasures and Philippines is one blessed country to be given a lot of those gems. Coron is an example and as promised, I will be sharing more of this piece of paradise.

This tour is composed of three islands, namely: Bulog, Banana, and Malcapuya.

These beaches can be reached through a motor boat from the town proper. The travel time from the town proper is 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Let's start with BULOG ISLAND.

Bulog Island was our first stop. It's a small island with almost white sand, big rocks, and two islets. The famous sandbar of the island connects the islets.

We stayed here for 20 to 30 minutes then moved to our next destination where we had our lunch, the BANANA ISLAND.

Banana Island wowed me at first glance. I am a sucker of white, fine sand beaches and look what we saw when we arrived.

This is how clear the water...

and how fine the sand!

Our bangkero told us to enjoy the beach while they were preparing for our lunch. Upon hearing this, we grabbed our snorkels and camera, had a quick photo shoot with the beach, and then run to the beach.

Who can resist taking photos if you have this view in front of you?

Picture perfect :)

At first, I was just enjoying the white, fine sand while looking at the water but this "snorkeling addict" guy convinced me to do snorkeling because according to him, "I will see the world" if I go with him. Being "uto-uto" that I was, I did not think twice and went over with him. Nothing about what he said was wrong. See photos below to know why.

These were the fishes who welcomed us

See the beautiful corals?

Playing with the fishes

Banana island is more than a beautiful island, it is beyond that. One may admire its beauty above but it's more magnificent under. The various types of fishes that will welcome you and the wonderful corals were beyond all expectations. After the meet and greet with the underworld creatures, we had our sumptuous lunch then went back to bid goodbye to all of those sea creatures.

The third island is the MALCAPUYA ISLAND.

This island also has a white sand beach with a typical set-up: tall coconut trees, nipa huts and clear water.

We did a short snorkeling but after finding out that there's only few fishes, we just enjoyed soaking ourselves in the water. Anyway, we've seen a lot in Banana Island. Maybe the island is really intended for swimming and relaxation.

One of the few sword fishes that we saw

These three beaches were all beautiful. They all have individual beauty that you cannot compare one to the other (but I love Banana beach among the three haha!). One thing that they have in common? All are preserved and taken cared of by the people of Coron. I hope we could also learn to take care of the places where we are living. If we do this, I am more than sure that our nature will give everything back to us.  

xoxo

Coron, Palawan 2014 [Town Tour]

My life is an open book to most of the people who knows me in real life so I will be lying if I will say that I am not addicted to traveling (in the Philippines). I started being too addicted to the beauty of God's creations in the country last 2012 when I went to Puerto Princesa, Palawan with my mother, brother, and my forever travel buddy, my boyfriend (I will do a separate post about it). I think, he's really a heaven sent to me since I don't have anyone to drag (and spend some money) to go to places I really want to go before. So yes, I am trying to bring this blog alive by adding some travel blog posts. 

Let me start with this recent place we went to - Coron, Palawan. 

Aerial view of Coron Island

I must admit, above all the places I've been in Palawan, including Puerto Princesa and El Nido, this one truly captured my heart so far. Coron is just a small island where you can just walk around the town (if you're not tired after your tour) to find good places to eat at or just see how people live in this simple paradise. 

If you're not into walking, you can also ride a tricycle which only costs P10 per person if you will be going to places around the town. And yes, tricycle drivers, as to what we've experienced, are fair to everyone and don't take advantage of their place being a tourist spot in the country-- no additional charges or special rides for tourists. Thumbs up for this, Coron! 

Now, let me try to tour you in Coron through this blog post. We came at Busuanga International Airport at around 9 or 10 in the morning. 

 

This will welcome you to Coron as you leave the airport. I really love the green and brown colors of mountains and trees! 

Our first day is also when our Town Tour will take place so as soon as we checked in, we rest for a while and called the foodie in us to come out because it's lunch time.

Being prepared as we are, we usually read articles and blogs about the place where we will be going. I will also advice any traveller to do this if you will visiting any place for the first time. This will equip you with the do's and dont's about the place and of course... the perfect places to eat at. This is definitely tested but you may also ask the locals because they may have better suggestions than that of what is written on the web.

For our lunch, we headed to Lolo Nonoy's Food Station. We both read that this place offers cheap but delicious food. I forgot to take pictures of our food since we are really hungry that time but we ordered lechon kawali which is good for sharing and these thirst quenchers since it was so hot in Coron during that time.

Our thirst quenchers: Sago't gulaman and Black gulaman

So let's start the Coron Town Tour. As I've said, Coron is just a small island that their town can be toured in just half day or even an hour if you ride a tricycle according to our tour guide/driver.

First stop: LUALHATI PARK

This park reminds me of the park we also went in Puerto Princesa. The only difference is that it is smaller and simpler. This is also where people gather in the morning before their tour starts. What I love about this place is its simplicity and calmness. It can be a truly quiet place in the afternoon where you can just sit and stare in the beautiful view.

Second stop: CORON SOUVENIR SHOP

Some ref magnets I bought from the souvenir shop

I am really not used in doing shopping on the first day so what I only bought is our obligatory souvenir shirt and ref magnets. We thought that it is still best to shop for souvenirs on the last day and we can always come back since it is just located in the town. Anyway, in this famous souvenir shop where celebrities usually do their souvenir hunt (photos of celebrities who've been there were posted on their wall and counter), is where you can find all sorts of souvenir. You can find shirts, key chains, ref magnets, coin purses, food (mostly cashew products), swim wears, and a whole to more.

Third stop: CASHEW NUTS PRODUCERS

Unfortunately, it was closed the time we visited it but again, we can always come back and Antipolo, where we live, is also known for cashews :)

Third stop: MT. TAPYAS VIEW DECK

There is no other way to the top but surely, it will all be worth it

This is the highlight and the most challenging part of the town tour. One must climb 723 steps (as I counted it). Some said that it's 742, some 720. Whatever the right number of steps is, I am more than excited to climb this mountain because I've heard that the view above is really breathtaking. By the way, according to what I've read, the mountain was called "Mt. Tapyas" because a part of it which was used by the Japanese forces as their military camp was literally chipped off when American forces came in the Philippines and bombed the mountain. "Chipped" which is "tapyas" in tagalog then became "Mt. Tapyas" as we call it now.

Found this in the entrance. If only our government will stay true to this

At first, it was just like, "okay, let's do this" but it is not as easy as that. I feel like giving up in the middle of the trek. The only thing that's pushing me to finish is the fact that I will see Coron in a different and more beautiful view. 

NOTE: The hardest part of the climb is the last part because it's very steep. 

Hard work truly pays off. Here's what you will see at the view deck:

There is also a cross that will remind us to pray and stay humble after every success that we receive. That time, the successful climb is what we thanked for.

With a breathtaking view, who can resist doing a photo op? Not us!

We waited for almost sunset to see a more beautiful scenery :)

After the tiring but worth it trekking to the summit of Mt. Tapyas, we went to our last stop, the MAQUINIT HOT SPRING. 

A bit of trivia,  Maquinit Hot spring is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world. It is surrounded by lots of mangrove trees which adds to the relaxing ambiance of the place. Unlike other destinations in the town tour, Maquinit is quite far from the town proper. It is a 30-minute rough road drive to this place. 

As soon as we enter the place, Kuya Anton, our driver/tour guided, handed us our merienda (Pansit + Bread + Soft drinks). The food is usually part of the tour package. Too bad, it's almost dark when we got there so our camera wasn't able to capture good photos.

Maquinit Hot Spring at night

Since our legs and feet are really tired and Kuya Anton told us that he usually bring tourists here after the treck at Mt. Tapyas, we then took a dip to the spring. At first, it was unbearable because it was too hot for me. I think the temperature ranges from 39 to 40 degrees celsius. Still, I tried because I remembered, it will not be called "hot spring" for nothing. The heat turned into warmth and I almost forgot how it felt the first time I dip my feet.

The water started to sweep all the pain in my body, especially those in my legs and feet. It was so relaxing. The water was very therapeutic that all you have to do is find your perfect spot, dip, and listen to the gentle sound of flowing water. Just take note that it is not recommended to stay too long in the spring because of its hot temperature. 30-40 minutes is just right. 

To cap off the day, though we're still full because of the big serving of pansit we had, we just went to another foodie place that is popular in Coron to taste its famous pizza. Why pizza? I know, we always want to try the local food in a place that we are visiting but according to my research, their pizza is a must-try! Anyway, we are looking for something light for dinner so we went to CORTO DEL MAR RESTAURANT.

Corto del Mar is one of the most expensive hotels in Coron. One night costs P5,000 plus for the standard room. The ambiance was so inviting and relaxing. Their restaurant, which is open to the public, is located near the hotel's swimming pool which added to the place's "coziness." Here's what we ordered:

Margarita Pizza (Big) P350

True to its size, it was really big that we weren't able to finish it all. Maybe we're just really full that night because of the big serving of pansit that we had. What I like about this pizza is that you can taste how fresh the tomatoes and basil are and it has a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Anything with lots of cheese is perfect, isn't it?

It's just our first day in Coron but I was really in love with the place. The honesty of people, the simplicity of living and the great places and food, who will not be? Take note, it's only the town tour. I'm sure, you will also love this place more after seeing the islands and other bodies of water on my next blog posts. 

Cheers to God's creations!

 xoxo

READING: A Decade Before versus Today

“Reading can take us places.” This is one of the famous lines that we know about reading. Many people love to read because it is one source of information. It is even a source of happiness to some because with it, one can feel and do anything. The importance of reading has been spread from one generation to another by just making it a daily habit before sleeping or just to kill time. 

(c) www.sowdermd.com

The variety of subjects to read is infinite. From reading the newspaper in the morning, doing research in the library for homework, to just finding a good novel which you think can relieve your tension and be in another world, a person can surely find the perfect one. Whatever it is, it can surely make or break anyone’s idea.

Holding a book, sitting on a chair, and taking down notes inside the library are the best way to describe the traditional reading. We read each word while choosing which one can help us or we can relate to. Some also do highlighting to give importance to some words, phrase or sentences. But this type of reading grows as decades passed by. Even the place where people read became coffee or internet shops instead of library.

Technology has developed the kind of reading that people are used to doing. A book on a hand two decades ago became computers, tablets and even cellular phones today. The true words printed on each page before became downloadable and can now be read on the screen. Without going in the library or bookstore, a person can read a lot of things straight from a gadget. 

Change will forever be the only constant thing in the world. Anything can change as years go by. With technology, almost everything became instant that anyone can read his or her favorite novel right after few clicks. This is good when it comes to pleasure reading but it may not be good when it comes to academic reading. Some children nowadays neither read books nor go to the nearest library for their homework. Instead, they surf the internet, type the question and ask google, bing or yahoo, then copy and paste whatever it is that is written there without even reading it. 

Development is good so as the growth of the technology. The only thing people should learn is how to use it properly. Though the form of reading may change from one generation to the next, people should not forget that it is one of the best things a person should enjoy and learn from.

“We learn in the past, but we are not the result of that. We suffered in the past, loved in the past, cried and laughed in the past, but that’s of no use to the present. The present has its challenges, its good and bad side. We can neither blame nor be grateful to the past for what is happening now. Each new experience of love has nothing whatsoever to do with past experience. It’s always new.”
— Paulo Coelho, Aleph

24th: GRATEFUL. THANKFUL. BLESSED.

Last night, before I fell asleep, I thank God for this another year. After that, I said a little more thank you's and some prayers. Without me knowing, it's already past 6 in the morning. I woke up so early because of a too good to be true dream; a dream that answers almost all of the prayers and wishes I whispered last night. Then I told myself, "Si Lord talaga, walang kupas." I rushed to the bathroom to prepare for this long day.

While riding a jeepney, the man beside me handed me a piece of paper then he said, "Wala yang bayad, libre lang." I looked on that paper he is giving me then I saw a bible verse. Without hesitation, I grabbed it and read it (feeling ko, message ni Lord sakin yun for this day). It felt good when I saw the man smiling while I am reading it. Again, I told myself, "Lord, thank You for reminding me that though I am a sinner, You are still here to make me feel loved specially on this day."

Going back to the house and opening my laptop, I saw a lot of messages, tweets, and posts greeting me a happy and blessed birthday. Once again, I told myself, "Thank you, Lord, for these people who love me despite my weaknesses and flaws. Simple greetings are more than enough to make this day special to me."

Truly, things that cannot be seen are more than all the material things in this world. On my 24th year, I must say that I feel more blessed knowing that I have people who truly loves me. With the overflowing love and happiness I am receiving, I don't think I need to ask for more. 

Lord, again and again, thank you for continuously reminding me of the things I should do. Thank you for your constant love and (quick) answers whenever I pray. Above all, thank you for this not-so-perfect yet wonderful life you have given me and for making me live it with a purpose. 

To all who remembered my birthday, thank you! Please know that those greetings are all appreciated. Thank you to all who texted (ooops, my smart number's temporarily not active), called, posted and sent messages on facebook, twitted, and of course, to those who greeted me personally. You're all the reason why I want this life to be lived well. 

From my heart to yours, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! :)

Lord, You are my Healer

Today, I am alone here in our house because I am sick since Friday. Thinking that I may not able to attend a mass later afternoon, I decided to find a Sunday TV Mass. At first, I wasn't able to find one. Maybe because I woke up at 8:00 am and it may be late for Sunday masses so I decided to just watch this dog feature at Solar News Channel. Lucky enough, after the program I was watching, a Sunday Mass started. 

The mass began and I watched and listened like the usual thing that I do every Sunday. The homily was about learning to choose between good and evil. The priest said that each of us must live like a lotus that lives in a dirty place but when its flower blooms, it is still pure white. 

Before the mass ended, the priest gave a short prayer to those watching from home. I close my eyes and just listened. He prayed for those who are suffering because of typhoon Glenda, those whose hearts are broken, and those who are sick. I prayed simultaneously with him. I called God and asked Him to heal me and my father completely. Suddenly, I felt like someone hugged me. There's this different warmth that I felt and then my tears run down. 

I don't know if it is just because I am sick or what but I want to believe it's God who hugged me to let me know that I am now healed. I am so glad that today, I had even a second physical encounter with Him. 

I believe that He is always listening to us, especially to our deepest prayers because He never failed to answer me. Indeed, Lord, You are my Healer, my Savior, my Father. Thank you for your unending love.

    Your loving daughter,

Go Green!

I don't know what's pushing me to write this late at night. Maybe because of the guilt I've felt when I saw comments on this blog a while ago or it's just this time of the day when I can't sleep or maybe because I just woke up from a short nap or... okay, no more excuses. I am writing because I want to.

Working in a place where great dishes cooked by excellent chefs are everywhere makes me feel lucky. In fact, I feel luckier because our free lunch isn't just simple lunch. I mean, it is still cooked special. On top of it are the sweets prepared during meetings and those that we can take home. With all these, who am I to complain?

But as time passes by, it feels like I need to change something. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate food. I always feel blessed each time I eat because I know that while I am eating, there are some who cannot afford to eat. It's just that I believe that I should change for the better and that this change is to start eating greens.

I admit it, I eat vegetables but I don't eat those leafy thingy. I don't know why but I just don't feel like eating it. I don't like the taste and the after taste. Okay, too much excuses again. This time, I need to change not because I need to but because I like it. Fine, I need it to... because I am not getting any younger and I think including greens on my vegetable list is a good way to prepare for the years to come.

So thanks to salad dressings, especially to thousand islands and balsamic vinaigrette, and also to all those food that goes well with salad. Now, I am starting to eat those leafy things. Although not all but at lease some. Here's one of those greeny things I ate courtesy Earth Kitchen:

And congratulations to myself! It's been a year since I stopped eating junk food everyday. 

I think, it is really change that is truly inevitable in life. Let's just make sure that we change only for the better. In my case, I am changing for better health.

To all those who still cannot eat vegetables or greens like me (before), try it! As the old saying goes, "There's no harm in trying." I just did and it no harm to me! :)

xoxo