The Year That Was – Year 2016

This article is literally a year-ender post, written barely 2 hours before Year 2016 bade goodbye.  So here goes our review of the year that was 2016.

Our new year was surprised by a sad news from friends, co-mountaineers/rescuers alike, regarding the damage typhoon Nona has caused in the Infanta area.  Without hesitation, we responded even it meant walking nearly 15 kilometers under the rain and cold wind.  We passed several landslides, damaged houses and newly formed waterfalls along the road.  The team helped set-up rope access to bring the relief goods to the affected areas in other side of the damaged bridge.

We celebrated the month of love with an amazing race trip to the Eastern Visayas with a Biliran-Southern Leyte-Leyte-Eastern Samar route.  Yes, it was an arduous journey but the doting ambience of Caluwayan resort on the heart’s day was a startling compliment.

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Sailing Back Home

More than a decade has passed and I haven’t returned to the island I was hailed.  Yes, I was raised in a small town, an island though part of Bicol is situated in the Visayan region.  The longer I am away, the more yearning to revisit my once abode, my bliss.  I am now a stranger to the place I knew so well.  Deep inside, fearful if I still belong to the town life used to revolve.  Since mum passed away, the feeling of an outcast filled in.  I have wandered around looking for “home” but truly, “there’s no place like home”.  My heart wishes for my first home; where memories were still vivid and has held a special site. 

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Catanduanes Up Close

What is great about how the regions in the Philippines are structured is that visiting all provinces in one trip is doable.  Depending on your itinerary and travel goals, some regions might require a week or more to explore but some areas will only take you a long weekend.  

The other beauty of crossing all provinces, apart from the scenery as you journey, is the experience of riding different transportation vehicles.  Although the Philippines is lacking in direct transport networks, travelers from around the globe patiently endure long commutes on their trip to discover the unexploited gems of the country.  Undeniably, the rise of local tourists boosts the tourism of all localities which challenges the government to improve the infrastructure.  

Among the regions that are easy to explore is the Bicol Region as it is accessible through land or by air. It’s friendly to all kinds of tourists be it solo, couple, family or group and accommodations ranges from budget to luxe. Just use any online hotel booking site like Traveloka and you will see various accommodation options. You will find that at least a few are sure to meet your budget and needs.

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TravelBookPH First Blogger Affiliate Get Together Event At The Legend Villas

The first ever TravelBook.ph Blogger Affiliate Get Together has been a huge success! From the event proper, to The Legend Villas Hotel Tour, and Buffet Lunch of Lola Maria Restaurant, TravelBook.ph’s Blogger Affiliates surely enjoyed the rest of the day!

True to its word, with the event’s fun and interactive contests, games, raffles, and networking opportunities, the blogger affiliates together with TravelBook’s Business Development Team had a great and exciting day to remember.

The Legend Villas toured the blogger affiliates around the hotel to check their elegant Function Rooms, and different hotel room types.

 TravelBook.ph Blogger Affiliates in action as The Legend Villas Staff toured them around the place

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BICOL ROADTRIP WITH KIDS [Camarines Norte – Camarines Sur – Albay – Camarines Sur]

A trip unplanned but thanks to the APEC holiday for the long weekend plus it coincided with my youngest birthday; indeed, a birthday celebration away from home.

We are true blooded bicolanas; me a full born Masbateña and hubby’s father was hailed from Sorsogon.  Whenever we’re in Bicol’s soil, it has a natural homey tone except that we missed both our provinces for this round. This however was the kids first Bicol trip which made the voyage a family tree quiz bee.

During college, the Bicol highway is a customary sight and the verge of trees shadowing the road was inscribed by my countless lonely plies then but today, it was the kids turn for the dumbfounded gaze.

The actual account of our Bicolandia road trip as follows:

Day 1

Depart Manila for Bicol

Around Daet, Camarines Norte

-       Jose Rizal Oldest Monument

-       Kapitolyo ng Camarines Norte

-       Parroquia de San Juan Bautista

-       Bagasbas Beach

Traveled to Naga City

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The Year That Was – Year 2015

We jolted Year 2015 with a rainy Intramuros roam that ended in a savage Zark’s burger meal. Yet, it failed to please the New Year travel itch…

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HULUGAN FALLS AND ALIW FALLS DAYTRIP _ Part 2 – Aliw Waterfalls

With tummies filled, we continued our jaunt to the nearby Aliw Waterfalls.  The flurry from the earlier Hulugan Falls adventure still loiter in our psyches. 

Aliw Falls though part of Brgy. San Jose was less than a kilometer away from Brgy. San Salvador of Hulugan Falls.  The two are actually within strides, just note of the gate of a deserted housing project which served as the jump-off of Aliw Waterfalls.  Earlier on, we informed our guides that we will explore two waterfalls.  They’re the one who suggested what to visit first.

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HULUGAN FALLS AND ALIW FALLS DAYTRIP _ Part 1 – Hulugan Waterfalls

Laguna is famous not just for Pagsanjan Falls but of other waterfalls as well and we’ve visited quite a number already.  So when we heard of gigantic waterfalls in Luisiana, we wasted no time and organized an instant daytrip…

It was 5am when we took off for our Luisiana adventure with a two waterfalls goal, Hulugan Falls and Aliw Falls.  We had a quick breakfast at Paviola in Siniloan and even punned of Buruwisan Falls instead.

Hulugan Falls

We nearly missed Brgy. San Salvador being the first Luisiana barangay after the municipality of Cavinti.  Thanks to the Hulugan Falls poster for directing the way.  At the barangay entrance is an information area where you will first secure your guide.

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