Tips Tips Tips for Your Simple Catanduanes Trip!

      1. Traveling to Catanduanes means you have to rent a tricycle or a motorbike since commuting and waiting for jeepneys will eat up your time. It will be costly for thrifty people like me, but this is something you must go for if you really want to make the most out of your trip. Don’t target vans unless you are in a big group. It was about 3000 pesos per day. When taking the jeepney to Puraran, you have to patiently wait. In fact, it took three hours before the jeepney left the station  but only one hour to reach Puraran. 

       30 pesos- jeepney

700 motorbike rent ( Puraran – Baras (Binurong Point) – Bato –Virac and back to Puraran )

500 motorbike rent (Puraran – Balacay – Gigmoto – Puraran)

700 motorbike rent (air transfer)

1930/2=1965

1.  

             2.      Book a room through Agoda as they offer big discounts. We stayed in a Nipa Hut for a more rustic feel.  It was worth 1,500.00 for three nights, good for two.

    3. Visit BinurongPoint before the sun rises or sets. Seriously, you have to bring an umbrella because you won’t find any shade there unless you go back to the forest. Take 2 or 3 liters of water per person! I drank 3 bottles after descending. You also have to pay the tour guide; they won’t tell you the price, but it depends on what your heart feels. Our guide (Richard a.k.a Toto) was also our photographer, story-teller, and energy-booster; we gave him 300 pesos, which I think is more than enough. One more thing, don’t wear slippers or flip-flops. Although it is sunny, there are always muddy parts in the forest.

the only shady area just before the mystic view

1.      4.  Try lobsters and shrimps! Worth around 250 to 300 pesos. Mango shake was great, if you are lucky to order one. 

1.       5. Puraran is a surfing center. Surfing season starts in October, the best time for expert surfers; but for beginners and intermediate, March to July is safer.

1.       6. During the low tide, you can walk through the sea as far as you can. And here is what you’ll see.

2.       7. Don’t expect many souvenir shops. We went to Virac twice looking for shops, but we only found one. Most of the residents would recommend Pili nuts as their pasalubong.  You can buy different specialties of Pili Nuts (sweetened, honey-dipped, choco-bar). 

                                Have an awesome journey!!!

Binurong Point

We were so excited to start our trip hiking to Binurong Point. But then again, the rain was a great hindrance. It's funny that we had to spend our first day SLEEPING. Finally, it's the second day! Riding the motorbike was really thrilling especially that we had to traverse through zigzag roads and jump over manholes. haha. About 20  minutes later, you'll reach Barangay Guinsaanan. You will have to pay an entrance fee (15.00 for adults, 10.00 for kids). There's no fixed rate for your tour guide; just follow what your instinct says.

the base camp

This is where the unforgettable hike starts!

You have to go through the forest, walk on the mud,
 before reaching the picturesque view. 

                                   

the easiest hike we had. 

About 25 minutes depending on your pace, you'll step on the mystic view!

we started at POINT 1. grassy terrain

POINT 2: rocky part

Crocodile twins!

POINT 3: because of the exhausting sun as there are no shades here, we didn't
stay longer at point 3.

 

Wishing the time would stop for a moment. 

back at the base camp, this lovely dude greeted us.

Balacay Point

 It takes 15 to 20 minutes to get to Balacay Point from Puraran Surf Beach. Just tell your driver to pick you up. They said the best time to get here is before the sunrise. Sadly, it was rainy; so we had to wait for the rain to stop. We reached the peak at 6 a.m., and this is how the day started!

At sunrise, everything is at peace. The water is still, the air is fresh, everywhere is invigorating.

We owned the place. 

Feeding her soul with optimism.

Catanduanes: finding the Value of Simplicity

 There are moments when you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of a city life, run away from the heavy downpour, or hide from the hot sun, but you don’t have the faintest idea where to go. All of a sudden, you hear the voice of the wilderness calling you. What if the tables turned and the things you wish to disappear for a while will create the best days of your life? Well, this is what happened when Blaine, my bestfriend, and I found our sweetest escape in Catanduanes: an island located in the Bicol Region of Luzon.  In this serene island, you will realize that all the small things you turned the blind eye to will be worth-keeping.

            You    can    survive   without   gadgets. 

ZERO signal for smart users. By the way, I am pertaining to Puraran Surf Beach Resort, where we stayed for the whole trip. So, when you plan to stay there, you should inform your family beforehand. This is probably one reason why people were not glued on their phones. Everybody’s chatting with their family and friends. When someone needs to relay a message, you won’t see him call or text; instead, he will go straight to the person, no matter how far it will take him.

          The mind-set    ‘Sleep when the rain falls’      becomes                                            ‘Joyride when it pours’.   

Every day, we rode a motorbike going to places such as Virac, Baras, Bato, and Gigmoto, and every day we got caught up in the rain. Back home, you’ll do everything to avoid the rain. But it’s ironic that we set foot in the ‘land of the howling wind’; the land where typhoon always hits. When we were right in the middle of our joyride, the rain suddenly poured. Probably more than two or three lightning bolts struck through the ocean. Well, of course it is weird to open your umbrella. So the best thing to do is to open your arms, feel the rain falling on your face, and savour every moment as your bike zigzags through.                                                                         

                      The nature’s sound is one of a kind.

Part of the joyride is hearing the voices of the nature; the chirp from different species of birds, whistles of crickets, and other unidentified creatures.  When they all sing at once, it would be the most beautiful music you could ever hear. Have you every appreciated this music in the city?

      Seeing the SUN everywhere is an emblem of a perfect day! 

Many people complained about the heat! But in Catanduanes, and probably in other coasts too, wherever you see the sun, it will always look picturesque. As you lie on the sand, you’ll feel the sun’s kiss; when you ride on the roads, the sun follows; and when you reach the peak of a mountain, the sun will be there to illuminate the panoramic view. Speaking of mountains, there are two famous mountain peaks there, Binurong Point and Balacay Point. I definitely recommend visiting Binurong Point! Just check out thepictures as they say a thousand words. Sadly, we couldn’t witness the sunrise because the ocean is covered with mist and clouds. If you are lucky, the best time for visit is at 4am!

Time was short to make the most out of our trip. There’s more to say, but I learned that after all the hardwork and time spent chasing after your future, you will realize that contentment lies at present. All you have to do is to teach your eyes to value what’s around.   



Check out more tips here!

OKONOMIYAKI: Japanese Veggie Pancake

Two years ago, my Japanese student made a presentation about OKONOMIYAKI in our class. I admit I have forgotten how it looked like. I couldn’t imagine how it tastes and smells until she came here this year to visit me all the way from Tokyo.

In Baguio, I find it difficult to buy ingredients for any Japanese cuisine except for instant food. But to my surprise, OKONOMIYAKI’s ingredients can be found in the public market. I was worried we might spend much for this but 250.00 was more than enough.

So now, let me show you how to make a simple yet authentic Okonomiyaki. Oops. Let me rephrase that. My Japanese friend Maiko Shikato is here to demonstrate how to make this oozing Japanese pancake. I realize that the only way to perfect this recipe is through the hands of a Japanese.

Maiko: the Chef

Here are the ingredients: (Maiko said these are incomplete, but enough to achieve the exact taste)

Pork (thinly sliced), or bacon (if you hate slicing meat)

A head of cabbage (shredded)

Minced ginger

A cup of flour

Water (enough to make the flour fluffy)

2 eggs

2 tbsp of Oyster sauce (we couldn’t find the real sauce, but this is okay)

1 tbsp of Soy sauce

           onion leeks (shredded)

           A pinch of pepper and saltCooking oil

           Mayonnaise (plain)

Be UNIQUE...

    " In every beautiful landscape, 

            one thing will always do its best to  STAND OUT."

                     

Sierra Vista Garden

A Lulling Break at Sierra Vista Beach Resort

              It’s the start of summer, and also the birth month of my sister. So, my family decided to celebrate her birthday at the beach. After looking through the great beach escapades near Baguio, we have finally chosen Sierra Vista Beach Resort, located at Nibaliw, San Fabian Pangasinan. We have picked this place because it’s near, affordable, and distinct from other resorts.

              Get off at Parisia’s street, right in front of Caltex. Take a tricycle to get to the resort. (15 pesos per head). 

              We booked a room good for five people for only 2,500 pesos. In this fee, you can have the privilege to use cottages, pools, picnic area, and the beach front for free.

              I highly recommend going there from Sunday to weekdays. 

              You will know why as you read along.

Mt. Cachup: A Rekindling Mountain

       
  It’s Holy Week, so my friends and I decided to spend Maundy Thursday on a mountain.  At first, we planned to go to a famous mountain in Benguet, but due to its high demand, we have decided to go somewhere quiet and less crowded. So, our feet lead us to MT. CACHUP, located in Ambiong, La Trinidad, Benguet.

You can either take a taxi or jeepney at Baguio Centermall to get there. Get off at their crossing, and ask the residents. You can see the signboard for Ambiong Central School, and follow that road. Since the mountain is not that high, you can just take a walk or jog to reach the mountain.    

But, you also have a choice to take a ‘tricycle’. We thought the jeepney driver was kidding when he said tricycles are available there because it is a rare transportation in Baguio. But, it does exist. However, I still suggest walking. Just try not to fear the dogs on the way.