Be the judge! Boracay after its 6-month long rehabilitation

After 6 months of rehabilitation, the island of Boracay is now open to tourists. With few but strict ordinances from the local government, it is apparent that the place is gearing up to light the fire and bring back its golden days.

Boracay is gaining momentum just as tourists are beginning to return to the place. Truly the place is majestic if only people learn to take care of it.

According to the locals, when the island re opened on October 26, 2018, only 4,000+ from the original 15,000+ rooms were available to tourists. Boracay hotels' compliance with the new environmental rules took a toll on the surge of tourists.

Bamboo Hotel and Restaurant

The Bamboo Beach Resort and Restaurant is a 3-star hotel located at Boracay, Station 3. Currently, the hotel offers a very affordable rate per night ranging from Php 2,000 - Php 3,800.

The Bamboo Beach Resort's massage area

For those who wish to get a massage after a long day at the beach, the hotel also offers different types of massages though they don't come in cheap. The price is a bit steep for my approval; of course, it's up to you to decide. ;)

Boracay partly hid its beauty on our first day. The typhoon that affected the northern part of the Philippines slightly affected the island hence the windy profile and the "not so calm' waters. Despite that, its beauty did not disappoint and the clear water is just as inviting.

The second day promised a beautiful adventure in the island. Because most of the structures and establishments were under construction, we spent most of our time at the beach; every now and then visiting the few stalls and souvenir shops at the D Mall area. 

Sunrise in Boracay

Sunrise in Boracay

Boracay's Station 1: Yes! There's the difference :D

Low tide profiles Boracay with wider, more scenic beach

Boracay's Grotto during low tide

Signing out! 😉

Revisiting Puerto Galera

For the fourth time since 2012, I again experienced Puerto Galera in the most unexpected way. Let's just say it wasn't a planned trip but when you suddenly receive an invitation free of everything, it's definitely an offer that is hard to deny.

As a travel blogger, I mostly depend on sponsored trips :) and in return, I document it and share it with others for their future trip reference. This trip was ABSOLUTELY FREE! and thank you CHYMIST for accommodating yours truly in this one of a kind trip.

The boat ride that is meant for 50-60 people left the port with only 6 of us :D

View from our room

My previous trip to the place consists of commuting from Batangas port to Puerto Galera. This trip, however, offered absolute special trips to EVERYWHERE! Manila to the resort's private port, boat ride to Puerto Galera and the inspiring island hopping the next day.

The private port of Out of the Blue resort

Off to the islands! 

The rented Villa can accommodate15-20 guests. We were only 6. :D Imagine your quiet time at the Villa

Occupying a three-bedroom Villa with complete kitchen amenities, receiving area and the magnificent view of the ocean

Sagada, Mountain Province Part 4: Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Out of all the interesting places we visited in Sagada, the hanging coffins are the most popular and historical tourist place we've seen. They are part of Sagada's Eco Valley tour with a mild trek through a cemetery. 

The cemetery is not surprising given we're visting a unique burial place that said to have existed 2,000 years ago. 

The hanging coffins are privilege rather than a right. To the dead person and his family, acquiring a spot on the side of the cliff means you're a good person. Also, you must be a full blooded Igorot (an ethnic group living in the mountains of Luzon) in order to be eligible in time of death.

The chairs are used to sit the dead for 24-hours beside their coffin and before they are laid to rest. The tale of such ritual begins at home when the dead is carried to awaiting hanging coffin. People who carry the corpse (wrapped in cloth) are considered fortunate. The bodily fluids of the dead is believed to bring good luck to anyone who's able to catch it. 

The names written in the coffins are said to be the dead person's Igorot name. Apparently, Igorot's have their own unique and aboriginal names. These are subsequently changed after they are baptized to Christianity. Nevertheless, their death will bring back their original birth names.

Are you wondering about the smaller coffins? No, they're not babies. In fact, they're old people whom at their death were buried in a fetal a shape. They believe in returning to heaven the same way they were born here on earth.

So why do they hang the coffins? There's one particular reason why they do and it has nothing to do with setting a trend or being unique. According to the tribe's beliefs, they hang the coffins in order to be near to heaven. The higher the coffin is, the nearer it is to heaven and life after death.

The last practice of the hanging coffins was in 2008 when they buried Estefania Mayocyoc (brown coffin under SUMBAD's). Prior to that is Bomit-Og's burial in 2005 and Sumbad's in 2007. 

Our guide left us with one trivia and I will leave it to you to explore. There are 18 coffins hanging on the side of the cliff, but he insists there are 19. Find out where the 19th coffin is and let us know ;)

Sagada, Mountain Province Part 3: Conquering the beautiful Bomod-ok Falls

Sagada has three main waterfalls attractions and they consist of the Bomod-Ok Falls, Pongas Falls, and Bokong Falls. Our limited time on the other hand only allowed us to visit Bomod-ok, which is two kilometers away from the primary assembly place.

We were told that going to Bomod-ok Falls is very easy, but this is also accompanied by a fair warning that returning will be quite the challenge. As it turns out, going to Bomod-ok is literally all downhill; of course, expect to take the same route going back, which is all... uphill (you got that right 😀)

Photo Courtesy of Monette Anda

[BELOW] Our tour guide explained that this rustic bridge is not just there to cross the river. It's actually an access to another small community on the otherside of the mountain. 

Most of the hills and mountains in Sagada are utilized as agricultural land, hence the cultivation of crops in its rice terraces.

Photo Courtesy of Monette Anda

Photo Courtesy of Monette Anda

Healthy suggestion:

No matter how hot the temperature is during your hike to Bomod-ok waterfalls, DO NOT immediately soak on the cold, chilly water. Allow yourself to cool down before taking the dip.

Photo Courtesy of Monette Anda

Even at high noon, the water's temperature is ridiculously cold. It's recommended to "test the waters" before indulging. (Don't say we didn't warn you). 

Sagada, Mountain Province Part 2: Kiltepan Peak

God's creation will always awe us humans. 

Appreciating the scenic rupture of sunrise in Sagada. What can I say? I'm speechless.

It wasn't love at first sight, but I fell in love as it starts to slowly impress with its soft, vibrant colors. The morning's relentless cold weather is a challenge we have to overcome in order to experience the sun rising over Sagada's sea of clouds. 

We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning, we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time; each night, we surrender to the dark to be taken to play in the world of dreams where time is no more. - John O'Donohue

There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them. - Jo Walton

I love nature, I love watching the sun rise. I love my companions and I'm glad I get to share this experience with them.

Experience this majestic view at Sagada's Kiltepan Peak