Why Baguio Remains To Be One of The Most Sought Local Destinations

I first went to Baguio when I was 16 years old. Back then, I didn't know where I want to go or what I want to do in the place. Nevertheless, the experience was delightful. But recently, in a spur of the moment invitation, my friend and I found ourselves taking the night trip to Baguio with no concrete plans on what to do next. Once we stepped out of the bus at 4 am, we realized there's really no need for some planning, everything else just fell into place.

Going back to the place, I felt like I was a first timer. Technically that was the case. That being said, I pretty much wanted to experience everything and that includes walking from point to point whenever possible. It was exhausting but the breezy and fairly cold weather make it tolerable. 

The basin structure of Baguio makes walking around town basically challenging, but if you're resourceful enough to ask for alternative routes, people are more than willing to help you.

You can opt to take the public transportation or have your own rented car when going around Baguio city. An offer to visit all the tourist spots within the day including private transportation will probably cost around Php 3,000 give or take.

Regardless of the season you choose to visit Baguio, there will always be tourists visiting the place and you won't have to be the only one amazed with the scenery.

Food is incredible! small restaurants up the  Mine's View Park is the only one I tried while I was there and the veggies couldn't get 'fresher!' Cool climate, hot food, wide selection on the menu and what I think is a reasonable price? LET'S CHOW DOWN!

Probably the nearest I can get to the San Francisco bridge :D

Nature Stroll..

Some parts of the Botanical Garden. If you visit the place on a regular day, you may find it very peaceful and subtly endearing. 

Another "nearest that I can get to" thing. I don't think I'll ever step to a mansion house of any kind.

Puerto Galera: Landmark of Fun, Fabulous and Fancy Vacation

Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro, South of Manila and is known to be one the best places to go during the summer season. The coastal town's scenic and white beaches, water that's perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling is just few of what the town can offer its visitors . Two of its famous beaches, the "Sabang Beach" is the more popular destination for tourists while the "White Beach" remains a local destination.

Having visited the place twice already, I felt like there is more to discover in this beautiful place than its beaches and corals. More scenic views such as waterfalls and majestic landscapes.

The place remains a personal favorite destination because of its reasonable rates, fairly short travel time from the city, but most especially the way the place make you feel.

Boat ride from Batangas port to Puerto Galera takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you're not fond of riding boats and get seasick, choose the spot at the front where you can get fresh air. Boats tend to be a little bit loaded during the pick season.

Land Tour is usually offered by locals outside the hotels located along the beaches of Puerto Galera. During the offseason, you don't need to book in advance for the tour as they can accommodate you on the spot once you request. Rate depends on the number of tourists and tour includes, car, 1 driver and 1 tour guide.

(Below) View from where you travel from one location to the other.

Contact:
Sea Jewel Resort
White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
(02)5534898

Tagaytay: Frontier Within the City's Reach

Tagaytay is just one of the few places you can visit if you wish to escape the city's busy hustle and stressful environment and on Sunday, celebrating my sister's vacation in the country as well as her pending departure, we decided to spend the day here. The view is just majestic and timeless.

It's not everyday you watch the sun rise and spend the whole day basking under it, So spend it wisely and have fun under it.

People's Park In The Sky aka Palace In The Sky

Happy Siblings :D

Tagaytay Highlands' view from the Palace..

 That long.. winding road :D

PAGASA - DOST Doppler Radar located beside the deteriorating radar towers in the palace..

Towers.. Towers.. Towers..

The palace, looking "rickety", but inviting..

Batanes: Where The Heart Is...,

It was a fine day in May when the whole family went home for several reunions.. What could be more enticing than to see your beautiful mother as well as your hometown again after years of absence?

I am thankful that you took the flight, but at the time, I wasn't a willing passenger bound for Manila. Thank you PAL for the safe and quick flight.

Happy Siblings :D

A quick snap on our way to Basco for my flight going back to Manila. View deck was secured by a locked gate but.. shhhh I was able to find a way to get inside :D

The local park was basically an extension of every household near it. The evenings and early mornings were mostly spent here. Coffee please?? :D

And then.. you wait for the morning sun to rise, and bask on it 'til it's time to return home.

Night Owls..

And then you watch the sun set eagerly before it disappears right in front of you.

Credit: Kim Abad

This is what you call.. communing with nature. waiting.. waiting.. waiting..

and beauty becomes tangible..

Yes, Batanes is where the heart is.