Guimaras - Island Hopping Adventure

Traveling to Guimaras will never be complete without doing the island hopping tour. It was 7:00 AM in the morning on our second day in Guimaras. The sun and sea is one with our craving for interesting places to explore in the island. Hopping in the nearby islets in Guimaras is a must-do activity.

Guimaras - Raymen and Rico Beach Resorts

Looking for a decent accommodation in Guimaras is easy, as many resorts offer very competitive rates. The original plan was to stay in Guisi, but a friend of mine suggested that we stay in Sitio Alubihod as many resorts there offer very good accommodation. We checked on Raymen Beach Resort and at first look, it's okay with us. It's a bit crowdy because it's a weekend, but it's okay.

Guimaras - Guisi Point Lighthouse and Guisi Beach in Nueva Valencia

Once we have settled at Raymen Beach Resort in Sitio Alubihod in the town of Nueva Valencia, we asked our driver/guide to bring us to Guisi to see the Lighthouse and take a dip in the beach. We have agreed for an additional 150 pesos for our rent on his tricycle. Travel time is around 20-25 minutes.

Guimaras - Jordan Port, Museo De Guimaras and Trappist Monastery

Iloilo City is the primary gateway to Guimaras Island. From Iloilo City, we went to Ortiz Port to take a boat bound for Guimaras. It is located in Ortiz St., Iloilo City (near University of Iloilo). It is the major jump off point to Guimaras because the boats bound for Jordan, the capital town of Guimaras, can be found here. Ferry boats leave the port every 15 minutes, and it will take you to Guimaras in no time. Travel time is around 10-15 minutes and fare is only 13 pesos.

Random : My Take on "Pilipinas Kay Ganda"

The new campaign of the Department of Tourism had gained too much criticism in the past weeks. It eventually triggered DOT Undersecretary Enteng Romano's resignation.

It is yes indeed a very lame campaign compared to its predecessor, WOW Philippines!

The WOW Philippines campaign of then Sec. Richard Gordon had boost tremendously the local tourism industry. And it will be very hard for this new campaign to surpass what it has done to the Philippine tourism industry in terms of attracting foreign and local tourists to visit and travel in our country.


If I were President Noynoy Aquino, I would re-appoint Richard Gordon as the new tourism secretary after the ban period on candidates who lost in the recent election. I would also ask the DOT to re-launch the WOW Philippines campaign. Lastly, continue the rationalization of Holiday Economics.

Thank you!

Iloilo & Guimaras Adventure - November 20-22, 2010

I just came back from a 3-day vacation in Iloilo and Guimaras with my good friend Benj.



We arrived at Iloilo Airport early morning of Saturday. We took a van from the airport going to SM City Iloilo, fare is 50 pesos each. From there, we took a cab going to Ortiz Pier, taxi fare is around 80 pesos. This pier services boats that transfers passengers from Iloilo to Guimaras Island. We paid 13 pesos each for our tickets and boarded the boat. After a little over 10 minutes, we reached the port of Jordan, Guimaras Island.

Our day 1 of adventure started as we set foot in this beautiful island.

Rizal - Ciudad Christhia Resort 9 Waves, San Mateo Rizal - November 13-14 2010

The much awaited overnight swimming of the "Sosyal Klaymers". Held at Ciudad Christhia Resort's 9 Waves in San Mateo Rizal.

With me are my friends Alex, Marissa, Mitch, Joan, Philip, Ricky and Dom.


More Pix? >> [ Ciudad Christhia Resort - Nov 13-14 '10 ]

About Ciudad Christhia Resort Source: http://www.9wavesphilippines.com/ Ciudad Christhia Resort started its operations on December 11, 1990 with a swimming pool, several pavilions, a picnic area, and two all-around personnel. Soon after, the company began its expansion with the construction of more structures to showcase the resort’s bright potential and provide its community with an outstanding recreational facility. Today, the resort includes its renowned 9 waves swimming pool, a children and adult’s swimming pools, a double-loop water slide, café and restaurant, merchandise shop, an events hall- The Pergola Hall, conference rooms, room accommodations, an organic farm, wall climbing and teambuilding facilities, and an activity center. From its humble beginnings of 0.7 hectares, and now at 2.2 hectares, the resort continues to grow, providing leisure and relaxation right at the heart of Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal. It is the goal of Ciudad Christhia Resort’s committed team, composed of the management and their professional staff, to uphold the values of the resort with dedication, cooperation, excellence and loyalty, thereby providing the public with a healthy and enjoyable environment with the resort’s continuous progress.

Climbing Tip : Mt. Pulag National Park - How To Get There

It's been a long time plan for me and my group to climb up Mount Pulag. And while I'm still savoring the beauty of this mountain thru the photos of successful mountaineers / climbers who've been on it's peak, I stumble upon these good articles on how to get to Mt. Pulag.

I want to share this with you as it may serve as a guide in getting to Mt. Pulag National Park.

Pinoy Transpo : My 1st Manila LRT Purple Line Ride - November 14, 2010

Last night, on our way home from a weekend get-away in a resort in San Mateo Rizal, me and my friends decided to take the LRT 2 (purple line).

The Megatren, more popularly known by its generic name Line 2, is a 13.8 km mass transit line that traverses five cities in Metro Manila namely Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila along the major thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto Avenue. (?)

We took the train at Katipunan station, which is said to be the first and only underground air-conditioned station. Since, it's my first time to ride the LRT 2, I was so amazed on the size of their trains. They are huge!!!

All I can say is WOW!!! Katipunan Station is awesome, I thought I was not in Manila. Hehehe!!!

It's my first time, let me have a souvenir photo taken. Hehehe!!!

Ricky and Joan, it's also their 1st time to ride the LRT 2.

It's a Sunday, not too much commuters...

Pinoy Holidays : Non-working Holiday on November 29, 2010

Good News Adventuristas! Malacañang declared November 29, 2010 as a non-working holiday in celebration of the martyrdom of one of our national heroes, Andres Bonifacio.

You can now plan for a long weekend vacation. Yahoo!!!

So, where would Pinoy Adventurista's next destination?

Palace declares Nov. 29 as a regular holiday November 11, 2010, 2:20pm MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — Malacañang Palace on Thursday declared November 29 a non-working holiday in celebration of Bonifacio Day. The date falls on a Monday. Bonifacio Day is on the 30th but under Proclamation 1841 which was issued in July 2009, the celebration of the movable holidays will be moved to the nearest Monday. Earlier, President Benigo Simeon Aquino III declared Nov. 16 as a regular non-working holiday in celebration of the Muslim feast, Eid'l Adha.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Pinoy Holidays : Palace Declares November 16, 2010 as a National Holiday in Celebration of Eid'l Adha

Proclamation No. 60

MALACAÑANG MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES DECLARING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010 AS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN CELEBRATION OF EID’L-ADHA (FEAST OF SACRIFICE) WHEREAS, RA 9849 provides that Eid’l Adha shall be celebrated as a national holiday; WHEREAS, Eid’l Adha is one of the two greatest feast of Islam; WHEREAS, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has confirmed that the feast of Eid’l Adha falls on November 16, 2010; NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Tuesday, November 16, 2010 as a national holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed. Done in the city of Manila, this 9th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Ten. (Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III By the President: (Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR. Executive Secretary

Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

Pinoy Na Pinoy : ANG PINAKA Sure Sign That You're Pinoy

Last Sunday's episode of "Ang Pinaka" listed down the top ten icons, items, traits and quirky customs that are dead giveaway signs of being Pinoy.

Guest panelistas include Inquirer Libre, Showbuzz editor, Rommel Lalata, 90.7 Love Radio DJ, Chris Tsuper, and Sociologist, Bro. Clifford Sorita.

Hosted by Rovilson Fernandez, "Ang Pinaka" airs every Sunday @ 6:00 PM, on QTV Channel 11.



ANG PINAKA: SURE SIGN THAT YOU'RE PINOY

10. if you love PANDESAL
Hindi mawawala sa almusal ng mga Pinoy ang pandesal. This is one of my favorites for breakfast. Sarap nito with fried eggs... Wahahah!!! Ikaw?

09. if you love KANIN EVERY MEAL
Personally, hindi ko kayang kumain ng lunch at dinner ng walang kanin. Di pwede sa akin ang pasta, mashed potato or bread lang. Hahaha!!! Ikaw, kaya mo?

08. if you love SOUVENIR ITEMS
Mahilig talaga tayong mga Pinoy sa mga souvenir items, katulad ng malaking kutsara at tinidor na galing ng Baguio, mga T-shirt na may naka-print ng lugar na pinuntahan natin, at kung anu anu pa. Ikaw, anung favorite souvenir item mo?

07. if you love VIDEOKE/ MAGIC SING
Hindi kumpleto ang isang party kung walang kantahan. Malungkot, boring, nakakatamad... Ilabas na ang magic sing at tara nang kumanta!!!

06. if you have WALIS TINGTING/ WALIS TAMBO in your home
Wala kaming vaccum cleaner sa bahay at hindi naman carpeted ang bahay namin, so kelangan talaga namin ng walis tambo/ting-ting.

Takbo : My One Year of Running

It all started with a "fun run" with friends. And from then on, I started to like it. Most of the time, I am with my Sosyal Klaymer and DLSU-D / MBA friends.

I really really really enjoyed running. Nakarating pa nga kami ng Laguna and Camsur just to participate in these events. Hope to join more in the months to come.

Thanks to all who've been with me. See you in the running events to come.

"Every run is a new Adventure! Tara! Takbo tayo!!!"


"Sosyal Klaymers" - Me, Ayie, Alex, Julius, Bheng and Joan
33rd National Milo Marathon - October 11, 2009
Qurino Grandstand / Luneta Park



From L-R: Alex, Me, Ayie and Julius
Run for the Pasig River - November 8, 2009
Qurino Grandstand / Luneta Park

Gimiks : Bonding with Friends v3.0

The 3rd installment to my previous posts of "gimiks / bonding sessions" with my friends.



Sosyal Klaymers' Nomo Nights | July 15, 2010
@Sosyal Na Bar, San Andres Bukid Manila




QBE friends @ Kaytsan | October 1, 2010
@KaytSan Bar - Makati

Quezon - Kwebang Lampas Beach in Pagbilao Quezon - October 24, 2010

After filling ourselves with a great lunch at Vista Playa Restaurant, we decided to continue our Beach Bumming Adventure. We took a bus bound for Lucena and asked the bus conductor to drop us at Brgy. Polo crossing.

Bus ride from Padre Burgos to Brgy. Polo in Pagbilao

Brgy. Polo Crossing

From there, we asked a tricyle driver to bring us to Kwebang Lampas. He was charging 300 pesos for a one-way trip to the beach. It's okay with us. But since a lady asked us if she could go with us in the tricycle because her house is along the way and she's willing to share 100 pesos for the rent of the tricyle, we agreed right away. At least makakatipid kami.