Surfin' Baler

If you thought you will visit Baler just to surf, then you're wrong. Over the weekend adventure in Baler starts from their zigzag road with 6-8hrs of travel time from Manila you may really start your adventure at 1AM of Saturday just like what we did. Enough of talking let's start the listing.

How to get there
There are buses available that will bring you to Baler. Just make sure to check their schedule and book a reservation for sure seats.

Bus Company	Contact Info
Genesis Bus	http://www.genesistransport.com.ph/
Joy Bus	(02) 709-0803/ 421-1443

Est. Cost: Php 800-1400/head (roundtrip)

But my friend told me that there's an alternative cut-trip but I'm not familiar with the how to's of this option. He suggested this since travel time of this option is less than the public bus Try to check other blogs they might have written something about this option. I'll try to edit this post if I'll be able to retrieve the details he gave me.

However, if you are planning a trip with 10-12 pax, it is also good to consider renting a private van that will take you to Baler and will serve as your private transportation around town.

Est. Expense	Details
P 4,500	Van rental
P 4,100	Gasoline (for 1 1/2 tank which is more than enough)
P 500	Toll Fees
P 900	Driver's meal (set at P150/meal)

Est. Cost: Php 10,000 (as a group)

Where to Stay
There are lots of choices for everyone, from a nipa hut priced at P500 per night and it is good for 2 person. But here's the list of my recommended accommodation:

Inn	Contact Info
Aliya Surf Camp & Resort	http://www.aliyasurfcamp.com/
Bay's Inn	09089823509/ https://www.facebook.com/baysinn
Bayler View Hotel	09273668735 / 09192863105

You may also visit the official website or Aurora Province and check their massive list of accommodations. For easy access to the beach, choose a resort along Sabang Beach.
Est. Cost: Php 500 up/head

Where to Eat
This may be the easiest thing to look for in Baler. There are lots of dining place along Sabang Beach, but these place are usually full during peak season and meal time. Another option would be the "kalinderias" in the public market. Food tastes fare and they're cheap. And yeah! I think finding a place to eat in Baler should be the least of your problem. Btw, don't forget to try Gerry Chan's Buffet for just 200/pax.

What to do In Baler
Of course, most if not all people who go to Baler wants to surf, and that's given.

Aside from surfing, you might also want to consider trekking to reach Baler's Ditumabo Falls.

Another good thing to try in Baler is to have a PhotoOp inside and outside a very big Balete tree.

There are lots of things to do in Baler aside from surfing so better book now while it's still summer.:)

Mapapa-WOW sa Pinas. It's More Fun in the Philippines.: A Campaign

Am I insane? Two Philippine tourism slogans in one? Yes, why not coconut? The former WOW Philippines tourism campaign is a hit to the point that a videoke microphone was named after it. And though "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign gained controversies at first, it is now gaining popularity. This new tourism's campaign to promote the ecotourism of the Philippines also shows the creativity of Filipino minds. How? Let the photos below show you how.

To promote the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Source:  outoftownblog.com

To promote the Filipino Bayanihan.

Source:  rv-orchidworks.com

And my most favorite is this photo that celebrates Philippine Independence,

Source:  ilovecdo.info

But what really made me join this campaign? It was the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol. This calamity made me depressed. What on earth have I done? I've been working for 2 years and yet I haven't been to this part of my country. I actually have all the means that I need and yet I did not choose to allocate some money to visit this place. And now, all historical churches will be ruins. Yeah, since it will take lots of time to restore them. The sad truth is that even though the greatest architects and engineers will put all their greatest efforts to restore these churches, it will never be the same.

Aside from joining this campaign, the calamity made me want to write a bucket list which includes visiting a province or two in each of the Philippines' 16 regions. Not just that, some regions even includes a specific activity and province like snorkling in Palawan, hydro jet surfing in Zambales, as well as buying an item in Honesty Shop in Batanes.

Just like what my mother told, "...mas magandang mag-ikot dito. Pupunta kang Singapore, anong titignan mo dun, building?" Yeah, she's right. But out of the country trips is still on my list but as of this writing, I only have 5 places outside Philippines that I want to visit. That's less than one half of the 16 regions of the Philippines.

For now, I will give you this cute Halloween greeting. Yeah, even Halloween is more fun in the Philippines.:)

Source:  http://dailyhappymeal.tumblr.com/

A Breath Taking 2 seconds with EKStreme Tower Ride

Planning to visit Enchanted Kingdom? Then, you must prepare yourself with this ride which they call EKStreme.

This ride has a separate fee of P80.00. But for those students who are planning to try this breath taking ride, they can try this for only P50.00, just make sure you bring your ID along with you.

Even for those regular people who does not have any plan on trying the ride could feel the excitement and fears of those who are riding it. But a reminder to those who are riding the EKStreme, you are being watched. And be prepared that you may be the subject of their laughter because of your unusual reaction during the 2-second ride.

From a Rider's Point of View

I had no problem with the queue for this ride since there are only few people who are trying it. Maybe because of the separate payment or maybe it was just really terrifying to try it.

We fall in line. We wait. Suddenly, the crew called for a group of 5 riders. Luckily, or maybe unluckily for I am not that prepared unlike my sister, we were 2 of those 5 since the other group has only 3 members.

I sat and make sure of the seat belt. Before the ride went up, a photographer ask as to smile for the souvenir photo. Then the ride went up, up, and up. While it rise you'll hear more and more shouts from other riders. Then PUUUFFFF!!! We were released and you can no longer hear scream while the ride is going down. Maybe everyone held their breath in. Indeed, EKStreme is literally a breath taking ride.

When the ride stopped, you'll hear laughter and see some smiles. Yeah! That is the general reaction of those who are trying the ride. Maybe we laughed because we were so afraid when the ride is still going up and didn't realize that it only took 2 seconds of our lives to feel the rush of going down.

Summer 2011 - Camarines Sur Watersports Complex

(Late post)
Camarines Sur, Philippines- If you are planning to visit the Camarines Sur, make sure to book a day to visit the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex. The facilities are cheap and you will definitely enjoy the water.

Aquapark

(Aquapark used to have a gigantic inflatable slide. I wonder where it is now.)

Entrance fee per hour is Php120. But I highly suggest, get their half day rate which would only cost you Php200. I'm telling you, 1 hour is not enough. You might just be starting to enjoy the lagoon within that 1hr. And if you are planning to try the wake boarding, better make yourself listed in the Proshop before anything else if you don't want to wait for a long queue of names.

Cable Pass
To experience wake boarding, you only have to pay for its cheap price. Honestly!
You will only have to pay Php125 but you need additional Php500, which by the way is refundable, if you have no gears (helmet, vest and board).

Beginners will be given a kneeboard and will receive some instructions of How To's before they will let you out in the water.

By the way, they will ask you if you know how to swim since it is important. But no worries for those who doesn't know how, you've got your vest and you only have to learn to paddle yourself and they will teach you how to do that.

If you have tried the knee boarding, you may proceed to the further part of the complex where you will be able to learn how to ride the board with your feet on board. (I'm very frustrated with this part, I can't even be able to stand for at least 5 secs.T_T)

FYI, once you use their cable rides facility, you will be entitle to a 1-hr free access to their pool. I guess this thing is not being mentioned until you've returned the gears.

And before you leave, try to visit the shops near the parking area and buy some souvenirs. This way, you will have something tangible as a souvenir from your CWC experience.

Please, please. If you really love the Philippines, help our country promote tourism. How? By buying apparel from place you've visited, try to wear them somewhere. For instance, I've been to Davao and was able to experience water rafting. Luckily, part of their package is a free shirt after a one sure wet ride. And when I visited the CWC I wore that shirt.^^

For more details about the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex, visit their website at http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/

Star City is now on the Web

Star City is theme park within the CCP Complex in Pasay. It is the most accessible theme park in the metro for all ages.

If I am not mistaken, it is during the later month of 2010 when Star City was already been able to establish their own website. Good thing, customer's like me won't be able to have a hard time searching the net for their updates.

For those who do not know their website, here's the link: Star City