One Hot and Humid afternoon in Enchanted Kingdom

Our cousin invited us to her birthday in Enchanted Kingdom. Just on time too my sister gone there a week ago but she didn’t enjoy it because she was part of the committee in the company outing done in Enchanted Kingdom. My sister agreed right away because she wanted to ride the extreme rides but had no time. But for me I’ve been there 4 times so I was having second thought, in the end I agreed anyway it’s a celebration too so I can talk to our cousin longer.

Enchanted kingdom is a theme park, it is considered as the “Disneyland of the Philippines”.  It is located in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

While our niece, nephew and my sister were enjoying the rides, me and our cousin were sitting on the bench talking. They were laughing at us because according to them it’s sign of aging. They wanted to ride most of the extreme rides but the lines were long, took half hour or more to be accommodated.

Here are the rides they tried:

Ekstreme Ride. It is a  thrilling. My sister loved it. She loves the exhilarating feeling from being dropped from a height of 120 feet with a maximum speed of 47mph. Ekstreme Ride takes a minute. It slowly goes up and you can see the aerial view. Our nephew didn’t notice that they would be dropped and before he knew it they were already on the ground. He said it was fast.

The second ride was the Flying fiesta. It is a swing ride that gradually increases  the speed and tilts, which create a wave-live motion.

They wanted to try more rides but we knew they couldn’t, so I told them to sum all the extreme rides for me space shuttle would be the best. This ride had long line that took them more than half hour to be accommodated. One can experience 360 degrees turn. It is a two minute ride. After they rode it our niece got dizzy and stop riding.

Because of a long queue in most of the rides, my cousin and our nephew tried Kart-Trak. If you want to experience to be a race driver for a day why not try it. They took the 2-seater for 470.00 pesos and that is for 10 minutes session.

They were already done with the car racing but those who were queuing  for space shuttle, they were still there. After the space shuttle we decided to have a relaxing ride and that was the Grand Carousel. And that made them burst out in laughter because me and my cousin joined. Why not, not bad for a last ride before going home.

It was a  fun day even was so hot and humid.

Free Stuff coming from Hotels

We travel as much as we can. We took the opportunity to explore places during holidays even just for a day. It's our way of unwinding and relaxing. In traveling we get to know other people, their culture and heritage, ways of life, amazing things about the places and a whole lot more in between.

As I was cleaning this morning I saw some of the freebies from the hotels that we stayed. We collect the free shampoos, conditioner, hair cap, grooming kit, slippers and other things that are part of the freebies. Anyway that's included in the payment we made. Before I was shy to get them but I learned from other travelers and even travel show hosts that they collect them too. We use these freebies every time we would go on travel that we would not stay in a hotel, like camping or sleep over with friends' house. 

I remember my husband asked me why I was collecting these stuff, for him that's sort of weird. He is not used to that. But I told him well that's included in our payment and I could use it when I travel too. So he was like ohh ok. 

It's fun too to look at these stuff, it's a remembrance too how far we got in terms of exploring other places. How about u? What do u do with the free stuff coming from the hotels?

How to get to Maligo Resort

The Pool of Maligo Resort

The thrill of reaching a place that is less traveled by the usual tourist is higher. Especially in a place like the province of Sorsogon. It has too many potential tourist destination but mostly underdeveloped and unexplored.

To those who want to explore the place in a convenient way you can hire a van ranging from 2,500 up. It depends upon your haggling skills. By the way the nearest airport is the Legaspi airport from there you can take van for hire or public transportation like van or bus. Usually the van is good  for an 8 hours trip although it depends upon how you can agree on some terms that would be favorable on you.

For those who would be coming from the airport, you can take tricycle and ask the driver to bring you to the bus or van terminal going to Sorsogon or Bulan. The tricycle fare is 50.00 pesos one way trip, the capacity of it is 4 persons.

Look for  the bus or van going to Bulan, tell the driver to drop you off in the crossing going to San Benon (in reference to San Benon hot and cold spring resort).  This trip is much better. The Van fare is 180.00 per head.  With the bus its130.00 per head.. But if there is not straight trip you can take the Sorsogon City trip.

From Sorsogon City you can ride a jeep or bus  with a signage of Irosin, Bulan or Matnog. Tell the conductor  to drop u off in San Benon, Monbon, Irosin. The land mark is the Monbon Elementary school. From there, there are tricycle that you can hire from 30 to 50, or u can try to haggle. Tell the driver to bring you to the Maligo Resort. If you still have time you can ask from the barangay tanod or barangay police in that area how to reach the resort by walking.

If your hotel is in Sorsogon City you can take jeep, van or bus in going back. There are hotels around the area too if you want to stay and explore the place more.  Take the best out of our trip. Goodluck!

St. Joseph Parish Church or commonly known as Barcelona Church

St. Joseph Parish Church of Barcelona, Sorsogon was built in the year 1874 by Franciscan friars. It is also known as Barcelona Church. The church is made of coral stones, lime,  beaten egg whites mixed with tuba, a local wine coming from coconut trees.  Barcelona church is one of the oldest churches in the Bicol Region. There are repairs done but most part of it are original. It is also one of the most photographed old churches in the region.

The facade of the Barcelona Church

The church has a tunnel connecting to the Presidencia Building or the old municipal building, which is now a ruin. It is just across the street but the priests closed it in order to avoid thieves from stealing the precious religious relics inside the church. 

the altar of the Barcelona Church

The Aisle of the Church

This town is named after the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona, the conquistador said that the natural arrangement of the place is like of that city.

Statue of the Patron Saint St. Joseph outside the Church

Lusada Cold Spring- A crystal spring

In the province of Sorsogon there are many entrance free tourist destinations. Underdeveloped just for the consumption of the locals, "bakasyonistas"( visitors of the local coming from different places) and some tourists that are looking for real adventures unexplored by many.

One of them is the Lusada Cold Spring located in Sitio Caladgao, Buraburan, Juban. It's is along the Maharlika hi-way, more or less 15-20 meters away from the main road. Few minutes walk. Lusada is a local term which means "to go down" from the root word lusad meaning go down. 

It was my first time to visit this place. My sisters, nieces and nephews have been there before but sad to say I didn't. But since it was a hot afternoon we looked for a cold spring to refresh. We grew up loving the hot springs. Our place is blessed with springs because of the Mount Bulusan. We decided to try Lusada. 

Lusada Cold Spring has one natural pool, surrounded by banana trees, bushes, wild plants, ferns and boulders. It is the pool for everybody and serves too as a laundry area. We saw some washing their clothes in one area. By the way it's common in the provinces to wash their clothes in the river, springs, or any form of body of water. 

There is an automatic understanding that when there are new visitors they would vacate an area to accommodate them. It's part of the culture to be hospitable and accommodating.

I saw some put their bottles of soft drinks in one area to make it cooler, the pool is not just a place for swimming and washing clothes but also serves as the cooler. Unique pool.

My companions were enjoying the swimming because the same as in Binarabudan Cold Spring there are fish too. It was getting late when we decided to leave the spring. 

I got disappointed when I saw d surroundings full of used plastic, foil, bottles and other rubbish  meaning those who visit the place just throw their trashes outside the pool. It's the place where local go everyday, hope the people together with the local officials come out with the plan how to maintain the beauty of the place. 

I really hope that someday, we Filipinos can learn to understand and appreciate how blessed we are having this beautiful land. We learn to take care of the natural resources that we have. It's our wealth, heritage, pride  and preserving this will be the greatest gift to the next generation. 

Binarabudan Cold Spring - Gulang-Gulang, Irosin, Sorsogon

Mount Bulusan

Lush Vegetation 

the path

Some say the best thing in life is free. In Irosin, Sorsogon  and nearby towns there are natural springs that are open for public without entrance fee. One of them is the Binarabudan Cold Spring, which is located in Brgy. Gulang-Gulang, Irosin, Sorsogon. Binarabudan is a local term for spring, it is derived from the word burabod meaning spring. No trail signs to go there, one can ask a local to guide them in going to the spring. It is nestled on the foot of the Bulusan Volcano. Along the Maharlika Highway near Guest World Resort and Inn, in front of Soreco II office there is a path leads to the spring. Just ask the locals along the way they are helpful and gracious to give u  the direction.

Natural Pool

Salog means river

We had more or less 20 minutes trek. Our nephew was gone to the place but he forgot the exact way. It was fun for we don’t know where the right path so what we did was followed the passage of the water. We knew at the end of that water is the spring.  Along the way we were looking and were in awe of the beautiful  scenery, lush vegetation, butterflies flying over us and of course the full view of the Bulusan Volcano.

While walking we could hear the laughter of the people enjoying the water. The deep of the water is more or less 2-4 feet. It is surrounded by trees, ferns, wild plants and boulders. There is a huge stone serves as diving spot.

Diving Spot-Dive on your own risk

At first the water is cold but as time goes on, it’s so refreshing and relaxing. The water is crystal clear and there are fish in it. Why not experience swimming with the fish in a natural spring. We tasted the water right on the spring, it's cold and refreshing one. There is another spring nearby which the water supply of the Barangay Gulang-Gulang is coming from. This is the water reservoir of the community.

Great to explore places that not the usual destination for tourists. Hope the picnic goers and the local officials can maintain the cleanliness. Till next time.

Caliraya Springs Golf and Marina Resort, Barangay East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna - How to get there

Caliraya Springs Resort and Marina Resort, is a private resort with many amenities. Good place for relaxation and enjoyment. Private vehicles are better to bring rather than take public utility vehicles. We were planning to hire a van but we didn’t. Here’s how we got there.

South Station in Alabang, Muntinlupa then took a bus, Greenstar with a signage of Sta. Cruz. Told the conductor to drop us off in Pagsawitan, that’s in boundary of Pagsanjan and Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The fare was 102.00 pesos.

From Pagsawitan we crossed the road then took a jeep with signage of Sta. Cruz. Told the driver to drop us off in the terminal of the jeep to LUMOT. The fare was 8.00 pesos.

The jeepneys going to Lumot pass by the Pagsawitan, its just that you cant take a jeepney with available seats because before the jeepney left the terminal its already full, that’s why we were advised to go to the jeepney terminal instead.

From the jeepney terminal of in Sta. Cruz, we rode the jeep with the signage of LUMOT. Told the driver to drop us of in Caliraya springs Golf Club and Marina Resort. The fare was 34.00 pesos.

By the gate of the resort there is a tricycle. One way trip is 100.00 pesos.

You should take tricycle because the clubhouse is far from the gate. It’s advisable to take your own vehicle or rent a car or van because the waiting time taking the public utility vehicles is long.

Expect a ride in going to Lumot with overloaded passengers. Actually some of the passengers argue with the driver because he was still loading even the back, had many, the front of the windshield had already sitting on and even on his left side, he let a passenger sat beside him. Some were on the topload. It was scary in some points because the road is narrow and uphill. It was an adventure indeed. The last trip of the jeepneys is 4:00 pm. The locals are nice, friendly, and easy to talk to.

If you want to have a weekend get away and don’t want to get far from the Metro. This one is for you.

Instruction coming from the Caliraya Springs Golf and Marina Resort on how to get there:

If by private vehicle:

Option 1 – Through South Expressway

• Take the south expressway
• Take the calamba exit
• At the calamba crossing (SM Calamba), turn right
• Straight ahead using the highway passing towns of Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan.
• After passing the Pagsanjan Archway, you will see a T road (at the end of the road is a Catholic Church)
• On this T road, turn left to Lumban, then drive for 4 kms, then you will see a Y road, take the right
• Drive the 6kms ascent, then you will see Caliraya Recreation Center
• 5kms further, on the left side is the entrance of Caliraya Springs Golf and Marina Resort Comples

Option 2 – Through Rizal

• From Edsa take Ortigas Avenue turn right at the first intersection after the Cainta junction towards Taytay.
• Following the main highway bound for Laguna pass through the eight municipalities of Rizal.
• Make a U-turn at Barangay Bagong Silang, Lumban to start ascent to Caliraya lake.

If by commuting:

Option 1 – From Cubao

• From the Cubao Bus Station, take a bus (HTM transport or any bus) going to Pagsawitan. This road will take you about two to two and a half hours.
• Then, at Pagsawitan terminal, take a tricycle or a jeepney with a signboard “LUMOT”
• This ride will go up using Lumban-Caliraya-Cavinti road, pass by Caliraya Recreational Resort/Caliraya Resort Club Inc., Lagos del Sor Resort then after you will see Entrance gate of Caliraya Springs Gold and Marina Resort Complex.

Option 2 – From Metro Manila Bus Stations

• Take a ride at the Sta. Cruz-bound bus of HM Transit on EDSA Cubao or Green Star on LRT/Taft Ave.
• The bus will go through South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and will exit at Calamba tollgate. Get off at the Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan terminal.
• Then, ride a jeepney with “Lumot” signboard. The Lumot bound jeepney will pass thru Pagsanjan, it will turn left then pass thru Lumban, turn to the right to climb the mountain Lumban-Caliraya-Cavinti road, pass by Caliraya Recreational Resort/Caliraya Resort Club Inc., Lagos del Sor Resort then after you will see Entrance gate of Caliraya Springs Gold and Marina Resort Inc.

Address: Barangay East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna

Contact:
Phone: (+632) 723-0781 to 88 loc. 306
Mobile: +63 (2) 917 857 8268
Website: http://www.calirayasprings.com

Singing Taxi Driver of Cagayan de Oro City

During our Cagyan de Oro City-Bukidnon-Camiguin Tour, we got disappointed right away with the driver of the taxi, who drove us to the downtown of Cagayan de Oro city. First his meter reader, which was covered by the shift gear, ran too fast. Second he doesn’t know the hotel. He was not polite or customer friendly at all, that made us decide to just look for another taxi or local transportation. Paging the attention of the local tourism, what really make the tourists come back to a place is the locals themselves. Make the tourists feel safe and be fair to them.

Eventually we found ways to go to the St. Nicolas Inn, where we were booked. The irony of all was the street where we lighted off is the same street where the hotel is. The staffs were friendly to let us leave our things so that we can go to Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon.

We went to the Market City to look for a van or car to transport us to Bukidnon. Manong Bernie was the driver of the taxi that we hired. We learned that he is the president of the taxi driver organization in the city. His contact number is +639421670028. He seemed know what tourism is all about. He knows the problem of their tourism, and he said they are improving it. We exchanged ideas. Hope the locals will know and appreciate the importance of promoting their tourism. Eventually they will be, by educating them rightly.

After a tiring but fun day in Bukidnon we went back to Cagayan de Oro City. While we were on our way, Manong Bernie played his music thru a portable dvd player with monitor. He was singing and was encouraging us to join him. That’s part of the culture of the Filipinos, wherever in the Philippines, mostly love to sing. We joined him in some songs lol although we are not really good singers just for fun we did. It added to make our day more enjoyable meeting people who are sensible to talk with.

Thank you Manong Bernie, hope more Kagayanons will be like you! Till then. 

Tuasan Falls - Catarman, Camiguin

Supposed to be our next and last stop would be the Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort. While we were enjoying the water in Bura Soda Water Park an old guy told us that there is another falls just near and it is called Tuasan Falls. We asked our tour guide/driver if we could go there, he said it’s not part of the itinerary because the road to that area was under construction and there were debris falling specially that it was raining. We told him we can check because it might be passable at that time, lol our persistent soul attacked. Eventually he agreed to our request.

  

 Tuasan Falls can be reached through the main coastal highway from Mambajao to Catarman. Before there was a jump off point, where tourists would trek to the falls through luscious green trail. But now and good for us there is a road straight to the area where the falls is. It is under construction but passable already.

Tuasan Falls is a raw, rugged and unspoiled waterfall located in Catarman , west side of Camiguin. It has 25-meter high strong water cascading, it is possible to swim in the pools surrounding the falls but one should be careful with the quick but clear water.  At that time that we were there the surging water was too strong that we were not advised to get near. The area is surrounded by huge ferns, trees, wild orchids and the boulders make it more rugged.

When we were on our way we lost sight of neither houses nor people walking, it was like endless road and wilderness. No tourists too in the area so we took time enjoy the place even it was raining a bit. We had time to frolic.

Don’t forget to bring your own food, no store yet in there. If you are going to swim bring along a Malong or something that would cover yourself in changing clothes. No bathroom in the area.

According to our tour guide the government is going to put some amenities for the enjoyment of the public. No entrance for now, so feel free to enjoy the unadulterated place.

Bura soda water park also known as Soda water swimming pool

This was the place what our tour guide was telling us, where we could have that native chicken. Before we alight from the multi-cab there was a lady offered lunch right away, our tour guide/driver said that we can order from her. She said she can bring the food inside the resort, special delivery lol. Actually that’s the usual they do. You can read here ourexperience with the lunch she served.

We were curious what soda water would be because I knew it would have just a zest but not of course the usual soda in the bottle of can. I was right it was just a fresh and cold with zest water. Refreshing to taste, different from the usual potable water.

This resort has a playground to add fun to the guests’ experience. While we were waiting for our food we played there too. Why not? be a kid once more, its nice to do it from time to time. Lol. 

The Bura Soda water park has two swimming pools to enjoy. The soda water is coming from a spring. Unique water, this is only can be found in here, Bura, Catarman, Camiguin. 

Entrance Fee:

13 years old up – P 20.00

6 years old to 12 years old – P 15.00

Cottage rental – P 50.00

Every Wednesday the resort is closed for its regular cleaning.

Drinking soda water is good for hydration making you feel full therefore decreasing overall food consumption. Studies show that soda water reduces osteoporosis, decreases cardiovascular disease risk and lowers blood pressure.

Soda water is the only of its kind in the whole country. It is made into swimming pool for human enjoyment and satisfaction.

Rules and regulations

1. pay your entrance fee before entering
2. observe cleanliness
3. throw your garbage in the garbage container
4. swimsuits are highly recommended
5. no eating, drinking beside the pool
6. children must be guided by parents
7. wearing slippers, shoes inside the pool are not allowed
8. gambling inside the premises is prohibited
9. person under the influence of liquor may not be allowed to enter
10. watch your own belongings

Source: Bura Soda WaterPark

Old Church Ruins (Gui-ob Church) - Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin

When the tour guide told us that our next stop was the Old Catarman Church Ruins, I was like it might be a creepy place. From outside it looked like fortress with the wall covered with moss and surrounded by huge trees. The wall and posts are huge and thick; they show how beautiful and mighty the church building was. As we entered the main building, which was the church, the cool breeze kissed our skin, refreshing. Actually it is not a creepy place maybe at night it is but for me it was a serene place. It is perfect for those who are looking for a nice place for photography, pre-wedding photo shoots or simply nature photography.

I noticed there are floor tiles on the altar where candles were being lighted. Those tiles are not matched with the old ruins. According to the kids selling candles, after the earthquake the locals built a chapel inside the ruins but now it was removed that’s why there are floor tiles on the area of the altar.

Outside the church towards the area where the remnants of the bell tower and the convent are, is a stunning view so green, the breeze smells so fresh, the surroundings is clean. The coral stones are visible on the convent building. We were estimating the measurement of the thickness of the wall more or less it could be more or less 40 inches thick. Beautiful and stunning architectural design, although as we were exploring the place, we thought that for sure our forefathers were forced to work to build this beautiful project of the Spaniards. Erase erase lol that was just part of the history and hope we learn from it.

There is a white lighthouse at the back of the convent building, the only modern structure in the ruins. Odd but well that is needed to guide the ships and the people, wish they could find a place other than the Old Catarman Church Ruins because that lighthouse mismatched the beauty of the Old Ruins.

The church of the Old Catarman town was destroyed by volcanic debris during the eruption and formation of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875. It is also known as Gui-ob Church, located in Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin.

We took time to take pictures in every corner, we were all amazed with the beauty of this place, ruins but it represents how strong the people of Camiguin are.

 A brief account Mt. Volcan Eruption

May 13,1871

6:00 PM

Cotta Bato the capital of Camiguin Island was a quiet and attractive town verdant in its natural wonders. Its peaceful shores provided strolling grounds for its inhabitants as they basked under the gracious moonlight.  Suddenly

Tranquility came to a halt as a sub-terranean rumbling sowed undescribable lower hundreds of houses and the churches crumbled into pieces the ground rolled and broke into deep crevices with horrifying earthquake served only as prelude to the destructive climax a cataclysm never witnessed before Mt. Volcano gave out its hardest and most violent outbreak.  

6:20 P.M.

Cotta Bato was a dreadful pile of ruins. The single volcano eruption buried a beautiful town into obscurity.

Hundreds of lives were lost while the survivors sought refuge in the open ground that gave them hope for tomorrow.

Source: Old Catarman Church Ruins

The Sunken Cemtery - Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin

It was always been in my list to visit the sunken cemetery. Personally I want to see the place and experience what others say about the feeling of eerie when in this place. Mostly visitors who visited this place filled with enchantment. To our dismay the place couldn’t be explored because of the bad weather condition so we couldn’t be transported by the boat. What we did was just enjoyed the sight of the place. Took pictures and talked with the locals.

Sunken cemetery is located in Bonbon, Catarman, which was the result of the volcanic eruption of Mount Vulcan (Old Volcano) that was happened in 1870s. The whole capital of Camiguin, including the cemetery sunk under the sea during that destructive volcanic eruption. Part of the sunken land and the grave stones were still visible during the low tide, but in 1948 the Mount Vulcan erupted again made the whole area deeper. The gravestones can still be thru diving. That’s why today Sunken Cemetery is considered as one of the most interesting diving sites in the Philippines.

In 1982 the Provincial Government of Camiguin erected a huge cross to mark the site of the sunken graves of their ancestors. From then on it was called the “Sunken Cemetery”.

The history of the sunken cemetery is definitely tragic. It’s the way the people of Camiguin valued this historic site and its heritage that show the kind of people they are. This incident truly defines the people’s courage, resilience and faith to survive the challenges of time. 

Too many things to do in Camiguin, take time and plan.