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?

Masacrot Spring-A resort enveloped by nature

Bulusan, Sorsogon is rich in natural resources. Bulusan is from the word Bulos which means flow of water or water current. Exploring Bulusan always includes  water activities.

One of the unique and beautiful tourist spot in Bulusan is the Masacrot Spring. It is located in San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon. It is known for its mineral water. Actually it should be tested because it has a taste of carbonated mineral water or soda water just like of that in Bura Soda Water swimming pool of Camiguin. You can taste the water right from the spring. The water is cold that’s why the feeling  is like of that swimming in a cold “soft drinks” water. The word Masacrot is derived from the taste of the water meaning a little bit acidic or vinegary because of its carbonated taste like.

The Masacrot Spring has open cottages and tables with chair for rent. The entrance fee is minimal.

The swimming  pool is enveloped with trees, wild ferns, ornamental plants and algae. The trees in here are being embraced by algae and some epiphyte ferns and plants. One should be careful in dipping into the water because there are parts that are slippery because of the algae on the swimming pool itself. It is being cleaned often but algae is one of the microorganisms that grows in there.

All year round visitors flock in there to enjoy and savor the carbonated mineral water and its natural beauty. Don’t forget to drop by in this unique tourist spot when you have time.

Masacrot Spring

San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon

How to get to Barcelona Church and the Old Ruins of Barcelona in Barcelona, Sorsogon

the landmark of Barcelona, Sorsogon

The Old Ruins of the Presidencia Building 

The Barcelona Church

During the Spanish Colonization, the town of Bulusan was strategically one of the fortress of the regime. They built a lot of watchtowers to guard the island from being invaded by the Moros, Pirates and the likes. At that time Barcelona was one of the Villages of Bulusan. That’s why Barcelona has significant to the history. One of the evidences are the Old ruins and the church.

Getting to the place now a days is hard because there is no much public transportation that go there often. There is a schedule of jeep departing from Sorsogon city. Barcelona is a secluded area. You should brace yourself for the longer waiting time if you would take public utility vehicles.

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 City. The tricycle fare is 50.00 pesos one way trip, the capacity of it is 4 persons.

From Sorsogon City look for a jeep going to Bulusan and tell the conductor to drop you off in Barcelona Church across the church is the Old Ruins of  the Presidencia Building and the School Building. Most of the time jeeps going to Bulusan are few so you can take the jeep going to Gubat then from there you can take a jeep again going to Barcelona or Bulusan.

Ask the jeep what would be the last trip in going back to Sorsogon City that is if your hotel is in there. But if you are in the mood to explore the nearby town, Gubat or Bulusan or Irosin will be the best place to find the hotel. Hotels are cheaper in these area. Have a great adventure!

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!

How to get to Lusada Cold Spring

Lusada Cold Spring 

The Crystal Clear water of Lusada Cold Spring

The province of Sorsogon has no much organize tour, that’s why most tourist are doing their own way of how to explore and enjoy the place, which somehow adds more to the thrill of the adventure.

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 to 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 Caladgao, Buraburan, Juban. This trip is much better. The Van fare is 180.00 per head.  With the bus its cheaper. 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 Lusada, Caladgao, Buraburan, Juban.

Lusada Cold Spring is near the Maharlika High way. You will be dropped off on the trail to go there. It has no trail sign but you can ask the locals for the right path.

If your hotel is in Sorsogon City you can take jeep, van or bus in going back. The nearest local hotels are in Irosin, Sorsogon if you want to stay longer. You can reach the place by riding a jeep with a signage of Irosin, Bulang or Matnog. 

How to get to Binarabudan Cold Spring and Guest World Resort and Tourist Inn

 Exploring one place is a challenge from the transportation to the food. The best thing to enjoy the place is to live and act like a local that’s more thrilling.

The pool in Guest World Resort

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.

the Natural Pool of Binarabudan Cold Spring

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.

If you could catch the bus or van going to Bulan, tell the driver to drop you off in Guest World Resort or  Soreco II office Gulang-Gulang, Irosin. This trip is much better. The Van fare is 180.00 per head but with the bus its 130.00. 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 GuestWorld Resort and Tourist Inn or in Soreco II office in Gulang-Gulang, Irosin. The two are the best landmark for you not to get lost. The jeep fare is 40.00 pesos per head.

Going to Binarabudan Cold spring is a trek, no trail sign. You can ask the barangay tanod or barangay police or even the local the way to go there. Most of the time kids would accompany you to go there. The trek has more or less 1 kilometer distance from the Maharlika hi-way would take 20 minutes or it is up to how fast you would walk.

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. Goodluck to your new adventure.

The Old Ruins in Barcelona, Sorsogon - Century old ruins, the silent witness of the past

Across the Barcelona Church is now a park, it was the place of the Presidencia Building and the school for the Spaniards. The old structures are still there. They are more than century old ruins.

The Ruins

Presidencia building was the seat of the Spanish government, governed by the gobernadorcillo. During Spanish regime it was the fortress, because of strategic location facing the Pacific Ocean, pirates, moro and intruders could be easily seen. This building has a tunnel as a retreat passage but the priests closed it to avoid thieves from accessing to the religious relics.

The Lighthouse

The Old Ruins of Presidencia Building 

The park has a light house and wifi internet connection, which makes this park popular to the locals. It's refreshing to sit and rest after touring the place. Since it is facing the ocean, the smell of the breeze is perfect for the tired body.

The Park has a wifi connection

The Park

The ruins of Old School Building

If these structures could only tell the history, they would be the perfect witness to tell us the account of the past.

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