Puting Buhangin also known as Kuwebang Lampas-Pagbilao, Quezon Province

Front Beach

Our first destination for our Borawa-Dampalitan-Puting Buhangin Islands Adventure was the Puting Buhangin also known as Kuwebang Lampas. Among the three islands the finest sand is in this Island, Puting Buhangin or White Beach. This island has a cave called Kuwebang Lampas because the mountain made of limestone with a huge hole, which makes it looks like a cave. Kuweba in English means cave and Lampas means through. The passage has been formed by waves. That’s why during high tide visitors should be careful because it is almost covered by the water.

Front Beach

The view coming from the cave is stunning, very panoramic. On the right side there is another short stretch of shoreline, white sand too. We tried to reach that area, as we were walking we saw crabs, fishes, shells, the marine ecosystem is so rich and half way I saw a sea snake (walo-walo) crawling near a crab. I got scared that we decided to come back to the cave.

Kuwebang Lampas

Right Side of Kuwebang Lampas

On the side of the island facing the Pagbilao point of entry, the shoreline is different, it’s rocky. If you would come from this entry the trail is rocky and muddy. You have to trek. The light house can be seen from this side. My friend and I went to this side but we went back to the camp site because it was already getting dark, but she asked our other friend to come with her and they explored this side of the island. Some tourists coming from Pagbilao, this is their point of entry. But in our case we took the tour coming Padre Burgos that's why we dropped off the front beach.

While we were resting on the sand we saw a cat climbing the coconut tree. So we took picture of it. Nice cat knows how to climb with style.

One of our companions said that he knows how to eat sea urchin because when he was in Bohol he was taught how to clean and eat it. Our group decided to get some sea urchins, the good thing in this island the tourists can go fishing and collect some sea shells without fee. We saw some had fishing rods, catching fish. Eating the sea urchins was a challenge for each of us; all of them said that the taste was like of oyster. I cheated didn't try it, maybe someday I could.

The water is crystal clear that we could see the sand clearly. We enjoyed snorkeling because too many fish and they were literally swimming with us.

We spent the night in here; the tents were included in the entrance and overnight fee of 180.00 pesos per head. We were 7 and we got 3 tents, the zipper of the one we got was broken. I called the attention of the caretaker he said he would look for another one and we should not get worry because during the night he would transfer our tents to the open cottages. But sad to say he didn’t do what he said, the lesson you should bring your own tent. I covered the tent with a shawl. It's good the island is safe although in the middle of of the night the rain fell. Stargazing and endless talking were the activities of us during the night. 

In this island it’s a real survivor way of living. The grills for barbecue and stove for cooking are on the ground. The bathrooms are just two, one for boys and one for girls, no lights and not so clean. They have makeshift shower room made of coconut leaves without roof, the flooring is the weeds. Using the bathroom one has to pay 10.00 pesos for urinating and 20.00 for pooping.  No free water for rinsing, one container of water not purified is 50.00 pesos. That’s why before you go to this island better bring your own water, what we did was we used the purified water that we brought. Purified water is 55.00 pesos in Vista Playa, asked your boatmen to buy some for you. At night there were mosquitoes because there is a swamp in the middle of the island where mangroves are. Don’t forget to bring your own lights/rechargeable lamps for there is no electricity, extra batteries for gadgets and camera, mosquito repellent and sunblock cream too. The irony was that the signal of the smart telecommunication company (3G) in this island was strong that we could do live streaming and video calling, different from Manila. 
Have Fun and Enjoy your stay in this island.

Discount deal for Borawan-Dampalitan Island Adventure from Cash Cash Pinoy

Our coworker saw a deal from CashCashPinoy  for an adventure in Borawan –Dampalitan Island Adventure and the price is just 599.00 pesos and 5 vouchers required. It sounds affordable, right? So we rushed to book, 7 of us purchased. We looked for the right dates to book because we are all working and we can’t go on tour together. August was our target month because there was two holidays but the agency told us that July to August they don’t accept tours for weather condition is not good during those months. Last October 27 and 28 we had the chance to book because of the Barangay Election.

We got early and contacted the agency for she gave the instruction that we should text or call when we reach Vista Playa. The agent told us to contact a certain person, who was going to meet us. Funny she asked us  to contact a person, when she should be the one arranged it for us, why we got an agency if we would contact others too? We learned that the agency in the deal is not based in the area; they just have contact in Padre Burgos.

While we were waiting for the local contact we took pictures and had our breakfast in the restaurant.

Finally after less than an hour, the local contact arrived. She offered us to take a side trip to Putting Buhangin also known as kuwebang lampas. We had to add 600.00 for that plus 80.00 pesos per head as entrance fee for the island. We were asking for discount since we paid 4,193.00 for 7 persons. But she refused because the agency just sent the local contact 2,300.00 and it is still lacking. It’s an internal issue don’t know what their agreement, so we took the side trip instead.

Just a tip for those who are looking for a discounted tour better check the local tours first, that’s what we learn from this trip. Especially if the price sounds cheap, you don’t know it could be cheaper if you would directly book a tour from the local agency.

Like in our case we paid 4,193.00 pesos for the deal plus 600.00 for the boat and 560.00 for the entrance in Kuwebang lampas a total of 5,353.00 pesos. Unlike if we could have directly taken a tour from a local contact, we could have saved more:

Boat rental for the three islands (Borawan-Dampalitan-Kuwebang Lampas)– 1,800.00

Entrance fee for the three islands (80.00 per island) – 1,680.00

Overnight Stay in Kuwebang Lampas with tent good for two to three persons additional of (100.00/per person) – 700.00

So we could just have spent a total of 4,180.00 that’s for 7 persons already. But well it’s a lesson for us discount is not always a discount. The deal said 599.00 instead of 1,200.00. It was a false deal.  The fees are fixed mandated by local tourism so no overpricing with the local agents. Well it’s our fault we didn’t check first. So you guys next time check it first too.  Don’t trust the discounts. 

Divine Word Seminary-Tagaytay City, Batangas

Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. Tagaytay will become one of the best places for you to visit, relax and lay way back enjoying the clean, cool air amongst a pleasant and safe atmosphere.



With its cool climate and clean air, Tagaytay City is the perfect place for leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing. It makes for an affordable weekend getaway for most Filipino families living near the area.





Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat." One of them is the Divine World Seminary, SVD. We have two friends who were seminarians there so from time to time I, my friends and family members visited them. Actually we attended their respective ordinations.


Very inspiring moment


Great to meet those who are willing to dedicate their lives to God.

Dancalan Beach - Bulusan, Sorsogon

Sunrise at Dancalan Beach




Camping and overnight

During my childhood years, I always look forward to the time that the whole clan would have reunion at the beach. One of the beaches that I grew up with is Dancalan Beach in Bulusan, Sorsogon. Because of its shallow waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life, the place is ideal for snorkeling, camping and swimming. The kids can swim without much supervision of the parents or guardians. We could walk half a kilometer from the seashore while looking for edible seaweeds.

On its beach front, the Philippine Tourism Authority built several concrete picnic cottages, including a store and canteen now ran by a local community-based cooperative. Across the road is a resort hotel offering air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool. The resort is located just after the Bulusan poblacion from the town of Irosin.

Sagada, Mountain Province-Home of Natural Wonders

When we planned to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces, we planned to go to Sagada, Mountain Province, too. It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio. The Trip itself to Sagada is more on an adventure. Long, rocky and winding road.




Mt. Polis-very foggy

"Hanging coffins" is the trademark of Sagada. This is a traditional way of burying people that is not in use anymore. Trekking, explore caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visit historical sites, nature hikes, and participate in tribal celebrations are among the popular activities. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee. You can choose a tour package at the registration office.


Lumiang Cave


The Hanging Coffins

We were lucky because we found a family of 6 persons and we formed as a group so that we could minimize the payment for tour guides and jeepney rental. We chose the tour package to explore Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, where hanging coffins can be seen. At the back of a transient house where we resided, there is a rice terraces. The climate and crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products.


Entrance of Sumiwang Cave

There are many places to stay in Sagada but when we arrived the hotels and houses were already taken. We met a woman by the Name of Rose, her family was very willing to accommodate us but her house was already full of tourists. She was the one who found a shelter for us. Her friend Rose Agpad was not accepting transients because her house is under renovation but because we couldn’t find a place, she was willingly accept us and even those who arrived after us. The people here are very accommodating and warm. They treat their tourists nicely and they even go for extra miles just to make their tourists comfortable.

The tourists said that you have to eat in Yoghurt House when you are in Sagada because this restaurant will complete your tour. True enough this restaurant is really a nice one to dine-in. I love the food but we had to wait for an hour in order for us to be served. There was a long line of waiting tourists to eat. Nevertheless the foods were worth the wait.


Dinner at Yoghurt House

Sagada has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy the waters of Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls. Other places that can be visited are: Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Rice terraces, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Underground River, Lake Danum.

Sabitang Laya Island-Caramoan Peninsula

One of the longest beach shorelines in the Peninsula the Sabitang Laya Island. Pristine, fine and powdered white sand. Rock formations are perfect for rock climbing. This island is perfect for camping, swimming and snorkeling. We stayed here for hours because there were no tourists, and made us feel as if we owned the island.

White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro – Perfect Get Away

We left Manila very early (2:00am) so that we can reach Batangas Port early, but the bus was flat tire so we have to wait for another bus. The 8:00 am ferry was the one we rode. As we sailing we were with other tourists, foreigners and locals. We were enjoying because of the fresh air, nice view plus the anticipations of what were store for us. I was with my co-workers and friends. The islets are nice we could see tourist exploring them. When we reached the White Beach, lots of local were offering us hotels and resorts, where we can stay. They were all warm and nice to talk to. We stayed in Delgado Resort and Restaurant; the management allowed us to rent one cottage for 4 persons. They’re very accommodating. We slept and ate, before 3:00 pm we went out and look for tour guides to accompany us to falls. A Mangyan and a Muslim were our tour guides. They were very jolly but shy. We asked them how long will take us to the falls and they said an hour will do. My gosh, it took us for 2 hours, to reach the falls. But you know the trek was rewarding because the luscious vegetations, warm people. Along the way we passed by a mangyan community, an indigenous group. They are fun loving and nice to talk to. Our tour guides’ houses are in that community so when we returned from the falls, they gave us young coconuts, Buko, very refreshing. They accompanied us to the wet market to buy some foods.

At night we did swimming while the tourists were having massage on the shore. The bars were full of people, drinking and singing. Early in the morning we did swimming, snorkeling and wacky picture taking.

In this place you can do island hopping, diving, snorkeling, banana boat riding, kayaking, camping, trekking and a whole lot more. While riding a ferry on our way home, we saw whales doing tricks. It’s the perfect get away very near from the Metropolis, easy to access.

Caramoan Peninsula – the Hidden Paradise

We stayed in Lahuy Island the whole night, and when the morning came we were a little bit apprehended to do island hopping for the weather was still bad. It was Good Friday, but the weather was not in consonance with what the day should be. But still we prepared because Jun and his companion told us that the weather will be nice later on. We were praying silently that may the Good Lord give us the weather that we need. We left the rest house half-hearted, because the day was gloomy plus the rain was still pouring. Our boat men told us that we would explore the beautiful islands of Caramoan, the exotic ones which barely reach by tourists. While we were on our first stop, Manlaui Island, we saw group of tourist on top of Daraga Hill still part of Lahuy Island. They stayed the whole night there and they seem to be wet and soaking. Their things were hanging on the trees. The heavy rain really poured. Before we reached our first stop the sun rose.
Manlaui Island is a white beach no residents with lots of coconut trees. The sand is fine, and of course the water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. On its right side u can see the Guinhaoan Island, our next stop. We were lucky because one of the owners of the Island, Manuel Lara was there so we accompanied by him to let us see the beauty of the island. It’s a private property. Part of the Island is the Abba, rocky beach, black rocks and rock formation. The scenery is a really breathtaking. I felt I was really very lucky and privilege to see this wonderful God’s creation. At the top of the island, is really once of the best part. It is a ranch with wonderful, awesome, breathtaking view of Pacific Ocean, Catanduanes Province, Taiwan. Liwan beach can be seen from there, it has a white long shoreline, perfect for swimming. We wanted to stay longer but we couldn’t.
Nippa Beach is still part of Lahuy Island. It has a long and wide white shoreline, nice blue crystal water and warm people. Adjacent to this beach is the Bugtong beach, which has speckled black rock formation. This beach has a hidden islet; it comes out whenever there is a low tide. Beautiful white and fine sand islet. We had our lunch here.
Before three o’clock in the afternoon we reached Brgy. Tagbon. In this place we had more or less 600 steps before we reached the Our Lady of Peace Shrine. The view from the hilltop of this Shrine is really amazing. We could hear the seven last words while we were feeding our eyes of that wonderful scenery. We learned that there is a cave in this place but since we were running of time maybe next time we could. Our tour guide let us got near to Gota Beach, where there were lots of military men guarding the island, to see the rock formation. Good enough the local government opened Sabitang Laya Island for the tourists although still guarded by the military men because it is near the Gota Beach where the French Survivor was held. Sabitang Laya Island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, camping and bird watching.
Next time we explore Caramoan Peninsula we will allot ample time to really explore the other islands. While we were boating we saw an island, which has black sand. There were group of scuba divers. It is the National Park, where u can find really exotic beaches. If you are looking for a total nature adventure Caramoan is the place for you.

The Journey to Caramoan National Park

The first time I fell in love with the place when I saw it featured in GMA’s magazine show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. From then on I read and browsed about that place. It took a year before we got the chance to visit this exotic place.
Last Holy Week, we spent our vacation there. We rode a bus from Manila to Naga, from Naga to Sabang Port. Sabang Port is not a usual port; it is more a public beach. Men would carry you and your baggage in their shoulders in order for you to board to a motorized boat. It was uncomfortable for girls but no choice. The trip from Sabang Port to Guialo Port was really amazing; there is islet white sand some tourist can visit and explore. The mountains are like chocolate hills and rock formations are really awesome.

Arriving in Guialo Port we had to ride a boat just to reach the platform of the port, then Jeep to Caramoan town proper. From there, we looked for lodging houses, hotel or even transient houses but there were no available. Some locals told us we could spend our vacation in an island because some tourists were already camping there too. We were saddened by the news that Gota Beach, Matukad Island and other islands were closed for tourists because the French Survivor was there. So we feel embittered because the local government should have the heart to give advisory that these islands were closed. Although we read an advisory at the Sabang Port that Gota beach was under renovation but we thought the other islands near Gota Beach were open.
But we were already there so no choice we have to enjoy while we were thinking what we should do we ate in Camalig Restaurant. We had laing, which Bicolanos crave for. The good thing was that one of the tricycle drivers we spoke with was from our province and he knew someone, whose family owns islands but far from Caramoan proper. The driver assured us that the islands are really beautiful and worth of the time. We were lucky because this man, Jun Ramos, has a boat rental for tourists. He served us our tour guide and one of the boat men. He offered us the rest house of his Uncle in Lahuy Island. We had tents so we set them up although the mother and grandmother of Jun wanted us to stay inside the rest house. Swimming at night was fun in this island because the water was warm plus the moon, it was an enchanting night. I brought two sets of rechargeable batteries but they were low-bat when the night came. The problem was this island has no electricity but the good thing was there was a generator in one of the houses so the batteries were charged till midnight only. While we were sleeping the rain poured and we transferred to the rest house. Staying in this island was really an experience that can’t be trade. Thanks Riason and Ramos family.