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Final words before 2012 ends.

Camotes Island.
..in my pursuit of happiness.
Photo taken at Mangodlong Rock, Camotes Island.


This is my final piece (on my last day) before I leave the company. It's a bitter-sweet moment I should say. I'm finally free but it entails leaving a company I fell in love with for 3 years. But like what our company slogan, I've got to 'make it happen'. There's no better time than now.

My outlook for 2013 is full of hope and dreams. I hope my plans fall into place. If not, well, I'll have to pick up the pieces and jump back again.
'Coz I'm resilient, like that.
Ayt, enough with the chit-chat.

'Whacky Holidays' y'all!

Taken at Sugar Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu.

This is the first Christmas I've been away from my little boy, not because I'm overseas or anything but because I thought the world would really end, and that it would be best that they are with my in-laws while I'm at the office waiting for the first meteor to hit our building. But look do we have here, no great flood nor major earthquake Mayans. Puft. Not that I'm not thankful that it didn't really happen but it brought a shitload of worry to me. P*+ah! Anyhoo Scooby Doo, I'm glad that's over which means, we can all move on with our lives.

Happy Holidays 
Beach Bums, Adventure Junkies, Krazy Adrenaline Seekers and Free-spirited Nomads!

Camotes Island: Must-knows, FYIs, etc

Camotes Island is a group of islands located east of mainland (Cebu). It's composed of 4 islands - Poro, Pacijan, Ponson and Tulang. Ironically, Camotes doesn't have kamote or sweet potato as its abundant delicacy, instead, it boasts of to-die-for beach fronts, rich marine ecosystem and fresh cool air.
These islands, though a bit far from the mainland, is not as backward as you think. Many are the international awards they have received because of local's active community involvement. As a Cebuano and Filipino, that's something to be proud of.  

Eat and Smile at Cafe Egao


You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile. ― Charles Chaplin

A smile can go a long way. It can make or break someone's day. It can dictate the mood of a person, at the same time, affect the other person through the interaction. And Cafe Egao's all about that.

Guimaras: the good, the bad and the ugly side of Alubihod

Parang sea turtle lang, ang laki ng shell. lol
We finally finished our island tour. Though we had so much more spots in mind, it seems like time was not on our side. It was almost dusk. Looking back, we had such a great time contemplating at  Trappist Monastery and Balaan Bukid, munching on oh-so-sweet mangoes, and getting amazed by the history and vista view at Guisi Lighthouse.

Guimaras
Alubihod Beach. Sunset.
It was almost dark when we arrived at Alubihon Cove Resort. We decided to take a quick dip before the sun finally went on a slumber. It was not as impressive as I expected it to be because the sunset was not advantageous to our location. Nonetheless, the sky looked like a play of colors vibrant enough for us to be amazed.

A'wannabe at Cebu Blog Camp Season 3!

Ever since I decided to blog, I've always dreamed of being part of an event where I can meet other bloggers to create connections and learn from their experiences. I think it would be a humbling experience to listen to seasoned bloggers discuss topics and styles to inspire more creative inputs.
These are just a few of the rings I've thought off when I stumbled upon the post of one of the travel bloggers I follow, The Travelling Feet, regarding the registration of  Cebu Blog Camp. I've never been to the camp but I heard about how it can be really fun and educational at the same time. I'm really excited at the thought of this opportunity to learn from other bloggers and experts' point of view. ^___________^

Guimaras: of sweet mangoes and good laughs at Guisi Lighthouse.

All roads lead to...
After a few 'Me' time at Trappist Monastery and Balaan Bukid, our tummies were starting to mumble and rumble like a concert symphony. It sounded more like there was some entity about to start a revolution. So before we could get to the next tourist attraction, we needed to get some quick stop overs to tame down the beasts within.

Guimaras: Balaan Bukid Shrine


PitStop 2: Balaan Bukid Shrine

After feasting on the delicacies made by the Trappist monks and getting a short me-time with Daddy Jess, we proceeded with our next destination - Balaan Bukid Shrine.


Guimaras: Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey

Source: Mr Wiki

Guimaras is located in Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros, Western Visayas region. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental. It is well-known for its agricultural crops, particularly mangoes, where some 50,000 of these trees are planted. The island is famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world, after Pakistan.




It has been our personal mission to look for the sweetest mango the moment we set foot on Guimaras. I've read so much about Guimaras; about the people, the cool ambiance and it's unspoiled wonders. And oh, for the love of food, did I forget to mention about the mangoes? 




Iloilo-Guimaras: the bitter-sweet escape

Disclaimer:
The contents of this entry are solely based on the author's personal account during this trip. This entry does not represent the thoughts and experiences of the group.

Day 1: Horrid Beasts
It was almost 7:00PM when our plane landed at the Iloilo International Airport. Discussing the activities for the night, we trolled out of the airport while attempting to contact our first who arrived in the province way ahead of us.


Headware Lifestyle Photo Contest EXTENDED!


Ever since I stumbled upon these babies 2 years ago, I was instantaneously hooked. These babies have been my travel buddy ever since. My friends have them too.

And so when I read about the HeadWare happyheads photo contest, I thought, 'Why have I not heard of this before?!' I thought I was too late but when I found that they extended the contest, I almost fell off of my seat. Immediately, I dug up all the pictures I took with our travel buddy on and took the leap to join the contest. 

Iloilo-Guimaras Hullabaloo [Teaser]









Soundtrack: Starship
Artist: Nicki Minaj
Cast: Rhyzze, Tabian, Pia, Osang, Niiru, Kaye, Jen, Adrian, Whacky Adventures*


LSS na kung LSS. The moment one of my travel buddies sang the song while we were still at Mactan Internation Airport, it instantly itch itself into my consciousness. We  I can't seem to brush that damn song out of my head. So what to do to fight LSS? Create a music video! Props to my travel buddies for being good sports. :]

Enjoy!





Check out the video we made just to stop that damn Nicki Minaj from ringing in our heads. Talk about LSS. 

Cebu-CamSur-Albay-Cebu: A quick look-back on that 6-day Bicol Trip

Source: Google


The easiest way to get to Camarines Sur is through plane via Naga. But if you're from down South and up for an adventure then this may help.

Destination: Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Time
Location
Activity
5:00 PM
PIER 5 [Cebu City]
Destination: Masbate City
Transasia Shipping  Lines
Approximately 11 hours
5:00 AM
Masbate City
Destination: Pilar Port, Sorsogon
Outtrigger Boat
Approximately 4 hours
10:00 AM
Van
Approximately 1 hour
11:30 AM
Van
Approximately 2 hours
1:00 PM
Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur
Van/Taxi
30 minutes
2:00 PM
Check-in: CamSur Watersports Complex [CWC]
Lago Del Rey Waterpark
4:00 AM
Destination: Sabang Port, San Jose
Bus: D70JC Liner [orange] / Florencio [green]
Approximately 2 hours
7:00 AM
Destination: Guijalo Port, Caramoan
Outtrigger Boat
Approximately 2 hours
10:00 AM
Destination: Centro, Caramoan | West Peninsula Villas
Pedicab
30 minutes
10:30 AM
Centro, Caramoan
Destination: West Peninsula Villas
Check-in. Chill.
12:00 NN
Lunch at Lutong Bahay / West Penn Villas
Souvenir Shopping at Island Wonders
Walk along Centro
Swimming at West Penn Pool
7:00 AM
Centro, Caramoan
Breakfast: West Penn Villas / Lutong Bahay
8:30 AM
Destination: Paniman Beach Drop-off
Pedicab
30 minutes
9:00 AM
Paniman Beach Drop-off
CARAMOAN ISLAND HOPPING
Outtrigger Boat
Options: Short Trip / Long Trip
8:00 PM
West Penn Villas
Dinner
Socials
8:00 AM
West Penn Villas
Breakfast: West Penn Villas
Check-out
9:00 AM
Guijalo Port, Caramoan
Shuttle Ferry
Approximately 4 hours
Option 2 | Destination: Guijalo Port, San Jose
Outtrigger Boat
Approximately 4 hours
1:30 PM
Nato Port, Sagnay Guijalo Port, San Jose
Destination: Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur
Bus: D70JC Liner [orange] / Florencio [green]
Approximately 2 hours
3:30 PM
Destination: Legazpi Central Terminal
Van
Approximately 2-3 hours
6:00 PM
Destination: Inn / Hotel
Pedicab
Socials at Plaza Rizal
6:00 AM
Inn / Hotel
Destination: Lignon Hill
Pedicab
Nature trek, hiking, zipline
View of Mayon Volcano
9:00 AM
Lignon Hill
Destination: Cagsawa Ruins
Jeepney
View of Mayon Volcano
Museum visit, ATV to Mayon
1:00 PM

HOMEWARD BOUND - CEBU



Budget Breakdown
Expenses good for 3 people, 6 days, one way plane ticket from Legazpi to Cebu



Breakdown
Expenses
Total
Individual
Day 1
Food


Fastfood

200.00
Transportation


Going to Pier 5 Cab Ride

200.00
Cebu-Masbate Boat Fare

860.00
Terminal Fee

25.00
Day 2
Food


Breakfast [coffee, biscuits, junk]
90.00
30.00
Lunch [Local Resto]
200.00
67.00
Dinner [fastfood]
200.00
67.00
Transportation


Masbate-Sorsogon Boat Fare

200.00
Pilar, Sorsogon-Daraga Terminal, Albay

70.00
Daraga Terminal, Albay-Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur

170.00
SM Naga-CamSur Watersports Complex
300.00
100.00
Accomodation


CamSur Watersports Complex [billiards table]
FREE
FREE
Miscellaneous


Supplies [Toiletries]
250.00
83.00
Wakeboarding [Night Rate]
525.00
175.00
Lifevest and helmet rental
270.00
90.00
Socials [booze]

150.00
Day 3
Food


Breakfast
80.00
27.00
Lunch [Lutong Bahay]
150.00
50.00
Dinner [fastfood]
195.00
65.00
Snacks [GotoHut]

50.00
Transportation


CamSur Watersports Complex-San Jose Church Bus Fare
186.00
62.00
San Jose Church-Sabang Port, San Jose Pedicab Fare
150.00
50.00
Sabang Port, San Jose-Guijalo Port, Caramoan Boat Fare
360.00
120.00
Guijalo Port, Caramoan-Centro, Caramoan Pedicab Fare
75.00
25.00
Accomodation


West Penninsula Villa [2 nights]
2589.00
863.00
Day 4
Food


Breakfast
100.00
34.00
Packed Lunch [Lutong Bahay]
240.00
80.00
Dinner [fastfood]
200.00
67.00
Transportation


Centro, Caramoan to Paniman Drop-off roundtrip pedicab
300.00
100.00
Miscellaneous


Caramoan Island Hopping Short Trip
1300.00
434.00
Snorkeling gear rental

150.00
Socials [booze]
100.00
100.00
Day 5
Food


Breakfast
162.00
54.00
Lunch
453.00
151.00
Dinner
130.00
43.00
Snacks

50.00
Transportation


West Penn Villas-Guijalo Port, Caramoan Pedicab Fare

50.00
Guijalo Port, Caramoan-Nato Port, Sagnay Boat Fare
600.00
200.00
Nato Port, Sagnay-Naga Van Terminal Bus Fare

69.00
Naga Van Terminal-Legazpi Central Terminal

180.00
Legazpi Central Terminal-Sampaguita Inn
Free
Free
Accomodation


Sampaguita Inn
900.00
300.00
Miscellaneous


Guijalo Port Terminal

5.00
Day 6
Food


Brunch
180.00
60.00
Transportation


Sampaguita Inn-Lignon Hill Pedicab Fare
70.00
23.00
Lignon Hill-Binitayan Elem School Jeepney Fare
24.00
8.00
Binitayan Elem School-Cagsawa Ruins drop-off Jeepney
24.00
8.00
Cagsawa Ruins drop-off-Cagsawa Ruins proper Pedicab
24.00
8.00
Cagsawa Ruins proper-Cagsawa Ruins drop-off Pedicab
24.00
8.00
Cagsawa Ruins drop-off-Sampaguita Inn Jeepney
27.00
9.00
Sampaguita Inn-Legazpi Airport Pedicab
300.00
100.00
Miscellaneous


Cagsawa Ruins Entrance Fee

10.00
Lignon Hill Entrance
FREE
FREE
TOTAL
6100.00





Whacky Adventures* recommends:

Camsur Watersports Complex
Landline: (054) 477 3344 / (054) 477 3349
Mobile: +(63) 917 8954156 or +(63) 999 8893697
http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com

West Peninsula Villas
0921.264.2538
westpenvillas@yahoo.com
http://westpenvillas.multiply.com/ 
 

Lutong Bahay
Centro, Caramoan
*Pedicab drivers know where the place is


Island Wonders
Centro, Caramoan
*Best and affordable souvenirs


CARAMOAN HOME STAY / ISLAND HOPPING CONTACT
Kuya Ramil 
0907.435.1962
Room Rates: Php300 per head
Island Hopping: 1500.00 [Short Trip] / 3,000 [Long Trip]



Your Brother Travel & Tours [ATV Tour]
(052) 820.3629
0922.898.7071 | 0905.455.7594 | 0915.938.6451
cyrelfrancis.chan@ymail.com

Bicol Department of Tourism(052) 482.7012 | (052) 481.5593
mariaravanilla@yahoo.com
www.bicol.com


BEST TIME TO GO: 
Before the rainy season and before the summer vacation.



Whacky Thoughts:
Bicolanos are warm people who wouldn't hesitate to answer a question or two if you feel lost around the region. Their man-made and natural treasures are as valuable as their values. I had a great time during this trip and I intend to go back when given the opportunity. Dios Mabalos Bicol!



Bicol Express Series: