Life's a Beach - Nasugbu 2015

Summer's definitely over and beach experience always brings me peace and unusual happiness. Comparing to my summer 2014,  I only managed to visit a few beach destination this year, but the company I had was more intimate than usual. 

It was a random decision to go to Nasugbu last April with my closest officemates. We had just finished our usual quarterback meeting and woola, we headed straight to Tagaytay to let the night pass and went straight to Nasugbu the following morning. From Tagaytay, I think we drove for another 1.5 hours to reach our destination - Canyon Cove.

What we did? beach bum! Yeah, we just slept at the shore literally but  of course they had set up tents, thanks a millions to that. If I remember right, we had paid 800 php for the daytrip tour and 500 of it could be use to purchase food.  The pool was very inviting but we were dead tired from everything so sleeping was the winning activity.

Calming view. Just what we needed after all the stress and hardship we are experiencing at work.

The sunset of course makes the experience a thousand times better. 

The following month, I was invited by my then suitor (now boyfriend) to join him and his friends to visit Fortune Island that is also situated in Nasugbu. It is a resort island owned by the Levistes which through the  years underwent questions from the government on its  acquisition and ownership. It's an hour ride from Punta Fuego.

The resort literally looked like an abandon island. No cabanas available. Upon arrival, you can see that visitors are setting up tents as shelter. We managed to find a spot that we can lay our things down so we can explore the rest of the island.

The beach was a bit stony but the water is clear. There are also a lot of fishes so snorkeling is recommended. Cliff diving is also endorsed but be sure you have the guts as the way to the top is already a risk.

 

The eye catching part of the resort is their Satorini feels. It's really a good spot for pictorial. You can't decode you are in the Philippines.

Again, my favorite part is sunset by the beach but we have to return back to Punta Fuego for that since last boat ride should be around 4PM. I honestly cannot remember how much we paid for this trip. 

PALAWANderers: Puerto Princesa with the Fam Bam

It had been ages since the rents and I traveled via air for a vacation. The trip was an early summer getaway since it commenced last February. Everything was arranged and paid (thanks so much to infinity) by my ever loving parents. 

We opted only to explore the city of Puerto Princesa since it was only a short trip. We stayed at Holiday Suites Hotel just across the newly opened Robinson's Mall. We availed the family room with complimentary breakfast. I love the food especially their danggit, it was one of a kind.

Since our flight's arrival is around 6AM, the hotel allowed us to check in early. We were able to rest for a while and prep up for the afternoon city tour. La Famila's so happy and excited about this so we had a mandatory group shot - so far my favorite one.

The first stop in our city tour was the crocodile farm where we had quite an educated time. It was entertaining to watch those massive reptiles fight for food.

Next stop was the House of Mitra where I find the scenery calming and reflective.

My favorite part of the city tour was our time at Baker's Hill. I think the compound gives much of a love vibe. The place was decorated so extravagantly with things that are very pleasing to the eyes. We also bought a lot of goodies from the well known Bake Shop.

After snacking, we went to Plaza Cuartel where we learned the hardships experienced by the armies during the Japanese War. There is a monument built to honor the memories of the fallen heroes.

Last in our itinerary was the visit to the immaculate concepcion church. 

After an enjoyable but somehow tiring city tour, we had to refuel our stomach in one of the city's top restaurant - Kalui. The ambiance was so nice and homey. We have to be barefooted inside the restaurant. That made it a more unique experience for us. The food was totally awesome. Loved the sinigang ni Kaka so much. :)

The next day was the day I always wished to come as it was the day we were to visit the Underground River which is a UNESCO world heritage site. En route the underground cave is a habitat for monkeys and monitor lizards. Everything was so majestic and breath-taking.

We also just learned that the hotel we were staying at is owned and managed by our distant relative, so my uncle had invited us for dinner at another well-known restaurant - Kinabuch. Food was also appetizing and delicious. Thanks so much to Lustre Family.

Last tour day was allotted for Honda Bay where we visited three islands - Starfish, Luli and Cowrie. Snorkeling was super fun because dad, shobe and I were able to bond closely to feed those cute little fishes. It was also in this tour that I were able to bond closely to my new found friends - Sheila, Jean and Tin. 

To cap off the vacation, my new friends and I decided to check out this popular bar called Tiki bar. Guess why the place is called such! ;) We had a good time because of the music, dance and booze. The fire dancer was also very entertaining. I went back  to the hotel just hours before my very early flight back to reality.