Blissful Escape: Calaguas 2014

My batchmates in college from my academic org decided that it is time we set for an out of town trip. The chosen destination was a virgin island in Camarines Norte -the spectacular Calaguas Island. So we packed our bags and headed to our destination with an awesome plan of having a photo-shoot session.

So upon arrival in Daet, Camarines Norte, we had a hard time chancing up locals who could bring us to the island as the waves are too high for us to cross. We thought of just going to Bagasbas for surfing then to CWC for some water activities. As we were about to abandon our original plan, a local confirmed that he could take us to the island and also provide service such as cooking our meals. We grabbed the chance and took the risk to go against the current and reach the beautiful Calaguas Island.

We have to travel at least an hour from Daet to Paracale Port. From the port, it took us 3 hours to reach the island. Everything - the dangerous waves, the long travel are all worth it.

From afar, the island stood out from the others. Magnificent view.

Upon dipping into the clear water of the island, I know I cannot do any justice to describe the beauty of the place.

The island is like ours. It's like my silent sanctuary. Words cannot come out how much I am blessed to have been able to visit the place.

It would be totally breath taking if we were able to see the sunset, but weather was not that cooperative. This was the best I could get.

There's always this part of me longing to have a simple life. Wishing, Hoping that someday I will be sharing these magnificent views with someone worthy of my time.

This place could take away the the negative vibes. It feels like stress has been suctioned out from my body just by looking at the view. I am blessed to have taken this trip even if it meant that I have to sleep in a tent and endure the makeshift CR. Even if the planned photo-shoot never happened because of the bad weather, we are still very thankful that we had a safe trip and we had a wonderful experience to just beach bummed.

Life is indeed full of surprises.

Lost in Paradise: Boracay 2014

To visit the most beautiful island in the world according to the 2012 international travel magazine, Travel + Leisure was definitely a dream come true. I was lucky enough to have visited it twice this year. I feel so blessed that the first time I stepped into the beautiful island was purely for leisure because the next visit was a business trip.

Even if I went there during the rainy season, the finest white sand beach of Boracay never ceased to awe me in so many ways.

During our visit, we were only able to try 1 water activity (Island hopping) because of the weather, so we just made sure that we try the best restaurants in the island.

First stop was the Mexican dish from Manana...



We then tried the shake in Jonah's for merienda.

For our dinner we tried the famous Hawaiian BBQ. The baby back ribs was so yummy!

Boracay nightlife was so awesome that we really have to bar hop to check out the infinite night life options. Too bad we did not try the pub crawl.

For our breakfast the following day, we tried Real Coffee...



We proceeded to the island hopping activity after our power breakfast. Weather was not cooperative, so we snorkle for an hour then we visited an island for lunch.

After the exhausting activity, we tried to beach bum. We were also able to attend mass before we head to Playa Asya for dinner.

What we had for dinner was also mouth watering and the view in the resort was also fantastic. Such a sweet escape from reality!

After a long day, we decided to still utilize the remaining time for a night life experience in the island. We tried to use shisha, which I find very difficult to understand. We had a couple of drinks before we called it a night and headed back to our hotel.

On my return in the island for a business trip, I managed to watch a fire dance. It was spectacular.

We were also fortunate to experience a dinner buffet with dancing chef on our last night of the business trip.

If ever I will return to Boracay, I will definitely wish that a special someone would join me. We will do all those exciting water activities. For the meantime, the 2 trips were a blessing to be able to experience the world renowned beauty of the island.

Unexpected Break: Hainan - Hong Kong 2014

It was truly a blessing to flew out of the country last July to visit mainland China for the first time. My visa preparation was fast phased as I had to travel in a week's time. The flight had a 6 hour lay over in Xiamen before we land to Sanya, Hainan. Upon landing, I thought of going around Xiamen for a quick tour, but I feared that I will be lost. I decided to just be stuck at the airport and discover some establishments. 

A very expensive lunch - authentic soy chicken

I was entertained by the name, but upon taking a peek inside - EXPENSIVE spells everywhere!

I was able to endure the waiting time by trying to shop for goods. Too bad, there was no starbucks in the area so no tumbler for me. It was finally time to travel to Sanya, and I just can't wait to check out my hotel as I googled it prior the visit, and my expectations were quite high.

Agoda doesn't disappoint. Hotel was grandeur. It was majestic. I cannot believe I am staying alone it my room! I literally jumped from one bed to another. Another good part is the tub in the balcony overlooking the pool and private beach. I was very grateful to at least experience this kind of lifestyle once in my life.

The hotel's Lobby 

 Panoramic view of my Home for 3 days

Room is all good for staycation. My weakness is really the soft, comfy beds!

 The tub I was talking about. No worries, there is a blinds that could automatically be pulled down in case you want some privacy.

 This is the view from the balcony. Oh paradise! :)

 Another view that could melt my heart...

 This shot was taken around past 7 already but the sun had not set completely.

 The private beach of the hotel. 

 

There was an authentic Thai restaurant inside the hotel. Lucky to have tried it.

 This dish was not spicy enough for them, Oh boy, imagine me eating this! :)

Hainan trip needs to come to an end and my flight back to Manila was via Hong Kong so I decided to re-book my flight and stay in HK for another 3 days.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, I was so nervous to start my solo adventure without any guide this time around. Good thing wifi is readily available, so I double checked the direction going to Chungking Mansion where I booked my budgeted stay.

Upon taking a glance of the infamous Chungking Mansion, all the reviews were validated. Of course, I have to show courage since I am a woman travelling solo. I cannot show fear, but I kept telling myself "what have I gotten into?", "why not stay in a hotel?". After settling in and calming myself, I reviewed the map I downloaded and braved myself to explore Hong Kong.

First stop was the avenue of stars. It was just a walking distance from Chungking Mansion. It was a Saturday afternoon, so lots of locals and tourists were there appreciating the views.

 I think Hong Kong really has one of the most beautiful skylines.

After being lost for quite some time, because I cannot find the direction to their MTR, I bumped into a person who guided me to the right direction. My next stop was to visit Victoria's Peak. I never anticipated that the queue would be that long. (Took me forever, like 3 hours before I could ride the tram up). At the end of the day, it was worth it. The view was splendid! Wished though that I had spent it with someone. It was breath taking.

 If given the chance, I would love to share this view with someone worthy of my time! :)

Lots of establishment inside this great architectural work, but too bad I was too shy to dine in alone.

I was able to catch up the MTR back to my place (just in time before 12 MN). I was too tired to even have my late dinner since my itinerary the following day was to visit the happiest place on earth. So I dozed off to dreamland right away.

I could not believe my excitement to finally be able to visit Disney land. I woke up early and navigated my way to the happiest place on Earth. I have to make a stop over though to buy myself a breakfast. Upon transferring to the Disneyland train, I cannot hide my happiness already upon seeing those mickey mouse safety handles! The train experience was already that magical!!!

 I am not dreaming anymore! 

 Happiness while watching Mickey goes up and down...

 My ticket to enter the magical world of Disney!

 A quick glance of Mickey and Minnie Mouse...

 She's truly an artist! I was amazed on how she was able to make this street art.

 I just randomly enter whatever attraction I could encounter! :)

 I had no idea that this was an indoor roller coaster! Imagine my shock and fear.

 It's a small small world. Could stay inside all day to balance the heat. 

See that tarsier? 

I realized I did not have a good shot of the castle...

I was hoping to bump into the real ms. potato though...

 Yes, I was able to try this and had a video of me going up and down with this ride. :)

I was not that afraid when I tried this. Maybe I already mastered the art of courage.

I was really tired after a long day at Disney Land and I wasn't able to witness the fireworks already. I dragged myself back to the hostel to have a quick break before heading out again for a late dinner and shopping.

I tried this authentic noodle and milk tea at Canton's Kitchen upon walking around Tsim Sha Tsui

My last day in HK was spent for a last minute shopping before heading to the Airport. I had my breakfast at the must dined Cafe de Coral then walked along TST to check for shops that are open. I ended up in the Giordano Shop where i found good buys.

Cafe de Coral Breakfast Meal

It was an amazing experience to be able to explore the culture of Hong Kong on my own. The first time I visited HK was 16 years ago. This visit reminded me why HK continues to be a progressive country. This blog cannot justify the beauty of the county, so I invite you to see for yourself what the it has to offer.

"We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment"