Baler, Aurora

Baler, Aurora, Philippines

Upon writing this article, let me just say that I've been to Baler, Aurora twice. First was around August 25,2014 and the second visit was just a weekend ago September 5, 2014 let's just say I really liked the place. Hahaha :)

It was around 3hrs drive from Tarlac Province, (coming from Manila I think it's about 5-6 hrs) there are actually two road networks you can opt to choose if you're going here via : Maria Aurora-Pantabangan Road and Baler-Bongabon Road. We chose the 1st route Maria Aurora - Patanbangan Road since the 2nd option was still undergoing renovation and road widening. The road is about 90% smooth there are fewer roads that haven't been paved yet, but not more than 500 meters, so if you're carrying a small car ( not 4x4 ) you're car can still survive this road. Other details on how to get to Baler is posted below.

On the Maria Aurora - Pantabangan Road you can see the breathtaking Pantabangan Dam and even pass by Nueva Viscaya on your way to Baler, Aurora. So savor the 3 hrs drive, enjoy the view and roll down your window to smell the fresh mountain air. It was a tricky drive, specially on the curves when nearing Maria Aurora, I could only manage to drive halfway through the road my boyfriend and I had to switch, he took my place on the driver seat (yes!he is indeed very, very good when it comes to driving that's one of the things I love about him I am not bragging but he's a defensive and offensive driver hahaha indeed if he wanted to pursue racing i'm sure he can nail it). <3

Pantabangan Dam, Maria Aurora - Pantabangan Road

We arrived around lunch time, we needed to find ourselves some delicious meal to satisfy our hunger. While driving around, we passed by Yolly's ihaw-ihaw it was not that hard to convince myself to eat here since the lobsters and crabs are displayed on a glass shelf outside, ohh man was I drooling. I ordered, boiled lobster for 250PHP ( prices vary depending on the size)  which is really really really cheap for me, since here in Manila it's too expensive for me to eat a lobster. Not to worry, Yolly's ihaw-ihaw is near mercury drugs and Baler Municipal Hall this establishment can easily be located.

Alaminos, Pangasinan

Hundred Island, Alaminos City, Pangasinan

It was holiday in the Philippines and my feet was itching to go somewhere, we have had the plan to do a long drive just about anywhere a car can reach hahaha; thanks Pnoy for this unplanned calendar holiday. Woke up extra early on a Friday to prepare our stuff and by 5am left the house to gas up. By 6am we were heading to NLEX, hihihi felt super happy that we were on the road; finally it’s been a while since I had a long drive. Anyway, couldn’t drive on the express way since my license was expired and the bf was too lenient on obeying the law. I'm getting used to this passenger thing set-up, though I like it better behind the wheel. I often push him to do occasional over take and over speeding cause it’s fun :D. (hope my mom's not reading this she'll kill me if she knew I always ask to go over 160kph)

North Luzon Express Way

It has been ages since I visited Pangasinan and have a faint remembrance of Hundred Islands, so we decided to put our wanderlust selves here. Our 3 days long drive itineraries were Pampanga – Tarlac – Alaminos – Bolinao. Stopping at different towns as we go really no plans just following our hearts on this 3 days’ vacation.

Bohol, Philippines

Booked the plane tickets to Bohol 6 month before I took this trip. I usually do this, booked first then plan later since there are a lot of Piso or half fare scheme on domestic airlines here in the Philippines.

So, I actually didn't plan much since my sister has been here and she just gave the number of the tour guide that could arrange everything from airport pick-up, hotel accommodation and tour packages. In case you'd want to know you may contact Kuya Earl +63 2 918 517 36 18. He's very friendly and even take you to places not included in the package. For single traveler you will be mixed with 3-4 people, the vehicle he owns are Toyota L300 and Hyundai Starex. Maximum of people he usually takes per tour are 4-6 only so you'll have a lot of room in the vehicle.

When travelling solo, it's better to hire a van since most destination are kilometers away from the main city or if your staying by the beach (which is in Panglao). There are tricycles in the city but could only take you farthest would be Baclayon Church, the rest of the tourist spot is by the mountains.

Booked my ticket via Cebu Pac

Clear skies all the way to Tagbilaran, great way to start my journey to
Tagbilaran, Bohol.

My Birthday at Dos Palmas, Palawan

For my 24th birthday I chose Palawan of all places I could go to celebrate it. Accompanied by codename Vic we spent 3 days and 2 nights there. Dos Palmas Resort and Spa is a one hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa's Lourdes Port. Only 100 guests are allowed on the island.

Zest Air - was our airline when we went to Palawan

Dos Palmas

Dock Port Bridge at Dos Palmas

Pamabato Reef, Honda Bay - Palawan

From Luli Island, we went to Pambato Reef for our last stop on our Honda Bay tour. They call it "the mini Tubbataha Reef" home to giant clams  or taklabo in tagalog, different type of fishes and thousands of live corals. It was a joint project of Bantay Kalikasan an ABS-CBN foundation in partnership with Palawan Government.

The site is marked by a giant turtle or Pawikan as we call it here in the Philippines. It's very deep according to the boat man/dive guide the deepest part he know is about 30-40 feet. We snorkeled on the shallow part which is 10-15feet. from below you could see the abundant corals and fishes swimming.

Sadly, our underwater camera died due to low battery. We had so much fun swimming and taking photos on the other island. If ever you'll visit Palawan, a must site to see is Pambato Reef.

Heading to Pambato Reef

Pambato Reef is marked by a Giant Pawikan

Hello there :)

Boracay Island, Philippines

Boracay Island, Philippines

Finally, visited one of the most famous beach in the world the "Island of Boracay". It was when my best friend (elly) who is now living in Australia went for a vacation here in the Philippines. We bonded, talked a lot, catch-up on the last 4 years that we haven't seen each other and explored Boracay. So here are some sample photos that reflects how much fun we had and the beauty of the white sand beach that Boracay is famous for.

Photos : All Rights Reserved to Tigran Corpuz

During our island hopping trip we stopped at Puka Beach. Where it is famous for Puka Shells.

It's a beautiful island, but please do not buy buko juice here its a bit expensive (it costs about 100PHP or USD $2.40).

Outrigger Canoe