Masasa Beach

A sky full of stars. 

There is something calming about sleeping at a beach. Whether you're in a hotel, a hammock or a tent. For me and my friends, we opt to sleep in the latter. Aside from the fact that it's cheaper, there is nothing more indulgent and feeling closer to nature when you sleep in a tent. 

Masasa Beach is located in Tingloy, Batangas which is very near the snorkeling spots of Anilao. The island has a very small community of friendly people. We were able to use the bathroom in one of the nearby houses. They have sari-sari stores which sells beer and junk foods (because our load is already heavy, we did not buy beforehand). The people were very accommodating, they even suggested places where we could take pictures. 

Pico de Loro Conquered

Before the year ends, I just wanted to cross out one thing in my bucket list. When we signed up for this, we underestimated the power required for the challenge because the description for this escapade says "for beginners". I have tried hiking Mt. Banahaw in college so i thought it would be something like that. I was really excited the day before that I haven't really slept. 

Trying to take a panoramic shot. 

You can mount on one of these rocks for a better view but I wasn't brave enough. 

And it was a lovely day. 

There were 10 of us in the group including the guide EJ with eight of us as beginners. For the first thirty minutes of the climb, we were happily walking on the trail. After we reached the second log book, the trail started becoming more of rocks. The farther we go, the longer we had to stretch our legs because the trail has gone steeper. 

Fuerza de Santa Isabel

View from Tatay Fort. 

Before we went back to Puerto Princesa, we passed by nanay's office in taytay because their officemate has prepared a meal for us. Lucky, we know somebody there because our van just bumped a big rock which sort of dislocated something underneath. Haha! I don't know anything about cars. Well, in short, we have a place to stay in for a few hours eating pineapples while waiting for the van get fixed. And of course, we sure couldn't miss this spot in Taytay called "Kuta". 

Going up! 

The aerial view of the site taken from a picture inside kuta. 

Si mayor. 

Sugod mga kapatid! 

Wala naman palang bala! 

Best view to cap off this trip. 

The Perks of Being a Palaweño

As much as i want to be helpful to other travelers especially those who really wants to visit El Nido, I'm sorry but i cannot provide you the budget details. Being a Palaweño, I am lucky enough to have resources and people who gives free lodging and people who cooked for us. And yes, I am making you envious right now.

It's actually my second time in El Nido. The first visit I had was with my father and his colleagues. My father only bought 12 shots for the camera and I was trigger happy with it that I took two shots of the church and the municipal hall. I don't even know where those copies are. hehe! :)

I will never forget that five-hour drive going there when the cement road was not yet constructed. Literally, another one bites the dust. It was that thick. But honestly, after seeing all the islands, it was all worth it!

Just imagine seeing these for real.

Tour A & C

The shoreline from the city proper of El Nido.

Going to our first stop-- Helicopter Island. I couldn't get a good angle for you to see its resemblance to a helicopter, sorry.

Hidden Beach. That's where boats stop by because bigger boats are not allowed inside.

That is, to prevent damage on coral reefs. We also had to wear our slippers here.

I can't remember where exactly this is. It's just so refreshing to look at. Relax mode: ON.

Birds-eye-view from Matinloc Island. We had to climb rocks to get this shot. Chos! Such an amazing view, isn't it? Look at how clear the water is. One of the tourist guide told us that there was galleon that sunk deep into these waters.

El Nido

Patikim pa lang yan. 

Conquering Zambales

Nagsasa. Capones. Potipot.

Underground + 23rd Birthday

We planned this trip last December so we had a lot of time to prepare. We got a round trip ticket on sale from Airphil Express for P1500. Since Puerto Princesa is basically my hometown, we don't have any problems when it comes to accommodation. We just commute from place to place and we even have baon on our way. This was our second out-of-town trip together so it is indeed exciting for us both. 

On our way to Underground River

Upon arriving St. Paul Subterranean National Park a.k.a. Underground River

While waiting for our turn 

Before entering the cave

Anawangin

A sunset to die for