Travels When In Guimaras (Part 2) 7:00 AM Continuing my adventure when in Guimaras... Go island hopping! (Click individual photos to view in full size) Alubihod Beach Resort We planned on staying for 30 minutes max. But when we saw the place, we forgot about the time. Pristine water, white sand, and not as crowded as Boracay. We went for a day trip only, but in case you plan on staying, I've found these info for you. Cabugan Adventure Resort We stayed in Cabugan Adventure Resort. That's another boat ride from Jordan Guimaras, the main island. It's in Bgy. Tando, Sitio Duncaan, Nueva Valencia Guimaras. On the right side of the island is the beach that leads to the islands/islets we were to explore. On the left is a peaceful lake where you can kayak. And on the island is where you swing, and eat and be merry. I love to see dogs whenever I travel to unfamiliar places. They make me feel at home and safe. Isla Miguel Isla Miguel is where I did my first jump into the sea. Overlooking from Isla Miguel is one of the three Crocodile islands in the province. Floating Cottage Unfortunately, it's high tide when we came there that the sand bar is not visible. So we just swam some more, ate the famous Filipino dessert halo-halo, and rested for a bit before we resumed the island hopping. Guimaras Lighthouse, Taklong Island Another Guimaras Lighthouse with a spectacular view. According to our tour guide, there are about 200 islets around Taklong Island. It makes a perfect view when you're on top of the Lighthouse. Surrounding the lighthouse is a white sand beach with clear blue water. Guimaras Sandbar My most favorite island during the tour is their sandbar. Oh, it was immaculate. And I like that it's just us. Plus we went in the water and snorkel (no photos of that though). It's scary for me who can't swim but it was mesmerizing. Traveling is always good when you're with your favorite people Forgive me for not knowing the exact amount of the fare and the accommodation as the whole trip was part of surprise vacation my friends planned for me. I did gave my share but I wasn't part of the planning so I'm not too sure of the budget. Check out the links from other websites I provided for more details about the places. Next time you plan to travel and make it worth your while, Guimaras should be on your list. You can never go wrong when in Guimaras. These wonderful photos are from my friends' smartphones. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Celebrating My Fantastic 36th Year On Earth 11:29 AM The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. -Frank Lloyd Wright Just finished celebrating my fantastic 36th year on earth. It’s my last birthday as a single woman. Time flies when you’re having fun. Wasn’t it only yesterday I was reveling in my single journey, embracing the ups and downs, feeling the joy and pain of being “set apart” in a world cruel to someone choosing to walk alone? A bit dramatic, isn’t it? But that’s based on my experience. I’ve loved my single life. Every part of it---the good, the bad, and the ugly. I love the me-time, the quiet, the independence, and the freedom, even when I feel empty sometimes. Because that’s when I felt God’s presence the most. That’s when I’m most desperate for Him. Fantastic 36th Year on Earth Eating kindly This year I’ve decided to take baby steps towards eating kindly. However, I’m not a vegan yet. I'm a pescovegetarian. The reason being where I currently am, food choices for vegans are minimal. But I started because every time I eat meat, I can’t help thinking that what I am eating used to be alive and, if given a choice, I would not want to die just so I can eat. He’d instead be playing on the grass, eating, sleeping, and enjoying life. Not to be confined in a dirty, uncomfortable cage with little room for moving, enduring heat, getting tortured, and eventually killed in who knows what way. In the words of Jessica Chastain: “I don’t want to torture anything. … it’s about trying to live a life where I’m not contributing to the cruelty in the world. … While on this planet, I want everyone I meet to know that I am grateful they are here.” Nutritional and environmental reasons also pushed me to change my food choices---and lifestyle in general. I’m on my way to eating purely plant-based. I’ll get there someday soon. This year, I decided to eat kindly, which is fantastic! More travels I discovered my love for traveling when I was still single. It’s one of the things I wanted to do for myself: to find joy and be in awe as often as possible. To discover new places and experience new things. This year, that didn’t change. I am thankful for a fiance who loves traveling and seeing nature. And who stays in control, takes care of everything from planning to packing, and oversees everything that’s needed. That’s something you must strive to find, my dear single friends. Someone who lets you be independent but whom you can also always depend on. I’ve traveled both for leisure and business this year. Both I’ve enjoyed and am thankful for. Gift of romantic relationship I was single for six years before I met my fiance. Six years of no dating, no flirting, no emotional involvement. Six years of pruning, healing, spending time with friends, serving, working, and traveling. Most of all, it’s been a long journey of making peace with myself. It wasn’t easy. It was so loud outside. People judge and laugh at my choices. Well-meaning friends pressured me to settle with apparently just anyone they thought was “okay” for me. Thankfully, there is calmness inside me. Despite my doubts and fears, everything will work out in the end. I was so tired of kissing frogs that I was willing to forego dating for as long as the next one I kiss is the actual prince. I couldn’t help but marvel at God’s greatness. Although we are not perfect, He finds someone who is perfectly imperfect for us. And no matter how different we are, we fit just right like puzzle pieces to create a beautiful picture. When I was still single, I would take note of the things I wanted and did not want for my future husband. Sometimes I’ll be watching a movie, and when I love the spouse in the film, I’d whisper a prayer to God and say, “Please give me a husband like that, Lord.” Sometimes it happens when reading a book or even in real life. I’m very observant. If I see someone acting like a jerk, I’d say, “I’d rather stay single for life than be with someone like that.” This was when I decided that if I could not get married someday, I’d be okay with it. I’ll just keep traveling and enjoying life as it is. Somehow in my heart, I knew I was leading in this direction. Knowing that you’ll be happy to stay single and ready should there be a shift in the universe is such a wonderful feeling. 😉 God has plans for us far better than we have imagined. His generosity is boundless. I will forever be grateful to Him for finally giving me the gift of a romantic relationship. All worth the wait and the heartaches. “Adulting” at its finest One of the many Save-the-date templates I tested I’ve never felt more “adult” in my life than I have this year. What could be more mature, serious, and adult than planning for a wedding and paying bills? I can’t (and don’t want to) delve into details. But so far, this year has been the most stressful, busiest, challenging, and overwhelming time in my adult life. By the way, I’m selling my property. So if you’re interested, just shoot me a message. 😏 The gift of uncertainty Just because I’m thirty-six now doesn’t mean I have figured out everything about life. My future is still uncertain. I have plans and goals, but obviously, in my past, God has proven that His will is stronger and far more beautiful. Yes, there are still times when I doubt and worry. There are still times when the enemy seems to be winning in discouraging me. I want to always know what’s next. But I guess that’s the beauty of the future. You can create it today. I don’t know where I’ll be in the next year. I’m not sure how I will spend 2019, to be honest. All I can do is work on the things I can control and let go of the things I cannot. Allow God to do the impossible, as that’s His expertise. I can only hold on to His promises, remember the times He’s been faithful to me even when I wasn’t, and keep praying. I’m thankful that in all these uncertainties, there are two specific things in my life: That God will be there is already there, preparing everything I need, and that I have an excellent partner holding my hand as we’re facing the unknown together. That’s why my 36th is fantastic! How about you? How’s life been so far? Other birthday posts: Post-birthday Reflections Another Year Older And Hopefully Wiser My Birthday Gratitude List Life So Far This 2016 My Big Day Is Coming! Birthday Life Lessons
Travels Oh My Gosh, Calaguas! 1:18 PM Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. -Ibn Battuta The first words that came out of my mouth when I was finally able to absorb the beauty of Calaguas right in front of me were: "Oh. My. Gosh." Calaguas is in the province of Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region. Also known as Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach), Calaguas is still one of must-see unspoiled beaches in the country. Calaguas Island is now a famous tourist attraction and summer destination in The Philippines. And for good reason! With its unique white powdery sand that's almost like Boracay's, and distinguished crystal clear water, Calaguas is a paradise. For those who want to spend their quiet summer without missing the feel of summer at the beach, Calaguas is the perfect place to go to. (Click individual image to view in full size) Calaguas Trip Our Trip: Our group availed a tour package. 3,000 Php/pax for a 2days/1night stay. 3,000 Php/pax includes: Fare going to and from Vinzon (Daet) Boat ride from and to the island Food - lunch upon arrival, dinner and breakfast before departure Tent How To Get To Calaguas: The travel agency we got provided us with vans and our pick up point is at SMX MOA's parking lot. But if you want to travel DIY style, here's how to get there (via Vinzons): 9-5 hours bus ride from Manila to Camarines Norte. Bus terminals for PUBs (Philtranco, Superlines and DLTB) bound to Daet, Camarines Norte are in Pasay and Cubao. Check out their trip hours and fare prices here. It's best to take the night trip so you'll arrive early morning in Daet. From Daet bus terminal, take a jeepney to Vinzons and get off at pandawan or fish port. You can always ask the driver or the locals for directions as they're friendly and helpful. Travel time is approx 20 minutes. From Vinzons fish port, hire a boat going to Calaguas. The price differs depending on the capacity of the boat. Lowest rate is about Php 3,000 but you can also haggle. Travel time is 2 hours. What To Do In Calaguas: Although swimming (and picture taking if you're Pinoy) is the main activity in the island, you can also try: Island hopping Kayaking ATV Trekking Snorkeling Scuba Diving Where To Stay In Calaguas: You can pitch tents around the area. There were cottages and we saw some houses being built which we presumed will be used for commercial purposes but we camped with the rest of the group. We chose one facing the beach under a tree. We slept outside the tent though as nothing beats sleeping under the canopy of the stars with the sound of the waves in the background. It was an awesome experience! When In Calaguas: The restrooms are clean but they charge 20 pesos per use and 10 pesos for the shower. The shower is just outside, no doors nor covers. They provide a separate room for you to change after shower. Expect tindahan (store) prices to be much higher than normal. 1.5L Coke were sold at 90 Php!!! I think it's only about 40 Php in the supermarket. So it's best to bring your own food and drinks. No network connection. What To Bring In Calaguas: Aside from your usual toiletries, travel essentials and clothes, don't forget to bring: Sunblock Tent Drinking Water Food First Aid Kit Bug/Mosquito Repellents Camera (of course!) Although travel time is long and tiring, the place is really worth it. Even when it rained for a few minutes on our last day, Calaguas never lost its beauty. It was definitely an OMG moment for us. I have no doubt when you get there, you'd have to say "Oh my gosh, Calaguas!" as well. Allow me to over share our weekend in Calaguas here (click on photos to view original size): Although the food they served were really really good, we were not satisfied with the rest of the service. So I won't be recommending the travel agency we booked. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks!
