Monthly Archives: September 2012

Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines

After 6 long hours of travelling from Iloilo to Caticlan, finally we arrived at the Jetty Ferry Port. Here we are going to ride a ferry going to the Island of Boracay. We then paid the following fees:

Boracay Fees

Caticlan Ferry Port

Boracay greeted us with fierce and angry waves

Where to Stay in Boracay?

I’ve always planned my itineraries ahead and book for the trips’ accommodations in advance. However this time it had been a hard time for me looking for affordable places to stay in Boracay (as this had already been a place for tourists and most accommodations are dollars hehe), luckily I found Villa Lourdes at Station 2.

Conveniently located at the heart of Boracay, walking distance from the popular D’Mall in Boracay, near supermarkets, and of course the beach front. The place is like an apartment style where you get to have your own kitchen. Good for us since it’s not a peak season it’s as if we’ve rented the whole house for ourselves alone.

The owner had been very accommodating, even provided us with a ‘sundo’ and a discount! You may contact him at:

Where to Eat Cheap in Boracay?

And if you’re looking for a cheap place to eat, look no more. Dine in this affordable Smoke Restaurant (Andoks) located in Balabag, Station 2, Boracay. Here you’ll have a myriad of choices, from fried chickens, lechon manok, silog meals, sinigang, etc.

And believe me, the food is really delicious! I particularly love their Sinigang.. just the perfect ‘asim’!

Night Life in Boracay

After filling up our tummies, we spend the entire night around the lively and lovely island. Here is where life begins at night.

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip (v. Roxas – Capiz – Aklan – Kalibo)

Getting Around Iloilo Airport

Upon our arrival at Iloilo airport, we headed to the tourism office inside to inquire about the usual range and mode of transportation from the airport going to the city or to other destinations such as Boracay. We were informed that we could take either of the following:

  • Going to Boracay (Caticlan) via Public Transportation
    • Ride a Metered taxi (perhaps the cheapest) – range from 300/taxi from the airport going to the city to Ceres Bus Terminal
    • Ride a Bus from Iloilo going to Caticlan (6 hours trip) Php325/head
  • Hire a van direct from airport to Caticlan (easiest but can be expensive) Php 4,500/van

Lucky for us for when we were about to give up our quest for haggling a cheaper rent for a van and just opt for the public transpo by bus, we found another group of 6 that would also be going to Boracay so we decided to just get a van (all 12 of us divided by the Php4,500) which means we only get to spend around 375php/head. Wow!

***However be aware that some of the tour services (like the one we got) fooled us into believing that the very comfy and big van that we used from the airport to the city will be the one used in going to Caticlan. We were surprised to find out that upon arrival in their terminal in the city, they transferred us into another vehicle (still a van but smaller and perhaps smellier).

Of course this enraged us, until they finally gave up and just provided us with the vehicle that we wanted. I’m thankful that there are 12 heads complaining, what if there were less? For sure they probably won’t allow.

Anyway, we started our 6-hour journey. Below are some of the snapshots I’ve taken while we were on the road, passing by the various provinces.

Iloilo City

Capiz Province

Aklan

And yes, I love the weather. Cold, wet, rainy, with a smell of lemon dew. Makes me wanna sing … I’ll do my blogging in the rain…

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo

It is my father’s birthday and to celebrate his big day Adventuroj planned a trip to Boracay for the whole family.

It has been my nth time to Boracay already, but my last one was still before I’ve become a travel blogger. So this is actually my first time as adventuroj and a first time for the whole family.

Below is the itineraries I’ve planned, with two versions for my father’s convenience (which ever he chooses). Feel free to download it as you wish.

Happy trip!

Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Trip

Iloilo – Boracay Itinerary v.1

Day & Time Activity Est. Expenses
September 27, 2012
7:45-8:50am Departure Davao – Iloilo
Fare to airport 100
Terminal Fee 200
9am Travel to Bus Terminal: Ceres Liner bus station in Iloilo is in Rizal St. (Tanza) 50
10am Take Ceres Bus from Iloilo to Kalibo (fare: PhP325.00) with travel time of around 6 hours with at least two stop-overs (snacks comfort breaks in usually not-so-orderly toilets). 9am or 12nn trip [All Ceres buses to Kalibo and Caticlan/Buruanga take the Passi route.] or hire van (2,000php) 350
3pm Lunch 100
Check in at Ati Atihan County Inn 300
sampaguita gardens ang meron precious moments dolls
6pm *Ramboys for their lechon liempo,
*RML for the chicken bacolod or
*Seawall for the pizza
*Abregana, a nice hangout place with live music. They have yummy pizzas!..		 100
September 28, 2012 From Kalibo: Get a Jeepney or bus to Caticlan (two hours). 100
From Caticlan to Boracay Ferry 15
Take tricycle from Pilahan to Crafts Supermarket 20
May gate 5meters behind ATM, dumaan kayo sa gitna ng nagtitinda ng damit at karne sa right side
10am Check in at Villa Lourdes Resort [Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan] Mobile: (+63923) 714-8747, (+63917) 917-2513 400
Lunch 100
There are lots of activities to keep you occupied on the island. You can try helmet diving, snorkeling, island hopping, parasailing and what not’s.
Have cocktails while watching the spectacular sunset. Take advantage of the happy hour as most resorts offer a buy one take one promo on drinks.
September 29, 2012 Return trip (earliest) Caticlan to Iloilo is at 630am. 350
Check in at Ong Bun Pension [Corner Quezon-Ledesma St] Mobile: (+63910) 433-5048, (+63923) 252-0292 [950php for 6] 150
Must See and Do:
Island Hopping in Guimaras: Baras Cave, Pawikan Island, Ave Maria Island, SEAFDEC
Guimaras Tour : Trappist Monastery, Plantation , Guisi Light house
Places to Eat: The Pitstop in Guimaras
Places to stay: Raymen Resort, Guisi Beach Resort
12nn Back in the city, have a steaming bowl of Batchoy from either Ted’s or Deco’s. 100
1pm Head to Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City. Cross the Sulu straight via pump boats for 15 minutes. When you get to Jordan Wharf in GUIMARAS ISLAND, there are multi-cabs and tricycles for hire to bring you to Nueva Valencia where La Puerta Al Paraiso is. 100
Ask the driver to drop by at the supermarket to buy the world famous Guimaras Mangoes.
Things we did in Guimaras: Ambakan Waterfalls, Raymen Beach, Trappist Monastery, Island Hopping (SEAFDEC, Turtle Island, Ave Maria, etc.), buy mangoes. 100
5pm Back to the wharf: Along the way, stop at the TRAPPIST MONASTERY for some pasalubong shopping. The calamansi and guava jams, mango flavored piayas and mango bars were a hit and a personal favorite. 100
6pm Reward yourself with a seafood feast for dinner by the beach at either Tatoy’s or Breakthrough in Villa. A heaping plate of fresh oysters is only Php 50 (USD 1.16) 100
or just stay at Iloilo
Must See and Do:
Miag-ao Church
Molo Church
Jaro Church
12nn Lunch at Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy
Head to Museo Iloilo at Bonifacio Drive and spend time marveling at fossils, stone age potteries, prehistoric tools and other artifacts depicting the lives and culture of early Panay natives. Walking around Calle Real will give you a nostalgic feeling of Iloilo’s grandiose colonial past. While you’re here be sure to grab a few Queen Siopaos from Roberto’s to munch on. A visit to Aduana Building is also a must for a panoramic 360 degree view of Iloilo and Guimaras. Finally, go to Plaza Libertad and end your walking tour here.
6pm Dinner: Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood at Villa. Eat to your stomach’s content and enjoy Iloilo’s chicken inasal and some grilled seafood.
September 30, 2012 Travel to Airport
9am Flight Iloilo to Davao
Total Estimated Expenses 2985

Guimaras – Iloilo – Boracay Itinerary v2

Day & Time Activity Est. Expenses
September 27, 2012
7:45-8:50am Departure Davao – Iloilo
Fare to airport 100
Terminal Fee 200
Guimaras Side Trip
11am Head to Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City. Cross the Sulu straight via pump boats for 15 minutes. When you get to Jordan Wharf in GUIMARAS ISLAND, there are multi-cabs and tricycles for hire to bring you to Nueva Valencia where La Puerta Al Paraiso is. 100
Look for the Guimaras Tourism Office located at the waiting shed outside the arrival area of the Jordan Wharf. The tourism officer can arrange your transportation to Guisi Beach or any destination in Guimaras. There’s a set rate for vehicle rentals regulated by the Guimaras Provincial Government.
Guisi Beach is 45 minutes to 1 hour away from Jordan Wharf. Rates for multicabs (8 to 10 people) and shuttle L300 vans (10 to 14 people) start from P500 per vehicle.
Check in at Guisi. 300
GUISI HERITAGE COTTAGE – Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
Contact Persons: Mrs. Henreitta Dulla / Jose Garonita
Contact Numbers: 09205470288 / 091559466061 / 09274640488 / 09154570088
I encourage you to spend a night here in Guisi, it will be your most unforgettable experience while doing this trip. The Heritage Cottage can fit 6 people for only P1,500. You would also notice the old lighthouse built by the Spanish to guide their ships navigating off Iloilo Strait. If you’re not yet convinced to stay here, how about imagining yourself waking up with the stunning view of clear blue sea and the three lighthouses built just near each other.
Ask the driver to drop by at the supermarket to buy the world famous Guimaras Mangoes.
Things we did in Guimaras: Ambakan Waterfalls, Raymen Beach, Trappist Monastery, Island Hopping (SEAFDEC, Turtle Island, Ave Maria, etc.), buy mangoes. 50
For our tour which included Macopo Falls, Trappist Monastery, Sadsad Falls, Valle Verde Mountain resort, Alubihod beach, lunch and pasalubong shopping at San Miguel town, totalling to 4.5 hours, haggled price was P900. 300
Must See and Do:
Island Hopping in Guimaras: Baras Cave, Pawikan Island, Ave Maria Island, SEAFDEC
Guimaras Tour : Trappist Monastery, Plantation , Guisi Light house
Places to Eat: The Pitstop in Guimaras
Places to stay: Raymen Resort, Guisi Beach Resort
Along the way, stop at the TRAPPIST MONASTERY for some pasalubong shopping. The calamansi and guava jams, mango flavored piayas and mango bars were a hit and a personal favorite. 100
September 28, 2012
Back to Jordan Wharf – Iloilo City
9am Travel to Bus Terminal: Ceres Liner bus station in Iloilo is in Rizal St. (Tanza) 50
10am Take Ceres Bus from Iloilo to Caticlan (fare: PhP325.00) with travel time of around 6 hours with at least two stop-overs (snacks comfort breaks in usually not-so-orderly toilets). 9am or 12nn trip [All Ceres buses to Kalibo and Caticlan/Buruanga take the Passi route.] or hire van (2,000php) 400
From Caticlan to Boracay Ferry 15
Take tricycle from Pilahan to Crafts Supermarket 20
May gate 5meters behind ATM, dumaan kayo sa gitna ng nagtitinda ng damit at karne sa right side
3pm Check in at Villa Lourdes Resort [Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan] Mobile: (+63923) 714-8747, (+63917) 917-2513 400
Dinner 100
There are lots of activities to keep you occupied on the island. You can try helmet diving, snorkeling, island hopping, parasailing and what not’s.
Have cocktails while watching the spectacular sunset. Take advantage of the happy hour as most resorts offer a buy one take one promo on drinks.
September 29, 2012 Return trip (earliest) Caticlan to Iloilo is at 630am. 350
Check in at Ong Bun Pension [Corner Quezon-Ledesma St] Mobile: (+63910) 433-5048, (+63923) 252-0292 [950php for 6] 150
12nn Back in the city, have a steaming bowl of Batchoy from either Ted’s or Deco’s. 100
Must See and Do:
Miag-ao Church
Molo Church
Jaro Church
Head to Museo Iloilo at Bonifacio Drive and spend time marveling at fossils, stone age potteries, prehistoric tools and other artifacts depicting the lives and culture of early Panay natives. Walking around Calle Real will give you a nostalgic feeling of Iloilo’s grandiose colonial past. While you’re here be sure to grab a few Queen Siopaos from Roberto’s to munch on. A visit to Aduana Building is also a must for a panoramic 360 degree view of Iloilo and Guimaras. Finally, go to Plaza Libertad and end your walking tour here.
6pm Reward yourself with a seafood feast for dinner by the beach at either Tatoy’s or Breakthrough in Villa. A heaping plate of fresh oysters is only Php 50 (USD 1.16). Eat to your stomach’s content and enjoy Iloilo’s chicken inasal and some grilled seafood. 100
September 30, 2012 Travel to Airport 100
9am Flight Iloilo to Davao
Total Estimated Expenses 2935

I’ll be updating you of our trip in my coming post. For now I’d be enjoying the scenic views of the province as we trek Boracay from Iloilo via a rented van. Until next time adventurers! *It’s my first time wrting and publishing a blog post while I’m on the road. Haha

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Day 4: Quickie in Cebu

For our last day of the tour, since we’ll be departing Cebu to Davao and our flight’s still scheduled for 12nn, we decided to have a quickie in Cebu first.

It’s not the quickie that you’re thinking Smile hehe

We headed to Sto Nino Basilica and attended the Sunday mass, then proceeded to the historic Magellan’s Cross which is just a few steps from the church.

Below are the snapshots that took place. Enjoy!

Cebu City Tour

I bet you didn’t know there’s a Feb 30, 2013?! Well that’s what the Peanut Roll from Bohol told me! Haha

I’ll be posting the budget for the whole trip up next. You’ll be amazed how we’ve manage to have everything below 3k!

The above blog post is part of my budget Bohol – Cebu tour series of posts in the Island of Panglao, Bohol and Cebu City, Philippines that happened last September 13-16, 2012. | Cebu – Bohol for just 3k Barkada Trip! | Day 2 Panglao Island Hopping | Day 3 Bohol City Tour | Day 4: Quickie in Cebu

Cebu-Bohol for 3k: Day 3 Bohol City Tour

For our 2k Bohol City Tour courtesy by Kuya Allan (09163011715) for only 2k van rent Bohol City Tour,

Here are the scenic places that we’ve traversed! I’ll speak no more and just let the pictures speak for the marvel that we’ve found in the Island of Bohol!

Continue reading →

Cebu-Bohol for 3K: Day 2 Panglao Island Hopping

Activities for the day / Schedule:

  • 07:00 AM: Meet Boat at Alona Beach
  • 08:00 AM: Dolphin Watching
  • 08:30 – 10:00: Arrive at Balicasag Island. Swimming and snorkeling
  • Lunch from 11am onwards (optional)
  • 10:00 – 11:00: Head to Virgin Island and walk on beautiful powdery white sand
  • Return to Panglao 11am (lunch not taken)
    ***Note: Departure Time can be customized
  • Head back to Tagbilaran City from Panglao

Our Superb Budget Island Hopping and Snorkeling Tour starts and ends at Alona Beach. The experienced boat crew [09482122216 Kuya Babet for 1,500php for all six of us] took us to Balicasag Island where we enjoyed snorkeling in the well known Marine Sanctuary. Along the way you’ll be mesmerized as you’ll be sailing with dolphins too! Continue reading →

Cebu – Bohol for just 3k Barkada Trip!

“Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli

Traveling had been a hobby for the adventurer in me long as I could remember. But this time is different , coz I’ll be traveling with my group of friends.

We set out early for the promo fare hunt and planned our itinerary ahead. After grabbing another piso fare, it’s time to pave the road ahead.

Day 1 Adventure

  • Cebu – Bohol Ferry Trip
  • Spend a night and beach bum at Panglao Island, Bohol

The adventure started upon our arrival at Mactan Cebu International Airport. We immediately headed to the Pier for the fast craft that would bring us to Bohol. Continue reading →

Tupi Agten Festival’s Street Dancing Parade

Yet another year, another September 11, and yes another year for the beautiful and bountiful Tupi, my home town.

So to bring to you the chronicles of the colorful feast, here’s a sneak peak of what transpired in the joyous merriment. Let your eyes enjoy the parade of colors!

Agten Festival Street Dancing Photos

Continue reading →