In 2019, I visited Iloilo-Guimaras and later went to Iloilo-Bacolod the same year. Looking back on these trips five years later, I noticed a change in how I approach travel.
Before, I used to pack my days with activities, always rushing from one place to another. If you’ve followed my adventures since 2019, you’d see how busy my schedule was. But now, I’ve matured. I’ve come to realize the importance of setting clear goals before traveling.
On this recent trip, my main goal was simply to relax and explore some notable spots in Iloilo and Bacolod, without feeling pressured to see everything. Instead of rushing, my companion and I decided to savor each moment, immersing ourselves in the local culture by visiting markets and taking our time to appreciate the surroundings. Sometimes, I just enjoyed observing people passing by.
Miagao Church in Iloilo – February 2024 – In 2019, I visited this church because I’ve heard so much features and stories about it. I am still amazed on how this church stands tall.
Let me tell you about our first day in Iloilo. Our flight was initially scheduled for 5:55 am but got pushed to 8:55 am. We arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 7:00 am, as locals are accustomed to arriving early at the airport. After grabbing a meal at McDonald’s, we headed to the terminal and waited there, passing the time with some iPad doodling. Here’s a sample of what I drew while waiting for our flight.
I am not an artist, really. But I drew this while waiting for our flight. Hope this looks good! Hehe!
The flight to Iloilo took over an hour. Upon arrival, we took a van to SM Iloilo, where we had lunch at Ted’s. Then, we inquired about getting to Garin Farm and made our way to the terminal to catch a mini-bus to Muhon Terminal.
The transportation system in Iloilo impressed me. The buses and drivers were organized, dropping passengers off at proper stops and issuing receipts, reminiscent of the modernized jeepneys proposed for Manila. However, I do worry about the impact on traditional jeepney drivers.
These are some of my favorite views in Garin Farm. Garin Farm, being called farm, needs renovation. Some animals here are so thin and food-deprived. I just hope they get the food they deserve. 🙁
At Muhon Terminal, we boarded a mini-bus bound for San Joaquin and got off near Garin Farm, taking a tricycle to the entrance. Though I’d been to Garin before, I’d never climbed the stairs to the top. The hike was exhausting, but the view made it worthwhile.
After exploring Garin Farm, we caught a bus to Miagao Church, one of my favorites due to its beauty and history. Then, we visited Molo Plaza, taking in the sights and enjoying street food.
Our second day in Iloilo started late with a hearty breakfast of La Paz Batchoy at La Paz Public Market. Then, we visited Jaro Cathedral before heading to the pier for our journey to Bacolod.
From L-R – 1) Barbecue during Bacolodiat Festival, 2) Calea cake and coffee 3) La Paz Batchoy 4) Puto at La Paz Iloilo
In Bacolod, we checked into our hostel and indulged in Bacolod Inasal and cake from Calea for lunch. Afterward, we visited The Ruins, easily accessible via Grab. We were fortunate to experience the Bacolodiat Festival, enjoying street food and walking along Lacson Avenue.
My favorite spots in Bacolod From L-R 1) Bell of San Sebastian Cathedral 2) San Sabastian Cathedral 3) Bacolodiat Festival 4) The Ruins
On our last day, we savored the breakfast buffet at Seda Hotel before heading to the airport. Through my travels, I’ve learned to prioritize relaxation and enjoying each destination, rather than rushing to tick off tourist spots. Traveling, to me, is about finding peace and rejuvenation.
If you like the book The Little Prince, you will also like its Filipino puppet play version, Prinsipe Bahaghari. It is shown in Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati, on January 19- 21 and 26-28, 2024. We watched the show last January 27, 3:38PM.
Image c/o Teatro Mulat ng Pilipinas (Mulat Theater) Facebook Page
Prinsipe Bahaghari tells a story about the adventure of the Rainbow Prince as he finds his companion who would help him care for his flower, the Gumamela, and will keep her safe on his home planet. In this quest, he meets different characters and makes a friend with the Storyteller who proudly shares his joys and challenges in life.
It is my first time watching a puppet play. I am amazed how Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas gave life to the story, characters, and narration. Let me tell you more about this experience!
Stage Design
I like the simplicity of the stage design. It complements to the visual effects and the animations of the puppet play. How the production team maximized the wooden pallets, and the simple fabrics really amazed me. The gumamela flowers too are beautiful. They reminded me of my sixth grade project in Home Economics.
The Puppets
I really thought that the puppets were made of steel. But, upon asking the casts (who held and manipulated the puppets), I was informed that the puppets were made of rattan. Rattan is a flexible and natural material that can be weaved into many different things, including furniture. There were different puppets such as the cat, the snake, the Rainbow Prince, and the Storyteller.
The Translation
The original manuscript used rose, but the Filipino adaptation used gumamela. There are many kinds of gumamela in the Philippines. I love how this flower is chosen for this play. It look so Filipino for real. Also, the play emphasized that they maybe many of gumamelas but one is special because it’s chosen and it’s loved. The lessons in the original book are really translated contextually in its Filipino adaptation. I hope that the kids who watch the play with us learned a lot from it, too.
Overall, Prinsipe Bahaghari is really extraordinary. The puppeteers manipulated the characters well to deliver the emotions and to tell a heartwarming story. Prinsipe Bahaghari also has a perfect blend of humor. I specifically like the joke about a snake, eating the moon, and farting after. Is this a Bakunawa reference? This is such a funny part of the play. I really have a memorable experience. Looking forward to watch more plays this year!
As someone who works from home, there are times that I desire to work in a different place.
Since the pandemic, there are already lots of coffee shop that popped in Taytay. For me, a good coffee shop must have quality and consistent coffee, perfect ambiance, and great customer service experience. Most importantly work-friendly.
Here are the best coffee shops in Taytay, Rizal where I usually work.
Sihia Cafe
Sihia Cafe is located at Palmera Hills I in Taytay, Rizal. It features lots of dried flowers, hanging plants, and cute mix of wooden furnitures in their second floor. The name Sihia is derived from the three names of the owners. They are all students when they first established their coffee shop and they are so kind and approachable. My favorite drink is Mocha btw. I love how their cutie coffee shop near our place eventually grew bigger and better in Palmera Hills.
La Leonardo’s
Leonardo’s is near Telahan sa Plaza, Taytay, Rizal. What’s WFH for me without going to Leonardo’s? Leonardo’s has a Paris theme where they feature artsy and aesthetic visuals. I love how their wifi is so consistent and strong. I can even conduct classes their via MS Teams. Aside from that, their place is so chill and cool. Well-ventilated. Chairs are comfy. The crowd (whenever I go there) is usually quiet. The owner and the baristas are so approachable too. There’s a plug and a toilet as well. Everything you need from a cafe is there. (Photos are from their Facebook page.)
Created with RNI Films app. Profile ‘Kodak E 200’Created with RNI Films app. Profile ‘Kodachrome Generic v.4’
8/0 Coffee
8/0 coffee shop is 2,000-walk away from us and this is my go-to shop whenever I need strong internet, plug, and affordable coffee and pastries. This shop is in Greenwoods Executive Village (Taytay, Rizal).
I love its location and its ambiance. But what I love most is that it opens as early as 7:00am. Perfect for people who love to work in the morning. I highly recommend this to those who are near the village. It is commuter-friendly as well. So anyone coming from Taytay may consider going here.
(I don’t have very instagrammable photos here because I usually just work during my visit. But these photos are from their Facebook page.)
And that’s it. I will not gatekeep my favorite coffee shops in Taytay, Rizal. If you happen to visit Taytay, or Taytay Tiangge, I hope you could give these shops a try. All of these are just one tricycle away from Tiangge or Grab.
Manila International Book Fair has been one of the most important events for me as a bookworm. We always look forward for September because of this event. It is a celebration of books, and everyone’s love for reading.
There is always something to look forward during MIBF season. Last year, we did not have much activities because only few publishers and bookstores were there. So this year, we taught of the same. We did not expect that much. But still, Ate Beth and I was still so excited about it.
Tim Hortons First
We left at 7:30am in the morning. Since we would be going there via Grab, we knew that it’s just gonna be a quick ride.
When we got around SM MOA, we headed to Tim Hortons first as part of our MIBF ritual. We had our breakfast and coffee there. We did some shoot for Ate Beth’s work.
Book Signings and Everything in Between
We entered the hall at 10:00am. For some reasons, the first booth that we visited was a publisher from China. We enjoyed the calligraphy session there given by the Chinese teacher.
Then, after that, we headed to the University of the Philippines Press for my professor’s book signing (or shall I say professors’).
They recently published a book dedicated for Ma’am Tet Maceda. It is a compilation of poems, fiction, and essays for her. Professors Vlad Gonzales, Will Ortiz, and Rowena Festin were there to sign books.
After that book signing, we roam around the place. We visited different publishers and scanned their collection of books.
I also got a chance to meet Sir Charles Ong who wrote the book White Lady, Black Christ. He was so kind to sign our books. Then, went to Sir Ricky Lee’s booth and bought shirt because we already have copies of all his books.
While we were roaming around, we also got a chance to meet the author of Mga Tala at Tula, Ron Camino. I had a picture with him and asked him some writing-related questions. He was so down to earth and isn’t snobbish (unlike some). He willingly answered all our questions. Super bait!
We decided to go there on a Saturday to have our book, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All, signed by its author, Dr. Ron Baticulon. We lined up so early, so we got the third spot for his book signing. We was also so bait and humble. He asked us some questions before signing our books. (Mahilig ata talaga magtanong ang mga doktor no?)
Some of the Booths We Visited
We passed by most of the booths, we believe. We saw the creative booth of Vibal and sat on their sofas. We passed by the long booth of Lampara and Precious Herts. We saw the long lines of readers lining up for Sir Egay at Ateneo De Manila University Press.
There was also a long queue at JSD Publishing, PSICOM, Pop Fiction, and at KaJo Baldisimo’s booth.
Walking for straight three hours will surely make us visit most of the publishers. But, here are some of the publishers we visited and we looked at willingly. MIBF 2023 is filled with publishers. Hence, going there for a day isn’t enough I guess.
Adarna Books
8Letters Bookstore and Publishing
Ricky Lee’s Booth
Balangay Books (Indie Publisher)
St. Paul’s, of course!
UP Press
Feast Books
Milflores Books
Tahanan Books
Jerico Silver’s Publishingy
Reading China
Takeaways!
I hope I could write another book next year so I have something to sell next MIBF. Hehe. Yep. That’s the only takeaway.
(This is just a short and quick post about my Meet and Greet last July. For documentation purposes.)
This is a super late post about my book signing for the Grand Pinoy Lit Fan Con last July 1, 2023, in NBS College, Quezon City. It is my first book signing for Paghilom which is now published under Lifebooks. Promoting my books is not really my forte, but I managed to send a video of myself, inviting my readers to join me in this event. How fun and cool is that. Haha.
There were different publishers and writers who are present in the said event. I am lucky to be one of the chosen authors of Lifebooks. 🙂 At first, I was so scared that nobody would join my meet and greet. My friends and I even joked about it. At least, I have two companions who would buy my books, and line up, just in case, nobody attends my meet and greet.
I am so blessed to be accompanied by my friends, Ate Beth, and Cha. Both of them are my closest friends hihi. Thank you for pushing me do things that are usually nakakahiya for me.
At first, I thought the book signing would be cancelled because of the heavy rain. Thank God, the rain stopped, and some readers attended my meet and greet. Would you believe that the room where I talked about my books was filled with audience. Napuno rin yung room and I am truly grateful for that.
I will always be grateful for this kind of experience. It has been a long time since I last publish a book no? But I will take my time for now. I know, someday, I could get back to writing again. For now, I will enjoy what is currently happening in my life.
I have been in a reading slump for the previous months. What kept me busy was the Korean drama series that I have been watching. But after purchasing books during Manila International Book Fair 2023, I decided to pick up a book and dedicated time to reading it.
The first book that I have decided to read is the non-fiction book written by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All. Doc Ron is a pediatric neurosurgeon, teacher, and writer. He became a fellow of the 58th UP National Writers Workshop. He currently works as an associate professor at the UP College of Medicine. When we met him during his book signing, he is so kind and humble. He asked questions to us before signing our books. Hehe.
The book cover says a lot to what the collection of essays is all about. Its refreshing shade of blue looks calming, and pleasant. The illustrations on the cover are so meaningful. Each icon truly represents something about the essays in the book. In short, maganda.
Some Days You Can’t Save Them All contains personal anecdotes, and stories about his patients. He has written each essay as if he weaves the emotional rollercoaster of life in a hospital. His medical tales will surely make you cry or laugh. His collection contains his stories about his journey from medical school to becoming a full-fledged doctor. He has deliberately described his humble beginnings.
What I love most about this book is his skill in humanizing the medical profession. He has written essays about loss, pain, and the saddest stories in the corner of a ward. But at the same time, he manages to balance those kinds of stories with stories of success, good news, and happy endings.
His remarkable essay for me is Where I Got Extra Money When I Was A Medical Student. He said:
As hard as it may seem to believe during the most difficult of times, there is never a shortness of kindness in this world.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
Despite the sad reality that the medical scene in the Philippines portrays, some people are still willing to help. In this essay, he mentioned the people who generously lend him a hand when he was a student. After reading this line, I paused from reading a book and tried to absorb this line. Nakakatulala lang talaga.
Yes, there will still be people who are willing to help. Someone out there will help. It may be difficult to believe, but this is possible, I guess. 🙂
My Favorite Lines from the Book
I survived by taking things one day at a time.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
I took this line by heart. I totally agree that we could still succeed by taking things one day at a time. I am used to rushing things. I always wanted to finish the tasks on my list. But this line reminded me to slow down, and be more relaxed.
Everybody is in such a hurry to achieve something or become someone, that we forget to be thankful for what we have in the now. We are always where we are meant to be.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
Hehe. The message is somehow the same with the first line. This line is found at the last pages of the book. I believe it is also a gentle reminder for us to be grateful for what is happening at the moment.
I only have this advice to give: First, never settle for anything less. … And second, stay honest.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All
It is a good reminder for me–that despite what’s happening around me, I should continue producing quality outputs and never be satisfied with the mediocre. It inspires me to keep going and to keep creating something meaningful.
My Final Verdict
5/5! This book is beautifully written, heartwarming, and truly engaging collection of essays that will leave a mark in your heart. The essays here contain reminders that will make you reflect on the incredible human connection. Doc Ron is so kind and humble in person, too. Plus 5 stars!
After going to different beaches in the Philippines, I must say that Boracay has the best beach. It was in August 2023 when we went there. Boracay has a timeless beauty that couldn’t be compared to other beaches. Philippine beaches are all beautiful, but again, Boracay is so unique for me. Sobrang gandaaaa!
Pagkahawak ko pa lang ng buhangin, sabi ko talaga sa sarili ko, ito na (so far) ‘yung best buhangin ever. Even the water, so refreshing.
What I love most about Boracay is its pristine beaches. The picture below is one of the beaches we visited during the island hopping tour. We went to four different areas during the tour. This is the best part for me.
Aside from island hopping, we tried the famous Coco Mama dessert in Boracay. It is so masarap and everything just perfectly melts into your mouth. We also went to a coffee shop and tried their Americano coffee and some cake pops for dessert. Mang Inasal and Peri-Peri were part of our meals, too.
For me, Boracay is a place for rest, beginnings, and new adventures. It offers a world away from the city. With the big number of foreign tourists flocking here, sometimes it brings you to another place as well. During our short trip, we saw different nationalities. Hearing different language somehow makes me feel I am in another country.
This trip is indeed a rest for me. After my three-week World Youth Day trip, I really enjoyed swimming and staring at the beach. It gives me comfort and assurance that every long tiring day comes a good kind of rest.
I hope you find time to rest too. The more we work, the more we need to rest as well.
I am thankful to be writing a post about 2022 with no worries and heavy heart. I am thankful because I am still here: present and surviving.
There’s one strong skill that I’ve learned this year, and that is to be adaptable. This year has taught me to be more adaptable to change. It has allowed me to experience new things that will make me stronger and capable.
I started the year slowly, yet relaxed. The first month of the year was full of quick food dates with Stowie, Ate Beth, and my college friends.
On February, I went out with Lola and Tyni. We went to Tanay with Stowie. That was a holiday, so we had a time to go out of town. This month was also about coffee shop hunting with Ate Beth. I also drank at new coffee shop with Stowie.
I tried to be healthy by walking 10,000 steps, but I stopped. hehe. I focused on rewriting my thesis. This month, I got a chance to give a talk to some seminarians in Calabayog City. Online.
I also gave a recollection (together with my other youth ministers) to some youths of Cardona, Rizal. This was our face-to-face recollection since the pandemic started.
In between fun moments were writing sessions at a coffee shop. I couldn’t just finish the revision in one sitting so I usually go out and finish my manuscript.
In February, I also had a quick trip to Cagayan de Oro for an ordination of my friend who who is a priest. We were only in CDO for 24 hours. I also had to go back to school for our onsite reporting.
March was about surprises. I had to adjust to our onsite reporting. This was a bit challenging for me. Commute in Manila was so difficult. I got tired real quick.
This also was the month of changes since I already resigned from this work. I had to apply to different schools which should be near my location. Also, in between my personal stress and career-related stress, I still have to revise my thesis and prepare the graphics I needed for my defense. Despite all these, I didn’t forget to spend time with my best friend.
I had a quick trip to Tagaytay as a short vacation from thesis writing. Thank God for the gift of resources? Also, this month was when my mom got home from Bahrain. There were times that we eat outside with here.
It’s summer time! However, this was also preparation time for my final defense. Still, I got chance to go to Batangas with my college friends. I also explored more coffee shops whenever I feel so stressed from my thesis. Despite these challenges, I still needed to report to school and rendered some time before my official resignation.
I had my final defense on April 29, 2022. Sadly, we lost our internet connection this day. I went to Stowie and stayed at his house so I can proceed with my defense.
A week before election, I was part of the pink movement who only wanted but clean and honest government.
May was so tiring. It was our first dry run of hybrid classes. This was so challenging because everything was new to us. Gadgets, devices, classroom management, etc.
Since my final defense was done, this month was also about applying the suggestions mentioned by my panel and critic.
Work adjustment + Thesis Defense = Perfect Combination
In May, we also find time to explore new cafes with our pets. May is also one of my challenging month because I was about to transition from employment to a freelancer. My last day of reporting in my previous employer is May 31. This was so difficult yet I survived. Thank you, Lord.
Hello, June. This was still a challenge for me. I am not used to a long period of rest. I managed to find some gigs (translation, and article writing). I survived the sad nights by eating burger and drinking coke? My shih tzu has been always with me so most of the time, I am feeling well.
On my free time, I was able to read a lot of books. I found time to do the things I truly love. I had time for a seminar in our church even though this was done on a weekday. I could also give webinars while I am at home, thanks to this free time. I could also explore cafes without rushing home.
What I loved most about this month was my free time, really. I got the chance to accompany my lola to doctor and buy medicine for her without thinking about other stuff.
June was also productive because it’s the month when we promoted my first book signing in Bulacan. I was able to sell a good number of books. I got to meet people of all ages. It was surely a fun experience.
However, it’s not always a happy day. There were times that I had to worry about my new projects and new work. Good thing was that God was really there for me. He gave people to remind me that He is always with me so I needed not to worry.
July was about saying goodbye. One of my friends flew to States. I also said goodbye my former colleagues and got my backpay. Gelaii (my college friend), and I said goodbye and our prayers to the father of our classmate who passed away this month.
Still, this month was also filled with new hellos.
This was the month when I got so active in our vicariate. We had a lot of activities that somehow allowed nine parishes to be more united. I met new people and friends in youth ministry.
I said hello to my new colleagues in the academe. I was able to meet them in flesh.
The highlight of my July is my graduation day! Finally, to graduate my masters degree has been in my to do list for five years. Thank God, we did it.
I spent some bucks for my graduation attire and recognition dress. Hehe. I also had a quick photoshoot with my family.
My book signing was also in July.
This month, I also gave talks onsite to the diocese of pasig youth leaders. Thank God for Stowie who always supports me whenever I have talks like this.
Hey, July was also for new beginnings! Our training in my new work started this month. I am so blessed to be with amazing people.
This was another challenge for me, yet we managed it.
August was the month for exploring places, again.
We went to Bohol for three days and two nights. This was scheduled because I believed I needed my well-deserved rest after all the thesis writing and defense. Full blog about this trip was already posted in this blog.
This month, I also came to realize a lot of lessons in life. While raising funds for my classmate’s cancer battle, I learned a lot of things. I posted here too.
I also celebrated the birthdays of the most important people in my life this month.
September was about catching up. I met Celine in Antipolo. I met my religious friend, too. I had fun with my other youth ministry fellows. I had breakfast with my Iloilo friends in Marikina, too.
We also went to Tagaytay for a quick staycation and breakfast there. This was one of another memorable trips because I was able to bring my work there.
I must say that this month was filled with formations, seminars, and workshops to some youth members in our diocese. I think, I am always out of town every weekend.
September is also MIBF month! So Ate Beth and I made sure that we buy books no matter how far MOA is from our hometown.
October is my birth month!
This month, I attended the book signing of my thesis adviser in UP Town Center. There were a number of vicariate activities that we conducted. There were xiao long bao days and quick coffee dates whenever Ate Beth and I feel stressed about life. I was so busy this month, but still, I celebrated my birthday with my loved ones.
November is a happy month because we went to Coron, Palawan. This has been in my dream destinations in the Philippines. Thank, God, for the seat sales, and cheap hostels.
This month (again) was also filled with workshops, and recollection. I had a chance to facilitate a recollection to the minor seminary of Antipolo.
We also have been attending a series of formation program in preparation for a big event this 2023. I am praying that this preparation will be successful.
For this month, we also revived our Saturday Bible Class with my friends in faith. We had a quick meeting, and one month preparation to raise funds for our Christmas Gift Giving.
I appreciate the little things that I can do this month. I teach Creative Writing to kids. I can meet my friends after work. I can read books without the need to review them or use it as my related literature. I get to enjoy coffee without typing anything on my laptop. I am blessed.
In December, my sister already opened her coffee shop in San Mateo.
Also, we did a lot of things for Disciplesheep Ministries Christmas Gift Giving. We bought the Noche Buena packages, we also bought toys for the kids. Lastly, we had a very quick outing in Taytay, Rizal, as a team building activity, in preparation for our big event.
I was able to complete the simbang gabi! Thanks be to God. I also had a chance to serve as a lector in our parish.
Coron, Palawan is such a magnificent location where you can spend your weekend. With its pristine beaches, lakes, and delectable food , Coron should be one of your dream destinations.
In this post, I’ll share a practical and affordable itinerary in Coron, Palawan.
Please note that this itinerary is slow-paced with productive rest in between. My goal in this trip is to rest because our school had a term break. I think I deserve this trip. You deserve this trip, too, so keep reading!
How much is the plane ticket to Coron, Palawan?
I was able to book an affordable ticket going to Coron because of Cebu Pacific‘s promo, CebPass. This ticket only cost us 2,000, round trip.
If there is no seat sale available, Cebu Pacific usually offers flight going to Coron, Palawan for 4,000php-9,000php. You can also book a flight via Philippine Airlines.
What to do in Coron, Palawan?
Our main reason for this trip is to rest, and spend some valuable time outdoors. Secondarily, my goal for this trip is to visit the lakes, trysnorkelling, and eat seafood. You may try a lot of water-related activities in this place. From scuba diving, to kayak riding, there are lots of activities you may choose from.
Here’s my Coron Itinerary for 3 Days and 2 Nights.
Day 1
8:35am-9:30am: Arrival. Our flight was 1 hour and 15 minutes. I included here our waiting time and some delays in the airport.
9:30am-10:20am: Travel to Busuanga City. We were fetched by a representative from our accommodation in Coron. We stayed in Ahra’s Place. This accommodation was only 1,000php per night. They have complete amenities, accommodating staff, and free breakfast. Aircon and wifi are also available. Very affordable and practical choice, indeed. Highly recommended.
10:20am-4:00pm: After we dropped our bags in Ahra’s Place, we headed to our first destination. Our accommodation scheduled a boat trip for us, too. This trip started at 10:20am and ended at 4:00pm.
Package B included the following attractions:
Barracuda Lake – This was one of the best lakes I’ve seen in my life so far. The water is so clean and clear. It’s really deep. We enjoyed this place.
Snorkeling – We enjoyed this part, too. However, winds and waves were quite challenging to endure. We had to go back to the boat after five minutes of looking at the corals, and fish.
Smith Beach – We had our lunch our. Before we leave the main island, we bought fresh fish, and shrimps in the wet market. One of our tour guides prepared our meal while we were relaxing at the Barracuda Lake.
Our lunch was sumptuous. It was cooked with love. I admired how our tour guide added final toppings to the fish he grilled.
After eating our lunch, we headed to Twin Lakes. I must say our kayak rental was worth the penny. We enjoyed paddling the boat, though that was a tough activity. It was difficult to maneuver. There were boats, and people that we needed to deal with. Luckily, we survived this kayak experience.
We loved the view, the scenery, and everything we saw there.
Our Day 1 ended with a quick dinner at Mcdonald’s near Ahra’s. We laso had coffee at Sharky’s newly-opened coffee shop. This coffee shop was new yet the taste of their mocha latte wasn’t disappointing. I love how they served their guests, too.
Here’s our Day 2 itinerary in Coron.
8:30am-5:00pm We were fetched at Ahra’s at 8:00am. This was Package A of the usual Coron Island Hopping Trip. This is 1,000php per head. You’d like this trip if you love lakes, and snorkelling. This was one of the best trips I had so far.
Kayangan Lake. After our usual swimming and snorkelling, the best part of this trip was our Kayangan Lake swimming. We had to do some hiking. That was about 700 steps before we reach this destination.
I was so speechless seeing Kayangan Lake’s beauty. This lake reminded me how God loves us so much that he created nature to embrace us. I’d like to bring Kayangan Lake home. Haha.
Package A ended at 5:00pm. We just rested after this trip. Our dinner was in Calle Real, which can be found in Real Street. We had chicken and rice for dinner. Then, we headed to Epic Cafe. According to Google, this is a must-visit cafe in Coron. We tried their coffee and cake. It was good.
We walked going to St. Augustine Church, before we rode a tricycle going home. Our day ended well. We rested after dinner.
Day 3 Coron, Palawan
For our third day, we didn’t do that much. We had our free breakfast from Ahra’s at 7:00am. We looked how sky was so clear and blue that time. Then, at 10:00am, we went out again for early lunch and quick coffee hunting.
We ate at a local carinderia. This was the cheapest meal we ever had. 180php for sinigang, ginataang kalabasa, rice, and two bottled waters.
After this, we headed to Le Voyage Cafe. We ate crepe and drank coffee in this newly-built coffee shop. The ate in this store talked a little bit about Coron. She said that she’s a native and she’s been working in Coron for twelve years. She even served BTS in La Serenatta. She’s new in this cafe, too. Unfortunately, ate told us that she got laid off when that restaurant closed during the pandemic.
At 1:00pm, we were fetched by the van going to the airport. Our flight was 3:35pm, and we arrived in NAIA 4 at around 6:00pm.
How much should be your budget for your Coron trip?
This is our budget for this trip. I hope this helps.
Dinner – 300php – 400php It depends on your appetite. Usual range is 350php/meal.
Cafe – 150php – 200php per cup. It depends.
Transportation – We usually ride in tricycle to go from one place to another. If you love walking, you may do that, too.
Pasalubong – We bought dried fish for 150php per pack.
Conclusion:
Since I’ve been to Puerto Princesa before, I must say that Palawan is a must-see destination for all. This island welcomes all tourists and guests. It gives warmth, comfort, and relaxation without the need to spend that much.
Maybe, this will be my last out-of-town trip for the year. I need to save bucks for my big event next year.
I hope this blog helps. Enjoy and keep safe always.
The last time I had a long vacation was in La Union. It was in December 2021. After that, I didn’t have enough time to go out of town again. This year started with a lot of deadlines for work, graduate school, personal life, and other hustles. No complaints. It was a ‘happy pagod.’
I intentionally did not book any long weekend trip because it wasn’t in my priority (source: my 2022 Planner). Hence, this Bohol trip was actually a graduation gift and birthday celebration at the same time. It was a reward for all the struggles, adjustments, and other trials I’ve overcome for the past months this year.
Day 1 – Chocolate hills and everything in between
We left Manila at 7:00am. It was one of the earliest flight. We arrived in Bohol after one hour. Then, upon arriving in Panglao International Airport, we were greeted with buses, and private cars offering their services. What we chose was the bus ride instead. We decided that for the first day, we’ll do mostly tourist-y things.
The travel time from Panglao International Airport to Tagbilaran City was about thirty minutes. We reached the bus station. In front of that was the Island City Mall. We ate our breakfast there. I didn’t have any booked tours yet so I looked on Facebook and sent a message to a Facebook page. We hired a driver/tourist guide for 2,900php.
We went first to Chocolate Hills. It was a bit rainy but it was a fun experience. We took the usual photos like what the usual tourists would do.
Chocolate Hills on a rainy morningYour usual touristy post at Chocolate Hills
After Chocolate Hills, we headed to Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. Another tourist spot in Bohol. We saw some tarsiers which reminded us of our shih tzu, Tyni.
Sorry for waking you up, Tarsier.
Then, we went to man-made forest.
Our tour guide said that the trees here were planted by some boy scouts who were assigned here.
After some time in this forest, we ate lunch at Loboc River. There were lots of foreigners here. This was one of my dream destinations. Now it finally happened. Thank You, Lord.
Loboc river after rain
Day 2 – Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
We woke up a bit late. We took our time because we both agreed that this trip would be a slow travel. Slow yet relaxed. If you’ve been reading my blog, you’d remember how enthusiastic I was before when it comes to ticking places to certain destinations. But now, I promised myself not to rush and take my time whenever traveling. So that’s what I did!
We took the van ride going to Loon. That was about 90 pesos fare. It was more than an hour trip going to Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol. The travel was worth it. We were able to see this church near the sea.
Front view of Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
The church was said to be built by corals. It was destroyed during the war, it was reconstructed by the National Museum later on. Luckily, we saw the sacristan mayor. We talked to him, and he toured us around the church. We even went up to the kampanaryo–which was so amusing. We were able to see century old bells. Bells that survived a war. Wow.
The altar of Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
We were able to see (close up!) some bells owned by the church.
One of the bells in Our Lady of Light Church in Loon, Bohol
Aside from Miagao church in Iloilo, this was one of my favorite churches I’ve seen so far and I thank God to finally visit here.
Day 3 – Panglao, Bohol
After roaming around Loon and Tagbilaran City, we headed to our next destination which was Samadhi Resort Panglao. My friend recommended this place to us. Her recommendation is superb. This resort is so relaxing and great.
It was so relaxing that we didn’t spend time taking photos. We were mesmerized. Period.
It’s me trying to be instagrammable.
After leaving our places in Samadhi, we headed to Alona Beach. We stayed there for a while. Look at the view. Eat kwek-kwek and barbecue. We also had our dinner there. The view was so nice. However, we didn’t try the island hopping. Budget constraints!
We instead had a tour in Panglao. This cost 1,000php. Basically, we went to another church, a cave, and Bohol Bee Farm. Everything was so nice and worth-trying. Pictures were uploaded in Instagram instead. Hehe.
This is my favorite photo from this trip. Our third day in Bohol was the steadiest among my trips. We spent our time at the beach. We looked at the beautiful views. We had our dinner here. We get to listen to kids singing using their natural voice.
We basically just look at the horizons and wonder if God will allow us to travel more.
Our trip ended on a Sunday. We were happy. We were recharged.
I hope you, who’s reading this, will also find the rest and happiness you deserve.
