4 activities you shouldn't miss at Hundred Islands

I succumbed to limitless exhilaration at Hundred Islands national Park, Alaminos City.

View of the islands from the Governor's Island View Deck.

It wasn't my first time at the tourist destination, but since my recent trip to Hundred Islands with my office buddies wasn't work-related, I surrendered to blissful adventures and felt like I was a newcomer. The mesmerizing islands still captured me in awe and the stunning view from the view deck of Governor's Island still made my heart race.

All of the activities are must-tries, but the level of thrill varies. As for me, here's how I rank the activities my friends and I tried out.

Still feels like the first time

I'm not sure how long I haven't traveled, but my hiatus from adventure seeking will soon be over. Two days more and I'll be marveling (again) at the scenic and mesmerizing Hundred Islands.

It's been one full year after my first time at the national park and it was all for work that was why I didn't get to fully enjoy the tourist site. The thought of riding the boat as we go from an island to another island comes to mind as the date comes near. What makes me ecstatic is the added fun that I'll experience this time, that is helmet diving (getting up close and personal with scores of fish under the clear water...Woohoo!)

Last year's trip to the Hundred Islands was all for work. I enjoyed the marvelous views towering around me while I was on the boat, but I really want to explore more of the islands.

Island hopping with a large group divided into several boats is another twist to the thrill.

My calendar is marked and the traveler in me has been reawakened. Hundred Islands, I give you the permission to take my breath away.

The night they rocked my world

A night of jammin’ and slammin’ with the Rock of Ages

It was a night I didn’t see coming.

Fact: I’m not a rock fanatic. I’m unfamiliar with most of the famous rock hits. And I’m not acquainted with rock stars. I’m not into excessively loud music and heart pounding beats. But after watching a musical heavy with rock, I realized I could do a compromise with the genre.

Last Thursday, Oct. 30, Rock of Ages premiered once again in Manila. Held at the Meralco Theater, it is a musical that highlights the dream of a simple boy at Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Of course, the story concluded with the usual happy ending, but the way the characters dealt with their individual issues is moving.

Shrek the Musical—an energetic mix of contagious humor

“It's a big bright beautiful world...”

What the world presents is quite different from the picture formed by expectations in your head. This reality—and other life's ironies—dawned on Shrek and Princess Fiona, but the effect on their lives is something that makes everyone wonder, “Why did I not ever wish for this to happen?”

Shrek is a big, fat, ugly Ogre who was sent out by his parents at the tender age of seven. He knew from the start that there's a “big, bright, beautiful world” out there—but not for him. He thinks that only the physically beautiful deserve it; not someone who's hideous looking.

Princess Fiona has been locked up in a tower since she was a child. Every day, she expects that her Prince Charming will climb up the tower and rescue her from the solitary loneliness that has been her companion.

Lord Farquaad, the vain, short ruler of Duloc realizes that he needs to rescue Princess Fiona from the dragon-guarded tower and marry her, so he could be king. But he didn't want to do the mission himself.

They are unsuspecting that their lives will change one fateful day. Sent by Lord Farquaad shortly after arriving in Duloc, Shrek, together with his new-found quirky friend, Donkey, embarks on a mission he accepts with the sole purpose of recovering his swamp from the unjust ruler. The three has different expectations. Little do they know that their stories are written with a different plot.

Breeze treats hardworking hero moms through 1 Laba Day

Celebrating the heroes of the home, Breeze treated more than 19,000 hardworking moms across the Philippines to a day of rest, games and exciting surprises at the first-ever 1 Laba Day. The leading detergent brand took care of their laundry chores, washing a total of 481,536 clothes, in a series of events held simultaneously in multiple barangays in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.

Celebrity moms and surprise guests, including Sige Moms Christine Bersola-Babao, Gladys Reyes and Dimples Romana, headlined the nationwide events. At Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City, radio DJ Laila Chikadora also kept the crowd entertained with her witty jokes and led the fun bingo games where moms won bicycles, skateboards, inflatable swimming pools and other toys for their children. These prizes were meant to encourage moms to be Sige Moms who let their kids play and go on exciting adventures.

Breeze ActivBleach calls on moms to join 1Laba Day

Breeze ActivBleach is treating mommies across the country to a day off from their laundry chores with the simultaneous nationwide event 1Laba Day happening on August 28. Moms in barangays throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are invited to head to 1Laba Day venues and let Breeze’s revolutionary ActivBleach take care of their stained clothes while they take part in exciting activities Breeze has in store for them to celebrate every mother’s hard work and love for her family.

Tracing back history in Fort Santiago

Every travel starts with an aim. And ours was to wander around and get lost in history.

History classes told me stories of the past. Tales during the Colonial time, the American invasion, the Japanese occupation. Through history, I learned that the Philippines was under Spanish rule for 333 years, that Filipinos cowered in their own country, that men who fought for liberty were punished and executed.
 
Through history, I learned about Dr. Jose Rizal and Fort Santiago--the national hero's final days in the fortress.

Fort Santiago has always been part of my lifetime traveler's itinerary. And recently, I ticked the destination off my list, as I officially set foot on the historical site with an equally adventurous and always curious friend.

We rode on the Pasig River ferry on our way to Intramuros, an experience we quite enjoyed, not only because it was our first time, but also it was indeed exciting. But what awaited us in Intramuros was far more exhilarating.

Threading the Pasig River for the first time

Sometimes, the best trips are unplanned--or aren't well planned. I had one recently and it was indeed beyond great.

***

In Jose Rizal's novel "El Filibusterismo," the national hero talked about the Pasig River described as a transportation channel in the narrative. This body of water is not only a prominent setting of a story created by an imaginative mind; this is also a precious gem of the Philippines.

The traveler goes to Batangas

Before I proceed with sharing another travel adventure, let me first confirm a particular matter as regards my previous post which was about starting over again.

I've got a new job.

It's not at a big TV network as I originally planned and badly wanted. Nevertheless, it is a job offer worth accepting, because first, it dwells on my passion which is writing, and second, the company belongs to a big, fully established and well financed corporation that operates in accordance with Philippine labor laws.

So, what am I?

I'm the copywriter of a real estate company situated within one of the high-end locations in Metro Manila--McKinley Hill in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. People around me said that it would be quite hard to live and work in Manila, especially that I would just be renting a place and become independent (which means I cook my own food, wash my own clothes, clean the space, do the dishes and all other household chores). I agree. But, to the person who said such a thing with the intention of ridiculing me and not because she was concerned, I'm up for the challenge (s).

The set up is corporate, somewhere I only imagined myself to be without the sheer intention of becoming an office person. But, as I stepped onto the premises, I told myself, "Why not?" Besides, since I need to do a coverage of events, I will have to be physically present at places where they will be held. Which means I get to travel!

And speaking of travel, on my second day (June 3, 2014), I got what I wanted.

Our company's Marketing and Business Development Division (where I belong) held the first quarter awards for Sales Suntrustees (sales people of the company). The venue was Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas, about a 1.5-hour drive from Metro Manila.

It's a vast land on which the resort sits. It looks old, though.

Truth be told, I wasn't amazed with the place, maybe because, first, the place is old and it is not properly maintained, and second, there is nothing extraordinary and jaw dropping with the beach. Fun and adventure, though, is present, so guests will definitely have fun still.

Along the shore, boatmen greet tourists and offer them a boat ride for a fee. Snorkeling may also be enjoyed.

For those who don't want to get too far from the shore, there are other activities that can be savored. Pedal boats (I'm not sure if that's what they're called) await passengers along the shore. For P300, a group of six can experience fun and leisure off the waters for 30 minutes. Banana boats and kayaks are also available.

Just like in my previous job, the one-day event was a work-leisure combination which, though this early, I love about my job. And with that, I say, "More adventures are about to come!"

The starting pistol roars

Have you tried starting over again?

Many say that the transition period is quite hard. I'm not sure if it indeed is true, but I'm about to find out soon. Real soon.

Two months ago, I made one big decision. For the past several months before finally executing the plan, I had been toying with the idea of moving forward and pursuing much bigger plans I had in mind since I started working. I made assessments, weighed my options, plotted Plan B to Plan E just in case Plan A would be a failure.

Were you afraid to start over again?

Many say that it is really frightening. That is why some resort to staying in their comfort zone and choose to plant their feet where the soil is less fertile. The fear's grip has crippled many; its claws held them hostage.

I was afraid, too. But I didn't let the fear eat me up. I stood from where I was sitting. I strode towards a goal. And I arrived where I intended to. This marks the beginning of something extraordinary and signals the dawning of bigger challenges posed by the bigger world.

Fly to the Coffee Republic

Where good food is the capital

Picture yourself at a diner with a cool, soothing ambiance—that kind of setting where you can relax as you munch on a delectable dish and a cold delicious drink that send an electrifying satisfaction to your senses. Then, you suddenly wake up from your daydream upon the intrusion of one horrifying, dismaying thought: you’re imagining a lavish meal which you can’t afford in the first place.

But, does it always have to be that way? Not really.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, a small yet classy drink and dine has been satiating its customers’ craving for good food. Contrary to the notion that good food always comes at an exceedingly high price, this place has been offering drinks and dishes at a reasonably affordable amount.

Situated beside the municipal hall of Mangaldan, Coffee Republic has attracted a regular stream of customers and has been the go-to place for those who are looking for a great selection of food and drinks that don’t require them to squander a big portion of their budget.

Photo courtesy of Reginald Agsalon

More than just a paradise

Why you should visit Bolinao and visit it NOW

People have talked and written about Bolinao countless times. In the Internet alone, numerous bloggers have shared their experiences and unforgettable moments in this dazzling town in the province of Pangasinan.

Getting bombarded with stories about the place, perhaps it is time that you finally pack your bags and visit the town.

Taking public transport, you will reach Bolinao in approximately five hours and a half from Manila. Bus trips from terminals in Pasay City and Cubao, Quezon City are available daily. Just remember to check the schedules while planning your trip.

Surely, though, your trip will be shorter if you are to use a private vehicle. Just make it sure to thoroughly check your car or SUV before hitting the road as a precaution against inconveniences.

What to expect

You will not be staying forever in Bolinao, so, just like what we always say when travelling, “make the most out of it!” Explore every corner and discover more adventures than what others have unearthed.

Upon arrival on the town proper, do not forget to visit St. James the Great Parish, a church built by the Augustinians in 1609. Some parts of the building had been restored like the belfry, but the walls have been left untouched.

The facade of St. James the Great Parish

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Binmaley

Fish from the neighborhood

Fish is a good source of proteins. It is even a good substitute to red meat as it does not contain cholesterol that aggravates hypertension.

Talking about fish, an establishment in Binmaley, Pangasinan focuses on processing a fish variety which is abundant in the province—bangus (milkfish).

When we visited the Binmaley Fish Processing Plant, we were delighted to see the workers (most of them female) busily packing products and preparing their next batch of merchandise. Upon entering, we were much happier to be accorded with warm welcome as shown by their genuine smiles and…the dishes that was waiting for us on the table.

Bangus siomai was an instant hit among the foodies. It's a party in the mouth as its meaty texture and heavenly taste tickle the taste buds.

Rellenong Bangus

The number of products being prepared and the number of workers proved just how successful the business has been. But, the Binmaley Fish Processing Plant isn’t just an enterprise; it is a venture with an advocacy—the advocacy to provide jobs, to empower women and to contribute to the overall development of the community.

Don't let your vacation get screwed up

Tips for a great getaway

You're excited about your trip to some faraway place with tourist attractions that will surely get your eyes feasting and your heart jumping with glee. But, are you sure you're well prepared? Check out this infographic which will provide you with some tips before finally picking your bag up and getting your ass out to the road.

I dearly hope that helps you. Plan your trip well, so you'll have a great time rolling around. Bon voyage!

Blissful night and day on Cabalitian

Experience paradise on this island

I didn’t experience rest right after graduation. In fact, a few days before the last of my college life, I began working and practicing my craft.

And since my schedule at my job was hectic as that was the campaign period for the 2013 midterm elections when we had to do a series of coverage, I needed a stress buster.

I was really hopeful I could get that perfect relief from the hustle and bustle the election season ensued. So, when it came, I didn’t have second thoughts even though it meant spending a part of my first salary. (Well, I’ve been known to be a stingy person.)

Cabalitian getaway

Over a year ago, my friends went to a beautiful island in Sual. The trip was a few days after the end of my third year in college. I failed to join them because my budget was scarce that time. When we met with one another again in a get together, they euphorically shared the experience on the marvellous island and how much they enjoyed their getaway. I felt envious and wished that one day, I would get the chance to be captured in wonder and be amazed with the place.

LEAVING THE ISLAND Boats line up the shore, waiting for guests leaving the island. You will, however, find yourself hesitant to leave because of Cabalitian’s natural beauty.

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Calasiao

The baker and restaurateur in one

A bakeshop and a restaurant—a perfect combination. After eating at the restaurant, diners can go to the bakeshop for some pasalubong , or they can order some bread as well to complement their meal.

That’s what Jech’s is, a bakeshop and a restaurant rolled into one.

Located in Calasiao, Jech’s Bakeshop and Restaurant let us taste some of its specialty dishes. Regular finds, yes, but undeniably delicious and mouth-watering.

Bibingkang latik making

I am a kakanin (rice cake) lover.

When I was little, every time my mom visited her bestfriend at her office in Malabon, she would bring home a bilao of sapin sapin, a round kakanin with various colors that are pleasing to the eyes and irresistible for the stomach.

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Calasiao

Eat like a Don

Not very far from our last stop, Kuya Max, is another diner, this time in Calasiao, offering the usual Filipino cuisine but not forgetting to concoct twists to make a client’s food experience one of the best. Many have tried experimenting on different recipes, but only a few have stood out. Don Armando’s may not ring some bells when others hear about it, but the fact that customers come rushing in and out of the place is proof that it is getting there sooner rather than later.

Evidently, the owners, husband and wife John Paulo and Teng Bauzon, have poured extra effort into this venture. Not to mention the fact that they also cater to customers looking for an American cuisine through Pizza Don.

The Food Tour team

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Dagupan City

Food trip to the MAX

Going beyond and offering more than what others do will surely turn on customers looking for dishes other than the regular fare that can be found in most diners. These are acts put together by Maximo Alexis Tan, the owner of Kuya Max Grill and Restaurant in Dagupan City.

About 15 minutes from Mangaldan, our next stop during the Pangasinan Food Tour 2014 exceeded the satisfaction rating that our stomachs can give. It was lunch time when we arrived at Kuya Max situated along De Venecia Road, Dagupan City. We could hear our stomachs grumble at the sight of food. Add to that the inviting ambiance of a combined stone and wood architecture which gave us the cozy feeling of dining.

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Mangaldan

From Baguio to Mangaldan to Baguio

Everyone knows where to buy peanut brittle—Baguio City.

But things might have a turnaround—or, already had—as another town in Northern Philippines has become known for a peanut brittle shop.

After our sumptuous pindang tasting at Mama Cela’s Tapa and Meat Products during the Pangasinan Food Tour 2014 on January 11, it was time to rekindle our fiery sweet tooth with peanut brittle of Romana in Mangaldan. Situated along the highway, the same road that motorists take in going to Baguio City, Romana Peanut Brittle and its owner boast of an authentic Filipino favorite that will surely satiate your craving for a delightfully sweet mix.

Peanut brittle, the answer to your craving for a sweet treat.

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Mangaldan

Undying Filipino staple

One of the things that define our mornings as Filipinos is the undying breakfast staple, tapsilog, which stands for tapa, sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg).

Over the years and after several experimental touches, new versions have been concocted served as hearty meals to start the day of the hardworking Filipino. We started eating longsilog (longanisa, sinangag at itlog), tocilog (tocino, sinangag at itlog), bangsilog (bangus, sinangag at itlog) and other combinations dished up by the practical Filipino kusinero.

Mama Cela, however, stuck to tapa and made a living out of this original Pinoy pride. Mangaldan is a town in Pangasinan known for tapa. While others continue to sell the product in the public market, Mama Cela has stood out, established a one-stop shop for her products at the heart of the town, and became an empress of meat products and more.

Tapa, strips of beef, or carabao meat that are salted and seasoned, is what Mangaldan is known for. Ask where you can find the best tapa in Pangasinan and everyone will surely point you to this town.

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Laoac

A basket of sweet treats

It may be the youngest town in Pangasinan, but Laoac seems to have mastered the art of making their delicacies through hundreds of years of practice.

At our second stop during the Pangasinan Food Tour 2014, we were delighted to fill our stomach with sweet treats from Laoac. Their close to unique presentation of two of the most famous Pangasinan rice cakes proves to be a good quality of the town one will find admirable.

True, they might not have originated from Laoac, but their tupig and patopat can be considered one of the best. The town dared to be different and has been successful enough in its feat.

Pinalaka nga pag-text kadwa ni Dextr (Texting made easier with Text with Dextr)

Bagla ketdin,  maisa finger friendly nga keyboard para smartphones ken tablet. Nagado nariing nga smartphone owners interot lubong nga pakiramdam da ket haan isudo nauteken. Diba dapat nalaklaka ngem dagijay imununa nga cellphone? Apay ajay pindutan na ket nagbaset ngem idjay dalirek? Apay haan ko mai-tayp ajay naglaka nga sarita nga haan ko mapinpindot mali nga litra? Anya ajay nagrigat nga keyboard? QWERTY? Kwanko, WTF!

Dextr ket a Chile-based nga tech start up, nangipakilala ito balo nga keyboard, inararamed kasatno nalaklaka nga ag-tayp idjay smartphone ken tablet, napartak, nag-simple, ken nalalaing. Its radical innovation? kasla alpabeto nga layout. Wen, ABCD haan nga QWERTY. Dextr, redesigned ajay texting experience from scratch, adda flexible layouts nga para lima nga daliri, duwa nga hinlalaki ken maysa nga numero typing. Adda met iti features para kanyada nga kanwigid nga agsursurat. Maliban iti familiar alphabetic layout nga nalaka nga adalin iti users, adda met iti Dextr nga sakto tan size ken button spacing, napartak ken accurate nga predictive text systems idjay maket.

Imbaga ni john lambie, founder iti Dextr nga, "Iti makitkita mi nga maaramid dagitoy teknolihiya ket nalaka nga usaren iti amin nga tat tao. No dagado nga oras iti masapsapol you gapo laeng nga biruken iti "A" no "B" o ajay "C" nga pagpindutan na tapno maka-text, maka-tweet, maka-search, maka-chat, makaaramid iti email, maka-post, maka-comment o maka-tag, haan ka nga nalaing ah idta smartphone mo."

"Kaadwan nga managusar iti cellphone ket naiulo dan ata nga alphabetic key arrangement. Isu nga us-usaren da iti mano nga taon. Insulto garud kanyada nga pilitem isuda nga pagadalan ata nga makabutbuteng nga QWERTY system. Agdamag ka -- kaadwan nga tao ket addo nga aldaw iti masapol na tapno maiulo amin, mano nga bolan o taon. Apaya gamin ket ata nalaka nga sistema laengen iti pagadalan iti mano nga minuto? Apaya ket haan nga ata nga nalaka nga sistema iti nalaka nga ipakita kenyada tapno mabibiit, mas nalaka, mas bassit iti pagkakamali.

"Araramiden tayo ket atoy nga eksamin idtoy lubong: Kenya, Nigeria, China, India, Turkey, Vietnam, Venezuela, Argentina... Kala kastoy, adda agus usar idtoy Pilipinas nga naparpartak nga agtext, naparpartek ngem 99.9 porsyento idtoy planeta -- awan maadalan, mano laeng nga bulan nga usaren!"

Ata market iti aplikasyon iti touchscreen ket iso ti kaykayat iti tao isu nga ado gumatgatang. Uray ket nagrigat iti agtype idta touchscreen nga kasla met lang iti nakadakkelan tayo nga keyboard ken isu iti kaykayat da.

Of-offeran na ni Mr Lambie ni Dextr libre nga pagdownload para ayanti Android Smartphones and tablets. Available idtoy: http://www.textwithdextr.com/?lang=es.

Translated by Anna Khristina Orpilla and Anissa Natalie Meridith Pascua

Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Alcala

When noodles become a healthy option

Innovations in technology have been prominent these past years. Everyone has always been enlightened on their benefits and the cool features these innovations entail.

What we sometimes miss are innovations being done on food.

We've always known noodles are unhealthy—that's a fact. Despite this, however, we still eat noodles during snack time. Sometimes, we even substitute a pack or cup of noodles to our lunch and dinner. This leads to the conclusion that noodles have been a part of our lives and removing it from our diet, though unhealthy, is a hard thing to do.

But, why do we have to quit eating noodles if something can be done to make it a healthy option?

Blessed year of savory mix

Whoa! Time is indeed quick! Year 2013 is over and we’re now greeted by 2014—another year of happiness and laughter, of sadness and pain, of excitement and energy.

When 2013 started, I wrote an entry on my previous blog about words describing each month of 2012. Now, I’m listing down 13 of the most significant and unforgettable events and experiences I went through and dealt with last year. We're now more than halfway through January, but I hope this post isn't late yet.

Tasting Pangasinan

In my last post, I talked about how wonderful it is to learn about stories of people you meet when travelling. Isn’t it heart-warming to feel how comfortable they are in sharing with you, a person whom they’ve just met, some of the most significant fragments of their lives?

This time, though, I won’t be talking about another story I was enlightened on during another travel. But this post is something about one of the most exciting activities you can do when travelling—food trip.

Cela's Tapa and Meat Products' version of the ever famous pigar-pigar. You can find that in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

A story carried by the wind

Most tourists only find cool destinations, extreme adventures, scenic views and picturesque landscapes in places they visit. Little do they know that there are stories waiting to be told; simple realities that touch a heart and draw a curve on the lips. Simple realities made more alive by the characters figuring in every story.

One of these is the story of Aling Rosa—a story we learned about during our taping in one of the places we featured on Traveldotcom.