The Hidden Treasure of Bolinao, Pangasinan. A Guide for a Trip in Bolinao. #ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES ;)

Hi there everyone! It's been a while since I wrote my last post. And I'm sure glad to be back!! :)

So today, I'm just gonna tell a little story about the adventure we had in Bolinao just recently, dated October 25, 2013. Bolinao is a little province in central Luzon part of the Philippines. And I really can tell how Bolinao's treasure are really hidden as I experienced our travel back and forth to its gorgeous different places. OK! Let's get started!! Our route was actually from Baguio to Dagupan to Bolinao of about 4 to 5 hours via Bus and via Van. But no worries ladies and gentlemen as there will be straight travel from Manila to Bolinao via Bus that will take of about 5-6 hours of travel. Choices of Bus would be Victory Liner in Cubao, Five Star Bus Line in Pasay, and Dagupan Bus Line which is also located in Cubao. 

Our first stop!! The Adora's Restaurant. Let me just clarify this guys, I personally didn't like the place. And as well as my companions. And it really caught my attention that this restaurant was actually featured "positively" in many different blogs that I've read . Also tricycle drivers tend to deliver tourists in this restaurant as for them it is one of the best choice to lead a place to eat for a tourist. Why didn't I liked this place? Honestly, for me the place was more like of a carinderia. Yes a small restaurant, but doesn't have the right to be called restaurant. Most of their meals won't be cook by order. It's already displayed and won't be re-heated. For prices? It's not reasonable at all!! No it's not.!! They are way too expensive for the quality and quantity.!! I'm lucky enough to order a sizzling plate, which really need to be delivered hot. But my friends are really so disappointed with their meals. I won't say don't go to that restaurant, but I strongly won't recommend this place! There are more restaurant to explore in this area. You can ask your tricycle driver for more choices. For us, we only tried two as we were already cooking our meals in the resort where we stayed. What restaurant will I recommend? This one is better! The Bolinao Seafood Grill, AtBp. Though I would really warn you that the food will take long as they will deliver to you hot and freshly cooked. But will guarantee you that what you pay is what you get! Their servings are mostly good for 2-3 person which you can share with your friends and their prices are actually just the same as what you will pay compared to Adora. The ambiance are way better, as they have wide dining area than the other. And yes.!! The foods are way way far better too than Adora. We actually dine in Seafood Grill during our second day in Bolinao which happened to be our tour day. 

Now for accommodation, we stayed in two different resorts. Our first night was in Villa Carolina Y Juan Beach Resort. The resort wasn't so bad, it was okay but was not okay for the budget. aha! :)) We took one room with three beds, not air-conditioned but with veranda. You wont need an air condition actually because it was windy in that part where you'll have a magnificent view of the beach in your veranda. They have swimming pool, and facilities such as videoke for hire, billiard pool that cost 50 pesos per hour, beach side volleyball court, basketball court, and a kiddie playground for free. You can bring food and cook inside the resort but there will be different charge in the use of gas which is of about 300 php/ day. The room costs 4000 php/night, the exact reason why we need to find another place to stay because we'll go bankrupt on that place. haha! Opps, I almost forgot to tell, their water in the faucet and shower was actually salty, we know for sure it also came from the beach. :| We were not warned and you are lucky you know now ;) The place was also far from the town center of Bolinao, so you'll have to prepare your butt for another travel extension. But aside from that, the place was peaceful and quiet. Especially at night when I can hear the waves and it was just so beautiful for my ears.

On our second night in Bolinao, we stayed in SCL Garden Paradise. I don't have that much photo of this place because we were too busy in our tour. But for me I liked this place much more than the first one. They don't have that kind of facilities like in the first resort but you wont gonna need those when you're too busy out there going for a treasure hunting in Bolinao.! We just took the nipa hut that only cost us 800 php good for 3 person  with one bed and a fan. The room wasn't bad, it was good enough for the price. And the water in the shower are clean water so i think it's much better. The resort also have their air-conditioned rooms, they have good for 7 at a cost of 4000 php/night. The nipa hut was already good for us compared to the first resort. SCL Garden Paradise also have their own floating picnic table area on the beach that you can enjoy. You can also bring food inside and cook but has another charge of 300 php/ day. They'll give discount if you wont use too much. They have grilling station, and videoke for rent. The cheapest food you can order in their restaurant will cost you 150 php and the most expensive will cost you 500 php. Their average food will cost 200-300 php with a serving that is good for 2-3 person. The staffs are friendly and accommodating. But I have to warn those who doesn't like dogs that much, because this place have lots of dogs. Luckily they don't bite, said by the care taker but they do barks. :)

Alright! Now for the fun part. The question is, where to go in Bolinao? There are lots and lots of place to visit in this area. It maybe small but it has different varieties of tourist attraction. Their white sand beach are one of the most tourist destination they have. In the first resort where we stayed, they actually have white sand too. But the most popular white sand beach in Bolinao is the Patar White Beach Resort. That was our last destination. The water was good, it was warm. And it was really a nice place to watch the sunset. Though because it is popular, you should expect that there will be many other visitors in this area. This is also the perfect place to buy your souvenirs as they have lots of souvenir stalls outside the beach. Other place we visited was the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. It is located in Abac, Patar which makes it near to Patar White Beach Resort so you might as well visit this place. My advice would be, go near the lighthouse and you'll experience the panoramic scenery of Bolinao. OK! So where else should you go? Bolinao also have three different Caves. The Enchanted Cave, The Wonderful Cave and The Cindy's Cave. Among these three we went to the wonderful cave because they have the cheapest entrance fee of about 40 php per person. It's a good place to soak yourself in after a long day in salty water as the cave has a very clean water. The Enchanted Cave was actually the most popular among these three but they also have the most expensive entrance fee that is more than twice of the wonderful cave has. The Cindy's Cave was the average. Now for the deepness of the water, the wonderful cave has a deep side that can reach of about 7 ft when it is high tide and it also have its shallow part that's good for the kids. We also visited the Saint James the Great Parish Church in Bolinao, the church has it's old structure outside. This church stand still after many different calamities it had experienced since 1609. Also you can buy one of the Bolinao's delicacy which is Binungay - a rice cake delicacy, made of coconut milk and sticky rice cooked in bamboo sold just beside the church. And finally, the highlight of our travel, the Bolinao falls. If you'll gonna look at the photo it doesn't look that much deep but when you get there I can really tell it's really really deep. I enjoyed jumping on this falls as it is my first time and wow the water is really deep. :)) They offer tables on the area which you can rent for 100 php. But we payed lower because we didn't use the table as dining. The way to this falls is going down in stairs of soil. And so when you're on your way out to the falls, surely your slippers will get heavy as the soil will stick on it. And you must also be careful as you might slip your way down. 

For additional tips: We rented the tricycle that cost 1500 php which is already at a good cost because their service will be for the entire day. On our first day in Bolinao, we were dropped in the town center and had to hire tricycle going to the resort that costs us 150 php. You can make it lower depending on your bargaining capabilities but don't be shock with their prices as the resorts are really far from the town center. Also, every destination has it's trial. The road is a bit rough, and travel in every different destinations are really extended. The reason why it's called Treasures of Bolinao is because you'll not gonna find it easily. But it's all gonna be worthed in the end. 

And so that's it! I'm done with my blog :) Thank's for your time reading this. Have a great day!

All About Cebu and Its Wonderful Places!

Hi guys! So finally I am here again to share to you my blog about Cebu. Remember, on my last blog I told you guys that I would really recommend Cebu for a tourist destination. Why would I recommend this place? It's because Cebu offer lots of things for you to enjoy. 

Ok! so let us start exploring Cebu!

Here is in Mactan shrine. In this place you'll also be visiting the most famous historical warrior of Cebu named Lapu-lapu. A little background check about Lapu-lapu is that he was actually the one who killed Ferdinand Magellan who happens to dock at this port in the year 1521.

So this place is not only a historical place but also a shopping market. This is where you could buy the best guitar products of Cebu and also some other souvenirs such as bracelets, printed t-shirts, necklace, hats, sunglasses, bags and a whole lot more!

 

Restaurants are also available in Mactan Shrine but what made them different from any other restaurant is that you'll be able to pick the most fresh seafood available in the market and cook it right away! Now that's a real plus for seafood lovers like me :)

Ok! so let's tour some more.

This is the Taoist Temple. It's located inside the Beverly Hills Subdivision. It is a very sacred place built by the Chinese community. The place is open for everyone even if you are a non-worshiper.

Most of us who visited the place didn't let the chance pass to make a wish in the temple. The ritual is where one prays to the gods to grant one's wish. You need to wash your hands first then go inside the chapel barefoot. You'll drop two blocks of woods, if these two are both face up then you can make a wish, if not, then its not yet the time for your wish to be granted. Now be careful! You always need to be silent in these place as a sign of respect.






This is actually just the bonus part. Because you'll have to walk your way up to the temple, a magnificent view will then surprise you after.








What else are the surprises?

This is the old 50 Philippine Peso bill. What am i featuring about here is that water fountain. Its actually a park on the middle of  the busy street somewhere in Fuente serves as a traffic circle. The significance of this water fountain is it was actually the first main source of water of the whole City of Cebu.

Additional information for mall lovers, you'll also find the Robinson's Mall within this place.






Now if you're craving for another wonderful restaurant:

Port Restaurant is located at the Lower Ground Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug Street. This is where we took our lunch buffet meal. And I can assure you that their foods are remarkably delicious.

This is just a photo of the dessert I had in that restaurant. And one of the most unforgettable taste I tried was that mango with a bit of sour and more of sweet.

This restaurant offer different kinds of taste such as Asian Fusion, Buffets, Filipino, Italian, Japanese, Pizza and Seafood.




Another restaurant we've visited was the Golden Cowrie

Nothing's so much interesting about this place for me except those beautiful paintings inside and that unique interior design. The food was not so special but it wasn't bad at all too. It's just that I've tried the same meals they have in other restaurant we went and I could say that the others have more different varieties to offer.

So are you still there with me? I hope so, because we still have more to explore :)

These are the places you should never ever want to miss when you get your feet in Cebu. The Magellan's Cross.

 

Now in this place you'll find people doing Sinulog prayer for others. The people there will offer you candles worth 10 pesos each and after you buy they'll pray for the person whether it's you or for someone else. Then there you can offer the candle under the Magellan's Cross or light it on the other side of the Sto. Nino Church.

And This is the Basilica del Santo Nino.

 

 This is a very fascinating place. It was  the oldest roman catolic church in the country. And the building was made out of coral stones and thousands of egg whites.

    

Another place that can wow your eyes is the Fort San Pedro. It is the smallest and oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines. There's a canyon in its every corner. 

Inside you'll find the detailed information about the fort and photos of its old structures including the people behind its construction.

One thing that's very very interesting about this place is that its two sides was facing a sea before but now the sea has turned into land.

This is what it looks like now. After many centuries that had passed, because of the production of corals in the area, it became a land.

 And ofcourse! Are we going to forget about the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod the new Filipino Saint.

For more additional information, the lot where the chapel is built is actually a property of the biggest tycoon personality in the Philippines, the Chairman of the SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Mr. Henry Sy. And speculations that the new Mall of Asia will be built soon near where the chapel is standing.

Ok! so let's move on!!

For shopper geeks, I have just the right place to direct you.  This place is called Colon. Colon has it all for you. Bags, Clothes, Shoes, everything! From the most cheapest items up to those who wants it branded. Roam around this place and you will be mesmerize.

Let's go for souvenirs and pasalubong!

The most famous product of Cebu! aside from dried mango and otap. The danggit and other dried fish/squid.

You can buy this in Tabo-an Market. Don't worry, there's a jeepney going in there. All you have to do is look for the sign Tabo-an printed in the jeepney and confirm to the driver if its route is going to the market then you're good to go.








The Cebu Besto Pasalubong atbp is where you can buy dried mango, otap, and belgian-dipped dried mango strips. This is located in Lahug near the Golden Cowrie restaurant.

 I suggest you not to buy the cheapest dried mango as they tend to have mango hairs and a little uncomfortable to eat ;)

Now these are the bonus part of that place. They have this wonderful art wall design inside. And it's a real wow.!







I almost forgot this one! I'm afraid I don't know the exact location of this resort. But you know Cebu have more places to offer for swimming, diving and other activities as it is surrounded by water. But the most important part is that where ever you will be, you must never forget to enjoy the view of sunset and sunrise. :)

This one is a photo of a lagoon in the resort. Unfortunately we are not allowed to swim around this are. But just the view already satisfied our eyes.

And finally, the subways and the tunnels.! Who else like being in tunnels and think it was like a portal going to a different dimension? I know I do XD









And this is where my blog finally end :) Thank you for being patient reading my post. Don't forget to recommend my blogs if you think they're helpful ^_^ have a great day!

What's in Mactan Shangrila, CEBU :)

 Say Hello to Mactan Shangrila Cebu! If people would ask me what place would I recommend for them to visit, I would say Cebu is one of the nicest place for travelers. What does Cebu have? Don't worry! I'll blog about that too. Just stay tuned and follow my account for my new posts! :) And so Cebu has a lot of hotels to offer. One, is the Mactan Shangrila Hotel and Resort. This is what the hotel will look like from the inside. Yes! you got it right. We are actually inside the hotel's facilities now. Where are we? on the beach part. What's more great about this place is that it is soooooo wide, you wouldn't even notice that the hotel actually have lots of guests. 

 Lets explore the beach more. So, this is where I was when I took the photos from above.  There in the viewing deck. This place is really outstanding! If you'll go to the water, you'll see living corals and fishes just in front of your feet roaming around the sea!!! so be careful with your foot steps! I didn't tried to go deeper since i don't know how to swim. But even though you don't know how to swim, you'll surely enjoy this place. The shallow part of the sea is a bit rough. So don't go out in there with your barefoot because it's gonna be painful :)

Let's take a closer look of this place.!

So here, in the photo above, you'll really notice how peaceful the place is. Well, that's crucial for relaxation you know.

This is the beach bar. You'll be allowed to have night party at the beach if you'll wish so, but just for additional information, you won't be allow to go for swimming at night in the beach, and even at the pool. They have closing time too and this is for safety reason. For another information, they offer lots of water activities such as banana boat riding, snorkeling, canoeing and more as well.



This picture beside this context  is taken while we are on our way going to the beach. Since the place was very huge, we asked some assistant from one of their staff to show us which way should we go. And that guy didn't just show us the way, he even accompanied us going in there.






This is lapu-lapu ---- the ruler of Mactan Island. The one who is responsible for the death of Ferdinand Magellan that was written in the Philippine history. Expect to see him inside the resort as well. :)

So here it is for pool lovers... I know I am one of them! The fact that this hotel have more than just one or two pools, I wouldn't want to leave this place anymore.!!

You'll see lots of this little cute information stand around the area as well just for the purpose of your guidance. :)

For the rooms? You wouldn't be disappointed.! We had this wonderful room with an amazing view of the sea.! And for the service, you will have no complain at all! Everyone in the hotel are trained to provide you experiences that beyond your expectation.! We also had breakfast in the morning in one of their restaurant named TIDES. The food was awesome.! Everything was amazing!

And so this is now the end of another fun blog about Mactan Shangrila Cebu. Stay tuned for more blogs about Cebu! Thank you for reading! :) Have a great day ;)