Siquijor| Blue Wave Resort

happened on Feb. 23-24, 2017

Since our tickets were booked in less than a year, I also booked for a hotel.  It was not easy looking for one that is affordable and nice so I relied much on reviews. I'm so glad to chance upon by this one through Agoda for only Php1,800.00 per night with free breakfast for two.  

the beach front

I love that it is remotely located but not too far from the port (around 15 mins. by trike only). 

the entrance

restaurant and pool area

lots of greens around

Nothing to be Afraid of Siquijor

happened on February 23, 2017

With  a lot of good reviews on this place, I was really dying to see it.  Finally after a long wait for a promo ticket to Dumaguete, we experienced Siquijor - the land of mystery and many folk tales.

It was just an overnight visit but we were still able to see the much recommended spots.  We hired a multicab to roam around the tiny town for Php 1,500.00.

I was speechless after reaching the port.  It was a refreshing sight after two hours of sea travel.  Just look at its waters!  Instantly, all my fears about this place were swept away.

The vehicle we rented is already waiting for us for the tour that we have availed when we arrived.  First stop is the most famous landmark - Siquijor Church

mandatory shot

Hanoi| Hao Lu and Tam Coc Tours

happened in November 2016

I enjoyed this tour more than Halong Bay tour.   It includes (1) mandatory factory and souvenir shops visit, (2) Old Temple, (3) Hao Lu Tam Loc, (4) Bicycle tour, (5) lunch and (6) land transportation from and to Old Quarters.  Travel time is around 1.5 - 2 hours from the Old Quarters to Ninh Binh Province.

We started with Hao Lu Ancient Capital.

entrance to the temples

from Wikipedia:  It is the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries in Truong Yen Thuong Village.  It is an independent Vietnamese polity founded in 948AD by local warlord "First Dinh Emperor".  It is believed that his soul rests in this temple.

ricefields and mountains 

I enjoyed the view here of ricefields and mountains.  The air is so fresh as well.  It's the country side at its best state.  

Hanoi| Halong Bay Cruise

happened in November 2016

Unfamiliar with Hanoi, I opted to avail of the packaged tour for Halong Bay which is really the best option as it's very hard to communicate with the locals,  Thanks for the net and blogs for the very helpful tips I got on the best package available.  We booked through www.alovacruises.com - Go Asia Travel. We are also grateful to S for dealing with our bookings and even paid for it in advance.  What can I say? Life is really great!

the famous fighting cock formation.  A ritual is being held here, where every boat circles these formations as a good luck for the journey ahead.

We availed of the Halong Bay and Hao Lu Tam Loc tours for only US$106.00 for 2 days trip.  We only got the basic package for the Halong Bay but was surprised to learn that it was upgraded to a nicer boat and coaster without extra cost.  S is really a great negotiator.  The agent even visited her for this booking.  Great customer service indeed!

Tacloban 2017| Sto. Nino Shrine

happened on January 2017

One of the things I remembered most in Tacloban is this Shrine.  Actually, it's more of a mansion with a shrine.  The first time I saw it, I can't believe seeing a very grand and lavish mansion. To say it's huge is an understatement. But knowing that this is previously owned by the Marcoses (as one of their rest houses) and funded by our dearest country, it's no wonder that it should be like that.  It's an ironic landmark for a quite poor province.

This mansion was built for Imelda Marcos since she hails from this side of the country.  It consists of 13 guestrooms with each room having a different theme.

Its location is very accessible via jeepney.  You will always pass by it whenever going in and out of the town.  It is open from Monday to Sunday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM.  It is a 30 minute guided tour so taking picture is quite limited.

Let's begin with the tour... just imagine that it is still in its grandest form...  The Shrine is the starting point.

Everything here are gifts from other countries.  The pieces are simply the finest amongst the finest.  Just check this Italian leather wall.

leather wall from Italy

A short trip in Basey

happened on January 2017

St. Michael the Archangel Church

With nothing much on our Tacloban itinerary, I decided to include Basey in our trip since it's both our first time to visit it.

Commuting: ride a tricycle and alight in the jeepney terminal; fare around 50 each.  Ride a jeepney bound for Basey at 35 each.  Travel time around 45 mins. to 1 hr.

Basey is relatively a tiny town.  Half day is enough to see most of it.  "Wala masyado ganap".

their mode of transportation

Tacloban| Chew Love

happened on January 2017


This is one of the most recommended dining place so we tried it on our third day for breakfast.  Just ride a tricycle and tell the driver to take you here.

the facade with lots of cute things

We arrived so early so we have to wait till 11AM; breakfast became lunch.  I took the opportunity of taking pictures instead.  Everything is picturesque.

the red bike

their version of love locks