Life's Thrills

What makes life more exciting? 

Beer? 

Coffee? 

Job? 

Money? 

Boyfriend/girlfriend? 

Adventures?

For me, apart from the bondings with my family, friends, and loved ones, here's the top ten (10) things that thrill my life even more:

#1 Travels

One of my investments in life. 😅

I always believe that experience is the best way to understand the world and the life in it. I cannot think of anything else that will make my whole being flutters to the moon and back, but traveling. 

I come back home penniless after a travel, but the memories and new experiences it brings are priceless. No regrets at all. 

#2 Reading 

There goes the usual saying... "Reading is my religion."

Definitely, I can stay at home for days or weeks just to read books and novels. That's why, the lockdown due to pandemic didn't affect me much.hehe 

I have collections of books, pocketbooks and novels that are so valuable to me that if you want to ask one I'd better give you money.😬 Joke! I don't have money. 

 

*One time in my English class, I covered the pocketbook with our English book so I could read it even in the class.😆 Bad...

#3 Beaches, waterfalls, and snorkeling 

Yes, I am both an indoor and outdoor person. ☺️

I lost count how many beaches, islands, and islets I have visited, explored, and enjoyed, but I have never lost my appetite for them. Hahaha Ironically, I don't know how to swim. 😳 I was almost drowned in a spring when I was fourteen, and that was the beginning of my fear of deep water.

However, that fear doesn't stop my love for snorkeling. So, what i do? I always snorkel with someone who's really good at swimming.😄 

Sa waterfalls naman, I enjoy it the most with friends especially when it is not famous and only few people know the area. Ka creepy man kasi if ako lang maga lakad sa kakahuyan o kabundukan, then pag dating sa site baka dalawa o tatlo lang kami dun. Hahaha Di bah? 

#4 Mountain Climbing/Trekking

I just realized how wonderful mountain climbing/trekking is when I was able to fight my fear of heights. After that, every climb/trek has been surreal. 

Being on top of the mountain makes me feel like I am wonder woman. Haha

I am not a pro though, I haven't climbed/trekked for more than 3hours (one way). However, my goal this year is to climb Mt. Capuas in Taytay, Palawan. I've heard that the ascent and the descent will be approximately 8 hours in total, so that will be more than my usual trek. Good luck to me! I'll share that to you if I could make it. Hehe 

#5 Writing

I've always loved writing since high school that's why i love pens, notebooks and stationeries.☺️

Yes, I am an old school. 😊

 

Surely, the love of writing pushed me to start blogging. I had my first blog 8 or 9 years ago, but due to some reasons I forgot the password of my blogging churvaness, until I got sick and completely stopped. But here I am again, exploring the world of blogging for the second time. Hehe

* I am thinking of exploring vlogging but I have no confidence yet. 😁

#6 Online shopping 

Who doesn't like online shopping?!? 😂 

I've been an online shopper for 16 years. I am not into shopping in the malls. Tamad kaayo ko ana! I can walk for more than 2 hours in a forest, but not in a shopping mall.😆 Before  Lazada, Shopee, Alibaba, etc., I shopped on Friendster. Yes, Friendster, the very popular Friendster before  Facebook dominated the world. Hahaha 

#7 Drama Series

Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Turkish, Spanish, Mexican, English, Thai,....... I like them all!😄 

I believe many can relate this even Filipino celebrities. Hahaha Well, especially KDramas, they have really touched the hearts of the Filipinos just like KPop. (I am not into KPop, though.😁) 

#8 Photos

I am not a pro in taking photos, but I love taking and collecting photos. I also collect photos of my travels (very precious). I remember when my brother accidentally deleted all the photos in the camera that  weren't saved yet in the hard drive, I had been crying the whole night.😭😅) 

My favorite subject is nature, and my gallery and hard drive are already complaining. Haha 

#9 Sunset watching 

Sunset lover here! 😍

Definitely, I am so glad I am living in the western area of Palawan, but I don't get to watch the sunset every day. I also have another life aside from sunset watching oi. Hehehe Truly, my eyes are like this "😍" when I see sunsets. :) 

#10 Rice, Bread, Chocolates and Pizza

Haaayyyy... It's so hard to imagine life without these four! Huhuhu

*The best pizza for me is in Maharaja Restaurant located in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand.  I can eat their one whole 14" pizza in one sitting. Hehehe

* I love breads, but Danish bread is perfect!🤤 

There is a Danish bakery in Krabi town. The owner/ baker is pure Danish. Omgeee I miss their bread.huhuhu I can't imagine how fantastic it would be if I could go to Denmark and have a bakery hopping.🤤😅

Ohhh by the way, I'm not into cookies, but Danish cookies are fine with me. 

How about you? What makes your life more thrilling? 

I would be very glad to know and read yours.☺️

Until then.. Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

Trick or trip?!?

Since cemeteries were close during All Saints' Day, my fiancé and I had a road trip. We went to the municipality of Roxas, Palawan and we visited some of its tourist destinations that are unpopular and not yet really known to many. :) 

First, we visited New Rizal Falls. 

It is situated in Bgy. Dumarao, which only takes more or less 5 minutes from the highway by motorbike, and you don't have to hike going to the falls. 

Its basin is wide, and it's really high, but no one could tell us its height. 😬 Best thing is,,,,There is NO ENTRANCE FEE.😃

Our second stop was at the wooden pathway in Bgy. Tumarbong, too. 

It is nearby the mangrove, but I think it would be more beautiful if it was high tide. Well, since it's a private area, eh "Bawal magtambay." 

Our third stop was Rufino's Place. 

I never knew Roxas mainland has its good beaches, too. :) This beach is located at Bgy. Tumarbong, which takes approximately 35 minutes from the junction by motorbike or by car, and approximately one hour from New Rizal Falls.

Note: Not all the roads going to this place are concrete, but they're very manageable. :) 

     (Watch out in my YT channel.) 

While we were on our way back to San Vicente, we tried to find some small stores that were selling veggies. Theirs are really cheaper than in the supermarket, and by that we can also help small businesses. 

 (We weren't able to take a photo, but we got videos of the veggies.😊)

I always believe that buying in a small store can help the community more.👌

*This trip will be our first try to vlog, 😁 and I will try to edit as soon as I can so I can upload our first vlog slash first video on Cebuanang Palaweña YT channel. :) 

Please subscribe to my channel and look forward to some of my journeys especially here in the last frontier of the Philippines that I will be sharing with you as soon as I can edit.😆😀

Until then... Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

Chasing Waterfalls II

To continue our chasing waterfalls, here's another list for you to check out:

#11 Salakot Waterfalls

It is located midway to Napsan, Puerto Princesa City. It's very accessible since it's just a more-or-less-3-minute walk from the highway. 

#12 Pinagbugkusan Falls

This is the farthest falls I've ever been to. It took about 1 hr by motorbike (from the main road) and an hour to walk which includes 11 rivers to cross just to reach the site. 

Yes, going to this falls is quite risky, and it even rained while we were on the way there. 😬 One hour in the forest under the heavy rain was a torture. Hahaha But it was liberating, and it felt so good! (Click this link for a video of our Caruray, San Vicente adventure, Caruray Adventure). 

#13 Bunuangin Waterfalls

I love this waterfalls. The fact that it is a fantastic one and the one - hour trek going to the site is perfect, the site is managed by Indigenous People of the area, the Tagbanua tribe. It is found in So. Bunuangin, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan.

#14 Tuasan Falls

One of the coolests!

I was amazed with this waterfalls, because it's not deep. Hehehe Those who cannot swim (like me😆) would love this waterfalls in Catarman, Camiguin.

#15 Katibawasan Falls

Very high and very cold!

This is the tallest waterfall in Camiguin Island with a height of approximately 70 meters. My neck hurt when I couldn't help to gaze its peak for more than a minute. 😆 And I only took a dip for about 5 minutes. Hahaha I couldn't stand its coldness.  

#16 Pyamaluguan Sabang Waterfall

A very distinct one! 

This is the only waterfall I've seen which is just along the shoreline. Amazing, right?😊 So, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City doesn't only have the very popular Underground River, but also this wonderful waterfall. 

#17 Berong Falls

Nice one! 

This is located in Bgy. Berong, Quezon, Palawan. Going to the waterfall site by a "top down" (photo below) with a road full of rocks is quite an adventure! I had so much fun during our trip to this waterfall, and I enjoyed the water a lot. I got a very good massage. :)

#18 Pamuayan Waterfalls

I can't remember anymore how many times I've visited this waterfall since it is one of the most accessible for me. Haha

This is located in Sitio Pamuayan, Port Barton, San Vicente,Palawan.

#19 Bigaho Falls

Another very accessible waterfalls for me is, this one. So, like Pamuayan falls, I lost count on how many times I visit and enjoy this cute waterfalls in Sitio Bigaho, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan.

#20 Pakpak Lawin Waterfalls

This is also located at Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan. It only takes approximately 10 minutes to trek from the main road.

I wish you enjoy this content. Have a great chasing waterfalls ahead! :) 

Until then... Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

        

CHASING WATERFALLS

Seeing a waterfall gives me a one of a kind energy particularly when it takes  long for me to trek just to see a wonderful creation at the end of my journey. The feeling is "WOW."  Parang every drop of my sweat is just so worth it especially when the waterfall is surprisingly beautiful.

So, waterfall lovers out there, here's the first batch of waterfalls I've visited that I want to share with you for your reference in your next chasing- waterfall adventure. 😉

#1 Aguinid Falls

This is found in Samboan, Cebu, which takes more or less 5 hours (w/c includes the traffic in the city and in other municipalities😁) by bus from Cebu City Southbus terminal or about 1hr and a half from Moalboal. Just tell the conductor to drop you off going to Aguinid Falls. From the drop-off area, you only have to walk approximately 10 min. and you'll reach the site's receiving area.

This is what makes Aguinid waterfalls a very interesting place to visit, since you have to be pretty brave to take the risk (like climbing up) and push yourself to reach every level of the falls. I must say, by far, this is my favorite waterfalls.😊 

#2 Also found in Samboan is the Hidden Falls or the Binalayan Falls. You can just ride a motorbike or tricycle going there from Aguinid which only takes a few minutes. 

It was my first time to jump off a waterfall. I didn't intend to, by the way, (ka hadlok kay kataas😬 and di ko kabalo molangoy😁) but my guide was sooo makulit.haha He really wanted me to try; he would just wait for me in the water basin daw. So, I told him that I would do it if he would jump off with me. 😅 It felt so liberating anyway, thanks to his kakulitan. Hahaha

#3 Inambakan Falls

This waterfall is found in the municipality of Ginatilan, Cebu. If you're already at Samboan, you can just also ride a motorbike from there but it costs more. So, you better ride a bus going to Ginatilan, and then have a more or less 25-minute motorbike ride going to the drop-off area. From there, it only takes about 10 minutes to trek going to the waterfalls. 

#4 Mantayupan Falls

This very high waterfall is found in Barili, Cebu. It's the highest waterfalls in Cebu with a height of over 98 meters from the peak to the basin. It takes more or less 30 minutes to reach the falls from the town's marketplace by motorbike. 

#5 Kawasan Falls

Probably this is the most famous waterfall in Cebu since it had been one of the first waterfalls being promoted. It is located in the municipality of Badian. It takes approximately 3 1/2 hours from Cebu City's Southbus terminal.

#6 Kawasan Falls

Another Kawasan Falls, but not in Cebu. This is found in Balilihan, Bohol. It's accessible by motorbike or a four-wheel drive from the highway. 

 The moment I saw this, I was speechless for seconds. It's one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. 😍

#7 Kuyawyaw Falls

This waterfall is found in Taytay, Palawan. It takes more or less 30 minutes to trek going to the falls depending on your pace. 

What i like most of this site is the trekking. :) It's not very long, but good enough for an exercise. 

#8 Estrella Falls

This waterfall is found in Narra, Palawan. This is pretty far from the highway, but no worries, the road is concrete. You can ride a tricycle going to the area and tsadaaannn...no sweat, only few steps away and the waterfall welcomes you. 

#9 Idiosko Falls

This "cute" waterfall is found in Caruray, San Vicente, Palawan, and it's just along the main road of the barangay. So, those who are not fond of trekking, this waterfall is just right for you.😅

#10 Keanna Falls

This is another waterfall located in Bgy. Caruray, San Vicente, Palawan. It only takes more or less 20 minutes to trek going to the falls from the main road of the barangay.

 

It had been raining when we got to Keanna, that's why the water wasn't clear. But still, we enjoyed the water a lot. 

Without our motorbike drivers slash guides, we wouldn't have enjoyed the place, kaya big thanks to them. 😊🙏

Next batch of waterfalls will be shared with you next time. 👌 

Until then.... Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

Your Guide going to San Vicente, Palawan

Traveling these days is truly quite tiresome and inconvenient especially when you don't have the complete information of your chosen destination. So, for those who want to go to San Vicente, Palawan, here's a guide for you on how to have a fulfilling experience in this unspoiled paradise.

1. Check flights and gateways.

   You have to check the gateways (either El Nido or Puerto Princesa City  Airport) if inbound flights for tourists are available. Sometimes, they have restrictions, depending on their CoViD-19 case situation. 

2. Coordinate with the LGU.

   Coordination with the LGU, which is your gateway, is very important, since your arrival at the airport is the official start of your vacation. ☺️ So, see to it that you have coordinated them well about the requirements needed. Nasa huli ang pagsisisi. 🙄

3. Visit San Vicente's website (sanvicentepalawan.gov.ph/tourism) for the requirements. 

   If you have questions regarding its protocols, drop a message to the town's tourism's FB Page (Office of the Municipal Tourism-San Vicente, Palawan) or you may call them at 09178544481 or 09994001454. Your questions will be definitely answered. 👍🏻

4. Seek requirements. 

  Be sure to prepare your requirements on time especially the RT-PCR or Antigen Test. Many tourists couldn't fly because of that. :( Sayang! 

5. Coordinate with your chosen accommodation.

Once you have booked an accommodation, see to it that you have communicated with them from time to time, because there maybe sudden few changes of the protocols that are missed to be relayed. Wag puro asa.😏

6. Double or even triple check your requirements before the flight. 

Sometimes, we get too excited to travel that we tend to forget the important things we need to bring. Aminin...:) 

7. Be a responsible traveler. 

   San Vicente has a pledge designed for all travelers to be filled out and followed. This way, the town hopes to relay awareness on how to be a responsible traveler. Sana ikaw din, responsable.😉

*Sharing with you the protocols for inbound tourists as of this writing. 

DOMESTIC TOURISTS 

A. Negative RT-PCR Test (72 hrs. prior to departure) for unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals OR Negative Antigen Test result for fully vaccinated individuals 

B. Valid ID

C. Return ticket 

D. Proof of pre-booking accommodation (except those who'll stay with their relatives) 

Note: Your accommodation must be an accredited accommodation and Safety Seal certified 

E. Tour Itinerary 

F. Coordination with the Office of the Municipal Tourism or Emergency Operations Center 

G. Fill out the Responsible Traveler's Pledge at sanvicentepalawan.gov.ph/tourism 

LOCAL TOURISTS (tourists from within Palawan) 

A. Antigen Test (for not vaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals) 

*Antigen test is still required for kids (4yrs.old and above) even if parents are fully vaccinated or Vaccination Card/Vax cert only for fully vaccinated individuals 

B. Valid ID

C. Proof of pre-booking accommodation (except for those who'll stay with their relatives) 

Note: Your accommodation must be an accredited accommodation and Safety Seal certified 

D. Tour Itinerary 

E. Fill out the Responsible Traveler's Pledge and Health Declaration Form at sanvicentepalawan.gov.ph/tourism 

Note: Accredited accommodations are found in the same website mentioned above.

* Children 3yrs.old and below are not exempted from RT-PCR or Antigen Test since Palawan is on Alert Level 3. 

HAVE A SAFE TRAVEL mga travelistas! 👍🏻

Until then... Stay safe! ♥️🙏

From Cebu to Palawan (Part II)

      On the way to the peak 

So, yun na nga, it was a successful climb.🙏☺️ The feeling was inexplainable. It felt surreal reaching the top. Well, you too, should try to go beyond your comfort zone and be awed with the outcome. Trust me, it really feels good when we do that from time to time. :) 

Then, because I felt like my trip was so kulang, as in bitin kaayo. Hehe I went back to Palawan after 3 months, right after Christmas. But before the flight, I  remembered one of my colleagues/friends in the ESL Academy who had been always visiting Palawan (while browsing FB). I chatted her and the chika chika went on...hehehe She kinda marketed San Vicente to me. Hahaha Of course, I didn't know San Vicente. It wasn't popular yet at that time and it isn't as popular as El Nido and Puerto Princesa at present. (Mind you, it's the next big thing.😉) 

To cut the story short, I went to SV after an island hopping in Honda Bay. 

   @Luli Island (Honda Bay) 

Syempre, aside from meeting my friend and her family in San Vic, ang laag mga dzaiii di mawala.. Hehehe I was able to go island hopping. Wew! I thought only El Nido and Puerto Princesa had beautiful beaches. I was sooo wrong. 

    

        @Inaladelan Island 

    Before trekking going to                  Bigaho Falls

And yes, a waterfall!!! I was able to enjoy San Vicente's very cool Bigaho Falls. 

And most of all, the longest beach in the Philippines, Long Beach. Amazing 14.7 kilometer white beach! 

              Long Beach

Before heading El Nido, my friend asked me if I was interested in applying for a job in San Vicente. I was like... "Huh?" My first thought was, "Hala ka! Ka layo. It's so far from the city. " 😁 It took 3-4 hrs from the city (PPC), roads were not yet completely concrete, business establishments were so limited and mingaw kaayo. Hehehe I came from a town with so many people, kaya na windang ako ng mga ilang minutes sa idea na yun. Anyway, I didn't seriously think about it. I focused on the travel, the lakwatsa. So, El Nido, there i came again. 

I visited Nacpan Beach, Las Cabañas Beach, Corong-Corong Beach, and di nawawala ang island hopping (Combination of Tour A and C).

           Talisay Beach

       Lovely water, isn't it? 

               just tried😅

It was a beautiful day, and suddenly.... Guess what happened? 

The tourist boat I were in was struck by a whirlwind. Take note, we were in an open sea. I hadn't seen a whirlwind before, but that was what the boatmen told us. Yes, the boat capsized, tuma-ob at lumubog po ang bangka namin, lumubog kaming lahat. I didn't know how to swim (I don't know how up until now😁), fortunately I had my life vest. (I always wear a life vest every time I go island hopping because I know I can't swim.) An Indian woman was in panic. I could hear her screaming. I was very nervous, but I tried my best not to panic.  I focused on how I could escape under the capsized boat. Yes, I made it. I didn't even think of sharks at that time. What I only thought was how to save my life. Luckily, one tourist boat from afar noticed us. We were rescued after about 20 minutes of struggling, holding the boat's outrigger. It was only after the rescue that I realized how dark the water was. It wasn't dark blue anymore.  

  That's the only photo I got       after the accident. That         little "orange" below the              cliff was our boat. 

Truly, it was a horrible experience, but I was very grateful we were all safe. Apart from the cuts, the bruises, and the losses, all of us were alive. Praise God! Yeeyyy! What a third life indeed! (I will share with you later on why it was my third one.😀) 

Despite the nerve-wracking experience, I just continued to calm and cheer myself, walked to the Police Station and Coastguard Station together with the other victims with only one slipper. I hadn't mind the body pains anymore. Only two of us left being interviewed by the Coastguard because others had to travel back to Puerto Princesa City for their return flight early the next day to celebrate the New Year with their family, and some just didn't have the strength and will anymore for an interview. 

Life goes on. 😀 The rest of my vacation was still enjoyed. I got to have a short trek and enjoy Kuyawyaw Waterfalls (already in the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Taytay), and traveled back home on the New Year's day. 

With my past experience and that particular experience, I started to feel like being alive is enough. "I may not have all the wealth in this world, but my life is more than enough. He had shown me the eyes of death twice, and it still gives me chill how blessed I am for having this life." 

Anyhow, that accident gave me another discouragement not to apply for that job in San Vicente since that job needed boat travels often. 😳

However, I was already bored and wanted to get a job, but not a teaching job. Hehehe So, I booked again a round trip ticket (Cebu-Palawan-Cebu) after two months heading straight to San Vicente. I told myself, "Okay, try nato sa San Vicente. If you'll be accepted, just try the place if maka uyon ka, and face your fears. If not, fly back to Cebu. Naa nakay ticket pabalik." 😁 

I got hired. 

Now, I am officially a resident of San Vicente, Palawan. And I can't wait to share my fun and adventures here in this best island in the world. 🏝️😍