Cold December in Tagaytay

I never thought Tagaytay could really give me that feel-good getaway until my family actually went here last December 2015. The plan after booking a ticket to Manila was, well, never a fix plan and my mother who was more than excited but had been here a couple of times, just wanted to visit our relatives back in Cavite and also in Bulacan. So we traveled from Cavite at 4AM, barely able to sleep from jetlag and some post dinner sessions. ;) We arrived early and visited People's Park in the Sky before it opens, with the wind blowing so cold and dense.

I wanted to conquer and climb the Taal volcano right then and there, but of course, I wouldn't leave my family behind. This wasn't just my trip. I really miss hiking trails though, and the feeling of reaching summits but I always fail in organizing a group or attempting solo climbs.

The next stop was at Tagaytay Skyranch. They offered a lot of different adventure rides and I took the only one-of-my-bucketlist thing to accomplish, the giant Ferris wheel. I couldn't almost believe I got here because my last birthday wish was to take a photo with this particular Ferris wheel on a rarely cute dress, and with a balloon and ice cream on hand. Yes, but forget the props. Just look how happy that child in me finally set her foot there! Wish granted despite the 10-month delay. lol

The view of Mt. Taal from the top of the Ferris wheel

Now I love Tagaytay! Because here, I also experienced the feeling of fun with nature sight-seeing that's why! :))

AWAO FALLS On-Site Photography Contest 2015

Awao falls in Monkayo, Compostela Valley is one of the biggest waterfalls I've seen. It has three series after the first grand waterfall itself, and it was named after the place in particular, Barangay Awao. I didn't had the slightest idea about it, never even heard of it from friends, until I was caught with an image of its beauty on facebook.

So this explains my piece here how I got to witness another stunning waterfall in the island, all for free. Yes, I took the opportunity despite my fear and shame of joining such event from which I am not even capable of calling myself a photographer, but with my crazy friend, Aia, we drove over. Just my lucky day! :)


This. is. Monkayo.

Courtesy call at the Municipal Hall of Monkayo with Mayor/Vice Mayor Brillantes

From here, I thought our target was almost near but Barangay Awao was so far I haven't count the time and my excitement almost faded out. lol

When we arrived at Awao from the bus, we rode again in a mini cab instead of the scary skylab (thanked God we had that option!) to get to the falls. I expected this kind of rough adventure but I haven't prepared enough for the trip because I thought, first, the event was cancelled, and second, Aia was kinda precarious a night before. So that day thinking my camera was enough, I forgot to bring any sun protection and extra clothes to change.

Look at them weapons!

This is just the second waterfall. Locals above the picture shows rappelling can be done from the third falls down to here. We did not access the third falls because it requires technical skills which I would dare to take but wasn't given the chance, and the LGU itself did not rather advice it to their "photographers."

Now going to the first grandiose waterfall, we needed to walk carefully downhill in an approximately 80 degree slope. That wasn't EASY!

But hey! Aia made it though extremely panting

Presenting! Awao Falls!!!

They said it's more astonishing if the waters are abundant that it covers the whole rocky part of the picture. Notice how small those people look from here? It's awesomely great to see this in person. And what are you waiting for? Visit Monkayo and experience the hugeness of Awao falls! ;)

For the love of nature!

I am not a professional lensman for the event though, but I promote natural wonders.

Mission Accomplished.

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Favorite Spots in Baguio

If you're given a chance to travel Philippines, where would you want to go?

I have so much in my bucketlist, haven't gone to a lot of places, but I have chosen to take the coldest part of the Philippines first, Baguio. As the summer capital of the country, Baguio is one of the best sites to spend quality time with nature and family because of the beautiful scenes of the mountains, honest locals and chill weather. Imagine the cool breeze under the pine trees and a view of the cloud-capped mountains! Brrrr...good times with coffee!☺ But we didn't spent our summer here. It's the rainy season of July-August, great enough not to be in a crowd and we got to explore the city peacefully.

The sun is still quite hot during noontime, the city itself is crowded with houses built on the edges of hills. The beautiful destinations in Baguio are yet just around the corner you can roam around it the whole day for free (except for parking). Cabs are everywhere in SUV type and flag down rate starts at only Php35.00!

If you love historic buildings like me, the old Dominican Hotel here is open for public viewing.

Left Wing

Right Wing

Another free tour you must experience in Baguio is a walk in the Wright Park. You can also try horseback riding for Php300/hour or a minimum of Php200 for 30 minutes.

It's like England's Stonehenge♥ lol!

Just beyond this lovely structure is another wonderful view:

Wright Park. The Mansion from afar

The Mansion

Dine at Ketchup Food Community, near Wright Park

Choose between these various food stores

We ate at Rancho's which serves Filipino food

Mines View Park

The Philippine Military Academy

PMA has a wide area you need to have a car or a cab for a tour of their whole vicinity☺

Kapoy baktas!☻

Camp John Hay


What else would you do in Baguio? Get high on nature at Tree Top Nature Park and choose your adventure! Because I'm an adrenaline junkie, I really want to try the zipline. But I didn't had enough budget anymore and my parents were already dead tired, I went out frustrated. Next time I'd go out with friends instead! Haha..

Boating at Burnham Park

This is the real Baguio City. It's kinda populated but it's their life! Make sure to enjoy yours here. Have a safe trip! ☺☺☺

Cheap Samal Destinations for Mere Naturelovers

I've been talking about many other places I've traveled but not so much about my hometown. Yes it's tremendous to be in a place you've never been to before, but this time, just let me share my favorite spots nearest to my comfort zone, Davao City.☺

Last Sunday, I went back to this island with my family (which was a miracle in an instant) and this reminded me of my love and passion with nature after being fed up of having hard days work (and so write anything about it).


• Hagimit Falls

Hagimit is found in Peñaplata, Samal passing the terminal and public market and way up after a bridge as landmarks.☻ Water is cold, perfect to dip in under the tropical sun if you don't want to get totally sunburned in the beach. Entrance is Php40.00 for adults and Php20.00 for children. There's also a 5peso environmental fee along the entry road from the main highway.

A natural relaxing massage for lil bro

Exploring with Sherwin

*Throwbacks:

Second time with workmates

First time with highscool friends

• Canibad

The far most perfect location away from the busy city life and to catch sunrise! I only got here for a while during an island day tour but the place was really relaxing yet simple. It has a wide coastline and a diving spot by the rockies which I haven't tried yet, but sure soon I will. ;)

Midyear 2011

• Isla Reta

Also an idyllic romantic location for naturelovers, even great for those with brokenhearts. LOL! Far away from the metro, this island in Talicud, Samal can be reached after an hour of sea travel from Magsaysay Port, Agdao but it's all worth it! I just love Isla Reta so much it gives me euphoria!

*Yes, my favorite.. but I lost my own old photos in this gorgeous white sand beach♥♥♥ I'll be back soon then! :)

• Sunset Beach Park

Facing the city is this famous inviting resort named Sunset! It is easily located near the island main port with only Php40.00 entrance. Party nights are on Saturdays if you are in the mood for social entertainment.

Night chill with O.R buddies

• ISLA Beach Resort

The cheapest last resort you can have but can still enjoy the view of the city across and the beach itself for only Php25.00! It would not be the place that matters after all, it's the company you have all along.♥

With team cupcakes Summer2015 :)