Camotes (May 2007)

Our first (yes, because there is a second) trip to Camotes together with the CLAWEES.

Where we stayed: Mangodlong Rock Resort

How to get there: banca ride from Danao

To Do: Tour the island. We hired a multicab that took us to different tourist spots in the island. There's Lake Danao, Timobo Cave, some secluded resort, etc.

Rock formation at Mangodlong.

Mangodlong a little after sunrise

Mangodlong sunset

Don't you just love sunsets?

CLAWEES

Some private virgin beach resort

Taking a dip at Timobo Cave's pool

Timobo Cave

Pinamungajan (February 2007)

Where we stayed: Hidden Valley Mountain Resort

How to get there: Actually, we had our class field trip there. But my friends and I decided to stay behind overnight. So we went there through a hired bus. But there are buses going to Pinamungajan, though I don't think they would go all the way to the resort since it is not by the road.

What I love about the place: The view from our room is breath-taking. But what I really loved during the trip is the company of my dearest friends.

Resort's only swimming pool

The light pink building houses the function rooms.

Row of Cottages.

Small chapel at the top of the hill.

This was supposed to be a jump shot. Failed. But happy nonetheless.

Travel Essentials: Toiletries

While most hotels or resorts that you'll be staying in on your travels have a complete set of toiletries (in small quantities, of course), there are some that don't provide, like for example backpackers inn, or if you're staying with a relative/friend.

So you have to pack some toiletries. But you don't want them to be too bulky.

Before, I usually buy shampoos & conditioners in sachets and those little Safeguard soaps. Then I discovered something.

Haha. Actually, I recently acquired this habit of hoarding on the toiletry set of hotels and resorts. (Hey, it's not stealing ha, it's part of what we paid.)

And you can refill the containers once it's empty. See how economical! Hehe.

Travel Bucket List

I am no seasoned traveler. I have been to 5 countries only and all are in the Asian region. I have not toured the the entire Philippines.

I must admit, I still get traumatized by the car accident my friends and I encountered in one road trip. If given a choice, I will not travel by car or by bus for over six hours in the evening or dawn.

Accident or no accident, I do love to travel. There is so much in the world to see. So here's my travel bucket list:

• Visit as many municipalities/towns in Cebu. (As what Rizal said, "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan." And why not start in my own province, right?) 

• Explore other provinces as well. Eye-ing on:

Boracay

Camiguin

Bellaroca Resort (Marinduque)

Batanes

Coron Palawan

Puerto Princesa Palawan

Hundred Islands Pangasinan

Albay
(I just want to see Mt. Mayon.)

•    Of course, I also want to visit as many countries as I can (God- and wallet-willing):

Santorini, Greece

Machu Picchu, Peru

Seychelles

Great Wall of China

The list is never-ending. For now, I'll have to settle with pictures, documentaries and of course, with my dreams. Last time I check, dreaming is for FREE! Lol.

There are also things that I want to do, which can be done while traveling:

• Climb a mountain. (Be it Mt. Apo or Mt. Everest, doesn't matter. I can even settle for Mt. Manunggal.)
• Go skydiving. (Oh this I have to while my body can still take it.)
• Bungee jumping. 
• Visit any Disneyland theme park. (I will never get tired of theme parks.)
• Go on a cruise. (To the Caribbeans! Haha. Dream on.)
• Parasailing. 
• Ride on a hot-air balloon. 
• Ride on an elephant. (Thailand is the next best option.)
• Attend a red-carpet event. (Again, dream on! Lol)
• Get married in Las Vegas. (To jerome of course!)

Notice I did not list down scuba diving or any water-related sports or activities? That is precisely because I am not a water person. I do not know how to swim. I can only swim in kiddie pools. Haha. Seriously. But I do love the beach.

So there, can I start dreaming now?