Photo by: Mark Albert Alejo Cruz

Do you remember the 1991 Pinatubo eruption? Have you ever been to the crater where it all started? The Pinatubo eruption destroyed several towns and provinces around its region, I can still remember that day when ashes came falling down from the sky when I was young, I was playing with friends and was fascinated by the ashes falling down slowly into the pavement where we where playing and to think that my location back then was in Laguna, only realize the destruction it made in it’s neighboring provinces when I saw it in the news, my fascination turned into curiosity and sadness seeing people loosing their homes, farmlands and even love ones. It was truly a tragic event.

Now it’s one of the best tourist attraction in the area, giving jobs to the locals and creating revenue to the local government, my first visit was about ten years ago where the only man made structure was a wooden platform that served as a view deck for tourist and would have to walk 8-12 hours to get to the crater, but I believe 4×4 was already used to cut off the trek time to get to the crater at the time, we just did not have the money I guess. If you visit it now, it’s like visiting a park where you’d see waiting sheds and bench for tourist’s to rest on, comfort rooms for needed circumstances, and they even offer boat rides to see the other side of the crater.

Funny how my fascination to the ashes falling to the pavement of the streets in front of our house in Laguna when I was young turned into sadness when I have learned what it is about in the news and how people loose their hopes and lives, and now it never fails to fascinate me again every time I go back to the crater where it all started. Well, God and nature has it’s way of reminding us how good things can start from bad things.

Written by Ven Baclig of Travel Ventours

Found in Pundaquit, Zambles is the famous Anawangin Cove where a mixture of volcanic ashes and white sand beach abound the area. Also abounding in the area are formations of rocks believed to be created from volcanic activities.

Two islands are also found in Zambales. The Camara Island features a sandbar that separates two big and small islands. When the tide is high, two cliffs will appear but when the tide is low and the sandbar resurfaces again the island becomes one. The other famous island in Zambales is the Capones Island known for its man-like shape.

Aside from Anawangin, the Nagasa Cove is also another site to see. What differs it from the Anawangin Cove is that tourists can freely explore the island – something that tourists can’t freely do in Anawangin because of its limited area for tourists to visit.

Travel Dates: SCHEDULED TRIP FOR JOINING TRIP – MAY, June
Number of pax: 10-12 pax
Travel Destination: ANAWANGIN, CAMARA ISLAND, CAPONES ISLAND / LIGHT HOUSE, (OPTIONAL NAGSASA ISLAND)
Target Slots: 12 pax per van
Tent: 2-4pax per tent

ANAWANGIN CAMPSITE
P 1,800 / PERSON

NAGSASA CAMPSITE
P 2,100 / PERSON

Minimum of 12 pax per trip

Package Inclusions:

• Professional and friendly driver
• Boat Man and Tour guide
• Female Cook – over night stay
• Cottage for dining area
• One time dinner for free- Kamay kainan (Sea foods like Fish, Squid, Rice and vegetables)
• Round trip van transfer [Manila-Pundaquit-Manila] NISSAN URVAN-TOYOTA HI ACE
• Strong A/C and comfortable seats
• 2 Days 1 night campsite
•  Entrance fee
• Tents (2-4 person)
• Cooking and Kitchen Utensils
• Cooler with Ice
• Bonfire woods 1 bundle
• 5 Gallons mineral water

What’s not included in the package:
- Other meals all throughout the tour

Places to Visit:

DAY 0

MEET AT SM NORTH EDSA (3AM)

DAY 1
- CAMARA ISLAND AND TREKKING
- CAPONES ISLAND AND LIGHT HOUSE
- ANAWANGIN ISLAND (CAMPSITE)
- NAGSASA ISLAND (CAMPSITE OPTIONAL) SNORKLING AREA
Bring the following (1) bag per person

•  Sun block
• Shades
• Swimwear
• Beach Slippers
• Hygiene kit
• Mosquito repellent
• Malong/Sarong
• Sleeping Bag / Blankets
•  Lamp/Flashlight

Only those places in the itinerary will be allowed and any special request to drop by other place/destination on the tour itself will not be entertained

Travel Period: November 1- January 31, 2014

Sale Period: May 1- 3, 2013 or until supply last

What are you waiting for? Contact your friends and travel buddies now. Look for a date then book it right away.

Surely, Cebu Pacific will make our travel experience more exciting and lighter with their low-cost fares. For more information about this promo, you can log on or visit www.cebupacificair.com and see full sale details.

Caramoan is located in Camarines Sur at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula, this beautiful place remained a secret paradise and haven for travelers seeking unexplored destinations. This peninsula is home of some of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines. Caramoan quickly gained popularity for it has been the site of a number of editions of the famous reality TV show SURVIVOR. This location hosted different versions of the show, the United states, Russia, Israel, Bulgaria, Sweded, France and ofcourse the Philippine version, some of the show consecutively held their show more than twice, attracted with it’s wild and beautiful environment. Now it is one of the best tourist destination in the Philippines an alternative for Boracay for Filipinos located in the Luzon area, the Camarines Sur also offers one of the top wake boarding destination the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex which is a usual side trip for Caramoan visitors. Come and explore the beauty of Caramoan, find out why the show SURVIVOR keeps on going back for more. Hop from one island to another and enjoy its pristine beach guarded by magnificent rock formations. Caramoan also offers variety of water activities, snorkeling diving, spelunking and the stand up paddle surfing. Here are some travel deal packages we offer that will certainly fit your budget.

Package One [3 days and 2 nights][w/ round trip land transfers from Manila]

PHP3,800/GUEST @ 12 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,900/GUEST @ 11 PARTICIPANTS
PHP4,000/GUEST @ 10 PARTICIPANTS
PHP4,300/GUEST @ 09 PARTICIPANTS
PHP4,700/GUEST @ 08 PARTICIPANTS

Package One Inclusions

a. Round trip van transfers from [Manila-Caramoan-Manila]
b. Round trip boat transfers [Sabang-Guijalo-Sabang]
b. All transfers inside Caramoan
c. 2 nights accommodations in Caramoan
d. Boat and crew for Island hopping
e. Environmental and Guide fees

Package Two [3 days and 2 nights][w/meals and round trip land transfers from Manila]

PHP4,400/GUEST @ 12 PARTICIPANTS
PHP4,600/GUEST @ 11 PARTICIPANTS
PHP4,800/GUEST @ 10 PARTICIPANTS
PHP5,000/GUEST @ 09 PARTICIPANTS
PHP5,400/GUEST @ 08 PARTICIPANTS

Package Two Inclusions

a. Round trip van transfers from [Manila-Caramoan-Manila]
b. Round trip boat transfers [Sabang-Guijalo-Sabang]
b. All transfers inside Caramoan
c. 2 nights accommodations in Caramoan
d. Boat and crew for Island hopping
e. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner [2 sets each]
f. Environmental and Guide fees

Package Three [3 days and 2 nights][with meals and round trip airport pick-up@Legaspi]

PHP2,800/GUEST @ 12 PARTICIPANTS
PHP2,900/GUEST @ 11 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,000/GUEST @ 10 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,200/GUEST @ 09 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,400/GUEST @ 08 PARTICIPANTS

Package Three Inclusions

a. Round trip boat transfers from [Sabang-Guijalo-Sabang]
b. All transfers inside Caramoan
c. 2 nights accommodations in Caramoan
d. Boat and crew for Island hopping
e. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner [2 sets each]
f. Environmental and Guide fees

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Wake Boarding @ CWC
Spelunking [PHP200/Guest]

Reminders

***Pack light
***Prices are based in room sharing
***Meals are not included unless specified
***Prices are subject to change without prior notice
***Entrances and/or Fees in Optional activities are not included

Calaguas is a group of islands in the province of Camarines Norte. The most visited beach in the area is Mahabang Buhangin, a lot of people who have been there would say that it’s white powdery sand is comparable to Boracay, but unlike the noisy and crowded beach of Boracay, Calaguas offer a more calm and subtle environment where you can enjoy the sun, sand and pristine water that this place have to offer. This place was only known to backpackers and campers, it takes about an eight hours drive from Manila and a two hour boat ride from the mainland to reach Mahabang Buhangin, if you want to see Boracay 30 years ago this is definitely the place to be., no restaurant, no noisy bars or club so you can enjoy a true island getaway and the serenity of the place, a virgin island, with all the beauty it offers the only accommodation available is with a tent, a beach camp that is a totally different experience from other beach destination you have been to, a perfect place to bond with friends and/or families with any beach activity you can think of. Calaguas will surely be one of your favorite beach destination, Calaguas your perfect definition of an Island Getaway.

PHP3,100/GUEST @ 14 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,200/GUEST @ 13 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,300/GUEST @ 12 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,400/GUEST @ 11 PARTICIPANTS
PHP3,500/GUEST @ 10 PARTICIPANTS

Calaguas Beach Camp [2D/1N]

Inclusions

• Overnight Camping at Calaguas Island [Mahabang Buhangin]
• Van Transfers [Manila-Daet-Manila]
• Boat Ride [Paracale or Vinzons-Mahabang Buhangin-Vinzons or Paracale]
• Camping Meals [Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast]
• Camping Tents [3-4 person per tent]
• Coordinator
• Entrance Fee

Sample Itinerary

Friday
09:00pm Assembly Trinoma/Shell Edsa Ayala/Mckinley
10:00pm ETD from Assembly Location to Daet

Saturday
06:00am ETA in Daet
07:00am Breakfast [own account]
08:00am ETD Daet Market to Paracale
08:30am ETA in Paracale
09:00am ETD Paracale to Calaguas Island [1.5-2 hours boat ride]
11:00am ETA Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island
01:00pm Lunch [MEAL 1]
02:00pm Lots of chill time [swimming/games/sun bathing/frisby]
07:00pm Dinner [MEAL 2]
08:00pm Socials
11:00pm Lights Out

Sunday
0700am Breakfast [MEAL 3]
0800am Breakcamp
0900am ETD at Munting Buhangin, Calaguas Island
1100am ETA Paracale to Bagasbas
1200pm Lunch [own account]
0100pm ETA Bagasbas. Lots of Thrills and Chill time [Swimming/Surfing]
0400pm ETD Daet to Manila
1100pm ETA Manila

Optional Activity
***Sidetrip Bagasbas for Surfing

Things to Bring Shades

• Sun block
• Swimwear
• Beach Slippers
• Hygiene kit
• Kikay kit/Pogi kit
• Mosquito repellent
• Malong/Sarong
• Sleeping Bag / Blankets
• Cups, Plates, Spoon and Fork
• Lamp/Flashlight

*Pack light
*Water proof your stuff
*Prices are subject to change without prior notice
*Itinerary is subject to change due to weather condition or clients requested for it.

When you visit Boracay, never miss to perform the different activities offered by the island. Here is a listing of the top 20 activities you might actually do while in Boracay.

Sunset at the Beach

Sunsets are reminders that God has given us another day to live our lives. There’s no other place you could probably see the sun setting down, than Boracay. A picturesque event one shouldn’t miss.

Seafoods

Boracay isn’t just about fun and activities, it’s also about SEAFOODS. Enjoy a sumptuous meal with fresh seafoods such as lobsters, prawns and fishes. Ooohh! Delicious, isn’t it?

Henna Tattoo

One of the most common proofs that you’ve been to Boracay is that you have your own Henna Tattoo. Tatoo artists are just around the corner in Boracay bringing their own folios. They have designs to choose from but you can have them modified if you want. The Henna tattoos will last for weeks but it’ll depend on how frequent you wash them. You can also opt to have your own permanent tattoo. . Don’t worry about the needles; they are using the disposable ones.

Braids

Aside from Henna Tattoos, Braids are also the most common evidence that you had visited Boracay. The skilful hands of the hair braiders in Boracay wouldn’t have any problem whether you have a long hair or short hair. They can make use of the strands you have in your hair!

FlyFish Ride

Flyfish is an inflatable raft, carrying 2-5 persons (two lying on their back and one sitting on the center), holding on to a string handle while the raft is pulled by a speedboat. The same feeling when you are riding with banana boat but the difference is the speed.

 Helmet Diving

Experience to be one with the sea creatures. Never miss to try feeding fishes and walking underwater with your helmet. It’ll cost you at around P500.00. You can also take have your pictures taken as well.

Island Hopping

Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands, and it shouldn’t bother our thoughts why one should go for island hopping. Boracay alone is a island and there are pretty much more islands nearby you want to go for a cruise and explore. Bangkas are usually the means of transportation will you’re on tour, which means there is more opportunity for you to really sightsee the ocean yourself.

NEXT>>

Travel period:
Domestic: September 1 to November 30, 2013
International: October 1 to December 15, 2013

The Php20 covers all of Cebu Pacific domestic destinations. Don’t let this big opportunity to get to your dream destination pass away. Hurry and Book now! Remember the offer is good only up to tomorrow – April 10, 2013.

Be reminded that booking for the seat sale may only be done through Cebu Pacific’s website www.cebupacificair.com .

One of the popular activities in Siargao is island hopping. If you ask, is it safe? Yes it is. Exploring the best three islands of Siargao is nothing to be feared because the waters are still and of course, it is safe. Take it from me, I experienced it myself.

The islands we are talking here are Naked, Dako and Guyam Islands.

Naked Island

Our island hopping adventure kicked off on our first destination – the Naked Island. The island is only 25 minutes ride away from our jump-off point. Actually, this island has similarity with the White Island in Camiguin wherein you will see nothing but a bar of white sand. Here in Naked Island though, you can see small patches of grasses thriving in the area.

Just like the White Island, the Naked Island will decrease its size when the tide is high. It will be your island of choice if you wish to have your skin tanned.

Me at Naked Island

Dako Island

Now this island here is by far the best white sand beach I have ever been to in Mindanao! The Dako Island’s name is in significance with the island’s size because it is the largest island among the three.

Why I’m saying that is by far the best beach in Mindanao? Well, let me state the reasons: I find its white sand to be very fine; adding up to its beauty is its serenity because the area is secluded; it is as well abounded with lots of coconut trees which according to many has the sweetest taste; and of course, the surrounding crystal clear waters of the island creates a perfect reflection of the sky’s hue. More description? Nah, just see the pics of the island here.

Guyam Island

Our last destination is the Guyam Island. Unlike the first two islands we visited, it is rocky (coral rocks of different forms, sizes and shapes) and full of craters. The island’s size is as big as four basketball fields formed together. Aside from rocks, trees also populate the island with one small cottage in its middle.

Tip: If you wish to go for island hopping, it is advisable to rent an outside banca or boat because it is cheaper as compared to the rates offered by the resorts. When we did our island hopping there, we only paid Php 1,500 for the boat which can accommodate a maximum of ten persons.

I have been to Intramuros for a couple of visits. Its mysterious past triggers my hype to explore the place more.

Here is my list of MUST DOS when you visit INTRAMUROS..

1.) Start your journey by walking on the walls… It is like you are in a 2-storey high building, you can see the busy streets of Intramuros from up there. I feel safer walking here than in the streets. Meet some guards who impersonate the “guardia civils”. See the cannons that peek through the walls.

2.) Or maybe, try the kalesa which can tour you around the city without the pain of walking for miles. Prepare 300.00 for this though. The kutcheros are also informative tour guides.

3.) Witness the beauty of 2 exquisite churches- the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church (the oldest standing church in the Philippines).

4.) Visit some historical landmarks that will teach you more about our country’s past. This was the only time I knew that the 1st UST was standing here.

5.) Want to play golf? Then enjoy their golf course. Playing at night will not be a problem either because the place is well lit.

6.) You must not miss out going to Fort Santiago, the place where our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned. Rizal stayed here before his execution. You can even see a replicated footprints of his pathway out. You can also enter his museum where a lot of his old writings are displayed, and some of his garments and stuffs. Entrance fee to Fort Santiago: 75.00 (adult) 50.00 (student). They also have cool kalesas inside.

7.) I would also like to feature something, I found Starbucks, Jollibee and McDonalds inside Intramuros, but its design is pretty fascinating, it looked like part of the old architecture.

8.)  There are also great restaurants you can try inside this walled city. Barbara’s Restaurant is known to offer buffet meals where guests are entertained by a cultural presentation every night. There is also 9 spoons, skydeck and Cioccolata Churros Cafe at the Bayleaf Hotel premises. Ilustrado and Binalot are other food options.

9.)  The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros is also a commendable hotel for it provides its guests good service in an affordable price. I checked-in for a night and I can say that their crew was really passionately serving their guests. They catered my requests well. The hotel itself has great architecture. It is new and the rooms are spacious and clean. I got a room with a great view of Intramuros.

Written by Tammy Sulit

If you have plans to visit Bohol this summer and you want to experience something different and something extreme then E.A.T Danao is the best place to go.

Danao Adventure used to be Francisco Dagohoy’s base camp during the Spanish era wherein he used one of the caves, Ka-Mira Cave as their hide-out. Because of the place’s natural beauty, LGU and other people’s organization decided to create the facility to drive in tourists and share to them the wonders of Danao.

E.A.T (Extreme/Eco/Educational Adventure Tour) Danao is now an LGU initiated facility that offers visitors with various adventure activities that include jumping off a cliff (The Plunge), zipline and cable car (Suislide and Skyride) , wall climbing, kayaking and cave explorations .

Travel Guide

How to Get There

Situated 72 kilometers away from the Tagbilaran City, Danao is truly a great escape from your usual vacation in Bohol. It usually takes 2 hours of travel if you are using private service but 3 hours if you travel by bus. Private services for Tagbilaran-Danao-Tagbilaran trip usually costs Php3,500 given that the place is really far and the road going there is quite unfriendly. If that amount is way too big for your budget, try to hire taxis and rent them for a day, they can give you as low as Php2,500 roundtrip. But if you want to start your adventure earlier, you can commute to Danao via bus and habal-habal. Bus fee is Php85.00/person while the habal-habal fee from poblacion to the Adventure Park is Php40.00/person.

Below are the bus schedules from Dao Terminal Tagbilaran City to Danao Proper and vice versa.

Tagbilaran to Danao

• Morning-  5:00 am, 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am
• Afternoon- 12:00 noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm,3:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm and 6:30pm

Danao to Tagbilaran

• Morning- 4:00 am, 5:30 am, 6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am and 11:30 am
• Afternoon- 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm

What to See

A two to three hour rough ride can be exhausting even if you are not the one driving. But you will regain your energy as soon as you’re near the adventure park. At first, you won’t know that you are already in their premises since there was no gate or any welcome sign (or probably we just overlooked it). Anyway, as soon as you are there you see a lot of signage telling you of the sights to where your chosen adventure will take place. But even before you proceed, you should have already thought of what you want, so here’s a list of the adventures they offer and their prices:

The Plunge (Php700.00/person). This is their most popular adventure. It is their own version of bungee jumping wherein you will have to jump 45 meters off in the air before you’ll actually be swinging around like a pendulum!

Suislide (Php350.00/person). This is the term they use for zipline wherein you and your partner will be suspended up in the air travelling across the two points giving you the perfect position to see the best of nature below. The fee is already for roundtrip.

SkyRide (Php250.00/person). Just like Suislide, you will be suspended up in the air through a cable but this time around you and your company (up to 4 people) will sit in a small carriage that will travel across two points back and forth. Getting to other side of the cable takes more minutes than Suislide so you get to really enjoy the view below.

Caving. There are two caves you and your company can go for exploration. Ka-Mira Cave is best for beginners and is worth Php350.00 per person while Baliho Caving is for the more experienced spelunkers and is worth Php550.00. The Ka-Mira Cave usually takes an hour of exploration and safer than the Baliho Cave, which according to the guides have snakes in it.

According to the guides, Ka-Mira Cave was Francisco Dagohoy’s hideout during the Spanish era. Through this cave, the hero was able to put up the longest revolutionary movement because it is perfectly hidden in the forest and has no other way out but the entrance itself. Inside the cave are great formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

Other adventures include Ziplet (Php100.00), Wall Climb (Php100.00), River Kayak (Php300.00) and River Trek (Php300.00).

Written by Hazel Annelou Cirunay

With the goal of exploring the Western part of Saranggani, our team headed to our first stop in Maitum, Saranggani. What’s so special about this town is that it offers a popular sports activity known as White Water Tubing. This sport activity almost has the same thing as what white water rafting offers only that adventurers like us, will have to sit on a tube while taking on the mighty currents of the river. And oh, did I mention that is an individual adventure? Not that you take it out on your own because you have your guide at your back, but you can’t propel against the water together with your buddies like what white water rafting usually does.

La union, Maitum

Going There

Maitum is 9 kilometers away from the highway of Maitum Proper and from the drop-off point; you will have to traverse again for another kilometer to get to the Pangi River in La Union. Upon arrival you will have to undergo some briefing before you head on to start the challenge. Below is our actual journey wherein we rode a hired motorcycle to drop as off on the site. A guide is also shown here in the picture while he performs demo on how to properly ride the rubber tire with tube.

Going there

The Adventure

Our adventure started as soon as we had ourselves ready and the right apparel on. We were then asked to lie down on the tube. Guides were assigned to each of us to help us navigate through the waters and help us up should there be instances that we fall. It was their firm instruction to never let go of the rubber handles because it will keep our balance against the rapid waters.

Rapids

Boulders and the extreme rush of the waters kept the adventure very exciting! Its strong current will not only sway you through the rapids but will smack you down if you can’t keep your balance.

The entire journey is not all about rapids though; you come to pass as well gentle streams of the river. This is the time you enjoy the scenic beauty surrounding the river and enjoy the cool breeze of fresh air.

I survived!

You know you’re done when you survived the rapids and wear the biggest smile. I just did (look at my picture) and I survived!

Cost: The total cost of the adventure excluding the travel en route to Maitum is Php160.00 (Php150.00 for the adventure and Php10.00 for the environmental fee)

Tip: It is advisable though that you book your adventure ahead of time for the guides to prepare all the things that you will need for the adventure.

This infographic made for CityPASS.

Not everyone knows that travelling is actually healthy. Yes, it is expensive and some even consider it as a dead asset, but a yearly vacation won’t hurt a bit right? If you are able to reward yourself with expensive and delicious foods, why not spend some for travelling giving you not just a whole lot of fun and adventure but also do great wonders on your health. Travelling is healthy and there had been a lot of studies that showed how travelling can benefit one’s health and how it boosts our entire system thereby prolonging the years of our lives.

We left the city at breaking dawn on-board Annika Gayle. Our one hour travel was filled with mixed emotions of excitement and apprehension. We all have stories and perception about Basilan—most of which we’ve heard from friends, validated or unvalidated, over time these stories found its way to make us constantly fearful of exploring the place. I insisted to stay at the upper deck of the boat, even if it means standing all throughout the trip, so that I can have a better view of the surrounding islands.

The fishermen line themselves up early morning, sitting through the waves and tides, hoping to have a good catch.

Basilan is a melting pot of ethnic groups such as Yakan, Badjao and Tausug. As we approach the port of Isabela City, we passed by this small water village of Badjaos. At that moment, I feel like entering a whole new dimension with immense simplicity. A quiet morning with a view of people doing their regular routine—I appreciate its stillness.

There are many foods to choose from in their market, a long stretch of various fishes, native goodies and the like but we were just too lazy to carry some and ‘cook’. Quick trivia, in this part of the country hindi uso ang weighing scale, because they don’t sell fish by kilo, they sell them by stack. Abundance is the term, they don’t really mind losing a gram or two because they can readily get a supply whenever they want. We reached Isbela at about 7:30 in the morning, from the port we went straight to this happy place called Jollibee, the sole branch in the area and grab some chicken joy! Classic!

I know two ways of reaching the white sand resort in Malamawi. First and the easiest way, rent a water vessel. There are several bankas available in the port which you can hire for Php 1,000, they will bring you to and from the resort. Second is the conventional way of reaching the resort (the route we took), from the port of Isabela you can take a banka that will bring you to Malamawi, how much? Php 5.00. Its cheap because it follows the jeepney principle, anim sa kanan at anim sa kabila (six on the left and six on the right). We patiently waited for the banka to get enough passengers.

On extreme circumstances, you may try this.

As we reach Malamawi, we hired Habal Habal for Php 25 per head, each motorcycle can accommodate two people or maximum of three. It will take you about 20 minutes to reach the white sand resort. The road going there is mostly cement, so you don’t have to worry so much about the ache of traveling on unpaved roads.

After all is said and done, we reached our destination—naturally we were in awe when we saw this.

And this.

And more.

I spoiled my eyes with hues beautifully placed together—‘the smell of the air, the open sky and the ever-inviting sea made room for everything in my life.’ Yes, mapapaemote ka sa ganda!

While we were in the resort I took a short walk alone on the shoreline. I noticed this local who was fishing since we arrived, from afar I thought it was his fishing paraphernalia tied around his waist, but as I came closer I realized that they were fishes neatly tied next to each other. Living simply.

I politely asked Kuya if I can take photos of him and his catch, and he readily said yes. I ended the conversation telling him ‘sobrang ganda ng lugar niyo, Kuya. Salamat po sa picture.’ (You’re place is so beautiful. Thank you for the picture).
We spent the whole day in the island and I couldn’t care any less about the stories I have heard before this trip. I look at the sea and the sky and the serenity surrounding me, I am thankful that I went on as planned. Many of us believe that we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world and indeed we are. I have seen it right before my eyes.

When we tried posting a photo of Malamawi online, people appreciated it so much. Others were so thankful for allowing them to have a glimpse of its seascape. But there are also some of us who started bashing the island, telling us that we are lucky to come out alive and congratulating us for being too brave and fearless. If you truly believe that we are a country filled with immense natural beauty then the least we can do is to refrain from destroying its reputation. Remember that even the slightest ill phrase you tell about the island in the Philippines is tantamount to speaking ill to the entire nation where it belongs.

I understand where your fears are coming from, but I think we should draw the line between cautioning and disparaging Malamawi or Basilan as whole to people. It is part of the Philippines as much as any other islands in the archipelago, we ought to give the respect and appreciation it deserves.

Before we went to Basilan, we did a little research about the island through pages available online. I can’t help but notice how the people who have been to the island label their albums ‘don’t tell my mom I went to Malamawi’ or ‘Don’t tell my Parents I’ve spent a day in Basilan’, I on the other hand will tell my family that I have been to Malamawi and I will describe to them every spec of its beauty.

But have you ever heard of an island that’s blushing?

Blushing like this:

Come closer.

And closer.

South of the Philippines, there’s an island called Sta. Cruz, located at the periphery of Zamboanga City. It has a long stretch of powdery sand that resembles a pink hue—thanks to the red organ pipe corals all over the place that disintegrated through time. Indeed, there’s beauty in breakdown.

Imagine the many years of natural disintegration that took place to allow this exquisiteness to surface.

Most of the visitors are from mainland of Zamboanga, so expect an unspoiled, non-commercialized feel of the place. Bring water. Trust me on this, I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. There are no food stalls, no fancy restaurants, but you can enjoy their fresh catch of Kasag- a local term for crabs.

Manong showing his first catch of the day, we bought it for 250 pesos.

Before.

After.

Of course, you don’t want to see the after of the after. Served fresh and hot with native suka and sili= bliss!

Despite the simplicity and laid back feel of the island, there are many things you can do while you are here. Swim like a mermaid in the pristine waters of Sta Cruz, take a walk alone, with your lover or friends on the long stretch of its pinkish white sand, buy pearls from the Badjaos at a very reasonable price, enjoy the sun, the salt and the vibes of the sea!

How to get here:

• Fly to Zamboanga City. All major airline companies have daily flights to and from the city.
• Important: Visit the Regional Department of Tourism office located at Lantaka Hoteal atleast two days before your plan visit to the island. For your safety and security, they require all visitors to register so that they can include you in the manifest and request police escorts that will accompany you during your visit.
• Tricycle is the most convenient mode of transportation when you’re in Zamboanga, so on the day of your visit, hire a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to Paseo del Mar.
  • Insiders tip: Negotiate your fare before you take a tricy, the fares vary a lot depending on your and driver’s attitude. :p
  • For landmark, Paseo del Mar is located next to Fort Pilar and National Museum.
• From Paseo del Mar, it will take you about 20 minutes to reach the island onboard a motor boat which can accommodate approximately 10 people. For non mermaids, each boat is equipped with life savers in case you need it. They will collect 120 pesos each, inclusive of round trip fare, terminal fee and entrance fee to the island.

For a country blessed with so much natural resources, the 7,107 islands will never run out of beautiful places and interesting insights that will knock you or sweep you off your feet. Wander, wander some more, wander far off your comfort zone. There are far, far better things than any we leave behind- C. S. Lewis.

Afterall, we are seated in the front row; there are so many premiums that go along with VIP pass, it won’t lose its magic too soon. Chase it!

If you are seeking for a beach getaway in cloistered areas or simply exploring the richness of Mindanao, here’s a rundown of its Ten Best Beaches to guide you through your quest:

Dako Island in Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has been the host to numerous surfing contests enticing in both local and foreign surfers. Aside from its famous waves, Siargao is as well a haven for white sandy beaches, numerous islets, abundant marine life, mangroves and caves.

Of the many islands found in Siargao, Dako is the largest (Dako is the Visayan term for large). Unlike the Naked Island, Dako Island grows coconut trees and some cottages so island hoppers can really enjoy its pure white sand and clear blue waters.

More Photos here: Dako Island: One of the Best Beaches in the Philippines

Dakak Beach Resort, Dapitan City, ZaNorte

A diving mecca found in Northern Zamboanga in Mindanao, Dakak Park and Beach Resort offers visitors and diving enthusiasts with not only copious coral reefs with thriving tropical marine life, but also a sanctuary of native plants and animals. The sprawling 15 hectares of wooden land makes it an ideal getaway because of its well-preserved white sandy beach with a nearly perfect season as it is well-surrounded with large islands shielding it from typhoons.

More Photos here: Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan, ZaNorte

Samal Island, Davao del Norte

It’s a sure thing that when people visit Davao, they’ll definitely include island hopping in Samal as their itinerary. Samal Island has become a highly visited place in Mindanao as it offers spectators with what beach bums would love to see – White Sandy Beach! Isla Reta, an island found in Talicud, IGACOS is rather a quiet retreat where one can purely have just fun and relaxation. Its crystal clear turquoise waters are like mirrors that show reflection of the sanctuary below while the white sand shores gives you the comfort to simply sit and relax and appreciate the nature presented before you.

More Photos here : Isla Reta Beach Resort, Samal Island

Sta.Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

White sand beaches are pretty much common, right? But a pink sand beach is.. unique and boldly beautiful! The Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands are simply amazing not only because it is as well a diving mecca in the Zamboanga strip, but also because of its unique pinkish powdery sand. Actually, the sand is naturally white but red Organ-pipe Corals break down mixing its pulverized form with the beaches’ white sand, hence the sand’s pink characteristic.

More Photos here : Sta. Cruz: The Pink Island in West Mindanao

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