2010 is Trip@dora’s birth year

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Trip@dora

When 2010 came in, I didn’t expect but I did wish that it would be a travel year. In my 2009 year-ender blog, I wrote, “I wish and hope for more travels this 2010.”

Despite my puzzled life, God still showered me with blessings. Thank you Lord! I survived another year! Trip@dora explored 15 domestic destinations and 1 international destination.

My 2010 highlights:

Jovial January

The North Philippines Visitors Bureau invited me to join the Lakbay Norte—a tour of the north. For seven days (January 24-31, 2010), I rediscovered eight (8) provinces in the North along with cool bloggers and fellow journalists, who later on became my friends. In one chilling bus, we traveled a total of 1,798 kilometers covering Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac.

Here were the highlights of the trip:

Funky February

I was supposed to go to Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival but circumstances didn’t allow me to. Fortunately, I was able to witness for the second time, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival! Colorful big balloons filled the blue sky. It was such a wonderful sight. There’s even a beer balloon! lol.

Memorable March

-I was busy with my new work so no travel for me for this month. But then, I still felt privileged and lucky to meet and interview the Filipino boxing legend-turned-congressman, Manny Pacquiao. I even had my boxing gloves signed.

-It’s also the birth month of Trip@dora. Inspired by my travel blogger friends, I decided to bring Trip@dora to life. This is my way of helping Philippine tourism by promoting our 7,107 beautiful islands. As I’ve responded to Melo Villareal’s question, Travel blogging 101: Why do you want to blog:

“Tripadora was born because of hope, belief, and love. Life should be lived to the fullest. I have started writing about my misadventures and adventures with the hope that these would help and encourage travelers to explore the Philippines. Filipinos should not be strangers in their own country or to put it with emphasis, ‘Wag tayong maging dayuhan sa sarili nating bansa. Tourism in the Philippines has great potentials, which should be made known to the world. I believe that our country will progress when the tourism sector is empowered. I love the Philippines and this is my contribution to help the Pearl of the Orient regain its luster.”

Adventurous April

-After waiting for a month, my itchy feet were ready to roam the largest city in the world–Davao City. It was another adventure month as I’ve tried three ziplines! I’d definitely return since I missed Camp Sabros’ zipline in Kapatagan.

-The fun continued in Samal Island! Thank God I have Wish, my Canon D10! Snorkeling was fun with underwater shots

I still have a lot of backlogs for this trip but here were the articles that I wrote:

Marvelous May

-This was a busy month for work because of the Philippine elections. Nonetheless, I found time to enjoy summer and joined Mama’s incentive trip in Shangri-La Boracay. Since I booked within the week of travel, the fare was quite expensive. But the joy shared with the family was priceless.

Money is just money. Experience lasts a lifetime!

-Off-topic (work-related): I also went to General Santos City during this month for a one-on-one interview with no less than the boxing champ, Manny Pacquiao.

But here’s a travel-related post on General Santos City and South Cotabato:

Exploring the Ancient South

Jumpy June

We covered the Epic Relay 250-km in Subic. One of the pit stops was the Pawikan Sanctuary in Morong, Bataan. I was saddened when I saw the state of the pawikans in their rehabilitation pond.

But during our visit, the caretaker assured us that they would be in a better place when the ‘Pawikan Center’ is finished.

Jammed July-September

Travel hiatus. I was busy with work covering the UAAP and the NCAA. But it was fun working especially if you have these kind of people around you. lol

Su is a monsterrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!

Optimistic October
-At last, it’s flying time again for Trip@dora! I missed covering Philippine Festivals from my previous work. So, when October came, I didn’t let the chance pass to experience the colorful MassKara Festival in Bacolod City.

It was another first time travel. It’s also my first time to travel solo since my supposed companions backed out from the trip. (I’ve yet to blog about this. haha. backlogs

Notable November

-November has always been special to me since it’s my birth month. To celebrate another year of life, I treated my parents to paradise: Coron getaway

Dazzling December

-My supposed Hong Kong trip last September was postponed to December due to the hostage crisis in August. Though I paid penalty fees for rebooking, I was glad that I did choose December.

It’s winter season in Hong Kong. No, they didn’t have snow but still I was able to wear winter clothes. hahaha. I love the cool weather! Reminiscing childhood memories in Disneyland was fun! I have yet to write my entries for this trip. haha. backlogs again.

But here were the videos that I took:

Traveling is not just a matter of seeing the views and going to places. It’s enriching not only your life but also the lives of the people whom you meet along the way. It’s learning in a vast classroom of life.

Cheers to another year of exploring the unexplored and living life to the fullest! This is Trip@dora bidding 2010 goodbye! 2011, get ready! Backpack and GPS are ready! hahaha.

Shoebox of 2010 Memories

Habal-Habal to Hagimit Falls

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Trip@dora

Translation

“Treasures are just around the corner. You just have to dig and discover them.”- I.M.

This best describes my short trip to the Hagimit Falls last May2010. (I know it was long overdue. haha. But thanks to my vivid memory.)

It was a Sunday so part of the itinerary was to hear mass. Good thing, there’s the Immaculate Conception Parish in Penaplata, Samal Island, which is near the Hagimit Falls.

My brother, Lola, and I left Bluwaters Beach Resort in Limao, Samal at around 3pm. Here’s a map to our destination.

The staff of the resort told us that the only way to get to Hagimit Falls was their local transport called the Habal-Habal (a motorcycle which can carry two or three persons depending on the size). Thank God, my lola agreed to ride the habal-habal. I paid Php 500.00 (back and forth ride) for the three of us. The regular rate according to the staff is Php 300.00 (one-way) so we got a discount of Php 100.00 since we were booked at the Bluwaters.

So off we go on the rough road in Limao. It was one exhilarating ride passing by the residences of the locals. Since it was election time during our visit, my journalistic instinct struck me and so I asked the driver, “Kuya, sinong malakas dito sa lugar nyo?” And he said, “Si Erap. Si Erap ang iboboto ko.” I asked why. “E kasi di ba, naging presidente na ‘sya? So kaya nyang patakbuhin ang bansa,” he answered.

After an hour, we arrived at the Immaculate Conception Church for the mass. I was a bit torn since the sun was setting down and I might lose the light I need to capture the beauty of Hagimit. We decided to stay and finish the mass. The sun was really bidding the sky goodbye so we hurried to the Hagimit Falls, which is about 20 minutes away from the town proper of Penaplata.

I was surprised when I saw the entrance to the Hagimit Falls. Based on previous research, the entrance was only Php 10.00 but the signage bears the amount Php 40.00.

Our good driver from the resort also acted as our tour guide. He said the place was developed by a wealthy family in Samal.

Hence, the way to the Hagimit Falls has been easier with the cemented stairs and pathways. The 800-step stairs was helpful. You can hold onto the hand rail to assist you with the pull of gravity in going down.

I was really rushing to capture the best spot in the Hagimit Falls. But coming unprepared with no tripod was a big mistake. I was so frustrated with my waterfall shots. But here are the best that I got:

Lessons learned:

1. Visit Hagimit Falls in the morning and not in the afternoon. For campers, you can stay overnight here since there are cottages. A cottage (bahay kubo where you can sit and eat) costs Php 250.00.

2. (For photoholics like me) Bring a lightweight/traveling tripod to take clear, sharp shots of the waterfalls.

I’d definitely return to take a dip and jump into the pepsi-blue nature pool. Hagimit is truly an enchanting place!

Suggested Trip Itinerary for future Travelers:

For a day trip:

1.AM- Visit Hagimit Falls. Take a dip into the pool! Refreshing Waterfalls.

Hagimit Falls and Nature Park

Cawag-Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal

contact no: 0917-667-4831 /0920 587 2430

2. PM- Visit Monfort Bat Cave (home to the world’s largest colony of fruit bats) in Babak, Samal Island (which is north of Penaplata)

Wanderlust in Samal Island (PART 2)

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Trip@dora

Translation

As promised, here’s the second part of my adventure as a wanderlust in Samal Island. You can read PART 1 here

Tripadora became an Island Explorer! This was my first do-it-yourself island hopping tour. I didn’t avail of any tour packages offered. Instead, I tried to arrange the trip for me, my brothers and my lola.

Since Bluwaters Resort has its own boat, we availed the services of the boat. Half-day island hopping costs me Php 3,500 (all four of us). I know it’s a bit pricey and a pain in the pocket but I valued the beauty that my camera can capture more than my torn pocket.

We left the resort at around 8:30 am and started sailing amid the greens and the blues of nature.

Our goal for the day was to see not only the grandeur of the islands but also the underwater treasures of the Coral Garden at Talikud Island, the neighbor of Samal Island.

Talikud Island is a haven of turquoise waters and unspoiled beauty. Locals called it Talikud (Talikud means “at the back”) because it’s literally situated at the back of Samal Island.

Before going to the Coral Garden, we passed by Babusanta Beach, where other island hoppers stop by for lunch.

Photo-Op first with Wish, my Canon D10 before plunging to the waters. I snorkeled with my brother IG.

Check out the magnificent treasures underwater. Too bad, we didn’t find Nemo. We forgot to bring bread crumbs to attract the school of fish.

Snorkeling was indeed tiring. So don’t forget to bring water and bananas to boost your energy.

Another wonder at Talikud Island is the rustic beauty of Isla Reta. Isla Reta is divided into two parts. At Isla Reta 2, you can find a small cave and can catch a glimpse of wild birds.

Here’s a photo of a wild bird (sorry, I don’t know what specie this is.) caught by Rash, my Canon 450d. Due to the limited capacity of my lens, this was the best that I can get.

Meanwhile Isla Reta 1 has cottages and boasts a stretch of fine white sand. We didn’t spend much time here so I’d definitely return for a beach camping!

Of course, we didn’t forget to pass by the world famous Pearl Farm Resort. And since I didn’t have the budget yet to experience Pearl Farm, I just captured it in photos. Here’s a photo of the Samal Houses.

I must admit, I’m a photoholic. So here’s a stream of photos of the eye-candy sights that I captured.

Samal and Talikud Islands definitely struck me. I shall return just like McArthur!

Wanderlust in Samal Island (Part 1)

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Trip@dora

Translation

Izah Morales

Beautiful is an understatement. The Island Garden City of Samal is enchanting! The wanderlust in me led me to see one of Mindanao’s treasure island.

When I drafted my itinerary for a trip to Davao, I made sure I had Samal Island on my list of places to go to. Samal Island lies in the Davao Gulf and is just minutes away from Davao City. Even if you’re on a tight schedule, you can still visit this island.

Let me count the reasons why you should go to Samal Island:

1. Hop from one island to another and capture the unspoiled beauty of the islands like Samal’s small neighbor, Talikud Island.

2. Swim in the turquoise waters

3. Snorkel and see the underwater wonders

4. Nature trip at Hamiguitan Falls

5. See the Monfort Bat Cave where the largest colony of fruit bats reside. It even landed on the Guiness Book of World Records.

6. Ride the Habal-habal and experience the thrill.

Check out my next post for our island hopping, underwater, and Hamiguitan adventures.

How to go to Samal Island

You have a number of options in going to this island.

1. Since we reserved a room at Bluewaters Beach Resort, we went to the Marina Wharf, Lanang Beach Club where Danica, the boat of the resort is docked. Lanang Beach Club, located at Lanang, Davao, is six kilometers away from Davao City.

Lanang Beach Club is also the docking area of the boat going to the world-class Pearl Farm Resort.

Pick-up time is 7:00am. If other guests are riding with you, then you don’t have to pay P200 to go to the resort.

Travel time from Lanang, Aplaya to Bluewaters is about 10 minutes.

The Waiting area of BlueWaters at Lanang

2. Another option is to ride a ferry at Sta. Ana Wharf at Magsaysay Park. Fare is 50 pesos. Or ride a bus going to Samal Island at Magsaysay Park.

Accommodation

Blue Waters Beach Resort

I chose this resort since their prices are affordable. The apartel room costs 1,800 pesos for two persons and you just need to add 300 pesos in case of an extra person. It’s not your A-class resort but the rooms are decent and the people are friendly.

The staff even helped us in our inland and island hopping tour. I’ll tell more about it in my next post.

But what I didn’t like is the FOOD. It’s not that delicious and it’s quite expensive. It’s better to bring your own food. Two BBQ sticks with rice and mango cost around P180.