Palawan: The Philippines’ Frontier

Tagged as the country’s frontier, Palawan has been highly-recognized for its preservation of natural habitat, dramatic landscapes, unique underwater views and abundant rainforest.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, whether you want to spend your vacation in beaches or at the top of the mountains, Palawan should be your number one destination for a fun-filled summer vacation that is hard to forget.

If you happen to visit Puerto Princesa, never fail to see its underground river. With the river’s cool stalagmites and natural formation of stalactites, the entire place simply deserves to be called as one of the seven new wonders of the world. Walking along the trail to the monkey path’s entrance can be a little scary experience especially for the little children but for the grown-ups, it is surely a sensational activity.

The Kayangan Lake ranks second in TripAdvisor, as the most-recommended tourist attraction in Palawan. The picturesque lake is located in the interior of the island and just by staying at one side; you will surely be amazed by the unspoiled beauty of the series of views.

Calling all the attention of the young divers and divers at heart - The Diving Centre in El Nido is offering courses for everyone who wants to learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of the exciting activity. The courses are tailored for beginners, for those who dive for fun purposes only and for those people who are very determined to become skilled divers. Also, assure yourself that all the divemasters are trained professionals and all sets of equipment are new and well-maintained.

No interest for diving? Do not fret. You can still enjoy other fun activities in El Nido, which include snorkeling, island hopping, swimming and fishing.

Summer vacation, celebrating wedding anniversaries, memorable birthdays, unforgettable honeymoons and many more, these are all accomplish while your stay in El Nido.

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Experience the Luxurious Life at Thunderbird Resorts

What is Thunderbird Resorts?

The Thunderbird Resorts is the only and the grandest five-star hotel located in the northern part of the Philippines (one in Rizal and the other one in Poro Point in La Union). Book a visit here and you’ll only experience a life living in the supreme resort venues and your dream peninsula.

The Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal is your serene sanctuary by the mountain. This is simply a spectacular venue ideal for relaxing and for rediscovering yourself. They pride themselves with their 41-suite luxury resort filled with tropical foliage, stylish interior design and all services are world-class.

Hop your way to Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point, La Union if you are in search of nature’s beauty finely tuned by luxurious dips. The entire paradise is simply overwhelming and it’s overlooking the white sand beach stretching into the South China Sea.

Activities, Services & Accommodation

Every inch of luxury and comfort are seen and felt at Thunderbird Resorts. Whether you choose Rizal or Poro Point, take your time to indulge in their international cuisine and gourmet feasts. Go out to enchant yourself with their picturesque views and get thrilled with the unlimited fun and entertainment.

The Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal offers an array of excellent facilities. They have service facilities and it includes shuttle service, large parking areas, bell service, valet parking, concierge, laundry and 24-hours room services. You’ll surely not get bored with their sports and gaming facilities that include table tennis, beach volleyball, golf & obstacle course, infinity swimming pool, Fiesta Casino and the Cabana Bar. Meet and plan your business projects inside their Lobby Room, Narra Function Room or Pool Bar then satisfy your palate with their Asian Fusion Cuisine in KOI Restaurant.

The Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point redefines the rich Mediterranean Architecture influenced by Greece. The entire place satisfies you with their ambient luxury suites with mini-bar, in-room kitchen, cable television, Jacuzzi-style bath, Internet connectivity and a dazzling panorama of the South China Sea. They also have a wide range of facilities: service (24-hour shuttle service, large parking areas, bell service, valet parking, concierge and laundry services, room service), sports (cliffs golf, beach club, Santorini swimming pool, basketball half-court, jogging path), meeting facilities (Patio Santorini, Lobby Meeting Room, Amphitheater), food & beverage outlets (Olives Restaurant, Pool Bar, Cabana Bar, Vegas Café and Patio Santorini).

Rates & Fees

For any reservations, inquiries and other concerns, just send a mail to Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal rizalreservations@thunderbird-asia.com and Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point pororeservations@thunderbird-asia.com

How to Arrive at Thunderbird Resorts?

Rizal: A free shuttle service is available from Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, SM City Taytay, Lores Mall in Antipolo and Angono & Binangonan Municipal Hills. If you live near EDSA, your ideal destination is to arrive at Greenhills. Upon reaching the intersecting road, turn left, pass along the Galleria-Ortigas Avenue- Junction until you arrive at Shopwise. From Shopwise, turn right to reach the Lores Supermarket. From there, you need to turn left to find Eastridge Golf Club and finally, the Thunderbird Resorts.

Poro Point, La Union: For those who are living in San Fernando City, go right to reach Soldier Monument. From there, make your way along the Pennsylvania Avenue until you arrive at Poro Point. At Poro point, it is expected you to see the Thunderbird Resorts located near the cliffs and beach club. From Manila, just go straight and pass Bauang National Highway, Gas Station and Oasis Hotel. Once you arrive at Soldier Monument, turn left, travel through the Pennsylvania Avenue until you reach Poro Point. At Poro Point, search for signs going to Thunderbird Resorts located near the cliffs and beach club.

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Hagimit Falls

As what other people believe, a waterfall is a symbol of rejuvenated cleansing. It’s hard to ignore its natural free flowing water no matter how big or small it is. Look beyond what you see and you seem to realize a waterfall is nature’s way of saying wash yourself and live the life you want to have.

Located in the Southern part of the Philippines (just two kilometers away from Penaplata), there stood the Hagimit Falls – the Garden City of Samal’s crowning glory due to its relaxing ambiance. The formation of the rocks where the water is flowing (about 6 feet high to 3 feet high) is in its finest. The numerous trees that surround the place are its mighty soldiers keeping the entire area clean and green. Dip your body on the flow of the current and you’ll instantly discover its invisible magic that soothes not only the exterior side of you but for the most part, it also heals the inner part of you.

Hagimit Falls is also an ideal camping site for a small group of friends or a family of five members who want to reboot themselves from all the types of stress by living in the city. Tents can be built on the side, cook some nutritious food, drink some wine while witnessing the real beauty what Mother Nature can bring. The Hagimit Falls certainly offers you the serenity you’ve been searching for in years that even the prominent writers such as John Grisham and JK Rowling might want to stay here to finish their next bestselling novel.

The entrance fee is cheap and affordable. Of all the negative feedback circulated around the Internet, seeing Hagimit Falls is not a disappointment. Getting here is worth all your effort and worth all your money you need to spend.

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Experience Serenity @ Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a fourteen-hectare spread and was recognize as only a pearl farm. The resort is blessed with thousands of white-lipped oysters and cultivated pink, white and gold pearls. Today, Pearl farm Beach Resort promises a soothing and private retreat. Anything is you need is supervised by its congenial and charming staffs.

Accommodation

Deluxe Accommodation is available. The beach resort has seventy-three guestrooms as well as suites and cottages on elevated above the sea. Exclusive villas are inspired from the influences of Maranao and Samal ethnics, materials and form.

• Hilltop Room
• Samal House
• Mandaya House
• Samal Suite
  

Few hundred meters away from Samal Island is the seven exclusive villas. These villas offer you a golf playing field with three holes. At the remaining hours of the day, you can chill while walking on the unspoiled white sand beach.

Facilities

• Play like Roger Federer in their tennis courts.
• The resort also offers a wide array of water sports such as:
• Wind Surfing
• Water Polo
• Jet Skiing
• Water Skiing
• Banana Boat Rides
• Scuba Diving
• Sea Kayaks
• Hobie Cats
• Wave Runners
• Ylang Ylang Spa
• Three function rooms and boardrooms for power meetings and conferences
• The Gameroom offers you fun-filled and leisure activities.
  

Reservations and Packages

Reservations are done online. You can also avail of their various packages to make sure you experience the zest of your vacation escapade.

• Dream Holidays Package
• Family Package
• Bed and Breakfast Package
• Dream Honeymoon Package
  

Rates (in US Dollars) do vary and it might change without formal notice. If you like to know other important details about those deals or to make a direct negotiation, contact their 24-hour Help Desk at (632) 910-4203 up to 05.

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Weekend at Villa de Mercedes

Villa de Mercedes is a first class subdivision located in Catigan, Toril. The subdivision is ideal if you want to settle in a secluded place and away from the city. It was developed by Uraya Lands and with the price of 6, 500Php per square meter; it’s definitely not for everyone. The beautifully constructed guard house can instantly give you a hint that rich people are living inside the subdivision. Another thing you should know about the place is that it is not accessible if you don’t own a car because it is almost a 2 kilometers travel from the highway.

So what’s up with this place that I even bother to write a something about it? Well, a first class subdivision can’t be considered first class if it does not have a first class club house, right? Villa de Mercedes takes pride of its very magnificent club house. I have been to several club houses but none can compare to the astonishing club house of the subdivision. I have to say that the pool is best viewed during night time because of the light that illuminates under the water. What makes the club house the best is that you get see an over looking view of Davao City.

The pool is child friendly because there’s a part of the pool that is intended for kids. The pool is only 4 feet deep so it is also friendly to those does not know how to swim. You have to be in your proper swimming outfit before you can enjoy the pool. Other top notch features of the club house are its huge bathroom and lockers. Your valuable things are one hundred percent safe because you are provided a locker and you can have your own number combination to lock the cabinet.

The entrance is quite pricey at 150Php but it’s all worth it. I will definitely go back there and spend more time in the water.

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Camarines Sur: Wakeboarding Capital

CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) is the reason why Camarines Sur becomes a wakeboarding capital of the Philippines. CWC is probably the most popular attraction in the province and it drags thousand of crowds from different places in the world. Basically, wakeboarding involves a wakeboard over a surface of the water and for you to understand, Camarines Sur provides great facilities for this exciting hard-driven water sport and commemorates wakeboarding summit every year.

If you are excited about this sport, here are the four reasons why CWC is your next must-see destination:

1. It’s affordable. Wakeboarding rates vary on the types of equipment tool you need to rent. For a beginner who wants to explore the sport’s basic whereabouts, the price clocks at Php 160 for an hour. There are also CWC rates that require deposit and are refundable upon the return of gear. If you rent vest and helmet the whole day, its rate is Php 750. If it’s a night date, it’s Php 590 and only limited to 5-9 PM. Half day and hourly rentals buzz at Php 460 and 165, respectively. Renting the board with bindings requires a Php 1000 deposit and rings Php 250 (hourly), Php 750 (half day), Php 1200 (whole day). You might want to try the wakeboarding behind the boat. This type of activity is adrenaline-rush and surely zest up your excitement level in the next level. Prices vary at 15 (Php 1380), 30 (Php 2760) and 60 minutes (Php 5520).
2. Great Accommodations. Are you looking for comfort? Luxury? These are all in CWC. Whether you choose Villas, Mansions, Cabanas or Containers, you can make sure your lodging-stay fits your budget and you can do an advance booking online.
3. Travel phase is easy. Wherever you are in the country or anywhere in the world, you can visit Camarines Sur by bus or by plane. Traveling by air takes 45 minutes from Manila Domestic Airport while taking a bus-ride can take eight to ten hours. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, make sure you do early reservations and always double check the things you need to bring before your departure.
4. Fantastic places and attractions. Camarines Sur allows you to visit great places beyond your imagination. Shopping, gaming room, biking, massaging, hiking, swimming, it’s all nearby. Just ask the locals around you and they are willing to give you the information you want.

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Palawan: The Philippine Pride

Palawan is a long and thin island in the Philippine Archipelago, stretching 650 kilometers from northeast to southwest. The whole island is blessed with hectares of lands and tropical forests. The Puerto Princesa, its capital city, is known as the nature’s lovers paradise due to its various beaches and wildlife reserves. 

There are various attractions in Palawan and the truth is; one day is not enough to explore all these greatness. Let’s name the three of the great unseen but famous attractions. The first is the Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary in Calauit Island, Busuanga is one of those extraordinary game reserves of exotic and endemic animals from Africa. If this place is still not enough for you, you should be heading in National Road, Barangay Irawan to see the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. This center is the home of the endangered species of crocodiles and also houses a mini-zoo for other endemic animals in Palawan. Also in Busuanga is the diving hub of Coron Bay. Here, the best activities are not limited to snorkeling but alo open to safari exploration and collecting rough limestone along the cliff.

Three of the unforgettable natural wonders in the world are found in Palawan. These are El Nido Natural Reserve, Tabon Caves and Tubbataha Reefs. The 96,000-hectare of El Nido offers only the best verdant landmasses and azure seascapes. Myriad marine life is found in El Nido, from sea cows, manta rays to the tropical fishes, it’s all here!

The El Nido Resorts are also known for its hidden lagoons, palm forests, orchids, and offshore cruise points. The accommodation inside these resorts is cozy. They provide range of recreational facilities and aqua sports equipment necessarily for your get-go.

The Tabon Caves is truly an archeological treasure as this is the home of series of twenty-thousand-year-old fossils, artifacts preserves and other livelihood implements. The caves are located in Lipuua Point, Quezon, Palawan, just 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa. 

The 33,000 hectares of Tubbataha Reefs, which is located 98 miles southeast of Puerto Princesa, are the Philippine Largest Marine Reserve where you can immediately find manta rays, reef sharks, a plethora of tropical fish, and giant sea turtles around the corner. If you are a marine biologist, you’ll surely enjoy your stay at Tubbataha.  

The great national park is in Palawan. The Subterranean River National Park boasts its exquisite stalactites, glass-ice texture of seawater pools, different species of animals and opaque verdant forest. 

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Boracay: The Philippine Summer Escapade

Most Filipinos can think of only one place when the summer sun is on. The place is one of those tropical island situated just 200 miles south of Manila going two kilometers northwest of Panay in Western Visayas. The place is also under the administrative supervision of Philippine Tourism Authority. Who doesn’t know the place? Who doesn’t want Boracay?

These days, traveling to Boracay includes series of perks and gems. First off is the means of transportations. Rides are found everywhere. You can ride motor-tricycles, mountain bikes, quadbikes and motorbikes. Bancas and trampolined-boats are to be rented when you want to tour the island by water.

Boracay is a perfect summer destination due to its cool weather brought by Amihan and Habagat. These two are seasonal patterns and Amihan means the cool wind coming from the northeast while Habagat means wind from the southwest. 

The Amihan weather strikes every September, October or sometimes, it’s May or June. When Amihan begins, daytime temperatures start in 25-32 degrees Celsius stretching to 28-38. On the onset of Habagat, the island experiences tropical storms and temperatures fall to twenty degrees Celsius.

Apart from the tropical weather, Boracay is also the centerpoint of luxurious hotel, amenities, and fun-filled activities. The moment you step on the white sand, there are three stations you can choose from. The location of Station 1 is the right place for you when you seek for peace and tranquility. The Station 3 is the area for cheap lodgings while the Station 2 is for those who want to stay near the island’s bars.

Resorts, Food & Events…

There are over 3500 resorts scattered all over the place and the decision where to stay depends upon the tourist. Room prices vary from time to time and for this, it is advisable to take advantage of the off-peak rates. The rooms are usually expensive during the summer season but it’s still best to ask for any discount packages.   

The Casa Camilla Boracay is one of those affordable hotels in the island of white. The hotel is located at the boat station three. Another is M.R. Holidays Hotel. This is a two-storey building with thirteen rooms and also near the beach.

The Fat Jimmy Resort in station two is also a good choice. Here, the prices agree to your budget and the place offers the basic amenities you need daily. Other rooms to consider are: JMBS Cottages, Freckless Resort and Bamboo Lounge.

A trip to Boaracay is not a delight without splurging the food. Exquisite buffets and restaurants are all over and you must try the Aria’s Italian Food, the True Food’s Indian Cuisine and the Sea Wind’s Buffet. After eating, getting massage is ideally for grabs. Various and skilled masseuses are all over the place and having them in your side is a relaxation delight never to forget.

 

Special events are held in Boracay annually. The Asian Windsurfing Tour, Boracay International Funboard Cup and Dragon Boat are just three of the many activities. In fact, the Olympic Council of Asia declared that Boracay will host the 2014 Asian Beach Games.

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Palawan: Taking the Long Way Back

Next stop: the island of Palawan, home of the underground river and many cool dive sites... We are having a bit of trouble with the flight situations.. Many flights are only once a day and from some islands, you can only fly to Manila. So to get to Palawan, we had to take a ferry from Bohol to Cebu, take a flight from Cebu to Manila, stay the night in Manila, then take a flight to Puerto Princessa, Palawan (only once a day). The other thing is that our flight which was supposed to leave at 7 pm, did not leave until 11:30 pm. WHEW! So we finally arrived in Puerto Princessa and took a jeepney (oh this is another story all together) to a tiny town called Sabang (population about 200? basically: forget internet, good luck finding a cash exchange and most of the town is related).

Upon jumping off the top (yes mom, the roof) of the Jeepney at Sabang, we were met by a one man welcoming committee named Frances. He was very helpful. We had planned on meeting Doyle and Rachel at a particular hostel, as they had to run some errands in Puerto Princessa before coming to meet with us in Sabang. Frances showed us where to go, invited us to dinner, introduced us to his friends and invited us to join him the next day for karaokee. When Doyle and Rachel arrived, he also showed them where to find us. We had lunch at his friend Helen's restarurant and then dinner at the place he worked, who opened back up the restaurant, fired up the grill and cooked us a marvelous piece of fresh fish along with the best garlic rice I have had so far.

The next day, Doyle woke us up bright and early for a...cock fight. Our cock lost (Doyle bet 100 pesos - big spender) but it was an interesting sight to see. Next, Frances took us to the underground river, on a hike through the jungle where we saw monkeys and monitor lizards and then taught us how to climb a coconut tree (after which we all climbed easily to the top - haha). That night, we had a very nice dinner at Helen's again (oh by the way, she has a tiny pet monkey - soooo cute!) and then went out to the (one) bar and sang to our little heart's content. I think Rachel won the karaoke contest. The machine actually rates you (not sure what it rates you on!) and you get a score after you are done singing... It was a riot! Frances and I sang Hotel California and got a 95! Doyle had one beer, was drunk (haha) and sang Sweet Caroline. Actually I think Doyle has the best voice, even though he is too shy (what! Doyle? Shy?) to use it. We went home shortly before the power went off (they are on generators and only have power from 6pm -1 am (or 10 in some places, but not the karaoke bar!)

The following day we took a boat from Sabang to El Nido, where we went diving, went island hopping, ate lots of cheese omelets and rice, drank lots of San Miguel and did not do karaoke even though I thought that it was time S took the mike and showed us what he was really made of. Here we learned of the death of S Irwin, ironically just the day before we were about to go diving, and here I was hoping we would see some sting rays...

From El Nido, we flew back to Manila on a... 12 person plane, with a dirt/rock runway and rainy weather. I swear the pilot was sticking his head out the window of the plane to try and see where the airport was... But we (somehow) made it safely to Manila, alive and in one piece. We had dinner all together and then Rachel and Doyle went one way and S and I went the other. The plan is that Rachel and Doyle are still going to spend up until the 16th in the Philippines, while S and I are on our way to the island of Borneo, to Sabah, Malaysia...

So... Next Stop: Borneo! Here we go...

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Bohol: Land of the Green Chocolate Hills

After a few very relaxing days in Boracay, S and I headed back out to the airport for our second of many crazy interisland flights. The plane we were on holds about 20 people max and the maximum altitude is 15,000 feet, which is less than one of the skydives I have taken (18,000 feet) but for some reason that doesn't really make it feel any more safe. We safely arrived in Cebu City, Cebu, where we had to battle the barrage of people trying to overcharge us for a taxi to the pier. We finally found an honest (??) taxidriver who used a meter which was not broken and made it to the pier just in time to catch the ferry to Bohol. We were met at the ferry building in Tagbilaran, Bohol by a man with a sign(!!) bearing our names. It was a nice change; usually you have to battle all the dishonest taxi drivers before finally settling on a still overpriced fare to get anywhere. This guy knew who we were, knew where we were going and didn't overcharge us too much. We arrived at the Bohol Divers Resort where Doyle and Rachel were supposed to be staying. The resort did not have anyone registered in either of their names, but did remember a white girl/Filipino guy combo who had checked in the day before. Luckily it was them and we found them without too much trouble.

The first day we took a tour around the island of Bohol, which included a trip up to the Chocolate Hills (a tour guide laughed at us when we said we wanted to go there - "they are not chocolate right now," he said, "they are GREEN chocolate". Well, green or not they were quite impressive) where we even hiked to the top of one of the hills, having to go through a local's yard to do so. We also got to see the world's smallest primate, the Tarshier, which is a tiny (smaller than my hand) monkey-like animal with eyes bigger than its head. We saw also a man-made forest, the area of the Blood Pact between the Spanish and the Filipinos and the oldest stone church on the island.

The next day we went island hopping for the day. We spent the day snorkling, laying around, eating fresh caught grilled fish and drinking San Miguel Beer. I got totally burnt and Doyle almost got sick on the boat ride back to the mainland (it was a little bit choppy). The entire time, I was waiting for him to unclench his hand from the railing. Either that or to put on snorkel, mask and fins in preparation for a dip in the deep.

The last day we went scuba diving twice. Both dives were wall dives, and there were a lot of things there that I had not seen before. The wall dives are also very cool becuase you can look down and the wall just goes down, down, down, but you cannot see where it ends. There were tons of glow in the dark fish and corals and all in all, we got to dive for almost two hours. The boat ride back was fun; the water was pretty choppy and so every time it went down a swell, the water would come crashing up on deck. The only place to avoid that is the very front of the boat, so I rode on the front where you get a good 6 feet of air sometimes when the boat goes over a big wave.

Things I learned in Bohol: S is deathly afraid of crabs (I plan to put one in his bed sometime before the end of the trip). Sinigang (sour soup) is really good (who would have thought!). Doyle and S both take longer than me to get ready in the morning (it is a toss-up as to who takes the longest - I am betting on Doyle). When driving, if you lay on the horn heavy and long enough, you can run over, go around or pass anything (legally/safely?). Philippine time = + at least one hour past or 1/4 of the proposed time. Lancones (sp?) is a fruit that we definitely need to get in the US.

Things I want to take home with me when I leave this country: a baby (they are sooooo cute!), a monkey (not quite as cute as the baby, but close!), a massage lady (for obvious reasons - can you say...daily massage?), a boat hand (they may be smaller than me, but their bodies are nothing to sneer at!)

Next Stop: the island of Palawan!!

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From the Arctic Chill to the Tropics

Ah, another bus ride worth remembering! I have arrived in the Philippines...

MONDAY 21: The first day was spent in Manila just hanging around. S and I went to see Intramuros, which is the old part of town. There are a bunch of cool old churches and whatnot as well as a fort where a revolutioniary of the Philippies called Rizel was held for some time before finally being executed. It rained the whole time we were walking around; we were soaked (August and September is their rainy season)! All we wanted was a nice hot coffee and lo and behold, what did we find...sadly enough, a Starbucks! I know, I know.... I hate Starbucks, but sometimes the old tried and true is...just too good to be true. After a nice hot mocha and some time to plan our next move, we went back out into the pouring rain. Next we went to the mall of Asia, which is either the biggest mall in Asia or maybe the whole world, I couldn't quite figure that one out. We didn't spend much time there - we got a massage, ate and watched a movie (all in English with no subtitles; it is just like being at home).

TUESDAY 22: Our next move was to go up to the north to a city called Banaue, where the 2000 year old, world famous rice terraces are. To get there, we had to take a 9 hour bus ride which left Manila at 10 pm. Now, having taken many bus rides in Australia and other SE Asia countries, I consider myself a pro at the bus riding experience. Rule number one: take warm clothes because they always crank up the AC on the bus. Rule number two: take a pillow on overnight rides becuase the seats are not that comfy. So I took a makeshift pillow and got ready for a long bus ride. I was not even close to being prepared. The bus was about 30 degrees inside the whole time. I was freezing! I finally used my pillow as a blanket, but was still not warm (and now I also did not have a pillow). I think over the course of 9 hours, I perhaps slept... 20 mintues. It was so uncomfortable! Finally we arrived in Banaue, found a place to stay, had breakfast and warmed up a bit. We took a nice tour of the rice terraces, which are soooo cool, and then had some food (the best veggie curry ever! I am not having too many problems with the whole vegetarian thing yet) and went to bed around 7 pm (yeah, pathetic, I know) thinking to just have a nap but ending up sleeping the whole night through.

WEDNESDAY 23: The next day we went to a town called Sagada, where there are hanging coffins and caves. We went caving and got to crawl through really small spaces, climb around on limestone falls and wade through water while holding our cameras high up in the air... We ate the "famous" yogurt, which was good but a bit sour, drank the "famous" rice wine, which tasted like apple juice gone bad and was not very good and hung out and played cards since it was still pouring down rain (who decided to come to the Philippines during the rainy season anyway?)

THURSDAY 24: Travel day... 5 hour jeepney ride on dirt roads from Sagada to Banaue, 9 hour bus ride back to Manila, 20 minute cab ride to the airport where we got ripped off by the cabbie when he said (after starting the journey) that his "meter didn't work", 1 hour flight to Boracay...

FRIDAY 25 and SATURDAY 26: Boracay. Finally, we arrive in a place where wonder of wonders...it is NOT RAINING!!! Yay. We found a bungalow close to the beach and have been relaxing, swimming, snorkeling and eating (a lot! I am a bottomless pit!) Today we plan on taking a sailing trip around the island, maybe renting motorbikes and riding around the island, doing some diving, windsurfing, kayaking... I am already sunburnt and perfectly happy about that... It is so nice to see the sunshine!

Next stop to be determined at a later date. S and I are planning on meeting up with Doyle and Rachel at some point, perhaps in Palawan or Cebu, two other islands in the Philippines. More later and photos will be forthcoming..!

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