Cagayan Valley's Paraparadise

Cagayan Valley is not a new place for me to visit, I endure the 10-hour drive every year to get to my mom's hometown. This year though was different because we traveled north to explore and experience the aquatic side of the province.

PALAUI ISLAND 

Palaui Island can be found on the northern most tip of Cagayan. It is a part of the town of Santa Ana. This island is a protected area thus making the place pristine with its crystal clear waters.

To get here: 

• Take the bus or plane going to Tuguegarao City 
• Ride a van going to Sta. Ana
• Hire a tricycle from your hotel (consider Sun City Resort)/motel/guesthouse to San Vicente port
• Rent a boat going to Palaui Island.

 *Travelers with private vehicles can drive the long road going to San Vicente port and park your car there

Here's something to help you with the boat rates: 

*I suggest you take the SPECIAL TRIP - 6 hours boat rental for 3,500 pesos and it can already take you to 4-5 destinations. 

*Palaui Entrance 50pesos + 2 tour guides for 8 passengers 600pesos

Palaui Island offers all kinds of amazing scenery! From rock formations, mangrove areas, mountains, caves, splashing waves, to a captivating 360 degree view from the lighthouse. WOWSOMMM

See the Cape Engano Lighthouse? 

Short Hike!

The vast greenland going to Cape Engano. That's my sister haha!

Dos Hermanos Island

Back view of the lighthouse

ANGUIB BEACH

The boat ride from Palaui Island going to Anguib Beach was the best!! It felt like we're on Rio Grande Rapids of Enchanted Kingdom! (Not kidding, the waves were biiig) The Beach here is juuuust the best too! Talk about calm environment and clear waters! I love it here, i loveee it here.

*Anguib beach entrance fee 100 pesos per person

CROCODILE ISLAND

We also visited the island nearest to port vicente which is Crocodile island. The island is really rocky but you'll definitely enjoy the view from the top. Relaxing breeze indeed!

CALLAO CAVE

The seven-chamber show cave is located in Peñablanca, Cagayan province. Because a part of me wanted to re-visit callao cave, my cousins joined me before heading back to manila. I just love how it feels, cold and quiet. I am also amazed with the church built inside the first chamber. My brother even said it's a nice venue for his wedding Haha!

*I suck at taking photos at dark places plus i just feel like not using the flash while inside the cave so hello blurred photos.

200 steps

somewhere there is the church haha

You can swim outside the cave!

#IT'SMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES

xx

You never climb the same mountain twice

Nothing compares to our 'firsts' in life. It will always be like a dream come true feeling. In every new experience you gain something good for yourself, in every accomplishment comes an amazing prize.

I consider myself lucky for the chance to experience mountaineering as part of my ecology subject. Although this trip was never really planned as a 'trip' but a fieldwork, it turned out quite better than expected. The excitement since bio first year first sem came to an end. I woke up early friday morning all packed up ready to conquer a challenge. Ending Feb and starting March never felt this good.

Mt. Palay-Palay or commonly known as Mt. Pico De Loro located at Ternate, Cavite is just 3 hours away from Manila. It can take 5-6 hours going up to the campsite. Conserved and protected by DENR. 

EVERY STEP TO THE TOP IS WORTH IT. After calling myself katniss from district 12, with great patience and hard work, I survived my first mountain climbing experience! Being mentally prepared helped me ease the exhaustion.You have to look at things and situations as they are, there are no shortcuts in life. Being on top requires a trail of ups and downs. Positivity will take you there.

Rate of difficulty according to my ability HAHA

DENR to Base Camp- 4: "The shocking phase"

Base Camp to Halfway- 6: "The patience test phase"

Halfway to Campsite- 9: "The giving up phase" 

Campsite to Summit- 8: "The BEST phase"

I am really thankful for having so many good memories here with the best college blockmates ever. I'd also say that we were able to achieve something this good because we have the coolest professor and mountaineers. 

"You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves." 

- Lito Tejada-Flores

Another sweet memory to cherish forever :)

xx

Bloglovin

Using BLOGLOVIN to keep an eye of my favorite blogs! I hope this is helpful :)

Miss Korea- I'm MAE

BACKGROUND:

MAE is 18 years old from Singapore. She lives a luxurious life, owns a clothing line, a certified clubber, and has a cute boyfriend..... All these she's leaving behind to explore Seoul, Korea for 2 months. I really think this show is perfect for all Korean/ Kpop/ Kdrama fans, those who wish to travel to seoul, and those who simply want to have a good laugh.

The moment i finished the first episode of the show on YouTube, i gained more interest on her journey to Korea. Every episode became more and more exciting because of her amazing personality. A trip like hers is definitely something i should try :)

IG: marxmae 

PAGE: www.marxmae.com

Vigan

A throwback post of my visit to Vigan last summer 2013.

Known for its vintage style from streets to establishments and houses, Vigan is one of the must see places in the Philippines. Here you are freely welcome to roam around the city to embrace the past and forget modernization for the mean time. 

On the road to the city, I'd have to admit how excited i was to see the historic town. After an 8hr drive from Manila, the long wait paid a worthy view. I was expecting the houses alone to give that Spanish period ambiance but to my surprise, even the streets are made of bricks which added a different touch. It's like antiques everywhere! (oh i love antiques) For food lovers like me, it is definitely a plus to try Vigan's empanada and longganisa to top off the experience.

+BANGUI WINDMILLS +PAGUDPUD BEACH after hehehehe

Vigan photographs!

I fell in love with this place i hope you get the chance to see Vigan also :)

xx

(post transferred from my tumblr page)