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Showing posts from January, 2014

La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag

While most people would go to La Paz Sand Dunes for sandboarding, we went there for the sunset. We got out of our lodge at 4:00 p.m., chartered a tricycle, and arrived at the sea coast 15 minutes later. Fortunately, the weather was on our side; the sun was up, the wind was cool, and the stratocumulus clouds made the tourist spot just perfect for taking snaps (too bad I wrecked my wide-angle lens in Siargao). While waiting for the mighty sun to take a bow, we walked and climbed light gray mounds here and there to see the view from a wider perspective. We observed that unlike the sand dunes in Paoay, the ones in Barangay La Paz are mostly covered with sun-dried grass that looks like swaying golden rice stalks with the blowing wind. We can also see a hut and close to it are dragon fruit trees (according to our tricycle driver).  We patiently went up to a hill by the main road and sat beside the plants on top for some time. The view was splendid. We could see huge waves sma

The Belltower of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

Bacarra, the town north of Laoag, is famous for its well-preserved belltower beside St. Andrew's Parish. According to what I've learned in Museo de Bacarra, it was constructed in 1828 by Fr. Bergier, an Augustinian missionary. It was originally a three-storey tower made of coral bricks with a dome on top. The bell on the second storey rang joyously during happy occasions and heavily when a mournful event struck the community. This is the replica of the belltower in the town park.  You can easily spot it when you get off in front of the church. In 1931, an earthquake crumbled the belfry's dome and its weight crashed on the second storey, causing its skewed position. For a long time, in that position, onlookers still looked at the charming structure with awe. In fact, since then it has been labelled as "The Bowing Belltower of Baccara." Yes, we've got something like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Unexpectedly, we found the replica of the bowing tower at the pu

Surf with Locals in Burgos, Siargao

If you haven't been to Siargao yet, chances are you are curious about the huge waves at Cloud 9, the most popular surfing spot frequented by travelers. If you google the place, you will see photos of surfers proudly riding the world, seemingly one with nature, and absorbed in the power of now. Of course, the long boardwalk with amateur or professional surfers carrying boards will also pop on the screen. When we visited the place last December, Cloud 9 was exactly how I imagined it. Oh well, the waves weren't as huge as those in September and there weren't a lot of surfers around as it was a non-peak season, but basically the scene was pretty the same thing. "I wish I could see locals surfing out of their love for the swelling waters," I silently told myself as I remember the skimboarders of Mati . Most of the instructors in Cloud 9 are Filipinos, but they're always together with newbies trying to master the waves. As luck would have it, Shal, our

Coffee Stop 'n Shop in Pacifico, Siargao

Good news for coffee addicts who plan to visit, surf or snorkel in Siargao: Coffee Stop n' Shop is now open to customers from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. We spotted this minimalist shop while we were walking along Brgy. Pacifico's main road last December. At first we thought they were still non-operational, so we felt fortunate when they let us in for some drinks. After picking our table, the owner came to us and asked what we would like to have. That time, they didn't have an official menu yet; we had to rely on what was available as we were one of their very first customers. Oh yeah, lucky charm we were! Jen ordered brewed coffee, I had cappuccino, and Dan gulped down some booze. Gratefully, while taking sips, the couple, Graham and Esther sat with us and shared their stories. We learned they used to live in a beautiful haven in Palawan. From the pictures of their previous abode in the western part of the country, we could say they both love plants, trees, in

Ripples Surf Camp 2

Confession: We joined Ripples Surf Camp 2 for a not-so-right reason. When we were invited by two of our Cebu-based close buddies who were part of the organizing committee, we thought getting wasted by the beach was a perfect idea to catch up. Unfortunately, the world was against our grand plan, and so she said, “I will tie Jaq down at home with a toenail infection, and I will keep Carlo’s hands full at work so he won’t hang out like crazy with the couple.” Let's play hide and seek, shall we? Look for me! We headed off to Marihatag, Surigao del Sur a bit frustrated. That displeasure worsened when our bus drove past the horrific scene of dead coconut trees caused by typhoon Pablo. However, Dan and I didn’t choose to be enslaved by the growing pessimism. If there’s one thing we learned about traveling, it’s the fact that bliss is not dependent on any external factors. Luckily, this time around, the world favored our decision, and so she said, “I’ll assure you you’ll get stoked.”

Jafe Surf and Sail Camp Resort in Pacifico, Siargao

In order for your building to become interesting, it has to exude a certain kind of personality. If you collect and display what represents your experience, character, interests, and individuality, you create an ambiance that extends the depth and beauty of your soul. The Design This realization from the book, Creating a Beautiful Home by Alexandra Stoddard, is apparently portrayed by JaFe Surf and Sail Camp Resort, our abode for four days in Pacifico, Siargao Island in December 2013. Before getting to the place, our friends Jen and Shal assured us we will find the displays uniquely pleasant, but we couldn't exactly figure out what they meant until we got off the habal-habal and saw what most people would consider 'trash' all over the open pavilion. Look up! We usually conclude that garbage should be segregated and thrown into the bin, but not the amiable owners of the resort. Jack and Ferelyn, from which JaFe was derived, thought they could create something