North Batan (Batanes)

My solo travelling escapade went 2N/3D , I know it wasn't satiable enough for a place like Batanes, but I have tried to compressed those days and maximized every single minute . There were places that I have missed to explore, if only I could have more time..

It will only proved that even though Batanes is a small island , it will contradicts the stuffs that needs to do. You will appreciate the town more if you stayed there for a week I guess, and live like locals.

Actually , I bet , not anyone can admire the beauty of Batanes. If you were the type of person who appreciate noise and nightlife, then don't go to Batanes! Huwag makisabay agad agad, basa basa muna , hehehe

I cannot share my itinerary but you can approach me and I tell you right away. Mahina ako sa details e .. LOL. I can only share pictures , and will tell my story :)

MARFEL LODGE . My nest in Batanes. Highly recommended for Backpackers. Very homey. They have their version of Honesty Store inside , pede den magluto!

Glimpse of my room. It's a fan room worth 700-800/night. Ive heard, they also offer aircon rooms on other location, just tell Ate Marfel upon inquiry. Mababaet sila, very accomodating. Just type MARFEL LODGE on facebook and check their amenities.

Siya si Mira. Businesswoman and traveler at the same time. She's the 2nd stranger that I've met, 'yung una si Lovely, I met her at the airport. Pareho ko sila ka-Facebook :)

STOPOVER. My view while biking

You'will see a lot of these signs while touring in Batanes. This became their trademark also.

...and this! :)

I saw these kids walking under the sun and just a thought of taking a shot of them.

After a few hours pedaling my rented bike. I saw this another sign...uuLan!

My first destination after checking in. Right after arrival and leaving my bags on the lodge, I've rented a bike and went on biking around the town proper.

You will never notice this easily , I've thought the place was a huge gallery of artworks. Apparently, it's just like a house-size museum for Ivatan artists .

Well, I just hope local government will take some consideration on allotting budget for their local artist. Its been actually considered as a tourist spot however, it doesn't look like unless you are into arts and notice this while biking .

Since I am on Batanes, yo should consider the weather too so it wont spoil your planned activity for that day. It rained while biking so I decided to go back and just rest , eat and have a cup of coffee. Rain lasted for about 3hours.

I remember it was almost 4pm when the rain stopped. So I just decided to rent a trycycle and bring my bike since I'm running out of time biking from the town proper to Boulder beach, then my planned of having a sunset on Naidi Hills / Rolling hills.

I enjoyed the sound created every time the waves hits the huge rocks. The waves wasn't big that time , it was really serene and almost sunset. Masarap magmunimuni kase ako lang talaga ang tao . Actually, I was thinking of cancelling my Naidi hills sunset activity and spend it on this beach but Manong trycycle driver recommended that viewing sunset is perfect on the hills .

If you are into biking , I think, you can spent the entire day biking around Northern Batan, except Fundacion Pacita. Ive told myself that I can explore Northern Batan thru biking , pero bumalik ako , diko kinaya ang daan. Buti na lang may trycycle to the rescue! hehehe.

Seeing this makes me wanna sing ♪♫ the hills are alive with the sounds of musiiiiic..with songs they have sung for a thousand years ♫♪

I wasn't able to get a perfect shot of this Lighthouse on Naidi hills due to a wedding ceremony and reception scheduled for that day. So my perfect sunset idea was already spoiled pero nag enjoy naman kame ni Mira manuod ng kasal. hehe. She texted me that she wanted to joined on going to Naidi hills. Pitsur, Pitsur lang!

Isn't Forever ? Maghihiwalay din kayo! *bitter* hehehe

My rented Bike! Thanks Mira for this shot!

So there she was .. smile!

Wedding Entourage *sniff* *Sob*

This was my last stop, I have visited FUNDACION PACITA 3hours before my flight going back to Cavite. Actually ,this wasn't included on my list. Im still lucky 'tho, I still have few time and fortunately that Ive woke up early :)

Beautiful dawn, waiting for a perfect sunrise on a wonderful morning!This is my view from afar. Hope I could stay for more hours.. * sigh *

Artwork of Pacita Abad.

The chair itself is "maganda na" , it compliments the dawning feeling.

Mural outside

RADAR STATION

Just in front of the Radar station. Picture perfect isn't it ?! Standing here will show you the entire northern Batan according to Manong trycycle driver.

Dios Mamajes Batanes! I really got a lot of pictures to share. I just shared a few of my pictures on exploring Northern Batan. Next stop... Southern Batan>

Solo Travelling

Batanes is my dream destination here in Philippines. So upon knowing that Sky Jet Air got a seat sale last 2013 , there was no second thought , I've asked a colleague to do me a favor on buying me 2 way-ticket at Travel Expo.

As we all know, during these days, majority is capable to travel, it became part of our life. A privilege and an option. Since it was a travel treat for myself , I have also decided to travel solo, since I haven't done it when I was single and very seldom I see an individual travel solo. (curiosity strikes)

RACUH A PAYAMAN "marlboro country" in SOUTHERN BATAN Island

This might be a late post but the experienced I've had is still vivid and had this urge of discussing, just want to reminisce about solitude.

So, here are my thoughts / opinion on solo travelling . It is based on my experience, it might have its pros or cons. Neither, it still an experience worth remembering! *smile*

1. Independence. You can go anywhere and anytime you want. There is this freedom when it comes on decision making.

2. You will enjoy a different kind of silence. It's spiritual for me . Tranquility. Solitude. Reflection. Indeed, its somewhat divine!

3. However, boredom strikes when you're in the hotel. It's should be time of talking to friends or special someone about the whole day event , how it went out, and talking it over a cup of coffee or beer. Eto yung ... tawanan dapat! Kulitan bago matulog! Tamang trip lang at sentimyento sa buhay. Bonding moment ika nga!

4. Got a problem 'tho on who will gonna take a few camera shots of me . BUT since MONOPOD was in demand during that time. I bought one and, problem solved. IT'S SELFIE TIME!!Selfie pa more!!!Hahaha

5. You may also talk to a stranger and befriending them.

6. Security. Yes, of course, you will not go to a place if you know you are not safe ,right? For as long as you know how to read. Do your research. I also did. I've read a LOT of travel blog so I will know which is the safest place to go to.

Yaru Nu Artes- Ivatan (captured using my monopod)

At least , I am proud to say that I did it once in my life and Im looking for a second try. It may not be nowadays , because I already have my priorities. Maybe, someday and I know it will be fun! : )

NAGSASA COVE

Lenten Season last year when we immediately planned a 2 night and 1 day vacation to anyplace near Cavite.

I was thinking of a place that will suffice our hunger for vacation and a thought of going to Nagsasa in Zambales completed the idea.A perfect town for a vacation near Manila. If you wanted mountains, beach , waterfalls or even food trip, they have it and its beautiful , it will feed your naked eyes and satisfy your stomach on a few bucks.

Ive been to Anawangin, Capones and Kamara Island and this was my first time to visit Nagsasa. This vacay could be my worst ever vacation ( due to traffic and having a hard time getting there LOL!) however, it was also my toddlers first time to do Island tour so i was just think of , it was REALLY for him..for his EXPERIENCED and not for us!

So again it was Lenten Season when we decided to have a short time vacay on this Island. So what to expect : traffic (9hours on NLEX), the climate(summertime), pack of people vacationing not to mention emotions when everything was piled up and those are good stimulus that triggers threshold of my emotions. haha! In short, maiinit ulo!

Still, I could say.. we may not had a great time as I expected but Julian (my son ) had and its enough for me! :)

..and so with my 2 year old toddler, it looks like he enjoyed wading and dipping his feet despite of the scorching heat. He also had a friend on a nearby tent.

Had a good time too with Daddy Juys!

I have forgot to mentioned that it was also my boyfriend first time experienced to get here in Zambales, I was kept on telling him that Zambales was amazing , storytelling him the beauty it offers , that everything was there. Nevertheless , to sum up his experience, he still enjoyed the scenery and he mentioned that he really wanted to go back Kame naman! Minus Tolome! hehehe

Not sure if Naneng had a great time ..but it seems she had, on going solo wandering around the area!

Before taking an afternoon nap and Naneng was out there, still going solo, on a high noon! Whew, buti na lang at nka rashguard siya! hehe

Playing on the shore with daddy juys! If you're going to San Antonio with kids, I recommend Nagsasa due to its shallow waters and less waves ,wherein kids can play : )

Nagsasa looks like Anawangin cove but it is more relaxed, the water is shallow and majority are not pine trees.

Before ending our daytour to Nagsasa, we spent remaining hours watching sunset in Pundaquit .

MALASIMBO 2015

Malasimbo Music Festival is the event that Ive dreamt to attend of ,since 2011 .

However, somehow, I regretted going there last week, it made me want it more! It only brought me anxiety and hoping that it will be happening soon again, but , I have to wait for another year again! Sigh! Anyway , experiencing this just for a day is still awesome and great! I do now believe on what they've called Malasimbo Magic! : )

Before attending this event , and although, I have bought a ticket for just a day ( without knowing who were the artist playing) . I've been reading articles of previous celebration on how to survive this event ,as if I am going to a battle. I should be ready on what to expect and especially for the expenses. We bought chips and water as suggested , so we wont starve, according to some bloggers , food inside the area are quite costly.

So there, we arrived in Mindoro @ 8:00 in the morning so its too early to get in to the event, so we just decided to have a ''sidetrip'' , and we chose to visit the underground cave and went on snorkeling.

After a few hours , we packed our things up going to Mt. Malasimbo, locals informed us that there were festival jeepneys and fare is for only 200 roundtrip . As we are about to rode , Mr D'aboville saw and approached us if we are going to the event.

D' Aboville : are you going to the mountain ?

Me : yes sir!

D' Aboville : Ok come here.. ( with gesture of putting his arm on my shoulder )

Me : ( stepping outside of the jeepney )

D' Aboville : Do you see this ? ( pointing on malasimbo billboard that says ''dont bring food or any beverages " ) On every festival on any country they do nOt bring food or beverages.

Me: oH ok . So beverages , you mean...even water?

D' Aboville : YES!

Me : OK ( smile )

On my amazement of having this small convo with him , Ive forgot to asked for a picture! :)

Mr D'Aboville is the organizer of Malasimbo for 5 years together with his wife and Miro . A humble man and I guess a Filipino by heart. He spearheaded this beautiful event for music and arts lovers for 5 years and up until now , seems it is still a success.

Just sharing the memories , I will come back .. for sure! :)

This is the perfect place for doing this. A-NOT-SO-PERFECT-YOGA-POSE

MALASIMBO GROUNDS and ITS NATURAL AMPHITHEATER. SO LOVELY ISN'T IT ?! INDEED, A PERFECT VENUE

MALASIMBO ARTWORKS

MALASIMBO ARTWORKS

MUSICIANS! (Ive got few pics.. hmmm, ive noticed it just now. Tsk! )

COLORFUL NIGHT in MALASIMBO. MY FAVE SHOT! ( thank you Julius! )

This is really where Music , Arts , and Natures' collide !

Me : Can I have a picture with you ?

D'Aboville : Oh, It's for 10,000 pesos!

Me : That's fine! Can I haggle? Make it 9,000.

D'Aboville : Haha!

MANGYAN STUFFS FOR SALE

ITS FULL MOON and I find it sweeter when nature CONSPIRES WITH THIS EVENT!

It's FULL MOON , so there on the other side of the mountain lunatics perform a Moon ritual, LOVELY! *clap clap clap*

TAPSILOG AND HERBED KESONG PUTI SANDWICHED. Even though tickets were sold expensively , I could still defend that its worth it. However. I ve noticed that FOOD sold inside are way expensive. It will tripled the price. I remember buying Coke Sakto on a plastic bottle and it costs us 60php. For MAlasimbos' kesong puti w/ tinapay ,75php ( wherein I bought 2 of that herbed kesong puti sandwich (kulang saken ang isa)) . For a simple tapsilog , 150php. But despite of its price , masarap naman and malinis! :)

We wasn't able to see how the day ends! We went back to the pension house while BleuRascals was performing. We're so exhausted for the whole day because we had ''sidetrip'' going to Long beach and went on snorkeling.

Anyway, to sum it up! I am emphasizing that it was a real ''happiness'', I have reaaaaally enjoyed that day! Babalik ako and I will bought tickets for 3days next year. Abangan ko talaga yung SALE period :)

VIDEOS:

Mt Malasimbo Entrance

Short trek to Amphitheater

PROUD TO BE A BITCH

I did not google the word ''bitch'', however, upon browsing , I stumbled and read this simple and opinionated poem . Yes, I like it! Waging wagi ! Abanse Pinay LOL

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch.

When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts, or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and I speak against it, I'm defined as a bitch.

The same thing happens when I take time for myself, instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish.

If being a bitch means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am, and I won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I 'should' be, then I'm proud to be one.

If being a bitch means being outspoken, opinionated and determined, and wanting what I want, there's nothing wrong with that!

Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life MY way, and I won't allow anyone to step on me.

You can try to stomp on me, intimidate me or frighten me. You can try to douse my inner flame, crush my spirit or squash the beauty I hold within me. But you won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch , so be it. I embrace the title and I'm proud to bear it.

--ANONYMOUS