Mimay and I were arguing on how to spend the weekend after Tita Ela leaves for Hongkong. I kept on suggesting a cheaper alternative by organizing a summer outing with our cousins to Pansol. She would not agree to it and would always go back to her swimsuit reason. Apparently, she bought swimsuits perfectly designed for beach outings. Before the end of the day, we posted an invite in our FB group for the proposed outing and as expected, Denzy as active as always, responded to the invite and started helping out in listing possible venues.The suggestions included Puerto Galera, Laiya, Pangasinan, La Union and Bicol but with the budget and time crunches we have, we think it would be impossible to have everyone join.
Then a text message arrived — Darnel is asking if I am interested in revisiting Bolinao and Alaminos.
We started packing early Friday morning for the trip with the printed itinerary on hand. We were supposed to join Darnel’s group at HSBC Alabang but they later changed the pickup point for us to Ortigas. Instead of heading to Podium, we met the group at Robinson’s Pioneer. There were two vans for the trip. We joined the green van with Darnel and as expected, we would not leave Manila without a comedic antic completed. Instead of picking us up along the taxi bay area, we had to run along Edsa and get in the van. (Classic!).
Our first stop is for pee break, 12am. I suddenly remembered that my last visit to the north (which means my last exit to NLEX) is nearly 5 years ago. We grabbed some quick munchies from the convenience store too and of course I had to take my yosi break as well.
With five hours of roadtrip ahead of us, i made sure my phone is fully charged nd Bon Jovi is in good condition. I am a time freak and I have a feeling that this trip would not go according to plan.
Hoping to follow you on the dot. 🙂
The two day itinerary is already prepared and the contribution is set to PhP 2, 500.00 per head which covers the van/ gas, food, lodging and tour guide expenses. The printout stated it very clear, we are to stay in a house with two bedrooms to be shared by 20 people and this trip is to be enjoyed in a cowboy mode.
Since we are using a privately rented van, we passed though the alternate route to SCTEX heading to Bolinao.
- 4:00am – arrival at Tito Larry’s and Mama’s place
- 5:00am to 7:00am – rest
- 7:00am to 8:00am – prep time
- 8:20am – departure for Bolinao Experience (20 minutes late as planned; expect delays when 20 pax share 2 washrooms).
Places to Visit :
- Balingasay River Sanctuary
- Bolinao Lighthouse
- Patar Beach
- Enchanted Cave
We were supposed to take pictures in the river sanctuary but the guys decided to go straight to the lighthouse.
The expected trekking…
to the lighthouse or to the beach?
pichoor!
wala naman lalaki sa parola eh…
While we were taking pictures and enjoying the view, Mama and Tito Larry went to Patar Beach to check for available cottage as we were scheduled to have lunch by the beach. After 30 minutes of perspiration due to picture taking and walking under the heat of the sun, we met withMama and Tito Larry at the waiting area. We were informed that we would first visit enchanted cave and would be going to the beach later.
So off we go the Enchanted Cave!
- Entrance Fee – PhP 70 (viewing only) and PhP100 (viewing and swimming)
- Parking Fee – Max of PhP 50.00
Enchanted Cave is one the many caves in Bolinao where tourists can enjoy underground swimming. It may not be as long as the underground river of Palawan but the caves in Bolinao offer crystal clear water. Different cottage sizes are available which are strategically situated within the resort. Hammocks are also available for guests to use during siesta. Their outdoor pool is small but is perfect for pictorial 😀
we are now entering an enchated place 🙂
ready to swim?
i won’t go up… no i won’t!
Mimay trying the hammock 😀
my gurlz posing pool…
We had our lunch and spent more time taking pictures and swimming. After our afternoon snack and charades, everyone prepared to head off to the beach.
i tried a panoramic shot .. i think i failed 😦
Our next destination, Patar beach.
its was a long walk.. i swear!
There are lots of resorts in this area. Some offers hotel – like accommodations while some are offering backpacker accommodation. Patar’s sand may not be as white as Boracay’s but the pristine water it offers is comparable. Many bamboo/ nipa hut cottages are available for day trip accommodation as well.
Beach bumming weekend —wish some true!!
Mimay enjoying the sunset… no sun in the pic unfortunately…
We spent the night at Tito Larry’s / Mama’s place in Bolinao and the the following morning is all about Alaminos Adventure. After our breakfast, we set off to Alaminos. Not everyone is decided to swim and others would just like to do relax by the beach.
we were here!!
I have been to Alaminos before and have seen the beauty that the hundred islands has to offer. . We rented a boat for PhP 1800 for the trip. The usual island hopping and triva Q&A with the boatman are completed when we were all starstrucked by Apl.de.ap. See this blog why : Marketing Strategy, more fun in the Philippines!
using a my cybershot.. justified?
another shot from my sony digicam…
Activities completed : Snorkling, Cliff Diving, Picture Taking, Lunch and a lot of malditahan moments 😀
okay, i have to jump!
we are the word, we are the children!
we need to have this shot no matter what…
We headed back to the wharf at around 3:30pm. Shower is available at Lucap wharf for Ph10.00 but if you are in a hurry there are a lot of pension houses offering it for Php20.00
and we are back!!
We were back in Manila at around 12:00am.
DEWDSHIP CHRONICLES 