Saturday, November 24, 2012

When a dream became a reality: Leaving a paradise :(


BF and I were up around 6AM but we got out of bed around 6:30AM. Hahaha. It was really hard to get up because we were too sleepy and I guess we just felt the tiredness from the previous days filled with water activities. We were planning to go to the market to buy some fresh sea foods that’s why we woke up really early.


We didn’t took a bath anymore that’s why we were in the market at 7AM. And guess what, almost all of the stores were still closed by this time. We went to the wet section of the market and there were few vendors selling sea foods. I guess all of the sea foods were reserved for tourist and restaurants there. Some would probably had been sent to Manila already. We just decided not to buy anymore and just sit beside the sea, and talked about anything that happened during our vacation. I love it when we talked like this because that’s the time that we can exchange opinions, and treat each other like “best friends”. For me, the best foundation for any relationship is friendship. And even though we just sat in the park and talked, it still feels complete and perfect.



looks sleepy


Anyways, enough of the cheesy moments, let’s proceed with the blog. Hehehe. Our flight was scheduled in the morning so we don’t have enough time to roam around the town because the travel time going to the airport is more or less 45 minutes. We went back to the hotel around 8AM and waited for the van to pick us up. The van driver was in the hotel before 8:30AM, and as I expected, there were other tourists already in the van. It was too awkward because we were the last group to be picked-up, therefore we need to rush everything even though there is nothing to rush about.
While the crowded van was proceeding to the airport, one of the tourists received a text message telling that the Zestair flight would be delayed (our flight). I was not in shocked anymore because I actually expected it. The flight would be delayed for a good 1 hour due to some technical issues that only Zestair knows.

Upon reaching the airport, different tourists were already waiting for the Zestair booth to open. We already fell in line so we will not be the last pair to board the plane. There was a signage in the booth stating that the check-in time would start at 10AM. It was just 9AM and we haven’t eaten breakfast. Imagine that. 



the long queue, waiting starts now!
But miracles do happen! Around 9:30AM, the booth opened and accommodated the tourists. Then after a few minutes, the Zestair plane arrived. The flight would not be delayed anymore! Woot Woot! I think Zestair miscalculated the schedule. Well I’m just assuming. Hehehe







The plane departed in Busuanga Airport at 10:40AM. We arrived at Manila at 11:45AM. It was a rough landing for me. Full of turbulence. Seems that the pilot had a struggle upon landing.





Guess where we headed after getting our bags? Well it was in Mang Inasal! Hahahahaa. We’re very much hungry that all we want to do is to eat unlimited rice!



That ends our Coron Adventure. But our itchy feet will never stop traveling! Until next adventure!


Saturday, September 22, 2012

When a dream became a reality: Malcapuya-Bulog-Twin Peaks Exploration


Our 3rd day in Coron greeted us with sunshine! Oh yeah! It’s not raining! Again, God has listened and granted my prayers! :D

We met at the Lobby exactly 7AM to go to Lolo Nonoy’s. We decided to have our breakfast there because it’s cheaper and servings were good compared to R2R. We didn’t bother to hail a trike since it’s not that far.

We were the second group of customers who came in Lolo Nonoy’s. Almost all of us ordered danggit set meal. Unfortunately, because the staff of Lolo Nonoy’s served too long, and our tour guide was already picking us up, we decided to just bring the food to the boat. Good thing, they allow us to take out our order. Since the tricycle driver was still waiting from us outside, we just let him accompany us to the port. Again, we were charged for this ride. But this time, I asked him if how much. He said it was Php 8. This was the time we realized that we paid too much for our Day 2 tricycle ride. Tsk tsk. Well anyways, past is past. Heheehe. I just thought that the extra fare he charged us would be a big help for his family.

At 8:30AM, we were on our way to Malcapuya Island. Travel time from Coron port to Malcapuya was 1 and half hour. Since travel time is too long, we took this opportunity for some more cam whoring!

Kwek and Bam
me and BF
Nor Ann and BF
The boat slowed down in some part of the sea. We thought we were already in Malcapuya because the sea was already too shallow. We were picture taking to the max because it was really beautiful. But our boatmen told us that we are not yet there! That made me excited about Malcapuya. We were not yet there but we already saw gorgeous view.


clear waters


After 20 minutes more, we arrived at Malcapuya Island. At first I was disappointed because the sand was full of stones. But guess what, it was just the docking area! Hahaha. We docked at the back side of Malcapuya. While walking, white sand was already waving at us! We hurried, fixed our things, put on our sunblocks then explored the island!


docking area
BF
our tent over there


me and my slippers :)
emo moments 

There was this cliff that could let us see the sea. Of course we did not let this passed. Picture galore again. Hehehe


how can we go there?

going up
BF and me
View of Malcapuya from the cliff
another docking area
It was also a good place to take pictures and relax at the end part of the island, near and below the cliff. This was the time I had the guts to remove my top and show my sexy body! Woot woot! This is my blog right? So please just agree with me. Hehehe. this is where BF also met his new found friend! Too bad he can't take it home. hohoho


sexy back!


BF caressing his "friend" 
BF's "friend"
You can actually stay here for overnight. There were kubo’s that could accommodate tourists who likes to explore the island at night. I just don’t know if how much.


nipa hut
sexy pose! hahaha



me and my fatty acids!
kubo facing the sea
After too much cam whoring, lunch was ready.

our sumptuous lunch


After lunch, I talked to our tour guide and asked them if we can go to Banana Island then Bulog Island because I really want to see the sandbar. I saw the hesitation in the eyes of our tour guide. She then told us that we will just pass by Banana Island then we will proceed and docked to Bulog Island. I agreed because I thought she meant we would still go to Banana island but will not stay that long. And also, according to our itinerary, we will go to Banana Island. It was included in the package and we paid for it. But lo and behold! We literally passed by Banana island! They just pointed to us the island and we just looked at it from afar. I really got disappointed but did not argue anymore. I just go with the flow. I didn’t even had a shot of Banana island L
We docked at Bulog Island. It was just a small island but with white sand. There was also a cliff so of course we took some pictures. Sadly, the sandbar was nowhere to be seen because it was high tide. 

kabibe
there's the only nipa hut in Bulog



There’s also a cliff in this island, but this is way too steep compared to the one in Malcapuya. From here, you can see the island that was bought by Boracay and currently they are developing it. I think it would be luxurious type of resort it will be.

can you see the resort there?


Exactly 3PM, we boarded again to our boat. We will now be going back to the town. But before that, we will go to Twin Peaks. According to our tour guide, it was a snorkeling site also.
At 4:30PM, we were already in Twin Peaks. It was called Twin Peaks because there were two rock formations of the same size and same appearance. But the two rock formations were far from where we docked. Actually we didn’t dock; we just stopped in the middle of the sea! I was hesitant because the waves were big and the sea was dark. Meaning it would be so deep! I tried to snorkel and see what is beneath our boat. And guess what, I didn’t see anything! It was pure black! I was really afraid. My imagination got into me.
We need to swim near the peaks to see the beautiful corals below. They provided ropes for us to hold. It was really beautiful underneath but because of the waves, we didn’t have the chance to get nearer to the peaks. Instead, we just went back the boat and took time for some titanic-inspired picture taking. hehehehe 


titanic pic
love it! if only the sun is in front of us!

ropes are their only guide going back
Jah, Kwek and Bam
We were back in the hotel before 6PM. As usual, we just took a bath and off we went to explore the town again. This time, we agreed to buy some souvenirs. There was this famous souvenir shop in Coron and I had read about it somewhere. The name of the shop? It’s Everly Garden Souvenir Shop.
Everly Garden Souvenir Shop is just 10 minutes away from R2R. From the hotel and once on the road, just go to your right and walk continuously, then you will see the shop on your left. It was already closed when we went there around 7PM. Luckily, they were kind enough to open it for us. And by the way, they actually have a restaurant.

bracelets
key chains
ref magnets 

shirts
I bought 31 keychains, 4 coin purses and a shirt. Actually, BF and I bought the same shirt. The keychains were for my team mates in office and the 4 coin purses were for my four closest colleagues. Their coin purses cost Php 35 each then their key chains ranges from Php 25-40. Shirts prices will be depending on the color and the size. Mine was small and costs Php175 (if I remember it right).
The owner, I think her name is Mrs. Everly is kind of aloof to people. When we were paying for our souvenirs, we didn’t received even a single glance from her. Anyways, probably she was too busy watching the TV that time. Hehehe

We wanted to buy some kasuy but it was already past 7PM. Good thing, the tricycle driver we asked said that the kasuy shop was still open by this time. It usually closes late in the evening due to the demand of their customers. This kasuy shop is known to many since Ms. Kris Aquino already featured this shop and the owner to her show Kris TV. The name of the Shop is Coron Harvest.

Do not attempt to just walk going to this place, because it’s far from the market. Better ride a trike. It would just cost you Php10 one-way. Also, asked your trike driver to just wait for you outside while buying kasuy because I think it’s hard to hail a trike from Coron Harvest.



Kwek smelling the kasuy

me and Nanay Lita
I love this lady! She was so welcoming and accommodating. Even though she was already featured in the TV, she remains humble. For a short period of time that we were able to talk to her, I felt her sincerity and love for her craft. And because of that, her kasuy is so delicious and addicting! BF loves the bandi kasuy! We bought a lot of kasuy from them. And by the way, before you buy, they will provide you a sample or a free taste so you will not have a doubt buying from them.
You should buy kasoy from this shop ONLY. DO NOT buy from the market or anywhere else in Coron. Just buy in Coron Harvest.
After buying lots of Kasuy, we then went back to the town. This time, we wanted to give Bistro Coron a chance to redeem itself from ignoring us on our 2nd night. And it was recommended by my officemates so why not give it a try right?
There were lesser customers when we arrived that’s why we were seated immediately and accommodated by the waitress. I ordered carbonara and BF ordered 10 pcs of baked mussels with rice. Dining here is a bit pricey but you get what you pay for! They really served delicious meals with big servings. My carbonara is good for two-three people. I wasn’t able to eat the meal by myself because it was too many for my tummy. Ambiance is nice for chilling-out because they have a bar. The resto is not that big so they might want to consider getting a bigger space to accommodate more customers. You must also try their pizza. It’s delicious and flavors were unique! I think this is their specialty.


pizza 
carbonara and baked mussels with rice
We call it a day around 9:30PM. We slept early because BF and I plan to roam around the market on our last day in Coron. This day was not so tiring yet the satisfaction with regards to the islands was overwhelming. I wish we could stay longer.