Joni Ang » Travel Tales

There’s a Kuya Kim in all of us

Joni — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 07:14:44 +0000

After posting my favorite photo of me with Bentley the koala taken during my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of my other photos taken in different places that I also wanna share. When traveling, having pictures taken with animals is just as common as posing in front of historical sites and famous tourist spots — especially if they are endangered and are not easily found elsewhere. Hee. View my Matanglawin moments below! :)

The endangered Tarsier found in Bohol, Philippines

Squirmy Squirt in Tanjung Benoa, Bali

Ack! I almost died. 0_0

Pagasa's long-lost cousin

Monkey business in Uluwatu, Bali

Shark attack at the Siam Ocean World in Bangkok

Aboard elephant named "Tombun" in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Tigers in Thailand make great pets!

Kangaroos in Brisbane, Australia

And... my fave picture with a koala at the Koala Sanctuary

I hope I’d have the chance to see more not-so-common animals around the world to add to my Matanglawin Chronicles. :D

In Bali, My Name Would Have Been Nyoman

Joni — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:54:42 +0000

The book “Eat, Pray, Love” is a memoir that chronicles the author’s trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia (Bali, specifically). “Eat” was interesting because it was all about Rome (Hello? It’s Italy!); “Pray”, which was about India, was just so-so since I couldn’t really relate to Hindu meditation practices; but the third part of the book was very captivating. Or at least it was for me.

On the plane three weeks ago, just before we landed in Bali, Indonesia, I was already at the “Love” part of the book, which is the third and final part. You have to read this excerpt:

Ah–I should have known. I should have known that I would have a 25 percent chance of guessing Mario’s real name. In Bali, if I may digress, there are only four names that the majority of the population give to their children, regardless of whether the baby is a boy or a girl. The names are Wayan (pronounced “Why-Ann”), Made (“mah-DAY”), Nyoman and Ketut. Translated, these names mean simply First, Second, Third and Fourth, and they connote birth order. If you have a fifth child, you start the name cycle all over again so that the fifth child is really known as something like: “Wayan to the Second Power.” And so forth. If you have twins, you name them in the order they came out. Because there are basically only four names in Bali (higher-caste elites have their own selection of names) it’s totally possible (indeed, quite common) that two Wayans would marry each other. And then their firstborn would be named, of course: Wayan.

After I read this, I almost laughed because, come on, it sounds ridiculous. BALINESE PEOPLE HAD ONLY 4 NAMES? ARE YOU SERIOUS?? I had to find out if this was true or not.

In the duration of our trip, I met four Balinese tour guides, and believe it or not, all four of them were named “Ketut,” which tells us that each of them is the fourth child in their respective families. I must have talked to two locals to confirm what I read in the book, and indeed it was true.

The guy on the left who let me drive a speedboat is named "Ketut". But he rather people call him "Philip Morris."

Our tour guide/driver during the Cultural Tour was also named "Ketut". This guy is so patient with us. He had to wait for us for hours because we never show up on time. Sir, our deepest apologies. We're on Filipino time.

Another "Ketut" guided us through the Belikah Temple, the biggest temple in Bali. At the end of the tour, I asked him if he had a Facebook account. He just looked at me quizzically.

"Ketut" #4, owner of a small boat and married to a Japanese woman, brought us out to sea to where the waves are. This one kept saying "Sorry, sorry, I know little English only."

I don’t know about you, but I find this fact really fascinating! It’s the first thing I tell people whenever I’m being asked about our Bali trip. These four Balinese names are not just nicknames. These are real formal names. One local even told me that it’s against the law if they don’t use these customary names on their birth certificates.

Aside from this, I also learned other OMGfacts-esque information about Bali thanks to Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love.” In all the places I’ve been to outside the Philippines, so far I got most interested in Bali and its people. How admirable of them to have preserved their culture this way despite the foreign influences and all the tourists roaming their little island everyday!

The newest group of Filipinos made happy by the island of Bali. Yes, we *had to* wear those sarongs otherwise they won't let us in the vicinity.

In Bali, my name would have been Nyoman, because I’m the third child in our family. What would have been yours? :)

Taal Basilica of St. Martin

Joni — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:20:44 +0000

In the Philippines, the “historical sites” we have are mostly Catholic churches. I’m not a Roman Catholic, but I do appreciate visiting old churches and learning their history. En route to Manila from a beach in Batangas on Bonifacio Day, we stopped by the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia located in Taal, Batangas. I was surprised when I peeked outside the car window, because I didn’t expect it to be that big!

The Taal Basilica was established in 1575 by the Augustinians, with San Martin de Tours as patron saint. Read what Wikipedia has to say about it. And apparently, it’s where Ogie Alcasid and Michelle van Eimeren got married in 1996. But we all know how that marriage ended.

Across the Taal Church are rows of heritage houses, also known as “Little Vigan”, because it’s second to Vigan in the quantity of heritage houses that were preserved since the Spanish Colonial Period.

You know those inscriptions hanging on the walls of churches, temples, or shrines? And those leaflets being passed around at tourist spots? I (try to) read them all. Knowing more about a place makes exploring it more real. It’s like adding colors to your imagination when you try to relive the significant events that occurred there years ago.

Our country may be tagged as one of the worst nations in the world because of our greedy political figures (and all the inhumane killings), but it’s good to be reminded that there are still beautiful things to see and experience here.

Atypical August

Joni — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:09:09 +0000

Two years ago, I listed some reasons why I loved the month of August. This year proved to be no different. Three out of the five weekends of August I was away from work and from the confinement of my apartment. And you know how happy I get when I’m away on a trip! Here are the reasons:

Macau

More pictures here!

Macau is just how I expected it would be. Casinos left and right, Chinese establishments all over the place, and since it’s not that far from the Philippines, I expected the place to be equally hot and humid! But I loved the experience just the same. Especially that night Deej and I walked around the place to take pictures, to loiter, and to eat. One to two days are enough to get a good grasp of Macau, in my opinion. And Sarj wasn’t kidding when she told me that everything (well, almost everything) is just walking distance. That’s how small the place is.

One of the things I like about being raised in a third world country is how easy it is for me to appreciate beautiful things and places. Show me a colorful skyline with dancing lights, a uniquely-shaped building, a mall with an artificial blue sky disguised as Venice, historical churches, or a musical water fountain display and I’d be whipping out my camera to start shooting or recording, seemingly caught in a trance. To totally enjoy the trip, it really helps for a traveler not to be uptight and ashamed to act like a tourist.

Hong Kong

More pictures here!

It was my second time in Hong Kong, but this time I didn’t get to see the tourist spots that I planned to see but instead I had the chance to find the shopping places hidden in the streets of Kowloon and Hong Kong Islands. I’m not really into shopping when I’m traveling but this is fine since I’ve already seen most of the tourist attractions in Hong Kong with Mae three months ago. Among these are: The Peak, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Ngong Ping 360, the largest outdoor and seated Buddha in the world, the attractions along the waterfront (Space Museum, Avenue of Stars, The Clock Tower), A Symphony of Lights, and of course, the place that has made me a happy person again, Disneyland!

After spending a total of 7 days in Hong Kong this year, I think I can say that it’s a place I can imagine myself staying in for a period of time without worrying much about being an outsider. It’s such a safe, tourist-friendly place that it’s almost heartbreaking when I’m reminded of how far behind the Philippines is compared to her neighboring countries. Then again, they don’t have our beautiful beaches which I wouldn’t trade!

Bacolod City

More pictures here!

Since two years ago, after my folks moved to Manila, I only fly back to Bacolod for special occasions (weddings, official reunions, my dad’s funeral). But the trip home last month wasn’t for anything special. It was just a long weekend and the round trip plane ticket I bought was very cheap. Plus my friends have successfully convinced me to book the flight by luring me with plans to get together. So I did! Because I’m hopelessly gullible like that. And we did have a blast at our slumber parties and reunion dinners.

I also took the chance to visit Papa’s grave for the first time since his funeral last February. My situation reminds me of Emily in A Lot Like Love. She lives in CA but her mother’s grave is in NY. Because she lives far away, she only gets to visit the cemetery once in a while.

One thing about this that’s driving me insane is how they misprinted my dad’s name. My auntie blames the guys who made the headstone, but I don’t. Evidently, my good-for-nothing of an uncle has screwed up the name as he was the one who was placed in charge. My dad is a Jr., not a Sr.! Now there are two Pio B. Ang Sr.’s in Greenhills Chinese Cemetery. It’s soooo frustrating. I mean, how hard is it to get a name right?

Baler

More pictures here!

The trip to Baler last weekend was an interesting one, mainly because I got to know more about their history at the Museo de Baler and got to see the church where the actual Siege of Baler took place in 1898-1899. The first time I went to Baler two years ago I had no idea how rich the history of the place was, I’m glad I had another chance.

Learning about the history and culture of a particular place is something that I find very captivating. As a result, I downloaded the movie “Baler” and watched it the other night. It’s definitely a love story — a tragic one — but it pretty much showed the gist of what happened during the siege. It’s good to see Pinoy filmmakers getting into epic or period films too and not just the usual flimsy horror and tutti fruity flicks.

Hopefully the next time we go back to Baler, there will be better waves!

Last but not the least..

We celebrated Deej’s birthday this month! He turned 25 on August 25. That’s him above beside his humongous 35″ pizza from El Buono Pizza. PIZZZZZAAAAA!!!

Now that September’s here, everyone’s raving about Christmas being just around the corner. There’s something about knowing that Christmas is nearing that makes me sad, so I’m obviously not looking forward to it. Maybe it’s because it’s the first Christmas without Papa… or maybe it’s because a month after Christmas I’ll be turning a year older again… Ugh. I hate QLC.

But, despite the grief, life is still good! Goodbye, August. Hello, September. =)

Queen City of the South

Joni — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:44:13 +0000

Two posts ago, I mentioned that I don’t have any other trips this summer. But with just one chat session with Riz and Mae (the former was lonely, the latter was itching to get away) last month, a new itinerary was born! Last week, the three of us went on a 3-day trip to Cebu City just to get away from all of it.

The one thing I wanted to do when I go back to Cebu was try out “Skywalk Extreme” at Crown Regency Hotel and I was so happy that we were able to do that the first night! Mae led the way as she has already been there earlier this year. The P600 we paid for already included the entrance fee, one ride (choice between Skywalk and Edge Coaster), and a hearty buffet meal. Sulit!

The next day we went to Mactan Shrine (or Lapu-Lapu Shrine), Taoist Temple (for the 3rd time!!), and had dinner at Tops, a mountaintop place overlooking the whole of Cebu City.

For two nights, we stayed in Casa Escano but on the last day, we transferred to Shangri-La Mactan and sacrificed a few bucks. Riz, fortunately, has friends in high places (her mom called up her aunt who is connected to Shangri-La to ask for a free room upgrade) so for just one night, we got to pretend we’re rich by staying in Shangri-La. The truth is though, we only had cup noodles and oatmeal for dinner!

After that Skywalk experience, my next favorite is Shangri-La Mactan. The place is so beautiful! See for yourself:

The three of us obviously have not gotten tired of each other yet, because we’re now planning for our next trip. Welcome us with open arms, Hong Kong! Except you, H1N1 virus.

More Cebu pictures here, here, here, here, and here.

Summer 2009 Travel Destinations

Joni — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:37:27 +0000

You’ve probably heard other people say this so many times before, but let me say it too: Oh how I love traveling! The thought excites me like nothing else. I check online bookings every now and again to look for cheap flights, and sometimes I just get caught up watching the Discovery Travel & Living and Living Asia channels, just like the Super Girl. If I can afford it, and if there’s no ‘work’ that gets in the way, I would plan trips to places in the Philippines every month — to get lost in a strange city, walk around, and just take pictures. Or maybe fly to a nearby country (so long as Cebu Pacific continually offers Seat Sale!) for a bit of a challenge. The thought of finding my way in a foreign land using only a map, signs and a travel guide, and dealing with foreign-speaking locals does not bother me.

Here are the places I’ve been to this summer:

SINGAPORE

MALAYSIA

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

BAGUIO CITY

Mae and I almost decided to fly to Cagayan de Oro for Labor Day weekend. We wanted to experience the renowned whitewater rafting, and to finally set foot in Mindanao(!!!). But since May 1st is only two weeks away, round trip airfare costs P5,000 or more. Eek. Maybe next time then.

I find it fun exploring the Philippines, cos it’s one thing to be proud of your country just by sitting in a chair and watching TV — whole other thing to actually get up from your chair, go places, and witness the “beauty” first-hand. LOVE YOUR OWN!

I wish I had more trips to tourist destinations in the Philippines in the remaining days of the summer. But due to the peak season still in full swing, I shouldn’t even bother checking the airline websites. Looking forward to other trips I’ve scheduled later this year, though.

Let’s Find Some Beautiful Place To Get Lost

Was tagged by Riz to browse through my stock photos, find that one place I want to go back to this very minute, put the words, “Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost” on it, then post it up. I choose Malaysia.

I regret that I only spent less than 24 hours in this country. Checking on travel websites now, there’s obviously more to Malaysia than just Sunway Lagoon, the famous Petronas Twin Towers, and the KL Tower. I would love the chance to go back and check out other spots.

Where have you been and where are you off to this summer? :)

My Unique Weekend in Boracay

Joni — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:05:31 +0000

I describe my weekend in Boracay as unique ultimately because I was ALONE in the trip. My partner in crime backed out at the last minute because she got sick. We were supposed to celebrate her birthday there last Friday. I could have just called off the whole trip but since my PAL Econolight fare, among other conditions, was…

3. Forfeited if ticket is unused.
4. Non-rebookable / Non-endorsable / Non-upgradable

… I decided to take the trip by myself. For soul-searching? LOL. It wasn’t that hard finding my way in Caticlan-Boracay as I only had to go with the flow of the crowd and ask around. I kept in mind to not act like a complete ignorant tourist lest some locals take advantage of me.

I stayed at Isla Gecko Resort where Sarah reserved us a room. Their wifi service was not so good so I still had to resort to using Smart 3g to connect to the web. On my first night in Boracay, I just stayed in the hotel room because it was too dark and I didn’t know my way to the beach yet. Isla Gecko is a minute-walk to and from the beach.

The next morning, I walked to the beach, basked in the beauty of nature, and took some pictures. The white sand was nice, but as far as beaches go, I’ve seen better. I called my best friend to ask her what’s there to do in Bora, aside from clubbing and drinking (which I’m not into), and she suggested island hopping. A few minutes later, a local approached me and offered that I come with them, plus 3 other guests that are also from Manila, on an island hopping trip.

On the way to the crocodile island, the waves got bigger and the wind stronger, so the boat owner had to turn back and stop at this food establishment called Calirojan, near the Jetty port. As we waited, my companions had their lunch while I sat in one corner and ordered a Coke Light. I’ve almost finished off the contents of the can before I realized there was something wrong with the cola’s taste. I turned the can over and found out that it was past its Best Before date! I told the store owner about the expired Coke, but he was indifferent. I think he already knew about it.

The island hopping trip was an epic fail. We didn’t drop by the islands as planned but only sailed around two islands and went back to Station 1. I made a few friends, though. There’s this girl from Pasig City who’s staying in Bora for a month or maybe longer. The reason? After she had a big fight with her family, she shaved her head bald and traveled to Bora by herself. She’ll be coming back home only if her hair is long enough so her family wouldn’t suspect anything. Haha.

That night, I walked some more around Station 2 and took some more pictures. Boracay is so alive at night, it’s like a small city sitting on a beach. I was disappointed though, because everything in Bora is expensive. Even the medicine at the drug store!

I woke up the next day and had my breakfast before going to the beach again and do some nature- and people-watching. A few minutes later, a local lady, Ate Ainee, who was also with us on that “island hopping trip” saw me sitting alone and came to talk to me. All in all, I was asked six times by six different people why I was in Bora by myself. And all six of them had to rub it in my face by telling me “that Boracay is no fun if you’re with nobody.” I agree with them, but I really didn’t mind.

Anyway, back to Ate Ainee. She offered to take me on an ATV ride to the top of the mountain for only P500. Compared to the other activities in Bora, such as Parasailing, Banana Boat, Sea Tour Helmet, Jetskiing, which all cost P1300 or more, the ATV ride was cheap. With nothing else to do on the island, I agreed to go with her.

As it turns out, the ATV ride became the highlight of my trip! While everyone was tuned in to their televisions watching the DeLa Hoya-Pacquiao fight, I was driving toward the peak of Mt. Luho, the highest mountain in the island of Boracay (which was really not that high), overlooking the beaches, the sea, the golf course and meadow, and the luxury hotels. I loved the exhilarating feeling I got from driving that ATV!

After that mountaintop experience, I went back to Isla Gecko to pack my bags and head to Caticlan. My return flight with PAL was in Kalibo, Aklan since that’s the cheapest one Sarah and I could fine online two weeks ago (yep, cheaper than Cebu Pacific or Seair). The travel to Kalibo, aboard an L300, took more or less 90 minutes.

By 7:00pm of Sunday, I was back in Manila. The Boracay trip was quick, and it was kinda lonely, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I’m definitely coming back to give that ATV a go again. And probably try Parasailing too. It looked pretty exciting from where I was standing!

I didn’t get anything back as souvenir from Bora except a shirt and a sando for Deej. And also, a flu. I think I caught it from that cleaning lady at the hotel. *sniff*

More photos here!

Calaguas Island

Joni — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:19:54 +0000

Hidden somewhere in the Pacific coast of Camarines Norte in the region of Bicol is the group of islands called Calaguas. My friends and I took a 2-hour boat ride from a port (more like a creek, really) in Bagasbas, Daet to see these secluded islands with pristine beaches. The island we set foot on aren’t inhabited by that many locals, in fact there was just one house in the vicinity (that I know of). But the isolation didn’t bother us, it was actually the best thing about the island. I wouldn’t be thrilled to see the day they overly commercialize that place. If you’re the kind of person who freaks out when a proper toilet, bedroom, food establishment, or running water is not around, then this untainted island may not be the place for you. But if you don’t mind having limited access and you’re only concerned about being one with nature, then you will undoubtedly enjoy the solitude the Calaguas islands have to offer. :)

Er, okay, that first paragraph didn’t sound so right. It sort of reads like I’m selling the place! Sorry. It is just too beautiful to ignore. I mean, take a look at the white sand and crystalline waters in the photos below. I’m still deciding whether the beach in Calaguas is better than the white sand beach in Pagudpud..

Aside from Calaguas island, we also went to the surfing spot in Bagasbas (it wasn’t surfing season though) drove to Tabaco City, and passed by the other towns in Bicol. Right before our flight home last Tuesday, we dropped by the famous Cagsawa Ruins and the volcano perfection that is Mount Mayon, which previously I only get to see in postcards and history books! See more photos here.

Cagsawa Ruins (steeple), the church buried by Mayon's deadliest eruption in 1814.

Mount Mayon, the volcano known for its perfect-cone shape

I can finally cross out Bicol from the list of places in the Philippines that I haven’t gone to. And it’s definitely one of the best. I’m starting to feel bad about the region I grew up in (Western Visayas) which, in my knowledge, isn’t as culturally rich as the others. But my hometown, Bacolod City, can definitely compete in the “scrumptious food for less” category. Incidentally, I have voted for Mayon Volcano as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Have you?

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 25 comments | Leave a comment
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Bohol Itinerary

Joni — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:39:46 +0000

I’ve been asked a few times by some friends to share the itinerary of our Bohol trip last month. I intended to blog about it earlier but, I don’t know, I was too occupied — lazy, really — to do it. I did share some Bohol photos though if you missed that one!

This summer, most office people sure are itching to get off their boring chairs to enjoy the sand and sun for a change (I know I am), and Bohol is probably one of the most talked-about island paradise destinations in the Philippines. Our trip to Bohol was planned by my friend, Van (we didn’t sign up for some package tour). That girl has been to so many places and nature trips that you just know you’ve got nothing to worry about when she’s around. She did a great job planning our itinerary (Thanks, Van!). Anyway, if you’re looking for an inexpensive vacation, our Bohol experience might be helpful.

We were in Bohol from March 6 to 10, but technically we only stayed there for 3 days.

Day One

We arrived in Tagbilaran City in the morning of March 6. Outside the airport, we talked to a driver of one of the cars for hire there to drive us to Alona Beach in Panglao Island. The transfer cost us PhP 400. We asked the driver to bring us to Bohol Divers Resort where we got the cheapest room in the place (only PhP 600 per night). We didn’t schedule anything big on our first day so we just walked around and explored the resort and the rest of Alona Beach. There’s a bunch of restaurants and stores there too so food is not going to be a problem. Although I must mention that the meals are a bit pricey.

Day Two

We were so psyched to explore Bohol for the first time! Our tour guide, Cesar, picked us up at 8:00am and drove us to our first destination: the Sikatuna-Legazpi Blood Compact site. We did a quick picture-taking then we were off to Baclayon Church. After exploring Baclayon Church, our guide brought us to where the Tarsiers were near Loboc River. I love those Tarsiers! They’re just quiet and still, as though oblivious of the noisy tourists clustered around them. Cute! There were lemurs and other “common” animals there too that nobody was really excited about, lol. After that, it was time to eat our lunch at the floating restaurant in Loboc River. Buffet lunch is PhP 280 per person.

Then it was time to see the Chocolate Hills. It was probably a 30-minute drive going there. On the way, we stopped by the Manmade Forest and the Hanging Bridge. The Chocolate Hills are just the loveliest! I could look at them forever and not grow tired. We took a lot of photos on top of the highest hill until my camera’s battery ran out, which is why I wasn’t able to take a picture of Prony the Python at our next stop. We also dropped by the Clarin Ancestral House.

The local tour guide who accommodated us was really nice. The trip cost us PhP 1700 (van rental + tour).

Day Three

We wanted to make the most out of our trip to the Central Visayas so we decided to visit Cebu. Cebu is just a 2-hour trip from Bohol by boat, and the roundtrip fare is only PhP 500 per person. Not bad. We bought our Ocean Jet tickets at the Tagbilaran port then we contacted another tour guide to meet us in Cebu (I can give you his number too if you’re interested). Mang Danny brought us to Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu’s Shrine is, then to Taoist Temple, the Heritage of Cebu Monument, Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro, and Magellan’s Cross.

After the tour, he dropped us off at the Ayala Center where we killed some time and had our late lunch. By 4:30pm, we took a cab back to the port, and by 8:30pm, we were back in Tagbilaran City.

Day Four

Van arranged for us to go dolphin watching that day. We rented the boat for PhP 1500 and the local guy who owns it took us near Pamilacan Island where the leaping dolphins were. Seeing those amazing dolphins totally made our day, drowsy as we were. After the dolphin watching, we were taken to Balicasag Island. The first time I went snorkeling in Puerto Galera was nothing compared to that time in Bohol. Although the one in Bohol cost a lot more!

We were back in Bohol Divers Resort by 2:00pm. I was too tired to do anything else so I just slept the whole afternoon — my ideal vacation. :)

Day Five

Our trip had to end some time, much to my despair. The tour guide picked us up again at 6:00am to bring us to the airport. One-way transfer was still at PhP 400. By 10:00am, I was back in the office where our CEO and the Chairman of the Board were waiting for me so our meeting could finally start. Ha. Pasaway.

I hope this post has been helpful somehow.

Btw, this is my first post on my brand spanking new WordPress 2.5 blog! Those WordPress guys rock. *blows kisses to Matt Mullenweg*

Weekend Snapshots #3: The Best of Bohol (and a bit of Cebu)

Joni — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:08:53 +0000

Due to my crazy schedule, this Weekend Snapshots post is a week late. Here are some pictures from our Bohol and Cebu trip last weekend. Enjoy! :)

Sikatuna-Legazpi Blood Compact Monument.

Baclayon Church. According to our tour guide, right across this church is where Cesar Montano proposed to Sunshine Cruz. Is it true? If so, I don’t think it matters that much anymore, they’re now separated anyway. :D

Seeing this Tarsier, an endangered species found only in the Philippines, is the highlight of my trip! This and the Chocolate Hills (and the dolphins!) below. lol.

Loboc River Cruise. Aboard the floating restaurant in Loboc River, just like the one Happy Slip was on when she shot this video.

The Hanging Bridge.

The famous Chocolate Hills. The view is to die for I tell ya. It’s HeKaSi books come to life!

The Manmade Forest.

Dolphin Watching near Pamilacan Island. LUV IT!!

We went snorkeling at Balicasag Island, too. Saw Nemo and lots of other colorful fishes!

Our last dinner at the Alona Beach. The stars finally decided to come out that night.

The historic Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan, Cebu where the first Philippine hero, Lapu-Lapu, battled against Ferdinand Magellan.

The Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, Cebu City.

Magellan’s Cross. “This Cross of Tindalo Wood Encases the Original Cross Planted by Ferdinand Magellan On This Very Site. April 21, 1521.”

Heritage of Cebu Monument, a shrine that depicts the significant historical events of Cebu beginning with the arrival of the Spaniards.

Gotta love those Chocolate Hills! Hehe.

I hope to visit Palawan next.