phone photography, Dito Kay Shellan

Staycation in Camarines Sur (CamSur), Relaxing Fun Activities and more

I’ve been wondering for the past few days if I would make a blogpost about our staycation in Camarines Sur, Bicol. Primarily because, that specific place holds a sacred space in my life, especially with my husband, mainly for its simplicity and beauty combined which can be ruined when tourists found what is special about the place. Because admit it or not, we humans, destroy beautiful things. We’ve witnessed it, not only with Boracay. I could make a list of tourist destinations that are being ruined by irresponsible tourists and make a book with the pages. That’s how dangerous humans are.

But, I realized, I can share our staycation without pinpointing the location. I can write about it without inviting you to go the place (except for our beloved, they are the exceptions). Also, I’ve shared some stuff about this place four years ago as our honeymoon get-away, but every trip holds a different story, and the place grew more beautiful or perhaps, because I had the time to experience almost all the activities the island offers during this staycation.

Activities:

1. Sunset Viewing – it is always beautiful to see sunsets at the bay but if you are to rank them, I think my husband’s hometown, particularly at their community, is on the top 5.

2. Boating – this is where I see the home island of my husband more beautiful, by looking it from a distance, on a boat. Also, I can personally witness how crystal clear the sea surrounding the island.

You can watch how crystal clear the ocean is on this link: Staycation in Camarines Sur (CamSur)

3. Simply sitting by the shore – that’s the magic of the simplicity of this island, you can just sit by the shore and watch people do their own thing, like catching sea bounties, and feel so relaxed perhaps with a book and coffee on your side.

4. Swimming – daytime and nighttime swimming is something that you can’t say no to, it’s like you can’t say no to the invitation of the ocean to feel her with your whole being. It’s so enticing you can’t say no.

5. Falls and River – there will be a short trek to experience this activity. So experiencing the river and falls comes with a gift of seeing and.inhaling nature’s eyecandies.

There you go, and if you really insist to witness the place first hand, drop a comment or message us, perhaps after some interviews, we can rent you the staycation package. The locals are very polite, and they maintain the place so clean, so if you by any chance pollute the place, I will be the one dealing with you on their behalf, and man, I am not very polite.

The only unpleasant experience you must expect is the roadtrip going to Bicol. I am really frustrated, disappointed, and angry with the government failing to provide the basics for its people. Sobrang lubak, malapit na sa rough road ang daan sa national highway ng Bicolandia. Mga nakahelicopter ata ang mga pulpol na politiko, lintek. Anyway, I believe and still look forward for the betterment, because I know there are also good politicians who aim nothing but the best for the country. I am praying for them.

Here’s a short video documentation of our staycation: CamSur Staycation

I know you are looking for the itinerary and budget breakdown, so here:

Itinerary

Day 0 – left Cavite
10:00 AM – CamSur
Day 1 – Rest
Day 2 – Activity 1, 3, 4
Day 3 – Activity 2, 5
Day 4 – Rest
Day 5 – Back to Cavite
11:00 PM – Arrived home

Budget Breakdown

1500 – Motorcycle Gas

Rewarding Scenic Beauty at Mt. Batulao

Posted on August 26 by shellan

Of all the beginner-friendly mountains these climbers tagged, Mt. Batulao is one of the few that really is a beginner-friendly. If you are looking for your first mountain to climb, you might want to consider Mt. Batulao. Truly, with less physical effort, a rewarding scenic beauty at Mt. Batulao awaits you. It is so far, based on my experience, the epitome of a “chill climb” next to Gulugud Baboy. Although, I don’t remember claiming these words on our first and previous climb here which can be read here: Up and Down to the top of Mt. Batulao

Anyway, I’ve listed down the best qualities and reasons to climb Mt. Batulao:

1. As I have mentioned, with less physical effort, a rewarding scenic beauty awaits you. Of course, assuming that you are physically active. If not, then, it can still be exhausting on your part.

2. Ridges are pretty awesome and will be more cinematic if one will do drone shots here. I can say that it can be likened to the mountain ridges we see on tiktok and fb reels.

3. There are 12 peaks, which will help you anticipate how much more or long you need to go through before reaching the top. It’s like a countdown.

4. As for now, it is underrated, or probably because most don’t know that Mt. Batulao is open again after closing for rehabilitation for several years. So yeah, there ae less tourist on the location even on weekends. Well, if I were to compare Batulao to other famous mountains, such as Pulag and Rizal’s. This also means, less waiting time for the opportunity to have decent photos on the beautiful spots. And imagine on weekdays, you’ll get “wantosawa” photo opportunities.

5. Refreshments and food are available on the trail and on the top on weekends and holidays but they are closed on weekdays. So pack your own if you’re going to sched your hike on weekdays.

6. You have the option to use the new trail or old trail or both by doing a traverse. Numerous pass-through fees are still implemented here (P20-P30) probably because some part are privately-owned.

7. If you are fond of rapelling, then Mt. Batulao is perfect for you. Some part of the trail require rapelling or rock climbing but the difficulty level is very low.

8. Most part of Mt. Batulao, including on the summit, the network signals are available.

9. Here is the video documentary of our climb here to help you visualize your climb here: Mt. Batulao (Mountain Ridges, Rapelling, etc.)

And, here are the proofs of the scenic beauties at Mt. Batulao, crafted by the most creative and gracious God who allowed us to witness these, though the weather forecast told us otherwise:

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Have a safe and wonderful trip. Message or comment below for the info regarding the recommendable travel tours for your trip here.

I know you are looking for the itinerary and budget breakdown, so here:

Itinerary

2:00 AM – left Bacoor, Cavite

4:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Kaylaway / Registration / Breakfast

4: 40 AM – start of trek

6:00 AM – witness sunrise / rest

7:20 AM – Summit

8:00 AM – Descent to Peak 8

9:00 AM – Peak 8 / Early Unli Lunch (provided by the tour)

10:00 AM – Descent back to jump off

11:00 AM – Registration Area / Clean-up

12:00 NM – Back to Cavite / Manila

Budget Breakdown

1500 – Transpo / Registration / Tour Guide / Event Fee / Unli Food

25 to 100 – Bathroom use (depending on how much water you are going to use)

The Beauty of Batangas Road Trip

Posted on April 18 by shellan

Going on a Batangas road trip is quite exhausting even if you are from the nearby province like Cavite. It would take you more than three hours to reach a decent road trip with the nature and away from the city noise. But it would be worth it, especially if you’re looking for a long ride with shoreline as a background noise.

Batangas is also a good choice if you’re looking for tranquility, serenity, and peace, which can mostly happen during holy week. It’s like you’re traveling on nostalgic places that even if it’s your first time being there, it feels nostalgic. It’s like you’re back on good old days. Simple and it nourishes your soul.

Well, if my words don’t convince you, perhaps the video here (Batangas Road Trip) and the photos below can:

Have a safe trip and if you’d like to gain more insight regarding motorcycle ride you may visit alnbrtbriones.com while drinking your favorite coffee.

Mt. Pinatubo and its Adrenaline Activities

Posted on January 24, 2025 by shellan

Mt. Pinatubo is one of the destinations that climbers and non climbers would agree to put on their travel bucket list. It is coined as “A Beautiful Disaster” of the Philippines, and it seems that everybody wants to know why or perhaps to just simply witness its beauty first hand. And since we are at the age of social media, where we can easily view and be influenced by the hype and be enchanted by the beautiful sceneries world wide, Mt. Pinatubo has become more popular, especially to the youth.

But what should we really expect to experience by trekking Mt. Pinatubo? If you’re in a rush and preferred a motion documentation, here’s the link for it (⁠☞ﾟ⁠∀ﾟ⁠)⁠☞Mt. Pinatubo and its Adrenaline Activities Video Documentation you can view our adventure there.

Anyway, since here you are continuing to read my written blah blah blah, allow me to start lay down our adventure at Mt. Pinatubo with the instagrammable photos below:

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Now that you know that Mt. Pinatubo is really worth that booking/trip, you should also know that trekking it comes with not so-okay experience — perhaps, a beautiful disaster. Here, I’ve already made a list of the things you should know and consider before booking a trip:

1. If you live far from Tarlac, this will not be an easy trip. We were from NCR and Cavite and we left around 12MN to be able to arrive at the drop off / registration point in time. So if you’re not used to getting sleep on a moving vehicle, this will be a challenge. So might as well bring something that could help you sleep comfortable, like pillow neck.

We arrived at Capas, Tarlac around 4:30AM and start the registration process where we signed waivers. Also, 40 and above YO climbers are required to undergo blood pressure check-up before setting off.

By the way, there are several registration places.

2. Do not book your trip on weekends if you are not a fan of crowded area. And when I say crowded, I mean CROOOWWDEED. If you haven’t checked the link above, where you can watch our video documentation, here’s a short clip to help you visualize what I meant:

According to our source, we were more than 1,000 tourists that Saturday, where around 300 units of 4×4 vehicle were dispatched by the tourism office.

3. 4×4 vehicle is a required ride to get to the starting point of trekking. It comes on different models and can accommodate 4 pax at most. Many preferred a jeepney type where tourists can stand and feel the adrenaline rush of being tossed around since the ride is an off-road.

Please spare being brats and be picky with the 4×4 vehicle. Accept what is assigned to your group. Most jeepney owners are Katutubo (Indigenous people). Aside from that, being assigned with a closed 4×4 vehicle is a heaven on the way back. Because who wants to be tossed around when you are already exhausted. We learned that as we ride back at the jump off / registration point, sleeping like a baby.

Yes, you can bring your own 4×4 off road vehicle but you need to process its registration at the tourism office.

4. Most part of the off road areas are used for military trainings so there’s a chance to get stranded while you wait for the training to get done.

5. Katutubo. They are seen all over the municipality. They are the original locals of Capas, Tarlac. The local government has given them job opportunities by enlisting them as tour guides. Although, they are going to be paid by the LGU, be generous to your tour guide and tip them big time. And most especially, be respectful of them.

Also, I advice you to bring spare money or food so you can buy and give it away (though they don’t ask for it, they wait for tourists to initiate) to the katutubo who sells stuff along the trail.

I have learned, upon interviewing our guide, that their lands were taken away from them by the national government since former Pres. Ramos has declared their area non-inhabitant. They didn’t push for an uprise, though. Instead, they find other ways how to sustain their lives in their hometown.

6. You can bring your own food / packed lunch if you are on a budget. But if you prefer to travel with less bagage, food and drinks are very much available along the trail. They even have inasal there.

7. The trail is somehow can be described as a walkathon rather than hiking. It is easy and very much beginner friendly but the walkathon is also tiring and exhausting. But worth it.

8. Remember your tour guide’s face and name, just in case you still picked weekend for your trip and got mixed with thousand of people at the crater. You will spot them after several minutes because he/she will also look for you.

Also, don’t fall in line at the crater unless you want a drone shot and pay.

9. The trail is a mix of rocky and shallow river trek. So, yeah, it’s better to wear sandals.

And, here’s our day hike itinerary to help you plan out your trip:

1:00 AM – leave Manila

4:30 AM – Regstration Point / Drop Off / Breakfast / Prep Up / Waiting in line

6:30 AM – Board 4×4

7:30 AM – start of trek

10:30 AM – Mt. Pinatubo Crater / Lunch / Rest / Savor the beauty of Pinatubo

11:20 AM – Descent

1:00 PM – Board 4×4

2:30 PM – Regstration Point / Drop Off / Breakfast / Clean Up / Waiting for the other group (since we booked a travel agency)

5:00PM – back to Manila

Budget breakdown:

Php 2,875.00 all in for:

Van RT

Parking fee

Guide fee

Environmental fee

Bagtag

Climb permit

4×4 Vehicle

Requirements:

Valid ID

Backlava Mask

Spare Coins (for the usage of CRs, which is also available along the trail)

If you are less than 8 pax, I suggest that you opt booking a travel agency instead DIY. It will be more budget friendly. Our tour is recommendable if you are looking for one. Message or comment down so I can provide you details.

To sum it up, indeed Mt. Pinatubo is a beauty. No doubt about it. But you have to go through a lot before you witness her beauty. And at the end of your trip, you will have no choice but to agree that it is indeed “a beautiful disaster” not only because of what you went through just to see her but mostly because of the devastation she has done to its surrounding places which perhaps has changed geography but has add to its beauty and providing tourism income opportunities to its locals.

I just hope that those thousands of people who went there not only came for awra photos showcasing their beauty and outfit but have also been overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of Mt. Pinatubo and the disaster that has shaped the lives of the locals and the municipality as well. And that she’s a beauty, but she can be danger as well.

Ilocos Tour 2024

Posted on December 7, 2024 by shellan

It’s been almost a decade since the first time I booked a tour in Ilocos. You can read our previous adventure here: Ilocos Tour

This year’s ilocos tour is quite exhausting than my last visit but ironic as it may seem, I found it quite enjoyable, perhaps because I have experienced nerve wrecking activities like the 4×4 sand dunes ride and sand boarding. Plus, I have enjoyed and savor my moment at a nice beach in Pagudpud. And to top it all, I am with my very patient husband.

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If you’re looking for a budget breakdown, I cannot lay itdown here. Message me and I’ll refer you the budgetarian tour we have booked or you can click on our last tour at Ilocos because it’s the same tour agent.

Ilocos is a very nice place, actually one of the best places in the Philippines. They know how to maintain their place and by maintain it does not only mean culture and heritage preservation but also the cleanliness of their surroundings. It is evident with the photos below, from shoreline to the most urban place, decipline with cleanliness is always present. So please tourists, do not litter. The locals are also respectful with their tourists so please reciprocate.

Here’s the video documentation of our tour: Ilocos Tour 2024 side trip Apari

Meanwhile, here are the instagrammable photos we took at each stop:

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Have a safe trip, enjoy and God bless us all!

Manila Bay’s Instagrammable Spots

Posted on August 7, 2024 by shellan

If you’re thinking about the infamous dolomite sand of the city, which became one of the Metro’s tourist attractions, you’re wrong. But we are not writing this to disregard the aesthetic features of the dolomite sand in Manila Bay. In spite of the lingering controversy, we cannot deny the fact that it is indeed beautiful, based on the circulated photos in social media because we failed to witness it first-hand. Perhaps some other time, we could make a blog and vlog about it.

Anyway, so which spot in Manila Bay I am talking about that has Instagrammable spots?

Make a guess with the photos below:

If you still can’t figure out which part of Manila Bay this is, maybe this short clip will help you identify it more. Am sure this will:

In case you really have no idea about Manila Bay, this location is just beside the CCP Complex. You’re welcome.

Anyway, to conclude this blog, I think we made it obvious that Manila Bay is a gem in landscape photography, you just gotta find the perfect spots. Adding dolomite sand is not supposed to be the priority, perhaps. Rather, they could have focused more on the maintenance and rehabilitation of Manila Bay, such as but not limited to, clean up drive. But as I have mentioned above we are not here to discredit the beauty that the dolomite provides to the site. And surely, it attracts more tourists, if that was their goal then they have achieved it.

What do you think? Have a safe trip.

Budget Friendly Beach Resort in Cavite

Posted on June 30, 2024 by shellan

It’s rare to find budget friendly beach resorts with promising environment and ambiance. Good thing we found one just around the corner.

With these instagrammable photos, who would have thought that we only spent P320? Not to mention that we got to enjoy swimming without too much crowd. Perfect serenity, indeed. Here’s the video documation of our trip there https://youtu.be/1QsBXKTFmjU

Food is also available just around the corner.

You can also bring your own food and use the grilling area. Comfort rooms are available with minimal fee that ranges from P5 – P20, depending on how much water you are going to use. Karaoke or KTV is also available for rent. So, if you’re looking for a budget friendly family get-away, this is one of the best choices, presumably you are from NCR or Cavite.

Just search Coastline Beach Resort on google to know how to get there via private vehicle but if you are going to commute, here’s how to get there:

– From PITX, ride a bus going to Naic;

– Tell the conductor to drop you on Sto. Niño Beac Resort or Coastline Beach Resort;

– Ride a tricycle to Coastline Beach Resort.

You might spend, around two hundred for the fare going to and back to PITX.

Anyway, here’s the budget breakdown of our trip there:

Cottage – 300 / good for 2 pax

Parking Fee – 20

There is no entrance fee.

Please be a responsible tourist when you get here. Leave no garbage and avoid littering. Enjoy God’s amazing creations and savor the moment!

Around the World in 2 Hours via Motorcycle Ride

Posted on January 3, 2024 by shellan

What would be the best way to kick start off this new year than by spending it on nice a road trip with the love of your life not to mention that you’d be able see the most iconic places around the world.

You read it right. We have traveled around the world within 2 hours via motorcycle ride. But before you labeled us ‘click-bait’ here’s the narrative on how that activity became possible.

First, let me drop the photos to give you ideas of what I’m about to share with you:

Yes, dear readers, these photos were taken in a single place that offered around the world travel experience in the mini world they created where some iconic places were imitated. Welcome to TORRES FARM.

Torres Farm, or also known as Torres Farm Hotel and Resort, is located in Naic, Cavite. Around 3 hours away from Manila. Primarily, this is a resort, where you can enjoy swimming activity, but due to the increasing popularity of the instagrammable imitation of iconic places around the world, people started going there just for photo ops.

There are other activities you can enjoy, like picnic and many more, watch this link: Torres Farm, to know other activities you can enjoy at the so called happiest place in Cavite.

Here are additional instagrammable spots we found:

Meanwhile, here’s the budget breakdown in case you are planning to spend a day tour there:

230 – Entrance Fee for adult

160 – Entrance Fee for kids

20 – Motorcycle Parking fee

30 – Additional for swimming and you wish to have someone to take photos of you

Another cool thing about the place is that it really tried hard to simulate a travel get-away by having its own airport and immigration building. These can be seen on the link I provided above but here are some photos of the airport:

Do not go there on a weekend or holiday if you hate crowded place. We were actually surprised by the multitude of people but what do you expect when it’s January first, ayt? Perhaps the very reason why we only stayed for 2 hours after completing photo ops in each iconic place.

Have a safe travel. Follow this site for future travel tips and updates. I believe my I and my husband will spend more time travelling because we started the year by doing so. Hope you are too. See you around.

Pico De Loro is now Accepting Tourists; Find out the New Things you Need to know Before Climbing

Posted on April 30, 2023 by shellan

Finally! A climb after more than 3 years has happened. We have been planning to climb a long time even during pandemic, but due to various circumstances, we always end up rescheduling our hike. But not this year, the wait is way too long already. Hence, we booked a climb to Pico De Loro.

If you are planning to hike Pico De Loro too, here’s their website where you can schedule: https://mppmngnp.com/

There are many changes on the site, one of those is the entrance fee, that now costs P200 each. I remember around 2015, it was only P30 and tour guide was not required, not unlike now, it is mandatory. Well, perhaps now, all of the mountains open for hiking require tour guides.

It was my third time on Pico de Loro, but it kind of felt like the experience is something new. There are new spots and new trail at the site. Here are the photos:

Aside from that there are more restrictions than before. Overnight camping is still not permitted, as well as traversing. Monolith is now close and will never open again due to the evaluation made by the DENR; cracks were found which made it unsafe for climbing.

But although they offer less activity now, I admire the management’s determination to protect and put first the nature than the adventurers’ demand. It was also a best decision that they closed Pico de Loro for several years to regenerate and heal itself from the constant human footprints it gotten over the years. Now you will see on our video (video documentation of our adventure) that the forest has been regenerated, indeed.

Before the climb, you will be watching an 8-minute avp about Pico de Loro, here you will know that you are actually going to climb two mountains: Mt. Palay-Palay and Mataas na Gulod. Both declared as DENR’s protected areas. But since people know the site as Pico de Loro, let’s call it that way.

At the summit, you now have stairs to help you reach it. Unlike before, you will only rely on the bushes to help you with the grip ascending and descending.

I will leave behind some information regarding the modified Pico de Loro for you to get insights on your own and first hand ask the employees or the tour guide assigned to you. But just in case, you are so eager to know now, okay, then ask away below the comment section.

Meanwhile, here are the beautiful photos at the top:

I know you are looking for the budget breakdown:
Entrance/Eco Fee – 200!pax
Parking fee – 30
Tour Guide Fee – 500/maximum of 5 pax

If you are planning to commute, well, be thankful, because it is easier now. Just hop on a bus going to Nasugbo, Batangas via Kaybiang tunnel. The earliest leaves around 5AM at PITXT.

Enjoy and be a responsible hiker! God bless.

Island Tour at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, Cavite

Posted on January 1, 2023 by shellan

We’ve been planning to hike a mountain before the year ends. But because we also want to spend quality time with our furr babies, we decided to spend the holiday on a beach instead. Thus, we booked at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, primarily because they offer island hopping too.

But let me clarify this early that we have not experienced island hopping due to heavy waves. That’s what your get when you scheduled a beach adventure during Ber months. Instead, it was replaced with an island tour (watch our adventure here: Maragondon Island Tour), which happened to be the wildest ride we had on an ocean so far. Well, as what I’ve said, that’s what you get when you scheduled a beach adventure during ber months.

The main highlight of our stay here at Patungan Beach is the Island tour and the swimming on the fish sanctuary. The island tour takes more than 2 hour-boat ride (back and forth). We stay at fish sanctuary less than an hour and head back to Patungan Beach. It costs us 2,500 but it’s so worth it, especially when the boat driver masters the art of riding big waves. We were terrified by the waves and thought that the boat would flip. And thank God it didn’t. I think we also passed by the island which we stayed during a trip where we own an island for a day, it was our trip to Carabao Island, but I couldn’t distinguish the island anymore.

The stay at the beach cottage is also a first hand nature experience. If being close to the nature is what you are looking for, then Patungan Cottages is right for you. Toilets are available too. We spend a night at the cottage and went home before lunchtime the next day. To proper guide you with the itinerary, here’s ours:

Itinerary:
5AM – departure
6:30AM – Arrived at Patungan Beach
7:00AM – settled at the cottage
8:00AM – finished Breakfast
9:00AM – cooking lunch
10:00AM – Lunch time
10:45AM – board the boat for island tour
10:45AM – 12NN – island tour
12NN – arrived at fish sactuary
12:50PM – board the boat back to the beach
12:50PM – 1:50PM – boat ride back to Patungan Beach
2:00PM – 5:00PM – Siesta
5:00PM – 5:30PM – Preparing Dinner
7:00PM – Dinner
8:00PM onward – free time until sleep time
6:00AM – Preparing breakfast
7:00AM – Breakfast
8:00AM – Pack Up
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Free time
10:30AM – Board tricycle back to pick up point back home

Things to bring:
Uling
Flash light
Mineral Water
Toiletries
Under water cam
Power bank
Garbage bag

Note: The community doesn’t have electricity yet, they only rely on solar panel that provides them energy so there will be times that all the can provide you is light at the cottage. However, some locals offer generator for rent if you badly need electricity.

Budget:
2,500 – island hopping / island tour
2,000 – overnight cottage with 1 room
50/pax – tricycle going to the beach

We recommend Sir Allan Agustine for island hopping / island tour boat ride. Simply look for him. I can also give you our contact for the cottage accommodations, they will provide things for you that you forgot to bring, (e.g kawali). If you are wondering if there are stores at the community, there are. But I suggest, that you bring your own things because we do not guarantee that all items you need are available at the stores.

Here are the instagrammable photos we took at the beach: