Photography

Manila Bay’s Instagrammable Spots

Posted on 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 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 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 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.

buhay forest top

Buhay Forest: Underrated Nature Get-away (and some update on Pico De Loro, Pantihan Falls, and Mt. Buntis)

Posted on by shellan

Before we head on the details about Buhay Forest let us talk about first Pico De Loro. Yes, dearest bundokeros and bundokeras! Pico De Loro is now open. The bad news is, you are reading this along the way, all prepped and ready going to Pico De Loro. Because here you will know, as you keep on reading, that they are only accepting advance booking and walk-ins are strictly prohibited. But since you have already planned this day for an unwinding get-away, allow me to introduce you to Magallane’s Buhay Forest. Don’t worry it is only 30 minutes away from Pico De Loro.

Buhay Forest is located at Magallanes, Cavite and can found on google map. If you are following our blog, you knew that we already went there but it was close. They are close every Monday and Tuesday. Actually, prior going here, we tried Mt. Buntis, but it was close so we headed on to Buhay Forest for our last resort. You can see our trip here for a motion documentation of what I’m talking about: Buhay Forest in Magallanes (and update on Pico de Loro + other tour in Cavite), rest assured, contacts and the link for Pico De Loro’s booking are also posted below.

So, what should you expect at Buhay Forest?

First, there is a trek that almost all ages can partake and reach the top. Actually, it has Stations of the Cross, to which elders are mostly the ones participating. So I believe, even seniors can do this trek.

We trekked unto the top for around 10 minutes, I guess, with casual rest once we need and also to savor the beauty of the scenery as we head on to the top.

Actually, the place isn’t that crowded, which is very okay, but that made me realize that this is an underrated nature get-away. Maybe because the trail is so easy for the hikers or because there is not much post online about Buhay Forest. But really, if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the nature, this is a perfect place for you. Especially, if you are on a budget.

The views at the top will show you a set of mountain range from the nearest places: Mt. Marami (Wet and Mildly Wild Adventure at Mt. Marami), and Pico De Loro (Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay, Pico De Loro, Second Time Around).

You can istambay and enjoy the nature, take a pose to whichever spot you like, eat your own baon, enjoy seesaw and swing, with no time limit or until they close for the day, for only P30. They open at 6AM and closes at 5PM. They do not accept overnight camping.

There is no parking fee, or perhaps it is already included on the amount you paid for ecological fee/entrance fee.

Here are the additional photos, which were taken at the bottom part of the forest:

Meanwhile, here are some photos we took at Pantihan Falls, also in Magallanes, and which is also already closed for tourist but some part is still open for public viewing:

Please be good to the nature and leave no garbage. Enjoy!

Here are the details for Pico De Loro and Mt. Buntis:

Island Tour at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, Cavite

Posted on 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:

Enjoy your stay and escapade!

Venice Grand Canal in Taguig

Posted on by shellan

If you are looking for a shopping mall that offers an out of the country experience, such as Venice (obviously), then this Venice Grand Canal in Taguig is the mall for you. Located at Taguig, it will only take you an hour or so to get here if you are coming from Manila or Cavite.

This is actually our firs time here, so I do not know if the volume of people were the same on other seasons. I was hoping to get a quality photoshoot here, given the fact that the place is instagrammable, but due to the volume of people, that you can see here on the link: https://youtu.be/KyvQfxYPs2w , we (me and my husband) failed to get one. But here are some photos we took that somehow capture the beauty of the place:

Thanks to my husband who captures these photos and is so patient with me because really I’m having a mood swing during this time. Perhaps because of the crowd or hunger.

Meanwhile, here is my favorIte photo among all:

Anyway, if you don’t like crowded places, don’t go here during holidays. You will also have to wait on a long line to experience Gandola ride worth P400 each, and that my friend I think is not worth your time and energy. Because the ride will only take you around 15mins. Anyway, the choice is still yours, as long as you enjoy the moment, it’s worth it. Have a safe and wonderful Christmas, Shalom!

The Historical Casa Hacienda

Posted on by shellan

Cavite is one of the most historical places in the Philippines. And there are must-go-to places if you would like to tour its historical places. Top on the list is Aguinaldo Shrine. I have already made two blogs about it, another is this: Hidden Instagrammable Spot at Aguinaldo Shrine. But have you heard the Historical Casa Haciend?

Again, I am not here to google-feed you the information about this place but I can give you a brief overview about it. Primarily, this place, Casa Hacienda, was the first venue of Philippine Election. It wasn’t a domocratic election. Officers from KKK and some other organizations joined together to form an official government, hence that election was held. As you can see in the picture above, commotion had happened.

If you would like to know more details about that history, you can personally visit Casa Hacienda and take a tour. Pamphlets are available containing the full history of it. Yep, I am not going to share it online because I’d like people to experience it first-hand.

Also, there’s this tunnel in Casa Hacienda connecting to Aguinaldo Shrine. Here’s the photo:

Here are other instagrammable photos we’ve taken at the place:

If you want a virtual (vlog) tour of this place, here is the link: Casa Hacienda Virtual Tour

The best time to go here are during Monday mornings. Security Guards are dressed up like Guardia Sibil:

P.S. There is no Registration Fee but you need to ask permission and get a pass from the local government to do your activity.

Hidden Instagrammable Spot at Aguinaldo Shrine

Posted on by shellan

If you are planning to tour in the Province of Cavite, then Aguinaldo Shrine should be on your top list.

Whatis Aguinaldo Shrine? Historically, it is the first Malacañang of the Philippines. It is where our first official President, Emilio Aguinaldo, resided together with his family. I am not here to google-feed you, so the rest information is up to you to search or research.

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During “Ber Months” it becomes more attractive and becomes 200% tourist attraction due to its dancing lights. But what do we expect here during the first 3 quarters of the year? Aside from the annual celebration of the birth of Aguinaldo, this place could also be perfect for tourist/vloggers/bloggers who are looking for instagrammable place.

This  place is already well known to many Caviteños, but I don’t think that they already know this hidden spot somewhere the parameter. So here I am, sharing these tips.

First of all, photoshoot is prohibited inside the palace (maybe unles you ask permit from the municipality office), so you can only do it outside. But you can take photos inside like this one, Reminiscing Independence Day at Aguinaldo Shrine

Alright, let’s cut the blah, blah, blah… Here are the photos and portraits we have taken at the hidden spot I’m talking about:

Now, maybe you’re thinking where’s this hidden spot. It’s not as hidden as you thought it could be. Just go around the corners and you’ll discover it too.

Meanwhile, here’s the footage of our trip here: Roadtrip at Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine

Have a safe tour. Hope you had learned something. Shalom!