2011: A Retrospect of Lakwatserong Tatay's Adventures

by lakwatserong tatay

Thank You 2011 !!!!!.........Welcome 2012 and hope to have more DIY travel and camping activities this year!!! I would like to take this chance to show my appreciation to all of my travel companions, the new and old ones.....hehehehe.... It was really nice to be with you and hope to be travelling with you again this Year of the Dragon. Thanks for entrusting me to be your travel buddy/companion and one of your friend. I do promise that our escapades and adventures will not be ended but it will be surely pursue up to the end....nonstop na galaan and tipid trips ang gagawin natin muli ngayon 2012......cheers and more travels to us!!!!!!!!

2011 has ended, but the memories, places and travel is been part of my life. It was really a jam packed year for me, inspite of having nonstop OT's at work, different travel opportunities together with my travel buddies..."Xplorerboyz" and another set of travel/blogger buddies "Tropang Tits & Pips". It is nice to look back on all of those things...the chance to visit different places. Travelling via plane, bus, jeep, tricycle, habal-habal and small boats and roro transfer. Visit different churches of our country, Chasing of Waterfalls, and  Encourage other trippers to make their own blogs to share their own stories. There are two happenings in my life that i would not be able to forget in the year 2011: The chance to be seen in GMA News TV for Weekend Getaway Show with Drew Arellano as Weekend Warriors for Vigan Episode and of course the Birth of my Third Angel "Gabriel".

Here to share my adventures, travels, climbs, events, and happenings in 2011:

JANUARY:
San Pablo, Laguna : DIY Trip of Seven Lakes (Bunot Lake, Lake Calibato, Lake Pandin, Lake Yambo, Lake Palakpakin, Lake Mohicap and Sampaloc Lake). Trek to Mt. Malauban

Nagcarlan, Laguna :  Underground Cemetery, Presedencia Nagcarlan, St. Bartholomew Church and Bunga Falls.

FEBRUARY:

Antipolo, Rizal : Gift Giving at Precious Heritage Children's Home

FEBRUARY:
Puerto Princesa, Palawan : Food Trips (Bilao't Palayok, Kinabuchs Grill & Bar Restaurant, and Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill & Restaurant), Trip to Binuatan Creations, Manny's Guest House, Mitra's Ranch, Baker's Hill, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Crocodile Farm, Tiangge Tiangge, Palawan Museum, Plaza Cuartel and Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Taytay, Palawan :  Parish Church of Santa Monica and Stone Fortress: Fuerza de Santa Isabel

El Nido, Palawan : Marina Garden Beach Resort, Trek to Nagkakalit Waterfalls, Island Hopping (Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Seven Commandos, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cudugnon Cove, Snake Island, Natnat Beach, Bukal Island) and Parish Church of Saint Francis of Assissi.

MARCH:
San Antonio, Zambales : Church of Holy Infant Catholic

Pundaquit, Zambales : Anawangin Cove, Capones Island, Camara island and Faro de Punta Capones.

MARCH:
Biñan, Laguna : Family Trip at Splash Island Resort

MAY:
Tagaytay : Overnight Stay at Foggy Heights Village and People's Park in the Sky.

MAY:
Nasugbu, Batangas : Caleruega Church.

JUNE:
Vigan City : St. Paul Cathedral, Vigan Heritage Street (Meztizo District): Calle Crisologo, Vigan Plaza Hotel, Vigan Heritage River Cruise, Arce Mansion, Plaza Burgos , Plaza Salcedo, Pagburnayan (Jar Making Factory), Baluarte (Mini Zoo), Vigan Airport, Food Trips (Irene's Empanada, Hidden Garden, Los Mojitos de Vigan, Cafe Leona, Legacy Super Club)

Here's the first part of my Weekend Getaway (Vigan Episode) taped last June 9-12, 2011 and aired to GMA News Channel 11 
For the rest of the videos just click this link (lakwatserong tatay)

Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur : Pinsal Falls 

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur : Cabugao Beach Resort

JULY:
Kalibo, Aklan : Kalibo Airport, Solina's Residence

Boracay Island : Helmet Diving, ATV Ride Adventure, Everland Aviary Farm and Amigos Beach Resort

JULY:
Rosario, Cavite : POD Outing at Mount Sea Resort

SEPTEMBER:
National Capital Region (Quezon City) : La Mesa Eco Park.

SEPTEMBER: 
Cayagan De Oro : White Water Rafting Experience, Victoria Suites, Food Trip (Street Food Dining at Plaza Divisoria and Hammer Time Bar and Grill).

Misamis Oriental : Balingoan Port and Roro Boat Ride Experience. 

Camiguin Island : Taguines Lagoon, Giant Clams Sanctuary, Sto. Niño cold Spring, Gui-ob Old Church Ruins, Sunken Cemetery, Mt. Vulcan/Walkway to the Old Volcano Station of the Cross, Bura Soda Pool, Katibawasan Falls, Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring, Pabua Cottages, Island Hopping (White Island and Mantigue Island). 

Bukidnon : Camp Phillips Del Monte Plantation and Dahilayan Zipline Adventure.

OCTOBER :
Iligan, Lanao del Norte : NPC Nature's Park, Maria Christina Falls, Tinago Falls and St. Michael the Archangel Church.

NOVEMBER:
Tanay, Rizal : Daranak Falls, Batlag Falls and San Ildefonso Parish Church.

Paete, Laguna : Mt. Humarap (Tatlong Krus), Matabungka Falls and St. James the Great Parish Church

Antipolo, Rizal : Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral) and 3B Resthouse 

My Greatest Achievements for 2011:

Last March, 2011, my wife gave birth of a bouncing baby boy named as "Gabriel Rein Enzo", youngest of my three adorable kids. My son Gab just have his christening few months ago that happened at Antipolo Cathedral and reception follows at 3B Resthouse.

Last 2010 when me and wife finally decided to purchase a house and lot. Our house is located near Thunderbird Resort (Rizal). After 6 months of paying the equity our house was started and had the chance to visit just last quarter of 2011 and 1st floor was almost done and just last December, together with my wife our house is finally built and ready for turn over and hopefully this year we could already transfer to our dream house were also my brother bought a house and lot too......^_^

I'm proud to say that i've influenced some of my fellow newbie tripper to create their own blogs with their own taste, on how to share something about their self, trips, and etc. Although their all newbie when it comes to blogging, im pretty sure that they do more than what did i do for the past 2 years in blogging.
Anak ng Kidlat (Ichan), Lady Traveler (Judith),
Valiant Wife (Lorna) and Batang Kaladkarin (Aleli)   
and hoping that Jheng would follow....

I just want to thank this time to give THANKS TO YOU ALL.......who is behind why am i called the Lakwatserong Tatay now........My travel buddies (The Xplorerboyz and Tropang Tits and Pips), thanks to all funny memories and activities we've shared on 2011 and hope to travel with you more this 2012.

To all my kabundukeros.....SPIMC and YABAG MC....i really miss you guyz, it's been a while since the last time i've joined any of your mountaineering activities...i'm hoping this 2012, i could get back on trails and reach again each of every mountains that i'll be walking and trekking on....^_^

To my online friends, especially the Pinoy Travel Blogger community, that is always there when it comes in sharing different travel tips and helpful guide in everytime one of the member of this community is in need of  TRIP GUIDE, im proud to say that i'm part of of this blogging community that shares the passion for traveling. Even though as of now i'm not really active in making out of my blog stories....hehehehehe.....

To the readers and followers.....Thank you so much for making me more comfortable sharing my travel trips and showing appreciation by simply saying that i helped some of your trips, getting you more reliable contacts, and plan your dream getaway. I promise that to update my site by early quarter this year and continue to share my upcoming trips, the funny stories behind it and make it very easy to you my readers to plan your dream getaway......^_^.....Thank you for the visit, shares, likes, tweets (bago palang ako dito....), and comments. Hope that someday we could meet and join any of your travels.....^_^....

Finally, to my family and friends, who is always supporting me and keeps me comfortable doing all of this trips. to my travel buddies/friends that is always on the go when i planned an unexpected trip......to my tatay, at mga kapatid, who is always reminding me every time when i'm in out of town, that it is always show respect to other and be courteous to greet each everyone....and of course to my loving wife, that understand my passion of travelling even though sometimes...galit na talaga siya kasi ba naman...sa isang buwan 2 -3 times ako gumala (day trip or overnight man siya)...Thank you so much Hon....sana this year payagan mo parin ako sa mga trips ko....hehehehe.....and lastly to my three adorable angels....Kuya Gian, Ate Gayle and Baby GabGab, this passion of sharing my stories behind my travels is for them. That hoping someday when they know how to read, write and understand things, they will be proud of me....and follow my footstep in exploring our countries beauty and share it to the world the unique sights, festivities, food and people in the Philippines...once again Thank you so much!!!!!!!

I hope this year 2012 will be more fruitful and very jam packed trips again for me and also wishing that someday we could meet and bump within our travels....

Cheers....and more travels to you all this 2012!

Walking Around in El Nido

All about Town of El Nido

by lakwatserong tatay

El Nido.....ng ikaw ay marating ko.......actually it was really one remarkable experience. Having the chance to set on foot in one of the top tourist destination of our country today......Many travelers like us dreamed to set also their feets on these prime spot of our country. Were just lucky to have really prepared it and planned it very well....hehehehe...Seeing El Nido is one of my fulfilled dreams that i did not really expect to happen, as i remember i just only have the chance to see it in Discovery Channels, Nat Geo, and some other travel shows. So having chance to travel to this beautiful destination, i did not think twice but really go for it...hehehe..(paalam lang ako ky misis...). It was 4days and 3 night of purely adventures, upon arriving to our resort, we straightly go forward to trek to Nagkalit-kalit Falls. And added to that is our 2 days of island hopping experience is the highlight of our trip. Seeing those bluewish and greenish seawaters, limestone cliffs, colorful fishes and lastly the different island stops was really such a experience.

Limestone Cliffs of El Nido

So here's a brief information about El Nido:

from wiki....El Nido is a municipality located at the Northwestern tip of the province of Palawan in the Philippines. It is about 430 kms Southwest of Manila, and about 238 kms Northwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the north, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west. It's municipality is composed of 18 barangays with total land area of 50,000 hectares. It's population of 27,000 people, mix of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines. El Nido is named after the edible nests of Swiflets (Collocalia Fuciphaga) found in the crevices of its limestone cliffs. These nests. "Nido" in Spanish, are the main ingredient for the gourmet nido soup. El Nido is considered as a showcase of Palawan's geology and diverse wildlife. Its majestic limestone clifss stand guard over clear waters, with hundred of species of tropical fishes and corals, and three species of endangered sea turles. El Nido's forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan. The most striking feature of El Nido is its scenic landscape of massive limestone islands of varying shapes and sizes scattered around Bacuit Bay. Like the rest of the Palawan, El Nido is part of the Eurasian Plate, an entirely separate plate from the Philippine Mobile Belt to which the rest of the country belongs. A proof of this fact is the Palawan has no active volcanoes, unlike the rest of the Philippine Archipelago. Another is that limestone cliffs similar to those in Palawan can be found in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Guilin in China, cuntries which are part of the Eurasian Plate. There's a believed that Palawan was detached from mainland China some 40 million years ago. Palawan drifted southward and linked up with the rest of the Philippines around 15 millions years ago.

Cadlao Island's Peak View from El Nido's shore

We just had fun and most of the time where on trip, island hopping and strolling around in the town of El Nido. In fact together with Carlo and Chris, we did a photowalk, while roaming around El Nido's town proper. And did also night shots while staying on the beachfront of Marina. Below are some of my shots around El Nido. 

Night shots @ El Nido's Shoreline

It was a bit sunny day, when we stayed at El Nido, and while some are only staying on Marina, together with Carlo and Chris, we walked around the El Nido town proper, took some photo souvenirs from each of one establishments, one of the famous street in El Nido, and also we did not forgot to order and taste the ever famous "EL NIDO SOUP", although this soup is really not affordable, it short "hindi pangmasa, kaso lang nasa El Nido, so we give it a try...hehehehe".

One busy street in El Nido

The tourism street of El Nido (all of tour packages)

While were taking shots around the Municipal Hall of El Nido, this kids are requesting for a photo souvenir...hope they could see this...^_^.

Local kids of El Nido

A one unique view of Municipal Hall of El Nido, because of the limestone rock cliffs on its background it really fascinating and a picturestique view.

El Nido's City Hall

A very homey type of DENR office in El Nido. It was just only the front view and we did not have the chance to go inside because it was quite early when we did this photowalk shots.

DENR Office in El Nido

When your in El Nido don't ever miss to visit Skyline Grill and Restaurant, because this is the only restaurant that serves the famous bird's nest soup in town, "The El Nido Soup", in short, "Nido Soup", and where you could buy also the actual nest, that is made by the male balinsasayaw's saliva, the main ingredient for the gourmet nido soup. Came from the bird specie called Swiflet or with a native language called, Balinsasayaw.

Skyline Grill & Restaurant

Near from Marina Garden Beach Resort are three of the Government Offices of El Nido, The RTC of El Nido, El Nido's Poce Station and Post Office.

RTC at El Nido

El Nido's Police Station

El Nido's Post Office

When your in El Nido, every tourist are required to pay (Php200) for an Eco-Tourism Development Fee(ETDF) that is good for 10 days staying on their town and have the grant access to all tourism sites within El Nido. This will go to the municipality's environmental protection program. In response of growing concerns to protects its ecosystem, rehabilitate its natural resources and develop its full tourism potentials. Not only tourist pays for this ETDF ordinance, Palawan residents pays Php100 and students, Php50.

Here is the equal distribution of this ETDF ticket:

1. 50% - Will go to Environmental Protection, Resource Rehabilitation, Solid Waste Management and Tourism Development.

2. 10% - Will be used for Protected Area Office.

3. 10% - For Barangay Coastal Resource Management and Watershed Projects.

4. 20% - For Administrative Costs and Information Materials

5. 10% - For Municipal's General Fund.

Eco- Tourism Development Fee Ticket

Like what i have said, don't miss the chance to eat the famous bird's nest soup called as Nido Soup of El Nido. Here's my chance to eat this pricey Nido Soup, this bowl cost Php200....^_^.

The Famous El Nido Soup @ Skyline Grill & Restaurant

Here is one of our photo souvenir while celebrating the birthday of my Pareng Rowel at Marina Garden Beach Resort. All of the trippers where they're except for Carlo.....thank Carlo for this shot...^_^.

Trippers @ Marina Garden Beach Resort

One of the famous resto bar in El Nido, is Squidos, although this restaurant is also quite pricey maybe because most of the guests are foreigners....^_^.

Squidos @ El Nido

Transportation Guide and Options going to El Nido:

From Manila:

Option 1: Direct Flight to El Nido, Palawan

Direct flight to El Nido Airport via charter plane on Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI) and now back in route is Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR). Upon arriving in El Nido's Airport, tricycles will be waiting to take you straight to El Nido's town proper or where your accomodation is in El Nido. (Estimated budget for Trike Ride: Php 150-200 per trip).

Place of Departure:     Manila Airport (Depends on Airline)

Place of Arrival:          El Nido Airport (El Nido, Palawan)

Flight Schedule:           Daily

Length of Flight:          Approx. 1 hr.

Type of Plane:             Dornier planes, 19-30 seaters

Estimated Budget:       Php7,000 one way via ITI and SEAIR

Contact info:               SEAIR / Island Transvoyager

Option 2: Direct Flight to Puerto Princesa, then to El Nido by Land or Sea transfer

There are several flights daily from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan via Philippine Airlines(PAL), Cebu Pacific Air, Air Philippines(Airphil) and Zest Air.

Place of Departure:   Manila Airport (Depends on Airline)

Place of Arrival:        Puerto Princesa International Airport (PP, Palawan)

Flight Schedule:        Daily

Length of Flight:        Approx. 1 hour

Type of Plane:          Airbus (PAL, Cebu Pac, Airphil and Zest Air)

Estimated Budget:     Php2000 - Php5000 (one way) / (depending on airline promo fares)

Contact info:   Philippine Airlines / Cebu Pacific Air / Air Philippines / Zest Air

From Puerto Princesa:

Option A: Local Bus Ride

Be prepared for a bumpy, sticky journey through the countryside on the local, windows-down bus lines. Filled to maximum capacity with local residents seated, standing, and riding literally on the roof, there is little breathing room or leg space. One important thing, travellers like us should be keep on eye on your own belongings.

From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle (around Php50) and proceed to San Jose Terminal. There two different bus lines (Eulen Joy Bus Line and Sweety Bus Line), with 3 buses departing from each daily. Seats are first-come, first served. No reservations necessary. Upon arriving at El Nido, ride a tricycle to reach your desired choice of accomodation.

Place of Departure:      San Jose Bus Terminal, Puerto Princesa

Place of Arrival:           El Nido's Bus Terminal (Depends on Bus Line)

Bus Schedules:             5:00am, 7:00am and 9:00 am daily

Length of Ride:            8-10 hrs, depends on condition of the bus and weather

Estimated Budget:        Approx. Php 350/person 

Option B: Public Shuttle Van

If you're hoping to save bucks where you can but aren't too excited about the local bus, you can travel in comfort and still keep your budget by riding a public shuttle van. Since most flights into Puerto Princesa arrive after the shuttles' normal departure times, you may want to call Fort Wally in advance since they are known to hold shuttles for passengers with reservations.

If you'll be walking in without reservations (not recommended), be prepared to wait until your shuttle fills with passengers, it may take a while depending on how many travelers show up to the terminal. If the other passengers riding with you aren't going all the way to El Nido, the driver may ask you for a little more to cover the extra journey of the trip.

Place of Departure:   Fort Wally Shed, San Jose Bus Terminal, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Place of Arrival:        Depends on Shuttle Driver & Nos. of Walk-in Passengers

Schedule:                  7:00am and 11:00am (daily)

Estimated Budget:     Php600/person (one-way) / Php700 (hotel or airport pickup)

Option C: Private Van-for-Hire

The more convenient means of travelling going to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, but this is also the most expensive. This option is best for a large group that can pitch in and split the rental fee. Trippers can enjoy the comfort of privacy and air-conditioning, as well as freedom to choose where and when to stop along the way. Enjoy its scenery or take a long nap while your hired driver traverses Palawan's countryside.

It is advisable to leave Puerto Princesa earlier or before lunch in order to avoid  being on the road at night. Be advised: you will not find a public toilets along the way. You could choose stop anywhere, or you could to experience dining in Vietnamese Eateries "Hoa  Kieu Vietnamese Restaurant", one of the authentic restaurant that established by refugees in the 1970's or a stopover in the City of Taytay, where you could visit the "Fuerze de San Isabel" or easily called as "Fort Santa Isabel".

Place of Pickup:        Depends on the arrangement made

Place of Arrival:        Depends on your accomodation in El Nido

Length of Ride:          5 hrs not including the stopovers

No. of Seats:            Approx. 8 pax, depending on Van

Estimated Budget:     Php10,000 (one way)/ Php 14,000 (roundtrip)

Option D: Public Boats and Private Boats-for-Hire

For more information on inter-Palawan travel by boat, see El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe's.

It's me at Municipal Town Hall of El Nido.

El Nido's Town is been X-plored...^_^

Wow, i thought i could never finish my stories about El Nido, but i already did it. This is the last part of my stories about El Nido, and i'll proceed back again to my stories of Puerto Princesa Experience (part2)...and of course the farewell story of Palawan. There's one thing i would really like to say, that i could have again the chance to go back and visit the town of El Nido and also to explore all of the places that i've missed out on this Valentine Trip together with the Chase Trippers.

Next stop is back to Puerto Princesa and here are some of my stories i'll be sharing to you...., The Blue Church of Puerto Princesa, A Glimpse of Palawan Museum, A Visit to Plaza Cuartel, and the Parting time of Palawan.....

This story is part of : Five Days of Trip at Palawan