The Peaks of Osmeña Peak

Instead of hitting the beach, I'm climbing mountains.  This was suppose to be a practice climb for Mt Pulag. Since our schedules did not permit, it turned out to be a post Mt Pulag Climb.

It is always a challenge to pool a big group.  With short notice, we were surprised to pool a group of fifteen on a holiday that falls on a weekday.

Osmeña Peak is the highest peak in Cebu standing at 1,013 meters above sea level (MASL). It's 100km from the city center, about three hours drive including light traffic.

A Walk Above The Clouds: Mt Pulag

Summer is here!  Instead of hitting the beach, we're climbing mountains.  Inspired by the movie That Thing Called Tadhana, where do broken hearts go? We head north!

literally a walk above the clouds

Read more about our best summer ever!

Arriving in India, Enroute Udaipur, The City of Lakes

Day 1  Flying into Udaipur

I was a bit anxious taking a domestic flight around India for a few reasons.  I was afraid that the domestic airport is disorganized like the ones in Vietnam and that the plane ride may smell.  Fortunately, our experience proved our fears to be false.

Security at the airport was tight, they checked every person's plane ticket and passport before one can enter the terminal.  We were then met by a representative from Creative Travel.  There was a long queue at the check-in counter but a guide breezed through the check-in counter for us.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a clean, organized, enormous airport at par with airports from other parts of the world.

How to Apply for Tourist Visa on Arrival to India

In an unfortunate event last week, we were denied to board the plane by Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to New Delhi, citing that effective December 2014, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is now required for Indian Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA).  This means that even the visa will be issued upon arrival, application must be done online prior to entering India, an ETA is mandatory.

Looking at the website of http://www.blsindiavisa-ph.com and that of the Indian Embassy in Manila, http://www.indembassymanila.in  it clearly states that:

Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) for Philippine nationals

Philippine passport holders, travelling for the purpose of tourism only, can avail of the visa-on-arrival facility at Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata airports.  With effect from 15th August 2013, this facility has also been extended at Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports.  

For inquiries, you may email the embassy of India in Manila: cons@indembassymanila.in

Mexico City: Historical Center, Chapultepec Castle

Day 3

A trip to Mexico City won't be complete without visiting the heart of the city, that is the walking tour of Zocalo and the ten acre Historical Centre.

I thought that Mexico City will be difficult to get around because of safety and language barrier, so we opted to book a private day tour with www.royalcars.com.mx.  A guide would be very much helpful leading the way and explaining its history.   However, I find the place pretty safe, one can always explore it on your own.  Nationalgeographic.com has a good run down of the places to see in the area.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/mexico-city-walking-tour-3/

Arriving in Mexico

Unbelievably pulled off a trip to Mexico with just a little over a month of planning, it was a bit of a challenge. Tripadvisor was most helpful.

Immigration and Visa:

No visa is required for Filipinos arriving in Mexico with US Visa, provided such person is traveling from USA.  For non US visa holders or US visa holders but not arriving from USA, may apply for Mexican visa in Manila.

How to Secure Yellow Card or Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate in the Philippines

A yellow card is the yellow fever vaccination certificate or aptly labelled as International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.   It is required upon entry for foreign travel to certain countries commonly required by seamen and tourists.   

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into certain countries when traveling from or in transit from Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Guinea-Bissau, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, and Zambia.  This also applies to those who have traveled to low risk countries such as Soa Tome and Principe, Somalia, Tanzania and Zambia or have transited through a yellow fever risk country.

According to the doctor who briefed us before taking the shots, yellow fever actually is similar to dengue fever.  A shot is valid for 10 years.

Only the Bureau of Quarantine is authorized by the Department of Health and World Health Organization to issue these yellow card.  You can visit any of the following offices:

Bureau of Quarantine - Manila
Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm
25th Street, Port Area, Manila
(From Roxas Boulevard, turn left, it's located behind Manila Hotel, beside Bank of Commerce, Towards Superferry)

Bureau of Quarantine - Cebu
Wednesday and Thursday, 8am-9am
General Maxilom Avenue, beside DSWD
Tel No. 032-2322072, 032-2334283

Bureau of Quarantine - Davao
Fridays 8-9am
Chavez St, Davao
Tel No. 082-3002378

A shot costs P1,500 for a multiple-dose vial or P2,000 for a single dose vial.   The multiple dose vial means that once they open a vial, that vial can be used for 10 shots (10 people).

In Manila, since there is a considerable number of people seeking vaccination, one can visit the office anytime on the times specified above.

In Cebu, there aren't much applicants in a day.  They suggest you go there on a Wednesday and have your name listed as early as 6am.  Once the group counts to 10, it's a go  otherwise, one has to come back another day to make up the group of 10.  The single dose vial isn't always available.

In Davao, there aren't much applicants either but they do not suggest to go very early.

In our case, the yellow fever vaccination certificate was required for visa application to South Africa since we were visiting Kenya and Zambia before entering South Africa.  It was checked upon check-in for our onward flight to South Africa.


For some information, check out:
http://www.doh.gov.ph/content/bureau-quarantine-and-international-health-surveillance.html

Guide to Applying for Visa for South Africa for Filipinos

Our personal experience with applying for a visit visa for South Africa is quite simple for as long as the following requirements are met.  I called up the embassy and emailed them for inquiries.  Sometimes they reply, many times they don't.  This post should answer most of your inquiries about a visit visa to South Africa for Philippine Passport holders.

One can apply for a visa directly at the embassy  at least 90 days before departure.  Personal appearance is not required.  However, it is best that someone who is knowledgeable with the itinerary would submit it as the consular service agent asks a few questions.

I made my way to the Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza.  Do bring an ID, as the guards requires one to register before you can go up the embassy.  Figure out which elevator to take that would stop on the 29th floor.  Once you get to the 29th floor, there is a security guard manning the door of the embassy. There aren't too many applicants however, the only drawback is, they limit the number of applicants inside the embassy by the number of seats available.  There aren't too many, let's say less than 10.  Since I arrived around 10 in the morning, the seats were already occupied and I was asked to go down the lobby and wait down there after 5 more people on the waitlist.  There is no guarantee that you will be entertained that day for as long as you're not seated inside by 12 noon.  I went up and down for several tries to check if there is a vacant seat.  A few minutes before 12 noon, I stood there by the door, I'm the next in line.  I was trying to win the security guard to accommodate me, since I'm coming from out of town, I was hoping he'd soften and let me in.  The clock strikes 12 and still he won't let me in so I just waited there, refused to leave and stood by the door, begging.  With a sheer of good luck, the Honorary Consul arrived.  She asked her staff what I was doing there, along with two other guys.  She ordered her staff to bring out more chairs and let us in!!!  With vindication and a sigh of relief, I was accommodated inside.  Afterall, that cut-off time was not the embassy's policy but probably just between the guard and staff who do not wish to extend their working hours, what a shame.  It took another hour before I was entertained.  She had a few questions.  Actually, it was our second attempt to submit the documents.  The first time, they returned them because the bank certificate needs to be at least 200,000 pesos, the pictures have to be pasted on the application and we were asked to revise requirement #9, it has to be separate from #4.

 Visitor Visa Requirements include:

1. A valid passport
2. Two passport size photographs
3. A fully complete Visa Application Form (BI-84) downloadable at www.dha.gov.za
or download from here http://south-africa.visahq.ph/South_Africa-Tourist-visa-application.pdf
4. Flight itinerary
5. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking/address of SA contact)
6. No visa fee for visit of less than 30 days while a visa fee of P2,525 for a visit exceeding 30 days.
7. Proof of sufficient fund (bank statement or bank certificate)
8. Employment Certificate.  If self-employed, business details.
9. Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of visit (this is a written letter addressed to the embassy, expressing the type of visa, intent to visit (which is tourism), purpose of visit (sights to see) and length of stay in South Africa)
10. If coming from or traveling through a yellow fever area prior to arrival to South Africa, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.  If you are coming from the Philippines, this is not required.

FAQ:
1.  How long is the validity of the visa?  South African visa has a maximum validity of 90 days from the date of issue.
2.  Is personal appearance required?  No, you can send a representative to submit your application on your behalf.
3.  How long is the processing? 5 working days.  However the lady asked me if it would be fine if she is able to process it for 7 days instead.
4.  Is a 35,000 bond required?  It is not required for all applicants.  We were not asked for a bond other the proof of financial capacity like a bank certificate of at least 200,000 pesos and maybe our passport with several foreign stamps also made a statement.
5.  Can you apply any day?  Application is accepted only between 9am  to 12nn from Monday to Thursday.
6.  Can you pick up any day?  A claim stub will be given to you stating the earliest day available (5 working days) and pick up hours is only between 130pm to 330pm Monday to Thursday.

7.  When is yellow fever certificate required? A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for      entry into South Africa when traveling from or in transit from Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Guinea-Bissau, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, and Zambia.  This also applies to those who have traveled to low risk countries such as Soa Tome and Principe, Somalia, Tanzania and Zambia or have transited through a yellow fever risk country.

Since we were traveling to Kenya then Zambia before entering South Africa, we were required to submit the yellow fever vaccination certificate issued by the Bureau of Quarantine.

For more information, the embassy of the Republic of South Africa in the Philippines can be reached at:

EMBASSY  OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
29/F Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Tel No. (+632) 8899383
Fax No. (+632) 8899379
custodiol@foreign.gov.za
www.dha.gov.za
www.dfa.gov.za/

Moscow and St. Petersburg with Cosmos Tour

Many have forewarned us against traveling to Russia but these were based on perception and the things we see on the movies.  Russians are normally portrayed as villains, whether as a spy or a human trafficker.  Somehow these hollywood movie puts a stereotype in these innocent people who just like you and me, are pre judged because of their race.   After reading through forums about the safety of traveling to Russia, it seems like a safe place to be.  Knowing that these are just perceptions, we took the chance to explore Russia and took package tours to be on the safe side.  I absolutely love Russia, their people and after going around on the subway, honestly, I feel more safe here than in New York.

Hong Kong Food Trip

It has been a while since I have composed my thoughts.  It has been a while since I've been to Hong Kong.  Along with my brood, we just came back from a trip in Hong Kong and it deserves a post.  In  the past,  my trips to Hong Kong had always been more shopping and eating... eating nothing else but goose and pigeon.  Yes, every meal of any of these two and I'm fine.  This time, I went with two of my cousins who scheduled their itinerary based on where to eat... and I tagged along for a change.

Hong Kong Disneyland:  Plaza Inn Restaurant

While in Hong Kong Disneyland, check out the chinese food at the Plaza Inn Restaurant.  It is located at the end of the main street by the roundabout.  Plaza Inn Restaurant is operated by no less than the Maxims Group. In between, grab a bag of caramel popcorn of any of Disney's kiosk.

IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong Station:  Tim Ho Wan

Head to Airport Express Hong Kong Station an hour before your scheduled meal for some great dimsum at Tim Ho Wan.  When you see the airport express check-in counter, take the elevator and go two more floors down.  There is always a long waiting time, an hour or two usually. 

Tim Ho Wan is a rated Michellin Dim Sum  and probably the cheapest starred.  They are most famous for their asado bun (baked bun with BBQ Pork) (19hkd for 3) , Vermicelli Roll, Pan Fried Turnip Cake and Steamed Egg Cake. 

I personally like their siomai (pork and shrimp dumpling) which on the sweet side and the shrimp wrapped in beancurd was perfect for my all protein dukan diet but found their desserts strange.
 

Tim Ho Wan Branches includes:

G/F, 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
九龍深水埗福榮街9-11號地下
Nearest MTR station: Tsuen Wan Line, Sham Shui Po, Exit B2
Tel 2788 1226
Opening hours: 8am-9.30pm daily

Shop 72, G/F, Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, Tai Kok Tsui
大角咀海庭道18號奧海城二期G樓72號舖
Tel 2332 2896
Nearest MTR station: Olympic, Exit D3

Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station (Podium Level 1, ifc Mall), Central
中環香港站12A鋪(ifc地庫一層)
Nearest MTR station: Tung Chung Line, Hong Kong, Exit A1
Tel 2332 3078
Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily

G/F, 2-8 Wharf Road, Seaview Building, North Point
北角和富道2-8號嘉洋大廈
Nearest MTR stations: Island Line, Fortress Hill, Exit B or North Point, Exit A1
Tel 2979 5608
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm daily

Wellington St., Central: Yung Kee Restaurant

A trip to Hong Kong won't be complete without a serving or two of Peking duck or roasted goose, pigeon, barbequed  pork  or crispy suckling pig of which Yung Kee Restaurant is most famous for.  Similarly, it takes an hour to be seated.  Alternatively, you can opt for the take away counter like we did.  A whole goose costs 400 hkd, half a goose costs 250 hkd,

To get there, get off at Central Station and head to Wellington Street

For more details, check out http://www.yungkee.com.hk/
Reservation Hotline : (852) 2522 1624 Email : info@yungkee.com.hk







Tsim Sha Tsui: Sweet Dynasty

Find yourself at the MTR A1 exit to Nathan Road and head to Canton Road and look for this sign next to the Market Place Supermarket.  Take the escalator down, the restaurant is at the basement.  Sweet Dynasty is famous for their desserts and Congee.   Their dimsum was equally good, so is their soya beancurd and their BBQ pork in puff pasty was the best, I went back the next day for another serving.  On weekends, they open as early as 730am, perfect especially when the hotel does not include breakfast.

my two year old niece loved this soya beancurd

BBQ pork in puff pasty was my favorite

Tsim Sha Tsui: Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant

A few meters from Sweet Dynasty, you'll find Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant. 

My cousin was raving about the cheese lobster.  I was quite skeptical at first, as I'm not fond of lobster and I was on dukan diet.  At the end of day, I can say that was one of the best dishes I've tasted. It was finger licking good and the cheese perfectly blended without being overpowering. 

Aside from the cheese lobster, the mantis shrimp drowned in fried garlic was likewise very good.  For 5 adults, our bill was about 2,500 hkd.  The lobster and mantis shrimp was around 650hkd per kilo.  Aside from these we had the basic menu: fried chicken, spareribs and duck soup.






Whew, that was a lot of good food and happy that after all these, I did not gain weight! (I didn't eat rice and avoided most of the carbs).  I missed out on some good ramen and egg tarts.  Now I want to go back and eat some more.

Taking notes from a fellow blogger on my next visit.
http://dessertcomesfirst.com/archives/11085/
http://dessertcomesfirst.com/archives/11121/

El Nido: Beach Themed Team Building Activity

Along with almost thirty people, I was tasked to organize or should I say volunteered to organized a company outing to include team building activity.  I wanted a beach themed team building activity that would not be very physically taxing and one that would not require too many props since we will be in remote islands.   Google presented a few beach themed team building activities but not to my liking.  I had to squeeze some brain to come up with these beach themed team building activities.

Any team building activity should start with an ice breaker to ease up everyone, this activity sets mood for the entire activity.  I wasn't quite sure what I can get out of this, the bosses are around, some may not speak up.   I had to twitch the rules right then and there.  I love being spontaneous, my brain works better under pressure.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

As an ice breaker, gather the group in one big circle and get comfortable by squatting on the sand.  Each of the team shall introduce himself,  he can share about his first time, or something he has never done, or share something unknown to many...  the story he tells can be factual or he can opt to speak of tall tales and it's upto the audience to believe with a thumbs up or disbelieve with a thumbs down.  The moderator shall warn the audience that there will be quiz after.  The moderator shall start off  in the middle with something meaningful and the rest will follow for sure.  The speaker randomly picks the next person to speak in the middle and swaps seating arrangement.  It is important to limit the time spent per person, when there's too much entertainment, some people just can't stop.

THE QUIZ

After the Getting  To Know You activity, each must be able to answer the questions.  Split the team in smaller groups.  Unknown to them the questions to be asked are not related to the stories told earlier.  The teams shall arrange themselves according to the questions asked, however does it correctly wins a point.  Some sample questions include:

1. arrange yourselves from smallest to longest thumb
2. arrange yourselves from smallest to biggest feet
3. arrange yourselves alphabetically based on your first name
4. arrange yourselves from smallest to highest number of letters of your last name
5. arrange yourselves from shortest to longest hair
6. arrange yourselves from smallest to biggest ear
7. arrange yourselves from smallest to biggest waistline (you'd need measuring tape)

HUMAN TIC TAC TOE CANDY CRUSHING


Draw a tic tac toe on the sand, I opted to bring plastic straw rope to visibly mark the lines and buried the intersecting straw rope with sand to keep it in place.  If you're up to the latest craze, you'd know what candy crush is all about.  Just give it a twist, by placing some treats on the square, whoever complete the three in a row takes home the treat.

Break the group into two, with equal number of members.  Members shall line up and count off from 1 to nth...  Each team has is represented with numbers 1 to nth.  The first team is assigned to lie flat on the square with hands and feet wide like an "X".  The second team is assigned to curl up on the side like an "O". 

When their numbers are called, they shall find a spot in the tic tac toe.  Numbers can be called one at a time or three numbers at a number. Once the knees or butt touches the sand, they cannot change places.  The team  who completes three in a row wins a point.

AMAZING RACE BY THE BEACH

This is a series of task that the team has to complete, it doesn't involve much physical activity but rather strategy and teamwork amongst the team.  At the same time, the pictures keeps a memory to last a lifetime.  Print/write the task in paper to given to the participants as they progress to the next task.

TASK 1:  PASS THE MESSAGE

Make a simple sentence that is difficult to memorize.  I chose a line that has numbers in it and little play of words.  Our line was "Five dudes and twenty-three dudettes found themselves beach bumming by the seashore."  Once completed, the team shall proceed to the next task.

TASK 2:  BODY SHOT

Write your team members name and non repeating body parts on the sand. Take one group picture showing non-repeating body parts from each member with the words written on the sand.  Be as anonymous as possible showing only non-repeating body parts.  Show the photo to the game master, once approved, the team shall proceed to the next task.

TASK 3: SANDCASTLE BUILDERS

Build a sandcastle with three towers, a moat (a body of water surrounding it), and a mermaid/merman on one side.  Write the name of the place on the sand.  Take a group picture with it.  Show the photo to the game master, once approved, the team shall proceed to the next task.

TASK 4: SPELLING BEE

Using your body, (standing up or lying down), spell the word... (in our case was "EL NIDO", the place where we had our team building activity.)  If your team members aren't enough, you may ask help from members from other teams.  Take a photo.  Show the photo to the game master, once approved, the team shall proceed to the next task.

TASK 5: ACTION SHOT

Take a group photo with all feet off the ground, show the photo to the game master, once approved, the first team to complete wins.

Best Island Hopping Tour in El Nido

Before I could even start writing about Planning a trip to El Nido, I was back in El Nido sooner than I thought  and before I could even complete my posts,  summer is so in and I'm back in El Nido again!  It's my third visit in 365 days and it also mean that I've spent 30 hours to and fro on the road to revisit the place.  Inspite of the long road ahead, it's always worth the inconvenience.

El Nido Town has a long stretch of white sand beach, overlooking the mountains of Cadlao Island.  The locals look at the day's weather depending on the clouds on the highest peak of Cadlao Island.  Quite a number of outrigger boats dock on the shore and noticeably waste water is thrown into the sea in some areas.  Thus, I do not advise anyone to be swimming here.

If it's your first time here, don't be such a loser by locking yourself up in your room or lazing around by the shore.  Bask in the sun and sand, hopping from one island to the next and discover the best kept secrets of El Nido.

Unless you're a big group, tourists need not worry about booking a tour ahead.  As soon as you get into town, there are quite a number of stalls offering tours and these stalls offers fairly the same itinerary at the same price.  Pricing is practically regulated for tourists' convenience.  For us, we opted to book through the hotel, I would assume, the hotel knows the service provider better.  Booking through the hotel offer pretty much the same service and rate and they will take care of logistics and the bill is usually charged to the room whether it is a private tour or not.

The most common tours being offered are tagged as Tour A, B, C and D.  If there is anything you should not miss, is Big Lagoon and the Small Lagoon which is part of Tour A.  Tour A is best, then tour C, then tour B.  If you'll be doing more than a day's island hopping tour, I'd suggest to save the best for the last day.  There is no fixed itinerary on which stop comes first, the guide normally plans the trip based on the tides, based on the volume of tourists in a stop, based on the time of the day.

The tour comes with lunch which your boatman will prepare and cook in one of your stops.  It's a good opportunity to try Filipino cuisine.  Usually it includes grilled chicken or pork, squid, fish, eggplant and tuna, cucumber salad, and fresh tropical fruits.  I normally pay extra and arrange with them the day before to include shrimps or crabs in the menu.  You'll be surprised by the culinary skills of your boatman.

Entalula Island, my fave island lunch stop for its rich marine life, best for snorkeling.

If you want to own your time, itinerary and some space on the boat, you may opt to hire a private outrigger boat like we did; otherwise, you may opt to join scheduled departures with other tourists, at 9 in the morning and ends by 4 to 5 in the afternoon.  Most outrigger boats are not equipped with a toilet, if you require one, arrange in advance.

The best time to visit El Nido is during the height of summer, between February to May when the sea is calm and there's less chances of rain.  El Nido is famous for its lovely landscape of the numerous karst around, unspoiled marine life, sunny days and white sand beaches.


EL NIDO TOUR A, of Lagoons and Beaches.  Ask any tour operator and they would suggest this tour for anyone who could only spare a day island hopping.

• TOUR A: BIG LAGOON

El Nido's postcards is best represented by the picturesque entrance of the big lagoon.  The dramatic long and wide entrance to the lagoon pose a very nice background for any profile picture worthy to boast on your social networking site.  Especially on sunny days, the clear blue skies with pockets of white clouds, creates a wonderful reflection of the karsts and trees the surrounds it, turning waters into turquoise green, just too pleasant not to paste a smile on anyone's face.

Outside the lagoon was also a good place for snorkeling.

• TOUR A: SMALL LAGOON

The small lagoon is best explored with a kayak since the boats cannot be accommodated inside.

kayaking at Entalula Island

• TOUR A: SECRET LAGOON

Once a cave, however the top collapse.  Now it's an open top lagoon, one has to go through a hole to enter.

• TOUR A: SHIMIZU ISLAND

Shimizu Island can be a lunch stop or just a snorkeling stop.  It has rich collection of fishes and corals.  According to the guide, fish feeding is no longer allowed here.

• TOUR A: 7 COMMANDO

7 Commando is normally the last stop of tour A.  This is probably the only island that sells food and drinks (including fresh coconut at P50).  It also has a beach volley for tourists to play.  I did not quite like my first visit since I found it too cramped with too many tourists around, with lots of weeds on the sand and a shore filled with boats awaiting for their respective clientelle.   On my second visit, three months later, I was disappointed to see heavy equipment digging up the sand, there's quite abundant amount of sand here with good commercial value at that.

One year later, 7 commando became our first stop, I was surprised to see cordoned areas.  The guide was quick to explain that there has been a dispute of ownership in the island.  Nevertheless, with very few tourists sharing with us, I found myself loving the island.  I realized that the sand was actually very fine and white and it has a long stretch of beach better than Helicopter Island, perfect for that beach themed team building activity.

 TOUR D: SNAKE ISLAND

On a separate occasion while touring the lagoons, we had a tour extension of Snake Island which is part of tour D for an extra fee of P350 for gas.  The trip to Snake Island gives you a glimpse of El Nido Resorts: Lagen and  Pangalusian from afar.  The Snake Island is best viewed when climbing up the cliff of its island.

El Nido Tour C, is tagged as of Hidden Beaches and Shrines.  Next to Tour A, I would suggest anyone to go for Tour C.  This includes the Hidden Beach, the Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island and a lunch stop in one of the beaches like Star Beach or Tapiutan Island.

• TOUR C: HIDDEN BEACH

The secret lagoon was our first stop in two of my trips.  It's dramatic entrance between two karst never fails to jump start the hype.

• TOUR C: SECRET BEACH

The secret beach, was the inspiration of the author of "The Beach".  This so called secret beach is hidden behind a karst with an opening accessible only by swimming through it's small opening.  You're guide will help you through it.  When inside, wonder how the tides has formed a gently sloped beach when it is surrounded with karst.  But that's not it, look up and gaze at karst surrounding the secret beach, it's formation is one of a kind.

• TOUR C: MATINLOC SHRINE

Matinloc Shrine for Mother Mary was built on a heart shaped island with Grecian architecture.  Now abandoned, it left tales of gold treasures and more.  In one of our visits, we've witnessed a tourist came down on her knees upon the shrine and lost consciousness saying she felt Mother Mary's presence.  Enchanting!

Since I ran out of batteries the last time, I could not pass the chance to climb up the cliff of Matinloc Island and capture this pretty sight.

• TOUR C: HELICOPTER ISLAND

The wide shore and fine (beige) sands of Helicopter Island was a pleasant stop to just beach bum after a long day of moving from one island to the next.  Before you laze and take a quick nap, go to the corner of the island and snorkel upon its rich corals and fishes, if you're lucky, you may find yourselves snorkeling with sea turtles.

• TOUR D: CADLAO LAGOON

On a separate occasion, we have asked to include Cadlao Lagoon to our Tour C.  From El Nido Town, the view of  Cadlao Island stands tall.   Cadlao Lagoon may not be as picturesque as the Big and Small Lagoon, it has its own charm, surrounded with karst, a good source of avian saliva otherwise commercially known as bird's nest.

After visiting El Nido in three different occassions, my top picks (in no particular order) would be:

• Hidden Beach
• Big Lagoon
• Lunch stop at Entalula Island
• Secret Beach
• Helicopter Island

It was hard to just pick five, nevertheless, it's best to spend at least two full days island hopping, now, hop on that outrigger boat!  Rest assured it's more fun in the Philippines.

Cost of island hopping tours:

Shared tour rates:
TOUR A P700/pax
TOUR B P800/pax
TOUR C P900/pax
TOUR D P700/pax

Private tour:
TOUR A P3600 for 4 pax
TOUR C P4600 for 4 pax

Other Rental:
Kayak P800/day
Mask and Snorkeling Set P100/day

Lakbayan Grade Upgraded, Wohoo!

My Lakbayan grade is B-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Childhood Memories: Lego

Were you one of those priviledged kids who are able to play Lego?

I just love 'em and it's frustrating somehow not to be able to replicate exactly what the box portrays to be.

As I open a new box of Lego, it now comes with step by step, tile by tile instruction manuals. Well, it takes less brain cells to get it done yet nit everyone can get it right.

It's amazing how lego has kept up with the trends lately after being overshadowed by video games. The new series of lego like the Lego Friends for girls, star wars and harry potter series has amazing details.

Kids nowadays not only make them, they actually play with them and make a story out of it on video! Yes, with much patience and some creativity, get that video going.

Along my niece and nephews, we spent 6 long hours one afternoon building one after the other. I was as excited as they are. One thing that didn't change, lego remained pricey. I only wished these Lego toys will be more affordable.

Greeka Kousina

Sheer attempt to recreate cyma

Cebu Food Trip Reviews: Larsian

Larsian has become an icon in Cebu for authentic local experience and turned into a popular tourist destination for the brave. When we were kids, our parents discourage us to eat at this place but its smell and taste just keeps us wanting for more. Sanitation and food handling has always been an issue for this iconic foodstreet.

I was curious to see that the place is renovated this time by Pepsi. From dirt roads, it's now surrounded with concrete walls, brick flooring, galvanized roofing, monoblock tables and chairs yet maintained that rugged feel. After all these years, someone has finally gave it a functional facelift, grilling is moved to the center of the square as opposed to grilling on each kiosk - smoke is definitely isolated now and viola, there's running water!

I no longer found my suki "mom's" but our companion led us to "Noli and Khit's BBQ". There were about 8 of us and ordered 50 pork BBQ sticks plus 30 pork belly sticks plus a handful of puso and liters of softdrinks. We all left past midnight with happy belly for just P75.

Ratings:
Food: 4 spoons
Ambience: 4 spoons
Sanitation: 2 spoons