Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Day 3: April 27, 2013

April 27, 2013 was our last day in Palawan – it was also by far, the best day out of the three days!

It was actually a good decision that we decided to pursue on the island hopping – Honda Bay! (Because it wasn’t actually included in the package since it was our last day and we had a plane to catch back to Manila. It was a good thing they offer exclusive trips – only for the family – so like they limit the island hopping to two islands so that we can catch our flight.)

I’m telling you, you shouldn’t miss island hopping in Palawan! It’s legen… wait for it, DARY. (in Barney Stinson’s words hahaha)

But seriously, you shouldn’t miss it if you are already in Palawan.

Anyway, we woke up at 5 am, had our breakfast and prepared for our trip. Our van will pick us up at 7 – and since it was an exclusive trip, just us, I think it amounted to Php 1,500 per person.

Our first stop was a gear rental shop. Our snorkeling gear was provided by our hotel however we rented a camera case which was additional Php 250. I really think that the case is worth it, unless you own an underwater camera. Then, our tour guide told us that although it was optional, he recommended that we rented aqua shoes which was Php 500. (I seriously think that it was not necessarily but if you want to be extra safe, then go ahead.)

Then we went to the port to rent our own boat. (I think there’s another option wherein you’ll have other companions and you’ll ride a bigger boat – but since we were trying to catch our flight, we needed a boat of our own). Once were in, our journey began. 

Our first stop was a floating raft named the ‘Pambato Reef’.

This is technically a place where you can’t stay long since there are other tourists waiting for their turn. You’ll just stay for less than 45 mins.

The main attraction here are the reefs.

But you can still see fishies!

 Our next stop, and also the last because our time was limited, was my favorite – Isla Pandan.

See the view? Beautiful, right?

We stayed here!

*Based on what I heard, they don’t allow people to stay overnight. So the accommodations there were nipa huts like that or umbrella-tables (I don’t know what you call it).

This was my favorite island, given the fact that we only saw two – but still!

I really love this island! Because the attraction here are the fishes and you’ll feed them! You don’t even need to go far because the fishes are near the shore!

See! There’s the shore and the fishes are already there!

 Look! My sister is still standing! That’s how near it is!

See! There’s so many fishes!!!
We even saw Nemo! Hahaha. They really are territorial!

The reefs were so colorful!

Those black fishes are the fastest when it comes to food!

The tour guide even allowed me to remove my vest! Which made it more fun and free!
Look! A cute blue starfish!
There were so many fishes! They even photo bombed the picture!That one! He really needed to pass in front of my face!
My sister and I even saw another starfish along the shore!

*And my sister, being the great photographer she is, took this picture and didn’t check it – she later on laughed at the fact that my face is covered.

After lunch I asked the tour guide if we can go back to feed the fishes again. Luckily he agreed and brought me to a different part of sea shore.

I was really thrilled to see them! Because it was my first time actually seeing fishes that looked like them!

The fishes were bigger in this part of the sea!
See that! He’s gonna eat the bread!

We left the island at 2:30 pm to catch our flight back to Manila and that’s the end of our Puerto Princessa, Palawan trip! But I am definitely am coming back! I really really really wanna see Palawan again. I’m hoping next time, I’ll be able to stay longer.

 

Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Day 2: April 26, 2013

Day two in Palawan was scheduled for the ‘Underground River’ tour. This is one of the must-sees in Palawan. Why?

Because it is one of the seven natural wonders of the earth!

You should really a lot a day for this. Also, remember that walk-in participants are not allowed or discouraged. Because they only allow a maximum of 900-1000 people a day to tour the Underground River in order to preserve the magnificent wonder of the nature. Another thing that you must remember to bring is your I.D. (you would need it – I don’t know why but our tour guide asked for it. I think for control purposes). Also bring your own cap and flashlight (optional). The cap would serve as a divider for your head and the helmet that you are required to wear (and has been worn by many other tourists). The flashlight is just optional since per boat, there would be one flashlight allotted.

Also, remember to avoid looking up or don’t open your mouth when you do. (This is to avoid unwanted substance such as bat/bird poop or wee)

The drive from our hotel to the Underground River was 1 1/2 hours – 2 hours. Because of the long ride, we had a stop over at a view deck.

*Awesome view, right?

Then after that, you would ride a motor boat for less than an hour (at least 45 mins) to get to the place of the Underground River, then a paddle boat would be the one to tour you inside it.

That’s the motor boat we road to get to the island

Keep your eyes open along the way to the island! I was fortunate enough to see a see turtle (Pawikan) on the way there! I found it really really really awesome!

The island was really really really wonderful – beautiful – amazing!

Another thing to remember is that you should not bring shiny objects in the island (of the Underground River). Since there are monkeys that would be attracted to it and have the tendency to snatch it. (A monkey touched my back pocket because I had a plastic of tissue there for my colds while another monkey tried to grab my dad’s water bottle.)

That’s the paddle boat we rode. It has the capacity to carry 10 people plus the boatman. Told you there were monkeys!!!
We saw a number of them!

There are also monitor lizards! (Bayawak)

The view was really awesome!

I really enjoyed our way back to the port because the boatman allowed me to stand in front while the boat was moving! (See! I told you they were kind!)

 

We had our lunch along the shore – which was included in the package of the tour. Then went back to our hotel ending our day two in Palawan.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Day 1: April 25, 2013

Another installment for my 18th birthday gift was our trip to Palawan. (Which was really awesome since it was in my bucket list!) However when we were booking our flight my mom asked me which part of Palawan I wanted to visit. So I search the net on which was the best place to go – El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa were the top choices. I was really excited and at the same time confused on where to go. In the end, we ended up going to Puerto Princesa since my dad told me that for first timers, it’s better to go to there – so we did.

We stayed at the Legend Hotel, Palawan. It was really, really, really nice! The people there are so kind! I really, really, really liked it. They are so helpful, polite and approachable – from the drivers, bellboy, waiters and tour guides.

Our first day, April 25, 2013, was scheduled as a city tour. We went to famous landmarks such as the Crocodile Farm, Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill and a Weaving Center (I forgot the exact name so I came up with Weaving Center – I still suck at this! HAHAHA).

These photos were taken outside the Crocodile Farm – when we were still waiting for out turn to enter, I played with tried out some of the merchandise.

** During this, since my siblings and I, including my dad, are fans of zombie movies and ‘The Walking Dead’, we were talking like – ‘Hey, this can be a weapon against zombies! This one too!’ and since my dad was also doing the same, I saw the sales lady laughing at our antics

Finally, we were able to enter!

Meet Ella the bearcat!

*The payment for taking a pic with the crocodile is Php 30 if you are solo and Php 50 if its a group. (not sure with the group). For the bearcat, Php 40 if solo and Php 60 if group (not sure with this one). But if you want to buy your picture, that would be Php 300 if its a big one and Php 200 for two small photos.

Then we went to Mitra’s Ranch

*Since it was an elevated area, the attraction here was the view. 

*And my slipper flew because of my failed jump shot attempt. Hahaha. 

Then we went to the Baker’s Hill

*You can purchase yummy food here. My dad and brother bought hopia, in boxes, since it was their favorite and when we reached home in Manila, my brother wasn’t able to taste it in the end since my dad and my mom’s brother ate it for breakfast and they liked it. Hahahaha. Poor brother.

* Aside from the food, the landscaping here is really nice.

That is me trying to imitate the woman and that is my sister photo bombing my attempt. HAHAHA.

Then we went to the Weaving Center

* The thing that I really liked about this place is that they will let you experience how to actually do it. And it is complicated!!!

After that, we went to Tiange- Tiange, a place where you can buy souvenirs at a cheaper price. Then we went back to the hotel.

Aside from this, we went firefly watching – this was not included in the package so this is additional payment. If I’m not mistaken, it was worth Php 600 for a boat with a capacity of 3 people. We also paid Php 1,200 for the van that would bring us to the place. The fireflies were really awesome! (Though they were smaller than what I imagined – that is thanks to the visual that cartoons and movies make perceives them to be) Nonetheless, they were awesome since they looked like Christmas lights!!!

After that, we went back to the hotel – thus, Palawan day one ended. (Ohhh, that rhymed!)

Puerto Galera with Cousins – April 21& 22, 2013.

Sooooo, my cousins and I decided to have a quick getaway without our parents. Luckily, they agreed!

But there was one limitation – cash!

With that said, my cousins – being older, wiser, practical and more adept travelers – they were the ones who took up the responsibility to find the venue and fix the arrangements. So with a great consideration on ‘cash’ and the need for a getaway, we ended up going to – Puerto Galera!

Before that I shall once again share my frustrations. Since it was just an overnight stay (plus the consideration of the limited cash), it was really sad that we weren’t able to explore Puerto Galera we just stayed at the beach. I wish we were able to go snorkeling, fishing, parasailing and island hopping.

The only water sport we were able to do was riding the Banana Boat – which was, by the way, really fun <3

Nonetheless, we still enjoyed our time there. I really like the fact that the room the we had was only a few minutes walk away from the beach so you will be to access it anytime. (Maybe I’m talking like its a big deal since I rarely go to beaches and all but yeah, just so you know hahaha)

Here’s my cousin’s estimation for expenses:

*Notes: The banana boat ride costs Php 200 per person and the ride can accommodate 10 people. (So it would be Php 2,000 if you want the ride for yourselves).

Based on what I heard, snorkeling costs Php 1,500 as a group.

And lastly, on my opinion, allot more than Php 150 for food.

So, our trip started at 6 am – we were already at the bus station. The ride was…. (I honestly don’t know how long the ride was :O I was sleeping) I think 2 hours or so? But it did cost Php 175 per person from Cubao terminal to Batangas. From there, we went straight to the port and The boat cost, I think, Php 570 all in all, back and forth. The boat ride was also a long ride – I think it was 1 1/2 – 2 hrs and based on experience, it is hot since they would lower the window covers but you would still get wet.

We arrived in Puerto Galera around lunch time. (And by the way, at that time I didn’t know that Puerto Galera was part of Oriental Mindoro!)

So, the view was nice and the sand was fine and light grayish nearing dirty white. The water was really clear! I really wish we could have explored.

(My photos are limited since I only took them from my cousin hihi)

The beach was fine but there are some points where there would really be rocky – that is why another activity we came up with was ‘skipping stones’ (which I only managed to accomplish 3 skips as my farthest and that is sad because out of my many tries, my success rate of making the stone skip was like 1/10 stones hahahaha)

Even though it was really hot, I really enjoyed our time there. Another thing is that, remember to bring your food – such as chips and the like and water!

Also, at night, there are some performers there like fire dancing and all.

Also, another activity to do there is – take lots of photos! (Since the background is really nice, make a good use out of it! Lol)

Witness my strength!!!

See how strong I am? I can do it with one hand!

We just had our lunch

Look! My cousin is flying!
My brother is levitating!
My cousin is a rock-star! Told you the view was good!
I really like this photo because it seems like my cousin was photoshopped

Leaving Puerto ( I like this photo because we look like travelers/backpackers.)

Summer 2013 – The R Siosons @ Puerto Galera

(c) Vida Sioson for the Photos

Dia Frampton in Manila – January 5, 2013.

Yeah, I know I already made a post about Dia Frampton and being able to meet her and all – but I felt the need to do another one <3 (Cause I really, really, really love her.)

Anyway, this post is more of what happened there! Cause I found myself missing it so I watched my videos of it again and decided to do this.

Her show in the Philippines was really last minute – and I was really grateful that I was able to see her!! – She said she was coming from Vietnam and like she really wanted to go to the Philippine so she did. (Dia Frampton is freaking adorable <3)

She mentioned that her guitar player, Carlo, was from the Philippines (the one from her band, not the one with her during her tour) And she was like, “Not this white guy.” ) She said that her white guy guitar player can pass as a Filipino but he needed to tan for at least five years. )

She shared before she started singing that her dad when she was younger used to put the microphone stand a little bit higher than her so that she can have a good posture.

She was really charming! There was a point where she was still talking to her audience and her guitarist played the song already, she looked at him and said, “You can go, I’ll start later.” – this made us laugh <3

She was so humble that she kept on thanking the Filipinos for everything because her show was last minute and she said she felt really really grateful <3

She admitted that she really have a big sweet tooth (Aw, man! I should have baked something for her. huhu) She said that she was a cupcake for halloween and that sums up everything. ) But the funniest thing is that she said that she heard that the Philippines have Chocolate Mountains (referring to Chocolate Hills @ Bohol) and she was really excited about it!

She said, “But, I heard you guys have chocolate mountains here! Oh my gosh. When I heard that, I freaked out! It’s pretty incredible.” (Oh Dia! Why are you so adorable!)

Her guitarist spoke later on and said, “Why don’t you tell everyone what you had for breakfast this morning…. cheesecake.” )

Another funny moment was that she said her new years resolution was to do five push ups – she’s taking baby steps since she can only do two at that time (SUCH A CUTIE.)

She even share that it was embarrassing since her mom and sister are sports buff and she was ‘this’. * look at her gesture when she said it (picture above)

One sweet thing she did was when she dedicated a song to a couple who was celebrating their anniversary. <3 She made them some up on stage and sang to them “The Way I Am”. She even sat with them and swayed. After that, she asked if there are any other couples celebrating their anniversaries, weddings – saying “I do it all.” <3 (Adorable Dia)

She also mentioned that we have “really cute monkeys with big eyes.” – referring to the Philippine Tarsier

She’s so cute, so pretty, so nice, so adorable, so humble, so awesome and so talented! I so love Dia Frampton! <3

I was really really really happy that she came here.

Dia please come back sometime

Thank you so much for visiting the Philippines, Dia! Come back soon <3

Note: My cousin was the one who took the photos.

Disney on Ice – January 2, 2013.

I was doing something for school when my mother’s cousin chatted me if we were interested on watching ‘Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes’. Of course, being the Disney kid I am I really, really, really wanted to go so I immediately contacted my mom and ask if we can go – luckily she agreed. <3

I was really really really happy that I was able to watch it. Because if I remember correctly, I was still a kid when I was able to watch something like that. But the funny thing is, while watching it, it seemed like even though I’m the eldest, I was the one really enjoying the show. Hahaha.

Another funny moment was when after the show, our dad told us to rate it. I said 10, of course, because I’m a Disney Kid and I loved it. However, my brother said he’ll give it a 7 because one of the performers lost balance and fell on the ice!  - silly ‘strict’ brother

I was really sad that our seat wasn’t that near. But nonetheless, I was happy that I was able to watch it!

I saw Belle and the gang!

Sebastian and Ariel under the sea! (I took this shot! <3)

NO! Ariel! Don’t sign the contract!

Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.

Cinderella and her Prince Charming! <3

Sleeping Beauty or Princess Aurora’s fairies!

Here’s another fairy! Tinkerbell!

TANGLED! Flynn Rider and Rapunzel! <3

Then they waved their goodbyes! :’(

There’s Princess Jasmine and Aladdin! (I didn’t see Princess Jasmine’s pet tiger )

And also, Prince Eric’s number with his sailors is one of the best! <3

And, I’ve got to say that I was really jealous of these kids! Hahaha

“If you keep believing, the dream that you wish would come true” – Cinderella

 

Cebu Tour – December 1, 2012.

December 1, 2012 –  I was really frustrated with our Cebu tour because I wasn’t able to do the thing that I wanted…

*Note: We didn’t have a tour guide or whatnot to really be the head of our tour. We only hired a driver who’ll drop us off at the famous landmarks (which was near from where we were staying) in Cebu. 

It was the Sky Experience that Crown Regency offers (if I’m not mistaken). You have different options such as the Edge Coaster, Sky Walk (I really wanted to try this!!!), Sky Lift and others. I really wanted to do it, but we didn’t have the time to do so. That’s why I told myself (for my comfort) that the next time I go to Cebu, I’ll really do that!  :)

Moving on from my frustration to the actual tour – we woke up early to visit a Taoist Temple. I actually appreciated the place. But there are certain areas where you can’t take a picture as a sign of respect and you would also need to keep quiet at all times.

Our next stop was… I don’t really know what it’s called and it was in the middle of the road (I really suck at details don’t I? Hahaha)… nonetheless, we took pictures.

The next stop was an antique house. However, we were not able to enter because it was too early. They weren’t open yet or the store keeper wasn’t there? Hm, I’m not sure.

Our next stop was a historical landmark. It was the Magellan’s Cross. It’s kind of cool to really see it in person because back in grade school, I only used to see it in books (just like the Chocolate Hills).

There is also an old church nearby. I think, it was one of the oldest churches in Cebu.

After one of the oldest churches, we went to a new chapel. The Chapel was built to honor the new Filipino Saint whose hometown was Cebu. It was San Pedro Calungsod.

Then our next stop was my favorite!! It’s Crocolandia!! (I know I’m 18 and yet I still enjoy zoos! )

The crocodile that’s I featured here is Lapu-Lapu. He is the oldest crocodile in the park, more than 50 years old, weighing more than 1000kg and over 15 ft.

There are two things that I really like about this zoo, it was that (1) only a few people were there and (2) the animals comes closer to you when they see you! (AND THAT IS AWESOME!)

SEE! THEY ARE NOT AFRAID! <3 They will really come to you!

(Of course I didn’t try that with Lapu-Lapu.)

This was the best! I have a video where he approaches me. (Although he was quite slow. )

Moving on to our next stop – it was a fort. Fort of San Pedro. (Ohhh, am I improving because I remembered the name? Not. I saw it in the pictures! hahaha!)

The place was really nice and maintained. It seemed like it really was a ‘spot’ to visit since there were many people.

There are also old canyons, which was really cool! (And that is so not me playing with the old canyons… Kidding )

Since Cebu is famous for making guitars, we went to ‘Alegre Guitars’ – a famous guitar shop.

And I believe, (and these photos serve as proof) that this was my sister’s favorite stop since she likes to play guitars – unlike me who tried to learn and failed.

After that, we went to our last stop – where we met the original Lapu-Lapu (not the crocodile).

Then we went straight to the airport to catch our flight back to Manila.