Barcelona in Sorsogon: Old Church Saint Joseph Parish

Next Stop: Commonly known as Barcelona Church in Barcelona, Sorsogon. About 30 minutes away from Bulusan Lake Nature Park. The church was preserved from years ago and well-maintained with it's uniqueness &  historical colonial inspired architecture. I rode a jeepney from the highway of Bulusan Lake Nature Park, you just got to love the ambiance along the countryside of the province. When traveling within the whole towns of Sorsogon, most efficient and accessible way to travel is by tricycle and jeepney (one of their common public transportation). For religious folks, the place is real solemn with the great interior design inside the church and the walls are made of coral stones which are part of the original structure. It is very picturesque fascade and the church is so charming & fascinating old colonial structure. I'am probably recommend this place to visit where you can include in your itinerary.   I really love to see old churches in the Philippines that are still alive. 

How to Get to Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon By Commute

Going to Bulusan Lake at Bulusan Bulusan Volcano Nature and Park:

There are a lot of buses coming from Manila bound to Sorsogon located at the terminal of Cubao, Pasay and Alabang. Travel time is around 12-13 hours depending on traffic condition etc. Fare is Php 600-800 for ordinary and aircon buses. Or by air via Legaspi City Airport from Manila, they have a daily flights via Philippine Airlines & Cebu Pacific Air. Check out promo for a lesser airlines fee & ticket booking. From there take a van or bus that goes to Sorsogon City which travel you 2 hours or less. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Sorsogon Jeepney Terminal going to Irosin for shorter travel. Then from the town proper take a jeepney going to Bulusan. Travel time is 30-45 minutes. These jeepney passes through the highway of  Bulusan Volcano Nature & Park, just make sure you get there by 3pm or so as this is supposedly the last trip going to Bulusan Town. For a budget traveler like me, I walked towards the concrete road going to the lake for about 15-20 minutes which I'm not able to see those tricyle or jeepney going inside the park. Here's the updated entrance & parking rates: 

Adult Entrance fee - Php 20 per day & Elderly/Children fee - Php 15 per day.

Vehicle Paking Fees for those who have there own vehicle & car - Motorcycles - Php 5 / Tricycles - Php 10 / Cars or SUV - Php15 / Vans or Jeepneys - Php 20 & Truck or Buses - Php 25.

Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines

Kayaking at Bulusan Lake Nature Park & Resort in Sorsogon Province

This province in the Phillipines is not one of the list for everyone's must-visit place. There is so many unspoiled beaches, old churches & rivers or lakes and one of those is the  Bulusan Lake which belongs to Bulusan Volcano & Mountain which is located at the southern most part Luzon. The lake is green because of the reflection of many trees surrounding it. It was an awesome trip around the lake is very calming and relaxing ambiance. Rental for kayak is Php 200 pesos per hour  Also, you can do paddling and canoes where guests can rent to tour approximately 27 hectare lake. There are plenty of interesting flora and fauna that can be observed in the whole area and can encountered several species of wild birds, butterfly or even snakes probably because of the lake's rich natural resources and well-preserved animals & plants as well. No worries about the long stay here because there are a lot of accommodations in Irosin. There are many other places to explore in the Province of Sorsogon. Check out my blog post soon.  

The Adventurous Trek at Bulusan Lake Nature Park in Sorsogon

It was a great day for me just trekking towards the way going to the main crater of the lake which I did not expect to see such a serene like this & a wonderful place to unwind. Whether you are a thrill seeker, nature lover or simply looking for a quiet place to relax and collect memory by yourself. But remember not to swim in the water for you will not know what is under because the water is green and full of algae. You can also do hike up in the mountain if you like to see the whole view of the lake. I also admire how the place is being conserved and protected by the government of Sorsogon that can experience by both locals & tourists. You can rent boats to roamed around the lake, kayaking and tripaddling as I call it. They also have gazebo and shed cottages within the area where you can have your lunch or snack. So be prepared for the beauty that nature has to offer and I'am highly recommend to local and international tourists because the place is worthy coming back and forth. 

Sorsogon: Bulusan Crystal Spring Resort And Farm

It's a quick lay-over at Bulusan Crystal Spring Resort & Farm located beside the main gate of Bulucan Volcano Nature Park, National Highway, Barangay San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon Province. The water of the swimming pools contain mineral water from Bulusan mountains with a great backdrop of greenery of trees & plants around the resort. This eco-resort is one of nature oriented resort in Bicol Region because of limited usage of water & natural resources, it's also a sort of backpackers style class and you'll found it impressive. The place is like communing with the natures and you will surely create a moment worth posting via social media, so please dont come here if you have no dslr or mobile phone with camera to have your "selfie" done. Cottages & rooms is available in the resort. Reminders to all the guest & visitor during your stay in the resort. Please dispose garbage properly in waste can, Fishing and feeding the fish are not allowed, No picking of fruits and destruction of plants and wildlife & management will not be responsible for lost belongings. 

How to Get to Mateo Hot Spring & Cold Spring in Irosin, Sorsogon

Going to Mateo Hot Spring & Cold Spring in Irosin, Sorsogon

Travel to Sorsogon City via ordinary or air-conditioned buses from Manila around 11-12 hours travel located at Pasay & Cubao Bus Terminals. Fare is around Php 600-800 per passenger. This can be a long trip, make sure you have enough foods and drinks during your trip. From Sorsogon City Terminal, take a jeepney bound to Matnog or Bulan Port because all of them pass by the town of Irosin. Tell the driver you will drop off to Sitio San Benon, Brgy Monbon. From there either to walk towards the resorts or ride a tricycle about 3 kilometers away from the highway. 

Mateo Hot Spring & Cold Spring Fees, Cottages & Amenities:

Entrance: Day Tour - Php 25 & Night Tour - Php 30

Umbrella Shade Rentals: Small - Php 80 & Big - Php 150

Rooms ( Air conditioned) - Small - Php & 1,500 Big - Php 3,000 (24 hours)

Address, Sitio San Benon, Barangay Monbon, Irosin, Sorsogon.

A Dip at Mateo Hot & Cold Spring in Irosin, Sorsogon

From Bulan Port, I proceed at the jeepney terminal going to Irosin, Sorsogon where the hot & cold spring is located. It's a bit out of way but the road going there is more interesting & great scenery because of tall trees, unique nipa hut & wide rice fields. The entrance fee is affordable and I didn't rent a table or cottages since I just came to have a quick dip. There are three pools in the area of resort - cold, lukewarm & hot from the mountains of Bulusan. The heat relaxes muscles, opens pores and the pebbles under the pool press my feet in a relaxing manner. This is one of the reason why I should go to Sorsogon to experience & stress reliever activity. Don't doubt yourself to visit this tourist attraction in Sorsogon. There is so much to do and see here. In addition, I love the place very much surrounded by the forest & big trees which gives it  a secluded.

Baguio's Panagbenga 2015 Schedules, Activities & Events

Here's the Calendar of Events for their theme this year - " Across 20 Years of Blossoming Together". 

February 1,2015  
 -Opening parade with street dancing and lyre/drum competition.
 - Start of 5 weeks Baguio Blooms Exhibition at Lake Drive,Burnham Park

February 15,2015 
- Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio at Melvin Jones Arena
 - Kite Flying Challange, variety show and fireworks display

February 19,2015 
- Chinese Spring Festival

February 20-22,2015 
- PMA Grand Alumni Homecoming

February 28, 2015
- Grand Street Dancing Parade (Main Highlight of Panagbenga 2015)

March 1, 2015     
 -  Grand Flower Float Parade (Main Highlight of Panagbenga 2015) 

March 1 - 8, 2015  
- Session Road In Bloom, Baguio City

March 7, 2015   
- Pony Boy's Day - Entertainment, horse back riding shows and competition

March 8, 2015  
 - Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display.

The most popular street in Baguio City will be closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to walk freely and enjoy the various food and non-food items.

6th Pyromusical 2015 Schedules - Philippine International Competition

One of the best & much-awaited annual event in Metro Manila. The 6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2015 held at SM Mall of Asia By The Bay from February 7 to March 14, 2015 every Saturday organized by Platinum Fireworks Incorporated will showcase the different country's best performance, awesome coordination of music and light to cheer the crowd. This is one of the event I looking forward to experience every year because I love seeing fireworks in the sky and It never fails me to leave in amazement & excitement. The countries joining this year's event are Japan, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Canada, United Kingdom, China & The Philippines (for Opening & Closing Exhibition). Here's the price for 6th Pyromusical Competition 2015 tickets -  Patron with Dinner: Php 1,500 / VIP: Php 500 / Gold: Php 300 & Silver: Php 100. See you all guys!

Photo credits: Philippine International Pyromusical Competition Facebook Page

How to Get to Ticao Island Resort in Masbate Province

Going to Ticao Island Resort by Commute:

From Manila, take a 12 hour bus going to Sorsogon City ( Aircon Bus Fare is Php 800 while Ordinary Fare is Php 600)  then take a 1 hour jeepney ride going to Bulan Port in Sorsogon where you can take a public ferry to San Jacinto in Masbate, approximately 1 hour travel time. Fare is Php 150 per passenger. Once you reach the port of San Jacinto take a habal-habal or single motorcycle being my favorite ride. The motorcycle ride cost me around Php 120 round trip service. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

A Perfect Getaway of Ticao Island Resort in Masbate Province

If you really want to get away from the bustle & crowded situation of the metro. Explore the beach of Ticao Island Resort, where you can enjoy white sand beach, blue crystal water and calm waves. About 30 minutes away from the town of San Jacinto, Masbate. Yes, It's  definitely a lovely resort, friendly staff and relaxing ambiance in the west part of the Island. They have a 9 beachfront cabanas, nice long stretch of white sand and a modern restaurant. There are local villages next to the resort. I would say this lover resort even though small but it give the best hospitality to the customers & guests.  I also found this little island in front of the resort. Locals are very friendly, accommodating and be amazed by them. 

For more information about their rates & amenities visit their website at www.ticao-island-resort.com or you may call them - 09063243116 or 09063243034. Email - info@ticao-island-resort.com to experience great view of the island, scuba diving and feel the depth of the sea.

Faces of Ticao Island in Masbate Province

It's a solitude in a beautiful part of Masbate Province. A good sites for diving, trekking, beach bumming and exploring too. Ticao Island Resort can feel you the depth of an ocean, nice coral reefs & manta ray close encounter. This is a lovely place to relax or unwind. The local village children will probably find you and you'll be enchanted by them. There's also a restaurant in the resort where you can order foods and drinks. I love the way all the staff tried to ensure every wish was fulfilled & food was great. 

Ticao Island: White Sand Beach of Masbate Province

The island of Ticao in Masbate has its own charm and fascinating undiscovered spots in the Province. This area of Ticao Beach Resort in San Jacinto, Masbate is one of my favorite spot in the island because of its unique beauty, simplicity of living and people are more helpful to the tourist. I have time to unwind, scroll around the long stretch of beach, hanging in a hammock under the coconut trees, chatting to locals and beach bumming with a perfect blue water. I traveled here alone and the place overall was absolutely wonderful & calm vacation. It's definitely not for those looking to party because of its solemnity of the place, very chilled, relaxed out quiet place and great for solo travelling or nor romantic trip with a partner. The cabanas are all right on the beach front and I would highly recommend the place especially for adventurer like me so dont miss to travel Ticao Island in San Jacinto, Masbate.  Also they offers diving at the world's best diving spot like Manta Ray Bowl site & nearby reefs. All of their guides are knowledgeable and experienced.  Best time to travel during March to May (summertime). Plan your next adventure & book flight in advance. 

Clark in Pampanga: 19th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2015 Schedules

A week full of excitements, fly high with this colorful hot air balloon & enjoy the whole day events. The event will be held at Clark Special Economic Zone in Clark, Pampanga on February 12, 13, 14 & 15, 2015 (Thursday to Sunday). For a travel blogger like me, it is the most photographed event in the Philippines and they launch all the special shapes, designs and effects above the sky. It is beautiful when it fire up the flames into the balloons and light up at the same time during the morning & evening events. Tickets are sold at Php 300 at the gate main gate of the event area or simply booked your ticket pass via Ticketnet or Accredited online tour packages. 

How to Get to Clark Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2015 via Bus (Commute)

Take a provincial bus going to Dau Terminal in Mabalacat, Pampanga at Cubao or Pasay Bus Station namely Victory Liner, Five Star Philippine Rabbit, Baliwag Transit or Partas Bus tell the driver you will get off at Dau Bus Terminal. Travel time around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic situation, better to travel by night. From there, take a tricycle or jeepney along the highway of the terminal going directly to Clark Special Economic Zone or also known as Clark Freeport Zone. Travel time is 30 minutes.  These public transportation can take you to the event venue. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines. 

 Photo Credit: http://www.philballoonfest.net

Red Horse Beer Muziklaban 2015 Schedules & Guest Bands

Rakollision ( A Judging Night ) Are your ready for RHB Muziklaban 2015 Grand Finals? The battles of the best five bands namely  Blood Over Mater of Angono, Rizal (GMA), I Killed A Cockroach Once of Dumaguete City (VIS) Nobela of Cagayan De oro City (MIN),Ex-Manager Band of Dasmarinas, Cavite (SLA) and Through The Waves of Dagupan City (NLA). This event will schedule on February 13, 2015 ( Friday ) at Plaza Maestranza, Intramuros,Manila. Gates open around  5:00pm.

It's literally rock away the whole night of surprises and roll out with guest bands like Slapshock, Razorback, Wilabaliw, Greyhoundz, Kjwan, Ely Buendia, Pepe Smith, Even, Mayonaise, Gayuma, Hatankaru, Light of Luna and many more. I'am imagining myself again in the middle of the moshpit, drinking iced-cold Red Horse Beer, exciting games, prizes, freebies & unlimited photo ops. 

RHB Muziklaban 2015 Ticket Prices:

General Admission - Php 100 with 1 free cup of Red Horse Beer.

VIP Ticket - Php 350 with two 500 ml of Red Horse Beer, one Tender Juicy Giant Hotdog Sandwich & one 330 ml Cali plus Discount coupon from Dickies.  

A Blessed Year of 2014 & Another Year of Travels for 2015

Happy New Year Everyone! Welcome 2015! It's been an incredible yet hectic timeline year for me. New Beginnings & New Travels for 2015.  I'm so blessed to have been to places I've never been to and I always thank God for guiding and giving me an opportunity to travel beautiful places. This year I learned to manage my time and set all of my travel priorities right & planned. If I had to pick one trip that opened my eyes this year, It would our pre-birthday trip with my sister " Merce" to Singapore & Malaysia. Let me share with you guys my travel highlights of 2014 for some inspiration & check out my best travel experiences for the past 12 months.