Awesome Chysler Limousine at Doña Aurora House

At the side of Doña Aurora House is a glass garage which you'll saw this 1936 Black & Silver Chyeler Limousine. It's look beautiful and expensive car that time. I don't know if the car is function-able or can still be driven. As per caretaker, this is the official car of the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and certified by the Vintage Car Club of the Philippines with the plate number 1.

Side Trip at Doña Aurora House in Baler, Aurora

Another historical landmark in Baler, Aurora which is located at Rizal Street corner San Luis Street. This ancestral house is the reconstruction of the original house, Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon the first lady of Manuel L. Quezon. This nipa hut old ancestral house build in 1980's and there is no entrance fee. Note: This old house is not open during Sunday and near across the Baler Catholic Church.

A Quick Look of Quezon Memorial Park in Baler

Quezon Park in Baler, Aurora where visitors can get a good view of the place. Quiet, clean and has a relaxing ambiance all over the place. Known to be the birthplace of Manuel L. Quezon, our first Philippine President. Baler is the capital of Aurora Province and this area is serves as a recreational park for everyone. In the middle of the park is the bronze statue of Manuel L Quezon, surrounded of tall trees, flowers,ornamental and hanging plants. This historical landmark can easily accessible by a tricycle, just hire from the terminal or market which ranging Php. 150-200 pesos for the whole day. You will experience the historical landmark of Baler. just passing through this area and other sites. 

Around the Museo De Baler in Aurora Province

About 6 hours bus trip, this province does not only attract local & tourist because of surfing site with this big waves but also known to have great historical landmark and home for our first President Manuel L Quezon which the province named after his wife " Aurora". The facade of the walkway is inspire to the Spanish Architecture which is surrounding view of plants and trees. The museum has a unique sculpture and mural outside with a great view of the park where the statue of Manuel L. Quezon is being placed at the center of the park. This mural was dedicate to the youth of Baler that they may always remember and strive to emulate the valor, self reliance and quiet heroism of their ancestors who all lovingly cared for their children and aspired to give them a better life by Sen. Edgardo J. Angara. We had a quick photo shot before heading to Doña Aurora Ancestral House, about 5 minutes away from the Museo De Baler.

Historical Marker: Baler Church in Aurora Province

One of the must-see tourist attraction. I remember this church when I first saw from the movie "Baler" starring Anne Curtis-Smith & Jericho Rosales - Actor and like to surf in Baler in Aurora Province. This is the first stop over of our 3 days trip in the province. Baler Catholic Church is also known as " The Siege of the Church of Baler". This historical landmark have a unique interior design and landscape outside the church. The church is not so big compared to other church in the country and great touristic background, simple yet elegant architecture design. Because we only have 1 day allotted to experience heritage tour, we maximized the whole day touring around the town proper of Baler. We took about 20 minutes at this church and visit other place around. After visiting the church, we proceed to the Museo De Baler located at the town proper, a few hundred meters away.

How to Get to Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas

Going to Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas:

About 2 hours away from Metro Manila, you'll enjoy this hidden paradise of Burot Beach. From Southwest Terminal in Coastal Road, Paranaque City, take a air conditioned bus bound to Calatagan. Fare is Php. 290.00 per person or you may try the bus going to Lian, Batangas. From then take a jeepney to Calatagan Public Market (Fare is Php 25.00). As you reached the market, ride a tricyle going to the beach which is about 30 minutes away from the town proper. Haggle the price to Php 150.00 two way. You'll passing through a rough road going to the center of the beach. From the guard house, just ask permission and inform him that you want to swim or over night in Burot Beach which is a privately owned property of SM. Entrance Fee is Php. 60.00 for day tour and Php. 150.00 for overnight stay. Happy Trip Everyone.

A Charm of Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas

Burot Beach 2013 in Calatagan Batangas! One of those favorite summer destination in the country, about 2 hours away from Metro Manila. This is one of my bucket list for the year 2013. Discovering and experiencing the beauty of Burot White Beach in a hidden & unspoiled beach of Calatagan, Batangas. I planned my trip in a weekday to experience less crowd in the area. Truly amazing, wonderful getaway and beautiful hidden white beach in Calatagan, Batangas. You can do sun-bathing, snorkeling with fishes and corals, swimming with this pristine white sand and blue water, can also do island hopping in the nearby island of Calatagan. The beach has no electricity, so make sure all your gadgets and batteries were fully charged. No parking fees & no cottages or rooms available in area.  Here are some of the fees in the Burot Beach: Entrance fee for whole day - Php. 60.00 / Overnight stay - Php. 120.00 / Tent Rental: Day - Php. 150.00 & Night - Php. 300.00 ( good for 3-4 person).

Also bring your own foods and drinks during you trip. There is a store in the area but expect higher price.  They have about 4 restrooms in the resort and also have shower and wash area. Don't expect good rest room as  the ones in some hotel but overflowing water is available for free.

White Beach Resort in Calatagan Batangas

After a quick getaway from Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Batangas, I proceed to Calatagan Batangas to check out hidden beach of Burot. About 30 minutes away from Calatagan Town Proper. This white beach resort is actually a hidden gems of Calatagan because of it's white sand beach area, blue and clean water. Perfect for a summer trip with your barkada and family. The resort was well-maintained and looked to be a perfect camping destination. Just get yourself a quick place to relax and in the front of a white sand beach, beautiful sunset, rocky side of the resort and calm, blue and clean water. This place is not yet commercialized but this property was already been bought by SM and will be developed soon. The place is amazingly beautiful and surely you will enjoy. I hope SM Property will preserve the beauty of Burot Beach.

It was a solo traveling that time! Looking forward to be back to have wonderful getaway again. I will highly recommend this place to my friends and family. Rest, Relax, Chat, Sun Bathing & Dive!

How to Get to Matabungkay Beach in Batangas

Going to Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas:

About 2 hours away from Metro Manila, you can enjoy cheap beach water adventure in Batangas. To get there for a typical commuter and budget traveler, there are a lot of buses in Cubao, Buendia & Pasay bound to Batangas City. Just tell the conductor or driver to drop you off at Lian, Batangas. Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes which cost you about Php. 150-160 pesos. From Lian Public Market, jeepneys are available to take you directly to Matabungkay Beach Resort. There is no entrance fee in the resort and open to public. Happy Trip Everyone :-)

What to do & Activities in Matabungkay Beach Resort, Batangas

Nowadays, there are a lot of activities to choose in Matabungkay Beach Resort, Lian Batangas. The beachfront is look nice and cheap getaway near from Manila & other nearby provinces. Matabungkay has their own fun activity like pedal boat, kayaking, floating bamboo raft or balsa ride, banana boat ride and other activities in a cheaper price. Henna Tattoo and Videoke is available in the area. If you want to experience a good water sports adventure, try this shop - Matabungkay Aqua World, just beside from the beach front. Fees is ranging Php 100 and up. Great awesome water activities.

This activities I listed are just some of the must-try things to do if your going to Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas. Happy Trip Everyone.

A Glimpse of Matabungkay Beach Resort in Batangas

After almost 5 years, I had a chance to visit this place again. Matabungkay Beach is one of the famous beach bumming area in Batangas, about 2-3 hours drive away from Manila. This place is open to the public at very cheap price compare to other nearby resort, you can also bring your own foods and liquor drinks. There has been a lot of changes in the area. The beach is no longer the same, a lot of building, restaurant and balsa all over the place but there are two good resorts in the area like Coral Beach & Matabungkay Beach Club with a good service and facilities. Actually, the beach is pretty if there wasn't too much cottages, floating balsa and permanent houses that makes the beach looks crowded, dirty and loose its natural and bountifulness as the nature. I like the weather that day, with blue water and nice to swim all day. Some of the restaurants offers wide variety of seafood which is provided by local. I will recommend for those people who are in tight budget but wish to enjoy summer getaway. 

San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 2013 Photos

Here are some of the latest pictures of last SMB Oktoberfest 2013 Kick Off at The Gate Cluster, Taytay Rizal, Philippines, dated September 14, 2013.  Entrance is free! There has a lot of live entertainment band and genre like reggae, classical, rock, pop and acoustic as well. Another successful beer day which brings people a one night event full of entertainment, overflowing beer, great foods, games and prices. This event is organized by Rastamanila Latageros (Glowing Basket Productions) & San Miguel Beer Sales featuring El Kombo, Hailajuana, Irie-I, Jeck Pilpil, Katribu Kolektib, Lion and the Scouts, Reggae Mistress, Superkendi, The Blanc, Shurevibe and many more.  Check out more incoming schedules this month. Oktoberfest 2013 Na! Happy Beer Day Everyone.

How to Get to Taal Basilica Church in Batangas

Going to Taal Basilica Church in Batangas:

There are some of easiest way to go to Taal in Batangas. But I prefer Baclaran-Cavite-Tagaytay routes and other option is Alabang-SLEX-Tagaytay. About 2-3 hours away from Metro Manila. Passing through Tagaytay City in Cavite is one of the best way going to the Municipality of Taal in Batangas. Now, take a bus or van bound for Lemery, Batangas which is buses located at Southwest Terminal in Coastal Road, Paranaque City or van at Pasay City near MRT or LRT Station. Ask the driver whether it will pass through Taal Town Proper. Happy Trip Everyone :-)

Asia's Biggest Church is the Taal Basilica in Batangas

A must-stop ever in Batangas! This was part of my itinerary during my solo trip in Taal, Batangas. These is known to be the Largest and Biggest Catholic Church in Asia located at the heart of the Province of Batangas. My first impression is yes, it is really big in the outside. Before going inside the church, I take a photo at the Taal signage. At the inside looked beautiful, nice architecture design, well maintained facilities and colonial inspired ceiling but I noticed that the drawing on the ceiling is wallpaper and it is not smoothly paste on the wall.  This church can easily reached by bus or private car and the best attraction in Batangas. I like old churches in the Philippines and Taal Basilica Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful picturistic church back ground.

I hope it will maintain it's old structure and design of the church. Visit this Basilica and be transported back to the Spanish colonial era. Check out my next blog post on How To Get to Taal Basilica Catholic Church in Batangas. 

Touring Around the Heritage Town of Taal in Batangas

It was a sunny morning when I arrived in Taal town proper. They have a lot of ancestral houses around the area and really a fun solo tour. The municipal hall is in front of Taal Basilica which is known to be the Asia's Biggest Church. Amazingly, different to some areas in the Philippines because several of those century-old ancestral homes and mansion have been preserved and many of which were the homes to National Heroes like Marcela Agoncillo, maker of the Philippine Flag.

It become one of my favorite heritage site next to Vigan in Ilocos Sur and you should visit Taal Heritage Town.

Swimming Pool Area of Aplaya Beach Resort in Batangas

I had an excellent experience in Aplaya Beach Resort in Batangas. I don't like the beach front area but the pool area gave me a nice view and cozy atmosphere.  The resort had a 2 swimming pool area, water is clean and had a cover blue net. It was a good thing I was there on a weekday and no guest that time. It is a great place if you want to relax near the town proper of Taal in Batangas. The pool landscape is great and has big parking area for their guest. I like the Asian inspire architecture of their lobby and main gate. About the food in the resort, it is a little bit expensive with both local and international dishes is available. The location is really nice, not far from Manila which is passing through Tagaytay for an extra sightseeing. The resort is not too big and not so overcrowded .

Day Tour at Aplaya Beach Resort in Batangas

From the Taal Church, I took a tricyle going to Aplaya Beach Resort and about 15-20 minutes away from the town proper. This is the only beach resort offers a good service and amenities. Great exclusive getaway for your families and big group. The resort fixtures and design is beautiful, well maintained and quite place to relax. They have a great view of Batangas coastline and nearby island across the resort. The beach area is not perfect for snorkeling or outdoor activity rather to stay on their pool area. About 2-3 hours drive from Manila, it was recently renovated to improve their services and rooms. Food is good and friendly staff. The staff were really accommodating and smiling all the time.  For a budget traveler like me, I prefer to book during peak season. The rooms rate is quite expensive.

San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest Schedules 2013: Isang Bansa, Isang Inumin

Updated: San Miguel Oktoberfest 2013 Schedules on September 13 and 14, 2013. San Miguel Beer Corporation is the number one and largest producer of different beer in the country.  Are you ready for this year's event of SMB Oktoberfest 2013 here in the Philippines. This is the annual celebration and much-awaited event every year so please check out below. There will be more upcoming schedules nationwide all over the country. So please bookmark this page and update you a soon as possible time. Isang Bansa - Isang Inumin. Oktoberfest Na! Tara Na!

What I Expect During 24th Philippines Travel Mart 2013

My friend and I decided to have a quick meet up at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City to witness the yearly event of PHILTOA ( Philippine Tour Operators Association) which features a lot of tourist destination in the country.  This is what I expected a lot of ticket sales, interesting place, hotel promo, food bazaar and dance competition as well. Entrance fee is Php. 50.00 last September 6, 2013(Friday). Venue: SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

24th Philippine Travel Mart 2013 Photos

Here are the photos of 24th Philippine Travel Mart held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, September 6 - 8, 2013. For the best travel deals for you next vacation, this is the place to be! A lot of travel agencies, airline company and affiliate with Department of Tourism gathered in one event for a purpose of engaging travel best deals and promo. There are a lot of delegate on the first day. This year's event tagline " Travel More, Live More" It's more fun in the Philippines which promote country best travel destination and supported by Philtoa.