Batangas - Nasugbu - Kainan sa Dalampasigan

On our way back from our Calatagan trip, we decided to proceed first to Nasugbu town to eat dinner before heading back to Manila. Not wanting to eat in another fast food store and want to try something more local, we went ahead and followed the sign we saw along the road pointing us to "Kainan sa Dalampasigan" restaurant. Unlike it's name though, this restaurant isn't located near any shore so don't expect any seaside views while you eat ^_^.  I've read later on that the restaurant has actually been there for quite a while and many many moons ago has actually been near the shores. It turned out, the town has grown so much that some parts of the shores has been extended as a residential area. 

Batangas - Calatagan beach resort - Caisip Compound

We have traveled to Calatagan to visit one of oldest Spanish Lighthouses in the Philippines, the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse. We were feeling spontaneous at the time so when we saw the pristine waters from afar, we were really tempted to go for a quick swim and if we can, spend a night in a nearby beach somewhere. We asked Mang Jun, the lighthouse keeper, if he knows a good & affordable place where we could stay. He pointed us out to Caisip compound.  A beach resort not far from the lighthouse and seems to be the "go to" place of the locals.

Batangas travel: Calatagan Lighthouse

Its geological location allows Batangas to be an efficient receiving port that can cater to hundreds of ships and ferries a day. But, unknown to many, these ferries and ships are constantly being guided to safety by the two light houses built at Batangas by the Spaniards more than one hundred years ago. One, is located at Cape Malabrigo Lobo, Batangas and the other one is located at Cape Santiago in Calatagan, Batangas.

It has been part of my to-do lists to visit lighthouses around the Philippines. I think they are important part of our history and every single one of them should be considered a National Treasure. So one Saturday morning, I woke my husband up and asked him if he wants to go to on a road trip to see a 120 year old lighthouse at Calatagan, Batangas.

Our reward below: The Punta de Santiago lighthouse

Tagaytay Wedding Venues: Clearwater Resthouse Gardens

Finding the perfect venue to have the wedding reception has been one of the biggest problem for engaged couples eyeing to be wed in Tagaytay. We had the same problem when we were planning our wedding there. So I am sharing some of the reviews and pictures that we took when we had ocular visits during our wedding preps days.

We had our ceremony held at Caleruega Chapel and our reception followed at Clearwater Resthouse Garden. You may check out our wedding pics from my previous post. 

Let me share our review about the places we've visited and some pictures as well.  Let's start off with Clearwater Resthouse Gardens

Clearwater Resthouse, Tagaytay

Travel Tagaytay: People's park

Last November, when the rain finally stopped pouring and the humid weather started coming back, my husband and I went for a short drive to Tagaytay to cool off. With no particular place in mind but not wanting to break the bank, we decided to try going up People's park, the highest point of Tagaytay.

People's park sign 2011 with missing letters - Tagaytay, Philippines

Travel Bohol part 5: Vest Pension House - Tagbilaran City

We stayed at Vest Pension house for a night before heading back to Manila. It is located at Tamblot extension at Tagbilaran town proper, the capital of Bohol. We decided to splurge a bit so instead of getting one big room for 5, we decided to book two seperate rooms.

My husband and I got the Deluxe room which is only PHP1,200 (still not considered splurging-- just too affordable). It includes breakfast.

Vest pension house - Tagbilaran, Bohol

Travel Bohol part 4 - Chocolate hills, Butterfly sanctuary, Hanging bridge

What would a visit to Bohol be if you would not see the great Chocolate hills, which was the number one tourist attraction here long before the white sand beaches of Panglao were discovered. Most of the scattered hills are situated at Carmen town which is about an hour and a half away from Panglao. So be prepared for the long drive.

The famous hills are actually protected under Proclamation No. 1037 that took effect on July 1, 1997. The two agencies implementing this act are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). Furthermore, the House of Representative introduced House bill No. 01147 on July 6, 2004 stating that the hills are considered a National geological monument, penalizing anyone who will cause their destruction and defacement. Good job congressmen! ^_^

Chocolate hills - Bohol, Philippines

Travel Bohol part 3 - Baclayon Church, Tarsier, Loboc river

Our Bohol tour was arranged by my sister through our resort. Itinerary for the whole morning comprises of visiting Baclayon Church, it's museum, looking at big-eyed tarsiers and enjoying a sumptuos lunch at Loboc river. 

bell tower of Baclayon church

Travel Bohol part 2 - Dumaluan Bohol beach hotel resort, Panglao Island

Dumaluan beach resort is actually right beside Bohol beach club, it is located in Panglao Island, about 30 minutes from the port and main Bohol island.
It's one of the most recommended places to stay in when you are in Bohol and if you are after the white fine sand beach that Panglao Island offers. The beach hotel resort actually have a newer and much improved hotel buildings and has extended their amenities from cottages to pingpong tables and kayaks but seeing we're on a tight budget, we opted to get the quadruple sharing room (2 queen size bed with private toilet and bath) in the older guest rooms they rent out. It is also best to arrange a pick up transport service from the port. If you're travelling in a group, it will be much convenient and cheaper. 

parking slot outside the port reserved for Dumaluan

Travel Bohol part 1 - leaving Cebu (Supercat adventure)

Bohol is a mere one and a half hours away from Cebu by ferry. Supercat  offers daily trips from Cebu port to Tagbilaran.  You may check their website for the schedules. We bought our tickets in Cebu a day before, if you're traveling on a December, make sure to book early to avoid waiting in lines. They have a ticketing office at Robinson's mall Cebu. 

my nephew watching the passing ship at the port

Travel Cebu: Fort San Pedro and the Dried squid

Fort San Pedro is a miniature Intramuros. Having spent my college years within the Intramuros walls, visiting this fort seems a bit ordinary to me. But, I always want to bring back good memories whenever I visit a new place so I do what is available to do at the time and that is to ------- people watch. Not to make fun of someone but to have a feel of what the people are like especially if I don't know anybody from that place. 

Plus to think that we've been walking all day, being able to sit back and relax is a big yes for me (my nephew totally agrees). The best thing about places like this is that you can easily slump anywhere and nobody will bother you. Just like the man with a balloon on the photo below.

Travel Cebu: Cebu R hotel, Sto. Nino church

 Cebu, is one of the many islands in the Philippine archipelago worth visiting for its rich history, unique traditions and its famous festivals. It is situated in the Central Visayas region and known today as an export leader when it comes to quality-made furniture.

A little history: 
When the Spaniards set foot in this island in 1521, free trading with neighboring countries such as China, Burma, Malaysia, and as far as Japan was already being practiced in the island . It already has a structured and organized government with communities or "balangays"  (now called barangays) which mostly comprises of about 60 to 100 households being headed by the "Datus" (chieftain). The "Datu" is in charge of everything from resolving disputes in their respective "balangay"  or  leading them onto battles if needed. 

The most popular known chieftain in the whole Philippines actually came from Mactan, Cebu - Lapu-Lapu. He became popular for killing the Spaniard Ferdinand Magellan when he went onshore this small island.  He was hailed a hero, the first Filipino to deter the Spanish Conquerors.

And, in his honor, one of the 4 cities of Cebu was named after him - Lapu Lapu City. 

We boarded the Cebu-Pacific plane and landed at Mactan Airport a little past noon, hailed a cab and headed off to check-in at Cebu R hotel.  Our accommodation for the night.

Travel Cebu: Colon Street, Ancestral Houses, Heritage of Cebu monument

A walk in Colon Street is a must for Cebu visitors. Being the oldest street in the Philippines, it was such a bonus for a historic buff like me to be able to do so when I was in Cebu. Another good thing when you are near this area is you can also visit the Heritage of Cebu monument or locally known as Parian monument. 

This monument showcases the whole history of Cebu; the influence of Christianity, the battles between the natives and foreigners and the continuous sought of true freedom and justice. The gate is actually locked when we first got in but the caretaker opened it up for us so we can take more pictures. There is no entrance fee but anyone can donate to help upkeep the place.