Tagaytay-Boracay-Cebu-Subic Getaway

]]]]

First Getaway: TAGAYTAY (TAAL VOLCANO)i ERFD

It was a week full of fun even the weather was not very cooperative.  My friend from Syria came to visit and so with no plan at all and with a minute of planning where to tour him in Philippines the first destination that came on my mind was Tagaytay.  I couldn't think of any place to visit in Manila, something that would be striking and exciting. So I met my friend and his girlfriend in Paseo de Sta. Rosa and head off to Tagaytay riding a jeepney from Paseo to Lumil (Php 10-15) then we went down and rode Tagaytay jeep (Php 10-15). In Paseo it would take time if were going to wait for a jeep bound to Tagaytay as all the jeepneys were already full coming from the main jeep station in Sta.irst Getaway: TAGAYTAY (TAAL VOLCANO)i ERFD







It was a week full of fun even the weather was not very cooperative.  My friend from Syria came to visit and so with no plan at all and with a minute of planning where to tour him in Philippines the first destination that came on my mind was Tagaytay.  I couldn't think of any place to visit in Manila, something that would be striking and exciting. So I met my friend and his girlfriend in Paseo de Sta. Rosa and head off to Tagaytay riding a jeepney from Paseo to Lumil (Php 10-15) then we went down and rode Tagaytay jeep (Php 10-15). In Paseo it would take time if were going to wait for a jeep bound to Tagaytay as all the jeepneys were already full coming from the main jeep station in Sta. Rosa Commercial Complex (where all the jeepneys, tricycles and buses are to be found).  The jeep would then stop at the main Tagaytay terminal (market area) and then you could just walk heading to the place Rosa Commercial Complex (where all the jeepneys, tricycles and buses are to be found).  The jeep would then stop at the main Tagaytay terminal (market area) and then you could just walk heading to the place of your choice.  The famous tourist spot there is the Taal Volcano.

 After the Tagaytay terminal just walk straight heading towards an amazing sight of Tagaytay. Just cross the road and you can take pictures from this small park.

dfsdjfskdHere's the main deal if you really want to go to the Taal Volcano:
1. First talk to some locale people and try to haggle for the boat trip to Taal Volcano.  Going back and forth by a tricycle would cost 300++ (Php 150 going to and Php 150 going back)

2. Then a boat ride of Php 850++ going to and from the main site (the boat ride is exclusive for you...pay and get the receipt and be sure to keep that and know the name of the one whose driving the boat. It would be best to get their mobile number so that you could send them a message once you're done and ready to go home).

3. A horse back ride worth of Php for the rental of the horse and additional 400++ for the tour guide to take you to the crater of the Taal Volcano. Vendors will try to annoy you and follow you telling you to buy some masks and gloves but if you're off for an adventure try to avoid that.  Be sure that you keep  your belongings with you and try to bring a back pack bag to avoid any hassle while riding the horse.

Tip:
1. Try to haggle...especially during off peak season July-October (rainy season)
What I hate about this are the people who tries to increase the price especially when you have a foreigner with you, it was good because I was from Sta. Rosa and I know how people operates in situations like this.  
2. Ask for a receipt.  You'll never know when they would try and tell you that you haven't paid them yet.  Just in case to avoid conflict.
3. They were using THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT to tell you that the price they were offering for the horses and their tour guides were legal and accredited by the locality of Tagaytay but then they were not able to provide any receipt.  In the banner posted in the government office it was written that horse back riding only cost 450 net but then the locale people said that it was 500 (anyway I didn't argue with them anymore because my foreigner friend already gave them the money without my notice so I warned him that next time let me handle the situation).


The view while riding the horse:

 

Rocky slopes

It was all worth it the money, the effort...I was sad for the horses because they were kind of puny and were so thirsty and hungry.  Sometimes my horse, Patricia, would stop and eat some grass hahahahhahahhaha =)

Going back home, we stopped in Nuvali before Paseo and there are many food choices there and a great place to relax after a very tiring  horse backy backy ride. 

TABUELAN-CALAPE-MALAPASCUA TOUR

It was a week where I finally had my rest day so I went with a friend to her hometown in Tabuelan "a hidden palace" and indeed it was.  It is located in the northern part of Cebu and a 3 hour ride from Cebu (SM Cebu) bus station or what they called as the north bus station.  As soon as we arrived there, I was amazed with the place as it was surrounded by sea.  The waters are very clear (recommended for swimming) though the sand is not that fine or as white as Boracay.  I am very fond of swimming though I really like clear waters because I'm afraid of sea creatures (fishes, starfish, sea urchins and definitely the sharks).  

My friend's house was one of the ancestral house in Tabuelan so if you're a foreigner (transient) and planning to stop by, I would recommend to check-in to my friend's house.  Just ask the house of Mr. Trocio and they would really accomodate you with highest regards. 

   

I like Cebu a lot because the people were very friendly as if they know everyone in the town.  We went to Maravilla and at that time there was an event called "Suroy-Suroy Sugbo" a tour for tourist to visit places they have never been into inside Cebu.  This is to promote tourism for all Cebuanos and Filipinos alike.  

I could say that their sea was one of the places I would really recommend for tourist.  The sea was calm and I could actually swim anywhere with no worries at all. 

Next stop, we went to Malapascua.  As I have heard from friends that it was one of the best places to go in Cebu.  I stayed in Calape first (one my closest friends lives there) and it was the town's fiesta!! I was glad that I was on time for the feast.  We have a great time, people were very friendly and accomodating, a typical characteristic of Filipinos.  

I didn't like the place to be honest.  People from the port area tries to manipulate you and ask huge amount of money for them to take you to the island.  We went there at about 11am and it was our mistake because we should have gone there at least early morning.  The regular fare is Php80.00 but then since we were only 3 girls so they have asked us to pay at least Php 150.00 (one-way ride).  We agreed on that amount then I would see some people riding with us, I don't know if they were natives there or tourist but it should be face that they should pay as well. 

After arriving on the island, I noticed that the shore line was spacious and there were houses and cottages nearby for you to rent.  Php 2500 was the cheapest rate then there were Php 5000 to Php 8000 which was too expensive (for us).  Anyhow, we're not going to spend the night there but we have inquired for us to know the rates in case we wanted to stay.  We stayed only for an hour because the last trip for the boat ride was 3:30.  I didn't like the sea that much because there were lots of seaweeds around.  I don't like seaweeds I feel that there were sea creatures around though I was just having my wild imaginations! (Hahahaha).  The place was known for a great diving spot for divers that's why there were lots of tourist  there.  When we went home, same price for the pump boat and they were actually fooling us about the prices.  They were already asking at least Php 500 but we were informed from the beginning that the price was only Php 80 so it was really arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......I couldn't express properly myself as I was really angry about it.  Also that time, we didn't bring much money with us so we were running short in cash.  We agreed to pay only Php 300.  There was even a tourist (Argentinian with a Filipina wife) who was disagreeing with the price as well.  I couldn't say that we were thrifty or we don't want to spend some money but it was an abuse on their part as well as to tourist.  The natives there were taking advantage of the situation and was asking more than the original price of the fare!!! Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. (That's what I hate about my countrymen!!!)

So we decided to go and at that time there was a tropical depression in the northern part of the Philippines but then I could feel the extreme blowing of air and the waves were big and tremendous and it was like it was going to rain.  We were so afraid because the pump boat didn't have life vests at all! So we were scared but then we remained calm.  I could see from afar that the sky was getting darker and darker every minute and so I prayed almost all the prayers in the world.

I couldn't see any island nearby if in case the boat would sink.  Luckily, the sun went shining on the east side and my dark thoughts was full of high hopes once more.  I was a one-of-a-kind experience for me as it was the first time I've felt I'm going to die and to an open sea-the one that I hated the most but then I've made one realization about life:

I've realized that why should I be afraid about death, when death is the way to meet God and be with him.  After this realization, I was no longer afraid of the open water nor the sharks (if there were in that area) because all deaths seems to hurt us no death is not painful maybe except for not waking up.  After that day, me and my friends prayed the rosary and thank God for our safety. 

Summary: I think Malapascua would be appreciated by divers but not by me. I saw a blog and he liked it a lot. Check out reviews from other sources. -------http://www.scubadivephilippines.com/SCUBAtdivemonadshoal.shtml or http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g659555-w2-Malapascua_Island_Cebu_Visayas.html 

***Many Thanks to Trocio Family for their hospitality.

***Pictures to be uploaded soon. 

CANIGAO ISLAND ESCAPADE
(Matalom, Leyte)

It was the end of the summer school and we need to unwind ourselves, thanks to our dear batchmates who accomodated us in their hometown.  From Cebu you need to go to Hilongos port (Pier 3) and purchase a ticket worth of 250++ depends on which level and seat would you like to pay for tourist it was about 500++ to 600++ aircon room. Me and my friends took the 230++ seats.  It's a 6-hour travel depends on the speed of the ship.  

              
                 (Hilongos Port)

We took the 1pm ride and we arrived around 7pm at Hilongos port and took a tricycle (which can accomodate 5 people) to the main city Matalom.  We paid 200 for the tricycle which was expensive since the real cost per person is 15 to 20 / head.  Obviously the driver was taking advantage of our situation as we didn't really know the cost of the tricycle.  

(They call it "Sikad")

We ate first before we looked for a place to stay.  We ate near the ticket area/port in Matalom and ate barbecue chicken worth Php 35.00 and rice for Php8.00 which is affordable and delicious.  After which, we looked for a pensionne house (Holy Child Pensionne House) and since we're 5 the room cost around Php700.  We stayed for a night and checked out early since we wanted to go to Canigao around 11am.  It was my first time in Leyte and I could say that the town is clean and organized, friendly to tourists and convenient stores are open to serve you.  You can bring your own food at Canigao though make sure to clean it up and bring your own garbage bags (let's help the environment).

Tricky part: When going to Canigao Island there were many boat rides in order to reach the island; we didn't go to the first one as there were lots of people waiting for their turn for the boat ride, instead we drive ahead and went to "super ball" boat ride and it took only minutes for us to reach the island.  Good thing was, we were the only people to ride the boat and we didn't have to wait for our turn.

 ("Super Ball" boat ride to Canigao Island) 

The boat ride costs around Php15.00 to 20.00 though we were only 10 persons and we agreed to go to the island for Php 50/head.  They will drop you off and pick you up.  It is important to keep the receipt and take note of their mobile number so you could send a message once you have decided to go home.  

(entrance)

(Canigao Island)

Good Side:

Breath taking before reaching the island.  The water is clear and the sand is fine but not so fine like milky sand in Bohol.  The distance of the beach to the cottages are quite short so you cannot really sun bathed.  The water would be deep with not far from the shore line.  You could have a walk around the island and find your favorite spot and camp there.  We stayed at the far side and swim there because there were less people probably lazy to walk to the end.    

(a short walk around the island)

Bad side of Canigao:                                
There's no entrance at Canigao but there were local authorities collecting Php 20.00 to preserve the Island though I could see a lot of trash and garbages at the sides (from campers and stayers who could store their trashes properly) so I don't see the sense of collecting money when there's nobody looking after it.  There are no garbage cans on the sides in order to throw your wastes.  

After going to Canigao we left at around 4pm and went to KIOSKO restaurant but we didn't eat there but   beside it was a small very cold running water where you can take a bath for free in order to cool off our sun burn.  They said that during Saturdays there were live bands performing in KIOSKO.

Then we head home to our friend's house and stayed there for a night.  If your planning to go home the day after, try to book early for ship ride back to Cebu because it could really be a hassle as it was always fully booked.  Same price for the ship ride though it could change depending on which ship company you're booking for.

Pit Stops Travel Guide (Quezon Getaway)

=-=-=-=-=-=-= <e> =-=-=-=-=-=-=

This was last year, though I didn't have much time posting in my blog recently.  I was obsessed and preoccupied with korean dramas that I forgot to update many things.

With a tight budget, last minute planning and long weekend ahead, we have decided to have a road trip from Laguna to Quezon and have some pit-stops at some famous places that we didn't have to pay that much.  I was able to convince my mom to lend the adventure and then we'd just chip-in some cash for gasoline and driver expenses.

So here's our road map from Laguna to Quezon:

Map 1

(so we had a meeting place in Alaminos-Mercury Drug since I'm the one bringing the car.  Then some of my friends rode a bus in Turbina terminal-the main bus stop in Laguna those who are coming from Sta.Rosa and Tagaytay friends of mine; the other 2 met in Alabang South Station were they rode a bus straight to Alaminos.  From our meeting place we started our journey). 

Map 2

If you're going to meet your friends in Manila take the Jac Liner Bus in Buendia and the fare will cost around 200-250++/head from Buendia to Lucena. The travel will take about 2-4 hours (depends on the day of your actual travel) if your main stop is Lucena.  But I live in Alaminos, Laguna so I'm used to the 11/2 to 2 hours drive from Buendia.  Buy your snacks before departure and don't buy snacks from the vendors who gets in on the bus (not safe or you don't know how they prepare those foods) just a precaution.
 
So our main plan was to stop to at least all the historic spots as we could and get the most out of it-explore, take pictures, relax and pig out on the way, just a plain joy ride to wander us away from our hectic teaching loads (we're teachers by the way).


Alaminos, my hometown, doesn't have much to explore.  There may be some tourist spots like hidden valley but of course we are not apt to stay in one area and that's it, we're there to explore ways and possible tourist vacations that we could recommend to our family and friends.  San Pablo, the next city to Alaminos, doesn't have that much tourist places to go to.  Like Calamba there are spa's, inn's, and nice private pools to go to.  We stopped by at the church in San Pablo while taking our breakfast in 7-11 and bought some snacks.  

 
First stop, Underground Cemetery: At last it's open! Because the last time I went for a visit it was closed.  It was my first time to step there and you can feel the vibe of creepiness to your spine!!! It's basically a small church and underneath it was a small cemetery but creepy cemetery like during the spanish days.  Most of the tombs there were 1840's (nyaaaahhhh) so I could feel someone staring at my back.  I have to stay near some light so that I would be safe. 

 Outside the Underground Cemetery.  No fees just go as you please where you can buy souvenirs worth 100++ (t-shirts, postcards, caps, etc.)

some creepy scenes inside the underground cemetery (by the way even you have a good camera, the scenery would still be dark because there were no lights inside but only lamps and sometimes only candle, which makes it more creepy).  Taken from a Samsung camera not from a professional camera SLR. 

Liliw, Laguna:
I told them (I was their official tour guide and I had to prepare the itinerary for our trip) that will stop in Liliw and they will be amazed with the different shops of shoes, slippers and bags.  I told them that it would be cheap so bring extra money as gifts for their loved ones.  It turned out the my co-teachers had a great time shopping and haggling for shoes!  Price ranges from 120++ and above tip: haggle! haggle! haggle!
Most of the shoes and slippers being sold here are exported and some of the signature shoes we see in the malls are actually taken here.   

                                                                        

                                                                 (my co-teachers at the small park near the town hall)

                           (not me!) =)

 

                                                                                   (some sell household furnitures)

Nagcarlan Church: It was like a pilgrimage, every place we visited, we had to stop to a church and just observe the scenery and the church's architecture.  The San Bartolome Church was big and had a nice facade.  Anyway, they say that for every church you visit for the first time you have to make a wish and it would come true so we had fun in making those wishes.

It was already lunch time and our stomach are demanding for some food. Some of the places were already  filled up of people so we had to look for a good place to eat food.  And we found one.....if you're on a trip its good to eat at (i forgot the name) but then you'd be so hungry to wait for a long cue of people so try to look for this eatery (I'll look for our food bill, I remember I've kept it somewhere) they are know for their "pancit" but then you could also try some other dishes, which is affordable in your budget, not bad for a late lunch!  Try visiting this website of Nagcarlan to check out their famous attractions and dates to remember so at least when you go there you won't miss out the fun: http://www.nagcarlanmovingforward.com/nagcarlan_laguna_philippines_tourists_attraction



Mayjayjay Falls:  Last time I was there, I had fun in trekking the way.  It was harder before because there was no path to follow but sturdy rocks and slippery sidewalks that once you slipped --alas! goodbye to yourself hahahha. But now, there was a paved way to the falls.  Upon reaching the place, my co-teachers didn't swim at all because the water was too cold and there were lots of people around.  We're the "maarte" type so to speak (just kidding) we didn't have the mood to swim that day, we're just there to look at the scenery and then after a few minutes we head off to our next destination.

We went ahead for a short cut and saw ourselves already in Lucban Quezon!!!!  It was already afternoon so we're actually looking for an inn or motel to stay.  We found a hotel near the police station but then we don't have enough budget for that and we want to stay in one room together so we could play, eat together, talk and drink.  So Allan and I walked around the town and found this inn:

It was a good deal 1500++ with aircon, 2 beds (queen size to fit 3 people), electric fan and 1 toilet (that was the only problem).  By the way, we were around 8 persons and we fit inside the room and on the bed (each sleeping horizontally opposite each bed).  Unbelievable!!! So we said ok this will be the toilet rules: If you really want to pooooooooooooop.........everyone had to leave.  The ceiling of the toilet is open and so if there'll be anyone whose gonna cause trouble men! everyone will be in trouble hahahhaha.

But then I was so wise, I asked the owner of the inn if I could use any other toilet from a vacant room because I really have to because there was already someone using our toilet (even there wasn't anyone using it) and then he let me use it! hahahhahha. charming. <3

After putting all our things, dressed up for supper, we have decided to walk around the town and look for a place to eat and hang out.  With our peejays on, we roam around the small town of Lucban.  It was a cold night, it just finished raining so the air was refreshing.  Same as any town, you could see many small dining area, near our inn was a "tambayan" house, I could say that it was decent since the place looks clean and there was a band playing just for hang out bar to relax but we didn't go there since we're wearing pajamas and we were not up for that, we were there to bond and talk and share stories with one another.  So we walked and we saw Buddy's place (famous for pancit habhab and longganisa) we couldn't care less about the people looking at us for wearing peejays since we are tourist anyway.  So we ordered chicken, pork steak, pork chop etc.  price ranges from 120-150++ with drinks.  It was a good dinner since their servings were big.  Afterwhich, we head back to our inn, stopping at a nearby 7-11 store to buy some coffee for tomorrow (we are coffee addicts), water and side snacks.
For more info about tourist places to visit at Quezon Province, visit this site which is very helpful: http://www.wowquezon.com/tourist-spots/churches/st-louis-de-toulouse-church-in-lucban/

The next day before heading out to Kamay ni Hesus, which is our first destination for the day, we went out and check out some stores to buy the famous Lucban longganisa.  We ate breakfast at Sevilla's Restaurant just a walk away from the site of Kamay ni Hesus which is at the opposite direction of it.  

(Me and the gang)

        (Kamay ni Hesus) 98 steps before reaching the top of the mountain where the image of Christ could be seen.  It's really peaceful although I suggest that you wear slippers or rubber shoes and bring some towel to wipe your sweat and some water.  Also be mindful about your attire as they consider this place as a sacred place for pilgrims and devotees.  A good way to spend your Holy Week, and to pause at each station where it represents the stations (journey) of Christ Jesus.  It's breathtaking upstairs and we stopped for awhile and offered our prayers. 

When it was time to leave, we bought some souvenirs and some cold cold ice cream!  Then we head to our last destination which was the Ugo Bigyan's Pottery.      

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3618731/soul-2-soul?claim=e5rb79t4bzu">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

love rain (Jang Geun Suk)

Starring:
Jang Geun Suk
Yoona

First 2 episodes were very nice! I thought I wouldn't love it, probably the plot was the same like the movie "the classic" but then it had a good impact on me.  I can see that Sukkie is getting old (my oppa) I thought I wouldn't like Yoona as his new partner (I'm a big fan of Park Shin Hye) but then their acting was good and had a perfect match together.

So the scenes were fast paced and something that would hook you from the beginning.  I need to search for Episode 3 with eng subs!  Till then. =)

ART OF LETTING GO THREAD....

Art of Letting Go...

is a collection of stories with sad and bitter endings

because that's life

not everything ends like a fairy tale

sometimes even we don't want to let go

we still want to fight for it

but then fate is not on your side

you just have to let it slip

and prepare to say the word "goodbye"

i hope you like this collection and feel free to add your own thoughts and stories; some stories are from actual facts and stories of my friends or friend of friends; some are mine and some are just made up...>_<

#1   empty road

The whole night I wasn't able to sleep. We didn't say I love you anymore; facing opposite sides of the bed.   No more hugs and no good nights.
As I keep on repeating in my head; I keep on convincing myself,

"tomorrow I'll leave this place...I'll leave him..."

The air seemed dry but it was cold inside the room.
The room seemed empty though we're lying there.
How could he sleep so soundly while I feel so heavy?

The next day, we were going to the office at the same time

...no hi's...no hello's...no goodmorning's...

everything was still cold between us. He asked me to have some tea with him but I refused. 

With all the force in my throat, with hands were shaking, with my mind begging me to tell him that I'm going to leave him... but then my heart says stay...I said...

"I want to say something...I have to leave you, because I cannot take this anymore...we are not like before..." 

and before I could explain more he just said,

"Just go...." 

as hard as a brick wall. cold. still. Just like that----he let me go.

I wanted to explain why I'm leaving so he would stop and beg in front of me...
I wanted him to hear my explanation why I was feeling blue....
that I don't see myself with him anymore....its like we're together but we are not.

A room with two people but empty... it's like I have to choose between being alone because I'm alone or with someone but I still feel alone.

I couldn't say anything. I wanted to say more but I controlled myself not to say anything and not to beg for him.
I took my things without him knowing that I packed everything. He went to the common area...he didn't see me pass by as I looked back.
I want to hug him, but I know I wouldn't be able to let go.
I want to kiss him goodbye but it would hurt me more.
I know how much I will miss him but I have to do this for us; for us to understand the feeling how to need someone and how to value someone.
And so I left..with a heavy heart, convincing myself that I did the right thing though I knew that I didn't do the right thing...
but I left....I already stepped out from his apartment and I couldn't take it back....
I told myself don't look back, don't cry...I was counting...I was hoping he'd open the door and run after me and embrace me just like in the movies.
But all I've had were just air of emptiness and the distance of the road and his door telling me

"go on...walk away....."

KOREAN CRAZE

I'm here once more to give insight about my new syndrome....Korean Craze!  It took me to leave my school and finally get hooked on Korean movies and dramas.  It all started when I was surfing the TV and  stumbled upon this beautiful being, creation of God whom I thought was only in my imagination - Jang Geun Suk (Sukkie oppa ^_^ ) a.k.a. Tae Kyung in You're Beautiful. The moment I saw his face on TV, I said thank you God for letting my instinct work and told me to turn the TV on this channel.  After that, I started surfing the internet about him, his movies, his life and I started watching Korean dramas and movies.

To start with ----

YOU'RE MY PET

Stars:

Jang Geun Suk

Kim Han Neul

While watching this movie, you'll feel light and happy wishing you have a pet like "momo".  I love Jang Geun Suk no question about that and I'm actually not biased =) but then this movie is just the right amount of energy particularly not much drama but rather perfect when you're just relaxing.  Love this last part and the OST is very vibrant and nice to listen to. 

scenes in YOU'RE MY PET

 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER

Stars:

Jung Woo-sung
Son Ye-jin

                A story about a husband trying everything to let his wife with Alzheimer's remember everything and how they started their love. 
                If you're feeling low and sad and you want to dwell in that melancholic aura then prepare a tissue roll and oxygen tank and watch this.  I fell in love with Jung Woo Sung in this movie and who wouldn't if he'd do anything to let you remember your vows of love.  I like So Ye Jin a lot (she plays roles so well even in "the classic") especially the way she cries.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BABO
(Miracle of a Giving Fool)

Stars:

Cha Tae Yun
Ha Ji Won

Warning: I need two oxygen tanks for this.

Maybe I just have a weak heart when it comes to people with special needs.  I cried the whole time and after watching this, I watched again (you're my pet) just to calm me down, otherwise I would end up thinking why? why? why? =)

Jang Geun Suk

 

The man who saved me from a great deal of despair...

Pit Stops Travel Guide 2012 (Calamba)

                  I've decided to start the year right by traveling to the place closest to my heart - LAGUNA.  Well, I'm not a native of Laguna but then my family have moved here since high school in Sta. Rosa.  Then, we moved to another location in Alaminos.  The first time we moved here men I'm going  crazy! From the accustomed traffic and busy streets of Manila and Parañaque (where we used to live before) then off to a jungle man! I can say that its a total shock.  After awhile I was able to get used to the atmosphere and then now I can finally say that I love this place.  At 8pm you wouldn't see people on the streets anymore, everyone is inside their houses and at 9pm everyone's asleep.  Then in the morning at 4am you'd here people selling "pandesal" and sometimes the loud buzz of motorcycle selling vegetables and fish.  Other than that you'd hear people already sweeping the streets, roaming around, clanging of plates as they prepare.

                  So much for the introduction, let's get into the travel part.  I've search on the internet some places to visit in Laguna because I was curious which places can people go and visit here.  Some of friends were asking me to tour them but then I don't know anything about my own place.  So I've decided to start my travel here in my hometown.  I told my college friends (tin, nina, espie) to help me explore Calamba) we went to check Los Baños and Pansol (famous for hot springs) and check out the pools and room rates there.  Room ranges from 200-500/head aside from the pool entrance of 80-100 you can haggle with them especially when its not peak season, by the way we went last month, so we were able to get a room of 1700 king size bed, aircon, bathroom, plus swimming - not bad but then I think I could get it more cheaper if I tried to haggle more but then at that time we were tired and it was already 9 in the evening so we just took the best available pool villa.


                  In the morning, we decided to go to the house of our national hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal in Calamba.

It's already renovated and it looks bigger outside but then when you go in it on has 2 bedrooms, 1 big dining area, a lounge, a small kitchen and a balcony.  The typical house during the Spanish time.  It was stated that Rizal's house was considered to be the largest in Calamba before so you'd see that Rizal's family was well-off that time.  It was the dream of his father to build this type of house.

 

1st floor- more of history and pictures of Rizal when he was young. 

Bed of Rizal??

Cooking time! Rizal's actual kitchen

There was an addition part to their house, which is then turned as a small museum.  Here you can see Rizal's pictures and memorabilia's. 

There was no one around that time, so we have asked Rizal to join us in our group picture and he was very cooperative.  =) If this is a replica of him, then we have concluded that this is the original height of Rizal hmmmmm....as I recall in our Rizal subject in college, it was believed that Rizal was not really as tall as he sounds to be.  That's why they have given him the term "small but terrible". 

to be continued....

to be posted excarsion in Laguna-Quezon....