1st trip of the year: Mt. Pinatubo!

Wow. Time heals all wounds. That's my first thought after laying my eyes on the majestic Pinatubo crater.

More stories after I've settled down!

Tagaytay Love

Tagaytay has always been special. I’ve been there a lot of times on family weekend excursions, school field trips, spontaneous road trips with friends, org sem planning, company strategic planning, food trips; the list goes on and on.

I love how it’s only an hour’s drive away from the city and you have yourself a different view and a whole set of great restos to choose from.

I think everybody should have their own Tagaytay like I do mine. A special place not too near, not too far, just the right distance to get you back to a special place where your heart belongs =) And as much as I have tons of great photos and countless memories in Tagaytay, I still hope to make more next time.

Pagbilao with my girls

I realy like going to less popular, exotic places around the country. I just think that when I get old it will be a lot harder for me to go to these wonderful, raw places with no modern accommodations, organized travel routes and sophisticated restaurants.

And so yet again, I went on to take the road less travelled with my two best girlfriends with me.

This time the chosen place is a secluded beach cove in Pagbilao, Quezon called Puting Buhangin, its main attraction other than its fine, white sand is the cave on its one end called Kwebang Lampas.

And so I searched up the net, packed up my bags, went on to ride a southbound bus to Quezon, went down to Lucena, and from there we asked around how to get there. We had 2 more jeepney rides, a very bumpy tricycle ride, a short banca cruise across a lake and a 10-minute trek, and we're there. Travel going there is just ok for me, but I'm not sure if it's the kind everybody can take. Hehe.

One landmark to check if you're on the right track is the Pagbilao Power Plant. If you see this phallic tower, then you're right on track.

When we got there, I think it was well worth it =)

I'd have to be honest though, this shot was taken after everybody left and we had the beach all to ourselves. The beach can get a little crowded, so if you opt not to take one of the huts (we didn't), better secure up your spot. This was my view while I lying down on the spot where we laid our mats for the length of our stay.

This shot of the coconut trees up above my head would inspire me for weeks ahead. Life can be so good =) I think up to now this is still my phone screensaver =)

On other end of the cove is a cave which actually just opens up to the open sea, at one point there were also some kids jumping off from the cliff above the cave. Actually looked exciting. One day, I'd do that =)

We went there to explore a bit and of course, to get some more photos!

The place was well worth the travel. However, be warned - there are no available running water facilities and shower areas. So we went back to Manila without fresh showers. So while I have no regrets looking up for the place, I'd probably won't necessarily be back there anytime soon. And besides, I have a rule: No same destination twice. Haha =)

It wasn't the most relaxing trip, mainly because of the travel (we took public transpo!), but I felt recharged after. I guess the sight of the beach, swimming in the crystal clear waters, along with the sacrifice of the commute can be quite good for the soul =)

If you're planning your next trip, I'd say you should consider Pagbilao =)