Trip Comments by a Polish Blogger Trends - "Boracay is Probably the Worst Island"

Checking articles around, I came across reading wheninmanila.com's post by a Polish blogger who recently went to Boracay last December of 2014. This gone viral as the blogger, Anna Lysakowska of Annaeverywhere.com, expressed what she felt after visiting Boracay.

It was a very strong article and a brave blogger. Prepped with all her points of not liking the islands and what she was looking for, Anna gave lists of views she pointed from loosing the Filipino culture, to not respectful Filipino teenagers, rude vendors, crowded place, and giving suggestions of going elsewhere rather than Boracay. 

Here are some photo's from Anna's blogsite:

I will never get mad at Anna as a Filipino because for all we know that Boracay is nothing but a party island nowadays. What I can only comment to Anna is that she might have read blogs or article that most party people wrote which is total kill of what she expects a place good give but at least she have good points.

I and a group of friends also went to Boracay just recently, I too did not enjoy my stay because of overcrowding beach party goers which I expected even we went their after the pick season. Boracay is always overcrowded. If you don't like overcrowded place and your looking for peace and tranquility try different islands around the Phillipines instead.

Now, I get to write about my experience:

Boracay Island has lost its spirit, the island is dead. The sand was kept as nice and white and fine as it was described but there are parts of the island that have pebbles in it (maybe around 5%) but all in all the sand was very nice and the water too except when there are algae's or what was commonly called lumot. 

To note, Boracay is overrated and expensive as well, you can party by the beach as well in Puerto Gallery which is cheaper and nearer just don't expect the sand will be as nicer as Boracay. Well you cannot really get all the best in one place.

How to get there?

My friends and I took a 2Go travel or by sea to Boracay back and forth. Traveling by sea is a different experience but it really take a lot of hours traveling. So we just slept and eat and talk and roam during our travel. It's a 12 hour ride so better use the time to the wisest.

Where to stay?

Me and my friends stayed in a transient house in Station 3 which is very cheap and there are not much of people along the beach as well. So we got the enjoy Boracay with less crowd compare to staying around Station 1 (most crowded) and Station 2 (crowded).

What to eat?

Don't expect that you will get local food around the place if you haven't tried looking for one because Boracay is a well-visited place in the Philippines most of the dining serves foreign cuisines. Why? Most of those who visits Philippines say they can't eat local food and have fret trying one. I have heard many foreigners who are afraid to try local food or delicacy unless it looks good and colorful. Not everyone is brave enough to try exotic food as well which maybe around 70-90% of people around the world always when they visit a foreign place they try to look for what they knew how to eat.

I love the fruit shake and grilled chicken parts though. :)

We only eat on places that was rated great but not those high end/overrated restaurants there.

What to do?

We did not go to Boracay because we just wanted to party but that should be your TOP REASON why you visit the place. We went there to feel the sand and the cold water, the activities (I enjoyed the flying fish ride and the ATV/Buggy ride), I was curious of trying the helmet dive or walking underwater experience (this was the worst activity ever!), to party at one point which is likely partying in Manila bars and in Puerto Galera (I think partying is not really with the place but with the group of people you're with), and lastly to find out about the changes in Boracay.

What to expect?

Everything is EXPENSIVE from place to food to activities but go to the island which is off season I think you will be able to appreciate it more. 

This is a party place not a place where you can relax. So take it out of your list if your planning to go to Boracay and relax. It's also one best party place you can visit.

Experience

All in all my experience is 5/10. Why somewhere in the middle because I have expected all those points I have listed above and that my money's worth is not as highly recommend for a place where all you do is party. Money's worth over vices such as alcoholic drinks and the likes is a NO NO for me. The sand and the beach is an 8/10, I don't need to explain more. People is 5/10 as we all know most local will pay more attention to those who have money. Food is 4/10, we cook most of our food. View is 7/10, I have seen better views that what Boracay had offered. Transportation and ports 2/10... where the hell you can find a port that asks for a fee where is not well maintained and where you have not even set foot and use their amenities. The waiting areas are always full of people and their chairs are not that good and I hope the local government will pay attention to this and not corrupt everything.

Again, if you are a party goer and a socialist this experience will all turn to 10/10 or maybe 11/10.

Where the Movie - THE BEACH was Shot...

I never thought I was able to step in to one of Leonardo di Carpio's movie - The Beach.

The Beach movie was a film of Danny Boyle which is an adventure drama based from Alex Garland's book with the same title. The book came out in 1996 while the movie was shown in cinemas in 2000. 

We went to Phuket and this is one on our To-Go list last October 2012. We joined a group tourists which toured Mayabay and swam in its clear waters where Leonardo Di Carpio swam too.

Vannie and Ronnie were my travel mates on this Ko Phi Phi Island.

Maya Bay View from our speedboat.

tour and was pretty much enjoyed a quick tour of the area. I just browse my Facebook account and found this picture in my Instagram link which I forgot my log on credentials so I'm trying to retrieve as much picture as I can and share them with you guys.

Tip:

When your boat docked at Mayabay; enjoy, swim, take as much photos, run along the shore, and swim more. Why because you'll never gonna stay there for long if you have joined a tour group.

I will give you more details on my Phuket tour at some other time. I will try to show our tour package as well so you will be have an idea of the whole tour.

Mi-quit Tama na Bolinao! (Part 1)

It has been years I have not seen my hometown and now with a group of few friends, I was able to visit the place that once took me as a child.

I grew up in this small town of Bolinao, Pangasinan then moved to Manila at the age of 13. I was still looking forward in seeing my hometown as I remember it. So I rallied the TamaRaw! Hikers group in FB to set a date and scheduled our Bolinao tour. I was planning this as my test travel package I create. The package I took for the group (supposedly of 10 -13 pax) is Php 4,000 – Php 4,500 which includes a ride back and forth Manila in safely driven Hi-Ace.

Planning along, I scheduled a tour for the group and advised them to prepare the following before we took off:

•  Summer outfits (preferably comfortable, loose, cottony, for beach… etc.)

o   Sando or razor backs or shirts

o   Swimsuit

o   Rash guard

o    Board shorts

• Slippers or sand shoes
• Sunscreens
• Shades or sunglasses
• Head gears, Hat, sun visors, cap, and the likes
• Umbrella
• Camera
• Your own towel just in case vanity strikes
• CASH – there’s an ATM at Aliminos but it’s a far travel once you get to Bolinao so better have cash handy.

·

Lani and I came first and I had a few sips of my personalized caramel macchiato in Starbucks around 11:00 PM – 12:30 PM and soon we moved to our meeting place. Not long waiting Son, Ellai, and Alvin arrived, then Marz, after which Kuya Aaron, and Rhei. Time check: 1:30 AM and we (Lani, Rhei, Alvin, Marz, Ellai, Son, and me) are left waiting for Rhose to arrive from work at our meeting place in North Avenue and will depart at exactly 2:00 AM. At last she arrived and we are able to move our things to our Van with the help of Kuya Aaron who drove as fast and safely to Alaminos around 5:00 AM. We took some photo at Alaminos town center and had our pee break after the long 3 hour trip (but this really is sooooooooooo FAST) then we drove to Bolinao took some photos at the Bolinao marker (arc) while enjoying the view of the sunrise.

We arrived at the Bolinao town proper and drove directly to St. James Parish Church and the Municipal Hall. We prayed and took some photos then I showed them the Binunguey Sellers at the church’s gate. 

I called up my Aunt, Jasmine Camba, then we drove to her restaurant (which turned out we ate in her dining table) for breakfast. We famished ourselves along the way with little of Puto Calasiao and Kuntsinta so we can eat more of Bolinao’s very own Binunguey, a good grade of Danggit (oh so fresh!), and eggs. It was really a great day seeing my aunt again and as well as enjoy those little breakfast feast served wholeheartedly by my aunt and uncle. (Abaw a salamat Ante tan Uncle! – Thank you very much Aunt and Uncle!).

(To be continued...)

A Repost About Bolinao...

“There might have been multiple crossroads you have walked by, multiple pavements you have passed by, multiple places you have gone by, but there is always a place you have most of the memories left behind which you always want to as your safe exile.” – Yu Kaito

I have been to lots of places but there is always one place I remember most of my childhood and its Bolinao, Pangasinan. As a Bolinaonon, I speak the dialect (Binobolinao) and still embody the culture, which made me write about my hometown, to give insights of what’s at stake when you visit Bolinao, Pangasinan. You know what is best from Philippines – food and beaches, which both you can have along shores of this little municipality at the tip of Pangasinan.

A beacon of light at the tip of Bolinao to guide fishermen and ships that voyage the vast South China Sea.

The hospitable municipality of Bolinao, Pangasinan or the “Hidden Jewel of the North” is known by its historical Saint James the Great Parish Church (now challenging to where the first mass happened in the Philippines instead of Limasawa) which was built around 1609 by the Agustinians, it’s delicacies like binungey or bamboo rice cake and padas or vermiculated spinefoot sauce or clear bagoong isda, fresh marine products ranging from cudincudin or sea urchins or uni in Japanese to sungayan or unicorn fish <I miss this grilled Sungayan… yum yum yum>, scenic rock formations, and beaches. The grandeur of the rock formations and clear waters suits a very tropical atmosphere. Aside from the variety of sand colours from salt and pepper, orange, yellow, and white; the amusing enchanted cave and the beacons or lighthouses are also on the must see list.

Travel: To Bolinao is a private or bus ride from Manila around 5-7 hours to north. It may be a long ride but a worthy one. The fare is around Php 400-500 from Cubao or Pasay to the Bolinao’s Poblacion and vice versa. Tricycle rides are available near the area to drive you wherever you might want to go around Bolinao.

Below are my lists of places to go as far as I could remember and will revisit soon:

Saint James the Great Parish Church – one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and Pangasinan. This Agustinian church stand along the main road of Concordia Poblacion. This shows a strong the Catholicism heritage in the province. Just in front of the church’s gate are the souvenirs and binungeys for you to try.

Bolinao Wet Market – a place I always remember where my mama or lola and I went to get some fresh produce and marine products. Here you can get a freshly caught sungayan which is very delicious after grilling.

Breakwater and El Pescador Resorts and Hotel – a short turn going to Germinal toward the sea lays a beautiful view of the vast South China Sea. You can hangout and stay at the El Pescador Resorts and Hotel and ask your sungayan to be grilled.

Guiguiwanen Channel, Subor, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Our Lady Fatima Hills, UP Marine Science Institute, Cueba ni Palos – this is one of the oldest beach resorts we have in Bolinao. You just need to pay for the nipa huts or cottages at a very affordable price. You might want to climb the Our Lady of Fatima Hill and pray in the chapel before you continue climbing to the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, one of the oldest beacons we have in Pangasinan, another is in Patar. You can also go down and ask from UP Marine Science Institute to join on their trips to Silaqui Islands where giant clams were bred. From the UP Marine Science Institute building along the sea shore walk towards west and you will see the Subor or spring in English where fishes swims across the sweet water towards brackish then salty. Cueba ni Palos or Palos’ Cave is an amazing adventure. There is a legend about the cave with three entrances, which was used by Palos as a panic to keep him safe during the war. One of the entrances goes to his room and the others go to the intruder’s death place.

Pantalan, Dewey White Beach, & Balin Buaya – see the port of Bolinao and the islands separate from the mainland with the vast view of white sand and ocean, pass through a rumoured sprouting volcano, the salt factory, colourful apay or straw mats made of a family of anahaw (a round-leaf fountain palm) leaf or what local calls silag and the local weavers, maguey ropes andsinamay weavers, and the local community or the fishing village.

Long Beach and Governor’s Road Beaches – additional beaches you can explore around Bolinao where sand were white and people were so nice.

Balingasay Beach – this is a haven for local bars and fishing village along the trench of a river approaching the ocean. I remember my mom telling stories about how brackish the waters of this area and how strong the current where they used to training the swimmers’ speed as an athlete. This is where you can find the salt and pepper colour of sand where you can as well enjoy the sunset view.

Patar White Beach, Enchanted Cave, Patar Lighthouse, Rock View Beach – more beach, amazing cold waters inside a cave, another beacon of light, and the amazing Rock View Beach showing off the various rock formations. 

Breathing taking dusk time view of Bolinao’s Rock Formations.

There’s a lot more Bolinao can offer from food to adventure to soaking yourself on its beautiful beaches. If you would like to get some details on Bolinao Travel Guide, I will be creating a different link for you to look at or you can email me directly to give you some recommendations.

You can now follow me in twitter @travelingwithyu.

Related articles

• Why YU TRAVEL? (travelingwithyu.wordpress.com)
• Our Bolinao Adventure (annekralovna.wordpress.com)

Starting Summer in the Philippines as Early as February

Never would you miss out a fun in an island where you will not seek for the sun, sand, beach, and a little of those fun and memorable activities. Anawangin Cove, San Antonio, Zambales is one of the place where you can bask yourself under the sun, enjoy the beach, and the rigorous activities you can do such as climbing, snorkeling, and enjoying its nature's beauty.

As early as 7 we are all up and started our breakfast. Some ran along the Anawangin beach and some enjoyed sunrise watching. It was a different experience as we turned down our tents and waved goodbye to Anawangin Cove as our sail sets for Capones Grande Island or also known as Faro de Punta Capones. While our pump boat pushes its way against the waves, we have short discussions about the trees that grow along the Anawangin beach which was thought off as pine trees. NO! it’s not a pine tree but another member of the Plantae kingdom, Pinophyta division, and Pinopsida class called the Conifers or Agoho, which adds mystery on the place.

View at the docking station where some adventurers were taking photos near the cliff.

   

The docking station and the tip of the lighthouse at Faro de Punta Capones

Rhei enjoying the boat ride to Capones Grande Island and a view of the Capones Lighthouse tip.

A shot from our boat seeing through clear waters of Capones Island the beautyof corals laying magnificently and greeting us as our boats near docking.

    

The docking area at Faro de Punta Capones.

We docked at Capones Grande Island, went down our pump boat and get wet before we can really step on the islands dry area to climb the island and atop the historic lighthouse which guides international vessels to Subic Bay coming from the north to northwest to Manila Bay. It’s height is 65.0 ft. with a range of 25 nautical mile (46 km) which was constructed by brick masonry and was first lit in August 1, 1890.

We went up at the lighthouse feeling the creeps and excitement, for some will be fear due to its height. Upon reaching the top, you will see a magnificent view of the whole island.

 

Uphill climb at Faro de Punta Capones.

A bottom view of the Faro de Punta Capones from first ten steps of the docking station.

La Entrada - the entrance of the Capones Lighthouse with intricate bolted floral design.

A view of the lighthouse from the entrance.

Before we enter the lighthouse, I took another photo of it where you can see people at the viewing deck.

A shattered window of the Capones Lighthouse.

Kuya Mike and Rhei resting along the intricate staircase of the tower, using the window sleeves as their chairs.

A view of the unattached staircase with intricate details in a whole from floor next to the Capones Lighthouse's lamp.

Wholes around the Capones Lighthouse like those of the submarines and marine vessels giving a magnificent telescopic view of the island.

Top view of the Capones Lighthouse Garrison which was wrecked by previous typhoons.

Marz enjoying a meadow photo shoot with her rasta sarong blown by Capones Island breeze.

After enjoying the view we were asked to go down and this ends our Zambales tour. Sad as we will be back on our regular working lives, we are still happy as we have experienced yet another view of the Philippines and shove this off to our memory banks and treasure chests.  In addition, earning new friends is added atop the list for this trip.

This is just the start of my summer and will share more in the next post!

Happy reading... for any suggestion or comment just write them up. Ask me question and will answer them as soon as I can.

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Thanks! 

-Yu

Philippines Sweet View and its Jewel Down South – Bohol’s Chocolate Hills

To my dear friend Janice, who requested about this amazing place – south part of the Philippines, hope you like the article.

An island splendid of endangered flora and fauna lying as the Jewel of the Philippines which can provide scenic view of a natural wonder; Bohol got a place on the postcards. Boholanos, as a typical for Filipinos, cater hospitality and numbers of delicacies on the table. Like what I’ve written on my soon to be printed coffee table magazine <Kate, it will come your way soon!>, Bohol was just a mere picture that came to life this last summer of 2013. This is one of Philippines natural wonders and picturesque view on my Philippines Postcards List. You can see lots of pictures of this hilly terrain from postcards around Philippines’ local bookstores. I remember as a grade school student, we often discuss about Bohol and its majestic Chocolate Hills in Sibika at Kultura subjects. My teacher discusses Bohol like a paradise composed of plants and endangered species. Let me stop on my school days stories and head on the topic. Bohol is an island located in Kipot ng Cebu or Cebu Strait with a rolling terrain and mountainous interior, mostly covered with limestone, and 10th largest island of the Philippines.

The trip to Tagbilaran airport <Tagbilaran City is Bohol’s capital> is about an hour from Manila. Like any ordinary city in the Philippines, Tagbilaran have good deal of establishments around the area, which we have not really roamed, have malls and dining areas <yey! Food!> too. I’m not a shopper so I do not know if they are as good as the malls you may have went shopping to and like what I’ve written we did not went around Tagbilaran that much. The only place I remember we went to was the historic blood compact statue or Sandugo nested along coast of Barangay Bool wherein their native chieftain Datu Sikatuna and the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, tying their treaty of friendship. Then we drove to see the largest python Prony in Albur or Alburquerque, it was the reputed longest and heaviest python in captivity at the Python Sanctuary. There are some other animals there like owls, birds, and flying lemurs too. If you’re a PETA fan I assume you don’t want to get in here.

It has been 30 minutes past 12 and the tour have a great plan ahead. What else to expect in a trip? Food! Yes, this one of the things you like on your list when you are touring. It’s different, relaxing, and delectable lunch along the Bohol’s infamous LOBOC River. Arriving at the Putol na Tulay area, is where our lunch awaits. Entering the boat docking area, we were serenaded with Boholanos’ Rondalla group or people playing difference string instruments. This is excitingly fun! We stepped on the boat with a buffet table in the middle with main courses, appetizers, and DESSERTS! While the boat cruises the river, a man with a guitar sings for us while eating our lunch. I ordered buko(fresh coconut) juice <let me inform you that this is not included in the package you paid for the whole meal. Only sodas where unlimited and free.> and zipped to it while enjoying the river view. You will see some mountain walls whites which tell you that the area is made out of lime. Along the river there were kids swinging on a tree and jumps to the waters with all pleasures you can hear their laughs and see their smiles.

After passing those kids, we found ourselves in front of a float nipa hut where a group of children and elderlies were dancing and singing folk songs. We stayed there for quite a bit and let the production finish. Then we cruised till the end of the river showing as small falls and it was breath taking. Sadly, it was really short and the captain pulls us back to the dock station.

Our next stop is a PETA friendly environment. The Tarsier Conservatory area located in Bohol is a preservation area that Boholanos provide for the endangered Tarsius Syrichta which got the smallest primate tag in the Philippines which is named by the tarsier man Carlito Pizarras. This is in accordance Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1991. These endangered species are nocturnal and are sensitive to light and noise. Tarsiers eat insects and are great-fast leaper. The conservatory guides gave us livener and reminder before entering the sanctuary. First, is to turn off all camera flashes. Second, is to keep our noises at a minimum. Third, DO NOT touch the tarsiers <these are sensitive species; they also have separation anxiety which leads them to hitting their heads if you have them fed and carried then leave them. So fragile.>

It was a steep walk around the forested area but worth walking after seeing those little Yoda looking creatures. I want to touch them and bring them home unfortunately I cannot.  Bringing home of tarsiers will be sanctioned based on Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Last spot in our Bohol tour is Bohol’s main attraction – the grand Chocolate Hills. One of Philippines’ nature wonders. When I was a grade schooler I remember asking my teacher “Can I eat those Chocolate Hills?”. When I turned high school I asked “Are Chocolate Hills planted with cacao tree that’s why it was called as such?”. Then I learned that Chocolate Hills are not of the first two ideas. In reality Chocolate Hills took its name from the grass that grows on it. The hills were covered with grass that were so green on rainy days while turns to brown or chocolate colours on summer. It was so amazing how God have created this picturesque view and its mystery.

To look at the vast of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan’s hilly inland structure you need to climb up the view deck where you can take pictures of it magnificence. There are about 214 steps to the observatory. Yes! It was tiring yet rewarding staircase. Stories were told that these hills came into existence when two giants fought by throwing stones and sands to each other until they get tired and became friends after which then left the island. Another lover’s tale about its existence is the love of a giant Arogo to an ordinary mortal girl Aloya. In the tale Aloya died which Arogo grieved with tears. His tears turned into hills as his lasting proof of his grievance.

After a long tour is a place to rest. Our company lead us to Amorita where we stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. Enjoyed the infinity pool, beach, sea, and barrels of booze. It was indeed a great Rave Party they gave us with the title – One Advent!

You’ve seen the land tour. What else you want to visit in the Philippines but to cruise and tour its vast ocean. Undeniably, Philippines have one of the best marine biodiversity in the world. Till next article.

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Other links you can visit:

http://www.bohol.ph/article6.html