Little Santorini of the Philippines

In the race for improving the contents of my blog, I have decided to transfer or re-post some of my articles on my other blog which I think is already dying a natural death. So here is a few of my salvaged pieces.

Philippines, as I have already mentioned, is a country full of hidden paradise. Known for crystal clear waters and white sand beaches of Boracay, Palawan and Amanpulo, the country has again added another world class white sand beach resort in the list by the opening of a hideaway that is perfect for honeymooners who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.



Take a peek into the enchanting Marinduque. Famous for its Moriones Festival, this city comes alive during the Holy Week which usually falls between the end of March and the beginning of April. This festival is a reenactment of Christ’s journey to his crucifixion and is played using colorfully crafted masks and costumes. And amidst the musically colorful festivities is an enchantress in the embodiment of an islet which beckons all weary partakers. The islet where the hush of the wind will lull you to sleep and the cerulean waters that kiss the shores will calm your nerves. To the locals this is simply known as the Elephant Island but for the outsiders, this is the little Santorini of the Philippines.



The islet is originally owned by a business tycoon who once owned a big share of the country’s airline flag carrier until a Japanese visionary bought it from him and turned the islet into the country’s version of a little Santorini. Welcome to The Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa. The resort is a 45 minute drive from the airport which cruises along the coastal road of three municipalities of Marinduque. The drive will give you captivating glimpses of the shore with gentle waves that curl with the wind. A local airline, Zest Air services the province, one flight on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. When planning to give yourself a major pampering make sure to book with the hotel before going there in order for the hotel crew to pick you up from the airport since transportation going to the wharf is quite challenging. Upon arrival at the wharf, you will be taken to the island via a 10 minute pump boat ride.



What makes Bellarocca outstanding is their service oriented personnel. The crew will welcome you by singing local songs while they hang lei around your neck. Guests will then be ushered inside their reception area with refreshments and hot towel to freshen up from the long drive. While enjoying your drink, the manager will welcome you to the Greek-themed resort while some personnel will check your reservations. After a few minutes, a golf cart will take you to the main hotel where you will be checked-in. The Suite Room lives up to the name it was given. The huge bedroom is equipped with a plush king size bed loaded with tons of pillows that felt like clouds. The small living room area is also complete with all kinds of magazine if you don’t feel like surfing the cable channels. Also, the hotel made it sure that despite the distance away from the city you can still connect online with the provision of an internet service. The bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub is big enough to accommodate 2 people is complete with the finest toiletries made from organic materials.



Villas are also scattered within the resort for those who prefer outmost seclusion. These villas will be provided with their own golf carts. Guests who will be staying in the hotel also have their own golf cart and driver upon request without any charge. The hotel opened at the early part of 2009, it has massage parlors that are located at the top of the resort where you can enjoy the view while being pampered with your choice of massage style. An infinity pool is located near the water sports shop. The pool has a sunken bar which serves any drink you’d like to enjoy while soaking in the water. The resort is also equipped with water sport paraphernalia if you are into water activities. A little tip though, snorkeling is not as enjoyable as one would expect. The water is full of little jelly fish that stings really badly. But if you are up to the challenge soaking at the infinity pool for 30 minutes will cure the itch. Water sport rates starts from Php 600 and up. Breakfast can be served in your room or at the terrace that overlooks the Mt. Malindig. Romantic meals can be set up upon request. The resort has many romantic spots that overlook the water and enjoy the twinkling lights of the fisherman at night. The chef is always available to explain the specialty of the house and recommend good eats listed in the menu. The menu rates ranges from Php 200 and up.




And if you think you have eaten all the sinfully delicious food and think of shedding some unwanted weights, the resort has also an indoor gym. For more relaxation session, a library, a coffee shop and a pool table is also available.




A week in this beautiful island is not enough, but alas, time and money can easily fly away in this place. However, it is worth all the money you paid for. The warm accommodation, the romantic ambiance and the moments you spend with your love one will truly make one unforgettable getaway.

Davao the Hideaway of the South

For most people, Davao may appear to be the exotic getaway of the southern part of the Philippines. Or Davao may be the melting pot of cheap but absolutely good fruits and vegetables. But for me, Davao is simply home.

My hometown is not the sleepy kind where everything moves in a languid motion and its not also a fuzzy buzzing city, it has its own movement of beat that most visitors love to inhibit when they leave the city. The Davao beat is simply unique like the city itself.

Let me tell you more about my home. Davao is the biggest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. It boasts of a buzzing city surrounded by lush greenery and white sand beaches. Davao is the home of the Philippine's National Bird - the Monkey-Eating Eagle. These beautiful birds can only be found at their natural habitat at the foot of Mt. Apo the highest mountain in the Philippines. This is what I am particularly proud of, our city holds a lot of 'est' after each adjective. Friendliest City. Cleanest water. Cheapest city to live in. The list could go on.

A quick tour. If I have some guests, coming over I usually take them to these spots and do touristy activities. And I try to fill the day with activities to make their visit worth the plane ticket.

Food Trip:

If my guests are particular eaters, plenty of restaurants and bars are scattered in the city to hang out. Buffet restaurants are a big hit in the city because unlike Metro Manila the price range here are affordable. There are buffets for formal occasion and semi formal occasion. Price ranges from Php 300 to Php 1000. All of which are good eats. You don't have to look for hotels to find good buffet eating, because from breakfast, to lunch and dinner the city can plate in all in for all heavy eaters. The list of restaurants with my reviews is on the next page.

Nature Tripping:

Another good thing about Davao is that typhoon can not enter the city. Unlike the rest of the country, the city only gets wet during heavy rains, but that's all. Lucky though because we don't have to worry about flash floods and other tragedies that go with typhoons. So since its typhoon free, the vegetation is in tact. For guests who are a big fan of nature and finding relaxation in its environs visit Eden Nature Park, Malagos Garden Resort and Seagull Mountain Resort.

Eden Nature Park is located in Bayabas, Toril. It is an hour drive from the city proper. You would need your own car to drive there. Or you can opt to renting a van if you are going there as a group. Some even contract taxi cabs for the trip. Most of the traxi cabs in the city are willing to strike a deal with any passengers who want to visit the place. Eden is quite far, so taxi cabs don't frequent the place to pick up passengers. Enjoy the beautiful view of Eden and the fresh breeze while staying overnight at their cabins. Plenty of activities for the whole family. Take a 45-minute tour in their resort for only Php175. Horse back riding, zipline and swimming are among their offered facilities. Cabins and cottages vary to accommodate the number of people and suit anyone's budget. Buffet lunch is also serve both for the overnight guests and daytime guests.  For the health consciou, their buffet food is prepared using organic vegetables from their garden.



The Malagos Garden resort is somewhat similar to Eden except that the temperature here is similar with the temp of the city. Eden is located on a higher elevation. Malagos is also an hour drive from the city proper, however this is more accessible. Tricycles passed by along the road. The resort is also near the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary. If you feel like taking a forest adventure visit the sanctuary which is 15-20 minutes drive from the resort. The resort also has cottages and 2 restaurants to keep you relax and well fed while staying there. On Sundays, they have bird show which is very informative and perfect for kids. They also have pools where you can frolic while the sun is up and about.



Last mountain or nature theme resort in Davao is the Seagull Mountain Resort. Now this resort is way far from the city. The drive could stretch into two hours depending on your speed. But basically, it is more than an hour drive. This resort also has cottages for overnight guests. A beautiful falls is located at the heart of the area. The walk going there would be a bit tedious but its worth the walk. This resort is already at the boundary of Davao and Bukidnon or known to the locals as Buda. The climate here is more colder than the two previous resort I have mentioned. Again, you would need your own car to visit this place. Or you can take the bus going to Cagayan de Oro. Just tell the driver to drop off at Seagull resort or you get off on the first stop and take a short motorcycle ride going to the resort.


Beach Bodies:

If you are those travelers who like to constantly refresh their tan, Davao city can still cater to that need. A few minutes of boat ride and you are already whisk away to another hideaway. The Samal island is home to the perfect getaway for families and honeymooners. Resorts may vary depending to your budget and needs. I'll make another list on another page for all the resorts and how to get there. But for some who prefer to be under the water than being above the water, many diving shops are also available if you want to check out the natural undersea view. The Carabao diving shop offers diving class, diving session and even island hopping so you can check all the beautiful spots in the island in one day.


Adventure Seekers:

For the thrill seekers, ziplines are almost everywhere here in the city. The first zipline is 2 hours away from the city in the province of Davao del Sur. Camp Sabros is the first park/resort (I'm not entirely sure what the place is really about) that has zipline. If you like the idea of flying with the feeling of being hanged this is your place. Outland Adventure is also an outdoor activity resort. Perfect for team building activities. Trekking is also part of the package. Another new activity being featured in Samal is the All-terrain Vehicle adventure. Though I still have to inquire about the whole package but I'm sure it is already gaining popularity in the city. The shop is located in Bajada, right in front of the Main MM Marble Building.

Night life or Nightcap:

When the sun sets, the party still continues in the city. If you belong to the nocturnal crowd, the city can still offer you a refuge. A famous area is the Torres St., strip. This street is lined with bars and restaurants that could cater to everything you need from ice cold beers of Bakbak, a spa massage at K1 and night cap at Blugre which features Davao's exotic fruit Durian and blending into a steaming and delicious coffee or latte. Another area where nightlife is blazing with fun is the Rizal Promenade and Matina Town Square in Matina.

Alas, the day is through. 24 hours is not enough to have a fill of the Davao beat. You need a week or a lifetime to fully understand and inhale the lifestyle of the Dabawenyos, but if you vacation leave only allows you a week, well, before that week is over might as well, schedule another one. The city will always welcome you just make sure to leave the cigarette butt on its proper place.

Boracay: The Asia's Ibiza

Where can you find a place where the party never stops, the music stays loud, the booze continuously flow and sexy and hunky bodies mingle 24/7?  You’d think Ibiza right?  But Ibiza is way way too far if you are residing somewhere near the sunrise point.  If you are currently situated in the eastern part of the world and wanting so badly to take a break and have a party either with your friends or simply meet new ones, you don’t really have to book the next flight going to Spain and jump into the ferry going to the Balearic Islands.  You can easily find another version of Ibiza in in a little island in the Philippines called Boracay.



Boracay island is a paradise hidden within the heart of the Philippine archipelago.  This 10.32 sq. kilomter island is blessed with fine white sand beaches.   The sand is perfectly complemented by the aquamarine waters of the beach which could stretch for miles without changing the depth.  This is particular on low tides, the beach is shallow and if you are inclined to do some diving, you better prepare yourself for a long walk.  However, with a breathtaking view of the beach and the sandy beach, the 20 minute walk for a deeper water is hardly noticeable.



A day in boracay is not enough to do everything you want to do in a glorious beach with a clear sky and a cheery sun.  by the time, the sun peaks in the horizon, start your day with a brisk walk along the shoreline.  The cool breeze will cool you down while you sweat off some calories.  Then when its time to take off your shorts for a more sexy bikinis, frolic on the waters with your friends to cool off the morning jog.  Then flaunt sexy bikini bottoms on the sand to dry off while you get your sun tan, your henna tattoo on your lower back and have your hair braid for a totally cool vacay mode do.  Before the sun sets, make sure to visit the small shops in D’Mall.



This compound sells about anything you can ask for in a tropical paradise, sultry dresses for the night, accessories to highlight your look and the usual sourvenir shops to take home.  Then hit your rented cribs and prepare for a big party along the shores of Boracay.



Bars and restaurants in boracay comes alive upon twilight.  You’d hear the competing sounds of bars and restaurants calling out to all partygoers.  Also, fire dancers is a crowd favorite.  Many who dare to learn the dance spend the whole day practicing to showcase their instant talent in fire dancing at night.  The party does not stop until all of the partygoers drop in stupor.   You will find those unlucky ones sleeping along the walkways when you wake up in the morning.



For those, who prefer to spend some quiet nights with their partners, there are spots along the beach where the music is muffled by the crashing of waves.  You can enjoy the cool breeze and cuddle your honey.  Tip: the sand at night are really cool, try burying your beer for 15 minutes, you’ll discover it is still cool. After being out of the fridge for sometime.



Going to boracay is not so complicated.  Most flights come from Manila or Cebu.  It is an hour and 15 minutes plane ride from Manila and 45 minutes plane ride from Cebu.  When you land in Aklan Domestic Airport buses and vans are available to take you to Caticlan where you will ride the ferry going to Boracay island.  The drive from Aklan to Caticlan takes almost an hour.  Although, there are small airlines who also cater flights going directly to Caticlan airport.  From Caticlan airport you can take the tricycle or a jeepney going to the Ferry Terminal.  The ferry ride would take almost 15-20 minutes.  When you get to the island there are three (3) boat stations where the ferry will dock.  If in case you don’t have a booked hotel yet when you get there, it is best that you drop off at station 3 so you could check out all the possible hotels and inns along the stretch the beach.

Here are some of the names of hotels in Boracay:

Station 3:

Dave’s Straw Hat Inn

Website: www.davesstrawhatinn.com

Email:  info@davesstrawhatinn.com

Phone No.: +63 36 328 5466 toll free (UK) (+40) 020 8133 4244

toll free (USA) (781) 579 2273 +1 USA

Sander’s White

Website: http://www.sanderswhitebeachresort.com/

Handphone No.: +63 9302962896 and +639163285695

Station 2:

Boracay Regency Hotel

Website:  boracayregency.com

Email: main@boracayregency.com

Phone No.: +63 36 286 6111 to 117

Boracay Holiday Resort

Website:  http://www.boracayholidayresort.com/

Email: inquiry@boracayholidayresort.com

Phone No.:  (036) 288 4085 to 86; (209) 267 4482 and 474 6785

Bamboo Bungalows Boracay

Website: http://www.bbboracay.com/

Email: reservation@bamboobungalows-boracay.net

Station 1:

Bans Beach Resort

Website: http://www.bansbeachresort.com/



Friday’s Boracay

Website: http://www.fridaysboracay.com/

Email: reservations@fridaysboracay.com

info@fridaysboracay.com

For more hotels and inns in Boracay you can check the website http://www.boracay.com/.   So when is the perfect time to visit Boracay?  Anytime of the year, but it is recommended to visit it on the ssecond week of January when the Ati-Atihan Festival is also celebrated.  Why not hit two birds with one stone?  Witness a street festival at the same time party the Ibiza way in Boracay after all the street dancing in Aklan is over.  Hala Bira!!