Long Trip to Cagbalete, Quezon

I was still on the 2-11PM working schedule and after my shift, I had to hurry since my friends were already boarding the bus (Buendia, Pasay Station), trying their best to prevent the bus from leaving on time. We're going to Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon. 

The bus was bound for Lucena (Grand Central Terminal). It was around 4AM when we arrived at the bus station. Our non-air conditioned mini bus bound for Mauban (which looked scary-I thought riding on that bus was both exciting and a bit dangerous) came between 4-5 AM. Time for another two-hour bus ride. 

Meet my sleepy friends :) And that's how the mini bus looks like.

 

Early-in-the-morning view.. #Foggy #ChillyWind

Hello Sunshine

 Boat ride was next. The port was just a few steps away (depends on your definition of few steps away) once you get off the bus. I was surprised to see the number of passengers on that boat!

I guess the roro boat from Batangas Pier to Puerto Galerais a lot better.

When we finally arrived at Cagbalete Island, I thought we could finally relax in our cottage. I wasn't expecting that we all had to walk for more than (or at least) half an hour. I was shocked to see that kind of endless road (similar with what I experienced in my Mystical Cave Half Day Tour).

Welcome to Mauban (or Cagbalete – dunno which is which)

 

The residential part of the island – cemented road, small houses, normal life

 

If your bag's too heavy, there'll be grade school and teenage boys who are willing to carry

your bags for you. Just don't forget to give them tip (and food!)

 

The boy's carrying a heavy bag, but he still walked faster than us.

At long last, we arrived at Villa Cleofas. But we were all too tired and we decided to take a nap before exploring the area – nap that lasted for five hours.

Unique-looking cottages

 

Dinner at their so called restaurant (or maybe canteen)

Happy Weekend! What a nice way of spending your Saturday evening!

 We only had the entire morning on Sunday to swim and play. We must leave the place before lunch.

Swimming Time

 

Relax Relax pa

 

Len, Ams, Me, and Euna

Time to go home.

Davao City - Quick Stopover

My second time in Davao! Thanks to my new job – I get to travel for free.
Time for a short pasyal...

** For Quick Stopover (As in quick)...

Day 1: Had a quick stopover at Lon Watemple.

Had the chance to see another SM branch, too – SM Lanang. It's really big, not that crowded, and has high end stores.

Highly recommended - shoppers and mall-lovers will like this place.

Day 2: Busy day, although we were able to eat at Blue Carabao – just a few steps away from our Davao Head Office in Monteverde. Though it's quite hot, they serve good food.

Day 3: Work's over and we had the entire evening to explore the city. Besides, I was done visiting Crocodile Farm and done watching the performance of the ethnic group Tribu K'Mindanawan.

Riverwalk:

You'll get to see this on your way to Tribu K'Mindanawan.

Perhaps if a friend was with me, I'd ask him/her to try any of these exotic dishes.

 

Since I was on a solo mode, mango shake will do.

People's Park:

Perhaps you'll appreciate this place if you only want to sit or read or walk and take photos, but there's nothing so exciting in this place. The security at the entrance are also annoying and irritating – someone should teach them how to be friendly and how to smile.

The Peak at Gaisano Mall:

Don't be deceived by the photos. The place doesn't look that lovely even at night, though it doesn't look so bad at all. I guess it's not yet totally developed. I also prefer to go to Abreeza or SM Lanang – these malls have this ambiance that's more inviting.

Ice Giant:

Walking distance from Gaisano Mall. They offer delicious sweets covered with ice (similar to our halo-halo or red bean sherbet of Korea). They have this enormous bowl that's good for 10-20 people! Pizza and pasta are also available, but I suggest better eat (dinner/lunch) somewhere else.

            Cookies and Cream                                                                                     Mango

It's cheaper to take a PUJ, but only if you've been to Davao and you know which PUJ to hail; otherwise, simply take a cab!

Davao City is a very safe place where even a foreign tourist can ride a cab - worry-free! Just learn how to contact their city Mayor :p

Crocodile Park, Davao City

My second time in Davao! Thanks to my new job – I get to travel for free.

**Davao's most visited tourist spots.

Visiting Crocodile Park's not my priority. But since I had no other better place to go, I decided to give this park a shot – and I'm glad I did.

It's not everyday that you'll get to see a giant crocodile. Too bad Pangil (the croc's name) was not in the mood to stay on the surface.

Baby crocodiles..

More crocodiles.

Crocodile Park is not just home to this hard-skinned reptiles. They also have these other wild animals:

Birds.

First two photos : Animal Show every weekend that starts at 4PM.

 

 

Ostrich! My first time to see this giant bird.

Tiger. Visitors must pay Php30 or Php50 if they want to go inside and get a closer look at these tigers.

Oh, Deer.

Mom and baby - sweet moment.

Eagle. You'll get to see more of them when you visit the Philippine Eagle Center

Farm animals. They have their own version of Farm Ville.

For a more professional fire show, watch Tribu K'Mindanawan once you're done strolling. Ask the guards or staff for a faster and clear instruction on how to get there. It's part of what you'll pay for – entrance fee is Php250 (they accept Credit Card).

After my visit, I finally learned how to distinguish a crocodile from an alligator.