Palawanderers 2012
It's been a few weeks after we visited the beautiful island of Palawan. And up to this very moment, I still can't get over the experience I had from our flight going there to our way back to Manila.
September 27th. I was completely excited as it was all first time - first time to the ride a plane, first out of town via plane with Prince, first long vacation, first island adventure. And i must say it's an awesome adventure. First time really rocks! Bet I'd never forget it for a lifetime.
T'was an hour and a few minutes flight to Puerto Princesa. Was it a surprise how early we were at the airport? As a first timer, I'm afraid we'll get there late. Knowing all the kinds of traffic and red lights we're about to pass by, I asked prince that we'd better be early than late. And so we arrived at the airport around ten in the morning. It's two hours ahead of our departure time. Being a first timer, I was afraid. the whole ride to me was a roller coaster. Every time the seat belt sign will light up, my heart would leap in fear. Thank God still we landed safe in Puerto Princesa Airport.
It was a gloomy day in Puerto Princesa. And since Vine and the rest of the group was there already, I 'm afraid that some of the activities would be cancelled due to the rain. We were even advised that if rain persisted, we might as well request to move our Underground River tour to a later date. Firefly Watching Tour won't push through as well if the rain continued to pour. But God is great, rain subsided and we were able to enjoy our Firefly watching with the gang. There were only a few fireflies, though. But at least we were able to see how they 'lit up the world'. :)
We woke up the next day as early as 5:30am for the schedules Underground River tour and we literally jumped from our bed that in our surprise, we've got no more time to prepare. Don't know what happened the previous night that we didn't turn the alarm on knowing we have to wake up terribly early. Hoho! So while my body's pretending to be listening to our tour guide, my mind and eyes and soul were in joint forces desperately wanting for more and more sleep. So while waiting for our turn to ride the boat going to the PPUR, I sneaked out some sleep. Oh, Prince told me I was asleep for almost an hour inside the van. Wahahaha.
It was a clear, bright morning when I opened my eyes. Just in time to start the most awaited tour. The venture to the cave was an extreme roller coaster, though. I guess it came from yesterday's rain. Oh, southwest monsoon, they say. At first I got scared. god, I don't know how to swim. Thank God, despite the huge waves we made it to the PPUR!
Well, the Underground River was just any usual caves you visit in some provinces. Just that you go through it riding a boat, not with your bare feet. Anyway, everyone in the boat enjoyed the ride with our cool bangkero. He showed us everything we needed to see and helped us explore the underground river. It was an awesome experience, indeed. And no wonder why it was chosen to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It really has a lot of things to offer right in front of your own eyes. It is indeed an amazing creation form God.
Going back to Sabang was another roller coaster ride but this time, much to my surprise, it's an enjoyable one. Looks like fear finally left me. Seriously, I was even like a child shouting on top on the huge waves. Cool! Arriving to Sabang, we did a little walk to our delicious buffet lunch with our 'toumates'. And after that, surfed another adventure at Ugong Rock.
Yes, we rocked Palawan! Literally. Ugong rock is like a mountain of stalagmites and stalactites. There, we did caving and spelanking. They also offered Zip Line as it was a perfect way to the exit. Otherwise, you'd go back the same way. Well I chose to go back over the slippery and pointed rock formation rather than that 21 sec-zip line. I swear, I wouldn't want to experience that. A little regret though. Aside from escaping again my fear trying it, I did rapelling once again. Promise, it wasn't good. Not that I was wounded or something. I just hate doing it. I really fear doing it. My first time was when I was in fourth year high school. And just the same, the feeling was fearfully unexplainable. I cried a lot before going down and I was shaky the whole time. Nah, I won't try it again. One is enough, two is too much.
Before we ended the day, we made it sure to try what Vine and the rest of group were boasting about - Kinabuch's Tamilok. It came from the mangrove forest and is consideres a delicacy from Palawan. It's being prepared as raw but marinated with vinegar and lime. It was like being in Survivior where in you got to eat an exotic food as a challenge. Of course, I won't let it pass. Funny how brave am I for that. But swear, I'd never wanted to taste that again! I can hardly describe how it tasted like. But you should try, though. According to the people, it is their local 'viagra' so do not each too much of it. Haha.
The following day was a completely sunny one, perfect for our Island Hopping tour. I know I must be thankful that God gave us the perfect summer weather in this month. With ate Cath, our tour guide, we started Island hopping at around eleven. Purely hot weather, but I must say it's a good one. Again, we ventured the now calm ocean. Our first stop was at the Pambato Reef where we filled our eyes with sea creatures. Ooops, another first - snorkeling! I can't forget how I shouted when I saw this blue little fish swam in front of me, forgetting that I was wearing snorkeling gears and nobody could ever understand what I just said. LOL! Too much of an excitement, I guess. And not to mention ignorance. Ugh. Haha. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of that as it was Prince who handled our camera. We've taken a lot of pictures, though. I even caught fishes on the cam. Yey!
Next on our list was Isla Pandan. I tell you, it was a very beautiful island - white sand, clear waters, it's like that of a setting from a TV Commercial or a hollywood movie. It was indeed a lovely place. We stayed there for a few hours to have lunch. While ate Cath was preparing our lunch, Prince and me were enjoying kayak and taking pictures of corals under water. When lunch was served, swear, I asked myself, "is 'poise' still in? With the delicious foods served in front of us and the people we are dining with, I almost forgot that we also came for vacation, not only for foods. Haha. Actually I don't know if we really came there to have a vacation and forget about our work. It seemed to me that we came to Palawan just to eat. Gluttony pala?! LOL.
Finally, our last destination was Starfish Island. As the name sugeests, it was full of strfishes around. We even picked a few to take a picture. And as for the whole place, it's like it's a stop over of picture takings. Oh, you need to see the place. Haha.
Going back to the hotel, we hurriedly ask the front desk to make a reservation for us at another famous restaurant in the city - Ka Lui. After waiting for severals hours sleeping, time finally came for our pre-anniversary dinner. Never thought that Ka Lui was a perfect place for a romantic date, though. I was amazed of the entirety of the place. From its structure, to the surroundings, to the music - very romantic. I never thought I'd step foot on such a place. I thought it's only in movies that I can see such a lovely place as Ka Lui. Well, they offer delicious foods at an affordable price. One word for the resto - astonishing!
Sunday - we're up for the City Tour. We went to the Crocodile farm, Mitra's Place, Baker's Hill, Binauatan Creations. Oh! And Tiangge as well, where we bought pasalubongs. It didn't ended our Palawan adventure, though, as we still have two more days before going back to Manila. We decided to have our two remaining days in a resort as we had our tours finished. There, we enjoyed the view of the beach and sinked into the pool. I guess that's how we had our quality time together through the winds of Palawan.
There came Tuesday - time to go back to Manila. Before I arrived in Palawan, I thought six days was too long. But when our flight-back-day came, I was hoping I can stay longer in the place. But I tell you, that six days was enough to relax our minds from the stress of Manila streets.
It was indeed a wonderful experience. Palawan brought the two of us - Jolo and I - closer to nature and closer to one another. Before I used to blame him for booking six long days. But after our vacation, I completely thanked him for giving me a chance to escape from all of the things that stresses me much everyday in Manila. Six days of fun and adventure in Palawan. Six days of being with the ultimate man of my life. Oops, I didn't mention about our anniversary, did I? I guess I wrote about it first. Oh well, we'll see. If I haven't told you about it yet, let me find time to share you the story.
I'd say Palawan is one of the must-go place in our country. there you'll find no piece of a trash, not even a cigarette ash. Tricycle and multi-cab is their only way of transportation. Very fresh air. Not sure if they have trucks, but I hadn't seen one. No 'king of the road'. People were very disciplined. And they were friendly. No storms pass through the province, tourist guides said. And their cost of living? Very affordable. It's one perfect place. But I'd say, I'd still choose to be in Manila, of course. But given an opportunity, I'd buy a certain area and build a house there, vacation house maybe.
I'd love to go back to Puerto Princesa. Do I have to say sorry for remembering my Puerto Princesa experience? Guess I left my heart in Puerto Princesa. ♥
September 27th. I was completely excited as it was all first time - first time to the ride a plane, first out of town via plane with Prince, first long vacation, first island adventure. And i must say it's an awesome adventure. First time really rocks! Bet I'd never forget it for a lifetime.
T'was an hour and a few minutes flight to Puerto Princesa. Was it a surprise how early we were at the airport? As a first timer, I'm afraid we'll get there late. Knowing all the kinds of traffic and red lights we're about to pass by, I asked prince that we'd better be early than late. And so we arrived at the airport around ten in the morning. It's two hours ahead of our departure time. Being a first timer, I was afraid. the whole ride to me was a roller coaster. Every time the seat belt sign will light up, my heart would leap in fear. Thank God still we landed safe in Puerto Princesa Airport.
 |
| Arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport |
 |
| Gloomy weather in Puerto Princesa |
It was a gloomy day in Puerto Princesa. And since Vine and the rest of the group was there already, I 'm afraid that some of the activities would be cancelled due to the rain. We were even advised that if rain persisted, we might as well request to move our Underground River tour to a later date. Firefly Watching Tour won't push through as well if the rain continued to pour. But God is great, rain subsided and we were able to enjoy our Firefly watching with the gang. There were only a few fireflies, though. But at least we were able to see how they 'lit up the world'. :)
 |
| Dinner at Baker's Hill before going to Iwahig |
 |
| Striking a pose while waiting for the wind to pass then we can board the little boat for the Firefly Watching |
We woke up the next day as early as 5:30am for the schedules Underground River tour and we literally jumped from our bed that in our surprise, we've got no more time to prepare. Don't know what happened the previous night that we didn't turn the alarm on knowing we have to wake up terribly early. Hoho! So while my body's pretending to be listening to our tour guide, my mind and eyes and soul were in joint forces desperately wanting for more and more sleep. So while waiting for our turn to ride the boat going to the PPUR, I sneaked out some sleep. Oh, Prince told me I was asleep for almost an hour inside the van. Wahahaha.
It was a clear, bright morning when I opened my eyes. Just in time to start the most awaited tour. The venture to the cave was an extreme roller coaster, though. I guess it came from yesterday's rain. Oh, southwest monsoon, they say. At first I got scared. god, I don't know how to swim. Thank God, despite the huge waves we made it to the PPUR!
 |
| How obvious that we rushed to the van. Err. |
 |
| the waves are coming! |
 |
| Ay, manong, yer finger, e? |
Well, the Underground River was just any usual caves you visit in some provinces. Just that you go through it riding a boat, not with your bare feet. Anyway, everyone in the boat enjoyed the ride with our cool bangkero. He showed us everything we needed to see and helped us explore the underground river. It was an awesome experience, indeed. And no wonder why it was chosen to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It really has a lot of things to offer right in front of your own eyes. It is indeed an amazing creation form God.
Going back to Sabang was another roller coaster ride but this time, much to my surprise, it's an enjoyable one. Looks like fear finally left me. Seriously, I was even like a child shouting on top on the huge waves. Cool! Arriving to Sabang, we did a little walk to our delicious buffet lunch with our 'toumates'. And after that, surfed another adventure at Ugong Rock.
 |
| Ready to rock? |
 |
| yes, Engr? haha. |
 |
| Prince while spelanking |
Yes, we rocked Palawan! Literally. Ugong rock is like a mountain of stalagmites and stalactites. There, we did caving and spelanking. They also offered Zip Line as it was a perfect way to the exit. Otherwise, you'd go back the same way. Well I chose to go back over the slippery and pointed rock formation rather than that 21 sec-zip line. I swear, I wouldn't want to experience that. A little regret though. Aside from escaping again my fear trying it, I did rapelling once again. Promise, it wasn't good. Not that I was wounded or something. I just hate doing it. I really fear doing it. My first time was when I was in fourth year high school. And just the same, the feeling was fearfully unexplainable. I cried a lot before going down and I was shaky the whole time. Nah, I won't try it again. One is enough, two is too much.
Before we ended the day, we made it sure to try what Vine and the rest of group were boasting about - Kinabuch's Tamilok. It came from the mangrove forest and is consideres a delicacy from Palawan. It's being prepared as raw but marinated with vinegar and lime. It was like being in Survivior where in you got to eat an exotic food as a challenge. Of course, I won't let it pass. Funny how brave am I for that. But swear, I'd never wanted to taste that again! I can hardly describe how it tasted like. But you should try, though. According to the people, it is their local 'viagra' so do not each too much of it. Haha.
 |
| Crocodile Sisig from Kinabuch's |
 |
| Tamilok |
 |
| Mandatory picture at Kinabuch's sign :) |
The following day was a completely sunny one, perfect for our Island Hopping tour. I know I must be thankful that God gave us the perfect summer weather in this month. With ate Cath, our tour guide, we started Island hopping at around eleven. Purely hot weather, but I must say it's a good one. Again, we ventured the now calm ocean. Our first stop was at the Pambato Reef where we filled our eyes with sea creatures. Ooops, another first - snorkeling! I can't forget how I shouted when I saw this blue little fish swam in front of me, forgetting that I was wearing snorkeling gears and nobody could ever understand what I just said. LOL! Too much of an excitement, I guess. And not to mention ignorance. Ugh. Haha. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture of that as it was Prince who handled our camera. We've taken a lot of pictures, though. I even caught fishes on the cam. Yey!
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| Inside the van going to Honda Bay |
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| Really a sunny day! |
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| Snorkeling at Pambato reef |
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| Caught underwater |
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| ahmm.. Hi? :) |
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| My first time to see creatures from under the sea. Hoooray for the experience! |
Next on our list was Isla Pandan. I tell you, it was a very beautiful island - white sand, clear waters, it's like that of a setting from a TV Commercial or a hollywood movie. It was indeed a lovely place. We stayed there for a few hours to have lunch. While ate Cath was preparing our lunch, Prince and me were enjoying kayak and taking pictures of corals under water. When lunch was served, swear, I asked myself, "is 'poise' still in? With the delicious foods served in front of us and the people we are dining with, I almost forgot that we also came for vacation, not only for foods. Haha. Actually I don't know if we really came there to have a vacation and forget about our work. It seemed to me that we came to Palawan just to eat. Gluttony pala?! LOL.
 |
| manong's nageemote o.. :) |
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| White sand of Isla Pandan |
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| His favorite beach activity: KAYAKING |
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| Grilled squid and crabs from the Valdez family. Yummmmmy! |
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| Another mandatory picture before leaving the island. |
Finally, our last destination was Starfish Island. As the name sugeests, it was full of strfishes around. We even picked a few to take a picture. And as for the whole place, it's like it's a stop over of picture takings. Oh, you need to see the place. Haha.
 |
| Starfish Island |
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| Can you see the starfish? |
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| He's my star. ♥ Ayheee... |
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| Bulaga! ;) |
Going back to the hotel, we hurriedly ask the front desk to make a reservation for us at another famous restaurant in the city - Ka Lui. After waiting for severals hours sleeping, time finally came for our pre-anniversary dinner. Never thought that Ka Lui was a perfect place for a romantic date, though. I was amazed of the entirety of the place. From its structure, to the surroundings, to the music - very romantic. I never thought I'd step foot on such a place. I thought it's only in movies that I can see such a lovely place as Ka Lui. Well, they offer delicious foods at an affordable price. One word for the resto - astonishing!
 |
| Wonderful from the outside |
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| At the entrance |
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| Paintings and fruits all around |
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| Oops! You caught us dating! ♥ |
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| Mixed fruits inside a buko. I was actually surprised when this one was served. I never thought there's still a dessert ☺ |
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| Hanging from the wall. very creative. |
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| You cannot enter without taking off your shoe. |
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| High class but affordable! |
Sunday - we're up for the City Tour. We went to the Crocodile farm, Mitra's Place, Baker's Hill, Binauatan Creations. Oh! And Tiangge as well, where we bought pasalubongs. It didn't ended our Palawan adventure, though, as we still have two more days before going back to Manila. We decided to have our two remaining days in a resort as we had our tours finished. There, we enjoyed the view of the beach and sinked into the pool. I guess that's how we had our quality time together through the winds of Palawan.
 |
| CROCODILEEEE! |
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| He wishes he has such kind of property. Haha. |
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| Overlooking the Honda Bay islands. |
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| That's Mitra's house. |
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| Baker's Hill: APRUUUB! |
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| Maipilit lang ;) |
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| Me trying to do the weaving |
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| Career it is! ;) |
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| Products of Binauatan Creations. |
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| Michael AnJOLO, is that you?! ;) |
 |
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| BLUUUUUE all over! |
There came Tuesday - time to go back to Manila. Before I arrived in Palawan, I thought six days was too long. But when our flight-back-day came, I was hoping I can stay longer in the place. But I tell you, that six days was enough to relax our minds from the stress of Manila streets.
It was indeed a wonderful experience. Palawan brought the two of us - Jolo and I - closer to nature and closer to one another. Before I used to blame him for booking six long days. But after our vacation, I completely thanked him for giving me a chance to escape from all of the things that stresses me much everyday in Manila. Six days of fun and adventure in Palawan. Six days of being with the ultimate man of my life. Oops, I didn't mention about our anniversary, did I? I guess I wrote about it first. Oh well, we'll see. If I haven't told you about it yet, let me find time to share you the story.
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| Our Palawan-slash-anniversary shirt ♥ |
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| Bye Puerto Princesa! Til we meet again! |
I'd say Palawan is one of the must-go place in our country. there you'll find no piece of a trash, not even a cigarette ash. Tricycle and multi-cab is their only way of transportation. Very fresh air. Not sure if they have trucks, but I hadn't seen one. No 'king of the road'. People were very disciplined. And they were friendly. No storms pass through the province, tourist guides said. And their cost of living? Very affordable. It's one perfect place. But I'd say, I'd still choose to be in Manila, of course. But given an opportunity, I'd buy a certain area and build a house there, vacation house maybe.
I'd love to go back to Puerto Princesa. Do I have to say sorry for remembering my Puerto Princesa experience? Guess I left my heart in Puerto Princesa. ♥
-ymhej-
10.23.2012
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