Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Antonia Beach, Gigantes Island Hopping Feb 2016


The very first stop of our island hopping was Antonia Beach!
I can't remember well but I think it took 15-20 minutes to get here.


Approaching the beach!






All to ourselves!
We were the first ones to arrive. That day, there were several groups doing island hopping too so it was good that we could avoid photobombers on our pictures!haha


There's actually 2 sides of the beach..


You could have a better view of it if you climb those rock formations ;)
Unfortunately, I only knew about it when I got home and saw it in some website lol


The other side ;)


Antonia Beach is also the place where you could do some snorkeling and other water activities.
We just paid an additional fee of P20 for the gear ;)


Some of the fishies we saw <3



Just be careful since there's also some sea urchins lurkin' around the area O_O




Our tour guide said this is a "bakla/homosexual" scallop LOL
Not sure how he recognized that =P

Monday, April 11, 2016

Gigantes Islands: Getting There from Roxas City Feb 2016


After our quick escapade in Roxas City, we then went on with our itinerary and headed straight to Islas de Gigantes aka Gigantes Islands!


Our journey to Gigantes:
1. Took a tricycle going to the van terminal (can't remember the exact name but it's basically the terminal for vans going to other destinations like Kalibo, Iloilo city, Caticlan etc.)
2. From the terminal we rode a van going to Estancia.

*Fee was P75 and it took an hour and 40 minutes to reach Estancia terminal.



3. From Estancia terminal, rode a tricycle to Estancia/Feeder Port which is the gateway to paradise!lol
4. Registration upon reaching the Port and finally boat ride to the island
 (we already have a contact person and booked a packaged tour weeks before coming so we didn't pay any additional fee for the boat)



The boat ride was sooooo long.
We left the port at around 1:20 pm and arrived at 4pm!!! Can you imagine that?!
my gosh, very similar feels to Caramoan!haha

*FYI, if the waves are strong, the trip would really take a long time but if the sea is calm, it would only take as fast as an hour and 15 minutes ;)



the small *standing* boat that transferred us from the main boat to the island haha 
~survivor feelz


Infinite scallop shells will immediately greet you on the shore!
I must admit, never knew Gigantes was very rich in scallops until coming there!
Our tour guide told me that it's just usually priced at P90/kilo!!!! O_O


A few walks after, we then rode a motorbike to get to our resort. (also included in the package)



Our cute resort, Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn.
We booked everything by phone so we actually had no idea what the resort would look like! lol

Just a heads up, there's a very weak-no signal reception in the island.
In my case being a SMART user, I totally had no signal for the whole duration of our stay there haha =P
NO WIFI in the resort too! so say goodbye to social media when you go here lol




Our cute little house.
Very basic. No aircon, no hot/cold shower but there's a lovely porch with a hammock in front :)
and btw, no electricity from midnight until 4pm ~just so you know =P




Places included in the tour... plus Bulubadiang Island!




After resting for almost an hour, we wasted no time and proceeded to the light house haha!
It's just a few minutes away from the resort by motorbike but once you reach this undeveloped part of the road, you'll need to trek for about 5 minutes ;)



some scallop souvenirs along the pathway


Good timing, we were the only ones there!







You can already see Bulubadiang island from here <3


This view!!


 Beautiful ruin <3



 the new solar-powered lighthouse which was donated by Japan! domo arigato! hehe



Our hefty dinner <3
Seafood heaven: sweet and sour fish, adobong pusit, bbq scallops and baked scallops with cheese!
FYI, we literally ate scallops everyday in this island LOL



Package tour cost: P2895/person for 3D2N, all in (boat transfers, island hopping, food, accomo)
Contact person: Mr. Adecano -09184685006

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Roxas Eats Feb 2016


Since Roxas City is dubbed as the Seafood capital of the Philippines, it's definitely a-must to dine at Seafood Court at People's Park in Brgy. Baybay.
It's a bit far from our hotel...i think 15 minutes away by tricycle. 



Once you get inside, there are several stalls where you get to choose some seafood you'd like to be cooked.



Very similar to Dampa in Manila though way more affordable!




You pick which one you like and ask them to cook it in your preferred style.



There's also some grilled meat available if you're not that much of a seafood lover.



Scallops priced at P150 for 10pcs!!!



Oysters for only P35 per bilao/plate



What we got! and yes, that's good for 2 people! LOL



Lato salad -P60
Scallops were baked with cheese and some steamed oysters



Halaan soup, so ginger-y! Perfect if you have a cold or sore throat :)
Forgot it's price though, sorry!



They call this Angel Wings or Diwal -P150 for 10 pcs

Everything we ate was fresh and really delicious!
Total amount we paid was only P575!! (including drinks)




I read that Spanggo is good for some souvenir snacks.
It's a store that sells some Spanish+Ilonggo delicacies.


But I wasn't really impressed with what they offered, so I don't really recommend going here.




Mamaita's bakery is also popular for their Pastelitos de Mangga.


They offer other kinds of pastries that are equally delectable too!


My favorite was this Custard tart!



and this Toasted Cheese Ensaymada! YUM




Just across our hotel was RML Manokan Haus.



They are known for their Chicken Inasal which I agree, the best in town!