Our Taal Vista Staycation

What joy it was when I had a staycation in Taal Vista Hotel with someone special. After picking up Sue at the airport, we went straight to Coastal bus terminal where we got a ride going to Tagaytay.

A Walk Within the Streets of Binondo

Located across the Pasig River from Intramuros, Binondo has typified a small Chinese town, and is referred to as the local "China Town". The district is the centre of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Filipino-Chinese merchants.

Exploring Mt. Daraitan

xploring new places is what I like the most.. Those places not so much visited, nature well-preserved, great view, calm environment.

Bucket List: Mt. Pulags Sea of Clouds

It took me quite a while to be able to said 'YES' to the several invites given by scouting colleagues in high school. And finally, I did it! I was able to climb and reach the summit of the highest mountain in Luzon - MT. PULAG.

Conquering Mt. Pico de Loro

Considered the highest mountain of the province of Cavite, Mt. Pico De Loro (also known as Mt. Palay-Palay) is so called because of a unique rock formation near its summit. Pico De Loro, in Spanish, means Parrot’s Beak.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Adrenaline Rush and Nature Trippin' at Jest Camp..

I always like to explore the beauty of nature.. It's always nice to be somewhere else; away from the stressful environment of the city. Got lucky to have been chosen and take part of exploring an adventure park in Subic. Welcome to JEST CAMP ADVENTURE & BIRD PARK!


JEST Camp, otherwise known as Jungle Environmental Survival Training, is an adventure camp for those who wants to have a chance to learn indigenous skills in an active, hands-on environment, educate them how to work with the wonders of nature responsibly through unique attractions (some first in the Philippines) and give them an unforgettable close-up experience with our beloved animals, critters and plants.

Since JEST Camp was firstly known for jungle survival, we had first hand demonstration on the basics.. 


Trying to make fire.. Not quite easy..
Can't wait to experience the actual jungle survival camp soon!

Now JEST Camp is more than that.. It currently has a bird park, where you can get up close and personal with different bird species. I, myself, got to experienced that.. Look!



But before we got to check out the birds and feed them, we were given that chance of experiencing ultimate adrenaline rush with two of Jest Camp's attractions - GOLIATH'S SWING AND AERIAL ADVENTURE WALK..

I love extreme adventure. Tried wall climbing, rappelling, mountain hikes and treks. All of these I'm into just to overcome one thing - fear of heights.. But when I tried the Goliath's Swing, it's a different story. One, your hanging 30 meters high.. Second, you'll never know when will the cord be released. Lastly, you'll definitely feel G-force as you are swinging back and forth. Best thing to do while doing this?? SHOUT!

I'm already praying at this time.. (photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)
The only words that came out my mouth when the cord was released - HOLY SHIT!
(photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)
I almost felt like my heart and stomach was left up there as I was swinging.. I just thought the rocket ride at Enchanted Kingdom was the extreme I experience; I was wrong..

Another attraction at JEST Camp was the Aerial Adventure Walk.. It's a series of obstacle trails from one tree to another.


Me, spearheading the first group who tried it..
Orientation before the challenge.. (photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)
Adventure walk.. (photo credit: Ms. Elaine of Adventura)
It was first time doing it and I want to this AGAIN!

With all these adventures and thrills we've experienced, we definitely need something to satisfy our tummies also.. Remember the survival photos shown earlier? Guess how our lunch was cooked.. No other than in bamboo trunks!

There goes our sinampalukang manok cooked in bamboo..
LUNCH! The JEST Camp way.. :)
I'm currently planning when to visit JEST Camp again.. Surely, it will be by next year.. EXCITING!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

#MakatiStaycation at Holiday Inn

It was a dream come true for me to be able to have that chance to stay in one of the iconic hotels in Makati - HOLIDAY INN.

I made my reservations few days after the #MakatiStaycation press launch. Ms. Teri of Holiday Inn was very accommodating in making sure everything's set by the time I check-in.


I was welcomed by the hotel's general manager ... That is my! Flattering.. Though I'm not used to it. Bit nerve-wracking!

Going back, our room was located at the 11th floor; and I so love the ambiance.. Explored the room; and what amazed me were the multimedia ports that are not actually located at the back or side of the flat screen TV. Cool!




First thing I did was jump in my bed and watch cable.. Talk about relaxation.. I am enjoying it!

While waiting for my sister to arrive from work, one of the staff brought something to my room. Fruits courtesy of the hotel. Still snuggled in my bed, more TV and internet; Wi-Fi connection is really good.

By the time my sister arrived, we called for some food delivery. Afterwards, slept like babies til 6:30-ish..

Good morning sunshine! That what greeted us by the window the next day.. We first have a dip in the hotel's swimming pool located at the roof deck. Their gym is also located in the same level.

Pool by the roof deck..

Then we let ourselves be famished with the hotel's sumptuous breakfast at Flavors.. Yum! Yum!


Food was definitely great. That was heaven for me! 

We were already packing up when the hotel representative called me and said that we can extend our stay a bit more. Cool!


My sister had a short workout at the gym. Afterwards, we said our appreciation from the hotel staff for the wonderful stay. More photos here..

Hope to experience this again. ^_^

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

STAYCATION: Spending the Night at Eurotel

With all honesty, my first impression with Eurotel was just another motel in the metro. You may ask why? Maybe because of the location, some of their branches are quite near with other inns or apartelle that caters short time stays. Another reason was the building color; I'll say, I'm used to how other hotels in the metro looked like.


But that changed when I, myself experienced staying in one of Eurotel's branches located in Angeles, Pampanga.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Exploring Mt. Daraitan

Exploring new places is what I like the most.. Those places not so much visited, nature well-preserved, great view, calm environment. These, me and my former colleagues encountered when we trekked to MT. DARAITAN..

Bacolod Travelogue - Part 2: The Ruins

Our road trip to an historic landmark in Talisay, Negros Occidental - THE RUINS!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Bacolod Travelogue - Part 1: Melba's Farm

Check out my trip to Bacolod and San Carlos, Negros Occidental during my birthday last year..

Monday, July 15, 2013

Pintaflores Festival 2012 Experience

In connection with my birthday trip in Bacolod and San Carlos, I got to see up close the initial preparations for the Pintaflores Festival. 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

My Holy Week Backpacking in the Metro

Holy week has just passed. Some spent it at the beach/out of town while some just stayed at home, just like me. But part of usual routine during the Holy week is the Visita Iglesia. I was supposed to travel with some photographer friends in Pampanga for that but due the sudden changes of work schedule, I had to do  the Visita Iglesia around the metro.


READ MORE --> http://samutsariatbp1.blogspot.com/2013/04/visita-iglesa-2013-solo-backpacking.html

Aliwan Fiesta 2013 Experience

The Philippines is one country know for its colorful and festive celebrations. Tourists in and out of the country would take time witness such festivals. And for those who are don't that luxury of time and finance need not worry. There is one celebration where in you can be able see and watch personally almost every festival in one setting - THE ALIWAN FIESTA!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Road Trip: Anilao, Batangas

Our trip to Anilao, Batangas was just a simple gathering of friends with a common interest - ADVENTURE!

Call time was 5:30am somewhere in Makati. I wasn't able to sleep the night before 'coz a prior photo coverage the day before that. We left around 6-6:30am aboard Kuya Bong's ride with Aylin, JayL and Jombats. Ate Jinkee and Shekinah went straight to the resort from Calamba and Tanauan, respectively. Our group arrived at the Aguila Beach Resort minutes before 9am, where we were welcome by the owners of both the resort and restaurant.

Staycation: Remington Hotel

It's very seldom that I experience to stay in a hotel. And I was fortunate to have a staycation at Remington Hotel in a recent commitment I participated to.

more about this on Samut Sari Atbp

Sunday, June 9, 2013

My Adventure Buddies

I like adventure.. Actually, I do love adventure.. May it be an actual out-of-town-travel or a simple stroll somewhere is still an adventure for me..

And my adventure will not be complete with my buddies -- backpack (full of stuff) and my SLR..