Monday, April 30, 2012

Summer Place, Florida Blanca, Pampanga

Summer Place in Florida Blanca, Pampanga


Today's amazing! I dropped my mom to the airport and when i got back..my kins were craving for a swim. Thanks to the dry hot weather.

heading to Summer Place in Florida Blanca Pampanga


Since i barely had enough sleep as we had to leave 2am and be at the airport by 4, i took an hour nap. When i woke up, i heard them talking about "Summer Place" in Florida Blanca Pampanga.

en route past SCTEX bridge


 I've long wanted to get back to this place. The last time i was here was 21 years ago, when i was just 6, and my memories of it were as if it was just last year. 

power structure of SCTEX bridge


Much of the elder townsmen know the place as it was the only resort during those times. Pools weren't as convenient then. Meantime, most of natural attractions have vanished during the consecutive years of lahar destruction and so, people hadnt really thought that the resort still exists. It was only recently when i caught environmental interest that i recalled the place; and that, i guess, made my aunts wonder whatever happened to that place.

hut / kubos in Summer Place


 Then, this summer, an uncle's friend had told him that they've just been there. Thank goodness my aunts organized everything. We left home from the town of Porac at quarter before 11. We didn't really know the access to the place anymore but we were told this resort sits below the SCTEX bridge past florida exit coming from Tarlac. We were also told it was close to the BASA air base. We drove all the way to the air base and asked in the tricycle terminal for the location. We were told we were past it and that it's in San Jose, just right after the church. Then i recalled that that's the access to SCTEX, and given what we were told that it's right below the SCTEX bridge, i knew the advice was correct. 

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


On the way to the SCTEX toll gate, there was a jeepney ahead who are 90% potentially going to swim. We followed them and as we approach the bridge, we could see the river and the rock boulders which i still remember very well. The excitement goes on.. There were huge groups and bundles of people with aching pores. We had to do several river crossing past these people, just so we could pitch in less saturated waters. It seemed as if all kubos were occupied but thank gooodness again, there is one vacant. 

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga



The water is kind of green, guessing because of the molds, but staring closely at the water, its clear. Plus the fact that it's coming from the mountains, i didnt hesitate to dip, i was chasing on the current for several times. The water is a little warm when we got there, probably because the weather was intensely hot and considering how far the stream have travelled.

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


 A little later in the afternoon, the water began to cool off the and the current has gone stronger. We went home past 7, and my folks my talking about coming back this coming sunday. As for me, being yhis close, i'll certainly be camping here one of these days.

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


*Add'l notes

 Surprisingly, the entrance are still at 5 pesos. Hut rental were at P150 though my people skills (if any) got it at p100.

 The "kulot" in charge said they allow overnight and provide kerosene lamps for P250. 

*if you'll commute, take the florida/dinalupihan jeeps from Angeles/Porac terminal. The vicinity is within brgy palakol, where you'll get off in San Jose. In the parish church, take a tricycle. Not sure how much it would cost. Try negotiating being picked up as there is no way to get a service from there. Make sure you have the mobile no, and perhaps an alternative, of your pre arranged service guy.
Summer Place in Florida Blanca, Pampanga


Today's amazing! I dropped my mom to the airport and when i got back..my kins were craving for a swim. Thanks to the dry hot weather.

heading to Summer Place in Florida Blanca Pampanga


Since i barely had enough sleep as we had to leave 2am and be at the airport by 4, i took an hour nap. When i woke up, i heard them talking about "Summer Place" in Florida Blanca Pampanga.

en route past SCTEX bridge


 I've long wanted to get back to this place. The last time i was here was 21 years ago, when i was just 6, and my memories of it were as if it was just last year. 

power structure of SCTEX bridge


Much of the elder townsmen know the place as it was the only resort during those times. Pools weren't as convenient then. Meantime, most of natural attractions have vanished during the consecutive years of lahar destruction and so, people hadnt really thought that the resort still exists. It was only recently when i caught environmental interest that i recalled the place; and that, i guess, made my aunts wonder whatever happened to that place.

hut / kubos in Summer Place


 Then, this summer, an uncle's friend had told him that they've just been there. Thank goodness my aunts organized everything. We left home from the town of Porac at quarter before 11. We didn't really know the access to the place anymore but we were told this resort sits below the SCTEX bridge past florida exit coming from Tarlac. We were also told it was close to the BASA air base. We drove all the way to the air base and asked in the tricycle terminal for the location. We were told we were past it and that it's in San Jose, just right after the church. Then i recalled that that's the access to SCTEX, and given what we were told that it's right below the SCTEX bridge, i knew the advice was correct. 

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


On the way to the SCTEX toll gate, there was a jeepney ahead who are 90% potentially going to swim. We followed them and as we approach the bridge, we could see the river and the rock boulders which i still remember very well. The excitement goes on.. There were huge groups and bundles of people with aching pores. We had to do several river crossing past these people, just so we could pitch in less saturated waters. It seemed as if all kubos were occupied but thank gooodness again, there is one vacant. 

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga



The water is kind of green, guessing because of the molds, but staring closely at the water, its clear. Plus the fact that it's coming from the mountains, i didnt hesitate to dip, i was chasing on the current for several times. The water is a little warm when we got there, probably because the weather was intensely hot and considering how far the stream have travelled.

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


 A little later in the afternoon, the water began to cool off the and the current has gone stronger. We went home past 7, and my folks my talking about coming back this coming sunday. As for me, being yhis close, i'll certainly be camping here one of these days.

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga


*Add'l notes

 Surprisingly, the entrance are still at 5 pesos. Hut rental were at P150 though my people skills (if any) got it at p100.

 The "kulot" in charge said they allow overnight and provide kerosene lamps for P250. 

*if you'll commute, take the florida/dinalupihan jeeps from Angeles/Porac terminal. The vicinity is within brgy palakol, where you'll get off in San Jose. In the parish church, take a tricycle. Not sure how much it would cost. Try negotiating being picked up as there is no way to get a service from there. Make sure you have the mobile no, and perhaps an alternative, of your pre arranged service guy.
Read More »

Monday, April 23, 2012

Baler, Aurora

After 2 months and 5 missed treks, im finally travelling with my Climb group, this time for Baler, Aurora.


We left Pampanga at 6:30am, and are to meet around 46 other people in The town of Maria Aurora where we'll have lunch in one of the member's native residence.

headed to a member's ranch

We reached maria aurora at 11:40am. I was very tired of the trip and did not have an appetite for anything but cigarettes and more cigarettes. There was a bounty served, and a Generous coconut harvest.

unlicoco


my original climb group



Just few minutes after everyone's eaten, we set back to the road.

gigantic balete in balete park

trail within balete park, aurora
and there comes the view deck; balete park, aurora



I did not really ask about the itinerary, and the fact that i was going to surf, i was quite ok. I did not really have an idea of the road leading to Baler so I kept looking arpund especially that i's my first time there.

In less than half an hour, we reached a place called balete park. It's a humungous and certainly aged balete drive where tourists and literally get inside and climb from its veins -quite an experience.

Thereafter, we've set forth to the beach in brgy suklayin, baler, aurora.

headed to the ditumabo falls

everyone was good even just here


As we got there, which was probably around 4 or 5, i had nothing in mind but to try the surfing; so i told my friends of my plan, and got dressed, walked towards the board rental store and got my lesson.



basins along the way to ditumabo falls

odds of the trail to ditumabo falls




It took me 2 attempts to rise up the board on the wave. After that, i had barely cared about my instructor that I was everywhere and rode every current there was. After probably 10 successful rides, through that lesson though, my shoulders were beginning to weaken and i couldn't get my body up anymore; a little while later, it's class dismissed. Went back to the resort and digged for food; at half past 9pm, i was already asleep.


here you go, ditumabo falls, aurora

ditumabo falls, aurora


Six o clock the morning after, we set off for the dimatubo falls on a 6-wheeler truck; and of course, this rough ride is no better on topload.

About less than an hour from brgy sinuklayan, through the town of san luis, we reached the "jump off point" to the falls. There are some more members who are yet to arrive and so everyone else went for a swim. Meantime, me ang Mark thought to go ahead.

ditumabo falls, aurora

headed back from ditumabo falls in aurora


It took us less than 30 mins to get to the falls and several hours to leave; about 30 feet tall drop of pressure which mist's is all over.

highway heading to san luis, aurora

topload convenience
and who goes out of baler without surfing???

time to surf in baler, aurora



Add:
Surfing lessons were at 350 inclusive of gears. Taht was for 1 hour. After the lesson, should u want to surf more, it's 200 without the instructor. Rate is standard whichever shop.
Baler sumans were unique and delicious.
The slopes were of steep inclination.
There is no point of going to baler to swim if u don't surf. Fine dark sand and grayish water which is not uncommon for beaches with big waves.
Quite a rough road to the dimatubo falls. Thick slippers during trekking.sunblock not quite necessary as it is a canopy rainforest.



From Baler, you may head again to Casiguran, Aurora

You may also want to read another my travel guide for Baler.


After 2 months and 5 missed treks, im finally travelling with my Climb group, this time for Baler, Aurora.


We left Pampanga at 6:30am, and are to meet around 46 other people in The town of Maria Aurora where we'll have lunch in one of the member's native residence.

headed to a member's ranch

We reached maria aurora at 11:40am. I was very tired of the trip and did not have an appetite for anything but cigarettes and more cigarettes. There was a bounty served, and a Generous coconut harvest.

unlicoco


my original climb group



Just few minutes after everyone's eaten, we set back to the road.

gigantic balete in balete park

trail within balete park, aurora
and there comes the view deck; balete park, aurora



I did not really ask about the itinerary, and the fact that i was going to surf, i was quite ok. I did not really have an idea of the road leading to Baler so I kept looking arpund especially that i's my first time there.

In less than half an hour, we reached a place called balete park. It's a humungous and certainly aged balete drive where tourists and literally get inside and climb from its veins -quite an experience.

Thereafter, we've set forth to the beach in brgy suklayin, baler, aurora.

headed to the ditumabo falls

everyone was good even just here


As we got there, which was probably around 4 or 5, i had nothing in mind but to try the surfing; so i told my friends of my plan, and got dressed, walked towards the board rental store and got my lesson.



basins along the way to ditumabo falls

odds of the trail to ditumabo falls




It took me 2 attempts to rise up the board on the wave. After that, i had barely cared about my instructor that I was everywhere and rode every current there was. After probably 10 successful rides, through that lesson though, my shoulders were beginning to weaken and i couldn't get my body up anymore; a little while later, it's class dismissed. Went back to the resort and digged for food; at half past 9pm, i was already asleep.


here you go, ditumabo falls, aurora

ditumabo falls, aurora


Six o clock the morning after, we set off for the dimatubo falls on a 6-wheeler truck; and of course, this rough ride is no better on topload.

About less than an hour from brgy sinuklayan, through the town of san luis, we reached the "jump off point" to the falls. There are some more members who are yet to arrive and so everyone else went for a swim. Meantime, me ang Mark thought to go ahead.

ditumabo falls, aurora

headed back from ditumabo falls in aurora


It took us less than 30 mins to get to the falls and several hours to leave; about 30 feet tall drop of pressure which mist's is all over.

highway heading to san luis, aurora

topload convenience
and who goes out of baler without surfing???

time to surf in baler, aurora



Add:
Surfing lessons were at 350 inclusive of gears. Taht was for 1 hour. After the lesson, should u want to surf more, it's 200 without the instructor. Rate is standard whichever shop.
Baler sumans were unique and delicious.
The slopes were of steep inclination.
There is no point of going to baler to swim if u don't surf. Fine dark sand and grayish water which is not uncommon for beaches with big waves.
Quite a rough road to the dimatubo falls. Thick slippers during trekking.sunblock not quite necessary as it is a canopy rainforest.



From Baler, you may head again to Casiguran, Aurora

You may also want to read another my travel guide for Baler.


Read More »

Monday, April 16, 2012

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

shot from the kubo

The trip that began from a forum and made 19 instant new travel friends


PEXers Calaguas


We scheduled this trip months ahead. There were supposed to be 32 of us in this trip but a few days before the scheduled departure, North Korea shot an impending disaster. Camarines, and generally Bicol, was put under a no fly no sail zone.

approaching calaguas

We did not bother about the warning, except that we weren’t sure whether we can get the boatman to get us there alongside the memorandum. Good thing, the notice was withdrawn hours before we are scheduled to leave. Everyone was all day waiting for the news.

our P300 accomodation next to the P300 rental tent in Calaguas Island


The Calaguas Island fine sand

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga




While almost half of us withdrew their interest at the same time of the release of the warning, At 7:45pm, 19 of us showed up with thrill in Superlines Bus Station in Cubao.
water quality in Calaguas ISland


Itinerary:

Day 0
7pm Meet up in Superlines Cubao. Took DAET Express leaving 7:45. Paid P515.00

7:45pm to 6am travel time cubao to paracale


Day 1
6-7am breakfast at a nearby carinderia. I paid P65 for a cup of coffee, egg, fried rice and 2 skinless longganisa. Meals are fairly priced. Hotdog/Egg at P10. Pancit at P10/half serving.


7-8:30am Went to the market for food supplies. Prices are probably the same price as manila though quality wise, for vegetables, seems like stocks have been on standby for days and days. Not so much selection too. Probably 3 vendors for red meat, 2 for fish, and a few for vegetables.  There was a refilling station at P50/5gallons. We did not have the container so we paid P200 deposit, and got it back upon return. We borrowed an ice chest from our boatman, mang nelson, and he asked for P100 for ice. The ice vendor is right next to the port.

9am Depart to Calaguas Island

10:30 am Arrival


Day 2

10am Depart Calaguas

11:30am Arrive in the port. Rinse (c/o Mang nelson’s relative’s house).
1:30 pm  Depart Paracale (Van to Daet for P60/pax).

2:30 pm  Arrive in SM Daet. Have Lunch
3:15 pm  Tricycle ride to Superlines bus station (Trike at P40; P10/pax)
5:30 pm depart DAET

2:00 am Arrive Cubao
lunchtime: boodle boodle in Calaguas Island



dinner serving

ready to leave calaguas island




Breakdown of expenses:

515 bus fare cubao to paracale via superlines

65 breakfast in Paracale
448 boat rent, per person (P8500/19)
167 contribution for the food and drinks
120 entrance and barangay fees
16 cottage (300/19 pax)
10 Rinse Water (from Pump in island)
60 van fare paracale to daet
105 lunch in Happy Choices SM DAET for 2 viands + 1 rice
360 bus fare daet to cubao via superlines airconary bus (ac bus but ordinary fare)

the P500/day hut accomodation in Calaguas Island

other white sand beaches around Calaguas Island for side trips





Some tips:

*For those who’ll run out of funds, there is one Rural Bank atm in the town center servicing Banknet, Expressnet and Megalink cards.


*I managed to get a contact for a better priced boat; Nilo Canesa 09214845150. Kindly say it’s a referral from Ian. He said he’ll accommodate P7000 for up to 20 persons. His boat  he said is also bigger.

*In case you’re coming in small groups, you can use smaller boats but it might not be that safe sailing. The waves could be really strong along the 1.5 – 2hr boat ride. Might as well wait until a bigger group comes and negotiate to share with them.

*make sure you have Bonamine available. A lot of the people in the bus were puking like it were a contest.

*While in the island, I bought buko’s from the caretaker at P25 each. There are also stores in the island with the following known prices: 8oz softdrinks: P10  GSM Blue/Emperador litro: P100  Marlboro lights: P40

*Those who sit in the boat rear shall be drier than those in front. Pick up the slack

*You can climb the rocks on the right side of the island facing the beach. Just make sure you will be on your sandals cause it’s quite rough of rocks. Snorking activity is zero unless you come close to these rock formations.

*For those without tents, you can rent P300 from the caretaker. On the other hand, there are hut accomodations at P500 good for up to three persons.

*Before reaching the island, you’ll come across several other islands of white sand beach like pulang daga, maculabo, etc; Might want to include these in the trip and during negotiation with the boatman. Behind the island of tinaga (or calaguas) are also other seemingly much better beaches. See google maps.
Superlines bus scheduled bound and coming from Daet

Superlines bus scheduled bound and coming from Daet



shot from the kubo

The trip that began from a forum and made 19 instant new travel friends


PEXers Calaguas


We scheduled this trip months ahead. There were supposed to be 32 of us in this trip but a few days before the scheduled departure, North Korea shot an impending disaster. Camarines, and generally Bicol, was put under a no fly no sail zone.

approaching calaguas

We did not bother about the warning, except that we weren’t sure whether we can get the boatman to get us there alongside the memorandum. Good thing, the notice was withdrawn hours before we are scheduled to leave. Everyone was all day waiting for the news.

our P300 accomodation next to the P300 rental tent in Calaguas Island


The Calaguas Island fine sand

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga

Summer Place in San Jose, Florida Blanca, Pampanga




While almost half of us withdrew their interest at the same time of the release of the warning, At 7:45pm, 19 of us showed up with thrill in Superlines Bus Station in Cubao.
water quality in Calaguas ISland


Itinerary:

Day 0
7pm Meet up in Superlines Cubao. Took DAET Express leaving 7:45. Paid P515.00

7:45pm to 6am travel time cubao to paracale


Day 1
6-7am breakfast at a nearby carinderia. I paid P65 for a cup of coffee, egg, fried rice and 2 skinless longganisa. Meals are fairly priced. Hotdog/Egg at P10. Pancit at P10/half serving.


7-8:30am Went to the market for food supplies. Prices are probably the same price as manila though quality wise, for vegetables, seems like stocks have been on standby for days and days. Not so much selection too. Probably 3 vendors for red meat, 2 for fish, and a few for vegetables.  There was a refilling station at P50/5gallons. We did not have the container so we paid P200 deposit, and got it back upon return. We borrowed an ice chest from our boatman, mang nelson, and he asked for P100 for ice. The ice vendor is right next to the port.

9am Depart to Calaguas Island

10:30 am Arrival


Day 2

10am Depart Calaguas

11:30am Arrive in the port. Rinse (c/o Mang nelson’s relative’s house).
1:30 pm  Depart Paracale (Van to Daet for P60/pax).

2:30 pm  Arrive in SM Daet. Have Lunch
3:15 pm  Tricycle ride to Superlines bus station (Trike at P40; P10/pax)
5:30 pm depart DAET

2:00 am Arrive Cubao
lunchtime: boodle boodle in Calaguas Island



dinner serving

ready to leave calaguas island




Breakdown of expenses:

515 bus fare cubao to paracale via superlines

65 breakfast in Paracale
448 boat rent, per person (P8500/19)
167 contribution for the food and drinks
120 entrance and barangay fees
16 cottage (300/19 pax)
10 Rinse Water (from Pump in island)
60 van fare paracale to daet
105 lunch in Happy Choices SM DAET for 2 viands + 1 rice
360 bus fare daet to cubao via superlines airconary bus (ac bus but ordinary fare)

the P500/day hut accomodation in Calaguas Island

other white sand beaches around Calaguas Island for side trips





Some tips:

*For those who’ll run out of funds, there is one Rural Bank atm in the town center servicing Banknet, Expressnet and Megalink cards.


*I managed to get a contact for a better priced boat; Nilo Canesa 09214845150. Kindly say it’s a referral from Ian. He said he’ll accommodate P7000 for up to 20 persons. His boat  he said is also bigger.

*In case you’re coming in small groups, you can use smaller boats but it might not be that safe sailing. The waves could be really strong along the 1.5 – 2hr boat ride. Might as well wait until a bigger group comes and negotiate to share with them.

*make sure you have Bonamine available. A lot of the people in the bus were puking like it were a contest.

*While in the island, I bought buko’s from the caretaker at P25 each. There are also stores in the island with the following known prices: 8oz softdrinks: P10  GSM Blue/Emperador litro: P100  Marlboro lights: P40

*Those who sit in the boat rear shall be drier than those in front. Pick up the slack

*You can climb the rocks on the right side of the island facing the beach. Just make sure you will be on your sandals cause it’s quite rough of rocks. Snorking activity is zero unless you come close to these rock formations.

*For those without tents, you can rent P300 from the caretaker. On the other hand, there are hut accomodations at P500 good for up to three persons.

*Before reaching the island, you’ll come across several other islands of white sand beach like pulang daga, maculabo, etc; Might want to include these in the trip and during negotiation with the boatman. Behind the island of tinaga (or calaguas) are also other seemingly much better beaches. See google maps.
Superlines bus scheduled bound and coming from Daet

Superlines bus scheduled bound and coming from Daet



Read More »

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