Burot Beach: Overrated?

Captured the sunrise while in the boat bound for island hopping

While other travel bloggers write solely about the positive experiences they had during their travel and share little to nothing about the negative, you read so much greatness about the place and you expect so much when you go. The thing is, the negative will always hunt you and if you let it win, it will ruin your whole trip. For me, it's a challenge that I always want to accept. It is a piece of learning that wasn't written in any form and can only be acquired through experience. The fun and learning in traveling then, starts.

Planning the unplanned is common to young ones. You just thought of going somewhere today, drag your friends with you, pack your bags and your off to go. This is exactly what happened to us on our trip to Burot Beach. Friday night, Jhen and me wanted to go to a nearby beach to beat the summer heat. So we both googled on where to go and we stumbled to a blog featuring Burot Beach since it's a three to four hours away only from Manila.

Thrilled to pitch a tent to experience a camping style accommodation, bonfire and sleeping to the sound of the beach sounds great. It's going to be our first time to do just that. I thought we won't make it but on Saturday afternoon, we meet at Metropoint in Pasay Rotonda and head to the van terminal bound for Calatagan. It's a van terminal near Kabayan Hotel and Metropoint. I advise anyone taking this route to be early to avoid long queue. The vans also are not frequent and can only seat 16 pax. Fare is 180php. Get off at the van terminal near the Calatagan Public Market and ride a tricycle going to Burot. Fare is 150php one way to Burot, another 150php going back to the market. The travel time to Burot from he market is around 10-15 minutes bumpy road. I contacted a tricycle driver the night before to assist us. Here is his number. Kuya RC: 0905 358 7083

Look closely and you will see the people scattered all over the area.

This Burot trip came in a short notice. I just told Jhen to pack whatever she thinks we will need. We didn't prepare that much bearing in mind that we are headed to a secluded place, without electricity, good accommodation and descent comfort rooms. Why not?

True enough, Burot Beach is a secluded area. It is Henry Sy's property waiting to be developed. I don't know the real deal about having visitors, but it is a place where there's a "private property, no trespassing" sign. Guards man the area that collects the fees upon entering and a certain caretaker that owns a small store inside.

We arrived around 7PM at the beach and we were welcomed by a very big crowd. What to expect? It's a given fact. It's summer and a weekend. We paid 130php each for the entrance fee and we went to the store to rent a tent. Unfortunately, there's no more tent left available for rent. Opppps. We don't have any tent with us too. Think...Think... Think...

Since we have nothing to do about the supply of tents and torches, we looked for a place to settle our things and lay our picnic mattress. We ask Kuya RC not to leave us until we were settled and if he can find us a tent. He said his tent was broken. We just decided to stay the night in the open under the tree with our things and a picnic mattress with us. Besides, we're not here to sleep. Kuya RC left us and told us we can text or call him if we need anything.

2 hours had passed and I received a call from Kuya RC saying that he fixed his tent and he will be lending it for a fee. We agreed so he came back with his tent and his friend to pitch it for us. Yahoo! Tent it is.

We spend the night chatting about random things and from time to time distracted by random people doing crazy stuff. A man urinating in the seafront, (the heck?) a young couple near our place arguing about something,( melodramatic ) a female sitting alone in the sand, ( there's nothing wrong about it. I know! But it freaked me out because she stayed their like an hour, not moving) group of friends drinking beers and talking like the person they are talking to is a kilometer away from them (she was like that the entire evening until 4 in the morning, just imagine) and a drunken man spitting, kicking and splayed beside our tent. Good god his friends noticed and removed him from our sight.

Jhen asking Kuya Bong about the island hopping deal. The sun is not yet rising

We already saw the sun slowly rising in the east by 5:30 am. We can now fully see the full scenery of the place and it was crowded, plastic everywhere and the disappointing feeling of another hidden treasure slowly fading. We saw a bus parking in the parking space and sooner, the place became as crowded as you can imagine. Not as we expected as blogs described it as a nice beach area. It wasn't.

Just imagine the mess every single person in this planet contributed for leaving traces to the places they went. No exception.

Blurry shot but look at the plastics scattered all over the place.

So we decided we need to get outta here. But we didn't allow it to stop us from hoping that there is something positive about this area. So we approached the man in the boat and ask him how can we avail of an island hopping tour. He told us he was one of the boatman offering tours and it's 100php per head but you have to wait for other tourist to join before they leave. There's 8 -15 passengers depending on the size of the boat.

In our case, we chose to rent the boat for an hour which cost us 500 pesos for 1 hour. Kuya bong helped us arranged our bags and tent and then we were off.

And that island hopping tour sums up our weekend getaway. When Kuya Bong started the engine of his boat, I felt that familiar pang of feeling I always feel when I travel. That kind of peace and infinite happiness.

Who would have thought this was the house used for the All My Life movie starring Aga Muhlach and Kristine Hermosa. That movie was ONE of only a FEW local romantic movie I like.

This one was also used to some local television series. Kuya Bong say's its a series from ABS-CBN but I have no idea what series.

I really can't remember what series Kuya Bong was talking about so we just posed for a picture.

Besides, the area was good. 

My friend Jhen was excited to see the starfish, but when she was able to see and had a chance to hold one, she chickened out. So instead of her, I posed with the stars on my hand. LOL!

Never ever bring it with you

After our island hopping, we swam along the shoreline. We settled in a spot were there is lesser people and cleaner area. While walking, I saw a girl holding a starfish that appears like she's taking it home. What the heck? They're not supposed to take those sea creatures away from their home. I pity these kind of people, such ignoramus. Imagine it being done to a poor child taken away from his mother.


If you plan to visit the place, I suggest go really early so you can choose a good spot. Prepare to use the comfort rooms built without logic. One common logic of separating the female CR to male CR is to avoid men from peeking to the ladies or vice versa but in Burot Beach's case, well, wait till you see it. :)

Is it overrated? Well I guess depends in your experience. For me, some travel blogs exaggerate their description of the place. I've read some travel blogs that says pretty much about what to expect from it. But you cannot say it indeed until you experience it.

The island hopping tour made this trip memorable. I enjoyed Kuya Bong's company. I wanted to go back because of him. To explore the hidden wonders of the area more. I wanted to cross to the other side of the island, we're locals really live.

I wanted to join these women while they paddle and look for whatever their looking.

I'll be back Burot. I will...

Ati-Atihan Festival: Once a Tradition, Always a Tradition

This post is already late but I think I need to share my experience.

Filipinos value tradition and culture. Being a probinsyana from Capiz, I am raised learning and practicing it. Though some I find absurd, I appreciate that a few concerned true-blue Filipino makes an effort to preserve our cultural identity.



Filipinos loves to celebrate. All sorts of celebration from birthdays to death anniversaries to whatever, just name it and we have it. Indigenous and Religious Festivals are the most watched for celebration in the country. Some of the well-known festivals that makes tourists stumble in the country are Kadayawan in Davao City, Sinulog in Cebu, Maskara in Bacolod, Panagbenga in Baguio City, Black Nazarene in Quiapo Manila and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

For my personal note, I am not a fan of these kind of festivals. You wouldn't want to deal with the aftermath. Yes it's fun, but people often forget what the celebration is all about. Also when travelling, I want a place where I can relax so I try to avoid going to a particular place where I know will be crowded.

During my vacation in the province last January 2013, my mother wants me to go with them for Ati-Atihan. I decided to try it since I have nothing to do and to experience it wouldn't hurt. Hotel prices doubles or maybe triples during the festival so we stayed at our aunts house near the city".

"Patapak sa Sto. Nino" is a belief that being touched by the Sto. Nino figure will heal the person

The festival is a week long celebration with different programs each day at the town plaza. We went there just before the final day of the festival. We roam around the plaza to join the parade and dance a little. It was really crowded. On my good note, I love how this festival celebrates indigenous culture. Our indigenous tribes are in danger of losing it's identity due to urbanization and a lot of aspects. They are not reproducing and their children wanting to be in the city. No one from their end wants to continue and preserve their tradition but the old folks. One example is in Banaue Rice Terraces were problems in preserving the "hagdan-hagdang palayan" is now a dilemma "we seriously" need to address. Celebrating and being proud of our culture, showing other nations how proud we are, and letting the younger ones appreciate it is a good note.

But there is a bad note. I've seen a lot of drunken foreigners with their Filipina partners (eh?). Some of the paraders were also drunk and smelled like sh**. Few guys were laid drunk on the streets just outside the church. Trash was all over the town plaza. Where is our discipline people? I thought we are celebrating being a Filipino here? Is this what we want our children to remember? It isn't celebration anymore my friend, because celebrating comes with responsibilities and limitations.

So to end this trip in a positive note, I forced everybody to do a side trip to Sampaguita Gardens just 30 minutes away from Kalibo proper which I googled already. hehe!

Accommodations

They have two pools. One for the kids and this one for adults.

Sampaguita Gardens Entrance

Ruin Ferris Wheel

This pretty much made my trip to Kalibo worth it. There's a lot of things you can do inside the area. A lot of doll collections. I never thought there's a Christmas village open year round in Kalibo. You can exchange your entrance fee inside for food or products they offer. For us, we exchanged it for food and we ate with the pool as our view. Therefore this trip ended in a good note.

The Great Perhaps Found in Bencab Museum

Instagram Post Bencab Museum

Art is the product of our imagination and expression. It is not defined by how well it is presented nor how people will react upon it but a representation of our emotions.

Art has many definitions. This can vary from person to another as to their backgrounds and beliefs. That is at least my interpretation of what is Art.

While I was in Baguio, I noticed the interiors of the restaurants, the concept of the coffee shops that can be an addiction, the pampering temperature and the ambiance of the foggy green mountains that pours peace and comfort. If you found out that the imaginary line of your life's axis is just a stupid imaginary path, then maybe the enlightenment you're looking for can be uncovered in Baguio. It's a place where you can think and focus. Which gives me an impression that this place is a haven for artists. I imagine tons of artists who chose to move and live there. These artists responsible for these coffee shops architecture, book shop named after a mountain and a cloud (Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City) and a museum on the mountain top. Yes, Bencab Museum.

I am not a gallery goer. Really. But I heard good things about this place and my mind people says I shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the place.

Allow me to share these pictures as a proof of how I found one of my considered "great perhaps" in Baguio.

This was one of my favorite gallery. I love the native backpacks.

Backpacks for different purposes

Bencab's Gallery

This picture always makes me miss Baguio.

Here comes the fog. I really enjoyed seeing it approached us. My first time to see a fog like this. It's like a  paradise made for production I only see in movies.

From paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces, the artists freedom in expressing art is evident. The architecture of the area and the idea of putting up a gallery on that very place is genius. Bencab museum made me realize many things. One that I wanted to share is... go out and open your eyes to the things that deserves your attention.

Baguio City: A Home Away From Home

Baguio City. Crowned as the summer capital of the Philippines.

That weekend, I never thought I'd be in a bus going to Baguio. Unplanned as it is, I opted to join a group of new friends to experience Baguio firsthand as why it is the going-to of many people during summer.

When we went off the bus at 5am, I was freezing so bad that cause me to stutter when I speak. So... I didn't speak. But deep in my thoughts, I am beguiled by how cold it was and by how bizarre the place is.

With the cold temperature and the early morning darkness, we were able to walk around Marcoville St. and Leonard Wood Road to look for a transient home. As we make our way, I noticed the buildings and establishments weren't tall. Given that it's a mountain, there must be building codes here that is strictly implemented by the local government. Then I remembered the not-so-strict building construction in Intramuros Manila.

We had our breakfast at 50's diner which also caught me. I am a great fan of the classic era. I wish I have a time machine that could transport me from this era to that. I have found Bistro 70's in Katipunan with displays of famous classic hollywood icons but this diner made me forget it for a moment. A Marilyn Monroe's famous portrait and the James Dean iconic pose along with many other icons were displayed. Waitresses were also dressed with a very 50's uniform.

After eating the sumptuous breakfast at 50's diner, we explored Baguio and it's attractions.

Mines View Park

Gate to the Mansion

Burnham Park Boat Ride

UP Baguio

During my night walk.

Casa Vallejo

View from SM Baguio

Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City

The Great Perhaps Found in Bencab Museum Article Read Here

What we miss though is Diplomat Hotel. I will not miss this place the next time I go to Baguio. What I'm also looking forward to is to try to go inside a mining tunnel, hiking the mountains of Benguet and witness actual small scale mining and kanyaw tradition with my naked eyes.

What Baguio instilled in me was a place where I found home away from home. The people are so welcoming and friendly. Taxi drivers were honest and helpful. I was able to walk along Session Road, experience night market shopping with my camera on my shoulder until 1am alone. I don't know but it felt safe for me. Like you have nothing to worry about. The city looks so calm that it gives you peace of mind. These are the reasons why you'd always want to go back home right?

Going around Camotes Island

Update: I've exchanged text messages with Kuya Edu, our tour guide when we're in Camotes. He said that the island haven't recovered yet from Typhoon Yolanda but rest assured that by summer everything will be back to normal again :)

Consuelo Port

     When you get to Consuelo Port in Camotes, you will be approached and hollered by a lot of Habal-Habal (motorcycle) drivers to get you into your next destination. For budget travellers and if travelling solo or with a companion, you can settle for a habal-habal drive that will cost you Php 50 to get to your destination.

Habal-Habal Ride

        The driver will then offer you tour around the island. It will cost Php 500 and Two litters of Gas for a tour. The driver will then pick you up on your agreed time/day to take your tour to Timubo Cave, Mangodlong Rock Resort, Lake Danao and Santiago Bay Walk. This is one of the primary source of income for the locals so stop haggling to help them. Besides the price I mentioned above is their standard price.

  

Road in Camotes Island

If you’re going to Camotes, I recommend Kuya Edu, our habal-habal driver, tour guide and photographer. Everybody seems to know him in the island even the massage therapist lady who massaged my mom after our tiring escapade. You can contact him here: Edu Barcenas 0929-7354057. He was so trustful with us because he didn't get our fare when he drove us to our hotel first. He said he will just get it after our tour.

        If you are travelling in a group, you can hire a multicab for Php 1,500 for a tour. The Mangodlong Rock Resort offers free shuttle service from Consuelo Port to Mangodlong Resort vice-versa for their guest. 

          Check my accommodations review in Camotes Island
          Check my photoblog Illumination

My Solo Day Tour Travel in Corrigedor Island

UPDATE: I went there March 2014 for a work related reason. I discovered much more about the history and tragic incidents in the island. It's truly historic that some present day issues was an offshoot of what happened here 46 years ago. The Mindanao Garden of Peace is an addition to the attraction. The food never failed me once.

Island. Ruins. History.

I had been planning to visit Corrigedor Island since 2010. By then I am really fortunate because I got a discounted deal from Deal Grocer. I only paid a Php1,100 for the Day Tour Package from an original Php 2,200. I purchased the voucher and called Sun Cruises to book my adventure ALONE.

My fascination with the ruins, old buildings, cemeteries and quite or isolated places was one of my reasons for visiting the island. Though the island wasn't much of an isolated place because of tourists, it's history is truly remarkable as it witnessed the invasion from Japanese forces in World War II.

While waiting for the boarding time, I got a perfect view to capture the Manila Bay Skyline.

Upon the vessels arrival at the Island, I felt the feeling of being infinite. The feeling that was like "finally I am here". And as I step my foot on the land I had felt the excitement of the adventure. It pays being stuck in Manila with all the stress and pressure from work. That's the thing about feeling like your freedom was abridged. That after everything, I felt freedom and relief.

The whole experience with the tour was exceptional. I get to see the barracks and ruins I'm dying to see, get a fresh breeze of air in the island, capture great shots and memories and getting to experience bits and pieces of the great perhaps of this life. It is indeed worthwhile to live and exist in this world... with drawbacks.

It was just sad that you can see a lot of garbage polluting the island. Our tour guide says that this garbage shit came from Manila Bay and doubles when there is typhoon. Poor Manila. The polluted, absorbed and corrupt Manila.

The tour was wonderful and worth it. I have never imagined there's a lot to discover in Corrigedor and a day will not be enough to explore the island. So if you can find time, Corrigedor must be on your list.

You can check the details here: http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/

Photos for you guys!