Tour Guides and Contacts

So it all started when a friend asked for a contact in Pagudpud but turned out that i gave him my contact for Caramoan. Then i knew that this Database is overdue. 

DISCLAIMER: Though this so sounds like i am giving them this advertisement, i do not intend to make money out of this. Just plain sharing of my experiences. Feel free to express your quips or nods in the comments below. 

PAGUDPUD (updated November 2014)
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Tryc Tour Guide Arnel Aguila - 0926 588 0666
Van Rental - Alvin Porameng - 0928 428 9346

Ilocos Norte is my very first solo backpacking trip.So imagine the bond i made with Kuya Arnel, my tryc guide. Kuya Alvin, his cousin,owns a van for group tours for a little price compared to established tour providers in the province. They can also take care of your accommodation needs. Heck even food trip recommendations. 

Glenmark Homestay - 0928 609 9699
Kapuluan Vista Resort - 0920 952 2528

Glenmark Homestay in Mairaira Beach (Blue Lagoon) is clean,cheap and nice for budget travelers. Kapuluan is for those who have a little  more money to spare. They're the first to introduce surfing in the area, not to mention one of the very first hotel resorts in the area. 

BATANES (updated July 2014)

Tour Guide Romy Merida - 0938 159 2721
CMJ Basco Lodge - 0999 990 7548
Pension Ivatan - 0919 211 7378
BATODA (Basco TODA) - 0929 703 8404

There's always Mr Ryan Cardona, the famous Batanes Tour guide from the provincial tourism office, but i also have Kuya Romy Merida whom i met in Sabtang Island when he gave us a free ride to the other side of that island paradise. Months later i saw him on TV as the local tour guide when Drew Arellano visited. Was like, yeah that's what im talking about. 

CMJ is one of the newest additions to the cheap homestays in the provincial capitol.I can say they're the warmest and kindest people, but it's just how every Ivatans are. 

CARAMOAN (updated March 2014)

Tour Guide Roy Barbin - 0919 534 5552
Isla Magayon Inn and Restaurant - 0908 191 9863

You will surely enjoy kuya Roy's company. He's an Elementary teacher in a nearby town and moonlights as a guide in Caramoan. He does packaged tours in which he'll take care of your accomodations,island tours, transfers, and food based on what your budget is. If you're not in the posh hotels, food is a little harder to find in the shores of this hungry town.  Case in point is Isla Magayon Inn of Marites Realce, who once owned an Inn that they turned into  a resto since, as she said, "wala pong kainan dito."

BANAUE (updated August 2013)

Banaue-Batad Tour Guide Jim Bumakel - 0906 159 9666

How safe are you with Jim's escort? Well, he's a PO1. Thing is, as of writing, i may have not been updated of his whereabouts since it's possible he's elsewhere. Last time we chatted, he's on his way to Taguig for a licensure kind of an exam for POs. 

Well, he took care of almost everything we need from Banaue to batad and back. He's way into nganga, just like everyone else in there, but he's cool. 

BUROT BEACH (updated April 2014)
Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

Chocks - 0918 494 3958

Chock owns a tricycle that'll take you from downtown Calatagan to Burot Beach. I knew him from way back April 2013 but still texts GMs months after, which i find weird for his age, well, and his gender. LOL

Don't get me wrong. He's cool. Although having a guide in Burot is not really a famous idea. 

PADRE BURGOS (updated March 2014)
Padre Burgos, Quezon

Irma Saniel - 0918 604 8601

This contact is basically based in Borawan Is. But of course, can  take care of Borawan-Dampalitan-Kwebang Lampas Island Hopping.

ALIBIJABAN (updated May 2014)

Jin Jin - 0910 762 9271

Ate Jin Jin is the wife of a brgy official. There had been reports or should i say "chismis" of unfortunate things that had happened to visitors here so our guide being a brgy official is a relief for my jitters. This is also most probably the reason why this paradise is unheard of. For once i though of not sharing this to others but the again, the family where we stayed are very generously accommodating and i dont think i am in the position to keep them from a few more bucks of earnings from tourism. If you got a hold of them, please be generous with your tips, it's District 12 out there.  

SIQUIJOR (updated November 2014)

Tour Guide Tata Kitkit - 0921 599 4152

I met Kuya Tata at the Siquijor Wharf and offered me his tryc tour of the island. There's always this option to roam around the island via scooter but i am choosing to be with a local since i was travelling alone. This guy i should say is a catch. He made sure i am safe of my whereabouts (and for those who know me, i am bit everywhere like a 5 year old kid would) even until im checked in. I know this for a fact since i've compared him to other guides of other groups i'm with during that island tours. 

OSLOB (updated July 2014)
Oslob, Cebu

Pearl Evans of Costa Bella Travel and Tours - 0915 725 8578 / 0922 472 4244

You can always tour Oslob your way. Stay in the cheapest rooms in Tan-Awan. But i highly recommend, to the point of begging, you stay in Costa Bella. It had been one of the best stay in all my travels. The warmth of these people is beyond compare, like, if in case i'll turn this travelling hobby into a full blown business, they will be my peg.

The BIG Itinerary (The Huge Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras Weekend)

September 13-15, 2013

Western Visayas

Oh Yes we did that. 

Bacolod. Iloilo. Guimaras.

First tip to keynote this one: Yes prepare an itinerary, but be sure to anticipate some bends along the way. This isn't your typical tourist's route so thumbs up for the real Hiligaynon culture experience along the way. 

DAY 1 - Friday

My Tiger Airs RT tickets  to Bacolod-Silay are booked not withstanding any itinerary in mind. If in any case you're eyeing for the BIG trip, i'll recommend a Manila-Bacolod and Iloilo-Manila tickets (or vice versa whichever you prefer). Oh well, that's what i have so that's what i'll make the most of. 

6.30 AM

Landing at a very neat and slick Bacolod-Silay Airport very early morning is a delight. Now we have to choose the cheapest transportation to Bacolod City proper, which is roughly more than an hour from the airport. 

Taxi Rates - 300-500 chartered 

Van - 150-200/person

Of course we liked it this dirty:

Tryc - Silay Airport to Silay Highway - P15
Jeep - Silay to Bacolod North Terminal - P10

Jeep - Bacolod North to SM Bacolod/Reclaim Area - P7

Pedicab - Bacolod Highway to BreadCo Port - P10

Taxi whut?

7.30 AM

2Go, SuperCat and Weesam are the famous liners that caters Bacolod-Iloilo ferries. A local told me Weesam has the cheapest and buying RT tickets will save us some more. She even gave me few juicy rambutans since i paid her Pedicab fare OTW to BreadCo. Illongos are the sweetest i tell you. 

Regular One Way Fare (Economy):  P355

Regular One Way Fare (First Class): P450

RT Promo (Economy): P585

RT Promo (First Class): P665

Huge discounts on students and Senior Citizens as well. Weesam departs from Bacolod and Iloilo on these fixed hours with a 30minute boarding time policy: 630AM, 810AM, 950AM, 12NN, 250PM, 445PM. Be there roughly an hour or more for seats availability. Return tickets can also be blank so no need to worry on that as well. 

Now that's quite convenient eh? 

9.30 AM

Now since i befriended a local, we kinda boarded at the 810AM "flight". We're in Iloilo Port in less than 2 hours. 

And yes, there's a Negros-Guimaras route via Pulupandan, Bago City but i'll bet my hat BIG itinerary is better for quite a few reasons: 1. Pulupandan has very few uncertain ferry schedules, 2. Bago city is an hour from Bacolod or roughly 2 hours from Silay airport, 3. Drop off is San Lorenzo, Guimaras which is around 2hours to Jordan where the usual Guimaras tour starts. 

Iloilo greeted us with the scorching sun and a lot of persistent barkers/fixers. Bacolod Ferry Terminal is walking distance from the highway/Iloilo proper. We didn't know that so we hailed a tricycle to the Guimaras Ferry Terminal (P20/head. yeah i know we got scammed. Should have been just P20 per trip or better yet, we could have just walked. oh well...)

10 AM

I guess we're a bit down about that tricycle ride so we postponed our Iloilo roam and boarded the Huge Pump boat to Guimaras. Fare's P14 for around 15-20 minutes across the beautiful Iloilo straight. 

The beauty of Iloilo Straight viewed from the Balaan Bukid Shrine. 

Our late breakfast feast in Guimaras.

10.20 AM

We did it. Silay-Bacolod-Iloilo-Jordan. Oh wait, what about breakfast? 

11 AM

We wrapped up our sumptuous and exotic breakfast in an eatery near Jordan Wharf and started our land tour c/o Kuya Marvin or Mai (+639236389891). Guimaras Province' standard rates for this tour is P1500/max of 4 people. So sorry, no haggling for us. 

11.30 AM - THE GUIMARAS ROAD TOUR

Rock formations at Ambakan Cave.

Kicking it off is a 20 minute trek to the Balaan Bukid Shrine which gives you a fantastic panorama of the Iloilo Straight and the whole Iloilo City.

Next stop is Ambakan Falls for that cliff dive thrill. But before reaching that, we detoured at the Ambakan Cave for some short but heavy spelunking. Wait whut? But I'm in my beach wear darn it!

The trail to Balaan Bukid Shrine.

Daliran Cave is yet another cave which we decided not to purse further deep into its darkness. One has to be very prepared for Level 3-5 spelunking to pursue safely. Its mouth is a keeper nonetheless. 

Rock formations inside Daliran Cave

We ordered the infamous Mango Pizza in The Pitstop in San Miguel, the municipality where the Guimaras Provincial Capitol lies. To save time,we indulged ourselves to lunch on the way to our last destination  he day - the Guisi Point Light House. There we captured one darn priceless sunset beauty.

We plan to visit few more sites tomorrow with Kuya Mai still. We agreed that it's still  a part of our land tour but the Alubijod, Nueva Valencia to Jordan Wharf fare will be additional P100 per head. 

But that's tomorrow's story. I guess i've too much cliff dives at Amabakan that it ate much of our time. Kuya Mai said most of his guests are good to go after quite a few pictures. Well, that's not me.

The Balaan Bukid Shrine. Mass is every Friday afternoon, of course in Hiligaynon.

The clear waters of Amabakan Falls. 

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Daliran Cave Rock Formations

Daliran Cave's mouth has this magical lure. It's like you're entering a world of enchanted creatures. 

Raymen Beach Front during Sunrise.

 6.30 PM

We checked in at Rayman Beach Resort (09275605107/0918-5207271) in Alubihod, Nueva Valencia for 700/4 pax fan room. Aside from great food and amenities, one can swim at the beach at night. Their Lifeguard tower is manned until 8PM. 

8 PM

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Sinigang na Yellow Fin Tuna for dinner. And the lifetime experience of eating the Guimaras mangoes. Oops. I think i forgot t take pictures of those. Sorry, i was just too hungry then. 

Day 2  - Saturday

Another group of three touring the island agreed to be with us today for the island hopping slicing our cost to half: 400/per boat for 6 people for 2hrs. Boats are readily available for charter anywhere in the beach or in Raymen. 

6.30 AM - GUIMARAS ISLAND TOUR

We started our island hop after a light breakfast. First stop is oneof the most beautiful islets i've ever been - Ave Maria Island. We snorkeled our way to the next one - the Turtle Island. 

The next stop, is a no swimming distance.The Baras Beach. The Cave isn't passable at that time due to the tide. Bummer. So we sailed along heavy Guimaras waves to see the the Natago Island and all the way back to Alubihod cove.

9.30 AM - THE GUIMARAS ROAD TOUR

We're ready to check out after rinsing off seawater from our tans. Again we are squeezing in a couple more stops  for our travel from Nueva Valencia to Jordan Wharf. 

We had a chance to see the vast Mango Plantation and the Trappist Monastery for some pasalubongs. 

11.30 AM
Now we're ready for Iloilo. Iloilo-Jordan pump boats i believe won't be a pain. But if it helps, first trip is at 7.30AM and last trip  is at 5.30PM.

12 NN

Arriving in Iloilo City is easier this time. No nagging fixers so we easily found our way to Jolo Cathedral. Jeepneys are available in Plaza Libertad (again this is walking distance from ALL seaports) near the City hall Jaro-Wharf for P10.

Before checking out the infamous detached Bell tower, of course we had to check out the even more famous - La Paz Bachoy. Now that's a sweaty lunch. 

2 PM 

I think it's the lure of the sea ports on us. We're Bacolod bound already. 

4.30 PM

We walked from BreadCo (Weesam Terminal) to our next destination, SM Bacolod and the Pope John Paul Tower. 

5.30 PM

After scouting for a place to spend the night,we decided to take the 200/head air-con room of Sweet City Captel just across the Negros Museum and Lagoon. The room's for 8 and for a crowd of 4, it's a pretty decent deal. 

The vast mango Plantation in San Miguel Guimaras

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The Lone Bell Tower of Jaro Cathedral

7 PM

Though i'm not a fan of man-made structures, i agreed that we check out the Ruins. Any jeeps (P7) from Lacson Street bound to the North Bacolod Terminal will lead you to the corner of Carlos Hidalgo Highway (Pepsi Bottling Plant will be your Landmark) and from there, tricycles can take you directly to the Ruins. Tricycles costs a whopping P25 each and entrance fee to the Ruins is P80. 

Best thing that happened in our cost slasher Ruins trip is that we get to meet the funny tour guide Kuya Roger. He told us he'll be in GGV the next day and he really did. 

8.30 PM

One of my most awaited part of our tour finally is happening - the authentic Bacolod Inasal experience in Manokan Country. Aida's Place deserved it's high reviews i tell you.

9.30 PM

I can't believe that at 20 something we are capping off the night with sweets instead of booze. But i would prefer indulging in Calea's Cakes than being the handsome Manilenyo in pubs of Bacolod that Saturday night. These cakes are heavenly. Like a round of applause with a 15 minute standing ovation as we wrap up our BIG trip. 

DAY 3 - Sunday

Tiger flies to Bacolod only once a day. So an early flight to means an early flight home.

5.30 AM

I don't want to end our BIG trip on a bad note but North Bacolod Terminal doesn't have jeepneys yet that early to Silay. We have to charter a tricycle for P50/head to the airport. 

6.30 AM

And no, this airport is not done slicing my money off - that's P200 terminal fee. Oh well. I've had too may great memories about this trip and i'm not letting this little airport ruin it. 

How about piyaya and biscocho for breakfast before heading home.   

________________________
Hey i'm on Twitter and IG:
@rome_john

5 Amazing Beaches

As summer 2013 kicks off, i would like to share five beautiful and one of a kind beaches i've fell in love with  from my recent travels. Let's get soaked under the sun shall we?

Panarayon Black Beach

Bacacay, Albay

There's always something magical about black sands. More than the mystique, the water and the sand gives you the feeling of warmth that you know for sure you'll never experience somewhere else. 

One spectacular thing about Bacacay black sands is the priceless view of the magnificent Mayon Volcano. I know we should be talking plainly about the beach but that cone is the reason why these sands are charcoal black. 

MORE INFO: Bacacay, Albay is an hour drive from Legaspi City. Black sand beaches extends from Brgy Panarayon to Igang. Most of them are public beaches so you can enjoy them for free. 

Culebra Island

Dasol, Pangasinan

Pangasinan does have an amazing collection of white and golden beaches. Culebra Island they say is one of the whitest in the province. 

What captured me the most though is the soft feel of the Culebra sands in my feet. It felt like i am walking in sugar powders. Plus the crystal clear waters, darn that's paradise.

MORE INFO: Culebra is actually an inhabited island/islet in Dasol Pangasinan easily (well, with the South China Sea's raging waves, it is not really.) accessible from Brgy. Tambobong. The town of Dasol lays at the tip end of Western Panagsinan making it accessible either from Zambales or Alaminos, some 8hrs ride from Manila.

Banul Beach

Coron, Palawan

Coron is a great proof of how God loves us. The beauty of this place is unfathomable. But since we're talking about just beaches, Banul hits the high top of ranks. 

This slice of paradise, is really small in ratio to those surrounding gorgeous limestone rocks. The sand is one of the whitest i've seen in my life. Like sunglasses isn't only for the sun but also fro them sands. 

MORE INFO: Aside from DIY boat tours, Banul Beach is usually included in the Tour A and B of Coron Island Hopping organized tours. This might be the only beach destination in those tour packages since most of the beach tours are in Tour C and D. For DIY tours, Banul Beach fee is pegged PhP100 and permits should be secured downtown of Coron. 

Misibis

Brgy. Misibis, Cagraray Islands, Albay

Albay yet again. But this is the anti thesis of Albay black beaches. Fine white sands are the things i didn't know ever existed in that geothermic province. But they do - in great packages.  

Since i obviously can't afford to be in the world famous highly expensive resort, i opted to  explore public beaches nearby. And boy they do deliver. Little shells were scattered with the sand that gives a soothing feeling to your feet. 

The water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Stone formations are as white as the sand.

MORE INFO: Misibis Island Resort usually uses an exclusive road from Legaspi City straight to the Cagraray Island. To access the public beaches in Brgy Misibis, you can charter a boat from the wharfs of Igang and Pili in  Bacacay Maniland, Albay. The resort entrance fee for daytours is PhP1,500 per head. Public beachs nearby is, of course, for free. 

7 Commando Beach

El NIdo, Palawan

I know El Nido may be a little cliche when we talk about great beaches. But you have to experience its lure and you wont be able to stop talking about it for the rest of your life. This is yet the best beach i've been in my life - soft powdery and white sand. The aesthetics in here sets the bar way up high. 

7 Commando may have its name from military activities, but the beauty of this place may have had the power of bringing peace to everyone. The kind of peace that sets your soul at ease because you're sure you have found heaven here on earth. 

MORE INFO: 7 Commando is a part of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A. Since this little town of Palawan centralizes its entrance/environmental fees in one. El Nido is a 6hr ride from Puerto Princessa City. 

Enticing eh? Let's hit the beach! Happy summer!!!

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Hey i'm on twitter - @rome_john