My Palaui Island, Cagayan Adventure (April 9, 2016)

After almost 14 hours of road trip from Manila to Sta. Ana and with just a
quick breakfast in Jotay resort, I finally experienced the most adventurous
moment in my life - our trip to Palaui Island in the tip of the northeastern
part of Luzon - San Vicente, in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan
province.

After the reality game show the Survivor revealed this one beautiful paradise,
this has been raved about and became one of the coveted tourist spots in Luzon.
I was really blessed to have seen this place.

In our 1.5 hours boat ride, all I saw was the vastness of the ocean. Seemed so
endless but I managed to be calm despite of so many things playing in my mind -
if I could still go back to Manila and see my family. We braved the high waves
and the strong splash of the water.

When I set foot on the Cape Engano beach, all my worries and fears disappeared.
We trekked to Cape Engano Lighthouse not noticing if I reached the top in 237
steps as they told.  From the lighthouse, you can get a great view of the Dos
Hermanas and Babuyan islands. It offers a majestic panoramic view of the green
hills and cliffs surrounded by the blue ocean.

We had our lunch at Anguib cove and had a quick dip on its blue crystal
water. 

We trekked to Buratubut falls where the cool water cascades through the huge
rocks which refreshed us from quite a long walk going to the falls.

Lastly, we passed by the Manidad island or popularly known as Crocodile island
because of its shape for photo-op. 

The view on the way up to Cape Engano...

At the Anguib Cove...

At the foot of the Buratubut falls...

At the Crocodile island...

At around 4:30PM we traveled back to our resort in Sta. Ana. 

Callao Cave, Cagayan (April 10, 2016)

Another late post from our Cagayan province weekend escapade - Callao Cave
last April 10, 2016. 

Callao Cave is a premier attraction situated in Penablanca, Cagayan.  It is one
of the limestone caves in the area which made more beautiful with the
presence of white limestone rocks.

Being the most accessible cave,  this can be reached by climbing the 184
concrete steps.  It has seven chambers and some with a small opening at
the top for the sunlight to pass through to give light to the cave.

And finally, got to see the Callao Cave cathedral where the movie
"The Mistress" of John Lloyd and Bea was shot. A dream came true!!!

Have known from the locals there that this has been turned into a chapel.
The rock formation in front serves as the altar. 

Basilica of Our Lady of Piat, Cagayan (April 10, 2016)

Another late post... Blessed to have visited this place - Basilica or Our Lady
of Piat, Cagayan last April 10, 2016.

The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is one of the twelve Minor Basilicas
in the Philippines. Known to be the Pilgrimage Center of the North and a
home to the Black Virgin Mary. 
 
Its structure is made of red bricks which most of the churches in Cagayan
Valley were made of complimenting its beautifully curved wooden ceiling. 

Calvary Hills Iguig, Cagayan (April 10, 2016)

Late post...Was very lucky to see  this beautiful place in the far north -
Calvary Hills, Iguig, Cagayan last April 10, 2016. 

This features life-size statues representing the stations of the cross situated
in a sloping hill.  Got to talk with the locals there and told me that this has
been one of the must-go pilgrimage destination in the North.

The beautiful architecture of Iguig Church which was made from bricks
and stones, welcomes everyone into the vast Calvary Hills. 

F1 Hotel Manila BGC (March 25-26, 2016)

It was Holy Thursday when we decided to stay at F1 Hotel in Bonifacio
Global City. Its my husband's curiosity of what this hotel offers and
because its just a stone throw away from his office.

Well for me, it is just an ordinary boutique hotel with the usual
amenities - small swimming pools, gym and lounge bar. 

Experienced the buffet breakfast at F All Day Dining restaurant - quite
no extra special.  

I think  the hotel should have an eye for details - clear and clean glass
windows, tiles, flooring, carpet and bed frame. These often times make
up the hotel's overall lasting impression to its staycationers.

The hotel's lobby with a good view of the city...

Our room with 2 double beds...

F All Day Dining Restaurant where we had our buffet breakfast...

At the Canary Lounge going to the pool area..

A good view of the city....

Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams (Aug. 22-23, 2015)

What an awesome panoramic view of the City of Dreams.

Thank God for The Family's sweet stay in one of the 5-star hotels in City
of Dreams - Nobu Hotel.  The Family had a satisfied yummy in the buffet
breakfast of Nobu restaurant.  My son enjoyed the nice and big swimming
pool and its Dream Play. How I wish we could go back to this place soon.

I blame it on the bad guy who stole my laptop for the very few pictures
that I shared on this post. 

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort(May 2, 2015)

Located between the boundary of San Pablo City and Tiaong Quezon, there
lies the scenic countryside resort - Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort.

I know that this is a super late post due to all The Family's pics were in
my stolen laptop, still can't miss posting this family's  quick getaway
to one great rural scenery.  I will just share with you the pics I uploaded
in FB.   

We availed the Day Tour which costs 1,400PHP/person (Fri-Sun & Holiday)
and includes welcome drink, carabao ride from the resort to the
registration area, buffet lunch in the waterfalls and outdoor recreational
facilities.  There is also a cultural show after lunch.

The Family enjoyed the buffet lunch with the water falls as the backdrop
and a cold spring water that flows in our feet.  However, it was a little
slippery because of the moss on the stones. So be extra careful or better
yet, walk barefooted.

We watched the cultural show after lunch, my son tried fishing and
what he enjoyed the most was the paddling a bamboo raft on lake
Labasin with his father.  Had a quick swimming in the pool, biking
and enjoyed the other free recreational facilities.
  
Super love the halo-halo also.

Aside from what we experienced, there is a lot of other attractions and
amenities like rural village tour, bird watching, museum and other
sports like basketball, tennis, billiards, etc.  It offers overnight accommodation
also.