I am fortunate to be invited at the prelude to the 18th Grand Wine Experience of Philippine Wine Merchants. There are variety of wines, whisky and beers with sumptuous dinner that compliments with every taste of it. I am only familiar with some brand of red wine and sparkling wines that are available in the supermarket to be honest but there are actually a lot more you that you can try. Here are some of them.
We started with Chilean Wines
Carmenere is best paired with smoked, grilled or roasted meats, pork, chicken and beef. It also matches perfectly with some spicy dishes and strong, hard cheeses.
There’s an interesting story why this one is called Casillero del Diablo or Devil’s LockerOne of the speaker – Mr. Ryan AsiddaoMy new love – Montes Classic MerlotI’m not really into whisky because it’s too hard for me – this contains 40% alcohol. Some of my friends preferred this than beer.Singleton also contains 40% alcohol. You will notice toasted nuts and sweet brown sugar in the aroma. It lingers in your mouth because of its medium to long finish. Sumisipa talaga!Stella Artois was originally brewed as special beer holday. It then became available throughout the year because it’s so good. By the way Stella means Star.
Mr. Chester taught us how to pour the beer into the glass
Hoegaarden White Ale – best paired with salmon or fish in citrus. It only contains 4.9% alcohol, lesser than our local beer.Hoegaarden Rosee – is my new favorite beer with just 3% alcohol content meaning you can enjoy this beer anytime of the day. Maybe my beer under the sun. Now I can’t wait to hit the beach.Picture with Ms. Normita Franco Wang and other bloggers, thank you PWM for inviting us.
Guys, here’s the invitation to the 18th Grand Wine Experience. Indulge in over 500 wines, spirits, beers and sakes with dinner buffet for only P6,000 per ticket. This will on November 16, 2018 at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila from 5pm onwards. Once you get the ticket you may register online in advance for easy access, just visit http://www.grandwineexperience.com
Hi guys, as promise to be more active and masipag. Here’s another blog during our recent trip to Zamboanga del Norte last February 24, 2018. To get here, from Dipolog terminal take a mini-bus going to Dapitan City and tell the driver/conductor that you’re going to Rizal Shrine and they’ll be glad to assist you.
Map for your guideBilog na bahay
Square HouseRizal MuseumCasitas de SaludCentury old tree that Rizal planted
It was just a short visit about an hour or two then we went to Gloria’s Fantasyland which is near this place. Here is our expenses, it really depends on your lifestyle from the food you eat to your choice of transportation. Hope this helps.
Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City
Tryk to Dipolog terminal from hostel
8.00
Bus to Dapitan (Ordinary)
20.00
Tryk to Rizal Shrine
40.00
Entrance at Rizal Shrine – FREE
–
Tryk to Gloria’s Fanstasyland
40.00
Entrance to Gloria’s – FREE
–
Dinner (depends on your budget)
–
Tryk to terminal going back to Dipolog
40.00
Tryk going back to Dipolog / Hostel
(it’s already past 11pm, we opted to take a tricycle for P150 for 3 pax)
Hello guysh! I’ve been to Bataan for nth times already but in Bagac area only especially Stella Mariz Resort (our favorite beach near Manila). After taking vitamin sea there we went straight to Sisiman Bay in Mariveles Bataan to catch the sunset the following day. We got here via car sorry I don’t know how if commute but there are detailed blogs going here.
Here are the photos of our trip. Credits to our photographer friends, it looked like taken in the other country sabi sa IG comments ^__^
If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway near Manila I would suggest an overnight beach camping in Bagac and then the following day head to Sisiman Port in Mariveles Bataan. If you are adventurous enough you can also do trekking there. No entrance fee and you can do pictorial without payment. There are kids that would offer their service to be your guide but actually you don’t need one. It’s so accessible from the parking area, maybe you can ask one of the kids to check out your car for safety reason. Check out my post on Instagram for more travel pictures. Thank you guysh I’ll try to post more. xoxo
Some of the things that we missed during childhood is to celebrate birthday at school so I organized a #BackToSchool birthday theme for my good friends Alex and Sam who both celebrated their birthday this July. Originally the plan was a slumber party but something’s came up so we changed the theme a week before. It’s one of the things I really enjoyed doing – organizing an event slash party so I’m thankful to my friends who trusted me.
Location was Primemont Science School– a private school in Marikina where Sam also teaches preschool kids. We used their room for our venue, it was perfect for the theme. Here are the pictures taken – credits to William and Sam, I just did minimal editing thru VSCO app.
Preparations:
I prepared for cupcakes with toppers that are suited to the theme. Example for this occasion I chose alphabet toppers – I just googled printable toppers and then cut it one by one. There are available cupcake toppers in the market but mostly for children’s party like fairy tale or superhero theme. I prefer personalize stuff like this. I used whattatops cupcakes here or you can also make one with frosting – it’s really up to you. This party is budget friendly. I also printed their picture as topper – see below picture. Sam and Alex were really surprised and they loved it!
Happy birthday Alex!
Next is the DIY candy corner, bought candies that we used to eat during our childhood days, these are still available up to now in the market. How nice it is, it brings back the memories! Do you agree?
Only 80’s kids know these foods 😀
DIY photo booth – Sam prepared colorful crepe paper as backdrop then we brought props like shades and headband. Of course we have Instax too by Emzi.
Classroom set up – I forgot to take picture because I’m so busy with other stuff but this is how the room looks like. We have tables and chairs (for kids) with small balloons.
Games– we played #Guesstures we asked them to group into two. It’s like charades guys and of course another game was #BringMe we listed 10 items can be found in the room and gave them 2 minutes to complete them all. Btw Emzi and I hosted the program.
Lunch – our foods were prepared by the celebrant and cakes were from KO, Brian and Flip
Outfit – asked them to come with their school uniform. Meet the students
Class Picture ❤
Happy birthday Sam and Alex from your IG family!
Thank you to these people who made the event possible. Thank you your time until our next celebration of life and friendship. xoxo
Celebrants: Alex and Sam
Date held: July 16, 2017
Venue: Primemont Science School, Parang Marikina
Guests: William, Gary, Gapz, Yoyce, Ivy, Emzi, Ron Villablanca, Lenz, Karl Olivier, Brian, Flip and Ron Marasigan, Daryl, Ken and me of course 😉
Posting photos of our last visit at our favorite beach destination near Manila – Stella Mariz Resort in Bagac Bataan. it’s actually our 4th time here, this time was to celebrate Dude’s birthday. Pictures taken by William (IG: @willianism09) using iPhone 7, my edit.
Note: Competitive kami sa pictorial so dapat ready sa theme lol. Here we go….
Sibling goalHis & Her FiercenessHappiness ❤We take pictures seriously 😀Happy birthday Gary! The cake all the way from Manila 😀Sorry for posting your picture without permission haha
Romblon is known as the marble capital of the Philippines. It is composed of three islands -Tablas Island the largest, Sibuyan Island where the Mt. Guiting Guiting is found and the smallest island the Romblon Romblon. I have completely visited MIMAROPA or Region 4-B (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) yey!
How we got there:
We planned this trip last January and set the date to March 25-27. We took 2go travel going to Romblon, Romblon, please check the schedule here http://travel.2go.com.ph/index.asp The prices vary on the type of accommodation. We got the cheapest one, the super value class (non aircon, no meal but with insurance) since it’s just an overnight trip from 10pm to 6am only.
We left Buendia Pasay terminal (via Ceres transport) at 2pm going to Batangas port, travel time is 3-4 hours depending on the traffic. Paid for terminal fee and ate the famous Batangas lomi while waiting for boarding at the back of departure area or terminal. You can ask around where it is located. You have to be at the port 3 hours before departure time. We then checked in and waited to be called for boarding. We left Batangas port at exactly 10pm, here is our humble accommodation. Free linen but you have to ask for it just show your ticket and ID.
Nice diba?Mandatory turista group shot using iPhone 7 plus!
Kuya Dan fetched us in the port and took us to our resort 30 minutes away from the town. It was a quiet and relaxing place recommended by our friend Juniel who went there before us. The accommodation is P1,200 per night (kubo, fan room without breakfast) and guess what we are six in the group and got only one room lol.
Lamao Beach Resort – you may contact Ate Gina the caretaker at 0948-4138079 to reserve a room and contact driver for the tour and hatid-sundo. The staffs are very warm and accommodating, we were treated like princes and princesses. Highly recommended!
Lamao Beach ResortThe cheapest resort accommodation I had plus the magnificent viewSo relaxing hereOh how I miss this place ❤Sunset is always beautiful wherever you are
Tiamban Beach – there’s an entrance fee of P40 for adults. We asked Ate Gina to prepare for our lunch here.
My cute Jojo – he loves to travel like me. Romblon is his 6th province since he arrived in the Phils how cool is that? hahahaTiamban beach Photo credits to idol Wil (IG: @willianism09)On the way to Bonbon Beach – here’s my friend Ivy (IG: @herescape_) posing heheParadise ❤Can’t help falling in love ❤
Bonbon Beach – the easiest way to get here is already closed because it is private property so we had to go to Tiamban Beach and walk all the way here. It was all worth it the beach and sandbar is very beautiful and crystal clear water.
Photo by idol WilThe sandbar by idol wil ❤Photo by Idol Wil Mandatory groupie shot by Kuya Dan our guide
Meanwhile, back in the resort.
Gopro shot by Idol WilEnjoying the pool – shot by idol WilSunset session facing Bicol region
Fuerza San Andres – it is more than 100 steps to get here I suggest you go here early in the morning for exercise lol
Jojo showing you how small this island isThe walls are for #ootd shot – here’s Ivy
The reward
The Town – it’s a small town where the souvenirs, church and school is located.
We booked our flight back to Manila. We went to Tablas island on our last day to catch our flight back to Manila via Cebu Pacific. For other questions fee free leave comments or visit my Instagram account (@wheresjoanne). Thank you awesome travel mates for the company and stunning pictures. Until our next!
Hello guys, if you are planning to visit Kalanggaman Island from Tacloban City here’s the rate of the boat from Palompon Leyte Eco-tourism office. You may book/reserve in advance just contact Archie. Updated as of January 31, 2017.
How to get there:
Book a flight to Tacloban City
Take a van direct to Palompon Leyte
Or cutting trip via Ormoc and then another ride to Palompon
Travel time is 3-4hours
Head to Eco-tourism office to book for a boat. There’s an open cottage and tent for rent if you are staying overnight.
Sharing our experience through these photos. Kalanggaman island is part of my top 10 beaches in the Philippines you should go and check out for yourself.
On the other part of the island there’s a private resort that soon to open. They already accept guest even they are not fully operational. Just contact Jojo Yu at 0917-3212598 to inquire rates.
Camera used are Samsung Galaxy S6 and gopro for wide angle shots -those are not drone shots. Thank you to my awesome friends and travel buddies for my cool pictures. Feel free to ask if you have questions.
Hi guys! It’s time to update my blog. I just came from a recent trip to Samar and Leyte provinces. I actually visited some of the provinces last year but wasn’t able to post. I don’t know I’m just so lazy last year LOL. If you are into PH81 project this blog might give you an idea or at least could help you plan your next travel to Eastern Visayas. Oh by the way I just finished Region 8 yay!
Planning
All my flights are cheap, if you are into budget travelling like me, piso (P1) sale is the best way to save money. It’s cheap also if you are travelling with a group. Anyway we booked our tickets last May 2016 and we got it for only P600+ round trip. Once your flight is confirmed, start saving for food, transportation, accommodation etc. Then do some research about the place you are going to visit.
EASTERN SAMAR
First stop is my 45th province which is Eastern Samar. Honestly, I can’t think of a tourist spot here good thing someone from Instagram followed me, his name is Bryan (@discover_lawaan) he offers tour to the beautiful waterfalls of Lawaan. I contacted him and connect on social media until the day we went there.
How do we got here: ride a van going to Guiuan (Giwan) fare is P160 about two hours travel time. Tell the driver to drop you off Lawaan church. Make sure to contact Bryan (0927-223-4795) in advance for any help you need. He’s very nice and accommodating.
Amandaraga Falls photo by @dudeinorangePange Falls by @robellejoyce
Trekked for more than a hour to get to Amandaraga Falls, the trail is easy but muddy because it was raining. Make sure you bring extra plastic to protect your gadgets and stuff. Spent an hour taking pictures then another 30-45 minutes to the second falls – Pange Falls. There are locals when we arrived and caught kiddos cliff diving. I just can’t do that so I just watched them haha.
Thank you Bryan and Alfred for touring us.
SOUTHERN LEYTE
Next stop is Southern Leyte – we could have explored Maasin but there’s no enough time so we decided to visit the tallest bridge in the Philippines the Agas-Agas Bridge in Brgy Kahupian, Sogod.
How do we got here: Went to Duptuors van terminal and took the earliest trip (05:30am) to Maasin, we reserved seats a day before, fare is P180. After almost two hours we alighted Mahaplag crossing and hired a habal-habal going to Agas-Agas bridge. The rate is P200 per person two-way and approximately 45-minutes to one hour travel time. Another activity you could try here is zipline or cable car but it is not operational anymore due to some political reasons.
Here are my friends Wil, Alex and Gary in the habal-habal.
Foggy effect that adds drama to the photos
This bridge height is approximately 292ft. Photo taken by @willianism09The birth place of ka-DDS
LEYTE
After spending half day in Agas-Agas bridge, we went back to Mahaplag where we took another van going to Inopacan Leyte. Our itinerary includes island hopping to Cuatro Islas (four islands) in Leyte. The locals are so nice they helped us get a ride direct to Inopacan, fare is P100 each. We had lunch first in a carinderia and proceed to the local tourism of Inopacan where we rented a boat and settled other fees. Boat for overnight is P3,500 plus P60 each for environmental fee and LGU fee.
How about some dirty ice cream while waiting for the boat? Say Hi to my Jojo
First stop is Digyo Island where we stayed overnight. The cottage rate is P500 good for 5-6 persons.
Swimmies from Cinderella
Next destination is supposedly Apid island but we opted not to explore the place because nothing much to see plus there’s a community already so expect garbage etc. We then proceed to the third island on the tour – Mahaba Island. It is a private island but you can still go here. We were advised not to stay long so we didn’t really explored the whole area. Please give a donation to the caretaker.
Mahaba IslandSwimmies from CinderellaBye Mahaba Island
We stayed in the island for like 30 minutes only and went back to the mainland. There’s a public toilet where you can make banlaw – free of charge. After finalizing everything we had a quick lunch and prepared for another van ride going to Palompon. We’re going to another island again and that’s on my next post – Kalanggaman Island.
Special thanks to friends who took my photos. Comment below if you need a copy of the complete itinerary and expenses or message me on Instagram @wheresjoanne
If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway near Manila I would suggest an overnight beach camping in Bagac and then the following day head to Sisiman Port in Mariveles Bataan. If you are adventurous enough you can also do trekking there. No entrance fee and you can do pictorial without payment. There are kids that would offer their service to be your guide but actually you don’t need one. It’s so accessible from the parking area, maybe you can ask one of the kids to check out your car for safety reason. Check out my post on Instagram for more travel pictures. Thank you guysh I’ll try to post more. xoxo
Where's Joanne? 