Hundred Islands National Park

It's my first time to visit the Hundred Islands National Park and when I saw it, I can't find words to describe it.  It's indeed a Paradise by a Hundred.

A relative just arrived from the US and we were invited to join them as they explore Hundred Islands. Without hesitation we packed our things and traveled seven hours all the way to Bacnotan, La Union.

In a beautiful morning, we comfortably traveled almost two hours from Bacnotan to Alaminos for the planned island hopping.

This Paradise compose of 123 Islands and we were able to see three; Governor's Island, Quezon Island and Children's Island were we stayed for lunch and had a scrumptious lunch. 

 Giant Clam and Coral Garden

                                                          Arrival at Governor's Island

Hundred Islands is one of the top tourist destination located at Alaminos City, Pangasinan.One of the perfect family get-away from the busy life in the city. Located in Barangay Lucap, Alaminos Pangasinan about 250 kms from Manila. 

The Marcos Island is my favorite of the islands I've seen.

My travel companion, Grace obviously enjoyed the awesome view.

 Imelda Cave

 The Big Brother House

 Imelda Cave

 Don't forget to explore the caves and take pictures

 Children's Island

The Marcos Island

My To do List at Hundred Islands:

• Island Hopping
• Take pictures 
• Swim on cold water
• Check the fine and white sand
• Snorkel and see Giant Clams
• Jump at Imelda Cave - unfortunately was not able to do it
• Kayak around the Island
• Watch sunrise at Lucap Wharf
• Take photos of wild duck
• Food trip : 
• Alaminos Boneless Bangus
• fruits which are available along the way
• kakanin like biko which we had during the trip. 

I suggest you bring a bottle of drinking water so you won't need to buy them upon arrival at the island. Use your Pashmina, bandanas, hats, umbrella and shades while hopping around and wear a comfortable and light clothes and foot wear. Finally, never forget to bring extra batteries for your camera or you'll regret it not taking the breath-taking view of Hundred Islands. 

Enjoy the trip! 

Special thanks to the people who invited us and for their warm accommodation. I personally had a great time. It will be cherished and remembered for the rest of my life. 

Going there:

Public:   Take Victory Liner Bus from Manila to Alaminos, Pangasinan about 5 1/2 hrs

Private: About 4 hrs from Manila via Camiling, Tarlac.

For more info visit Alaminos Tourism Board.

Baguio's Panagbenga Festival

Ang Panagbenga Festival ay kilala rin sa tawag na "Baguio Flower Festival", ito ay isa sa pamoso at kilalang selebrasyon sa Pilipinas.

It is a month-long flower celebration  in Baguio City, the festival held during the month of February. Highlights of the celebration includes Flower Festival Parade, Fluvial Parade, Session Road in Bloom, Abanao Nights, Market Encounter - flea market, Grand Float & Grand Street Parade. The Panagbenga will have visitors and participants enjoy the multiple float and flower parade, street dancing & band competitions.

When you visit Baguio, don't forget to go on a " Food Trip " !

• Strawberries, Sagada Oranges
• Benguet Coffee
• Strawberry Taho
• Chicken Barbeque
• Peanut Brittle, Lengua de Gato, Strawberry Jam, Ube Jam
• Boneless Bangus
• Fresh Salad

Come and visit the City of Pines!

The Best Fish & Chips in Town?

I was thinking where to celebrate my mom's birthday. I heard that Fish & Co offers the Best Fish and Chips in Town & my mom wants to try, so we headed to Trinoma branch on a Saturday afternoon. We had fish, pork, pasta and pizza. 

Kids Pizza (Php 220) generous in cheese with fresh tomatoes on top of it! Unlike usual crust pizzas, kid's  pizza is made of croissant. Kids and adults love it! Kid's Pizza served with bottomless drink.

For pasta, we ordered Mussels Penne in  Garlic Cream Sauce (Php360). Mouthwatering pasta perfectly cooked in Garlic Cream Sauce and big Mussels topped with cheese.

Fish & Co's best seller, the "Best Fish and Chips in Town" (Php 4++). For me its not an ordinary fish fillet, not oily, not too salty. The fries are little bit chilly & crunchy, it goes well with the fish. For the dip, they will serve Jalapeno, Garlic and Mayo.

" There's Meat In Our Name" - Grilled Porkchop Basilico w/Steamed Veggie (Php 5++), another Fish & Co's specialty. Served with seafood rice, topped with fresh tomatoes and onions. So flavorful and tender. Serving is good for 2-3 persons.

We would like to thank Fish & Co for the complimentary "Hot Fudge Cake " they served for my mom. 

For the drinks, we had Bottomless Ice Tea @ Php 100.
Other beverages available are Lemonade, Dalandan, Strawberry Lemonade & Strawberry Ice Tea.

Fish & Co offers variety of food selection you'll surely get hooked!

Estimated Budget: Php 500/meal

Fish & Co Branches:

4/F Trinoma Mall, EDSA cor. North Ave.

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 916-2028

G/F Entertainment Mall, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia

Pasay City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 556-0683

G/F Streetscape, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd.

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 910-2140 to 42

3/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St., Ayala Center

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 729-7431 to 32

Sta Monica De Garay, Barasoain Church in Malolos & St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Bacnotan La Union

Sta Monica De Garay

Aside from white-sand beaches, must-climb mountains, and local food products, Philippine churches are also a must see when planning to visit the country. Here in the Philippines, every province has been recognized  with beautiful, unique and historical churches and religious landmarks. 

Our country has numerous historical and beautiful churches. Barasoain Church (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish) in Malolos is one of the famous church, a National Historical Landmark built in 1630, earned the title " Cradle of Democracy in the East".

Every time we go in a vacation isn't it that we are looking for the nearest Church or Shrine? I personally love visiting old churches and shrines every time I go on a trip or just dropping by any new and unfamiliar places.

Barasoain Church in Malolos City built in 1630 in Malolos City, Bulacan.

Sta Monica De Garay Interior

Sta Monica De Angat, Angat Bulacan - its interior replicates the famous Sistine Chapel, it is said to be one of the oldest churches in the Province and one of the most beautiful in the Philippines. 

Below are photos of the old St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Bacnotan, La Union. I was lucky to see and hear mass in this old church when I visit the house of my grandfather. Just in front of it is the Bacnotan Town Center and Town Plaza.