It was a lazy Friday afternoon when I got bombarded with thrilling text messages from my ate slash friend, Jessa. This very cute woman asked me if I want to go to Batangas because her fine brother who was supposedly the one coming with her changed his plans at the last minute. The reservation is a waste if it would not be used so, she considered me and our other friend, Stiff to be her companions. Of course, I would love to! And guess what, so sweet of Ate Jessa for she also invited Dada having known that it is our monthsary that week. It made me more excited then! I do not usually tolerate this kind of unexpected game plans especially that I have a period. However, I miss my friends so bad already since I transferred jobs. I have nothing to do that Saturday and Sunday anyway since boyfie and I still haven't talked about any arrangements yet. Moreover, my wanderlust soul got triggered that it kept on whispering in my head. When I got home, I took the chance to ask my parents. That moment was kinda new because I have to give a short notice to them weeks before when going out, restrictively if overnight, but they said yes right away! Yay!!! I tell ya, mah 'rents have been very supportive! Mama kept on talking about the pieces of bread and fillings from the resort. Paps went here already as well and he made kwentos about his experiences that hyped me so much. Oh, yie-ah. Hooray for spontaneous friends and loving family! 💖 CLUB BALAI ISABEL Club Balai Isabel is a two-year residential resort community located at the very serene Talisay, Batangas. Made possible by the well-trusted Techno-Asia Construction & Development, Inc., they have established four-hectare private subdivision and nine-hectare resort with full amenities -- perfect for rest and recreation. Its position is next to the calming Taal Lake. Thus, to the smallest active volcano in the world, Mount Taal. Aside from its quick access to the ridge of Taal and yummy restaurants, Club Balai Isabel is more popularized because of its very own Aqua Park, an inflatable water park spotted in the waters of the lake. The management is constantly making an expansion for the betterment of Club Balai Isabel which indeed, gives comfort to the ones who want to escape the city living.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT Upon entering the vicinity of the club, the security guard would ask your reservation name. Then, he would radio it to the admins and let you in. This is one way on how the management handles the people coming in. This is also to know that there are visitors coming to the office. Agree? I guess so. So after a few walks, you would be headed to the office where you would be greeted by the friendly and approachable staff who are wearing Filipino dresses proud and loud. Like what I said, this is where you would pay the balance. The teller would then give a little orientation about the place and voila! You can go to your rooms after since you have the keys already or roam around since you already have the map of the club. While the check-out? Easy peasy! Go to the office and surrender the keys. That's just how it basically goes. THE ROOMS My squad had an overnight stay in Club Balai Isabel. I do not have any expectations for the rooms every time I am traveling. It is just a place to rest and sleep, eh? Well, that's just for me. But to be honest... The room is big enough that it features a small kitchen space and a veranda. It has a smart television and yes, you can bring your hard drives here if you want to watch your favorite movies or series. It has complimentary drinking water and coffee for the guests as well. THE ACTIVITIES There are a lot of things to do in Club Balai Isabel. You can exercise yet have fun at the same time by cycling around the whole resort, swimming in their big pools, trying water sports like jet skis, boating, and more. Would not forget to emphasize the very famous Aqua Park, of course! There are billiards, courts, and even a chapel inside. Aside from these, Club Balai Isabel is just perfect when you want to have some beautiful photos you want to keep forever. Its gardens and viewing decks (and actually the whole resort) are amazingly photogenic. You would enjoy here, I promise. THE FOOD The buffet breakfast is included in the price. You would find your sinangag, cereals, and other favorite morning meals here. The chef can also cook scrambled eggs and tomato-onion omelet in front of you. But do you know what, you would also enjoy dining in at Terraza Café and Restaurant, Isabel's Panaderia and Pizzeria, and Cafe Kumintang! No, I tell you, no -- Club Balai Isabel is not like the usual resort who sells expensive food. In fact, it is priced just right. You can have a hearty meal for as low as 150 pesos! So then, you would truly enjoy your stay here. Happy eyes, happy tummy, happy heart are all-in here in the club! Still feeling surreal as I make this blog post. I never thought I can ever have a spontaneous and happy weekend like this. It all started with a random invite and everything else came like a lightning. My mind is refreshed and my heart is grateful! It is super fun to spend time with people who suck the negatives out of you and refill it with sunshines, unicorns, and blooms. Glad I found the realest people in the world! TY&ILYSM, Ate Jessa, Stiff, and Dada! 'Til the next! 💖 Club Balai Isabel Fairways Drive, Talisay, Batangas http://www.balaiisabel.com/
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My beautiful grandmother cooked an all-time favorite Ilocano dish called Pinakbet last night. I then thought of Pangasinan. Especially our barrio, Villasis, the vegetable capital of Pang, who is celebrating the town fiesta for the whole month of January! How I wish I could go but, for now, I'll just greet everyone in my fatherland, a happy (happy, happy, happy) fiesta! Oooh, it brings me back to those amazing memories, as if they all just happen yesterday, always fresh in my mind. Gosh, so much feels! *kiligs* I am loyal to Villasis. Pros and cons, whatever, I super love this small kingdom! But... Recently, some time in June, I don't know what struck my brain that I pushed my itchy feet to go to one of the farthest towns in the province. No, it's not the usual Lingayen. Neither, the famous Alaminos. It is Bolinao, a hidden gem in the north. So happy I discovered a promising land within the prov and it became my favorite aside from my hometown. It truly made me say, Wow, Bolinao! Kasi totoo, sobrang linaw ang ganda ng Bolinao! THE PLACEBolinao is a paradisaical town on the west coast of Luzon islands, a first-class municipality in the province of Pangasinan. Same with the other provinces, they are proud to have hospitable locals, magnificent go-to's, and palatable dishes. Bolinao is a nice escape plan for those who want to unwind and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. I don't exactly know what that or this is, but this haven seriously has the magic that you'll definitely fall in love with.
When me and my boyfriend arrived in the bayan of Bolinao, it was St. James the Great Parish Church we first went into. Our hearts felt so good to step in here before anywhere else! We were just walking from the bus terminal, looking for some restaurants or eateries, when we saw this 1609 black coral-stoned church located in the center of the town. This historical marker, styled as a high renaissance tower, has survived series of both natural and man-made destructions. Yet you know what’s cooler? This is where the real first Catholic mass was celebrated! Amazeballs, right?!? The Pangasinan region is indeed popular for its numerous pristine and cerulean beaches. I think almost every town owns such treasures. Very gifted! And for Bolinao, they are ready to face the creamy white Patar Beach off to the others. Being situated on the western coast of the Philippine seas, it splashes big wonderful waves to the shore. This beach is open for everyone who wants to enjoy the crystal blue waters and if you want to stay here all day, no worries because there are nipa huts near the coastline. Whether it’s a bare sunbathing activity or just plain beaching, g, this is a perf place to be. Connected to Patar Beach is the quintessential Bolinao Rock Formation. This for me was the most enjoyable part of the trip! Since I started traveling, I found myself attracted to this art made by Mother Earth. I don’t know too but I really love rock formations! Maybe I’m a rock in my past life? Hahahahaha lol! This is the third rock formation I saw and each of them differs from one another. The Bolinao Rock Formation is like a miniature of Batanes’ fields and Catanduanes' point that gives a wide panoramic scene of the calming West Philippine Sea. Rugged terrains and blanca sand on the opposite ends, plus overlooking the entire Bolinao are one of the best sights I ever saw. Wow! As in, wow. One famous tourist spot in the township is the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Since it is known, some people who went or going to Ilocos make this site as their side trip. Some couples also choose to have their pre-nuptial here because of its dramatic feels. Yaaas, we saw one so we felt like having a photoshoot too. Haha! An edifice for more than ten decades already, the municipality of Pangasinan wanted to protect this legendary landmark. It is one of the main lighthouses in the Philippines, guiding ships and vessels who pass the sea area. A concrete architecture with a useful function it is! So grateful I ticked another ancient locus off my bucket list! Oh, Enchanted Cave! As its name suggests, it really is enchanted -- very enchanting, to be honest. The cave is found in the middle of a green area which is truly wonderful; it would take your heart away. I’m claustrophobic, but I've been trying to fight with this fear. The cave has a clear-watered pool. You can mirror your reflection, that’s how clear it is! But don’t be so enchanted to jump immediately as the water conceals its true depth. Some areas of the pool are as deep as six feet. Again, reminder not to be carried away, denotative and connotative, too much, okay? Seriously now though and enough with the hugot lines... Main attraction aside, the trail offers many activities inside. My fave? Lying on the swings attached to the trees and just feeling the nature around you! SML, ahh! About 20 kilometers from the town proper of Bolinao is another wonder of nature, the Bolinao Falls. These three falls can be found in the area between Patar Beach and National Highway. As roads linking to the falls are still not modernized, you must be prepared to endure a few kilometers of rough road to reach the breathtaking view. After paying the entrance fee for maintenance, the guide would lead a short walk until you reach your chosen emerald green Bolinao Falls. Ours was the third because it was suggested to be the nearest and it was already raining and we need to go home that afternoon so, that. But the falls are truly worth it, I tell you! Still unspoiled and clean, you can directly swim with the fishes. The freshwater may be a little cold but geez, very refreshing! There are cottages available on the side which can be used for picnics; also life jackets for your safety. TIP: If you are following a DIY itinerary, no need to worry about transferring from one place to another as renting a tricycle in Bolinao can be a good help to you. The drivers could also be your tourist guides aside from driving you around the town. Since some of the roads are still under construction, tricycles may be the best mode of transportation. Example: the route going to Bolinao Falls -- of course, you would never want to skip this emerald just because your wheels got off, right? More so, talking to the locals can give you a better adventure. It's uplifting to the spirit! You’ll know what I’m talking about once you did try this suggestion :) Suggested Travel and ToursIf you want a more budgeted and more convenient trip to Bolinao, I would recommend the most awarded travel and tour company in the Philippines for 2016 and 2017: Xtreme Evolution Travel and Tour Corporation. This trusted company is a great partner for your next travel goals this 2018. Domestic or international tours? They cater both! No need to stress in booking anymore because these pros would always be ready to provide the best wanderlust services you need. Standing by its name, of course, the group features extreme packages! Xtreme Evolution offers all-in, as in everything -- from the itinerary, transfers, and accommodation services -- so rest assured you are in good hands (and even the greatest actually)! Gotta love them because they now include photographers in every tour. Meaning, you do not need to worry for your shots because they would take care of it for you. Whether you are a solo traveler or with a group of friends, isn't this perfect? Additional points for your Instagram feed and your new Facebook profile picture, yes? Yes! Moreover, if you are interested to have your own travel agency, they also offer the most affordable franchise for only PhP 2,500. It is their starter package with no load wallet needed! Seems surreal but swear, this is legit!!! Of all the places I've been to, this is my most loved travel ever! Yet. Bolinao is just beyond words. This is where I loved the light of the sun touching my skin, the pristine waterfalls making sounds to my ears, the waves of the ocean smelling like fine salt, the postcard kind of views rocking my bizarre eyes. Everything is wonderful that I want to stay here and never go back. Pangasinan really makes one feel at home -- it will always be my home. 💖
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THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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