Tips and Thoughts on Traveling by 2Go Ferry

It's only recently that I learned that Super Ferry, Negros Navigation and a couple of other shipping lines merged into what is now known as 2Go Travels. Anyway my very first tip is, as much as possible, don't take a ferry. The trip is boring and more expensive than if you are taking a budget plane ticket. Always keep an eye of promo tickets, especially on yearly scheduled travels.

Manila to Mindanao: A Long, Winding and Boring Journey

Nothing sets me into a contemplative mood than long travels. I took a ferry from Manila to Cagayan de Oro (CDO), where for three days and two nights there wasn't anything much to entertain me other than my own, random thoughts on love, marriage, travelling - life in general - also politics, life on Mars, the RH bill and many other unrelated sh*t.

An Unexpected Gala at Rizal Park (Luneta) and National Museum

It's a shame that I've lived in Manila for years and yet I've never set foot on Luneta. I'm glad I finally had time to visit the place during the holidays.

The park is divided into two areas by a highway. The western side facing Manila Bay is where the Rizal Monument stands. I decided to explore the eastern side first, which is where the statue of Lapu-Lapu is located. The area is flanked between two buildings - the Department of Tourism and the National Museum. The guard explained that the National Museum actually consists of three buildings - the one inside Luneta is called the Museum of the Filipino People and features historical and archaeological artifacts. The other one, which is a short walking distance away, is the more familiar building that we seen from LRT - the National Art Gallery. Third one is a planetarium located at the western side of Luneta. I knew that The National Art Gallery houses the famous Spoliarium by Juan Luna, which got me excited.

Pico de Loro: First Climb Fail

There's something with being unable to reach the summit after having trekked and endured the trail for hours. The feeling of heartbreak is the only thing that comes close. I stood at the foot of the famous Parrot's Beak, made a quick ascent by working my way to the first boulders that I had to step on. I haven't even reached the where the rope was (supposedly used for rappelling) when fear began to creep in. I decided, I had to back out.

Stargazing at Mt. Batulao

When a childhood dream doesn't get fulfilled, it often becomes an adult's frustration. I still have quite a number of unfulfilled frustrations on my list - visit any of the Disneylands for example - but let me tell you one that I have accomplished recently - in excess!: I watched a freakin’ meteor shower.

Last night, I ran out of wishes as stars - actually meteorites - fell from the skies like a soft drizzle form an imminent rain. Picture this: I laid out my tent on the ground - I was too lazy to set it up and I thought it would serve a great mat. I cuddled myself myself like a spring roll inside my warm and comfy sleeping bag. I lied down, facing the sky. The sky is dotted by uncountable stars – I don’t remember seeing this many stars before. With my viewing deck completely set, I waited for the anticipated meteor shower. I wasn't in some fancy observatory though. My naked eyes were treated with a great show at Mt. Batulao. Hayahay ang buhay!

Tipid na Chilax Mode at Kwebang Lampas (Puting Buhangin), Quezon

Our trip at Pagbilao, Quezon's Kwebang Lampas beach is the supposed beginning of my planned one month hiatus from hiking - and supposedly, to give my clicky knees some time to heal, and to "diversify" my travels. This scenic white sand beach is enclosed by two rocky cliffs, both of which may be explored. The water is amazingly clear and the sand is powdery in some areas. A number of spots are infested with sea urchins, which stung Allan early on. This made us extremely careful for the rest of the day - we even resorted to swimming with sandals on.