Kalinawan Cave and Daranak Falls

This trip was irresistible for one main reason - the estimated expenses was only P250. Besides, it was summer, I had nowhere to go and I was dying to take a dip somewhere.

I Left My Heart in Calaguas

This awful picture doesn't give justice to how white and powdery the sand is.

I have long lusted over stories of Calaguas from friends who have been there. Their stories sound like cliches from a tourism pamphlet and told of a long stretch of powdery white sand, crystal clear waters, a paradise. Having been there myself, I couldn't agree agree less.

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.

Sleazy Afternoon at Burot Beach

Burot Beach is a humble, secluded but nonetheless famous (at least to backpackers) beach in Calatagan, Batangas. How I got there - and more importantly - how I got started with traveling [and this blog!] - I think, is also worth mentioning. To cut the long story shot, I was a grad student sealed in the room (aka prison cell) I was renting in Katipunan. The prison cell opens only when I have to go to class or get some food to eat. It took me two years to realize that I wasn't supposed to be living life this way, wasting the prime years of my life as a young adult as a sedentary hermit. I joined a group in facebook called Pinoy Travel Addicts, and posted a comment on one of the invitations to Burot Beach. The rest is history.