2015 Highlights

The year 2015 came by really fast. Due to busy schedules and task-overload, it seems as if this year just happened in the blink of an eye. But despite that, I tried to make the most out of the rare and little breaks that I've had for the entire year.

1. Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

This was my first summer adventure for the year 2015. Burot Beach is the typical 3-hour travel from the city. It is owned and being maintained by SM Group of Companies for public use given that they pay a certain fee. The area is very secluded. We had to use Waze to get to the beach. The sand was cream white, but it wasn't as fine as the ones we see in Boracay. But despite that, it's still a beautiful place. Nothing can beat the serenity this place holds.

FEES:

Entrance

Day Trip - Php65

Overnight Stay - Php130

2. Mt. Pulag, Benguet

Challenging. That's one word to describe the whole trip. Mount Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mount Dulang-Dulang and Mount Apo. It has an elevation of 2922 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest peak in Luzon. It was a long trip. We travelled to Baguio and rode a jeepney for about two hours to get to Benguet, and trust me, it wasn't a pleasing ride. We slept in tents, and covered ourselves in about 5 layers of clothes. It wasn't comfortable especially knowing that we, Filipinos, are used to the hot and sunny weather we have in the country. But even after the extremely difficult situation, the view was priceless. It felt like heaven. My words cannot even give justice.

3. Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas

I've never heard of this island until my friend told me about it. Little did I know that Fortune Island would turn out to be one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. The sand was white, and the water was crystal clear. Unlike other beaches, this one has a "mini Acropolis" nearby. It's the perfect place to unwind and just relax. During the time that we went there, a couple was having their prenup shoot. Also, there's a cliff diving spot. It had various cliffs, so for those who have a fear of heights but still want to try it out, you can go for the lower spots.

4. Cebu

Four days weren't enough. Despite the urban area, there are still many tourist spots in Cebu. From dropping our prayers in Simala Church, swimming with the whale-sharks in Oslob, having dinner at the La Vie Parisienne, visiting the Magellan's Cross to canyoneering in Kawasan Falls. With these exciting activities, it seemed like the only purpose of our hotel room was for us to have a place to sleep in. It was easy to travel to different areas because there were many public transportation vehicles.

5. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

It took us eight hours via road travel to get to Daet, Camarines Norte, and another three hours via pump boat to get to Calaguas Island. If you were to ask me, the boat ride was dreadful. If there's one reason why I wouldn't come back, it would be because of the boat ride. We were twelve people in a small pump boat, so we felt every single wave that went against us. But the moment I set my foot on the beach, all the negativity goes away. It was actually worth it. The calm and quiet beach makes you want to stay there for a longer time. There's no connection on the island itself, but on the peak of a nearby mountain, you can find signal. But just a tip, disconnect yourself from your daily life and technology. That way, the place becomes even more meaningful to you.