Hundred Islands

Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan is one of the iconic attractions of the Philippines. This national park is one of the wonders of nature. With its 124 (others say it's 123) islands, it is a wonderful place for seeing nature, for boating, swimming, snorkeling and for diving.

Since it is our first time together to visit Hundred Islands and I might not know the road going there, TJ and I decided to go to Alaminos aboard a regular Victory Liner Bus. It took us about 3 hours. From the bus terminal, we rode a tricycle bound for the Lucap Wharf which is only around 10 minutes ride. The tricycle driver was offering us a place to stay and has introduced us to the landlady upon arrival. The old lady offered us a house with 3 rooms, kitchen, living room and T&B. Since we can cook using the things in the house, we took the offer. The offer was quite expensive but since it was walking distance to the Wharf and that we won't have to look for a place to eat, we took the offer.

We went around the area on our first day there to check out what

we can see. There was really not much. We were not in the mood for going further than a kilometer radius that afternoon. We went to the wharf to check how we can go island hopping the next day. We also ate halo-halo where souvenirs were sold. The souvenirs, as expected, were very expensive. TJ and I bought shirts (just for us!) since the other items we saw there were not really that interesting.

Well, at least not for us!

On Day 2. TJ and I left the house early so we can go island hopping. It was his birthday gift for me! When we arrived at the wharf, our landlady was already there talking to the boat guy. We were asked to choose between a small boat and a big one. TJ chose the big one since it is motorized and he said it looks safer than the small boat. We had a great time hopping from one island to another.

Though we were able to drop by some of the islands, we were not really that lucky to set foot on the other islands due to the high tide that time. I was lucky enough to check the giant clams or taklobos to the locals. Since boats are not allowed near that area, I had to snorkel several meters away. It was quite tiring considering that the water was not that friendly that day, plus, I didn't have flippers that would have made it easier for me. Nonetheless, once I got into that area where they had the giant clams, it was all worth it!

We just went around a little more until we decided that it was time to go back to prepare for our trip back home. When we reached that area several meters away from the wharf where the boat man left us, we got into a conversation with a local. He said that he is also from Baguio but he lives in Alaminos for his

business. He asked us how much we were charged for the boat ride and for the accommodation, and he was really surprised when we told him. But guess what? We were more surprised than he was when he told us how much he would have charged us. He gave us a quotation which was MORE THAN HALF of how much we had to pay for the lodging and for the boat ride. I felt blood rush to my head and I suddenly felt furious. But then, it was too late to regret our decisions the day before. Anyway, he also told us that the next time we should go there, we will have to look for him. That, we will surely do!

Surfing in San Juan

San Juan, La Union is very close to my heart. My father is from this place. When I was younger, I would spend most of my summer vacations in San Juan.

One of the things I used to do was surfing. That was until I was not so physically fit to surf anymore. Though I do not surf anymore (I have intentions of losing weight to surf again), TJ and I frequently go to the surfing area of San Juan to meet up with our friends and acquaintances.

--- Me and Session Road's Vocalist, Hannah (she was my classmate in high school)

Unlike Siargao, the famous surfing capital of the south, it is easily accessible and the resorts in the area are suited for budget travelers. Best season to enjoy perfect waves is between July and February or a week after a strong typhoon. It’s also suited for beginners as swell size starts at less than one meter. The coast here also has a sandy bottom and on a good day, wave length is at 50 -150m.

The eight-kilometer beach that expands from the towns of Urbiztondo to Ili Norte (my dad's side is from Ili Norte!) in the Municipality of San Juan has undeniably become the surfing heart of La Union. This expanse is also one reason why the Urbiztondo-Ili Norte stretch has become the preferred venue for the annual surfing event.

While trotting the shores of the surf camp, you might see Luke Landrigan. He is a Filipino-Australian professional surfer who was born in Australia and raised in San Juan. I have known him since I was in high school. He owns and manages Billabong Surf School in San Juan. His family also owns San Juan Surf Resort. You might have seen him in magazines and billboards before though. Or, you might have seen him in one of the latest advertisements of McDonald's. If you are lucky, he might just be your surf instructor!

Surf boards are for rent in the area. Prices range from Php200 to Php800. Discounts? Well, sure! But not everybody gets lucky you know. Most of the instructors collect Php200 fee for an hour of surfing lessons.

There are many resorts within the area. Prices range from Php400 to Php24,900 a night. Within this area in Urbiztondo, you may choose from the following: Sebay Surf Resort and Entertainment Center, The Little Surfmaid Resort, San Juan Surf Resort, and Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa. For other places to stay, while in San Juan, wait for my next few blogs.

Finally... A Blog for our Travels...

Having been a blogger for several years now, I have always been wanting to create a separate blog for our travels. However, since time has always been a constraint, I was not really able to do so. But earlier today I thought that it was about time for me to create a blog for me and my dearest TJ.