National Heroes Day Motorcycle Tour

My life as a traveler will not be complete 

if I am not going to travel. 

But my other passion in life (teaching) occupies most of my time. Do not get me wrong. I am not complaining. I simply love teaching in college. And in order to maximize for the lost time and opportunity for my craves to travel, I write all the holidays and special non-working days in a school year and plan ahead of time. And this tour was planned ahead of time. 

The original plan was to go to San Juan, Batangas and see the Old Pinagbayanan Church and Naambon Falls. But I had to change the plan and I opted on the other side of Batangas. The plan involves going to Burot Beach in Calatagan, CML Beach Resort & Water Park and Ligpo Island in Lemery. And I made the right choice! =)

It was a good day to have a motorcycle tour. The weather was not so hot that day and there was only a minimal sign that it was going to rain that day. 

From Tanauan City, I boarded my bike and proceeded to Talisay, Batangas (my gateway to Tagaytay). 

Taal Volcano

Along the way, you will pass Club Balai Isabel (a must-see resort in Talisay). And the ascending drive started. Along the way up, you will be mesmerized by the magnificent and spectacular view of Taal Volcano. It was a bit foggy that day but I did not mind at all. 

There are so many routes going to Tagaytay but this Talisay route is the best route for travelers and adventurers. The twist and turns of the uphill drive will surely cause goose-bumps along the drive.

It was a long motorcycle drive. I was traveling only at an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Before I was averaging at 100 kilometers per hour but after 3 motorcycle accidents, my urge for speed diminished.

And after 2 hours, I reached my first destination - Calatagan, Batangas.

 

Burot Beach

Reaching the town of Calatagan, I was 2 kilometers away from my destination. And my first stop that day was in Burot Beach.  

I stayed in the beach only for one hour and took some information about the beach and some photos and sped off to my next destination.

CML Beach Resort & Water Park

From Calatagan, I drove off to Lemery. Along the way, I passed by Balayan and Calaca. These towns are a must for motorcycle enthusiast! The long and straight drive towards Lemery was simply amazing!

And after less than an hour, I arrived at my second destination - CML Beach Resort & Water Park.

My brother, Kuya Derick Villegas, was the one who told me to visit the resort and it was a good thing that I listened to him.

Again, I stayed only for an hour and afterwards, I decided to go to my final destination.

Ligpo Island

From the town of Lemery, I went to Taal (a must-side trip for everone!) and headed towards San Luis. Reaching Barangay Ligpo, Lemery, Batangas. I chartered a boat in order to see the beaches and the famous Ligpo Island.

at Burot Beach

Finally, I went home and reaching Lipa City, heavy rain poured and I got all soaked up but the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm and happiness of the tour that day.

It's Really More Fun In Batangas!

CML Beach Resort & Water Park

CML Beach Resort and Water Park was just launched this year (2014) and is quickly making itself as one of the premiere resorts in Batangas. The resort was imagined and realized by its founder and CEO, Chona Latti. It is located in the town of Lemery, Batangas.

How to get there

1. You can bring you own car and make the 2-hour drive from Manila using the South Super Highway. Use the skyway and then use the AC-TEX and exit in Lipa City and go to Cuenca, Batangas. You will pass the towns of Sta. Teresita, Taal and then, finally, Lemery.

2. From Buendia, Pasay

Ride the bus (DLTB or Jam) going directly to Lemery in Buendia-Taft in Pasay. Fare is P180.00. The bus ride is good for 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. Alight in Lemery, then ride a tricycle going to the resort.

Entrance fee

Adult - P250 (day tour) / P300 (5 pm onwards)

13y/0 below - P150.00 / P300 (5 pm onwards)

Rooms

Royal Ocean Suite - P10,000.00 (Good for 10 pax)

Ocean de Luxe - P6,999.00 (Good for 5 pax)

De Luxe - P5,999.00 (Good for 5 pax)

Cabanas

Big - P1,999.00 (Good for 12 pax)

Small - P1,499.00 (Good for 8 pax)

Contact Person

Nonong Castro - 0917 948 3901 / 0999 408 5575

website: www.cmlbeachresort.com 

Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

The province of Batangas is known for its beaches and there is one white sand beach that is slowly making a name for itself - Burot Beach.

Located at Sitio Burot, Barangay Tanagan, Calatagan, Batangas, the beach is a 2.5 hours drive from Manila using the Tagaytay route in Cavite.

How to get there

1. From Buendia, Pasay

Ride the bus (DLTB) going to Nasugbu, Batangas, The bus ride is 3.5 - 4 hours and the fare is P180.00. Arriving at Lian, alight from the bus and ride the jeep going to Calatagan and pay P40.00. Reaching the municipality of Calatagan, ride or charter the tricycle going to the beach for P150.00 - P200.00. 

2. From Edsa-Taft, Pasay

Ride the bus (San Agustin or ER John) going to Nasugbu, Batangas, The bus ride is 3.5 - 4 hours and the fare is P180.00. Arriving at Lian, alight from the bus and ride the jeep going to Calatagan and pay P40.00. Reaching the municipality of Calatagan, ride or charter the tricycle going to the beach for P150.00 - P200.00.

OR you can ride van (in between Kabayahan Hotel and Metropoint at Edsa-Taft Pasay Rotonda) directly going to Calatagan.

  

But it was different in my case that day since it was a motorcycle tour and I started from Tanauan City. I used the Talisay, Batangas route going to Tagaytay and then I passed Nasugbu and after 2 hours, I reached the beach.

Entrance fee 

Day - P65.00

Overnight stay - P130.00

No electricity

Charging of cell phones - P60.00

There are only four (4) cottages (good for 20 pax) for rent. 

The cost is P800.00. 

Balsa rental is P1,500.00.

Tent rental P400 (good for 2-4 pax)

There is a small canteen.

Contact person - Mang Ramon - 0915-602-8907

Activities
beach camping
beach bumming
trekking
nature tripping

Enjoy your beach camping stay at Burot Beach!

Tips

1. Better book early for the cottages if you do not want to use camping tent.

2. Better reserve for the tent in case you are not bringing your own.

3. There is a market place that you will pass before reaching the beach, you can buy fresh seafood along the way.

4. The beach is less than 10 kilometers away from the the Calatagan lighthouse, it is a good side trip. From the town, it is only 7 kilometers away and the tricycle charter is only P200.00 (one-way).

Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/cape-santiago-lighthouse-punta-de.html

10 of My Best Adventures (Latest)

Every place in the Philippines brings a different touch of adventure 

and every adventure unfolds the same happiness from within ourselves 

and I am sharing the adventures that brought happiness for the past 12 months.

Secret Beach

1. El Nido, Palawan

Topping the list is the adventures in the last frontier in the Philippines. Snorkeling and the island hopping adventures in El Nido, Palawan are the epitome of fun in the Philippines. Snorkeling is best enjoyed in Shimizu Island, Papaya Island, Tapyutan Island, and Secret Beach.

Shimizu Island

El Nido offers a variety of island hopping packages at an affordable price. The island hopping tours range from Tours A-D. You can even combine these packages in order to maximize cost and time doing your island hopping.

Big Lagoon

The island hopping experience will not be complete without experiencing the Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon of Tour A and the Hidden Beach and Secret Beach of Tour C. Best time to go to El Nido is during summer from March to June.

  2. Motor biking and Mountain biking in El Nido

El Nido is known for its pristine waters, white sand beaches and marine wildlife. But only a few people know that it is also a site for biking. Going to Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls, Nacpan Beach, and Calitang Twin Beach is a must for bikers. Enjoy the 42-kilometers of mountain biking fun in El Nido!

3. Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas

The island is a sight to behold. A photographer's dream. A place to enjoy tranquil life.

The island has no electricity, barely a telecommunication signal and no source of water supply.

4. Jomalig Island, Quezon

Jomalig is the place where you want to take a respite, camp and simply enjoy nature. With its mile-long white sand beach, rural life and pristine waters, Jomalig is a must for one's bucket list of travel destination in the Philippines.

  

And they ALL agree!

5. Summer trip to Sagada, Mountain Province

Every year I go to Sagada. But this year's travel is different. I went to Sagada on a summer (usually December). The experience was different. The weather may not be that cold but the sea of clouds would surely be a jaw-dropping experience for a traveler to behold!

Twin Lagoon

6. Coron, Palawan 

It was my second time to go to Coron, Palawan. But the place has never ceased to capture my affection for its tourist spots. The likes of Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon are some of the best spots to visit.

Enjoy the island experience in Malcapuya Island.

Or simply witness the sunset as it unfolds at the Coron Bay.

7. Cagbalete Island, Quezon

Escape the hassles of the metro and simply live a simple life and be mesmerized with the sand ripples in Cagbalete Island.

Hidden falls or Buntot Palos Falls

  
8. Hiking Adventures

I made several hiking adventures in Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Pangil, Laguna and in Rizal. The most memorable was the Buntot Palos hike with my fellow packers.

9. Dinner at Sun Cruise

Yes, dinner! Watching the sunset at Manila Bay and enjoying the cruise at Manila Bay with your loved one is simply exceptional!

10. Parade of Lights, Tanauan City, Batangas

I am from Batangas and I am proud that finally our city has something different to offer. A tourist attraction to witness and this year was the inception of the annual event.

Fontana (Culture of Teaching and Service)

I do not usually blog about the seminars, workshops and conventions that I have attended as a teacher in Far Eastern University. This one is the exception to the general rule. =)

In consonance with the aim of the University to develop further and produce outstanding teachers, the University has organized a series of seminars for its regular full-time teachers. And one of the said seminars is the so-called "Fontana seminar." The seminar is given to all regular full-time teachers of the University in eight (8) batches and I was luckily included in Batch 4 last July 24-27, 2014 at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

Day 1

From SM North, Quezon City, a chartered bus brought us in a 2-hour ride to Fontana, Pampanga. Arriving at the venue, we started with Module 1 of the seminar. We were advised that there were a total of 7 modules that we were supposed to finish in three (3) days. We were grouped into 4 groups, namely: Red team, Blue team, Yellow team and our group, the Green Team.There were various activities during the seminar and honestly, I enjoyed it and learned a lot from the exercises and activities. We should have more of this kind of activities. It is very informative, refreshing and fun! 

After a productive and informative day, we were brought to our respective villas. There were a total of seven (7) persons in our villa. The villa was cozy and a refreshing sight after a day's work.

But that day did not end at the villa. It was just the beginning of our adventure in Fontana. We decided to explore the outskirts of Fontana. There was no available mode of transport that day and we decided to walk!

And with my co-teachers in FEU, we reached our destination after 10 minutes of brisk walking - The Olympic-size Swimming Pool of Fontana. 

It was even raining while we were taking our swim but we did not mind the weather that day. We were there to enjoy, relax and simply have fun! We stayed for two (2) hours and after the swim, we decided to go back to our villa.

Day 2 

Early morning of day 2, Sir Jhe Pedregosa and I woke up early and jogged around Fontana. The jog was good for less than an hour and we headed back to the villa. 

We were usually picked-up around 8 am for our breakfast and the seminar would start past 9 am. But some of the participants usually walk as part of the morning exercise.

After finishing Modules 4-7, we prepared for our cooking contest and went back to our villa. We prepared our desserts as part of the contest. While we were busy preparing our entry, I asked the permission of our group to visit the Fontana Water Fun. I needed to see and take pictures of it for this blog.

After a quick stroll at the at the water park, I went to the Fontana Hot Spring and relaxed in its hot waters for 30 minutes. After the relaxation, I went back to the villa and helped my teammates finish our entry.

Past 7 pm, we were able to finish preparing our entry and went to the convention center. After dinner,  we enjoyed the night singing and dancing. Everybody enjoyed the night!

Day 3

Winners were announced on the last day and luckily, the Green Team and our villa received some of the awards. 

After 2 days of seminar, we imbibed among ourselves the culture of teaching and service. Camaraderie, unity, and teamwork were nurtured in our minds. But most of all the spirit of excellence in teaching was rediscovered and replanted. 

Thank you FEU for this experience!

With my co-teachers

Revisiting My 2013 International Travels

I make it a point twice every year to travel abroad. 

I usually travel March and October during the semestral breaks of my students. Blogging is not my full time job and I have to do my other passion and my full-time job in life which is teaching.

Last year, I visited Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. But there are places which left memories that linger in a traveler's mind. And here are some of those places that make me smile.

Patong Beach

Phuket, Thailand comes very close to my heart with all the majestic scenery, world-class beaches and unparalleled adventures only Phuket could offer. This November 2014 I decided to go back anew just to rekindle the memories I experienced in Phuket.

Malaysia offers a variety of tourist spots but Genting Highlands tops my places to visit. I love the cable car ride going to the spot and once you are there you will surely enjoy the different attractions offered by the Highlands.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is a must-to-see spot if you are traveling in South East Asia. Known for offering the cheapest shopping goods only Vietnam can offer.  It has its own unique ride called "Tuktuk" which tourists must try and a variety of river adventures that await foreigners.

Angkot Wat

Siem Reap, Cambodia opens your eyes to ancient majestic temples such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bahket Mountain. Considered as one of the best tourist spots in South East Asia, the early morning sunrise view of Angkor Wat will surely captivate your passion to travel in this ancient city.

And finally, the South East Asian tour will not be complete without going to Singapore! The Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Merlion, and Universal Studio Singapore (USS) are some of the best spots to visit while you are in Singapore. Enjoy the river cruise in Marina Bay and the world-class adventures in Sentosa!