Batangas, Philippines: Eagle Point Beach Resort

This post is long due. Together with my family, we went to our very first vacation last March. It sure ain’t easy when you have to match everyone’s schedule – primary school student, polytechnic students and working adults.

Special thanks to our gorgeous friends, KC, Madam Shee and Mike (Yes Mike, gorgeous ka rin. Pak!) for making this trip even more extraordinary.

Sepoc Island, Batangas, Philippines

== SKIP THIS PART IF YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE RESORT==

As usual let me tell you a little about Batangas. I’m not an expert, of course, but Google did all the work. BATANGAS is a name formed from the word ‘batang’ meaning logs (trunks or large branches of trees). Legend has it that logs, locally known as batang, were floating all over the river. By the way, this post is solely about the things we did at the resort and not about the places to visit in Batangas.

It’s a lovely, lovely place south of Manila. It takes around 2.5 hours to get there by car. If you are coming from NAIA Airport, I highly recommend driving on your own. It’s way more convenient and most importantly, you can sing your lungs out with windows rolled down while eating junk food. Well, we did sing  “Ang hanap-hanap parap-pap-pap….” like the fangirls we are.

Here’s something for tourists or fellow balikbayans:

1. At the airport, you can purchase a SIM card for PHP 550 (SGD 10.26) which includes an UNLIMITED 7 day internet access and PHP 250 (SGD 7.33) for calls and text. SMART and GLOBE are the more popular telecom companies.
2. Driving from the airport to Batangas is a breeze. Do message me if you need a recommendation when renting a car. I propose downloading a navigation app called Waze. With your free internet data, you’ll get there without a problem at all.

== START READING FROM HERE==

Eagle Point Beach Resort

Batangas is definitely known for its diving spots and there are many resorts offering stunning beach views. We initially planned to stay at La Luz Beach Resort which I saw from the travel show, Biyahe ni Drew (Drew’s Travels), but we decided to drop this because of the price. So, if you have a much deeper pocket, go for this one. It’s a beauty!

Let me warn you first and foremost. Eagle Point Beach Resort is a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise but there is no beach front. Some guests were apparently not very happy about this. Parking is free but there is a jeepney or a van roller coaster ride down the steep roads before finally reaching the resort itself. I tell ya, it’s one of the most heart-thumping ride I’ve ever taken! You just gotta experience it for you to know. Definitely one for the memories. Ika nga nila (Just as they said), it’s more fun in the Philippines!

Beach Front

There’s a swimming pool with a slide, billiard tables and a karaoke room.

Natawa ako sa team building natin ha.

You can’t bring food to the resort. Or rather, we’d say, don’t show them that you brought food. Nonetheless, the only place where you can dine or have a drink is at the main hall. So if you only made reservations for the accommodation, do note that this is billed separately.

Food, food, gimme more food!

As mentioned earlier, there is no beach front. So if you’d like to have some beach action, they own Sepoc Island. The water is crystal clear! You can reserve a speedboat to take the whole barkada (gang) to the island. It only takes 20 minutes to get there. Perhaps bring a guitar for a sing-along session. Just remember to order your lunch so they can grill and barbeque it for you.

Sepoc Island, Batangas

We spent most of our time snorkeling. After all, this is what we went there for although there are other water sports you can do like the ever famous banana boat. Renting snorkeling gears like masks, life vests and aqua shoes for a day are also billed separately. So if you own such gears, bring them along. Some rocks are pretty sharp-edged so I recommend wearing aqua shoes for protection.

You can snorkel at 2 places. One is at the beautiful Sepoc Island and the other is at the resort. The latter is where the baby sharks are. I wish I can show you some videos but we have yet to edit them. It was our first time experiencing this and I’m glad to inform you that they did not bite. So go ahead and try it!

I hope you explore other parts of the Philippines too. It’s a beautiful, beautiful place.

Special thanks to a special friend

‘Til our next trip, see ya!

The Story Of My Recent Life

Yes, I knew I will start by saying this. Just as I always do.

It’s been a long while WordPress world. I’m not one to regularly update any kind of content. This has barely any content at all. It’s been almost a year since I last wrote. Remember to not judge my lack of grammar skills or flowery words where you can vividly picture in your head whatever is written here. You know, that thing you do when you read a book and the author describes the protagonist or the place he came from. I know you know.

“Deeply moving”

What started as a train ride companion as I make my way to a dinner gathering with close friends ended as a three hour, non-stop page turner. I started today with a heavy heart and a disappointment so deep I had to run back to God. Mitch Albom, the author of Have a Little Faith, began with how he ran away too. I think in some ways I did too. Perhaps, that’s what drew me in.

This morning, to prevent myself from sinking, I found myself praying once more. Then I read through Philippians.

Have a Little Faith tackled what was seemingly life’s basic questions as displayed by a few lives. One particular question that stood out for me was, “What is happiness?” I’d like to believe we all ask this. If we have not, I’m sure we will some time or another. There were just two things that the Rabbi shared. Be content. Be grateful.

And coincidentally or not, I was reading and pondering over this earlier in the morning. Paul mentioned in his letter that he knows what it is like to be in need and what it is to have plenty. Again, the secret that is contentment screams loud.

There were many other thoughts and questions which ran across my head as I read through Mitch’s story. There were stories on community and marriage, questions on God and faith, and most prominently,the eventual topic on death. And as I peered a little closer into the lives of the protagonists on their failures, disappointments and suffering, I feel a little bit more ‘connected’. It’s like, you know, that thing that happens when you sit through a sermon and it sure sounds like it is directed right at you. Come on. I know you know.

I once read in an article that books don’t change us. Paragraphs do. I wanted to remember the following poem so I took a snapshot.

In some ways, I find this comforting and somewhat reassuring. I hope you do too. Tonight, I sleep with a little less disappointment, a little bit more hopeful than I was this morning. Because tomorrow is a new day and the world has not yet ended.

Hopefully, tomorrow, we’d run back as well.

 

Goodnight WordPress world,

Dianne

12 Things to do in Baguio, Philippines (A guide for first-timers)

Have you ever heard of Baguio – Philippines’ City of Pines? The name of the city is derived from the Ibaloi word bagiw meaning ‘moss’. I was there for 3 days with my beautiful friend, KC, and our moms. I can attest that the place is absolutely stunning! Let me share with you some of the activities we did and of course, all the food we ate. But before that, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, let me guide you through some facts. And I hope, you would pack your luggage and go see it for yourself. Scroll down if you’d like to skip these points.

——>FACTS START HERE<——

1. Living in Singapore is definitely an advantage. The ROE is SGD 1 = PHP 32.50 as at 19 July 2015.
2. Airplane tickets to Manila only cost SGD 250 – 300 if you choose budget airlines like Cebu Pacific.
3. How to get to Baguio from Manila? The trip to Baguio takes 6 hours on a normal coach including the rest stops. However, if you opt to ride the Joybus like we did, the trip shortens to 4.5 hours instead. Bear with me as I tell you more about this executive coach.
   • Booking is done at http://iwantseats.com.ph/. One-way trip costs about PHP 700 (SGD 21.50)
   • The coach has an in-built toilet (yes, it’s clean), there’s a bus stewardess and they provide free blankets, drinks and snacks. Most importantly, it is equipped with wifi. (I see you nodding your head right now.)
   • The seats, you say? There are only 3 seats per row. It is so comfortable and spacious. (Long-legged people, rejoice!)
   • 
4. When to go to Baguio? The peak period or the strawberry-picking period is from December to February and that’s when the temperature drops to 11 deg. Celsius. Unfortunately, we went during the off-season so there’s no strawberry-picking for us.
5. Where to stay in Baguio? My friend, who booked the hotel, had been to that place a few times and recommended Mines View Park Hotel. Here’s some reasons why you should too.
   • Because it was off-season when we went, our hotel rates were also lower. A plus for those on a budget.
   • Their specialty is the Strawberry Sinigang (Filipino sour stew). I would definitely go back just for this.
   • The view from the balcony is simply spectacular.
   • 
6. How to get around Baguio? Take a cab, my friend. There was once when we took a cab for 30 minutes and it didn’t even cost PHP 100 (SGD 3.10).

——>FACTS END HERE<——

Alright, enough with the facts. Let’s get on with the more exciting portion. Here’s some of the must-visits for first-timers.

1. The Mansion

It was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines. It has been used by various Philippine presidents whenever they come up to Baguio for their official visits. And of course, it is absolutely FREE to take photos just outside the mansion.

2. Botanical Garden

Also known as the Igorot Village, the Botanical Garden features native huts typical of the type of Igorot dwellings found in the Cordilleras. It is completely FREE, so go on in! The locals went “cheese” and “wacky” during our mini photoshoot. How cute!

3. Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay used to be the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. You may ride a horse for PHP 370 (SGD 11.40) and that lasts for a whole hour. What’s good about it is that you can share that hour with a few others. I highly recommend the forest path rather than just the training circuit. At least for me, there was a something extremely calming while riding through the forest. Our guide, Christian, and his horse buddy, Jango, made it an awesome experience.

4. Burnham Park

Burnham Park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. It was named after the city’s planner, Daniel Burnham. You can ride a bike for PHP 50 (SGD 1.50) and ride a boat for PHP 150 (SGD 4.60). It’s really romantic at night by the way. (Couples, I’m talking to you.)

5. Minesview Park

This is one of the reasons why you should stay in Minesview Hotel. It is about 3 mins walk from the hotel and the view is spectacular. Behold the beauty of nature. Wake up at 5 am, or earlier, to catch the sunrise. These photos do no justice to the place, you just have to see it for yourself.

There’s also a really huge St. Bernard dog named Mushu who you can take a photo with. It’s PHP 50 (SGD 1.50) per picture and this goes to his meal of 2-3kg. Eh di wow.

6. Strawberry Farm

From Baguio, it is about 40 min drive to La Trinidad, Benguet. Don’t worry, it won’t cause any damage to your wallet because cab fare is not expensive at all. Unfortunately, there were no strawberries at the time we were there. So we decided to just eat strawberry taho (strawberry tau huay). If you want to, visit any time between December to February. I bet there will be a huge crowd though. I heard strawberries go for PHP 100 (SGD 3.10) per kg. Is this true?!

7. Tam-awan Village

There are a number of Igorot huts within the village which will allow you to see how the homes of the mountain people really look like. Tam-awan is a local word which means “vantage point”. According to our guide, Sir Ben Cabrera played a critical role in preserving their homes and items. Entrance fee for adults is PHP 50 (SGD 1.50). You can even book to stay the night in the hut of your choice.

8. Ketchup Food Community

This place is popular even among the locals as it appeared countless times in tv shows. Try the sisig (pork ears), ensalada (brinjal salad), kare kare bagnet (Filipino stew with thick peanut sauce) and fresh juices. We didn’t go hungry in Baguio at all. Just keep an open tummy for all the food.

9. Good Shepherd Convent

Unfortunately, this place was already closed by the time we got there at 5pm. So if you want to check out the place, do go earlier than that. The store is popularly known for the different products made by the Good Shepherd nuns. The money generated from the sale of their products is used for the different charities sponsored by the Good Shepherd nuns. It’s a must to buy ube jam (yam jam). Buy it. Buy it. Buy it. BUY IT!

10. Cafe By The Ruins

That Thing Called Tadhana. Ring a bell? It was popularized by a famous Filipino romantic movie. Order pandesal (Spanish salt bread) with different dips. And yes, the place is cozy and romantic at night. According to kuyang waiter, the walls were like the ‘ruins’ because the owner wanted to preserve its World War 2 days.

11. Session Road

This is the main road in the city. At 9pm, the road closes to give way to the ukay ukay (thrift shops). We did not go because we wanted to wake up early the next day. Nonetheless, I’m sure you can find a PHP 20 (SGD not even a dollar) top there. (And this one’s for bargain hunters.)

12. Teacher’s Camp

We didn’t go there for obvious reasons. Just google it yourself.

Here’s a map to further guide you.

If you read all the way here, THANK YOU. We just wanted to share our experiences in the hope of igniting your desire to visit BAGUIO. We will follow up with an MV, so stay tuned!

Credits: Some information are taken from http://www.cityofpines.com/. I’d like to thank KC for creating our itinerary and being such an awesome friend. Also, to both our mommas, thank you for keeping up with the crazy us.

So, what are you waiting for? TARA NA! (Let’s go!)

Frankfurt, Germany (HDR)

Someday we’ll meet.
Someday soon I hope.

Places 2 Explore

Let’s take a late nite walk over the pedestrian bridge in Frankfurt, Germany.  Nice view of the city skyline.  A nice quiet bridge…perfect for an HDR!

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Orlando, FL – Disney World (HDR)

Orlando, FL – Disney World (HDR).

Someday, I’ll visit the Disneyland. And someday, maybe, I’ll be a kid for a day.

Kim Yuna

I’ve been watching documentaries about Kim Yuna over the last 2 days. She is nothing short of amazing. Her passion and dedication for the sport is simply astonishing. Even though I am not an athlete, I am inspired by the amount of effort and sheer talent she has.

As CNN puts it, “she has the grace and poise of a prima ballerina, the strength and agility of a track-and-field athlete and her own unique blend of charisma and charm. That’s what made her a world champion”.

As Sochi 2014 draws near, I will definitely be rooting for her.

Kim Yuna, hwaiting!

Namyangju-si and Seoul, Korea (Fall 2013)

Travel far enough, you meet yourself. – David Mitchell

It’s been more than 2 months now since my first trip to the Land of the Morning Calm. I still vividly remember the very first step I made out of the plane and into the chilly night of Hongdae. My friend and I lugged our heavy bags to find the guesthouse we were to stay in. It was surreal. After watching countless number of Korean drama, variety shows and music (a.k.a. KPOP), I finally made it there. Armed with my handy dandy Korean phrasebook, adventure was waiting.

As Arthur Brisbane puts it, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Here it goes..

Myeong dong and Deoksugung Doldam-gil

It was a pleasant morning when we saw the acclaimed streets of Myeong dong. And as a major fan of Korean cosmetics, I was filled with awe at the streets lined with different brands. And of course, the famous Myeong dong Cathedral stood proud on top of the hill. Afterwards, we walked quietly along the Deoksugung Stone-Wall road amazed at the beauty of autumn.

Namyangju-si

This place is about an hour bus ride from Gangnam Station. It was a cold night when we travelled from Seoul. As we walked towards my godparents’ house on dark paths, a red cross on top of a church shone brightly from afar. It was a momentous sight for me knowing that across oceans, God is working.

Namyangju-si

It was the kimchi-making season when we were there. It was amusing how colossal the lettuces were. That Sunday, I attended my godparents’ church where they serve and was treated with a captivating sight. People of different languages came together to worship the Lord. There were Peruvians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, Koreans and many others who were singing aloud in one voice but different languages. It moved my soul indeed even though I was suffering from the after effects of a pill against motion sickness.

Afterwards, I finally tasted the world-renowned jajangmyeon. It was delectable and was simply delish (맛있어요!!). I simply can’t wait to taste it again. The next day, my godfather brought us to a breath-taking place near their house. And when I saw it, I thought to myself that this is one reason why I should keep traveling – to see God’s thrillingly beautiful handiwork. 

 

Namiseom

The island, especially the Metasequoia path, was one of the main filming locations of the well-known Korean drama, Winter Sonata. It was packed with tourists just like us. It was indeed gorgeous.

 

Hongdae, Wolmido (and other places)

What’s a Korea trip without the delicious Korean barbeque? The long wait outside the freezing cold in Hongdae was definitely worth it. Throughout the trip, I enjoyed the taste of Korean food so much that I would definitely fly back there to have them once more.

After looking through my Iphone gallery, I realized that I do not have a lot of photos. This is because I could not bear to take off my gloves due to the cold weather. After all, it was my first below 0 degrees experience. (Sorry lang, malamig naman talaga eh. brrr.)

Overall, it was a memorable and life-changing experience. What’s one thing I regret? Well, it would definitely be my extremely poor Korean skills. I wanted to talk to Ahjumma(s) and Ahjussi(s) but I couldn’t do that. Although I was able to read a little of Hangul (Korean Alphabet), I could not converse with whoever I want to. Even with that, I am thankful for the people I met along the way.

After much procrastinating, I am posting this at last. I smile as I recall these memories and am filled with excitement for the next one.

See you in 2015 Korea. (Can’t wait!)

OMF STEPS Missions Weekend (18-20 October 2013)

 

Just do the next thing. Just take the next step.

The past weekend was nothing short of amazing. I attended the OMF STEPS Missions Weekend following the general interest and pull towards fulfilling the Great Commission. With that, I envisioned myself sitting in a lecture hall full of people and simply hiding in one corner. Boy, was I wrong!

I went there with my good friend, Candace, and when we received our files, I saw the participant list. I looked at it and paused for a while. Then and there I realized that I will not be sitting in a lecture hall for the next two days. On the contrary, I was assigned to a mentor together with a fellow camper. My eyes were opened to the possibilities of using my skills in Excel, cash management and accounting to help in a certain region. That’s the beginning of an experience where perspectives where altered and challenges were issued.

We looked in the life of Gideon in Judges 6:11-40 and learned that the heart of every call is obedience. Just as Gideon was the least of the weakest clan, ability is not the deciding factor whether one is qualified to go into missions. One should be available to follow God’s plan instead. After all, it is not about the person who was sent but it is about the Sender.

Here’s some of what went down then.

1. Keeping a Journal

Journalling is reflecting on paper (or WordPress).

2. Survey your Spiritual Journey

It was an excellent time to just pause, evaluate and map down my personal and spiritual journey. The missions conference I attended last year left a deep impression in me. Firstly, I remembered that the first thing the speaker shared was the concept of “time”. It has been in my mind ever since. Since this is only a temporary home, I want to store heavenly treasures.

Secondly, I heard a lady talk about her short-term mission trip experiences. I could not remember anything but the Bible verse she shared. It minimized the feeling of inadequacy and fear of not being up to par. I’ve clung on to it ever since.

2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

3. Test your Call

I have the impression that if you are called to go to the missions field then you must have heard from God. God must have spoken so clearly and made His plans and will for you so visible that you are so brave to go into full-time service. Rather, “calling” is a step by step obedience following God’s direction. To be able to follow, one must have an open mind, an attentive ear, a pure heart, busy hands and a ready feet. But most of all, one must have faith.

4. Evaluate Obstacles & Objections

In this session, we identified some obstacles and objections one might face when deciding to go into missions. They were so many that it seemed overwhelming and intimidating. However, with help, one can scale that mountain and face it. During mentoring session, I listed out my personal obstacles. Rather than obstacles and objections which have a negative connotation to it, I learned to see it as reality instead. And for me, family and my responsibilities that go with it is my reality right now. (At dahil pinoy ako, family is everything!)

5. Process your Next Steps

Practical steps in moving forward was presented. Out of that list, I decided to pursue a more regular quiet time with God. Go basic again – Word and prayer. While doing this, I hope to be more involved in praying for missionaries as well as gaining information about missions as a whole.

6. Sanctified to the Lord

The passage that we looked at was Genesis 12:1-5. Responding to God’s call involves two major things. Firstly, it involves obeying even without knowing everything (v1,4). Secondly, it involves always living for a divine mission (v2,3).

God, I pray Thee, 

light these idle sticks of my life

and may I burn for Thee.

Consume my life,

my God for it is Thine.

I seek not a long life, 

but a full one,

like you Lord Jesus.” – Jim Elliot

So, fellow sojourner, what do you say? Shall we?

Blessings,

A New Beginning

A new beginning starts here.

So, here it is. I lie awake thinking what should my first post be. I used to blog back in my secondary school days and whenever I feel like it. Well, the thing is, most of the time I just don’t feel like it. And hence, posts just naturally dwindled down until it came to a complete stop. However, I felt the need to do this again. I want to pen down thoughts, ideas and simply what’s happening in my life. Most importantly, at the end of the day or even at the end of the year, I hope I can see God’s hand at work in my life.

I write in simple English with many grammatical errors. My sentence structure may frustrate you. My words may confuse you and put you in a daze. Just don’t throw that mouse at your computer out of annoyance. And simply, yes, I am a pretty terrible writer. So, pardon me for my lack of skills if you happen to read this. I’ll throw in some tagalog words from time to time staying true to my roots. Maybe I’ll post some random Korean words too. These days, anything-Korean makes me happy. Even with zero readership, I hope to continue to write. Maybe, from time to time, I’ll read my previous blog and post it here. Those posts serve as a great reminder how God has truly been faithful to me.

Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (ESV)

 

So, here it is…. my new beginning.