THE GREAT MALANGABANG ISLAND ADVENTURE WITH TEAM MAHALO

First and foremost, let me thank Mr. Lester Ronco for making me part of this grand adventure.

The merman went on an adventurous spree. With thirty unknown people joining this grand activity, I  felt alien. At times, my mind wonders how I can take risks lightly. However, it was an adventure worth going through even on a thousand lifetimes. (chikin)

"If you sing to the mermaids, they come when you are drowning"

  This is what I needed. And God made a wonderful way to make this come true. 

It was a rough start since work would not allow me to go. But after some emotionally charged events, my boss finally said yes.

Her exact words were: It's useless for us to see you here when we know that your heart is somewhere else. So go. 

Thanks. The thought applies in most parts of my life. A million thanks.

A pre-departure photo with some cool strangers

With countless people to thank to, I clearly don't know where to start.

To my SM City Iloilo family. Ceelin vitamin bottles are not easy to gather. But giving me another fifty (50) bears of joy? Pure bliss. The kids loved every bits of it.

Thank you SM City Iloilo!

Little ben can't help but be amazed with some little snapshots

Aside from the gift giving, a medical mission was also made for the seniors of the island

and the fun begins.

Photo credits to MAHALO team

Photo credits to MAHALO team

Photo credits to MAHALO team

Photo credits to MAHALO team

It was a humbling experience to do a simple act of giving back to the community what God has generously blessed me with. Thank you team MAHALO for the opportunity which both gave me greater understanding on love and service. I am looking forward for more trips with your group. (That is if you still want me to still be part of. hehehe) 

Thank you team Mahalo and the lovely people of Mangalabang Island for this wonderful adventure

But the adventure continues in discovering the hidden beauty of the island. Check out AGHO ISLAND for more exciting details!

AGHO ISLAND ON A Php700 BUDGET

The merman was on the run for some good swim, and boom, Concepcion happened! The trip was truly memorable as I made new friends and gave gifts to kids in Mangalabang Island. So yeah, aside from some wet adventures, I felt the spirit of Christmas come alive too! But this requires a separate post you can check out real soon!

It was a beautiful discovery that made me become an advocate of our local tourism. It is indeed true that we should "EXPERIENCE WESTERN VISAYAS FIRST" as the region offers various destinations we have to discover. With a seven hundred peso (P700) budget, I was able to do an overnight stay under the stars in what I called the "EL NIDO" of Iloilo.

Three hours away from the city, Concepcion is a quiet coastal town in the northern part of Iloilo. Primarily, the town boasts its panoramic sea and landscape summing up the beautiful islands in the Philippines such as Anawangin’s grassy peak, Caramoan’s vast sandbar and El Nido’s picturesque backdrop.

The island offers pristine beauty in both sea and land

 

How to get the

•  Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines usually offer direct flights to Iloilo from almost all parts of the country
• Upon arrival, ride a van going to SM City Iloilo
•    From SM City Iloilo, you can either ride a LEGANES JEEP or a TAXI going to tagbak terminal
•  Either ride a van or a bus going to Concepcion Town proper at P120.00
•    Go to their tourism office and inquire for the rates of boats you can rent

Boat rental fee normally costs P3,500 for 15pax or P1,500 for 5-8pax which is good for a whole day island cruise. For more accurate deals, I suggest you check out the tourism office near the Concepcion Fish Port. The cheapest option for solo travelers or backpackers is to hitch a boat leaving the port to various trip destinations. Rates may range from P50-100.00 only. (wink) 

Take note:

• Cottages in the Island costs P500.00 for day time use
• I suggest you bring your own food as this is a no electricity, no sari-sari store type of adventure 
• You can do camping overnight at no extra cost or get an overnight cottage at Php 500.00
• Mobile signal (Globe, smart and sun) is present in the island
• There are ATM machines available in Concepcion Town proper
• Goggles and more sunblock is a must!
• Make sure to clean your area when you leave the island. Leaving your trash behind is totally unacceptable.

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY
Time	Activity
05:00 - 06:00 AM	Tagbak Ceres Terminal
06:00	ETD to Concepcion Town Proper
09:00	ETA to Concepcion Town Proper
09:00	ETD to Agho Island
9-9:30AM	Pitch tent; ready for lunch
9:30AM`-12NN	Enjoy the beach
12NN-2PM	LUNCH/Rest
02:00-5PM	Island Hopping; sunset spotting
06:00PM	ETA to Agho Island/Pitch tents for Overnight stay
07:00	Dinner
08:00 PM to 10:00 PM	Socials and Games
10:00	Lights off

**Special shout out to LESTER RONCO for making this itinerary and inviting me to join the great Concepcion adventure.

The sand is a perfect place to pitch your tent

Be awed by its conservative beauty

Budget breakdown:

Fare	120.00(one way)	Php 240
Food	(Depends on appetite)	Php 250
Boat	P3500/15	Php 233
Total		Php 723.00

Go cliff diving

The bionic man will go on another adventure to bring you more discoveries!

For updates you may follow me on my instagram account @thecorporaterobot

Have fun!