BOHOL UNPLANNED: A guide for impulsive backpackers

Going to Bohol was not in any of my plans this year. However, in some of my not so good days, I would reflect on my life and the decisions I have made.

The story of my Bohol trip started when my close friend Heather and Bob were having coffee. Randomly, we would discuss  the future, our dying career, the life of Pi, or maybe some sexually explicit acts we would like to do. It was a Monday. 

It was Heather who was scheduled to go to Panglao with her long time boyfriend Jules. I don’t know what has gotten into us that we just decided to third wheel with them on their Wednesday trip. It was a long Tuesday of decision making, haggling, budgeting, then back to haggling, leave approval, then haggling again, tfood planning until the trip pushed through.

MAMBUKAL RESORT, NEGROS (ON A CHEAPER NOTE)

Every destination awes me with fascination because of its surprising beauty yet to be discovered. What impresses me more is how affordable these places are. Yet, some people are not aware that these tourist spots actually exists.

And so, I found myself traveling back to Mambukal Resort. I have been here a couple of times and the place keeps on improving every time I’m here for some silent refuge from the city pollution.

NOT JUST BEACH-A-HOLIC, BUT A NAIL-A-HOLIC TOO!

Most of my mates would know that I get really conscious when it comes to my hand and toe nails. This is why I tend to keep it as clean as possible.

As you can see, most of my beach posts would require a photo of my feet with a background of my destination. I call it the "feet on the ground" haha. Nothing special if you might wonder. This is one of the many reasons why its important for me to maintain a well taken care of hands and feet. 

I am quite picky with how my manicure and pedicure would be like. It would usually take me a lot of struggles just to get comfortable with a strange nail technicians who would have the advantage of giving me the scrub of my life. Believe me, i have my share of excruciating pain and trauma just by having my nails cleaned. There was a time when I cannot walk because of some wound that the cleaner gave me while scraping some dirt on my toe thumb. Grrrrr!

But god news! I have found my nail expert I am completely confident with.  Nail-a-holics!

What made me interested with Nail-a-holics is their sailor themed salon

This definitely goes with my theme. 

PINTO ART MUSEUM, ANTIPOLO , RIZAL

Adventure doesn't always have to be in the beach or in high places, it can also be found in paintings and the faces of the people you come across. I am a sailor by heart. But that doesn’t stop me from sailing diverse seas whether in the beach or on land.

And thus, let’s go charter the PINTO ART MUSEUM

What I love about Pinto Art museum is the peaceful ambiance that makes your  stroll more enjoyable. This grand contemporary art space has its own artistic universe which is located in Antipolo, Rizal.

LA ISLA DE PAN DE AZUCAR, CONCEPCION ILOILO

To all the Panay beaches I’ve been too, nothing beats the sparkling beauty of Concepion, Iloilo. I have been here a couple of times and its distinguishing allure never fails to surprise me.

Thanks to my beautiful friend Jane, I was invited to experience La Isla De Pan De Azucar in Concepcion Iloilo. This almost  a hundred hectare property that stretches long white sandbeaches is owned and managed by the Posadas clan. 

The view that welcomes you when you reach La Isla De Pan De Azucar

How to get there:

1. From Iloilo City, ride a jeep to Tagbak Jaro Terminal. Ride a ceres bus going to Concepcion, Iloilo. Bus fare is at P115

2. You may check with their tourism office how to get a boat going to the island

On a different route:

1. From Iloilo City, ride a jeep to Tagbak Jaro Terminal. Ride a ceres bus going to San Dionisio, Iloilo with a P115 bus fare

2. From San Dionisio Plaza, take a tricycle going to Brgy Rizal where the free boat service to La Isla Pan De Azucar is located. Fare is at P7.00

Worth every sweat coming here

This view offers peace of mind without even trying

Have some goofy fun with friends!

Kiss the sun for me will you?

No tree is lonely if it has an entire sea to see

KULIATAN BEACH, SAN JOAQUIN ILOILO

I was so submerged with my new corporate life. But I guess you could never take that "beach" in me! haha

And so we went to Kuliatan Beach, San Joaquin Iloilo.

While this place may not be a preferred venue for kids, Kuliatan is for the adventure hungry people.

Rich in history and culture, San Joaquin Iloilo is known for its abundant coral reserve and sea life. The last municipality of Iloilo Province, San Joaquin is about an hour and a half away from the Iloilo City with beaches facing the Panay Gulf. 

Our destination, KULIATAN MARINE RESERVE

How to get there:

1. From Iloilo City, ride a jeep to Molo Plaza. Hop in an Oton Derecho jeep and drop off at Oton Terminal

2. Check out any San Joaquin Jeep and instruct the driver that you are going to Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary

**The resort is visible from the road which makes it easier for travelers to go to. 

The water was so clear you'd want to swim all day!

And it was a sight to behold!

What a wonderful place to see the setting sun!

AMAZING BEACH ESSENTIALS FOUND AT MINISO.

A beach lover like me tends to bring loads of stuff to keep me from missing the fun. Essentials such as travel friendly spray, travel organizers and pouches to separate my clothes is such a comfort. I am very glad to have Miniso at SM CITY ILOILO! It was such a nice feel to be invited in their VIP shopping.

Japanese designer brand MINISO opened its 19th store in Iloilo last May5,2017. Headquartered in Tokyo, Miniso was jointly founded by Miyake Jyunya, the chief designer, and Ye Guofo, the young Chinese entrepreneur.

It has opened more than thousand stores around the world and dedicates itself to providing customers with quality, creative and low-priced products. Miniso always persists in selecting fine materials from all over the world.

Photo courtesy of Iloilo Today

 Not only they offer cost efficient products, these colorful and stylish items makes me giddy!

BACKPACKS. My first need in travelling. It should be light and comforable to carry. 

TOWELS. Say nothing more.