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It's More Fun in the Philippines: Bataan - Day 1 at the Westnuk Beach Cove

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Category : Bataan, Beach, DIY Tour, Do and See, It's More Fun in the Philippines, Philippines 0

Westnuk Beach Cove on a stormy afternoon.

Our accommodations at the NPC Village includes a free day pass to the Westnuk Beach Cove. It is located inside the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in Morong. Before, you cannot go to the Westnuk Beach unless you know someone from the National Power Corporation who could accommodate you as a guest. But not anymore! It is now open to the public, but for a minimal fee. If I'm not mistaken, entrance for day-trippers is around Php 130.00 per person, more or less, with discount for government employees..

Now that it is accessible to the general public, the secret of its beauty is now out! And it says so in its website:

Hidden away in the heart of Morong, Bataan, Westnuk Beach Resort is the perfect getaway for weary travelers looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our resort is only a two and a half hour drive from Manila. Getting there is an experience in itself as the roads you travel are filled with scenic views of where the mountains and the sea meet.
Even in its simplicity, Westnuk Beach Resort features comfortable accommodations with scenic ocean views. We cater to friends, families, and even companies seeking to have fun under the sun. For larger groups and company outings we can accommodate over five hundred people at our hotel at NPC Resort Village, a twenty minute ride via our shuttle service. That’s two venues to experience in one convenient package.
Be surrounded by nature unspoiled by man. When you’re not swimming, facilities for basketball, beach volleyball and karaoke are available for you to enjoy. Come and enjoy one of the Philippines most beautiful and unspoiled beaches for a holiday you’ll never forget.

You know what? NPC got it right. The roads of Bataan to Westnuk do offer scenic views and are well-maintained; no traffic, too. And the one from NPC Village to Westnuk Beach showcases rows of fields and clean creeks or streams. It's very calming.

It is a treat to go inside the BNPP and to see the Plant itself. And then, you'll see the cove and it looks amazing. However, since there was a storm when we were there, we didn't thoroughly enjoy the beach. At first, the weather seemed fine: the sky was overcast, but no rain. Thus, we were able to wade in the water but not for long. Well, the winds started to get crazy and it affected the waves. Good thing it was a cove so the waves were not intimidating. Then, the skies suddenly grew darker and darker. And it started to rain hard.

No rain yet.

But the waves came in succession,turning sea water to foam/bubble.

Heavy rain started to pour, and the waves got a little bigger.

See the rocks in the background shrouded by the rain.

The Westnuk Beach also offers overnight accommodations, but it is almost always full. Their ocean-view two-storey guest pavillion has four air-conditioned rooms and three regular rooms able to accommodate a total of forty-two guests. If you can't get a reservation at the beach, the NPC Village and the NPC Hotel, 15-20 minutes away by car, are the alternatives.

It's More Fun in the Philippines: Bataan - Day 1 at the NPC Nuclear Power Village

Saturday, June 9, 2012 Category : DIY Tour, Do and See, Hotels and Accommodations, It's More Fun in the Philippines, Philippines 0

Since I am just a short post away from wrapping up my Macau travel adventures, I'm going to blog about my Bataan adventures since I've been itching to do it for a long time already.

If you remember, last August 2011, the Philippines had a rather extra long weekend because of several holidays. So, I was so flustered thinking about being stuck at home. I wanted to go to Baguio but my reservation was put on-hold and when it was finally okay, it was already too late to go. Anyway, my family and I ended up staying at the National Power Corporation's Nuclear Power Village in Bagac, Bataan.

It was my third time to set foot in Bataan. The first one was when I was in college; the second one was for a 2-day work-related matter. But the road we took going to Bagac was different from the one I used before, so it was like my first time going to Bataan.

Anyway, I liked Bataan. In fairness, the roads are wide and paved; there are a lot of trees and really, nature still abounds. However, there are not too many vehicles on the road and Bagac is like 2 to 2 1/2 hours away from Manila.

To reach the NPC Village, which is now open to the public for rentals of the villas, is really easy. It's after the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower, turn right from the gas station and you're there.

The Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower

The Village is past its glory days. Really. The houses are sad looking and old, but for its price, its okay. I think I paid around Php 3,000 with discount, for 2 days and 1 night. However, if you need to use a ref, the tv or a gas burner, you'd have to rent it for a fee. I forgot how much, though. Anyway, they have a maximum number of guests allowed per house but don't worry, they won't make a head count. We were almost 20 in our group although the allowable people per house is just 10-12. We didn't pay extra. If you prefer, they also have a small hotel.

It's easy to know that this place has once been grand. See the helipad in front of the hotel.

Most of the amenities are non-operational. But at least, the pool remains.

But there's a fire station inside! How cool is that?

There are 4 huge rooms (or 5?). We all fit in. I requested for extra sheets and pillows and they didn't charge me for those.

These are the bungalows. So huge. Ours is across this one, but smaller.

These are the abandoned bungalows.

And bring your own food. It's difficult to find a place to eat, even at the "bayan."

There's a good thing about the NPC Village. It comes with free entrance to the West Nuk Beach at the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. They also have lodgings at the Beach but it was fully booked so we had to settle with the village. The catch: it's about 15-25 minutes by car from the Village. But the trip is all worth it, I promise.

The NPC Village also has a swimming pool; old but clean and decent, and the compound is huge and good for a stroll or for jogging. And, there are a lot of guava trees. We just picked from the trees, with blessings from the guard (he says it'll just get rotten anyway), and the guavas we got were so delicious! Juicy and ripe! Yum. We even got to take home some.

The guavas either just fall on the ground or get eaten by birds, like this one.

And, if you don't know it, you can view from the Village, the famous Las Casas Pilipinas, a resort nearby which painstakingly restored, piece by piece, some of the historic houses, mansions and even school buildings, from around Luzon.

Las Casas Filipinas as seen from the NPC Village.

Finally, I must say that the views here are gorgeous. See the photo below where the road seems to meet the sea and the skies.

It's More Fun in the Philippines - Blog Series

Monday, April 30, 2012 Category : Beach, DIY Tour, Do and See, It's More Fun in the Philippines, Philippines 0

Cagsawa Ruins and Mt. Mayon, Bicol

Although I have reservations about the Philippines' tourism slogan, I can do nothing about it. Might as well find something useful about it. So, I've entitled my Philippine travel adventure series, "It's More Fun in the Philippines."

Lately, I've been going around the country one tourist destination at a time. I'll start blogging my adventures after wrapping up my Hong Kong and Macau adventures, but here's a sneak peek:

West Nuk Beach, Bataan

Boracay, Aklan

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas

Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Promod

Saturday, February 4, 2012 Category : Manila Chronicles, Philippines, winter clothes 0

You may want to ask me how I know about store sales. Let me be quite honest about it. I work 5 minutes away on foot from a mall. There. And yes, the store clerks of the shops I frequent know me already because I am always present when there's a sale.

Anyway, as with Dorothy Perkins, Topshop, Topman, and other foreign clothes stores, Promod has been on sale since mid-January 2012 or thereabout for its year-end sale. And, what's great about Promod? Their winter accessories.

Yes, if you're looking for a scarf that does not look a dime-a-dozen, then Promod is your answer. Their scarf collection is great, although a little on the higher price range. But, don't fret, they're having a 70% off sale and their sale items will remain until stocks last.

Also, Promod's faux fur winter stoles are to die for. Perhaps, you're a fan of Downton Abbey and you've probably seen Lady Mary Crawley with a fur winter wrap. And your best bet at coveting that winter stole: Promod.

I've seen this one, too, at the store. So cute! It's quite heavy, though.

This one, too, in different colors. It looks better in person.

Well, there's this cape, too, but I am not sure if it's on sale, too. Probably. Who'll wear it in spring?

Oh, and I should not forget about this one. This is simply divine, but a little heavy. You have to put it on when you check-in at the airport. Putting it on your luggage will just add a lot to your allowable weight limit.

And, I've bought these pieces for my Hong Kong trip this February, where the weather's a bit cold this time of the year. Around 14C to 20C. I'll put on a cardigan over the sheer one, and perhaps, I'll slip the black one on top of a long-sleeved fitted shirt in white, beige or gray. What do you think?

Before I forget, I've seen two winter boots over at Promod. The first one looks more like a rain boot because of its style, or perhaps, a shorter go-go boots (Promod's style last season was mod-like), and a riding boot of some sorts.

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Topshop

Category : Manila Chronicles, Philippines, winter clothes 0

Oh yes. I know. One of the most read articles on my blog is about winter clothes shopping. So, I am trying my best to share where one could buy outfits for winter.

Last week, I've blogged about the sale at the Terranova, and now, I have something even better. Topshop, which has been on its year-end sale since mid-January 2012, has just offered BUY ONE, TAKE ONE promo on ALL their SALE ITEMS starting yesterday. Yes, you read it right. On top of the 50% price slash, Topshop makes further reduction with their Buy One, Take One scheme: you pay for the higher priced item and the lower priced one is free. For example, those oh-so-cute over-sized winter knitwears and sweaters, which range about Php 1,600 to 1,900 per piece (already with a 50% discount) can now be yours for half the price, that is, if you buy any sale item within the same price range. Yes, you can combine any items on sale for the Buy One, Take One promo. So, you can have a winter sweater and a winter jacket, too. Or a winter scarf and a winter sweater.

Just some of the winter outfits I've been raving about from Topshop (although I couldn't find photos of their oversized sweaters with thick stripes):

Me, on the other hand, got a little shopping-crazy for their cute shoulder bags, and shoes, too.

Happy winter clothes shopping!

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Terranova

Friday, January 27, 2012 Category : Manila Chronicles, Philippines, winter clothes 0

N.B.
I do not own these photos. I just screencapped them for reference. Head to http://www.terranovastyle.com/ to see the originals.

It's still winter in other parts of the world and you might be headed to Europe, Canada, the US, China, Japan or South Korea. So, you'd probably need winter clothes, right? Well, you're lucky since there are a lot of stores selling winter clothes at a discount, including Terranova this January. I've been to Terranova today and yet again, I bought a couple of light sweaters and some warmer cardigans. I am going to someplace cold, but not that cold; only Baguio cold, but usually, I love wearing light pullovers with skirts and jeans even in Manila. I mean, they're good for the office, too since it's usually cold because of air conditioning.

Most of the clothes on sale are the knitted ones which look really good on skinny jeans, leggings or skirts. Just wear a thermal underneath (apparently, Uniqlo's are fantastic) and/or a winter coat, then you're good to go. Don't forget to put on a scarf or some leg warmers for maximum cuteness. BTW, their sizes are from XS to L.

Here are some of Terranova's items for sale in their stores:

And, if you're wondering how to mix and match your clothes to look trendy even in winter, check out Terranova's lookbook, and I've screencapped some of their looks here:

I really like these 2 sets.

The tops and tights are in stores.

Who says you can't wear skirts? Just wear tights underneath the skirt.

That's what I did in Beijing.

Classic examples of layering for winter.

Yes, I bought the same tights (right).

I have the same lace tights.

And the denim jacket with faux shearling is on sale.

Most of the clothes above are available in stores at Terranova branches in the Philippines. Of you want to check out the stores, here are their locations.

Tagaytay Adventures - Overnight Stay

Friday, September 16, 2011 Category : DIY Tour, Philippines, Tagaytay 0

I took this photo using my iPhone. Guess having an iPhone is not so bad after all.

Today, my family and I are in Tagaytay, and we're going to stay here overnight, the best accommodation I could find in Tagaytay, at a friend's vacation home! Yipee!

My cousins told me we're going to Calaruega church later. So, I better prepare now.

Till then!

EDT:

We passed by a number of cyclists going to Tagaytay. We took the Cavite route, the one which passes by Gen. Trias and Amadeo, but I was not so happy about it. I am more comfortable taking the usual route, SLEX to Tagaytay. But when I saw those cyclists, I thanked the heavens and almost went down the road to kiss the ground. I mean, those cyclists are all handsome, trim, tall and fit! Well, save for a few who look like regular joes. But the pretty ones are real eye candies; they look like celebrities. There were some foreigners, too. Gosh. I wish I was holding my camera then. Oh well.

Baguio Travel Adventures: June 2010 - Pink Sisters, Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club and PMA

Sunday, September 4, 2011 Category : Baguio, Camp John Hay, DIY Tour, Do and See, Philippines 0

Every year, we go to Baguio; it's an official stay. I've been there for 2 straight years but I forgot to finish my Baguio adventures last year, so I'll start, again, for the year 2010.

My memory's quite bad, but I can still remember what we did because of the photos I took.

We went to the Pink Sisters, prayed inside where we could see the pink sisters praying, too. I think they take turns and the sisters pray 24 hours. We also wrote our petitions on a piece of parchment.

Pink Sisters

Not surprisingly, I saw a taho vendor selling strawberry-flavored taho and not just the regular one. It was so sweet but you do get strawberry pieces.

We tried walking inwards the street where the Pink Sister's convent is located and we passed by some great looking condominiums. Apparently, Brent School (International) is located there.

As I have previously blogged, we stayed at the Manor in Camp John Hay. Since we're staying there, we went to the Bell House and paid a minimal fee to get inside the premises. According to the Camp John Hay website, he Bell House used to be the vacation quarters of the Commanding General of the Philippines. It now serves as a modern museum of colonial architecture and lifestyle.

There's something weird, though, at the Bell House Compound: this totem pole made by Ernesto Dul-ang. Kinda creepy.

In the Bell House compound, another interesting structure lies: the Bell Amphitheater. Apparently, this structure was designed by and named in honor of General J. Franklin Bell. Moreover, according to the Camp John Hay website, the Amphitheater serves as an engineering marvel, allowing for good acoustics and is an excellent venue for concerts and other performances.

If you're at the Bell House, don't forget to stop by at the Cemetery of Negativism, the symbolic burial place of negativism, said to be man's greatest self-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, and his heaviest burden.

There's also the History trail and the Secret Garden but we didn't go there.

We stayed in Baguio for 3 days and 2 nights, so we had ample time to visit the Philippine Military Academy which is a little far from the city center. We saw a lot of cadets making their daily run at the PMA.

We also dropped by the Mansion, the President's official summer house.

For pasalubong, we bought the famed raisin bread from our next-door neighbor, the Baguio Country Club.

Of course, we didn't forget to buy goodies like ube jam, strawberry jam and brittle nut from the Good Shepherd convent. Their garden's full of pretty flowers!

ASIAN TRAVELING