Hey covid's not over but everyone is sick and tired of lockdowns especially us travel bugs, we have the urge to constantly explore new places and experience new things and well.. frankly to feel alive! The virus is not going anywhere and we've done what we can by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, trying to be fit and healthy so we can have our freedom back and get on with our lives. Australia is now living with covid phase, no more lockdowns, masks no longer mandatory heck we even go to the office twice a week now. I'm glad we're somewhat getting to what used to be the norm.
Actually we were suppose to travel to Japan. We had our plane tickets and hotels booked unfortunately their borders were still closed last April so we got refunded then decided to go to the Philippines instead. This is the longest time I haven't gone back to my home country (2 yrs and 6 mos). I usually go once a year because I mainly visit my dog Kisses as I can't really talk to her on the phone. I wish badly to bring her to Sydney but brachycephalic breeds are not allowed on planes as they have 50% chance of survival. Hey I'm a risk taker but risking Kisses's life is something I wouldn't even consider. Anyway last April 2022 I'm finally able to visit home! I flew to Manila and finally able to see Kisses after more than 2 yrs and also.. finally met Knicks, our 1 yr old doggie! He was given to me by my cousin's friend who is finding good home owners for his pups. He's such a cutie and so full of energy!
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| Kisses and Knicks on a roadtrip to Bicol! |
We went to my mom's hometown Bulusan in Bicol as my mom hasn't been for years. My family went on a roadtrip together with the dogs, trip was tiring though as it's a 17 hour drive! I swore to fly if there's a next time!
We went to the usual places, Dancalan beach, Bulusan volcano reserve (the place went on an overhaul and is fully renovated!) Magallanes where my other cousins live and also to Irosin. We stayed at Villa Luisa resort where we usually stay but I wish my stay was pleasant. Unfortunately, our room had a broken and leaking aircon and the place became a bit run down. It wasn't the same place as I remember it when I was young. I hope they renovate the place. Anyway here are some photos we took.
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| Morning stroll at the beach with my little doves :) |
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| This was a waterfall found at Zoe's resort but I forgot the name :( |
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| Would you believe I paid Php 20 for a 15 min ride? soo cheap. |
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| My cousin's home at Magallanes, had great seafood here! |
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| This was at Balay Buhay sa Uma bee farm :) |
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| Cousins reunited! |
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| Bulusan volcano that just recently erupted this June! (After our visit last April!) |
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| Fambam :) |
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| Kayak by Bulusan Lake park :) |
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| Farmer Fran Farmer Lib? :P |
After our Bicol trip, my cousins and I decided to go to Banaue to see the rice terraces! I haven't been here so I was excited even though I was also dreading the road trip! As you can see, we went from south of Luzon to north of Luzon! It was quite a journey! I was also sleepless as we left at 9pm ( we had a tour package) but even if someone else was driving, the road was zigzag so I couldn't sleep as my head kept swaying! Also in our last day of the tour, our car was "in number coding" meaning we can't drive back to Manila until after 8pm so we had to wait in a gasoline station. Clearly bad planning with our tour operator.
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| Photo with indigenous people of Banaue |
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| This was in our local stay, the views are amazing! The rice terraces are a must see in person, the photos don't do justice. |
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| This was hike back down from Marlboro hills of Sagada |
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| The globe trotters :) |
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| Kind of disappointed we didn't see the sea of clouds at Marlboro hills in Sagada but instead a sea of fog |
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| Local hut |
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| Some local produce |
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| We tried pottery making, I created the largest bowl good enough for ramen! |
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| Jeepney ride, take me! |
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| Watching out for Thanos! |
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| Occasionally called the "8th wonder of the world" |
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| If you go local, you'll find the best dishes and you support the small businesses :) |
The Banaue rice terraces are much better to see in person than any photos taken on the internet. I suggest to come here and also support the local tourism and businesses. They all seem to have been badly impacted by the lack of tourists due to lockdowns as most businesses around the world. :(
My timing back in Manila was also good as my niece had her "Moving Up" event. It's the new term for graduation so she's now in kindergarten haha.. good job M!
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| Big milestone for M! |
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| Food to celebrate an achievement, may you excel more in the future! |
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| Sadly even big events such as "Moving up day" is done remotely. Although now I'm glad they have face to face classes. |
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| Congrats M! She loved my present. |
We also had an overnight stay in at Noni's resort in Batangas with M's friends and rented a villa! We had the Sta, Rita villa and our own pool! The resort is also pet friendly, I might come back and take Kisses and Knicks next time.
Rates of villas, cabins and rooms can be found here - https://nonisresortph.mydirectstay.com/rooms.html
