Destinations of 2009 (Year Ender)

If you could mute the politics and poverty you’ll see the tremendous beauty of the Philippines.  The islands may not possess the same PR as Malaysia or Thailand, but there are many things to be proud of.

My journey began in 2008 with visits to Bohol, Cebu, Zambales, and the Hundred Islands.  This past year I’ve retraced steps to familiar places like Baguio and Ifugao but I’ve also experienced what’s in Western Visayas.

Here is a recap of some of the places I visited in 2009!

Baguio City, Benguet – Not exactly a new destination for me, but a February visit makes it feel like a scene in a koreanobela.  Cloudy skies, cold weather, fog, with heart balloons and chocolates for sale along Session Road.  Baguio can be a romantic getaway when you time it correctly.  Oh My Gulay! and strawberry taho were love.

Mt. Pinatubo (from Tarlac jump-off) – I’ve been to the mouth of Taal Volcano before but that is nothing compared to the experience of going to Pinatubo.  Riding a 4×4 down Crow Valley was awesome.  Swimming in the crater lake was a mix of eerie and awe.  It’s fascinating how nature’s fury can carve out such beauty.

Camarines Sur (Naga, CWC, Pili) – The laid back lifestyle in Bicol is what I admire the most.  Our entire office was there when a close friend of mine got married.  I enjoyed the water park at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC).  I also love the food at Red Platter and fast food chain Biggs.

Albay (Cagsawa Ruins, Guinobatan, Legazpi, Daraga) – On my second visit to Albay I didn’t get to see the tip of the volcano again (which as of this posting is erupting lava and ash).  Still, seeing the foothills was enough.  We had afternoon merienda at the famous Small Talk Cafe.

Donsol, Sorsogon – A dream come true!  Swimming with whalesharks.  It was a dizzy three to four hour zigzag trip from Naga.  The waves were rough but we were still lucky to see a couple of whalesharks.  They were huge, they swam slow, they were… adorable!

Baguio City, Benguet, again! – The city of pines celebrated its centennial in September but when we got there it was just business as usual. Still, Baguio the second time this year was wonderful.

Bacolod, Negros Occidental – Dubbed the “BIG” (Bacolod, Iloilo, Guimaras) trip of the year, it was a long-planned visit to Western Visayas.  It was also my first time to fly PAL domestic.  The Bacolod Masskara Festival is so far the best street party I’ve attended.  The hotel we stayed in was also great.  I’ll go back for the chicken at Manokan Country and the famous chocolate cakes at Calea.

Iloilo (Capital City and Miag-ao) – Our trip was during the uneventful season in Iloilo.  No festivals, nothing!  But the original La Paz Batchoy of Deco’s is REASON ENOUGH (and I mean that in CAPS) to return.  The best tasting soup, EVER.  Our visit to Miag-ao and Jaro Cathedral were made of fail.  Photo above says why. Bourbon Street and Freska were other highlights.

Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras - A simple beach that we almost had all to ourselves.  The legendary mangoes were out of season but we still enjoyed the warm waters.  We pigged out at Raymen Beach Resort.

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro – I’ve been here before but no past visit  will ever compare to the one in November.  Off-peak in Galera is always the best time to go.  No crowds.  Just the beach at your disposal.  Don’t forget to bring a book and read it by the beach. Or take photos with your special someone. <3

Ifugao (Kiangan, Lagawe, Banaue, Hungduan) – Not originally planned for the year but surprisingly the BEST trip of the year.  My second time in Ifugao (first was in 2004) was almost magical.  I shot a travel diary for a friend and in the process I had the most engaging Ifugao experience.  Our SITMo guides made the trip twice as much enjoyable.  We also slept in a traditional Ifugao house.  How fun is that!

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I’m looking forward to 2010 with enthusiasm.  I want to go to Boracay, Palawan, Mindanao, Northern Luzon, Batanes, and Eastern Visayas.  Parang north, south, east, and west di ba?  And I want to do Old Manila by foot.

Happy New Year!

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