Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Siargao!

Our first day in Siargao was full of unexpected events. Delay in Flight. Tsunami Alert. A chase after a different boat when we were left by the one we were supposed to take. I was already thinking that someone in the group has some kind of jinx or something?! Chos.

From Manila, it took us almost a two hour plane ride to Butuan and another two hour van ride to Surigao City. Then a three hour boat ride to Sta. Monica port plus more than an hour habal-habal (motorcycle) ride to General Luna. 


Clouds never fail to amaze me!
Inagawan ng pwesto ang mga crew ng bangka!

Zaicy and I enjoyed the habal-habal ride the most! We chit-chatted non-stop, sang and laughed like crazy. 


With our Kuyang Driver!
We were delighted even more to see a rainbow!

We arrived in JadeStar Lodge around 6pm and were welcomed by the nice owner Ms. Anita. We could have looked famished for she immediately offered dinner. We were served with grilled chicken and rice that we finished in no time. Hashtag? Patay-gutom!


Our room - PhP1500 per night good for 5 pax (model not included)

After dinner, I took a bath and slept. I didn't know what the others were doing still, I was so tired to even care, lol. Zaicy and I woke up at 2am to prepare the mini-birthday surprise for the two celebrants, Empi and Arvin.


Happy Birthday ulet! Mwaah!

By 6am, we were all prepped up and already had coffee for breakfast. It was raining though and I was so worried that we can't push thru with the island hopping. I was glad when we still did. But a few minutes later, our boat suddenly stopped in the mid-sea for some engine problems. And again, it was raining and the waves were getting bigger and water was rushing inside the boat. Sino ba kasi talaga may balat sa pwet? Umamin! Haha. Seriously, I was afraid and I prayed several times for God to calm the sea. And He did. 


And soon enough the motor was fixed and we continued with the two hour ride to Bucas Grande Island. Sis Arline did a fascinating intermission number - a one of a kind talent - that made us all laugh out loud. Clue: Ito ang sole source niya ng kilig bago dumating si bestman sa buhay niya. Haha!

Anyways, we reached the Bucas Grande Island and didn't waste any more time and went directly to the stingless jellyfish lake after registration at the tourism desk.


The Tourism Desk Area
Environmental Fee: P50 for local / P150 for foreign
Rentals of helmet and lifevest: P40 each
Docking Fee: P100 per boat
PumpBoat: P500
Boat Guides: P165 per guide
Paddlers: P100 each
We rode a small paddle boat going to the lake. Tourists are no longer allowed to swim with the jellyfish. Kuya Eddie, our tourguide, said that the sunblock and other lotions or creams worn by tourists can harm the jellies.


This experience alone made this whole trip worth it for me!
The Famous Stingless Jellyfish!

After our encounter with the jellies, we then transfered to the pumpboat to get to Sohoton Cove. 


Entrance to the Cove
The Horseshoe - used as guide so the boatmen won't lose their way in the cove

We first explored the Hagukan Cave. Haguk from the bisaya word that means "snore". They said that during high tides, the cave produces a sound similar to a snore.


Do you see the snake-shaped stalactite? I don't! Lol.

Next, we entered the Mangkukuob Cave. I don't know what Mangkukuob means so don't ask. Sunget?



Explore a cave - another one down from my 30before30 list!

We had to climb up to the exit on the other side of the cave. And came upon this platform outside where you are required to jump to the waters.



Arvin, Zaicy and Empi were the ones to dive first. Now, I thought it would be an easy task but when I saw how deep the water was, I couldn't jump. It was the first time I felt so much fear that I almost burst into tears. So did I jump? No, I didn't!! This tourguide in green shorts pushed me into the waters. And I hated him so much and wanted to bury him alive! Just kidding. Because I really needed that push or I could have stayed all day long in that platform. So thank you, Kuya! Haha.




We then went back to the Tourism Area. Ms. Anita prepared our packed lunch - Chicken Abodo and Yellowfin Tuna Sinugba. We all ate to our heart's content - the reason why we had bulges in our tummies in some photos, haha!



We left Bucas Grande Island to proceed with our island hopping. Our first stop was at Naked Island. My favorite! Though it was scorching hot, I just love how bare the island is. And the sand is comparable to that of Boracay's.


Naked Island


Next was the Daco Island which is the biggest of the three islets, thus the name. It's a lot cooler here than in Naked Island but the white sand is also as fine as it can get.


Daco Island

Lastly, the Guyam Island. An officemate told me that Guyam is "ant" in Bicol. So I thought that it may have been called Guyam since it seems to me that it's the smallest amongst the three islands. But that's just an assumption. It may mean differently in Bisaya.


Guyam Island

By the way, we had some photo-shoots in the islands as directed by Zaicy. Poses we copied from Metro Magazine's January issue. See the complete set of pictures here.


Sneak Preview!
My Fav Shot! Pang-trash photography (I mean "litter"ally!)

It was already past 4pm when he headed back to the resort. Just a few minutes and we're off to Cloud 9 for surfing!


The Boardwalk
Surfing lessons are P500 per hour inclusive of equipment rental. Zaicy and Empi were surfing like pros! I just didn't know where they are getting their energy. Naka-enervon? I was already exhausted and all I wanted to do was lie down on my surfboard and watch them, lol. I still managed to stand a few times though. 



It was already dark when we finished surfing. We then went to Ronaldo's Restobar to have dinner and went back to the lodge after. I took a bath, settled our bill for the resort, packed my things and finally was able to doze off. 

Woke up at 2am the next morning. Left the resort at 3:30am to get to the boat at Dapa Port that left at 5:30am. It was a few minutes before 8am when we reached Surigao City. We passed by a church to say our thanks and then went to Gaisano Mall to meet Empi's mom and niece. And Lala and Baste were there too. You just got to love Lala for her endless stories! I did.

Blogger's EB at Surigao City.. lume-level up!
At the Butuan Airport

Our flight back to Manila was on time. Though there was this man who made a scene at the plane which caused a minute of delay. Good thing, CebPac staff knows how to deal with troublemakers. We landed at the airport around 5pm. I got home at 8pm and the first thing I did was lie down on our sofa! I was obviously missed by my two pamangkins who immediately hugged me.. and asked for pasalubong, haha.

This was the first trip I had where half of our time were spent on the road. Ka-haggard!  But Siargao really is worth all the pain in the butt, my two-tone darker skin and the bruises in my knees.






41 comments:

  1. hongsoyo namans ng adventure. kahit medyo nakakahaggardo ang oras ng plane-van-boat-habal2x trips

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  2. Ang saya saya naman ng lakad ninyo... ay super ganda ng pinuntahan nyo... (galing sa inggetera uli!) hahahaha

    pero di yata carry ang pag sakay sa bangka..naiisip ko palang natatakot na ako di kasi ako marunong lumangoy :(

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  3. hangang ngayon pagod pa rin ako wah!

    ang witty mo sa "litter"ally ha, mukha ka tuoy nag skular! very good yan di masisira ang camera. char!

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  4. nung kinuwento nga ni Zaizai parang sobrang haggard nga... pero saya naman to the highest level din... nu ba yan... dami nio na namimeet na blogger, ako ni isa wala pa... haha!

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    Replies
    1. ay! si empi pala... so may isa na ako... hehe!

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  5. YAN!!!!!!!!!!!! at long last may post ka na... talaga all in one post yung tatlong araw... nakakingit talaga pero ayaw ko talaga mag paaraw kasi di ako tisoy..lol

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  6. Lumelevel up englissssssh! Wow ganda talaga ng siargao the photoshoot was amazing! Ung bikini pak na pak!

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  7. Very nice ang mga photos. Ang sarap ng travel nyo, punung puno ng adventure. Exciting.

    Love the pictorial too. Hahaha. Galing ng director at mga mowdehls. :)

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  8. ka-haggard much nga..siksik ang sked walang pahinga kahit ihi hahaha! thank you sis special mention ang talent ko dito lols..

    kahit super pagod..worth it naman.. until next trip ;)

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  9. hahahaha. kapagod no? buti na lang talented tayong lahat at napagkasya sa isang araw ang nasa original na IT natin. Congrats sayo dahil nakatalon ka ng buhay. Hahahaha!

    Sarap magbakasyon! Looking forward sa ibang byaheng kasama kayo. :)

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  10. ang sarap ng bakasyon niyo, and dun sa jellyfish thing, nakita ko din s blog ni empi, i want to touch that jellyfish also :-D

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  11. omggggg. inggit ako! 2years na ako nagpaplan mag siargao. I must visit it this year! I cant wait to try surfing. bwahaha! hey love the photos of you na png preview mag! :P

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  12. Lovely photos, ang taray ng swimwear niyo ni sis Arline hehehe. Inggit much lng ako sa mga katawan niyo hehehe.
    EB kayo dito sa ilocos dali:)

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  13. hong bongga ng adventure with bloggers ate! :) hehe
    sooo hot models! grabe! hehe

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  14. wow sa mga models, ang gaganda at ang gugwapo, sexy pa!
    di naman halatang haggard ka eh, all smile at beauty ka pa rin. :)

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  15. Great adventure,Jho...pero iyak na ako nyan, all in one yata ang pagsubok nyo..lol! BTW my gwapo kayong kasama...sinong ka love team ba yan???lol! For sure I would love to visit the place, so relaxing and peaceful. It seems not too many people are there, I love the cave at buti naka talon ka??? siguro kung ako di ako tatalon bahala na si batman.hehehe....you look great on your bikini ;)

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  16. waaaah kainggit! sana makaranas din ako ng mga ganitong adventures someday. =D

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  17. Ang saya-saya!!! Pero hindi ako nainggit kasi hindi ko keri ang beach outfit... hehehe... super siksik ang sched niyo... next time dapat may expenses ha...

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  18. Haba ng biyahe at sobrang pagod, pero worth ang lahat sa ganda ng lugar at being with co bloggers. Precious moments that are worth remembering.

    By the way, cute ng habal habal rise, buti di pumutok gulong. Bigat nyo siguro:)
    Thanks for taking sky pictures. You know mommy JOy;)

    Sweet naman nyo ni zaizai mag prepare something for the celebrants.

    Ganda ng stingless Jellyfish, but mas magaganda mga models:)

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  19. The effort to get there was priceless but it is worthy anyway ! The place was gorgeous and really a must see. I love love those Metro inspired photos of you guys. You are super hot in those 2 bikinis. I don't have the body like that anymore, lol

    xo
    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com

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  20. parang napagod din ako pagkatapos ko basahin ang post na to. char. pero mukhang worth it naman ang bonggang road-to-sea trip nyo. hehe. grabe gusto ko na ulit magsurf!

    sayang di na pala pwede makipag-swim with the jellies, pangarap ko pa naman yun.

    yung guyam, ganun din tawag namin sa langgam sa quezon. hee.

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  21. ang saya naman ng siargao trip nyo...:) buti na lang na overcome ng bongga ung mga aberya...:) in fairness wala pang summer, you guys are all tans na...:) feel na feel ko na talaga ang summer sa photos nyo...:)



    xx!

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  22. hay buhay sarap naman mag beach! hehe..


    bagong follower lang lol!

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  23. Saya! :D

    narinig nyo bang nagsnore yung cave? parang nakakatakot ata yun ah.

    Kyot kyot ni Lala. Sino yung si Baste? Natawa ako dun sa "model not included" :D

    Hot hot hot, mas hot pa kayo sa summer! ;)


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  24. Wow! Amazing photos! Looks like SO much fun! Hugs from Cali! xx The Golden Girls

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  25. WOW
    Great blog!!

    Would you like to follow each other? Check out my blog and let me know :-)
    www.cecilleblog.blogspot.com

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  26. oh SIARGAO! yun lang ang nasabi sa sobrang fascinated. haha! :-)

    by the way, taray ng "ala Metro Magazine" photo shoot (clap!clap!clap!)

    'til next time! ingats! :-)

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  27. Waah dahil dito buburahin ko na sa listahan ang Siargao haha ka-haggard pala, Coron nalang. Ganda ng shots nyo lalo na yung trash photography haha litter-ally!

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  28. uu kasi big land mass kasi yung mindanao. sanay nga akong magtravel ng 14hours by bus lang isang magdamagan yun nuon. ang gagaleng ng posing ninyu

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  29. omigosh ang sarap ng adventure! at naloka ako sa requisite na tumalon sa tubig ha. at ang photoshoot? model-modelan... pero may K naman!! ;-)

    Spanish Pinay

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  30. Awesome! Ganda naman ng place! Wala akong masabi, Amazing!!!!!! Great captures! Thumbs up din ang mga shots nyo!!

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  31. As always first comment ko talaga is kayo na ang Baywatch bodies :) ang ganda ng mga views and syempre napangiti ako sa name ng Island Naked and Daco :)

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  32. Sexy naman! :) Parang ang sarap magpunta jan! Hihi!

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  33. I am so nalilito kung ano ang una kong icomment. Ang dami kasi. hehehe

    Heniway Hemingway, wala bang direct flight to Surigao from Manila?


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  34. Wow, getting there might have been real exhausting what with all the transfers you made.

    You guys were up at 2 just for the surprise gift to the birthday boys, wow! Great friends you sure are!

    I'm glad your island hopping adventure pushed through. I'd be scared too if the boat engine died in the middle of the sea with the craves crashing.

    What did Arline do? Anong intermission number yan?!

    Since you didn't know the meaning of mangkukuob I googled it and I learned that it means, "go under," oh diba, lakas maka-Kuya Kim, lol.

    Again, nice photoshoot!

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  35. Kaht na sbhng stingless yung jellyfish, hnd q p rn hahawakan yun haha

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  36. i so luurvvv the bikini pics and pose.. i felt like i have traveled all over siargao na.. ayoko na pumunta..lols... inggit much deep inside.. hopefully ay ma-attack ko din yan :D

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  37. Wow! Buti ka pa nakapunta na ng Siargao.
    We went to Surigao last week pero hanggang Surigao del Sur lang.
    I really want to go here.
    Do you have contact number of the place you've stayed? Yung kay Ms. Anita? ;)

    Thanks!

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  38. gusto ko ring pumunta sa Siargao gusto ko mag experience nang real surfing he he yung experience ko lang kasi sa surfing ay yung sheath nang coconut flower duon kami sasakay at mag slide sa mabuhangin na hill side wayback in grade school usually summer time
    Siargao

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  39. nalimutan ko palang sabihin na ang ganda nang mga dilag at popogi nang mga ginong ha ha
    pagadian city

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