The Subic beach fun must go on

By Jo ERLINDA G. NEBRES
April 29, 2009

Recently, we went to Subic and stayed at Forest Hills. We had fun with the kids as my sisters from Doha, Qatar and Dubai, United Arab Emirates joined us on their annual vacation in the country together with some friends.
Everytime we go to Subic during the long Holy Week break, we enjoyed swimming and picnic at the beach. And this recent visit was a surprise because of the all-new Camayan Beach Resort, formerly the Miracle Beach. And there are other beautiful beaches developed in and around Subic. .
Year after year since 1993, our family makes a special visit to any of the Subic beach resorts. Unfortunately, this year, it was raining hard when we went to the beach, but to us the beach fun must go on…
As we settled down in our cottage, I noticed the crews and staff of Camayan Beach Resort busily trying to remove all the debris of the shore every now and then. There were many beachgoers already there amidst the weather condition that day. Children were on their position at the shoreline, some making sand castles and others playing with the waves.
The hardest part of enjoying the beach during a rainy day is to beat the cold wind. So, I started sitting down on the shoreline where waves meet their ends to wet my feet and legs to feel the temperature of the sea water to condition myself. Later, my youngest-four-year-old daughter dragged me to a deeper part of the sea where a long bench was planted by the management. She (wearing life vest) went up there all the time to dive. Minutes later, all her cousins were already there. Some wrestling on the bench and others snorkeling and skin diving.
Afterwards, in spite of the rain pouring hard, everybody wants to go further down to the deep to look for fishes and to any luck, corals. So they all went to a stage-board almost at the edge of the beach implanted by the establishment. The borders are surrounded by styroballs which were floating in line to indicate the secure area to swim.
I’ve been to a lot of beaches and this Camayan Beach Resort is a safe beach resort to see during this time of weather. I felt secure and so are my children and family. In spite of the rains, we enjoyed our beach activities there. Actually, we all enjoyed very much our snorkeling experience despite the fact that water is hazy during rain. The water is indeed clear even though there was no sun to give light under the sea and we were able to see different school of fishes. Batfishes, lovable clown fishes at large, blue tang, parrot fish, yellow tail damsels, angel fish, and other kinds of fish -- I saw many of them but I couldn’t name them all. My nephew had collected small crustacean crabs found with the styroballs.
At times, I had become so involved and was mesmerized seeing huge gatherings of color fishes and their beauty and started chasing a particular fish forgetting where I was when I know that some possible predators may be at large but thanks to the Camayan Beach Resort management and to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA my under-the-sea adventure was not spoiled that day!
Afterward, when it was raining so hard again, many rented kayaks and began paddling and playing the small waves.
Later in the afternoon, the resort was alive with music coming from the restaurant. The sound of live beach music coming from Reef Restaurant and Bar lured people to stay longer to a more promising beach party at night.
Enjoying the night fun is hassle free at Camayan Beach Resort. They offer great accommodations with picturesque view of Subic Bay, wake up in the great catch of ocean breeze!
Thinking of other things to do? Camayan Beach Resort owns the Ocean Adventure which is situated next to it. Another sea adventure awaits you there!
For comments and more information, email gagabytes@gmail.com.

Chilling your way out of the summer heat in Tagaytay City

By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES
Published in Philippines Today April 14, 2009
http://www.philippinestodayus.com
Summer is here. Everyone is looking for a place to quench the uncomfortably shift of the weather. Whether to plunge in a pool, looking for the best halo-halo nearby, or enjoying the stillness of the hot summer and having fun in the beaches not far from our places or doing anything to feel comfortable, you can chill your way out in Tagaytay City which is less than an hour drive away from Manila.
The cool climate and pristine air of Tagaytay City offer variety of activities for the whole family or barkada to enjoy. Kids would love to fly a kite, while everybody else enjoys cooking out or horseback riding at the Picnic Grove or simply enjoy the view of the famous Taal volcano and the lake.
Visiting Tagaytay City with no apparent aim of destination is no problem. Just stroll around and every leisure and activities will be available. Even a low budget visit will make your tour a sure-fire stay.
The lush, calming air cooling the city will easily chill down the temper while leisurely walking or little trekking in the park.
Little trekking your way up to People’s Park in the Sky or Imelda Marcos’ Palace in the Sky will give you a spectacular view of Manila Bay, Laguna Bay, Taal Lake and the Balayan Bay. The controversial Palace in the Sky, once owned by former President Ferdinand Marcos, is nestled at the highest point of Tagaytay.
Animal lovers can visit the Halfway Zoo which houses some wild animals. The zoo also has unique flora and fauna to enjoy and so with the rest of the city. Tagaytay is, indeed, a garden city by itself.
Tagaytay City is popular for couples who want a quick romance getaway or adventure. The cold environment of Tagaytay and the phenomenal views makes every point of Tagaytay a soulful and amorous place to enjoy. The weather provides you a natural expressive love or romance. The city is famous for wedding venues and these rites often are dubbed the “Wedding in the Sky” or “Wedding made in Heaven.”
Tagaytay is not only famous destination for families, lovers or couples, but to any barkadas too! The cool city has many bars, and restaurants and a casino too! Some bars and restaurants are owned by popular showbiz personalities like Richard Merk and Freddie Aguillar.
Golf wannabes loved to play here. Everyone who are going some place else like Batangas, will make sure they will pause a moment to experience bulalo and tawilis in the city. Tagaytay market sells cheap fresh beef and other vegetables. Barako coffee beans, buko tart and flowering plants is a must buy!
For comments, gagabytes@gmail.com.

A veritable rest break away from the city

By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES

Printed March 10, 2009 Philippines Today US

http://www.philippinestodayus.com

Therapeutic breath in a warm tranquil place, lying in a finely white sand beach of La Luz Beach of San Juan, Batangas is a rester’s timely place, only two and a half hours away from Manila.

Arriving at La Luz Resort, one could not possibly believe a jewel resort existed in Batangas. A cozy, beauteous and picturesque beach with pleasing accommodations is hard to miss! Nevertheless, one cannot forget a utopian beach…

La Luz Beach Resort is an aspiring place to an impeccable escape from fussy life of busy city. Resting under a white umbrella, lying lazily in a foam beach wooden chaise lounge, star gazing at night, enjoying the sultry air, or behind the elegantly lacy white curtains of a four post wooden outdoor cottage with nipa roof of cabana.

La Luz Beach Resort is a privately owned beach resort which was recently opened to the public but its owners have maintained its orderliness and cleanliness. There’s no loud music, no crowd or vendors to pester you during your stay. You can enjoy your break at the wooden chaise lounge while drinking their lush shake of mango fruits - an idyllic place to relax!

If you are seeking for water adventure, La Luz is not a diving spot but there are two dive spots available near the resort. A motorized banca is available for rent for those who wish to do an island hopping or snorkeling at shore. You would be surprised with what you would find during your underwater exploration.

La Luz is located in Barangay Laiya in San Juan, a small town of Batangas, whose shores abound with barracuda. This is where I had my close encounter with this kind of spiny-finned fish surprisingly. The large fish I thought at first were something else. The moment I realized they were barracudas, I broke the record as the fastest swimmer to get back to the canoe which we rented during our sea exploration there!

I will never forget a perfect serene place like La Luz Beach Resort. The romantically-elegantly dressed cabana, the white sand, the graceful white canopy beside the chaise lounge, tranquil breeze of beach air and the wild blue sea gives a magnificent relaxing atmosphere!

A solitary retreat is hard to find. La Luz Beach Resort is an ideal rest oasis for everybody! It's the ultimate haven for honeymoon or romantic gateway for its simplicity and tranquility -- a lavish atmosphere of adventure for amatory affairs!

There is not a single television available at La Luz Beach Resort. One either has to enjoy its veritable luxury in harmony of mini-break, rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life or work to enjoy the nature.

While you’re there, you might want to try hiking at Mount Daguldol , a popular site for hikers or see the Naambon Falls and the Peak with breathtaking views. This will be the highlights of the journey. A tourist guide is available to take you there.

If you are looking for nightlife, this place is not for you. The place is best suited for people who are up for a revitalizing and peaceful beach experience.

San Juan, Batangas is not only famous for beautiful white beaches. Never leave the town without a journey to the bat kingdom of Laiya Aplaya Mountain. A horse ride and trek to the bat cave is a must and never miss this experience!

Don’t forget to buy tuba or lambanog (coco wine or coco vodka) and palayok (clay potteries) on your way home.

For comments, email gagabytes@gmail.com.

A Dreamy Haven

A Dreamy Haven By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES Printed in Fil-Am Megascene Chicago February 25, 2009

Basking under the cerulean sky, lying lazily at the immaculate white sandy beach beside the calm waves of the azure seawater makes a getaway perfect for intimate moment at Caramoan Peninsula !
There is no paradise like Caramoan Peninsula, the hidden treasure of the Philippines located in the province of Camarines Sur!
Getting there, you will readily fall in love with the beautiful place. Its beauty never stops to entice each visitor who comes to this place. The pristine white sand and the crystal indigo sea found in the cape of Caramoan are very alluring to the eyes of many. You’ll never stop wondering what’s beyond this dazzling azure water when riding in a boat. What promises lies ahead?
Seashore that can match a beach in Miami, Florida and privacy, a quiet, serene Caramoan Peninsula can be a wonderful retreat, a seventh heaven to be part and enjoy the nature. The place has its own beauty and pride of its own uniqueness. An undeniably charming paradise!
Caramoan Peninsula’s beaches are truly magnificent with its immaculate powdery white sand surrounded by sparkling cerulean water, unexploited by commercial tourism. Each beach has its own uniqueness.
Touring around the place gives island hopping a new significance to witness its enthralling beauty in many ways. A great ocean adventures for kayakers, snorkel and scuba dive to experience the diverse marine life, trek and search for the unfathomable lagoon, rock climb the limestone cliffs, explore the caves or star gazing at night!
There are many islands and caves clustered in Caramoan to hop around, each boasting its own beauty and individuality.
Here are some exciting islands to see.
The Lahos Island, the most popular, has its name which means "overflow" where the sea can wash over a part of this narrow island from one side to the other.
Matukad Island exemplifies the portrait of a perfect tropical island.
Honongan Island is the first resort in Caramoan to open. This hundred-room development is set off the cliff facing the beach. Its beachfront has beautiful views of immaculate islands right across the calm sea.
Island hopping won’t be complete without seeing the mysteriously majestic caves. Omang Cave is part of the Caramoan National Park located in Barangay Paniman and Barangay Ilawod. Its entrance is about 30 feet above sea level and the interior is like architecturally designed. The air is very cool inside. It is dark and, if lighted, shows extravagant beauty. It is like entering a new dimension of a limestone world.
The most intriguing Manipis Cave is located at Barangay Pandanan. It is believed that General Yamashita hid his treasure in this cave but you don’t need to look any further for the cave is a treasure in itself!
This cave has rich guano reserve.
Calapnitan Cave in Libmanan contains countless stalactites and pillars ranging from massive to extremely delicate. Thousands of bats make this cave their home. The site of the hundreds of bats also is a very extraordinary spectacle. Their presence provides a very good source of guano supply and phosphate.

The fresh cool water from the underground stream of Taisan is simply irresistible in Bulang-Bugang Cave. Explore the deep underground river of the cave.
Don’t miss the twin waterfalls of Itbog Falls in Sta. Cruz Buhi and the Malacsay Falls in Mt. Isarog in Panicuason. The cascading water measures about 40 feet from the top to a wide pond below.
Malacsay Falls could compare with famous waterfalls in the Philippines like the Pagasanjan Falls in Laguna.
There are many activities to do and places to see in this dreamy haven of Caramoan Peninsula and there 's a lot of natural wonders to discover. Island hopping, swimming, skin diving, limestone cliff expeditions, snorkeling, scuba diving, caving or spelunking, rock climbing , hiking, beach camping, kayaking, inland and island lagoon exploration, sea and marine cave adventures, subterranean river adventures and gold panning!
Whew! Aren’t these adventures enough for you to entice you to come in one paradise called Caramoan Peninsula? Think of getting thrilled in wakeboarding on your way home?
Let’s have fun basking under the sun and explore the many islands of Caramoan Peninsula together! Email me at gagabytes@yahoo.com.