25 - The "Bay" of Tranquility: Misibis

Looking for a serene, quiet place where you can bask under the sun, enjoy great food and doze off your birthday weekend at? This lovely paradise located in Albay, Bicol is the perfect place to be!

It was one April night when I was looking at Cebu Pacific's seat sale when Lea and I impulsively decided to book for Legazpi on her birthday weekend. We got our seats for around 2k each, roundtrip and with baggage allowance. While I was very excited about the city tour (Mayon, sili ice cream, foodtrip) Lea was persistent that we go to Misibis Bay instead. I didn't even have the slightest idea about Misibis Bay at all so I looked it up on the internet and man, the place screams luxury. It is a 5-star, private island resort that boasts world class facilities and offers exhilarating activities. We ended up booking a room through buying vouchers at Deal Grocer (which by the way, offers "slightly" cheaper deals). We got ours at P10k for two nights. (Before you squeal "mahaaaal!", continue reading on as to why I still think it was all worth it).

So this is how it went, when we arrived in Legazpi, we availed a city tour with the only Kuya (Kuya Dhoy) that has a booth at the airport offering vans and tours - I still have his contact number in case you're interested! Our first stop was the Cagsawa Church Ruins. The Mayon was a sight to behold! (despite it being covered with clouds most of the time). There were "photographers" there who would offer you their service. They will use your camera and instruct you on how to pose so the photos will look like these:

pursuing serious bff goals here

Our next stop was the pasalubong center where we bought bottled/preserved bicol express, chili paste, pili nuts etc. The products were a lot cheaper as compared to the limited array being sold at the airport.

Next is Daraga Church where Lea paid her respects and prayers since it's her 25th birthday the following day! The Mayon is breath-takingly beautiful from where we stood.

And the most essential part of the trip ---- foodie!!! Hello Bicol delicacies! <3 We had our lunch at Balay Cena Una:

We thought the resto was closed because the door's not open. But that's just how it really is.

Bicol Express!!!

Medyo dramatic pose

Really loved the food, and the interiors!

We also stopped by the 1st Colonial Grill to try the sili and pili ice cream! Yummm! <3

We skipped the part of the tour where we're supposed to go to this famous mall in Bicol whose name I've already forgotten. Really should've written this blog the soonest we got home! Anyway, we're now off to the paradise that is Misibis, which is an hour away from the city!

Tip: if you do not have cash then go withdraw from the atm before going to the resort. Also, buy chips/noodles whatever. Misibis is kinda secluded -- thus the peace.

What greeted us was the warm smiles from the staff, free drinks & a free picture - which we got when we checked out!

Can you believe that we dozed off after this? Haha! We were supposed to tour the resort grounds but we ended up sleeping until dinnertime. What we had for dinner was this Adobo sa Suka which I really loved, and their original style breaded chicken. The servings were actually good for 3-4pax. 

Misibis at night

Then morning came

This is how our second day went, first - we admired the beauty that is Misibis (please see photo above).

then we had our breakfast buffet which costs P750 per head. That's some serious bacon lovin' <3

Bae-con you my bae

 Then we changed into our swimming attire and basked under the sun:

This view. A good book. Iced-cold beer. And your best girl.

Gotta love the bean bags

Next, we availed of the water sports activities. There's a lot to choose from --- snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving! I opted for scuba diving which is around P1,900 for a 15-minute dive.

giant clam

holding Patrick while looking for Nemo... and Dory!

Things I've learned so far:

1) One is not allowed to dive if she has a flight during the next 12-24 hours.

2) It's mind over matter. The sea is a scary, beautiful place that holds many wonders. 

3) Adventure doesn't need to be expensive BUT there are experiences that would require you to shell out some $$$. So save save save and go on an adventure - even once in your life!

4) Happiness doubles when shared! Travel with your bff!

We had pizza for merienda at the hotel's resto, then went out for the eco-park tour for P150 each. Too bad the park activities were already closed since it's late in the PM so we only had our photo ops:

All the world's a stage

Next, we had our birthday buffet dinner back at the hotel! Lea ate a kilo (or two) of crabs! Lol 

The staff sang her a happy birthday and gave her a cake. Thank you Misibis for a wonderful surprise!

The next day, we had our breakfast and left for the airport. Overall, it was a fun and relaxing experience! We were never guilty about dozing off (and eating) most of the time. I know a lot of you would comment that it was an expensive trip (and I have to agree with you guys) but having experienced it all, I'd say it was all worth it. I haven't found a place that balances perfectly between calm and adventure. Leaving the following day, I can only wish that we could stay even for just one more day!

Here's the website fyr:

http://www.misibisbay.com/

A run-down of our expenses:

Airfare - est. P4k (for 2 pax with 15kg allowance from Legazpi to MNL)

City Tour - P2,500

Balay Cena Una lunch - est. P1,500 (includes 4 dishes and three rice -- Kuya ate with us)

Hotel accommodation - P10k for 2 nights (exc. of breakfast and airport transfer)

Breakfast Buffet at Misibis Bay - P750 per head

Dinner Buffet at Misibis Bay - P850 per head

Airport Transfer c/o Misibis Bay - P600 per head

24 - A First Timer's Hike | Masungi Georeserve

The Masungi Georeserve is a wildlife sanctuary and conservation area boasting various rock formations and plant species. The trek lasts for 3-4 hours, depending on the capacity of the guests as well as the amount of time spent for photo ops (the view is breathtakingly beautiful one couldn't just resist). It is situated at kilometer 47, Tanay, Rizal.

The marker. You know you're in the right place when you see this.

This trip is about 2-3 months in the making. It was difficult to reserve a schedule with Masungi since they are always fully-booked, especially on weekends! Do not be disheartened if they do not reply to you asap when you email them since they receive tons of messages everyday, but they surely make it a point to reply to each and every one who's interested to do the trail. Anyway, here's some info about the reservation:

1) You may contact them in this email address:  trail@masungigeoreserve.com
2) Once your reservation has been confirmed, you are required to pay 50% downpayment. (Note: The fee is P1,400PHP per person, inclusive of drinks and sandwich after the hike.)
3) The remaining 50% is payable on the day of the hike.

Moving forward, I have to warn you about two things that we've encountered:

First, since we live in Antipolo, we took the Antipolo Shopwise-Tanay route (the one passing by Solid Cement), diligently following the instructions from Waze. Our van ended up stuck on the muddy road and we spent an hour or so pushing back the car to the main road. Apparently, the route we're taking is not passable (though Waze insists it was the way to get to our destination). We also learned from the residents nearby that even though we could pass that area somewhere in Baras, gates were already installed beyond it, and vehicles are not allowed to pass. Anyway, just take the Marcos Hi-Way-Tanay route instead! Will save you from all the trouble, really.

The aftermath. I should've taken photos of them pushing the van :P

Second, I know the reservations were made 2-3months earlier, so we had no way to know that there will be thunderstorms on our reserved date. As much as we want to push the hike (it is difficult to find another schedule that we would all be available plus we're already there after all), we had to cancel and ask them to fit us on another weekend; the earliest schedule possible. Note that there are wires installed along the trail (for the duyan, giant spider web, etc.), so it is dangerous to continue the hike during a thunderstorm.

Foggy

Fast forward to a week later, we're finally back and the weather is great! At the onset, you will be provided a bag and an emergency whistle for every two persons, two bottles of water each, and a raincoat if it is raining. Here are some of the photos:

Down the rabbit hole, adventure awaits!

(c) Amber Garcia

(c) Nico Apilado

(c) Frances Tan

(c) Roma Domingo

Since I am a first time hiker, here's a list of the challenges I've encountered, as well as a little bit of my inputs regarding them:

1) I was out of breath a few moments after we started the trail. Having no exercise for the past few months lowered my stamina plus the fact that I was feeling asthmatic due to a recent activity. I suggest you guys hit the gym or run a few kms everyday before engaging to hiking activities. It's all in the preparation!
2) The rocks may prove rough and kinda pointed at times, so it would help if you have gloves.
3) Do it slowly, but surely! Do not be pressured if your groupmates are getting ahead of you, or if they can easily climb or whatever. Your safety is of utmost importance! Nevertheless, do not be such a scaredycat and challenge yourself. Push your limits and conquer heights. The view is breathtakingly rewarding.

(c) Zeb Gozon

4) It wouldn't hurt if you bring your own first aid kit. Simple things like band-aids, alcohol and meds (in case of a migraine attack). Keep it light though. Remember that what you bring with you during the hike, you'd be carrying in your bag for the next 3-4hours or so. Those items that you think you will not be needing during the hike (like perhaps your extra clothes), leave it to your car.
5) Hardhats exist for a reason. Hehe
6) As the saying goes, rest if you must but don't you quit!

As Winston Churchill once said,
even if you're going through hell, just keep going!

(c) Amber Garcia

7) Reward yourself with a hot shower or put a hot compress on your sore muscles once you get home. The struggle to wake up the next morning is real.

with my favorite people!

8) I will end my list with something as basic as charge your phone or bring your own power bank. As you've noticed, almost all the photos I've posted have the (c) sign, all because I forgot to charge my phone and was empty bat the whole time. Oh well. (But I surely enjoyed the view more than anyone else since I do not have to take photos here and then lol)

*insert good sigh-haaay* Masungi, you were fun, majestic and wonderful! The trail was not that difficult (wehh) so first time hikers like myself would surely enjoy! To more hiking activities! :))

For more info, here's their website:

http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/

23 - Things you can never teach your little girl

"Wow Tita this room is awesome!" my 8-year old niece exclaimed, her eyes full of admiration at all the panda stuffed toys and pillows all over the place. Her gaze focused on the 3-feet tall panda plush on my bed and when she found out who gave it to me, she said,

"Ohhhh he really likes you a lot. Didn't he?"

For a moment I was dumbfounded --my mouth hanging, my throat dry with words; a 'yes' barely escaped my tongue, but a resounding 'no' was playing at the back of my mind. Heck, how do you explain to a kid that a boy could give you everything you want on earth, but still not love you enough? 

I chose to stay quiet. Some things, you can never teach your little girl. 

22 - Dining with Pandas, Giraffes & Tigers

MAKATI CITY is probably one of the busiest areas in the Philippines. I've often heard people say this is our country's equivalent of the NYC considering that people in business attires seem to be walking and rushing all over the place. Amid all the chaos, pollution, tall buildings and honking of cars, herein situated is a haven where one could take a break, even momentarily, from the buzz of corporate life.

Zoo Coffee brings with it the serene ambiance of an animal-themed cafe where a lot of cutesy stuffed toys and furnitures would greet you at the onset. It is a Korean-franchised Cafe which opened its first (and only, as of this writing) branch at the ground floor of Alphaland (near RCBC). Outside boasts a towering life-sized giraffe while inside you will be greeted with stuffed pandas, white tigers, as well as monkeys hanging on artificial trees. They surely would love to dine with you! The cafe is decorated in zebra stripes as well.

The menu does not fall far from the origins: it's Korean! Smoothies with yogurt, ades, frappe, waffle, teas, specialty coffee, pastries, ice cream, sandwiches - chicken and hotdog with your choice of flavor (there's teriyaki, there's bbq). Pasta was not yet available as of this writing but they will be, soon!

Here's some snaps of our brunch:

You can choose between having the sandwich ala-carte, or with salad. And look, even the latte art screams zebra!

Hello there! You should come visit me soon. I give free hugs! - Panda

You should go and try it for yourself!

-Cheng