22 and counting!

I've mentioned in one of my previous post that I love traveling and discovering new places. One of my dreams is to have at least one travel abroad. I haven't done it YET. I still need to make ends meet in order for me to realize that dream. But, I have a PLAN B in case I'm not able to do my "international invasion". And that is, to cover at least 1% of the Philippine islands! Huh! Just a recap : Philippines has 7,107 islands. Which means I have to explore 71 of it.

To be honest I'm beginning to have doubts if I'll be able to accomplish it. I guess traveling abroad seemed more feasible. But who knows?

For me to keep track of the islands and places I've visited when I started to have this wanderlust, I listed them all. I'm exhilarated to find out that I just had my 22nd mark! Yaaahhhhoooooo!!!!

BORACAY. You are my 22nd!

I took this pic when I and 3 more friends spent our Halloween vacay in this beautiful paradise. The island is approximately 7 km. long. Said it was used to be a secret island until a foreign movie crew accidentally discovered it. From then on, Boracay is widely known to both locals and foreigners alike. It was voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is famous for its powdery white sand and clear torquoise waters. And not only that, it boasts a variety of adventures and forms of relaxation ranging from scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kiteboarding, sunset cruise, island hopping and a lot more. But more often than not, tourists flock to enjoy its pristine beauty.

Getting there was easy. We took a 50-minute flight from Cebu to Caticlan. Then a 10-minute boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay.

It is best to visit Boracay during summer since the trade wind blows out to sea. But the resorts are usually expensive and full on the months of April - June where summer is at its peak.

Though there were casual rains, we were still able to make the most of our 3-day vacation. The island was pretty much lively when we got as everyone was busy setting up booths for the Halloween party. If you love the nightlife, Boracay won't be a disappointment. It is known as the party island where pubs and disco bars boom at night. Of course we couldn't miss it for the world. We hopped to Cocomangas, and tried one of their signature drink Illusion Shaker.

                                                illusion shaker....

It has 5 shots (if i read it right) of vodka, pineapple and.... I forgot the rest. It tastes good and yes, it was served in a jar - not in a glass or jigger. I dunno why it bears the word "illusion" on its name. Maybe you will be into some sorts of illusion after drinking it. In my case, I find the bartender cutie (hahahahahaha!). No, I'm not drunk! He was really cute even before I started drinking it. Perhaps that's the reason why I didn't noticed I was holding my celphone on my left and I accidentally dropped it. Ugh!!! Thank God my celphone was still intact after it bungee jumped from the bar chair I was sitting, except that I couldn't use it for texting now coz some of the keys weren't functioning anymore. Damn! 

Cocomangas is also known for the so called "Still Standing at 15..." drinking challenge. You will be given 15 different shots of booze. Drink it up and if you're still standing after the last shot, your nameplate will be placed on the wall plus you get a t-shirt. Cool. I actually thought of joining but when I saw the menu below, I think I'd do my country a big favor if I'll just step back hahaha! (I don't drink that much anymore)

We also did a lot of swimming. (uhm..technically, I cannot swim. so I'd just stand at the shallow and ocassionally dip my head). I love the feel of the sands on my feet. Sometimes we would walk barefoot along the shore.

                                                

One of the many things I look forward in my visit to Boracay is the sunset. Boracay is quite known for its breathtaking sunset and that is the reason why sunset cruise is a common leisure in the island. Apparently, the weather was in bad mood and so uncooperative. It would rain every afternoon. Fine, goodbye sunset!

                                      sunrise in boracay....

It was quite an experience. I wish I could go back this summer coz I already made a mental note of the things I wanna do. 

Hope to see yah soon Boracay...

A Halloween treat like no other!

This post is 3 days late, I know. I was on vacation and the last thing I wanna do is face the computer. Anyhoo, how was your halloween? Me, I had fun! I was enjoying trick or treat here and there.

Trick or treat is something we Filipinos don't usually do. I never went to any Halloween parties growing up. I was never in fancy, scary costumes walking around begging for treats. Trick or treat was so foreign to me back when halloween was all about mumbling prayers and offering food to our departed loved ones. I remember hopping from cemetery to cemetery visiting our dead relatives bringing flowers and lighting candles for them. Some would build a kiosk near the grave, bring in food and drinks, stay there for the whole day and have a party-like atmosphere. Halloween was always like that. No costume parties. No trick or treats. We just celebrate it in an unconventional way that only us can understand.

Now that we have adopted this foreign tradition, halloween has never been exciting! We always make it a point to feel the halloween spirit by transforming our offices into something creepy. Then we will dress up in scary costumes doing rounds inside the building for the trick or treat. My throat went sore after eating all the candies I gathered hahahaha! Serves me right.

This year probably is the most fabulous halloween I've ever had because I get to spend it in Boracay. It was indeed a treat! Except that the rain was such a kill joy. Damn you rain! Told you not to be a badass but you still did. You poured more than 3 times that night and we were so soaked and wet. Yet, that didn't stop us from enjoying the night. Aside from beautiful beaches, Boracay is known for its feisty nightlife.

Roaming around the island I saw a lot of people dressed in scary costumes. I would stop to take pictures at them if I find them awesome, cool, and of course, scary.

Saw this child while walking around d'mall. She still look adorable despite the make-up.

While looking for some place to dine, we came across with this white lady.

Uhmm... can you help him find his head?

I just think they're gorgeous...! Like a royal family or something...?

WARNING : This place is haunted!

This witch is an adrenaline junkie. She was doing the zipline and we asked her to stop for awhile to have our pics taken.

I happen to pass by a fire dance party.

Yah right, the picture sucks! But I swear, they're so amazing. I just couldn't get a better angle because of the crowd.

I was hoping to catch some local celebrities but I guess it's not my lucky night. We were having so much fun and by the time we went back to the resort we were dead tired.