My 41st Birthday with my Fellow Travelers in Tanauan City, Batangas

This is the first time I am writing about my birthday.

I do not normally do this but I had to do it.

This blog is the celebration of my 41st birthday in Tanauan City, Batangas with my co-travelers last October 3, 2015. I made an event in Facebook as early as June 2015 but only a handful of my friends were able to grace my event. It took me more than a month to write this down after so many attempts. Guess I was busy in my teaching load in Far Eastern University.

The venue of the event was in Sunshine Garden Resort (Darasa, Tanauan City, Batangas).

The event was attended by my fellow travelers:

Red Chuca

Erwin Nuer

Onil Castillo

Rye Yan

Rodrigo Jonson Tinchuanco Acuzar Jr.

NRhico Garcia

Robz Reyes

Ma. Cherie D'amour

Jennielyn Torres

Lester Reyes Alvarez

Bnx Lobredo

Rubec Moyano

Norry Nepomuceno

Nelson Dona Aclan

Buddy

Jonas Reyes

It was actually one of the best, if not the best birthday celebration I have ever had in my 40 years of existence. I guess everybody enjoyed the drinking spree and the videoke.

Some of those who confirmed were not able to attend but the party must go on.

We were able to consume so many bottles of brandy and we had the best time of our lives!

I think Rod was able to consume a lot!

The following morning we woke up early, took breakfast in my place and we started our tour in Tanauan City. First stop was the Old Municipal Building of Tanauan, now the town's museum.

Second stop was St. John, the Evangelist's Church. 

One of the oldest churches in Batangas.

Third stop was President Jose P. Laurel's Ancestral Home.

Thereafter, we boarded the van towards our fourth destination. After 15 minutes, we arrived at Apolinario Mabini's Birthplace.

We roamed around the spot and even visited the museum.

After nearly 45 minutes in Mabini's Residence, we went to Talisay and went up to Tagaytay.

After the souvenir pictures were taken, we went to our last destination which is in Laurel, Batangas. It took us more than 45 minutes before reaching the place.

We trekked towards the falls. We had to cross the river more than three times before reaching the falls. The trail was light and it took us only 20 minutes.

We initially passed Malagaslas Falls but our destination was the other falls.

Finally, we reached our destination - Ambon-Ambon Falls!

We took our lunch and some souvenir pictures and then headed back to Malagaslas Falls.

The group took a dip at the cold waters of Malagaslas Falls!

Past 1 pm, we headed back to Tanauan City.

Reaching Tanauan City, we bid goodbyes to each other and I promised that there will be another birthday celebration next year. Again, all expenses will be paid (except for their transportation to Tanauan City).

See you again guys next year!

THANK YOU!!! =)

Happy Birthday to me 

and Happy Teachers' Day!

10 of My Best Adventures (Latest)

Every place in the Philippines brings a different touch of adventure 

and every adventure unfolds the same happiness from within ourselves 

and I am sharing the adventures that brought happiness for the past 12 months.

Secret Beach

1. El Nido, Palawan

Topping the list is the adventures in the last frontier in the Philippines. Snorkeling and the island hopping adventures in El Nido, Palawan are the epitome of fun in the Philippines. Snorkeling is best enjoyed in Shimizu Island, Papaya Island, Tapyutan Island, and Secret Beach.

Shimizu Island

El Nido offers a variety of island hopping packages at an affordable price. The island hopping tours range from Tours A-D. You can even combine these packages in order to maximize cost and time doing your island hopping.

Big Lagoon

The island hopping experience will not be complete without experiencing the Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon of Tour A and the Hidden Beach and Secret Beach of Tour C. Best time to go to El Nido is during summer from March to June.

  2. Motor biking and Mountain biking in El Nido

El Nido is known for its pristine waters, white sand beaches and marine wildlife. But only a few people know that it is also a site for biking. Going to Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls, Nacpan Beach, and Calitang Twin Beach is a must for bikers. Enjoy the 42-kilometers of mountain biking fun in El Nido!

3. Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas

The island is a sight to behold. A photographer's dream. A place to enjoy tranquil life.

The island has no electricity, barely a telecommunication signal and no source of water supply.

4. Jomalig Island, Quezon

Jomalig is the place where you want to take a respite, camp and simply enjoy nature. With its mile-long white sand beach, rural life and pristine waters, Jomalig is a must for one's bucket list of travel destination in the Philippines.

  

And they ALL agree!

5. Summer trip to Sagada, Mountain Province

Every year I go to Sagada. But this year's travel is different. I went to Sagada on a summer (usually December). The experience was different. The weather may not be that cold but the sea of clouds would surely be a jaw-dropping experience for a traveler to behold!

Twin Lagoon

6. Coron, Palawan 

It was my second time to go to Coron, Palawan. But the place has never ceased to capture my affection for its tourist spots. The likes of Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon are some of the best spots to visit.

Enjoy the island experience in Malcapuya Island.

Or simply witness the sunset as it unfolds at the Coron Bay.

7. Cagbalete Island, Quezon

Escape the hassles of the metro and simply live a simple life and be mesmerized with the sand ripples in Cagbalete Island.

Hidden falls or Buntot Palos Falls

  
8. Hiking Adventures

I made several hiking adventures in Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Pangil, Laguna and in Rizal. The most memorable was the Buntot Palos hike with my fellow packers.

9. Dinner at Sun Cruise

Yes, dinner! Watching the sunset at Manila Bay and enjoying the cruise at Manila Bay with your loved one is simply exceptional!

10. Parade of Lights, Tanauan City, Batangas

I am from Batangas and I am proud that finally our city has something different to offer. A tourist attraction to witness and this year was the inception of the annual event.

Tanawan Hills, Tanauan City, Batangas

Tanauan City boasts of various tourist spots ranging from historical landmarks, lake, falls, public park, parade, and a hill. The last tourist spot is called - Tanawan Hills.

Tanawan Hills is a good place to take a respite and escape from the stress of the city living. One can truly enjoy the tranquility and serenity of nature at this place. 

Interior of the rest house

The interior of the rest house is so cozy and comfortable.

One can roam around, forget all the hassles of work 
and simply marvel looking at Taal Lake.

  

How to get there

From Manila or Cubao, board a bus (Ceres, DLTB, Starex or Jam) en route to Batangas with the signage - Tanauan/Lipa (never board the "Calabarzon"). Fare is P99.00 only and travel time is 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Alight at the Tanauan City bus terminal station and board a tricycle (P15.00) to the city market. Then, ride another tricycle (P25.00) or jeepney to Barangay Luyos. Travel time is 20-30 minutes from city.   

In case you are bringing your car, use the SLEX and then the STAR tollway and exit at Tanauan City. It is a lot faster if you are bringing a vehicle. It will take you less than 2 hours to reach the spot.

Contact person - Engineer Legazpi (0918-912-3421) 

Enjoy the view of Taal Lake and Tagaytay.

Tanawan Hills in Barangay Luyos, Tanauan City, Batangas

Parade of Lights in Tanauan City, Batangas

Last March 8, 2014, the city government of Tanauan City launched its first ever activity dubbed as - "Parade of Lights".

Under the auspices of its incumbent Mayor Tony C. Halili, the parade was participated by several business establishments operating in the City.

The promotion of Tourism is the primordial reason why the activity was held in line with the tagline of the city as the "City of Colors!"

The parade started around 6:15 pm after the sunset and everybody was enthusiastic and excited to see the parade culminate into a reality.

The parade was divided into three categories, namely: street dancers, most colorful and brightest float and the biggest number of supporters for the event.

The parade started from Soledad Subdivision in Barangay Darasa, Tanauan City, Batangas where a multitude of people gathered to witness the event.

And the parade was witnessed around the city.

The parade lasted for more than two hours.  

One of the brightest was the CP Reyes Hospital's float.

After the parade, the winners were announced.

And a concert was staged at the Old Municipal Hall as part of the Cityhood of Tanauan City's yearly activity.

Hopefully, this will be the start of the annual parade of lights in Tanauan City.