The “Nose”
“Archipelagic Doctrine” pertains to the articulation of encompassing concept of territorial area belonging to the Philippines 7, 107 islands and its waters if I remember it right. I find the word-tandem easy to remember and even attach chic, assured and grand essence to it hence, the title for this island hopping album.Upon the conclusion of an appreciation night which ended roughly 2am because of added misadventures, I went straight home to embark on a trip going to Pan
gasinan which by the way took us years to arrange. It was absolutely worth all the hassle.
So we went north, almost in the middle of Luzon to catch a glimpse of some 124 islands in addition to connecting formations we have heard of. Throughout the tour, we were blessed with fine weather and the bluest yet vivacious sea of South China. People of the area are beautiful, cheerful and kind enough to extend affectionate assistance to exploring strangers.
Aside from the fine weather, we were blessed with people who showed us kindness and willingly helped to make our stay comfortable and fun. Espi from Bing’s, Rogelio our tour guide and motorbike driver, Nestle the Treasures of Bolinao rep, Jay ToB manager and Mang Marcelino the boatman for our Hundred Islands tour. Look for them in case you get the chance to visit and please say we appreciate their help.
This has been the first indefinite location to me and also, the only time I felt like getting a henna tattoo just for the hypothetical artsy look. Highlights were; Giant Clam shell site snorkeling, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse picture taking, gorgeous Treasures of Bolinao ocular and speedy shore transfers.
- C -
Here’s our itinerary just in case you’re searching for a guide for your trip
November 13-14
Day 1
4:30 am – Victory Liner Cubao terminal going to Alaminos. (This is Victory Liner’s first trip. Fare going from Cubao to Alaminos is 347php)
10:30 am – Arrived Alaminos Bus terminal
- Hailed a tricycle to stop shortly at the market (We bought pork to barbecue but there are small eateries at the Tourist Welcome Center just in case you don’t want the hassle of eating in between the tour)
11:00 am – Arrived at the Hundred Islands Welcome Center (Lucap Wharf)
- Stress began as there were so many decisions to make. We only planned to take the small boat for 3 people (800php) but its limited to 3 islands only. We wanted to maximize the tour so we picked the boat good for 6-10 people (1,400php overnight rate, unlimited island) because we wanted to go cave diving at Imelda cave. We added 600php to rent a set of Lifejacket (to wear
outside the boat), swimming shoes, and snorkeling gear (its 250php each set but since we availed 3 set, they gave it to us for a total of 600php) and we paid for the entrance fee of 30php each(?) to able to stopover at Quezon Island. (If you want a nice boatman who will go the extra mile to make your trip worth it, you can look for Manong Marcelino. We’re thanking them because they’re so nice.) >>> Highlights: Marina Island (favorite!), Governor Island’s highest peak, PBB house, Snorkeling at Coral Garden and Clam Farm. We weren’t able to go cave diving at Imelda Cave because the waves were wicked. Oh well, next time
4:00pm – Finished Hundred Islands tour
5:00pm – Headed to Bolinao. (from Alaminos, ride a tricycle going to CSI (its a chain of grocery/mini malls in the North I think) Alaminos and you can ride a van going to bolinao. Fare is around 50php if I remember it correctly.
6:00-6:30pm – Arrived at Bolinao Bayan.
6:30 pm – With the help of very kind co-passengers from our van, they hailed a tricycle for us especially when they knew that we don’t know anything or anyone at Bolinao. The usual fare going to Brgy. Patar is 150php. Local drivers can charge newbies double, so better to haggle.
- Oh Lordie! It was already dark, they have curfew hours, and the roads only had minimal lights! The trip going to Brgy. Patar was reaaaaaaaaalllllllyyyyyyy long! Bumpy, dusty, and scary! C and J were just muttering to each other because we’re getting scared and holding our breaths.
8:00pm – Finally arriving at Bing’s Resort. We paid the tricycle 200php. He initially charged us 250php but we haggled to 200php. We didn’t haggle any lower because upon realizing how long and tedious the trip to Patar was, we thought the 150php fare is justifiable, 50php served as a tip eventhough he didn’t do anything special.
- We were greeted by Espi, one of the attendants at the resort. The place was already dark and we were the only ones checking in. They gladly accommodate us and escorted us to our room. We rented the cheapest room (1,500 php per night good two with AC).
- We weren’t really picky with hotels since Bing’s was already the most affordable accommodation with decent ammenities along Patar. The room was so-so, there were two large bed good for four people but you have to pay extra for the third and fourth pax.
Day 2
6:00 am – Wake up call.
- Seeing the beach in the morning is always a beautiful sight. Prep for a tour.
8:00 am – We asked the resort if they can call a tricycle for us to show us around the town. Instead of a tricycle, they offered their motorbike which we arranged to pay for 400php for gas. We were more than happy! Riding a motorbike in the open fresh air is the best!!!!
8:15 am – From Bing’s, its just approximately 15 minutes going to Treasures of Bolinao. It was our first stop. We decided to look around the hotel to check if we can s
tay there next time. The rates are hella high but once we saw the ocean view suites, we totally said we should go back and stay there for at least one night!
- From their resort, we walked on the side to go to beach which is actually part of South China sea already! The sand is fine and there were few people kayak-ing. The water is crystal clear and we took advantage of lounging and swimming there.Good life!
9:30 am – Went back to the bike and proceeded to Cape Bolinao to take some shots. Breath taking view!
9:50 am or so – We went to visit one of the caves there, the nearest cave is Cindy’s cave. We were the only visitors and we went down to look at the cave. Its fresh water and people can swim there. The water was surprisingly cool. The Mano
ng who owns the cave shared some really interesting stories about treasures used to be buried there.
10:15 am – We decided to lounge back to Bing’s resort before we check out at 12nn. I think we came at the right time and season, because the sun was glaring hot (just good enough for a perfect tan!), and yes the water is too shallow but it was swimmable for us! We happily enjoyed the beach and since we were the only ones checked in at Bing’s, we felt like we rented a whole island.
12nn – We were feeding ourselves bread and instant cup noodles the whole time, so when we checked out we brought our two canned goods with us and requested the resort to have it cooked (50php for cooking). We ordered rice as well (20php per cup of rice).
- After eating heartily, they called a tricycle for us and we were off to Five Star bus terminal.
Fare is 150php.
1:00pm – Arrived at terminal. Fare from Bolinao to Cubao is 405php.
1:45 pm – Off to Manila.
There you have it. It was an awesome trip and definitely going back there to spend a night at Treasures of Bolinao with the whole gang and visit the other tourist sites we missed at Bolinao.
Off to our next Miss-Adventures
- J -
gasinan which by the way took us years to arrange. It was absolutely worth all the hassle.
So we went north, almost in the middle of Luzon to catch a glimpse of some 124 islands in addition to connecting formations we have heard of. Throughout the tour, we were blessed with fine weather and the bluest yet vivacious sea of South China. People of the area are beautiful, cheerful and kind enough to extend affectionate assistance to exploring strangers.
Aside from the fine weather, we were blessed with people who showed us kindness and willingly helped to make our stay comfortable and fun. Espi from Bing’s, Rogelio our tour guide and motorbike driver, Nestle the Treasures of Bolinao rep, Jay ToB manager and Mang Marcelino the boatman for our Hundred Islands tour. Look for them in case you get the chance to visit and please say we appreciate their help.
This has been the first indefinite location to me and also, the only time I felt like getting a henna tattoo just for the hypothetical artsy look. Highlights were; Giant Clam shell site snorkeling, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse picture taking, gorgeous Treasures of Bolinao ocular and speedy shore transfers.
Cape Bolinao
Side note, Pa & Ma labelled us “lakwatseras” and thought that Twinkle looks like a boy, Chiky thanked Jevah for her marshmallow while I wish to go back with family and friends.- C -
Here’s our itinerary just in case you’re searching for a guide for your trip
November 13-14
Day 1
4:30 am – Victory Liner Cubao terminal going to Alaminos. (This is Victory Liner’s first trip. Fare going from Cubao to Alaminos is 347php)
10:30 am – Arrived Alaminos Bus terminal
- Hailed a tricycle to stop shortly at the market (We bought pork to barbecue but there are small eateries at the Tourist Welcome Center just in case you don’t want the hassle of eating in between the tour)
11:00 am – Arrived at the Hundred Islands Welcome Center (Lucap Wharf)
- Stress began as there were so many decisions to make. We only planned to take the small boat for 3 people (800php) but its limited to 3 islands only. We wanted to maximize the tour so we picked the boat good for 6-10 people (1,400php overnight rate, unlimited island) because we wanted to go cave diving at Imelda cave. We added 600php to rent a set of Lifejacket (to wear
outside the boat), swimming shoes, and snorkeling gear (its 250php each set but since we availed 3 set, they gave it to us for a total of 600php) and we paid for the entrance fee of 30php each(?) to able to stopover at Quezon Island. (If you want a nice boatman who will go the extra mile to make your trip worth it, you can look for Manong Marcelino. We’re thanking them because they’re so nice.) >>> Highlights: Marina Island (favorite!), Governor Island’s highest peak, PBB house, Snorkeling at Coral Garden and Clam Farm. We weren’t able to go cave diving at Imelda Cave because the waves were wicked. Oh well, next time
4:00pm – Finished Hundred Islands tour
5:00pm – Headed to Bolinao. (from Alaminos, ride a tricycle going to CSI (its a chain of grocery/mini malls in the North I think) Alaminos and you can ride a van going to bolinao. Fare is around 50php if I remember it correctly.
6:00-6:30pm – Arrived at Bolinao Bayan.
6:30 pm – With the help of very kind co-passengers from our van, they hailed a tricycle for us especially when they knew that we don’t know anything or anyone at Bolinao. The usual fare going to Brgy. Patar is 150php. Local drivers can charge newbies double, so better to haggle.
- Oh Lordie! It was already dark, they have curfew hours, and the roads only had minimal lights! The trip going to Brgy. Patar was reaaaaaaaaalllllllyyyyyyy long! Bumpy, dusty, and scary! C and J were just muttering to each other because we’re getting scared and holding our breaths.
8:00pm – Finally arriving at Bing’s Resort. We paid the tricycle 200php. He initially charged us 250php but we haggled to 200php. We didn’t haggle any lower because upon realizing how long and tedious the trip to Patar was, we thought the 150php fare is justifiable, 50php served as a tip eventhough he didn’t do anything special.
- We were greeted by Espi, one of the attendants at the resort. The place was already dark and we were the only ones checking in. They gladly accommodate us and escorted us to our room. We rented the cheapest room (1,500 php per night good two with AC).
- We weren’t really picky with hotels since Bing’s was already the most affordable accommodation with decent ammenities along Patar. The room was so-so, there were two large bed good for four people but you have to pay extra for the third and fourth pax.
Day 2
6:00 am – Wake up call.
- Seeing the beach in the morning is always a beautiful sight. Prep for a tour.
8:00 am – We asked the resort if they can call a tricycle for us to show us around the town. Instead of a tricycle, they offered their motorbike which we arranged to pay for 400php for gas. We were more than happy! Riding a motorbike in the open fresh air is the best!!!!
8:15 am – From Bing’s, its just approximately 15 minutes going to Treasures of Bolinao. It was our first stop. We decided to look around the hotel to check if we can s
tay there next time. The rates are hella high but once we saw the ocean view suites, we totally said we should go back and stay there for at least one night!
- From their resort, we walked on the side to go to beach which is actually part of South China sea already! The sand is fine and there were few people kayak-ing. The water is crystal clear and we took advantage of lounging and swimming there.Good life!
9:30 am – Went back to the bike and proceeded to Cape Bolinao to take some shots. Breath taking view!
9:50 am or so – We went to visit one of the caves there, the nearest cave is Cindy’s cave. We were the only visitors and we went down to look at the cave. Its fresh water and people can swim there. The water was surprisingly cool. The Mano
ng who owns the cave shared some really interesting stories about treasures used to be buried there.
10:15 am – We decided to lounge back to Bing’s resort before we check out at 12nn. I think we came at the right time and season, because the sun was glaring hot (just good enough for a perfect tan!), and yes the water is too shallow but it was swimmable for us! We happily enjoyed the beach and since we were the only ones checked in at Bing’s, we felt like we rented a whole island.
12nn – We were feeding ourselves bread and instant cup noodles the whole time, so when we checked out we brought our two canned goods with us and requested the resort to have it cooked (50php for cooking). We ordered rice as well (20php per cup of rice).
- After eating heartily, they called a tricycle for us and we were off to Five Star bus terminal.
Fare is 150php.
1:00pm – Arrived at terminal. Fare from Bolinao to Cubao is 405php.
1:45 pm – Off to Manila.
Good Life!
There you have it. It was an awesome trip and definitely going back there to spend a night at Treasures of Bolinao with the whole gang and visit the other tourist sites we missed at Bolinao.
Off to our next Miss-Adventures
- J -
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