Guimaras Island Hideaway - Baras Beach Resort

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11, 1/500, ISO400 

For two consecutive mornings, I woke up and rose to this sight. The bed in the cottage I was occupying has been cleverly positioned in such a way that the foot-side faces the veranda where this view greets the occupant when one arises from sleep.

It has been a long trip.  Thanks for the direct flight of Cebu Pacific from Cagayan de Oro to Ilo-ilo and their promo sale, direct travel between these two cities by air has become a reality.  After arrival at the airport I took the van that goes to the SM Mall and got off the area where jeepneys going to the Ortiz Ferry Terminal pass-by.  The 30 pesos ride on board the 40 seater motorized banca to the Jordan Port of Guimaras somehow gave me time to relax before another long trip towards my final destination, the Baras Beach Resort.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO400

20-30 minutes later, I was making my way out from the Jordan Port but not missing this very important notice in the docking area. 

Guimaras needs to protect their most important produce, the mangoes.  

As per instruction, I have to take a tricycle from the Jordan port towards the Alubihod Port in Nueva Valencia where I will be met by a resort representative who will ferry me to the resort.  The 300 pesos I paid the tricycle driver included a tour and stop-over of the few interesting places on the way. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/10, 1/100, ISO400

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11, 1/800, ISO400

I skipped the rest of the stop-overs, except for the Trappist Monastery.  I spent a few minutes inside their church, just trying to feel the serenity of the place.  











I got the chance to chat with one of the monks who informed me of their 'pasalubong' center down the path.  Their 'salabat' powder was good and of course, their mango jam.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/1000, ISO400

I arrived after an hour or so, including the stop overs in the monastery and other areas on the way. The road from Jordan to Alubihod was almost deserted. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/2000, ISO400

The resort banca was still on its way, so I took the time taking pictures of a few interesting scenes at the jetty. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/2000, ISO400

- of the deep-sea fishing boats moored for the day, awaiting the high-tide later that evening to bring them to the farthest part of the sea.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/1250, ISO400

- of the workers beside the jetty, turning over sheets after sheets of salted fish making sure they dry perfectly.  

Scenes uncommon in the bigger cities ...

The boat ride took around 15 mins. Baras Beach Resort is hidden in a sheltered inlet. Upon entering the bay, you will see several cottages built on the cliffs each hovering on the coast overlooking the sea and surrounded by verdant foliage. The resort has a total of 10 cottages with rates starting at P700. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/400, ISO400

There was only the group of Australian tourist, 4 of them, and me who were in the resort, so we kind of owned the place for that weekend.  I skipped the snorkeling, boating, and other water sports activity available.  All I wanted was to relax, eat and relax.  That was the MAIN purpose of this particular trip.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/500, ISO400

The resort has one of the better places in the area to witness sunsets.  I was joined by the other guest as we watch the sunset over the horizon.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/80, ISO400

At the resort, it was back to basics.  Electricity was only available from 6pm-10pm through generator power.  No TVs and the likes. Cellphone signal was weak that you'd be discourage to receive and make calls.  Its just you and nature.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/30, ISO400

Breakfast in the resort was the typical 'silog' type. Fresh seafood cooked in a variety of ways was my lunch and dinner during that weekend-stay, healthy-eating as they say.

Jing-jing, the 4 year-old grand daughter of the owner became the guest-relation-officer during that weekend. She would gladly approach any guest and strike a conversation or two, much to everybody's delight.  She was even game to pose for the camera!

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/4.0, 1/320, ISO400

As i was discussing with the staff about my return trip to Ilo-ilo, I cant help but start missing the place.  I am comforted by the fact though, that I am fully rejuvenated and ready once more to face the fast paced city life. I surely will come back here in the near future.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/160, ISO400

The Mansion - A Visit To A Distant Past

Canon 40D, 10-22mm, f/11, 1/160, ISO400

Having arrived a few days before the Street Dance competition of the Masskara Festival gave me enough time to explore city proper of Bacolod.  

Around the area of Lacson-Bs Aquino streets I found a couple of antique stores and shops selling reasonable-priced antique items.  If only i don't have baggage limitations in my flight ... 

Still with more time left, I decided to check-out the Mansion which I learned from a brochure I got at the airport arrival hall.  Upon checking with Google maps during lunch at the Robinson's Place, I was already in the right area that would allow me to go to the place by just taking the jeepney. 

I took the jeepney heading towards the Talisay City direction, then dropped-off at the intersection of Lacson-Hilado Sts., at the corner where the Pepsi Plant is.  There I hired a tricycle for 100 pesos that brought me to the mansion, waited for me, then returned me to that same corner.  Don't hire one way only.  Tricycles seldom go into the area that you may end up walking to the highway, 20-30 minutes away.

Canon 40D, 10-22mm, f/11, 1/160, ISO400

Situated in the middle of a sugar cane plantation, this ruins that has withstand time looks imposing and haunting. The mansion which was one of the grandest during its era was owned by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. It was built in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga whom he met in Macau.  The guerrillas burned down the mansion for fear that the Japanese forces would use this as their headquarters during the war.

A fee of P75 is collected at the entrance. There were no other visitors when I arrived so I took the opportunity of exploring the place and taking photos. Accordingly, sunrises and sunsets in the mansion are beautiful.  The ground floor of the building has been converted to a cafe where one can order refreshments. 

Canon 40D, 24-105mm L IS USM, f/16, 1/80, ISO400

The afternoon sun was getting hot that I took time cool-down and sat in one of the shady parts of the garden to relax and feel the breeze.  Visitors on board rented vans have started to arrive and have started their own exploration of the building and the garden. 

I started packing up my gears and headed outside the compound to where the tricycle was waiting.  Sunrise and sunset in the mansion will be my reason for visiting the place the next time ill be in Bacolod, that will be during the 2012 Masskara Festival.

Canon 40D, 24-105mm L IS USM, f/11, 1/80, ISO400

A Celebration of Dance - The Masskara Festival

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/8, 1/600, ISO200

Celebrated every 2nd or 3rd week of October in Bacolod, the highlight for the 2011 month-long festival fell on the 15th and 16th.  The street dance competition is the apex of this festival when representatives from the various schools and barangay categories strut their moves to the beat of the drums and most important, don their most colorful smiling masks and costumes that gives life to what is widely known as the Masskara Festival.  

Having arrived a few days before the Saturday and Sunday street-dance competition, gave me enough time witness some of the activities prior to the weekend event.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/8, 1/30, ISO800

There was the final judging of the Masskara Headress-Costume contest held in one of the malls. 

One gets to see the various headdresses and costumes that will be worn during the competition.  One striking fact when you examine the headdresses was that most if not all are made from indigenous materials.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/5, 1/30, ISO800

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/5, 1/30, ISO800

One can also marvels at the artistry that went into the intricate design and composition of the head gears and costumes.

Part of Lacson St., known as the Tourism Strip, was closed for the Electric Masskara and Giant Puppet parade.  The side-streets were also lined with food-joints. Various bands were playing set in small stages placed at various parts of the street as the parade was ongoing.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/5, 1/30, ISO800

 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/5, 1/30, ISO800

The photographers pass allowed me to go up close and personal with the participants as 
they performed. 

The Camera Club of Negros has been designated by the Silver Masskara Festival Org. Inc., as the official organizing group for the visiting and local photographers and videographers who would be documenting the festival.

The length of Araneta St. starting at the intersection of Lizares St., was reserved exclusively for those issued with the Photographers and Videographers Pass. 

Saturday was the first day of the Street Dance Competition for the Schools Category.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/9, 1/500, ISO400

Its hard to believe that most of the participants for the day's competition were elementary and high school students. Their execution were almost flawless and were almost in perfect unison.  Their months of practice did pay.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/4.5, 1/1000, ISO200

The following Sunday was the Barangay Category of the Street Dance Competition.  The crowd present was almost double than the previous day.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/9, 1/800, ISO200

Each participant teamed for sponsorship from the various private business entities in the city.  Thus, it came out obvious from the costumes donned by the participants and the props they had with them.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/8, 1/800, ISO200

Schedules and other activities during the festival can be found on the masskara official website, http://www.themasskarafestival.com.

For 2012, the street dance competition will fall on the 20th and 21st of October.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/650, ISO400

The festival has become a renowned event.  Both local and foreign visitors come to Bacolod to witness the event.  

As soon as you get to know the exact week the Masskara will take place, have your reservations already.  Accommodations ran out months prior to October. For the 2012 festival, I had my accommodations paid up as early as June.  See you there ...

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, f/6.3, 1/1250, ISO400

Coron Memoirs - Dining In The Island

It was almost lunch when I arrived in Coron.  After depositing my things in the room, i headed out to grab a quick lunch.  I asked the first staff who I came across and asked for the nearest 'carenderia' where I can get my food.  

Canon 40D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, f/6.3, 1/1000, Iso800

Lolo Nonoy's is just two blocks away from the hotel.  I walked on my way there.  I was surprised to find out that the little huts around the compound were almost occupied both by locals and tourists.  Apparently, several tour operators that include meals in their itinerary bring their guests here.  That explains the vans parked outside the place.

Meals here are truly 'lutong-bahay'.  Average meal per person would be around P100-P150.  Special orders are available but you have to wait while it is being cooked.

Canon 40D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS,
f/8, 1/3200, Iso800

I returned to the hotel via another route - a longer one, The leisure walk gave me time to fully digest my food before taking my siesta and got oriented with the vicinity around the hotel.

I passed by this restaurant and got curious by what's inside the gates and the only way for me to satisfy my curiosity is to dine inside during dinner time.


The restaurant is in a garden setting with a bar in the center of the area.  A good number for foreign tourists were around having drinks while waiting for their meals.  Ambiance here is great and can increase ones appetite.


Kawayanan Grill is not for the budget conscious.  A litro of Coke here will cost you P150!  The food is delicious and carefully prepared, but expensive.  When dining here, its better to be in a group so the bill can later be divided.

Canon 40D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, f/6.3, 1/1500, Iso800

Just a block away from the Coron Village Lodge is the Pinili Ko Restaurant where I mostly took my breakfast during my stay in the island.  

They serve typical Filipino breakfast of 'silog' and coffee.  Average breakfast here is P70-P90 per person.  I recommend their long-silog.  The longanisa (Filipino sausage) is home made and deliciously-different from the longanisa you may have been used to.


If your going island hopping on your own, chances are you'll be concerned on the food that you would need to bring along for snacks and lunch.  If you don't want to be bothered with the cooking and the likes then get your 'pack-meals' from Binalot.

Canon 40D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, f/8, 1/640, Iso800

The 'to-go' meals are carefully wrapped in banana leaves.  A very traditional way of wrapping food before the advent of tupperware and styro-packs.  Spoon and fork is optional.  You have to ask for it for most who buy here prefer to eat with their hands once in the islands or on board the motorized bancas.  Average meal starts at P60.


It was the diving gears displayed in the display window that initially caught my attention. Then I saw small tables and chairs that made me realize that was also a cafe.  

Canon 40D, EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, f/6.3, 1/1000, Iso800

The sandwiches here were great for very reasonable price, averaging between P90-P120. Considering that the owner is a European (if not Dutch, then Belgian) who got married to a Filipina, you would mostly find European food in their menu.  


I haven't tried any of their meals  since i come to the cafe for during snack time, but according to other visitors who have been here, its something to try and enjoy (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g729733-d2079791-Reviews-Manneken_Pis_Resto_Bar-Coron_Palawan.html).


Coron has many carenderias, cafes and restaurants, but the ones I mentioned here were the nearest to hotel I was staying.  The others will be visited and tried in my future visit to the island.

'Touristy' in Bangkok

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/125sec, f/4

 I am almost a backpacker type of traveler. This time around however, I am traveling as a 'full' tourist.  I'm with the 'kids' and friends who needs to be fully comfortable during the entire travel.

Departure from NAIA 3 and arrival at the Suvarnabhumi (pronounced as, su-wan-na-poom) airports were uneventful. My travel companions only realized the importance of the take-out Jolibee meal I forced each of them to bring before boarding the Cebu Pacific flight when they got hungry in the middle of the flight.  It was almost midnight when we arrived in Bangkok. 







Of temples and malls ...
Breakfast at the First House Hotel was buffet. As expected from a 3 star hotel, it was not of gastronomic proportion. It fills the stomach though.  This hotel was right in the middle of the two bargain shopping areas in Bangkok, the Pratunam Market and the Platinum Fashion Mall.  If you're in Bangkok to shop, this is the best hotel to stay in, price-wise and accessibility.  Right beside the hotel entrance is a money changer that gives the best conversion rate to the baht currency. A 7-11 store is nearby where i bought my Happy Sim-Card for 50 Baht. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/30sec, f/4

A half-day city tour is part of the package.  Pita, from the Saen Sabai Travel Agency, picked our group at the lobby at 7am.  Two or three more groups billeted at other hotels are still on the pick-up list.  The route to their hotels gave us the opportunity to see some other parts of downtown Bangkok.

First stop, Wat Traimit - The Temple of the Golden Buddha. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/2500sec, f/8

This is where you find the the biggest Buddha statue made out of gold in the whole world. It is estimated to be more that 700 years old.  This is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok, thus expect a crowd upon reaching there. Best time to come to this temple is right after opening at 8am or towards closing time at 5pm. Entry to the temple is free.

Trip suggestion : Besides the golden Buddha which is the highlight of Wat Traimit temple, are two nice exhibition that worth to see, the golden Buddha exhibition and the Chinatown, Yaowarat, Heritage Center. They are just below the floor where the Buddha is.  Note to dress appropriately.  You're entering a sacred place equivalent to our cathedrals.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/2500sec, f/8

Next stop, Wat Indrawihan - Temple of the Standing Buddha.  

This Buddha is the tallest of its kind in the world. This is one of the world records that Bangkok holds. In the temple complex, there is a temple with mural depicting the making of the big standing Buddha. There is a small building that has a collection of holy water around the world. 

The colorful lanterns adorning some part of the temple and the statue itself is a good backdrop for picture taking.  Entry to the temple is free.  It opens at 8am and closes at 5pm.

If you want to buy Bangkok's famed 'sambag', get it from the vendors selling outside the temple grounds. They're selling them at a lower price with free taste-test. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/5sec, f/4

Last stop was the jewelry store and museum. After the presentation in their AV room, the group went to the display areas, while I went out of the building to observe the activities around.  The store/museum sell high quality and authentic jewelry so you can be sure of your purchase. I just don't know if they are cheaper compared to other jewelry shops.

We requested to be dropped at the Platinum Fashion Mall where we had our lunch.  The food court here offers a wide variety of meals from Thai (spicy to hot) to Chinese (sweet to moderate-spicy) and others viands at reasonable prices.  Average meal here is around 50-70 baht. 

Most food courts in Bangkok has this re loadable card which you use to pay for your meal - a very convenient way of paying for ones food purchases.  Whatever load left can be refunded.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/30sec, f/4

The rest of the day was spent shopping at the Platinum Fashion Mall. It's a 3-story building selling fashion items from A to Z at bargain prices. If you plan to buy wholesale, do it at the Pratanum Market instead, just across the mall.  Prices there can go to half from the ones in the mall.  The mall is also a good place to buy your souvenir items. As always, HAGGLE for the prices.


Of James Bond, Elephants and Snakes ...
I booked through another agency for the Floating Market, Elephant and Show tour and the Rose Garden Cultural Show.  Filco Travel and Tours, Ltd. was recommended to me by a friend based in Bangkok. She knows the owner personally.  They are also cheaper by around 25% compared to the other agencies offering the same package.  Its a joining tour type, meaning other tourist will be joining.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/125sec, f/13

We started early, around 6 am. The travel from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak is almost 1.5 hours. I would strongly suggest that you experience the floating markets first thing in the morning. Be there early to catch all the 'authentic' action. Everything that happens after 9am on the water, is only an act for the tourists. Also remember to hire one of the smaller long-tail boats, otherwise you will be restricted as to where you can go at the market.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/400sec, f/8

 

We went to the to the market through the canals of Bangkok on board the famed 'James Bond' boat.  This was this motorized boat used by Roger Moore in one of the James Bond film where there was this chase in the rivers of Bangkok.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/80sec, f/8

I got a few wooden decors from one of the shops.  My companions bought shirts for 'pasalubong'. This is also a good place to shop. Bottom line, is to haggle for the prices.



 










After the market, the group headed back towards the city.  We stopped at a snake farm where there was a short show.  I have never been keen to snakes so i just stayed on the sidelines as my companions shriek to their hearts content especially when the cobras were brought near the audience.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/60sec, f/5.6

Lunch was at the restaurant in the elephant and crocodile compound. It was buffet.  A fusion mostly of oriental and Thai food.  We ate the fastest we can in time for the elephant show.  The grandstand was already filled to the rafters when we arrived.  The show was about to start.  I would not detail here anymore the elephant show so you can experience it yourselves. Suffice it to say, both the young and young-at-heart wore wide smiles when it was over.  All got the chance to pet these gentle giants and pose for souvenir pictures.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/640sec, f/8

Our group skipped the crocodile show and headed to the nearby rose garden where a cultural show was about to take place.  Most were dances from the various cultural group of Thailand.  The show ended with the parade of nations where each dancers was carrying a flag from the various nations of the world.  If you have kids with you, skip the cultural show. They may get bored.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/10sec, f/8

We head back to the hotel all ready to take a good rest after a full days wandering in the outskirts of Bangkok.  After a quick dinner in one of the malls nearby, everyone was ready to retire to their respective rooms for a good night sleep.

Shopping ... departure ...
Shopping around the Pratunam market was the order of the day.  The group decided to go around the market for last minute shopping of RTW and 'pasalubong'.  Pratunam is very similar to the Divisoria in Manila.  Our airport pickup wont be until 7pm that day so the ladies had a full day of shopping and using all of their remaining Baht.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/13sec, f/6.3

For myself I went to a nearby mall housing all technology related shops.  From computers to game consoles to appliances - a good 4 floors of them.  There isnt much big difference between their prices and the ones back home.  Their main advantage is the variety of items in one place.  I just got myself a few flash drives. 

Back at the hotel lobby i found my companions busy weighing their baggage. Excess baggage will be charge in Baht, so it can get expensive. I learned that their will still be a 'final' shopping at the airports duty-free!







Another convenience with a package tour is a no-frills airport transfer.  The travel from the hotel to the airport was comfortable and relaxing.  After check-in and immigration, the ladies were back in their element - shopping. A picture here and there also took place for souvenir purposes.  
 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/60sec, f/6.3

As for me, i just checked out the shops around the duty-free.  Chocolates, as expected were cheap, almost at bargain prices. Hershey and Cadburry products were on sale in one of the shops, so i have to bring the attention of my companions to get their sweets from that store. Souvenir items are best bought outside coz they can be cheaper by 100%.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 1/125sec, f/6.3

Whether in a tour group or on back-pack, Bangkok simply never ceases to amaze any visitor to the place.  I would be visiting it again soon, this time around on my own, no tour group or the likes. Its more fun and exciting.  Adventurous!