Mag-Alawa Island Getaway

Summer time is BEACH TIME and when we say BEACH, Zambales boast a lot. Zambales is not only famous with there sweet mangoes but is one of the places where people go to, to escape the busy place of MANILA. Known for its multiple white sand Islands, Zambales is a place to be. 

Have you heard of MAG-ALAWA island? If not yet, read this entry and you might wanna consider this island on your next beach get away. From my post I think a year ago, I already showed you Anawangin Cove and this time, a newly discovered island by beach goers is making its mark on the list of must-see-island in the province.

 

Photo courtesy: pinasmuna.com

My bestfriend, Lorena, invited me to this island since she and her relatives are planning to take a trip on the island. Since two of my other friends, Louie and Cresielda are invited as well, I decided to take part on the trip.I never been to the island before, yes I hear it was beautiful but I didn't had the time to see it for my self. 

Mag-Alawa island is located at Palauig, Zambales, approximately 6-7 bus ride from the busy district of Manila. Mag-Alawa island offers white sand beach and an exquisite view of its blue ocean. There are two resorts at the island where you can rent a cabin or you can also have a camping site at the island depends on what type of traveler you are.

 

Camp site at the island

 Cabins for rent

Before you get to the island, you will have to take a boat ride approximately 5-10 minutes from Luan Port. The boat ride was calm and it was great compared to the boat ride I experience going to Anawangin Cove. As the boat approaches the island, all I can say was WOW!

 

My friends on a boat ride

 

The clear water makes it more appealing

 

I can just sit here and relax

As soon as I set my foot at the Island, I completely fell in love with the place. It was indeed very relaxing and a perfect place to have a day off from work or school. The clear blue ocean and perfect weather made it better. I decided to ask my friends to go around the island. I was not disappointed of how great the place is.

 

Mandatory solo photo!

Cresielda and Louie looks really happy

It's time to explore the island.

 Why don't we take a group post?

 Groufie showing the beautiful waters of the island

Taking a break and groufie?

The Island also boast it's coral reefs.  One of the activities they offer is snorkeling. You can bring your own goggles and you could also rent. Unfortunately for me, I cant swim and I have a bad eyesight which makes me unable to snorkel with my friends and enjoy underwater. Even if I can't enjoy the corals the view and the sunset is just perfectly fine for me.

 

They are definitely enjoying the waters!

  

After a tiring day of taking pictures and swimming, we decided to just sit at the sand and enjoy the sunset. I can't believe I can just sit there for more than 20 minutes and look at the sky. No talking, no taking selfies, just sitting there and enjoying the view.

 WOW <3

After we ate, we decided to set a bonfire but the weather didn't cooperate and the rain poured. We originally decided to use the tent for the night but because of the rain, we were forced to rent a cabin. 

 

 

Collecting woods to use on bonfire

Since it rained, we decided to play card games on our cabin and of course the one who lose will have to take a straight shot of liquor. That was one hell of a night for my me and my friends. When the rain stopped, the others started the camp fire.

 Me and my friends goofing around.

   

  Late night camp fire

All in all, the experience was terrific and would definitely come back here if time permits. This place is most recommended. If you want to have a break from work and go nature tripping, Mag-Alawa Island is the place to be. Till the next island get away!

Photo courtesy of Lorena Morales

Singaporean Hawker in Makati City

Chicken rice is one of the famous Singaporean dishes I have tried when I stayed at Singapore before. During my stay, this dish is the one I’ve been eating over and over because of its unique taste and cheap price. It’s been a year since I last ate this dish so I was very happy to see a restaurant that serves authentic Singaporean foods just right across the street of the building where I live. 

I was just finished going to the bank when I craved for something I don’t know. Alam niyo yung feeling na may gusto kang kainin pero hindi mo alam kung ano? Nakakafrustrate hindi ba? So I started walking the opposite direction kung saan ako nakatira. I wanted to eat something na hindi nabibili sa Mcdonalds, KFC, Chowking or Jolibee. I want something different from the usual food that I eat. As I walk feeling hopeless to see a restaurant na magsasatify sa craving ko, I saw this restaurant named Authentic Masters TTK Singapore Foods and suddenly, nalaman ko kung ano ang gusto ko. I want CHICKEN RICE. 

Savana Commercial Center, Metropolitan Avenue, Corner Pasong Tamo Extension, Santa Cruz, Makati City

I went in and nagulat ako to see na walang tao, maybe it’s too early for dinner so I decided to take a sit and check there menu. This waiter approached me and asked if I have already decided kung ano ang oorderin ko. I ordered chicken rice or Hianesse Chicken na set meal for dine in and one chicken rice and garlic broccoli for take-out. I wanted to share the food to my housemates.

As I wait for my order, I was surprised how earnest the waiters attend to me. I mean, not all restaurants have staff like them. If it was a fine dining restaurant I won’t be surprised but this restaurant is different, a VERY GOOD different. As I wait for my order, nagulat ako ng biglang naglagay yung waiter ng glass of ice tea sa table ko. I told him I did not ordered for an Ice Tea but he said that it was on the house since the order would take long and since iisa ko lang naman daw sa restaurant nila, I was shocked and thanked him for the ice tea. 

Signature Chicken Rice

After 10 minute my order arrived. When I tasted the chicken rice, it was not the best tasting chicken rice I have ever tried but it did satisfied my craving. For 150 peso set meal, I can surely say that this food is satisfying and if ever crave for Singaporean Food I would know where to go.

I will surely go back here and tag my friends along. I admired how well trained there staff is and for that I commend this restaurant for good customer service.

My "take away" order

Banio Creek Farm Silang Cavite

Hi Guys! How is everyone? It has been more than a year since my last post and I miss blogging! I bet your asking why I haven’t updated my page and I am sorry for those who waited for the next adventure. Well, I have been busy for some reasons but I didn’t stop from going around the country. I have a lot of places to feature here in my blog and I bet you’ll love them like I did.

Let me start from a place somewhere in Silang Cavite. Here is a description on what I will be featuring for today.

Nestled in the hidden hillside of Silang, Cavite is Banio Kreek Farms. The property is built on the side of the mountain giving the visitor a view of a Cavite valley. Surrounded by coffee fields and pineapple farms, the farm is named after the creek that  borders the property named Banio.Fully secured and very private, an ideal site for teambuilding, company and family vacations, the farm is about 2 hours away from Manila, and a 20 minute drive from the Tagaytay Rotonda. (http://www.baniokreekfarms.com/)

My Team from my previous work agreed to have a team building at this place. TM Zhai, my former team manager agreed that we will have the team building in this area. We rented out a van so that the whole team can travel all together. At first I was hesitant because of the location. I wanted it to be in Laguna or Tagaytay but they suggested it to be in Cavite. Since majority of the team agreed to go here I have no choice but to abide. In my surprise, I found the place relaxing quiet and perfect for a team building.

We agreed to meet up in McDonalds behind RCBC Plaza at around 8 am. I got there in time but not early enough because everyone was already there when I got to the meeting place. We left Mcdonalds at around 8:15 am since we need to stop over at Robinsons Pala Pala. Why? Because my colleague Hans will wait there since his house is just around the area. Everyone was excited, of course, this is the first time our team would go out away from the busy streets of Makati.

Some of my team mates posing for a shot (Ang daya, andun ako sa likod, hindi kita!)

On our way, we got a flat tire. We were not expecting that! Kasi naman happy lang kami, nagtatawanan, picture picture at kainan pero nagulat kami when manong driver pulled over. Well we did not wasted time so we took that chance to take more photos!

Gerrow and Dan posing for a shot while waiting for Manong driver to replace the tires.

We got to the resort very excited. Konti lang ang tao so perfect for a team building. Valen, my colleague is the one who organized the whole thing and let me commend her for that. She chose a villa near the pool and just beside the hall where we can use the videoke. We started unloading our stuff at the rented villa. I love the place and I am excited for the activities that we will be doing.

This is the villa that we rented, doesn't it look great? 

Just below the area we rented out is an area where team activities can be done

Since we got there on lunch time, the team agreed to cook some lunch first before we can enjoy the pool. Valen instructed us that we’ll have the first activity at night and we will just use the whole afternoon to relax and swim at the pool. The group was divided to several tasks and gladly I am not part at the kitchen team. Hindi kasi ako marunong magluto, magbake pwede pa! While the girls are fixing lunch, we checked out the room that they rented. The place is just right for everyone. There are bunk beds, a sofa bed and single beds. I chose to stay at the sofa bed. We unpacked our things and prepared to help fix the table.

This is what our room looks like (Who's that on the floor? Lol)

After lunch we decided to take a swim. The pool was great. Wala kasi ibang tao kaya solo namin yung pool. We played games and the experience was great. Some went to the videoke to sing and some went to check out the resort.

My former TM posing for a shot

At night, we started a game where we are tested to work as a team. Nakakatuwa kasi we kept on thinking complicated ways and the solution was just simple. We also had a painted shirt task. This activity would serve as a remembrance for the team. We will have to imprint our hand on a shirt with different colors. Nakaktuwa siya kasi feeling ko ang artistic ko. Haha!

Valen explaining the activity for the night.

Finished product! Hey, we did our best

After the activities we decided to drink alcoholic beverages. Slight lang naman and we know our limitations. Syempre pag may alak may kantahan!

I decided to sleep early, reason is that may TAMA na ako! I woke up with a headache. I hate hang over so I decided to take a dip at the pool. The girls prepared our breakfast before we start for the next activity.

A morning swim for a hang over!

We have the true teambuilding activity after breakfast. The team is split into 2 groups and I was under the black team. There are several stations that we need to accomplish for us to get a piece of the puzzle. At the end of the station we need to complete the phrase that was given. The activity was great unfortunately our team lost.

Each teams are being briefed with the activities by our 2 facilitators

First activity is to find the missing eggs

We need to get through by stepping on to newspapers only!

Next activity is to complete the coins under the pool.

I look like a ghost!!

They let me eat 1 can of sausages!!

Second to the last activity is to sing the Philippine National Anthem

And last is the mud crawl

The last activity after the exhausting station activity is the trust walk

Payat ko pa dito oh! lol

Blue team gets the price :(

After the activity we prepared a boodle fight lunch before we prepare to go home. The experience was amazing and sobrang nakakabitin. This time I helped prepare the food. First time! lol

Haha nakashades talaga ako while slicing the mangoes. xD

Valen and Alain preparing the grilled meat

Wow, SARAP :)

Attack guys! 

After lunch we decided to go home na may baon na masayang alaala kasama ng mga kaibigan mo at katrabaho. We decided for a last shot in front of the place. I sure do wish I can go back here.

Sitting like a boss!

There you have it guys, I hope you like my post. Please bear with my lapses since more than 1 year din akong di nakapag sulat ng entries. I'll post more guys so until the next adventure :) 

Photo's courtesy of
 

http://www.baniokreekfarms.com/

TM Zara Villaflor

Che De Leon