Month: March 2016

Look: Beautiful Bakas River in Norzagaray Bulacan

March 23, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Located in Baranggay Matictic in the municipality of Norzagaray, Bakas river is one among Bulacan’s underrated tourist attraction. Bakas is a Filipino word which literally means a trace or a mark.

Brief history of Bakas river: According to locals, the story behind Bakas river is that the legendary Bernardio Carpio set foot in Matictic leaving a huge foot print/trace on one of the limestone rock formation. The other footprint is said to be in Biak na Bato in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Bakas river has giant limestone rock formations with 3 huge statues of Jesus Christ and a statue of Holy Trinity-Virgin Mary. This makes Bakas river a unique and perfect getaway for travelers, adventurers and religious pilgrims.

Spotted several kids rock jumping in the clear and fast flowing waters of Bakas. Apart from these kids, also spotted are the vandals in the rocks. I hope visitors and locals alike should stop scribbling on these naturally beautiful rocks.

When I visited Bakas river, I noticed the strong current of water nearby the rock formations. Alternatively, on the other side of the river, water is more calm and is safe for swimming. For visitors’ safety, warning signs can been in the area about the unpredictability of the river’s current and water levels.

I was really fascinated by the clean waters of the river. And not to mention the fresh air and its lush green scenery.

Since the place is not developed for tourism, there is no entrance fee to get in the riverside. However, cottages can be rented for only 200 Php a day. I learned from a local that these cottages don’t usually last for a year. Every time a strong typhoon hits Bulacan, these cottages are destroyed and washed along by the river.

There are only a few sari-sari stores in Bakas and these are all located on the farther area of the riverside. I would highly suggest to bring your own food as stores only have limited items for sale.

Related Blog Post: Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur

When to Visit Bakas River

According to locals, the best time to visit the river is during summer. Just avoid visiting the place during the Lenten season. Besides the fact that there is a huge number of visitors during holy week, there are also stories about the river being too dangerous during the season. It is also not advisable to visit Bakas river during bad weather as water in the river easily rises.

How to Get to Bakas River

From EDSA northbound, take a Del Carmen bus bound to Garden. From there, take a jeepney to Garay and tell the driver to drop you off at St.Andrew church. Hail a tricycle and tell that you are going to Bakas river. Tricycle fare is 300 pesos for a two-way ride.

Cheap Accommodation in Davao City: Iron Inn

March 20, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Iron Inn Lodge is one among the many backpacker budget accommodation in Davao city.

After enjoying Glan in Sarangani Province, I immediately headed to Davao City. I arrived at Ecoland bus terminal around 8:00 PM and asked some locals where is the cheapest accommodation in the area. A street vendor pointed me to Iron Inn Lodge.

Iron Inn Lodge Location

If you are travelling by bus to General Santos, Tacurong, Bukidnon, Koronadal, Cotabato, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro or Matim, this budget accommodation is a perfect place to have a quick rest as it is just few meters away from the Ecoland Bus Terminal.

From outside, Iron Inn’s facade looks like a boutique hostel accommodation. The colorful stained glasses makes this affordable Davao accommodation more appealing.

When I arrived in the lodge, I was welcomed by an old lady along with their 2 grandchildren. The old lady is the owner of Iron Inn and her grandchildren help her accommodate guests.

Iron Inn Lodge Room Rates

2 hours = 200 Php
3 hours = 350 Php
4 hours = 300 Php
5 hours = 350 Php
6 hours = 400 Php
7 hours = 450 Php
8 hours = 500 Php
12 hours = 600 Php
24 hours = 700 Php

With their affordable rates, Iron Inn is undoubtedly a motel in Davao city. After my motel experiences in the past, (staying overnight in Iloilo’s Dragon Lodge and Roxas City’s Premiere Inn) the experience was not bad at all. Besides, safety was not an issue as I was in Davao City – the 8th safest city in the world!

For only 700 Php for 24 hours, I did not hesitate to check-in. I was a bit confused as the owner did not hand me the room key. Instead, she instructed her grandchild to open the room for me.

Iron Inn’s common area

The room itself is quite spacious for a solo backpacker. The bed is queen size and the room comes with an air-conditioning unit and a TV. It’s quite odd the room walls are tiles. I felt like I was inside a toilet. Nonetheless, the entire room and the toilet and bath is very clean.

The next morning, the owner offered me to simply add 300 Php for another night in Ironn Inn. Too bad it was my last day in Davao City.

Well, this is the cheapest accommodation I’ve been to during my Lake Sebu-Sarangani-Davao City DIY tour. With only less than 1,000 Pesos a night, the place is generally clean and truly a budget Davao city accommodation! Visiting Davao City? Check hotels HERE

5 Things To Do in Roxas City Aside From Eating Seafoods

March 13, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Roxas City, Capiz is known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. Located in Western Visayas, Roxas City is 3 hours away from Iloilo City and an hour and a half way from Kalibo, Aklan.

I was very excited to visit Roxas City. As usual, having no concrete plans makes the adventure more exciting. After touring Iloilo City and the town of Miag-ao in Iloilo, I was ready to visit the seafood capital of the Philippines!

Aside from eating sea foods, here are the 5 things to do if you are backpacking in Roxas City, Capiz:

1. Night strolling at Roxas City proper

I was looking for a hotel in the heart of Roxas City. Luckily, I landed in Roxas President’s Inn which is just few meters away from the city center.

Surprisingly enough, Roxas City is beautiful especially at night. With the absence of high-rises and modern structures, the city is very simple yet looks very elegant.

Late night strolling at Roxas city bridge. It was fascinating that you get this Spanish-colonial mood by merely walking around the city proper.

Was first built in 1698, Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan cathedral was destroyed by a typhoon and was rebuilt in 1728.

Capiz Provincial capitol. This Spanish-Filipino architecture was built in 1915.

The iconic landmark of Roxas City. This fountain forming a rotunda was built-in 1925.

I enjoyed my night strolling at the city proper. The place is relatively small and you can actually walk around the city center and check out the old structures in 20 minutes. The entire place is safe too.

2. Visit Roxas City People’s Park (Baybay)

This is another surprise as I did not expect that there is a park by the bay in Roxas city. Like the city proper, the park itself is simple but truly a must visit if you want to simply relax and breathe fresh air.

Roxas City People’s park is Capiz’ version of Manila Bay. Well, except the fact that this park is undoubtedy cleaner and the bay is unpolluted.

It was fun to watch Capiznons enjoying the bay. Baybay beach water may not be as clear as Sarangani’s, nonetheless it is very clean and abundant of marine life.

There is a long walkway by the bay and there are also benches in the area for the park visitors.

This is my favorite spot in Baybay. In fact, I visited here 3 times during my 3 day visit in Roxas city. Aside from the fresh sea breeze, Roxas City People’s Park or Baybay is also known for its seafood restaurants. Please visit my separate post – where to eat in Roxas City, Seaffod Capital of the Philippines.

How to get to Capiz People’s Park or Baybay

From the city proper, ride a tricycle and ask the driver To bring you to Baybay. A special tricycle trip costs 40-50 Php. Travel time from the city proper to Baybay is approximately 5 minutes.

3. Visit Panay Church and See the Largest Catholic bell church in Asia

Santa Monica Parish church or popularly known as Panay church or Pan-ay church is actually located in the town of Panay in Capiz and is only 30 minute tricycle ride from Roxas City proper.

Panay church is a popular Roxas City tourist spot as it is the home of the largest Catholic bell church in Asia.

Built in 1774, Panay church has a 5 storey belfry where the largest Catholic bell church in Asia can be found. Made up of white coral stone, Panay church is built-in a colonial baroque with neo-classical influence architecture.

It was a Sunday when I visited Pan-ay and I arrived few minutes before the last morning mass ended.

When I arrived inside the church, I started looking for the entrance of the belfry. I asked a local how do I get upstairs to see the gigantic bell and I was pointed to the admin office where a guide was waiting.

According to Ariel, the tour guide, the belfry used to be open for public but the church admin had to keep it locked to secure the bells. He unlocked the gate of the belfry and we started climbing to the top.

With Ariel, Panay church tour guide

I was stunned to see the gigantic bell being sorrounded by smaller bells. According to Ariel, the largest bell is made up of 70 sacks of gold and silver coins donated by the locals. It was built in 1878 and measured 7 feet in diameter, 5 feet in height and weighs 400 Kilograms.

Apart from the largest bell, the belfry is also home of the 8 smaller bells. According to the guide, each bell is used for different occasions and events. For instance, a particular bell is used for when a wedding ceremony is being held.

How to get to Pan-ay Church?

From Roxas city proper, ride a tricycle and inform the driver to bring you to Panay church. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. Fare is approximately 200 Php to 400 Php for one way trip.

4. Visit Weny’s Garden

After visiting Pan-ay church and seeing its bells, I asked the tricycle driver to bring me to Weny’s butterfy garden. The garden is 5 minute tricycle ride away from Pan-ay church.

When we arrived, I was greeted by sir Weny, the owner of the garden. He looked very happy and delighted to see someone visiting his garden.

“Taga saan ka sir”, he asked. I immediately replied, “From Manila po”. “Buti nagvisit ka dito sa Capiz. Di ka ba natatakot sa aswang?” he said jokingly. I replied in a soft voice, “meron po ba?”. He actually did not respond as he was hurriedly directing me inside his butterfly garden.

Instead of feeling scared, I felt sad for Capiz. Tourists and travelers avoid this beautiful province due to its reputation. I just realized it by merely looking at sir Weny, he was very happy that someone from Manila came to visit his garden. I asked him how often he gets visitors to his garden. He said that he gets maximum of 4 visits a week and not all visitors are from outside Capiz.

Sir Weny was very accommodating. All throughout the tour, he kept on sharing facts and information about the butterflies and plants in the garden. I didn’t know that butterflies have a short lifespan and can only live up to a month.

Sir Weny also provided a quick lecture about the life stages of a butterfly. I already forgot my science back in elementary school.lol
There are actually many species of butterflies in the garden and this is only the good shot I got.

Apart from the butterflies, Sir Weny also has a wide array of plants and flowers in his garden.

5. Visit President Manual Roxas’ Ancestral Home

Apart from being the seafood capital of the Philippines, Roxas city is also known as the hometown of Manuel Roxas, the 5th president of the Republic of the Philippines.

For some reason, the ancestral house was closed when I made a visit. I tried asking locals around but no one can tell why it was closed. Nonetheless, from the outside, the Roxas ancestral home looks well-preserved. I’ll definitely visit this place the next time I travel to Roxas City.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Roxas city. I know there are still many places to explore not just in the city but in the entire Capiz province. If you are visiting Roxas City, I would recommend Roxas President’s Inn hotel. Alternatively, you may check other Roxas City hotels here.

Extraordinarily Beautiful Miagao Church in Iloilo

March 13, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Simbahan ng Sto. Tomas de Villanueva or popularly known as the Migao Church is one among the four Philippine churches in Baroque Romanesque architecture. Built in 1797, Miagao church was declared as a Philippine national treasure in 1963 and a UNESCO world heritage in 1993.

Located in the municipality of Miagao in Iloilo, the church has become one of Iloilo’s tourist destination. With its jaw dropping and intricately designed facade, Miagao church is truly a work of art!

The church embodies the mixture of Spanish-Filipino culture. Back in history, Miagao church was built using forced labor. Interestingly enough, the church was built using adobe, lime stones, corals and eggs.

Unfortunately, I arrived in Miagao at around 2 PM where the sunlight is almost facing the rear part of the church. The best time to visit Miagao church is during early morning as the color of its facade changes depending on the sunlight.

Photo with the beautiful Miagao church. Thanks to the self-timer feature of cameras nowadays.lol

After taking several pictures of Miagao Church’s facade, I tried opening its front and main door to check out its interior. Unfortunately, it was closed. To my dismay, I strolled around the area hoping that i could enter the church. I was very lucky that there was an open door on one side of the church. As I entered, I was greeted by a very welcoming and accommodating man who happens to be the resident guide of Miagao church. He shared a number of facts about the church and the town of Miagao. He was very friendly and accommodating that he even took a photo of me inside the church.

The church’s interior matches its outside beauty. Miagao church’s retablo is gold plated which compliments the beautiful color of its thick walls.

Photo with the resident guide

I should say that the church is well maintained. This is one of the few heritage sites where the original structure is retained and preserved.

How to Get to Miagao church Iloilo

From Iloilo City proper, ride a cab to the town of Molo. From there, take a jeepney to Mohon terminal. From the terminal, ride a jeepney bound to Miagao. Total travel time from Iloilo City to Miagao church is approximately 1 hour.

So far, Miagao church is the most beautiful church I have seen not only in Iloilo but in the entire country. This extraordinarily beautiful church is a must visit if you are traveling or backpacking to Iloilo.

Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort in Gumasa Sarangani

March 6, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Isla Jardin Del Mar resort is probably the most popular beach in Gumasa Glan Saranggani. Located in the southermost part of the Philippines, Isla Jardin de Mar resort is approximately an hour and a half to 2 hours away from General Santos city.

View of the other side of Isla Jardin Del Mar.

Isla Jardin Del Mar beach front

Isla Jardin Del Mar is a 750 meter long beach with white shoreline and pristine waters.

That calm and refreshing scenery

White sand beach of Isla Jardin Del Mar

Compared to other restorts in Glan, Isla Jardin Del mar is most favored by travel bloggers and reviewers not just for its beauty but also for it being a backpacker friendly destination.

Bach during low tide

There are parts along the beach that may get a bit rocky during low tide. Nonetheless, most of the areas areas during low tide are still conducive for swimming.

Breathtaking view of the Celebes sea from one of the walkways In Isla Jardin Del Mar

Simply relaxing

Apart from the white sand beach, Isla Jardin Del Mar also has this very long cemented walkway on both ends of the shoreline. On both walkways lie rock formations that complement the blue and pristine ocean waters.

Being a popular weekend destination among locals, Isla Jardin del Mar resort easily gets fully booked during weekends.

After spending 24 hours at Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, I immediately headed to Glan. I arrived at Isla Jardin at around 8:00 PM. To my surprise, all their rooms were fully booked. I then realized that it was a Saturday and being the most visited resort in Gumasa, the resort easily gets fully booked during weekends. I was very lucky that the resort’s receptionists were very kind and accommodating. There was one unoccupied reserved room left and they tried calling the guest with the reservation. After waiting for 30 minutes, they allowed me to check-in and provided the unoccupied reserved room.

If you are visiting Isla Jardin on weekends, I highly suggest to reserve ahead of time. Isla Jardin Del Mar Online reservation here.

Isla Jardin del Mar’s reception area

Isla Jardin Del Mar Room Rates

Presidential Suite Duplex – Narra (10 pax) – 10,000 Php
Talisay Family Suite – 3,500 Php
Suite Rooom (4 pax) – 2,000 Php
De Luxe Aircon – 2,500 Php
De Luxe Fan – 1,300 Php

Nipa Hut Accommodation (Suite Room)

I’m not really a fan of resorts with concrete accommodations as I feel that it deviates and does not compliment to the natural feel of the beach. Good thing isthat Isla Jardin Del Mar’s accommodations are Nipa Huts on short stilts.

Nipa Hut rooms in Isla Jardin

My Nipa Hut beach front accommodation.

Interestingly enough, these Nipa huts are along the beach overlooking the blue ocean roughly 20 meters away.

The resort’s Nipa hut accommodations adds up to the authentic beach tropical feel. The hut comes with a terrace where you can simply relax and feel the sea breeze.

Matrimonial bed

The bed is comfortable and the pillows are really soft. There is also a pull-out bed good for two. I assume that this Nipa hut can accommodate up to 4 persons!

Air-conditioned Nipa hut

The room is very simple and clean. Air-conditioning unit is relatively new and is just enough for the space of the room. The toilet comes with a hot and cold shower. 2 bath towels, a sachet of shampoo and a small soap are provided. So don’t forget to bring your toothbrush and shaving-kit.

Isla Jardin Del Mar Day Tour Rates

Unlike other resorts in Glan which require day tour guests to rent a cottage. Day tour entrance at Isla Jardin Del Mar is only 50 pesos and day tour guests are not required to rent a cottage. Well, this makes Isla Jardin del Mar stand out compared to the rest of Gumasa beach resorts.

Budget Meal at Isla Jardin

After checking-in, I had my dinner at the resort’s restaurant. I started ordering a serving of sweet and sour pork when the cashier noticed that I was alone. She was so kind and suggested that they have solo budget meals good for one person. A sweet and sour pork with rice and soda budget meal is relatively cheaper than ordering them separately.

For a solo traveler, I was actually expecting overpriced meals at the resort but was surprised to know that they offer solo budget meals. I had a budget meal for only 160 pesos.

Budget meal

Isla Jardin Del Mar restaurant

For the breakfast the next day, I did not spend a cent as the Nipa hut room comes with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the resort’s restaurant.

Isla Jardin Del Mar Contact Numbers: +63 83 8930032 / +63 917 253 6105

Isla Jardin Del Mar Online reservation here.

How to Get to Isla Jardin Del Mar? Please visit my separate post on how to get to Gumasa where Isla Jardin Del Mar is located.

My Take

I enjoyed my stay at Isla Jardin Del Mar resort. The staffs were very welcoming and accommodating. The entire resort is well maintained. The fine white sand and azure waters of Isla Jardin Del Mar is worth the long travel.

If you are looking for a summer getaway and you love white sand beaches, I would highly recommend Isla Jardin Del Mar resort. If you are a backpacker or a budget traveler, getting to Gumasa in Saranggani and staying in Isla Jardin Del Mar is relatively cheaper compared to other popular beaches in the Philippines.

How to Get to Gumasa in Glan Sarangani From Manila

March 6, 2016 / One Armed Wanderer

Gumasa is one among the 31 baranggays of the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province. Located in the southernmost part of the Philippines and being home to the unspoiled beaches with fine sand, pristine and crystal clear waters, Gumasa is dubbed as the little Boracay of Mindanao.

Photo from Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort in Gumasa

If you are planning to visit and experience the beautiful beaches of Gumasa, below are the steps how to get to this paradise:

How to get to Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani From Manila

Fly to General Santos city. Travel time by air from Manila to General Santos is roughly 2 hours.
From General Santos city airport, take a cab to Bulaong terminal. Cab ride is approximately 200 Php.

Eusebio Bulaong bus terminal general santos city

Eusebio Bulaong Public Terminal

In front of Eusebio Bulaong terminal, take a tricycle or habal-habal to KCC mall. A special tricycle trip costs 60 Php. Alternatively, you may ride a habal-habal for 80 Php.
In KCC mall, there is a terminal with vans bound to the municipality of Glan. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Fare is 100 Php.

Alegado transport station Glan sarangani

East Alegado Transport Station in Glan, Sarangani

The van will drop you off at East Alegado Transport Station in Glan. From there, there are tricycles that will take you in Gumasa. Fare to the resort where I stayed was 120 Php.

Where to Stay in Gumasa?

There are actually a number of resorts in Gumasa. Prior to my Lake Sebu-Gumasa-Davao City trip, I made a quick research on budget and backpacker friendly resorts in Gumasa. Unfortunately, there are a couple of bad reviews on some resorts as they require day tour visitors to rent a cottage. Though I’m actually staying overnight in Gumasa, I did not bother to check out and patronize these backpacker unfriendly resorts.

I chose Isla Jardin del Mar as this is one among those resorts with consistent good reviews. Besides, a new-found Tboli friend whom I met in Lake Sebu also suggested this resort. I have written a separate blog post for my review and experience in Isa Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa. Want to stay in Isla Jardin del Mar? Online booking here.

Air conditioned Nipa Hut room in Isla Jardin del Mar resort

How much is the budget?

Compared to other popular beaches in the Philippines, Gumasa is a budget friendly destination. Below is the list of my expenses on my overnight Gumasa adventure.

General Santos City – Gumasa round trip fare – approximately 900 Php
Isla Jardin del Mar resort accommodation (matrimonial room, air-conditioned) – 2,000 Php
Food (dinner, drinks, snacks) – 400 Php (accommodation at Isla Jardin comes with a buffet breakfast)
Total = approximately 3,300 Php (airfare from Manila to Generel Santos not included)