Cebu City

Underground River, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

El Nido, Palawan

Silangang Nayon, Pagbilao, Quezon

Promise, I will start writing SOON.

XOXO,

Cristta

This April 6, 2013, we were invited to be with them in a day in where we had first met – Kwebang Lampas. We became good friends and family as well. Mommy Kyomelita prepared the foods for the day. Yay! ))) 

We played ‘Batong bola’ using the ball of the volleyball and made a teleserye-like post there. HAHAHA. 

(c) Joma Amorado & Jerome Quejano for the photos.

I have been receiving email/Twitter/Instagram questions on how to get to this place. It is because of my recent picture posts on Instagram which is also linked to my Twitter and Facebook accounts. The pictures were taken last year during my first backpacking adventure.

Travel Time

Kwebang Lampas is located in Barangay Isla Polo in Pagbilao, Quezon. According to Apple maps, it is about 140KM from Manila and travel time is about 5 to 6 hours if you take the public transportation. I don’t know about getting there by driving a car since I don’t drive.

Taking Public Transportation

If you are from Metro Manila, you can ride a bus going to Lucena City. Recommended to take JAC Liner as they have several bus stations and have trips every hour. They have bus stations in Kamias, Quezon City and Buendia-Taft, in Pasay. These stations have trips to Lucena. The trip to Lucena is approximately 4 hours. There are few ways to get to Kwebang Lampas:

1.) Once you arrived at Lucena Grand Central Terminal you can ride a jeepney going to Pagbilao. Then another jeepney to Brgy. Isla Polo. At the terminal in Isla Polo you need to take a tricycle going to the jump off.

2.) Another way of getting to the jump off from Lucena is by taking the mini bus going to Calauag or any buses going to Bicol. Just tell the driver to drop you off at Crossing to Isla Polo. Once you reached the crossing, wait for the jeepneys going to Isla Polo. Or you can hire a tricycle going to the jump off. (Not recommended for first timers as you might get lost).

3.) From Manila you can ride a bus going to Bicol and get off at Pagbilao-Crossing to Isla Polo. I am not sure how much the fare would be and how long is the travel time. I haven’t tried this one. Again, not recommended if you are not familiar with the place yet.

Wait, don’t get too excited! You still need to cross the river by the boat. Then you have the choice to either trek to the beach for about 10-15 minutes. Or cross the sea for about 3-5 minutes.

Breakdown Of Fares

Php219 – Bus from Kamias to Lucena Grand Central Terminal

1.) Php10- Jeepney from Lucena to Pagbilao
Php40- Jeepney from Pagbilao to Isla Polo (They wait for passengers & may take up to 30 minutes to an hour waiting time)
Php150- Tricycle from Isla Polo to the jump off

2.)Php24- Mini bus from Lucena to Pagbilao crossing
Php300-Tricycle from crossing to jump off

Php20- Roundtrip of boat ride
Php250- Optional boat ride to the beach after crossing the river
Php70- Entrance to the beach
Php100- Overnight stay

Bring your own food, tent, water, and lamp if you intend to stay for overnight. The care taker have a sari-sari store but expect for a much higher price. They have soft drinks, junk foods and noodles. If you want to take a bath you have to pay for the water for Php50 per container(30liters). They already have comfort rooms. No electricity yet.

Things To Do:

Beach bum
Snorkeling
Caving
A little trekking to the beach
Island hopping
Star gazing (recommended)

Don’t forget to bring your mosquito repellant and sunscreen/sunblock. Also be extra careful of jellyfish. A friend of mine got stung big time. But other than that, this place is a paradise. White sand and turquoise water. And of course, it won’t be called Kwebang Lampas for nothing! You can swim inside the cave during high tide. Enjoy the beach and take care!

The information on this blog about rates and fees are based on my second visit last June 19-20, 2012.

Do you have any questions or comments regarding this article? Feel free to get in touch with me by leaving a comment here or you may send me an email at victoriousjay1@gmail.com. I’m also on Twitter. Please follow me @gladJAYtor. Also on Instagram, @Traveling_GladJAYtor. Enjoy your trip and keep safe!

It’s a tradition in our family every Maundy Thursday to go on a Visita Iglesia. Years and years ago, we just spent the day by visiting the Dolores church then going to Mount Banahaw. But over the past few years, we decided to spend more time in prayer and that’s by visiting different churches across Laguna and Quezon. I know that when you do the Station of the Cross, you have to visit 14 churches since it’s one church for each station. However, we only visited 8. The churches we visited were the parish churches in Alaminos, San Pablo City, Dolores, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Tayabas and lastly, Kamay ni Hesus. It was a long punctuated by long car rides. We also prayed the rosary and the chaplet when we’re traveling.  I fell asleep quite a few times.

Just some of my Maundy Thursday musings:

• I know we’re supposed to be fasting. Heck, we didn’t even eat meat! But it didn’t stop us from binging. We were eating all the time! There’s really no pause from the feasting that happened last holy week.
• The saint sculptures in churches are usually covered with purple cloth during this time but I was surprised that the ones in Tayabas church weren’t. But I still don’t know why they cover the saints, though. Where did this tradition come from?
• I have learned tons of prayer when I was still in school, but the only ones I can remember now are Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Apostle’s Creed. My religion teacher is weeping.

I have once talked about my faith, and I am happy to say that I have changed since that point. I just kind of think too much and question a lot, and I just have to figure what I really feel and think. Today, I read Roger Ebert’s How I Believe in God. It doesn’t represent where my faith stands now, but it resonates with me. I was born and raised as a Catholic, but growing up I started to question things. Suddenly, my brain cannot wrap itself around things that I could neither touch or see.

My Psychology teacher once said that people believe in God because they need to believe in something. They need to believe that there’s a higher power that started everything. That’s why religions exist, he said. Ebert said the same thing:

“I believe mankind in general evidently has a need to believe in higher powers and an existence not limited to the physical duration of the body. But these needs are hopes, and believing them doesn’t make them true. I believe mankind feels a need to gather in churches, whether physical or social.”

I’m not saying that this statement defines my Catholic faith, but it definitely has a truth in it. And besides, there’s definitely Someone who planted that idea in our minds, right? :)

To celebrate my first year of backpacking next month, I will be going back to the place where I started it. As the famous Filipino saying goes, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” (It’s english literal translation is **”He, who doesn’t know how to look back where he came from, will never reach his destination.”)

So I am going back to my first love. I am excited!

**Source: Answers.com

Where you can come to the table barefoot and still get service.
The Labassin Waterfall Restaurant is a truly singular and memorable experience. Located at the Villa Escudero Resort in the Philippines, guests can enjoy lunch while the water flows under their feet . Besides enjoying the authentic local cuisine, you can enjoy the almost untouched nature of the region formerly occupied by a farm and coconut plantations.

Read more at http://matadornetwork.com/trips/inside-the-waterfall-restaurant-philippines-pics/#oHQxLOeTVBZpYYQf.99

You’re lucky if you have someone in your life who you can considered your sister, but you are more than blessed if in return they regarded you as their sister too.

I have two siblings—-an older sister and a younger brother who is ten years younger than I. Since my subject is about sister, I’m not going to talk about my younger brother here.

Now…

Let me introduce to you my real sister, my best friends a.k.a best sisters and my acquired sisters.

One day while I was browsing some quotes, Mead’s quotation about sisters really got my attention as she said, “Sisters are probably the most competitive relationship within the family but once sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.” I was like… “This is really true!”

Remember those childhood memories when we clashed just because we wanted to get the biggest or the most beautiful part in everything — foods, clothes, toys… name it? Remember also when we first had our crush and we discussed every story with them and they giggled with us? Remember when we made mistakes and they were the one to catch us just so our parents won’t get mad at us? Or just this, the moment when we sleep right beside them — hugging them when we’re scared or sharing blankets together because it was so cold? Do you remember? Well… I do!

I am a lucky blessed girl for having eight sisters alive. Not all of them are my real sister but I love them… I love them… I love them… and I will keep them forever.

Let me whisper to you: “I Will Keep You Forever…”

My Real Sister

I call her Atss. She’s 612 days older than I. She’s married to a great man and now living almost one kilometer away from our house. She has her five-year old son who just finished kinder two with flying colors.

We were like twin sisters growing up because Mama used to dress us the same from head to foot. She’s the timid type while I was the… well… the surly, talkative type! *insert laugh* I normally said what’s on my head and I asked lots of questions nonstop. I remember Atss would tell me, “Antot (that’s how she addresses me) remember when we decided to save money, one peso a day then after 5 days we have 10 pesos as we combined our money. You were the first one to get the ten pesos, after getting the money you told me, you didn’t want to play anymore.” I cheated her, but I honestly don’t remember that.

We too, had our ups and downs. There were days when I failed to understand her. There were days when I get annoyed without any reasons. Sometimes the fire starts with her, sometimes with me. I may have said foul words when we had a fight but I love her just the same. She may have her new priorities but in my heart, she’ll always be my little playmate.

She just turned 25 years old about two days ago and I made on open letter for her stating how I love her.

My Best Friends a.k.a Best Sisters

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

I have four wonderful girl friends. We’ve been best of friends since first year high school, which was 11 years ago. Up to date, no matter how busy we are, we always find them to hang out, watch movies or dvds, talk nonstop, laugh out loud and so on. We all have our own sister, I mean sister by blood except Patty.

Patty is my closest best friend among others. She’s my other half. We have lots of differences yet we have lots of similarities. She’s the real shy type. I nag her every single day, I nag her with love. She would always remind me how good I am at this or at that. I remember when I was texting her before, Mr. Priceless would throw joke stating “Tell Patty she’s disturbing us…” Patty likes Mr. Priceless a lot even if she never had a chance to meet him, in return Mr. Priceless appreciates Patty too. There were no days that I failed to share my itinerary with her. In fact, her name is the first entry on my phonebook, its “aa.pat marteja” Because she has no sister or brother, I used to sleep beside her at times. And she barely gets mad, isn’t it cool?

Rose is the strongest. She’s always willing to take challenges. Sexiest and always positive.

Reena at times uses her knowledge in psychology when speaking to us especially when about human behavior. I miss her a lot. (prolly she’s busy with someone else) and we are all really waiting for her to have a love life.

Mighty is almost just like me, she writes letters… and we always giggles about love stories and movies. We love our hair big time!

Mighty, Reena and Rose… I love them just like Patty. When I’m with them, I feel like a teen ager always! We giggle, talk about heart aches, love life, happiness or anything under the sun. Never did we buy alcohol beverages when we’re together istead we normally eat and eat and eat. How many calories can I get when I’m with them! *Kidding*

Perhaps it’s true that friends are the sisters God didn’t give us but He allows us to meet them and be with them just like any other sisters do.

My Acquired Sisters

*No photos for their privacy*

They are actually Mr. Priceless’ Ates (Older Sister) but in my heart they will always be my Ates too. Back then, I would just hear stories about Mr. Priceless childhood memories and he would always mention his sisters. How they helped Pader (their father) milking the cows, how they walked going to school and how they celebrated childhood Christmas and New Year together.

I call them Three M (3M) because their names start with letter M. They are sweet and I’m glad that even up to this point we still have open communications. I may have not met all of them because his oldest sister lives in California, his second Ate was at Quezon and only her youngest Ate was there when I came but it doesn’t matter.

They are sweet for sending me chocolates and for texting me or talking to me over the phone. They are always included in my prayers. I pray for their happiness and good health. Most of all I pray for Mader’s safety (their mother) because she is the most important person to them.

I love them not because I was Mr. Priceless girlfriend, I love them because that moment when I said yes to him, I also acquired his sisters. Acquiring them means forever, it will never fade. They may not know this but I love them genuinely and I pray that whoever the woman God has stored for their brother, that she will love them more than I do.

Now that you know who are my sisters, have you ever think of yours?

In parting, it doesn’t matter how near or how far they are, the mere fact that they stay in our heart… then they will always have special place in our life… as Mighty would always tell me on her letters “Through the years you never let me down…” True enough… Sisters don’t let each others down.

So there… They are my Sister. Who are yours?

Related articles

• Open Birthday Letter to Ate (Older Sister) (annvivero.wordpress.com)

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Ayon kay Supt. Remus Medina, hepe ng Intel Unit, ang suspek ay kinilalang si Urmas Saask alyas Yeiko Soori, nasa hustong gulang, isang Estonian at ang kasama nitong babae na kinila­lang si Lilian Docot.

http://www.pilipinomirror.com.ph/index.php/news/2866-nang-agaw-ng-cellphone-dayuhan-nasakote

MANILA, Philippines – An Estonian businessman, arrested in Taguig City Thursday for allegedly extorting P28,000 from a broadcaster’s son, is reportedly a fugitive in his own country and wanted by the International Police (Interpol), the Eastern Police District (EPD) said yesterday.

Rural living: cottages built by local fishermen.

Zambales coastline is one of the top destinations in Luzon along with Batangas and Quezon Province as these provinces boasts of a distinctly beautiful long shore lines, are very accessible and budget-friendly.

One of the beautiful beach shores in Zambales is La Paz beach, San Narciso. Going to San Narciso usually takes around 2-3 hours by commute. 

What I like about this place is that there is the real feel of rural living and the locale really takes care of the beach. La Paz beach offers its visitors a glimpse of Camara and Capones Islands. Facing South China Sea, expect a good set of waves for surfing as well. The sands are actually fine in texture, however, nowadays shells and dead corals are usually found at shore.

There are several villas, resorts and hotels here, so accommodation will not be a problem. Camping and setting up a tent is also allowed in this area providing it is not a beach front of a certain resort. There are also “sari-sari” stores a few meters away from the beach. 

Pines and Sands.

Related articles

• Aninuan Beach (beachesplusmountains.com)
• Calayo Beach, Batangas (beachesplusmountains.com)
• Laiya Beach, Batangas (beachesplusmountains.com)
• White Beach, Puerto Galera (beachesplusmountains.com)

MANILA, Philippines – An Estonian businessman and his companion were arrested in Taguig City Wednesday for allegedly trying to extort P28,000 from a son of broadcaster Arnold Clavio.

Urmas Saask, 36, a native of Rekvere City, and Lilian Docot, 29, were apprehended by police officers from the Eastern Police District (EPD) intelligence section after receiving marked money from the complainant, Arnauld Ymanuel Clavio, 23, who co-owns 25th Media Production.

EPD intelligence chief Superintendent Remus Medina said the younger Clavio’s Honda Civic figured in a collision with Saask’s Mercedes Benz SL5 along ADB street in Mandaluyong City at around 2 p.m. on Jan. 29.

Clavio said Saask, who was allegedly drunk, reportedly punched the driver’s window of his car and demanded payment for the damages to his Benz. He said Saask attacked him while he was still in his car, and only stopped when he said he would not engage the Estonian in a fistfight.

He said he got out of the car and was taking pictures of the damage to the vehicles with his iPhone 5 when Saask grabbed the cell phone and fled.

EPD director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel ordered Medina to conduct an entrapment after Saask demanded P28,000 from Clavio in exchange for dropping the charges against him.

Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Medina said Saask’s driver’s license turned out to be fake while his student’s visa expired in 2009.

Saask and Docot, who are being held at the EPD, refused to comment on the charges against them, saying they will hire a lawyer to represent them.

Positive Impressions from ABAP-ABREJAP Offficials on Maasin’s First Time Hosting

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Positive impressions from ABAP-ABREJAP officials on Maasin’s first time hosting of the 7-day ABAP national championship bouts during a recent press conference held here at Kinamot Sa Abgao Restaurant on the last day of the 24 contingents’ stay.

Dante de Castro, President of ABREJAP revealed that it’s unexpected for the host city on billeting the whole delegations that included athletes (young boxers) in different hotels in the city. He disclosed that the scenario is in contrast with other host cities that chose to house the athletes(amateur boxers) in school buildings. “How can they achieve a high degree of performance if we treat them in this way”, he said, lamenting.”Yet we expect too much from them..”

De Castro admitted he found the boxing ring at the city gym to be of standard, a similar quality used in the international bouts.

He intimated he found the opening ceremony far different from other hosting where the traditional and routine were still being practiced.”The opening ceremony (here)is unexpected”, he said, “it’s something innovative”.

De Castro is hoping that other hosts cities in the near future on ABAP’s sports events will think of an open ceremony something different from one another. “We are encouraging our stakeholders and partners to have their creative ways-something that is unique in every opening day…”, he pointed out.

ABAP officials also consider Maasin City as a peaceful city where drinking liquors along the streets are rarely found. They can also have an evening walk without fear of being harmed.

Changes in rules

DE Castro confided that there will be some changes on rules and regulations in the ABAP sometime in May or June of the current year. The term “amateur”,the first letter  of the  acronym ABAP will be taken out.ABAP now means Association of Boxing Alliance in the Philippines(ABAP).

Other groups of boxers according to the de Castro are: WSB(World Series Boxing),IBA(International Boxing Association),IOB(International Open Boxing),OPB(Open Professional Boxing),AOB(Alliance Olympic Boxing),AWSB(Association of World Series Boxing),WBC(World Boxing Council),WBO(World Boxing Organization) and (World Boxing Federation).

Our source also informed that one of the rules to be imposed for implementation is the 10 system, which is used in professional boxing bouts.

The ABREJAP President further unfolded that ABAP will be pushing for some drastic measures for the benefit and welfare of both active and retired Filipino boxers.

“Look at Rolando Navarette,(A former Filipino boxing champion).How is he now? Kaawaawa ang kalagayan niya ngayon.(His condition(plight) is very pitiful now. And so with other inactive Filipino boxers”,de Castro bewailed.

Tasi Macalos from Padre Burgos of this province, former Filipino boxing champion, is in line with Navarette’s situation-no pension as an inactive boxer for years.

Knockout Lose

De Castro likewise commented on Pacquiao’s 5^thround knockout lose to Marquez when he fell down on the canvass unconscious for about 3 minutes.

“Si Pacquiao marami ng pera.He is already a multimillionaire.Hindi na niya mauubos yan pati para sa kaniyang pamilya.He has received more blessings.Ano pa ang hinahanap niya? He has already done something that other Filipino boxers did not (or failed) to do. Tama na…Marquez’s punch is not a chamba.A boxer who has that kind of a knockout should stop…”

He added that according to boxing statistics Pacquiao has already absorbed a total of 6,000 punches.

On the other hand,Mr Chavez  of ABAP claimed that boxers who have engaged in 20 bouts can come back to ABAP.Additionally, one of the rich boxers today is Charlie Suarez who according to de Castro is receiving a monthly allowance of 2,000 euros. While ABAP members are receiving P6,000 monthly and P10,000 monthly in accordance with  a class  they are in.

Also present were national media practitioners like PDI’s  Roy Luarca,Joey Villar of PhilStar,Ric Yap Santos and Lia Dela Cruz Arevalo of Sports Radio(DZSR),a daily Tribune reporter,Kenneth Smith of the IBA from London,Eddie Alenia.(Quirico M. Gorpido,.Jr.)