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The Charm of Sonya's Garden

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For years, we may have made the journey to Tagaytay to savor the organic cooking of Sonya's Garden. Known for serving up delightful buffets of pasta and salad, this Tagaytay institution should be given credit for making this burgeoning city of the South into the food mecca that it is today.

The Island Explorer Rating

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Before I move on writing, let me just explain a new feature on my experiences with hotels and resorts. At the end of each write up is a score board that churns out a rating (score) based on my experience. The criteria are: Ambience: the over-all character and atmosphere of the place Room: the quality and amenities of the room Service: the one key thing that separates a five-star hotel from the rest Facilities: activities and places in the hotel and resort like the gym, business center spa, etc. Dining: the most overlooked criteria of a hotel and resort, also the state where you dine in Over-all Experience: was I happy, satisfied and wanting to come back at the end of the trip These sum up to the Island Explorer Score, which is a 0 to 5 rating that I give to all the hotels and resorts I have visited. 0 - forget it 1 - unacceptable 2 - fair 3 - good 4 - excellent 5- perfect So far, the highest score goes to El Nido in Pangulasian with a score of 4.6. Congratulations

Pico de Loro: Unexpectedly SM

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When someone mentions about Pico De Loro, I can't help but think SM. I know it seems very racist, but I couldn't help downgrade my expectations of a place when it has the brand SM to it. And I am ashamed, since I just can't give them the benefit of the doubt. So when we arrived at Pico Sands, the only hotel in Pico de Loro, a seaside development by SM, I naturally gave a half smile.

Surf's Up: Baler

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One may go to Baler for one reason only. That is to surf. Baler is an emerging surfing destination, following the footsteps of San Fernando in La Union, Daet in Camarines Norte and of course, Siargao. Being closer to Manila, Baler is indeed a growing mecca for surfers old and new.

Ditumabo Falls: Baler

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Whenever people ask me where the best place is nearby Manila, I always mention Baler. It may not be appealing to some, but I have found my place in this secluded town eastern seaboard of Luzon. But Baler is not all about Sabang Beach and surfing. Many find new places to explore, such as mountain and waterfall hikes. Here we explore the most famous waterfall in town, Ditumabo.

Rise Philippines!

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The recent events of the Philippines has crippled its tourism industry beyond imagination. From the Bohol earthquake to the devastation of Leyte, Malapascua, Bantayan and Coron. Good thing Boracay was relatively spared. I call all my friends to plan their trips to these beach havens and contribute in their rebuilding. We will not any storm or earthquake impede our beauty. The Philippines has the BEST ISLANDS, BEACHES and LANDSCAPES in Asia. We have the best beaches in the world. Let us make this known.  This is our time to show the world the beauty of the Philippines. This is our time to RISE.

Costa Pacifica: Baler

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Before we begin, I just want to say that I have been to Baler 4 times already this year, since I wrote that first post. I have become so attached to it, that I make it a point to visit the town every month. And during my first time this year, I stayed in Bay's Inn, which I said was laid back and all, but their accommodations are very basic and worn already. 

On the way to Baler

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My next series will focus on a destination that is probably not familiar with everyone except for one thing it is known for - surfing. Yes, let me take you to my new fave destination, Baler, which is roughly 4 to 5 hours drive from Manila.

El Nido Finale

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It seems weird that after writing this series from El Nido, I am now leaning towards it as my favorite in Palawan. I always said to myself that Coron is better. Now, with all of these reminiscing, I just want to go back to El Nido and explore more of it.

El Nido Pangulasian: The Best in the Country So Far

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So my El Nido adventure continues after staying 2 nights in Lagen. I knew about El Nido's new resort, Pangulasian Island. However, Pangulasian was more expensive and having 4 people in the trip will definitely hurt our budget.

El Nido Lagen

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And I'm back. Yes, if you thought the Island Explorer has retired, well, I just forgot to write. But so far, since my last post, which was already a year delayed, I haven been traveling twice a month. Imagine all the backlog! So, moving on, I will be revisiting some experiences that needed to be posted. Let's begin where I took off. Currently the number 1 island in the world according to Travel + Leisure, Palawan is still a vast and long treasure cove filled with underrated beauty featuring nature's best. Palawan has everything I assume. From the sparkling islands of the North to the wild mountains of the South, and more and more islands in between. I am very ashamed to say that I have only touched the tip of Palawan's iceberg. I have only been to Puerto Princesa, Coron and El Nido. What a shame indeed. But these are the basics, so let's check out another resort that have of course, made headlines for the past 20 years in the island. For years, it has been THE