Showing posts with label Coron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coron. Show all posts

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Revisiting the Magical Coron

When I was in College, me and my friend Gela always wanting to go places and one of those is Coron or somewhere in Palawan. Also, I had this professor, Ms. Lani, who said that Coron is the most beautiful among the top three tourist destination in Palawan (El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Coron) because of its clear water, laid back ambience and rock formations plus a very budget friendly one. :) So when I got the chance to go there and found a cheap air fare, go win fight na to! :D

Arriving from the YKR Airport (Busuanga), we had a slight problem because the tripod of my companion was not in the carousel of check in baggage. Imagine the hassle that Cebu Pacific welcomed me and letting our van wait for us for almost half an hour. Good thing the tripod was not missing, it was not loaded in the aircraft. -___-


Moving on!

Since my companion grew up there looking for a cheap place to stay was not a problem. We stayed at MAJIKA 4. Ate Majie, the owner of the place welcomed us with open arms even though she was busy doing something, which was really sweet. The place is so nice, it is an old rustic house but she maintained it well.


Me with Ate Majie <3

After settling down, we went to Mt. Tapyas and DAMN those stairs! HAHA. My heart pounded like it never pounded before. When I reached the top, it was all worth it! The breeze was so refreshing and I had the 360 degrees view of Coron Town plus there was a rainbow! Amazing! Also, the perfect time to go there is sunset. Sunset in Coron is priceless. Just be careful on the way down because there are no lights to guide you and beware of those notorious mosquitoes!




If you are a solo traveler island hopping is expensive. That is why boatmen or travel agents arrange a trip of what they called "joiners." Joiners is made up of different travelers but has the same tour or destination that come together to save. Being a joiner is fun, you will meet different people and it is cheaper! Anywho, Ate Majie allowed us to join the group who is going to have a Coron Bay Tour which includes Cayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and CYC Beach. 



I thought Cayangan Lake was the best but I was wrong, Barracuda Lake is way better!





Ahhhh! Paradise!


Sun, Tree Shade and Sand at CYC Beach.



We were dropped off at the Coron Port and walked to the Majika 4. Ate Majie invited us if we want to try scuba diving and we immediately said yes. Early that morning we went to Majika Island Resort because the Dive Down Under is based there. Majika Island Resort is situated in Bintuan near Sangat. When travelling by land it will take you 45 minutes - 1 hour then another 20 minute boat ride to get to Majika Island Resort. At far, you will not think that there is a resort there but as we come nearer, I can see the natural beauty that Majika has. It is a secluded place and Ate Majie owns the whole island. 


Bintuan Walk. Mangroves at its best.


Beachfront of Majika Island Resort




Who will not love this peaceful place?? Ahh! Majika Island Resort is really a place to rest and stay in Coron with the cheapest price. 


After eating breakfast, we went to the Dive Shop to find a suit and fins that fits. After we  We went to a site and had a briefing on how to dive. Dive Master Kuya Marlon taught us all the basics in the simplest way. HAHA. I think I was inspired to have an intro to diving lessons and have my license. :) 













On our last day in Coron and this is my birthday. Ate Majie invited us if we want to join the group that will be going to Culion. It is another municipality in Palawan and part of the Calamian group of Islands together with Coron. It is well - known as it is the first leper colony in the country. Accordingly, it used to have its own coins because of the stigma about leprosy. The place is very historical as well as its architecture. On our way to Culion, we saw dolphins! PERFECT PRESENT, e? :)  The water in their port is so clear. You can even see corals and fishes from above! On our way to our next destination, we were lucky to see a Philippine Eagle soaring in the sky and dived for a fish! It was so awesome because it is very unusual to see that. 










We had lunch at Sand Bar, an island owned by Ate Majie. It has white sand and a tree in the middle of the sea. Amazing! It was so perfect, celebrating my birthday on an island! We had grilled parrot fish and Sargent fish, pork adobo with pineapple, and steamed crabs! Yummmmmy! After the sumptuous lunch, I played with the kids and it was fun. It's been a long while since I played with kids.















So what is the perfect way to end this magical adventure in Coron?? A perfect uphill trek before sunset new found friends and being in the hammock! Everything is so eerie. 







My whole trip in Coron is very enchanting special thanks to Ate Majie of MAJIKA Tours. :) I enjoyed everything and learned things that I will treasure for the rest of my life! I highly recommend MAJIKA Tours if you are going to Coron, I assure that you won't regret it! You can reach them with these numbers!


MAJIKA ISLAND RESORT & TOURS 
St. Augustine St. Barangay 4 Poblacion, 5316 Coron, Palawan 
(+63) 919-316-9030 
(+63) 908-731-6543 
(+63) 917-856-3187 

majikaislandresort@yahoo.com. 



Add them up on facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/MajikaTours 




ANO, TARA GUMALA??


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The year I've become liberated

2013 : Year of my LIBERATION


O yes, you read it right. Liberation. I become liberated on 2013. You want to know why? Simple lang pero first, let's define what is liberated. Liberated means to be freed, not bound from traditional roles. So why liberated? Kasi nga po, I turned 21 last year. It means, I'm an adult and I take charges on my actions. I can decide on my own (though I still ask for some advice), go out of my comfort zone, and use my right to vote. This is also the year I got my license and started my graduate schooling. Lastly, I am free! Not everybody on my age can do such thing. I started backpacking locally and internationally without any help from my mother, yes without any help and I'm so proud of it. I also learned new thing e.g. Diving, snorkeling without any life vest, train system, culture, and how to while in Malaysia. I even enrolled in Graduate School.

2013 has been a great year. Damang dama ko pagiging adult ko. I had problems financially and have to pay bills! Yea, BILLS are really part of adulthood. HAHA. On the bright side, I had the chance to explore some cultures of my beloved Philippines and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! So liberating right?

Highlights of places and events I've been to last 2013:

  • New Year and My Tatay's Birthday!


  • Baguio (Strawberry Farm, The Mansion, Wright Park, Mines View Park, Grotto and Tam-Awan Village)
@ Tam-Awan Village!


  • First Valentine's Party


  • Visita Iglesia with family (Barasoain Church, Bulacan, Taksiapo and Monasterio De Tarlac)

Barasoain Church, Bulacan
TAKSIAPO!!!
Photo op in Monasterio de Tarlac

Facade

Lakas maka-Rio. :D




  • Bolinao, roadtrip with friends!

Patar Beach, Bolinao!


beachin' with friends




  • First time to vote!







  • Coron

With Ate Majika, she'll definitely bring Magic into your life.

Oh Coron! You're beauty is breathtaking!

Majika Island Resort







Diving 101







  • Million People March





  • Cosmo Bachelor Bash #Cosmo69 Rated: SPG!



My Cosmofied experience

  • First Halloween Party
Roar!

  • Holidays with my family!
First BINGO with family!


My Family



So ano, TARA GUMALA?

CIAO.
--
GABRIELA