I wasn’t born yet during the Marcos regime but stories have of course reached me through history lessons and personal discussions among family, friends and colleagues. What I didn’t know, however, is that there existed a Malacañang of the North, located in Marcos’ Ilocandia (Ilocos) stronghold, apart from the President’s Mansion in Baguio. And that, behind the imposing facade of the Malacañang of the North awaits in peace and serenity the Paoay Lake. It’s probably one of the biggest man-made lakes…ever. The Paoay Lake was really a beautiful sight and it was really calming and relaxing, just staring blankly at it. I recently watched a video on the Paoay Lake Regatta happening in June — maybe something for you and me to see! It was in 2011 since I last set foot in Ilocos Norte. Perhaps it’s time to return!>
Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Kashid Beach is a popular destination, especially from weekend escapists of Mumbai. It’s about 3 hours from Mumbai, with more than 90kms of plains, mountains and valleys to be seen along the way. Apart from the beach, Alibag is also popular for its forts and some temples. It’s kind of a hillside or hilly area so the weather is cold and quite nice. We went there on July 2012 (my good friend Sravan from CS invited me to their company team thing) and it was awesome! Kashid beach itself is nice enough, especially when you’re looking forward to some playtime with the waves. Be warned, however, that you might need a massage session after! The photo I chose for Kashid beach is actually one of the most photographed scenes and very recognizable to Indian travelers and nature trippers. If you want to see more photos and read more about our playtime at Kashid beach, visit my blog on living in India. 🙂 >
Not really being a morning person, I normally only get to see sunrise in two instances — when I come back home from a really fun club party or when I’m traveling. This photo was one of the traveling mornings while we were on the way to Nagsasa Cove, aboard possibly one of the smallest boats I have taken, ever! It was a good thing that the sea was really calm when we sailed on that May morning, like a lake, calm and soothing. The topography (naks!) of Zambales and its coves is actually really nice, suited for different travelers. With the mountain range on one side for you to trek and the sea on another for you to swim, it’s something I would gladly wake up early for. 🙂
A vacay trip to Bohol won’t be complete without taking the Loboc River cruise…with buffet lunch! 🙂 I’ve visited Bohol twice — first in 2011 and second in 2013. The first time we visited the province of Tagbilaran, it was a group of 6 with and we took a 3D/2N package tour. Though it wasn’t part of the package, the driver asked us if we would like to go for a zipline (flying fox) ride and of course we said we would! I took this photo while I was screaming my lungs out while wheezing past the Loboc River and all its lush greens! I had the camera strapped to my neck and I just kept clicking! 😀 the second time I was in Bohol with my friend Leah, we had a DIY tour and we were lucky to get into the cruise in time, only through hitching a ride with tour package tourists coming from the Chocolate Hills! The buffet, of course, was awesome and totally worth the amount we paid to board the Loboc River floating restaurant!
There was a time in my field work life that I frequented Zambales. And since there are no decent hotels by the road at the time, we always stayed at Tammy’s Beach Resort in Iba. And, though it’s weird to have two big beds all to myself, the stay at Tammy’s, in my experience, is always good. Food was also good, especially their Kinilaw! I remember the day when I took this shot — we were just arriving at the resort after field visit in the northern clusters of farms in Zambales, so I literally ran to the beach and caught the sunset. It was really nice and pretty at dusk and, at day the sand glitters in your hand as the sun hits it. I’m guessing it’s because of the tiny crystals that are mixed with the sand. Though not as popular yet to tourists as the beaches of Alaminos or Puerto Galera or Batangas, Tammy’s Beach Resort and the other ones along the coastline of Iba and Zambales are definitely worth a try!
Life is short so take a leap of faith. Let’s wander, explore and discover. Come and journey with me.
The Diarist Wanders 