Travel Guide
Water Rafting
Beaches
Luzon
Rediscovering My Hometown Romblon 2012 Series
Tablas Fun Resort Looks Fun But...
Sunday, June 24, 2012Ryan Mach
"But what Rhoda Beach had that I couldn't find in Tablas Fun Resort was the unassuming, natural, familiar and friendly vibe of the place."
Tablas Fun Resort was previously Rhoda Beach, an unembellished beach resort owned by a Chinese family in Looc. Back then, it was a famous hang-out among locals looking for getaways and excursions during weekends. I remember spending a night at the resort when we were in highschool. Lots of memorable things happened that night: saw hundred of fireflies swarming a tree near the resort, caught in the middle of a scary shooting incident, watched the sunrise (for the first time) the next morning.
Either you have lots of savings or you're simply rich. That's, more or less, what my friends tell me every time they learn that I'm going some place or have been somewhere. Fact of the matter is, neither is true. I have little to no savings (not proud to say that) and I'm born rat poor (not ashamed to declare), true story, not an exaggeration. So given the fact that I'm not financially gifted so to speak, you might be wondering how I am able to fund my wanderlust. The answer doesn't come as easy as reciting the ABC. Lots of factor come into play, a few sacrifices have to be made and determination is the key.
So what's the secret? You must have seen that cute movie featuring a funny panda named Po who loves to eat. Kung Fu Panda's the title, rings a bell I'm sure. No, that's not the secret but remember the word of wisdom that his hardworking goose father told him - there is no secret ingredient. Po was tricked into believing that there's some sort of secret that he had to unravel for him to become a hero. Turned out, he just needed to train and work hard so he could beat their greatest nemesis.
Dumaguete - January 2012 |
Caramoan
Survivor Philippines
The Secret is Out - Survivor Philippines Happened in Caramoan
Monday, June 11, 2012Ryan Mach
Three, maybe five (I honestly don't remember how many we were that time) of us were huddled inside a small nipa hut, waiting for an event that we barely know anything about to happen. We were told to keep our voices down and were specifically advised to turn off our cellphone, or at least activate its silent mode so as not to create any noise. And no camera. It didn't make sense to us but they said it's very important that the place must look like it's completely uninhabited. All lights from the bar and the nipa huts surrounding it were extinguished -against our will - including the solar lights scattered around the lawn, even those hidden under the bushes.
Except for the steady light coming from a thousand Christmas lights coiled on a man-made walkway bridge few meters from the place-that-must-not-be-named, the area was virtually dark. With dark clouds looming overhead, the chance of moon appearance that night was close to nil. It was the type of scenario that the production crew of a famous American reality TV show could ever hope for. For us, however, it was a curse. We wanted to witness what was about to happen, but it would prove quite impossible without any light in the area.
"A celebrity is passing by here any second from now," the owner of the bar told us in a careful whisper. That explained why they had to shut all the lights. "Which celebrity?" we asked, the excitement in our voice was palpable. "We don't know. They won't tell us," she whispered back. "I wish I had a night vision or something," I told my companions who were equally beside themselves. The suspense was killing us. We were dead tired, we were blinking off sleep, and yet, our stamina wasn't breaking down.
Except for the steady light coming from a thousand Christmas lights coiled on a man-made walkway bridge few meters from the place-that-must-not-be-named, the area was virtually dark. With dark clouds looming overhead, the chance of moon appearance that night was close to nil. It was the type of scenario that the production crew of a famous American reality TV show could ever hope for. For us, however, it was a curse. We wanted to witness what was about to happen, but it would prove quite impossible without any light in the area.
"A celebrity is passing by here any second from now," the owner of the bar told us in a careful whisper. That explained why they had to shut all the lights. "Which celebrity?" we asked, the excitement in our voice was palpable. "We don't know. They won't tell us," she whispered back. "I wish I had a night vision or something," I told my companions who were equally beside themselves. The suspense was killing us. We were dead tired, we were blinking off sleep, and yet, our stamina wasn't breaking down.
If you’re planning a holiday in Portugal, one
thing’s for sure - there’s plenty more here than just great beaches. Get out
and explore everything that this vibrant destination has to offer - from the
beautiful city of Lisbon with its quaint cobbled streets, to the breathtaking Feira
castle in the North. There is so much to see in this diverse country.
If like many tourists you’re tempted to book Portugal all inclusive holidays, don’t let that stop you from getting out and about. While all inclusive is typically a cost-saver by providing all your meals, snacks and drinks, it can often encourage visitors to stay within the confines of the hotel or their resort, so ask your hotel to pack up a lunch for you and take it out for the day.
If like many tourists you’re tempted to book Portugal all inclusive holidays, don’t let that stop you from getting out and about. While all inclusive is typically a cost-saver by providing all your meals, snacks and drinks, it can often encourage visitors to stay within the confines of the hotel or their resort, so ask your hotel to pack up a lunch for you and take it out for the day.
But where
will you go? If you’re based in the Algarve region, there are dozens of
different day trips available through various tour operators. For example if
you book holidays with Thomas Cook your representative will be able
to recommend numerous well-organised day trips throughout your stay, ranging
from boat trips and sightseeing tours to jeep safaris and water sports.
If you like
historic sites, head to Silves and explore the hilltop
castle and the old town of Algarve which is believed to date back to 1000BC. Or
for something truly spectacular - if a little morbid - visit the Capela dos
Ossos in Faro, a tiny chapel made from the bones of monks. The first bone was
thought to have been laid by a monk in the 14th Century.
Day trips aside, the Algarve is renowned
for its gorgeous golden beaches. Fringed by rocky cliffs and peppered with
beautiful coves, the coastline of South Portugal is one of Europe’s most
spectacular. Get out and enjoy it!