My 2013 HongKong Trip

Touchdown: HKG

I am not really sure if this was my third or fourth time in this part of the continent. I was still a child when I first stepped on this former British colony. But regardless, I still encounter new experiences every time.

There was a super typhoon in Hong Kong two days before we arrived. But the signal no. 10 scare did not stop me from packing my things as there are several places here that I want to go back to. That's what passion for travel is all about - Go, even if everybody else doesn't.

Our first day was spent with a major food trip. So we strolled down the Kowloon area and filled our tummies with whatever we can munch. 

The dumplings were the best! I so love China! 

We spent the next day within and around the shopping district. Who goes to Hong Kong and not ending up shopping? Not me.

Next stop: Tour within the city. And who would outgrow Disney? Again, not me! :)

Last day was spent in Lantau (to give thanks for all the blessings.) I am a Catholic but I believe in one creator, so regardless of religion, May Buddha, bless me and us all.

We tried to squeeze all of our plans in but time did not permit us. It's okay. It's not a sin to go back! 

Next stop: Macau!!! :)

Marlboro Mountain and Blue Soil Hills

We started our Marlboro adventure at nine in the morning. We hired a jeep to take us to the top of the hill. The road was slippery because it rained the night before and as we ascend, we had some stopovers as we need to alight in some areas where the road is steep.

We trekked for half an hour to get to the Marlboro mountain and it was all green. There are wild horses too but are so far that we didn't bother to take pictures of them.

Wild berries are also abundant. It tastes like rasp berry.

As we trek further, our guide suggested that we also try the blue soil hills, and we all agreed.

 

The trek to blue soil hills is about an hour from Marlboro mountain. We passed by several beautiful rock formations.

The trek to the hills was easy (comparable to Bomod Ok trek).

After an hour of trekking, we have finally reached the blue soil hills.

It was no joke. The soil is really blue.

We trekked further until we reach the road. It was another hour to the road.

Our motto: Lunch is waiting, so let's move faster!

 

Kiltepan Peak

This is my third time in Sagada and the Kiltepan Peak has always been a part of my itinerary ever since. This is one of the best spots I love.

We woke up at 3:30 a.m. and we're scheduled to leave at 4:30 a.m. to witness the sunrise. As always, we need to be there as early as we can so we can have a picturesque spot, and we were successful.

It was still dark when we arrived at the peak.

Few minutes later, a sea of clouds welcomed us as the sun started to show its rays.

 

The view is overwhelming and relaxing. I can stay there for hours without getting bored. The cold weather adds up to the excitement.

As the sun started to rise, the sea of clouds paved way to show the rice terraces and stream below.

We went back to our rest house and had breakfast after a few hours.

We stayed at the hilltopville inn located across the highway.

[Above] That's the five of us at Hilltopville Inn ready for our next adventure.

Puzzle Mansion Tagaytay

Tagaytay is known for its cold weather and is the favorite stopover of Batangas and Cavite bound travelers for a coffee and pastry break or bulalo and tawilis lunch overlooking the Taal volcano.

It is also the home of the Guiness World Record holder for the most number of framed puzzles - a collection of approximately 250 puzzles that were made by a single person.

 The mansion also offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, and horseback riding for adventure lovers.

In the gallery area, puzzle collections are available for viewing. Entrance Fee is 100php.

A souvenir shop is also available in the 2nd floor. The puzzle collection is so extraordinary that it was recognized by the Guiness World Record in 2012. I'm truly proud to be Pinoy! 

Hamilo Coast Beach and Country Club (Pico de Loro)

Hamilo Coast is one of the 13 coves owned and developed by Manila South Coast Development Corporation in Nasugbu, Batangas. The whole resort is more than 1000 hectares and is the closest residential beach resort from Manila by water. 

It may also be reached via land via Ternate or Tagaytay.

It is approximately 10 miles away from the famous Punta Fuego.

There are four condo clusters and two of my favorite spots are the beach club and the country club.

The country club has big and small pools with a salt water lagoon just adjacent to them.

The view is simply captivating.

For water sports fanatics like me, you will love the beach club area.

The other 12 coves are still under construction planning and will not be available soon.

Revisiting Cagayan Valley: Piat and Iguig

After our visit to the town of the Mamba's, we headed to the next town to visit the miraculous Virgin Mary, more commonly known as Our Lady of Piat.

Piat is a town 30 minutes away from Tuao, where we had our lunch.

It's my second time in Piat and I have always loved the architectural design of the whole place, and I feel blessed every time.

After Piat, we went back to Tuguegarao and passed by the longest bridge in the region, in Brgy. Buntun, hence, the name, Buntun Bridge.

They say that you can finish singing the Philippine National Anthem in the normal 4/4 beat just right after crossing the bridge from the other side. I did not try because I was busy taking pictures of the Cagayan River from the bridge while we were in motion. I also had a chance to have my own photo taken with the bridge. 

At the city center, we stopped by the cathedral.

It was a really long trip so I decided to stay in the van and wait for them as they shop for pasalubong. I nestled early that day. 

The next day, we visited the Calvary Hills and St Clare Monastery in Iguig.

It's a perfect holy week spot. The stations of the cross were sculpted at the grassy hills, like a gold course.

This trip is considered an early Lenten Visita Iglesia as we focused on the famous religious landmarks more than other attractions in the region.