Take A Road Trip With Us

Lovin' Coron

2010-04-23T13:13:00.014+08:00

DAY 1

After an endless search for an affordable but nice place to stay in Coron, we ended up not having any reservation when we got there. Here we go again..doing it backpacking style..but what the heck, this is a part of the adventure anyway. 

By the time we arrived the airport, Kuya Richard of Mt. Tapyas Hotel offered us a ride to the town. We asked him to drop us off at Coron Village Lodge or Darayonan, two of the inns that we researched from the net. Good thing these two resorts are next to each other and offer rooms at a reasonable price. We chose to stay at Coron Village Lodge for price of Php 750/room/night with AC and cable TV.

Since we’re still not sure whether we’ll hike Mt. Tapyas or go swimming at the Maquinit Hotspring, we decided to just start our activities the next day and just plan things over dinner at one of the recommended restaurants in Coron – the Kawayanan Grill. There’s really nothing to rave about the grilled food of this place. The Php6 bbq infront of Seadive is way tastier than Kawayanan’s Php 120 liempo. The Bicol Express is a surprise though. Instead of using meat, they used finely chopped squid which tasted good.

After eating early dinner, we went around town to look for Al Linsangan, the guy that Kuya Richard said was offering the cheapest island hopping packages. But we weren’t able to see him or his shop, and instead met Kuya Allan and his wife Ate Vangie. For a price of Php5k, he offered us a Coron Island Hopping Tour and a Malcapuya-Banana Island tour and we agreed.

The only thing we have to pray hard for is a GOOD WEATHER. A sunny one would be perfect.  Pepeng go away!

DAY 2

It was raining hard last night and we really thought that the rain won’t stop for the whole day. But at around 8am, God blessed us with a bright and sunny weather  woot woot! We bought packed lunch at Binalot and headed off to our Coron Island Hopping trip. I was so excited to see the crystal clear waters of Palawan’s beaches and lakes which I only get to see in postcards before.

Our itinerary for the day was:

1st stop – snorkeling fun at Skeleton Wreck
2nd stop – photo op at Atuaya beach
3rd stop – passing by Blue Lagoon
4th stop – lazing around the amazing Kayangan Lake
5th stop - passing by Siete Pecados
6th stop – relaxing afternoon at Maquinit Hotspring

It was a blissful and tiring day for us and we’re definitely looking forward to another exciting day in Coron. We had dinner at a nearby carienderia and bought cheap barbeque infront of Seadive and a melon Zagu.

White sand beaches for tomorrow at Banana Island and Malcapuya Island!

Day 3

October 4, 2009. For the second part of our island hopping adventure, we headed off to the island of Malcapuya, a secluded white sand beach about an hour and a half away from Coron pier. But before departure, Kuya Allan dropped us off at the market to eat breakfast and buy all the needed rekados for our lunch. With a budget of 400php, we were able to purchase half a kilo of liempo, a large tuna, a kilo of banana, softdrinks, ice, charcoal, and eating utensils.

There were no other people except us and the caretakers when we arrived in Malcapuya Beach at 9:30am. From the long stretch of white sand beach to the crystal blue water with shells and corals in abundance in the shallows, it’s a slice of paradise. We spent our time there sunbathing, swimming and walking around the scenic island.

Our final stop was Banana Island Resort, just a few minutes away from Malcapuya. This small island beach is called as such because it’s shaped like a banana. Entrance fee costs 200php.

We did nothing but relax and rest in the hammocks. Come lunch time, we had a sumptuous feast of grilled tuna and liempo, itlog na maalat, tomatoes and onions, ice cold softdrinks, and bananas for desert. Thanks to Kuya Allan who prepared everything!

RTs BDay Bash at Puerto Galera

2010-04-23T11:02:00.007+08:00

We went to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro the same day the MV Commando ferry accident happened. Our relatives from Manila were worried and calling to check on us. We actually saw the sunken ferry and a survivor waving for help. Some ferries and rescue boats were already heading towards it but not ours. The captain just called for rescue, and we felt too bad we were not able to help.

After landing on the shore, we thanked God for delivering us safely to our destination. We learned from some of our friends who got back to Batangas Port earlier that ticket agents or barkers from Commando were convincing them earlier to take the ferry, but good thing they waited for us before deciding to buy tickets. The rest of our stay in Puerto, we could not stop thinking of the incident and the casualties. We included them in our prayers and when we got back to Manila, we even invited others through social networking sites to pray for them.

The trip to Puerto Galera is the RT's (Roadtrippers) summer get-away and also the celebration of our April, May and June birthday celebrants. Thanks to Roi, Leluck, Jen and Gold for the treat. And of course, thanks to God again for saving us and keeping us safe.

Asian Trip Part 3: Thailand, Our Last Stop

2009-11-18T11:21:00.002+08:00

I. Ao Nang, Krabi Thailand

April 8-10

Our trip wouldn’t be complete without going to the BEACH!

(Cue music: Pure Shores)

After a super stressful travel from KL to Thailand, a swim at the beach was a great reward :)

We took a 4 islands beach hopping package tour worth 390 baht (after much haggling with ate..hehe) and was able to see Poda, Chicken and Tub islands. Too bad it rained so hard that we weren’t able to go to the 4th island.

II. Phuket

We went to Patong Beach, Phuket with the image of a breathtaking shoreline in mind. So just imagine our disappointment when we saw that Phuket is far from that. It is densely populated with resorts, restaurants, and bars. The beach itself is filled with beach umbrellas and chairs that totally ruins the view. Worse, the water is uninviting and itchy.

The hostel we stayed in was a disappointment too (not the place itself but its rude owner and receptionist). He’s a far cry from the very accommodating Mr. Mayor of PetSoc from Hotel Petaling.

The good thing about Phuket, however, is the numerous shopping centres and the loud nightlife (if ur into that ). Too bad we didn’t have the budget for both..ahaha.

III. Bangkok

“Sa Bangkok na lang”

That’s what we always said whenever we wanted to buy something during the earlier parts of our trip. After all, Bangkok is known as “the shopping destination”. And since the other places we went to sells stuff at a higher price, we opted to restrain ourselves from buying.

We were in for a surprise when we arrived at Bangkok and saw a flurry of activities --parades, banners, free drinks are strewn everywhere. And on our way to Khao san Road to find a cheap hostel, we immediately had a bad feeling that their Songkran Festival (Thai New Year, Water Festival) will start at that day and our street will be the center of the festivity. Water guns, water bottles, hoses and a stage are being set-up outside.

Because of the &%#@ festival, I was at my worst mood. Who would want to get their clothes and cameras get wet when all we wanted to have is a stress-free sightseeing and shopping time for our last day.

Water gun directed at my ear, Tuktuk ride that got us drenched and heat stroke at Grand Palace and reclining Buddha… these are some of the events that got me pissed off. And as if this is not enough, our shopping galore plans vanished as the stores were all closing… huhuhu… I only got to buy a few items from the few stores that were still open.. sigh.

Going back to the hostel was another challenge. By late afternoon, everyone was already partying on the streets.. Khao San was closed and a stage was set-up for dignitaries and a Miss Songkran beauty contest…If only we weren’t set to leave for the airport that night, it would have been fun to join the partying crowd. But fudge! How do we leave for the airport without getting wet?

As it turned out, even with our backpacks on, the Thai people did not spare us from getting wet. ARGH. whatthe!

Asian Trip Part 2: Hilarious Glitches in Kuala Lumpur

2009-11-18T10:41:00.001+08:00

Our trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was an adventure of sorts. The highlights weren’t really the places that we saw but instead, it was our hilarious moments that made this trip unforgettable.

1st glitch

While we were lazily dozing off, the bus stopped at the Singapore Immigration Centre and we hurriedly went down the bus with our slips not yet filled up. As usual, we were the last to get off and get back at the bus.

2nd glitch

First Coach dropped us off in an Edsa-like street. It was raining hard and guess what… we don’t have a single Ringgit! And since it’s Sunday, most of the stores are closed and there is no way that we can walk to KL station, where the money exchange is. We just had to find someone who’ll be willing to exchange our Singaporean dollars into Ringgit (take note: doggy eyes mode). Whew! Good thing, kuya Indian gave us RM 7.00 in exchange of our SD.

3rd glitch

We were drenched in rain while looking for a hostel in Jalan Petaling. Mr. Mayor of Petsoc was very accommodating and his clean and cheap hostel is worthy of a recommendation (check out Hotel Petaling)

4th glitch

Supeeerrr ispaysi food of Hameeds! I love spicy food but their “sweet chicken” burned my tongue so just imagine what “spicy” is for them.

5th glitch

The disappointing Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge visit - After waiting for hours for the visit, we were surprised to learn that the skybridge is lower than my office’s floor level in RCBC.. whattaheck.

6th glitch

This last glitch is one for the books! Imagine the five of us running to the train station and almost missing the train just because we thought that the departure time is 30 minutes later. Haha. The guards furiously told us to hurry up as Ishi was waving at the train to stop.wahahaha

April 5-7

Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Petaling
Jalan Tun Lee
Suria KLCC
Sentral
Petronas Towers
PetronasSky Bridge
Muzium Negara Malaysia

Asian Trip Part 1: Singapore

2009-05-05T11:43:00.001+08:00

April 3-5

We arrived at Singapore with only Isher’s wikitravel printouts at hand (which thankfully proved to be super useful).

North Bridge Road
Bugis Street
Singapore Flyer
Esplanade
Merlion Park
Chinatown

To sum up the first phase of our backpacking adventure, here are the highlights of our trip:

• head throbbing currency conversion and budgeting (spaced out eicky and jen)
• first “tipid” meal at the airport
• need for speed drivers
• taxis with GPS (sosyal!)
• first impression of the place: Makati Business district
• Singaporeans = Fashionistas!
• Free net and Breakfast (toasted bread.haha) at Cozy Corner
• complicated bus routes (or maybe I’m just used to the phils. wherein I can ride the bus anywhere, anytime and even be dropped off at the middle of edsa.. haha)
• a very clean and organized place
• expensive shops..huhu..
• why is Chinatown filled with Indians?
• Tiring and sweaty search for Merlion under the extreme heat of the sun
• I love FIRST COACH. Super comfy bus ride to Kuala Lumpur

Mt. Pinatubo Adventure Trek

2009-03-02T14:45:00.001+08:00

Putting aside the mishaps of the trip..

this Pinatubo climb is a great way to start the yearlong adventure of the roadtrippers!

Seeing the crater of Mt. Pinatubo has always been on my list of to do's before I die. And mind you, this list is way before the movie 100 was shown.. hehe..So just imagine how happy I am that this trip pushed through.

Planning the trip wasn't that hard..there were various options available for the packages that we could take. It was all a matter of choosing the cheapest package that we could afford. Here's a breakdown of our expenses per person:

Van (Manila-Capas) back and forth : Php. 423.00
Pinatubo Spa package tour: Php. 1,500.00
(inclusive of 4x4, 2 local guides, skyway fee, lunch)
Shower Php. 100.00
________________
TOTAL: Php 2, 023

We took the shorter route to the crater (skyway), which lasted for 2 hours -- 1 hr 4x4 ride and another hr for the trek. The trek wasn't that hard... :) I actually had a harder time walking on the cemented stairs near the crater. However, the trek going down is a different story. We went down at noontime, just when the sun is at its peak.. so I now have sunburned shoulders and a tank top tanline.hahaha.

Upon reaching the crater, you'll immediately forget your weary feet, sweaty back, and will find yourself smiling in satisfaction. :) A glimpse of the blue-green water of the crater amidst a magnificent backdrop is definitely worth the climb.

Falls and Church Hopping in Laguna

2009-02-06T11:06:00.000+08:00

Originally, there were 7 falls in our itenerary...

but because of the rain and the lack of nearby gas stations, we made some changes in our itinerary and made it only to 2 falls.. and had a few church stop overs..

Bunga Falls (Nagcarlan, Laguna)

and
Taytay Falls ( Majayjay, Laguna)

as for the chuches.. i remembered only a few names.. St. Gregory (dunno where in Laguna)
and Immaculate Conception (Sta.Cruz)

overnight at P1500 private house w/ pool in Los Baños

Nonetheless, we had a fun fun time!

Shaubogan at Calatagan

2008-05-20T15:19:00.001+08:00

Before roadtripper Shau leaves for Dubai, we decided to have a summer trip with her. After much planning, multiply flooding, and endless group txts to finalize the trip, we ended up going to CAPOceans, Calatagan, Batangas.

Everyone had a blast during this trip, not because the beach was fantastic (because it’s not), but simply because we never fail to have fun when we’re together. There were mishaps during the trip but we were able to just laugh it off afterwards:

* Superhero bosses who want Len to work on a holiday. And it’s not just any holiday, it’s *%@#* Labor day!

(see image on the right : working on a holiday )

* 7pm call time at Krispy Kremes but guess who came late?! The driver (who insists on passing the e-pass lane even though he doesn’t have an e-pass) with his “van” (that turned out to be an AUV) came at around 10pm.

* The looOoOoong drive on a pitch black road to Calatagan.

Highlights of the trip were:

* Leluck’s golimar paws
* Kuya Noel checking out DingDong Dantes’ (hahaha)
* Antonov and Singapore Sling + flattops (divided equally?)
* Crying/bangag sessions that I did not witness..hehe
* Drunken len (again. But hey, she didn’t throw up!)
* Real food! Thanks itay roi!
* Photoshoots

Now, for the things that visitors of our site would want to see, here are the ff:

Resort: CapOceans (Conserve and Protect the Oceans) Calatagan, Batangas
Accomodations: 3 bunk beds , good for 6 persons

- the place is clean and spacious

Rates : 4.000 per room (the one that we rented)

Cost of renting a 'van' (skul service): 3,400 /two-way (gas not included)

Budget for food and beverages: 1,500 for 13 people

Beach : rocky, clear water, not the good place to swim though.

For people who just want a quiet place to relax by the beach, then this is the place to go :)

cheers!

Roadtrippers Goes To Anawangin

2008-04-17T08:35:00.003+08:00

the summer get-away we have all been waiting for. too bad we were incomplete... :( anyway, we still had a blast!

april 3, 2008 - grocery day
met at sm megamall to buy the stuffs we'll need. previously, we've already bough a tent and a portable stove + butane. now we shop for food and alcohol.. hehe!

DAY 1

april 5 - roadtrip!!!

met up in edsa. we were picked up from different points. good thing jeamie's dad had an activity in zambales so we were able to ride with him up to san antonio zambales, where we took a trike to pundaquit. we had lunch and after negotiations with boatmen, we ended up with kuya resty. he brought us to anawangin and will pick us on monday.

and off we go to ANAWANGIN COVE!!!

ANAWANGIN is really a camping ground. no resorts or hotels, no electricity, and no signal.. there's no comfortable comfort room too. the caretakers of the island is an Aeta family. there's only one water pump and 2 CRs for all campers. the beach is really breath-taking. the breeze is really cool even at noon. the water is clear.. and the main attraction in the island are the PINE TREES. yes, that's right.. pine trees in the tropics! haha!

PINE TREES will shelter you from the extreme heat of the sun.

once we got on shore, we immediately looked for the best area to pitch a tent. after setting our tents up, we put on our swim wear and tested the waters.

later that night, we got drunk in Don Enrique tequilla and our new bestfriend for life, Antonov vodka. we were really drunk and were possessed by our British Alter-Egos.. ahahhaa! one of the highlights too was the CHUBBY BUNNY game. here are the mechanics:

1. get a crazy drunk partner
2. open your mouth.. as in really really WIDE

3. once the GO signal has been given, your partner will stuff your mouth with giant MARSHMALLOWS. the mallows will keep on coming as long as there's space in your mouth.

4. if you feel that you already got too much in your mouth, raise your hand to signal stop

5. and shout the words CHUBBY BUNNY again and again!!!!!

the night ended with eica and jme throwing up.. and with meng falling along with the tent... ahahhahahah!

DAY 2

April 6 - lomo day

we brought our lomo cams along and walked around the beach and the woods to take shots. after lunch, we dipped in the cold waters again and played some charades.

later that night, we got drunk again. we had gin but didn't have any chaser . kaya umisip nalang ng ibang bagay na pwede isabay sa paglaklak ng alak. eto ang ilan sa mga naisip na kalokohan:

gin-mura (tagay sabay sambit ng malutong na P*@!#na)

gin-ngiwi (tagay sabay ngiwi ng labi)

gin-luha (magipon muna ng luha sabay tagay)

gin-Cobarrubias (bisayang Jen lang yan!)

since some got lazy to drink, we just decided to go near the shores and do some star gazing. some of us fell asleep there but jen came and woke us so we can go back to our tents.

DAY 3

April 7 - skimboarding day

roi, miss and redi joined the group of arlene and brien to skim.

last day, we took a lot of group pictures before leaving the cove.

like they say, parting is such sweet sorrow. bye, anawangin.

back in manila. dinner at JTs Manukan before going home.

Pug Marks: The Zoobic Safari Trip

2008-03-28T15:51:00.002+08:00

A weekend trip to Zoobic; to see and experience a close encounter with the tigers. We took Victory Liner's bus to Olongapo around 9am and got there around 1pm. We didn't know that Group I, Ilanin Forest was far from Subic Freeport Zone's gate and that we have to take a taxi which costs P400 (they don't do meters..). Since we planned to stay overnight in Crown Peak Tiara Hotel, we sought a way to get there first, unpack and think of a "more affordable way" of getting to Zoobic. Good thing, Winstar had a coaster passing through Tiara, and it was only a P13 ride. In the hotel, we realized that there's no other way to get to Zoobic but ride a taxi (i should've brought my car). Though it hurts our hearts so much, we took a taxi and the P400 just disappeared. Hehe.

The entrance in Zoobic was P395 for adults, and we had to pay extra P50 each since we didn't have a private car, and a part of the tour consists of walking and riding. I can say the entrance was worth it. I enjoyed every part of the tour. The performances from in-house park entertainers, the animals' performances (would you believe they also took part?), the informative tour guide (thanks kuya jaywell? not sure bout the spelling, hehe.. not even sure bout d name.. but it sounded like that), and of course what we enjoyed the most.. the close encounter with the tigers. I'll be posting video clips here.

Though it was a sudden trip, we still managed to get through it. After the tour was over, we were lucky enough that a couple and their family was kind enough to give us a free ride. That saved us P400 and time in waiting for the taxi to pick us up. They dropped us off the main gate, where we had our dinner in a fast food in a nearby mall. The next day, we had good Chinese food over at Kong's. We asked a locale to suggest a place where we can get good food.. and he pointed us there (thanks kuya guard!) Before heading back to Manila, we computed our funds again, and found out they have been enough and was even a little excessive. If you're planning to go to Zoobic by bus; from Pasay to Olangapo, Victory Liner is only P173, and the amount to Olangapo to Pasay is still in that range.. P177, I think. If you like to stay overnight, Crown Peak Tiara is just 15 minutes away from there. Their overnight rates only cost P1,500. Computing expenses, a P5,000 budget for 2 people is a bit more than enough. If you go there in a group, the same budget may apply but it would be a lesser burden 'cause the expenses will be divided to more people.

If you want to have a quality time with your family, good time with friends, or a unique date.. I can suggest Zoobic is a nice place to be. Information, entertainment, adventure, await you in Zoobic.

Incubus in Manila: Light Grenades Pacific Rim Tour

2008-03-14T14:09:00.002+08:00

One of the hottest rock bands in the music industry today, Incubus, came to Manila for their Light Grenades Album Pacific Rim Tour.

We're lucky enough to have witnessed them as they conquer the Big Dome in their 2nd time in the Philippines.

Here are some of our their videos and pictures that we took from the concert night.

Panagbenga Festival 2008

2008-02-26T21:27:00.001+08:00

Headed North, again, this time, to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. For a few weeks in February, Baguio holds its annual Flower Festival; and lucky for us, February 23-25 was a long weekend, a good chance to take a break from the city life and relax.

So were we able to relax?

Unfortunately, people from across the Philippines, and even a good number of foreign tourists also thought of what we had in mind. Panagbenga really sets Baguio into a populous, live, busy city in an instant. People are here, there, and everywhere. Hotels, villas, and for-rent houses are full, restaurant seats are all taken, taxis are all hired, parks are jampacked. Fortunately, accomodation didn't become a problem for us. The boss of Anna's mom was kind enough to lend us her house with 9 spacious rooms and that helped us save a good amount of money, and have a sound sleep.

During our first day, we had our lunch in Solibao Restaurant. We ordered the Ihaw-Ihaw Delight, tortang talong, kangkong and 3 rice platters for 8 people which had only cost us a a hundred and so, per person. Later on, Sherwin, Ana, Raf and I had our merienda/dinner at Zola Cafe and Restaurant. Their Pizza Cebu was the best. Mangoes, anchovies and cheese.. yummy! Pizza Quattro (4 cheese) was sumptuous too and so as their pastas, Tomato Meat and Bolognese Spaghetti. Add up a glass of Coke and a bottle of San Mig Light, we spent only P400 for that.

The Flower Parade which happened the next day, sent all people to the streets. Despite the rain, everyone stood and waited excitingly to catch a glimpse of the floats. There were few remarkable floats, including those of People Support, Bicycle Club, TJ Hotdogs, and Cebu Pacific. But the most anticipated floats were those of Kapuso, GMA7 and Kapamilya, ABS-CBN which both contained some of today's hottest primetime stars. Richard Gutierrez, Jewel Misch, Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, Iwa Moto, Jomari Yllana, Jody Sta.Maria, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Angelica Panganiban were present.

The next day, some of our friends already headed back to Manila, leaving only me and Sherwin. Good thing we met up with Jeamie and Eica to explore more of Baguio. We went to Oh My Gulay, a restaurant-gallery; Tam-Awan Village, Lourdes Grotto,Nevada Square, Cathedral, more of Session Road and City Market. It was fun and we had a lot of our pictures taken.

We headed back to the house for final packing, and we computed how much, each of us had spent in that long weekend in Baguio. The average amount was P1,500-P2,500 per person. Excluding accomodation, including meals, transportation and shopping.

We left Baguio at 9pm Monday and got to Manila at about 2am Tuesday.

The 12th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

2008-02-22T14:31:00.002+08:00

"Like a shamanistic language, flight speaks in different idioms. We can blast rockets to the stars. We can race across the sky on fixed wings. Ballooning appeals because it is more languorous and low-tech; it's adventure in an antique mood.

What a treat to stroll through the veils of twilight, to float across the sky like a slowly forming thought. Flying an airplane, one usually travels the shortest distance between two points. Balloonists can dawdle, lollygag, cast their fate to the wind and become part of the ebb and flow of nature, part of the sky itself, held aloft like any bird, leaf or spore. In that silent realm, far from the mischief and toil of society, all one hears is the urgent breathing of the wind and, now and then, an inspiring gasp of hot air."

-Diane Ackerman, "Traveling Light,' op-ed in the New York Times, 11 January 1997

How great could it have been if we really had a chance to ride one of those balloons and experience the feeling described in this quotation; but too bad.. all we had was a glimpse of them.. being inflated, set to rise, soaring above, and have landed.

My friends and I decided to pay off a little visit to the North, to see the 12th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. We decided to meet in 7-11 Kamias at around 3am so we can get there early and find a good spot for balloon watching, lomo photoshoot and of course.. dozing off. There were already a lot of people when we got there around 5 and like us, they were also excited to see the balloons in flight.

The weather was fine and perfectly suited for the whole process.. 21 balloons participated but one balloon unfortunately wasn't able to fly (some technical problems, perhaps). Everyone had their favorite balloons and were clapping as they were launched. The launching, I have to say is the only exciting part. The rest were just so-so. Good thing, I was with my friends and they made the stay fun and enjoyable.

We brought along a tent which was so hard to pitch. None of us were boy scouts or girl scouts, nor hikers and campers. We were figuring out our way to make the tent stand and after a long trial and error of inserting pegs into wrong holes, with the crowd witnessing our every move, we made it. There was even a woman probably on her fifties who congratulated us for having finally pitched the tent. She said, "O buti naayos na.. nakatulog na ko at lahat..". Oh well, we have teamwork!

We didn't stay there 'til the end of the day. At lunch time, we headed to SM Clark for sumptuous meal in Pollo Rico. They have good food. Wide selections, various dishes, fair serving, that will surely suit all budgets; but dining out in groups can really help you save a lot. There were 9 of us and we ordered, 4 dishes and 2 java rice good for 4, sodas and ice teas, and we only get to pay I think P1,000-P1,300. Not bad.

After strolling in the mall, we discovered Dr. Pearl. It's like Zagu but not like it on kiosks, they have nice rattan solo sofas to lounge on. So it's like being on a sort of Starbucks which offers drinks on a range of P35-P60. We really had a good time there, not because of the drinks, which btw were just ok; but because we were thinking of localizing some hollywood movies. Can you imagine Jimmy Santos as Shrek? Nora Aunor as Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada.. and how about Aiza being Jubilee if ever that character will be included in X-Men's Pinoy version.

After a long day, we decided to finally head back to Manila and promise to come back next year for new balloons, more food adventures, and of course more bonding moments.

Here's a list of things that help us got along in that trip:

- a P1,000 amount of unleaded gas for the CR-V
- tent, mat, pillows, umbrellas
- some poi, RC helicopters and a kite for leisure
- pocket money (the trip didn't cost us much.. we only paid the contribution for gas (100 per person), the entrance (P100 each), and the food (prob P200-P300)

So that's it. With a budget of probably P500 per person, you and your friends can now start planning your trip to the next Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.