Make it Bolinao: The Beaches

As you approach the seashore, the sand is whiter and pebble-like in size. This sand when examined closer, are fit with various colors such as red, blue and brownish. At a distance, the color is off-white, somewhat cream-like and fine. The texture is very nice to the feet. To your left, you will see a cliff covered with tall grasses and can easily be climbed. You will also see the waves crashing over the cliff, and as it crashes there, the waves tend to splatter drops of crystals so soothing and thrilling to gaze at. To your right, the seashore curves which is further attenuated by the fast curling of the waves. To the far right, you will also see the crashing of the waves to the huge rocks on the shore.

And most of all, as the waves curl and wet your feet; the coolness is serene. The huge wave which towers almost 5 feet, further adds a thrill to the attraction. Slowly, walk to the sea, and as the waves wet your ankles, then your knees and finally, your whole body, feel the tranquility, the coolness of the water, and as you feel it, you will notice the water seems to offer you a therapeutic massage. And as you emerge from the water, the waves will crash over you, slightly submerging you, gasp for air, swim a bit and let the coolness of the sea devour you. This is Bolinao!

Make it Bolinao: Patar Beach

Slowly alight from the tricycle. Recover from the ride with the breathtaking view, the smell of the sea is stronger, and the sound of the curling waves is louder. Slowly walk to the entrance, and from there, someone will assist you to where you will keep your things. The people are kind and you will feel their warm welcome by their gestures and the cleanliness of the place. The first thing that will catch your attention, there are neither hotels nor cemented rooms. There are enclosed huts made of coconut leaves and bamboo. The rate is 300-500 pesos for the smallest one; three to four persons can fit in it. The huts are equipped with the ordinary lights. Warning for those who are text-savvy, the signal is weak. It only shows, you can absolutely focus on your adventure away from text messaging and calls.

Leave your things in your hut, then, change your clothes, and get ready to swim!

Make it Bolinao: The View

From the Bolinao main proper, you will experience another spectacular ride and this time, tricyles are your mode of transportation. Approach drivers there and negotiate the fare. The least price is 150 pesos and at most 200 pesos. Be sure to choose a very good tricycle so you’ll be comfortable with your next ride.

Your next ride is a 45 minute to 1 hour trip! So tell your driver to maneuver moderately so you can see the beautiful views along the way. From the main proper, the surroundings get more natural with fewer houses and more trees. The rolling hills, the smell of the air, the sharp curves, steep turns, the sound of the curling waves, until finally, you see the blue ocean from a far masked slightly with tall trees and green hills.

Enjoy the view! You are just a few minutes away to the beach!

Make it Bolinao: Welcome to Paradise!

Enjoy the smooth ride passing by the Lingayen capital, Sual, Agno till finally you get to your last stop, the Bolinao main proper. Do not forget to prepare yourself for the adrenaline thrill of this paradise. Welcome to Bolinao!

You will be welcomed by the warm smiles of the people and the different atmosphere exuded by the place. As if this is very far a place untouched by the modern living, Bolinao has its own fingerprint. Do not forget to observe the surroundings for a while, its people, the structure, the movements, and the food! Try the bangus of course! Pangasinan is known for its tasty milkfish.

Buy your foods here at very affordable prices. It is more practical to do your marketing in Bolinao than bringing your foods from Manila. Foods are fresh which reaffirm your enjoyment for your next trip to Patar Beach, Bolinao!

Make it Bolinao: Getting There

The Philippines is home to millions of flora and fauna. Hop across the more than 7,100 islands of the archipelago and discover the breath-taking views of rolling hills, vast forest, white sand beach resorts, and never-before-seen caves. Bolinao is one of those destinations.

Bolinao in Pangasinan is among the not so familiar places for many of us. It is located at the northern tip of Pangasinan, home of the historical Lingayen Gulf. Bolinao is facing the South China Sea. For people who have not been to Bolinao, it is a must see place if they want utmost tranquility and a spectacular experience.

Take the Victory Liner in Cubao to Bolinao. The fare pegs at around 500 pesos. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the five (5) hours trip to Bolinao!

Pansol on a Budget

Pansol is both for that barkada quick roadtrip to the company outings on a budget. Cubao to Pansol will cost less than 100 peso. A day dip will cost cheapest at 50.00 entrance per head. Sharing a rented table and picnic food worth php 300 is a king’s lunch. Have an extra 130 for a box of buko pie, and you’re good and ready to go at less than 1,000. Now that’s Pansol on a Budget. If you’re coming from Alabang, it would be less bus fare, less bus fare.

Mineral Hot Springs for Health

These hot springs are there as testament of Mt. Makiling’s last eruption hundreds of years ago. The sulfur content of the springs is believed to have good health benefits. Some resorts get their water for the pool so very hot that they have to buy blocks of ice just to bring the temperature down. The Korean 888 Resort sport different pools with different temperatures that visitors can try. From 30 degrees to a fired up 41 degrees are enjoyed by both local and foreign tourists.

Pansol Pasalubong

Buko pie is a must pasalubong when you visit Pansol. Other specialties are espasol, tamarind, ang pao, carabao’s milk, fruits in season, and many more. Lots of street vendors carry a basketful of pasalubongs which they carry with them when they charge travelers in throngs. Just be wary and observant so that you don’t get robbed. Always ask for a discount. They usually give discounts when you buy more than three. Here are tips that could help you buy pasalubongs effectively and efficiently.

1. Before even going to the pasalubong center, list in the people you really want to give gifts to. With this, you are consciously budgeting your purchase.

2. Go down the line. The stores are just lined together so you can do window- shopping first until you decide which to buy and where.

3. For those buko pies sold by either the large brands or the less known ones, make sure you open the boxes and get to see the pie just to make sure it’s fresh.

Value Essentials in Pansol

Getting There. Ride busses bound to Sta. Cruz. Tell the conductor that you’re going down Pansol, or take the SLEX and turn right at its dead end, Calamba bound. Pansol is just 30 minutes from Calamba. If you see the Max’s sign at your right, you’ve reached the far end of Pansol.

Where to go: There are so many private and public resorts to choose from. From public resort that charge 40 per head to private resorts that charge 4,000 per 8 hours and hotels with amenities, Pansol is the hot spring capital to go to.

Where to eat: Vacationeers usually take picnic baskets, tools and utensils to have a sumptuous feast. There are plenty of barbque grills to buy food from at the highways. One could also buy fresh wriggling Tilapia and have the nice experience of barbque with the whole family. Dine out at restaurants along the Pansol road like Binalot and Max’s Fried Chicken.

What to do: Dip oneself in mineral hot spring and get old coldness out of your system. Visitors can go to the UPLB Campus to get an experience of nature.

Make it Pansol, Laguna

This is just the perfect time to go to Pansol, Laguna. The weather is not brazen summer, the rains are cold and the water is hot. Why go to Pansol on a very hot summer like the summers before just to dip into yet hot mineral water pool. Trek to the Pansol, Laguna with office mates, barkada, family or with our one and only to dip into that arthritis and rayuma relief moment. Hot springs in the Pansol, Laguna area abound according to how hot you want to dip your toes into.

Besides hot water, visitors enjoy all night karaoke with friends. Along the hi-way, on can find a lot of native grills to choose from. Chicken, tilapia, pork liempo, hito and other viands are available.

Pansol offers visitors a wide variety of pasalubong. From the buko pies to the espasols, from the variety of sweets and fresh carabao milk. Pansol is a happy day trip to unwind, relax and eat, eat, eat.

Batanes on a Budget

Getting There. For tourists, getting there by plane saves the travel time. Since Batanes at the end of Luzon, it takes two and half hours to get there from Manila. Jeepneys inside Batanes are just a few and trips are scheduled by the hour.

Eating Out. There are no restaurants in Basco. You have eat in the hotel. There are a few carinderias where you can order fresh seafood.

Staying There. The only hotel is government owned. It has 30 rooms.

Sites to See. Batanes architecture is a must to see in island. Spectacular photos can be taken from the cliffs and beaches.

Things to do. It’s not a good idea to swim at the beaches because tides are strong. Unless you live there and grew up there, don’t try it, even with lifeguard and life vest. Weather can change in thirty minutes from very sunny to storms. Be aware of your surroundings. Lots of Photo Safari group frequent Batanes. If you need to take a quiet moment in your life, Batanes is the place to feel free and blessed.