BICOL: Caramoan-Naga Trip Itinerary and Budget

And so we just had a wonderful time in Bicol for 3 nights and 4 days. Below is the sample itinerary and budget breakdown for your reference. :)

Peak: Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Most Holy Rosary

ITINERARY

The night of the travel:

1930 ETD from Manila via Raymund bus line

Day 1

0600 ETA Sabang Port/ Breakfast

0800 ETD via boat to Guijalo Port

0930 ETA Guijalo Port to West Peninsula Villas

1015 ETA West Peninsula Villas/Check in

        Rest/Refresh/Eat Lunch

1215 Off to Bical port

1245 Touchdown Bical port

        Start of Island hopping: Lajos island, Matukad Island, Cagbanilad Island

1315 Off to Paniman

1330 ETA Paniman/BBQ session with Atsara in replacement to suka
1700 Back to West Pen. Villas

1800 ETA West Pen. Villas

        Shower/Chill at the pool/Dinner etc.

***Lights Off***

Day 2

0600 Wakeup Call

0630 Breakfast

0730 ETD to Bical port

0800 ETA Bical port/rent goggles/buy other necessities (if there's any)

0826 Off to Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Most Holy Rosary via Brgy. Tabgon

1030 Back at the Boat to Manlawe Island

1145 ETA Manlawe Island

        Lunch on a floating cottage/Photo ops at sand bar

1300 Off to Bugtong Island for a few minutes of swimming

1325 ETD to Cotivas Island

1340 ETA Cotivas Island

1432 ETD to Sabitang Laya

1515 ETA Sabitang Laya

1528 ETD to snorkeling site

1535 Touch down snorkeling site

1632 ETD to Bical port

1700 ETA Bical port (waited for the van)

1721 Off to West Pen. Villas

1800 Arrival at West Pen. Villas

        Chill at the pool/Shower/Dinner etc.

***Lights Off***

Day 3

0600 Wakeup Call

0700 Breakfast

0730 Off to old town church/photo ops/souvenir shopping at town proper

0830 ETD to Guijalo port

0900 ETA Guijalo port/departure to Sabang Port at Naga

1111 ETA Sabang port

1130 Off to CWC Dropping point (Highway) 

1236 Tric to CWC Facility

1246 Touchdown CWC

1700 Off to SM Naga

1720 ETA SM Naga

        Dinner

        Souvenir hunting/buying

1930 Check in at Moraville Hotel

        Shower/Rest

2100 Lights off

Day 4

0600 Wakeup call

0630 Breakfast

0900 The boys went back to CWC to wake board while the girls were left in the hotel to chill

1345 Boys' ETA at the Hotel

        Packing to leave

1415 Off to Naga airport via hotel service van

1445 Touchdown Naga Airport

1700 Boarding time

1715 Departure via PAL Express (Flight 264)

1810 ETA Manila

The above information were taken down during the event (disclaimer: we can't be too accurate), though that's basically it. :) Also before we came up with the agenda, we tried to search for sample ITs online as guide. 

Sand Bar at Manlawe Island

BUDGET BREAKDOWN (for 6 pax):

Php per head	ALLOCATION
700	Bus fare from Manila to Naga (Raymund Bus Line)
50-100	Breakfast at Sabang Port
120	Boat fare from Sabang Port to Guijalo
2500	2 nights accommodation at West Peninsula Villas (Inclusive of Island Hopping courtesy of the hotel for 2 days, hotel accommodation and transfers)
438	Food allowance in West Pen for 2 days
34	Tip for the two bangkeros
84	Tip for the main bangkero who did all the assisting w/n our 2 day tour
200	Goggle Rentals
42	Floating Cottage Rental at Manlawe Island =250php
25	Buko (just so you know)
5	Terminal Fee at Guijalo Port going to Sabang Port
120	Boat fare from Guijalo Port to Sabang Port
10	Manmade floating bridge to reach the shore
100	Van fare from Sabang Port to CWC Main Road
10	Tricycle fare to CWC facility
250	Lunch at CWC restaurant
165	CWC Hourly rate for Wake Boarding (inclusive of head gear, board and life vest)
10	Tricycle fare from CWC facility back to CWC Main Road
10	Jeepney fare from CWC Main Road to SM Naga
100	Dinner at SM Naga
8	Tricycle fare from SM Naga to Moraville Hotel at Dinaga St.
375	Hotel Accomodation for 1 night w/ complimentary breakfast (in buffet) and service van transfer from hotel to Naga Airport
50	Terminal Fee at Naga Airport
870	Airfare from Naga to Manila via PAL Express

Total: 6,326php per pax 

The total amount per head stated above includes what we think are the major expenses you need to put in your budget list. Just bring some extra in your pocket in case of emergency or if there'll be other activities you'll insert in between your planned agendas. :)

West Peninsula Villas

Caramoan's Oldest Church

   
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Wandering Venus

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Itinerary and Budget Breakdown: Mt. Daguldol Climb

For everybody's reference, here's our itinerary of the climb. We also have a breakdown of the expenses at the very bottom. :)

TNK at Mt. Daguldul

ITINERARY

Day 1 August 17, Saturday

1200 Assembly at Bus Station, Buendia
1315 ETD from Buendia Bus Station to Lipa
1530 ETA Lipa/ETD Jeep Terminal to San Juan
1545 ETD To San Juan
1645 ETA San Juan
1700 ETD to Brgy. Hugom
1730 ETA Brgy. Hugom/Registration
1800 Proceed to Jump off/Start Trek
2230 Campsite
        Dinner
        Socials
        Lights Off

Day 2 August 18, Sunday
0600 Wake Up/Quick Breakfast/Tambay/ Photo Ops
0830 Break Camp
0900 Start Descend
0930 Mang Lizardo's Place
1030 Gerry's Place
1300 Jump Off
        Lunch
        Swimming
        Shower
        Pack Up
1830 ETD To Manila
2000 ETA Manila

BUDGET BREAKDOWN (in php)

Php	ALLOCATION
21	Bus from EDSA shaw to Buendia Station
124	Bus from Buendia to Lipa
8	Jeep from Tambo, Lipa to Jeep Terminal heading to San Juan
50	Jeep from Lipa to San Juan
40	Jeep from San Juan to Brgy. Hugom
100	Lunch at the beach
360	Jeep fare to manila, possible parking fee, Guide Fee
35	Registration Fee
100	Dinner and Breakfast contribution

Total per pax:  838php per pax

So there! You can compare the above information with other bloggers' or friends' itineraries and budget breakdown. Everything concerning budget and schedule can be customized depending on your availability and best interests.

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Wandering Venus

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Mt. Daguldul Climb

En route back to Manila from last night's climb to Mt. Daguldol, it rained cats and dogs along SLEX. It came to us by surprise because we mostly had a good climb considering the weather. Good thing we decided to leave Laiya, Batangas earlier than planned. At some point too, about a week or two before the climb, I was skeptical to join the pack since we've been continually experiencing inclement weather conditions. I didn't want the hassle its going to cause looking back from my previous climbs, which were a majority of blessed-with-rain ascents. 

Talking about the trail
Mt. Daguldul's trail at the time was actually friendly. No over the top rocky trails and 'where was the trail?' scenarios. Thank you to our guide! Ascent was in moderation though the trail was mostly rising that's why I was feeling tired already even before we reached the first stop to rest. Or maybe it's due to the lack of sleep because I had to attend our blocking rehearsal the day before then went straight to work. To be honest, I had a hard time keeping up with the team. They were so advanced I had to thank Diana in my mind every now and then as she took the sweeper role and join me in my tormented state. I was feeling dizzy then, my blood ( i felt) went all up to my head and my sight blurred in the darkness of the night. Diana, at one point, said to me "Namumutla ka na" when we took five while her headlamp's directed to me. I was worried for myself but I tried to shrug it off thinking of the people I might pester. Also, there's nothing like the socials at the summit. And so I get by. Thank you Heavens! ♥

The Summit
Unlike the usual summit I've seen with a 360 degree view or with majestic overlooking of the ocean or a big green space before you, this one fell short of those. On a positive note, the ground is flat: no moist with no mud too (it's different when raining for sure). It felt like you were in a wide garden. I think these factors provided everyone with a better sleep - meaning you didn't have to suffer the crooked position it's going to put you through while snoring the night.

The Descent
As usual, this is easier. I had buko juice at one of the stops along the trail. Eventually, I was part of group that reached the jump off first. Yey!

Post Climb
We were supposed to enjoy post climb at the beach but I opted to just dip my feet at the shore for a few minutes to somehow electrify a tired body. I am on red alert too, so there! Instead, I found comfort watching them soak in the playful waves of the ocean as the others wooped their excitement with card games.

Wave Sound ***GUSSSSSHHHHHH!!*** 


MT. DAGULDUL
San Juan, Batangas
Major jump-off: Brgy. Hugom, San Juan
LLA: 13°40.380N 121°19.160E, 672 MASL (+ 672 m)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Reference: Pinoy Mountaineer


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Wandering Venus

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ELF Lip Exfoliator: Yummy Goodness

I've been browsing the net for a good lip conditioner when I stumble upon this blog site containing a review of this product. I can't exactly remember whose blog it was. I just jot down the name of the product, which is ELF Studio Lip Exfoliator. I typed in the name and clicked on the search button and boom, a lot of reviews came out and almost all hailed positive comments. I know ELF products are available in big Watson’s stores here in the Philippines, so I visited one in Megamall to see if they have it. Unfortunately, they don’t. I guess the lip exfoliator has not arrived the Philippines yet. So I checked this site: nyxwholesale.ph (because I remember I saw from their page that they're selling ELF make ups) and found it there. I just had to wait for 3 weeks because it’s pre-ordered and had to be shipped from the US.

Ingredients: Sugar, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Ceresin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Tocopherol, Aspartame, Fragrance.

Instructions:

-Use the product after shower or apply to damp lips; as this will help in easily removing that dry skin layer.

-Apply in circular motion. Don’t rub your lips too hard. By this time, you will notice some skin peeling off your lips.

-Wipe your lips with a moistened tissue or cotton to remove the scrubs. (I lick my lips after. Lips like sugar, literally. LOL :D)

-Use lip balm right after to protect the new layer of your lips from drying and looking chapped again.

I used this twice already and I’m contented with the results. I use MOX Botanicals in coconut and almond lip conditioner after exfoliating. My lips look better now when wearing lipsticks or just plain lip balms. No more dry and chapped lips! 

Available at nyxwholesale.ph.

P170.00 each

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Wandering Venus

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My Melodic kind of Sundate

Sunday, 9:33 AM, 

Phone ringing to the tune of “I love you always forever” by Donna Lewis, one of my favorite feel good songs. 

♫ Feels like I’m standing in a timeless dream♫♪ 

Name read in my screen is Melodica Sicat. She called to ask if I have something to do that Sunday afternoon (bored ka teh? Hehe), so I ranted about my to do list for the remaining hours of that day and agreed to meet her for a simple chit chat/ kain. After the call, I went through all the errands that needed attending:

-          Long shower: hair treatment- body scrub-sing my heart out- moisturize. I do this every weekend as a simple form of pampering myself. I don’t have a lot of time for long showers during weekdays.

-          Bought Ate Thet and Gem food @ McDonald’s and delivered it to the nearby salon (Charm Salon). They had their hair rebonded and treated. We call this “Ang pagdadalaga ni Gemimay”.

-          Had my tresses trimmed; side bangs galore.

-          Went to Elorde Gym to meet Melody.

-          Checked out Galileo Enoteca just beside the Gym; found out that they are closed during Sundays.

So we wander along Libertad Street and decided to head and try out Dexter’s pizza, located near California Garden Square, in front of Robinson’s supermarket. It’s a small pizza parlor that can accommodate 15-20 people; a good place for a quick pizza hang out with your barkada. Their menu consists of various pizza flavors ranging from 125-265, sizes (e.g., Small, Medium, and Large). Small-solo, Medium-2-4 pax, and Large- 4-6 pax; though sizes Small and Medium are not available for all the pizza that you can find in their menu.

We ordered the medium Shawarma pizza; it’s their best seller according to the lady assisting us.

For a 125 bucks pizza, it’s really good. No umay factor for me. Best when still hot and fresh from the oven as usual because the crust tends to become a little hard while cooling.

After almost an hour and a half of sharing stories and taking pictures, we left Dexter’s and went to CGS poolside to sit around and just chill and yeah to take some more pictures!!! LOL

Understatement: "No umay from the pizza but more umay to our faces! :D This entry should be entitled: Melody Melody and more of Melody hehehe"

BTW, I’m planning to go back to Dexter’s to try their Dexter’s Supreme; I heard it’s also great. :D


More ♥, 
Wandering Venus

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Sunday Throwback @ BELLINI'S: nostalgic about One More Chance

Bellini's

Cubao

Marikina Shoe Expo, Gen. Romulo Ave.

Cubao, Quezon City

(02) 913-2550

Bellini's Facade ♥

Who hasn’t gone gaga about the Philippine hit movie “One More Chance?" The epic love story of Basha and Popoy, not to mention Trisha's participation. The marvelous hit lines that floored everyone as they went "aaaaahhhhh", feeling empathetic to the actors' brilliant portrayals of the characters. The famous lines just got stuck in our hearts like we lived it. The popular barkada, the drama and that place… the place where they gather every Thursday for dinner. It’s the kind of place we'd probably love to gather too for our own tropa bonding not only during Thursdays, but for whatever day you feel like bumming around with your friends. And yes, we’re late bloomers! It’s just this year that we learned it truly exist as an authentic Italian restaurant in the middle of the metro. The alluring place is called Bellini’s; owned by Italian Roberto Bellini. It serves authentic Italian food- a wide variation of Pizza, Pasta, some Pork, Chicken, Beef dishes, Wines and Desserts.

We tried 3 different pasta, 1 pizza, and a pork dish. Pasta serving is good for sharing and the large pizza is good for 4-6 pax.

Buon Appetito!

Focaccia Bread (100php):

Simple focaccia bread served with their balsamic vinegar with herbs and olive oil.

The bread is a little bit salty for my taste buds but still a tolerable kind or saltiness.

Tartufo Funghi con Prosciutto
(Originally at 360php but Maycon added
fresh fetuccini for 40php. Total: 400php):

Fresh fettuccine pasta in sour cream sauce with smoked ham and mushroom.

The sourness of the sauce was well complemented by the saltiness

of the smoked ham. Great pasta for me!

Pesto Mare (290php):

Spaghetti pasta in pesto sauce with mixed seafood such as clams and oysters.

One thing I like about this dish is that the pesto is not too strong unlike other pesto pasta.

Pasta Al Scampi (300php):

Spaghetti pasta with red base sauce and shrimps. The red sauce 

is very tomato-ish, one you expect when dining in an Italian restaurant.

It's not too sour for our taste. It goes well with the taste of the fresh shrimps.

Quattro Formaggi Pizza (560php at Large):

We love the simplicity of this four cheese thin crust pizza. Heaven. :)

Milanese Pork (300php):

It's a fried pork dipped in egg and bread crumbs served with a slice of lime and veggies on the side (carrots and potatoes). The meat is tender which is good,the taste is just right.

Just a bit pricey since rice is not yet included!

Sweet Wine (free) ♥:

A good toast to end a hearty meal. 
The sweetness of the grape juice knocked out the alcohol in it.

You’ll get addicted to this wine! LOL

Setting the foods aside, we got the chance to meet the warm and welcoming owner, Roberto Bellini! He was very hands on, even making sure he gets to the table of his guests and throw a few conversation as courtesy, or just to practically make sure each is enjoying the whole experience. Nice customer service! BTW, he knows how to speak tagalog na like "Dami Babae." He said this when he accommodatingly put his arms around Mie and Sari as one of his employees held the camera to take our picture with him. That was funny! :)

As we stood to loiter, actually intending to take more pictures of the place and our individual selves to feel that One More Chance moment, Roberto offered the famous long table the OMC Barkada used to sit in during Thursday dinners. Oh my, the fangirling college that we were! A fanboy for Ram, of course! HAHA.

The chairs the actors used were tagged with their name plates

     Bread Sticks with the Wine                                            The Bell: you may ring it if you
                                                                                   need anything

And a final picture @ the entrance of Bellini’s.

More ♥,

Wandering Venus

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