Sa Bakasyunan Beach Resort in Zambales kasama ko si mama at si ate Nora

PHILIPPINE VACATION 2022! ROADTRIP RIDING IN ATE’s EBIKE! ANG GANDA NG ...

Philippine Holiday 2017: Pondering Thoughts Of A Sunset Seeker

The day's temperature reached to 32 degrees. It is almost summertime in the Philippines. It is good that there is a clean swimming pool at the place where we are staying, and also the beach at the back of the vacation home. This afternoon, I took a  moment to walk in the beach to watch the spectacular sunset. I likewise made some photos of the things that interest me. I wrote my name in the sand, and I can't prevent the waves not to rinse it away. The view is lovely. I feel the sense of the simplicity of the life here. There were children playing, there were few young guys who are learning to windsurf, there are fishermen's boats that are ready for an early dawn fishing. My husband remained in our cabin to look for my son. I took my time alone to admire the now a familiar sunset. Now familiar, but its beauty is always a thing that I always look forward to every time we will go for a vacation in the Philippines. Anywhere we go, I always love to photograph sunset. Sunset has sometimes brought tears in our eyes, sometimes the view is dramatic, sometimes calming, sometimes it gives us a reason to become hopeful. Because after sunset, there is always a beautiful sunrise on the succeeding day. Again, please enjoy my photos. Photos I made with my IPhone. Right on the beach.

Philippine Holiday 2017: Bakasyunan, Our Favorite Vacation Place

In life, you can find a place where you love to go back to. A place that hold a special place in your heart. This is the story of this place that became a vacation place to us, a place where I feel comfortable, now it is like a home to me.

Me and my husband found this place in the year 2011. We were finding a venue for our 12-12-12 wedding. From then on, we became a regular guest here. Every year when we take vacations in the Philippines to visit my family, we invariably choose to stay here.
The name of the place is Bakasyunan, in English it means: a vacation place. It is in Iba, Zambales. Right on the coast line. At the back of the vacation place where there are cabins, conference hall, restaurant, and recreation facilities, is a beach. The beach is clean and hold a striking sunset. It surprised me to see so many flowers around the area, bright and colorful flowers that I photograph every day to share with my page. There are also several fruit trees. I made a photo of a jackfruit. I am not sure if all of you know the taste of the jackfruit. It is so tasty. While I am writing this, my husband and son are in the swimming pool. The day's temperature is I think 28 degrees. I am writing under the shade of a tree, beside the infinity swimming pool. I made photos through my iPhone and I love to share them with you. I hope these photos will set you in a relaxing mood today. 

Philippine Holiday 2017: At Nangoloan Falls

Philippines is renowned because of its beautiful, pristine, white sand beaches. But Philippines have many hidden treasures that still need to be discovered. In the province of Zambales, we know and we visited already some beautiful spots that are not world renowned but also worth your visit.

Yesterday, me and my family visited and held a real enjoyment at Nangoloan Falls in San Felipe, Zambales. We are staying in the capital of Zambales, in Iba. We went there by a van. During our trip, we are talking about how long we will walk to get to the waterfalls. It was a really hot day, and I feel I do not like to walk in a wilderness with my son with that day’s temperature.
But it was a great surprise to find that there are carabaos with a cart that can take visitors, 20 pesos for each person. It was real fun, riding in a cart that being pulled by the carabao. I have read before that it is a kind of cruelty to animals, but I am not in a position to argue.
The water falls is at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by cliffs and rocks. The water is so cool, clear, and refreshing. We made BBQ there, hot dogs and meat. We also brought chicken feet adobo. Filipinos called chicken feet “adidas.” Very yummy with the rice! I noticed that there are other foreigners who arrived, but they did not stay long. We are one week now in the Philippines. I am enjoying, also my husband and my son. Again, I love to share some of my photos of the falls. I hope you will enjoy viewing them. Again, I have proven that some of the most gratifying things in life do not cost thousands and thousands of money. I constantly admire the simplicity of the life in the Philippines and how fun-loving are the Filipinos.

Philippine Holiday 2017: Day 3

Today is the third day of our two weeks holiday in Zambales, Philippines. The province that we traveled for 5 hours from Manila to be with my parents and my siblings.

Today, I enjoyed being in the water with my husband, son, and nieces. Just showing my braided hair.

These coconut trees are the things that I see in my bed. They make me sleepy... And dreamy. I am glad we got a room with a view.

My family never forget my favorites, like this: papaya.

These three days are full of fun, of family time, eating, swimming, and just to be with my loved ones. The temperature here is warm, we spend most of our time in the swimming pool. The view from our room is sufficiënt for a nature lover like me. The coconut trees surround our cabin, as I open the curtains, the whole room becomes transparent. I cannot write long, time hasn't allowed me to do so, but I captured some beautiful photos to share. Nothing has changed, my country Philippines is still one of the most beautiful tropical countries in the world. I hope you will agree with me.

The Beautiful Magalawa Island in Zambales, Philippines

those days in Magalawa when we're just two :)

I have been to this island many years ago. I was a teenager and we have friends that live in a neighboring barangay.  I remember this small island as clean, reserve, and have many sea urchin. I remember we went there in a banca, with a pot of rice, fresh fish that our friends grilled under the shades of the trees. White sandy beach, fronting the mansion of the famous Cardinal in the Philippines on the mainland.

approaching Magalawa Island

photo courtesy by Magalawa Island.

Magalawa Island

I know it is the Magalawa Island, not a commercial resort. Back then, a private small island but we are allowed to come to swim, to play, and to have a picnic. That was like ages ago. Because the name of this island has now been Magalawa Island Armada Resort. Owned and manage by Family Armada in Palauig Zambales.

Every time we are in the Philippines, we visit this island. Me and my husband stayed in Magalawa for three days and three nights once. After that, we just go there to visit, not for an overnight stay.

a very relaxing place

sea grass, sea shells

rafting and snorkling

Zambales is now well known for its surf spots like Pundaquit, Crsytal, and Liwa. The secluded cove of Anwangin is also an attraction. But I always love Magalawa. My only brother got married to a girl from Barangay Luan, that is one of the main reasons why Magalawa Island had a soft spot in my heart. Our family has many fond memories of this place.

my nephews and my niece

my star and my star fish

white sandy beach

My parents were with us last year.

Magalawa Island is a white sand beach, pristine and not many people. There are plenty of star fish around the island, sea urchin, corals and sea grass. Now that Magalawa is a commercial resort, there are tents and cottages available for all guests who likes to stay overnight or longer. They also serve meals, breakfast to dinner. There are shower rooms. When me and my husband stayed there, we enjoyed the ride in a raft, snorkeling, and a totally relaxing day away from the busy city life.

too early for the sand bar :)

the sand bar

me with my family

the boat for the guests

To get there: if you are from Manila, you can take the Victory Liner Bus, Manila to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. You tell the bus driver ahead to stop at Pangolingan. From Pangolingan, there are tricycles that can take you to Armada Compound and there are boats there that will take you to Magalawa Island. If you go in a private vehicle, it is the same. You will park your car at Armada Compound and they will take you to the island. There is a parking fee.

There are many changes now in Magalawa Island. Aside from tents and cottages, they also have sand bar.  Again, I like to share some of our fond memories through photos. Maybe one time, you can also visit this small but beautiful island.