Yanx and Vanz

We love traveling. One of our ultimate goal  as a couple is to be able to explore the Philippines and see the rest of the world together. Some say it is very ambitious. We say it is possible! With so many budget-friendly accommodation and low cost fare, our dream can turn into a reality. We have previously tried Zest Air budget deal and enjoyed our flight with them specially the sinful chocolate . Just imagine our delight upon hearing that Zest Air and Air Asia joining forces together and flying from Manila to local (Cebu, Davao, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Cagayan De Oro) and international (Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai, Incheon) destination. Our local affordable low-cost airline teams up with the world’s best low cost airline. Perfect!  So far, we aren't halfway in our travel wish list. There are so many places to see and culture to discover. We are sharing with you some of our bucket list for our Philippine travel. We intend to visit...

Aside from the very inexpensive fee at Cainglet's home, we found a local ecotourism site just a few meters away. We were told that Mabaw reef is declared a protected area and home to unique species of corals and fish. Since no one knows how to dive, we decided to just hang-out in the area. Signage located near the stairs Slippery when wet From the Cainglet's home, we walked to the Cainget Road and down to the cement stairs leading to the Mabaw Reef. Food stalls abound the area and exotic dishes and drinks are available. View from the top of the stairs Local food stalls More food stalls We summoned all our bravery and wits to sample exotic local delights! If you want to try it, we suggest to eat a very light meal specially if you plan to eat kinilaw na coja (or kodya). Coja still in a shell Local food Lato or seaweeds - Php 20 per serving Kinilaw na Coja (Raw shell fish in vinegar) - Php 25 for small serving & Php 40...

There are plenty of choices to stay in Bohol depending on the activities you want to experience. A hotel in Alona Beach, Panglao Island is a good choice if you want to experience the beach bum life. But if you want to see the local life, a hotel in Tagbilaran City can be a good start. For our second visit, we tried a new way - the homestay. We did not stay at a hotel or pension house but a home of a local for a minimal fee. Cainglet's home is only a tricycle ride away from the airport. It is very convenient if you want to explore Tagbilaran City. It become our top choice since we intend to discover more of Bohol and the local culture. It is a good starting point for experiencing the local life! Compared to a room at a hotel, our room isn't spacious but it has all the basic amenities. Towels and toiletries are provided. A double deck bed is also available. The Comfort Room is communal but it is located just beside the rooms. For just Php 400 per person/ day (...

Blue sky as seen inside the airplane Aerial view of Bohol Mabaw Reef Scene at Alona Beach Baclayon Chruch Tagbilaran Airport

Transfiguration Chapel We decided to catch a glimpse of Caleruega since it is just a few minutes from Tagaytay City. Unknown to many, Caleruega is actually in the province of Batangas not in Tagaytay City. We knew Caleruega as a good venue for wedding ceremony and reception but we realized that there is more to it. 150-seat capacity chapel Imagine the grand entrance of the bride at the Transfiguration Chapel The guard of Caleruega gave a pamphlet of the place. So aside from the Transfiguration Chapel, we learned that Caleruega also offers other facilities even reception venue and dormitory/ cottages. Art amidst nature There is something about water.... .....refreshing..... ....and cooling... Pre-nup photos, anyone? Naturally beautiful scenery..... ... and beautiful people If you are interested, the pamphlet given to us showed the contact details: CALERUEGA-PHILIPPINES Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas Email: Calerueg...

View from the Cliffhouse Buon Giorno ('good morning' in Italian), a restaurant serving delicious Italian dishes at the Cliffhouse, was our last food stop for our Tagaytay day trip. Aside from the delicious food, the beautiful view of Taal Volcano adds to the superb ambience (both inside and outside) the restaurant. Entrance at the Cliffhouse We were so full from the brekkie buffet that we just shared the pasta and pizza. Our verdict: we liked it and we will come back for more. Spaghetti with Pesto Sauce (Php 285) Menu description: Thick Basil Oil over Noodles. Verdict: If you are not fond of the red or the white sauce, this you have to try. Pescatore Alla Puttanesca (Php 315) Menu description: Assorted seafood on spicy and peppery tomato sauce. Verdict: We loved the seafood and the slightly spicy red sauce. Vegetarian Pizza (Php 270) Menu description: Thin crust pizza topped with zucchini, spinach, roasted bell peppers and eggplant. Verdict: We a...