Disappointments and Realizations on Rayquaza Raids

I wasn't really supposed to blog but I was just really disappointed.

I am a returning player (just came back June 20) and I am really enjoying the game since there are so many things happening to Pokèmon Go now. (To those who are thinking of going back, please download it now!)

There are tasks, I can now trade mons and there are so many spawns compared to before where all we can get is Pidgey. These are the improvents that I was looking for when I left years ago.

However, there's this one part of the game that makes me so upset everytime.

T5 Raids!!!

Just like today. It is the last time for me to try and catch another Rayquaza but since there is no player nearby, I am left to accept that I won't be able to. 🙁

Since I came back, I was only able to win Legendary Raid thrice. First one is in BGC during lunch, next is in Singapore with a friend (so much more fun playing the game there btw) and last is one afternoon where I happen to come across an egg hatching in Sabong (a gym in BGC) while I was going home.

I was really hoping to get a shiny RayRay before its gone back into hiding but oh well...

My RayRay from Sabong

There are some things in life that you really cannot take on alone. I just have to accept that no matter how strong and independent I am, I need others to take on Legendary Pokemons. Hahaha

Til the next one...

Bye for now Ray

Lakawon - #InstaWorthy Island Escape

I heard about Lakawon from my beach lover friend (Shiena, whose photos will be shown later in this post) and when I saw it, I just know I have to go there soon. 

Whenever we talk about destinations, we usually park it until the right time comes along, which is usually the next seat sale. LOL. So when the air fare prices dropped, we immediately booked our flight. 

Photo from Lakawon's Official Site

Most blogs I read was for Day trip but we opted to stay the night and I'm glad we did.

The bridge at night

Going there

Lakawon Island is in Negros Occidental so we had to take a plane. On this trip, 4 of us opted for Cebu Pacific and 1 boarded Philippine Airlines. I think these are the only airlines that can bring you from Manila to Bacolod. 

We rented an Adventure Van from Bacolod–Silay Airport to Cadiz City for Php 1600 (which is just Php 320). To be honest, there are far more cheaper way to go to the place but there were 5 of us in this trip and maybe part of us embracing the 'Tita-ness' is that we now opt for the more convenient ways to travel. 

Upon arrival, since we have accommodation, we didn't have to pay for the entrance. We still paid for the boat ride though, which is Php 280 per person. Bummer

Note: You have to walk approximately 200meters from the Administrative Office to the Docks to aboard the boat but it felt longer because of the scorching sun. We decided to walk not knowing how long it would feel. You can choose to ride the pedicabs for a minimal fee (they won't give you price so you decide how much but I think Php 50 is enough or if you really have lots of stuff, be generous and give a hundred bucks).

Boat ride only took 25 minutes but the motor was too noisy (very Tita of us to complain about this) so prepare to cover your ears with your hands or plugs.

The Island

There were a fair number of people in the area that day. Mostly families who are having picnics. When we arrived, we already spotted areas that are instaworthy and we are all very excited.

Sand is cream colored so it looks divine. It's not powdery but it's fine enough that you can walk around barefoot without hurting yourself.

There were a lot of construction going on while we were there (too bad for us) but it didn't stop us from taking great photos.

TBH, the place met what I was expecting. Maybe I am just too appreciative but I think this place is more than what I was hoping, even without the floating bar which is what most people go here for. 

Accommodation

Photo from Lakawon's Official Site

It was just 11AM and we didn't really expect to be able to check in early but since the room is available, they gave it to us already. We booked the Pearl Place which is Php 3500 for 4pax and just added 500pesos since there were 5 of us. We all shared Php 800 each. 

There were 2 beds and 2 pull outs so we managed to fit (3 people on the beds and 1 on each pull outs). There isn't much space to walk around in and we had to excuse each other everytime we go around the room. 

There's a flat TV that has cable (Keeping Up with the Kardashians has a Marathon on E! that weekend), fluffy pillows and AirCon, so we're all happy campers already. They also provided bottled water and towels for each of us.

Negative side: Common CR. It's good because there are a lot of cubicles but it could have been better if we had our own.

Note: They have accommodations with Private Bath. Tropical Bamboo House which is only Php 2500 for 4 people but it doesn't have AC or the suites but it's already beyond our budget. 

Food: The Sunset Bar

Food is good. The prices are reasonable and the servings are bigger than what we expected. Servers are very accommodating too.

Best part is that the music is good! I love the song selections because it's new but they chose the versions that were beach appropriate. Kudos to whoever chose the tracks.

For lunch, we got 3 dishes: Battered Chicken (We initially thought it was 'Buttered'), Grilled Liempo and Sinigang na Bangus. There were left overs so at dinner we only got 2 viands which is Crispy Pata and Adobong Pusit. I forgot the exact amount but we never paid more than 300php each for our meals.

They serve breakfast but it varies daily depending on what is available according to the kuya we spoke to, I chose Dangit priced at 110php. It already has egg, rice and drinks (choice of Milo, Coffee or Lemonade).

Taw Hai Floating Bar

This is closed for maintenance when we were there. Boo. I guess Lakawon gave us a reason to go back.

Do it for the Gram

The place already looked great during the day but it looked even better during the sunset. We chilled by the beach when everyone from the Day trip had already left. It felt serene.

We took great photos but I think it didn't justify the beauty of how the sky changed its colors while we were there. See photos below.

We felt this was mandatory. LOL
 Instagram: @maria_jeramie @ eyydiyan_aranda @ theoddabby @risky noelee @itsmexie

Not enough swings so I used the mandala instead | Instagram: @itsmexie @riskynoelee @theoddabby @maria_jeramie

Pastel skies @riskynoelee

Afternoon Photo at the bridge |  Instagram: @riskynoelee

Pillars below the bridge 

Shiena flaunting her tan |  Instagram: @itsmexie

Sunset chill by the shore |  Instagram: @itsmexie

Abi's candid photo with the Mandala |  Instagram: @theoddabby

The golden hour

NO NEED TO BUY GEARS: WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE WHILE SPELUNKING THROUGH THE LUMIANG-SUMAGUING CAVE CONNECTION

Spelunking is the exploration of caves as a hobby. In Sagada, they have a cave connection between Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave and the journey to go through it will take 3-4hours, depending on how fit your team is and how long you pause for photos.

Of all the extreme activities I have ever done, this I believe is the most challenging (and trust me, I already did a lot). While doing this, I was tested not only physically and mentally, but spiritually as well. We were not provided with gloves and helmets (like they did in Palawan) and to be honest, I don’t think you will need any. In fact, halfway through the cave, I was asked to remove the shoes I bought before the trip. So much for my so called preparation.

You will not need any equipment but here are the things that you must have:

STAMINA - the whole activity took 3.5 hours so with that alone, you know that you have to have the strength for this activity.  You also have to be able to pull yourself up or push yourself against the walls (and to your limits. LOL).

ENDURANCE – you have to withstand a lot of things while inside. Hunger, coldness and a whole lot more. Although, if you think about it, you will have to endure everything because you kinda have no choice. No option for quitting.

OBEDIENCE -  you have to be able to give full trust to the people you are with, especially your guides. You have to know how to follow instructions and blindly believe what they are saying because guess what, they were able to finish this course a lot of times already and they know what should be the right placement of your hand and foot for you to be able to go through all these natural made obstacle course. When they tell you to slide or let go for you to be able to move on (#whogoat), you have to listen.

FEARLESSNESS – or at least set aside your fears while inside. Here’s why:

• Claustrophobia (Fear of being enclosed in small spaces) – There are times that you will be required to slither in extremely tight spaces. Sometimes, even I was surprised that I was able to fit through it.
• Monophobia (Fear of being alone) – There will be times that you will have to go through some spaces alone because it can only fit one. So you have to get over your clingy-ness.
• Nyctophobia (Fear of the dark) - Since you are inside the cave, there is no other light source apart from the kerosene lamp the local guides have. Good luck to all those afraid of the dark.
• Acrophobia (Fear of heights) – You have to climb, jump and skin the cave walls. So yes, you have to fake your fearlessness while inside.

You also have to keep yourself from being paranoid because it is so easy to be succumbed to all the monstrous creatures your imagination is making while inside.

FRIENDLINESS – You know how they say that if you go through a very intense situation with a stranger, you tend to be close to that person immediately, I proved it here. When I went inside Lumiang Cave, I only know the name of my 2 friends and 3 fairly new aquaintances. At the end of the tunnel, it felt like I already knew everyone because the experience would make you feel like you are clinging to your companions for your life. LOL. I am not joking!!!

FAITH – yes, you gotta believe that you will eventually see the light again. You kind of have no choice there, actually. You have to believe that God will allow you to go through all of this darkness and hardships, kind of like in life. Believe me, you will feel that way after your first hour inside the cave. J Again, not joking there.

#InstaWorthy Places in Davao

"We travel to see the world not to take photos"

Some people have this mantra, but not me. Others might find it narcissistic but I wanna be seen in the places I've been.

Maybe a lot of travel photographers find that cringe worthy but in my opinion, if I want to just take a photo of the place, I can just buy a post card in the airport or something. Besides, I'm a traveler and a tourist (I don't care about the labels). I am not a travel photographer either so I'll do what I want no matter what other's opinion is. I encourage everyone to do so as well.

After all that rant, I just want to share the #InstaWorthy places I've been in my recent trip. I will start doing this from now on. :)

All pictures were taken by my friends. Feel free to copy our poses if you want. Lol

Francisco Bangoy International Airport

This city is so full of beautiful spots for pictures that right after getting off the plane, we were already able to take a good snapshot to show everyone in Manila that we have arrived in Davao. Thank you large Durian just outside the airport.

Museo Dabawenyo
Andres Bonifacio Rotunda, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Mon-Sat 9:00a-12:00p, 1:00-6:00p

This is a free museum because it is run by the government but there is 1 rule; You cannot take pictures inside. So why did I include this, well the place where photo is allowed made a really nice background. Just check this:

People's Park
Palma Gil St, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Hours of Operation: 5:30 – 10:00 am, 3:00 – 11:00 pm

This place has a lot of great spots but I chose the most popular Durian sculpture that it is known for. I don't know why but it kind of reminds me of South Korea.

D' bone Collector
San Pedro St, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 10:00a-5:00p, Sat 1:00p-5:00p

When I saw our pictures, i only had one thing in mind: Jurassic World. No, they do not have dinosaurs but all the bones around makes me feel like it is. They also had some animals that were preserved via taxidermy. Whether you wanna be part of the picture or not, this place surely take a lot of your memory because of all the interesting things they have to offer. Mitch posed for a funny shot while Jinky, Kyrel and I went all dramatic. Lol

Adrenaline High in the Sky: Eden Nature Park and Resort

Eden Nature Park
Bo. Eden, Toril, Davao City, Davao Del Sur

It is my second attempt to visit Eden Nature Park because when I first tried last December, some wealthy family in Davao had it closed during the days I was there. (It's ok, I got over it.)

My friend Zeli who is from Davao planned our itinerary and I'm so glad she included this. She said that it is one of her favorite places in the city. In fact, her family booked to stay there for the night because she will come home. They know her so well.

Photo from Eden Nature Park and Resort's website

It is a an hour drive from Ma-a, where we were staying but with all the chitchats (Yes, it is a known fact that girls can talk for hours), we didn't even notice it.

The place reminds me of Baguio because it's cold and they have a lot of pine trees.

There is a mandatory entrance fee but it's ok because it comes with food already. You can choose between a plated snack (choice between Tuna Melt or Spaghetti *drinks included) or buffet. We chose the first one because we don't intend to stay long.

Photo from Eden Nature Park's website

We headed straight to the Sky Adventure area which is on the opposite side of the park. You can get the SkyCycle and SkyRider Combo for 300php but we already had enough of ziplines from all of our other trips so we opted out of SkyRider already. For SkyCycle, you only need to pay 200php.

The newest attraction of the park is SkySwing. It's just like your normal swing but on steroids because it is 95 feet high. You can choose to go solo at Php 300 or with a friend at Php400 per pair. We chose to go in pairs and just paid 200php each.

SkyCycle

Going up the platform can make anyone with Acrophobia seriously sweat. The waiting area is 60-feet high and you can see the ground from where you're at. Like what I said earlier, if you have fear of heights be ready to be freaked out.

Look at Michelle. So competitive!
Photo by Zeli Viduya

It is 400 meters back and forth and there is a steel that connects it to a cable above you so you don't need to worry about balancing because you don't have to. That is actually my main concern because I do not know how to bike (Poor me. :D )

There are 4 bicycles and we were advised to go at the same time. We were worried about who is gonna take our pictures but the operators of the ride offered themselves. Seems like they already had a lot of practice doing so because they got some pretty decent shots of us. Well of me, at least because I made sure I go slowly and asked the operators to take a photo of me before reaching the waiting platform again. It pays to not be afraid of heights because you get to have great pictures. (wink).

SkySwing

While we were waiting for our turn in the SkyCycle, we saw a couple do this and to be honest, we got scared. First of all, they were suspended higher than where we're at. The wait area for the SkyCycle was 60-feet and you will be lifted up to 90-feet for SkySwing.

The operator will give instructions (something about whistle blow and some counting to tell us we have to be ready, i think but I forgot already) prior to your ascend but believe me, it is not easy to remember it once you're already up there. (Tip: Lean back!!! You'll thank me for this. I promise).

My friend Kyrel and I went together, I was talking to her the whole time we were going up to give comments but she wasn't speaking anymore, I totally understand because I was just talking a lot because I was already nervous. It was really so high and the slow ascent makes it even higher.

Kyrel and I
Photo by Jinky Tuliao

Once we reached 90 feet high, I heard a whistle (or two but this was already hazy and I'm not sure) and we were released. We shouted so loud to release the nervousness we were feeling while going up and man, it feels so great!!! Check out the video below.

Indiana Jones

It is amazing how much fun can a short rope and a piece of round metal can give you.

Indiana Jones is one of the free attractions you can enjoy in Eden. Zeli told us to just mount the rope and go. So we did... and while we are already on our way, she shouted to us that we have to hold tight. When we reached the other end I understood why, you will feel the impact from the other end and if you don't hold tight, you might be thrown away. Maybe a part of the experience is not knowing what will happen on the other side that is why she did not tell us first hand that we might get thrown away if we don't hold on tight. LOL


Eden Nature Park and Resort is really a must visit if like me, you are an adrenaline junkie. If not ,well you can just chill around as there are other activities (non-death-defying) around like horseback riding, fishing and such. But come on, you're already there and the SkyAdventure will give you a great profile picture and an awesome tale to tell your friends back home. Live a little. :)

Unlimited Shrimps below Php 400: Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps

Photo from Blue Posts Facebook Account

UNLIMITED SHRIMPS. These two words was enough to make us change our itinerary. I have always loved to eat seafood which is why I never considered myself as a mermaid no matter how much I love the ocean (because I'm pretty sure Ariel won't eat her underwater friends).

What caught my attention as well is that it's only Php399. Can you believe that? Shrimp bucket has theirs at Php 560 by the pound. So yes, I am ditching the crocs (cause we're scheduled to go to Crocodile Farm) for this. 

We had to go there by ourselves because my friend who is a local at Davao will stay the night at Eden. We don't have a ride and we don't even know where the restaurant was but we are determined. So determined that we rode a tricycle from Eden to Pan Pacific Highway just to get a cab because if we wait for the cab service that Eden Nature Park will get for us, it will take an hour. We cannot waste an hour more because it was already 2:00 PM and we really really need to get to this place. Come on, it's unlimited shrimps we're talking about. I'm sure you'll understand. LOL

Cabs know the place so just tell them and they know where to bring you. It's really hard to miss  because you will see a huge signage in front. But if you really wanna know the exact location, here it is: Lanang Business Park, Km 7, Lanang Davao City (In between Kia and Ford Showroom).

Photo by Jinky Tuliao

Interiors. It is inspired by the sea somehow because of the nets and some other fishing paraphernalia but all the vandalism somehow made the place look dirty. Nahh, I am not a fan of all the writings on the wall (or the ceiling). Had they used a sharpie instead of a broad pen, it could have been better. The seats are comfortable and spacious. I saw a couple of really healthy flies roaming around but when the staff saw us irritated by it, they gave us a couple of tea candles on a glass to drive them away. 

Staff. They are nice and attentive. They gave us an approximate wait time and was able to deliver the food before that. Something I really appreciated. I just hoped they told us that the Coke is refillable. (Tip: Buy the beverage once you are in. It will help you gulp down all the shrimp you'll eat and will make you feel less full so you can eat more!!! Gluttony at its best).

Experience. They gave us a plastic lining for our table which is good because like what I said earlier, there are a lot of vandals around and the table looked dirty (Don't worry my arte ends there). Plastic gloves were also provided and the staff helped us put on our bib. Once we were fully equipped, they served the hot food bag bearing what looks like over a kilo of shrimps. Our eyes all popped out when we saw what's inside. These are the same people I went to Shrimp Bucket to so we cannot help but compare the size of the shrimps that was served to us. We ate with our hands and after a bag, my friends are all set. As for me, I went for another one. (Please don't judge.LOL)

Taste. It certainly did not disappoint. They have 3 levels of spiciness for the Cajun sauce: Regular, Mild and Hot. I went for Mild while my friends asked for Regular. You can ask for the next bag to be different if you prefer it different. It is good! The shrimp tastes so fresh and it is cooked well. Highly recommended! Their food made me neglect the interior and the others that I don't like about the place. 

My verdict: This restaurant alone is enough to make me wanna visit this city again. That's how much I loved it!  I just hope they still have the same promo when I come back. I used to say that heaven will have a banquet with refillable shrimps and I think I found my own piece of heaven here. ;)

Slidefest: 1000 feet of Happiness

I was ecstatic when I first saw the Slidefest ad in social media and right there and then, I knew I wanted to be part of this event. So I gathered my usual fun buddies and being the child-like that we are, we were all sold by the idea.

We booked the first one which was held in Subic Freeport because of course, we want to be the first ones to experience it. Yes, we’re competitive like that.

Maybe it’s because they were effective in marketing this online that the VIP slots were almost full when we registered. Take note, we signed up the very same week they said that the website is already open for reservation. We were 9 altogether but only 3 of us (me included of course) was able to get VIP. My other friends booked the Wave Riders in 2 different time slots.

Registration  - It is organized because they had it in alphabetical order. I had my own voucher printed so I did not encounter any issue. However, for my friends that did group booking, they were confused at first because they cannot find their name. Note for the sliders next month, they use the name of the person who registered your names. So if you are in a group, line up on the one whose name is under ‘Customer Name’. Just a small glitch, no biggie.

Changing Stations – After registration, we head straight to the tents they provided to change clothes. It is big enough for a group to change comfortably. They even have tables for the bags however, it is very untidy. Since no trash bins (or waste bags at least) were provided, some ladies opted to leave their unmentionables inside. Yuck!

Baggage Counter – I really appreciate the fact that the people assigned to this station are efficient. They are probably very tired but I was able to deposit my bags within 2mins.

Queue – This is my most hated part at first. I mean who enjoys waiting, right? Given that we are in VIP and the page said that we are not going to wait, well it took me almost an hour before my first slide. Although when I look at the line for the wave riders, it slightly made me feel better because their line was longer. So thinking that they are going to wait longer somehow made me feel better. Lol.  There is also a personnel that uses a hose to water the people in the queue since we were all dried up already with the wait.

In the afternoon, they gave the hose to the people in VIP which made it more fun because now everyone in line is waiting for their turn to splash other people with water. It was really shallow but we were excited to have our turn while we were waiting. There’s also foam machine on the way so it made waiting a little bit bearable because we were somehow anticipating the part of the line with foam first before the slide itself.

Pre-Slide – There are staff that assists you before the slide itself. They tell you what to do and the likes but since we were excited, we already knew what they were saying because we already read that from the website. Lol. Btw, the guy that assisted us during our first slide is really cute.

Slide – It only took me 1:20 to finish the whole slide but it was so fun! Definitely worth the wait. Immediately after my first slide, we went back to line up again because they were right, once is not enough. Anyway, I was only able to go at it 4 times because we went there late and I’m already tired of waiting in the queue.

Freebies – Whenever the sponsors see your blue band, they will approach you to tell you they have treats for you. So even though we waited, we still somehow felt VIP because of it. I got an ice cream from Drumstick and a free bag of kettle corn. There’s also a photobooth with very friendly staff so we’re able to have our photos taken multiple times because there aren’t people lining up anyway. Oh and I love the shirt!

Food – I wish they had more concessionaires. Although the food stalls were ok, I was hoping for more choices. I love the popsies, i just forgot the name. Also, I saw cello's as one of the sponsors but I didn't see any donut. :( I wish there is cotton candy, shakes and most of all WATER! Calling bottled water sponsors, they still have 2 more events.

Music - We really love the music they have on. We realized in the end that there are DJ's the whole day and when we were playing back the videos we recorded, the music in the background is really good. I went home early so I didn't join the party at night anymore because I have to back to Manila but the party also seemed so fun in the pics.

Others – I really wish the person assigned in the place for tables and chairs have the initiative to clean up the tables or better yet, I wish they have placed lots of waste bags because I’m sure people are willing to CLAYGO it’s just that we really don’t see any trash can around.

To those who wants to do this too, they still have 2 more events and it's closer to the metro. Book now because slots run out fast. The next one will be held in Filinvest, Alabang on May 16-17, 2015.

In case you would, here are some tips for you:

• Bring your GoPro to record your memories. You can also make your own video like we did.
• Load up on sunscreen. (You should because I didn't and I am still trying to get my color back. lol)
• Be fun. Don't be the BV person in the queue. 
• Make sure you don't bring phones that are not water resistant because it will definitely get wet.
• Try to wear colorful clothes. (It looks better in the camera. Promise)
• Make sure you watch out and pose for the camera during the slide. They posted the ones in Subic and I'm thankful I did because now, I have a great profile pic on FB.
  
• There's no decent shower in the area so you just have to change your clothes and rely on facial wipes to clean up and just shower at home.
• Remember where they put your bag during deposit because they asked me when I was claiming it and I didn't know what to say. Lol
• Bring as much friends as possible or befriend the person beside you. The wait in the line is more bearable if you do. This is the best time to talk to strangers. I forgot to ask the names of the people I talked to but whoever you guys are, I enjoyed our chitchats. :)