Summer is Definitely More Fun in the Philippines!

Summer is definitely my favorite season! I love the warmth it brings and the sun that beats down on me. This season gives me more time to explore and enjoy with the blue sky and the intense heat of the sun. I simply love spending my summer days with my family and friends, as well as to travel and discover new places - beaches, mountains, waterfalls, caves and just about anything. And of course, summer in the Philippines is time for festivals and celebrations! It certainly gives me that feeling of joy and excitement that is "one of a kind".

This year, my summer officially kicked-off in March when the temperature started to rise. The scorching summer heat led me to explore, learn and enjoy new things. This is probably one of the busiest and most adventure-filled summers I ever had. I spent it traveling to a lot of places, spending my birthday and fulfilling a long-time dream.

Join me as I take you to the places I visited and activities I did this summer season.

Camiguin [February 28-March 1, 2013]
Together with my travel blogger friends, Ramil and Edgar, we toured around the island of Camiguin. We went to Mantigue Island, Katibawasan Falls, Sunken Cemetery and White Island. Thanks to Puesta del Sol Beach Bungalow for providing us the accommodation for this trip and to Kuya Jojo for the transportation and guiding services. It's my 2nd time to visit this tiny island in Northen Mindanao; but still, it never fails to amaze me.

Bukidnon [March 1-4, 2013]
After our 2-day trip in Camiguin, we went to Malaybalay City in Bukidnon to join in their annual Kaamulan Festival. It is a festival that celebrates the 7 tribes that originally inhabit the province of Bukidnon. As side trips, we hiked to the waterfalls in CEDAR as well as to the Provincial Tree Park. Glad to finally meet our travel blogger friends from Bukidnon - Kuya Bon, Earl and Tupe. Thank you so much for accommodating us!

Cebu [March 9-11, 2013]
This trip was courtesy of The Henry Hotel. I was sent to Cebu to review their "out-of-the-box" boutique hotel located in the heart of Cebu City. With the help of Mike, I was able to travel southwards to the towns of Naga, Carcar, Barili, Moalboal and Badian visiting a church, chasing waterfalls, beach bumming and a lot of food tripping. Before leaving for Manila, we climbed Mt. Manunggal in Balamban, the crash site of President Ramon Magsaysay's plane. Thank you "The Henry Hotel" for sending me to Cebu!

Nueva Ecija [March 20, 2013]
Are we just bored and wanted to beat the summer heat? I guess so... A spur-of-the-moment trip that led us to Minalungao National Park in General Tinio Nueva Ecija. Though unplanned, we managed to pushed through with it. We had so much fun exploring the place. The stunning rock formations, clean flowing river, friendly people are just some of the reasons to convince you to visit this place. Truly, it is one of Nueva Ecija's hidden gems.

Aurora [March 21, 2013]
While having lunch in Cabanatuan City, we were thinking of other things to do in Nueva Ecija. Until a suggestion from a stranger led us to Dingalan in the province of Aurora. We traveled for 2 hours to this unfamiliar place where both of us are uncertain of what is waiting for us. We just know that there's a beach, that's it! Hahaha! We just spent a night in a resort by the beach and left for Manila the following morning. It was just a quick trip, but still I enjoyed it as it opened my eyes to a new place waiting to be explored. I shall return! Hahaha!

Marinduque [March 27-31, 2013]
This 5-day Marinduque Adventure was made possible by Arcobaleno Trailoutors. They invited me to join this tour as their media partner. We explored beaches, caves, waterfalls, islands, sandbar, mountain peaks and joined the yearly Moriones and Gasang-gasang festivals. I truly enjoyed this trip as I didn't just had the chance to explore the island of Marinduque for the 2nd time but it gave me the opportunity to meet new friends.

Ilocos Norte [April 4-5, 2013]
As a blogger-partner of Seair-Tiger Airways, I was invited to join them in their Inaugural Flight to the Sunshine City of Laoag in Ilocos Norte. We had an overnight stay at Fort Ilocandia and was treated with good food including the mouthwatering empanada. We also had the chance to visit Paoay Sand Dunes and try sand boarding and 4x4 ride.

Laguna [April 6, 2013]
Another spur-of-the-moment trip organized by my friends whom I met during the Marinduque trip. It was a day trip that let us enjoy the newest attractions in Magdalena, Laguna - River rafting and Water Tubing at Balanac River. What a refreshing treat and a great way to escape the summer heat!

Metro Manila [April 13, 2013]
The grandest Festival of Champions! Aliwan Fiesta showcases the best festivals from different regions in the Philippines. I was there to witness the dazzling colors, fervor, glamor and spectacle as it converge in one grand fiesta! Summer is definitely the season for fiestas!

Aklan [April 16-18, 2013]
A pre-birthday trip treat to me by my friends. We had a 3-day vacation in Boracay, one of the most popular beaches in the Philippines. Thanks to my friends for this pre-birthday gift.

Birthday 2013 [April 21, 2013]
I was in Boracay few days before my birthday. On my birthday, I just spent my time at home then went out in the evening for some booze with my high schools friends. Post birthday celebrations were spent in Cavite and Bulacan with friends. It was indeed a "happy" birthday!

Metro Manila [April 25, 2013]
Las Farolas - "The Fish World" is located at Fonterra Verde, Bo. Ugong, Pasig City. It is a living museum of ornamental freshwater fishes around the world. "The first and only one of its kind". We visited it on its opening day through the invitation from the organizers. Thanks to Ramil and Edgar for tagging me on this trip.

Bulacan [April 27, 2013]
I was again invited by Arcobaleno Trailoutours to join their tour as their media partner. This time, it was Mt. Manalmon Adventure in San Miguel Bulacan. It was a day full of adventurous activities - mountaineering, river crossing, cliff diving, swimming, zip line and more! Another awesome summer adventure spent in the outdoors!

Metro Manila [April 30-May 1, 2013]
I was invited by Remington Hotel Manila to review their hotel located at Resorts World Manila in Newport City in Pasay City. It was a much-deserved "staycation" I need - to rest and gain some energy for my upcoming trips! Thanks to Remington Hotel Manila for the complimentary overnight stay!

Metro Manila [May 1, 2013]
Who said that museums are just for kids? Hahaha! Together with my travel blogger friends, we went on a Science Discovery tour at the Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. We truly learned a lot from it! Exploring a museum was never this fun!

Palawan [May 2-4, 2013]
This 3-day Puerto Princesa trip was courtesy of Robinsons Malls in partnership with Go Hotels. Together with other travel bloggers, we were treated with a tour around Puerto Princesa City which includes city tour, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Honda Bay. It was my first time in the city and I truly enjoyed it! Thank you Robinsons Malls!

Batanes [May 6-10, 2013]
My much-awaited trip for this year. This 5-day trip to one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines is a dream come true. We were able to tour Batan North, Sabtang island and Batan island south. I'm just so happy to finally set foot in Batanes, my 79th province! So, if you're planning your dream trip to Batanes, read this guide.

Cavite [May 12, 2013]
This is a summer get-together swimming with my high schools friends. We had one whole day of fun and laughter at Antel Grand Village's clubhouse in General Trias Cavite.

Quezon [May 15, 2013]
One of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines. It's my first time to witness Pahiyas Festival and I truly enjoyed it.

Summer is not yet over, this weekend, I'll be traveling again to Mindanao. It will be my "huling hirit sa tag-init"! Yahoo!!! Summer is definitely more fun in the Philippines!



This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival for May 2013 with the theme "Summer" hosted by Jona Branzuela Bering of Backpacking with a Book.

How about you Adventuristas? How did you spend your summer this year?