Tuesday, November 7, 2006

An Unexpected Escapade

Bolinao-Manaoag Trip
November 3-5, 2006

It was on a very hot All Saint's Day in Bulacan when Ate Cha asked about beaches and resorts in Puerto Galera, Batangas and Pangasinan. I remember then my frustration to go to Bolinao when I visited "kapatid" in her hometown in Dagupan last May Pangasinan Post, so i suggested we head for Bolinao.

The moment we arrived home, she searched for possible resorts we can go to and she found Treasures of Bolinao. And right there and then she decided that we'll go there on the weekends.

>> fast forward >>

We were going to ride the 12:30am trip to Bolinao of Five Star Liner in Cubao but there was a sudden change of schedule due to the traffic in Ayala and we thought that the bus going to Bolinao will not pass Cubao so we took the San Carlos trip and praying to catch the Bolinao trip in Tarlac station. And yes, we did catch the Bolinao trip. Good thing there were vacant seats for us. Cost: 400/person

Around 5:15am, we arrived in Bolinao station and rode a tricycle going to Patar where the resort is located. It is roughly an hour drive from the town proper. At 6am, we reached the place. Cost: 150/trip

We reserved one Villa, good for 2-4 persons and ate breakfast by the pool. Cost: 2500/night (Villa); 199/person (Breakfast)

We went to the lighthouse after we unpacked our things. It was said to be the 2nd tallest after the one in Ilocos. Around 15-20mins trek from the resort before you reach the place. Unfortunately, there was no gatekeeper that time that's why we didn't get the chance to go inside.

And now, it's Swimming Time! The resort has a nice view of the beach and what I like most is the bridge along the beach heading to the gazebo. A very peaceful place where you can just feel the breeze and hear the sound of the waves. ... sigh ...

At lunch, we ate again by the pool and then had out siesta after that. Then we went to the lighthouse to witness the sunset then back again to the resort for night swimming. We had our dinner then we had a gudnyt sleep afterwards.

The next day, early morning around 6am. The tricycle driver fetch us and bring us back to the town proper where we can ride a van headed for Dagupan. From Bolinao it will take you 2-3hrs before reaching Dagupan. Cost: 90/person.

From Dagupan, we rode a van again going to Manaoag. About 20-30min ride. We heard the 10am mass and bought some kakanins after that and ate lunch in a nearby restaurant. Then we rode a van again going to Dagupan then booked for the 1pm trip to Manila of Victory Liners. Cost: 20/person (van)

Around 6:30pm, we arrived in Cubao terminal and then by 7pm, we are home and very tired but satisfied.


Note: (for those planning to go to Treasures of Bolinao)
First, there is no signal for Globe users. You have to go to the lighthouse first to get some signal. They are all Smart subscribers. Also, you have to bring lots of PATIENCE with you. Hopefully you'll never know why. =) There is also a corkage fee in the resort.

To see more pictures, visit my Multiply Site.