Simara Island, Romblon (April 2016)

Hull & Stern

I left Manila around 4 pm and went straight to Batangas Port.  I arrived just in time coz they are now accepting passengers.  It will be my first time to travel via 2go and i don't really know what to do. My trip is at 9 pm.

The staff are very accommodating and friendly, they instructed me what to do and how to get to my cabin.  I booked the Tourist Cabin, It was the aircon accommodation with a double-decker beds. I got the lower bunk and I immediately settled my backpack there. I started to feel the movement of the vessel. I was quite worried but I managed to relaxed.  I put out my phone and started to watch a movie. The aircon is cool enough for me to relax.  I started to doze off. Then I realized the vessel is about to leave. I went back to sleeping. In the middle of the night I went to the restroom, and to my surprise it was a spacious comfort room with shower available. It is also clean and water supply is available. I went back to sleep.

When I woke up, it's already 5 am and we already arrived in Odiongan Port. I survived the 8 hour ride! Hooray! An accomplishment for me.

When I arrived in Odiongan, I took a jeepney going to Calatrava, that's where I'm gonna meet my friend - Philip. I top loaded for about 1 and  a half hours.

I enjoyed the view and fresh air in the island.

We had breakfast in his aunt's house then we looked around Calatrava.

It was time for us to  take  another boat which will take us to Simara Island.

It was a small boat that can accommodate more or less hundred passengers. The ride was bumpy coz the wind that time was quite strong. so the waves almost got into our boat.

We arrived safely in Simara. And so my 12- hour total of travel to get tho this Island is all worth it. My pictures will do the talking. :)

As we wait for the sunset, Philip showed me around his hometown. 

We first went to Cotta Tower.  

This is what remains to the fort that was constructed between 1860 - 1865 to ward off Muslim pirates.

From the tower, you'll have the view of Barangay Poblacion where the plaza is located.

Then, we walked by the beach.

The sunset here left me in awe!

I have collected some shells while walking by the beach.

On our second day,

We decided to beach bum and swim at the beach where we get to see the full view of Tablas. 

Philip and Mark enjoying the weather and the crystal clear water of Simara.

Hi There Mark! :))

Philip's mom, enjoying the sun with us :)

 I also get to meet Philip's highschool friends.

After Lunch, we had Halo-halo.

Then we went to Mabini Footbridge.

The mangroves welcomed us as we cross the bamboo footbridge.

 We witnessed another amazing sunset.

After dinner, we tried the Ferris wheel in the nearby Barangay Tacasan.

We even played the color game which is really enjoyable.

On our third day, we went to Guinrag-an Beach! The view on the way there is something you wouldn't imagine. too bad I wasn't able to take a photo since we were riding a single motorcycle.

As soon as we came closer to the beach, this view welcomes us!

We chill for a while,

I enjoyed the crowd less beautiful beach which rarely happens especially during summer.

Then again, the sunset didn't fail me!

Such a great way to end the day. 

On our way back, we saw this cute kid! :))) Can't help but take a photo!

We went back to the proper, had dinner and they attended their batch night, while I decided to stay behind because I was too sleepy already. (SOA lol)

We only have a day before we leave this beautiful Island of Simara,

so today, we went to Colong-Colong beach!

OMG!!~ The beach is so clean! The water is crystal clear and the sand is perfectly white and fine.

Can this get any better?

The place is so beautiful and peaceful I don't want to leave!

I made friends with the kids of Colong-Colong beach. They are so joyful, curious and super cute.

We went back to Odiongan early so we still have time to look around and buy some marble products.

Who wants?? FREE NAME! lol :)))

And eat some halo-halo... again :)

So, after waiting in Odiongan, we are about to board the Ship

 And witnessed another sunset while sailing...

So.. is this really Goodbye? :(

Here's my Itinerary: (April 26-30, 2016)

Day 1:

• Arrival in Simara Island
• Walked by the beach
• Visit Cotta Tower
• Wait for sunset

Day 2:

• Swim at the nearby beach
• Went to Mabini Footbridge
• Sunset
• Went to Local Carnival

Day 3:

• Guinrag-an Beach

Day 4:

• Colong- Colong Beach

Day 5:

• Back to Odiongan
• Buy Pasalubong
• Arrival in Manila

Thank You very much to Philip's Family who adopted me for the rest of my stay in Simara Island. ♡♡♡

SINULOG 2016 ( side trip to Dalaguete/Instameet)

This must be one of the most festive event in the Philippines.  It's nice to see people gathering  to celebrate the feast of  Señor Sto. Niño.

Sinulog is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, but there is a week long activities for everyone to enjoy and participate with.

This is my first trip this year. I arrived in Cebu Thursday night, stayed in Mango Avenue before I meet Marc & ER on Friday morning.

We spent most of our time in the city... EATING!

We had Lechon for breakfast.

After that, Marc meet his friend in SM City to have lunch, since we just ate lechon, we ordered chicken skin.

We went to island souvenirs to check some shirt for Sinulog, 

cto: @marc7del

then Lei arrives from work.

We decided to explore the newly opened mall- Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Lei showed us around, afterwards since Sans Rival has a new store in the mall, we didn't let that day pass without trying Dumaguete's Best.

Then we went to Taoist Temple

and Tops for sunset before we checked in at our place.

We had dinner then a short instameet with Craig, then we're good to party!!!!

We attended the foam party and we expected that there will be a lot of people, but to our surprise.. not really.

We went home around 1:30 am and we only have few hours to sleep because we need to meet Lei at the South Terminal at 5 am.

view from the bus :)

We took the last bus! Good thing Lei was really early there. We were standing for almost an hour, our hope to sleep while on the road is slowly falling into pieces. lol :)))

At some point during our travel few passengers get off and we were able to take our seats and yes, time to take some nap!!!!

Lei woke me up and we were already in Dalaguete, Will meet us on the street and brought us to their home. He is so accommodating and hospitable! He woke up so early to prepare breakfast for us.. (aww! that was sweet! :) )

We quickly had our breakfast and then we head to Osmeña Peak. Thanks to our local friends we don't need to hire a guide,

Will lead the way as we slowly take the path to the peak.

We took pictures,

a lot of pictures of course!

Since it's quite late already for us to go to Oslob, we decided to just have a side trip to the nearest beach.

We bought food before we took a tricycle that brought us to Dalaguete Beach Park.

We spent some time by the beach before we packed up our stuff and head to Simala Church in Sibonga, Cebu.

It looks more beautiful to me as the sun waves goodbye.

We were back in the city around 8:30 in the evening and we had to walk to get back to downtown.
We had our dinner first then we head back home.

Sunday Morning! The Grand Parade of Sinulog Festival.

We went to church and have our breakfast before we meet Lei, then we started walking around the city to get a better view of the street dancers.

We end up eating our lunch at Cybermall, where we met Jernel.

my hands on Lei's Shirt :)))

Then we're back on the streets, we stayed in one part of the street so it'll be easier to meet the others.

Then we were entertained on how festive and colorful the street dancers are! After a while, Aeron
arrives.

cto: @jernelpatena

We went to the side where the judges are located so we can see the participants dance.

cto: @igramer

So the night came and we were off to party at the most famous street during Sinulog- Mango Ave!

We get to meet other igers like Karl, Vin, Junfer, & Vivo.

I have never partied that much for the longest time! I really enjoyed it!!!

Looking forward to the next festival ;)

Til' next year! ;)

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