Friday, April 17, 2015

Villa Noe Cagbalete

Here are more details about the Cagbalete resort where we camped out last March



Here are the rental rates as provided by my contact person for Villa Noe Resort
(Prices as of April 4/15/2015)

Cottage Rentals per night

1 - 2 pax   P1200
2 - 3 pax   P1800
2 - 4 pax   P2000
4 - 6 pax:  P2500
6 - 8 pax:  P3000
8 - 10 pax P4000


Tent Rentals per Night

Small   -   P400
Medium - P600
Large    -  P700

If you bring your own tent, you pay only P250/night

Of course, the tent campers can use the toilets and baths available. Don't expect hotel-like bath amenities.  Also, don't forget to bring your basic toiletries as there are no convenience stores here..  Yes you still need a toothbrush even if you are just communing with nature.

Picnic tables are also available for P200 per day for daytrippers, mostly Quezon locals I suppose given Cagbalete's distance from other urban areas.


The cooking area is also available for free but there is a P100/fee to rent a set of cooking utensils. Charcoal is also available for P50/bag but you can  buy cheaper ones at the Mauban public market before boarding

Note that Cagbalete is a small island without its own power generating capabilities.  Hence electricity at the resoirt is only available from 6PM to 6AM when the resort powers up its generator.

Activities at Villa Noe

Rental of a 2 person kayak is a very affordable P100/hour


You can do some snorkeling, but like most Philippine beaches, you have to do a bit of further travelling by boat to find some good coral formations with schools of fish


A local kid was trying some sort of skimboarding but did not find any success given Cagbalete's calm waves.   By the way, the waves at their peak during the high tide at night and early afternoon (March 2015).


Given Cagbalete's shallow and calm waters, it is also perfect if you just want to chill with friends given Cagbalete's uncrowded and quiet atmosphere.


the calm waters of Cagbalete
Not sure if it is every night, but there were fire dancers during the Saturday night we were there.


If you are into backpacking/camping (eg Anawangin, Burot, etc) and prioritize nature and solitude over deluxe hotel amenities and rowdy parties, you should definitely try Cagbalete.



Sunday, April 5, 2015

Philippine Beach Destinations for Summer Part 1

I have not finished writing Part 2 of my recent Cagbalete trip, so I will just post some sort of photo blog first.  Just to give you viewers ideas for the summer which already started in the Philippines.

Cagbalete - Mauban, Quezon



Panglao - Bohol






Guimaras - Visayas



Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Visita Iglesia Churches: Manila

Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday in the Philippines.  Here are some churches in Manila that can be part of a Visita Iglesia.  Note that most of the churches here have also been a significant part of Manila's history and thus also considered tourist attractions.

1. Manila Cathedral - Cabildo St. Intramuros



2. San Sebastian - Bilibid Viejo St cor. Legarda



3. Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene - Quezon Blvd cor Hidalgo, Quiapo



4. Espiritu Santo - Tayuman cor Rizal Avenue



5. Malate Church - Roxas Blvd near Vito Cruz



6.  Paco Park Church - San Marcelino St. cor Padre Faura


7. San Agustin Church - Real St cor. Gen. Luna St., Intramuros