Trip Ko Lang

It was 14 Feb 2010, an extraordinary valentine celebration, my 2nd time to see everything that flies… after 1.5 hours drive from Manila, we arrived around 11.30am in Clark Pampanga headed first in one of the most visited resto in the area for lunch (food blog to follow).

15th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

At 2pm, we were already on the PIHABF grounds, it was a very sunny afternoon, heat was extreme but still we managed and enjoyed watching the sky exhibitions and got some good photographs.

Paragliding in Action

We witnessed kite flying, sky diving and paragliding in action. Although, there was a large crowd, you can still see everything up in the sky and enjoy the show.

Hot Air Balloons

Around 5pm, cars and hot air balloon crew were coming and positioning themselves on the main ground.  They started bringing out their baskets, spreading the envelope (the actual balloon), and igniting the burner.

Hot Air Balloons

We were able to see only the night glow; balloons didn’t fly just an hour of setting up, people watching and taking photos.

Good points about this event:

1. Entrance fee of 150php. It was really worth it; you can spend the whole day on PIHABF grounds, check out booths, exhibits and watch sky exhibitions.

2. Big space, you just have to look for the right spot to stay.

3. There are booths selling food and drinks.

4. Portable toilets are strategically located in the whole area.

5. This event usually runs for 4 days including weekends. So you have options on which date to visit, programs/activities are about the same for each day.

Things to consider before going to this event:

1. Bring shades, caps/hats, towel, extra shirt, and sunblock for sun/heat protection.

2. Bring picnic mat so you can sit and relax on the grounds. Big umbrellas can also be used.

3. Bring your digi cams and slrs.

4. Outside food and drinks are allowed. Don’t forget to bring water.

5. It is advisable to bring your own car; there is ample space for parking. Commuting can be a bit of a hassle.

‘Till the next Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta! See You!

Trip Ko Lang 2009

Congratulations to TripKoLang.com for winning the best blog award for 2009! Hahaha. Just kidding, but how I wish… This is my blog so I get to award myself… any violent reactions? Read this first… I’m writing this eye and click catching 2010 opener post to acknowledge all the effort, resources, food and travel discoveries that I had gone through to make this blog interesting and worthwhile to read. It all started last Feb 2009, from 34 unique visitors and 925 page loads to 2,000 unique visitors and 11,500 page loads by end of 2009.  Being in the online world for almost a year now, I see this blog as a success! Sharing my own experience in food and travel is my only goal in this blog. Being able to help readers get the basic and vital information on their food and travel interests is all I need to make me happy and keep this blog going…

Here are TripKoLang’s 5 most viewed and most wanted blog posts:

1. Makansutra Asian Food Village

2. Cebu Itinerary

3. Singapore Survival Tips

4. Bohol Itinerary

5. Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

Here are my 5 favorite posts for 2009:

1. Pino Resto Bar

2. Republic of Cavite Restaurant

3. Makansutra – The Taste

4. Loboc River in Bohol

5. The Skywalk Extreme Challenge

TripKoLang is looking forward for more food posts on drinks, latest restos, budget meals, dating places and more. Watch out for added fun and adventure on travel posts on weekend travels, backpacker style, in & out of the metro, not well-known places worth visiting and etc. If you have any suggestions on featured posts, just drop me a comment or email. Thanks!

I would also like to thank Shotnroll.com for contributing yummy food shots. Thanks to OurAwesomeplanet’s photo contest for winning our photo entry - Lihim ni Lola. Thanks to my new found blogging friends and to all my readers. By the way, TripKoLang is now in Facebook, if you wish to join me and be fan just click here. Thanks!

Let’s all welcome 2010 with new discoveries and adventures. Cheers!

Panglao Island Bohol

Panglao Island is considered as the most popular beach in Bohol.  Tourists prefer this island for its Boracay-like features like having several restaurants and bars along the beach and creating a real night life beach experience.  We decided to stay along Alona beach, where there were more shops and people.

Panglao Beach 2

Personally, I was a bit disappointed seeing this part of Panglao Island – the scenery was dull; no relaxing mood and water not that clear.  I just loved the cool breeze and soft sand.

Panglao Beach 3

It wasn’t hard to look for a resto because there were a lot of options, depend on your preferred cuisine, budget, and ambience.  Restaurants, coffee shops and bars are accessible just by strolling along the beach.

Restos and Bars by the beach

At night, the beach is kept alive by lights, creating a more relaxing and romantic mood.  Dining at night can be a perfect time especially if you are with your partner.

Restos by night

Paluto is also popular here, where they sell variety of fresh seafood and meat which you can choose and have it cooked in your preferred dish.  Some items can be a bit pricey and/or not cooked delicious.  So you just have to try them and find the best Paluto for you.

Paluto by the beach

Panglao Island is a good place to simply relax from your stressful life, enjoy moments with your loved ones, discover a new adventure, take good shots, and a lot more.

A place to simply relax and be with someone you love

Tierra Azul Beach Resort

We were tourists on a budget and so finding a decent place that is within our budget is our main concern.  Tried to look online for resorts in Panglao Island and only Tierra Azul is the cheapest resort we saw.  At first they offered us the standard room for 2 at 1,500php with breakfast, additional person is charged 300php.  We planned to get 2 standard rooms for the 5 of us but then they gave it to a group who had deposited earlier and offered us the dormitory room for 8 at 2,000php per night with free breakfast.

Tierra Azul breakfast area

We arrived in Tierra Azul around 6pm or 7pm after our whole day tour in Tagbilaran, Bohol.  Here’s a quick review on the good and bad points about Tierra Azul which we experienced during our stay.

Good points

-          Friendly staff

-          Free breakfast, food is good.

-          Room, bed sheets, pillows are clean.

-          Free use of towel, soap, and tissue.

-          It is true that they are 20 steps away from the beach.

-          Situated in part of Panglao Island where there is night life.

Outside Tierra Azul

Bad points

-          Water interruption.  We experienced this twice – (1) when we arrived, we had to take a shower but unfortunately no water would come out of it and so we had to ask for a bucket and dipper. (2) Morning on our last day, no single drop of water would come out of the faucet; we were not able to take a bath before heading to the airport.

-          Problem with door lock, broken window, and no proper lights outside and within the vicinity.

-          Narrow hallway on the 2^nd floor.

-          Aircon not in good condition.

-          Room locks and surroundings do not look that safe.

I would advise you to stay in Tierra Azul if you are on a budget trip and you just need a decent room for sleeping and a place to put your stuffs.  But if you are on a serious vacation and you want a relaxing beach experience better find another resort that is a bit expensive and with better accommodation.

Tierra Azul beach front

TIERRA AZUL BEACH HOUSE
Alona, Danao, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Tel # +63385029065
Telefax # +63385000694
Mobile # +639128952165 / 09085401784

Welcome to Buko King Hanging Bridge

Can you see the welcome sign? Haha. I believe this hanging bridge is owned by Mr. Buko King himself. But unfortunately, we were not able to meet him in person, maybe next time. Anyway, we paid an entrance fee of 10php per head before we can cross this hanging bridge that later made me think if 10php was worth to risk my life… just kidding.

The hanging bridge was a long walk for me because it was not easy to walk in those bamboos; it was shaky and still made me feel shaking even if I had already stepped on real cement floor. Though I also enjoyed it because it was another new experience for me; a scenario that made me faced fear and a memorable happy/scared moment with my friends while crossing the bridge. Here’s a picture of it and I’m proud of this shot cause it was not easy to take a shot of this hanging bridge while you’re on it, good thing my hands did not went along my body shakes. Hehe.

Hanging Bridge

On the other end of this bridge, souvenir shops were situated. There were just few stalls but with lots of products and interesting stuffs for your pasalubongs (stuffs to bring home for our loved ones). We were able to buy some Bohol shirts, key chains, wooden bracelets and other Tarsier stuffs.

On our way back, we had to cross the bridge again while carrying our pasalubongs… added challenge for us. Haha.

Souvenir shops

Buying pasalubongs