Kennard Diaries

Our second day in Baler, we went to Sabang Beach which is a 30 minutes tricycle ride from our place. The beach was known as one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. The waves our crashing that morning and it was massive. I did not try surfing thou because I did not know how to swim. Lol! But my friends did.

After an hour of surfing, we went to see the beauty of Mother Falls (Ditumabo Falls). I was not prepared that there will be a trekking, that we have to cross massive stones, cross rivers and on top of that I was not dress for this occasion. Now that's a problem!

The water was very clear and I must say freezing cold. Once you are near the falls, you can see a lot mists around you and actually very refreshing.

This trip started in a Facebook group chat. It was moved by the 2nd week of October to fit our schedules because we are busy individuals now- adulting. The night before our departure it was raining hard that I almost want to not push through with this trip. But ended up going and I made the right decision.

We arrived at 10 am in the morning and went immediately to the public market to buy foods that will last a day and half for us. Baler was so laid back, at least for me that was my first impressions. The way of living was very simple, similar to my province, the region next to it. Peaceful, serene were the other words to describe the province as well as rich in history and culture just ask the locals.

We stayed at Eugene's Place and the moment I set my foot at the place I was in deep awe! The place was everything I ever imagined. It was beautiful. It was like I'm in those beaches in Thailand. The view was fantastic and I just can't get over it. The house that we rented was cheap for it's price but it did not disappoint with its amazing view.

We didn't waste any moment after lunch. Immediately, went to the beach and took our photos because they say if it's not on Instagram, it did not happen. Will you believe it took us 4 hours taking just only photos? 

Countless photos later, we headed for a 20 minutes tricycle ride to Museo de Baler. The museum contains everything you need to know about Baler basically. The entrance fee will only cost you P30.00 and you can also use your ticket to enter Doña Aurora's ancestral home, Manuel L. Quezon's wife, a 5 minute walk from the museum.

xx,

Kennard

One sunny afternoon, lounging at the terrace of my cousin's house, we randomly planned on the spot a short escapade to Baguio. What I love about our province, Nueva Vizcaya, is that we have nearby provinces that are accessible by land, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela,Cagayan, and of course Baguio City.

A four hour drive via Kayapa-Ambuclao trail lies the summer capital of the Philippines. The first time I stepped in this cold weather mountain in the Cordilleras trace back when I was in fifth grade. And since then, every summer of every year it became sort of a habit to explore Baguio.

It doesn't get boring, every time I came to this serene weathered place, always felt like the first time. The culture, the people, the history and the historical spots always fascinates me about this place. There's more to Baguio than meets the eye.

And so on this trip, we visited again the infamous tourists spots of Baguio. We arrived at Baguio by 3pm, settled our things at our friend's apartment and went straight to start our itinerary. 50's Diner was the first on the list. I wanted to go to the main branch but was told it was under renovation. T'was my second time trying this American diner and the place gives you that 50's vibe. As for me, it felt like I was in Riverdale!

After 50's Diner, we went for a walk at Burnham Park as we patiently waited for the night market to start. If you are a fan of thrifting this one is the way to go. They sell authentic branded items from Doc Martens, Nike, Adidas, Onitsuka Tiger and Timberland to name a few. 

On our second day, we have a half day to spare before we leave Baguio. We devoured our eyes on some greens at Botanical Garden. Walked 200 steps all the way up to Wright Park just to reach The Mansion. Lastly, we went on to visit Mines View.

It was really a fun trip for me. It gave a peace of mind. I escaped all shits for a moment and try to enjoy life as it should be. Baguio will always stay close to my heart.

Do you have any fun stories to about your visit to Baguio?

xx 

Kennard

We only had five days for vacation and we made sure to drop by Bohol which is two hours away from Cebu via a ferry boat. In our case, we woke up very early to get the first trip to Tagbilaran. The line for the tickets was very long I'm telling you. Anyway, it was my first time to be on a ferry boat. Actually I have a fear of the ocean that's why I'd rather ride on a plane than a ferry because I have this mentality that what if the both sink, how will I swim? I know some of you think that way too lol!

Two hours later, we were already at Tagbilaran and upon entering the exit of the port a lot of vans await and offer to tour you the whole day in some of the tourists spots in Bohol. Well, it works that way there though.

First on the list is of course, the very famous Loboc River. It was actually a unique experience. River was picturesque while having your buffet on the floating restaurant while the boat cruises on the Loboc River. At the end of the trip, you will be welcomed by the children's choir and the small falls, called the Busay Falls.

What's a trip to Bohol without visiting the Chocolate Hills right? This is probably one of the highlights of my trip aside from seeing in person the tarsiers which I wasn't able to include here just because the photos are so blurry, sorry for that! It was around 3pm when we arrived at the hills. You need to climb more than a hundred steps to get to the viewing deck if you want that perfect shot of the hills. It was so hot though but the view was worth the climbing.

Till next time Bohol. Thanks for the fun experience and a lot of firsts.

xx, 

Kennard