Caramoan Island: Worth a Trip (Part 1)

When our Boss informed us that she wanted an out of town trip for our company outing that a bit so far, she only had two places in mind: Calaguas and Caramoan. Both located in Camarines provinces.

I told her about my trip in Calaguas and she thought it was not safe for us to stay in an island where there was no electricity, decent comfort room and we have to sleep inside a tent. On point, so we ended up going to Caramoan Island, Camarines Sur.

Our Boss bought our tickets at Isarog Bus ahead of time. It was our first time to travel via a sleeping bus with comfort room! The fare costs a whopping 1k plus. It supposedly seven hours trip but because of many stopovers, it took us almost ten hours!

Our Boss booked our outing with a travel agency. We were fetched by Kuya Ikoy of Tierra De Ibalon Travel and Tours. 

The van ride to Caramoan Island was four hours but we didn't mind because of the beautiful scenery along the way.

We arrived at Residencia De Salvacion by lunchtime. 

I liked the place because it is in front of the beach and their small building and villas are cute. 

Love the view!!!

Our room was okay, very spacious, has verandah and well-ventilated. 

The bathrooms were an issue though, the water from the shower was very little and sometimes we didn't have water at all.

In my other colleague's room, the sink was clogged and it created a mini flood inside the comfort room.

Other than that, the staffs were accommodating and the foods were delicious.

Dining Area

Arroyo- Fave!

Balisongsong- I enjoyed this!

After we had rest for a few minutes, we prepared ourselves for the island hopping. 

Caramoan Island is famous for the Survivor's Camp. 

We were very happy that we had a chance to see the two islands that they are using for the taping. The water is very clear and the sand is truly the finest. 

I could not get enough of these amazing rock formation!

After we took photos and swam, we went back to our inn. We didn't go back to our rooms but we walked to the souvenir shop where my Boss bought us Survivor Island shirts as our souvenir! 

We also purchased some pasalubongs for our loved ones. 

We had dinner and because we didn't want to retire yet, we tried their videoke. 

I had a great time singing my heart out with my Aling Dionisia's Wrecking Ball version. 

It was a tiring but adventurous day at Caramoan. 

We would be back to the city and explore it. I'm looking forward to our second day at Camarines Sur. 

Pookaberry Cafe: My New Apple of the Eye

I received an invite from a dear friend blogger Miss Aileen of AileenFoodieEvents to feature a newly open art cafe and I couldn't say no. Rain or shine, I will attend my first event as a blogger.

Pookaberry Cafe is situated at 36-B Sct. Ybardaloza St. Sacred Heart Quezon City. If you are coming from Northern part of the Metro like me, you need to ride an MRT and drop off on Kamuning station. The cafe is a few blocks away from GMA Network, you just need to look for the Shell gasoline station then turn left.

The outside look of the cafe is inviting and when you come inside you'll be happy to see how colorful are the walls! 

Everything inside the Pookaberry Cafe is indeed very pleasing to the eyes! 

Counter booth

Photo from Miss Ai

There is a gift shop where you can buy freebies and souvenirs for you and your family, there are powerful statements on the walls and there is a cute recycle bin on the side. 

It was a blogger event and foods was surely the one that everyone had been waiting for! 

Photo from Miss Ai

Sadly, I was very late. I ended up taking photos of the cakes, my drink, and a few snacks. Boo to me! 

I listed down though the foods that were served that I would definitely try next time I visit Pookaberry, which I will! 

Jams:

Chili Jam Mango and Chili Jam Orange (Spicy indeed!)

Paninis: 

Adobo (220 php), Pork loin (240php), Avocado (230 php)- Everyone was getting gaga about this! Would try it!

Bacon Panini (240 php)

Breakfast: 

Breakfast ni Juan (290 php), Uncle Sam's Big Breakfast (310 php), Vegetarian Option (320 php)

Cakes (slice):

Very Pookaberry (130 php), Walnut Carrot (140 php), New York Cheesecake (140 php)

Matcha Green Tea (140 php)

Cookies: 

Cookie shots with a choice of  Choco milk, espresso fresh  milk (125 php)

Cosmic Cookie (80 php), Smores (60 php), Choco Walnut (120 php)

I ordered one of their bestselling drinks: Pookaberry Ube. 

Not a fan of Ube but it is a must try! I like how it tastes. Not too sweet and you can actually taste the Ube. 

I recommended that you try their New York Cheesecake, I almost finished the small plate. I also tried their Ube and it was okay for me. 

Thank you to Miss Jeanette, she's the owner for being so welcoming and accommodating and Miss Aileen for the wonderful invite. 

Pookaberry now delivers via Grabfood or Food Panda and they are now live at Booky app!

Third Time Around Cebu, Part 2!

There were unplanned destinations and sometimes you need them to rediscover nature and yourself. 

Day 5
We bid goodbye to Cebu City and though it was not part of the itinerary, we traveled all the way to the northern part of Cebu.

We rode a bus for three hours and transferred to a motorboat which you need to pay for 120 pesos. It was a 30-minute ride which I didn't mind because it's not every day to see this kind of view.

As we reached the island, we immediately looked for a place to stay for the night. A guide took us to Malapascua Budget Inn. It is ten minutes walk from the shore, five minutes near the market and restaurants.

Not sure what's the name but it tasted like chopsuey.

For the room itself, my sister and I would definitely agree that we were a bit disappointed. There was no bed, only one mattress foam available which we shared, the aircon's remote control was not working and the water from the faucet was very salty. The room really is intended for overnight stay. Not advisable for longer occupancy. 

Yet, I liked that the owner was very friendly and accommodating. He was there all the time in the inn. 

After we settled our things, we hiked to the lighthouse tower.

It was almost an hour walk and my feet were hurting because of the jumping that I did from Kawasan. But, the sunset view was worth all the sweat and pain. 

When went to the uncrowded side of the beach where we swam with the stars above. The water was awesome, not too salty and the waves did not hit a lot. 

The road going back to our inn was an adventure. There were not many lampposts in the area. Think about walking in an unknown place with no nearby houses. Creepy right? It was like that for ten minutes and we were grateful that a motorcycle passed. We rode from Kuya's back and paid 60 or less for the fare.

And early in the morning, I waved farewell to Malaspacua.

My one week vacation ended with so many adventures and first times at Bohol and Cebu. 

Thank you so much, guys!!!

I'm looking forward to my next holiday destination!