0 PANGASINAN 2014: BOLINAO FALLS OF PANGASINAN

First, I would like to thank my company for making this trip possible. You really guys understand the need of your employees, to get some refreshment from a nerve-wracking workload.

Straight from night shift, we have to leave early to get there as early as possible. We all know Pangasinan is located in northwest part of the country along Lingayen Gulf facing South China Sea. And it’s quite far from Metro Manila. It would require you to travel for about 4 – 6 hours (private vehicle) to get to this place.

Bolinao Falls is situated in Brgy Samang Norte and it would require you to travel for another 30 minutes in rough road condition from Bolinao town proper. If you are coming here renting a van, make sure the driver and his car is capable running in unpaved-rocky road. I would suggest contacting Mr. Dean Transport Service. This transport service been here and knows how to deal with it.

When we get to this discreet Barangay, people facilitating the parking area welcome us with a huge smile. And to get to the falls, it would require you for another five-minute walk. The fizzy sound of the falls would already give a bit of excitement en route to the falls. And the moment you will see the bluish color of water, the forest like panoramic view, and the people would surely eliminate the weary feeling. 

I hope the pictures would already tell you how beautiful it is.

I learned that there are two or three Bolinao Falls, named after the town. The one we visited is Bolinao Falls 2. There's a registration fee of 30 PHP regardless if you go on swimming or not. I told the collector that we would only stay for an hour but still they require us to pay. Anyway, the small amount of money would help the community to maintain the beauty of the falls.

  

Of course, I love the outdoor activities. Therefore I make it a point that I should be the first person within our group to jump and dive in unknown deep falls. I saw small kids jumping without hesitation so I followed them immediately. I always have the guts when someone did it first.

The feeling is intense, the time is almost noon yet the water is cold as hell. And I love it, really! I think I jumped three times, and glad that some of them within my group dared to jump as well. Like they say, face your fears.

The other groups that we are joined in were coming from Bagiuo and La Union. That was surprising, or I’m just expecting that most of the tour groups should be coming from hustle and bustle City of Metro Manila.  

Just so you know, if you wish to have lunch here, it’s possible. There are nipa huts set up that you can use but I’m not sure if it’s for free. I saw a family prepared for grilled fish and liempo. So I guess this place is so perfect for family vacation.

If you are planning to visit Pangasinan for Hundred Islands, one day is not enough. Make sure to spend two days as Bolinao Tour is also a must. Bolinao Falls is part of this Bolinao Tour package.

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0 MAKATI CITY: THE 2014 SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS AND SOUNDS AT THE AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS

The festival of lights once again opened at the city where makes it all happen. The magical moment is now happening at the Ayala Triangle Gardens from the laser lights to the melodious music of Christmas carols. Everyone is waiting for this moment since it now became tradition, if my memory serves me right it started last 2011 and I was there.

Therefore, it has been my fourth year now covering the symphony, and each year goes with different theme. I know for sure that this year would draw another surprise; I used to run here at the Triangle Gardens since October so I witnessed them installing the apparatus to be used for this glittering show. Apparently it’s kinda late now to post this since I work at night and weekend is the only time to visit the symphony. So yesterday, Saturday night I had the chance to watch myself the ever loved Symphony of Lights and Sounds in the country.

When I arrived at the Gardens, the place that used to be filled only with runners and office workers who happened to just burning time relaxing from nerve-wracking office works now converted into something like partying with the lights. This tiny triangle-shape property right in the middle of Makati’s Business District is occupied with jam-packed audience.

However the crowd is not just people who work at the residing huge firms at the Ayala Avenues but also people coming from the neighboring Metro Manila Cities. You can see parents with their kids, friends, or even the love birds. I therefore conclude that this Symphony don’t just bring the entertainment that pleases to spectator’s eyes but even living the spirit of Christmas through interspersing the people around us specially the loved ones.

So if you have time, bring your family and friends and be there before sunset. The Symphony of Lights and Sounds started at 6 PM and ends at 10 PM until January 4, 2015. Though you really need to have a little patience because it’s really crowded, even restaurants inside the Gardens are all jam-packed. In fact, they have built tents outside just to accommodate the huge number of people.

I suggest if you are coming with the family and small kids, bring your own food because the waiting time at these restos are unbearable. 

Anyway take a look at the photos below for this year’s Lights and Sounds. There are twinkling lights that once again enticed with shining effect. The lights feel like dancing that show creativity and vibrancy. The fog effects also added the amusement together with radiating green laser lights.

The accompaniment of music as well added the harmony. It opened in a rhythmic tone; I thought it’s like watching the Madagascar movie. They are Christmas carols but in jive to the samba like tempo and it’s really really good.

  

  

I would recommend to pay visit at the Ayala Triangle Gardens and experience yourself the now tradition Symphony of Lights and Sounds happening only to the City that makes it all happen..MAKATI!

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0 PANGASIAN 2014: EXPERIENCE ZIPLINE AT THE HUNDRED ISLANDS, AN ISLAND TO ISLAND ZIP LINE ADVENTURE

Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) installed its first zip line located in Quezon Island beachfront in 120-meter long that was launched on June of 2014. Now they have opened the newest 546-meter long zip line connecting from one island to another. It’s like flying high like a superman starting from Governor’s Island going to Virgin Island. 

The newest added zip line was launched on September of 2014 that is perfect for thrill seekers.

With the existing water activities at the Hundred Islands, this thrill flying - gravity fueled adventure must also a try . Governors Island has the highest elevation among other islands that’s why it will require climbing in 250-step stairs to get to the view deck. While on the peak of Governors you will have to walk to other side to get to the zip line.

Along the zip line area you will also notice a 15ft statue of St. Joseph the Carpenter that is standing at the edge of Governor’s island. It is an added attraction with a symbol of gratitude by the city. 

At first I was undecided to try but when I confirmed and certain that it is made of high quality systems with the supervision of the experts, then it’s a go go. Besides this is not the first time I have tried doing ziplining that's why I have the guts plus I am loving the heights.

I’m just glad that all of us tried this activity. Though most of them are first timers yet they showed perseverance. They just threw all the fears and experience living the life to the fullest by facing the fears.  

   

It’s really safe because you will be harnessed by two suspension lines, however it’s your choice to zip either solo or by partner. While in the middle of the sea, you will be experiencing turning left and right but nothing to worry it’s just part of the adventure and I guess the law of Physics as well.

Unfortunately it was only a couple of seconds fun-filled adventure and if you got plenty of money, I’m sure you would want to try again. 

  

HOW MUCH IS THE RATE:

As of this writing (November 2014), the rate is 250 PHP per person but according to the staff that I spoke to, when they opened this activity the initial rate was 350 PHP. But due to the demand, and directions of the LGU’s they have lowered and less by 100 pesos. However the rate is not fixed, it would vary depends on the season. Most probably during summertime it will again rise to 350 PHP.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:

The LGU’s have plans to add additional zip line in the near future. They have planned to make it more exhilarating that passing not just the seawater but the island. They want to build connecting three islands. I’m not sure how it will happen but we will see. If it will benefit to further boost the tourism in the province then I would suggest to provide such interesting activities.   

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below and feel free to share this fun-filled activity.

2 MALAYSIA 2014: A NIGHT WITH THE MAJESTIC PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

Close up view of Petronas Twin Towers.

After so many many years, I finally got to see myself and witness this spectacular infrastructure and an icon of Malaysia. Straight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, we headed to the KL Sentral via Sky Bus then took LRT straight to the Petronas Twin Towers. Technically it is our first day in Malaysia and we will be heading to Singapore before midnight but will definitely go back here after two-day stay at the Lion City.

Since we will be arriving in KL by 6PM and our schedule trip to Singapore is 12MN, we got six hours to spend to go around downtown KL. Thus, I have decided to drop by at the Petronas Twin Towers. After all, no one visited Malaysia without having visiting the most popular icon of the City. It is also I guess lovelier to witness the majesty of the towers by night as the bright lights sparkling around the towers which attracts the eye of the people walking down the streets. Although no more chance to see the skyline of Malaysia by reaching on the view deck at the bridge connecting the two towers because the time we arrived it’s already close. 

The three of us are first timers in Malaysia so all of the directions are only based on my research. We had dinner first at the Suria KLCC Mall where the twin towers are standing. Afterwards we looked for the exit leading the fountain park where you can see the towers unwrapped.

Here's the fountain park, adjacent to the Peteronas towers is also a state of the art building in golden lights.

The two soaring towers of Petronas taken from the fountain park.

Bright lights surrounded at the towers.

Upon stepping out at the exit door, I know when I look up I would be able to see the magnificence of the Twin Towers. I know the muscles of excitement linger on my veins so I quickly grabbed my camera and take a photo while standing on the foot of the towers. The feeling is tremendous; the only word whispered on my ears was “W-O-W”. Truly is majesty.

I asked my buddies to walk straight all the way to the end of the fountain so we can get better photos in front of the towers. Like I said the feeling is indescribable so while walking I couldn’t help but to stare the towers – I was walking backward. Reaching at the end of the park, there were quite number of foreign and local tourists alike, and of course group of Filipinos. They were all busy taking their best shots and so we are. But let me remind you though that taking photos will really give you an extra effort. No need to explain why but I recommend to visit this place to experience and that would answer the question, why?

Okay so here's our obligatory post in front of your heir majesty. And yeah it is really necessary I guess, however in order for you to get this shot with Petronas tower in full body including the antennas then it would really need an extra effort.

Ang matikas na si Jerome..ang Robin Padilla naming kasama.

Yours truly..pawis na pawis ako niyan.

Ang kaisa-isang Gabriela Silang, si Hartgraves.

We spent about an hour already in front of the towers so I asked my buddies to leave as we still need to travel to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to catch our schedule trip via Bus all the way to Singapore.

I would like to acknowledge also the person we met in KL Sentral who helped and guide us how to use the Token Machine and technically joined us the way to KLCC where the Petronas Towers standing. To Ryan and his friend, thank you for lending your time and for the assistance.

That is Sir Ryan the first local we met who helped and guide us going to KLCC.

Ryan and his friend, both shy in the camera.

Waiting for the train to arrive going to KLCC, if you are in KL Sentral make sure to stand at Platform 1.

HOW TO GET TO PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS:

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2), take bus that would bring you to KL Sentral LRT Station, then from KL Sentral take GOMBAK via KELANA JAYA LINE then alight at the KLCC Station. Petronas Twin Tower is at KLCC Station!

Make sure first to have printed the LRT Transit Map, you can get it via Google Images or when you get to the Airport, make sure to grab free brochures about their Transit Maps.

Jerome and Hart in KLIA2 with their Malaysia Magazine.

Skybus that will bring you from KLIA2 to KL Sentral vice versa.

Dim Light inside the Skybus.

At the KL Sentral Station of the LRT Transit Lines.

SIGNPOST ABOUT THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS via WIKIPEDIA:

The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are the twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world replacing the World Trade Center in New York. The buildings are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur, along with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower.


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