Flowboarding at Flow House Manila

Calling all thrill seekers out in there! A new water activity has set and waiting for you to be tested! Have you already tried wakeboarding? Surfing? Skimboarding? Yeah? Hmm... how about flowboarding? Not yet? Well, flowboarding is the new hype in town which gives waterboard sports a new kind of face. Flowboarding combines the look of surfing, the tricks of skateboarding, and the boards of wakeboarding yet instead of doing it outdoor, flowboarding are being manipulated/controlled by mechanics. The said sport has been evolving since the 80's but been an underdog since the market which offers this sport is just limited as they are only seen on some resorts, cruise ships, etc. But worry no more because Flow House Manila brought it to the metro and they are now operating!

How to get there?
Flow Hose Manila is located at Molino Boulevard corner Masaito Drive in Bacoor City. If you are going to commute, you may take a commercial van in MOA having a signboard of Paliparan-Molino. Just inform the driver to drop you off at Flow House Manila as it is just along the road. Just in case the driver do not know where Flow House Manila is (since it's just new in the area), just tell them to drop you at V-Central Mall along Molino Boulevard. V-Central Mall is just beside Flow House Manila. Travel time is maximum of an hour.

Option 2: Take a bus at Coastal Mall terminal having a signboard going to Dasmarinas. Then tell the bus conductor to drop you at St. Dominic College of Asia. From there, take a tricycle going to Flow House Manila.

As I am blogging this, Flow House Manila is still in its development period. The area hasn't fully furnished yet like the shopping mall and stuff but the flowboarding area as well as the bar are fully functional. As for their rates and fees, flowboarders will have to spend PhP 650 per hour per head which is inclusive of entrance fee, board rental, instructor, and pool use. For non riders there is an entrance fee of Php 300 which is also a consumable value in the bar/restaurant. Both flow riders and non flow riders can use the pool without time limit. Just kindly refer on the schedule below for the operating hours of Flow House Manila:

Monday – Friday: 10 AM to 12 MN
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM to 12 MN

The pool side

The bar and restaurant

The flowboarding activity area

Then my family

There are three kinds of position you can do when trying out this activity. First is the laying down position, second is where you are sitting on top of the board and the most difficult one is the stand up position of course. Tip: Flowboarding is considered a sport so basically you will have to keep riding to improve. I fell so many times (surfers called it wipe out) before I was able to do the stand up position. Also always listen to the instructor's advice. They're expert and only wanted to help us to enjoy the experience fully. Do not afraid to get wipe out because the material used by Flow House Manila is similar to that used in trampolines. The ride surface is ready to absorb impacts and will have you bouncing back for more. Yeah I got hurt to some of my wipe out but its tolerable and nothing to worry about.

Lookin' cool right?

Picking some advice from my instructor

Then I let go of the rope and started surfing...

After a minute or less, I got swipe out. lol!

As per what to wear... hmmm there is no dress code in Flow House Manila, but I strongly recommend a boardshort and a rash guard or any comfortable beach clothes. Also bring your own towel and extra clothes. Just anything light and be prepare to get wet!

Flow House Manila also offers not only flowboarding but also a place where you and your friends can enjoy a great drinking experience as its bar has wide range of beverages - Alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Who wouldn't enjoy a glass of Jack Daniels after a nice flow ride huh?

This is me chillin'

So, what you waitin' for? Grab a friend now and experience flowboarding at Flow House Manila!

Flow House Manila
Molino Boulevard corner Masaito Drive, Bacoor, Cavite
Dial 09985545035 for reservations.
Monday – Friday: 10 AM to 12 MN
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM to 12 MN

Breakdown of Expenses:
Transportation: Below 100 Pesos from Manila (one way)
Flowboarder: 650 Pesos per hour per head
Non rider: 300 Pesos

Geejay Travel log meets IJuander of GMA News TV

Weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from a Program Researcher of GMA News TV. I really didn't expect that I'd be able to get a call from a TV network that big and inviting me to join them in an escapade. IJuander is a tv program here in the Philippines which features/tackles wide range of topics that deals about Filipinos' culture, history, beliefs and the country. It is hosted by GMA's veteran news reporters Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario.

And since summer is fast approaching, the show looked for an amateur travel blogger to be featured on their next episode which is about discovering hidden paradise near the metro. Travelers and non travelers who are looking for a place to spend their holidays and summer will surely love the episode. The IJuander team and I went on an expedition somewhere in Laguna. The place we went to offers a combination of great landscape, adventure and water activities for those who'll be visiting it. And together with La Churva (segment hosts of IJuander), you'll surely enjoy your viewing not only because of the place but also because of their new acts!

I just feel so bless because they picked me and was able to experience working with those people. It was definitely a new experience to remember! So please... please don't miss this week's episode of IJuander. The episode will be aired this coming Wednesday (April 1, 2015) from 8pm-9pm, only on GMA News TV (Channel 11).

[04/02/2015 Update] For those who weren't able to watch IJuander, you may watch last night's episode with the videos below:

Part I:

Part II:

[DIY] A Ride to the Crater of Mt Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo is situated in the section of Luzon called Cabusilan Mountain Range also known as the Zambales Mountains. It became a mainstream right after its major eruption back in 1991. That eruption was labeled as the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century next to Novarupta where its effects were devastating and felt worldwide. Now, although Mt. Pinatubo and areas surrounding it is still covered by lahar deposits, it has also become a tourist attraction of the country because of the wonderful landscape it has become. Adventure seekers, nature lovers and landscape photographers will surely enjoy exploring the site most specially its crater part.

How to get there?
Me and my friends goal was to ride our mountain bikes from the jump off point of Mt. Pinatubo up to its crater. But do not worry as this blog will still show you on how to get there by commute/public transportation. Our journey starts as we arrive at the bus terminal of Victory Liner in Pasay. We chose Victory Liner because they do not charge carrying cargo such as bikes. You can take any bus that will pass by Capas Junction. Buses going to Baguio, Dagupan, Pangasinan and Tarlac are some of the bus route that will take you there. We took the bus going to Dagupan and just told the bus conductor to drop us at Capas (near the Capas Municipal Hall). We then paid 180 pesos each which was a 3-hour bus ride. As we alight at Capas, we then started pedaling our bikes in search of a hotel to stay in. The next day, we started pedaling again going to the Tourism office of Mt Pinatubo for registration. As for you, take a tricycle in Capas to take you directly to Santa Juliana tourism office. It will be a long ride as well so fare will be most likely 300 pesos, one way.

On our way to the tourism Office

The registration area

Satellite Municipal Tourism Office
Tourists who wanted to see Mt. Pinatubo must register first at the tourism office and settle the fees below. By the way, these are mandatory fees and you'll not be able to pass through the security of Mt Pinatubo without the approval of this office. Note: The office is open as early as 6am and closes by 10am. Meaning to say, visitors must settle a ride going to Mt Pinatubo before the office closes. Visitors who'll not be able to book a ride before that time will have to try their luck the next day. Aw.

4x4 Jeepney Ride - 3,000 pesos (good for 5 pax)
Local Guide Fee - 500 pesos
Registration/Conservation fee - 450 pesos/pax

For Reservation:
SATELLITE MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE
Ms Mai - 0947-3912134
capastourism.com

Signing to a waiver...

Even we have our bikes and intend to ride it all through out from the tourism office, we were still obligated to rent the 4x4 jeepney. It is a policy that visitors should be accompanied by a jeep when visiting the crater. So basically the 4x4 jeepney serves as our convoy.

Approximately, it was a 1 1/2 hour jeepney ride packed with breathtaking views. I didn't mind the striking heat of the sun because of what my eyes saw during the trip. I never thought that the destruction of 1991 eruption will result to an art-like landscape now. You can even instruct the driver to stop anywhere along the road if you intend to take photos of the views as well as the locals and aetas that lives there. The aetas who lives there are really friendly, you'll see them smiling and waving their hands as you passed by them. Tip: Smile back, ok?

Can you feel the heat? hehe

More visitors that day

This way will lead you to the village of aetas

Reached the point where we have to lift and roll our bikes

After the bumpy with river crossing ride, you'll reach the point where will lead you to the crater of the mountain. In this case, you'll have to walk. I saw a sign that says, it will be just a 1km trek to reach the top. More or less it will be just a 20 minutes trek. In our case, it took us 30-40 mins as we have to lift our bikes up to the crater. Haha. I felt sorry for my bike because it was a hard one for her. I bumped her so many times and even scratched some of its part. Huhu. But nonetheless, as we've reached the top, it was all paid off. The fresh air, the crater, the view... it was a site to see! Time for more photo op! Note: There are comfort rooms in the area. Tip: Packed your own food and water. Yes, there are stalls on your way up however they sold it like 3-4 times of its original price.

Finally! Our goal!

So calm... so relaxing...

Thanks "Kerida" for not letting me down :)

Time for some groupfie...

...and selfies as well :)

We stayed in the crater for an hour  and it was already 3pm when we decided to go down again. We were excited on our way down because it will be an epic ride for our mountain bikes. We were like jets with our speed. The 4x4 jeep who convoyed us even had a hard time keeping with our pace. We reach the tourism office by 5:30pm and went all the way back to the terminal with our bikes.

Travelling and biking... this is life!!!

Yup, there are streams along the way

And rivers too!

More 4x4 jeepneys

Thank you Mt Pinatubo for this epic ride!

It was indeed a memorable bike ride for each of us. Mt. Pinatubo surely left a mark on our lives which we will never forget.

Breakdown of expenses:
Bus (Pasay Terminal - Capas Junction) - 180 pesos
Tricycle (Capas - Tourism Office) - **.**
4x4 Jeepney ride - 3,000 pesos
Local guide - 500 pesos
Registration/Conservation fee - 450 pesos
Tricycle (Tourism Office - Capas) - **.**

Bus (Tarlac Bus Terminal - Pasay) - 211 pesos

Food - *.**

Travel Highlights Of The Year 2014

Before 2015 kicks in, join me as I take a look back on some of the destinations I've been to this 2014. It has been a great year for me and to my travel buddies as we've unlocked and explored new places -- specifically in the Philippines. Although I hadn't worn my travelling shoes 'til the end of the quarter (due to some circumstances), I am still thankful and grateful for the 9 months of non-stop expedition.

Travel Highlights...

The Island of Camiguin

My 2014 expedition started in the region of Mindanao. The province of Camiguin was the first stop in our itinerary. Our group stayed there for 2 days in which let us to visit the beautiful naked island of Camiguin called White Island, the famous Sunken Cemetery, Guiob Church Ruins and Katibawasan Falls. We also found time to relax in Ardent Spring Resort -- a known hot spring resort in Camiguin.

Related Blogposts:
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/01/white-island-of-camiguin.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/01/sunken-cemetery-and-guiob-church-ruins-of-camiguin.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/02/ardent-hibok-hibok-hot-spring-resort-camiguin.html

Water Rafting in Misamis Oriental

I considered myself as an adventurous type of traveler. Thrilling activities never fails to excite me. That's why I was very excited when I got to visit Cagayan de Oro of Misamis Oriental because the said province is widely known for water rafting activity. Despite the bad weather during the day of our actual water rafting, we're still blessed and lucky as the authorities didn't stopped us. The stormy weather gave an additional thrill to the experience and it was a day to remember.

Related Blogpost:
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/02/white-water-rafting-cagayan-de-oro-cdo.html

Island Hoping in Oriental Mindoro

Puerto Galera is not just about beach bumming and night life because it also showcases moving activities and amazing views. Along the shore of White Beach you'll find people or agents that offer island tours going to Tamaraw Island and Virgin Island, and cross island tours on the neighboring islands and islets. I've also experienced snorkeling while being dragged by a bangka (small boat). Sounds crazy huh?

Related Blogposts:
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/03/white-beach-of-puerto-galera-oriental-mindoro.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/03/tamaraw-falls-and-virgin-island-beach-oriental-mindoro.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/03/island-hopping-snorkeling-caving-in-puerto-galera-oriental-mindoro.html

Back to Basic Stay in Camarines Norte

Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte is notable for crystal clear beaches and stunning views. But just like what they've said... you can't have it all. Because in Calaguas, electricity still haven't reach the islands. Phone signals are even hard to find there either. But again, who needs all of those if you have a long, wide & bluish beach water and fine sand waiting for you, right?

Related Blogposts:
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/04/maculabo-island-of-calaguas-camarines-norte.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/04/tinaga-island-of-calaguas-camarines-norte.html

Vigan ala Metro Vigan Inn

A free tour in Vigan along with other bloggers was another experience to remember. Thank you again to Metro Vigan Inn for an all expense paid tour in the historic place of Vigan. I've got to crossed out another item on my bucket list when I finally saw and walked on the marvelous street of Calle Crisologo. Roaming around Vigan riding a calesa also made my visit a special one.

Related Blogposts:
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/06/metro-vigan-inn-vigan.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/06/metro-vigan-cafe-of-vigan-ilocos-sur.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/06/metro-vigan-inn-calesa-tour-in-vigan-tourist-spots.html

Ilocandia Tour with Friends

A month after my visit in Vigan through Metro Vigan Inn, I came back again along with my friends. That time, we went to tour all possible spots in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte and not just Vigan. We did church hopping, museum tours, sand boarding, nature tripping, beach bumming and a whole lot more!

Related Blogposts:

http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/07/paoay-church-ilocos-norte.html

http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/07/sand-dunes-ilocos-norte.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/08/malacanang-of-north-paoay-ilocos-norte.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/08/kapurpurawan-rock-formation-burgos-ilocos-norte.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/08/bangui-windmills-bangui-ilocos-norte.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/08/tourist-destinations-in-ilocos-norte.html

Kayaking in the Islands of El Nido

El Nido of Palawan is a world renowned tourist destination. It has been featured to different travel magazines, travel channels, movies and blogs. And I felt very blessed because this year, I was able to visit and explored the islands and islets of El Nido. No wonder why tourists of this place fall in love with it because I, myself, fall for its beauty and grand.

Related Blogposts:
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/07/island-hopping-and-tours-in-el-nido-palawan.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/07/el-nido-island-hopping-combination-tour-c-and-d.html
http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/07/el-nido-palawan-island-hopping-combination-tour-a-and-b.html

Final Thoughts...

2014 has been a pretty and amazing year for me. It was filled with memorable moments where I met new people. People whom some of them turned into friends.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support on what I do. Thank you for reading and sharing my blog posts (even if it is full of wrong grammar hahaha). Thank you also for commenting on and sharing your own experience, stories and tips. I really appreciate them all.

By the way, I've already booked flights for 2015 so expect another year of exploration on Geejay Travel Log.

Cheers!
Geejay of Geejay Travel Log

Bangui Windmills of Bangui Ilocos Norte

Windmill is a machine which uses wind energy to generate electricity or extract groundwater. Here in the Philippines, we also have our own windmill farm and it can be found in the municipality of Bangui in Ilocos Norte. It is also said to be the first power generating windmill farm in Southeast Asia. The project was named NorthWind Bangui Bay Project (oftenly called as the Bangui Windmills).

How did we get there?
The hotel we stayed-in offers a complete Ilocandia tour (Ilocos Norte and Sur). As for our group of 5, we paid 2,990 pesos/pax (price varies depends on the head count) which includes a private aircon van transportation to Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud, a hotel accommodation for 2 days and 2 nights, a daily set of breakfast, entrance fees, toll fees, driver's meal, and as well as airport transfers. Airfare is not included. Oops, before I forgot, the name of the hotel is UKL Ever Hotel and it is located in Laoag City. It is also 15 minutes away from the airport.

Sun down but the beauty of this site still not fading

Going back, there are different stations of windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. There are Phase 1 and Phase 2 which are spread along and facing the coastal line of South China Sea. Bangui Windmills was said to be providing 40% of source power in the province of Ilocos Norte. That is why the government is now on their feet constructing Phase 3 that will add more windmills and will generate of course more power.

As always... group shot!

I envy this local...

So lucky to visit this place!!!

Its getting dark now

Though the main purpose of this project is to practice and utilize renewable energy sources such as the wind, the site itself has become a tourist attraction as well. It is mainly one of the reason why tourism in Ilocos has boomed. Who wouldn't be amaze to see those towering electric-fan-like structures? Seeing 20 windmills in Phase 1 lined up and having a size of 70-metre (230 ft) high each is such a stunning scene to witness. Standing in front of these windmills makes me feel like an ant. Plus, not to mention that it is situated on a beach front. Imagine walking on the shore while waves and wind splashes on your body. Refreshing!

There is no entrance fee when visiting the area. Everyone is invited and go near to the windmills. However, going inside it is restricted. There are also stalls in the area where you can buy souvenirs such as keychains, mini-replica of the windmill and t-shirts.

naahhhh...

Souvenirs they sell in the area

Malacanang of the North of Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Malacanang of the North also known as Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals call it, is a 5-hectare property situated in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is considered as one of the important landmark in the province of Ilocos as this has been the official residence/rest house of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his family whenever they are in Ilocos. It's no acquaintance that the said foremer president is a famous son of Ilocos Norte as he was born and raised in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

The 2-storey mansion was said to be given to former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos by her wife and first lady then, Imelda Marcos, as a gift for his 60th birthday. This has been an extension for the office of the president and alternative venue to welcome local and foreign dignitaries.

How did we get there?
The hotel we stayed-in offers a complete Ilocandia tour (Ilocos Norte and Sur). As for our group of 5, we paid 2,990 pesos/pax (price varies depends on the number of head count) which includes a private aircon van transportation to Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud, a hotel accommodation for 2 days and 2 nights, a daily set of breakfast, entrance fees, toll fees, driver's meal, and as well as airport transfers. Airfare is not included. Oops, before I forgot, the name of the hotel is UKL Ever Hotel and it is located in Laoag City. It is also 15 minutes away from the airport.

Moving forward, Malacanang of the North has been taken away from the Marcoses and put in the care of the government when the Marcos Regime ended. After 2 decades in the care of the government, the place was then given to the hands of the Provincial Government of Ilocos, Norte. And in January 2011, it has been converted into a museum which is open to view by the public.

It was designed in a Spanish and Old Ilocano architecture. The whole mansion is decorated by antique furniture and interesting art pieces. The grand look of Malacañang ti Amianan only reflects the luxurious life of the Marcos family during that era. The first floor holds the rooms of the Marcos' children. I am really impress how simple yet elegant the rooms and furniture in the mansion. I even imagine having a room like Bong Bong Marcos (the only son of Ferdinand Marcos) had.

The room of Senator Bong Bong Marcos

Another room on the first floor

The biggest room on the first floor has been converted into a museum. They divided it into three parts - the Diplomacy Gallery, the National Building Gallery and the Agriculture Room. The Diplomacy Gallery reflects the office or working area of President Marcos. It also holds some of the books owned by the president as well as books that talks about the life of the late president. The National Building Gallery features all the projects that have built during the Marcos government. I salute Ferdinand Marcos for all the structures he had accomplished during his presidency. He even connected the Major Islands of the Philippines with his projects. Just Wow. The next room is the Agriculture Room. It tells how rich the agriculture were during Pres. Marcos' time. Items used in agriculture are displayed in here with brief descriptions.

The Diplomacy Gallery

Books about the late President Ferdinand Marcos

The National Building Gallery

Zamboanga International Airport - One of the many projects of Pres. Marcos

The Agriculture Room

Let me now tour you on the second floor. Just like the first floor, expect more antique furniture on the second floor. I recommend you to visit the veranda where you can have a full view of the Paoay Lake. It is also where the master's bedroom is located. The size of the room is I believe too big for the couple but again, he's the president. There is also a room which features the life of Mrs. Marcos back then. I never thought that the former first lady was stunningly beautiful. She was a beauty queen during her days. Aside from that, you can also find vintage gadgets on that room.

I don't know if its antique but it looks old yet classy

I love this part of the room

I'm not sure whose collection these are

Another set of furniture on the floor

The Master's bedroom

One of the vintage gadget displayed in the room/gallery

It was a big privileged to see the former house of the Marcoses and have a glimpse on their life during their regime. If you are planning to visit Malacanang of the North, it is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. There's also a P20 entrance fee.