4th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition

The best light show in the sky has just started as the 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition launched yesterday at the bay of SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Six nights of Saturday will lighten up as 11 countries compete with each other and showcase their never-before-seen spectacle of fireworks display.

I witnessed the incredible display of fireworks and music from team Japan and Finland yesterday. Honestly, I have high hopes to see Finland's performance because they made it on 2nd place last PIPC - tied up with Australia. So I expect that they will be more aggressive this time to be on top of this competition.

Team Japan is not new in this kind of competition. They might not got into the rank last time however their performance in past is pretty good.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will run until March 23, 2013. So come and experience it yourself this once in a year festival of fireworks. Below are the schedules of the 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2013 :

Feb 16 Japan - Tamaya Kitahara (Done)
Feb 16 Finland - Oy Pyroman Finland ltd (Done)

Feb 23 Taiwan - Yung Feng Fireworks
Feb 23 Spain - Pyro Experience

Mar 02 UK - Jubilee Fireworks Ltd
Mar 02 South Korea - Hwarang fireworks Inc

Mar 09 Italy - Ipon Fireworks
Mar 09 Nederland - Royal Fireworks

Mar 16 Australia - Fireworkx Inc.
Mar 16 China - Liuyang New Year Fireworks

Mar 23 Canada - Fireworks Spectacular
Mar 23 Philippines - Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Closing Exhibition)

For Ticket inquiries,purchasing or reservations, you can contact TicketWorld at 891-9999, TicketNet at 911-5555 or SM Tickets at 470-2222 to reserve or purchase tickets.

Ticket Prices are at P1500, P500, P300 and P100.

For further updates and announcements of this year's competition, you can follow their official Facebook page [click here] or visit their official website [click here].

Cagbalete Island of Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete Island is a "must-see" island if you're an adventurer and nature lover. The island is a complete paradise with rich marine life and full of unique plants species. Aside from swimming into the pristine and beautiful water of the island, Cagbalete is also a good spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, bird watching and fishing.

Shot at Pantalan Port

Cagbalete Island is one of the many paradise that can be found in the province of Quezon (Mauban, Quezon). It is a privately owned island with a diverse ecosystem. What makes this island special is during low tide, the water move far back that leaves the shore exposed. You will see amazing sand ripples and all the rock formation and corals that were underneath during high tide.

Visible sand ripples during low tide

See how pristine the water is?

How to get there?
You can take JAC Liner at Buendia going to Lucena Grand Terminal. The bus ride is around 3-4 hours and costs 210 pesos. Once you reach Lucena Grand Terminal, take the ordinary bus going to Mauban, Quezon. The fare is 50 pesos and about 1 1/2 hour trip. The 1 1/2 hour bus ride will take you through a long stretch of Quezon's scenic views of  lush-green environment so just enjoy the whole ride. Upon reaching the Mauban Terminal you may take a tricycle and head first to the wet market where you can buy your island supplies and foods before heading to the "Pantalan". The fare is 14 pesos. At the Pantalan Port, look for the ferry boats going to Cagbalete Island. Note: There are only 2 schedules per day going to the island so be there on time. The first trip is at 10:00am and the last trip is at 4:00pm. The fare is 180 pesos and it will take almost 1 hour to reach Cagbalete.

Local boatmen

Once you reach Sabang Port (Cagbalete Island), you can either trek for 15-20mins or rent a boat to reach the resorts. As for our trip, we decided to trek and get a child as our guide. There are 3 known resorts in the area - Villa Cleofas, Pansacola Beach Resort and MVT Sto. Niño Beach Resort.

Hotlines:
Villa Cleofas -   0919 220-5000 (Ed Jacob)
Pansacola Beach Resort -   0928 505-8633
MVT Sto. Nino -   0921 727-5398 (Fely)

We chose Villa Cleofas and decided to pitch a tent there. We paid 300 pesos for an overnight stay.

Cooking time! There's a grilling area however you need to bring your own charcoal

Tour highlights
Bonsai Island - is an islet that only shows up during low tide and disappears when high tide.
Baliscar Island - is a small rocky islet with a lighthouse standing on it. There is no port to the island however tourists can still land and explore Baliscar.

Baliscar Island

Lots of birds are nesting in Baliscar Island

Snorkeling/Diving - ask your boatman to bring you to the best diving/snorkeling site. Trust them because they're familiar to the place. You can rent snorkeling equiptment at Villa Cleofas.

Eteng, Baron and I together with our boatmen Tatay and Kuya Roldan

Snorkeling with my buddy Baron

others: Fishing, picnic/camping, frisbee, beach volleyball, horseback riding...

Meet our bankero - Kuya Roldan

Over exposed shot in a good way

There's something wrong in this jumpshot...

I suggest have a little chitchat with your boatman to know the must see places in Cagbalete. Waste no time. There are lots of beautiful spots in the area.

Acting 101 - My models 

Tip: Explore the whole island. There is a hidden river in this island. The river is connecting to the ocean which I found amazing. It is like a fusion of 2 bodies of water. It is also a good spot to take photographs.

with the children of Cagbalete Island

My type of gym exercise hehe

Lil Miss Philippines creative shot :P

Say WILD!!!

What are we trying to do here?

Pole dancing at Cagbalete

Aside from the river, you should also not miss star gazing during night time while in the island and as well as the beautiful sunrise.

The sun is up!

Going back to Pantalan Port
There are only 2 trips going back to Pantalan Port per day. The first trip is at 8:00 in the morning and the other one is at 1:00 in the afternoon. These public boats can fill out quickly so be sure to be at Sabang Port 30 minutes earlier to secure seat back to Pantalan Port.

Favorite shot of mine in this trip:

emo??? weh?

Favorite group shot:

Aurora, Baler: More Than Just A Surfing Site

Manileños are just 6 hours away to experience the thrill and fun brought by the huge waves of Aurora, Baler.  Baler is a haven for most Filipino surfer because of its high waves and long coastlines. So no wonder why tourists are drawn to visit the place.

Aside from professional surfers, aspiring surfers are also encouraged to visit  Baler. Locals residing near the beach offers surfing lessons including surfboard rentals in reasonable price. In less than an hour, you will find yourself standing on the board and dancing through the waves.

How to get there?
I suggest securing a seat at Genesis Transport Inc (650 pesos) because they offer direct trips going to Baler. From Cubao, the first trip leaves at 3:00am with trips happening at one hour intervals while the last trip leaves at 7:30am. However in case you miss those schedule, you may take Victory Liner bus going to Cabanatuan (185 pesos). Then from Cabanatuan, you'll find vans or baby buses (170 pesos) that can take you straight to Baler. Travel time is 6-7 hours.

For more information regarding the bus schedules you may call:
(02) 709.0803 / (02) 421.1425 - Genesis Transport Inc
(02) 833-4403 / (02) 833-5019 - Victory Liner

Me and Baron playing Frisbee (photo from Rons Nebre)

As you reach Sabang beach, there are lots of Inns and hotels you can choose from. We chose Bay's Inn (formerly known as Ocean View). Package includes free breakfast and free use of wi-fi connection.

Where we stayed during this trip

Bay's Inn Room Rates (as of  2012):
Double bed room - 700 pesos
Double bed + single bed room - 950 pesos
2 single bed room (w/ ac) - 1050 pesos
Double bed room (w/ ac) - 1150 pesos
Double bed room (w/ ac and hot shower) - 1500 pesos
Double bed + single bed room (w/ ac) - 1500 pesos

Lets GO surfing! (photo from Rons Nebre)

To start up your surfing experience, look for the surfing shop (Mahdox Surf School) near the coast. Surfing rate is 350 pesos. It includes 1 hour surfing lesson, instructor fee and rental of surfboard.

Ask your instructor if you have question in mind (photo from Rons Nebre)

The surfing lesson covers the common surfing terminologies, parts of the surfing board, the correct board positioning and the do's and don'ts in surfing. Listen carefully to your local instructor. Listening to them is the key for you to be able to stand up on your board and as well as to keep you safe. Surfing may be fun however it is still consider as extreme sport.

The newbies - Aiza, Baron and me (photo from Rons Nebre)

Goofy surfer - standing on the board with right foot forward (photo from Rons Nebre)

Eteng is really enjoying this sport! (photo from Rons Nebre)

Its all about balancing  (photo from Rons Nebre)

Baler is more than just surfing. This place is full of exciting and beautiful places you can enjoy so charged up before visiting Baler.

The Giant Balete Tree
Penetrate the inner chamber of Asia's largest balete tree. You can go inside this 600 years old tree and go up with the help of children who offer tour and guide inside the Balete.

Eteng finding her way up

Just waiting for my turn

Ditumabo Falls
This tour requires trekking to reach the mother falls. Ditumabo falls is the largest falls in Aurora.

Extra caution here  (photos from Rons Nebre)

The beauty of Ditumabo Falls  (photos from Rons Nebre)

 (photos from Rons Nebre)

Museo De Baler
Have a quick tour and explore the history of Aurora. You'll enjoy this place even if you're not a fan of history because of the items they have inside.

Look at the detailed design on the museum's wall  (photo from Rons Nebre)

Me and my friends joined a travel group called Barefoot Travels for this trip. We spent 2,900 pesos which includes van transfer (MNL - Baler, roundtrip), accommodation at Bay's Inn, 2 sessions of surfing lesson, breakfast,  and tour/transfer at Museo de Baler, Balete tree of Baler, Ditumabo Falls and Caunayan Falls (didn't had the chance to get quality photos).

2 days of stay is enough to experience all these things. So enjoy and stay safe!