If you want to escape your busy life for a while,  go to Anawangin- an undeveloped paradise where you can relax and pretend that you are part of the LOST drama series (without the dharma initiative). haha!

Not so far away from San Antonio Zambales, is the Anawangin Cove.  The island grows a lot of pine trees and is covered with white sand which is part debris from Mt. Pinatubo. The beach is not really that safe because of the high current on the island.

I have seen the island for the first time last year May3-4 2008 together with several friends of mine. I was actually amazed by what I saw.  The pine trees grew perfectly well and that it was surrounded by mountains, which made it look as if you are being embraced by Mother Nature. Anawangin is one of God’s most beautiful creations and needs to be taken care of.  Apparently, the island wasn’t safe from the garbage not just from the campers staying on the island but also from the garbage that drifted from other seaside’s as well. Some areas there were covered with wastes. It made me sad and when the boatmen saw me taking pictures of it they said to me that it will be soon cleaned (hopefully) and that it came from other beaches as well, since the current is very high in that area the wastes ended up there.

I am promoting the beauty of the island so much because it is God’s gift for everybody to see. But it is also our responsibility to take care of that gift.

How to get to Anawangin:

From a Victory Liner Station (Sampaloc or Caloocan Terminal) ride a bus going to Sta Cruz or Iba. Fair is around Php250.00

Go down to San Antonio Town Proper. From there you can ride a tricycle that can get you to Anawangin. Php30.00

There are 2 ways to get to Anawangin: By boat or by hiking. You can ask the tricycle to bring you on the place where you can ride the boat or start the hike.

As for our case, we rode a boat going to Anawangin and the back and forth together with trip to Capones and Camara Island cost 800.00Php – Php900.00 each. Maximum of four on one boat.

Upon arriving at the island, you have to pay Php50.00 to the island caretaker. Which gives you privilege to use the water pump and the comfort rooms.

To go back, just ride a bus going to Olongapo from where you rode the tricycle. Then ride a bus going to Manila at Victory Liner terminal in front of Chowking.

What to Bring:

Tent or Hammock. – be sure that you bring something where you can sleep. it is an undeveloped island. No electricity. Very very low to no signal, no internet (haha).

Flashlight

Fire starter – unless of course you are well skilled to produce fire from sticks and rocks!

Food and Water – Yes. You have to bring your food. There are no markets there on the island. But the care taker provides some necessities that you might want to buy:

• 1.5L Softdrinks – 70.00
• 8×12x4in ice – 80.00
• Purified Water (1 jug)- 200.00
• Charcoal – 40.00
• Firewood – 200.00

Cooking Set and Pocket knife

Lakwatsera Essentials – click

Your own glass plate and cutlery set – so that we can minimize out waste contribution. The glass as much as possible is well-suited with hot or cold liquids.

Trash bag – so that you can bring your waste and properly dispose it on the main island.

Lock for your tents. Always keep your things secured.

Mosquito repellent.

TIPS and Must-dos:

Travel Light. Bring the necessities. As much as possible put everything in one back pack.

If you are to bring meat (poultry or pork or beef), Boil it first in water and salt or spice it up (whatever you want) and then put it on the freezer. This naturally preserves the meat.

Reserve tickets as early as possible and arrive at the station at least an hour before the departure. Sometimes those people who have brought their tickets end up standing because there are some undisciplined chance passengers that may took your seat. Even if you have a ticket (how crap could they be).

Bring a bandana. Bandana is one a useful tool in case of bone and muscle accidents. Plus if in case it gets cold. 80% heat loss of the body comes out from the head. It will help you from getting cold.

Keep your areas clean to avoid insect swarm your areas.

Swim near the shore. sometimes the current is very high and the water is very deep.

Tour around the island. there are lots of places you can find very interesting.

After camping make sure that you fire is gone and put a marker so that people won’t accidentally step on it.

Make sure you leave no waste on your camp area.

Lakwatsera Estimate Budget:  Php2,000.00

Title: Balloon Flight Festival
Location: Clark Field Pampanga
Description: Showcases everything that flies. from Balloons to RC Planes and all

Visit : http://www.clarksubicmarketing.com/news/clark_hot_air_balloon_festival.htm

PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA 2009

From what I’ve heard entrance fee costs Php100.00 and  for those who wants to join the Photo Contest, the entrance is Php500.00 which includes a blow-up of your chosen photo and serves as your entry in that contest.

Getting There

Getting to the Clark Freeport Zone, otherwise known as the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat.  After your exit – a left turn towards Angeles City will bring you to within an easy right turn of the Clark Zone itself. Clark is around one and a half to two hours away from Manila

Start Date: 2009-02-12
Start Time: 5:00
End Date: 2009-02-15
End Time: 19:00

Title: 16th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2009
Location: SMX Convention Center
Link out: Click here
Description: The TravelTour Expo was conceptualized by PTAA in 1994 to showcase the products and services of its members. Since then, the show has evolved into a much awaited annual industry event, covering practically all segments of the travel business.

After its successful move to SMX Convention Center this year, preparations are again underway for the 16th TravelTour Expo 2009 which will take place on February 6 to 8 at Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

With the theme “Travel in Style” , the event features two new segments – lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and wellness products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas.

Why join TravelTour Expo 2009?

* TravelTour Expo is the biggest event for the travel and tourism industry
* TravelTour Expo offers you an expanded customer base
* TravelTour Expo is the ultimate destination for the best travel deals
* TravelTour Expo is the prime marketplace for your destinations
* TravelTour Expo is continuously doing its best to bring you a special show every year!

Date:
06 to 08 February 2009

Venue:
SMX Convention Center Halls 2, 3 & 4,
Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Opening Hours:
6 February – Friday
11 AM – 9 PM

7 February – Saturday
10 AM – 9 PM

8 February – Sunday
10 AM – 5 PM

Ticket booths close 30 minutes before end of show hours

Accompanying Events:
Daily Raffle Draws, Entertainment & Games and Exhibitors\’ Presentations & more surprises
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-02-06
End Time: 17:00

The Schedule is up and everybody is going! Wee!

For me, this will be my first time! nyahaha…

To survive Panagbenga…  let’s see..  I’ve never been to Baguio for quite some time now…

• Know the Schedule of the events you don’t want to miss.
• Plan your itinerary.
• If Commuting check out Bus Schedules and be sure to reserve your tickets if the bus company allows it (Victory Liner does!).
• Wear your colorful shirts and pair it up with your most comfy shoes.
• Bring your Umbrella and check the weather at PAGASA
• I’ve heard from a friend that it’s freezing in Baguio so might as well bring jacket or poncho to warm you up.
• Keep your bags secured and safe.  It’s going to be crowded. be carefree without sacrificing the safety of you stuff.
• Arrive at the event earlier than the said schedule to get the best places to view the parade.
• If you are coming to Baguio for the first time, better check out the places of interests too

Anyway here are the schedules of events this coming Panagbenga 2009.

Right Click -> View Image to see the sched

Color Coding legend: Green – Lakwatsera’s Pick

Blue – Main Events

Yellow – Minor Events

Red – Not yet Confirmed

For bus schedules, check out  http://www.victoryliner.com/

rates ranges from Php400.00 – Php450.00

I ‘ve been going to different places ever since I was a month old. My parents love the beach and seeing places which I think influenced me.  So after a lot of trips I have been through I have learned the art of traveling light. Especially when commuting or in a jam-packed car situation.

Being away from home, of course we would always want the comfort of having everything you need. So I got a few tips for you.

• Always bring your camera with you. There’s no souvenir could ever compare to the memories captured. Priceless.
• Don’t be shy to ask for help. Or sometimes it’s not the shyness factor that makes us hesitate. Of course we have to value our safety. Well, if that’s the case, ask the guards, police or barangay officer.
• Be courteous to the people you meet on your trip.  If there comes a time that you might actually need their help, they would happily assist you. Or if buying pasalubongs, sometimes smiling does the trick to avail discounts. Beam and you will remember how enjoyable your trip would be.
• Keep your valuables where you can see them.
• Bring cash unless you are sure that those cards can help you survive the rural. Better yet if possible check if they are serviceable.
• Pack your bag at least 2 days before you travel. to have enough time to check if you forgot something. better yet create a list of what to bring.
• If camping, clean your camp area before you leave.

Backpacking Tips and What to Bring

• Separate Dry or After Bath  hygiene products from the ones which will likely get wet.



• Put your shampoo, conditioner liquid soap etc, in small containers.  Can be bought at leading Skin Care Stores or if you have containers from hotels, you can use them.  As much as possible, let’s minimize using sachets because it’s one of causes of clogged drainage.
• First Aid. Alright. I think this is the most taken for granted item.  Most of us doesn’t care if they have first aid and most of them are guys. Just pack a few cotton balls and Iodine solution, some paracetamol etc.,  This common ailments could be the most annoying show-stopper ever.
• A very small sewing kit. It’s not like you can buy clothes right away in case you got your clothes got damaged right?
• Your Bath bag should dry up fast. We don’t want to bring wet items.
• Bring a reusable bag with you. Help minimize the use of plastic bags by bringing your bag to hold your pasalubongs. This could also be used to separate your used clothes from the clean ones.



• I am very much thematic and I always love to accessorize! Bringing accessories would seem very impractical haha but we could always squeeze a little space for our necessity(haha is it not?). Try buying a small medicine organizers that can hold at least 3 pairs of earrings, necklace, etc.,
• The must haves.  Shades, a hat or umbrella,  a fan (during summer),  sun block, something to cover toilet seats like the one I love to buy at Watsons (Plush Toilet seat cover Php22.00 /5pcs),  Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer and a flashlight.
• Organize your things according to frequency of use. What I usually do is that I bring with me a handy bag that holds everything that I use a lot. Then I got another bag which holds my clothes, bath kit, First Aid, sewing kit, etc.,
• Separate food from clothes. (for obvious reasons).

Bring the stuffs that you need plus a little something extra (in a very small amout) would help you to have a worry-free trip.