Shooting Trees at Microtel Inn & Suites Luisita in Tarlac

After a fun afternoon of Go Kart racing in Tarlac’s Kart City, we spent the night in Microtel Inn & Suites Luisita. It was an adrenaline-packed day, like all the other days of our Lakbay Norte 3 familiarization tour. I immediately hit the sack which made me wake up early the next day.

Shooting Trees at Microtel Inn & Suites Luisita in Tarlac
January 28, 2012

microtel tarlac
trees outside Microtel

I’ve been to a Microtel property before. It was where we stayed when I won a blog contest about Boracay. True enough when I checked our room, the chiropractic “healthy for the back” beds were there and they’ve always been consistent about this feature.

microtel luisita tarlac
Microtel Inn & Suites in Luisita, Tarlac | photo by Marcos of PuebloPhilippines.com

microtel philippines room
Microtel Inn & Suites in Luisita, Tarlac | photo by Marcos of PuebloPhilippines.com

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White Water Rafting at Chico River in Kalinga

We arrived from a long bus ride from Nueva Ecija to Las Palmas Hotel and Resort in Tuguegarao. Travel time took about 9 hours so we spent the night inside the Lakbay Norte 3 shuttle to rest.

Afterwards, we headed to our assigned rooms so we could get ready for another adventure prepared for us. But first we had breakfast at 5 in the morning courtesy of Mcdonalds. The meal was what we needed to keep us full as we travel to Kalinga and experience white water rafting by Adventures and Expeditions Inc.

White Water Rafting at Chico River
Kalinga, Cordillera Administrative Region

kalinga chico river
listening to our raft guide

Toploading in Kalinga

It was a chilly morning and the sun was still rising. On our way to the starting point of the rafting adventure, we made a stopover to change seats. Those who wanted to ride on top of the jeep had transferred. This reminded me of my crazy topload from Banaue to Bontoc during our trip to Sagada. It also made me realize I haven’t finished writing about my Sagada series.

toploading to chico river
chilly morning topload

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Our Melting Pot Hostel in Makati, Philippines

I was in Manila last week and I was searching for backpacker lodges in the area since my friend’s place (where I normally crash) was unavailable. I was planning to stay in backpacker hostels in Malate but I found it a bit far from the metro. Good thing I was referred by Dong Ho to Our Melting Pot (OMP) hostel in Makati, Philippines.

I didn’t expect much from this place. All I wanted was a decent bed to crash plus good WiFi connection to work on my online assignments. I got more than what I asked for when I spent the remaining days in this awesome backpacker inn.

Our Melting Pot Makati
entrance at Our Melting Pot

Our Melting Pot Hostel Review

Our Melting Pot is located in what seems like an abandoned building in Makati Avenue. The elevator was a little creepy at first, but I got used to it.

On the 4th floor, I removed my shoes and went inside. I was welcomed by a spacious common area where the staff was already expecting me.

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common area

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Sport Fishing at Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija

My eyes were squinting when the organizers woke us up to step off the bus. We just arrived in Nueva Ecija to try sport fishing at the Pantabangan Dam after a spelunking activity in Bulacan. It was a long bus ride, about 7 hours with a lunch stopover at Liquid Coffee Bar and Resto in Microtel Cabanatuan. I still wanted to sleep but we needed to go down to check the place out.

Sport Fishing at Pantambangan Dam
Nueva Ecija

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Dandi of Lakbay Norte 3 in Pantabangan Lake

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Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija

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Off-Road 4×4 Adventure to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga

After checking out from the Widus Hotel Resort, we prepared for another adventure, this time an off-road 4×4 ride to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga.

The breakfast buffet at the resort was wonderful, if only we had more time. But it was a busy day as we had another set of activities lined up for us.

Puning Hot Springs & Sand Spa
Sitio Target, Sapang Bato
Angeles City, Pampanga

offroad puning
Off Road Adventure to the Puning Hot Springs

4×4 vehicles welcomed us and it was cool to see a row of them displayed as if we got to choose which one we could drive. Of course, it didn’t matter which color we rode as we were but passengers of these open-air wheels.

offroad puning

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Sand Spa & Mudpack at Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga

After a 4×4 off-road adventure from Puning Hot Springs, we proceeded to the next station where we were treated to a sand spa and mudpack therapy.

Sand Spa & Mudpack at Puning Hot Springs
Sitio Target, Sapang Bato
Angeles City, Pampanga

puning hot springs sand spa
pouring sand over Krishmel and James | my turn
photo by Lakwatsero

Sand Spa

I first heard about a volcanic ash spa when I read an article by a fellow blogger. I didn’t really know what to expect except for being buried alive in sand and volcanic ash. There’s also an oven below where they place coals to maintain the warm temperature. We were advised that the sand spa experience helps improve blood circulation. This only lasts for 20-30 minutes to avoid dehydration.

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JourneyingJames feeling the heat.

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Paddleboarding at Paoay Lake, Ilocos Norte

Aside from surfing, one of the activities I looked forward to doing was paddle boarding at Paoay Lake, Ilocos Norte. I wanted to try this because I’ve seen the sport in magazines and I wondered how sport was like compared to surfing.

Paddle boarding at Paoay Lake
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

lakwatsero paddleboard
Angel of Lakwatsero.com paddleboarding in Paoay Lake

I knew surfing was a tough one; heck it took me awhile before I learned to stand on the board yet I was only able to ride the wave for a couple of seconds. Then catching another wave would require more energy and a lot more strength to stay afloat. Paddleboarding, after my first attempt, turned out to be an easy one.

paddleboard paoay lake
Mike teaching the basics

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Dawel River Cruise and Bangus Harvest in Dagupan, Pangasinan

After our breakfast at The Manor Hotel in Baguio, we headed to Dagupan City in Pangasinan. The main activity that was lined up for us was the Dawel River Cruise. We arrived after four hours and we were greeted by the representatives from the Dagupan tourism department.

pangasinan fishing
an alternative career
photo taken by Angel

I knew about this cruise through my blogger friend Mica of Senyorita.net when she wrote about it on her blog. If you ask me, Mica seems to be a blogger ambassador of the Dagupan City because of how she promotes her hometown to the rest of the blogging community. Check out her article here: Dagupan City’s Newest Tourist Attraction

bangus dawell cruise
murals that greet you at the entrance

Inspired by Bohol’s Loboc River Cruise, the Dawel River Cruise was conceptualized to clean the rivers of Dagupan City. A relaxing day with local music being played as we passed through the river, it was a welcome treat from the extreme activities that we had the previous days. We also feasted on delicious rice cakes that they prepared for us.

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Dawel River Cruise in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

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Jungles And Mud Karts In Puerto Galera

As I walked along the road, the sun beat down. The jungle canopy stretched overhead; protecting me from the hottest sun rays, but many still landed on my back. I drank a mouthful of cold water. Sweat dripped down my back. A motorcycle sped past, spitting exhaust fumes into the atmosphere as it disappeared around a corner. Where was I? I was in Puerto Galera, a small town on the island of Oriental Mindoro.

puerto-galera
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Roughly 4 hours from Manila, Puerto Galera is a popular town for weekend getaways. It attracts tourists of all types. The Filipinos congregate around White Beach, a popular nightlife district, while the foreigners tend to set up camp around Sabang. I was staying at a Puerto Galera resort in the middle, approximately 10 minutes motorcycle ride from White Beach and Sabang.

Today, I’d forsaken the motorcycle for my own two legs. I was on my way to Sabang, one of the tourist areas.

badladz puerto galera
BadLadz Resort

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Suba Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

About 15 minutes away from Paoay Lake, we went to the sand dunes of Suba, Ilocos Norte for a quick stop. This was not supposed to be part of our itinerary but since we had a few minutes to spare, we were lucky to be given the time to check the place out.

Quick Stop at Suba Sand Dunes
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

suba sand dunes ilocos
view from the bus

“Guys, 10 minutes only!” Ivan of Ivan About Town said that we shouldn’t take long as we still had some activities lined up for the rest of the day.

I was happy to have the chance to step down the bus and not just stare at the place from afar that I hurriedly took my camera out and stepped foot on the sand.

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Lakbay Norte 3 Victory Liner Bus in Paoay

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Widus Resort and Casino Hotel in Clark, Pampanga

Formerly known as Hotel Vida, the Widus Resort and Casino hotel in Clark, Pampanga was the last place we checked in during our Lakbay Norte 3 trip. This was a nice and relaxing place to cap off our eight-day adventure to different parts of North Luzon.

Widus Resort and Casino Hotel in Clark, Pampanga
January 28, 2012

hotel widus

Hotel Widus, Clark, Pampanga

To be honest, I didn’t expect a lot from this hotel. I was just happy to rest after a long day of pampering. But when I saw our King Bed and Single bed room, I was amazed.

widus hotel room

our room in Hotel Widus

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The Manor Hotel in Baguio City

One of my most favorite hotels during our Lakbay Norte 3 trip was Hotel Manor in Baguio City. We arrived after our Airsoft game at the Baguio Country Club and it was nice to see the place all lit up.

The Manor Hotel
January 26, 2012

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night scene in Hotel Manor

When we arrived at the lobby, chandeliers and a fireplace greeted us. There was also a band at the Piano Bar and I could see an old couple dancing to the song being played. It was a nice welcome after a tiring day of activities and it made me want to go directly to my room so I could change and then explore the other parts of the hotel.

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lobby of Hotel Manor

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Lunch at Kapuluan Vista Resort, Pagudpud

After six hours of travel time from Tuguegarao, we arrived we arrived at the Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud to have lunch. The resort, hotel, and restaurant is owned by couple Mr. Mike and Alma Oida and they’ve been running the place since 2006.

Lunch at Kapuluan Vista Resort
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

kapuluan vista resort
Kapuluan Vista Resort, Hotel and Restaurant

They gave us a preview of the food that they serve in the restaurant. What was striking about their menu is that the ingredients are taken from their garden. Their items are prepared fresh, with no preservatives added. Don’t panic they’re organic!

kapuluan resort food
1. Flower Decoration, 2. Kapuluan Kinilaw (Polynesian Style), 3. Cabbage Parsley Soup, 4. Bagnet Ceviche

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Surfing at Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

I love the water. Even as a kid, we would always go to the beach or pools during weekends. We’d normally take a swim, build sand castles, jump into the sea, and do just about any activity available. I’ve developed this fascination that even as a grownup, I’d be willing to try any physical exercise that involves water.

Lakbay Norte 3: Surfing at Blue Lagoon
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

surfing pagudpud
steady now
(photo by Marcos)

I prefer experimenting with watersports and it’s only a few that I’ve done so far – skimboarding in Argao, Cebu and kneeboarding in Camarines Sur. Both of which, I know I’m not good at but I’m happy to have at least tried them.

I remember the time when I rode my first (and only) wave in Siargao. One hour wasn’t enough but my body couldn’t take it anymore as I easily got tired. I also never had a picture of me standing on the board, until now.

pagudpud
cone-shaped islands

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