Bucco Bali Beach Resort (May 2016)

Planning a trip is never easy. You have to make sure that everyone agrees with the date and location as well as which hotel you will choose to stay or what amenities you might need.
Rule of the thumb: Do not decide on your own unless you're travelling alone.

We honestly had a difficulty looking for a pet-friendly hotel/villa that could accommodate a total of 9 people or more and infront of the beach. From Batangas to Zambales and Subic, most are sold out online. Some do not allow pets. Until we reached Bataan which is a good destination as well.

Note: It's best to have your own means of transportation because it will take you around 3-5 hr. drive from Manila to Bataan depending on the traffic. And, I don't see any buses or jeepneys going to this hotel.

What I love about Bucco Bali Beach Resort:

1. The front desk is very accommodating! I do send her inquires almost everyday and she replies faster than a speeding bullet.

2. It is a pet-friendly resort. They allow pets inside the room as long as it has leash and pet owners are responsible.

3. On the beach and there's an outdoor pool! Just few steps away from your door.

4. The beds are very comfortable! It has a double deck with 5 extra mattresses and a pull-out sofa bed. Enough for a group of 15.
(Check out the photos below)

5. They have nipa huts available for the guests without any fees. Some resorts will charge you around 500 pesos for that.

6. The villa is very spacious and we spent less than 10,000 pesos for a night.

Photos can be deceiving and I did my best not to use filters.

Cropped. The name of our villa.

Left door is for bathroom. Then, there's a mini table but no microwave or coffeemaker or anything on the other side.

 

Bathroom with hot/cold shower.

 Just a small table. I'm not sure but maybe in the future they may add something more essential here.

Sofa bed.

That's my sister (just ignore her).
Airconditioned room.

Pool Area.

We've got our own space.

Low tide. Beach Area.

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I missed the sceneries and the fun that we had when we stayed here last last month. Not all the time you can have family bonding activities. We get busy and have different priorities. I personally don't see my family, not literally though. In BPO industry, you must be flexible. We always have shifting schedules. When I get home, my father and siblings are in the office and school. When I wake up, preparing for work, they are already sleeping.
No time for small talks.

I'm grateful that I got a chance to have a time with my family even just for a night. Thank you Bucco Bali for being a part of it!

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For inquiries:
Please contact Ms. Kate Ignacio.
+63 9399277382
Visit: www.buccobalibeachresort.com/

Rizal: Pililla Wind Farm and Tanay Church

Pililla Wind Farm is situated in Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal. The first time I saw windmills was when I had a tour in Ilocos with my college friends.

I guess the one in Bangui is taller but they have numerous visitors everyday.

Great place to take pictures and learn about wind energy!

This is the only view we had but I've read on some sites that other tourists were able to go up and see the sunset at Laguna de Bay. 

Pililla Wind Farm doesn't require any donations or entrance fee.

Feel free to drop by anytime with your love one.

Last destination before going back to Manila.

Travelling for me won't be complete without visiting a church. Saint lldephonsus de Toledo Parish known as the Tanay Church is located in Plaza Aldea Tanay, Rizal. It was declared as a National Cultural Treasure along with 25 churches in the Philippines.

Always remember to thank God for having a safe trip. 

Pray not because you need something, pray because you are thankful for everything.

Rizal: Parola

Tanay's Parola is not included originally in our itinerary but we were glad the driver recommended this to us. 

Yes, it is blessed to be in a perfect spot. Say hi to the largest lake in the Philippines (Laguna de Bay)!

View from the top. 

I was inspired to travel more and see the uniqueness of each places we visit.

Countryside.

I found tranquility here.

I remember one of my guest from another company said that I should live outside the box and learn to explore the world.

I'm starting to do it now!

Rizal: Batlag Falls

Never forget to visit Batlag Falls once you are in Daranak. It's just few steps away or no more than 10 mins walking distance. Entrance fee here is 100 pesos. 

Compare to Daranak, Batlag falls is less crowded and water is a bit clear, though it doesn't seem like in the photo. We were able to swim here without renting a table, just kept our bags near to us. Very relaxing!

I find it charming and magical especially the rock formations. I hope people would avoid destroying our treasures.

Let us love and protect our nature.

Rizal: Daranak Falls

Our second destination after Calinawan Cave. 

Daranak Falls is also one of the most visited attractions in Rizal. It is only 25 minutes away from the cave which you won't notice since the surrounding is very relaxing and close to nature.

Right?

Photo above is updated until now (July 2016)

Follow their policies so you won't have any problems. Like Calinawan Cave, it is also a budget-friendly spot in Rizal. We did not rent a picnic shed or table because we just want to take pictures. And as expected, it was super crowded that time.

People were having fun. I've heard many good things about Daranak it's just that we came at a wrong time. No chance to enjoy it's clear and cool water like the one I used to see on Instagram. Some parts of the area has a brownish color which I'm afraid of. 

I would still prefer to go back because I know there's something majestic behind its crowded and unpeaceful appearance.

Spelunking #1: Calinawan Cave

Going East of Manila. Exploring the green province of Rizal! Calinawan Cave is located in Brgy. Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal and served as a house of Filipino revolutionaries during the Second World War. It is one of the most visited attractions in Tanay and very accessible from Manila.

We travelled around 1-2 hrs. from the terminal in Shaw Blvd. going to Tanay, Rizal. You may either take a jeep or FX for less than 100 pesos (I forgot the exact amount!)

Here in Rizal, you don't need to bring tons of money in your pocket especially if you are travelling with your friends. Before you enter Calinawan Cave, there's a mandatory fee of 20 pesos per person and 200 pesos for tour guide (which you can divide to how many you are in a group).

I was exhilirated to see the entrance of the cave and it is my first time in the world of spelunking!

This cave is best for newbies like me. I believe they have a total of 5 layers. These layers are a bit challenging but fun to explore. There's one layer where you need to crawl and get your hands dirty but it's worth a try.

The sexy way! Try this layer and prove to me that you are sexy. Just kidding! Always remember that being sexy is not just about having curves, it's about having a positive and good attitude. Be humble and love yourself! I can assure you, this one will be easy.

Counting glittery spots

Heart-shaped formation

Have fun while you're young. Try those things that scares you and never stop travelling (don't forget to save though). 😅

Calinawan Cave's Exit

It may not be as extreme as the other caves that we have here in the Philippines but if you are a nature lover or an outdoor enthusiast, you will definitely love this place. Let's keep the history alive!

By the way, there is one concerned citizen who offered us a cheap ride around Rizal. We only paid 200 pesos each person and he took us to Calinawan Cave, Daranak and Batlag Falls, Tanay Church and Parola. 

You may contact Kuya Elmer: 

+63 9484857705