Reminiscing my Extraordinary Romantic Getaways

Not everybody likes traveling but I bet everybody loves romance. It surely tickles even the innermost human nerves and then suddenly, it feels like you're floating in mid-air. :)

I've been in love for the past several years of my life. Friends always ask me what's the secret to keeping a long time relationship. To be honest, I don't really know, I'm not an expert in this department. I don't even think I'm pouring so much effort in this relationship but maybe it helps when there's a shared passion. I love traveling and he loves adventure, not much of a similarity but both come hand in hand. :) Not that I'm saying it's the magic but true enough, traveling and discovering new things together rekindle the flair every now and then. With that, let me share you two of the trips I consider most romantic  in our past years together (well, not really romantic since I spell romance with a-d-v-e-n-t-u-r-e). To set your expectation, you might not find it romantic at all, but never boring for sure.

Witnessing Sunrise at the top of Mt. Pulag

It was March 2005 when we reached the peak of Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon and the third in the Philippines. We joined common friends in their second attempt of witnessing themagnificent sunrise of this mountain.  Choosing to traverse the steep and mostly ascending Akiki Trail in our ascent, it wasn't a walk in the park, it was a truly tiring 2 days of walking and climbing experience. What made it awesome though is the changing views around. The mountain offered stunning views of lush pine forests gracefully standing along the cliffs, the mossy forest that doesn't allow sunlight to shine through the woods, the rolling grassy slopes and the dwarf bamboo trees. It was also super fun trekking with friends, who have contagious light spirits. To tell you the truth, I stayed most of the time inside the tent once we reached the campsite near the peak on the second night. It was so chilly that my thin body had a hard time coping with the frigid climate, nevertheless, it was a very enriching experience with Nikko and our friends. We woke up at 5am the following morning to climb from our campsite to the peak. There, we patiently waited for the sun to shine.  Nikko and I settled beside each other, then... the moment we've been waiting for was unfolding. It was the sun greeting us gloriously. I felt like I'm in heaven seeing the sun starting to illuminate  the sea of clouds resting all around us with it's gold rays. It was a magical moment.  It felt like the time stopped ticking and we we're just there for the soul purpose of realizing how wonderful God's creation is, and we're beside each other to witness it.

We quietly  stood next to each other, holding hands. He then kissed me on my forehead before saying he loves me. That even made it more beautiful for me. Witnessing the sunrise of Mt. Pulag with him is one thing that will always be special to me. We then have picture taking with our friends. :) Needless to say, Mt. Pulag's sunrise is what I consider the most romantic experience. :)

Treading the Unfamiliar Highway of Puerto Galera in the Dark

It was February of 2011 when we had our Puerto Galera trip. We stayed in the more quiet and intimate Tamaraw Beach Resort in  Aninuan Beach. Late afternoon on our first day in the resort, we decided to have a leisurely walk on the shore passing by a gorgeous view of a brook surrounded by lush greens with a background of the nearby mountains then the wide expanse of sandy shore in front of the Ayala-Zobel's property.

We crossed a boulder and before we knew it, we we're already walking the shores of Talipanan Beach, located at the far end of the beach stretch. There, we found Luca's, an Italian Restaurant built out of bamboo and nipa with the stunning view of the bluish sea and rocky cliffs. We had a filling dinner of pizza and pasta. We may have lost consciousness of the time and it turned dark without us noticing it. That's when we realized we didn't have flashlights with us to illuminate our path back to the resort.

We decided it wasn't safe to retrace our footsteps in the shore back to the resort. Earlier that afternoon, we crossed a narrow stream where the sea water flows directly into the brook. It wasn't too deep with the water just high above my knees but tides may change and there's always a possibility it might get deeper. It's unwise to go on specially with the darkness that set in. Our best option is the highway, hoping there are tricycles or any mode of transportation passing by the area. We asked direction from Luca's on how we'd reach the highway and they pointed us to a narrow path that turned ascending in a few minutes. With my camera almost emptly, I couldn't turn the LED lights on, instead we relied in the faint lights of our cellphones. Not very reliable but that's the best we've got. The highway is elevated, carved from the foot of the mountain, so in our right is the mountain and on the left is the cliff. Since it was dark, I didn't have a chance to see what I'm guessing is supposed to be a magnificent view. What I saw is a white figure of something slowly crossing the road, right in front of us, from the mountain side to the cliffs, then suddenly disappearing. I'm not joking, I had shivers at that moment but I didn't tell it to Nikko right away, he seemed not to see it. We continued walking and realized the highway is devoid of any lamp posts. It's totally pitch black, the moon might be resting that night. That was the first and only time in our relationship that I heard a bit of panick in Nikko's voice. Although he was trying to sound natural, he somewhat sounded really concerned. It was so creepy that the only thing we could see is  a small portion of the asphalted road where we were stepping. We continued. What made me at ease is his hand tightly holding mine. Although anxious, I'm pretty sure that we would arrive in Tamaraw Resort safely. After 20 minutes of walking in the dark, we started to see light posts, few but is a comfort to see.  We started to laugh at each other, sounds crazy I know but maybe we we're just so happy to finally surpass the dark.

After 5 minutes of lamp posts and houses though, the road started to be dark again but we were no longer afraid. We started sharing stories while walking and politely said no to a tricycle who stopped and offered us a ride. Then we reached a residential area of the highway again. In just a few minutes, we saw Tamaraw Beach Resort's convention Center and we were so thankful to finally make it, after 35 minutes of walking. We bought a beer and coke in Tamaraw's restaurant, sat in the chairs near the shore, played Bob Marley from Nikko's phone and ate the left ver pizza from Lucas. (Nakakagutom ang matakot, lol!) We started to relax and cuddle, can't get enough of sharing how each felt earlier. Our experience is more frightening than romantic but that experience led me closer to him and he to me. :)

There's a lot more to tell but these two are my definite favorites. I know romance would involve flowers, fancy dinners and surprises but on my experiences, these far exceeds my romance thermometer. It kept both our adrenaline pumping, our heart racing and it just drew us nearer each other, the natural way. :) Afterall, when you find someone who's happiness is as simple as yours and who finds it joyful holding your hands in silence while the sun is rising, or in this matter walking a deserted and dark highway (lol!) what's there to look for?

 Happy Valentines Day everyone! What's your story to share?

Tukuran Hanging Bridge

Right after we witnessed the beauty of Tukuran Hidden Paradise, I already had my day complete, so ready to go back to our hotel back in Aninuan Beach. I have my full attention on the landscapes we were passing by when Michael suddenly stopped the tricycle on our way back to San Teodoro. I thought he just needed to check on the tires so I was surprised when he told us there's a hanging bridge on our right.

There's a small iron gate almost invisible to the passersby as it was partly covered by thick foliage. He opened the gate for us and I was surprised some more. Right before my eyes is the longest hanging bridge I've been to here in the Philippines. It is a bit rusty and the floors slippery (due to the light rain). It swayed when we walked through it but it proved to still be sturdy.

The bridge is an important structure because it links the gap from the Mangyan village (natives of Oriental Mindoro) to the main roads going to town. Under this bridge is a part of Tukuran River where water from Tukuran falls (which is found uphills in about 30 minutes) flow. There's really nothing to do here but if you're in the vicinity, it is also great to see. It looked a bit of contrast to the laid back and natural surroundings but somehow, it added a rustic charm to the surrounding view.

A Side Trip to Tamaraw Falls in Puerto Galera, Philippines

Puerto Galera is a gem of the Philippines. It boasts of pristine beaches, rich marine life and green mountains. There's one more natural wonder in that area that surely left me in awe, that is the magnificent cascades of Tamaraw Falls.



Most hotels in Puerto Galera offer a tour package to Tamaraw falls for Php1,500 per person. That idea didn't appeal thrilling to me though knowing that everything will be arranged for me. I always like to do it my way, that is commuting - just the way the locals do it. Besides, I'm really not willing to pay that amount.

From Tamaraw Beach Resort in Aninuan Beach, I asked the lady in the frontdesk how much do locals pay for a tricycle ride from their resort to the downtown. It is Php100 per tricycle for a special trip but we didn't need to take one because the resort provided us a FREE tricycle ride to the town. We're grateful to them and it took us about 20 minutes to reach the town. We didn't forget to give tip to our friendly driver.

From the town, there are queues of jeeps headed to Calapan City, the capital of Oriental Mindoro. The barker told us to hop inside the jeep right away since it's about to leave. Without thinking twice, we did as told and the jeep left. We didn't have any idea that only a seat for one person is available and there are even people sitting at the door and were standing at the back of the vehicle. Wanting to reach Tamaraw Falls early, we decided not to alight and I just sat on Nikko's lap through the 15 km. travel. We passed through zigzag roads with some parts still under construction which made me a bit uncomfortable. It was ok though, I still had fun. We paid Php30 each for the fare and in about 30 minutes, we reached Tamaraw falls, which is right beside the road.

Tamaraw Falls is truly a masterpiece of nature. It is a 423-foot series of differently shaped and sized waterfall flowing downwards then finally combining each drop into a single cascade creating a pool at the foot of it. Thick trees and foliage abound the mountain where the water is flowing. The water then flow downwards under and to the other side of the bridge where it is collected in a man made pool where everyone can take a dip. Entrance is Php20.

Several tourists were already there when we arrived. After we took some photos, we had to leave soon because we also planned of visiting Tukuran Hidden Paradise and we were not sure of how to get there. I glanced at the falls for the last time then Nikko and I continued walking on the highway to Calapan, thinking its just a walking distance from Tamaraw Falls.

To go back to Puerto Galera, ride a jeep from Calapan City going back to Puerto Galera. It will pass right on thesame highway. Last trip is 7 PM.

Tamaraw Beach Resort, accommodation in Puerto Galera

The moment I settled with the fact that I'm spending my anniversary weekend with Nikko not in Calaguas but in Puerto Galera, accommodation is the first thing I researched. Other than budget as a consideration, (specially I'm not the one paying, hehe.. ) I really like the place to be beautiful, safe and far from the maddening noise of a crowd. Coming across some write ups about Tamaraw Beach Resort located in Aninuan Beach, I thought maybe it was the place I'm looking for. I didn't reserve a room right away but I was hoping there will be one left for us. I wanted to have a freedom of looking for other options in case I didn't like the feel of the place.

Riding the ferry and reaching White Beach, almost everybody alighted the boat except for another couple.  When our ferry docked in front of Sunset in Aninuan Resort, we walked a few steps on our left towards Tamaraw and was asked by a gentleman wearing a Tamaraw Resort shirt if he can help us with something. I told him we wanted to check their rates. He guided us to the reception area where we booked the cheapest room available.

Our room was located in what I called the 3 1/2 floor because it is on the middle of the third and fourth floor, halfway the stairs to reach the higher floor of the concrete building.  It was painted purple that illuminates a pink tone when sunlight enters from the window where the mountains are visible. It has a double bed, a fan and a neat little bathroom.

Our two night stay in the resort had been truly comfortable and enjoyable. People in the front desk area may have not been trained to smile to guests and are not overly cordial but they answer questions and fulfill requests right away. One thing I liked about Tamaraw is the honestly of their staff. If it's free, they really tell guests it's free, like when we're asking if they are selling hot water or when we're asking how much do locals pay the tricycle when they go to the town from the resort. We were informed that they provide free transportation service to staying guests (like when we needed a ride to town going to Tamaraw Falls and Tukuran Hidden Paradise) through a van if there are several guests and in our case, since there's just two of us, a tricycle. :) We just paid Php800 a night yet we felt like we're a million dollar richer, we felt important.

The resort have different accommodation options. Some prefer the cottages lined near the shore and are surrounded by flourishing plants. I prefer to stay in the building because of the great sea view that greets me whenever I step to the corridors. One can see the rest of the resort from the fourth floor.

We visited nearby attractions during daytime and by the time we were back at the resort, we kind of felt a little spent already. It was soothing to lie down on the beach chairs under the shade of umbrella trees, then listen to the gentle waves caressing the shore. At nights, we had our midnight snack in these same chairs, eating pizza and sipping  softdrinks in a quiet windy night, exchanging intimate conversation over  soft music playing from my phone.

When Sunday afternoon came, we practically have the resort to ourselves except for friendly foreign tourists (mostly are French) who were also staying in the resort.  Most of them smile at us then we're engaged to short conversations. With our last two days of stay in the resort, we're the only Filipinos left but it didn't really matter.

I really had a good time staying in Tamaraw Beach Resort. It's on a good location, they have good service and they provide good value for what guests are spending. They have a restaurant and that maybe is the only downside when you're staying in the resort. There's not a lot of  food options and  prices are higher than my standard so we didn't really eat here (most are food we bought from other restaurants) except for the second night when after we had dinner, I craved for dessert. I had mango chocolate crepe and melon shake and paid a little more that Php200. I just couldn't believe I had my dinner for only Php70 then spent that amount for dessert, lol! But it was delicious so I guess, I could forget about the price. :)

So when you're a person who can pass up on night life, or maybe going on a romantic trip, this resort might be a good choice for you the next time you go back to Puerto Galera. I"ll surely stay with them again on my next visits.

Places I've Been in Puerto Galera
Tukuran Hidden Paradise
Tukuran Hanging Bridge
Tamaraw Falls
Aninuan Beach
Reminiscing My Extra Ordinary Romantic Getaways

The Uncrowded Beach of Aninuan in Puerto Galera

Manila, where I currently reside is approximately just about three hours away from Puerto Galera, a place in Oriental Mindoro that is home to several "white sand" beaches and shimmering blue waters. It was my first time to go here. Hearing Puerto Galera is a party beach, I was turned off right away and didn't bother to join friends whenever I was invited to go with them. I always prefer the beach to be quiet and peaceful just like my personality :)

My tenth year anniversary with Nikko is nearing and having had budget and time constraints as well as for safety reasons, we both agreed not to push through with Calaguas Island trip as originally planned. I then researched for an alternate place where we can spend the weekend together. That's when I reconsidered Puerto Galera specially when I read Claire's blog about Talipanan Beach, also in Puerto Galera. I then realized, it might be worthwhile trying it out, specially it was said that the place is equal in beauty with White Beach (where most tourists stay) less the crowd.

So I initially planned that we stay in Talipanan only to realize, it might be too far and inconvenient since I also included Tamaraw Falls and Tukuran Hidden Paradise in our itinerary, other attractions in Oriental Mindoro which are just few towns away from Puerto Galeara and which we reached by just commuting. That's when I stumbled upon Tamaraw Beach Resort which is located in Aninuan Beach.

Aninuan Beach is the next beach from White Beach when riding the ferry from Batangas Pier and is before Talipanan. These beaches are separated by a big and rocky boulder but is possible to cross during low tide.

We reached Aninuan on a Saturday and several guests were already in the area. It's comforting to see though that the beach didn't look crowded, maybe because  the beach front has a wide expanse of shores. There are also just two resorts operating in that part of Puerto Galera, one is Sunset in Aninuan, an upscale hotel resort where most foreign tourists stay and the less pricey Tamaraw Beach Resort, which served as our home for two nights.

Right after a 3PM lunch on our first day, Nikko and I explored the whole stretch of the beach as we walk towards Luca's Italian Restaurant at the far end of Talipanan Beach. Tamaraw is the first resort coming from White Beach, next is Sunset in Aninuan Resort. Right after that is a surprise. :) There's a beautiful scenery of a stream where the sea water flows into it meeting with the fresh water. Looking into that side, it also has the panoramic backdrop of the lush mountains and greens surrounding the stream. It instantly refreshed me from feeling sleepy and tired.

The sand in Aninuan is off white, yet it glistens like snow when sunlight is at brightest. There are also several stones scattered in the shore but walking barefooted didn't cause me any discomfort. Stones are mostly smooth, round and flat, the kind that's perfect to throw in the sea to see how many times it will bounce from the water.

Just a few more steps and I saw the widest expanse of the shore in that side of the beach, with few scattered native houses and a main house at the center shaded with lush coconut trees towering around it. It instantly put me into a playful mood and I wanted to roll in the sand right away (lol) but I didn't especially when I saw 2 old folks sitting on a folding chair placed few meters from us and were watching the sea. There are two gentlemen standing on the side of the old folks, one is holding an umbrella. Then it dawned on me, that maybe is the part of the Zobel de Ayala's property in Aninuan. I then saw a yacht and I dreamed of using it to tour the whole archiepelago. :D

We continued walking and admiring how wide and clean the shore is. Then we reached the boulder separating Aninuan from Talipanan. I didn't want to cross the water and get wet since we'll have dinner in Luca's and I'm greatful that a local teenager pointed us to an upward pathway where she said we could take to avoid the water. We passed by some houses owned by the locals and by the time we walked down slope, I knew that we're already in Talipanan Beach.

The waters in Aninuan is generally calm with bigger waves  in late afternoons. I found it too salty compared to other beaches I've been. Water accidentally entered my nose many times while swimming and I don't understand why. The water temparature is soothing since it wasn't too cold or warm but it's the wind that's  frigid despite the sun shining really bright. About 25-30 meters away from the shore, Nikko and I did snorkel. Don't expect to see much. I didn't see any colorful corals except for something that looked like a brain and has a green tint. There's also a part of the deep sea that became shallow because of a big mass of rock where corals are starting to grow. Blue and black fishes play in that part of the sea and I tried capturing a video with my camera.

Overall, I loved  Aninuan Beach. The water is great for swimming, the nights are perfect for intimate moments, the ambiance is relaxing and I loved walking on the it's expanse of  broad shore.