Pong Thoughts: First Invite Everrrr!!!!!! 🐢

Ola!!! ☺

I've been blogging or should I say started blogging again for almost a year now. Last year, I decided to write again and so far, so good. I can finally say that this is something that I really love to do. Passion it is. ♥

Guess what?! I've been invited to the Pawikan Festival! Woohoo! Won't include the content of the whole letter, just the heading and the introduction. Kilig di ba?

Next week, November 25, Pawikan Festival is happening in Morong, Bataan wherein attendees are privileged to witness the laying, hatching and the releasing of the baby turtles to the wild. Amazing, yes? 🐢🐢🐢 

Good thing is that accommodation is free when you get invited and I feel so lucky to be one of the few. Aside from the fact that I am fond of turtles, just the opportunity is indeed a blessing already. First time 'toooooooooo!!!!!!!! Jusko!!! Hahahaha!

Sea turtles' rate of survival when released is so minimal but when they're able to survive, their lives could last up to 100 years. Lots of factors - weather, human intervention, ecosystem and the marine life itself too. But I would say, as humans, let's do our part. Ironically speaking, humans are the greatest threat to our pawikans, but we are the ones who can definitely save and protect them too. Let's love our oceans more - they are beautiful and definitely, we'd love to see the future generation see how beautiful the oceans are.

If you're free, c'mon join us on the 25th and celebrate the annual Pawikan Festival in Bataan! See you there! 🐢☺

PS Feeling ko blogger na talaga ko! Haha!

My action cam, GoPro Hero 5 Black: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTXP
My phone, iPhone 5: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTdi



speak from the heart,
pong 🐢♥

Amazing Sardine Run 🐟 - Pescador Island, Cebu

Hello!!!!! ☺

Been browsing my action cam and transferring files as I need to free up some space to give way to new ones - naks. Hehe. I've come across this video and decided to share and upload it on my YouTube Channel. Please like, comment and subscribe if you can! 

After seeing this video the day it was taken (September 17, 2017), I was totally amazed and it was like Nat Geo comes to life feels. Ang gandaaaaa!! Am forever grateful to our Cebu tour guides and the amazing experience. Grabe lang talaga. Cannot contain my happiness and kilig. Thank you, Lord! Marine life is so so beautiful. We should love the oceans more!

For accessories and GoPro cameras: Click here
My action cam: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTXP

speak from the heart,

pong 🐢💙

Pong Travels: Cebu

Hello-hello! 👩

This is my very first video edit! It's a short one. Hehe. More like a teaser to my work-in-progress blog and vlog? 

Please subscribe to YouTube Channel! Thanks! More to come! 💕

speak from the heart,

pong 🐢💙

Pong Travels: STKD - Cebu 🌊🌴

Hello! 😌

It's a beautiful Saturday morning and am still at work! Bummer! Still have loads to do. (managed to still post a blog though) lol. 👊

Bound for Cebu later around 4P to see the Whale Sharks and the Kawasan Falls. No Canyoning/Canyoneering for me as my ortho is out of the country and poor me, I do not have my clearance yet. It's going to be my second time in Cebu and maybe, next year, I would be able to tick Canyoneering off my bucket list. February? We'll see. Looking forward though. 👀

Right now, I still have 4 on my to-do list, phone is charging, GoPro is charging and am leaving some stuff here in the office to make my pack a bit lighter. 👌

Papa sent me packing earlier - kidding. Thanks sa paghatid, Pa!  ♥

Will blog about it when I get back! #pongtravels #tortoiseadventures #pongtograpiya is back!!! Woohoo!!!

Are you ready to get stoked? Tara! 

my STKD bag

my stuff. ✈

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Features: Deng and Faye's Bernabeach Getaway 🌊

Hello! 😎


You know you have the right set of friends when they ask you where to go, they believe you, they go to that place and they let you publish they experience on your site. Nice, yeah? 😎

So, let's start. Bernabeach Resort is located in Nasugbu, Batangas. It's actually one of the resorts that was on my list when I went to Nasugbu last December. I landed to the adjacent resort though. 

Bernabeach offers an amazing Infinity Pool. The beach - "sapat lang" (just fair) was how I described it to my PD brother Odeng when he asked me. Haha. So, I have decided to just have minor modifications on his kwento (story) about their experience. I mean I felt how happy he was with the outcome, but I guess it really depends on how you'll take it e. Happiness is a choice, right? With good company pa, so winner. 

This is the first picture Deng sent me before the whole sharing of story happened. 

Odeng: 👨
"Haha. Di ko alam paano uumpisahan ang kwento. Pero masaya ang experience kung ano ung pagkakadescribe mo ganun ang napicture ko sa isip ko. Ito yung lakad na biglaan as in umiinom kami ng Sunday, ang usapan namen drive lang sa may Kaybiang Tunnel 'tas uwi na. Sabi ko sayang naman ang lakad, bakit hindi tayo mag-swimming tutal nasa Nasugbu na din tayo. Pag dating ng Monday, ito na, akala ko usapang laseng lang. Dumating yung pinsan ko na pabalik ng UAE sa Wednesday, July 12. Uminom ulit kami as usual. Yun yung time na nagtanong ako sayo saan malapit at di naman ako napahiya, hehe.

Dumating kami ng July 11 sa Bernabeach before lunch time. Mga 10:30AM nakapagcheck-in na kami since di naman daw peak season, pwede na kami sa room, then check-out time is 12NN, the next day. Yung POOL agad ang nakita namen. WOW! Lalo ung sa kabila ung infinity.

Malinis ung lugar at maayos ang service. Siguro nga kasi Monday sha kaya walang gaanong tao, meron man, pero di aabot ng 10 yung nakita ko. Ang masasabi ko ay everything went well or great rather. Kahit walang planong maayos masasabi kong nag-enjoy mga kasama ko lalo na ung aalis ng bansa.


Si Faye?? Nako di ko alam kung nagka-asawa ako ng sirena. Tuwang-tuwa sha sa dagat pero inunahan ko sha sabi ko ung dagat wag ka mag-eexpect na maputi ang buhangin or ung nakikita mo sa FB or TV na magaganda. Nasugbu ay either brown or black sand. Nung andun na kami, sabi nya basta buhangin at dagat hindi mabato, gusto ko.

Yung room namen is for 2,500/night,deluxe ata yun. Ang masasabi ko, makukuha mo ung value ng binayaran mo since maaga kami naka check-in at malinis sha malamig ang AC malinis ang CR at gumagana ung warm/cold water. Maluwag din sila kasi nakapagpasok kami ng food at alak.

The next day, ito na balik dagat kami sa umaga. Tulad ng nakasanayan ko pag pumupunta ako sa ibang lugar na may dagat inaabangan ko ung mga nanghuhuli ng isda. Kasi pwede ka makahingi or makabili sa murang halaga. Hindi ko na lang matandaan kung anong tawag nila or pangalan ng isda na yan. More than 3 Kilos sha. Ang sabi nung mga taga dun is PHP300/Kilo nakuha namen for PHP700.

We were on the infinity pool while watching the majestic setting sun.

Shempre di mawawala ang babe time. Dahil sirena ata ang asawa ko, let me share some of our pics.

The next day, wala na kaming mashadong naging activity. Naligo na lang ulit sa dagat may less than an hour, alam mo na di papayag ang sirena na uuwi ng di ulit nababasa ng tubig alat. Plus kelangan na din umuwi kasi may pasok ako ng 1PM at yung pabalik ng UAE, may kailangan puntahan my 12NN.

So, buong experience was great! Siguro kelangan ng appreciation sa bawat bagay na makikita at mapupuntahan mo..hindi naman pwedeng lahat sila pare-pareho, may kanya-kanyang ganda ang bawat lugar. "For them not to say and for you to find out".




PS. Salamat Jo may sagot ka ata sa lahat ng itinatanong ko haha!"

- end-

Thank you, Deng for sharing your story and writing on my behalf. Haha. No, seriously though, I appreciate it. For your information guys, Odeng is one of my PD (pissdrunx) brothers whom I met through common friends and the mountains. I never thought he will be one of the folks worth keeping - tae! 💩 Sarap kausap neto! From okrayan, gaguhan to seryosohan to okrayan-gaguhan ulit. Haha!

RESORT DETAILS:

Location: Bernabeach Resort, Brgy. Bucana, Apacible Blvd., Nasubgu, Batangas Contact #s: +63-43-416-0442 | +63-927-418-7209 | +63-999-717-5044 | +63-923-442-6802 | +63-932-242-5550
Email: bernabeachresort@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bernabeachresort.com.ph/

HOW TO GET THERE:

Ride a DLTB/BSC/San Agustin Bus in Pasay Terminal with Nasugbu signage (Fare: PHP155)
Drop off to Nasugbu Proper
Ride a Tricycle and tell the driver Bernabeach (PHP10/head)


I guess, I should try Bernabeach myself too! Soon enough! 🌊


speak from the heart,
pong 💙🐢

Pong Travels: Altaroca Mountain Resort 🏊

Hi! 😚
It's our company (Alta Resources) outing and it's my second time to join! Who would have thought, right? 😌 I also paid a visit to the famous Antipolo Church. I was still a kid the last time I was there. 😏

Tayo Na! Ant1polo!

Antipolo Church

Alta Roca - we stayed here. It's located in Antipolo, Rizal, so it's just an hour or less drive from the office (Ortigas). It's like a Greek-inspired place. It's interiors are mainly white with some images with sayings on it. I stayed in a room with Stephen Curry's - 😍.

Entrance - Hi, Nico!

Pathway

Loft type

Loft type



Family Room - interior (that's baby Stephen Curry - ultimate #babydaddygoals lol)

Bathroom - interior

They have 3 pools. One is mainly for kids. 2 for adults, one 4ft-5ft-7ft deep and the other one, if am not mistaken 4ft-6ft?

Kiddie Pool

4ft - 6ft pool

4ft-5ft-7ft

Restaurant is open until 10PM. They offer Filipino foods - silog meals, pasta, sandwiches, finger foods, shakes, alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks.

They have karaoke for singers like me (frustrated singer, I meant, lol) and a place for team building activities too.
It's a big spot and could accommodate huge groups too. I would say, Alta Roca is worth the try. 😊

Details below:
Resort Name: Alta Roca Mountain Resort
Website: http://www.altaroca.com.ph/
Address: Taktak Road, Bankers Village, Brgy Sta. Cruz Antipolo City
Phone: +63 2 661-6834
Mobile: +63 917 541 2626
Resort Manager: Lourdes B. De Leon
Mobile: +63 921 9269473
TeleFax: +63 2 913 8398
Email: lbdeleon@alataroca.com.ph

ROOM RATES:Standard A w/o Balcony   2-3 pax   PHP3150
Standard A w Balcony      2-3 pax   PHP3550
Standard B                            4 pax   PHP3700
Deluxe                                  4 pax   PHP4450
Family A                              6 pax   PHP5000
Family B                              7 pax   PHP5750
Dorm type                          10 pax   PHP6200
Junior Suite                          2 pax   PHP4200
Large Suite                           2 pax   PHP4500
Maharlika Suite                4-5 pax    PHP5150

COTTAGES:Kubo                               6-10 pax    PHP800
Cabana                          15-30 pax    PHP1200
Yellow Bell                     6-10 pax    PHP1500
Lanai                             10-20 pax    PHP3500
Upper Treehouse           20-30 pax    PHP3500
Lower Treehouse           10-20 pax   PHP3000
Upper View Deck          20-30 pax   PHP5000

ENTRANCE FEE:
Adult PHP175 (Day); PHP195 (Night)
Kids  PHP135 (Day); PHP155 (Night)

Check-in 2:00PM; Check-out 12:00NN
Corkage Fee applies

Note: Prices may change, please refer to the website or contact Altaroca directly. 😊
   



speak from the 💙
- pong xx 🐢 [june 3-4,'17]

Pong Travels: Talipanan, Puerto Galera 🌊

Hiiii! 😙😍😚

Finally, a trip to the beach after 5 months! I told myself that I will never go back to Puerto Galera because of the long boat ride and deep waters of Mindoro. But who am I to say no to beautiful beaches, yes? Initially, the plan was to go to Calaguas but because of the weather, we opted to go to Puerto Galera. 

Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro and is accessible via Batangas City Port. My first glance of Puerto Galera was way back 2008. We stayed at the White Beach. This time, we chose the tranquil part of Galera - Talipanan. But since, it's my friend, Star's first time, we headed to the White Beach to have lunch and to do some pasalubong shopping before heading home. 

As usual, White Beach is busy. It's like mini-Boracay. Everyone is swimming, doing water sports and activities and party-ing at night; on the other hand, Talipanan is tranquil and serene. So, you choose your beach. Both White Beach and Talipanan Beach is a long stretch of white sand with different resorts to choose from. 

It was my first time in Talipanan. Did some research the same day-down to the last minute booking for a place to stay there. Thankfully, we're able to find one. We stayed at Veronica's Inn. It's like Manila in an island. Condo-type with Infinity pool. 🏊💙

The stay was fine. It's just that during our stay, not all food in the Menu was available. Knowing that the next resort is a bit far, they should have prepared for their guests - they were fully booked at that time. Room's a bit small for 3K/night. Good for 2. And here's the catch, I was taking a shower when the water ran out. It took a while to have it back. I already fell asleep in the bathroom as I was experiencing a terrible hangover. 😓 Water was back after 15 minutes or so with conditioner in my hair and soap all over my body - too bad. 😢 The staff were very accommodating though. Hands-up! 👐 Kayak use is free and you can go kayak-ing to White Beach. Flex 'em muscles! 😎 

HOW TO GET THERE:
1. Ride a Bus (JAM Liner) in Buendia with signage Batangas Pier or Batangas Port. (PHP167)
2. Upon arriving at the port, there will be a lot of fixers, they offer the same price but of course, they have "convenience fee" or yes, tip. You can always go straight to the ticketing booth and buy your tickets. We chose Minolo Shipping Lines . Buy roundtrip tix (RT) and they offer vans to take you to White Beach or Talipanan. (PHP310 - RT Talipanan Fee + 10PHP terminal fee)
3. Upon arriving, there's Environmental Fee of PHP50. 
4. Before heading home, another terminal fee of PHP10 shall be paid before hopping into the boat. (just like # 2)

TRICYCLES can bring you to White Beach (ranges from 100PHP - 150PHP)


Resorts in Talipanan: 

Lucas Miramare - 09164175125; 09177925263
Mountain Beach Resort - 0917-5620842
      Rates: Fan Room 800PHP-1500PHP; AC 2500PHP
Mengie's White San Beach Resort - 0920-4032173
      Rates: Fan Room 700PHP; AC 1500PHP
Bamboo House
     Rates: Fan Room 800PHP; AC 1500PHP
Veronica's Inn - 0936-9491228 (Veronica)/0977-7272014 (Ced)
     Rates: AC 3K (2 pax)

Minolo Shipping Lines: (043) 287-3614

Have some snaps to share! Enjoy! Hope this helps! 👌

Always remember to speak from the 💙.
- pong 🐢


Follow me:
Instagram: joanepong
Twitter: joanepangilinan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanepangilinanblog/

Strolling around Talipanan shores

Floating Star

Infinity Pool

My favorite char in Veronica's

Playing billiards like a champ

Veronica's Inn

Infinity Pool + Star

I belong - all black

Mad weather

    

Pong Thoughts: Travel Essentials 👣✈

Hello! ☺

How's everyone? Summer is almost over but for a "Kaladkarin" like me, summer never ends. ☺ So what am I sharing today? As a traveler, backpacker, aspiring blogger, an adventurer and a frustrated photographer, I will be sharing my travel essentials - the things that's inside my pack every time I go places.

My 35L Sandugo BackPack has been my companion since 2009. And until now, it's still with me - ang tibay! My first trekking sandals was a Tribu one - my buddy for 9 years. It was only when I hiked Mt. Binacayan (2015) in Rizal that it almost gave up on me. Was not able to do a twin hike as I might end up hiking Mt. Pamitinan barefooted. 

Let's start with hiking/climbing. 
- Poncho/Wind breaker/Jacket 
- Buff (a head gear you can wear multiple ways), Cap, Arm Protector
- Headlamp/Torch
- Trail food (Jelly ace, Chocolates) 🍫
- Packed lunch (for day hike) 🍲
- Canned goods, rice (over night)
- 2-3 Liters of water 🚰
- Umbrella/Fan (hehe) ☔
- Utensils (outdoor spoon, fork, knife and plates) 🍴
- Cook set (+Butane)
- Tent ⛺

When going out of town for swimming:
- Swimsuit 🏊👙
- Flip-Flops (Thanks, Havaianas)
- Dry Bag


Be that hiking, swimming or just plain traveling or sight seeing, these are my essentials and the common things I bring in a trip:

- Light clothes (Just bring what you NEED)
- Undies (3 pairs) 👙
- Medicine (Paracetamol, Kremil-S, Allerta) 🏥
- Buff (head gear)
- Tissue (can't live without this!!!! 😀)
- Wet Tissue
- Kikay Kit (toiletries, pampafresh stuff)
- Katinko, Off Lotion, Sunblock 
- Malong
- Camera (I use GoPro Hero 5 Black and my phone - iPhone 5) 📷
- Extra battery 🔋
- Charger 
- Power bank (I use a Solar one - got it from Lazada)
- Chocolates 🍫
- Water 🚰
- Pen and Paper ✎🖇
- Shades 😎
- Speaker 🔊
- ID and Health Card 🆔
- Neck Wallet or Sling bag where you can put your personal stuff (such as IDs, money etc) for easier access. 👌

REMEMBER: Pack light! ✌

Any suggestions for a cheap, pero magandang point and shoot camera? Ping me!
THANKS! 💋

Always remember to speak from the 💙.
- pong 🐢



Follow me:
Instagram: joanepong
Twitter: joanepangilinan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanepangilinanblog/

Let's go!!!! 

Pong Travels: What's in my Bucketlist? 📓👣

Hello! 😉

Finally, am kind of over the Moffatts fever and was able to write again - LOL.

Last year, was not able to do as much traveling because of certain reasons. Mom had a Total Knee Surgery and of course, it's always Family First. Funds are a bit short so I took a break from my adventurous lifestyle for a while. Got sick as well so I really need to get well in order for me to do the things I love.

The only outing I had last year was the Company Outing in Laguna (June), Zambales last November and Batangas in December. I guess I had 3 staycation/s in Ortigas (where I work too, lol). Still thankful. And December last year, I also chose to be back to writing. 👊

A lot of stuff are still in my bucket list and the list keeps on growing. One by one, I hope to check 'em all - if God allows. 😏

Hopefully, this year, I'll be able to write more about the places I go to, the food trips and the thoughts that I'd like to share.

This year, I hope to take my sister to Enchanted Kingdom and Manila Ocean Park; I've been in these places but my sister has not yet; and to a place that's in my bucket list as well: Corregidor. Please feel free to leave comments if you have suggestions! Thanks in advance! 😉😉😉

Sagada, La Union and Boracay are my happy places to date. Wishing to be back this year as well. ❤

Am back to jogging as am trying to keep myself healthy and fit. Hopefully, I'll visit the mountains soon enough too. Sana mapanindigan ko. Haha!   

Well, here are some of the things that are in my list which I have not done yet which you can try too.

Watch a Movie Alone

Travel Alone

Sky Dive

Ride the PNR

Learn another language

Swim in the Pacific Ocean

Canyoneering

Swim with the Whale Sharks

Bunjee Jumping

Go to Siargao, Camiguin, CDO, Coron, Batanes, Maldives, HK Disneyland, Warner Bros. Studios, Calaguas, Camp Netanya, Dumaguete, Apo Island, Cagbalate, Pagbilao, Bahamas

Random places and to do list. I have downloaded the WeWander PH App to mark the places I've been in. I still have a long way to go. I also have my manual map and I use colored pencils to shade the places I've been in. Lovin' life! 

- pong 🐢

Follow me:

Instagram: joanepong
Twitter: joanepangilinan



We Wander App Screen Cap



my bucket list notebook saying Hard Work