Mayon Planetarium and Skyline

Do you want to see Mayon Volcano closer than what the postcard pictures give you? You can actually! 

I was really surprised that there was a planetarium about halfway to Mayon Volcano. It quite fascinating and also they have a skyline deck you can have picnics with your family. 

The Planetarium wasn't like how I would expect it to be. There wasn't really a big telescope there to check the stars and we were day during the daytime so we were allowed to watch a documentary about Mayon Volcano which fascinated me a lot because of how active it was. 

Mayon Skyline is a relatively new attraction but its so amazing to see. 

We did some photo shoots in the marker which I won't show you because the pictures I got are so embarrassing I can't even think of posting them! 

But quite honestly if you will be visiting Mayon Skyline make sure to bring your closest friends because its really fun to just chill here and also you have a closer view of Mayon Volcano. Its so beautiful up close although we weren't given the opportunity to see the top closer. 

But it was really fun. 

I still have tons of posts to share to you guys so make sure to check back ok? 

Much Love! 

xx Alice

Beaches in Misamis Occidental Adventure!

Traveling to Misamis Occidental is one of the most amazing adventure I went to recently and I would just like to share to you guys some of the places that you really have to visit if you are planning on visiting Misamis Occidental. 

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Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape

BPLS or Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape is actually a place you can visit if you want to see the pristine waters and protected landscape of Baliangao. This place is something for the eyes only since they don't allow anyone to swim on the beach which houses a lot of corals and fishes. 

They have an islet nearby that you can visit by boat when its high tide or just walk when its low tide. 

This is one of the places I would like to recommend because it shows you to the untouched beauty of nature and also see how the community work together to protect it. 

Next is Oklahoma Beach Resort also located in Baliangao. This is a photo shoot venue in the middle of the sea. Its main attraction is the corals and stone islets that are connected by bamboo bridges. 

And also this place is perfect for photo shoots. Don't tell me you won't whip out your phone once you arrive here because that would be one big lie seeing how beautiful this place is! 

If you are looking for a relaxing spot instead, I would suggest Punta Meriam Beach Resort and Spa.

The interior of this beach would remind you of meditating in a resort in Bali, Indonesia. It has a very relaxed vibe to it that all you want to do is just chill and let time pass. 

They also have a spa that specializes in the traditional way of massage or Hilot. 

If you are looking for a more family friendly place La Playa Azul of Regalado is the place for you. 

 Located at the town of Panaon, this is one of the beaches that was recommended to me  if I would be bringing a big group of people since they have more cottages that would accommodate large crowds. 

I do like this resort but I think this is fitted for like families that would like to bring the kids to the beach.

Still in Panaon, we visited Villa Tagalog just a few meters away from the one I mentioned. This has more of a Mediterranean vibe to its exterior which I love. 

When we visited Villa Tagalog, it was still building new cottages which I liked because it can fit a big group. 

Then the last beach in Panaon that we visited is Dela Paz Beach Resort. 

This is actually closer to the public beach which explains why there are more people in these shots. So if you want to be like the locals visit Dela Paz Beach Resort.

And last but definitely not the least BAOBAWON ISLAND!

Out of the all the beaches that I have visited in Misamis Occidental, this is definitely the best one in my opinion because it will challenge you physically to see its beauty. 

Me and the team had to walk about 700+ meters to reach the beach! But the challenge is definitely worth it. 

I can't give a definitive description with this place because words and pictures are not enough to tell you guys how amazing this place really is! You need to visit it to see it for yourself. 

So if you want to see more make sure to visit these places on your next out of town trip! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice

Lala Lanao Del Norte Celebrates its 68th Founding Anniversary along with 16th Alimango Festival!

Dear Friends, Family and random person reading this post,

Ever wonder how living in a place known to export the most mud crabs is? Neither did I, but I was so glad to be part of their celebration towards these ten-legged crustaceans (Thank you for this trivia Arnie Alesna and Google) 

Yesterday, March 22, 2017 the 16th Alimango Festival was held in Lala, Lanao Del Norte.

From Ozamiz City it was roughly 2-3 hour drive with a 20-minute barge ride which makes me love Northern Mindanao more because its so easy to get to one place to another! Imagine if Manila's driving situation was like this? There would be no such thing as road rage in Manila.

People are so chill here in Northern Mindanao I don't really know why people outside of Mindanao is saying such negative things about it.

I'm getting off the topic sorry guys. 

One of the things I was not ready for this festival is the scorching heat of the sun and also the energy of the people - They are both hyped up from the presentations from different schools around the town that showcases different representation of the legend of Alimango.

Each barangay also had their little space within the plaza decorated with their names which was really cute because its an area where a community can join together with a drink and enjoy some food.

But the highlight of the program is actually the humongous Alimango Mountain.

The first thing that went in my head was...How I wish my brother is here.

He loves crabs more than I do and he is not the one to deny his love to eat this. He would look like a kid in a candy store seeing this fleeting sight - 1.2 ton of crabs that was also enjoyed by all the residents by lunch time.

Mayor Allan Lim of the Municipality of Lala, Lanao Del Norte

But don't think I despise these 10 legged creatures to even eat them. I do love them but I need to limit myself because just like my brother - Once I start, I might make a mountain as big as the one in the picture but these are all shells with no more meat inside.

I swear if they had the crab-eating contest, I would join that and eat to my heart's delight!

As being globally known for its Alimango Festival and the Department of Tourism - Northern Mindanao have committed to give more support of the event, as noted by Lala Lanao Del Norte's Mayor Allan A. Lim that they will be bringing back the Alimango rodeo, Alimango Eating contest, Alimango marathon and the Alimango recipe cooking competition on next year's activities will surely bring in more tourist in the said town which globally export mud crabs.

One of the guests in the program is Department of Tourism Region 10 Director May Unchuan and Kyle Jennermann or more commonly known as Kulas of www.becomingfilipino.com here in the Philippines.

I am thankful to be part of this event and will surely be back to visit Lala soon.

- Alice

The Trip Going To Ozamiz

As a first time traveler by air (after a long time) I didn't know what to expect on our trip to Ozamiz. 

And if it is your first time travelling to Ozamiz City this post is for you! 

Amazing Adventure in Ozamiz City

Hey guys! I know I haven't been blogging for a while because I moved! well..its not permanent but I moved to Ozamiz City!

If you guys don't follow me on my instagram account @alicemate (which I highly suggest you do) I have been staying in the beautiful city of Ozamiz City!

Yes. The one in Mindanao. And I am loving it! 

The Reason for the move

Along with the office of the City Tourism and the city government has launched its Visit Ozamiz program last October.  The program is geared to show as to why the city is tagged as the cultural, historical and pilgrimage site of Misamis Occidental.

I am really honored to be part of this event. The mere fact that I get to experience the city before the main tour for our friends in the media and also a few social media influencers made my experience more vivid than what I first knew of Ozamiz. 

Hesitations...

Quite honestly, The only thing that hesitated me in moving is the prejudice of the said place. Most people think that because it is in Mindanao, its not a safe place. Even my mom is against this move because I am half way across the country and she won't be able to see me on a daily basis unlike when I was staying in Manila.

I am the youngest, so this move is definitely harder for my mom than myself - Imagine the messages she sends me on a daily basis. 

The. Struggle. Is. Real. 

But she knows me more than anyone else in the world, that I am as stubborn as my papa, and I won't back down to a challenge - especially this one.

So here I am!

So the next few posts will be about my adventure in Ozamiz City. I might do several posts so make sure to check back here or check my Instagram page!

And if you are from Ozamiz City reading my blog right now and you might see me around the city, don't hesitate to say hi. Promise I don't bite haha! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice

Love is in the air at Zoocobia

Valentines just rolled down so I was wondering what you guys did during the day of love? 

Me? well honestly I was just home - not because I am one of the bitter ones who did not have a date. I just did not have a date and the energy.

But I did go on a road trip with some of my blogger friends the day before Valentines and we went to Zoocobia in Pampanga!

Quick Getaway From the City At Chateau Hestia: The Place

Hey guys! I am back with a new post about Chateau Hestia. 

This time it will be all about the rooms you can choose to stay and also what activities are in store for you at Chateau Hestia. 

Enjoy the weekend with your family at Amber Trail Water Park!

I remember when I was younger, the last week of Summer is something that I dread because after that week I can't go out of town anymore with my family. If only I was able to discover this sooner all those last week of Summer would not be dreadful. I'm talking about Amber Trail Water Park in Pampanga! 

Just located along San Pablo, Mexico, Pampanga Amber Trail Water Park is just 15 minutes away from SM San Fernando. 

This water park is not just perfect for family outings but also team outings because it has a water basketball court, water volleyball court and 5 pools which everyone can use to what activity they want to do.

The whole water park has a pre-historic / jungle theme to it that would appeal to kids a lot.

One of the things I do love about this water park is their giant slide. I will admit that although I am terrified of heights I won't say no to some slide action. It was really fun but it almost killed me - due to my inexperienced nature with using tubes.



And if you look closely, the slides look like snakes which actually looks creepy at night haha!

There are units you can rent out which is great because you don't have to worry about leaving your stuff near the pool area.

One of the things that is needed to be checked on the room is if possible there can be 2 bathroom so when you are washing up there won't be a queue. The design of the villa is fit for families but its somewhere you can drop off your stuff then go swimming.



We also had a special treat when we were taught how to cook tocino the Pampanga way. I never really thought there was a better way than what I knew.







Overall my experience was great and I was also able to spend time with my new friends and learn also from them. Definitely check out Amber Trail Water Park!





Much Love!

xx Alice