Dear Dicapac WP-570,

I would sincerely like to thank you for making my Lumix LX5, Neesha, the opportunity to swim with us and enjoy the beach in Bacolod.

I remember seeing your kind a couple of months ago. You weren't cheap and it never crossed my mind to buy you. But after my Singapore trip with Neesha and a beach trip afterwards, I decided I wasn't going to sacrifice Neesha's fun times in Bacolod and Coron just to save a few pesos. I first looked at you at Rockwell Digital Walker because J's colleague got hers there. You were out of stock so I was sent to Greenbelt 5. We failed seeing each other again at Greenbelt 5. You were at Eastwood but I had no intention going all the way there just for us to be together. Sorry, I was being practical. Digital Walker volunteered to fly you to Rockwell in a week or so. I had you reserved for me and Neesha. No one could buy you until you're in Rockwell.



I waited for you to meet me in Rockwell. We finally met that one Saturday before our Bacolod trip. I was instructed to test you. I had to check if you can withstand crashing waves and a bucket of water without getting Neesha wet. I wanted Neesha dry and happy. So there you were, floating in a bucket of water for an hour with tissue papers inside you. Sorry if I dipped you, shook you and basically made you experience a tsunami within that hour. YOU HELD THROUGH. Good job, sailor! I hope you stay true to your promise that you're good even under 30 feet. Do not worry, I have no intention of bringing you under 30 feet. We will just be bumming at beaches and snorkeling in the afternoon.

Thank you for protecting Neesha during the turbulent boat ride to Lakawon Island. Thank you also for protecting Neesha from the sand as J and I lazily laid in the sand the whole afternoon. You made me let go of my fears when we went for a quick dip. Sorry for being paranoid and constantly checking if Neesha was still dry.


I had more faith in you when we took a dip at L'Fisher's infinite swimming pool. I was so happy that Neesha was swimming with us.



You and Neesha will definitely enjoy Coron on January. I am such a beach person that I promise we will have more trips together in 2012. Please don't give up on me.

Love,










Dicapac Underwater Case:
How does it work?
Dicapac cases have a ziplock-type of closure, then you fold the closure with velcro. Then it's another set of velcro to seal the velcro-ed closure.

Pros:
1. Cheaper alternative to purchasing an underwater camera.
2. Keeps sand, dirt and water away from your camera.
3. Gives your camera swimming abilities. Your camera will float and swim beside you! ;)
4. Different sizes to match your camera. They even have models for your DSLR.
5. Can zoom and use flash even inside the case

Cons:
1. A bit hard to manipulate the controls in the beginning.
2. A little expensive for people with a budget
3. Needs practice to avoid having a circular shadow/vignette in your photos

WP-570 Model: Php2,200.00


You can check out the sizes here: http://www.greenlife-style.com/ebay/camera/BR00/dicapac_compatible_list/index.html

You can purchase Dicapac in Digital Walker stores or JT Photoworld in Pasong Tamo

I get inspired whenever I get to read a good book or article. For today's Friday Favorites, here are two recent blog entries that you or your friends have shared over your social media accounts. It's not overrated. They're just really good reads.

1. Why Your Twenties are Terrible/Awesome
2. 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

These two entries reminded me how I should actually enjoy all these crossroads, misadventures and explorations. Because being in your twenties is one hell of a ride.

Enjoy your weekend and the rest of the year!

Finally stepped into the grassy grounds of Mercato last Saturday night. I went with my guy friends to Midnight Mercato to have a bite of what it offers. Truly, eyes and stomachs will be full by the end of the night.


You can come to the place fresh but you can leave feeling like you've been cooked together with the rows of grilled burgers and steaks. So make sure you wear your comfiest clothes. Although some were dressed up for partying so we're guessing they will be heading to the nearest bar after munching on those sandwiches.

Mercato at peak hours is not exactly haven for a girl who hates crowded places. You have to keep your eyes sharp and open to grab a seat. Best of luck if you're in large groups. Nevertheless, once you've settled in your table you can start hording food. Do not buy food before finding a table. Chances are your food is already cold before you find a table. It is not recommended that you go too late since the good stuff might already be out of stock.





We weren't able to try a lot of the food but I loved the small tacos. I'll try the cheese steak and big burgers next time. You know how sometimes the first time tends to be quick, painful but not that memorable? This is one of those times. I was there, saw what it had to offer but I'm craving to be back to try it some more and have a better experience. It was so hot that night due to the great number of people. Food stalls tend to change per weekend so it will be a different experience per visit.


At least I got my dose of Mochiko.


Midnight Mercato can be found at 34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot) in Bonifacio Global City. Parking is at a fixed rate of Php30.00. 

Universal Studios Singapore is a happy way to spend your weekend at Singapore. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and clothes since you'll be walking around the whole day. But stay fashionable as it can be one big photo studio. We were happily snapping photos the whole day.

It was past 8pm when we arrived at Villa Rey Clubhouse at CamSur Watersports Complex. We were not supposed to be there. We were supposed to be having dinner at Caramoan and getting a good night sleep by 10pm. We never planned renting a small boat to travel for two hours just to leave Caramoan and get back to Sabang that Saturday night. But it was all domino effect starting from the moment we landed at Legazpi City.

It would cost you Php3,000.00 if you rent a boat from Guijalo port going to Sabang. That is actually a reasonable price considering the travel will be two hours and the fishermen would need to go back afterwards. yet it was expensive for someone who budgeted the usual fare of Php120.00 for the same boat ride. The last passenger boat going to Sabang was at 11am. At that time we were still in awe at the rock formations of Sabitang Laya. We are yet to have our lunch and swim at the shallow, still waters the island has to offer.



My friend was hesitant to ride such a small motor boat especially since we will be welcoming the night in the middle of the sea. It was an experience not that different from when I crossed the Laguna lake four years ago. I loved how the sky was full of stars and the sea was full of little lights coming from fishermen boats. All I can hear was the sound of the boat's motor. Upon alighting from the boat, silence fell to my ears. We are now to rent a van to take us to CWC. We booked a cabana for the night. It was another two hours. Imagine three small girls inside one big van. Damage done to our wallets was Php1,500.00.

We would not have experienced everything if we booked Naga instead of Legazpi. If we caught the 11am passenger boat going to Caramoan. If we did not have to wait one hour for the Sabang van at SM Naga to be filled. But not everything can be planned especially when you travel. We just had to make it one for the books.



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Sun was almost setting when we reached Guijalo Port after spending two hours in a boat from Sabang Port. We were tired from all the sitting we've done throughout the day. We left Manila at 6am and it has been more than eight hours since then. We were dead hungry and tired. My only "meal" for the day were two small, plain ensaymada bought from NAIA Terminal 3.


I heard my name being called by one of the porters as we alighted from the boat. Our ride was there. Kuya Joevic had his tricycle ready for us. I knew his name as he had been asking for our location since 9AM. We were behind our schedule. We rode his tricycle and after more or less 20 minutes we were in Sights and Sand Tourist Inn.

The place looked new and very clean. We were the only guests for that night. We placed our bags on the two double beds inside our room.

At four-thirty in the afternoon we were served big prawns, fried tanigue, banana, and chicken adobo as lunch - a very late lunch. For a group of three small girls, it was a heavy meal. The prawns caught my heart instantly. They were big and fresh.

After eating we settled in our room. Kuya Joevic volunteered to bring us to the Centro church. It was late and we had nothing else to do. We came back from our Church visit and pasalubong buying at twenty past six. I jumped in our double bed to take a quick snooze.


At eight in the evening I was awaken by my companions for dinner. Dinner was as delicious as lunch. We were served six pieces of crabs and one sizzling plate of vegetables and beef for each of us. It was too much for three little girls who are still full from their very late lunch.

One sizzling plate plus a bowl of soup for each of us

We slept with extremely full stomachs. Saturday morning was then welcomed with fried egg, tocino and danggit. Truly a Filipino breakfast in such a homey place.


We had our lunch at Sabitang Laya. We sat on sand as we took in spoonful of white rice paired with prawns, paksiw na baboy and Bicol's laing.

Here's a new set of my favorite reads and watch for the week.

1. MoneyForTraveling Business Blueprint by John and Tyson

http://moneyfortraveling.com/members/1555/moneyfortraveling-business-blueprint/

This is an interesting video which may sound familiar but only a few people would realize the facts. 

2. Snapshot Saturday: Wild Horses by Pinay Travel Junkie
http://www.pinaytraveljunkie.com/2011/10/snapshot-saturday-wild-horses.html

Pinay Travel Junkie is one of the first travel blogs I read. I really love her stories and now, also her daughter Luna.



3. Tara Na Biyahe Tayo version 3


The third version of DOT's promotional campaign is out!





Work's lighter these days so I have the time to watch videos, bloghop and actually draft my entries.

I didn't plan our Caramoan-CWC trip that well which is a big mistake because we ended up spending more than our estimated budget. It is always better to plan as detailed as possible (with some decent room for adjustment) so that you won't end up spending a lot more than what you should.

Initially, this was our rough cost estimate:

Transportation:
Van (Legazpi to Naga): Php600 per person (two-way)
Boat ride: Php250php/way
Airfare: 290/person (roundtrip Piso fare)

Accommodation and tour package:
Caramoan tour package: Php2,800/person
CWC Accommodation: Php2,200 (triple-sharing)

Others:
Food: Php500/person
Souvenir: Php500/person
Miscellaneous (contingency): Php800.00

Total Cost per person: Php6,725.00

Minalahos Island

Unlike the streets of Manila at night, Singapore welcomes tourists to walk around the city at night without worrying too much. You can actually enjoy the pleasant views especially in Esplanade. This was the night Neesha proved to be satisfactory in taking night shots. Here's a short walk on what we saw that Saturday night.

Where we started our walk

Singapore Skyline

Esplanade Bridge

Marina Bay Sands, I am yet to experience your pool.

Oh Fullerton Hotel, someday I shall dine in  your garden restaurant.

Don't forget to buy ice cream sandwich at the end of your walk!

I appreciated this cheap and relaxing way to enjoy Singapore.