Sandari Batulao, Batangas: Of Hugs, Pools, Treks and Brick Oven Pizza In The Summer

batangas

by Gretchen Dublin - May 27, 2016May 27, 20160

If there’s anything in the Philippines that’s hotter than the recently concluded presidential elections (or ombre hair), it’s this searing heat! Pegged at an average of 30 to 34 degrees, the Philippine summer weather makes one long for an ice-cold hug. So naturally, when we were invited by the sales team of Sandari Batulao for…

Pico Sands Hotel, Hamilo Coast: Dress Shoes And Sky-High Wedges

by Gay Mitra - June 2, 2015June 4, 20151

Two days into 2015, I found myself sharing pre-wedding jitters with a family I just met that day. “Favor, can you please tell the entourage to come to the lobby now?” I couldn’t remember who she was but I took directive like it was a task that could save the world from climate change. I…

The Farm At San Benito, Lipa City, Batangas: Journey Of Healing

by Gay Mitra - February 26, 2013August 12, 201419

The pitter-patter of rain shattered the deafening silence. A bloke rushed to our aid with a couple of brollies in his hand. I took one to shield myself from the light drizzle even though I actually found it quite refreshing. It was mid-afternoon, yet the air we inhaled had a morning dew aftertaste. I sensed…

Snapshot Saturday: Quality Testing A Hammock

by Gay Mitra - November 20, 2010August 13, 20146

I think I’m in love!From the Pinay Travel Junkie’s backpacking notes: This is how to test a hammock whether it’s durable or not, and to see how strong are the arms of its maglalako (seller). And yeah, this is me laughing my tonsils out with new acquaintances in Laiya, Batangas. Though priced way more expensive…

A Climb With John

by Gay Mitra - September 9, 2010August 13, 20144

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. – Amelia Burr It was 2007. Because of an unexpected approved vacation leave, I was able to join a climb with All Terrain Mountaineering Club (ATMC). Straight from a graveyard shift (I too, was a call center agent in my past life), I…

The Big 3-0: A Backpacker’s Flashback

by Gay Mitra - September 3, 2010August 13, 201413

I turned 30 yesterday. And nope, I didn’t throw a big party nor vacationed somewhere remote and exotic. I would have if I wasn’t 38 weeks pregnant – or more of, if our family elders didn’t disapprove it. My celebration was very boring simple. With a handful of relatives, we had lunch at a Chinese…