Mabuhay! I'm Grace from the Philippines. This is my travel diary.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

At The Dolphin's Lair




 

Last November 22, our school conducted an educational tour in Subic, Zambales particularly in Ocean Adventure Park. That was my first personal encounter with sea creatures that I only see on t.v. or books such as whale, dolphin, seal and sea lion.  I was like a child again, very eager to get a good closer glimpse on one of them. XD

According to our tour guide, Ocean Adventure is the only open-water marine park in South East Asia. It is located at Ilanin Bay beside the monkey-dwelling jungle of Subic, Zambales. This marine park is definitely a must see for the youngsters because the attractions there are highly entertaining, something new for them even for the adult ones. After all we are not expose everyday to these marine creatures, isn't it?  I was kind of impressed too with their English-speaking hosts/performers that I almost fancied  I'm watching a live Hi 5 kiddie show. lol.  

Here's the list of Ocean Adventure's main attractions that you and your family will definitely enjoy.
  • Dolphin Friends Show (my favorite!)
  • Sea Lion Point
  • Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show
  • Walk on the Wild
  • Marine Aquarium
For more info, visit their official site at www.oceanadventure.com.ph/








Me and my husband watching the Dolphin Show


The Sea Lion Show

Marine Aquarium
Some of my pogi students. =)






Sunday, May 1, 2011

Exploring Avilon Zoo


Well, this is it! I said I may have a separate entry for Avilon Zoo (see My Hometown's Grandeur) and I never expected that before doing so, my family and I went to Avilon Zoo last April 21. This is my third time visiting the zoo. The last time I set foot on its ground was like seven years ago. Indeed, the transformation was so impressive I wanna give two thumbs up for the well-maintained amenities and the zoo's newest attractions. (The comfort rooms are clean, thanks!)

Avilon Zoo is located at Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal. The zoo is open from Monday to Sunday at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m, including regular holidays. It houses lots of native flora and fauna but I think most of the inhabitants there are originated from outside the ‘Pines. By the way, Avilon means "land of birds". However, birds are not the only main attractions there. There are also lots of exotic animals at Avilon Zoo  like Bengal tigers, lions, sun bear, hyenas, wallaby, wolves, emu, fishes (like my personal favorite, Arapaima) and a lot more. I've heard from our tour guide that in no time, the zoo will be housing big animals like elephant, giraffe and zebra. 

THE ADVENTURE


We arrived at past 9 in the morning. (Tips: You must arrive early so that you'll be able to enjoy the place in gentle sun rays. Plus, bring with you a bottle of mineral water, wear walking shorts and comfortable footwear and just carry light baggage when you rove the 7.5 hectare zoo -unless you want your feet ache and gasp for breath because of exhaustion, get it?. Most importantly, DO NOT forget your cameras!)

This is not the  main entrance gate. 
I didn't know why they're not using the main one.
A good view of the lagoon
The turista!. (L-R Above -Felix, my hubby Leo, Me, Ate Janice, Tinay, Mama, and Madel.
 L-R Below- Bryan, baby Saab, Miriam and Papa)

Then we were greeted by a splendid lagoon, a ticket booth and a friendly security guard when we entered the zoo. The small entrance gate was not so impressive for a huge place like Avilon Zoo. I hope the management uses the main gate instead. Entrance fee is Php 300/pax. Infants are free, of course. We were ten people that time, plus my 6-month old daughter, Saab. At the pavilion, we were asked if we wanted to rove by ourselves or hire a tour guide (with an additional Php 400). Definitely, we didn't only want to sight-see but to learn as well so we hired a female tour guide. But I guessed most of the people I'm with didn't remember every facts and details the tour guide had told us about animals and stuffs. lol. xD

Here are our photos inside Avilon Zoo. Enjoy!


Face-off!










Leo, Trixie and Me

In some areas, cameras are not allowed. Among those include areas for primates and apes, reptiles, arachnids and wild cats. I just love to take photos of the meerkats which my Saab adored so much but it’s not allowed. Sayang. *sigh*








I so love feeding the Arapaimas...


 
... and those adorable hamsters. The carrot was gone in  less than 3 minutes!
After more than two hours of exploring the place, we were all wear out but satisfied. I hope that you may be able to visit Avilon Zoo for an extraordinary experience for you and your family. I assure you kids will love that place. Ciao!

Always a happy family. =)

Monday, April 4, 2011

My Hometown's Grandeur

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I spent more than half of my life living in Montalban, Rizal and I perfectly know that this, my hometown, has so many beautiful things to offer. Travellers and tourists will never forget the beauty of nature Mother Earth has given to my little town. Just check some of these photos of places and destinations that might interest you when you visit Montalban one of these days.

Destination 1: Wawa Dam

            Wawa Dam was constructed under the American supervisions in 1909. It provided water supply to nearby Metro Manila for almost six decades but the operation stops in 1960’s because of deterioration of water supply. Wawa Dam became Montalban’s grandest tourists’ destination since then.

very nice. gorgeous.
Me and my hubby beneath the cascading waters of Wawa Dam




kudos to the photographer. very nice shot.

Montalban gorge- a narrow passage to unknown paradise. Well, that is according to my prof.

Destination 2: Pamitinan Cave

            Pamitinan Cave is a historical place because it served as a refuge and a meeting place for the Katipuneros. It has been said that the first proclamation of the Philippine Independence took place at Pamitinan Cave on April 12, 1895.  Gat Andres Bonifacio even wrote the phrases "Viva La Independencia Filipina" on the cave wall. However, the event was merely informal so historians stuck to the idea that the first Philippine Independence took place at Kawit, Cavite and presided by Emilio Aguinaldo. 

 





Destination 3: Avilon Zoo

            I may have a separate post for this topic. I've been in this place twice and I must say, the place is worth paying a visit.  Anyway check some photos of Avilon.











Photos from:
Leo Alejandro
Randy Bagsik
Joseph Cheng
Kate Lucero
animagiLLOYD
blottingINK
zerofunk

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tanay Escapade

Tanay is a haven for nature lovers like me and for those peeps who want to escape the angst of the bustling metro. If you're planning to have a weekend getaway, in tight budget, why not visit Tanay? I remember going there last December 2005 when we conducted a Youth Camp in Sacramento Valley. The place was really pleasant with its lush greenery, mystifying caves and mountainous landscape.

Heading to the Sacramento Valley camp site


Calinawan Cave

The 40-feet wall for the rappelling stuff. I remember how exciting the experience was.
Well, that's me! blurred photo. sorry. that was taken using a low-tech camera phone. LOL.
I just visited Tanay again last January 2011 with my hubby for a day tour in Daranak Falls.The place was really awesome. The entrance fee is Php 40.00 but the nearby Batlog Falls has a separate entrance fee, it was like Php 50.00. Here are some photos I've taken during our Tanay escapade.

 

The cascading waters of Daranak Falls refreshes my five senses.


Awesome place, what can I say more?