The Beach Hidden in Bataan - Westnuk Beach Resort

the summer sun

It’s March and summer is already in the air. Me and my friends always have our summer out of town get together. And this time we decided to go to Westnuk Beach Resort in Morong Bataan. Westnuk Beach Resort owned by the National Power Commission and is located at the west of the Nuclear Power Plant in Bataan (hence it was named as Westnuk), inside the premises of the Napocor.

the road to Morong, Bataan

The travel to Bataan is a 2 hours ride, but if you left Manila after five in the morning, the two hour ride can become a three to four hours. We left Manila at past six in the morning and reached Balanga, Bataan at 9a.m. We have a quick breakfast at the Balanga town proper and then we head back again at the terminal to ride a bus bound to Morong. The ride going to Napocor is a one and half hour ride on a non-air-conditioned shuttle bus. Luckily, the driver is nice and have us seated at the passenger seat. And the passenger seat is the nicest seat in the bus especially if you are traveler because you have a good view of the road. The driver kind to tell us of Westnuk and warned us of the long walk we will go through upon reaching the drop off point at Napocor. The bus ride from Balanga to Napocor is a 1 hour and a half ride but we enjoyed the curvy road and the scenery.

Mt. Samat from a distance

Upon reaching the gates of Napocor the guards will already check your reservation and call at the resort to confirm your reservation. The main gate to the resort proper is a 3 kilometer walk, but the head of the security is nice to offer us a ride. Beside from the main gate there is another gate for checkpoint inside the Napocor vicinity. SirRaul – the head of the security told us that it is very hard to get inside especially if you don’t have any reservations.

Upon reaching the resort, Sir Raul introduced us to Kuya Teng, the head caretaker of the resort, to check our reservation. Unfortunately there was a miscommunication with our reservation as there are no available rooms left and the only available are the open cottages. They let us use the cottage and guarantee us that once there are cancellations of room reservation we will be informed immediately.

the relaxing view of the beach

The cottage was nice and inviting. Once we settled at the cottage, we immediately laid down at the wooden flooring to rest from the long travel. There was a cool air coming from the sea plus the good scenery, we didn’t dare complain even we did not have a room to stay. There was even electrical outlet at the cottage that we were able to charge our cell phones and tablet. Lucky for us, there was a cancelled reservation and we were able to obtained a room for our group.

another view of the beach

There is no cafeteria inside the resort; they only have a small store that offers bottled waters, softdrinks, cup noodles and junk foods. Guests are advised to bring in their own food. If you were not able to bring your food, you can ask Ate Layka, the storekeeper, if they can buy you food at the nearby market. You will just need to pay for the gasoline charge of Php 250-300. You might think that it is too expensive but if you consider the distance of the resort to the town proper it is worth it, plus the food in Bataan is also cheap. For our Dinner and Lunch it cost us only around Php 600.

The best thing about Westnuk is that you will come close to nature. You will hear geckos, birds chirping, see small crabs running at the sand, and hear the cicadas sang their song. Also the staffs at Westnuks are all hospitable and caring for their guest. As much as possible they will attend to your needs and will always greet you whenever they see you.

The cottages at Westnuk

On our way home, we decided to walk the 3km road from Westnuk to the main gate of the Bataann Nuclear Power Plant. We wanted to see the Power Plant for ourselves as this is a rare opportunity for us. We never actually entered the Power Plant as it is prohibited; we took pictures behind the no entry sign.

The road to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

We officially left the premises of Napocor at around 3 in the afternoon. And as we left the place, I realized that there are still unknown and hidden places in our country. And these places can be found on the most peculiar spot. Who would have a thought that hidden inside the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is where the treasure of Westnuk Beach Resort can be found.

It's Wicked!

my ticket

All of us know Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Wizard of Oz and even the dog Toto. But few of us knew the Wicked Witch of the West. That is, until Wicked came. Wicked is a book written by Gregory Maguire that tells the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. This book later becomes a Broadway Musical that won many awards.

I came to know Wicked through my sister, who borrowed the book from her officemate in 2010. So when we learned that Wicked would be performed in the Philippines, we didn’t think twice about watching the show. The Manila performance started last January 22 and will run until March 9 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Evening performances start at 7:30 pm and Matinee performances starts at 1:30 pm. The show runs for two hours and 49 minutes with a twenty minute interval.

CCP with a big "Wicked" poster

Once you entered the theatre, you will be amazed immediately by the stage design. The backdrop is the map of the Land of Oz and atop the stage is a dragon head that represents the dragon clock. On each side of the stage is an intricately designed stairs full of wheels of machineries, vines and lightings. And every time the stage changes its settings, you will be amazed on how beautiful and well-crafted the designs are.  

the view of the stage

You might think that since this is a musical performance that it would be boring and you will end up listening sappy songs, but your perception is wrong. Wicked is full of humorous character, from Galinda to Madame Morrible, Fiyero and even Elphaba, that can throw the punch line even while singing. And every time that a musical number is finished, you will hear the thunderous claps coming from the audience especially when Elphaba and Galinda performed “Defying Gravity” – one of their popular songs. It was an amazing performance. It’s seems like the time stop as everyone is captivated on how the song was delivered. It was breath taking.

my binoculars

At the end of the show the performers received a standing ovation from the audience. Noted performances are from Madame Morrible, Fiyero, Galinda and Elphaba who received a loud cheer from the crowd.

a view of the people that have watched Wicked

Truly Wicked is a great story, as it is not only focused on the life of Elphaba as it also discussed on where “wickedness” came from. Are we born wicked or do we become wicked, and whether good intentions with bad results are the same as bad intentions with bad results.

And for those who have read the book, you might feel a little disappointed as parts of the story is different from the book. But still, you cannot argue on the great performance of the whole production team on how they relived the story of the Wicked Witch of the West.

1K @ Amway Fun Run - First Run for the Year

My first run for the year started with a cold Sunday morning. Never minding the 15 degrees Celsius of cold weather me and two of my friends went to Mall of Asia Arena at the seaside boulevard to run the 8km fun run of Amway Philippines. The 1K @ Amway Fun Run features distances for 1K, 5K and 8K. The registration fees for all the run is only Php 200.00

gun start at 5:50 am

Me and my friends registered for the 8K run that starts at 5:50 in the morning. This is the first time that I will be running for 8K; all of my past runs are all in 10K. I already have slow performances from my past runs that I decided to try for the 8K to gauge again my running skills. 

Due to the cold weather, I didn’t felt like sweating much for the entire run. But I felt dehydrated on the first two kilometres, because the first hydration stop is at the 2 kilometres mark. Plus, there is no trash bins at the hydration area where you can throw the used cups. You can see the cups littered at the streets, making it hard to run. 

fellow runners for 8k

runners filling the streets for the Amway fun run

There are only few 8 kilometres runners that there is enough space for you to run at your fullest and not worry if you will be bumping with other runners. But when the 5 kilometres runners started their run, the streets along the seaside boulevard became packed with people that there is not enough space for running. There are also lots of runners that are walking instead.

tired runners walking the route

I finish the race at approximately 68 minutes. This is not my target time, but still I am happy at the result. There was a little difficulty passing the finish line as there are runners who are taking their pictures along the way with the finish line as their background. 

runners nearing the finish line

final stretch before the finish line

Of course, in every fun run, there are lots of freebies. So after getting our baggage, we decided to line up at the different booths hoping to get some goodies. But unfortunately, the freebies are not worth the long line of people. But hey, we shouldn’t be really expecting much. We only paid Php 200.00 as registration fee and I think the shirt was worth it for the said fee. Oh yeah, I was not also able to get my shirt for this event because I was late to register, and they already ran out of stock. But they promise to give the shirts by the first week of February (hopefully). 

An Afternoon visit at Luneta

The Rizal Monument

the large flag at Rizal Park

It’s been a long time since my last visit to Luneta Park. I think it was in college when we need to finish a project that we went to Luneta. Luneta or Rizal Park is one of the tourist destinations in Metro Manila as it is where the monument of Jose Rizal is located. Jose Rizal is the Philippines national hero. The huge flag in front of monument is also eye-catching especially whenever it dances with the wind. 

We were not able to roam the whole park as we went to Quirino Grandstand, which is just in front of the Rizal monument, to watch the sunset at Manila Bay. Quirino Grandstand is named after the late President Elpidio Quirino is the home of the oath taking of the Philipppine's presidents. The statue of a carabao, the Philippines national animal and statue of Lorenzo Ruiz, the Philippines first saint can also be seen at Quirino Grandstand. 

The sunset at Manila Bay is one also of the must see attractions when you went to Rizal Park.

A picture of the Quirino Grandstand with the sun setting 

Another view of the sunset at the Quirino Grandstand

the carabao statue 

the monument of Lorenzo Ruiz

Aside from roaming the parks and watching the sunset, you will also see people having picnics, kids playing and flying kites. You can also ride the “kalesa” or horse driven carriage to get around the park. Riding the kalesa is quite expensive, the price range is Php 200-250 per person but the experience is worth the price.

the kalesa

You don’t also need to worry where to eat at Luneta Park for there are restaurants nearby and of course there are also the street vendors where you can buy ice cream on a cone, the still affordable fishballs, kikiams, the sago at gulaman, and green mango with bagoong to name a few.

Ice Cream, Fishball, Sago at Gulaman, anyone?

the Manila Bay after the sunset

Going to Luneta, made me think that we need not to go far to see scenic places and enjoy life little pleasures, sometimes they are nearby waiting to be visited and enjoyed. 

A Sip of Coffee at Café de Lipa

the ceiling at Cafe de Lipa

After having a heavy dinner, I asked my sister if she wanted to have coffee. She said “No”. So we walked along the streets of Market Market in Taguig. As we passed the Old Spaghetti House, I turned to my sister and said” Hey there’s the coffee house where me and my friend had coffee the last time”. And my sister said “Is it hot coffee?” And I said yes. Without thinking twice my sister said “let’s have coffee”. Thus this started my second to visit Café de Lipa.

Café de Lipa offers the Batangueños Kapeng Barako and other hot and cold coffee as well. They also have frappes, and teas. And of course, coffee would not be complete without a slice of cakes and patries. Compared to their popular competitor, prices at Café de Lipa are more affordable. A grande of their coffee is only Php 100.00 and a brownie or revel bar is less than php 50.00. Another thing about Café de Lipa, is that the place is not crowded as the other coffee shops.

the cakes & pastries

Café De Lipa main store is at 32 San Carlos Drive, Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City, Batangas. They also have branches in Km 80 along Star Tollway Brgy. Tibig Lipa City, Batangas and in SM Lipa. But for Manileños, there is no need for us to go to Batangas to enjoy the kapeng barako at Café de Lipa as they have a store at the Ground Floor of Market! Market! in Taguig.

a nice quote on a cup of coffee

the flower at the top of the froth

Be Puzzled at Puzzle Mansion

While browsing for a place to visit in Tagaytay, I stumble to a post of TV host Drew Arellano on his visit to Tagaytay. That is where I came to know the Puzzle Mansion. As I remembered, Puzzle Mansion owner was also featured in Hero TV; I’ve seen her being interviewed while browsing for something to watch. Ann, my friend also stumbled on the post made by Drew Arellano and also became curious about Puzzle Mansion. So without second thoughts, Puzzle Mansion was part of our itinerary.

The Puzzle Mansion is located at Cuadra in Brgy. Asisan, Tagaytay City. From the Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent we ride a bus going to Mendez Junction; from there we will be riding a tricycle that will bring us to the entrance of the Puzzle Mansion. You will not get lost as there is lots of signage of the Puzzle Mansion. I forgot about the fare of the bus but it is around twenty pesos, and the tricycle is twenty pesos per person.

From the gate, you will be greeted by one of the Mansion’s employee and will assist you for the shuttle services. The shuttle service is Php 5.00 per ride. You can choose to walk or ride the shuttle, but it is recommended to take the shuttle on your way out of the mansion since there is a very steep road. Entrance fee for the Mansion is Php 100.00

the steep road going the mansion

When you enter the first floor of the house you will be surprised to see a gallery of framed puzzles hanging on walls, ceiling beams and being displayed in glass cases. The puzzles range from the size of a small notebook to big paintings. From Mickey Mouse, to Spongebob, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Walt Disney Characters, pictures of Elvis Presley, Coca Cola Advertisement, Marilyn Monroe, Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, 3D puzzles and many more, your eyes will never get tired in being amazed on how the puzzles were made.

puzzles everywhere

puzzles of famous landmarks

After exploring the 1^st floor, we went to the 2^nd floor where the biggest puzzle was located. The 2^nd floor is also the gift shop, where you can buy t-shirts, handicrafts, mugs, key chains and even the puzzles that are featured in the museum.

the largest puzzle

souvenir puzzle, shirt & handicrafts

If you are lucky, you can also meet the owner of the house that has the largest collections of jigsaw puzzles - Ms Gina Gil Lacuna. As of this date, the puzzle collection of Ms Lacuna is the holder of Guinness World Record of having the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle collection.

Aside from the puzzles, Puzzle Mansion Bed and Breakfast also offers one of the best “pasalubong” that any traveller can buy – the Buko Cream Pie. Buko Cream Pie is sold at Php 50 per slice and Php 350 per box that has 8 slices of pie.

the yummy buko cream pie

Visiting the Pink Sisters

signage going to Pink Sister

Whenever, I go out of town, I always include in our itinerary to visit a church or chapel. For our Tagaytay visit we decided to go to Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent located at Aguinaldo Highway, Rotonda, Tagaytay City. If you are a fellow commuter you can ride a bus going to Nasugbu and tell the bus driver to drop you at Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent. This is not hard to find as there is a big signage at the corner of the street going to the Chapel. After getting off the bus you need to walk the dirt road for some meters before reaching the gates of the Chapel. If you are lucky, there are tricycles offering free ride to the chapel because they are to deliver something at the chapel.

Since this is a holy place, silence is strictly implemented upon entering the gates of the chapel. Even security guards are not allowed to shout or whistle in assisting guests with their parking. They used hand signals and placards and signage. Decent clothes are also required upon entering the church. Guests wearing shorts and sleeveless are not allowed entering the front door but they can enter and stay at the right wing of the church.

a view of the chapel

The chapel offers a place of meditation as it is quiet, even people visiting the place sees to it that they maintain the solemnity of the place. Guests advised to turn off mobile devices or put them in silent mode as not to disturb other people in their prayers. Guests can also write their prayer intention on a piece of paper provided by the nuns.  

guests writing their prayer intentions

guests praying

 Aside from praying and meditating, the place is also very scenic adding to its solemnity. The plants and trees gave a relaxing feeling, while the statue of Christ, the cross and a statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes with the three children gives off the spiritual atmosphere.

If you are thinking of pasalubongs, there is no need to worry as there are a lot of stores along the street going to the chapel selling shirts, vegetables and sweet delicacies.

Though on a vacation, it is still important to thank the Lord for giving us time to relax and unwind and to ask help in coming back to our daily work.