Michi Photostory

Update: I've read from CNN Philippines article last July 22 that Kidzanila Manila is closing down by end of August 31, 2020 after months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school year 2018-2019 is officially over so we went back to Kidzania Manila. My son got Gold Eagle Award this school year so we gave him a reward for his achievement. Hindi naman mahirap ang gusto niya, it is either one week use of gadget or Kidzania Manila lang naman pinipili niya.


He just went to Kidzania Manila last month because it is part of their School Field Trip but this is his happy place so go lang habang gusto niya. My husband even told him that he is already too old for Kidzania but he said, hanggang year 2025 pa daw siya pwede. Hehehe! Our first visit was year 2016 and this is already our 6th time in Kidzania Manila and one time in Kidzania Bangkok.

16 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 
12 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 
15 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 
14 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 

I took advantage of the FREE Adult for every 1 Child Ticket Promo so I only paid P900 during our visit. There are few changes na rin, before they will give your bracelet, boarding pass and 50 Kidzos check but this time I was surprised because they asked us if we already have an ATM. We said yes and the staff gave us 30 Kidzos only and advised us to go to Immigration Office to top up the additional 20 Kidzos.



For your information, starting May 1, 2019 they will use the ATM to add or deduct the Kidzos every activity, sort of Payroll account. Kidzos will earn 1% interest too. If you don’t have ATM yet, they will give you ATM card + 30 Kidzos but you need to activate the ATM first at the bank. Good thing we have the ATM already so we’re able to start early. It was weekday, may pasok pa siguro yung iba so ang konti lang ng tao and this time, my son was able to do 19 Activities in One Day, same experience sa Kidzania Bangkok.

19 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 

1. Fireman
2. Dentist
3. Bakeshop
4. Ice Cream Factory
5. Bottling Plant
6. Snack Factory
7. Climbing Building
8. BS Humanities and the Arts
9. Driving
10. Magazine Publishing Company
11. BS Health Science
12. Operating Room in the Hospital
13. Electrical Works
14. Newspaper
15. BS Business Administration
16. Tax Office
17. Hotel
18. LBC
19. Bookstore

Watch the video here

Although this is already our 6th time in Kidzania Manila, there are still jobs that my son haven’t tried because he doesn’t like to sing, dance, or act. He is not fond of music or sports too so hindi niya pinupuntahan yun. So ending, inuulit niya lang mga favorite niya like Fireman and Driving. He will go to factory activities for free foods and drinks like Goldilocks, Coca-Cola and Jack and Jill.


When he visited the factory, he earned an additional 2 Kidzos aside from the 4 Kidzos (Pazzport) and Salary. He took Engineering and Architecture Course at CEU last year and because of that degree, may additional Kidzos pala if he will work at Bottling Plant, Car Design & Dealership, Clean Energy Center, Construction House, Cookie Factory, Home Finishing, Ice Cream Factory, Product Lab, R&D Center and Snack Factory.

+ 2 Kidzos if you have a degree
+ 2, 4 0r 6 Kidzos if you have Pazzport

When my son learned about the additional Kidzos, he attended the remaining 3 courses such as Health Sciences, Business Administration and Humanities and the Arts. You need to pass the exam to get a degree. There is a 100% sticker din sa card mo if you got a perfect score. He finished all the courses so all the jobs or activities that he will join, he will earn more Kidzos.


I told my son to go to Dentist because they are giving away FREE mouthwash so off we went to the Dental Clinic, and he got free oral dental kit pa.


He tried the “Climbing Building” pero again, hindi na naman niya natapos hanggang dulo, give up agad siya. Sayang!


He wanted to go back to Driving but I told him, kung paulit-ulit lang siya sa mga activities. Last na namin punta yun. There are still jobs that he needs to try like in the hospital so he has no choice but to fall in line at the Operating Room in the Hospital. And he enjoyed it, ikaw na ang mag-operate ng Liver Transplant. I hope next time, he will try the Emergency Room and Baby Care Activity.


He also worked at the Magazine Publishing Company and Newspaper, you will get a print-out copy of the comics or story that you will create.


For the last activity, he worked as Electrician, computed tax at the Tax Office, prepared buffet spread and table at the Hotel, pick-up packages at LBC and write story at the Bookstore.


And before we left, my son upgraded his passport to Honorable Citizen. We always forgot to count his stamps, good thing the staff informed him that he can upgrade na. Last time we got 36 stamps, I think 30 stamps lang naman ang need. Now we had 37 stamps na before pa siya nag-upgrade. You can only get one stamp per day pero establishment so yung iba na inuulit niya, no stamps. Yey! +6 Kidzos na siya sa mga jobs and +2 Kidzos because of the Degree.


We got FREE 3 bottles of Poten-Cee (Vitamin C Gummies) when we went there. Sana lagi may freebies sa Kidzania.

You can also buy a ticket online to save time in falling in line and to reserve a slot. Buy your ticket here.
Klook.com

* This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Cabalen restaurant has been around since 1974 but the Eat-All-You-Can concept started in 1986. Cabalen which means “a fellow Kapampangan” is a Filipino restaurant which serves Filipino cuisines and authentic Kampapangan dishes like the snails in coconut milk. I heard that some branches also offer other Asian cuisines and they already have a branch in California, USA.

I was already in college when I first tried Cabalen, my experience was just okay so I guess more or less 5 times pa lang ako nakakain dito. It’s been several years ago na rin nung last na kain namin in Alabang Town Center branch. They have very limited buffet spread and when it comes to taste, it is just okay.


I think it was only two years ago when Cabalen started its operation in SM Sta Rosa. At last, may nadagdag na naman na buffet restaurant sa probinsiya. Just this week, my father-in-law celebrated his birthday so my husband suggested dinner at Cabalen so off we went to SM Sta Rosa. We are a group of 14 persons and we don’t have a reservation, good thing they were able to accommodate us. Siguro dahil weekday, hindi naman punuan.

The staff informed us about the 2 hours buffet limit, since hindi pa kami complete we waited outside the restaurant. But after a few minutes, the staff asked us kung nasaan na ba kasama namin and we said papunta pa lang. She said, we can go inside and start eating already so finally we can eat dinner around 6:30PM.

They have 50+ dishes, there are appetizers, soups, salads, grilled dishes, main dishes, and desserts. My favorite here is the ginataang langka, namiss ko tuloy yung luto ng lola ko na mga ginataan. I hope they can improve the taste of the Lechon (na mukhang lechon kawali), it is too salty.







The buffet spread may not be amazing but it is still a good meal, for P367.36 you can already have a buffet. Marami ka na makakain, mas mura and mas marami pa yan compared sa buffet meal namin sa Palm Beach Resort and sa isang order ko ng Pasta sa Cafe Mary Grace. You can treat your family or friends without breaking the bank. 

Watch the video here

They have a birthday promo of 5 + 1 pero hindi rin namin siya nakuha kasi when I checked the bill, same lang yung number or persons sa nabayaran namin. Lesson learned, always double check your bill before paying. We paid, 12 adults and 1 Kid (+1 Baby Free), dapat 11 adults and 1 kid (Free birthday celebrant and Free baby). Sayang din ang P367.36. hehehe!

Unlike other buffet restaurants, wala sila pakulo sa mga birthday celebrant except sa FREE ang buffet. So it is better to bring your own cake and kayo na rin magdecide kung anong oras ang pagblow ng candle.

Read: Dinner at La Fiesta: A Taste of Filipino 

Cabalen Buffet Rate 
Kids 4ft above and Adult - 328 + VAT = P367.36
Kids 4ft below - 50% + VAT = P183.68

Cabalen SM Sta Rosa 
SM City Santa Rosa,
Manila S Rd, Santa Rosa, Laguna

When I started working, Makati Medical Center is my go-to hospital if I need check-up or laboratory, para hindi na ko lalayo pa. After work, I just walked to the hospital before going home. Things changed when I resigned from my work and moved to South Luzon area. It took me almost a decade before going back to this hospital.

We frequent Makati Medical Center since last year because of my in-law’s confinement. I was surprised when I saw Makati Medical Center, ang laki na ng pinagbago niya. There are so many restaurants and food stalls where you can eat, drink or even buy take-outs or pasalubong if may dadalawin din kayo sa hospital. Parang St. Lukes BGC din pala siya na madami restaurants and ang problem mo lang is budget kung dito ka lagi kakain.

Read: St Lukes BGC Restaurants

Makati Medical Center Restaurants

Ground Floor

Cafe France
Dairy Queen
Cafe Mary Grace
Pizza Hut
Seattle’s Best

First Floor 

Burger King
Floating Island Restaurant
Krispy Kreme
Lavazza and Bakeshop

Second Floor 

Tapa King
Mini Stop

Third Floor 

Buco Loco
Go Salad
Dimsum ‘n Dumplings
Fruitas
Lulu Belle
Pancake House
Kitchen City Express
Country Style
El Nacho
Potato Corner
Turks
Wendy’s

Just this week, we went back to Makati Medical Center for my laboratory test. I need to undergo some test and unfortunately, wala siya sa probinsiya so we searched kung saan may ganoong test and Makati Medical Center is one of the choices.

We liked the service of Makati Medical Center, parang asikasong-asikaso ka talaga from the time you enter and until you leave the hospital. Nacocompare ko siya nung naoperahan si hubby sa St Lukes BGC, parang hindi naman ganun ang service. I’m not saying na hindi okay service sa St Lukes BGC kasi good naman experience namin, pero sobrang alaga nga lang sa Makati Med. You can settle your bills inside your room, hinahatid ka hanggang sakayan and pati pillows nga pinauuwi sayo.

Anyway, we were in the hospital as early as 7:30AM and I waited for 8AM so I can get approval from my HMO. But I was advised that I need to schedule my ultrasound first before they can process it. Ganun pala dito, in other hospitals kasi approval muna bago nila i-schedule or gagawin.

So I went to the laboratory to make an appointment, I don’t have a record yet so I have to register. At first, they are giving me next day schedule but I asked them if they can give me slot today and the staff asked me kung nakafasting na ba ko? And I said “Yes”. Fortunately, she gave me an 11AM slot, so more or less three hours of fasting pa.

Burger King

Imagine, hindi pa ko pwede kumain tapos ang mga nakapaligid sa akin puro kainan but I have no choice, ayaw ko na bumalik pa. So while waiting I went to Burger King to buy some snacks for my two boys. Nakikiamoy na lang ko ng food, pero at least pwede ako uminom ng water. In some test kasi pati water bawal uminom.

Floating Island Restaurant

After 3 hours of waiting, my labtest is done and I can finally eat. We had lunch at Floating Island Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant inside Makati Medical Center. Upon seated, they immediately gave us the menu, they have a lot of choices so I just looked for the Menu of the Day that I’ve seen outside. Meron dun blackboard where you can see the “Menu of the Day”.




We ordered Bangus Belly with Ampalaya over Rice P185+, Pininyahang Manok sa Gata over Rice P185+ and Pork BBQ with Garlic Fried Rice P195+. Food taste is good, each serving is more than enough to fill your stomach. Service is fast and good too.

We all know that health is wealth and we always hear these three words. But after what happened last year, it made me realized that health is indeed wealth. It is very significant to give importance to our health because it can deplete your wealth. No matter how much you save for the future, that money may not be enough to pay for the hospital bills, treatment, therapy, medicine, and other medical expenses. 

And because of that health scare, last quarter of the year we spent most of our time in the hospital and clinic for a check-up, lab test, and therapy. I was so paranoid about my health and for my husband’s health. Cancer runs in my husband’s family, 9 years ago my sister-in-law lost her battle with colon cancer and last year, two of my in-laws were diagnosed with cancer. It was hard to accept but life must go on and we’re praying for healing and provision.

I wanted my husband to try colonoscopy because prevention is better than cure but he was hesitant because of the price of the colonoscopy. While I was browsing Deal Grocer site, I saw the Colon Cleanse promo of Centro Holistico so I told my husband about it. He watched some videos about Colon Cleansing and parang nagdalawang isip pa lalo. But after few days, pumayag din so I bought One Session of Colon Cleanse P1375, the regular rate is P2000. There are two branches, one in Pasig and one in Alabang and I chose the latter.

It’s been years since the last time I bought a voucher from Deal Grocer so I was surprised when I learned that I can pay via Paypal. I think yung huli kong bili, credit card payment and USD pa yung currency nila. I bought Crosswinds Resort Suites and Nurture Wellness Village voucher before.

To give you an idea, let me share the description of Colon Cleanse from Deal Grocer 

1. Toxins in the body could be the cause when you’re feeling bloated and fatigued. You can flush them out effectively with this all-natural treatment.
2. Colon cleanse is also called the “ultimate detox treatment”, it will rid your body toxins, harmful chemicals, and buildup in the colon. It uses an organic solution of Barako coffee to aid in the process.
3. The mixture triggers the liver to produce enzymes like glutathione to target free radicals and speed along the detoxification. It also helps lower inflammation, prevent constipation, prevent reabsorption of toxins, and reboot gut.
4.Added benefits such as weight loss, an improved immune system and radiant skin due to the increased production of glutathione. It is also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The voucher is redeemable from Monday to Saturdays only, from October 29, 2018 to January 2019 but not valid from December 23, 2018 to January 2, 2019. So after our Batanes trip, my husband called Centro Holistico to reserve and ang available na lang is last week of January. Buti, umabot pa bago mag-expire so it is better to use your voucher immediately.


Fast forward to my husband’s Colon Cleanse Session, off we went to Centro Holistico at Commercenter Alabang. It was only 11:30AM and 1PM pa yung appointment so my husband just showed his voucher and ID and nag-ikot-ikot muna kami. After one hour, we went back to the clinic and the staff gave him a form.



1. Fill out the form
2. The staff check his blood pressure and weight
3. After that, the staff called my husband for an interview daw. The doctor will verify the information that you’ve written in the form and also asked about the medical history.

My son and I waited for him pero nung 1PM na at hindi na lumabas, we went out the clinic na and we had lunch at The Farm Organics.

According to my husband, there is a private room for the colon cleanse. You have to change your clothes, the nurse will explain the procedure and the colon cleanse session will take more or less 60 minutes. About 5 gallons of water are flushed through your colon using a tube that was inserted into your rectum. I don’t want to overshare but my husband told me, medyo nakakailang din kasi minamassage yung tummy niya nung nurse during the procedure and nandun lang talaga hanggang matapos. After the session, they gave him tea. My husband felt, lumiit daw tiyan niya. Sana nga daw, nagsukat siya ng before and after.




There are pros and cons about this treatment and I’m still thinking if I will buy this every year and I’m contemplating kung ita-try ko din ba. hehehe! I hope may promo ulit sa Deal Grocer. Have your tried colon cleansing?

Centro Holistico
2/F Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Ave. , cor.
Filinvest Ave., Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 828 8863, (0917) 581 2990
Mondays to Fridays, 10AM - 7PM; Saturdays, 11AM - 7PM

Eleven days to go and the first quarter of the year 2019 is over, time flies really fast. Few more days na lang, tapos na rin Recognition practice ng aking anak and finally summer vacation na. But before that let me share with you my  Althea Korea Ber-Months Haul. Three months ago na yata since my last post about beauty products, nalibang masyado sa food and travel post.


October Althea Korea Haul 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask P740
The Faceshop Herb Day Cleansing 365 Foam Lemon (170ml) P150
The Faceshop Herb Day 365 Cleaning Foam Aloe (170ml) P150
Innisfree Green Tea Mint Fresh Shampoo (300ml) P380

Anyway, last October I started buying my Christmas Gifts and some of my gifts came from Althea Korea. I love Korean products so why not, ipang-gift di ba? I bought The Faceshop Herb Day Cleansing 365 Foam Lemon last year and I liked the product. I said before that it will really last and until now hindi pa rin ubos ni hubby yung cleansing foam so naisip ko pwede pang-gift. All year-round nila magagamit.

Lasy July, I bought the Innisfree Camellia Essential Shampoo and I find it expensive for P290 (300ml) but after one month of using it, there is a significant improvement on my hair so bago pa maubos, bumili na ko. Unfortunately, it is not available of the day of my purchase so I settled for Innisfree Green Tea Mint Fresh Shampoo P380 (300ml). Waah! Mas napamahal pa ako.


Innisfree Green Tea Mint Fresh Shampoo is a sebum-control shampoo with a combination of Jeju Green Tea and Mint extracts. And because of the formulation, it will make you feel refresh after using. It is silicone-free so expect that your scalp and hair will not dry out. I like this shampoo but it is more expensive so I will go back to Innisfree Camellia Essential Shampoo.


I’m starting to love Laneige products so when I saw the 15% off of Laneige last October, I bought Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I always have dry and chapped lips but I’m lazy to apply lip balm so I want to try this Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It promised that it will soothe, soften and smoothen your lips. There is no significant effect after my first use and minsan nakakalimutan ko rin maglagay, so I’m not sure if I will repurchase this again. There are four fragrances that you can choose from, I chose Sweet Vanilla. Other variants are Sweet Berry Complex, Sweet Citrus, Citrus Green Fruity.

November Althea Korea Haul

Mediheal Vita Lightbeam Essential Mask EX 6 sheet P350
Elizavecca Gold CF-Nest White Bomb Eye Cream (30ml) P400
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Nose Pack (6 patches) P150
Missha the Style 4D Mascara (7g) P170
Bubble Maker P50
Boomdeahdah Everyday Mask Set 10 Sheets P180

November came and paubos na ang ibang Korean Products ko so I ordered a face mask, eye cream, nose pack, mascara, and bubble maker. Boomdeahdah Everyday Mask Set and Missha the Style 4D Mascara are some old favorites.


I’ve been seeing a lot of good reviews about Mediheal mask so I bought Vita Lightbeam Essential Mask EX. This mask will soothe, pamper and brighten your skin complexion. The price is a little bit expensive compared to the other masks that I have tried but I love this. Actually, I repurchased this mask but I was surprised na may limit to one piece lang. Wow, bawal maghoard. I hope next time may promo ulit na 6 pieces/set.


I already have an eye cream and okay naman siya but I decided to try a new brand so I bought Elizavecca Gold CF-Nest White Bomb Eye Cream. What nice about this product is you can also use this in your forehead and smile lines, so multi-purpose din siya.

If you are familiar with Snail White Whipp Soap na marami foam sa face, nagtrending siya last year but I haven’t tried it yet. I bought Bubble Maker na lang so I can put my soap inside, for P50 only. It makes my life easier, sabay na lang pagsabon at pagscrub. Sometimes this is out of stock, so hoard na rin na good for one year.


I bought the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Nose Pack for my husband pero hindi pa niya ginagamit. I will update this post after trying it.

December Althea Korea Haul



Pobling Mini Ion Applicator P700
Laneige Mini Sleeping Mask Set (+ Basic Sample Kit) P1240
Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (200ml) P1100
Calmia Oatmeal Therapy Cleansing Tissue (20pcs) P60
CP-1 Premium Silk Ampoule (20ml) P70

I’m part of Althea Angels and I received Christmas Shopping Rewards last December. Yey,  so before the year ends, I purchased my last Althea Korea Box for the year 2018. I bought Pobling Ion Applicator, Laneige Mini Sleeping Mask Set + Basic Sample Kit, Laneige Essential Therapy Cleaning, CP-1Premium Silk Ampoule, and an old favorite Calmia Oatmeal Therapy Cleansing Tissue.

Laneige Sleeping Mask is one of my Top 10 Favorite Products from Althea Korea site so I took advantage of the sleeping mask set and sample kit so I can try other variants of sleeping masks. I haven’t use the other masks but I’m planning to bring them on my future travels.

I love Laneige brand so even it is expensive, I’m still trying one product at a time and my new favorite is Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner. I stopped using my toner and started using Essential Power Skin Refiner. It is different from other toners because the formula is thicker so it moisturizes and hydrates your skin down to deep layers.


 After using it for a few months, I can really see the improvement in my skin texture, fewer pores, bright complexion, and feeling ko ang soft ng skin ko. I don’t use cream anymore, since I always stay at home, ito lang gamit ko day and night. I use sunscreen and primer if I’m going out and pag night time, sometimes I add a sleeping mask, Vitamin C- Essence, or face mask.

I haven’t use the other products, I will just update this post next time. I still have two remaining boxes this year that I need to unbox. Naghoard na at matatagalan na naman ang next order ko.

Batanes is on my bucket list but I was hesitant to visit Sabtang Island because I’m scared to ride the Faluwa. My initial plan is we will just visit North Batan Island and South Batan Island but when we availed of the Tour Package of Bernardo’s Hotel, Sabtang Island Tour was already included so I was just praying that weather will cooperate on the day of our trip.


During our North Batan Tour, we visited the Naidi Lighthouse and a stranger approached us and asked if we already visited Sabtang and I said “Hindi pa”. He said, “Punta kayo dun, ang ganda-ganda dun”. He was really smiling while saying those words so nacurios tuloy ako lalo.

Read: Bernardo’s Hotel Review 
Day1: North Batan Island Tour in Batanes

Sabtang Island Tour Itinerary

5AM Wake up call/Breakfast
6AM Depart from the hotel to Ivana Port

Registration at the Tourism Office
Start of Tour

San Vicente Ferrer Church
Morong Beach and Mayahaw Natural Arch
Brgy Savidug Stone House
Savidug Idjang Natural Fortress
Sto. Tomas Chapel
Chamantad - Tinyan Viewpoint
Chavayan Vernacular Houses
Sta Rosa De Lima Chapel
Sabtang Weavers Association

11:30AM Picnic Lunch
1:30PM Travel back to Ivana Port
Back to hotel

Watch the Sabtang Island Tour video

We started the year 2019 in Batanes, we woke up early and we were ready by 5AM but the restaurant was still closed so we just waited outside. It was the first day of the year so puyat pa mga staff sa New Year’s Eve; 5:30AM na nag-open yung restaurant and 5:40AM na naserved yung breakfast, we just ate fast because we need to leave by 6AM.

Wherever you stay, the hotel, hostel or guesthouse adjust their schedule too so don’t worry because they will serve breakfast before your Sabtang Island Tour. Just don’t forget to inform them. We arrived in Ivana Port after 30 minutes, we just registered and waited for the boarding time. Finally, I saw the boat of Batanes “Faluwa”, so ito yung boat nila na walang katig or outriggers. #onlyinBatanes


At 7AM, we started to board and they gave us lifevest. This is it! Time to face my fears, I was really praying that our boat ride will be smooth. Our tour guide instructed us to sit in the middle which we did so we won’t get wet and avoid seasickness. Just in case you want to vomit, don’t worry because there are plastic bags inside the Faluwa.


We’re so happy when we docked at Sabtang Island after crossing the strong currents of the Pacific Ocean and West Philippine sea in 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you need to register at the Tourism Board, don’t forget to bring the flyers that were given to you when you paid the Environmental fee, they will look for that. I was expecting that we will have a tricycle tour in Sabtang but I was wrong, I was glad that we will ride a Crosswind.

The Sabtang roads are so narrow, minsan one way lang yung daanan pero dahil konti lang naman ang sasakyan, no traffic and nakakapag-adjust naman sila lahit nagkakasalubong minsan sa daan. The road also reminds me of our Sagada trip.

Brgy Savidug Stone House and St. Tomas Aquinas Chapel

Our first stop is Brgy. Savidug Stone House, we started our walking tour in the traditional village and we saw the famous Ivatan homes and St. Tomas Aquinas Chapel. There are stone houses on the North and South Batan Tour but Sabtang Island has more stone houses and they really tried their best to preserve these houses.

The houses are made of stone walls and cogon roofs. The cogon roof varies too, there are four sloped (maytuab), two sloped (Sinadumparan), and a combination of wood and cogon (jinjin) and according to our guide, the cogon roof really lasts for a long time.



You will enjoy your walking tour because it is your chance to have a glimpse of the simple life of Ivatan. Though Savidug is known as a traditional village, you will notice that some parts of the barangay have modern houses.

Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint

The next stop is Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint, I’ve seen this viewpoint in pictures and in movies but nothing beats the personal experience. It left me speechless when I saw the Chamantad-Tinyan view, it is indeed picturesque.

My two boys sa kabilang bundok

  

The wind was strong so walking on the hill was difficult for me. Kung nahirapan na ko sa Vayang Rolling Hills, mas mahirap pa maglakad dito sa lakas ng hangin. So there is a spot there where I just sit na lang and my two boys continued their walking tour without me. Hindi ko na kaya maglakad pa sa kabilang bundok so I just enjoyed the view where I can see the Pacific Ocean and mountains. Among the tourist spots that we visited on Sabtang Island, this is my favorite.

Chavayan Vernacular Houses 

Then we moved to Brgy. Chavayan where you can see other types of stone houses. Sabtang Weavers Association is located in Chavayan where you can buy or rent a vakul. Pay P20 if you want to rent the vakul (headgear) and kanayi (vest) for picture taking.

We also saw the house where Coco Martin and Toni Gonzaga stayed during their shoot for “You’re My Boss” movie.


You can also see the Sta Rosa de Lima Chapel. The chapel was built in 1951 and mass is every Saturday. Our last stop in Brgy. Chavayan is Chavayan Beach, then we went to our next destination.


On our way to Morong Beach, we passed the Sleeping Beauty Mountain and Idjang Fortress.



Morong Beach and Mayahaw Arch

I’m familiar with Morong Beach in Bataan and I have no idea that there is Morong Beach or Nakabuang beach in Sabtang Batanes too. This beach is much better compared to the other beach that we’ve seen in Batanes.



You can also see the Nakabuang Arch or Mayahaw Arch, the popular natural rock formation on the beach. This is our last stop so we spent most of our time here waiting for our lunch at Pananayan Canteen & Catering Services. We had chicken tinola, fried pork, fish fillet, vegetables, rice and bukayo for dessert.

San Vicente Ferrer Church and Sabtang Lighthouse 




Past 11AM and we were already back at Sabtang Port, we were so early for our boat ride so we went to San Vicente Ferrer Church, which is the national Historical landmark in Sabtang Island. It was built in 1765. You can also see the Sabtang Lighthouse from afar.

Surviving Faluwa Ride 

On our way to Sabtang Island, I was praying na sana okay lang alon para hindi kami magsuka. We docked safely naman and we enjoyed our tour. But after our tour, it started to rain and the waves were getting higher and stronger. I was thinking, tuloy kaya biyahe? Mag-overnight ba kami sa Sabtang?

Pero tuloy biyahe, we boarded the boat kahit takot. If Batan to Sabtang Boat ride was okay, going back to Batan is a different story. I was really scared. Riding faluwa with big waves is no joke. Rollercoaster ba ito? My son even said, mommy the boat is jumping. Ilang beses din kaming mga tourists napasigaw as we braved the waves. Maski yung gamit naglaglagan at nagmove from left to right. Nabasa na mga passengers sa unahan because of the waves. I was praying, “Lord, please calm the sea, ayaw ko lumutang sa West Philippine Sea”.

It was the longest 40 minutes of my life and I’m so grateful that we survived the Faluwa boat ride. Masuka-suka kami pero at least buhay. I did not imagine that I will start 2019 like this, they say Sabtang is a heavenly place but Faluwa boat is one hell of a ride. “Life is an adventure, take risks”

Dinner at Amboy’s Hometel 

We were supposed to eat at Cafe Du Tukon in Fundacion Pacita but because of what happened, we just ate dinner at Amboy’s Hometel. It was January 1, so our tour guide was not sure if there are open restaurants in Basco Town. This is just walking distance from Bernardo’s Hotel and we had an early dinner at 5:30PM. We enjoyed our Sinigang na Hipon and Grilled Liempo.

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes  

Sabtang Island Tour Package 

Our Sabtang Island Tour is part of the Tour Package at Bernardo’s Hotel, we paid P7200 per person for our 3 Days Batanes Tour, it is a private tour with a driver, tour guide, entrance fees, boat ride, and food. If you want to save you can read my How to Save Money for your Batanes Trip post. 

You can also save money by booking your tour at Klook, they have different packages according to your needs. The child’s rate is also available.

3 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P5,500
2 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P4,800
Sabtang Island Day Tour from Batan Island P2500

Read: Pasalubong from Batanes