4 Days in Batanes with Kid

Time is slipping away so fast and I can’t believe that today is already the last day of the year 2022. I’m supposed to write my year-end post but my Facebook memories reminded me that four years ago we went to Batanes. It’s been a long time since we travel during the holiday so for now, I will just reminisce about our trip. 

Batanes has been on my bucket list for the longest time and if you’ve read my year-end post last December 2017, Batanes is part of my Top 3 Places on my Travel Bucket List here in the Philippines. So I was really happy that at last, I was able to cross out Batanes on my bucket list before 2018 ends. 

I can still remember that a few days before our trip, my excitement was gone because it was raining cats and dogs, and when I checked the Basco, Batanes weather, mas lalo ko nalungkot. May nakikita ko rainshowers, very windy and thunderstorms pa. Sa sobrang tamad ko, I was packing our stuff 6 hours before we left the house and because of that I only had 3 hours of sleep. 

Day 1 Clark to Basco Flight 

Clark International Airport 

We left the house before 1AM and arrived at Clark International Airport before 3AM. At that time, Philippine Airlines has no Manila to Basco flight so we had no choice but to travel to Clark. While waiting at the boarding gate, I was praying that there will be no flight cancellation or delay. I’ve read a lot of stories about that so I was a little bit worried. I was glad when we boarded on time and I felt relieved when we landed at Basco Airport. 

Read: Glimpse of Clark International Airport 

Basco Airport 

Basco Airport is only small so we were out in a few minutes. Our hotel service was already waiting outside the airport, he drove us to an office where we need to pay the Eco-Tourism Fee, and then we went straight to Bernardo’s Hotel. 

Read: Glimpse of Basco Airport Terminal Building 

Eco-Tourism Fee (P350)  

P100 - Basco 

P50 - Mahatao 

P200 - Sabtang 

Protected Area Entrance Fee 

P50 Adult 

P20 Kid 

Bernardo’s Hotel 

Bernardo’s Hotel was our accommodation for four days. I love DIY travel but since this is a last-minute plan, we availed Bernardo’s Hotel Tour Package so we have room accommodation, round-trip airport transfers, three days tour, and full-board meals. The only thing that was excluded is Eco-Tourism Fee and Protected Area Entrance Fee (per person). 

Upon arrival, we paid the remaining 50% balance. They allowed us to check in early. We ate our breakfast and rested while waiting for our service for our first tour. 

Read: Where to Stay in Batanes: Bernardo’s Hotel  

Watch the video here

  

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes

Day 1: North Batan Island Tour in Batanes 

This is our North Batan Island itinerary but before we started our tour, we had lunch first at Pension Ivatan Hometel Restaurant. 

Visit Mt. Carmel Church (Tukon Church) 

Check out PAGASA Tukon Radar Station 

Drop by Fundacion Pacita 

Visit the Basco Idjang Viewing point 

Explore the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel 

Check out Valugan Boulder Beach 

Walk along Basco Town Proper 

Visit Provincial Capitol 

Drop by the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman 

Visit Vayang Rolling Hills 

Explore Naidi Hills 

Visit Basco Lighthouse 

Go sunset viewing 

Watch the video here

 

Day 2: Sabtang Island Tour in Batanes 

We did not celebrate New Year’s Eve anymore since we need to wake up early for our next tour. The call time is 6AM. We spent our first day of 2019 on Sabtang Island, we rode faluwa to reach the island. We landed on Sabtang Island safely but going back to Batan is a different story. Feeling ko second life na namin na nakabalik kami ng buhay after our scary boat ride. Despite the trauma, I’m still happy to see this place. Dito nagshoot yung “You’re My Boss” movie. 

San Vicente Ferrer Church 

Morong Beach and Mayahaw Natural Arc 

Brgy Savidug Stone House 

Savidug Idjang Natural Fortress 

Sto. Tomas Chapel 

Chamantad - Tinyan Viewpoint 

Chavayan Vernacular Houses 

Sta Rosa De Lima Chapel 

Sabtang Weavery Association 

Watch the video here

  

Day 3: South Batan Tour in Batanes 

This is our South Batan Island Tour Itinerary, it was a long list but we finished this in few hours kasama na yung pamimili namin sa souvenir shop. 

Chawa Viewdeck 

Mahatao Boat Shelter Port 

Tayid Lighthouse 

San Carlos Church 

Homoron Blue Lagoon 

Maydangeb White Beach 

Ivana Municipality 

Old Spanish Bridge 

House of Dakay 

San Jose De Obrero 

Honesty Coffee Shop 

Uyugan Municipality 

Muchong Viewpoint 

Song Song Ruins 

Itbud Village 

Alapad Pass and Natural Rock Formation 

Old Naval Station 

Imnajbu Village 

Racuh A Payaman (Marlboro Country) 

Watch the video here

 

Read: Pasalubong from Batanes 

Day 4 Basco to Clark Flight

Check-out time is 8AM but the hotel allowed us to check out late since our flight is still before lunchtime. The airport is not far so we don't need to go early. Check-in time is 2 hours before the flight. Our flight was delayed because of weather conditions but still thankful na hindi canceled flight.

Traveling to Batanes is expensive but I can definitely say, it is worth the splurge. This is one of my favorite places that we visited in the Philippines. And if I have an extra budget, I would revisit Batanes even without the tour, I just want to enjoy the place and food.

DIY Personalized Acrylic Ornaments

I know that Christmas is already over but I am just starting to blog about my holiday crafts. I started as early as July when I joined Cricut Philippines Christmas in July challenge but I just have no time to blog about them, hopefully, I can blog about them soon. So let us start with my DIY Personalized Acrylic Ornaments. I’ve been making acrylic ornaments since year 2020 so you can check my previous posts. 

DIY Christmas Ornaments Using Cricut Maker 

DIY Stained Glass Ornaments 

DIY Acrylic Holiday Ornaments 

DIY Christmas Cardinal Ornaments 

DIY Personalized Christmas Ornaments 

This year, I decided to make personalized ornaments for my son’s teachers. I made these ornaments as early as September. The SVG Design is from Design Bundle Plus Membership and I used the Teckwrap Holographic Sparkle Vinyl Rainbow and Cricut Premium Shimmer Sampler Vinyl. I used one design and sliced the name of the teachers. 

eTravel Experience

Update: Starting April 15, 2023, travelers to and from the Philippines are required to register through the E-Travel portal (https://etravel.gov.ph). 

This is in line with the directive of the government's Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on the complete utilization of the e-Travel system. 

Arriving or Departing Passengers need to register within 72 hours prior to your schedule time of arrival in the Philippines or departure from the Philippines. 

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“Does it ever drive you crazy, just how fast the night changes?” Napakanta ka ba? Hehehe! Well, change is constant but I just didn’t imagine that after six months, there will be new travel requirements na naman. I still can’t forget my stress sa One Health Pass tapos may iisipin ulit ako na bago. 

“In response to the IATF directive, the One Health Pass will be officially replaced by eTravel which incorporates the health declaration checklist.” 

Fortunately, mas madali ito because “No pre-departure COVID-19 Test requirement, no booster needed and walang upload ng documents.” You just have to fill out the form at https://etravel.gov.ph/ and save the QR code. That’s it! 

These are the Entry Guidelines from their website 

As per IATF Resolution No. 2 (s. 2022) on the ENTRY, QUARANTINE, and TESTING Requirements of inbound travelers to the Philippines 

A. FULLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers) 

- No pre-departure COVID-19 Test requirement 

- Must have received the 2nd dose in a 2-dose series or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine more than fourteen (14) days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/port of embarkation. 

B. UNVACCINATED or PARTIALLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

1. Travelers 15 years and older shall present a remotely supervised/laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, or other similar establishment taken 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided that, he/she has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over. 

2. Travelers 15 years and older who fail to present negative pre-departure testing shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test UPON ARRIVAL at the airport.

3. ACCOMPANIED minors below 15 years of age who are NOT VACCINATED for any reason whatsoever shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them. 

4. UNACCOMPANIED minors below 15 years of age who are NOT VACCINATED for any reason whatsoever shall follow the protocols set forth in Section B (1) and (2) above. NOTE:- Any inbound traveler, whether Filipino or Foreign national, who shall test positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen test shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH.

How to Get eTravel Pass or QR Code

1. Go to https://etravel.gov.ph/

2. Enter the date of arrival and email address.

3. Check the “I have read and agreed to the Data Privacy and Affidavit of Undertaking.” 

4. Click Continue 

5. Fill out the form with the following details. 

A.Personal Profile 

B.Address Information 

C.Travel Details 

D.Health Declaration 

6. Review the Summary of your details. 

7. Submit the form. 

8. Save the QR Code 

Same with One Health Pass, you need to register per person so in our case, my husband registered for us and he just sent me our QR code so I can save it on my phone. He did this day before our flight but you can register as early as 72 hours prior to your arrival. 

On the day of our flight, the staff asked for our Vaccine Certificates and eTravel QR codes before he allowed us to check-in. Yung mga nauna sa amin sa pila, nalagpasan namin kasi wala sila eTravel QR Code so make sure you register before check-in para walang hassle. 

Upon arrival to the Philippines, maraming booth na doon na magscan ng QR Code before immigration.

Cricut Project: 3D Christmas Gingerbread House Cookie Wreath

It’s already the first week of December but I can’t feel it yet because we’re not putting Christmas tree and I haven’t bought any Christmas gifts yet. My mind is still in vacation mode so I’m pretty sure I am going to experience the Christmas rush again. 

Anyway, last week my son informed me that his teacher was asking if they can bring Christmas decor for their classroom. I am too lazy to go to the mall just to buy Christmas decor so what I did, I just spent my time making a DIY 3D Christmas Gingerbread House Cookie Wreath. 

This project only needs 5 layers of cardstock but the problem is I don’t have 12x12 white cardstock so I have to reduce the size of my wreath to 10 inches instead of 11.5 inches. For the white layer, I used the box of the cake. I added another layer at the back using the box of the cake too to make it sturdy. 

It was funny because it took me hours of cutting and assembling this project, parang same amount of time din kung pumunta ko sa mall. Hehehe! Despite that, I am still happy with the result. 

"There is no greater joy in life than the joy of creating something” - Abhay Kumar 

Read: 3D Christmas Gnomes 

Unplugging at Lilom Resort Anilao

It’s been a while since my last blog post, blame it on the approaching holiday season. I have a long list of things to do but I’m taking a break for now so I can share our beach trip at Lilom Resort. We recently went to Anilao. Batangas, pero bago ko iblog iyong third resort, I will share the second resort that we have tried in Anilao several months ago. 

I mentioned before that we were supposed to celebrate Father’s Day on the beach but it did not happen so my husband rescheduled our celebration for a later date. At that time, Lilom Resort is not accepting guests within 14 days of arrival from overseas so hindi rin pala kami pwede ng Father’s Day because my son and I just came back from Norway. 

Lilom Resort COVID Safe Requirements and LGU guidelines: 

A. If you are FULLY VACCINATED, please present your vaccination card upon entry. No need to submit a COVID test. 

B. If you are UNVACCINATED or have had only a SINGLE DOSE, we require a NEGATIVE NASAL SWAB Test Result within 48 hours of arrival date from accredited DOH testing centers. Please bring a printout of the test result to give to our staff upon arrival. Saliva tests are not accepted. The nasal swab RT PCR and the Rapid Antigen Tests are the only ones we can accept.  Kids 11 years old and under do not need to present a swab test. 

C. We can not yet accept pregnant women and people with comorbidities. 

Lilom Resort offers day trips, overnight, and exclusive block-off rates. The room rate is per person/per night and the rate includes meals and government taxes. 

Welcome Drink 

Lunch upon arrival 

Afternoon Snack 3PM 

Sunset Cocktails 5:30PM 

Dinner 7PM 

Breakfast 7AM 

Filtered drinking water 

Pressed coffee or tea. 

The rate varies too, depending on the room that you will choose. Lilom Resort has 7 rooms, Butanding, Paraw, Kubo, Tuko, Pawikan, Capiz and Satcho’s House. We are a group of 5 people and we chose Pawikan and Capiz room for PHP3,500/person. 

Reserving a room is easy because everything is done via email. To confirm the reservation, a 50% deposit is needed via bank transfer. The resort only accepts cash payments or online transfers. No free wifi and the data signal is not stable so it is better to bring cash or pay the full amount prior to the trip.

Staycation at Lilom Resort 

Our first staycation in Anilao, Batangas was in Vivere Azure so when we booked Lilom Resort we have no expectations at all because we knew that it was not a 5-star luxury resort. I suggested this resort to my husband because I have no idea na isasama niya in-laws ko. So when I learned that, I was searching for other resorts na hindi mahihirapan ang Senior Citizens but my husband already paid the downpayment na pala. #nagmamadali. 

So I warned him about the 300 meters walk from the public parking lot to the resort and 220 steps down to the resort. He immediately called my mother-in-law to ask “kung kakayanin ba niya?”. She said yes, so we proceeded with our trip. 

Check-in time is 12NN, we left the house past 8AM, fetched our in-laws and off we went to Lilom Resort. We arrived at the parking lot before 11AM and we waited for more than 30 minutes before the porter assisted us. Check-out time is 11AM so busy ang staff sa paghatid sa guests. 

I already conditioned my mind that going to the resort is not easy but during our trip, manageable naman. It took us more or less five minutes except for my in-laws, more than 10 minutes. Good thing that it was not high tide so hindi naman kami nabasa. If I have extra time, I will share a video so you can manage your expectation. 

Upon arrival, the staff served our welcome drinks and asked for our vaccination cards. We also registered to their Guest Logbook. As expected the resort is only small, it has 7 rooms, a dining area, sunset soak pools, and a healing garden. 

They allowed us to go to our room before 12NN. My family stayed at the Capiz Room, this room has no window so hindi pwede sa claustrophobic. We have 2 double beds, 1-day bed, a private bathroom with hot showers, aircon, hammocks, and a balcony. I was glad that the other room is not occupied so solo namin yung balcony. 

My in-laws stayed in Pawikan room, which has 2 double beds, a private bathroom, aircon, a hammock and a patio. 

After checking our room, the staff asked if we wanted to eat our lunch, of course, we said yes. The meals are no longer buffet style, it is now plated but you can ask for seconds. Based on our experience, generous ang servings nila so nahihirapan na nga kami ubusin e. For food, expect meat, seafood, a vegetable dish, and dessert. Oh my goodness, blogging about this trip makes me hungry, wala kami ginawa dito kundi kumain. 

Lunch: Grilled Tanigue, Roast Chicken, Kare-kareng Gulay, Rice and Mango 

Snacks: Turon with Hot Chocolate 

Cocktail: Mojito and Toast Bread 

Dinner: Grilled Pusit, Grilled Liempo, Chopsuey, Rice, and Sweet Banana 

Breakfast: Corned Beef, Omelet, Fried Rice, Pancake, Pandesal, Melon and Banana 

Things to Do at Lilom Resort? Unplug… there is no wifi, no television and data signal is not strong so the best thing to do is appreciate nature. If you want a massage, you can book in advance, PHP600 per hour. 

Since Anilao is known for a stony beach, diving and snorkeling, it is best to bring booties, aqua socks, snorkel, and floaters. We did not bring any, so I am thankful na meron naman mahihiraman sa Lilom. My husband and son borrowed a life vest and aqua shoes so they can enjoy the beach. 

Reminders from Lilom Resort: The area in front of Lilom is a marine protected area so there are a lot of corals and marine life to check out (perhaps you’ll be lucky to see the resident turtles). Please do not touch, remove, step on, or harass any of the living creatures (starfish, sea cucumbers, etc) including the hard corals that look like boulders. Most of these sea creatures and corals are sensitive and die when touched and we wouldn’t want that. Others are poisonous and can badly sting and ruin your holiday. 

Lilom Resort is not a luxury resort but we enjoyed our stay here, we liked the food and the service. Check-out time is 11AM but we left earlier because we knew that going up is challenging, On our way out, the staff informed us to wait because the manager asked permission pala sa katabing resort kung pwede dumaan yung Mother-in-law ko doon, Wow, we did not ask for it but the manager took an extra mile. We were so surprised and of course, thankful. So the staff ushered my mother-in-law and took an easier path while the rest of us, traveled to the usual route. 

Read: List of Batangas Resorts

Watch the video here 

Lilom Resort Anilao 

San Teodoro,Mabini/Anilao Mabini, Batangas

Beach Getaway at Acuaverde Beach Resort

I am enjoying my offline life now, my time revolves with crafting and traveling so blogging or updating my social media account took a back seat. We have so many happenings this year and sa daming ganap, I don’t know what and where to start my blog post. Hmmm! For now, let me reminisce about our first beach getaway this year. 

I have no idea that there will come a time when it would be hard for us to travel before kasi ang lagi lang reasons are either no budget or no time. But when COVID-19 happened, there are so many things to check and consider like restrictions and requirements before traveling. 

After being stuck at home due to community quarantine, we are missing the beach so much. Hence, every time there are changes with “Level Restrictions”, we would take a risk and book a resort. Unfortunately, our first beach trip was a failure so we settled to farm resorts, so last year we went to Gina’s Garden and Farm and The Farm at San Benito Resort.

We are happy with our farm staycations but we are itching to go to the beach so my husband looked for a resort so we can have a beach getaway before the holiday is over. He inquired to different resorts and fortunately, Acuaverde Resort has an available room. We had a Day Trip here before and we were satisfied with our stay so it became my husband’s go-to resort. But I am not a fan of this resort because I’m scared of dogs and this resort is “pet-friendly” so lagi ako kinakabahan tuwing lalabas ng room at baka may makasalubong na dogs. 

Read: Day Trip at Acuaverde Resort 

Anyway, our last beach trip was Palm Beach Resort so we were so excited because finally, after three years, we were able to go to the beach. Acuaverde Beach Resort is our first getaway in the year 2022.

We booked Casa Marina Queen for three days and 2 nights. During our trip, Antigen Test is still required so it is an additional cost to our budget pero pikit mata na lang kasi gusto namin makapagbeach ulit. PHP1,100 per person, okay na ito kaysa naman sa antigen test ng The Farm at San Benito. 

The room rate includes:

Room accommodation for 2 persons 

Welcome Drinks 

Set Breakfast 

Complimentary Bottled Water 

All Day Complimentary Coffee and Tea 

Use of Kayak and Paddle Board 

Extra Expenses: 

PHP1,600 - extra person per day 

PHP1,100 - antigen test per person 

PHP20 - Tourism Fee per person 

To confirm the booking, full payment is required, yung last trip namin, 50% downpayment lang then yung balance sa resort na namin binayaran. Also when we had our day trip, included na yung meals but this time, breakfast na lang yung included. I don’t know when they changed that. 

Beach Getaway at Acuaverde Resort

On the day of our trip, my son has still online classes so we waited for his morning classes to end before we went to the resort. When we arrived at the Tourism Center, we showed our reservation and ID’s then we went straight to Acuatico Beach Resort for our swab test. We waited for more or less 15 minutes to get our results, thank God we are all negative so we traveled to Acuaverde Beach Resort.

Read: Staycation at Acuatico Beach Resort 

Upon arrival, we showed our swab test results, IDs, vaccine certs, and tourism slips. There were temperature check, an electronic Health Declaration Form, and baggage disinfection. While waiting, they served us the welcome drink which is Tamarind Juice. After several minutes, the staff ushered us to our room. 

The Casa Marina room is about 22 sqm including the veranda so it is small, medyo mahirap kumilos lalo na may extra bed kami. Despite that, the room has cable TV, telephone, mini ref, and electric kettle.

What we like in our room is the location because we have a private balcony where we can see the garden and the beach. During our stay, kami lang yung guests sa second floor so pwede kami tumambay sa labas na walang katabing guests. 

Acuaverde resort has two restaurants but only Al Fresco Bar was open during our staycation so we had our breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the cozy garden. I already blog about that so you can check my post below. 

Read: Food Trip at Acuaverde Resort 

We savored our three days beach getaway because we don’t know when we can travel again. So we eat, swim, sleep and repeat. 

“The sand may brush off, the salt may wash away but the memories will last forever” 

Read: List of Batangas Resorts 

Watch the video here