September 07, 2023

How to Go to Puerto Galera from Manila and Vice Versa

The Philippines is the world’s fifth largest island country with 7,641 islands and sa dami ng islands, ilan pa lang ang napupuntahan ko. I live in the Luzon area and we usually travel by land or air. As far as I can remember, there are only a few times that I experienced sea travel in the Philippines, not including island hopping. Hehehe! 

Manila to Cebu 
Bataan to Manila 
Manila to Corregidor and vice versa 
Batangas to Mindoro/Puerto Galera and vice versa 

How to Go to Puerto Galera from Manila and Vice Versa 

Speaking of Mindoro, if you are planning to go to Puerto Galera, expect that you will have a lot of transfers, and based on our experience, we travel by land-sea-land-sea before we reach our resort.

Manila to Batangas 

If you are coming from Manila, you can ride a bus going to Batangas Port. JAM Liner Bus has a trip from Cubao and Buendia to Batangas Pier. As per my research, there is also a ticket that you can buy at KLOOK, this includes bus, ferry, and terminal fees

Manila to Puerto Galera 9:30AM
Puerto Galera to Manila 11:00AM  

If you have a car, you can do RORO or you can leave your vehicle at Park and Sail and other commercial parking spaces. 


Batangas Port to Balatero Port 


From Batangas Pier, purchase your RORO ticket or passenger ticket. There are different ferry companies that travel from Batangas to Balatero Port like MV City Iloilo, MV Island Calayan, Montenegro, and MV Isla Simara. Each ferry has a different schedule and rate. 

Batangas Terminal Fee: PHP30 

Balatero Port to Puerto Galera Resort

Once you reach Balatero Port, you need to pay PHP120 for the Environmental Fee. From here, you can ride a tricycle going to your resort or tricycle plus boat; it all depends on your resort location.

Traveling to Puerto Galera 

After reading the above post, it looked like an easy travel but it wasn’t. Then I realized, maybe that is the reason why I prefer traveling by land or air because there are so many things to consider in sea travel. Sharing our Puerto Galera travel experience.

I think it is more than a decade already since our last sea travel and a trip to Puerto Galera so when we went to Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort, I needed to do research on How to Go to Puerto Galera

My first trip to Oriental Mindoro was when I was still working, it was our team building in Puerto Galera. Since we are a group, instead of riding a bus to Batangas port, we rented a van from Gil Puyat Station. Our second trip was when we attended our friend’s wedding in Mindoro, we took a JAM Liner bus to Batangas port. 

Park and Sail 

Fast forward to our trip last month, we drove to Batangas Port and I was really worried because we were not sure if we could park our car. We experienced Park and Fly but this would be our first Park and Sail experience. 


We left the house before 5AM and arrived at Batangas Port past 6AM and unfortunately Park and Sail parking area was already full. The staff informed us about different options; one of the options is park at commercial parking space which is PHP300 per day. Since we are not in a hurry, we chose to wait but deep inside, nagwoworry na ko because we have no idea kung what time kaya may lalabas sa parking. Actually, ang dami na rin nag-alisan sa pila because they could no longer wait and because of that, from 3rd naging first na kami sa pila. 

Batangas Port 

We waited for almost an hour para lang makapagpark, and from there we went to Passengers Terminal Building so we could buy our ticket. We missed the 7AM trip, yung ibang ferry fully booked na rin so our only chance is Montenegro Shipping Lines pero almost an hour na kami nakapila, parang hindi naman nagmomove so we decided to let go the 8AM trip and we transferred to different ferry na lang which is 10AM trip. 


We booked at MV Isla Simara or Island Water, don’t forget to bring IDs for discount. I’m thankful that my son brought his student ID so nakadiscount pa kami sa fare and terminal fee. 

Island Water RORO Fare Rate Batangas Pier/Balatero Pier (Puerto Galera) 

Economy Fare 

Regular PHP500 
Student PHP400 
Senior/PWD PHP357.14 
Child (3-7 years old) PHP250 
Infant (0-2 years old) FREE 

Business Class Fare 

Regular PHP850 
Student PHP680 
Senior/PWD PHP607.14 
Child (3-7 years old) PHP425 
Infant (0-2 years old) FREE 

VIP Class Fare 

Regular PHP1000 
Student PHP800 
Senior/PWD PHP714.29 
Child (3-7 years old) PHP500 
Infant (0-2 years old) FREE 

Terminal Fee: PHP30 
* Senior, PWD and Students are FREE 

Five minutes before 8AM, we were already at the boarding gate and I noticed na boarding pa rin sa Montenegro Shipping Lines and I was shocked when I saw the people na kasama ko sa pila, yung nasa unahan at nasa likod ko ng pila, nakasakay pa sa 8AM trip. Now I knew na hindi naman pala on-time ang mga Ferry sa Pilipinas kasi 8:30AM na boarding pa rin ang Ferry. 



I won’t deny na nanghinayang ako na lumipat ng pila, kasi sayang din yung paghihintay namin sa Port kung alam ko lang na late pala umaalis ang Ferry, sana nagtiyaga pa kami sa pagpila. 

Island Water Economy 

Anyway, unlike in airplane na may boarding time, sa Ferry pala kung ano yung Schedule Trip, yun din ang boarding. Our schedule is 10AM and the ferry left before 10:30AM. Travel time is 2 hours for RORO. We only booked an Economy Ticket so it is an open area, there is a TV where you can watch a movie. During our trip natapos yung Doctor Strange movie bago kami nakababa sa port. 


Balatero Port 

We paid the Environmental Fee and the staff asked for our Booked Accommodation. Then we rode a tricycle going to Muelle Port for PHP120. 

Environmental fee: PHP120 
*Senior, PWD, and 11 yrs old below are FREE 


Muelle Port 


Upon arrival at Muelle Port, my husband called the resort and we waited for 30 minutes for our boat. While waiting I checked this boat where you can learn about the History of Puerto Galera and different places that you can visit in Puerto Galera. 


Traveling to Batangas Port 

After a few days, it is time to say goodbye to Puerto Galera, and because of our experience in buying Balatero Ticket, my husband asked the staff of Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort kung nagbobook din ba sila ng Ferry Ticket. And the staff said yes, itatawag lang daw nila and payment is via Gcash. 


We wanted fastcraft but because of the gale warning, RORO lang available. During our breakfast, the staff called Island Water and was advised na VIP Class na lang daw available. Of course, we purchased the ticket, kailangan namin umuwi. 


We left past 11AM from Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort and from Muelle Port, we rode a tricycle to Balatero Port for PHP150. The tricycle driver asked us if we already had a ticket kasi alam niya fully booked na daw ang ferry. Good thing that we asked for help from the resort or else, baka hindi kami makauwi. The driver dropped us at the Island Water Office to get our boarding ticket. Buti pala nagtanung siya kasi akala namin sa loob ng Balatero Port yung Ticketing Counter just like Batangas Port. Then we walked to Balatero Port and paid Terminal Fee. 

Balatero Port Terminal Fee: PHP10 
*Senior, PWD and Students are FREE 

Island Water VIP Class 

Our scheduled trip is 1PM but the Ferry left several minutes before 2PM, and again travel time is 2 hours. Once you enter the VIP Class, you will immediately notice the difference, you are staying in an aircon room and you have a private comfort room, comfortable chair, and free coffee and bottled water.




Batangas Port 

We arrived around 4PM and we walked to the parking lot. For our 3-day trips, we paid PHP370 for the parking fee.


September 06, 2023

A Gift For You: Bundle of Stock Photos

Getting your brand out there is a full-time job so I wanted to share a freebie to help make your life a little bit easier! 


Styled Stock Society has a free gift for you - get a FREE bundle of 25 stock photos perfect for social media, blog posts, online marketing and so much more. 

PLUS you'll receive more free stock photos in your inbox every single month - it’s the gift that keeps on giving! 


Styled Stock Society is a membership created by and for women entrepreneurs. Their resources are designed specifically to help you make your business look ah-may-zing and cut down on the time and money you spend trying to make your brand look and feel like you want. 

We know how important it is to keep your marketing visuals fresh – and this is a great way to get a FREE taste of what’s inside Styled Stock Society! 

September 04, 2023

August Craft Projects

Hello September! It is the start of ber-months again but before I start sharing my past Christmas projects, I will share my craft projects from last month. I am challenging myself to craft at least once a week so I am glad that I achieved it last month. 

DIY Rainbow Card 


I made this Rainbow Card using a stencil, stamps, Distress Oxides, embossing powder, and cardstock. This was my entry for Bee Happy Weeklies Week 31 which is "Rainbow"

Wagyu Card 


I have a friend na magpapasteak daw sa next get-together namin so I made this card for his birthday. “Wagyu doing on your birthday? We should meat up!” I made a Printable Card but I added a Steak Layered Craft using 3D Steak SVG.

But my friend was absent during our get-together so we did not eat steak and we ended up at Borro and Kandle Cafe

Create Layered Craft 


August is Back to School month so I made this 3D Create Elementary Layered Craft. This design can be also used for a craft room or classroom. 

Printable Coloring Bear Birthday Card


August is also my goddaughter's birthday so I made this printable coloring bear birthday card and tag using Bear Birthday Party Clipart. This is one of my favorite clipart so if you notice I always use this for birthday cards. Hehehe! 

Layered Bear Birthday Card 


I also made another version of the Bear Birthday Card using this Birthday Card SVG. A five-layered card, so easy to cut and assemble. 

Happy Birthday Layered Card 


August is my birthday month so as usual I made my own birthday card. Since the pandemic days, my family no longer buys cards because I create my own cards para tipid. I decided to create this Happy Birthday Layered Sunset Greeting Card, this is perfect because, for my birthday, we had a beach getaway. 

Ice Cream Layered Craft 


Ice Cream Layered Craft that can be used for birthday parties or summer decorations. I made this first for my birthday sana kaso sinipag ako gumawa pa ng iba. This is a 12-layer craft project. I plan to remake this for a boy version naman. 

Happy Birthday Easel Card 


This year, I don’t know why I am starting to gain weight so fast even though I am trying my best to lessen my sweet intake. Maski nga special occasion, pinipigilan ko na bumili ng whole cake so for my birthday, I did not make any cake topper but I made this Happy Birthday Easel Card using 3D Birthday Balloon Animal SVG. This is a 13-layer craft project. I brought this easel card when we went to IKEA Pasay City

Scuba Diver Layered Craft 


I am not a diver but this is on my husband’s bucket list so I made this Scuba Diver Layered Craft before our beach getaway. Last month, we went to Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort which is known as a diving resort so just in case, maisipan ni hubby mag-dive, ready na for photo-op. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen because of the bad weather. 

August 31, 2023

Shop and Dine at IKEA Pasay City

I was so excited when I learned that there would be IKEA in the Philippines but when the store finally opened its doors last November 25, 2021, hindi naman ko pumunta agad and I told myself, next time na lang kapag lumipat na kami ng house. But the construction of our house was delayed hanggang sa tinamad na ko. 

Now that we are starting our home improvement project nagkainterest na ko pumunta so I can see the IKEA Showroom for some inspiration. I don’t want to go during weekend kasi ayaw ko ng crowded so my husband suggested sa birthday ko na lang daw ako pumunta.


So finally, after almost two years of waiting, nakapunta na rin ako ng IKEA Pasay City. So far, this is the fourth IKEA store that I have visited. Since the year 2016, I have tried to include IKEA in my travel itinerary but I failed to visit the IKEA store in Trondheim Norway, and Stockholm Sweden because I know na hindi naman ako makakabili kasi limited lang luggage allowance namin. 



Anyway, since my son doesn’t want to be absent from school, kami lang ni hubby ang nagpunta. I planned to arrive before the opening hours but because of the traffic, natagalan kami so we went straight to Swedish Restaurant for our early lunch. 




Every IKEA store has its own menu, but there are few meals na hindi pwede mawala like Swedish Meatballs. We ordered Local Breakfast which is Beef Tapa with Rice, Egg, Broccoli, and Coffee for PHP130, Swedish Meatballs PHP195. Almond Cake with Daim PHP100, Almond Cake PHP100 and Coke in Can



I don’t know kung nagbago na lang panlasa namin kasi hindi ko type yung cake nila and as far as I can remember, masarap yung Almond Cake pero ngayon parang matamis lang siya. I just took a bite and I let my husband finished the two cakes. And iba rin yung hitsura ng cake, compared sa nakain namin sa IKEA Bangna and IKEA Alexandra


Anyway, because it was my birthday dinala ko pa yung “Happy Birthday” easel card ko because I know that I won’t buy birthday cake, ito na yung cake ko kahit hindi ko nagustuhan. 

After lunch, we started exploring the store but hindi ko pinuntahan every aisle because nagmamadali din kami. Nagfocus lang ako sa Kitchen and Home Decor Area. 




Then before going home, we dropped by at Swedish Food Market because I saw some promo, so binili ko yung mga naka50% and I also bought coffee kasi nagustuhan ni hubby yung coffee sa restaurant, I was just hoping na ganoon din lasa nung binili ko sa store. Hehehe! We were done in less than 3 hours.






It was my first time in IKEA Pasay City and out of curiosity, I checked my IKEA Family eCard app after our trip, and ang laki lang ng panghihinayang ko because I have no idea sa mga offers, promos, and discounts so hindi ko naclaim yung freebies like coffee, ice cream, and parking. Waah! 

Free coffee all day, every day for members. 
Free Ice Cream at Swedish Bistro when you shop at least PHP1,000 worth of IKEA home furnishing products. 
Free parking at MOA Square: Shop and dine at IKEA Pasay City worth PHP5,000 and get your first 3-hour parking at MOA Square for free. 

Also, I have no idea about the Birthday Special Promo “Members get 3x Family points for your first purchase at IKEA store, IKEA online store, IKEA Restaurant, Bistro, Swedish Food Market or Cafe on your birthday month”. If I knew about this promo sana nagshopping muna ko bago kumain kasi yung pinakamura na purchase ko pa yung na-3x. Lesson learned, magbabasa-basa ng mga offers and promotions bago pumunta sa IKEA. 

IKEA Pasay City 
Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex 
Brgy. 76 Zone 10, CBP-IA, 
1300 Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines 

Store Opening Hours 
Daily 10AM to 10PM 

Swedish Restaurant 
Daily 9:30AM to 9:30PM

August 29, 2023

Amazing Places to Visit in Southern Asia

Maldives is a tropical paradise nestled in the Indian Ocean which offers several reasons to visit. Its grandeur lies in its powdery white sandy beaches crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and resorts. Maldives is synonymous with its luxurious accommodations, particularly its iconic overwater bungalows. These secluded villas on stilts above the ocean offer unparalleled privacy. 

Dive into the underwater wonderland with the Maldives Tour as it is a haven for snorkelers and divers. The warm waters are jam-packed with lively marine life, including colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and manta rays. Diving and snorkeling allow one to explore the underwater world of beauty and biodiversity. Indulge in water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, or embark on a fishing trip to catch your dinner. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway, honeymooners or anyone looking to relax and rejuvenate in a tranquil setting. 

Thailand in Southeast Asia has in store numerous beaches, ancient temples, palaces, and water sports. Earlier known as Siam it offers an unforgettable holiday filled with adventurous, relaxing, and cultural activities. With the Thailand Tour explore places like Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi, and Surat Thani. A trip to Thailand would be incomplete without getting a Thai massage which is known for healing and rejuvenation practices. 


Male City 

Visit the capital city of Male with the Maldives Tour as it sits at the southern rim of North Male Atoll. It is well endowed with attractions ranging from heritage museums, splendid art galleries, and scenic parks. With an area of six square km, Male is among the smallest cities in the world. It is encompassed by blue seas all around and has a laid-back atmosphere. Once the place of sultans and kings for around nine hundred years it has many stories on this theme. The Tsunami Monument was built to remember the people who lost their lives in the natural disaster. There are two man-made beaches on Male Island where you can take a quick dip and chill. Friday mosque is the oldest and most sacred place with traditional carvings and art forms. 

Phi Phi Islands 

Visit this cluster of six islands of Phi Phi with the Thailand Tour. It lies forty km away from Phuket. The two most famous islands are Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Island became famous after the 2000 Hollywood movie” The Beach” which was filmed in Ko Phi Phi Le. It houses the “Viking Cave” which is a thriving business that sells edible bird nests. It has white sand beaches, striking cliffs with jungles all around, and crystal-clear blue waters making it look nothing short of a paradise. None of the islands have roads making it one of the few unblemished beautiful landscapes left in the world. These islands are easily accessible from both Krabi and Phuket by a speedboat in just forty-five minutes or by a ferry in ninety minutes. The island becomes young every night with its beachside and open-air parties. The Phi Phi Viewpoint is an observation deck that can be reached after a short trek from Tonsai Village. Koh Phi Phi Leh is known for its gigantic vertical limestone cliffs decked with green foliage. 

Como Cocoa Islands 

The private islands of COMO Cocoa are located on Kaafu Island south of the capital city of Male. With the online booked Maldives Tour visit these islands well known for their picturesque views and luxurious resorts. It is easily accessible by a forty-minute speedboat transfer from Male International Airport. Accommodations here are designed for those who are seeking an easygoing, foot-in-the-sand experience. Como Cocoa islands have rich, warm waters and bountiful coral along with some of the best beaches and sites for diving and snorkeling. From catamaran sailing to reef exploring, it offers several experiences that fill your soul up to the brim and urge for more. Enjoy night snorkeling with an underwater torch, and diving suit and witness marine life like never before. Enjoy a Sandbank dinner under the shimmering stars along with the melodious sounds of cool breeze and water waves. A must-do activity to be part of is Windsurfing as it blends sailing and surfing as you ride the chilling waters of Maldives. 

Phuket 

Next up on the checklist of the Thailand Tour is Phuket. Located in southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea coastline is the largest island of Phuket. It is the land of golden sand beaches, eye-soothing turquoise water, architectural marvels, and hot-and-happening nightlife. One of the top tourist places in Phuket is Patong Beach with a golden sand strip on the west side of the island. Experience different kinds of watersports activities like jet skiing, parasailing to eating Thai foods at the beachfront restaurants, Patong undoubtedly will win the hearts of the visitors. 

Wat Chalong is the largest Buddhist shrine in Phuket and offers a remarkable experience. It was built in the year 1837 and used to serve as a safe place for the injured during the rebellion against the Chinese. A revered landmark in Phuket is Big Buddha located in Karon, Mueang District. This iconic forty-five-meter-tall statue is seated atop Nakkerd Hill facing Chalong Bay and is visible from almost any corner of Phuket Town. Encounter the big cats at the Tiger Kingdom. Tiger Kingdom Phuket is the sister concern of Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai. It is located in Kathu fifteen minutes away from Patong Beach. 

The Old Phuket Town is a historical part of Phuket. It is one of the best places to explore and learn about the urban legacy which is well-maintained. One can easily stroll around the alleys of the town and discover the colorful corners, along with the richness of the brightly painted ancient Sino-Portuguese houses, murals, and museums in Old Phuket Town. 

Baros Island 

An ideal place to visit with the Maldives Tour away from the crowds is Baros Island. It is a high-rated and famed island in the Maldives. Baros is known for its sun-kissed beaches, boutique luxury resort beautiful corals, and elegance of nature. It has several water villas and resorts which provide luxe amenities along with restaurants and bars in the vicinity. Visitors can dip their feet in the cyan-blue waters and relax in the spa. For those who are adventured spirited, there are several watersports. Lush vegetation makes the heart skip a beat and with its perfect surroundings and glistening sands, this coral island itself is a resort with the most exclusive amenities one can find. The natural environment is protected by Baros Island and a coral regeneration program is run. The house reef is a paddle away from the beach and has an eye-popping array of rays, mantas, turtles, and exotic fish to feast the eyes on. 

Ayutthaya 

Visit this small city Ayuttaya short for Phra Nakhon Si with the Thailand Tour. It is famous for housing archaeological sites like temples, palaces, and monasteries. Ayuttaya is located eighty km north of Bangkok and is an ideal destination for a day trip from Bangkok. It is often referred to as Krung Kao or the “ancient capital” and flourished for over four hundred years. This beautiful city exudes history and culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Ayutthaya derives its name from the Sanskrit word for Ayodhya of Ramayan the birthplace of Lord Ram. Bang Pa is the former residence of Thai Kings and was built in 1632 and is also known as the Summer Palace. The building is made in European style and was restored and constructed by King Chulalongkorn. Wat Mahathat is also popularly known as the “temple of great relics “. It is the place where Buddha’s relics were enshrined. The Supreme Father sat here and commanded his disciples. The structure of the temple looks nearly identical to those in the Angkor temple complex in Cambodia.

August 18, 2023

Vietnam Airlines Flight Experience

Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam which was founded in the year 1956 and this airline flies in 17 countries and 64 destinations. This was our airline when we traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang Vietnam. 

Manila to Ho Chi Minh City via Philippine Airlines - 2hrs and 45mins  
Layover 5hrs and 25mins   
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang via Vietnam Airlines - 1hr and 20mins   

My husband booked our flight with the help of a travel agency but when I checked the Vietnam Airlines website, they also have flights from Manila to Da Nang with one layover at Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City. So this is another option if you are planning a trip to Vietnam. 

Browsing our ticket, one thing I noticed is the Handcarry Allowance which is up to 10kg because most airlines' limit is 7kg. 

Handcarry Allowance - up to 10kg 
Baggage Allowance 30kg 

Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang Vietnam 

Upon our arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 2, we need to claim our luggage and walked to Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 1 for our domestic flight. I am thankful that their domestic airport is only within walking distance unlike in Manila. 

We had more than 5 hours of layover but fortunately, when we went to Vietnam Airlines Counter, the staff allowed us to check in so we were able to explore Saigon without luggage in tow. 


Our Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang flight was delayed for 25 minutes and our boarding gate was changed too so when you travel, it is really important to pay attention because flight information can be changed. 


Airline staff provided wet wipes to all the passengers. This is a domestic flight and there are no snacks, they only provided bottled water. 



Our flight was smooth and we landed safely in Da Nang Vietnam. 


Da Nang Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City 


We had an early flight so we left the hotel 4 hours before our flight. Our travel time from Sheraton Grand Da Nang to Da Nang International Airport is more or less 30 minutes. When we checked in, the staff informed us that there are still available seats on the first flight so she can change our flight if we want but we declined since we have other companions and we are not in a hurry. Our Ho Chi Minh City to Manila flight is still in the afternoon so same lang na maghihintay ng matagal. 

Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City via Vietnam Airlines - 1hr and 20mins  
Layover 4hrs and 10mins  
Ho Chi Minh City via Philippine Airlines - 3hrs  

Our flight was a little bit delayed but it was still fine because we have more than 4 hours layover in Saigon. 


We had the same experience with our Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang flight and the only difference is the “in-flight streaming entertainment”, I don’t know if all domestic flights have this perk but I did not see the flyer on our way to Da Nang. 


Our flight is more than an hour only so watching a movie is not an option because I won’t be able to finish it. 


Upon our arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, we need to ride a bus to reach the gate.

Klook.com