Mountain + Beach = A Perfect Summer Getaway (Mt. Daguldol and Laiya White Sand Beach)

It was finally summer vacation and my feet are itching again. My first stop: a trek to Mt. Daguldol and a swim to the white beach of Laiya, Batangas with my Achian Society Family.

Achian Society. 

Before we reach the foot of Mt. Daguldol, we have to take a long walk by the white sand beach and it was really hard to do with our heavy backpacks making us sink through the sand lol.

The trail going to the base of the mountain.

When we reached middle of the mountain, we unfortunately have to stop because one of our members had an asthma attack. We had to stay for the night and assemble our tents in Mang Lizardo's place. We will have to continue our trek the next morning.

Bebe Maan on our way to the top the next day! 

The view of the mountain

Team work! Our boys were such gentlemen.

Maan and Kuya Japs - Our group leader.

Look at that happy face despite the exhaustion and sandals straps breaking. Wanna be on top? Deal with these shizzes.

Kuya Victor about to conquer the solemn mountain.

As I feel the touch of the mountain breeze, thoughts of beautiful magical things came into my mind. I WASN'T EVEN KIDDING.

Hurray for Bebe Maan for her 2nd mountain conquered!

We are so grateful because we arrived just in time before the sun rises. It was an exquisite view.

After a few minutes of staying at the summit, we decided to trek back immediately so that we could spend more of our remaining time at the white sand beach.

A lizard was sold to Kuya Japs by this little boy for 400 pesos. What a bargain! 

About to leave the mountain... 

...only to welcome the white sand beach :D

Ain't them happy adventurous pretty ladies?

Some infos from Pinoy Mountaineer : 

Private transport utilize either the Maharlika Highway to Candelaria then turning left to San Juan, or using Star Tollway all the way to Batangas City then proceeding to San Juan. Free parking is available at the jumpoff.

Logistics. The HEGA (Hugom Environmental Guide Association) is the official guide service in Mt. Daguldol. The most recent updates place the daily fee at P350; there is also a P35 registration fee per person.

Be on top! :)

A trip to Wawa Dam

I promise myself to travel more often this year and go to places I've never been before at least once a month. This January, I tried to roam around Intramuros as a start but I wasn't able to do it because when I reached Central terminal, there were 3 guys following me and I got scared and backed out. :)) But my hard-headed, adventurous self said that I'll try again next month. Then suddenly, I thought of asking Tom, a friend of mine, if he could come with me to Wawa Dam and luckily he's willing to.

How we got there: From EDSA taft, we rode a bus going to Cubao and we took off in front of the Farmer's Plaza Cubao. We rode an FX going to Montalban (50 pesos) and told them to drop us wherever there is a jeepney going to Wawa Dam, but when we got there, we rode a tricycle instead (30 pesos).

This is what Wawa Dam looks like:

Feeling the waters haha!

This place is a nice place if you want to travel on the spot because you want to think about your life haha! There are no fees - except for touring and trekking fees. :) I like this place!

Hydrotherapy-ing at Ace Water Spa

 I am longing for a massage especially things are getting stressful these days so my family and I went to Ace Water Spa Pasig Branch. 

Lapping Pool

Obviously, cameras are not allowed inside the water areas so let me just state it for you.

These are the facilities inside the spa center:

• Parking - Valet options
• Swim shop
• Reception area
• Spacious Locker rooms
• Organized shoe racks
• Changing Area (for women)
• Shower area
• 25m; 5 lanes lapping pool
• Hydrotherapy spa area
  • Waterfalls
  • Lazy River
  • 25 massage systems
• Resting area
• 4 Hot Herbal Pools
• Steam
• Sauna
• Floor Fountain
• Restaurant - Ace Coffee Lounge
• Skygarden

 My favorite is the 4 hot herbal pools slash jacuzzis. Each pool has a different temperature depending on your heat tolerance. This one was very soothing and relaxing, followed by a quick dip in the cold water pool.

This is the very cozy restaurant/coffee lounge

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE YUM.

 

Tati indulging her sweet yummy treat!

 After the 4 hour stay in the waters, we ate at the Ace Restaurant. It was served in buffet and it's around 600 pesos per person. It was worth it because the food was really delicious and limitless. :)) They serve different kinds of cuisines (japanese, italian, etc.) Desserts are unlimited too! ♥

Look at those happy satisfied faces. :D

Ace Water Spa redefines its service by letting you use all its facilities for four (4) hours by paying only P550.00/adult and P250.00/kid (4 ft. & below). (Source: Ace Water Spa). This is one satisfying experience and an unusual massage/spa treatment so you better pack those swimsuits now. :)

For more info, visit their site: Ace Water Spa

SOUNDTRIPPING ♪♫♪

Nothing to do on a Sunday...ended up speakers set to highest volume.

Girls - Honey Bunny

Colbie Caillat - Make It Rain

Zia Quizon - Mambobola

Adele - Tired

Bruno Mars - All About You

Jason Mraz - Live High

Colbie Caillat - Brighter Than the Sun

ETCETERA. ♥

Chateau Royale, Tagaytay City

A trip to the highlands of Tagaytay is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your pre-Christmas week and I recommend staying at Chateau Royale Sports and Country Club. It was located in the heart of Batangas and would only take you a 2-hour drive from Manila. 

A glimpse of the country club.

They have these really cozy hotel rooms and...there is WIFI connection!

Rock climbing zone.

Janine: "I wonder how high I could reach?"

Lovely views everywhere you look. If you need to get away from your stressful life in the city and need to find peace, this is the perfect place to be.

Swimming Pool

I definitely enjoyed my stay here. Comfy-ness all over. :)

For more information, visit their website: Chateau Royale