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Travel Junkie of the Month: Ana Gonzales

Travel Junkie of the Month: Ana Gonzales

During my younger years (sige, to be specific mga 10-12 years ago haha) super active ko na sa social media and online shopping. One of the first online stores that offered handmade kikay products back then is Anagon.

Anagon is proudly owned and managed by Ana Gonzales. I met her through Candymag.com's online forum called TeenTalk. Surprisingly, the site is still up. Check my profile here. LOL. I remember buying stuff from her back in college, kahit nga yung sister ko namimili rin pala sa kanya before.

Anyway, Ana is one of my favorite fashion bloggers. Check out her blog: The Fashionista Commuter. Apart from fashion blogging and running her own business, ang dami ding iba pang raket ni girl.

She's one of the founders of Bloggers United, also one of the hosts for MadHouseMNL's MadTVPh and occasionally an instructor for CraftMNL. The list could go on and on but one thing's for sure, Ana is a talented person. The best part of it all, very down to earth. Siya talaga ang magandang example for someone who's beautiful inside and out! Naks! ;) And since Ana shares our love for traveling, of course deserve niya ang title din na maging Travel Junkie! Check out our Q&A below:

  • In one word, define travel. -- Discovery? Haha. :D Dami ko pang ibang naiisip, but siguro discovery - of new things, people, and even more of yourself. Okay, haba na sa one word nun hehe!

Ana spent 8 days living with the Sumilao farmers in Bukidnon back in March 2009.
  • Could you describe the importance of travel? -- There is more to life, that's why I travel. I enjoy dipping myself in things that I am not used to, in a way it can be both positive (to get to know MORE things like culture, food, fashion, people, etc), or negative (my own limits and topak)... But the thing is, I expose myself to newness and to change, which is important from time to time.

White water rafting in Cagayan de Oro
  • How often do you fly, and on what airline? -- Out of country, at least once a year, no preference! I enjoy traveling in different airlines, and discover which has better food, economy seats, even magazine and FA uniform, haha!
  • Do you have a preferred day or time when traveling? - None as well, but mas sulit for me if night travel or super early morning para no time to waste. I just sleep sa byahe, and then pag dating sa destination, sugod na agad!
  • Who books your plane tickets and lodging? Are they personal or through a travel agency? -- I have to admit I am not into pre-travel requisites so my kabarkada or my Ate will do it for me, haha. I am more of the free-rider type. Pag sinabi ng friend ko non, "Ay pupunta ako ng Davao", or "May work ako next week sa CDO", I'll go with her agad agad without thinking twice, basta ayos na ang flight and lodging. Kaladkarin, hehe. Budget nalang iisipin ko.
  • What’s the weirdest question you got from an immigration officer? -- None naman.
  • Window or Aisle? -- Any, actually. Basta hindi masikip or madikit katabi ko, lol. I am usually the type who will ask my travel buddy for his or her preference, paka gentleman lang hahaha.

Check out one of her latest #OOTD (outfit of the day).
  • Are you a light or heavy packer? -- I TRY to be a light packer na, before I have to bring so much things for my "ootd" like hats and different pairs of shoes para bagay, only to regret it kasi bibili at bibili din naman ako kung nasan ako, hehe. 
  • How do you pass the time on a flight? -- Avail ako ng avail ng lahat! First, I browse the inflight magazines. I also order cup noodles (for local flights), or request for more munchies and water. For longer travel hours, I sleep. If I can't, I watch the movies or listen to music until makatulog.

Here's Ana celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square, New York City.
  • In what country or region do you enjoy spending your favorite travel season, and why? -- I've been there once palang naman, but New York City will most probably be one of my "will go back to" travel destination. Locally, I love Boracay and Baguio talaga, hindi ako magsasawa and halos every year andun nako. Haha!
  • Tell us about your most recent journey? -- I just got home last night from a sponsored trip to Baguio with some blog friends and media people. It was super fun and sulit coz Azalea Residences (check out Ana's review of Azalea Residences here.) really prepared a good itinerary for us na different from all my other Baguio trips before. Out of country, it was in the States last December-January, a totally different experience coz it was winter, my whole family was with me, and it was the longest I've been away from home.
  • Where have you traveled and where do you plan to go next? -- Simula nung I graduated college and I earn my own money na, I vowed to "tick" a lot of places just so I can explore different sites even with different travel buddies--starting with Philippine destinations (Coron, Cebu, Davao, Boracay, Palawan, Sagada, LU, Bukidnon, CDO), Asian Countries (Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore), and then States.

Ana getting ready to dive in the coral blue waters of Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. That's Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa in the background.
  • What is your ultimate travel destination? -- Japan next year (Feb-March) for Cherry Blossoms season. Goal is to go back to the US and visit the other States and spend more time in LA with my friends, and of course: Europa! Note to Ana: Make sure you book tickets ng second week of March til April, snow season pa ang January to February!)
  • Travel Tip -- Ipon lang ng ipon, but when you get there--go and splurge! Bawal na mag tipid (you've done your part na before your trip), so eat that "wala sa Manila" dish and wag masyadong mag rely kay 7eleven, hoard sa shoppingan... bawal mag regret when you get home. And of course, document everything and wag lang yung pang Instagram. Bring a quality camera, take lots of photos AND videos. Keep the receipts, tickets, etc in one box. And of course, be a good travel buddy by being friendly but assertive, open to try new things, patient, and flexible.
Thank you for being an inspiration, Ana! Hopefully we get to travel again soon! ;)
Coron Island Tour

Coron Island Tour

Isha and I were alone on our second full day in Coron. Jed had to return to Manila for last minute trips and errands before going back to Toronto. We signed up with JY Travel (formerly known as CheapTravel Coron) for a Coron Island Tour that costs ₱650.00 per pax.




There has been a slight delay with our manifesto but the tour guide entertained us by speaking english all the way because we had English tourists on board. I forgot his name but the guide said something like, "We're just waiting for the captain, Captain America." LMAO


First stop of our tour is at the CYC (Coron Youth Club) reef and beach.

I'm not a fan of diving probably because it's an expensive thing to do but at least I know how to snorkel. LOL. But to be honest, I hate snorkeling with a lifevest on. It gives me a hard time swimming but then better be safe than sorry. I know how to swim but I do not trust my swimming skills in 10-20 feet deep water.

 
 
Honestly, this is the first time that I've seen colorful fishes and corals while snorkeling. Pictures were taken by the tour guide since I cannot dive that deep, LOL. But what the effff, what an amazing view down there!


Sadly, motion sickness kicked in a few minutes after snorkeling which sucked big time! :(

Of course I can't act like a diva by asking the boat to bring me back to town. I just kept my cool and prayed to God to please take away my motion sickness. It worked but it keeps going back the whole day. Sad. So while waiting for the others to finish snorkeling at the Skeleton Reef, our boat went straight to the nearby Atuayan Beach where we'll have our lunch.


Atuayan Beach

 
I was seated beside the English couple who are currently based in Vietnam. According to them, Coron is one (if not) the best diving site they've ever been. Good to know! #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines


After Atuayan Beach, we went straight to the not so hidden area of Green Lagoon.


 I was feeling a bit better when we got here. This was just few minutes before I jumped without my lifevest on. Kaloka, the water was soo deep (for me atleast, LOL). If I'm not mistaken it was probably 15-20 ft. deep.




I felt nauseous once more so I got out of the water and just took this photo of Isha who snorkeled while sitting on the boat's ladder. How lame right? Haha. She's scared of the water.


Our last stop for the tour is Kayangan Lake.


We had to hike (150 steps going up and another 150 going down) in order to get to the actual lake. This might be my favorite part of the tour. I have this hidden lust for mountain climbing, it's been years since I did something like this. ;)


Here's the obligatory tourist shot upon getting on top of the hill. That tree on my left is freaking annoying. Anyway, the view of Kayangan island cove reminded me of Vietnam's Halong Bay. Ganda! ;)


Another 150 steps down and you'll see Kayangan Lake.

Kayangan Lake is dubbed as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia. The rock formation under the sea looked like moon craters. Water here is probably 80% fresh and 20% salt water making it easier to swim around without using a snorkeling gear. Jumping into the water is not recommended because the rocks beneath are sharp and a little slippery so be cautious when swimming.


Two thumbs up for Coron!

I obviously fell in love with Coron. It is one of those places you need to visit before you die. Not kidding! It's like heaven on earth. Haha. There are a lot of seat sales now from local airlines so I suggest you start booking your trips now for summer 2015! ;)
Bulog Island, Coron, Palawan

Bulog Island, Coron, Palawan

Our last stop for Coron Nxtcapade tour is the tiny Isla Bulog or Bulog Island which is only 10 minutes away from Banana Island. It is famous for the sandbar that stretches all the way to the neighboring Malaroroy Island during lowtide season.


Malaroroy Island is the home of  Two Seasons Coron.


We arrived in Bulog Island around 2:30 in the afternoon and only have a few minutes left to enjoy the island because we need to be back at port of Coron before sunset.


Jed as a poser guest of Two Seasons Coron. LOL. But to be honest, I'd rather stay in Malcapuya. ;)


Spotted fellow tourists in their kayak. Hi girls! :)
Note: Jed took this photo, it's his way of 'spotify-ing' women around the island.


Not that we're complaining but can somebody explain why we found grey sand underneath all that white sand?


That's me getting a sandbar scrub for my thighs and legs. Hehe.

Dark clouds were approaching so we left Isla Bulog and traveled for another 1.5 hours to get back to the town of Coron. Kuya Larry served us bread that tasted like ensaymada and softdrinks for merienda. ;) Akalain mong may pa-merienda pa pala sila!


When we got back to the port, we got stuck and couldn't move further because it was already low tide. We had to wait for the boatmen to get a much smaller boat that will bring us to the docking area.

 
While waiting, one of the boatman showed us random creatures from the seafloor including this small sea urchin and a 6-legged starfish.


Of course I requested for more starfish just to take this boobie shot. LOL.

WHAT. A. TIRING. DAY. I really enjoyed this tour. Thanks again to my friend Jed for this treat. ;) He's probably back in Canada by the time he reads this post. Ipon ka na thugz for our next trip ha! Hihi.

P.S. We returned the sea urchin and sea stars safely back to the water.
Banana Island, Coron, Palawan

Banana Island, Coron, Palawan

Back to Coron. Captain of our boat decided that (due to low-tide concerns) we should just have our lunch in Banana Island instead of Malcapuya. It was a bittersweet moment to leave but I learned that there are cottages and a small house for rent for those who want to spend the night in Malcapuya. Hmm, maybe next time. :)


Here's my new found traveler friends, Deb and Jay. They just got married and celebrated their honeymoon in Coron. ;)


Banana Island is less than 15 minutes away from Malcapuya. Here's Isha holding on for dear life. Sadly, my sister doesn't know how to swim and has developed a fear from deep waters.


Check out Banana Island's beach front.

 
Lunch served was good for more than 5 pax. We had grilled chicken, fish and squid, chilli crabs, cucumber salad and watermelon for dessert. Of course we ate using our hands! Check out Jed's left hand in his mouth! Haha. Nabusog kami sa rate na binayad namin sa Nice in Paradise. Sobrang sulit! ;)


Since we had a very heavy lunch, I took a break from swimming and just enjoyed the view of nearby islands.


There's a floating cottage (or whatever you want to call it) nearby. Perfect place for relaxation.

Noticed the change of water color in the photos? The darker shade of blue is the deeper part of the sea. When I say deep, it means 15-20 ft. deep or more. I panicked for a bit because I wasn't informed about the depth so I had to keep my cool and stay relaxed while swimming back to the shore or else I'll probably drown to death. Lesson learned, don't forget to bring your life vest even if you know how to swim! ;)
Coron Eco Lodge

Coron Eco Lodge

Like I said from my previous post, we got the go signal to book for this Coron trip a week before Jed's original travel dates so it was really challenging to get the lowest rates for airfare and accommodation. We bought tickets from Cebu Pacific on our way to Busuanga and Philippine Airlines going back to Manila. Total roundtrip airfare for 2 pax in both airlines cost us approximately ₱13,400 which is obviously a bit higher because we booked at the very last minute.


Just a little side comment, our flight was delayed by a few minutes and air conditioning in NAIA Terminal 3 needs repair or something. May mga parts na mainit, lalo na sa check-in counters.


Anyway, here's a view of Coron from the plane. Ganda, 'di ba?


We arrived at the Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga) airport that was completely running on generators as the island regularly experience power outages.

The town of Coron is 30-45 mins drive from the airport. Most hotels offer one-way airport transfer for a minimal fee of ₱150.00 per pax. Luckily, Coron Eco Lodge had an available standard room. We booked ours with Asiatravel.com and cost ₱4,800.00 from May 28-31 with breakfast for two. ;) 


Coron Eco Lodge is located in Real St. which is 5-10 minutes walk from the public market.


Across Coron Eco Lodge is twin brother Coron Casa Hotel. I have yet to google who owns both hotels but if ever they get to read this: Thumbs up sir/ma'am! Nice investment you got here. :)


Back to Coron Eco Lodge. Their design is very modern, chic and simple. See the TripAdvisor logo on the counter? They're one of the recommended hotels in Coron. ;)




If you like having something heavy for breakfast, I suggest you order extra food because they serve small meals like the usual silog combos and continental breakfast. Coffee is free and unlimited for your whole stay.


May I request the management to please change the keychains of our hotel keys? It's too bulky.


We stayed at room 203 that has two single beds and can fit a maximum of 3 pax. You may request for extra mattress for only ₱800.00 a night with free breakfast. Not bad! ;)

 
The bathroom is ok. Shower water pressure isn't that strong so we took a bath the traditional way using the timba and tabo (pail and dipper). Shower curtain needs to be cleaned or might as well replaced since it's too short so the floor gets flooded after taking a bath.

Overall, we had a pleasant stay in Coron Eco Lodge and wouldn't mind staying here again the next time we go back to Busuanga. ;)
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