FUN BATANGAS PART 2: LEMERY BATANGAS

From our FUN BATANGAS PART 1, we head out to our next destination - A.Santos Paradise Resort in Lemery, Batangas. From Laurel to Lemery, via Agoncillo Road, its a 45 to an hour drive but since the road is under construction that time - well, it's more than an hour drive. At the end of Agoncillo Rd., turn right and the resort is only 500 meters from there. There are not many signage on the road, A.Santos is on the left side before the ice plant.

A.Santos Resort, in my opinion, is the best and affordable resort in that part of lemery beach. I reserved and deposited 50% for a Coco Lodge for P3,000 overnight, the room is basic with 2 queen beds, CR, an old aircon, a veranda and a cemented table and bench right in front of the rooms. There is a free entrance for 4 persons with the room and the rest should pay P70.00/each. They have two swimming pools and an access to the beach.The resort has a very maximize but organized space. The beach is not giving me any pleasure because its a bit crowded and the sand is dark, i never went swimming in that beach but i am looking forward to our island hopping and snorkeling in the morning.

Our Room

Not a good shot but this is the way to the pool 

The Beach

The Black Beach

The rooms and the cottages - near the beach

Ligpo Island - Snorkeling site and they also have accommodation. this is in the middle of the ocean, i can't sleep here.

This is the destination island which is part of Bauan Batangas, it's not white but the sand is a very light brown, a bit rocky but the water is clear and refreshing

This is a private resort where we pay P30.00 each for the use of their beach and shower room. No accommodations,  just for the owners.

Where we stop by to snorkel, this is also a diver's spot

We had a great time with the snorkeling and island hopping which will take 4 hours so start early, the ride alone will take 1.5 to 2 hours back and forth. The boat cost 1,800 for 10 persons. There are may boats you can rent but you can contact our boatman Kuya Michael (09394323667).

A. Santos Paradise Resort
Barangay Nonong Castro
Lemery, Batangas
http://www.asantosparadiseresort.com/

FUN BATANGAS PART 1:Amansinaya Mountain Resort

This is another deal we got from Metrodeal, a day tour at Amansinaya Mountain Resort with free Zipline, Mountain climbing , Mudslide and guided tour to Ambon-ambon Falls.So, with 7 of my friends,we set-off to Batangas.

We started at 5 in the morning and took C5 road-SLEX and then Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road. When you reached the Tagaytay Rotonda, go down the Talisay Road. You won't miss it, it will be flocked by men offering boat to Taal Lake and boy... they are persistent, they will even follow you down the Talisay Road with a motorcycle. The Talisay Road is quite steep with so many curves (well, just look at google map, it's quite accurate), so if your not a skilled driver or even if you are - be careful. After about 30 min, you will exit to Talisay-Tanauan Road (take time to see the Taal Lake up close and personal-i'd prefer an overlooking taal than up close but it's just me) then turn right. After 20 mins you'll reach the Laurel Municipal hall, there will be a sign of Amansinaya to the right and it will be easy from there on.

Patio Filipino

Finally, we're at Amansinaya at 9 in the morning, average travel time from manila is 3 hrs. First stop was the Pugadlawin, where the team building activities are. Next stop is the Patio Filipino where the reception, restaurant and a mini pool at the back overlooking the Ambon-Ambon Falls. The last was the Aqua Park where you can really swim. The distance from station to station is a good 10-15 mins walk so you'll need your car but they have a service which can get you from one place to another. We're late for the first trek to the falls so we opted to go for the 1pm sked. We took an early lunch, well according to their website a corkage fee will be charge, depending on the number of person, if you bring food inside. They don't really check the car, so we brought food inside and find a secluded place under a bamboo tree and guava tree to park the car and eat -yey! and trees there are blooming with fruits, so you know, fruits are healthy with a meal hehe (just don't get yourself be caught ok...)

Next stop.... zipline. The zipline is a short ride, going up the stairs takes longer than the slide to the zipline but if its unlimited - well, its definitely fine. I also tried the wall climbing, finished about two-thirds which is a good  15 feet. Haven't tried the mudslide, i think it's fun i just don't feel like doing it that day. We then spend a good time in the Aqua Park then headed back to Patio Filipino for the trek to the falls.

Pugadlawin - where the team building activities, zipline, wall climbing and mudslide are located

The trek was about 30-45 mins, you need to hop in their shuttle service which will take you to the starting point outside the resort. If Amansinaya really is making the trek one of their feature activities, i suggest that they put some budget in paving the road up until the bridge - that will save guest a good 15 minutes of walk time and a whole lot of dust (seriously, its like a sandstorm up there every time motorbikes passed by). And i know that Ambon-Ambon Falls is not a private property but i hope someone someday could manage to maintain and clean the road to the Falls- and maybe a cable or zipline from the resort to the falls? Hehe, just an idea. Because if you're walking for 45 minutes and crossing four rivers (don't worry, its a small river), then what you passed by are litter and people having videoke and drinking session - it's a bit discouraging. I think the Falls is worth it but will i make the trek again? Maybe not, i always want to try something new but i'm not really a fan of walking so that explains it.

The way to the Falls

THE FALLS: the falls is so high that the water at top drizzle like raindrops but the current below is so strong but you can have a water massage if your careful. The water is also refreshing.

There are many people when we are at the falls, most are from the residents of the area. It's best if you do the trek in the morning. We arrived back at the resort past 3:00 pm. We quickly change and head out since we have an accommodation at A.Santos in Lemery, Batangas. If you're not staying for the night at Amansinaya better head out while there is light coz you know, the road is not safe at night. This time we took the Agoncillo Road and we were off to our next destination.

FIREBRAND SERIES by ELISABETH NAUGHTON

Three djinn warriors. One power-hungry sorceress. The battle for good and evil has taken a whole new turn...

BOUND TO SEDUCTION (Book 1):

Careful what you wish for...

Sentenced as a pleasure slave, Djinn Prince Tariq of the Marid tribe has but one duty: travel into the human realm and corrupt souls by granting wishes to the women who possess the Firebrand opal, a gemstone of magical power. Ten years of imprisonment have left Tariq bitter, but to save his brothers' lives, he'll submit to his endless personal hell, even if it means giving up his own hope for freedom.

When Mira Dawson obtains the Firebrand opal, she's sure the rumors about its magical qualities must be fiction. Until, that is, she touches the stone and a dark and dangerous warrior appears in her living room, offering to pleasure her beyond her wildest dreams. Soon, fantasy becomes a temptation she can't deny. The only question left is...will the pleasure be worth the price? Because as Mira's been warned, nothing...not even fantasies...are free.


SLAVE TO PASSION (Book 2):

Kill them all...

Enslaved by his enemies and forced to fight in the pits of Jahannam for their depraved entertainment, Nasir, the once-proud Marid warrior and djinn prince, has become a killer. One celebrated and feared at the same time. Even he doesn't remember who he used to be, nor does he care, until hope enters his cell in the form of an alluring woman who may be the key to his salvation.

This is not my life...

Sold into slavery, Kavin must prove her worth. If she can survive one night in the arms of a killer, her life will be one of luxury--albeit as a concubine, forced to serve her lascivious master. Sickened by the thought, she knows it's better than death, and where she once dreamed of freedom, now all she wants is to stay alive. But when the gladiator refuses to touch her, her only hope for survival is seduction.


POSSESSED BY DESIRE (Book 3):

Even desire comes at a price...

Imprisonment has taught Ashur, the youngest djinn prince enslaved by a power-hungry sorceress, one thing: life as a pleasure slave has its rewards...if you play by the rules. He's been tortured. He's nearly died protecting a tribe that's forsaken him. But he's also seen life on the other side as an obedient slave. For a shot at revenge against the brothers who abandoned him, he's willing to serve his master, even if it means using passion to corrupt the souls she needs to fuel her immortality. His first assignment, however, turns out to be more than just a woman in need of a little pleasure. Claire is an angel, and angels have the ability to steal djinn powers. No amount of vengeance--not even a ravenous desire he can't seem to control--is worth the loss of his powers. And there's no way he's tangling with a celestial being.

Unless, of course, she tangles with him first...


*This series, as with most of Elisabeth Naughton books, is an adult paranormal romance basically R-18 read. It revolves around a story of three djinn brothers -like genies- who is from another realm outside the "human realm" and has powers. They fulfill your most sensual desire and pleasure, whatever your wish they command. And under an evil sorceress, it will always be bad. But a right girl will always save even a damaged man, right? - of course, there will always be a girl.

What i love about the series is that the story line is very thought of - really above my expectation. The writing is very good, a good mixed of romance, suspense, humor, and passion. This is an adult read so expect some sex scene - the scene here is not too much but detailed and it does not overwhelm or overshadow the story. Sometimes can be very sensual but sweet. The shifting point of view is also done well, you will understand what's really within this realm they live in because it is not self-centered in a way and everyone had their moments.

Usually, in a series, it is always the first that will live a mark but this one mine is the second. I love all the books but my favorite is the second book, the story of the second brother Nasir.

The cover is a bit naughty, or much? Yes, it can be naughty but this is worth the read - guaranteed.


-I'm still reading the Eternal Guardians series also by the same author and it is even better, i will write on it when i'm finished with all six books.

Batangas: Chateau Royale

We got a chance to have a voucher in Cash Cash Pinoy with some family friends for a 2D/1N stay in Chateau Royale for 4 with set dinner and breakfast for only P2,999.00 - a deal, right? I arranged a van rental for 2,500/day exclusive of gasoline, toll fee and driver's meal- the driver can sleep in the van just provide him a place for hygiene purposes. You can contact Kuya Ronie at 09323678217.

When we arrived at the resort, there are so many people. Why? because the rooms are still being cleaned... that's what happened when the deal is a hit- sometimes customer service is a hard job. In fairness to them, they allowed late check-out.

The resort is huge, so much space and peaceful. The log cabins are far down but there is a jeepney which goes back and forth to pick and drop-off guest. I can say that we got a good deal for P2,999 - except for the food. The dinner is disappointing, if your not on a diet- please bring some food in your room or buy some in their resto which can be a bit pricey. The lettuce is organic, it's in their greenhouse - i don't know if organic lettuce should be a bit bitter (its bitter). The breakfast is an improvement from the dinner.

Here are some pictures:

The paintball warzone and billiards

Zipline P 150.00 / Rock Climbing P 100.00

Our Log Cabin

The Swimming Pool

The Resort

Peaceful Escape at Caleruega Church

"Closer to Nature, Closer to God"

That's the theme of the place, and it's true. It is a place for retreats and meditation, very serene and beautiful. There is a map here, after the Nasugbu arch turn right, not more than 5 minutes you can see the entrance on the left side, there is a banner - you wont miss it. The road to the church is a bit rough, there is an entrance of P30.00 for maintenance, a place that beautiful needs to be maintained.

This are the rates if you want to spend the night.

Here are some pictures taken.

The Flowers

More Flowers and a small pond

The Chapel on the Hill - you have to do a little trek and pass by a hanging bridge to reach this place... worth it!

The Hanging Bridge

Transfiguration Chapel

There are rooms here and cafeteria below...this is the first building you will see, looks like a chapel outside but hotel on the inside. There are also retreat houses around the place.

A Statue on the Hill just beside the Transfiguration Chapel.

It's just sad that even in the Chapel itself (Transfiguration Chapel), maybe some people thought it still is a place to have a photo shoot. It's like after a wedding or baptismal, you can here "ok, one two three... smile", "move to the left, ok compress"- you can do that around the place... its big. It's a Chapel, people are praying. 

A Night at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Lucky for us, we got a gift certificate for a 2D/1N stay with buffet breakfast for two in Eastwood Richmonde Hotel at half a price.

We dropped by 12th Avenue near Ali Mall to pick-up a customized bag for my DSLR and then we ride Rosario bound jeepney going to eastwood. Eastwood Richmonde Hotel is just beside Eastwood Mall.

The lobby of the hotel was lovely.

The view from our room (35th floor)

The view at night

Our Room- there is a bathtub, rainfall shower, hot and cold water and a blower (sorry no pictures)

The buffet breakfast

My first serving - among many hehe

The pool at the 37th floor

We had our dinner at Rufo's Tapa along Citywalk, i can't rave about it because i had a really bad headache that night. I took some burgers to our room, i think its allowed to bring food but im not sure just dont show it they dont really open your bags in the entrance. The buffet breakfast is great for me, but my hubby said it lacks variety but im not a heavy eater so its enough for me. There are finger foods, pancakes, variety of bread, omelets, salad and fruits (few). Because we check-in during the holidays, the pool's a bit crowded after breakfast but may not be on weekdays. I haven't tried the gym but it's free.

Would i try it again? For their regular rate, maybe i'll save it for a special occasion. We need to have a little bit of luxury sometimes.

HalloHalloMall Madness...

It's been ages since my last post in this blog. I just want to share this new craze that i've discovered, if you haven't heard already. Hallo Hallo Mall, is basically an online shopping mall where there are lot of shops and products to choose from, here's the site. The good news is they have a point system and they support almost all types of payment system. It is also buyer-protected, you buy from hallohallomall and after you receive the items with a maximum of 10 days after shipment-that's the only time the shop owner gets paid. Should you have not receive the item before the 10th day,call or email customer service immediately.

As for the point system, here's a tip, before registering like them on facebook first (there's a like button at the top of the page site) then register - you will get 300 points which you can use on your first purchase instantly. There's more, open your account everyday and you will get 5 points. When you visit 20 times per month, you will get 100 points. And Browse through the items for a chance to get points on their treasure hunt games. 1 point = 1 peso - Nothing to lose, more to gain...right?

I got a lot of items there for free, in just 3 months. Try to buy from one shop to save on shipping, if it support combined shipping like this . It means you can buy 3 items from the shop and you'll pay one shipping fee only.

Here are my trusted shops.
Fashion Girl
Balane Jewels
Wise Shoppers

What are you waiting for...Shop now!