#NCDTravels: Camaligan Floating Restaurant / River Cruise

Just beside Naga City lies a town with significant contribution to Bicol history, Camaligan. Passing through the town’s arch is a marking with the name and a year which is 1775. As we all know, if a place is situated near a river, civilization is almost always existing as it breeds trade and economy. Just recently, Camaligan now embraces a new role in contributing to the tourism industry of the Philippines showcasing the life of the Bicol River, the Camaligan Floating Restaurant and also famously dubbed as Camaligan River Cruise.
 

 

As a quick escape from the city life, just around 15 minutes from the Naga City proper is a river cruise that you can immerse in. As a front, the MB Camaligan, is at the same time a floating restaurant that can cater to your events. It’s very ideal for exclusive celebrations for around 40 pax max. There’s no way that the guests can escape from your event.

 You approach the sunset

 An old dock, not your everyday view

   

While you face towards the sunset, look back and you'll also see Mt. Isarog

I’m a visual learner and appreciates a lot what I do not see everyday. As for me, the rate is actually for the natural sounds and sights that you get as you cruise along the river and the food is just an extra. Does the river smell (foul)? No, not really.

You can actually see locals waiting for their boat as their means of transpo of getting to the other side of the river.

Lovely Dusk

MB Camaligan cruises twice, Lunch and Sunset. Now it depends upon your event but the #SunsetCruise IS LIKE NO OTHER. You’ll be lucky to see migratory birds along the way. After your sunset cruise, the Camaligan Boulevard is a relaxing treat near the wharf. Enjoy the lights and soft breeze of air from the river. Walk a little towards the end of the boulevard to the I ❤️ Camaligan sign, you’ll also get to see beautiful bricked edifice which is the old cemetery of the town.

 Rive Walk or Camaligan Boulevard at night.

Here are the available packages:

PACKAGE 1: Venue Rental PhP 5,000 + PhP 50.00/ head Environmental Fee
* A 4-hour exclusive use of the Floating Resto and its on-board amenities
* Bicol River Cruise

PACKAGE 2: Venue + Food PhP 500.00/ pax
* A 4-hour exclusive use of the Floating Resto and its on-board amenities
* Buffet lunch or dinner with cocktails
* Bicol River Cruise
* Minimum of 30 to a maximum of 40 persons

PACKAGE 3: Exclusive rentals for Pre-Nup and Pictorials PhP 1,000.00/ hour + PhP 50.00/ head Environmental Fee
* Exclusive use of the Floating Resto and its on-board amenities

PACKAGE 4: Whole day functions and Seminars
PhP 500.00/ pax
* An 8-hour exclusive use of the Floating Resto and its on-board amenities
* 2 snacks and 1 full meal
* Minimum of 30 to a maximum of 40 persons

WALK IN GUESTS: PhP 50.00/ head Environmental Fee
* Food and beverage to be ordered from the Wharf

How to get there?
From Naga City proper, you can take a tricycle near Master’s Square or ride a jeep to Camaligan until you reach the Municipal Hall. Right in front of the covered court is the River Park.

For inquires and reservations you may contact Kiks Veracruz at 09774455899.

#ExcitingBicol
#NCDtravels
#BicolBloggers

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Calaguas Islands Escapade 101

Photo by Junie Orante

6 Expectations When You Travel to Calaguas this Summer
by Jo DLT

Vinzons - Calaguas is sure to be a dream destination not only for Bicolanos but also for travel junkies out there. Tourists will try to get a piece of this paradise, at least for once in their life thus making it crowded every summer. Now here are the things that you should expect if you are traveling to Calaguas.

Just to get ahead of you, I am not discouraging you to visit Calaguas, I'm just giving you a heads up on what to expect on this island (seriously) for you are sharing this piece of paradise with hundreds of tourists.

The crowd during peak season, this was taken April 09, 2016 to be precise. Imagine that each boat can carry around at least 20 people. 

1. Expect a crowded beach front in Mahabang Bughanin.  I experienced Calaguas only just last year and I envy those who visited the island like a castaway style. Back then you'll hear stories that you have to pitch a tent, gaze under the stars in the dark, enjoy the powdery sand and turquoise waters all by yourself or even go skinny dipping. By this time it's totally different. Most of the resorts run in genset and utilizes it from 5:00 pm -05: 00 am (you'll still have enough time to charge your gadgets). I can foresee that some may even use it during daytime in the future. The crowd could literally mean (annoying) people and at the same time the boats docked on the shore. As if it is always Easter Sunday every weekend in Calaguas. You may find it difficult to swim freely with the boats all over. Videoke machines playing altogether, plus party beats at night with flashing lights throughout. Drunk men and women at night that you may accidentally bump into and find them sleeping on the shore (not that many, but for sure you'll see a few). Before there were less cabanas and human-made structures. So it's a fact that the noise which comes in light, sound and visual exists during the day time and night time. If you happen to wake up at around 4:00 am (which I did), believe me, you'll still hear music beats. These types of noise will try to steal the serenity you wished you had throughout your stay. Here's another option,  if your schedule permits, visit Calaguas on a weekday.

2. Expect a long queue in comfort rooms and shower rooms. Now this is where your extra budget can be useful if you do not want any hassle during your stay. If you are on a limited budget, then comfort rooms and shower rooms is a waiting game. Other resorts has no faucets but has deep-well pumps instead. So flex your muscles and pump for your shower. There may be a limited supply of water in worse cases.

3. Expect trash (anywhere). Reality check, not everyone is a responsible traveler. Others feel that they have the right to litter just because they paid a certain amount. Please do not be like them. Calaguas is a very beautiful island and leaving our trash is something that we should not even consider.

Click HERE for my #iTravelResponsibly tips that you can consider on your next trip. 

Tip: When you walk up the hill for sunrise / sunset viewing, you may want to pick up along the shorea nd / or trail some garbage on your way up. Me and my friends did it early in the morning for our sunrise watching. It actually felt good letting people notice you pick up their trash. Talk about sarcasm and only then can they feel guilty.

4. Photobombers come in two forms, people and boats. If you want a picture with fewer people on the shore or on the hills, go out  during high-noon. BUT, if there is still a large number of people, expect that your pictures will include the photobombers in it.

5. Calaguas do not need any filter on your photos. Calaguas is very mesmerizing. You can look at your surroundings all day and every moment will give you a different hue as time passes by. So as much as possible, do not use any filter when taking pictures. Let the natural beauty of Calaguas redeem itself in the eyes of many. Oh and make sure you have enough space on your smartphone or bring enough memory cards if you must, for you just can't get enough of the view day in and day out.

6. If there is one thing that did not change in Calaguas, it is the " no signal from any telecom networks." Although you can get a chance to exchange text messages just to let your family or friends to safely arrived in Calaguas, then it is quite possible when you walk up the hill for your sunrise / sunset watching. It is time to be disconnected from the online world once in a while, trust me, we all need them.

Despite all these factors, all you have to do is learn the art of eliminating annoying things that you see in your view and let them pass through. During my almost two-day stay in Calaguas, I just cannot stop saying how beautiful Calaguas is, literally, for countless times.

Tourists go to the beaches and islands during the summer simply because there is no or less weather disturbance. If you are trying to avoid the large number of tourists, then consider an off peak travel to Calaguas but then you are in for a roller coaster ride with the waves adding a little rain and wind in other cases. If you can brave those elements, then be my guest.

The lean months of Calaguas may actually give time for the island to breath. This is the advantage of Calaguas over Boracay. Boracay is a year-round tourist destination that does not have any downtime for the island just to refresh itself. 

How to Get to Calaguas Island? There's actually two jump off points via Paracale or Vinzons Port.

Public Transportation: From Manila to Bicol

• From Cubao or Pasay ride any bus line going to Daet commonly DLTB, Superlines, Amihan Philtranco. Travel time is around 8 hours. There are buses such as Superlines which travels directly to PARACALE which can be your jump off to Calaguas.
• If your bus is bound to Daet, take a van going PARACALE (travel time is 1 to 2 hours)
• From paracale, hire a chartered boat going Calagaus. Travel time is around two hours
• If you opt to take Vinzons, from Daet, rent a tricycle to Vinzons Port, travel time is approximately 30 minutes. 
• From Vinzons Port to Calaguas, boat takes around 2-3 hours travel time.
• Now if you took the plane from Manila to Naga, take the first trip by van (Fare approx P190) to Daet (terminal is located next to Mall LCC Naga), then move to another van going Paracale or tricycle  to Vinzons. 

Now jump off point which is better? It depends on you, would you prefer the long journey by road or by sea? Personally I choose the route PARACALE going to Calaguas. This means shorter time to travel by sea.

We booked our travel package to Calaguas from  I Love Calaguas Island Resort (Facebook page HERE ). Since we are around 15 in the group, we paid around P2200 per person for an overnight stay along with food, accommodadtion, environmental fee and boat transfers.

To give you a bigger picture, the long stretch of Mahabang Buhangin is composed of numerous resorts. Waling Waling Eco Village is the most luxurious accommodation there is in Calaguas, then I Love Calaguas Island (for me) is next to that. Waling Waling offers around P3500 per pax good for 4 people in a cabana for a 2 day 1 night stay, for 3 days 2 nights stay it costs around P5500 per pax good for 4 people. At the other end of the Mahabang Buhangin are the resorts offering lower rate packages. Of course, the premise is always to pay for the convenience that we want. 

 Our open cabana that can actually accommodate around 6 to 7 persons. There were two added two added tents provided for us too.

There is also a closed cabana if you value your privacy at an added cost. 

 

Mahabang Buhgangin from afar. This rocky part of the island is close to Waling Waling resort. 

There are two trails going up the hill, this one has trees all around along the trail and the other one is an open area on the other side which could be your exit point. There is an entrance fee of P20 on the hill. During our walk, we did not bring any cash with us, so we told the kids to visit us at the resort for the payment. Guess what, they did not mind following us back.

sunrise

sunset

Illusion that it looks like a pool! But it is not a pool!

Oh btw, there's buco salad flavored "ice candy" being sold at P20.00 per piece. Yup, this is your most expensive ice candy ever hehe.

Other activities that you can actually do if it is part of the package is go on snorkeling on the island just right across Mahabang Buhangin. It's actually a barren hill with little or few trees where you can also hike and have a clear view Calaguas.

snorkeling site
Photo by Junie Orante

Photo by Junie Orante

Towards the end of the luxurious Waling Waling Resort is a rocky part of the island where you can explore. On the other side is actually a privately owned.

This part is really a private property. I'm just not sure if this area is now developed this year.

I hope not.

If you are traveling to Calaguas this year, you may want to update us on the current status of the island, but one thing is for sure, it is still damn beautiful than ever.

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#NCDfoodTrip: Mitsuo 'San aka Japan Japan sa Naga City

Naga City - Ever heard your friends eating at Japan Japan? Where the heck is this place? Well, actually the name of this authentic source of Japanese food is Mitsuo 'San at Mariano Village. Being a hole in the wall food place, Mitsuo 'San has been serving Naguenos for quite some time already. Hole in the walls need not be fancy and is appreciated by many because of its indistinct feat. Before Mitsuo 'San operated at the comfort of their home, the flavors of cooking of the owner was actually part of a well known Japanese restaurant here in Naga City. Perhaps you know which resto I'm referring to.  

Now where exactly is Mitsuo 'San? Make West Park at Magsaysay Avenue as your landmark, take the street beside it, Kayangga Street, and just walk for a few meters straight. If you see a signage in Japanese, on the right side, then you've reached Mitsuo 'San already.

Students and even professionals enjoy the budget friendly price of Mitsuo San's offerings. For as low as P100 per person, your #foodtrip is fully covered. They also accept made to orders, consider the California Maki for your parties and gatherings perhaps?

Sharing a few of Mitsuo San's best sellers that I have personally tried. But before everything else, there's one very importnat reminder. Japanese food  will require a little patience from you especially if you chanced upon the place full of customers. Consider the "Thank you for your willingness to wait" sign as a reminder beforehand.

Ramen for only P78.00. For this price with its taste, I'm satisfied and contented. 

They also offer Yakisoba.

California Maki at P110. I love how Mitsuo San serve their makis with consistency when it comes to taste and presentation. There's one restaurant here in Naga who offered the same but was only appealing during their first few weeks of operation. After ordering for the second and third time, the taste and especially the presentation gradually changed. Seems like they were cost cutting. Another alternative from Mitsuo San is the Kappa Maki which has a cucumber in it.

 

Prices may change without prior notice. 

Other offerings are: Rice Toppings which starts at P90 to P130. To name a few they offer Gyudon, Katsudon, Oyakudon, Chicken Teriyaki Don, Pork Teriyakidon, Salmon Teriyakidon, Salmon Bento, Tempura Bento, Tonkatsu Bento, Chickenkatsu Bento.

They also have Gyoza (dumplings) at P70, Miso Soup, Kani Salad Tempura, Takoyaki Rice and of course the Takoyaki Balls.

Prices may change without prior notice.

Mitsuo 'San
IG: @takoyakibymitsuo
Kayanga Road, Mariano Village, Naga City
Contact No. 09262445780 and look for Tita Goldie
Store Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 am
Open from Monday to Saturday

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Bicol Bloggers Turns 2!

Naga City - Here in the heart of Bicol as I write these random thoughts I came across our group (Bicol Bloggers) photos recollecting how far we've come not only as bloggers but as friends. We never see each other as a competitor. We see each other as a source of insight and inspiration for us to continue what we love to do. Our clicks just keep coming. Never a dull moment with my fellow bloggers. 

Writing is sometimes lonely. Bloggers demystify the where-to-gos, where-to-eats and just random thoughts that come across our thinking caps. While it is an extension of what we feel, see and touch, readers will always have the final say to whether the place is nice or not. Ain't it lonely when you and your readers don't meet half way? But, that's reality, and it helps us grow.

Getting a good grip and angle isn't an easy task. As we put it, the struggle is real when you do a flatlay just like in food blogging. Balance is important as you pose behind the camera, the behind the scenes are just hilarious and therapeutic just as it is. And oh the hands, hands and nails should be clean as it becomes the face and an ornament to the whole set up.

We love to make fun of ourselves. It's something that we cherish in every blogging duty that we have. We discover more of our own styles as we grow together as a blogging family. Blogging is not just about money, it's about the passion that we continue to harness each and every day and sharing it to others. There's nothing wrong in earning through your blog, but taking advantage of the invitations from businesses and personalities is something we dot not adhere to.

We spend and invest on the quality of what we post, but all these happen without any regret esp when you love what you're doing. Annual domain registration, gadgets to fuel our passion for a qualitative output and the list just keeps coming. While others see it as a business, we at Bicol Bloggers treasure our experiences together and the places we feature, because... Blogging as a passion is a lifelong commitment and not a monthly subscription. We put our very essence into what we post, like, and share.

 

It's just 2 years and yet we have shared good memories already and I'm very much excited to creating more memories with you guys in the future. Happy 2nd Anniversary to us Bicol Bloggers!

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