Power Mac Center opens at SM City Daet

Power Mac Center (PMC) is ushering in the festive “ber” months with a second store in the Bicol region. It’s truly a September to remember for fans as the Apple Premium Reseller has opened shop at SM City Daet in Camarines Norte on September 16.

“Our mission is to bridge Apple technology and tech consumers in the country, no matter where they are. Every store we build was carefully designed to provide great shopping experiences and inspire and empower them to use technology to make a difference. We’re gearing up to open more stores before the year ends to cater to more consumers outside the metro,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director of Product Management and Marketing.

PMC Daet is the 92^nd PMC establishment overall, counting Mobile Care Service Centers and PBSI Training Centers nationwide as well. It is located at 2/F Cyberzone of SM City Daet and is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. For inquiries, call (+639) 178 306 897 or (+632) 8400 4934.

More Power Mac Center stores are set to open their doors to Filipino Apple fans this year.

iPhone 14 Philippine launch

On top of expanding footprint across the country, PMC makes it easy and convenient for Filipinos to get their favorite Apple devices and accessories.

Customers looking to get the much-anticipated iPhone 14 series are encouraged to fill out the survey form at https://bit.ly/3UFqzLA to be notified when the devices hit local shores. Meanwhile, other iPhone series are available for purchase at all Power Mac Center or The Loop branches, Viber Store, Lazada, and Shopee.

To be updated on news and promotions, follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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#NcdTravels: Bag-Angan Farm and Resort, A Back-to-Basic Experience in Labo, CamNorte

Late afternoon color

Sustainable and responsible tourism is the focus of the second edition of the Philippine Harvest under the helm of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The program aims to develop sustainable farm tourism as a dependable source of income for Filipinos in line with the implementation of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which serves as one of DOT's strategies for countryside development. Camarines Norte is but another countryside of Bicol which is so rich natural resources with a big potential for farm tourism.

Around 6am in the morning color

Labo, CamNorte being the biggest in terms of land area in the province has this secluded farm resort owned by Bacer Family which started basically as a residence with a manmade freshwater pool for the family and the neighbors to enjoy. The owner then realized its potential for tourism purposes and began to transform the area into a sort of village resort amongst the rice field and near the mountain side.

The name "Bag-Angan" came from a type of grass which is found abundantly in the area. The farm and resort offers a "back to basic lifestyle" experience that will try to rekindle how it is to live in the moment without being preoccupied with all the stressors in life. The resort does not have electricity, when we stayed for the night we only used gas lamps and solar powered led lights.

 Accommodation and rates:

• The farm can only accommodate maximum of 12 pax and minimum of 6 pax. There's another house being upgraded with another manmade pool being constructed during the time of our visit. So this can probably mean doubling the number of pax in a few months time.
• P500 per head during weekends, P300 per head during weekdays that includes the use of kitchen and farm house for overnight stay. DIY is also accommodated, but please do contact the management for a hassle frees stay.

Basic amenities of the resort: 

• Freshwater pool with a dept of 4, 5 and 6 feet. 
• Living room
• Dining area
• Clean comfort and shower room.
• Comfortable beds with available bed nets
• Kitchen where you can cook and use available utensils
• With comfortable beds and hammock on the second floor

The other house with a new pool being constructed

Here are some important guidelines that you need to prepare just in case you are not used to the back to basic kind of living. In short, bawal ang maarte dito.

• Going to the resort is easy but bumpy, so hold on to something. It's easy because they have a service truck that will take you to the farm and it's bumpy because the road is unpaved at around 4 kilometers. It's like a off-road track so four-wheeled drive vehicle would be fun to drive here, absolutely don't take a sedan for your peace of mind. It can be muddy when it rains and a little dusty when it's dry. Have fun reading the signages every kilometer, "kapit lang bes".

• NO ELECTRICITY - When we had our overnight stay, we only used gas lamps and solar powered led lights. They have candles too, but the first two are safer especially with the kind of house that they have. They also have a powerbank that you can borrow. And oh, you can even charge your powerbank with their powerbank. haha

The moon actually lights up the  whole farm and you can get to enjoy the stars  because there's not enough light pollution. The "sulo" in the pathway of the farm is lit up at night, stays for a few hours until it wears off and gives a "survivor series" feel too.

• VERY Limited Data/Internet from TelCos - Yup, both Smart and Globe. Calls were also difficult to make as well as messages were a little bit hard to send. So prior to your visit, do inform your significant others of the limited mobile services of the place. This is actually to your advantage, digital detox is important nowadays and Bag-angan farm and resort can help you with that.
• FRESH and CLEAN WATER. The resort lies at exactly on the feet of Mount Cadig that catches the first clean and fresh flow of water from the mountain. Drinking water is from the crack stone wall of the mountain, but in case your stomach gets upset easily, you can bring your own water supply. (Just remember not to leave your bottles at the resort).

• Only natural air-conditioning from the mountain breeze and cool temperature at night. We also had a bonfire that night too.
• Bring an insect repellent if you have sensitive skin.
• There are many human friendly creatures in the farm that serves as your therapeutic music especially at night. Sleep to the sound of crickets, frogs, birds, bats and running water, all natural and no Spotify needed.  
• The farm only provides services that are available in the mountain, but they try their best to meet your requests. Just like us, after a whole day use of our gadgets needed for blogging,we needed to recharge our batteries and cameras because we were headed to Calaguas the following day. We had to send everything to a nearby residence with electricity and it was very nice of them to accommodate our request. Please don't ask for impossible favors that will make it difficult for them.
• Should you wish to have a hassle free stay by just being there to enjoy a downtime, you can have your breakfast, lunch or dinner prepared by the management at an additional cost.

 How to get there?

• From Daet you need to ride on a van, jeepney, bus bound to Sta.Elena and tell the driver that you are going to Purok 5, Barangay Guisican, Labo, Camarines Norte. It will take 1 ½ hour travel.
• A service truck will take you to the resort, travel time is about 20 mins. You can also try Habal-habal (motorcycle) for only Php 100.
• Contact Person Mr. Arnel Bacer (09165346351) for instructions
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Bag-angan-Farm-And-Private-Resort-660365400821096/

Bag-Angan Farm and Resort will not only let you experience the back to basic kind of living that will allow you to keep your feet on the ground but it will actually give you an opportunity to go back to the basics in coping with stress and anxiety. First is you get enough sleep because there's no electricity and limited mobile data services. Second is you get to eat fresh produce from the farm especially if you want to have your meals prepared by the resort. Third, you get to do a basic exercise, just by grounding yourself and walking around the farm early in the morning to the flowing water either on the manmade pool or the stream of water nearby the other house. They also have a fish pond with tilapia, so go ahead try fishing too or even harvest/plant rice if its in season. Sleep, eat and exercise, these are the three basic ways to combat stress and anxiety and Bag-Angan farm can actually give it to you. It's also a perfect place for those who are a little bit lost, who might be looking for answers. The farm is nice as a retreat place and also team building activities for small groups. Interacting with the locals will actually make your stay more meaningful.

Woke up at round 5:30 in the morning and this is what you'll see in the farm.

Look! Do try this laro ng lahi, "Kadang-Kadang"

Hope I was able to give enough information about this secluded farm and resort in Labo, Camarines Norte. If you happen to visit Bag-Angan, don't forget to #iTravelResponsibly and share your experience too on the comments section below.

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#NCDtravels: 4 Things to do in San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte, known as the "Gateway of Bicol" is by far a province that I have been exploring since 2014 as a blogger. From encountering paradise in Calaguas Group of Islands to more island hopping in the 7 islands of Mercedes, to visiting historical churches, to surfing and paragliding in Bagasbas Beach (this has yet to be ticked off in my bucket list), to historically walk through the first Rizal monument not only in the Philippines but in the world, to chasing waterfalls, to enjoying the unique flavors in the capital town, Daet and other towns in the province, one can go on with the list of fully exploring CamNorte in many ways.

Not known to many, CamNorte has a quiet town now fondly called SLR today. This town is a favorite destination for locals especially during summer due to its richness in water resources. Here are 4 Things to do in SLR and this can be a suggested itinerary too for a day tour.

1. Sightseeing in SLR Highlands - Overlooking the grenery of Camarines Norte with a portion of the province's mountainous side, overlooking the towns of Basud, Mercedes to the shores of Bagasbas while enjoying the lush site of mother nature. The site is around 10-15 minute ride from the municipal hall. The road is mostly unpaved, SUV's and all wheeled drive vehicles should easily make it or have the option to rent a habal habal from the town hall. We luckily saw either an eagle or a hawk freely flying around that morning and this only means one thing, the place is really undisturbed. This site is just about to be offered to tourists, I am hoping that this area can be carefully developed without drastically disturbing its natural state.
 

"Susong Daraga", noticeable in the photo

2. Ride the Longest Zipline in Bicol - SLR holds the longest zipline in Bicol to date.  I'm a first timer at that and I'm really glad that I did it here and that is 375 + 380 meters long as it connects two Barangays, Matacong and Maisog. With this distance, the rate is only P250 for the sitting position and P350 for the superman position. Promise, you will enjoy the view! Towering coconut trees, mountains on one side and a flowing river underneath your feet are the breathtaking views that you will enjoy from this zipline.

Photo by San Lorenzo Ruiz Tourism FB

3. Take the Tramline - For the faint of heart and for those who are still not ready to take the zipline (but please do take it, you will not regret it I promise), you can also try the cable car for only P50.00. This ride will allow you to take photos rather decent and be able to identify the sites to the point of identifying one of the island of Mercedes which is Canimog Island.

The long way for the locals before the tramline existed. Matacong Hanging Bridge, connecting Matacong and Maisog.

 Just to add up value, the tramline is a big help to the locals of these two barangays especially for transporting their agricultural products like these coconuts in the video wherein they pay .50 cents per piece.

Notice in the video below is a man carrying loads of coconuts who we saw near the river, with about 60 kilos on his back but traveling by foot through the Matacong Hanging Bridge (as seen from the zipline view). Imagine the weight and the trail he has to traverse just to get his coconuts sold. The hanging bridge is about a kilometer hike downhill from the zipline station.

These locals work hard to earn for their day to day necessities. Trips like these always serves as a reminder for us who lives in cities that there are people who has more difficult jobs than ours and yet they can smile and work harder for their families. ❤️

More photos 

4. Have a refreshing dip at Mampurog River - Club Noah is just one of the resorts in San Lorenzo Ruiz that has access to the rich river system of this town. They have very nice cabanas  overlooking the running waters of Mampurog river. They also have cottages, umbrellas and they also allow camping. Remember this is an Eco-friendly resort, do away of leaving any thrash especially near the river and the facilities are almost all back to basics.

 Club Noah

Brgy. Mampurog,San Lorenzo Ruiz, CamNorte

Entrance: P10.00 only

Open from 7AM t o 6PM

For inquires visit https://www.facebook.com/ClubNoahEcoResort/

How to get to San Lorenzo Ruiz? From Camambungan, Van & Jeepney Terminal in Daet, take the Jeepney to San Lorenzo Ruiz. Just tell the driver to drop you off to Brgy. Matacong where the zipline is. Fare is Php23. Travel time from Daet to Matacong is around 30 mins. 

 
San Lorenzo Ruiz Tourism
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turismo.sanlorenzoruiz.5





Provincial Tourism Office
J. Lukban St.
Daet, Camarines Norte
(054) 885 1898
#GoCamNorte Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCamNorte/ 



 

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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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