Lakwatsarah

Our weekend was full of unforgettable first time experiences. What's great about this trip was that we were able to do many things in just 2 days and swim in different bodies of water - falls, batis  and lake. See, Laguna is more than just hot springs, slides and theme parks. what our Php2000 budget allowed us to do ^_^ Laguna Weekend Series: Travel Video: Laguna Weekend Getaway Laguna: The 2-Hour Plan Challenge Pagsanjan Falls: The Php150 Challenge Villa Sylvia Resort, Nagcarlan Lake Pandin: Not Your Ordinary Outdoor Pool Places we visited: Pagsanjan Falls (via Cavinti Trek), Villa Sylvia Resort in Nagcarlan and Lake Pandin of San Pablo. Here's a rough draft of our itinerary:

The road leading to our next destination was notably clear of traffic, we can even count in our fingers how many jeeps and cars passes by. Although uncommon, it wasn't surprising as this scenario happens every time a Pacquiao fight transpires. Lake Pandin I've been to a number of lakes. One of our clan's property sits in a charming cove in Lake Sebu which I try to visit every time I fly south of Mindanao. Understandably, I feel much at home with lakes. Swimming in it is another thing.

Nagcarlan, Laguna may be more famous for its Underground Cemetery, a one of its kind in the Philippines. On the other hand, we were introduced to a more exciting Nagcarlan during our recent Laguna Weekend Getaway . All thanks to this beautiful mountain refuge, Villa Sylvia Resort . Just a little more than 2 hours from JacLiner Bus Terminal in Buendia on a night time commute, we decided to start our weekend trip and rest for the night here at Villa Sylvia Resort. My companions, all tired from office work wanted to start the trip that Friday evening. We hopped on a Lucena bound bus and alight at San Pablo Church (city plaza beside 7/11). From there, hopped on a jeep bound to Nagcarlan and dropped of at the resort situated just along the highway. It was 12mn when we arrived at the resort and were welcomed by Ving. We chose the Php1,800 air-conditioned room (good for 8 people) and dozed off in no time.

I have lived in Laguna for 19 years but it was only this June 2012 was I able to visit the famous Laguna tourist spot, the Pagsanjan Falls. As much as I enjoyed seeing the falls, the journey, however, was much more memorable than the actual falls itself as we had to endure a 45 minute trek, rappel on a 90 degrees enclosed vertical metal ladder and walk past steep staircases - yeah, this is what you get when availing the cheapest Pagsanjan package . The group was extremely excited when I told them that I included Pagsanjan Falls in the itinerary - a plan that I was forced had to put together within 2 hours. From Villa Sylvia Resort , we hopped from one jeep to another until we reached Pagsanjan Aresi Complex. Asking for directions initially from the locals was a breeze but finding our way to Pueblo El Salvador (the jump off point) proved to be a challenge since all the locals we asked knew only of the usual Php1,250 route, doesn't know where Pueblo El Salvador is or what it...

While commuting all the way from Laguna to Makati on a rainy Thursday night, my hands were busy texting other boatmen in Zambales, hoping to get a positive feedback on the weather update. I already have my backpack all set for an overnight camping in Nagsasa Cove. I'm with my brother who's about to take the PRC Board Exam.We'll stay overnight in a cousin's house in Makati for my brother's early trip to Manuel l. Quezon College to take the 2 day licensure exam for architects, while I'm left at the house to wait for that Friday night's trip bound for San Antonio, Zambales. I was tasked to do all the planning which I happily did weeks before the travel date. After all, I'm dying to see Anawangin, Nagsasa and Capones, but I was also in doubt since June starts the month of the rainy season. My contact in Pundaquit told me that for as long as there's no typhoon, we can do island hopping. That made me think positive since typhoon Ambo is already le...

Location: Villa Sylvia Resort Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan Falls, Lake Pandin I spent my last weekend exploring the backyard of the nearby towns of my province in Laguna. True enough, Laguna is more than hotsprings and resorts, it's a melting pot of scenic sights and enchanting waters. This video previews how I spent my measly Php2,000 budget that covered our 2 nights accommodation, trekking and rappelling to the famous Sibika at Kultura tourist spot that is Pagsanjan Falls, a dip in a cold batis with waters coming from equally enchanting Mt. Banahaw and a swim with buffet lunch in Lake Pandin.  

To make up for the lost leisure time in our recent Pagudpod trip , we decided to continue our water adventure this time at Splash Island . Some few weeks ago, I treated my recently graduated siblings and cousin to some good Splash Island adventure, the largest water park in the Philippines. With help from Ebay's kuponan, I was able to secure tickets between 50-70% discount! Hurray to Ebay and Splash Island for that budget friendly summer gift.  Splash Island video

Just some 20 minute ride from my house is Nuvali . Yet for some reason, I wasn't able to see the place...until now. Hanging out one lazy Saturday afternoon with my great friends Ava and MC, they agreed to take me to see the place. We drove down SLEX and took the Sta. Rosa Exit. They weren't really that excited for as they say, there really is nothing much to see. Well, that being said, I still insisted. I wanted to satisfy my curiosity! :) Nuvali Fish Feeding Area As we were nearing Nuvali, I can't help but reminisce those crazy taping days we had during the production of Star Magic Presents Abt Ur Luv , where we taped most of the scenes in the many houses inside Avida. It was nostalgic. And then we were there...

Laguna is not only well known for the many public and private resorts, high end real estate subdivisions, buko pie or lanzones, it is also noted for its famous Pagsanjan Falls! Oh yes, we do love Pagsanjan ! Clearly a picturesque site, it's one of the most frequented location for TV shows and movies requiring scenes for either a barkada outing, a Vietnam looking set, or just a good provincial setting. Here are some of the pictures taken during our taping. cast having fun at Balanac River