Strawberry Farm

Nora have been to Baguio for more than 10 times but wasn't able to visit Strawberry Farm for all those times. My niece, Eunice, studied in UP Baguio for four years but she too didn't have the time to visit Stawberry Farm. Two years ago when we went to Baguio I called Eunice and brought her with us to Strawberry Farm. And last year, we did the same for Nora.  

Strawberry Farm is one place we make sure to visit when in Baguio. This is where I buy vegetables to bring home as pasalubong to neighbors and relatives. A kilo of broccoli cost 4 times cheaper here than in Manila, and six times cheaper compared to supermarket price.

If you wish to experience broccoli or strawberry picking it's available for a certain fee.

Souvenir items abound here, too!

Also, try that strawberry flavored dirty ice cream

Don't forget to taste a strawberry or two before buying from Manang and Manong

The Strawberry Farm is located in La Trinidad, Benguet, Baguio’s neighboring town. 

Patar White Beach

We didn't have the time to google tourist spots in Bolinao for our Pangasinan trip. Our main goal was to see Hundred Islands so when we got to Bolinao the next day we just ask the residents the places to visit while we're there and Patar White Beach was highly recommended. 

Patar White Beach is located in Barangay Patar, situated at the northwestern tip of Pangasinan and Lingayen Gulf. This beach tops the list of  a must visit place in this part of the province. 

Before your get to see Patar, you’ll have to drive to rough and dusty road. I hope the government of Bolinao develop the infrastructures as this is an ideal tourist destination.  

The sign from the road

There's a fee of thirty pesos for parking but no entrance fee for the beach.

From the parking we saw stores of different kinds, we weren't aware of what we are about to capture until the  beauty of fine-white sand and crystal clear water welcomed us all!

Patar White Beach sand may not be as fine and white as that of Boracay’s but its water is clearer and cleaner than that of Boracay. 

When we arrive at this place there weren't too many tourists because we went on a weekday, plus summer was almost over. For travelers who wants to see the beauty of Patar White Beach, minus  overcrowding, it is best you visit the place on a off-peak season just like what we did.

Finding accommodation at Patar Beach easy as it is surrounded by different hotels.

  

 

Hundred Islands Hopping

My mother had many friends from Pangasinan but didn't have the chance to visit them when Mama was still living.  As a child I always wonder how people can visit Pangasinan's Hundred Islands in a day.  Imagine that many islands? 

http://www.occasionsofjoy.com/2013/05/pangasinan-against-all-odds.html

Now I know how...from our Pangasinan Against All Odds Trip. There are hundred islands but you  cannot set foot on all of the islands because not all have shores. We enjoyed though counting and looking at the many shapes and sizes on the way to the first stop.

From ED Transient House going to the harbor we walked for about 5 to 7 minutes to pay for the boat which will bring us to Hundred Islands.

Boat rental rates depends on the number of people and the type of island hopping you'd like.  We opted to get the service boat at P1,800, got a discount of P300 from the boat owner. For this package, the boat stayed with to our hearts content.  

All the boats provide free life vests but you cannot use it for swimming.
Rental of Vest for swimming is at fifty pesos per person 

 

 It took us less than 30 minutes to process paying the boat, vest etcetera,
probably because we went on an ordinary day/off peak season

 Our first stop, Governor's Island:

 

We hiked up a small hill to get a view of the island 

There we met beautiful young couple from England, Georgina and Natha

The view from the top of the hill

Second Stop: Marcos Island

This is where we stayed the longest, took many photos, swam, had picnic and we went spelunking.

I have always been a brave person, but it took me awhile before jumping...

I almost pee'd on my pants! 

Nora jumped first, among us girls. 

I didn't want to jump anymore when my daughter challenged me.

She's only going to jump when I do it before her...

I always tell Julia to be strong so I had no choice but to show her that I AM STRONG!

Third Stop: CORAL GARDEN

 

We went snorkeling and saw those GIANT CLAMS!

We actually didn't need to go too far because from the boat many fishes swam towards
us as we gave them bread.

Fourth Stop: Bat Island





Fifth Stop: Quezon Island

We didn't stay too long in Quezon Islands for there were too many tourists.

Sixth Stop: Children's Island

  

Seventh and Final Stop: Cuenco Island

 Photo Courtesy: Nora Aquino of  www.morethanjustasahm.com

Book a service boat:  Edgar at 0912-3253123
Book a transient house: Kuya Edwin at 0921-2986642 or 0919-2032313