Photo Inspiration: I Can Feel Summer Now

*All images from Pinterest

Camotes Paradise

My friend, Hiyas, told me about a month ahead that we're going on a little trip to Camotes Island. I gladly took the offer because we haven't seen each other for years since college and I haven't been to Camotes, too. This trip was one of the things I looked forward to for this year's summer.

We rode a jeep from Cebu City to Danao which took us about an hour. However, a friend told us that if we took an earlier ride at 5 am, it won't take us longer than 45 minutes. There were 2 shipping lines at Danao port for Camotes, we took the Jomalia which left at 12:00 noon. We were supposed to take the 10:00 am schedule but we didn't make it that early. Upon arriving at the Camotes pier, the resort's service vehicle picked us up. The ride took about 15-20 minutes from the wharf to the resort.

When we arrived at Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort, I wasn't expecting much because the receiving area was very simple and modest. When we got to our room, there I realized that we were staying in a fancy resort. Their standard room is very spacious with a queen-size bed, flat screen TV, vault, mini bar, and a hot and cold shower. When we explored the resort, I saw how beautiful the place was. It boasts of fine white sand beach, clear blue water, and a big infinity pool. What I love most about the resort is it wasn't crowded, it was absolutely a great place to relax. I must say it had the right to call itself paradise because it truly was a heavenly corner of the island. I also admired how courteous, friendly, and accommodating the staff were. They also serve delicious food and drinks at a price that wouldn't put a hole in your pocket. I'd rate their service at 8 out of 10.

I had a great overnight stay at the beautiful resort of Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort. Though it was a short one, I did enjoy my stay there. Thanks to Hiyas for bringing me to this place. The sea and sand is to die for that I could bask under the sun all day and savor the wonderful view of the place. I'd recommend this resort for a fancy stay in Camotes, a great place to relax and enjoy the island. 

Analogue shots of the resort:

Costs:

Cebu City - Danao (jeep) : PhP 30
Danao - Camotes (Jomalia Barge) : PhP 180
Mangodlong Paradise Resort Standard Room : PhP 2,500

http://mangodlongparadise.com/

And so this is Summer

Instax shots with sisters and cousins

The summer season here is almost over. A few days more and I'll be back reading law books and wracking my brains out. At least before that begins I had a feel-good time for more than two months. 

First off a one week vacation in Singapore and one day side trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia which sure is one of the highlights of this year. This experience in detail in my blog entry Singapura: One Fine City. 

My cousins and aunt from New Jersey whom I haven't seen for a long time came to visit us for our family reunion. Also my aunt from France, cousins all the way from Dumaguete, General Santos, and my sister from Singapore came over. The reunion was a series of outings- dolphin watching, snorkeling in Balicasag Island, days in the beach of Panglao, ziplining and caving in E.A.T. Danao Adventure Park, gathering at relatives' houses, and grand finale at the Bohol Beach Club. It was good to see the descendants of Rafael and Felisa (my grandparents) gather together.

During the fiesta of our city, my close friends from high school and I were able to spend time together. Although it was just for a day it was worth it; just talking and hanging out. We had so much catching up to do and we were able to do that that day.

The 3 days in Cebu with my boyfriend started with a not so good intro but that was overlapped with good times spent with close friends I haven't seen in a while. I was able to meet the most adorable blue-eyed white cat, Midnight, my friends own. And we purchased our first ukulele, naming it Cece. Now I'm practicing on a few songs and having a good time.

2012's summer was good to me and I can't be more grateful. I can face the new school year with a big smile.

Lomo shots from this summer:

Big smile for the Merlion

Finally we meet Shrek and Fiona

My mom carrying Lily on our way to Balicasag Island

The scenic ocean view of Balicasag Island

My sister and niece enjoying the crystal clear water of the island

Himontagon Hills at sunset

My cousin and her baby

My cousins and sisters during the reunion's grand finale

Dipping in Bohol Beach Club's pool

Say "hi", Coco!

Bohol Beach Club's beautiful white sand beach

Cece the ukulele