I Shall Return to Siargao.

First of all, let me say this, YES to Siargao. 

We loved everything about the island. Here's why:

-They are earth friendly. They discourage the use of plastic bags and straws. For your fresh coconut juice, you are given a straw made out of bamboo which you can use for the whole duration of your stay. 

-The entrance fee to the tourist spots are not heavy on the pocket but they keep the place clean and orderly. 

-The food is great! Mostly grilled but there are specialty restaurants that serve good food, superb service and wallet friendly. 

-The MEN, they are almost always shirtless, gold tanned and rugged. For those who know me, I like my white meat and Siargao has got plenty of them just roaming around in their half nakedness. Go to Bravo for sunset drinks, that's where they hang. 

-Beautiful villas. Next time I go, I would like to stay in Isla Cabana or Bravo. We stayed in Siargao Island Villas. They have a great Indonesian restaurant. 

 

-Kayak and paddle boards in our villa. Basically, the beach front is not so great for swimming. The shore is shallow so you need to walk about half a mile to get to where you can swim freely so what my gang did was to use beach boards and of course, pose for photos. 

I was already burned so I just stayed by the fish sanctuary. 

-Alegria beach is the place to go for a nice swim in the beach. The sand is nice, the place almost deserted. It's about an hour away by Bingo from our villa but it was worth it. 

-The Tayangban Cave is lovely. It's not a hard hike and there's a reward at the end of the cave exploration. When you go down, do not bring a bag. Get ready to get wet up to your neck. Wear aqua shoes. 

-Hire a Bingo, a tricycle that can accommodate 3 (plus driver) comfortably. We were 5 in total so it was quite tight and the motor had a hard time climbing roads. It's a nice way to experience the island because you can feel the breeze on your face as you go but it does take about an hour to get from one place to another which lessens your hours of just frolicking about. There's plenty of vans for hire that if shared by many, can be cost efficient. 

My seatmate, Bea Ledesma. 

Our driver was also our photographer. 

-L'Osteria is probably the fanciest restaurant in the island. The open kitchen, Italian restaurant serves brick-oven baked pizza, assorted Italian cold cuts and cheeses. 

-Magpupungko Beach and Tide Pools is a must. I wasn't at all interested to enter when I saw the entrance but I am so glad that the gang insisted that I check it out. It was so much fun and beautiful. If you bring a bag, make sure it's waterproof, wear plenty sunblock and wear aqua shoes. 

I climbed the big rock and jumped like a crazy woman. It was fun! You guys should do it. 

The real reason we went to Siargao? The wedding of Jessica Tan Gan and Earl Yap. 

We were transported to Guyam Island.

While waiting for the ceremony to begin, the gang of four pose for a photo. 

Then the couple tied the knot officially. It was scorching hot but everything was so beautiful as the sun promised to set in a spectacular way. 

I was able to sneak a photo with the bride and mother of the bride, Lulu Tan Gan. 

And baby Benjamin is just too cute for words. 

Before heading to the reception, we were whisked to Naked Island to view the sun go down. I had my white meat keep me comfortably cool during the journey. 

Siargao is just so photogenic that one can't resist doing mini photo shoots. Watch out Mark Nicdao, I may be your new nemesis. 

Dennis Lustico

Ivarluski Aseron

Bea Ledesma

Your bloggerina, shot by Ivar. 

At the reception, I had 4 shots of tequila so I am going to skip that part of the story. 

THANK YOU Jess and Earl for a wonderful experience. Congratulations!!

Siargao was a great idea. 

My Love for Robert and Bacolod.

Robert Blancaflor and I do not often see each other but I believe that we have that kind of friendship where we just pick up right where we have left off and feel as if we didn't miss a day of hanging out. So when he told me months ago that he was going to celebrate his 50th birthday in Bacolod, I was more than happy to attend. 

I have never been to Bacolod so I was excited to see what it has to offer. Let me tell you, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. 

The celebration was very well attended. Friends and family from all over the world came to celebrate with Robert. The event ran so smoothly. Not a minute where were were not entertained or fed well. The service was impeccable and singers were so fun and engaging. 

Happy Birthday again Robert and let me just say that I am thankful for having you in my life. It is where you will be a very special part of forever and ever. 

Celebrity chef, Gaita Fores prepared two dishes for us and it was just wonderful. She also introduced us to Chef Ynan Del Rosario, the executive chef of Seda Hotel, Bacolod. 

After the party, we had about two days to explore Bacolod. It is beautiful, interesting and boy, did it feed us well. 

My long time friend Keng Jison lives there but she was in Manila at the time of my visit so I didn't get to see her but she was extremely kind to lend me her car and driver to take Jacqueline and I around. 

We met friends that hosted lunch for us in their weekend home. A great big shout out to Chef Ynan for introducing us to the Grey Family. I am still craving for your adobo, boneless chicken inasal and ribs. 

Up at the Grey's weekend home, we were treated to this magnificent view, unforgettable lunch and wonderful company. 

David Dadivas prepared this mouth watering paella. 

What a great weekend it was. I can't wait to go back.