elle's tinker toes ♥♥♥

It felt like we were on a show, the "Amazing Race", because we were constantly on a bus or van or tricycle moving from point A to point B. Creating an itinerary is highly recommended to maximize the places in a very limited time. Here's how we survived our so called Amazing Race Surigao! Day 1: Red line.  >> From Butuan City International Airport, we rented a van going to the Bus Terminal. Then rode a bus with a Tandag signage. Since we'll be visiting Britannia Islets, did not need to reach Tandag, instead we alighted in Salvacion Junction in San Agustin. This is also where we stayed for the night, at La Entrada Resort.

I knew in my gut that I should not miss this trip. I am glad I didn't. An experience I am so glad to have gone through but will never dare do again........ ever.

Why in the world I came to this place just now? I mean, Pinatubo is only around 2 hours away from our home and yet it took me 2 years to get here from the time I decided to want to be here. Funny that I went to farther places for the last two years not realizing one of the nicest is just around the corner. I decided to DIY this trip, meaning no contact person nor availed any package. By car, we left Bulacan at 3AM and set Waze to bring us to McDonalds Capas, Tarlac. We took NLEX, exited at Dau and drive onto McArthur Highway heading north. 

I first learned about Glamping from a blogger who has tried this in Sumilon Island, Cebu. I thought it is so cool to be having all the luxury inside a tent. I myself slept in a tent a few times but less the luxurious stuff. Those were when we went ovenight camping in Dampalitan Island in Quezon , in Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley , and in Bantayan Island in Cebu . It's always  fun sleeping close to nature. But while that is fun, it can also be a hassle. Carrying around a tent plus a sleeping bag can be a hassle. Or bags used as a pillow is not very comfortable to sleep in at all and can be a hassle.

We left the house in Marilao, Bulacan at 3:30 AM. It was already 5:30AM and we were still in the car rolling at Clark Free Port zone searching for the exact place of the event. Good thing it was still dark. The program hasn't started yet. There should be a skydiver with a Philippine flag signaling the start of the program. We were told the main gate is across Flying V gas station. We finally reached the gas station where we found at our right side. Now, we had to take a left turn to get to the event's entrance. Unfortunately, there was no Left turning. All cars need to take a U-turn at the farthest end.

I  started this tradition two years ago that every christmas eve we will spend it outside of our home. You see, we have a small family and the past years we always end up sleeping before midnight because of exhaustion preparing for Noche Buena. It was not  an ideal christmas feel that I want.  On our first year, 2013, we spent it in Intramuros. Then last year, 2014, we spent Christmas eve in Clark where we stayed at Grandview Tower Hotel.  This is one of the cheapest hotels near Clark. It is a pretty new condo-hotel building located at Don Juico Avenue, Angeles. It is just outside Clark FreePort Zone, very near SM Clark. 

Hailed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, I can't think of any other reason more enticing enough to drag ourselves to Pampanga. Finding these talked about restaurants are just so easy. Thanks to some blogs for their recommendations and Waze for directions. Lol Now, this is not a one day tour. This is a compilation of the restaurants we've been to every time we were in Pampanga. Aling Lucy Sisig. Coming from Bulacan, we always take the fastest route, the NLEX. We followed where Waze directed us and after some series of stops and turns, we finally made it to Aling Lucing's.