Unicorns, fairies, and hot air balloons are on the same level -all things magical-, except that among the three, only the hot air balloons are real. For some reason, the Clark hot air balloon fiesta had become an ‘annual affair’ for me and my high school classmates (well, not that we’ve been there many times, only twice, going on 3 next year ‘cause we’re already ‘gearing up’ as early as now ☺).

The 17^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta would mark our second year as visitors of the event. This year though, we’re an all-girl group (last year we had a guy friend come with us). We left as early as 3:30AM, so that we get to see the giant balloons before it leaves in the morning (but I’m still secretly thinking that the reason for an extremely early departure is we don’t want to be exiting in the wrong gate, just like last year - unplanned Subic roadtrip – we missed the Clark exit and went straight to Subic, hence, no hot air balloons in the area :p)

I guess we’re fortunate enough to say hello to the balloons this year before it took off in the morning. A couple of pictures in the event grounds, a not-so-delish breakfast, a huge crowd, and we’re good to go, at least for the morning. We headed to Nayong Pilipino, then SM Clark while waiting for the Night Glow. Apparently, the last day of the event was greeted by dark skies, mild winds, and cold drizzles, which led us to assuming that the Night Glow might not push through. True enough, the fantastic hot air balloons we’re not displayed after sunset (well, they had at least 3 dull-looking balloons inflated). The fluffy giant hot air balloons, Darth Vader, most especially, thrilled us, but the three were, well, good enough (not). Fireworks display capped off the cold night. Some even flew their own lanterns before leaving the event.  

A part of me was dismayed ‘cause I was really stoked by the thought of hot air balloons at night. But somehow, the event itself was enough to satisfy my childlike wants. This year’s experiences will greatly be considered in planning next year’s trip. Definitely excited to meet the hot air balloons again!

One of the three balloons displayed during the Night Glow.

Fireworks at the 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

October 29-30, 2011

Traveled with friends

With less than a month of planning, I, and four of my friends, decided to go on a random trip. Bolinao seemed relaxing, so we picked this small town in Pangasinan, and reserved a room at Solomon’s Paradise.

It was adventure from the start; we had no reserved bus tickets, considering the ‘uwian season’ for All Saints Day. We left Manila around 1AM, and, after two stopovers, three seat changes (we originally sat at the aisle, on kiddie plastic chairs :p), and, five hours of bus ride, we finally reached Bolinao.

Cold weather greeted us the moment we stepped out of the bus. It was 6AM. We decided to warm our hungry tummies and got hot drinks. Not long after warming up, we explored the town. From the bus station, I already had a glimpse of the old Bolinao Church. Standing across the church is the municipal hall. Excitement filled me as we entered the church (you know what they say about going inside a church for the first time, make a wish!). Beside the church is a small eatery called Adora’s (serves yummy food for less), where we had our breakfast.

Old Bolinao Church.

Tin, enjoying Adora’s tasty Pancit.

Time check: 9AM. A number of trikes were scattered around the town so transportation isn’t a problem. We managed to talk to one, Kuya Joseph, settled fares, and brought us to our resort. And so the longest tricycle ride of my life began. We traversed the rough and dusty road for about 40 minutes. Kuya Joseph, another trike driver, and us, agreed for a 150Php fare. But upon arriving at the resort, my friends and I approved of the original 200Php fare, considering the travel time and bumpy roads, plus they were really mabait! :)

Our originally tired and sleepy bodies regained energy upon seeing Solomon’s Paradise. The place is nothing short of awesome: The beach, the sand, and THE cliff. It’s just me and pure happiness. A paradise, indeed!  Too bad, our contact person, Ms. Rosie Solomon (Filipina and wife of owner, Brett Solomon, Australian) wasn’t around when we visited.

Speechless.

 The rest of the afternoon was spent basking under the sun and enjoying the (rough) waters. Cliff diving was discouraged though, since there had been a small quake on a nearby island, sending huge waves on our side of the ocean. But secretly, I thought, “there’s no stopping the fun now!” We just goofed around like kids after school, took pictures, climbed the cliff, and had pure summer-like fun.

Bonfires and the beach somehow always go together. After having dinner, the resort staff set up the bonfire by the beach. We lazily studied the (literally) star-studded sky, with some chill music. Tin, Ryan, Mike, Kuya Jem, and I enjoyed the rest of the night, relaxing by the beach.

Bonfire, friends, beach. Perfection.

Waking up to the sound of crashing waves is definitely one of best ways to perk up one’s morning. I just can’t get enough of that very moment; it felt like the ocean is singing to me. While my friends are still tucked into their beds, I took a quick dip at the beach. One of the best I had, I must say: cool water and not too much sun. Shortly after my refreshing morning dip, breakfast was served. We hardly had any time to swim after eating since we were scheduled to check out at 12nn. So we hurried up, packed, took our last group pictures at the resort, and left the paradise. Bitin, but truly a relaxing experience! :)

Good morning, from Bolinao :)

The weekend isn’t enough for a beautiful paradise like Solomon’s. For first timers like us though, the Bolinao experience satisfied our adventure-seeking young souls. Going back? Definitely a yes! :)

Awesome weekend adventure!

Solomon’s Paradise website: http://solomonsparadise.multiply.com/

Kuya Joseph’s (the trusty trike driver) number: +63 907 879 42 76

Five Star buses to Bolinao (with daily trips): http://www.angelfire.com/alt/fivestarbus/  

-Airra

Excited to meet Mr. Tarsier and the Chocolate Hills this weekend!

Where are you planning to visit this weekend, people?

Safe trip to everyone! :) Happy weekend!

October 29, 2011.

Solomon’s Paradise greeted us with… a paradise. Beautiful place! ♥

If you’re looking for relaxation up north, Bolinao is a must-visit, and Solomon’s Paradise is definitely a great place to stay. It is a small and quiet resort near the famous Cape Bolinao Lighthouse (which we weren’t able to visit, by the way), which has Cliff Diving as its main attraction. The waters were rough though, so cliff diving was discouraged during our visit.

Will write a review about Bolinao and Solomon’s Paradise, soon :)

October 29, 2011.

Chilling by the beach in Bolinao, Pangsinan.

If you’re looking for relaxation up north, Bolinao is a must-visit, and Solomon’s Paradise is definitely a great place to stay. It is a small and quiet resort near the famous Cape Bolinao Lighthouse (which we weren’t able to visit, by the way), which has Cliff Diving as its main attraction. The waters were rough though, so cliff diving was discouraged during our visit.

Will write a review about Bolinao and Solomon’s Paradise, soon :)

October 29, 2011.

Bolinao Church. Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Weekend adventure with friends. Two of them are in this shot ☺

October 23, 2011.

View from the top :) Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban, Quezon.

Random family trip to Quezon. Manila - Batangas - Quezon - Manila.

September 18, 2011.

Boracay sunsets are just beautiful ♥

Beach trip with former officemates. Spent three days walking along the white shores of Boracay, fun times ☼