We've always planned to go somewhere we've never been before. Puerto galera came into our minds that summer (April 2008). I did an extensive (hehe) research on how to get there, where to stay, what to bring, and how much budget is needed to survive. That was April 26, 2008, after work, we went straight to Buendia to ride a bus going to Batangas Pier. Of course, wAe didn't forget to eat our breakfast at Jollibee(which is obviously one of our fav fast food chains). The ride to Batangas Pier is okay. I was just so excited to get there 'coz I've never ridden on boat before. When we arrived at the Pier, we were like some famous Hollywood celebrities. We were welcomed by men who offered to help us to carry our luggages. They were so warm and all. When we entered the pier, that was when you'll know why. They all tried to pull us to their designated booths for the boat tickets. It was so hard to decide where to fall in line. My partner decided to get the tickets from one of the booths. Then we had to pay some more fees (I think those are for environmental fee and another one I forgot already). Finally saw the boats and I was so thrilled! We took pictures as soon as we were seated.
I got dizzy the minute the boat started moving (or sailing, or whatever you call it). I decided to just sleep throughout the ride. But I was awaken by the excited whispers and giggles of the other passengers. The view was great! We were in the middle of the ocean and the water was so clear. I even imagined seeing a really big fishtail (was all along thinking it might be a mermaid. wahahaha). Then, I saw the shoreline. You could see the people, the restaurants and hotels lining the beach front, the other boats waiting for passengers, and more people.
When we stepped down from the boat, that was when we realized, we didn't even have a booked reservation. My Gosh! Where are we gonna stay? My bag was so heavy I was so tired when I reached the restaurants and hotels. We took lunch at one of the nearest dinner. Wow! Was I so hungry? After eating, we still couldn't find any available rooms to stay. We were told by one of the locals that since it was a Friday, we would really have a hard time to find a hotel. We ended up booking at Hollywood Palm Beach Hotel and Resorts. It was near the main road so I thought that it was okay. But for 10,000 pesos for a night? That was outrageous! But we didn't have any choice so we stayed. After resting for a while, we went out to the beach. We ate at another dinner and decided on getting a tattoo. I got a butterfly tattoo and my partner liked the cross design. We were running like crazy after that because it rained so hard we were afraid that our tattoos might fade (they're henna tattoos, that's why). Then just decided to sleep and wake up early.
Early morning, we set out for the beach. The water was cool and clear. Paddling here and waddling there until we got tired. Stayed at the shore and took more pictures. Ate hamburgers and drank fruit shakes until we're full. Then went back to the hotel for siesta.
Before the sun sets, we went to the beach again and enjoyed the water, music and the laughter of the people around us. Everyone was really having the best of their times! The sunset was spectacular! I still can't get over the picture in my mind. It was starving day. We went and got some grilled meat and went back to the hotel to have dinner and to drink. Was a happy night with lots of laughter, emo moments and beer.
The day that we're both not excited about. It as time to go back to reality. Goodbye clear water! Goodbye fresh air! Till we meet again...
Here are more of our photos:
I got dizzy the minute the boat started moving (or sailing, or whatever you call it). I decided to just sleep throughout the ride. But I was awaken by the excited whispers and giggles of the other passengers. The view was great! We were in the middle of the ocean and the water was so clear. I even imagined seeing a really big fishtail (was all along thinking it might be a mermaid. wahahaha). Then, I saw the shoreline. You could see the people, the restaurants and hotels lining the beach front, the other boats waiting for passengers, and more people.
When we stepped down from the boat, that was when we realized, we didn't even have a booked reservation. My Gosh! Where are we gonna stay? My bag was so heavy I was so tired when I reached the restaurants and hotels. We took lunch at one of the nearest dinner. Wow! Was I so hungry? After eating, we still couldn't find any available rooms to stay. We were told by one of the locals that since it was a Friday, we would really have a hard time to find a hotel. We ended up booking at Hollywood Palm Beach Hotel and Resorts. It was near the main road so I thought that it was okay. But for 10,000 pesos for a night? That was outrageous! But we didn't have any choice so we stayed. After resting for a while, we went out to the beach. We ate at another dinner and decided on getting a tattoo. I got a butterfly tattoo and my partner liked the cross design. We were running like crazy after that because it rained so hard we were afraid that our tattoos might fade (they're henna tattoos, that's why). Then just decided to sleep and wake up early.
Early morning, we set out for the beach. The water was cool and clear. Paddling here and waddling there until we got tired. Stayed at the shore and took more pictures. Ate hamburgers and drank fruit shakes until we're full. Then went back to the hotel for siesta.
Before the sun sets, we went to the beach again and enjoyed the water, music and the laughter of the people around us. Everyone was really having the best of their times! The sunset was spectacular! I still can't get over the picture in my mind. It was starving day. We went and got some grilled meat and went back to the hotel to have dinner and to drink. Was a happy night with lots of laughter, emo moments and beer.
The day that we're both not excited about. It as time to go back to reality. Goodbye clear water! Goodbye fresh air! Till we meet again...
Here are more of our photos:
***Ruthy***
