Endless Adventures in Coron, Palawan!

Travel… it’s in our genes….having such adventurous parents results to a fun family of adventure seekers. Our next stop: to the beautiful island of Coron in Palawan, Philippines!

Not a newbie here, my 3rd time, so I decided to be tour guide of the group. Need I say, I’m impressed even though it’s been 5 years since I last visited this place.

Coron is in the province of Palawan, Philippines on Busuanga Island. It is the largest town on the island and has the largest share of accommodations.

Coron is both the name of the largest town on the island of Busuanga, and the name of a different, smaller island just offshore. The area is famous for its World War II wreck diving, and the site has been named in many lists of top dive spots in the world. In September 1944, a fleet of Japanese ships hiding in the harbor were sunk in a daring raid by the US navy. The result is around ten well preserved underwater shipwrecks surrounded with coral reef.

In 1902 that Coron was registered as a town and the name of the town was officially changed from Penon de Coron to Coron.

From 1939 to the outbreak of World War II, the municipality experienced the mining boom. Labor shifted from farming to mining. In July 1942, the Japanese occupied the mining camps and resumed operation of the manganese mines. On September 24, 1944, a group of Japanese ships were sunk by American warplanes in Coron waters as the ships retreated from Manila Bay. To this day, about 10 or 12 of these World War II Japanese shipwrecks comprise what is considered one of the best dive sites in the world.

On June 17, 1950, Busuanga was officially created as a separate municipality from Coron and in 1954, Coron was further reduced by the official creation of the Municipality of Linapacan. On September 12, 1992, Coron was finally reduced by the official creation of the Municipality of Culion.

The first inhabitants of Coron were the Tagbanuas who belong to the second wave of Indonesians who migrated to this area some 5,000 years ago. They were a nomadic, seafaring people, living mainly by fishing and subsistence agriculture. Although they are now sedentary (with the young using cell phones, etc.), they maintain many of their old customs, traditions and beliefs. Today, the Tagbanuas remain the dominant if not entire population of Coron.

Must Visit Places in Coron:

Mt. Tapyas – countdown to 750 steps to reach the peak of the mountain that houses a huge cross and is overlooking the wonderful city of Coron. This year while I was climbing up, I had a 2 people who recognized me as a TV Sportscaster and they had to take my photos while I was drained in sweat as I climbed up this mountain.

Maquinit Hotspring –  The only known salt water hot spring in the Philippines and probably the only one in Asia. The hot spring is just about 25 minutes from the town center and is perfectly located between a hill and the blue sea whose shores are lined with mangrove trees and floating bamboo cottages.

Kayangan Lake - This view is the most photographed area in Palawan. It is also judged as the cleanest lake in the country and the 3rd in the world. Before approaching the lake, go over the cave and glimpse at the great view on top of the mountain.

Twin Lagoon - The water and towering rocks are great photos. On low tide, experience kayaking under the hole of the rock. At high tide, one can swim through the hole of the rock or a walkway can be used to get to the other side of the lagoon.

Barracuda Lake – don’t forget to bring goggles or snorkles to observe underwater rock formations of this lake.

CYC Island - is nice but gets very busy. It's the only free beach in the area. 

Banol Beach - is very picturesque with its flower trees set against the rocky island. It has sugary fine white sand in its beachline.

Siete Pecados - among the best sites to snorkel in Coron. It was popularized by the shoot of a local television show of a mermaid love story. Experience swimming in an aquarium, beautiful corals and a great variety of fishes. Myth suggests that seven kids swam from the main island to escape it and follow their parents. They all drowned and the place where they drowned is where the islands are now present.

Culion Island - the former leper colony where it offers a medical museum and presentation of the old leper colony highlighting the cure of leprosy. 

Sangat Island - black limestone island with white sand beaches near most of the major WW2 wrecks in the area.

Malcapuya Island – My fave island of all islands in Coron because of its stunning very fine white sand beach just like Boracay (or better) but without construction. 

Banana Island - A longer boat trip from town is beautiful Banana Island, with it's white sand beaches and numerous Pacific Giant Clams (local accommodations recommended as it is far from Coron, but it is available as a tour along with Malcapuya)

Black Island - another limestone island with white sand beaches located far from town. Did you know that this is where Survivor Slovakia was held?! ….. but because they didn’t give credits to the Philippines and claimed the island as theirs, they weren’t able to go back to this limestone island again.

Calumbuyan Island - no water, no electricity just a beautiful island with beautiful corals.

Calauit Wildlife An island inhabited by imported African wildlife living in harmony with Palawan wildlife. Safari tours available. (local accommodation is required as it is about a 4 hour boat trip from Coron)

So if you're yearning to know what living in paradise really feels like, consider a trip to Coron and experience for yourself the endless adventures this place has to offer. 

Live, Laugh, Learn and LOVE!

TO LOSE BALANCE SOMETIMES FOR LOVE IS PART OF LIVING A BALANCED LIFE!

There goes my favorite line from the movie: Eat, Pray, Love... that made my way to self forgiveness, loving myself more and obtaining the balance I needed in life to keep moving towards self fulfillment and happiness!


The movie itself made me realized how to forgive myself and mostly love myself more and go back to the center where God and peace can be found. This is the best way for me to find that balance I have been searching for. Yes we all go through failed relationships and experience pain and sadness but there comes a point in your life when you are just exhausted giving love that you find yourself unloved....this is the time where you learn to stop, let go and walk away from the drama that's making you miserable. It's going to be a challenge to keep walking without looking back but realize that you are doing yourself a favor. Start by accepting the situation... pour it all out until the day that you become numb about it... embrace brokenness and surrender it all to God. 

From my experience of brokenness I have experienced Gods surprises from the moment I surrendered everything to him, He opened me to the best things in life. Believe that He puts certain people in our lives to mold us to be better persons because He certainly is preparing us for the Best of the Best in our future. Forgive yourself and the other person or persons involved and give yourself that peace of mind you deserve. Remember to value yourself and give yourself a chance to be loved again without forcing it. You deserve a Love that is given out of free will from your partner and perhaps the phase of being single is a calling from God too to renew your relationship with him. Respect yourself and acknowledge that your past is a stepping stone for you to your goals...because this is just one of Gods test for us to grow. Don't jump too easily on a new relationship just to forget your past because it wont simply help.... its best to love and complete yourself first and by the time your ready trust that God has the RIGHT ONE ready for you too. Its all about being the person God wants you to be and having an overflowing love that you can share with that person. Everyone of us gets through difficulties but put in mind that if God brings you to it, He will certainly bring you through it. Sit back, relax, enjoy life and open your hearts and eyes to His surprises (nothing beats his miracles in life).

A good friend once told me that Life is not all about Love...there are some realities and responsibilities that we need to do to be fulfilled in this lifetime. True enough that Life is about living each day to the fullest.... and Love in Life is NOT only by having that perfect relationship (with the RIGHT ONE).... there is also what we call Love for Yourself (by fulfilling yourself) and Love for your neighbors. Now that's what i call living a balanced Life - Trusting God, Loving yourself and Sharing that Love to Others.

‎I've come to believe that there exists in the universe something I call "The Physics of The Quest"- a force of nature governed by laws as real as the laws gravity or momentum. And the rule of Quest Physics maybe goes like this: "If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting(which can be anything from your house to your bitter old resentments)and set out on a truth-seeking journey(either externally or internally), and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue, and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared - most of all -to face (and forgive) some very difficult realities about yourself....then truth will not be withheld from you." -- Eat, Pray, Love!

Ending the Year 2012 with a Leap of Faith! (",)

Year 2012 has turned out to be my nightmare .... yet this year has taught me more about MYSELF. Things I never taught I can be and I will be because of the situations that God has allowed me to experience. 

This year I've learned:

1. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to Disagree. I have learned that sometimes its better to apologize than to be always right and fight. Its not a weakness, rather than it is a sign that you are more understanding than someone else.

2. Silence the Mind. This way it gives you time to think before saying or doing something. Peace of Mind is the best gift you can ever give to yourself because in doing so you can accomplish many things more efficiently and effectively.

3. Don't compare yourself with other because you don't have any idea what their journey is all about. God gives us different challenges depending on what we need to improve and realize for ourselves.

4. Embrace Brokenness. Everyone has been broken and has experienced pain. The best remedy is to go back to the center with God and submit to him your broken heart and trust that in His time He will give you a new heart that's fulfilled and more spirited.

5. Let Go. Just keep loving and when its not for you, you have to learn to let it go. Don't push yourself to something you are not welcomed because it gives more frustrations to yourself. 

6. Love yourself. Make yourself happy and fulfilled before you can finally share it with someone. Find yourself and find your balance.

7.  and to Believe in Miracles.... every thing and every one changes.... but if you have that strong Faith in God, He will reward you with something far better you wished for.

This 2012 has made me realized that despite the trials I had to face, I was never alone on it...I had Gods grace with me all along. I chose to fight for something that wasn't given to me yet I knew in myself that I did a good fight. I was scared the entire year and the greatest lesson was to JUMP INTO THE LEAP OF FAITH. LET GO and LET LIFE HAPPEN! Trust Gods will and let Him bring you life's surprises. 

When I look back on my life, I see pain, mistakes and heart ache. When I look in the mirror, I see strength, learned lessons, and pride in MYSELF.

Cheers to a Better, Bigger, Brighter 2013 Everyone!

The Best of Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monaco, the crime-free country!

If safety is your number one priority on your holiday, then Monaco is for you. Security for this tiny constitutional monarchy is provided by an armed national police force consisting of 515 men and women, awarding it the reputation of being the “safest square mile” in Europe.

The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and novel attractions. This tiny peninsular country is home to some of the world’s wealthiest people and is the epicenter for all things glitzy. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbor and even around the attractions.

Take a walk through Monaco-Ville, also known as “le rocher” or “the rock” that can be described as a medieval village at heart with an astonishingly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous century houses still remain. 

Must Visit:

The Palais Princier (Prince's Palace). There are guided tours of the palace each day and usually run around the clock. The Palace also offers an astounding panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo. Everyday at 11:55 AM, in front of the Palace's main entrance visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the "Carabiniers." “Carabiniers” are not only in charge of the Princes’ security but they offer Him a Guard of Honor and on special occasions, are His escorts. The “Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince” has a military band; which performs at public concerts, official occasions, sports events and international military music festivals.

The Monaco Cathedral was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th century earlier church. It is a Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. The church square also contains some of Monaco-Ville's finest restaurants.

The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products. On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the Conference room. In the basement, visitors can take pleasure in watching spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. Lastly, visitors can have lunch in “La Terrasse” and visit the museum gift shop. 

The Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens) is one of the many gardens Monaco has to offer. Several thousand rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora and plants. Due to the rise in altitude, not only are there many displays of desert plants but there are a handful of subtropical flora displays as well. There is also a grotto (cave) that has scheduled guided tours. 

La Condamine is the second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. Here you can stop and marvel at the many luxurious  yachts and cruise ships which usually adorn the docks in the marina. La Condamine is a thriving business district where you can visit the Condamine Market and rue Princesse-Caroline mall. 

The Monaco Opera House or Salle Garnier was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. The auditorium of the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium.There have been some of the most superior international performances of ballet, opera and concerts held in the opera house for more than a century.

The Princes Car Collection For any car enthusiast, it is the place to go, there is everything, from carriges and old cars, to formula 1 race cars.

The Grand Casino and gamble alongside the world's richest and often most famous. You'll need your passport to enter (as Monégasque citizens are prohibited from gambling at the casino), and thefees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to - often from 30€ right up into the hundreds. You can also visit the casino without gambling, but also for a nominal fee. The dress code inside is extremely strict - men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual or 'tennis' shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. 

Must Try:

Monaco's streets hosts the best known Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco organizes this spectacular Formula 1 race each year. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. 

Aquavision: Discover Monaco from the sea during this fascinating boat tour! “Aquavision” is a catamaran-type boat equipped with two windows in the hull for underwater vision, thus allowing the passengers to explore the natural seabed of the coast in an unusual way. 

Azur Express: Fun tourist trains make daily tours all over Monaco. You will visit the Monaco Port, Monte-Carlo and its Palaces, the famous Casino and its gardens, the Old Town for City Hall and finally the royal Prince’s Palace. Commentaries are in English, Italian, German and French.

Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world, after the Vatican city yet a country that will definitely give you a glitzy holiday experience.

Malade être de retour Monaco!