> Nomadic at Puso: July 2019

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Antique | Boracay | Seco Island Summer Trip


Antique | Boracay |Seco Island Summer Trip 
May 6-12,2019





 Another wandering time with my cousin!



This cousin is the closest to me. We were stick together since we were young. 
We even became classmates during our second grade in elementary and then during our third and fourth year in high school.
We also went to the same college! But we were enrolled in different course.

Last May, just the two of us, we went home to our dearest hometown, Antique to attend our cousin's wedding. 

We’ve witnessed beach sunsets, mountain views, province life once again. We so missed this!


Calawag Mountain Resort
Kawa Inn Pool
Kawa Inn
Sunset at Culasi
Kawa Inn

  • Kawa Inn (Malabor, Antique)- for affordable stay
  • Calawag Mountain Resort (Tibiao, Antique)- a river front resort with different amenities that are close to nature you can enjoy! Kawa Hot Bath and Fish Spa is a must try! And also water-tubing or river adventure! We also have the boodle fight meal in this resort!
  • Bugtong Bato Falls (also in Tibiao)
  • Rice Terraces - yes we have our very own!
  • Pandan River- (Pandan, Antique) the cleanliest river in the Philippines
  • Malumpati Spring (also in Pandan)
  • Mararison Island (Culasi, Antique) -here's my blogpost for your reference :) 
  • Seco Island of course!
  • Our beaches and a lot more!







And then the day after our arrival we decided to go to Boracay!

Boracay is just two hours away from our hometown. 

This was our first time to go back in Boracay after it was closed for renovation and we can visibly see the improvement. 

Nice to see you again, Boracay! Your white sand still didn't fail to amuse me.







Two days after our Boracay escapade, which was also the day after our cousin's wedding, we then went to Seco Island!

I consider this as one of the hidden gems of Antique!

Our call time was 2 a.m. but the boat that we're riding started to sail at past 3 in the morning.

We've witnessed the milky way sky! Sorry, I don't have photo because my phone and cam didn't permit.

Lovely sunrise also welcomed us! 



And we also saw some dolphins before finally reaching the island.

Seco Island is a secluded island paradise in the province of Tibiao, Antique (my birthplace/hometown!).

White fine sand beach around the 4-hectare island, bluish crystal-clear water, solitude, "disconnect to connect" feels, unspoiled beach, presence of colorful sea shells, star fish, hermit crabs, alluring waves, long sand bar and a lot more! 

The three-hour boat ride was worth it!






We were back home at past 5 in the afternoon. 

When you're planning to visit Antique, please include Seco Island in your itinerary! 

And here's some of the best spots to explore in Antique:

I am so in love with my hometown and with Boracay as well! 


P.S. Kawa Inn and Calawag Mountain Resort are my relative's family business. :)
They have  Facebook pages that you can check.


My past blog post about my hometown:







Wednesday, July 10, 2019

1000-peso Budget DIY Day Trip to Liwliwa Beach, Zambales


Liwliwa Day Trip
San Felipe, Zambales
April 9, 2019




Off to a spontaneous trip with my cousin for this day!



We were badly missing the beach so we decided to go on a DIY trip to Zambales.

Our specific destination was at Liwliwa Beach, San Felipe, Zambales and our accommodation would be at The Circle Hostel, Zambales Branch. They do have other branches in Baler, Aurora and San Juan, La Union.

I have a friend who works at The Circle Hostel in Liwliwa (but as of this posting, she already resigned and just continued her life being a hostel guest and a forever beach bum. Hi, Abby! Miss you!).

2 am of Saturday, we were already at the Pasay Victory Liner. Their first trip to Zambales is at 2:30 
a.m. Travel time from Manila to Liwliwa Beach, San Felipe, Zambales is approximately 5 hours.

We chose to be dropped off at Olongapo so we could have our breakfast at Jollibee first. Fare is Php 273.00



We reached Olongapo at 6 am, ate our breakfast then rode a bus again going to San Felipe. Bus Fare is Php. 72.00

Upon reaching the town of San Felipe, we rode a tricycle going to Circle Hostel. Fare is Php 30.00 per head.

It was past 9 AM when we reached The Circle Hostel. 



Circle Hostel is just a three-minute walk to Liwliwa Beach.


We seized the day!

From morning till sunset, we loved and enjoyed the hostel and of course the beach!
Liwliwa has a grayish sand beach and for some time, the waves are high which is good for surfing.











There are nearby budget-friendly restaurants with yummy food that we also enjoyed.
By 12 midnight, we were already back at home.

This day trip is definitely one of the best treasured moments of my nomadic life!


Here’s our itinerary and budget for the day:
2 am - Victory Liner Pasay
2:30 - going to Olongapo (273 pesos)
5:30 – reached Olongapo, breakfast at Jollibee
6:00 – rode a bus going to Iba, dropped at San Felipe (72 pesos), then rode a tricycle going to Circle Hostel (30 pesos)
8:30 – reached Liwliwa
9am to 11 am – beach bumming at Liwliwa Beach with tent pitching
12 nn – lunch (100 pesos per head)
1-3 – Back to Circle Host, nap time until 3pm
4pm – back to beach for the sunset
5:30pm – snack time before wash off
6 pm – head home, rode a bus going to Olongapo, rode another bus (Victory) to Cubao
12 midnight- home
Estimated Total Budget -  Php 1,000.00


Circle Hostel Website: http://zambales.thecirclehostel.com/