The Walking Dead Spoiler (Season 3, Episode 15: This Sorrowful Life)

It is the day scheduled for the meet up of the Governor and Ric. The day to give up one of the members of the prison group to the Woodberry group to prevent war. Ric had a hard time to think about it. But he managed to convince Darryl and Merle to give up Michonne. Hershel still thought they could be another way. Only the four of them knew about this plan.

Merle went inside another wing of the prison with Michonne as part of their plan. Zombies started to attack the two of them, and they started killing them. Then in a blink, Merle stabbed Michonne. Next scene, they were walking toward the previous meeting place with Governor.

Back to the prison, Glenn was looking at the pocket watch Hershel gave him and he figured out something he wanted to do. After talking to the father of Maggie, he went out, cut a zombie's finger with a ring and gave the ring to Maggie. Sweet.

Alone and thinking outside of the prison wing, Ric saw Lorie again. He took it as a sign.  And after a second, he knew, he had to call off their plan to give up Michonne. He looked for Merle to try and stop him but he was too late. The two already left the premises. He told Darryl, and Darryl volunteered to find them.

While in the car they took from an abandoned apartel, Michonne tried to convinced Merle in going back to the prison. After a while of talking, he told her to go down the car and go back to the prison. Their plan to give her up did not materialized and Merle thought of another plan on his own.  On Michonne's way back to the prison, he saw Darryl looking for his brother.

Merle drank alcohol inside the car and turned it's music aloud. He made the zombies follow him to the meeting place. His plan made the people of Philip busy shooting walkers. And while they were busy, Merle tried to shoot all of them. He also tried to shoot Philip but Randall blocked him unexpectedly and died. Martinez saw where the bullet was coming and immediately went to the abandoned cottage. Because Merle was attacked by a zombie inside his hiding place, he ran out of it and they saw him.

Philip dragged him. Kicked, spanked, bit his fingers out of his hand and shoot him in the heart.

Darryl reached the meeting place. Just in time seeing his brother eat human flesh. Merle turned in to a zombie. A zombie who even tried to eat Darryl. But he stabbed him several times until he finally dies. Darryl was mad, shocked and hurt.

Zombie Merle =(

Michonne got back to the prison safely. Ric and the others started packing. It seemed that they getting ready to leave.

Next week is the last episode for this season and I can't wait to watch it...

A Glimpse of Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo

Lake Pandin and the bamboo rafts.

Plenty of coconut trees in the area.

Freshly cooked food for lunch,  green surroundings, bamboo rafts cruising on the peaceful waters, it’s a simple depiction of our visit at Lake Pandin and Yambo. Two of the seven lakes in San Pablo Laguna. Also the cleanest and the most preserved (wikipedia). Only a 2-hour bus trip away and you can escape from the stressful city environment.

Upon arrival at San Pablo City, you need take a jeep and a tricycle ride or a tricycle ride straight to the twin lakes which will cost Ps 120.00 - Ps 150.00, it will pass Carmelite Road. It will take about 12 to 15 minutes.

And say hello to hiking. We were accompanied by a ten-year-old boy who seemed really used to taking tourists to the lake. The president of the group (Twin Lakes) Teena, and Ate Mailyn attended us on our lunch tour. They were very friendly and accommodating. These group of rowers were all female. Girl Power!

Teena and Ate Mailyn our female rowers

Since it's the start of summer, almost all the rafts were loaded. Good thing we managed to reserve one raft. You may contact Teena at 09079952983 for booking/reservations.

Bringing of your own food is allowed. Raft rental will only cost Ps 180.00 per head. If food will be included, they will charge Ps 360.00 per head. For two persons, they will charge Ps 400.00 per head which is the minimum rate. They will be serving cups of rice, ginataang hipon, inihaw na tilapia, seaweed salad and buko juice, all freshly harvested from the area. They would also offer ube halaya, leche flan cassava and sweetened tamarind. Three pieces of any would cost Ps 100.00.

We started eating lunch when we reached the grotto of Mama Mary.

The Grotto with fresh drinking water.

Its also where they get drinking water.

Swimming time! Because Lake Pandin is about 180 feet high, they would always require wearing a life vest. We did not swim because restrooms/bathrooms were still not fully developed. But if you have a vehicle you can just go to the nearest resort (Tala Resort) to continue swimming time.

After eating, its now time to see Lake Yambo. And we are just a strip of land away from it. This lake is more shallow than Pandin, with an average depth of 40m (wikipedia). The scenery, still peaceful. There we also saw fish pens and a very simple life style of people.

Overlooking at Lake Yambo

There were no reported aligator / crocodile attacks in the lake said Teena. And also, no lost people were reported. So I may say that the lakes are safe.

On our way back to shore, our guide Ate Mailyn  told us about the legend of the twin lakes. There was a couple whom for a very long time together were still not blessed to have a child, after doing almost all the methods they could do. Till it came to a point when they said that if they will be given a baby, they will not let him or her step on the ground. Until the wife got pregnant and bore a very  beautiful daughter. She named her Pandin. They taught how to make banig and they never let her step on the ground. Their house was made of a bamboo, and Pandin never gets out of it. Suitors would come to their house to pay her a visit. One of them was a lad named Ambo.

One day, her parents asked her to make a banig  while they were gone. Unfortunately, her scissors fell out of the house and on to the ground. She tried to get help but nobody heard her. When she was about to go down the house, she saw Ambo and tried to ask him to get it for her. But, Ambo did not obeyed. She wanted Pandin go down the house. He told Pandin that he would be willing to assist her on going getting the scissors. As soon as Pandin stepped on the ground, everything became a body of water, including Ambo.

At around 2:30 to 3:00pm we were heading back to the road when we saw this. 

And we are looking forward to it. :P

Budget for Trip:

Php  127.00 - Bus Ride from Pasay to San Pablo City
Php  120.00 - Tricycle to Lake Pandin
Php    17.00 - Back to City Proper
Php  127.50 - Bus Ride from San Pablo City to Manila

Php  400.00 - Lunch and cruise at the twin lakes

Php  100.00 - Pasalubong
Php  892.00 - Total Expenses per head

The Walking Dead Spoiler (Season 3, Episode 14: Prey)

After the talkies with Rick, the Governor made Andrea believe that they had a  good deal but did not say what the deal was about. Then, Milton saw him preparing a room with chains and a chair, with a handcuff and small stuffs which are used in an operation. He thought that Philip will not follow the deal. Milton tried to talk the Governor out of his evil plan, but he failed to convince him. So, he (Milton) told Andrea about it and his plan to kill all the people in the prison.

They (Milton and Andrea) went to the place where the governor was setting up the slay room, where she tried to shoot him, but, Milton stopped her.  And she then have decided to go to the prison and warn the group the regarding the Governor's plan. She even tried to convince Milton to go with her but he preferred to stay because it is there where he really belongs, he said.

Tyreese and Sasha (T & S) were on guard on the front gate when Andrea broke out of Woodberry. They tried to stop her but a knife she held stopped them. She tried to warn them of the Governor before she ran away. The two were also a bit confused of who's side will they be.

T & S told the governor about Andrea's breaking-out-of -Woodberry issue  and he immediately ran after her. In an abandoned building filled with biters, the blonde tried to hide.

The Governor got caught in a fleet of biters and luckily Andrea got out of the building.

She almost reached the prison and almost seen by Rick who was currently on guard at the post when the Philip grabbed her, covered her mouth and laid her on the grass.

He drove back to Woodberry and nobody knew he got and imprisoned Andrea.

Countdown: Last two episodes left for the season

Ilocandia Tour via A & A Travel and Tours

We have planned this tour for so long... Like six months long... And it's a good thing that one of my dearest office mate, turned BFF, turned travel buddy, found this Travel Agency which offers one of the best Ilocandia Tour ever! A & A Travel and Tours can be easily found on google. Their travel itinerary lets you rest for the first and second day. Great for travelers from a long 10 hour travel. 

Via Fariñas Transit (9-10 hour trip) at a deluxe bus with restroom (Ps 750.00 per head), we arrived around 8:00am in Laoag Terminal. Sun was already up. And there was our driver/tour guide, Kuya Alwyn ('toh) waiting for us. He is easy to be with and really concerned about our enjoyment. We also believed that he has a great future in photography.

Silver Mercedes Van of AA Travel & Tours

Kuya Alwyn's back view.

DAY 1 started. After a healthy breakfast at a well known carinderia in the area, our first stop was at Cape Bojeador Burgos Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Establish during the Spanish Colonial era (Wikipedia) and until now, it is still active. The way up to the tower itself was closed to public. We did not see the control room. Only the stairs. Also saw the amazing view from the northwestern-most point in Luzon.

Smiles from Cape Bojeador :D

 While at the most North Western part of Luzon...

Next Stop at Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation, also in Burgos, IN. Please do not forget to put on sunblock, and bring a fan or a towel, because it's gonna be a sizzling hot walk! At that time, there was really a zero-wind-morning in the area. So hello sun and sweat!

Kapurpurwan is an Ilocano word which means White.

Hello Mr. Sun! Shinning bright today, ei?  - Toasted Travelers

Refreshments were also available on the way back in case someone gets thirsty. There were also pay restrooms for those who needs to go or to change their sweaty clothes (at Ps 5.00 each).

Next stop: Bangui Windmills! The first power generating windmill farm in Southeast Asia (Wikipedia). They were tall metal structures and you will really look up to them.

Bangui Wind Mill - Bangui Ilocos Norte

So excited to see this in person! Scenery was so great it almost made me full even with out having lunch yet.  It was not very windy that time and only one turbine was moving. The sand was hot and not very fine. Also observed that no one was swimming on this part of the beach. Maybe because of the smashing waves.

There are also small stalls selling key chains shaped like wind mills and other small things for pasalubong in the area. 6 pieces of windmill key chains for Ps 100.00. Cheaper to buy here than other places.

Ate Jean: Tawad naman ate, marami naman kami nakuha... Please.... =)

We had a very late lunch at Berg Blick. A small, cozy restaurant in Pagudpud which serves German and Filipino dishes. Waitresses wore Deutsche costumes to give us a feel of their motif. Servings were big enough for a group. Rice is per cup, which is good for people on a diet. Haha!

Ilocandia Express: Mixed Vegetables with chili and coconut milk  topped with bagnet

After eating, we were all dosing out of energy. Oh we really felt sleepy and tired. It's a good thing our hotel was not very far from the restaurant, just a 15 minute drive. 

We checked in at Polaris Beach Resort.They say it is located at the center of Saud Beach. 

Afternoon at Saud Beach...

Rooms are not that big, but its clean and air-conditioned with cabled television and own bathroom. The bed is comfortable with clean sheets and pillows. But towels were not available. Some rooms are good for a minimum of 3 persons. Other rooms are great for families or groups traveling on a budget. Three hours of rest and then we hit the beach before sun set.

Shorts, sandos, slippers and shawl are now ready for our DAY 2. Off to Kabigan Falls. There's a trek before you could reach the falls. A different tour guide accompanied us to the falls.  I was not able to track how long was the walk because my eyes got caught on the fields  and nature.  This is the most refreshing part. It was really cool. Water is cold and it sprinkles to us when the wind blows.

We also passed by Patapat Viaduct, which is said to be 102 feet above sea level and the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. 

Best timing talaga! =)

Now let's go to the beach, each, let's go get away, as the song goes... Off to Blue Lagoon for lunch and beach time! If you will be like us who wanted to go swimming on the beach however not checked in around the area, you can pay for an unlimited use of rest room at Hannah's Beach Resort for Ps 50.00 only. Just show your receipt to the guard and you can use it unlimited. It is clean, and water supply is good. Only a few were using it when we were there.

Hi waves please don't push us away! haha!

Waves were really big and will really push and pull you on shore. Sand was very fine. We even scrubbed our feet with it under the clear blue sky. Scenes here were definitely exquisite.

On our way to Java Hotel, we passed by the place where Walang Hanggan (a telenovela on ABS-CBN) once taped an episode. We went up the hill and took some pictures. It was beautiful. The sun was not that hot anymore and the wind was stress relieving.

Pretty Girls on hills! 

Good morning Java!

 Java Hotel has a gasoline station in front,which was sort of odd. The hotel's theme is Balinese Moroccan. Has 50 air-conditioned guest rooms, a swimming pool, a gym, a bar on the side, a tennis court, children's playground, and a souvenir shop. Wi-fi has a strong signal, so it's FB all the time. Fresh towels are present! Yipee! Even if  stayed there for approximately 15 hours only, we missed it a lot. And we would want to go back to this place.

Time really flies when you are having fun. It's DAY 3 with out knowing it. Plenty of places scheduled to visit today. Kuya Alwyn even reminded us to be on time. Most of the places we visited were churches. Laoag Sinking Bell Tower, Sta. Monica Church and Paoay Church. All off their bell towers are separated from the church, and I was not able to ask why. 

Most of the tourist spots are closed on Mondays so it's better to visit during Tuesdays to Sundays. Because of a hectic schedule, we have decided to just drive thru Mc Donald's Vigan. It's structure, Spanish type. I was also excited to see this because of its unique built, although its not as cozy as Mc Donald's branches here in Manila. We also used coupons for discounts. Haha!

Kita-kits sa Mc Donald's Vigan! =)

We did not only visited landmarks, we also visited the animals in Baluarte ni Chavit. We saw white deers, tigers, butterflies, birds, ostriches and horses all in an eighty hectare terrain.

Nice pose Ms. Ostrich...

Oh deer!

Dinos in the background...

Last stop at Calle Crisologo in Vigan. A four block stretch of Spanish-style structures where its off limits to vehicles. Only calesas are allowed there. Its also a famous place where you could buy pasalubong. Tshirts sold there ranges from Ps 100.00 to Ps 400.00. Medium sized Chichacorn (3 packs) for Ps 100.00 only. Woven products, wood carvings, knitted products, basi wine and bagnet at Ps 380.00 per kilo. When it was already dark, it really felt like we were back to the Spanish era. Yellow lighted streets. Calesas going back and forth the cobblestoned street. Antiques everywhere. 

Pasalubong Galore!

After shopping... =)

Experience rating for this trip: 5 stars! Although it's very tiring, we have really enjoyed it. If we will have a chance to go back, we will go back there! Sulit na Sulit! 

Budget for Trip:

Php  3,200.00 - Hotel Accommodations and Tour via A & A Travel and 
                      Tours (3 Days 2 Nights with Breakfast)
Php  1,500.00 - Food Expenses (Lunches/Dinners - Approximate)
Php  1,000.00 - Pasalubong (Approximate)
Php  1,800.00 - Transportation Expenses (bus/plane promo sale)
Php 7,500.00 - Total Expenses