Jawili Falls

Another side trip in Aklan, Jawili is a barangay in Tangalan town around 20-30 minutes travel from Kalibo town proper. From Tangalan we rented a tricycle to bring us to Jawili falls, we had a very short trip to the falls since there's nothing more to explore inside. I just tried to dipped in my toes as the water was really cold. We had seen a few meter waterfalls that almost run dries and a few cottages. An entrance fee of PhP5 per head maybe for the maintenance of cottages but it seems the place was not developed as a tourist spot.

Though we enjoyed picture taking :-)

Sampaguita Garden Resort

We had visited Sampaguita Garden Resort in Aklan last Jan. 17 2010, a side trip before heading to Boracay Island. Surprisingly, the place is a must see in Aklan!

Had toured the Gingerbread house, where you will find a lot of dolls dressed up differently, such as the Ati, Angel, wedding, Filipiniana wearing dolls, and a lot of stuff to see. On the second and third floors of the house you will find Christmas Cottage, and all-year Christmas ambiance!

Aside from the Gingerbread house, there's a seawall at the back of the resort, a few bench to sit back, breath some fresh air, and relax.

Inside the resort there's also a chapel, a mini playground, restaurant, and swimming pool, I think you can use it free when you book in the hotel. A consumable entrance fee of PhP50 per adult and PhP30 per child, you can use it as a payment when you buy any item on the resort.

If ever I plan to go back to Kalibo, Aklan, I will definitely visit again the Sampaguita Resort.

Pampanga's Best

I lived in Angeles City, Pampanga for almost 1 year when I was working in Clark Eco-zone. Clark, Angeles in particular is a first class municipality. My first reaction when I first landed my feet in this place was “a City that never sleeps!”

My first visit there was to attend a job interview. I knew nothing about this place. I have no friends or relatives living there. But I felt so excited that I didn’t mind if I can find a place to stay since it was already late in the afternoon when I arrived. I didn’t feel worried when I saw the City. They have it all, name it…hotels, bars, restaurants, malls, you’ll find everything that can be found in Manila and their residents need not to go far to experience the modern life.

Inside the economic zone you’ll experience fresh air and greener scenery. A lot of big old trees can be found here. Bicentennial (shown in photo) and Stotsenberg parks are also open for everyone who would like to relax, there are picnic tables (grilling areas are also provided), children’s playground, jogging areas, a wide open field where you can sit down and enjoy watching around. There are also the high end resorts Mimosa and Fontana, Duty free for your shopping needs. Another place to see inside is the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark – here you will find the replica or miniature tourist spot of the Philippines.

Outside the eco-zone is where the city life lies in the maingate area. For the night life there are a lot of bars to choose from along Fields Avenue to Friendship gate. Spa and beauty salon spreads everywhere. There are also a lot of places to stay found along these streets. Most of the time hotels are fully book on weekends so be ready to book early if you’re planning to visit Clark. As soon as Christmas is coming they put up an amusement park “Boom na Boom” near SM mall.

During my stay in Pampanga I rented an apartment near Angeles City proper. Since Clark maingate have higher cost of living I chose to live outside for a cheaper budget. For only a minimum fare I can go to anywhere within the city. Market, hospital, and schools are walking distance from where I stay.

Watch out for my next blog about Pampanga…

Traffic Jam along Daanghari road

Everyday our shuttle service passes through Daanghari road from pick-up and drop-off point. Exclusive villages were found here -Verdana, Portofino, Alabang Southvale, and a lot more. Most private cars, jeepneys, motorcycles pass along this road because this is a shortcut way from Alabang to Cavite.

The chokepoint in that area is 500m away from Shell station going to Ayala Alabang road. The 2 way heavily curve lane creates heavy traffic everyday. It is really a burden to commuters to pass along this area especially when or after the rain because it flooded and some cars can not pass easily.

As I observed, the lane is really so narrow in which large-bodied vehicles will have a hard time to maneuver, that causes traffic. The only way to at least lessen the traffic, I guess, is to widen the road as there’s still more space to use as lanes. Hopefully, the local government or homeowners affected will find ways to improve the area.