Top Five Destinations in the Philippines

Other expats are curious about the Philippines and since we consider ourselves as the unofficial ambassadresses to the Philippines here in Riyadh, we always make it a point to drop in conversations places that others must visit in the homeland. Even fellow Filipinos are amazed that we can paint a picture of those popular places from our imagination and entice them in going. Well, personally, I've been trying to visit as many places in the Philippines as much as I can squeeze on my vacation. So here's my top five destinations in The Pink Tarha's home country that you must and should visit! 

1. PALAWAN 

I'm in LOVE with Palawan.

I've recently been to the Maldives and I find it breathtaking. But honestly, I've seen such beauty in our very own country... in Palawan, romantically known as the "land of promise." The only difference is, you can only visit a handful of islands in Maldives and you stay in one with an unobstructed view of the turquoise ocean. In Palawan, particularly El Nido and Coron which I had the opportunity to visit, there are a lot of islets reachable by boats and virgin forests with falls ending in natural pools and dazzling sugar-white sandy beaches. And the view is dotted with limestone cliffs. While the experience in Maldives feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the experience in Palawan is something that we can always go back to. Again and again if we wish. 

2. BOHOL 

Going for a joy ride in Bohol

Like Palawan, Bohol, an island with 75 minor surrounding islands in the Visayas, boasts of beaches and resorts. When I first went there in 2007, my friends and I finished touring the island and its top tourist spots in one day and we spent half day just lounging in Panglao beach. Looking back, I think we really crammed and made that trip in a rush. So if I'm going back, I'll make sure to spend more than a day and a half in the island especially now that luxurious resorts have been sprouting in its grounds. Whether you're in a budget or you want to splurge, Bohol is the perfect tropical destination for you. 

3. ALBAY 

The Mt. Mayon, the world's most perfect cone

It's tempting to say the whole of Bicol region in this list because there's still Caramoan, Sorsogon, etc. but for expats like us working abroad and have a limited time with our vacation, we need to focus on one place for a getaway and go from there. So in the Bicol region, Albay is a great place to start. With the mere mention of Mt. Mayon, the only volcano in the world with a perfect cone, you'll already be enticed to visit. I know I am! My family and I always make it a point to go to Albay on a road trip from my father's hometown in Camarines Sur. Apart from seeing the volcano from Cagsaoa Ruins, you can get closer by trekking and riding the ATV. SO if you're into mountains and forests, Albay is the way to go. And after that... the whole of Bicolandia! 

4. PAGUDPUD 

Fiestas in the Ilocos region are the most fun!

From my home province of La Union, Pagudpud is around 6-8 hours by bus. From Manila, it's easier to fly by airplane to Laoag and travel from there. This coastal resort town in Ilocos Norte is bound by the mountain and the sea. And I tell you, the white-sand beaches and crystal blue water of Pagudpud is worth the travel time. The kilometer-long Saud Beach is a popular tourist attraction. A secluded beach known as Blue Lagoon is also gaining fame among locals and tourists. So if you're getting ready for some wave action, Pagudpud is the way to go. Tour around Ilocos Norte and attend their colorful festivals while you're there. 

5. DAVAO 

Not just one waterfall, but 84!

I haven't been to Davao. Actually, I haven't been to any place in Mindanao. But it's already in my travel bucket list. Just look at this photo of Aliwagwag Falls in Davao Oriental. Aliwagwag is a series of 84 waterfalls that look like a stairway to heaven. Now that's something I want to see! So Davao, here I come! 

The Philippines has over 1,000 islands, each with its own charms and beauty. To learn more about these wonderful destinations, read Cebu Pacific's Smile Magazine. This vibrant, savvy and fun in-flight magazine showcases all things great about the Philippines (and other international destinations). The articles are great and the photos are stunning! Just by looking at the section My Snapshots littered with photos from travelers taken during their trips across Asia, I am inspired to travel. So the next time you're looking for the next great getaway, you know where to get tips and guides. Visit www.cebusmile.com for more details.

And of course, to reach these places in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air is at your service. Book their affordable rates via www.cebupacificair.com now! Let's travel far and wide shall we? :) ~ Sundrenched

*This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.

CEB Flies To Phuket + P1 #MillionSeatsForJuan

Remember our vacation in Thailand last April? We truly enjoyed our stay in Pattaya and our one day trip to Bangkok. After a few months, I learned that my older sister in the Philippines also flew to Thailand and spent three amazing days in the land of smiles. I don't blame her and her friends for choosing Bangkok as their destination to unwind because even up to now. Eyecandy and I still dream of Thailand. We still want to wander through its many provinces… especially much talked-about Phuket. 

Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand and also its largest island. It's beaches are amazing! Patong Beach is one of its most famous destinations with its developed 3-km long beach and active night life. It's also a shopping destination. Now, how do we go to Phuket without shelling out too many fulos? I mean our boss wouldn't fly us in business class again from Riyadh to Phuket. He's based in Pattaya now. Hmn… 

The Patong Beach in Phuket

Why not fly from the Philippines when we're on vacation? Because good news! Cebu Pacific Air has direct flights between Manila and Phuket now! Phuket is CEB's 21st international destination. Wow, CEB is definitely on a roll! (Remember they're also launching their flight to Dubai this October!) The maiden flight flew lash August 16, 2013; it departed Manila at 8pm and arrived in Phuket at 11pm.

CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog said, "We are proud to be the first airline to offer direct services between Manila and Phuket, so more travelers can visit Phuket's world-famous beaches. With CEB's trademark lowest fares, this route can contribute to tourist arrivals to both Thailand and the Philippines." 

CEB's Manila-Phuket route is available thrice weekly (every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

Now flying to Phuket!

His Excellency Pasas Prasavinitchai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand is happy with this development saying, "I commend Cebu Pacific for their efforts to promote linkage with the ASEAN region. Last year, Filipino travel to Thailand had increased by 8.25%. I do believe that Cebu Pacific has played an important part in that figure." 

The Pink Tarha is truly proud of Cebu Pacific, a true Philippine brand that is now reaching global fame with its 34 destinations and 62 routes! So what are you waiting for? Hop on that next CEB flight and discover a new place... 

Because here's another good news! Cebu Pacific has a crazy system-wide SALE for all destinations from midnight (PH time) of September 6 to September 8! Travel period is for June to December 2014. C'mon, don't let this opportunity pass you by! Book your tickets now!!! 

BOOK NOW!

Visit their Facebook page too. I'm actually browsing the Cebu Pacific website now while writing this. Who's going to Phuket with The Pink Tarha? Let's go! ;) ~ Sundrenched

*This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air. All opinions are the writer's own.

More Fun For Juans

And so the challenge has begun! The Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge, that is! 

We've mentioned this new contest by Cebu Pacific in an entry before when the teams were still being assembled but now, 5 teams have been chosen to embark on an all-expense paid journey to 6 local destinations in the Philippines. Wow, all-expense paid?! Count The Pink Tarha in! If we were in the Philippines, we would've joined the fun! Ooops, we're no longer at the 17-23 age range and we're not students so uh, I doubt we would get in. Haha! 

The send-off party!

Anyway, the teams are comprised of very able students who can go around the Philippines and do the tasks and challenges ahead of them. The teams are: Team Sun Broadband, Team Crimson, Team Awesome, Team Lemixian, and Team Seven. 

The first destinations is… can you guess? Manila, of course! 

The Philippines' national capital region is 633.3 square kilometers with with over 13 million people. The challenge is to guess the one word with 4 pictures as clues (4 Pics 1 Word online game anyone?) 

Boracay in Aklan: a must-see destination

The second destination is Kalibo in the province of Aklan. The teams were challenged to pina weaving, an age-old tradition which has been recently revived in the past 20 years. Team Seven, composed of Cyryll Juvan Macas, Mark Cominic Pat, and Irish Gayle Cajigas of Bukidnon State University, takes home the pineapple! 

Pina weaving winners Team Seven

Picturesque Davao is the third destination. Crocodile Park, one of the most famous tourist spots in Davao, took the teams into several tasks like eating, peeling, and running! Team Awesome composed of Cebuanos Windom Lim, Leander Dan Aldemita, and Shemaiah Xyza Baja of University of San Carlos - Cebu, wins this one. 

To keep up with the teams and their race around the Philippines, visit JUAN FOR FUN and the Cebu Pacific Air Facebook page. It's also a good way to discover interesting places in the Philippines which OFWs like us can visit when we go home for our vacation in the homeland. ~ Sundrenched

*This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air. All opinions are the writer's own.

100 Lucky Juans Winners

Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans contest came to a conclusion last August 18, 2013. We'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners who will be flying in the inaugural flight of Cebu Pac's Big Juan from Dubai to Manila this coming October. Woot, we wish we can join you, guys! (Cebu Pac, are you reading this? Haha!)

We wish we can write about all the winning entries in this contest but we only have limited space in the blog so we chose a few that really touched our hearts... You all know that The Pink Tarha ladies are children of overseas Filipino workers, right? We even wrote about our experiences in one of our first entries in 2009 in honor of our fathers who endured the harsh desert to provide well for us. And so, we salute these parents who are dedicating their entries to their children. And we hope their children appreciate all the hard work and sacrifices their parents did for them.

Andre Dela Cruz looks forward to his vacation so he can reunite with his family whom he considers as his true home. This photo is full of happiness and love.

The joy of being with a loved one.

Divina Gracia Morillo recognizes the hardship of working abroad as a housemaid, especially in Dubai. But she doesn't give up because she's doing it for her parents and children. Like what she said in her entry, "Working in Dubai is so hard but that's life. We have to survive every day for our family." We're sure our parents, when they were away from us during the 90s, also felt the same way. It's nice to know that Divina doesn't want to waste precious seconds on her vacation. She's spending it all with her family.

This winning entry by Joey Eva is truly worth that seat to a beautiful vacation. He left the Philippines to give his son a better future but in return, he wasn't able to see the milestones in his son's life, especially when his son started attending school. This photo brings joy and sadness. Such a touching moment. 

Awww, cute!

I can imagine my father's emotions when he couldn't attend my and my siblings' recognition days and graduations. Ahh, the memories! But good for Joey, he will now be able to go home this October. His son will be in for a treat!

And speaking of graduation, Grenor Salvador's photo of his daughter on her graduation day is also poignant. He hasn't seen his children for four years. We're so glad he won because he will be able to come home this October and see his daughter get married. He won't miss that lovely moment of walking his daughter down the aisle. Awww.

Celebrating milestones

We are so happy for the winners of the 100 Lucky Juans contest. Check out all the winners here. We hope that they enjoy their prize this October. Don't forget to wave when you pass above Riyadh. Oh, right, you won't. But do remember that The Pink Tarha is cheering you on. We hope you all have a great vacation with your family and friends. Thanks Cebu Pacific for making this possible!

*This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's.

More Fun For Juan

7.5 MILLION 

Imagine that figure. 

Now picture it as the number of people flying all over the Philippines and Asia… via the planes of Cebu Pacific… Yep, Cebu Pacific flew 7.5 million passengers from January to June 2013, an 8% increase from last year's 6.9 million passengers in the same period. 

Flying Filipinos Asia-wide!

Isn't it amazing how many people, especially Filipinos, have been traveling over the last six months? It only means that truly, air travel has become very affordable and convenient! And Cebu Pacific has been at the forefront of these changes and triumphs. Their increased presence in key markets, strategic seat sales offers and continuous network expansion have contributed to their passenger growth. 

Increased flights from Manila to Bali, Cebu to Masbate, and Cebu to Camiguin have helped. Also their services to countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, and Brunei have contributed to more foreign tourist arrivals in the country. You know Cebu Pac, add a flight to Riyadh and we'll double your figures! Haha! :P 

Have you flown Cebu Pac recently?

We're thankful though that their Dubai flights will be starting this October. It's a good start in the Middle East. As Candice Iyog, CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution, said, "This is a very exciting time for Cebu Pacific and our guests, as we take delivery of more brand-new aircraft and launch new routes in the coming months." Have you see the Big Juan? You should! 

Apart from these changes that will surely entice Filipinos and tourists to fly with Cebu Pac, the airline has the most fun promos and offers. Take for example the newest Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge that will bring five teams of students to 6 local destinations in the Philippines… all-expense paid!!! For more details, visit the Juan For Fun website.

JUAN FOR FUNNN!

Hep for those who are no longer students (ehermn), don't forget the 100 Lucky Juans contest too. It's still ongoing! So, OFWs in the United Arab Emirates, you still have this month to send your entries! Visit the Cebu Pacific Facebook page and click on the 100 Lucky Juans app!

*This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's.

Ceb Visits Dubai

Well look who's been spotted in Dubai! 

Ceb at the Burj Dubai

CEB, Cebu Pacific's lovable mascot was seen traipsing all over Dubai, United Arab Emirates! 

Visiting the marina

Ceb roaming the streets of Dubai

We don't think you need to guess why Ceb is visiting this popular city in the Middle East. Of course, it's to check out the newest route of The Big Juan! On October 7, 2013, Cebu Pacific's A330 will touchdown, for the first time, in Dubai's international airport! We're excited for all Filipinos who will be in this flight. Of course, the plane will go back to Manila carrying the winners of the 100 Lucky Juans contest! 

For those who wants a free seat in this memorable voyage, you still have time to join the 100 Lucky Juans contest. Visit the Cebu Pacific Facebook page, click on the 100 Lucky Juans app, and submit your entry! It's so easy! They've been announcing winners weekly and we hope to see your names next on that list. 

Hay, for us in Riyadh, we can only hope for a Cebu Pac route in here please! Haha! Well who knows? While waiting for that flight, maybe we can fly to Dubai and hop on a flight to Manila from there! Sounds like a good plan huh! ;) 

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writers' own. 

Family Affairs

Another round of winners were announced in Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans. And we were not surprised that most of them feature their loved ones and family members in their photos. After all, going home to the Philippines is really all about our families.

Take for example Ernesto Enumerables' entry which says that he wants to propose to his girlfriend on her birthday. Awww, sweet! (I hope publishing this wouldn't ruin the surprise! hehe!) He also wants to see and hug his baby, Joeliane.

Jewel Catungal wants to go home to the Philippines because she wants to see her daughter and tour her around the many islands of the beautiful home land! Truly, it's more fun in the Philippines!

I really like this photo of Melita Matabang featuring her mom and her mom's siblings. I like seeing siblings who really go along together. Reminds me of my brothers, sisters, and I. ;)

Congratulations to the Week 5 winners of 100 Lucky Juans! 

For those who still want to join, there's still enough time! Visit the 100 Lucky Juans app in Cebu Pac's Facebook app and submit your entries. This is open to OFWs in the United Arab Emirates only.

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.

The Big Juan Soars

Cebu Pacific has really making some huge updates in their fleet lately. Apart from The Big Juan, their biggest plane to date, Cebu Pacific has just recently received its 45th aircraft, a brand new Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320 from Toulouse, France. This is Cebu Pac's third delivery of this kind of aircraft for 2013. The Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320 allows airlines to save up to 4% on fuel burn.

Soaring high!

And that's not all! Cebu Pac is expecting delivery of 16 more Airbus A320 aircraft with Sharklets, 30 Airbus A321neo and 3 Airbus A330 aircraft from this year to 2012. Now, that is one soaring airline!

Speaking of soar, the Big Juan also made its inaugural flight from Manila to Seoul (Incheon) . Flight 5J 188 was sent off with lots of fanfare and freebies. Wish we were Rizziane Tolentino, the first passenger to check-in to the flight who received a free roundtrip ticket to Seoul! 

The Big Juan ready to go!

The Big Juan's inaugural commercial flight to Seoul

Welcome aboard!

It's more fun with the A330!

The Big Juan was also used last July 8 for flight 5J 813 from Manila to Singapore. We can't wait for its grand Manila-Dubai flight on October 7, 2013! Which reminds us, have you joined the 100 Lucky Juans contest? Not yet?! Well, better hurry and check out how to join in this page and head to the Cebu Pac Facebook app to submit your photo/video/article. A seat in The Big Juan is worth it! ~ Sundrenched

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.

Wishes Granted

Every Overseas Filipino Worker wants to go home to the Philippines to be with their families and the 100 Lucky Juans contest of Cebu Pacific is making the wishes and dreams of OFWs in the United Arab Emirates come true. The winners for Week 3 and 4 were already announced and The Pink Tarha had a happy yet nostalgic time browsing through the winners' entries. 

We feel their emotions emanating through their photos, videos, and writings. It's not easy to be away from the homeland and it's never easy to be away from our loved ones. We can relate to some of the entries saying that they wanted to grant the wishes of their parents and children to come home. After all, the Pink Tarha ladies were once these children of OFWs who long to be with our fathers who were abroad for quite a long time. 

Just like Ginalyn Caputol's entry which says, "My plan for my homecoming would be to grant my father's 60th birthday wish, his wish is my presence during his birthday. I would like to surprise him and give him a big party. I've never been home for 3 years." Now that she won a free flight back to the Philippines for a vacation on October, she has a chance to surprise her father. What a tearful reunion that would be. Sigh... 

Mhea from Jumeirah, Dubai has a wish for her family on her next vacation. She wants to give her mother a treat and bond with her siblings, nephews, and nieces. "Wala akong ibang iniisip kundi ang magbakasyon ulit sa Pilipinas... Gusto ko silang ipasyal sa mga lugar na dati dati tinitignan lang namin sa magazines. Gusto ko ring magsimba kasama ang buong pamilya. Simple pero very sweet homecoming." Well, guess what Mhea! Wish granted. 

Gina Basilan, on the other hand, wishes to experience the beautiful nature of the Philippines aboard the Cebu Pacific airplane with her family. "Being unhappy is not easy. I miss my family in the Philippines. I want to visit them after four years." 

She even said that she hopes to ride with Cebu Pacific. Your wish is Cebu Pac's command, Gina! 

And finally, Suzeth Jalandoni from Sharjah, UAE gets a chance to bond with her son this October. "Sabik ako maparamdam sa baby ko yung pakiramdam ng pagiging ina. Halos araw araw ng aking buhay dito sa UAE, inaasam ko na sana kasama ko lang ang anak ko at pamilya ko... Dito ko lubos naiintindihan kapag magulang kana pala, kahit mahirap, kahit mapalayo ka, bsta mabigyan mu lang ng magandang buhay at masuportahan ang pangangailang ng pamilya, lahat nakakaya. Kung pwede ko nga lang pabilisin ang araw pra lang bakasyon ko na!" 

Start counting the days to October, Suzeth! 

All these wishes and dreams are so close to our hearts as OFWs in Saudi Arabia. Every day, we want to see our loved ones in the Philippines and if only we can teleport whenever we think of them, we'd do it all the time (work be darn! Hahaha, kidding!). Good thing, there are flights like Cebu Pacific which brings us closer to our families and friends back home. Congratulations to the winners of the 100 Lucky Juans contest! 

For those who hasn't joined yet, you still have time to submit your entries to the 100 Lucky Juans contest. Good luck! ~ Sundrenched

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.