PUERTO GALERA

Only three to four hours of travel from manila plus the fact the most visitors compared it to Boracay makes Puerto Galera a frequent beach destination in the Philippines. 

It was my first time, so I am beyond excited to see and experience what this municipality in Oriental, Mindoro has to offer to a wandering tourist like me.

GETTING THERE

Getting there from Manila is easy, all you need to do is take a bus to Batangas Pier. There are Bus Station in Cubao (Near Ali Mall)  and Buendia (Near Gil Puyat LRT1 Station) and in Alabang South Station. Since, we live in the south, we take the bus from Alabang South Station.

Once in Batangas Pier, Head to Terminal III to get your boat ticket. There are also a lot of people shouting "Puerto Galera", who is more than willing to help you from buying your tickets, to paying your terminal fee and environmental fee, for a tip of course.

This is not our Boat..

... sana ito na lang.

The boat that will take you to Puerto Galera

WHITE BEACH

THIS IS NOT A WHITE BEACH!!! haha.. but its ok, as long as its a beach I'm gonna be fine. What bothers me is that, I see some trash (plastic bags, paper cups and beer bottles) along the beach. Whoever left that trash, please be a responsible traveler, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS!!! WE WANT TO SEE THE BEAUTY OF PUERTO GALERA FOREVER.

White Beach, Puerto Galera

ACTIVITIES IN WHITE BEACH PUERTO GALERA

There are various activities you can do to enjoy your trip to Puerto Galera. You may try water sports like, Jet Skiing, Banana Boating, Parasailing and kayaking.

Puerto Galera Water Sports

Parasailing in Puerto Galera

Parasailing in Puerto Galera

Kayak

Kayaking in Puerto Galera

Not adrenaline junkie? you can go shopping (for souvenir) stain yourself with Henna Tattoo or just laze on the beach to sunbathe, people watch and of course took some photos.  

Puerto Galera Souvenir 

Puerto Galera Souvenir | T-shirt

Puerto Galera Souvenir | Accessories 

Puerto Galera

We also availed of the snorkeling activity offered by our hotel, which I really enjoy. I only regret that I don't have underwater camera to photograph such a beautiful underwater world. :(

Off to Snorkeling

... or you can wait to watch this beautiful sunset.

PUERTO GALERA AT NIGHT

Activities in Puerto Galera doesn't end as the sun sets. Puerto Galera lights up on fire at night, literally. Be entertained by fire dancers along the beach.

Attempting to do Fire Dancing.

... or you can sip your Mindoro Swing while funny Drag Queens entertain you with their Lip Synching and crazy dance moves.

See you on my next trip...

Planning for my next trip

BINONDO AND DIVISORIA TRIP

Ni hao ma?

My officemates invited me to go on a food-trip to Binondo also known as The Manila Chinatown, I never really thought of joining them because the thought of crossing the "maze-like"streets of Binondo, makes me so tired already, but I still join them. haha... 

The Manila Chinatown was established 1594 and is consider to be the oldest in the world. It has been a venue for Filipino-Chinese trade and friendship since then.

We went there without any specific itinerary in mind, so the trip was like walk, eat and shop.

Kalesa

First Stop, Binondo Church also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz

The Gate to Manila China Town

THE FOOD

Since the trip was a "food-trip" we were so excited to try the restaurants. We tried Cafe Mezzanine along Ongpin Street because of the banner posted outside that says, "Must Visit" according to CNN Travel Update.

Cafe Mezzanine, Must Visit - CNN Travel Update

Inside the Cafe Mezzanine

Ongpin Street

After we had lunch, we walk farther along Ongpin Street to check out some shops...

Fruits...

...and fruits..

...and fruits along the street of Ongpin.

and these Chinese Lucky Charm

Finally, we reach this Chinese Deli called Eng Bee Tin to get some of their famous Hopia and Tikoy (which comes in more than five variety) and other Chinese Delicacies. 

"Sa Eng Bee Tin, di ka mabibitin"

Selfie while checking out some hopia and tikoy

Tikoy

Chinese pastry

DIVISORIA

After our "food-trip" we head to Divisoria for some retail therapy. haha... 

Divisoria is a great place for a budget shopper because you can find almost everything there at a very cheap price. 

On our way to Divisoria

Binondo Church

Divisoria

Some of the things you can find in Divisoria, Blings..

...Stuffed animals,

...Christmas Decor,

...Bra, anyone?

...socks,

...even wigs,

...and shoes

...and chimes,

...and accessories,

and these watches.

Let me remind you that most of the products sold in Divisoria are fakes and imitations. So, don't expect too much. Happy shopping.

168 Mall if you don't like shopping on the street.

Binondo Street at night