Tagaytay Dinner // NIPA HUT STYLE with a View!

Watch Video Below!

While my family and I were looking for some investment properties in Tagaytay City, we stumbled upon this place called Brewed Awakening.

We originally pulled over to the side of the road because we saw this place called Collete's, a "pasalubong" shop. But upon entering and trying to look for a parking space, we entered a back parking lot area and BOOM....we saw this amazing view of Taal Lake and Volcano.

Top 10 Ways to Work and Travel the World 

Wikipedia:
Pasalubong (Tagalog, "[something] for when you welcome me") is the Filipino tradition of travellers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home.^[1] Pasalubong can be any gift or souvenir brought for family or friends after being away for a period of time.^[2] It can also be any gift given by someone arriving from a distant place.^[3]

As we continued to pass the pasalubong shop to the left to look for a parking space, we were greeted by I guess you can call them, "waiters" or "servers". What ended up looking like a Taal Lake View Point, ended up actually being a restaurant with a view. The view point had a cluster of traditional filipino Nipa Huts where you had the option to either dine in a hut, or inside one of the restaurants overlooking the same view. We did not plan to eat dinner in Tagaytay as we were actually on our way home, but once we saw the view and the little nipa huts, we decided that this would be a good idea, and something to definitely experience, so we did! =)

Get 40% off your next travel accommodation! 

It seems like the restaurants all had their own share of huts. Once you see a hut that you like, the one you feel has the best view, the restaurant who owns that set of huts will then accommodate you with their gourmet service. In my opinion, the further down you go, the better the view. There is a little open patch of grass land where you can see a "better" view of Taal Lake and Volcano, great for photo and video opportunities, so if you are planning to dine here, make sure to go all the way down and look for that open patch of grass for a better viewing experience.

HIKING TAAL VOLCANO

Once you are seated in your nice little nipa hut, a menu from a restaurant is presented to you. In our case, it was Brewed Awakening. Unlike other places like this, it didn't seem like there was a minimum order. If you go to other Nipa Hut Restaurants down the street, EX: like the one right in front of the Wind Residences (the 5 Big White Towers), there is another Nipa Hut Restaurant and the minimum order is $1500php or $30 USD, not bad...but what if you just want to enjoy the view with a beer or something? With the place that we ended going to, there didn't seem to be a minimum, so you could enjoy the view and order some beverages without having to spend a lot of money.

The menu from Brewed Awakening had a lot to offer. A good selection of filipino dishes in which you could either order a la carte, or in sets. We decided to go for a set which was good for 3-5pax.

Our meal set included: Bulalo (a must try in Tagaytay), Pork Sisig, Tawilis, Kare Kare, Ginataan Kalabasa with Sitaw. Our meal set also included a pitcher of some fresh brewed Iced Tea and of course some service water, and it only set us back about $1800php or $36 USD, not bad for the experience at all! The food was delicious, service was great, and the view was spectacular.

My Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition

After dinner, we finally stopped by Colletes's Pasalubong Shop and bought some souvenirs, and a couple Buko Pies. It was another great day with my parents in the Philippines! =)

Here's a quick video of our dinner in Tagaytay, and thank you to Brewed Awakening for the great experience, we will definitely be back!

Brewed Awakening - Tagaytay City // Taal Lake and Volcano

Watch more and Subscribe to Lagalag Mafia! =)

Visit Brewed Awakening Tagaytay City - click here!

Filming at the 30th SEA Games // Obstacle Course Racing (2019)

I had the opportunity to be part of media during the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines. The sport I was to cover was of course, Obstacle Course Racing! YES!!! =)

This might not mean a lot to some people, but as an obstacle racing enthusiast since the latter part of 2011, it was just amazing to see how far this sport has come. And it has grown so fast!

Spartan Beast Texas USA - 2012

From actively racing in OCR from 2012-2014, and then converting to the media side of the industry in 2015,  have been part of this sport for almost 8 years! Where I have seen people, athletes and friends go in and out of this sport, I have endured and continue to support obstacle course racing because it changed my life.

Filming the sport of OCR at the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines was very surreal. Although I am open to the sport of OCR to be either an olympic or sovereign activity, I will support it in any way because the bottom line is that, the sport is 100% responsible for getting people off the couch. What a great movement!

When I decide to participate in the P90X program back in 2011, it was the beginning of my fitness journey, and obstacle course racing was the ultimate test of fitness for me, the tip of the iceberg. P90X and OCR still to this day is my passion, and now being part of the media industry, I can help others follow down that path. How exciting!

Get P90X on Demand here! 

(Free 30 Day Trial, Thousands of Streaming Workouts)

Here is a quick video highlight of Obstacle Course Racing during the 30th SEA Games. Music beautifully executed by none other than Lea Salonga. Theme song: We Win As One

30th SEA Games - Obstacle Course Racing // 2019

Watch more videos on OCRTUBE!

OCR in the SEA Games Watch Playlist:

-  100M Course Highlights

-  400M Team Relay and Team Assist Highlights

-  5K Course Highlights

Philippines wins 4 Golds - CNN Philippines Coverage

(You will see me in the background filming LOL)

arnelbanawa

Fiverr

Seller

I am a Freelance Videographer, Video Editor, Filmmaker and Marketer. Whether you are looking for a professional or personal social media video, I can assist you. =)

The CARAMOAN ISLANDS

I've heard so much about the Caramoan Islands, so I finally had the opportunity to visit, and it was just as expected...totally amazing!

WATCH OUR CARAMOAN HIGHLIGHT BELOW

My goal for this post is to simply share the details from our recent trip to Caramoan with my family. If you are new to my blog and videos, I just wanted to let you know that most of my trips are family excursions, so if you are looking for solo party travel, this is not for you. Although I am geared more towards family travel, we are also budget travelers, so getting information on how to save money when traveling to these places might be of interest to you, family or solo travel.

If you would like to skip the details and just watch our highlight video, just scroll down to the video =) The details posted below may not be the best options for you, but this is how my family and I did this trip, and we really enjoyed it.

HOW TO GET TO CARAMOAN:

If you want the fastest way from Manila, you might want to fly from MNL to Naga City. From Naga, you can take a bus or van to Caramoan. You can also fly into Virac, which is closer but also a smaller airport and may cost a bit more, just do your research based on your travel dates.

You can take a ferry from Sabang Port or Condon Port. We did not do this option but what I've heard is that the boat ride is a little less than two hours. Most people who do this option is looking for the fastest way to Caramoan, so they fly from MNL to Naga or Virac, and then use public transport to the ports before they take the boat ride to Caramoan.

Driving is long and may not be for everyone. We drove from Buhi Camarines Sur. Wherever you come from, you will start from Naga and can make it to Caramoan in about 3-4 hours. Although the roads are paved, they are not smooth by any means. If you do not have a 4X4 and you are not comfortable driving in the Philippines, I do not recommend this option. If your car is strong with some torque, then you should be fine, but if your car struggles up the hills, then don't bother. We saw a couple cars that didn't make it on the side of the road, so if you're not sure, just take public transport or rent a 4X4. Driving to Caramoan is an adventure, and although it was long and bumpy, my family and I had a great time.

I think that one of the main reasons why Caramoan Islands is still a hidden gem is because of the difficulty factor in getting there. If you are adventurous, then this trip is for you.

WHERE TO STAY IN CARAMOAN:

For me, the best place is to stay right on the beach away from the Town Proper. I did see some Inns along the road before the beach, but to come to Caramoan, and not stay on the beach defeats the purpose of coming to Caramoan, but that's just me.

Where We Book Travel Accommodations - Save $40 Off!

Once you're in Barangay Paniman, just keep going until you hit the beach, and then turn right (the road before the beach). You'll see all the beach resorts there and plenty of places that will cater to your budget. We saw some pretty nice places, but opted to stay at a budget and family friendly place called RMTM Beachfront Resort. The RMTM is nothing like the Four Seasons at all, it's more like camping indoors, so don't expect anything special. It's very simple with a TV, A/C, beds, private bathrooms, and a 24hr Sari Sari Store. They do have internet, but it's not very strong unless you are near the Sari Sari store where the router may be.

With Romy the Property Manager/Owner of RMTM

The best thing about RMTM Beachfront Resort is the hospitality and the location, it's right on the beach, what more can you ask! There were people just a couple resorts down who spent maybe double or triple what we paid, and we had the same view, doesn't make any sense to me ha ha. If you want to know how much we spent, you'll crap on yourself, we spent about $26.50 USD per night (for two queen beds with a couch), and again, that's right on the beach. Keep in mind, it was off-season, so the rates will be much higher during peak season.

WHERE TO EAT:

You won't find any big franchised establishments in Caramoan, only local restaurants. There are some small bar and restaurants along the beach, but we didn't go to any of them. We opted to stay at our hotel and order from the catering menu that they provided. Just think Grab Food or Uber Eats, but in Caramoan. Most of the resorts along the beach use the same or similar catering company, but it's really convenient. You order from the menu just like you would at a restaurant, and the food is delivered within 30min to an hour in food containers to keep the food hot or cold. The delivery service hours are from 7am to 10pm daily.

WHAT TO DO IN CARAMOAN:

Of course the most popular thing to do is Island Hopping. The boat tours are either short (half day visiting 4 islands) or long (full day and more islands). We ended up doing the short tour and we were totally satisfied. Keep in mind that we also had our one year old baby, so we didn't want to do anything too long.

The boat tours are not as expensive as Palawan where you pay per person. In Caramoan, you pay per boat rental. We paid 1500php for our half day tour which is about $30 USD for 4 adults and one child. We liked it because it was just our group, and we didn't have to share the boat with anyone. I believe the full day tour is around 2500-2700php ($50 USD), still super cheap compared to Palawan. Plus its not as touristy, which I liked a lot!

How We Stay in Shape While We Travel

(30 Day Free Trial) 

For the boat tours, a tricycle picked us up and took us to our boat that our hotel arranged for us, and the fare was included in the price, also super cool! Please also keep in mind, although it isn't required, I recommend tipping the tour guides, they do a lot for you. We tipped 500php or $10 USD, but do what you can =).

Other things to do:
- Take a photo of the "I Love Caramoan" sign at the town proper
- Visit the 400 year old church, St. Michael Archangel Church, also known as the Red Church
- Hike up the mountain to the Holy Mother of Peace. Epic views!
- Hit up the souvenir shops at the town proper
- Guinahoan Lighthouse
- Tayak Lagoon
- Caving and Kayaking

WHEN TO GO:

The peak season is from March to May, this is when the rates are the highest, but the weather is the best. If you go on the off season like we did, everything is much cheaper, but you also don't have the best weather. You can of course wait until the perfect weather comes, but most people don't have the privilege of taking long trips like Digital Nomads.

Also going to the Caramoan Islands during November /Decemeber like we did, yes you get the best rates, but it's also typhoon season. We actually left Caramoan one week before Typhoon Tsoy hit, so we got super lucky. And yes, the Caramoan Islands are prone to Typhoons, so keep that in mind when making your plans. It might be best for you to go during the peak season =).

NEED AN ATM?

There is only a couple ATM's in Caramoan, and they are located in the Town Proper, so make sure that you get some cash before you arrive because the ATM machines tend to go offline a lot, this happened to us. Be prepared.

WHAT ELSE?

"The Caramoan Islands is where Survivor is filmed"

If you are looking for an alternative beach destination instead of the tourist traps of Palawan and Boracay, then the Caramoan Islands is for you. If you can get past the difficulty factor of getting there, you won't be disappointed once you arrive. Don't expect all the touristy things that you see at the other places, this place is about getting off the beaten path.

A Taste of the Caramoan Islands - Our Trip Highlights

Music I Use for Youtube

Do you live in the Philippines? If so, read this and get an opportunity to win 5,000PHP ($100 USD) from us "Lagalag Mafia". Simply go to our Youtube channel here, and SUBSCRIBE, and then comment on our Caramoan Islands Video. You will automatically be entered to win our Free Giveaway! =) 

Watch more on our Youtube Channel, Lagalag Mafia =) 

MAGINDARA RESORT - Best Place to Picnic in Buhi Camarines Sur

Photo: Angkulet via Flickr

I can't really take credit for finding this place. My fiancé Arlene is from Buhi and told me about the Magindara Resort, so we took my parents out for the day, and what we found was some breathtaking views, natural surroundings, and serenity. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or just to ponder and think about all the things you are grateful for.

Once we arrived, there was someone at the desk that looked like a volunteer with his headphones on, typical for the Philippines, just a very relaxed atmosphere. It was 7 pesos per person to enter the public resort, which is about $0.13 cents USD.

Music I Use for Youtube

Just walking in the place looked like it has been there for awhile. Although maintained, there seemed to be some remnants of older structures that I assume were pavilions for rent. Before you even enter the resort area, the sign above the gate says "Magindara Resort", which leads me to believe that maybe this was a resort with overnight accommodations at one point, but all is left is a great place to picnic, lounge and enjoy the views. The main pavilion once you walk in seems to be big enough for special events and community affairs.

Get $40 USD off your next travel accommodation! 

Atop the hill overlooking Lake Buhi, you will find the Sinirapan Landmark. Buhi is known as the place where the "World's Smallest Fish" is from, the Sinarapan. At any rate, the landmark is a great place to snap some shots and read about the Sinarapan.

Check out Itbog Falls in Buhi Camarines Sur

We spent a little over an hour at the Magindara Resort, or Buhi Magindara. It was definitely worth the visit. Here is a quick video from our trip to the Magindara Resort, make sure to visit this place if you are ever in Buhi Camarines Sur.

Magindara Resort (Buhi Magindara)

Watch more videos!

ITBOG FALLS // Buhi Camarines Sur, Philippines

Watch Video Below

A HIDDEN GEM in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Bicol Philippines. Itbog Falls is a place you must see! Away from tourists and off the beaten path, this is the type of places that I like to see! And if you are like me, read on!

Just like my video from the Pongol Pool in Buhi, this is another place that you must see if you ever visit the Buhi area in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region.

Music I Use for Youtube

FIRST THINGS FIRST, how do you get to Itbog Falls? 

From wherever you are coming from in the Philippines, you can simply "google" Buhi Municipal Hall. Once you get there, it's just a short walk behind the BMH to Lake Buhi and the Buhi Market. 

***The nearest airport to Buhi is in Naga City, so if you are flying in, you can fly direct to Naga and then take public transport to Buhi. I recommend taking the UV Express (or FX) Van Service direct from Naga to the Buhi Bus Terminal (about 105-120 php or $2-2.50 USD). From the Buhi Bus Terminal, you can take a tricycle to Buhi Centro where the BMH and Buhi Market is located. (about 10 php or $.20-25 cents)

Right behind the Buhi Market you will see Lake Buhi, and a number of long boats docked and ready to take passengers to various areas around the lake.  To make it easier for you, here is the contact details of the guy who took us across the lake to Itbog Falls:

Contact

Name: Jonard

Cell: 0948-750-6463

When we took the boat across the lake to Itbog Falls, it costs us 400php ($8 USD) for 4 people, which is like 100php ($2 USD) per person round trip. The boat ride takes about 10-12 minutes. Once the boat is docked, it's another 2 kilometer easy hike (mostly concrete path with steps closer to the falls).

How Arlene and I Workout While We Travel - 30 Day Free Trial

WHAT TO BRING: 

This all depends on you, how long you plan to stay etc. I would recommend mosquito spray, sun lotion, water, snacks, comfortable shoes/sandals, extra clothes and a towel if you plan to get wet around the falls, a dry bag for your phone, camera, money etc. 

If you need any of this stuff, you can most likely find it at the Buhi Market right before you go on the boat. Not sure if they have the dry bags, so just make sure that you get one beforehand. The weather in and around Buhi is unpredictable, it can rain anytime no matter how beautiful it looks, so be prepared. 

WHERE TO STAY:

At the time of this post, there is only one hotel near Buhi Centro, and that is the Villa Florencia. This is where my family and I stayed. We paid $40 USD per night for a family room which included 2 queen beds, fridge, A/C, shower with hot water, TV, and free gated parking. There is NO WIFI at this hotel, so bring your pocket wifi to stay connected. There are other rooms available with budget friendly rates, and the lady who runs it is super nice! 

WHAT TO EAT:

There are no big franchise eateries in Buhi. It's all local. A place that we really enjoyed was Dwinox Bar. It is located near the the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Buhi Centro. There are other places around the area, so you can walk around from there. There is also a small LCC Supermarket (like 7-Eleven) just down the street from the church. 

Here's a quick video from our trip to Itbog Falls. If you would like to ask me anything about the area, feel free to message me! Have fun =) 

Itbog Falls - Buhi, Camarines Sur

Watch more Videos on our Lagalag Mafia Channel

Halloween in the Philippines

A few days before Halloween, I was asking my fiancé Arlene if they participate in trick or treating here in the Philippines, and if it was done on the same day, October 31st? She looked kind of puzzled and couldn't really give me a straight answer. This baffled me as I am from the USA, and this is something that I grew up with.

I opened up my matchbook and decided to google "Halloween in the Philippines", and come to find out, this particular holiday, although still a national holiday here just like the western countries, it is celebrated in a different fashion.

Photo: Filipino Australian Journal

For me, once I learned how Halloween was celebrated here in the Philippines, I understood it better and it seemed a lot more meaningful. Growing up in the USA, I was always brought up to think that Halloween was about eating candy and getting rid of bad spirits, and of course there is nothing wrong with that, but the idea of praying and celebrating the dead, and the life that they had while they were here with us just seemed like a better way to celebrate the holiday.

Work With Me

I made this quick video about Halloween in the Philippines, feel free to watch it, and tell me what you think. And if you are from a different country other than the USA and the Philippines, please let me know how you celebrate Halloween, or if this is even a holiday in your country. 

Halloween in the Philippines

Watch more videos! 

BTW, as some of you know, my parents are here visiting me in the Philippines, and we have some great adventures planned, here are some upcoming videos to look out for, and of course I will be posting them on here, as well as our family youtube channel =) Thanks again for visiting my blog! 

Upcoming Trips:

- Bicol Region

- Caramoan Island

- Siargao Island

- Banaue and Sagada

- Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna

Have an amazing day!!! =)

Parents Arrived in the Philippines!

My parents have been here for almost two weeks now, and I couldn't be even more happier!

I am finishing up on some projects at the moment and preparing for some adventures with them. Some of the places we plan on going are:

THE BIRTH OF MY BABY PENELOPE

- Bicol Region (Buhi, Irina City, Naga, Legazpi etc) to visit Arlene's family.

Road to Bicol

Photo: ABS-CBN News

- Caramoan Island, to explore some limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and nice sandy beaches

Caramoan Island

Photo: Journey Era

- Siargao Island, check out Cloud 9 and other natural and most beautiful sites in the Philippines

Siargao Island

Photo: Metro

- Banaue and Sagada, famous rices terraces, northern sites and hanging coffins

Sagada - Hanging Coffins

Photo: Pinoy Adventurista Philippines

- Corregidor Island, and island on the Manila Bay that use to be a coastal artillery fort to defend the entrance of Manila Bay.

Corregidor Island 

Photo: Wikipedia

So that's about it. My parents are visiting here until mid January 2020, so these are just some of the things that we have planned for in between my video and work projects. Stay tuned here and my youtube channel as I will be posting as much as I can about our family adventures.

I also do plan to start a little workout routine with my Dad while he is here, so I will be posting our workouts as well. Feel free to join us, it's simple, just ask to be added to one of our free online accountability groups, and I'll throw in a Free Online Fitness Assessment for you!

HOW I WORKUT WHEN I TRAVEL

Thanks for visiting, and hope to see ya soon!!

My Parents Are Here!!!

Watch more!

HOW I TRAVEL 7-10 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR