Cape Bolinao, Pangasinan

Another more recent visit to a lighthouse was to Cape Bolinao in Balinao, Pangasinan.

These photos were taken using an iPhone.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

While on the subject of lighthouses, I found old pics from a past Christmas vacation roadtrip to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Not far from Pagudpud is the town of Burgos that has one of the most beautiful and tallest Spanish-era lighthouses - the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

These photos were taken with an iPhone.

Caylabne Resort

Another favorite get-away destination only 2 hours from home is Caylabne Resort in Cavite. Driving down Governor's Drive from the Pala Pala intersection in Dasmarinas along the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway (going to Tagaytay), past the town of Ternate and the shuttered Puerto Azul, up the mountains and through winding roads hemmed on both sides by thick forests, you break out into a spectacular vista of the Manila Bay on the opposite side of Cavite City. You make your way down a road past the rugged cliffs to a quiet and quaint resort tucked away in a cove that seems like it materialized out of nowhere. I am surprised that more people do not know about this place being so close to Manila but that is probably for the best so it does not get spoiled too fast. Note that the resort, formely private and very exclusive, is now open to the public but prior reservations must be made. An interesting site is Fraile Island which the US Army fashioned into a battleship during World War II and renamed Fort Drum. On the way home I was blessed by some eagles soaring in the mountain tops.

Lake Caliraya

On one lazy Sunday that promised to be boring, I decided to take off to one of my favorite spots: Lake Caliraya in Cavinti, Laguna. It is about 2 hours away from home (Las Pinas). There is something about that place that is so soothing and relaxing - the serene lake, the cool mountain air. I was blessed with a kiteboarder who put on quite a show for me. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Bataan and Subic

It was the Election weekend when some cousins and I decided to take our families to the beach. The destination was Montemar Beach Resort in Bagac, Bataan. We met up along the SLEX and had a liesurely drive down to Bataan.


From left to right, Marco Afzelius, Cristina Afzelius, Edmund Afzelius, Timmy Carlotta, Miren Carlotta, Edwin Afzelius


From left to right, Edmund Afzelius, Timmy Carlotta, Edwin Afzelius, Cristina Afzelius, Panggay Afzelius


Miren Carlotta and Timmy Carlotta

Note: Missing from the pictures is EJ Afzelius


I was blessed with a gorgeous sunset that day and had a clear shot of the Bataan Nuclear Plant across the bay.




On the way home we passed by the Mount Samat Was Memorial.



On upon entering SCTEX decided to part ways with the group and head for Subic.





It was very enjoyable weekend and we wanted it to last as long as it could. I missed having my son, Inaki, and eldest daughter, Nina, with us.

Fort Ilocandia Revisited

The visit lasted barely 24 hours. I was traveling with only one other person and decided pretty quickly that flying was going to cost just the same as driving there. I was not feeling very well from the earlier trip to Iloilo and Boracay. Otherwise, it was very difficult to pass on another chance for a long drive which I really love to do.

We flew into Laoag International Airpot a little over 9PM and had a good nights sleep after a light meal. Shortly after breakfast the next day we met with the new hotel GM who had only been aboard for over a month and concluded our meeting very quickly and successfully culminating with a pleasant lunch with some of the hotel staff as well.

We were free the rest of the afternoon so it was nap time first. Laoag is starting to experience rain like the rest of the country but is still really hot and humid. After my nap I decided to walk around the grounds, went down to the beach and took a swim in 1 of their 3 pools. Having been there so many times before, there was really nothing new to photograph but I enjoy each and every visit just as much as the last.

The pictures I posted in the previous entry are from prior visits. With our flight schediled at 8PM I was running out of time to get a picture for this trip. Sunset was at 6:30PM and we had to be on our way to the airport. On the way to the front desk to check out, there it was! The sun was still a bit high and I had barely a peek at the beach. But it was good enough.

I really wasn't too impressed by the shot but posted it anyway in Facebook which I always do to solicit some immediate comment. To my pleasant surprise, it was well received and appreciated. I can't wait to go back with the family and visit points further north.

Fort Ilocandia

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Originally uploaded by joey.carlotta

Fort Ilocandia in the city of Laoag in Ilocos Norte is one of my all time favorite hotel/resort. I have been going there with the family for a very long time. Fortunately, I am now doing business with the hotel and this has given numerous and ongoing oppotunities to come and visit. The drive is 10 to 12 hours long and is somethings I would otherwise enjoy. We were suddenly asked for a meeting and are leaving tonight on the 8PM Cebu Pacific flight and returning tomorrow on a similar flight back to Manila.