Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Calaguas Island 2015

I don't have a slim body to flaunt in the beach, but I always find myself saying yes to an invite especially if it is trip to nature. I don't know. Maybe beach waves and sound of the sea gives me a certain feeling being renewed. Plus, seeing gigantic clouds over the ocean are just prefect scenery to relax.


When I received an invite from a friend to join their quick weekend getaway, I immediately said "Yes, that would be fun!". The initial plan was to go to Baler, but after some discussion we finally settled go to Calaguas. Well, Calaguas Island can be found in Daet Camarines Norte, Bicol. Travel time would go around 8 hrs to 10 hrs depending on the speed or type of vehicle. Plus, another 2.5 hrs to spend in a boat. In our case, we chose to have a tour service, the I-adventure Calaguas, because we don't have much to prepare.

BTW, the I-adventure package cost around 3000 per person inclusive of meals, use of tents, kayak, snorkel gears, volleyball, and free cocktails.
Itinerary of  I-adventure:
Day 0
21:00 pm- Bus ride from Cubao to DAET (Superlines Aircon with 3 stop over) P450
Day 1
06:00 am- ETA in Jollibee DAET
06:30 am- meet the coordinator with other tourists
07:30 am- ETD from Jollibee DAET to Vinzons Port P30 + 30 (jeepney ride back and forth)
07:45 am- ETA Vinzons Port while waiting for others (big boat) if shared, P250-450
08:30 am- left the port
10:50 am- arrived in Mahabang Buhangin Calaguas Island P50
11:00 am- rest in cottage (Ask the Locals)
12:00 nn Lunch (Laing, Buttered Shrimp, Squid, Chicken-pork Adobo, and Rice) P100 -150
13:00 - 15:30 pm- free time
15:30 pm- prepare your swim wear and get ready on island hopping & snorkeling P120/pax (optional)
16:15 pm- back on mahabang buhangin
19:00 pm- dinner (Fried Isda, Ginataang Gulay, Chicken, and Rice) P100 -150
21:00 pm- mobile bar for unlimited drinks, cocktail party P100 -150
23:00 pm- lights off

Day 2
06:30am- trekking/ walking to mini mountain
07:00 am breakfast (yummy daing, hotdog, egg and rice) P100 -150
due to low tide we left the island earlier than usual time.
8:00 am- pack things/bath/restroom time
8:30 am- left the Mahabang Buhangin Calaguas, Boat Ride Included from Day 1
12:30 pm- arrived at Vinzons Port and went to Mark's House (organizer) to have lunch
14:00 pm- arrived at Bagasbas Beach (Free, cottage for 12 pax cost P300)
15:00 pm- went to local market in DAET for pasalubong (Tricycle P10 each person)
16:00 pm- rest in a while at bagasbas beach
17:00 pm- Ride in to Superlines Bus Going back to MNL P450
02:30 am- Arrived in Cubao Terminal
02:30 am to 3:30am - Arrived in our home, Bulacan. (Took ordinary bus from Cubao & Tricycle) P55

*The itinerary posted above will give you an idea about the budget. Estimated price for DIY Trip may cost P2,300 including transportation, food, and side trip to Bagasbas Beach. Also, tents are available for rent P200-250/night. The amount can be adjusted at your own convenience.*

Well, I would say my experience here in Calaguas was one of the greatest weekend of 2015. The Long bus ride, and boat ride was worth it after seeing the clear water, the fine white sands, the people, and the party. I also enjoyed the food, especially laing. I also learned how to swim in this island (wooo! achievement for me) that's why the place became so memorable.


Everything there was good, except that you really have to be stay humble with the restroom because the island does not have a good water source; it is not yet developed. The place is not like Boracay or any other beach where you can find good hotels, good lightning, and comfort. This island is for typical camping out with tent and portable things.
*beach camping mode
boat with standard life vest on the side
*OK pose
Silhouette Shot 

*Setting up the mobile bar
Blue Blazer drink got me.





Saturday, June 20, 2015

SJCAM 4000 Philippines

I always rely on my cellphone for taking photos and videos. I have an outdated digital camera and I do not trust it from taking good shots. That's why action cameras today really got me. Last April, I bought a Xiaomi Yi Camera (click the link to see my review.)

Despite of having fake units in the market, I still bought it through Lazada.com.ph with CWL as a merchandiser. I received it three days after placing an order. I checked it and get it verified on the sjcam website. The unit came in with a lot of accessories which xiaomi yi camera does not have.

See the specifications below: 


  • 12-megapixel HD wide-angle lens
  • Supports storage cards up to 32GB
  • Multiple video recording formats: 1080P, 720P, and WVGA (.MOV format)
  • LCD display
  • Web Camera and Drive Recorder modes
  • Multiple photo shooting modes: Single shot, Snapper
  • Video encryption enabled
  • Electronic image stabilization
  • Replaceable battery
  • Video recording while charging
  • Waterproof case
  • Massive selection of mounting options included

  • See the sample photos and videos taken from this device with default settings:
    indoor shot
     action on the road
     clearly shot from the beach
    indoor shot

    Watch it in HD for better quality.

    I would say, SJ CAM 4000 is just like a basic camera with a wide lens in it. There's nothing fancy about this device, but If you are on a tight budget like me this device is a good choice. Quality photos are good and just needed a little enhancement via photoshop or snapspeed.