Rahel's Travel Diary

She has gone so far, she chose to stay

Despite all these scars, she chose to let it go away

She knows it’s hard, and she knows it hurts

When she was scared, she chose to let it freeze

She was broken down, shattered into pieces

People wanted her to be a clown, be happy and go to different places

No one hears her tears falling, she tried to keep it together

She can hear her own heart breaking, but she still trying to be better

It hurts to let it go, but sometimes it hurts more to hold on

You tried to grow, and yet you feel like you have drowned

She still hopes she has that strength, the power to survive in the ocean

And yet, the worst battle is between her and her emotions

People told her to shrug it off, go back like she used to

She tried to lay it off, and stop being blue

But the pain hunts her every night, while her pillow gave her comfort somehow

she wanted to talk about it, to scream, yell, and shout about it somehow

and yet, all she could do was whisper

Faking a smile is easy, to hide the struggles and pain

But she knows she can let this go freely, free from all the chains

You can see her real smile, happy face with no burden

Her life will be worthwhile and be a better version of herself

For now, she will take some time, to feel it all

She will take her time, to process it with her soul

She will stand again when she knows she is ready

We had breakfast and prepared for our departure to go back to Estancia Port. We went back to the Estancia Port at 8 AM. After 2 hours, we arrived at the port and ride a tricycle to the bus station to go to Ilo-Ilo city. We paid 150 for the tricycle for 4 of us. The bus was air-conditioned and we paid for 100/person and it take us 3 hours to go to Ilo-Ilo city.

We arrived at Ilo-Ilo City around 1 PM. From the bus station where we got down, we took a cab to go to Urban Inn. We paid for 100 Pesos for the cab. When we got to the Urban Inn, we check-in and settled our things. We paid for only 1,300 Pesos/night.

Urban Inn (https://www.urbaninniloilo.com/)

The Urban Inn actually has a good accommodation. The room that we choose was good for 4 person. They have different compartment for the shower and CR. Breakfast for one also was included with the reservation. But for the other three of us, we bought our breakfast for less than 100 Pesos. Overall, this place is good for backpackers too.

The place where you will eat breakfast also interesting. There were mirrors that makes a small room become much bigger. They have different kind books there for you to read. You can stay and work there with your laptop too. 

After a while, we went outside and try the "Batchoy." One of the authentic food at Ilo-Ilo. We went to the market near the Urban Inn.

After that, we decided to go eat some more at Jatoy's Manokan. One of places that popular too at Ilo-Ilo City.

Our food only cost less than 1K for four of us. The food here are affordable and delicious too.

After eating, we decided to visit an old town at Ilo-Ilo City. Thanks to google map that we used to guide us to go around the city, we got there safe and sound. We ride a jeep and walk for a while until we got to J.M. Basa St. There were stores and small business who occupied the buildings.After awhile, we went to try the shio pio at Roberto's. We bought it for less than 60 Pesos and it was delicious!!

For dinner, we went to Takuapa, Thai Bell Shop. Here is the menu:

We woke up early and watched sunrise, had breakfast, and went to island hopping. Are you guys ready to see it? Keep reading then! :)

The villa prepared us with their boat and a tour guide to assist us and drive us to different islands along Gigantes. We went to 3 islands and a lagoon. We payed for 500 pesos for this activity.

The first island was sand bar. The sea was clear and blue greenish. However, the sand was rough and mix with different ruins of corrals. So if you want to go there wear something to protect your lovely feet. hehe. The wave here also a little bit strong.

Next island was at a different villa and you have to pay for 30 pesos/person for entrance. The sand was smoother than the first island and the color of the sea much clearer. This island also had a calmer current. yup! better for swimming guys!

My friend and I saw small fishes here. One small fish did follow him and thought his pants was a corral. Because his pants was red so it was catchy for the fish I guess. haha. And you know what? We named him Henry. haha.

Next island was hidden beach or "tinatagong beach." This one is my favorite. The shore was not that wide because maybe we went there when high tide. But the water was so clear and even the sand was smoother than the other two islands. You can't see any fishes here though, but perfect for swimming.

Because it was lunch time, we went back to our villa and had our lunch there. After a while we went to the lagoon. You need to pay 50 Pesos for the entrance there. Well, we kinda thought that it contained fresh water. haha. nope, it was not. It was salty. hahaha. Yup, my friend tasted it. haha. So confirmed guys! However, the sad part is the water contained a lot of oil that were trap there from the ships. :( 

Manila to Roxas only took one hour flight. We flew from Manila from 4:45 AM and arrived at Roxas by 5:45 AM. We flew with Philippine Airlines and it cost us P3,948 for one way only.

Once we arrived at Roxas airport, we took tricycle to the bus station which was only 150 Pesos for four of us.

Then, we ride a van to Batad and paid for 75 Pesos each. We went down at intersection and ride a bus. The bus fare is only 8 pesos to Batad. Overall, Roxas to Batad almost took us two hours. The road was also kinda bumpy. So for those who have road sickness, you should drink medicine to get you prepared before hand.

Once we arrived at Batad, we rest for a while at our friend's house and leave to Estancia Port. It only cost us 7 Pesos each using Jeepney. We arrived at Estancia Port around 12 noon. The boat's ticket to go to Gigantes was 150 pesos with the environment tax/person. The boat that we ride leave at 1 PM and It took us round 2 hours to arrived to Gigantes.

We stayed at Gigantes for 3 Days and 2 Nights. So once we arrived at Gigantes around 4 PM. We got picked up and transfer to our villa (P.S. I am not the one who arrange this, so if you have any questions just let me know). We reserved a room good for 10 people and only cost for P1500 per night. We were six who stayed there so it is good enough for us. They have a good accommodation too. They have different rooms for different number of pax. They also provide you with a drum of fresh water. But if you finished the whole drum, you will need to pay for another refilling of the drum. Since it is an island, the socket for charging is also limited. Only few socket that has electricity, so take turn guys. :)

Since we arrived at the Villa late in the afternoon, we decided to explore the island...

Due to the long trip, we got hungry and ordered buttered scallops. For your information, they only cost you one peso per one peace of scallops. Isn't it amazing? for scallops lover, you will call this place "heaven". I promise you. hahaha. Their food was so delicious that you won't even noticed that you have eat more than 2 rice. However, I suggest you to bring your own gallon of water when you go here. So that you don't have to buy them here. It cost 25 Pesos for the small one.

We also swim for awhile and enjoy the sunset...

After graduation, my friends and I made our plan came true. Since one of our close friends is from Batad, Ilo - Ilo, we decided to go there and explore the wonderful places in Ilo - Ilo for 6 days. She host us and provide us food when we stayed at her house. lucky right? I know. :)

Today, I will share with you our trip itinerary plan to Ilo-Ilo with all the details. It includes the budget breakdown, place to stay, and what to buy and to do there ( FIY, the budget is a little bit exaggerated though :D ). Overall, we only consumed 8K. Pack lightly is the key in this trip. We only bring backpack and some essentials for traveling. Don't forget to bring sunblock guys!

Here is the video: