Tikling Island

Named as "Tikling" island, because numerous birds such as Buff-Banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) or "Tikling" in Tagalog were abundant in the past. It may not be as popular as Boracay but it's beauty is mesmerizing, making it one of the beaches that offers a picturesque view of the tides hitting the shores composed of lush vegetation which is deserving to be labeled as a tropical paradise. It is more than an hour boat ride from Matnog in Sorsogon which is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon.

The beach is composed of fine grain, creamy white sand with some crushed red coral particles, giving  it a pinkish color when viewed from afar. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear aquamarine waters and composed of vegetation mostly coconut and other tropical trees in thick clusters.

Tikling Island is a privately-owned property, there are no cottages or huts for rent, but day tour are allowed and surprisingly there are no entrance fees that are collected. 

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sorsogon City (Penafrancia, DLTB and Isarog Lines)

2. Once you get to Sorsogon, ride a jeep bound to Matnog port.

3. From Matnog it is more than an hour boat ride to Tikling Island.

Luk Yuen

Like any other noodle house, Luk Yuen started from it's modest beginning in 1981 and has grown into a household name with it's favored specialties of congee, noodles, dimsum and other Chinese food. The restaurant is a little bit cramped with a little space to spare, but it is clean and always packed with people because of it's affordability and of course it's superb taste.

One of the must-try is their Hainanese chicken dish which is savored with their signature sauce from the meat to the rice which are both seasoned well. Noodle Feast, is also a household specialty  which is richly garnished with beef, pork, seafood, and the noodle that is perfectly cooked.

We ordered a set of meal which was served pretty fast, making it a reliable pit stop for the family especially for it's efficient service and price.

Food Rating: 7/9

Kape-An sa Mt. Kalugong

As a traveler, I cay say that "Kape-An sa Kalugong" is definitely the best way to enjoy a cup coffee when in La Trinidad, Benguet. The view is quite stunning composed of a 270-degree scenic view of La Trinidad Valley consisting of different rock formations composed of karst and limestone similar to that from Coron, Palawan. "Mt. Kalugong" which means "hat" in Ilocano is an eco park with lodges and of course a coffee shop atop a mountain with almost 400 ft. ascent from the main road. 

They brew their own coffee beans (Benguet Arabica coffee) and serve one of the best tasting cakes in the region and of course their coffee is at par with famous coffee brands. They also serve traditional food like "Pinikpikan" (chicken that is prepared in traditional way) and Kini-Ing or smoked pork.

How to Get There:
1. From Baguio ride a jeep bound for Camp Dangwa/Tomay.
2. Tell the driver to drop you off to Mt. Kalugong.
*** I joined John Sarco's event together with the Rock Jockers.