Antique: Trekking at Malalison Island

Malalison Island is an island not only gifted with white sand beach and diverse sea creatures but also with amazing landscapes.  The island became known to the world when typhoon Yolanda hard hit it through the reports of some travelers and the social media. 

So our next goal, after our snorkeling, was to see the island panoramically and meet a few pitcher plants. 

The trek, lead by ate Rocil, our guide from the tourism office, commenced after passing the beach and a few of the island's small community.  

We had an leisurely hike as we were entertained by ate Rocil's stories and were intermittently distracted by the mind-blowing landscapes and sceneries that I had to stop, admire and take snapshots.  

We also passed by their elementary school which is located uphill.  

Antique: Malalison Travel Notes

Malalison Island, popularized as Mararison Island to the locals, is the newest attraction in Culasi, Antique.  Just around 15-minute boat ride from the mainland of Antique, one can enjoy serenity and beauty of the island.  Having around 55-hectare land area, the hook-shaped island is known for its powdery white sand, magnificent rolling hills (like that of Batanes), carnivorous pitcher plants, diverse sea creatures and long white sandbar.  

How did We Get There

• Travelled all the way from Naga City to Manila then flew to Kalibo, Aklan. 
• Stayed overnight at Esperanza hotel 
•  Left Esperanza Hotel, Kalibo, Aklan the next morning and rode a tricycle (Php10/person) going to Ceres Bus Terminal
• Boarded a bus bound to San Jose / Culasi with a fare of Php110/person, travel time is 2 hours
• Ask the driver / conductor to drop you off at the Culasi boulevard then walk straight at the right side passing the Municipal Hall and the plaza; at the end you'll see the port and on your left, you'll spot the Tourism Office

Antique: Malalison Island Tour

After lunch, we didn't do much. 

We just went out for snorkeling despite the weather condition. 

I know it would be best to do it during summer time 

but what can we do? It's -ber months when I decided to visit the Antique.  

Anyway, we can still see something down under right?  

Our ride was very bumpy, like we're in a roller coaster. 

But it was fun.  It's been a while since I had that kind of ride topped with cold breeze and drizzles.   

The feeling was just awesome!

It reminded me of my childhood years. Haha!

What we did at that time? 

First, Kuya Arnold made us see the whole island by going around it. 

It was quick.  

Then we had the snorkeling.  

Antique: Malalison Island

Our journey jumpstarted when we left the Esperanza Hotel in Kalibo, Aklan early in the morning. 

Our destination? 
Malalison (or Mararison to the locals) Island.  
The island, located in the Municipality of Culasi, Antique, is now is now a favorite weekend destination in Panay Island.  It is a hook-shaped island gifted with picturesque mountain ranges (like that of Batanes), abundant coral reefs, carnivorous pitcher plants and of course, a powdered-colored beach. 

How did we get there

We rode a tricycle going to the Ceres Bus Terminal to bring us to San Jose/Culasi.  

I read from the other blogs that from our hotel, one can walk going to the bus terminal

but because they have relocated, one needs to ride a trike to get there. 

No fuss as the fare is only P10/person.  

When we arrived at the terminal, there were no other passengers yet except us. 

Haha!  Lucky! We then have the whole bus for ourselves, huh? 

But as time went by, the bus started filling up. 

  We settled inside as instructed and the conductor gave us bus ticket and paid P110/pax as fare. 

We asked him to drop us off to Culasi as were heading to Malalison Island. 

The bus left past 6 am, and the almost 2-hour journey to Culasi was smooth and dandy. 

From there, we walked straight on the right side passing the plaza and municipal hall. 

In the end, you'll see the port and on your left side is the tourism office. 

*The GPS helped us locate the port and the office. :) 

Malaysia : MyBurgerLab

Ohana RM22

It was my first day in Malaysia and my friend from college (first one)

brought me to a burger cafe that serves black (charcoal) burger since I haven't seen and tasted one. 

So after her work, we headed to MyBurgerLab at Seapark.  

We got there by riding a bus and walked through the cafe. 

We didn't have a hard time looking for it, thank you GPS. Haha!  

When we located it, of course, we were so elated that we had to take a selfie outside the cafe. O.O  

Inside, you'll notice on your right side, just before you go to the counter are notes/messages from their avid customers.  :)

Then moving forward, we started giving out our orders. 

It was crazy because we didn't know what to order, so we just to ask for their best sellers. :) 

While waiting for our burgers, we did little photo ops.  

Their walls are decorated with black and white images which were cool. :) 

The lab is always jam packed so were lucky that we were able to get a seat. 

Now that our orders came, it's time to dig in.  
Yey! 

The burgers were huge.  

It was tummy filling. 

OMG!  

I just burrped! Hahaha! 

Patchi Chocolates

Yey!  Finally, I got to go to one of the most luxurious chocolate shops in the universe. 

P-A-T-C-H-I!!!

According to its history, 

Patchi chocolates were just a dream of an 11-year old boy that came true when it rose in the market in 1974 in Beirut, Lebanon. 

At Patchi, the Maison uses the highest quality ingredients in creating the best chocolates. 

They don't use colorings or preservatives.  

The process is very fussy that transformation is perfect.  - (patchi.com)

When we went in, it was intimidating yet astonishing. 

I guess the display and the lighting did the trick. Haha! 

We strolled around the shop, inquired about the cost of the chocolates and the salesman there told me that the regular chocolates cost

190SR / kg

while the special ones cost 220 SR/kg.  

I find it good enough since it's way expensive if you purchase it in Manila, Philippines.

It was pretty amazing that their chocolates have cute packaging and presentation. :) 

But mind you, their tastes are the same. :)

They have chocolates also in special packages like the ones below.

The costs are a bit higher because of the packaging. :) 

They got cute packages for kids and kids at heart. :) 

It's hard to tell which one am I since we're talking about chocolates. Haha! 

After some time of exploring, 

I finally decided to buy a kilo of both chocolates, the regular and the special ones. 

Maybe that's enough for my family and friends. :) 

I hope they will love it as I love them too. :)