Daet and Bagasbas Beach

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Hi Everyone,
I have a bit to write about since my last update. On Wednesday afternoon we visited Aunty Cora and Uncle Oscar, Aunty Cora is the same though Uncle Oscar has aged somewhat. On Wednesday night Maribel treated me out to a place called “Chef and Brew” at the Ortigas Centre, we watched a retro band who performed sixties and seventies classics, they were really good especially their renditions of “September” and “Disco Inferno”. I enjoyed a few San Miguel drafts whilst Maribel drank a wine cooler type of drink; we also had a plate of very delicious garlic mushrooms. It was a great night and maybe we can go back when Eleanor arrives. The bill was 710 pesos, that’s about $18.50, pretty good value.
On Thursday I got my ATM card from Metro Bank, it’s a part of Megalink and BancNet so I shouldn’t have any problems finding ATM’s that accept my card. Jesse (our driver) then took Mummy and I to MegaMall to get our tickets to Davao. This took much longer than it should have as we purchased etickets from a place with very old computer equipment and an unreliable internet connection. The connection dropped out continuously and what should have taken ten minutes took an hour, the Philippines is an excellent place to learn patience.
Thursday night I took the night bus to Daet; I left Cubo at 8.30pm and arrived in Daet at 3.40 am this morning (Friday 17th March). I went straight to the Dolors Hotel and checked in. My room is air conditioned, has cable TV and hot shower, the rate is 500 pesos a night (about $13). The place isn’t 5 star but it’s clean and centrally located.
This morning I went to Bagasbas beach to look at the surf; unfortunately there wasn’t any so I didn’t go in. I took a few photos, looked around and then went to Alvino’s Pizza Parlour that overlooks San Miguel Bay. I had a few beers (it was 1pm in Sydney), read my book and after a few hours ordered a vegetarian Pizza. It was really good, the crust was light and crispy and there was plenty of filling, and it only cost 140 pesos (about $4.50). It was very relaxing sitting by the water enjoying the sea breeze. I also had a look at the tourist hotel in Bagasbas beach, the rooms were 1000 pesos, a bit small but air conditioned and in front of the beach. I don’t think anyone was staying there.
I then returned to the hotel and discovered my bag had started to fray t the seams, I was able to find a repair place who fixed it for 30 pesos, the guy who fixed it did an excellent job. After a rest I went for a walk and found the place I’m sending this blog from. It appears to be part of a government building and the internet access is only 15 pesos an hour, the computers are good and the connection is reasonably quick.
Tomorrow I’ll leave for Legaspi and will probably stay a day or two; I’ll then go to Tobaco and take the boat for the Catanduannes. Not sure where my next update will be from perhaps Virac. Attached (I hope) are some photos.

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