Me, Apple and JJ took the tiring bus ride to Olongapo and Subic Bay. We'd been before but didn't know the area well - we initially wanted to stay within SBMA - the old US Navybase - but accomodation there is v expensive, so we stayed in an area 20 minutes away called Barrio Barreto. Arriving there we were a little concerned about the possibility of a seedy side - a hangover from the US base. Travelling with a child it makes you more aware about the seedy behaviour of some westerners there, so we didn't spend much time at all in Barreto. I spent the 4 days there diving during the day. The dive school/shop I used was Blue Rock Resort - we didn't stay there, but for Diving it was first class. My instructor, ... read more

We'd heard (read) good things about Ilocos from the various guide books, and Apple knew that investment over the years in the area was high cos of the Marcos connections in the area. Heading North the area was more serene that most of the Philippines. We stoppped off at Santa Maria on the way to look at a world heritage listed baroque church designed in the classic earthquake proof style. The church was fantastic, and in most cases - no other tourists. We chatted to some local ladies who confirmed what we knew - that they still love Marcos up here! Then onto Vigan - this place really impressed me - apparently it was spared destruction in WW2 as the japanese retreated just before the US bombers moved in. The design of the city and the ... read more

One of the reasons I chose to travel to Bohol was to see the Tarsier - a crazy monkey-bat like creatyure with huge eyes and a rotating head. The animal is endangered and Unique to the philippines. Bohol is also famous for the chocolate hills - a crazy mound of hills made from Coral over thousands of years. I suggested the trip to John - he agredd to split the taxi. Then Sharon from London came along, and we met another Girl called Anna, who also fancied the trip, so that was great! Cheap trip - split 4 ways!!! Result. Also went to the Loboc River on a cruise which was really funny - a slight tourist trap, but funny all the same - we were serenaded by laods of people in a south pacific stylee! ... read more

Finally got to Panglao Island, off the coast of Bohol by taking a ferry from Cebu City. I travelled with John - a Scottish guy who (believe it or not) had just been stabbed in Manila by 'hold-uppers'. Being a Scotchman he decided not to let go of the money belt even after being faced by a knife. Instead he had a scuffle and got stabbed in the leg. The hold-uppers got away with just blood. He had to go to hospital for a few stiches and was a bit worried about being in the philippines cos this had happened within hours of him arriving. So after meeting a friendly face in Cebu, he decided to come with me, to a place he'd never heard of. Panglao Island was a nice surprise - easygoing, very quiet ... read more

After a long and tiring flight to las Islas Pilipinas I left Apple in Manila and took a flight to cebu. The flight was delayed, just what I needed after travelling for 24 hours already... Finally got to the pension house and had a nosey at the Historically and Internationally significant Mactan Island. This is the place where Ferdinand Magellan (remember him from history lessons - the portuguese working for the Spanish KIng) was slain by the local chieftan Lapu Lapu for going a little too far. Not that it stopped the colonisation of these Islands. Years later a second Spanish Expedition was more successful Catholicised the Country using the sword. Enough history - I just had a nosey round, ate some daing na bangus (Milkfish), drank the worlds finest drink - fresh mango shake and ... read more