Now I finally understand why more and more people addicted to free diving (including me🤷‍♀️) .

It was like swimming through the underwater world where motions are slower and the body seems to be weightless. Trouble melt away and for a brief moment you become one with the sea creature☺️ Maybe I think this is what freedivers live for💗

I’ve learned about freediving when I saw a lot of videos on my news feed it seems like this kind of hobby is very interesting (specially their awra photos😍) goshhh I want, I want😁

And it blew my mind on how they hold their breath without using any apparatus. I decided that free diving was something I wanted to learn. So without hesitation I invited a friend to join with me to try this free diving activities (thank God she’s interested too, ayoko mag-isa😊) So we did free diving intro last September💪🏻

Day 1 : Learning Freediving Fundamentals and Open water session

Walang umuuwi luhaan to bess😂

I was into swimming before thats why I am not scared with open water but ” Yes” I need to know the basic, the safety and how freedivers hold their breath.

FREEDIVING BUDDIES PH intro freediving training is a two day course, first part is lecture learning and second part is open water session. We spent about one hour and half from proper breathing, equalization (valsalva) safety and rescue.

Coach Dadz instructed us to take slow, deep breaths and to make sure that we breath out for much longer that we breath in.

He also reiterated the importance of equalization. Then he thought us how to do proper duck dive which I found extremely difficult to do! Coach dadz instructed us to dive one by one then do the line training.

I was frustrated because my duck dive was not successful that day.

I managed to do another dive and emerged from the water with the biggest grin possible! I finally understood why free diving is so addicting.

Day 2 : Open water session

On our second day training, we woke up early for breakfast. It was so chill and relaxing! I felt so confident with my newly acquired skills and that I couldn’t wait for another open water session.

Coach Dadz took us some photos and videos for our reference on what we need to improve. Our open water has been nothing short of amazing❤️ Coach Dadz is highly recommended in Freediving Buddies PH.

We explore other organization and took our depth training for the next 3 months after our intro.

This time we explore Ilocos Sirena with Coach Ehra assistant Coach Dadha and Coach Gennie.

A two day training too. First day discussion on the safety and rescue, other type of equalization and etc.

We did our open water depth training at 15m in the morning until afternoon and the second day till 12NN.The coaches of Ilocos Sirena took us some of the best awra shots too and it was awesome🙌🏻

We have a chance to do catch a mermaid with Coach Gennie of Red Mermaid Adventure, she was very supportive I was able to fit her mermaid tale and do photoshoots. If you want to learn memaiding please pm “RED MERMAID ADVENTURE”🧜🏼‍♀️

Coach Ehra, Coach Dha, Coach Gennie was so nice and professional they are simply the best.

What I love the most is one on one review on how you can do better in the next dive session. Words weren’t enough , I must say you have to experience it on your own.

Is it difficult to learn freediving?

At first “Yes” it was difficult for me but later I realized that it was a fight against myself. If you say you can’t or you’re just afraid to try, you won’t be able to do it. But you have to conquer your fears, that’s a fight and that’s what you’re up against.

I am very thankful to all the coaches from different organization💖

Non- swimmer are welcome to join. No matter what swimming level you are in, you need not to worry because highly qualified instructors will be with you all the time🙌🏻

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

If your are afraid swimming in the ocean with out life vest try to join Ilocos Sirena or FDPH. I Guarantee that you will learn. Ilocos Sirena and FDPH is a great place to start your freediving journey, their trainings and skills will take your confidence in the ocean.

My friend and I learned to free dive up to 10meter me up to 7.9 meters and hold our breaths underwater for our first depth training.

Thank you so much coaches for pushing me to overcome my fears and self doubt💕

I have no doubts and come back for more, to more deeper dive with us.

USEFUL INFO:

• Ilocos Sirena
• Location : Rustique Rue, Sitio Balitian Bagalangit Batangas
• Contact Number: 09292919380
• Fb Name: ILOCOSirena Freediving

Depth Training:

Php 3750 Inclusive of 2 Day Training, 3 Dive sessions, Diving gears, Coaching Session, Entrance and Environmental Fee, Post Edited Photos, Accomm and 4 meals

Excluding of Transpo.

• Freediving Buddies PH
• Location: Philpan Dive Resort Anilao, Mabino Batangas
• Fb Name: Freediving Buddies PH

Intro Free Diving Package Inclusions

Basics of Freediving (2 days, 1 night)

PHP 2000 (Lecture to open water sessions, gear rentals and underwater pictures and videos)

PHP 1500 per pax overnight shared ac accommodation with 4 meals

Transpo if you will commute they have carpool at 700 PHP

***

Please leave a comment below for any question.

I really hope you get the experience the beauty of underwater!

𝘈 𝘣𝘰𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘢

To inspire you to live more freely!!!

To find peace you need to lose connection with the people, places, and things that create all the noise in your life.

A 3-4hours from Manila a Paradis Island is a peaceful getaway.

The hammocks, floating cottages, kayaking, island hopping, treehouses, duyan, bohemian set up and the kawa bath they’ve got all here👌🏻 of course instagramable❤️

This island won’t let you down specially for you family, friends and special someone. So sad, daytrip is not wasn’t enough🙁

So, if your planning to relax here’s everything you know about this bohemian place.

All About Paradis Island

Paradis Island is a private island for rent with two lake villas. Taken from the French word Paradis, which means paradise, Paradis is an off-grid eco-destination in Cavinti Laguna. This unspoiled island will show you that it’s possible to live remotely. Paradis is a 6,800sqm island filled with happiness and relaxation.

Amenities and Things To Do

Honestly, the price to rent Paradis island is very much affordable when you look at and experience how many free amenities you can do on the island promise it’s all worth the price

Bamboo lounge

Skip the sofa. You’re at the Island surrounded by the lake. Go out, enjoy, and maybe hang out at the Bamboo lounge and swim.

Glamping

Try sleeping in the glamping tents on the island for an outdoor adventure! (this is not applicable for daytour) but still you can stay the glamping tents.

Massage

This one is not free but it’s a must if you want to complete your relaxing trip. Massage is at P500 per pax available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

(We did not avail this, kulang talaga sa time)

Bohemian Set-up

The bohemian set up is definitely the best place to eat. It is very instagramable too🥰

Floating cabana

Experience relaxation at its best. Stay near the lake and chill at the floating cabana. It’s perfect for sunset viewing.

Hammocks and a hanging bed

Feel the breeze hit your skin and breathe in the fresh air. Just relax, read a book, spend time with your loved ones and disconnect from social media once in a while.

Swimming in the lake

Life vests are available at the Paradis island at no extra cost.

Game boards in the villa

Feel closer to your friends and family with a game!

Kayaking

If you are adventurous and not maarte go and explore the lake, go to an island hopping or maybe go fishing or just flex those muscles on the kayak😂

Flower hot bath with kawa

Kawa is a must-try at no extra cost too❤️

(So sad hindi nadin namin nagawa😭)

Tree hut

A private dinner spot for you and your love one or when your tired of awra-awra you can stay here relax your mind and sleep for a while.

This is perfect for romantic date tho💞

Fishing and Bonfire

You can borrow fishing rods from the staff and and at night do the mashmallow and hotdog bonfire🥰

Island Hopping

When you want to flex your muscles go on Island hopping, promise you will enjoy the view.

Rates (Plus How To Book)

You can book directly through Paradis island facebook page or Airbnb, they are very responsive😊

Villa 1

Villa 1 consists of two stories, four bedrooms, and six beds. There’s one toilet and bathroom inside the house and another one outside. Inside, you’ll find a kitchen, balcony, dining and living area.

• Villa 1 can accommodate 16+ guests
• Rates starts at P4,900 (Excluding the service and cleaning fee)

• Book here:https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33482243

Villa 2

Villa 2 has 1 bedroom on the second floor, two beds and a huge balcony that’s perfect for everybody. On the first floor, there’s a kitchen, dining area, and toilet and bathroom.

• Villa 2 can accommodate 10+ guests
• Rates starts at P3,500 (Excluding the service and cleaning fee)
• Book here:https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35239127

• Book here additional discount of PHP 1600 https://abnb.me/e/J6n0Xbxr21

Meals

You can choose to order food they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Range : 200-620PHP

(Don’t worry yung 620 PHP group meal na yan for 3) Sarap ng foods nila then marami yung serving.

Note: The following meals are on a pre-order basis only so the staff can buy the ingredients needed beforehand.

Other Costs

Here are other fees you should know.

• Roundtrip Boat Transfer – P750 for 6 guests maximum with luggage, to be paid on the island
• Additional request for boat ride(e.g. errands or late guests) – will be automatically charged P500
• Cooking fee is P1,000 per day of kitchen usage inclusive of the gas range, brick oven, and charcoal grill
• Parking is at P100 per car per night at the port, to be paid with the port guard.

What I Loved

All I can say is “EVERYTHING IS THE BEST” The bohemian set-up was a dream come true for a bohemian lover like me. I’m adding it to my future house plans.

Medyo challenging lang samen ang pag commute because of limited lang yung jeep to lake lumot. Sa Sta. Cruz bayan ang terminal kailangan mapuno bago umalis kaya tip ko sa inyo dapat maaga talaga kayo para hindi hassle. Another tip wag na wag nyu tanggapin ang offer ng mga tricycle doon overpricing sila😞

Then pwede kayo pumunta ng cavinti pagdating ng sta cruz then tric to lake lumot kaso medyo mahal din.

If my car nman kayo waze lang mabilis lang nman sya puntahan medyo matarik nga lang yung way, pero worth it👌🏻

Until 5pm lang yung last trip ng jeep nila to sta cruz bayan so kung late na kayo pahatid nlang kayo ng tric to johnson then sakay ng bus to papunta sa sakayan pa sta cruz (mababait nman yung mga bangkero hahanapan kayo tric pag gabihin na kayo sa tamang halaga🤑 pero medyo hasse sya bawal sa maarte.

With all the accommodating and friendly staff, a very relaxing ambiance Paradis island will feel like a home, away from home. Para akong nasa probinsya lang namin😍

How To Get There

Via Commute

• Ride the DLTB bus or HM Transport at Buendia or Cubao going to Sta Cruz, Laguna. Travel time is 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic. Fare is P160+.
• Ask the driver to drop you off near the jeepney terminals going to Cavinti or Lumot Lake.
• From here, you have two options.
  • Option 1: If you chose to ride a Cavinti jeep, you’ll have to ride a tricycle from Cavinti to Lumot Lake Boat Terminal. Here, the island’s boat will be waiting to pick you up.
  • Option 2: If you chose to ride a Lumot Lake jeep, just drop off at the last stop and you’re at Lumot Lake Boat Terminal. Fare is at P40+. Then, look for the boat going to the island.
• The travel time from Sta Cruz to Lumot Lake is around 1 hour. Boat ride to the
• island is approximately 15 minutes.

Via Private Car

• Just download Waze and search for Lumot Lake Port.

Note:

Message Imee (09662868629), when you are in Pagsanjan already .

Electricity

Paradis island uses solar panels and generators as sources of electricity. The electric fans work only at night when the generator is open. The solar panels can’t support the fans so if you want to cool down, go chill at the hammocks or swim on the lake. Also, there are no aircon units inside the rooms. Don’t worry though. It’s cooler at night.

If you want to charge your phones, you can use solar power electric outlets. If not, don’t forget to bring power banks.

Water Source

Paradis Island utilizes a water pump and deep well on the island since there’s no water connection there. 

Mobile Data

Mobile data for smart users is very slow but for globe user LTE

Insects & Frogs

Paradis Island is surrounded by nature so expect that flies will be flying around and about when your eating. They provide anti-fly products such as candles.

There are also mosquitoes around the island so bring insect repellants. Check first if there are ants before you sit or lie down. There are weaver ants around the garden especially on the trees. As an eco-friendly place, these insects and animals are part of the ecosystem on the island. Don’t worry the different amenities and features on the island will make your trip really worth it👌🏻

Ideal to visit Paradis Island for Daytour is on weekdays, promise kayo lang sa Island wala kang kaagaw di tulad ng crush mo😹

Overall Expenses:

Daytour: 1000/pax

Boat: 750 php up to 6pax pero that time 2 lang kami

Food: 350 Lunch for 2 (nag bfast kami bago umalis)

Fare:

Manila – Sta. Cruz 160 php/pax

Sta. Cruz- Lake Lumot – 42php/pax

Lake Lumot – Johnson (late na kasi kami wala na jeep – 75pax

Bus (sign lucena) – sakayan papunta sta cruz 20php / pax

Sakayan to Sta. Cruz- Sta Cruz (buendia terminal- 12php /pax

Sta Cruz – Buendia 160 php / pax

Total Expenses : 2019 PHP

That’s it I hope you will enjoy and visit Paradis Island soon💓

Special thanks to Ate Imee, Ms. Maureen and Family surely I’ll be back🙌🏻

🔆 SULIT 7D/6N 🔆

For those asking po🙂

This isn’t the cheapest itinerary but this worth your money and will save up time❤️

Siargao in Surigao del Norte is now a popular place not just for surfers but for tourists as well. Sharing you tips and a budget breakdown! Best for first-timers!

✈️ FLIGHT: We got our flight during PAL’s sale papunta lang yung nakuha namin 1,500😕 for pabalik medyo pricey 4,500 direct flight from Clark

ACCOMMODATION: Dream Catcher Nipas (Fan Room)

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS for those hindi maarte!! It’s a clean and beautiful AirBnb that costs only 4,340.80 for 5 night actually 6 night (nauna kasi dumating kasama ko dun) 2 pax with Essentials, PARKING and KITCHEN FACILITIES.

The best part is, you will be getting Php 1,600 OFF when you sign up using my link.

✏️STEPS TO GET DISCOUNT:

1. Create a NEW ACCOUNT using this link:

https://abnb.me/e/1OU7a1R4KX

2. After creating the account, click this link and check the availability LINK: https://abnb.me/UkCGnWV4KX

3. BOOK USING YOUR DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD. Discount will automatically be applied.

☀️ITINERARY:

⛱ Day 1/6

Arrive Sayak Airport

Ride a van to General Luna

Check in

Sunset at Cloud 9

⛱Day 2/6

Lunch at Mapupungko Restaurant

Landtour

Overlooking Coconut Tree

Sugba Lagoon

Mapupungko Rock Pools

Maasin River

Dinner at Natribu Grill

⛱Day 3/6

Island Hopping

Daku, Guyam, Naked Island ,Sohoton Cave

Side Trip:

Jelly Fish Sanctuary

Hagokan Cave

Magkokoub Cave with Cliff Diving

Dinner at Nomad Bar & Grill

Naked Island

⛱ Day 4/6

Landtour

Babay Road

Tayangban Falls

Million Dollar View

Alegria Beach

Pacifico Beach

Pacifico Lighthouse

Danjug Cove

Siargao Famous Coconut Tree

Taktak Falls

Pacifico Lighthouse

⛱Day 5/6

Breakfast Lumad Hostel Siargao

Snack at Shaka Cloud 9

Surfing at Salvacion

Cloud 9

Jack n Horse

Dinner at Kermit

Lumad Hostel

⛱ Day 6/6

Prepare back to Manila

🌴TIPS:

1. Rent a motorbike to fully-experience roaming around the island. Price range is from 300-350 but in our case hindi pwede kasi no license😟

2. Prepare for unpredictable weather. Bring a raincoat, umbrella and dry bag.

3. If you want data coverage, purchase a SMART sim. Globe’s LTE signal is not as good as Smart’s.

4. Book a BNB with Kitchen Facilities and try to spend a night cooking fresh seafood from the market

5. Pre-book your tours in order to avoid the hassle. It costs a bit higher but you won’t have to think about paying for entrance fees, transporation, food.

6. There is a 2 ATM in the area. I recommend to withdraw your money in Manila kasi usually offline yung ATM nila.

There are also convenience stores, money remittances and mini groceries in the area.

7. Eat heavy breakfast during island hopping. Especially when you’re heading to Sohoton as it takes about two hours to get to the island from Gen Luna market.

8. Always get up early since tourist spots get jampacked. If you’re on a tour, be on time since there are places where being punctual is a must! (Example, you can only enjoy magpupungko during low tide)

9. Get to know the locals! They are very friendly and accommodating! Don’t forget to bring an Eco bag since plastic bags are discouraged in the island.

10. I recommend ready to eat breakfast like (example quaker oats, cup noodles, bread etc)

para mas tipid.

💸BUDGET BREAKDOWN (per person based on 2pax sharing)

⛱ Day 1

*P2P to Clark 380

* Clark Terminal Fee 150

* Van from airport to Gen Luna 300

* Dream Catcher Nipas (Fan Room) 877/night x 6 nights = 5262 + 679 Service Fee = 5941 less 1600 discount airbnb 4341 php for 7nights

2170.50/pax

* Lunch nag karenderya lang kami masarap din ang food nila para makatipid and try lutong bahay worth 250 for 2pax

(Snack lang kami ng sa dinner sa baon nmin na sandwich since late lunch na)

💸 TOTAL: 3,125.50

⛱ Day 2

*Baon na cup noodles

* Landtour 600/pax

* Lunch at Mapupungko 225/pax

* Overlooking Coconut Tree – Free

*Sugba Lagoon – 317/pax with entrance fee ( 1600 /6 plus 50 entrance fee ) joiners

*Mapupungko Rock Pools – 50/pax

*Maasin River – 50/pax Entrance plus boat joiners 125/pax (500 php boat ride)

*Dinner at Natribu Grill – 300/pax

💸 TOTAL: 1617

⛱ Day 3

* Tri Island + Sohoton 1,500

*Famous Pande coco 50

* Dinner Nomad Grill- 300

💸 TOTAL: 1,850

⛱ Day 4

Lunch at Karenderya – 100/pax

* Landtour 600/pax

*Babay Road Free

*Tayangban Falls 50/pax

*Million Dollar View -Free

*Alegria Beach- Free

*Pacifico Beach -Free

*Pacifico Lighthouse -Free

*Danjug Cove – 50/pax

*Siargao Famous Coconut Tree Free

*Taktak Falls – 25/pax

Dinner at Karenderya 150/pax

💸TOTAL : 975

⛱ Day 5

*Breakfast Lumad Hostel Siargao – 300/pax

*Snack at Shaka Cloud 9 -250/pax

*Surfing at Salvacion -500 for 1hour with instructor plus 100 gas for the habal

*Jack n Horse – Free

*Dinner at Kermit – 400/pax

💸TOTAL: 1,500

⛱ Day 6

Prepare for check out

Lunch at General Luna Market – 60/pax

Tricycle to Airport -250/pax

Pasalubong – 250 php

P2P to Manila- 300 php hanggang ortigas

❗️TOTAL: 860

Additional cost is yung pamasahe sa tricycle 20/pax mga naka 100 din ata kami.

Flight Ticket : Medyo mahal yung pabalik namin yung papunta ang mura so better mag-abang ng seat sale

‼️❗️TOTAL ALL-IN: 15,100PER HEAD❗️‼️

(more or less) super mura considering 7 days budget kayu ng 18,000 para sa additional gastos sa food and kung mag bar pa kayu

✏️ CONTACTS

Tri island tour + Sohoton with Lunch:

Tour Siargao Kuya Doodz 09974027988

Land Tour :

Kuya Toto 09463166912

FB Name: Siargao Tour Kuya Toto

( Hindi sya masyado active sa facebook )

Note: Habal lang to ah for 2pax yung kinuha namin na 1200 php

Surfing Instructor : Kuya Nanding 09663971693 sobrang bait po nila at matuto ka talaga, sa Salvacion kami nag surfing kasi hindi mabato, mas mabato at malakas alon sa Cloud 9.

You may also find Kuya Nanding sa Maasin River sya po yung bankero namin🙂

ENJOY🙌🏻

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton