Hi there! I'd like to share with you a list of things I have to absolutely have with me during a casual day hike. This does not include the important things that you're really supposed to bring. These are more like things that you can or cannot bring depending on your preference.

Arm & Leg warmers

I'm not really sure if this is a supposed-to-bring thing but I know people who don't use these so I'm adding this to the list. Since the Philippines is a tropical country, I don't really need extra clothing to keep me warm during a day hike. The purpose of these is to protect your extremities from getting cut from sharp weeds and from being a blood-sucking critter's next meal.

The horror

Gloves
I am the only person I know who always have a pair of gloves when going for a day hike. I have a tendency to grab on rocks and weeds because my knees are not as strong as I would like them to be. There was a time that I didn't wear my gloves and I got cut from some grass I grabbed on while getting down to lower ground. I took that as a sign and swore never to expose my bare hands to the wilderness ever again. 

They always do

Extra footwear

I don't use these during a hike. I wear them after. The sandals I wear for day hikes are terrible. There are parts that rub against the skin until it bleeds. I know I should buy a new pair and I will, but for now, I'll always bring a pair of extra footwear for the sake of my feet's comfort.

so that's why

Camera



I used to always bring my mirrorless camera, but now I only bring may camera phone with me. Besides the fact that it is less bulky, the photosphere feature on my Nexus is great. I can fool people into thinking that I have a camera capable of wide-angles. Ha ha!

No matter what your camera is or no matter how many times you've been to the same mountain, I think you should bring one just in case. You never know what you'd find.

photosphere users would understand

Walking pole

I don't actually have my own walking poles because I hear those things are pricey. The walking poles I use are from the mountain itself. Sometimes, a tour guide would cut a branch and turn it into a pole for me (I kind of feel bad for the plants though). Sometimes, I just stumble upon poles used by other hikers. I actually like it better than the kind that you can buy. It makes me feel more explore-y and more like a mage or wizard.

I wish I had the guts to really do this

And that's it, my list of essentials. I hope you learned something new from me today. Have a good day!

Ahhh... Calatagan. You always find a way to creep into my yearly getaways. This year, I got to experience Calatagan once again through Aquaria Beach Resort.


One of the friends found a promo deal online cutting the entrance rate to almost half so we went for it.

Reception

The friend coordinating with the staff

Us, while waiting to be admitted

The resort is impressive! There were a lot of pools to choose from.

Pools

Pools, everywhere.

One for them kids

All were clean. And the condition of the pools are excellent. No broken tiles or whatever.

There is access to the beach, of course.



If you're familiar with beaches in Calatagan, then you know you aren't suppose to expect a lot :) Their beach is cleaner than the others though. No seaweeds in sight.
Their restaurant is located by the beachfront so it felt really good to just eat, talk with the friends, and just relax while enjoying the view.

or update your social media accounts

The food BTW, is way better than I expected. Usually, in my experience, resort restaurants always offered overpriced food that would fill a belly of a kitten. Not Aquaria. Their food is reasonably priced. The portion is enough for a human being. And it even tastes good!

Our binalot makes us happy!

Mais con hielo for dessert

Pancit bihon for meryenda

Here's their menu

The cottage is not exactly a cottage at all. It looks more a like a lounge.

It was very open too

There are yellow cushions in the bench and there is a small cabinet that you could put your things in while you're away. There is no lock but considering how there was an abundant supply of security guards all around, it was no big deal. Also, the cottages were by the poolside so you don't have to walk so far to enjoy swimming right away.

But what impressed me the most about Aquaria are the toilets and shower rooms.

Upon entering

Feast your eyes on the beauty that is Aquaria's bath house

My photos don't do it justice. Their bathhouse is very spacey and very clean! I never would have thought that I'd be able to experience a resort's shower room as beautiful as this. The cubicles are spacey too and I didn't have to figure out where to put or hang my stuff because they have the small benches in it to put your things on!

Yes, it is a big deal for me. Or for anyone who had to deal with crappy shower rooms for years

One thing that bothered me though is the fact that you can't stay overnight considering how far this resort is. The three hours of travelling to the resort would be worth it if we could spend more time in it. We got there around 11:30am and had to leave by 6pm. 6pm is too just too early of a time to leave in my standards.

The verdict

Good: Resort is beautiful. Bathhouse is excellent. Restaurant is very good.
Bad: Location is not so good considering you can't stay overnight.

Will I go back? Yes. When the heavens decide to bestow upon me a private vehicle. Or when one of my friends finally buy one. :))

How to get there w/o private vehicle:

1. From Pala-pala, ride a van to Calatagan (php130/pax). The ride took us three hours! It should have been two but our driver seemed to be taking his own sweet time. My bladder almost died. He also dropped us by the municipal office (i think?) which baffled us because last year, our driver dropped us at the public market. If you got down at the municipal office, you'll have to ride a tricycle to the public market (php12/pax).
2. From public market, ride a tricyle to Aquaria or Playa, Calatagan (php150/trike). You'll arrive after 15 minutes.

How to get back 

Talk with your van and tricycle driver about arrangements. My getting-home from Calatagan always varied from trip to trip.