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Boracay Blog Episode 2: Adventure Begins in Boracay Island (Day 1)

Tuesday, February 10, 2026


Many Transfers of Transports

Today was the start of my adventure going to Boracay. I didn't expect it to have a lot of transport transfers going to the main island of Boracay. 

Airplane to bus. Bus to tricycle. Tricycle to boat. Boat to tricycle. That was a lot and tiring. Yes, I was tired. But I had hope; it was all worth it. 


Caticlan Airport was a small airport, and it had a manual conveyor belt for all the checked-in baggage. It was a curious aspect of the airport, and I shouldn't be surprised, given that it was a relatively small airport.  

I met another Filipino traveler on my tricycle ride going to the ferry terminal. I remember he had been to Boracay more than once, probably three or four times. It was nice to meet a fellow traveler on a trip. He gave me some heads up on what to expect on the island, and helped me through the registration process and payment at the tourist center. I admit that I didn't expect a lot of fees as a local tourist of my own country, but I guess that's how the economy was built on the island. 


After paying all the fees for environmental protection and more, it was time for the ferry ride. I was excited to see my accommodation at Shoretime Dormitel. Here I come, Boracay!


Food trip at Shortime Dormitel & Angol Beach

I was hungry, and I needed something to fill my grumbling stomach. But I was really careful not to trigger my stomach sickness and migraine. I tend to vomit and have a headache if traveling on a red-eye flight, and that happened too during my Taiwan trip. Thankfully, I prevented the same unpleasant experience from drinking warm water. 


Breakfast was hearty at Shortime Dormitel restaurant. They offer sumptuous silog breakfast meals and light sandwich snacks, and I enjoyed them. 


Angol Beach was a sight, a breathtaking place worth visiting! It was also one of the reasons why I chose my accommodation, since Shortime Dormitel was within walking distance of Angol Beach. It was still a bit of a walk, and I considered it as part of my exercise routine. 



Previous: Boracay Blog Episode 1: Airport Ganap Day 0 | arlene manocot


Next: Boracay Blog Episode 3: Boracay Island Hidden Adventures Unveil | arlene manocot
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Boracay Blog Episode 1: Airport Ganap Day 0

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Boracay beach is a famous beach among Filipinos and foreigners. It had always been on the travel bucket list. I heard that going on a trip to Boracay was expensive, and they were not wrong. Again, I booked a round-trip ticket via the Trip.com app. So far, it is my trusted app for flights. You can use my code.

Use my code: 5DG4H9
My expenses:

RT Plane Ticket - P2,986.50 ($54.30)
Shortime Dormitel (3 nights) - P997.83 

Total is P3,984.33


I am sharing with you my journey from waiting for the bus to spending the night at Terminal 2 before my early morning flight to Boracay. I talk about the quiet atmosphere, my impressions of the terminal, the challenge of printing my boarding pass, and how I pass the time with snacks while feeling sleepy yet excited for the trip.

While waiting for the bus, I sat inside the car waiting for the “ube car.” I noted the last bus leaves around 9 p.m., and it’s cold, so I wore a jacket. Upon my arrival at Terminal 2, I was amazed by the structure and roof design. I headed to the AirAsia counters, thinking Royal Air is located there. I noticed it felt quieter compared to Terminal 3.


To make sure I won't be late for my early flight, I spent the night at the airport. My flight is at 5:15 a.m. tomorrow. Since there were no P2P buses at dawn, I arrived early. I enjoyed the calm atmosphere with fewer people around. I had trouble printing my boarding pass when I realized there were no kiosks available for self-printing. I asked for help and was directed to Counter 4. I prepared to check in with Royal Air.

Snacks are always a must during travel, so I made sure I had some with me during my trip. Food can be more pricey in a commercial or touristy area. I ate Nissin butter coconut biscuits and hazelnut milk chocolate. I had to admit I was sleepy and even had a slight headache. I planned to brush my teeth and rest before the flight.

My Day 0 captures my anticipation, small struggles, and little joys as I prepare for my Boracay adventure. Would you like me to continue the story in Episode 2, where I start the actual journey with multiple transfers on the way to Boracay?



Next: Boracay Blog Episode 2: Adventure Begins on Boracay Island (Day 1)
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Travel Expenses: Taiwan Trip 2025 (3 Nights & 2 Days)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

All along, I thought I had only spent more or less P10,000.00 for my July 21 to 24 Taiwan trip. Behold, let's reveal the accurate computation cost on this blog episode. 

Use my Trip.com code: 5DG4H9

I tried my best to remember some of my expenses during this trip and I just estimated some of the amount or prices. Below is the list of my expenses:
Day 0
Plane Ticket (RT) - P6,077.50 ($110.50)
Hostel (2 nights & 1 day) - P1325.50 ($24.10)
Bus Fare (to NAIA) - P300.00
Fruitas Smoothie - P200.00
Travel tax - P1,600.00

Day 1
Taiwan Fun Pass - P3,994.00
Bus fare - P 300.00
Food - P200.00 
Food - P1000.00 

Day 2
Food souvenirs - P1300.00
Food - P400

Day 3-4
Food souvenirs - P200.00
Express train - P210.00
Burger King meal - P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) - P300.00

Total is P17,785.00
I also used Google Sheets to present my expenses hoping it would present clarity. 


I think I went over my budget on this trip. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to spend less on my next trip.

Use my Klook code: 4FUKBM

Please use my Trip.com and Klook code if need to purchase anything on these travel apps. I hope this information is helpful if you are planning a trip to Taiwan. 

Do you think I spent a reasonable for this trip or not? 

Let me know what you think. 
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Taiwan Blog Episode 6: Bye Taiwan, For Now, Hello Philippines Again!

Monday, October 20, 2025


Last day in Taiwan, what a generous and kind experience! These were my last minute activities in Taiwan. 

Ximending Night Market

Last night of my trip in Taiwan, and I got to witness the night market of Ximending. There were street performers who captivated both locals and foreign tourists. I stayed for a while watching the performers from the beginning of their performance, but I wasn't able to finish recording it since the camera had lost its power. I also couldn't stay late, and I had to sleep early for my return flight the next day. I think I also bought some food souvenirs that night. 


Bye Taiwan, For Now

Going to Taoyuan Airport was short, but it was I who was tired from all the touristy activities I did for the 3 days that made me feel so tired. I hopped onto an express train to the airport, I think, it cost me 105 Taiwanese dollars or 210 Philippine pesos. 

I decided to have my breakfast at the airport, and the Burger King food stall caught my attention because of their Naruto meal specialty. Unfortunately, I did't get the Naruto meal, because it was a little pricey for one meal for me, it was 300 plus Taiwanese dollars, so it would cost me 600 plus Philippine pesos. Instead, I got their regular meal, probably it was 189 Taiwanese dollars or 378 Philippine pesos. 

My tummy was happy and moved on to the boarding and waited for my flight. 


Hello Philippines again

With less than two hours, I got back to the Philippines and it was still raining. I left raining and returned raining, just like Philippines, I guess. 


It was a tiring Taiwan trip, but it was all worth it. Just like I said before, I would love to visit Taiwan again if I get the chance, hopefully for a trip and not just for a layover. 
My expenses:

Food souvenirs P200.00
Express train P210.00
Burger King meal P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) P300.00

Total is P1088.00
I got to rest and renew my strength. It was fun sharing with you all my Taiwan trip experience. 

Until next, where to? Tara!


Travel Expenses: Taiwan Trip 2025 (3 Nights & 2 Days)

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