Have you met my materialistic side? *Barney tone*

Yes, I know, it's five months away from December and yet here I am listing down the things I want for Christmas. Or right now.

Camera bag - The one I'm using right now is the default freebie bag that has a Batman stitching on the front. The problem is it's not going to keep it safe and dry. I need a light and durable camera bag that can protect it when I'm outdor.

1. Customized Leather Luggage Tag - I love the vintage feel of this.  it looks like it belongs to my grandparents then handed down to me. 
2. Combination Bag Lock - I want this because I got so paranoid about the drugs issues in airports. This is to make sure that no one opens my bag and put some drugs and whatnot inside. It also prevents someone from taking stuff out of my bag. I am particular about this brand because a card is used to unlock  instead of a key. 
3. Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring - Just because! Maybe, someday. Soon!

What's inside my backpack?

Promo fare means no check-in bags so I packed really light on a recent trip to Iloilo.

Here's what's inside my backpack for an overnight beach trip:

1. Clothes - Clothes take up the most room in my luggage so I rolled it neatly to save space.
2. Swimsuit - What's a beach trip without something to wear on the beach?
3. Travel towel - Compared to normal ones, this chamois towel is easier to dry, not bulky and will not get heavy when wet.
4. Mask & Snorkel - I brought my own set to save money from renting.
5. Dry Bag - If I know I'll be riding a boat, I make sure to bring my Rubber Ducky dry bag. I don't want my electronics to get busted in case the boat turtle turns.
6. Hat - I don't want my hair to get really dry since I'll be spending a lot of time under the sun.
7. Sarong - This one is definitely a travel must-have! I can use it as a cover-up when swimming or a blanket when it gets cold at night.
8. DLSR - This one is very obvious.
9. Waterproof Camera - Cameras are always a must have on vacations no matter where where my destination is but I don't want to risk the DSLR getting wet on the beach.
10. Tripod - For obvious reasons that I don't want to bother other people to take my pictures.
11. Food - In case we get hungry while on the road.

2/2 Of aswang, mangkukulam and black magic

Salag-doong Beach

 

From what I read on travel blogs, Salagdoong has the best beach in the island. The beach didn't fail us though. The sand was powdery white but not as fine as the sand in Boracay nor Panglao Island. The water is crystal blue just like the one that welcomed us at the port. And slides are usually seen in the swimming pool, right? But here, the slide is built on top of a rock formation and goes straight down to the sea. The only thing that held us from staying there was.. Let me put it this way. Salagdoong Beach Resort is to SM Department Store while Coco Grove is to Rustan's. Get the picture now? Yes? Yes.

Tubod Beach



With 800 meters of white sand beach, you will always have a private spot on the shore. And since we went there during the rainy month of July, there were not much of guests. Just a few foreigners getting their dose of sunshine from a tropical country like ours. Although my feet hurt because of the rocky sea bed. The sand was not fine but it's white so that's good enough.

Tubod Marine Sanctuary




On our second day, we decided to check out what Tubod Marine Sanctuary has to offer. We paid Php 50 each for the conservation fee (I'm not really sure) that's good for the whole day. There was really nothing interesting underwater coming from a person who dives in Anilao. The waves are strong that time which makes it hard for us to swim away from the shore. After an hour of snorkeling, we gave up as we were struggling with the surf.




We got to talk to the locals who work for the resort. We curiously asked if there are really aswangs and mangkukulam in the island and they jokingly answered with a grin "Opo, kami po lahat dito aswang."

Will I go back tho this little paradise? Definitely!!!!