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Bolinao

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive if I was up to the task. We haven’t been north yet on our own so we were worried about the long drive and the unknown. Except for the Nokia-snapshot map (we got from the net) Rosell had on her cellphone, we were clueless on how to get there.

View of Punta Riviera infinity pool and cottages

We actually woke up around 4 AM Saturday, March 22 but due to my wife’s “gusto-ko-pang-matulog-wag-nyo-kong-pilitin” attitude we got out around 6 AM already from our Boni hideout. The kids were sleepy but were very excited about the beach.

Our first stop over was at the NLEX Total gas station at around 7 AM. We were starving by then and had to have breakfast. It was at Tapa King in the company of Chito Miranda who was with his crew probably off to some out of town gig. My wife and I gaved knowing nodges when they came in; Our yaya, Ate Cita was indifferent; while the cute waitresses strutted towards their table every a few minutes or so hoping to be appreciated by the rock star. The kids ate their tapsilogs paying no mind, being more excited hitting the beach.

The Drive

Getting there was half the fun for me the dakilang driver; for my passengers I guess it was the most boring part. Maganda yung daan and no hassle except for the trike road kings when you get to the provinces. I enjoy pumping gas so the drive (except for the backache when we actually got there) was a joy. We were travelling between 80 kph (min) to 120 kph (max) and still it took us 6 hours on the road.

Pambansang paliguan: White Beach.

Bolinao

When you get to Bolinao after 10,000 years, it’s about 20 minutes from the main road to the resorts. If you came via bus commute (Est. at 50,000 years), transferring from your resort to white beach and the lighthouse might prove to be a problem kasi may kalayuan in between and madalang yung trikes but I guess you can always ask the resort to provide you with one. The roads along the beachfront are paved but there are some parts na hindi pa therefore the dust; although it might prove to be fun depending on your koboy/adventure tolerance rating.

Arista enjoying the sand at white beach.

Rosell looking for basilio and crispin.

Treasures of Bolinao na ata jan. Check out the salbabida!

White Beach is fantastic. Dun kami nag lunch afterwhich the kids asked permission to swim. Drawback lang its a public beach so madami talaga tao pero the sand is almost Boracay quality and the water is a shining combination of light blue, dark green and navy blue colors. Matin-aw!
Sofia and the Lighthouse.

After White Beach, dont forget to pass by the lighthouse, major photo souvenir. There’s not much to do up there really except to have your friendster photo taken.

Punta Riviera

We stayed at Punta Riviera, a resort owned by a scottish doctor named Ian Smith, jolly fellow. Except for the accent he looks more like an American to me. The place was a hodgepodge of Asian, Catholic (may grotto kasi), Mediterranean and Filipino design sensibilities. But considering that according to their website they designed the resort themselves, i could forgive the lack of consistency with regards to theme.

Good thing that we checked out White Beach first before settling at the resort. The kids were dissapointed to see Punta’s beachfront.

Infinity pool.

The almost honeymoon suite. ehehe.

Our room was nice but the water wasn’t that strong and was a bit salty (bobon cguro.) They serve great food and their Wendy’s Knock off Ice Tea is to die for. All in all it was our money’s worth.

Dining Area

Tata enjoying her Punta Riviera Ice Tea.

The problem with Bolinao is that it doesn’t seem to have the support of the locals, otherwise how do you explain the “akyat resort” thieves. The LGU and DOT should conduct seminars to educate them that tourism will help create jobs in their community. Case in point, after our first night we were treated to a wake-you-up-groggy-by-screams-of-anguish from a fellow guest and his family after waking up and finding their room stripped of all their belongings (including his laptop and dslr!). We found out later on from the reception that neighboring puerto del sol also got robbed. Swerte nalang namin hindi room namin yung pinasok. That should teach my wife not to bring her laptop on vacation; serve the workaholics right. hehe

Kayaking sa Ilog Malino.

Punta Riviera by moonlight.

HOW TO GET THERE

1. From end of NLEX, exit Sta. Ynez.
   (we actually exited Dau so we had to turn around and pay quite a lot of money via the toll booths just to get on the right track.)
2. Straight to Conception, Tarlac.
3. When you get to Luisita, Tarlac; roam around for a bit till you feel lost. Ask for directions.
4. I forgot most of it na but here’s a map. Don’t be deceived though…it’s actually farther than it looks.

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE LONG ROAD TRIP

1. A better map than what we had
2. Food and water for the long drive. preferably a big cooler with lots and lots of soda
3. Reading materials
4. If you’ve got kids on board, make sure to bring unan and game boy to keep them busy
5. Gintong Arinola when passengers have to go on the run

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. It’s a very long drive (6 hours! at 100 KM p/hr)
2. The beach to check out is a public one, White Beach
3. Lighthouse on top of a hill photo op. Ideal for Friendster
4. Dust from the rough road
5. No bikinis here ‘mate. better luck at La Luz
6. 50 PhP parking fee and 150 PhP Cottage fee at White Beach
7. Thieves
8. Memories. See more of our photos here.