Basta Igat, Sikat! by MyMaria: malapascua

Remember Summer: BastaIgatSikat Birthday/Summer Giveaway 2013

Summer is officially here! But apparently, most people had already gone to spend their summer vacations during the Holy Week. As for the rest of us, we are still yet to embark on our tanning escapades, water fights, party nights, and grab our favorite flip-flops to make a run for the nearest beach.

Looking back, I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to visit some of the best beaches in the country with my friends and family. The earliest beach escapade I can remember was back in 1992 when we went to Boracay. There were just a few resorts back then and it wasn't as crowded. I was only 9 years old so there's not much partying for me but just a whole lot of swimming. LOL!

Neon yellow wayfarers were definitely already the thing some 20 years ago!!!

Malapascua (Logon) Island is what we fondly call a mini-Boracay and it was exactly like how Boracay looked the first time I went there. It's probably more developed now but when I was in college, the place felt like our own private white beach.

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort in Camotes Island is one of the places I've been to before a lot of people from all over the country discovered it. It's like one of those setting you read in romance novels and for me it's one of the perfect getaways for couples who don't like overcrowded beaches. I'm sorry I could not provide any photos because during this time I learned a very valuable lesson -- always make back-ups of your hard drive (or at least the My Pictures folder). Damn Sality virus infected my PC and screwed up the entire system. All my files from 2002 were a goner. Boo! :(

The one good thing about living here in the province is that we are near so many beautiful beaches and we don't have to book flights just to get to one! Just like Canigao Island that's just 10 minutes away via pump boat from Macrohon, Leyte.

Because I lived in Cebu for a few years back, going to Moalboal was a given. Then it was off to Kawasan Falls.

Mactan's Plantation Bay Resort & Spa is one of my TOP favorite places to be. Need I say why? Well, you can read all about it HERE.

Panglao Island in Bohol is also another popular destination during the summer. It's the one place to be if you want a white beach getaway and at the same time want to immerse in some history + sightseeing all over Bohol (think Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, old Baclayon church, etc.).

Tangkaan Point in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte is another one of those hidden gems in the island. Only a few hours away and you don't have to spend thousands to enjoy the beautiful location. You can also do a side trip and check out Gunhuban Falls near Bato, Leyte.

tangkaan point padre burgos southern leyte summer

Island hopping is one of the best things to do during the summer and you can even do it in a single day! This is true if you want to explore the islands near Mactan and Cebu. I've been to Gilutongan, Caohagan, and Sulpa Islands. And yet, there's still Pandanon, Talima, Nalusuan, and so many more to explore!!!

Bantayan Island is another place I keep coming back to. If I were to pick one island where I could live the rest of my life in, that would be the place I'd rather be. I don't care if it's at a secluded part of the island (like Maia's Beach Resort) or at the most happening place in town (we stayed at Tristan's). I don't really know why but it just feels like home to me.

And then of course, there's our recent summer escapade at Crimson Resort & Spa which is definitely world-class! For more pictures, you can check it out HERE.

I have yet to go to Kalanggaman Island, which is making big waves in tourism-related news, and I hope to visit there this summer.

And now it's time for my summer raffle... But first let me ask you, are you set for summer? If not, then here's your chance to win some prizes -- a summer loot you can take with you on your next beach getaway! I'll be adding more prizes as the summer sun blazes on before the end of the month. One lucky winner (*must be a resident of the Philippines or one who has an address serviceable by JRS or LBC so I can ship your prize even if you're out of the country!*) will win all these awesome goodies! Contest ends on the 1st of May at 12 AM. I will be announcing the winner on May 2, 2013. All you need to do is the following:

JOIN THE GIVEAWAY VIA RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway