The Best of 2018 | Ace and Demi Highlights

Yay! Few days before throwing away our 2018 calendars!

It has been 365 fantastic heydays for us. We have lesser trips together this year due to Ace’s work demands, but it wasn’t less of an adventure. It has been a whirlwind of both fun and pain.

We’d like to take this chance to THANK YOU for your never-ending support, for the clicks and views that are never ceasing, and for not getting tired of reading our stories. May you continue to visit this little corner next year, and we’ll try to bring you more adventures and misadventures.

For that, here’s a lookback to some of our unforgettable trips this year.

*Bacalla Woods Campsite (January) 

Bacalla Woods Campsite

We started 2018 with a getaway to Bacalla Woods Campsite where we were able to disconnect from the mundane life in the city, and reconnect with ourselves. The place was idyllic and indeed a perfect area to find the disconnection that we longed for. As an added bonus, we were joined by some friends from different Asian countries which made our sojourn fun and memorable.

*Bantayan Island (May)

Ace and Demi at Bantayan Island. 

Another highlight of the year was our summer trip to Bantayan Island. It was one of those spontaneous escapes that turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We only didn’t get to tour the beautiful tourist spots on the island, but we also went on an island hopping on our second day where we visited Virgin Island.

Ace and Demi at the Virgin Island. 

Truth be told, I didn’t fall in love with Bantayan Island like what I’ve mentioned at the end of my post here. But my curiosity as to why people rave about how beautiful the place is and how I didn’t see it, made me want to go back. And that’s something we have to look forward to next year.  

*Bohol (June)

 

 

Ace and Demi at the Panoramic Ridges of Alicia, Bohol

Last but definitely not the least was our wedding anniversary trip to Bohol. Instead of the usual countryside tour in the province, we opted for an adventuresome DIY excursion. Our first stop was the jaw-dropping ridges of Binabaje Hills in Alicia, Bohol. Climbing the steep hills while wallowing in the panoramic surrounding was a wonderful adventure.

Ace and Demi at Can-umantad Falls, Candijay, Bohol. 

We also got the chance to visit some of the tourist attractions in Candijay. We were mesmerized by the cold water of Canawa Spring and its cryptic stories. We were also able to see Can-umantad Falls up close. And who wouldn’t notice the amazing rice terraces in the area?

Our junket ended with a night in Anda where we woke up to the sight of the sunrise while sitting in the powdery sand.

Ace and Demi at Anda, Bohol. 

All of our adventures are always enjoyable and memorable when we are together. Because we believe in the cliche that it’s not the destination that makes your journey worthwhile but the person you are journeying with. But above are the highlights of our travel stories this year.

2018 might be fleeting for some of you, or it might be dragging for others, but we hoped you’ll end this year with no regrets and grudges. Let’s embrace the new year with a new heart to love and care, and a new mind to think wise and twice.

Ace, Demi and Elliot! 

Cheers to the awesome 2018!

And here’s to a prosperous 2019!

 

Love,

Ace, Demi and Elliot.

 

 

 

Heaven In the Border | Borderside Mountain Resort

Head to the border but do not cross the line.

For office people like us who spend the whole week in the city, beating deadlines and dealing with the daily traffic jams, nothing is more comforting than spending a weekend in a place that guarantees relaxation and peace. Most of us seek refuge in the refreshing feel of the mountain, while others prefer the calmness of the sea.

Beaches are the common go-to place to unwind and chill because they are readily accessible. However, beach resorts tend to be crowded and busy on weekends. This gives way to the rise of mountain resorts.

So, we were very hyped up when we learned about Borderside Mountain Resort in Compostela, just five minutes away from our house. Tucked near the border of Compostela and Danao, this resort lies peacefully in Bugho, Bagalnga, a far-flung barangay of the former.

It isn’t as accessible as Gatubod Spring Resort in Basak, so only a few people know about this place. We never got the chance to visit it, not until last weekend. Ace and I went on a road trip with Elliot, and we decided to check it out. (Ways on how to get there is written below.) 

As soon as we got off from the motorcycle, I instantly fell in love with the place. It was quiet, laid-back and refreshing. I like how it doesn’t feel like a commercial resort but a rest house. The entrance of the resort is canopied by the lush foliage of the bamboo and mango trees. Upon entering the premises, you have to climb the staircase going to the swimming pool. The pool is 4-6 feet deep. On its right side is the house which you can rent for Php2000/night, and on its left is their mini-forest.

Aside from the serenity of the place, one thing that stands out the most is the cleanliness of the resort. I wonder how I couldn’t see a single falling leaf even when the whole place is surrounded by plants and trees. I think the caretakers are very meticulous in cleaning and sweeping them. I also want to mention how friendly and accommodating they were.

RATES and OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE: 

From Compostela, Borderside Mountain Resort can be accessed through Canamucan and/or Buluang road. If you opt for Canamucan road, it is the corner going to Virginia and Gatubod Spring Resort. The road is established, but prepare for an uphill drive when you start to enter the corner street going to Barangay Bagalnga proper. If you choose Buluang road, it is the corner going to Q-Park and Paradise Hills Mountain Resort. Some parts of the street are a bit rough after you pass by Paradise Hills.

You can ride a motorcycle or habal-habal from Compostela Public Market to the resort. The fare is Php40-50 per person. Tell the driver that you are going to Borderside Mountain Resort in Bugho, Bagalnga.

Recommended driver: Alfie — 09108490689

Entrance Fees:

• Php100/head — Adult
• Php50/head – kids

Cottages: Php250

Tables: Php200

For overnight stay: (They have rooms under construction.)

• House: Php2000
• Own Tent: Php200
• Resort tent: Php500

For more information, you may contact these numbers:

• 564-2161
• 423-4947
• 09088631029
• 09420915982

It’s a garden…it’s a farm… it’s a mountain resort.

~Borderside Mountain Resort

 

 

’til next refreshing guide, everyone!

Keep safe!

Love, Ace and Demi