Banana Boat

Gabi learned a few new words and phrases over the long weekend.

And she just turned two.

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As our birthday present, we packed our things for a short trip to Puerto Galera. It would be her first beach experience, our third boat ride to White Beach, and our pahabol summer treat for Nay and Giselle. =)

We made reservation at Basilico, exactly the same place and at the same corner unit were we stayed last year with my family. The rate has been relatively cheap for a beachfront accommodation. But we noticed a slight customer service deterioration.

Gabi' first dip.

On our second night, we dined at Pizzeria Ristorante Italianno, located at the west end of White Beach going to Tamaraw Beach. At laaast! Our third attempt was a success. It has a nice location, almost at the bend. The view, if you happen to find a seat near the veranda, could be stunning at sunset.

Their giant pizza (prize range P300 - 500) tastes really good. We ordered Capriciossa. Loved it. Then, later on, we added two sets of pasta-- prize range 200-390, good for two. Buddy ko and I tried Marcianna, with fresh tomato, ham, and a few mushrooms. We both loved it, too. Giselle and Nay gave Carbonarra a shot.

After dinner, we decided to have a full-body beachside massage, except for Giselle who had changed her mind and accompanied Gabi to our unit, instead. The initial plan was to have the massage by pair. Anyway, the session was satisfactory. The charge has also increased by P50.

We got up early the next day for Gabi's last plunge.

And I got stung by a baby jellyfish. But that was another story.

Quick Budget Reference (Per Head)
Transportation: Taxi 160 (to and from bus terminal) + Bus, 344 (2-way) + Ferry, 380 (2-way) = P552

Food: ~P100 per meal (3x for 3 days) = P900

Accommodation: 1500-2000 per day for 2-5 heads (beachfront, offpeak)

* Kayak: P200-300 per hour

* Banana Boat: P200 per hour

* Snorkling: P600-800 per boat for two (usually starts at P1000 per boat for at least four persons)

* ATV: P650 per hour

* Buggy: P800 per hour

* Body massage: P200 per hour

Note: Those with * are optional and can be negotiated.

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Banana boat, big rock, beach (when she's swimming or wants to swim) or sea (when she's just looking at it). Those words have just been added to her quite impressive memory, which includes fahnten (fountain), mahnten (mountain), ribber (river), pancit, baby jaguar, castle, apel juice (apple juice), umbella (umbrella), oop aaag (group hug), embace (embrace), nater please (water please), book, melk (milk), pick floweh (flower), park, "1" to "14".

And my favorite-- when she says "Aaayyy (pointing to herself) love (her fingers forming a heart) yuuu (pointing at you)".

Happy 2nd Birthday, Gabi! We love you very much. Be good. *kugos*