I remember the time when we were planning the trip. From an initial 15 people, we were down to 5 by the time we were about to leave. We still pushed through though because it was a long overdue vacation and we wouldn't let anything hinder us from leaving.

Think about the excitement when we boarded an early morning Jam Liner bus trip from Buendia in Pasay to Batangas Port. The 2-hour ride was fast and smooth because it was still dark when we left. By the time we got to Batangas Port, the sun was not yet up plus there were not any boats that travel to Mindoro.

It was an opportunity to bond through crazy photos and by playing mobile phone games. We were so engrossed that before we knew it, it was already 7 am. We got our tickets at Php70 per head and in a few moments, we were already on a small boat bound for White Beach in Puerto Galera.

What was even more unforgettable about the trip was, along the way, we saw a group of dolphins jump out of the water. About an hour later, we disembarked on White Beach. We were a bit disappointed because we were expecting fine, white sand. Not Boracay but at least close to it. But that was not so. The beachfront was crowded with bars and commercial establishments. It looked like it was in disarray.

Good thing we asked a tricycle driver if he knew a place that is quiet and secluded. Some location that is more idyllic. Here offered to take us to Talipanpan Beach for Php100. A 30-minute tricycle ride took us to Talipanpan. He referred us to the owners of GM's Beach Resort, a pleasant couple who was genuinely happy to welcome us to their quiet little place. Our accommodation included set meals which the owners said they cook fresh before each meal, and the ingredients they bought from the wet market every morning.

As soon as we set our bags down, we waited no more and headed to the beach. The sand was gray but the beachfront was not crowded; it was a whole lot better than White Beach. We ask one of the resort employees if they offer activities like a tour around Puerto Galera or island-hopping. Luckily, they do arrange island hopping and snorkeling tours as well as a trek to the waterfalls.

On our first day, we had sightseeing downtown to the Church and the ferry port. After lunch, we hiked to see the waterfalls. It was just a small waterfall with a small pool, not really extraordinary but it was still scenic.

On our second day, we went island-hopping. We went snorkeling in the open sea then spent about 30 minutes on an uninhabited island, and then to a secluded beach.

The third day was our last day. We were scheduled to depart for Batangas Port late in the afternoon so we went to the public market very early in the morning to buy souvenirs and other items.

After our trip to the market, we packed our bags and got ready to leave. By 4M, our boat was waiting for us. We bade goodbye to the nice and gracious hosts and told them that we would someday visit them in their lovely resort.

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Buses leave every 30 minutes, around that time. Meanwhile, the bus fare is around Php200. Travel time

is more or less 2 hours to get there. Make sure to leave Manila early in order for you to catch the last ferry or boat bound for Puerto Galera.

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