I’ve always loved chicken curry, but I had never actually dined in an authentic Indian restaurant—until now. I’m glad I finally did.
My visit to Royal Indian Curry House was more than just a meal—it was a full experience.
The food was rich, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. The spices were bold but still enjoyable, even for someone not used to strong Indian flavors. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared, from the main dishes down to the smallest details.
We ordered the Basmati Rice Biryani, which tasted fresh and well-balanced, and paired it with wine that complemented the meal beautifully.
The restaurant itself leans toward upscale, and the pricing reflects that—but it feels justified. The ambiance is warm, clean, and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy your meal without feeling overly formal or out of place.
The layout was comfortable, with tables arranged in small clusters. It wasn’t crowded when we visited, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The staff was attentive and welcoming, greeting us with genuine warmth and giving us time to settle before taking our orders.
Overall, it’s a place I’d gladly return to—not just for the food, but for the entire experience.
I’ll be honest—I don’t really consider myself a savvy traveler. Not the kind who carefully plans itineraries or collects passport stamps, not yet.
But something shifted when I turned 40.
My children are grown, and for the first time in a long while, I’ve started to feel what it’s like to live life on my own terms. These days, I say yes more often—to spontaneous trips, quick food runs, and unexpected invitations to step out of the house.
So when the opportunity came for a road trip from Capas to Botolan, I didn’t hesitate.
The Drive
Our route took us through an ongoing road project that aims to connect Tarlac and Zambales—a development that will eventually make travel between the two provinces much easier.
For now, though, the journey is far from smooth.
It was a long, dusty drive—but absolutely worth it.
Working from home, I don’t get opportunities like this often. Contrary to what many assume, remote work doesn’t always mean freedom to travel anytime. That’s why this trip felt like a rare break from routine.
About a kilometer in, we reached a section leading to a missing bridge—still under construction. From there, we drove roughly 17.7 kilometers toward a temporary crossing over lahar terrain.
After passing the damaged bridge, we continued toward Sitio Baag, where the road gradually turned into soft soil. That’s where we had to stop—the vehicle couldn’t safely go any further.
The View from San Jose
Before heading back, we made a stop at the San Jose View Deck.
The view stretches wide across what feels like all of Central Luzon. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause—not because you planned to, but because the moment asks you to.
What to Know Before You Go
This isn’t your typical easy drive. Conditions are unpredictable, and the area is still largely undeveloped.
If you’re planning to go:
Bring enough drinking water and snacks Don’t expect stores or rest stops along the way Travel with companions—this is not a solo-friendly route (yet) Be prepared for rough terrain, especially near lahar crossings
Looking Back
It was a long and tiring trip—but one I’d gladly take again.
There’s something grounding about places like this—raw, unfinished, and quiet. It reminds you that not everything has to be polished to be meaningful. Sometimes, the journey itself—dust, detours, and all—is the point.
At the time of writing this, I’m nursing a fever and sore muscles—and yet, I couldn’t be happier.
The experience was worth every bit of discomfort. If anything, I just wish I had prepared better so I could’ve enjoyed it even more.
It all started with a simple birthday offer from one of my favorite people:
“Anything you’d like for your birthday.”
I didn’t hesitate. I already knew what I wanted.
Freediving had been sitting on my bucket list for years. So before my sponsor flew to France, I was told to book it right away—no overthinking. I signed up for a two-day course and even pre-ordered some of my gear (fins… I told myself I’d figure those out later). Booking the Course
I chose Aquaholics Freediving, based in Pangasinan—a convenient choice since I’m from the North.
The course fee was ₱2,500 per person, which is reasonable considering freediving isn’t exactly a cheap hobby.
They require a 50% down payment via GCash or bank transfer, with the remaining balance paid on-site. After sending proof of payment through Messenger, your schedule gets confirmed.
Also—small confession—I booked it before my actual birthday. My grandmother always said not to take risks on your birthday… and honestly, I wasn’t about to test that by potentially drowning. 😂 Getting There: Sitio Olanen, Bani
The trip to Sitio Olanen was an adventure in itself.
I was late. It was raining. And I nearly got scammed by a tricycle driver who almost got me lost. At one point, I thought, this better be worth it.
It was.
When I arrived, my Batch 53 group welcomed me warmly—they even sang me a birthday song. One of my batchmates, Thea, lent me a brand-new tent because I arrived too late to get one. That small act stayed with me. Sometimes, you’re reminded that people can be unexpectedly kind.
Directions & Fares
Dau to Alaminos (Victory Liner): ₱328 (~4 hours) Alaminos to Brgy. Tiep (Bolinao bus): ₱40 (~30 minutes) Tiep to Sitio Olanen (tricycle): 30+ minutes (rough roads)
Day 1: Learning to Breathe (and Panic Less)
We were guided by instructors Pao and Milo, founders of Aquaholics—patient, skilled, and very hands-on.
We covered:
Breathing techniques Safety protocols Equalization (the most important skill)
We were diving around 9–10 meters deep—exciting, but intimidating.
I struggled with equalization. Every time I couldn’t adjust the pressure properly, I felt pain in my ear and had to resurface.
What I learned:
Don’t rush equalization Pain is your signal to stop Your body will tell you when something’s wrong—listen to it That Night: Reality Check
This is where things got real.
It rained hard. Even with a borrowed tent, my things got soaked. I spent the night damp, cold, and uncomfortable.
That’s when it hit me: I was not prepared for this kind of trip.
Still, I didn’t quit.
Lying there, shivering, I found myself scrolling through Lazada, mentally listing everything I should’ve brought.
What I Should’ve Prepared
Camping essentials:
Proper tent (with rain cover) Sleeping mat or air mattress Food: bananas, bread, tuna, crackers Plenty of water
Freediving essentials: Rash guard or wetsuit Aqua shoes Mask & snorkel Fins Sunblock & aloe vera Hair ties (visibility matters underwater) Basic meds Towel (non-negotiable 😂)
Day 2: Pushing Through
We started at 8:30 AM with stretching and breathing drills.
Day 2 focused on: Duck dives Finning techniques
Both were harder than they looked.
I also made the mistake of not eating properly beforehand—my energy dropped, and I started cramping mid-dive.
Quick lessons:
Hydrate (with electrolytes if possible) Stretch properly Eat before diving Final Thoughts
Despite the rain, the cramps, and the lack of preparation—I would absolutely do it again.
This experience with Aquaholics Freediving pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real—and that made it unforgettable.
If I could redo it, I’d come better prepared. But I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
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