Philippines Festivals and Holidays

SINULOG
every 3rd Sunday of January, Cebu City's super celebration distinguished by its unusual two step forward 1 step backward shuffle, this simulating the Holy child of the shores is a century old tradition observed in this part of the Visayas region. The prayer dance is harmonized to the beat of Pit Senor! Viva Sto. Nino.
DAROSIMULOG
every 3rd week of January in Dumaguete street dancing in colorful costumes by the locals to celebrate the conversion of pagan tribes to Christianity.
ATI-ATIHAN
every 3rd week of January in Kalibo, Aklan the Ati-atihan festival honors the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron Sto. Niño. The celebration is highlighted by local covered in black soot and dressed in colorful costumes like the native Aeta dancing on the street to the rhythm and beat of drums while shouting Viva Sto Niño!
DINAGYANG
every 4th week of January in Iloilo City Ilonggos take to the streets in colorful costumes, with bodies covered in black paint in honor of the Holy Sto. Niño.

FEBRUARY
SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL
from February 17-26 in Ipil, Sibugay, Zamboanga Sibug-Sibug Festival is celebrated during their foundation day in the province of Sibugay with colorful ethnic street dancing with rituals illustrating good harvest, wedding and healing rituals. During the festival, it endorses it's number one product which is oyster and known to be the biggest and juiciest and meatiest oyster in the Philippines.
DIA DE ZAMBOANGA
every 26th of February in Zamboanga City a celebration of cultural and religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in this most cosmopolitan of the Philippine cities. Marks the date when Zamboanga became a city.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES
every February 2 Jaro, Iloilo the largest and the most wealthy religious pageantry in Western Visayas.
TINAGBA FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 11 IRIGA CITY CAMARINES SUR A harvest festival that coincides with the feast day of Our Ladyof Lourdes. Features a parade of colorful and grandiosely-decorated carabao carts.

MARCH
ARRIBADA FESTIVAL
first week of March in Donsol Sorsogon is a celebration welcoming the whale shark season and the blessings this season brings.
ARAW NG DABAW
March 10 - 16, Davao Del Sur. The celebration of Davao's Foundation Day as a Chartered City.
SINIGAYAN
every March 19 Sagas, Negros Occidental named after the native seashell. shell craft art is featured during the festival.
MORIONES
every Easter Sunday in Marinduque come the seven days of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in the age-old ritual of the Moriones. colorful warrior costumes are worn topped with finely carved masks portraying the violent Roman soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to show the story of the conversions of Longuinus, the centurion who stabbed Jesus' side and his subsequent beheading.
HOMONHON LANDING
MARCH 16 SOUTHEASTERN SAMAR A pageant by the seashore re-enacting the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.
FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 31 LI MASANA ISLAND SOUTHERN LEYTE Features a street pageant by the different municipalities.

APRIL
KALILANG
April 10-15 Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur. The charter anniversary celebration of Muslim culture including songs, dances, crafts and food.
KADAUGAN SA MACTAN
April 27, Cebu City. a reenactment of the battle of Mactan where Magellan's forces are defeated by Lapu-lapu and his warriors, resulting in the death of the Spanish explorer.
CASSAVA
Last week of April, Camotes, Islands, Cebu highlights the many uses of this root crop. Features cooking contests.
BINIRAYAN
late April in San Jose, Antique celebrates the reenactment of the landing of ten Borneo Datus in 13th Century.

MAY
RODEO FILIPINO
May 6 to 9, Masbate City. The highlight of Masbate's livestock week focusing on the importance of cattle raising to the island's economy.
BOLIBONG KINGKING
May 23-24 Loboc Bohol. A music and dance festival of folklore and traditions of Bohol. MANGO FESTIVAL a month long celebration in San Miguel, Guimaras to celebrate a good harvest of their main produce - mangoes, merry making is done every year at the front lawn of the Provincial Capitol Building
TAPUSAN
a month long celebration in Alitagtag, Batangas to honor the Holy Cross.
CARABAO CARROZA RACE
every 3rd day of May in Pavia, Iloilo the race features the fastest water buffalos (carabaos) in the area pulling bamboo carts.
ALINSANGAN BOA-BOA HAN
MAY 1 NABLA CAMARINES SUR A fertility festival of pagan origin.
MAGAYON FESTIVAL
MAY 1-31 MIT MAYON VOLCANO ALBAY Pays tribute to the beauty and power of regal Mayon Volcano.
PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL
MAY 1-31 DAET CAMARINES NORTE in honor of Daet's main crop, the Queen Formosa Pineapple, reputed to be the sweetest variety.
BANG KERO
LAST SUNDAY OF MAY PAGSANJAN, LAGUNA Flotilla of decorated boats (bancas) that also showcase the skills of Pagsanjan boatmen

JUNE
PILI FESTIVAL
June 20-29, Sorsogon. Street Dancing showcases the growth stages of Bicol's indigenous Pili nut.
MUDPACK FESTIVAL
every June 24 in Murcia, Negros Occidental oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind Murcias annual mud moving spectacle.
BUKLOG
from June 1 to 6 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte features stationary dancing by native Subanons on three meter structures.
PINTADos FESTIVAL
TACLOBAN CITY Back duringpre-Hispanic years, tattoos denoted courage among the natives of Tacloban. These they symbolize a cultural revival, and are highlighted in a wild, wild fiesta called the Pintados. Town residents decorate themselves with body paint, imitating the warriors of old while dancing to the frantic beat of drums.

JULY
PINTA FLORES
every 1st of July in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental participants with floral-painted bodies dance through the streets.
SANDUGO FESTIVAL
3rd week of July, Tagbilaran City Bohol. The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with a blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of Bohol. The historic event is celebrated in Tagbilaran with an all out festivities. This festival features a parade of colorful costumes and street dancing.
KINABAYO FESTIVAL
JULY 25 DAPITAN CITY An exotic and colorful ageant re-enacting the panish-Moorish wars particularly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under general Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan They were able to overturn the tide through the miraculous spirit of St James The addtion local color and modernism has made this annual revelry a popular attraction which brings thousands of visitors to the city.

AUGUST
KADAYAWAN SA BADAW
August 20-24, Davao City. This festival assures a weekend full of fun -tribal style. Watch as festivities reach a glorious peak on Saturday Morning when the Kadayawan parade is held featuring colorful ochid laden floats and more than a dozen ethnic groups dancing to the beat of the wooden drums.
KAAD LAW AN HAN SAMAR
AUGUST 11 CATBALOGAN, SAMAR Marks the celebration of Samars provincehood.
LUBI-LUBI
AUGUST 15 CALUBIAN, LEYTE Festivities in Calubian, Leyte, which focus on the various uses of coconut and its by products
BUYOGAN
AUGUST 19 ABUYOG (Bees buyog) depict the origin of the towns name in colorful dances.

SEPTEMBER
BONOK BONOK FESTIVAL & SLOP CAVE ADVENTURE
SEPTEMBER 9 SURIGAO CITY Behind Surigao's culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, noisy street dancing parade.
PENAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN
SEPTEMBER 16 NAGA CITY CAMARINES SUR Bicol Region's largest celebration is an annual affair that combines religion with culture and tradition, all in a 9-day fiesta of biblical proportions. Stay until sundown for the stirring climax: the fluvial parade as it makes its way down the river, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles a fitting end to this truly spiritual occasion.
SARA KIKI
SEPTEMBER 18 CALBAYOG CITY SAMAR The Filipino passion for cockfighting is celebrated with dancing and costumes which mimic the movements and appearance of these brave birds.

OCTOBER
MASSKARA FESTIVAL
every 3rd week of October in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, elaborate, colorful and creatively done masks are worn by the locals of the City of Smiles as they dance on the streets to have fun and celebrate.
HERMOSA FESTIVAL
from October 1-12 in Zamboanga City all roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga as the City of Flowers celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival, the Vintas, those colorful native sea boats, once again make their appearance in a fast paced race till you drop regatta. there's also wealth of cultural and flower shows art exhibits, and trade fairs. Its an all out celebration of life- Chavacano style.
LANZONES FESTIVAL
3rd week of October, Camiguin. The Lanzones festival in Mambaao is celebrated with weekend street dancing competition parties cultural shows, a parade and beauty pageant and a trade fair of local handicrafts and products. houses are ornamented with lanzones during this festival.
IBALONG
OCTOBER 6-12 LEGAZPI CITY ALBAY The festival depicts Bicol's early history and is named after an early hero of the region
BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT
OCTOBER 25 SURGAO Commemorates the anniversary of the largest naval battle in history which took place during World War II.
LEYTE GULF LANDING
OCTOBER 20 PALO, LETTE Marks the anniversary of the Allied Forces landing on Red Beach and the famous return of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines

NOVEMBER
PYAGSAWITAN
3RD WEEK MARAGUSAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY A thanksgiving festival that highlights the province's eco-tourism potential

DECEMBER
SAMBAT MASCARA Y REGATTA FESTIVAL
1st Saturday of December, Loay Bohol. The festival is held in honor of Saint Francis Javier Highlighted by a fluvial parade.

RORO Vessel Travel Tips

Enjoy comfortable RORO travel with these helpful tips While traveling by the sea is a fine idea, quite a handful of passengers suffer from seasickness, a condition stemming from a conflict in your sensory signals.

This happens when your inner ear's balance center tells your brain that you are movie, but your other senses feel that your body is still. Ergo, you may feel dizzy or nauseous, and before you know it, the trip isn't that fun anymore.

Seasickness can be such a hassle, but you wouldn't have to worry about it if you practice these preventive measures;

  • Avoid taking alcohol drinks before your trip. Alcohol will make you feel uneasy, especially when the ship starts moving. Drink water instead.

  • Eat moderate amount of food. Consuming too much food may trigger nausea, while starving yourself will only increase the acid levels in your stomach.

  • Keep a stash of mints. Pop a mint into your mouth when you start feeling nauseous. Mints have calming effects, plus itreplaces the bad taste in your mouth.


  • Go out on the deck and get as much fresh air as you can. Spending too much time inside the cabin can make youfeel dizzy.

  • An hour before you get onboard, take a safe antivertigo tablet that combats sea sickness, and will keep you in tiptop shape for 24 hours. Now you can look forward to a nausea free island to island trip.

Thy Womb shot in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Agriculture, fishing, and agar-agar farming are the leading source of livelihood of the people of Tawi-Tawi, with quite a number engaged in the barter trade business. Copra is the top agricultural produce, followed by root crops, fruits, and vegetables.

Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The capitals of Tawi-Tawi are Bongao and Panglima Sugala. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian East Kalimantan province. To the northeast lies the province of Sulu and to the west is Sabah in Malaysia. Tawi-Tawi also covers some islands in the Sulu Sea to the northwest, the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island and the Turtle Islands, just 20 kilometers away from Sabah.

The main island of Tawi Tawi supports many endemic species and subspecies of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants unique to this island, plus some that are only shared with Sulu Province. These include the Tawi Tawi Brown-dove, the Sulu Hornbill and the Sulu Bleeding-heart, although this latter species may already be extinct. The rapid expansion of human settlements into forested areas together with clearance for agriculture in the last few decades has dramatically reduced the available habitat for most of the endemic species, many of which are now considered 'Critically Endangered' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.


The Philippine Today

Less than 1000 days until a new Philippine President is elected and i am now contemplating of what to write on this page. Yesterday a Philippine Senator made a privilege speech where he accidentally opened the Pandora's Box and revealed how the government fund is being used by the President to sway lawmakers votes.

The Philippines today is classified a third world country with some parts considered as fourth world where the standard of living is very low. I pay may taxes diligently, the government is collecting taxes with extra effort. The funds which supposed to benefit the poor are being corrupted by government officials. If the system in running the government stays the same The future of the Philippines looks bleak.

The specifics:
  1. Senators and Congressmen are channeling their funds intended for the farmers and the poor to bogus Non Government Organizations and take home as much as 50% of it while the rest goes to the person running the NGO.
  2. The Executive Branch of the Government or the Presidents men are using their power to control the fund to bribe lawmakers.
  3. Some lawmakers are creating their own bogus NGO to control the 100% of the funds.
  4. The people can not see a proper document where their taxes are being spent.
What are the remedies?
  1. Abolish the Philippine Senate. Abolish the Philippine Congress.
  2. Allow the people to see where their taxes are going by posting it on the internet.
  3. Make the justice department work as enthusiastic as the tax collectors and render justice as soon as possible.
How do we do it?
  1. Call for change using the social media. Ask the rebels to revive their sparrow unit to terminate the accused with evidence of excessive wealth.
  2. Establish a Parliamentary form of government.







DISCOVER THE ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

Dipolog was the first Christian settlement in Mindanao so I visited the Sta. Cruz Cathedral in Punta Corro to see the altar that Rizal designed. Here I was advised by one local that I should only drive to Zamboanga City during daytime to avoid “incidents”.
Contents
1 CITY HOPPING IN ZAMBOANGA
2 NATURE TRIPPING
3 SAMPLING SOUTHERN FOOD
4 LOCAL FINDS
5 BOARD AND LODGING
6 GETTING AROUND
CITY HOPPING IN ZAMBOANGA

zamboangaDapitan City is on the northern part of the Zamboanga Peninsula in a region some folks still refer to as Western Mindanao. If you remember your Philippine history, you might remember Dapitan as the place where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled before he was shot in Bagumbayan.
The city today is very proud of the connection that there are several shrines around town dedicated to him. Most notable is the Rizal Shrine in Talisay where almost anything and everything about Rizal is on display. Souvenirs are also available around the shrine ranging from shirts to keychains. Also in Dapitan is the new Gloria's Fantasy land along Sunset Boulevard which happens to be the biggest theme park outside Metro Manila (call the Dapitan tourism office, tel. no. 065-906-0054).

En route to Zamboanga City, I stopped by Dipolog, which is half an hour away from Dapitan. Dipolog will soon also host another seaport that could accommodate RORO passengers which could complement its beautiful seaside. The roads were fairly goodland from Dipolog, " Zamboanga City is still seven to eight hours away so I opted to stay in a hotel near the plaza and took shots of the Dipolog Hall, an American-era building which also » serves as the City Hall. A stone’s throw away is the Provincial capitol building of Zamboanga del Norte which reminds me of the American Embassy in Manila for some reason.

Not letting the thought of those “incidents” get to me, I opted to go via the rough roads to Lugulian City in Zamboanga del Sur instead of plying the Zamboanga del Norte coast. . . Pagadian is the regional center of Region IX (No, it’s not Zamboanga City). Driving around the city is difficult because the terrain is inclined by as much as 40 degrees.

Just imagine driving around San Francisco or getting up to Baguio without the zigzag. I was amazed though of how tricycles, which is a local form of transportation built on three wheels, have adapted to the topography of the city.

From a vantage point in Mt. Palpalan, one can see a stunning View of the city proper and Illana Bay, Which is pretty similar to the Hong Kong Harbor. I assume this is the réason why"'Pagad1an is also called “Little Hong Kong”. After four hours passing Zamboanga Sibugay, I reached Zambotanga City via the newIy—paved ’ Ma. Clara L. Lobregat Highway.
NATURE TRIPPING

If you are up for the thrill of exploring nature in its unspoiled stage, the Zamboanga Peninsula sure has a lot to offer. In Dapitan, Dakak Park Beach Resort (from Dapitan, roughly 15 minutes. by car. Place reservations via tel. no 065.213 6813) is one of the most famous beach resorts that offer white sand beaches and seclusion of a private beach which is hard to find in other famous beaches in the Philippines.

The resort usually offers tour packages that include transfers and pick—ups from the airport (ranging from » Php 2,000- 8,000). In Dipolog, try the Linabo Peak, which offers a 360 degree view of the city and nearby areas. The peak is lead by the locally famous 3003 steps that are lined with trees.

You might also want to visit the Cogon Eco-Park which is a 344-hectare reforested area in Brgy. Cogon. Inside the e Cogon Eco—Park is the Sungkilaw Falls, a quiet place to contemplate which is quite good for solo travelers like me. (City Tourism Office tel. no. 065-2122485). In Pagadian, Dao Dao Islands is an underdeveloped tourist attraction accessible by boat (10-minute boat ride costs Php 500- Php 1,000). There are two islands to visit: Dako (or big) and Gamay (small).

Much of Gamay is only visible during low tide and most of it is submerged during high tide (Pagadian Tourism Office tel. no O62-214-2472). Mt. Palpan ’ ) offers a stunning View of the city anld Illana Bay (15-20 minutes by tricycle costs Php 50 and another 30 minutes’ by foot to reach its peak) . In Zamboanga, try visiting the Serenity Falls in Brgy La Paz and Pamucutan. Also, there are diving sites along the Santa Islands (7km from the coast accessible by boat costs Ph 1 000) and it is home to Samal tribe.

SAMPLING SOUTHERN FOOD

A feast of food“ finds can be found anywhere in the peninsula fitting any type of budget. Dishes are usually the same with little variations. Most dishes are composed of coconut milk and chili and seafood is abundant in the peninsula.

Worth trying are Locon or boiled crab and lobster at Abalone Seafood Restaurant in Zamboanga City (Mayorjaldon Street, tel no.’ 062- 9916806) or at Savory also in Jaldon St. (tel. no. 062—99111298). If you are on a tight budget you might Want to try street delicacies such as Zambo Rolls and Lul LOCAL FINDS

ln Dapitan, the Gloria de Dapitan~ Leisure Complex is being developed into a modern shopping center where - local furniture and clothing finds are available. Also, try visiting the Yakan ~ Village in Zamboanga City to have a closer look at the local weaving. You can also buy place mats, table cloths, in various geometric designs here. ' Pasalubong trinkets are also available at the Zamboanga Home Products Store " (Juldon and San Jose Rd) which include baskets and key chains. Various malls ' dot the city centers throughout the Zainboanga Peninsula where you can i buy clothes and souvenir items.

LOCAL FINDS

ln Dapitan, the Gloria de Dapitan~ Leisure Complex is being developed into a modern shopping center where - local furniture and clothing finds are available. Also, try visiting the Yakan ~ Village in Zamboanga City to have a closer look at the local weaving. You ' can also buy place mats, table cloths, in various geometric designs here. ' Pasalubong trinkets are also available at the Zamboanga Home Products Store " (juldon and San Jose Rd) which include baskets and key chains. Various malls ' dot the city centers throughout the Zainboanga Peninsula where you can i buy clothes and souvenir items.
BOARD AND LODGING

A variety of hotels are AVAILABLE In Zoambozlnga City. lf you don't have the budget to spend try the Grand Astoria Hotel (tel. no. 0918-9234284, costs around Php 800/night) along Jaldon St. which is practically in the City centre or the Marcian Business Hotel in Cesar Climaco Ave. (tel. no. 062-991-0005, costs Php 1,000/night).

For high end hotels, try La Vista del Mar Beach Resort (tel. no. 062-991- 3038, Php 3800/night), where you could sleep in tree houses for 21 unique dozing opportunity. In Dapitan, there’s Dakak Park Beach Resort (tel. no. 065-213-6813, costs Php 8000/package) on Dakak Bay. Ifyou are on a budget, try Dapitan Beach Resort Hotel in the middle of the city at Sunset Blvd (tel. no. 065-213- 6413), which provides a panoramic waterfront view of Dapitan.
GETTING AROUND

The Western Corridor of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway or the Roll-on, Roll—off (RORO) port ends in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte (costs around Php 4,000 in total if from Manila Via Durnaguete Port). Within the peninsula, jeepneys and buses (average bus from Dapitan to Zamboanga City costs Php 350) are available and regularly ply the Lobregat Highway.

THE AMAZING HUES OF AKLAN

YOU NEED A 2-HOUR BUS RIDE, 2-HOUR RORO RIDE, ANOTHER 3-HOUR BUS RIDE AND ANOTHER 4 HOUR RORO RIDE, A 15-MINUTE BOAT RIDE, AND FINALLY A TRICYCLE RIDE TO REACH BORACAY VIA ROAD TRIP FROM MANILA.
PREPPING FOR THE TRIP

Contents
1 PREPPING FOR THE TRIP
2 HERITAGE TRAIL
3 NATURE ADVENTURE
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
We boarded a bus going to Batangas from the terminal in Pasay early one morning. After two hours of land travel with an hour of dozing off inside the bus, we finally arrived at the Batangas Port. We bought the ticket at the terminal and boarded one of the RORO vessels. It was still early when we got to the pier so we were able to settle down comfortably inside the ship. I had a heavy breakfast before leaving the house but I started to feel a little hungry and found myself in the commissary area of the ship thirty minutes after it has started to sail. Munching on noodles, I decided to stay at the outside deck instead of the passengers lounge to enjoy the morning view.

It was refreshing to be at the middle of the sea, away from the usual traffic and chaos of the city. Clear blue skies promised an enjoyable weather and an even more fun summer adventure for me and my friends. I’m the up-for-anything type of traveler but I have an QC (obsessive—compulsive) friend, who is also doing this for the first time. She listed down the itinerary for the trip and gave each one a copy (though I know she’s the only one Who is going to look at it). I found myself unfolding it, just out of curiosity. We’ve pompleted the first two parts of the journey —- getting to Batangas Port and riding the RORO to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

The next part would be a bus ride from Calapan to Roxas City. I did not notice that two hours had already passed and some of my friends had woken up and started to join me on the deck for a quick chitchat. A few minutes later, the RORO ship finally docked at the Calapan Port. From the Port, we boarded a bus headed to Bgy. Dangay in Roxas City. After three hours of land travel we finally saw the Roxas Port signage.

It was already 1pm when we arrived so we opted to indulge in some food in one of the restaurants in the eastern part of the port. After having our tummies filled with late lunch, we boarded the RORO vessel bound for Caticlan. This ship is slightly bigger than the one that departed from Batangas. It took us another four hours to get to Caticlan. While on the ship, we stayed in the passenger lounge area because the sun was already scorching hot outside and I wanted to save my sunscreen for frolicking on the sandy shores of Boracay.

A game of cards was our chosen activity to while away the hours. After a number ofwins and numerous folds, our four hour sea journey finally timed out and we arrived at the port of Caticlan. With all our baggage and what—have—you’s, shades and cap OIL we went on our way to ride the boat that took us to Boracay’s jetty port. The boat ride took a little over 15 minutes and finally, after another tricycle ride (we had two tricycles to accommodate our group), we were able to check in at our hotel... and for the next three days, we were officially beach bums.

After too much sun, water, beach volleyball, banana boat rides, island hopping and beach parties, we decided to get ourselves not just a tan but some cultural immersion. The remaining days of our vacation were spent exploring the island of Aklan, specifically Kalibo and the other neighboring towns.
HERITAGE TRAIL

In the Kalibo town proper, we visited the Aklan Freedom Shrine, a monument dedicated to the 19 martyrs ofAklan who mounted their own revolution against Spain. We also visited the Kalibo Cathedral, built in 1581 and the oldest religious structure in the province. It was renovated in 1993 by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin.

We did not miss going to the Museo it Akean at Martelino cor. Burgos Sts. that featured artifacts showcasing Aklan’s proud history. I remember reading about the Code of Kalantiaw in one of my history classes and we were able to get a glimpse of this fabled manuscript at the historical museum and shrine in Batan, south of Kalibo.

We discovered that beyond Boracay, Aklan is blessed with rich natural resources that are also spectacular tourist attractions.

NATURE ADVENTURE

We were amazed with the Bakhawan Eco-Park (Php 15 entrance fee) in New Buswang Mangrove, Kalibo (accessible via public transportation). It features a bamboo eco-walk that offers a glimpse of the 75 —hectare mangrove reforestation site. Boat tours are also available. The park also houses the Pifia Village, which showcases the artistry ofweaving the prized pifia cloth. The town ofNabas (1 hr from Kalibo, 20 min from Caticlan) is an eco—tourist’s haven. It is one of the few remaining rainforests in the Philippines with an endemic biodiversity.

There are also several cold springs and waterfalls in Nabas but due to lack of time we were not able to visit all of them. These include the Igpangi Falls, Magirok Falls, Magsulong Falls, Pinatuad Falls, Sakaan Falls, Sayaw Falls, Tagubtub Falls, Sumalaysay Falls and the Huromhurom cold springs. Nabas also has a winding, 21 km coastline featuring the Subongcogon Diving Point. The municipality of Buruanga (2 hours from Kalibo via van) is another top destination for eco- adventurers, with the island’s best diving spot, Batasan Point. Buruanga also boasts of grandiose caves such as Sabang Cave, an elevated cave that offers a view of the coastline. Ignito Cave is the longest cave in Aklan, lined with an array of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by the waters that drift in and out of the cave.

After the six days that we spent in Aklan, and having earned not just bragging rights for our tan lines, but also some marks for cultural and nature immersion, it was time to go home. So offwe went, happy and excited for the next opportunity to hop on another ship and sail to another wonderful destination in our country.

FOOD TRIP

When in Boracay, don’t forget to try Jonas Milkshakes, the Chori Burger, Gastoff ribs at d’Mall, Greek cuisine at the original Cyma, and the illusion shaker at the Coco mangas shooter bar. Outside Boracay, local and sometimes exotic delicacies take the spotlight at food joints and even ambulant Vendors —- an assortment of kakanin, chicken binacol, suman sa ibus, puto balingka, and tamiloc, or wood worms Lyca, Sampaguita Gardens and Sikini restaurants in New Washington also offer a fresh seafood smorgasbord like no other.
LOCAL FINDS

Boracay has all the beach- themed souvenirs all your friends and family back home expect you to bring them — key chains, refrigerator magnets, shellcraft, and t-shirts, ranging from Php 10 to Php 300. Truly unique pifia and abaca items are to be found in Kalibo and all across Aklan, which celebrate the centuries-old tradition of artisans in the province. Red clay, transformed into 3 crockery and novelty items, is another unique find — the specialty of the municipality of Lezo.
BOARD AND LODGING

BAKAWAN INN [KHIJBU] tel. no. 036-268-8033 Located right at the heart of mangrove country, the Bakawan Inn has six private rooms with private rooms with 2 bedrooms each, and 2 dorm type rooms. Rooms are air- conditioned with cable TV.

SAMPAGUITA GARDENS [NEW WASHINGTON] tel. no. 02-897-8709 A multi—awarded resort slowly rising to fame in Aklan, Sampaguita Gardens celebrates Christmas all year-round with a special attraction known as ]ojo’s Christmas Cottage. Aside from a wide array of accommodations, the resort also houses a butterfly farm, a fine—dine restaurant fusing Thai and Chinese cuisines, and a world-class spa.

DISCOVERY SHORES [BORACAY] tel.no. 02—719—8888 Located at a prime spot in Station 1 and perched atop a slope, Discovery Shores is a posh place to stay in Boracay, with the best View of the beach and the picturesque sunset. The resort features a 14—m waterfall flowing from an infinity pool down to the swimming pool.

GETTING AROUND

All towns and municipalities of Aklan can be reached via bus or Van. Around town, tricycles can be hired for transportation.

Oriental Mindoro: Paradise Found

IT TAKES 2 HOURS FROM BATANGAS PORT VIA RORO TO REACH MINDORO. ONE OF THE BUSIEST RORO PORTS IS THE CALAPAN PORT.
3 DAYS IN ORIENTAL MINDORO

Contents
1 3 DAYS IN ORIENTAL MINDORO
2 CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL
3 NATURE ADVENTURE
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
The RORO ship wasn’t what I had expected. I have been to Tawi-Tawi last September and the ship that sailed us off was a bit cramped unlike this one.

There were chairs and benches lying around, and even bunk beds where passengers can just doze off. The photographer and I first decked in at the second floor where we saw different amenities: a mini—canteen which offers various types of snacks and a mini—theater where movies or TV programs are shown.

The rest rooms are also clean and well- maintained as I also got a chance to use them. After just breathing in the fresh mist (as it was still very early in i morning), we decided to climb to the upper deck where we feasted our eyes on a more panoramic view of the sea — islands passing by and some fishermen trying to get their days catch.

But because there was no roof over our heads and it was getting hotter by the '3 minute, we decided to go down the i second floor landing. As I took in the view, my thoughts drifted to places where the RORO can take us. And in one fluid motion — Boracay. I have never been to that place and I just wondered when I could take my chance. I hear it’s one big party place, and I can’t wait to save so I can finally see What the buzz is all about.

Anyway, back to Oriental Mindoro. The trip actually took a whole two hours but we never realized it. We were too busy taking in the great view and capturing some shots that the two hours went by so fast. One minute we were running as fast as we can to catch our trip, and the next, we found ourselves getting off the RORO. So here we were in Calapan, the capital city of Oriental Mindoro, and we just couldn’t wait to tour the whole province in just three days! That was the challenge, but more than that, it was discovering new and unexplored territories that tourists can go to and spend time with their family and friends.

CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL

After freshening up in the hotel, we were met by the staff from the Tourism Council to discuss our itinerary for the next three days. Their office houses the Mait Museum, where Mangyan artifacts such as baskets, beads, hats and other accessories were on display. There was even a Mangyan writing posted on the wall — a poem about peace and hospitality. On one side of the wall were all the products of the Mangyans grouped according to tribes. It was here that I learned that the Mangyans bought their materials from the Chinese and made these finished products.

After having lunch at Anahaw Island View Resort (they serve one of the best sisigs I have ever tasted!) just a few ‘ distances from the Tourism Council, we went to the town’s city hall. This reminds me of the White House in Washington DC, USA since it was majestically white ' in color, and really massive. There was even a garden inside the hall where guests and VIPs can have lunch and be entertained.

The Calapan plaza, on the other hand, was a place where families and friends can hang around and have a picnic. It has a map of Oriental Mindoro lying smack in the middle of a small pond and a monument of Jose Rizal in the plaza. And yes, he isn’t standing anymore. He is sitting down, writing one of his novels! That was actually the first time I saw our national hero in that position. Because I was really hungry that time, we decided to buy some popcorn in the stands around the area.

Next up was the Sto. Nino Parish Church where I was told about an old organ pipe. Unfortunately, we learned that this isn't played anymore because the original pianist died, as there was no one else who was bold enough to continue what he left off. l didn't notice any vendors in the area, just people milling about. We then were off to the Mangyan Heritage Center, where all you want to know about the Mangyans are found. We were supposed to take pictures of some Mangyan handy works and artifacts but unfortunately, the room was closed.

The next day, we decided to visit every town. We were already dressed by Sam and opted to have some early breakfast at the town of Naujan. The other towns in our itinerary were also a refreshing site to see. The city halls of Mansalay, and Gloria, a town named after the president, were all painted in different organic colors — Mansalay in orange, and Gloria. in white. And the employees for that day were also wearing the colors of their city halls!

Amusing because I never thought they would be wearing their city hall’s colors.‘ How, patriotic indeed.‘ Because Gloria is a handicraft town, we also ventured out to where bamboo chairs and other furniture are made. The Bamboo Makers Association of Gloria (BMAG) sells all kinds of stuff such as ash trays, candle holders, vases and even a sala set.

The small town of Bongabong also ’ has ancestral houses that are said to be occupied by spirits. Rumor has it that when people pass by these old structures at night, they can hear a piano playing from a distance. Maybe a little bit spooky, but i personally, don’t believe in this stuff.

Then we went to the town of Bansud, which has , a distinct park and where I got the chance to row a small boat in the man—made lake! The “trip” was short because we still had- a lot of places to go to.

Other features: a playground, another monument of Jose - Rizal and an open auditorium where presentations are staged. The town park of Pinamalayan also has a butterfly sanctuary.

NATURE ADVENTURE

I was told that on the Way to the top are several waterfalls and some numerous rivers with a Wide variety of flora and fauna. The terrain is from rainforest to mossy forest, and from bonsai to highland forest. There are also several stopovers on the way to the top. But once at its peak, the great view of the whole Oriental Mindoro and other surrounding peaks can be seen. But even if we weren’t able to trek the mountain, we had the chance to visit three of the famous waterfalls here.

First stop was the Alpaparay Spring River and Waterfalls in the town of Baco, which is guarded by a family of Mangyans at the foot. After saying our hellos, we proceeded to trek. The climb was slippery since it was drizzling by the time we got there — the rocks were filled with mosses so we had to be careful in placing our footing.

We also had to cross two hanging bridges on our way to the top but it wasn’t as high as I thought it would be. I was literally drenched from the knees down and since I was no experienced climber, I had several of the guys pull me up. I also left my shoes at the foot of the mountain to avoid injury. I slipped a couple of times but managed to resurface. Here’s a little bit of advice: when you plan to trek here, make sure that you have an experienced guide with you since there are some areas where you will really have to put your whole body into it to grasp that ledge.

After thirty minutes of climbing, and about a bucket of sweat later, we finally reached the top. And the View was awesome — the water was crystal clear and really good for swimming. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to bring our trunks with us so we weren’t able to take a dip. Just don’t be scared of the “limatiks” in the area, a creature similar to a linta that attaches to your leg and sucks your blood. I, for one, had too many close encounters with these creatures as I found out later in the’ hotel room when I took off my pants.

The next waterfalls we went to is called Tagong Paraiso in the town of San Teodoro. This waterfalls really lives up to its name because we had to ask for directions on how to get there several times on the road. When we finally found the area, we disembarked and, surprisingly, we didn't have to climb any rocks to get there. All we had to cross was a small bridge and the waterfalls was well within our sight, Tagong Paraiso wasn’t as impressive as the first one we went to because it was still not developed but there was a restroom and a changing area, We left just a few minutes after taking our pictures in the area.

Tamaraw Falls, located in San Teodoro, is just along the highway. Commuters and other bystanders can just park on the side of the highway and they can already see the falls. The water from the falls brings guests to a swimming pool for children and adults, on the opposite side of the street, which has already been turned into a mini- resort. For Php 10 for kids and Php 20 for adults, guests can already bathe in the cool waters and have a picnic in the area as there is a grilling counter at the side — you only need to pay Php 50. Just bring your own food. There is also a small souvenir shop Where you can buy something for your family back home. We disembarked, drank one beer each, enjoyed the really great view, and then headed home.

In Mansalay also lies a crystal white beach known as the Buktot White Sand Beach, where you get to take in the whole View of an island paradise. With an entrance fee of Php 10 per person, you can rent huts for Php 50 to Php 100 a day, depending on the size of the hut. The beauty of this little— known beach is just as awesome as the air was invigorating; the water was cool and the place was just spectacular. It wasn’t too hot as the huts shielded us from the rays of the sun.

I promised to myself that I would come back here again. And yes, we failed to take a dip once more because we didn’t bring any swimming clothes with us.

FOOD TRIP

I was told that there is nothing really special when it comes to the food in Oriental Mindoro. As for the drinks, you can try the Mindoro Sling, which is only available in this province. You can also try out the bibingka and salabat at the town of Naujan. For just Php 10, you can have a taste of this delectable treat, and the salabat is free!

There are also a series of stalls which are, to our delight, Open twenty—four hours, so you can take your pick.

LOCAL FINDS

Bring home a pack of banana crackers, peanut brittle, yema, pastillas, macapuno, hopia, pop rice and otap from Ms Eatery in Gloria. You can also buy nata de coco, atsara, and its unique mix of alamang. I was told that the secret to alamang is in its cooking. They cook it for five hours!

You can also buy some of these in Calapan - pineapple jam, pickles with seaweed, calamansi marmalade — for Php 65 each. There are several souvenir shops around Oriental Mindoro where you can buy hats, clothes, handicrafts, bags and even accessories. These can be found in the towns of Calapan, Gloria, and Mansalay.

BOARD AND LODGING

You can stay at the Anahaw Island 5 View Resort (tel. no. 02-523-7845), which has a bar, cabins, pool, terrace, function halls and badminton court. The cost is Php 600 for the fan rooms and Php 850 for the aircon rooms.

But for the more adventurous, you can stay at the El Pueblo Rhizort Hotel and Resort (tel. no. 02-283-5437) in Calapan. They have a fitness center and facilities for activities such as billiards, air hockey, darts, soccer and table tennis. There are also water boat sports such as jet-skis and pedal boats.

If you desire for a luxurious stay, you can do so at Filipiniana Resort in Calapan (tel. no. 02-286-2624), a four star hotel and restaurant where we stayed. Avail of their welcome drinks, complimentary breakfast for two people, use of swimming pool, and a free shuttle service from Calapan pier to the hotel. They also have a basketball court, spa, jacuzzi and sauna. The price: Php 2,000 — Php 3,000 a night.

GETTING AROUND

Oriental Mindoro is accessible from Manila and its surrounding environs via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Southern Tagalog Access Road (STAR), the most convenient overland route to the port of Batangas in Batangas City, where ferry boats are available.

In Metro Manila, you can take the bus or your private vehicle going to Batangas. From there, you can take the RORO to Calapan City, the capital of Oriental Mindoro.

If you want to venture into other towns, you can take the buses plying the highway. Once in Calapan, you can take the trieycles if you want to tour the city. But if you want to go to its outskirts, take the buses, vans or jeepneys. As for us, we rented vans for the whole journey.

If you are still up for another set of adventure, while in Oriental Mindoro, you may opt to ride a bus to Bgy. Danay in Roxas and take another RORO ride will bring you to Caticlan, Aklan where you may bask in the white and powder fine sand of Boracay. The trip takes two to five hours, depending on the shipping line. Maybe I will try that route next time.

ILOILO HERITAGE HUNTING

ILOILO CAN BE REACHED VIA FERRY FROM BACOLOD CITY OR VIA RORO VESSEL WHICH DOCS ON THE DISTRICT OF DUMAGAS TRAVEL TIME FROM BACOLOD TO ILOILO IS 2 HOURS
HERITAGE TRAIL

Contents
1 HERITAGE TRAIL
2 FOOD TRIP
3 LOCAL FINDS
4 BOARD AND LODGING
5 GETTING AROUND
As we entered the port, we were greeted by several colonial warehouses standing along Muelle Loney and the pre—war customs building. Walking around reveals that remnants and relics of the past are still very much present in the area. Two national historical landmarks—San Jose Church and Plaza Libertad are a short distance away from the port.

According to a local guide, although there are still some significant places that can give a good glimpse of the city’s glorious past, many old establishments were damaged during the Second World War or by big city fires. I learned that the city is actually composed of several 3 districts that include the downtown area called Jaro (seat of the archdiocese), Molo (which was the Chinese enclave or Parian), Villa de Arevalo (a former capital oflloilo province which today is called “Villa” for short), La Paz (most known for its batchoy), and Mandurriao.

It is one charming city I wouldn’t mind getting lost in for a time. For people like me who enjoy gawking at old buildings, Calle Real is a good place to start. From there, it is easy to spot 19205 architecture and Art Deco buildings converted into Commercial shops. Strolling all the way to Basa and Iznart Streets, I saw a number of other heritage sites. To learn more about Iloilo’s cultural and historical heritage, visit the Museo Iloilo (Php 15 admission fee, from 9am until 5pm, Mon-Sat.) along Bonifacio Drive. It houses numerous pre-historic items salvaged from old ships, including jewelry, pottery and other artifacts.

From downtown lloilo, a jeepney ride that costs Php 8.50 brought me to the neo- Gothic church of Molo, also called Santa Ana Church. Located at the Central Plaza, this church built in 1831 and made from coral blocks, is one of the oldest structures in Iloilo. Statues of female saints can be found on each side of the church. The retablo at the center of the church has an image of Sta. Ana, the mother of Mary. Within the vicinity of the church are old houses that are equally stunning.

I was supposed to leave for Jaro, a suburb located in the northern section of the city proper, early the next day but the weather was not that cooperative. It was raining hard in the morning so I decided to stay in the hotel until the weather improved. Fortunately, by lunchtime, I was able to go on the road once again. Riding one of the jeepneys (Php 8.50) with the signage “Jaro CPU”, I set off to meet Eugene Jamerlan of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage and Conservation Council (ICCHCC) for a scheduled walking tour ofjaro. The heritage houses that we Visited included the Locsin House, the Magdalena Jalandoni House which has become a museum of folk art collected by Jalandoni during her days, the Ledesma Mansion and the Javellana Ancestral Home, located in the rundown area of ]aro.

We also stopped by Lizares Mansion, where the Angelicum School is now located. While the years have caused the architecture of the building to look worn- out, the grand ballroom’s (now the chapel of the school) former grandeur is still very much apparent. An old church located across the plaza is the Sta. Isabel de Ungria Cathedral. The church was completed in 1874 and looks magnificent up to the present. Near the cathedral is The Nelly ; Gardens that showcases 21 1928 Beaux /\rt (beautiful art house) mansion owned by the Lopez clan. With its impressive architcctu,re and sprawling garden, we were told that the place can also be used as a party Venue through a special arrangement.

My third day was marked by another series of church visits in other parts of lloilo. The first town we passed through is Oton where an old church, considered the pinnacle of religious architecture in the country, is located. Unfortunately, this structure was a casualty of the strong earthquake in 1948. The next town, Tigbauan, 22km away from the city proper, also home to the country’s first school for boys of th€ Jesuit Order established in 1592. The Tigbauan Church has interiors decorated with mosaics of the Stations of the Cross- From Tigbauan, the next town is Guimbal.

At the western section of the plaza stands the sandstone church erected during the Spanish era. Interestingly, there are also 17th century watchtowers strewn in the nearby areas. One can be found at approximately 100 meters at the left of the church, near the water’s edge. After visiting Tigbauan, we were off to the little town of Miagao where the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church is located. This church is one of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.

The first thing I noticed about it was its magnificent facade, a true testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of our Filipino ancestors. Other churches we visited in the northern part of Iloilo City included the Sta, Barbara Church, a national h1stor1cal landmark, which is very close to th€ HCW airport, and the Cabatuan Church. After Cabatuan, we proceeded to our last stop, the Dingle Church.

After an overload of churches, we decided to go back to Iloilo City to prepare for our Guimaras trip the next day. At around 9am the next day, we waited at the Ortiz Port near Ateneo de Iloilo for the 15-minute pumpboat ride (Php 13) to the port of Jordan. Boats leave Ortiz port every 15 minutes from 5am to 6pm. To explore the island, we decided to rent a minicab (Php 1,000).First in our list of sites to visit was the OLP Trappist Monastery (tel. nos. O918-4212852/ 033-581-3468, open from 830 am until 430 pm).

The monastery, the only men’s monastery under the Cistercian order, is along the main road going south from the town of San Miguel (Php 15 via jeepney). Local delicacies and pastries made by the monks in the monastery are usually prepared from the sweet mangoes of the province such yema, candies, tarts, bars, piaya, and so much more. From the monastery, we proceeded to Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia to swim and freshen up. A fewvans for rent (Php 800) from Jordan are available to get to this town. Jeepneys are another option. After an hour, we went back on the road and proceeded to the Navalas Church in Buenavista, built in the 17th century and the oldest church in the island.

Although the facade of this limestone church is perfectly preserved, the walls and interiors were already renovated. A short distance from the church is the Roca Encantada Heritage House owned by the Lopez family. While the house looks modern from the outside, I noticed the National Historical Institute marker in the area, which means that it is a heritage house. Apart from its historical significance, the house also provides a very picturesque View of the surrounding islands, particularly the Siete Pecados or “Islands of Seven Sins.” If commuting, the area can be reached via tricycle (Php 400).
FOOD TRIP

For the local flavor of Iloilo, I tried batchoy, a special type of noodle soup with pork and beef popular in the Western Visayas region. There are numerous restaurants along the streets of Iznart and Valeria. Also from the streets, I also bought some bibingka, flat rice cakes sold for Php 20.00 for ten pieces.

For dinner, try the Breakthrough Restaurant (Php 100 — 150, open from 7:30am — 9pm) in the Arevalo District. Seafood dishes to sample at this restaurant include abalone sashimi, talaba and the pricey diwal shells among others. Everything is fresh and you can catch your dinner yourself. The restaurant is also located by the beach so the breeze adds to y the ambiance.

Reserve the next dinner at Blango Tree Restaurant. Great ambiance and their sizzling bulalo steak make for one sumptuous dinner. Try their frozen mango iced tea as well. For coffee and a bit of nightlife in Iloilo. we went to Smallville complex (Diversion road). There are several restaurants that can also pass for a special dinner — Feska (tel. no. 033-321-3885, open from 11am till 3pm and 5pm till lam, dishes start at Php 170); Cafe Tijuana (tel. no. 033-337-0696, open from 2pm till 1am on weekdays, 4pm till 1am on weekends).

LOCAL FINDS

I went shopping at the Original Biscocho House since I am a fan of their butterscotch. There are more goodies inside and it’s a must- visit for pas-alubong shopping. Meringue and harquillos also qualify as yummy take home treats from Iloilo. From Guimaras, the best pasalubong to take home is their sweet mangoes. When you're there, try to visit the Alibahon Market in Nueva Valencia to buy these local produce.
BOARD AND LODGING

For budget travelers who wish to stay in the lloilo city proper, they can book accommodations at Madia- as Hotel (tel no. 033-337-2756 to 59, Aldeguer St.) or Fine Rock Hotel (tel. no. 033-336-9075 to 79, Jalandoni St.), the rate per room does not go beyond Php 1,000. For mid-range accommodations, Iloilo Grand Hotel (tel. no. 033-335-1801 to 04, Iznart St.), City Corporate Inn (tel. no. 033-508-1976, cor. Rizal and Guanco St.) offer good value. For high-end accommodations, try Iloilo Business Hotel (tel. no. 033- 320-7972, Diversion Rd. Smallville complex), Sarabia Manor Hotel ( tel. no. 033-335-1021, Gen. Luna St.) with rates that range from Php 1,500 — Php 5,000.
GETTING AROUND

Colorful and some custom designed, the jeepney is the most common mode of transportation in Iloilo. There are also taxis that ply the major roads in the city. Tricycles are used to get to destinations located in the outskirts of the city.

EASTERN CHARM: NEGROS ORIENTAL

Tricycle fare is approximately Php 50 and private taxis have a fixed rate of Php 200. As we trailed down the road to downtown Dumaguete, we noticed that ancestral homes are still proudly established around the city. However the Sight Of Siliman University pictures the heritage of our culture and history with its classic Spanish- American campus buildings. The only Protestant university in the country, Siliman University was established during the American era by Dr. Horace B. Siliman.
Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental is probably one of the most pleasant cities in the Philippines. The friendly atmosphere brings you a more laid back but relaxed feeling, making you want to stay even more. The forth largest island in the Philippines, Negros is coined as the sugar land of the country as around 450,000 hectares of its land area is dedicated to sugar plantation and refineries. The island contributes 60% to the total sugar production of the country.
HERITAGE TRAIL

Contents
1 HERITAGE TRAIL
2 NATURE ADVENTURE
3 FOOD TRIP
4 LOCAL FINDS
5 BOARD AND LODGING
6 GETTING AROUND
Inter—island transfer from Cebu and Siquijor is usually carried by smaller but faster vessels which cost about Php 200 with around a couple of hours of travel. A wide range of shipping lines such as Super Ferry and Montenegro Lines also offers transfers to and from Manila and Mindanao. Sea transfer from Bacolod to Dumaguete takes around 14 hours. Bus rides from Bacolod via the town of Mabinay means a 5 1/2 hour travel to Dumaguete or a 7 1/2 hour bus trip via San Carlos City.

Bus trips are operated by Ceres Liner catering the island. The mixed scent of the sea breeze and dried oil from the ferries and tankers welcomed us as we arrived at the Dumaguete port. It took us around 4 hours to get to the port from Cebu. We crossed the Tanon Strait via a fast ferry craft. Since the port is quite near the city proper, getting to the nearest hotel and tourists spots in Dumaguete is easy. Tricycles and taxis are abundant in the area so getting to downtown from the port is stress-free.

The sight from outside the campus already astonished me, admiring its cultural facade. Making our way to the hotel, our cab driver let us appreciate the infamous Rizal Blvd. as it overviews the south of the harbour. In the morning, joggers were already scattered along the promenade lined—up with big acacia trees. We passed by the Monument of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartrers. It commemorates the landing of the seven missionary sisters who arrived in Dumaguete in 1904. The monument illustrates seven nuns in a boat representing America, China, Portugal and France.

NATURE ADVENTURE

Our first nature destination for this adventure is Lake Balanan. The lake is located in the southern town of Siaton. Vans and private cars are readily available in the city. Services are often offered just right outside our hotel. Vans for rent usually costs from Php 3,000 to Php 3,500. For a party of three, we opted to take the car rental which cost us Php 2,500.

Passing nine towns from Dumaguete, we arrived in Siaton after a two-hour drive. Another 30 minute- drive from the main highway crossing a mountain took us to Lake Balanan Resort. A Php 30 entrance fee was enough for us to use the common bath and toilet, two spring water pools and an access to Lake Balanan. The resort offers a ride on the raft with Php 100 per head fee letting you enjoy the serenity of the lake. Since the weather later that afternoon was not as sunny in the morning, we only took a dip at the pools, a fiVe—minute trek from the common area.

Getting to the swimming area was a bit tricky and adventurous. We needed to cross a small bridge with the water from the mountains flowing freely to supply water. Since it drizzled that afternoon, the water flow was a bit strong, we needed to carefully step on the stone path emerged in water. Ifwe weren’t too careful, we could’ve slipped and went straight off from the bridge. At 5:30 in the morning the next day, we were off to the city of Bais via car rental worth Php 2,000. As suggested by our local driver, we stopped by the local market in Tanjay City.

We bought fresh meat and seafood for our lunch and refreshments and snack for later that day. After an hour and halfitrip, we arrived at the port for dolphin and whale watching. The weather was great for the activity. The water was calm, which meant it was easier for us to catch an eye on the dolphins. The city government operates dolphin cruises for Php 4,000 good for 10-20 people in a boat. For smaller group like ours, pump boats owned by the locals range from Php 2,000 to Php 2,500 on rentals which can accommodate up to five persons for a whole—day activity.

In less than 30 minutes, we were already enjoying the sight of dolphins playmg around in the open sea. We were all thrilled chasing the dolphins in groups — jumping off from the water showing off their skills After ‘‘ Couple of hours of dolphin watching, We were off to Manjuyod Sand Bar. Our local boatman temporarily anchored our pump boat and cooked a hefty lunch from the fresh items we brought while we enjoyed swimming on the Sand Bar — a seven—kilometer stretch of white sand which “floats” in the middle of Bais Bay during low tide.

You may also bring your own snorkelling gear to enjoy the bay’s waterbed. There are also several cottages built on stilts which can be rented for a day or overnight stay. After taking an early lunch, we headed off to Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park, a 10-minute boat—ride from the Sand Bar. We walked through a narrow pathway appreciating the 400—hectare mangrove forest. On the way back to Dumaguete, we had a quick stop-over at the Central Azucarera de Bais (CAB). CAB is the first sugar mill in the Philippines established by Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas SA in 1918. Its establishment jump started the sugar industry of the province. Just across the road stands the remains of an old steamed train which had been used to transport the produced sugar to a nearby port area for national distribution. CAB remains operational up to this day.
FOOD TRIP

If you find yourself craving for European dishes, you may want to try Le Chalet offering a Various international cuisine — good steaks, fondue and a good selection on the salad bar — located along Rizal Boulevard. Along Siliman Ave, ]o’s lnato Chicken knows how to prepare and serve poultry meat deliciously. If you want to enjoy the fresh offers from the sea, Lab—as Seafood Restaurant lets you relax with a seaside View and generous servings of their seafood specialties.
LOCAL FINDS

Visiting Dumaguete is not complete unless you bring home at least a box of sans rival available at a cafe shop named after the popular dessert. Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries is located at San Jose Street near Rizal Boulevard. Locals and tourists patiently wait in line to get a share of this sweet treat. The Handumaran souvenir shop is also ideal for tourists who want to bring home memorabilia from Dumaguete.
BOARD AND LODGING

Overlooking the sea and Rizal Boulevard, Bethel Guesthouse (tel. no. 035-225-2000) has an accommodating and friendly staff. Their studio room already equipped with bath and toilet with air conditioning and cable TV only costs Php 750. Rooms good for two to four people range from Php 1,500 to Php 2,000. More expensive ones include refrigerator. However, the management doesn't allow alcohol and smoking within the hotel premises. For a more affordable accommodation, backpackers can try Harold’s Mansion (tel. no. 035-225-8000) located along Hibbard Avenue. Studio room with bath and toilet and fan starts at Php 330 while the air conditioned room costs Php 550 per night. More spacious rooms with - better facilities (TV and air conditioning) range from Php 660 to Php 1,150 a night including breakfast.
GETTING AROUND

Car and van rentals are available for hire. Madtadco (Metro Taxi-Vans Drivers Cooperative stationed at Harold’s Mansion along Hibbard Ave. offers such services in going around the city in Negros Oriental. A van may cost you Php 3,000 to Php 4,000 per day, depending on the destination. Motorcycles are also popular choices in getting around the city. Several places around the intersection of Sta. Rosa and Perdices Sts. have motorcycle rentals costing Php 300 per day or Php 20 per hour for a Honda 110 cc. while a Honda 200 cc rental costs Php 500 for a day. At Why Not Music Box along Rizal Boulevard, motorcycle (200 cc) rentals are offered for Php 700 per day. Tricycles are readily available in the city and the most popular means of transportation. These roomy tricycles only ask Php 8 per head when roaming the city.

BOUNDLESS BEAUTY OF MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

TALES FROM THE TRAVELER

Contents
1 TALES FROM THE TRAVELER
2 ISLAND TO ISLAND HOPPING DIARY
3 HERITAGE TRAIL
4 NATURE ADVENTURE
5 FOOD TRIP
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
misamisGetting to this place is not without challenge, especially since it is located down south and for city dwellers like me, the idea of exploring , destination that seem too foreign yet too interesting to pass up can be daunting. nevertheless, the opportunity to disco he mysterious yet alluring character Misamis Occidental came when a friend of mine invited me to join he revisiting her hometown. Fortunate ~ . had time in my hands to wander and experience another part of our country I said yes. The clincher, my friend said, that since I am open to the idea of a true adventure, we will try getting to Misamis Occidental via the RORO.She warned me though that the travel time will be long but i told her that in the spirit of a true adventure, I do not really mind. This is a new experience for me and it would be an interesting way to travel. With my confirmation, my friend and i worked out the details of our southern trip. On the morning of our trip, I had everything packed, one big blue bag plus backpack. I have always been a light packer. And so I geared up for the long journey ahead of us. Going south to Misamis Occidental, we passed by some of the major islands in the country. The route that we have also chosen entail long hours of land and sea travel, mingling with fellow travelers along the way and discovering what soduku, crossword puzzles, card games, and a long list of songs in your ipod can do to shorten distances and while away hours of travel.
ISLAND TO ISLAND HOPPING DIARY

Manila to Batangas Port Land Travel via Bus (2 Hours)
Batangas Port to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Travel via RORO vessel (3 Hours)
Calapan to Roxas City, Oriental Mindoro Land Travel Via Bus (3 Hours)
Roxas City to Aklan Travel via RORO (4 Hours)
Aklan to Iloilo City Land travel via Bus (6 Hours)
Iloilo City to Dumagas Port Land Travel via Van (30 Minutes)
Dumagas Port to Bacolod Travel via RORO (1.5 Hours)
Bacolod to Dumaguete Land Travel via bus (6 Hours)Dumaguete to Dipolog Travel via RORO (4Hours)
Dipolog to Misamis Occidental Land Travel via bus (3.5 hours)
HERITAGE TRAIL

The mountainous lands and plains in the nearby shores are thus well used its inhabitants by cultivating crops like coconut, rice, corn, banana, abaca, coffee, cocoa and rubber.

The continuous progress of Misamis Occidental has paved the way to the recognition of its bountiful untouched land overflowing clean water that has now become very inviting to both local residents and tourists. So, if you are into total adventure and complete nature tripping, this place should be one of you top choices.

Misamis Occidental's original name cannot be fully ascertained but there were various theories that had been proposed. One of these is that Misamis was probably rooted from Subano word Kuyamis which is a local type of coconut. But after the invasion of Spaniards, the name has been changed to Misamis.

The province formerly belongs to Cebu. during the early nineteenth century however, it was turned into a corregimiento, composed of four divisions namely, Partido De Misamis, Partido De Dapitan, Partido De Cagayan, and partido De Catarman.

Later on, by legislative act and some amendment of laws, the main province of Misamis was divided into Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.

Of course, the main place where I was able to find all the available diverse produce of the province is in the city of greens - Oroquieta. I was not surprised to see its busy streets as this is the center of trade in the area. Like most towns in the philippines Oroquieta also has many root names.

Layawan is considered as its most ancient dating back to 1861. Upon separation of Misamis into two main provinces (Orriental and Occidental) It was replaced by Oroquieta. It is said that it was perhaps named by a Spanish priest copying a similar town in Spain. My next stop was Ozamis City.

The place is also buzzing since the area has also now been turned into a center for commerce and trade. The city's name is derived from Jose F. Ozamis, who was once their governor and also senator.
NATURE ADVENTURE

I am a great fan of sea creatures, thus, I was Excited ti see one of the most famous tourist spots today in Misamis Occidental the dolphin Island or the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park. this is an artificial area where you could adore the beautiful varieties of Dolphins showcasing their colorful, flamboyant charm. and you would not only enjoy this as spectators you can also swim with the dolphins.

Aside from this attractions, the park also has mangrove site, zoo, park and a restaurant that can be reached through narrow bamboo planks. The depth variations of the sea along this area makes it another wondrous site for kayaking, snorkeling all at very low prices. And perhaps skin deep in the marvelous array of coral reefs. One can hike, spelunker and just relax along its peaceful marine beauty.

This is really the place for me to have a total nature tripping experience. I continued my adventure going towards tangub City. It is about a 45 minute drive from oriquieta. this place is also known for its exquisite Christmas lights decorations every Yuletide season.

I was dazzled by the display of unique artistry and craftsmanship of the people, who also sell these lanterns for quite a reasonable price.

Tangub has also been called The Christmas Capital of Mindanao. Due to its rich waters it has also become popular when it comes to fresh fish produce all year round. And finally another noteworthy recognition of Tangub City is its award winning dance troupe called sinanduloy which has continuously showcased colorful festivals like sinulog in Cebu.

The Spanish influenced city of Ozamis would greet you with smiles before you end the trip like I did. Religion played a solid role in the panoramic picture of its villages.

I find it to be not only a place to look back on history but at the same time perfect for rekindling faith and peace. The festival here called Subayan Keg Subanon is the feast tribute to the patron Our Lady of Triumph. Another celebration that the locals partake in is the one that honors their other patron the Sto. Nino. The Spanish influence is evident in the area with the number of mestiza natives in the area.

There is a fort found here called Cotta built in 1756 and a chapel by the bay with a carved virgin Mary which interestingly is said to be miraculous. I had a wonderful time hiking towards Buagan Hill where four astounding bells and a breathtaking view of the city could be marveled at. for golf enthusiast, Ozamis has Malindang Golf and Country Club located in Bagakay.

Before finishing my journey, I made a stop to the many stores around where I shopped for other pasalubongs.
FOOD TRIP

As I woke up, my first instinct was to go to the finest places where I could have a taste of delightful Misamis cuisine. I found the North Pole Eatery in Ozamis which serves pocket friendly meals about Php 100 or less depending on your choice.

You could also try the native eateries like Centrum Osamiz Fastfood, Supermix Lutong Filipino, chicken Ati-atihan, Dwinos Grill along Port road, or just the Geege's Mall Food Court and Gaisano Foodcourt.

I also tasted Cebuano's famous kilawin made of cooked pig innards and also not to miss lechon which is the traditional Filipino roasted pig.

There is a great abundance of seafoods which I love so much. You could have a variety of coices from fresh lobsters to huge prawns shrimps and the traditional milkfish.

And if youre into bar hopping try inner motion disco and restaurant, saydwok bar or go to a wifi area called steaks and drinks to enjoy chatting, eating, and drinking. and for refreshments, fresh fruits that you could order as shakes or juices are also in abundance.
BOARD AND LODGING

I found plenty of comfortable and affordable accommodations to choose right in the heart of oroquieta city. There is Sheena's Inn at corner Barrientos and Del Pilar streets which is accessible by bus or tricyles from the terminal. another is the Rhapsody Inn food in Layawan which also offers fine rooms at very economical prices.

Other options include Tatong Beach Resort and Century Pension House In Lower Langcangan. Lastly there is paradise garden at upper Loboc, and St. Gerard Lodging House along Poblacion which is about Php 100 to Php 150 only per person. But if you want to stay in the paradise place of dolphins you can just check in at the cottages at dormitories right inside the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park which is about 30 minutes away from Ozamis City Port.

Other excellent options in Ozamis City are the Royal Garden Hotel, Plaza beatriz, Palace Hotel, Asian Hotel, Executive hotel, and Minerva Hotel. For less expensive inns, there are Irene's Lodge, Queens Lodge, 67th Boulevard Pension House, Badong's pension House, Naomi's Botanical Garden and Inn and Dad's Pension House.
GETTING AROUND

It is comfortable to travel in Misamis Occidental because more than 90% of its main roads are already finished in asphalt or concrete. There are numerous bridges that connect towns which makes commuting easier. the main means of transportation is by land and public vehicles are rally plenty. From Iligan Bay, it is approximately a 20 minute ride via RORO to Ozamis City. Other than taking your own car with you via RORO or ferry, you can also ride jeepneys, tricycles or take the rural bus as you go to the different places and villages of Misamis. There are also fishing vessels and small ferries that could take you to outlying islands if you prefer to visit its beautiful beaches or dive into its majestic waters

BATANGAS BOUND: A WEEKEND GETAWAY

A HOLISTIC ADVENTURE

Contents
1 A HOLISTIC ADVENTURE
2 HERITAGE TRAIL
3 THE NATURE TRAIL
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
Batangas has been an established weekend warrior outpost for many years. But soon, on our way to the beaches of Anilao and Laiya, we would surely take a side trip to a Marian shrine never-before-seen in the country. Fr. Fernando Suarez known as the healing priest, is spearheading the construction of Monte Maria. He aims to build this 33—storey monument of Mother Mary of the Poor in a site in Barangay Amuyong in Alfonso; Cavite to Become a haven for pilgrims. The Batangas native priest also intends to build a retreat houses, infirmaries, and hostels in the area so that guests can appreciate the peaceful and picturesque surroundings. Once completed, Fr. Suarez will offer healing masses and retreats so that visitors can completely take a break from their fast-paced lives.
HERITAGE TRAIL

After Tagaytay, driving less than an hour more, we couldn’t resist the urge to stop and take photos. With all the old churches and stone houses dotting the road, l wandering tourists resist? This then hecame the highlight of our weekend road trip -now a Visita lglesia road trip!

Our first major stop was the Balayan Church. Nestled in one of Batangas’ oldest towns, there’s nothing much to see inside this church except for its unique brick walls; I'll have to admit that it was amazing "to know that the interiors have not been changed much since it was turned over to the Recoletos priests in the late 1800s.

We took a quick side trip to the nearby town of Calaca; and I must say it was well Worth the stop. Calaca Church is a picture perfect preserved structure—unspoilt and beautifully aged. From Calaca,

We Visited an old friend in Lemery for a free late breakfast before heading to the Very picturesque town of Taal. The first time I’ve seen this town Was 10 years ago, and I vividly remember narrow roads and old stone houses.

First of the must-Visits in this town is the largest church in Asia--the Taal Basilica. The structure was built by the Augustinians but was destroyed when Taal Volcano erupted in 1754. There are still ruins though, if you want to see the original walls.

We also checked out the religious relics housed in the nearby church of Our Lady of Casaysay. Giving—in to our curiosity, we went to the ruins of Sta. Lucia, which is perhaps the oldest church in Batangas. What is left of the church’s structure is the upper portion of the facade, now covered with moss and cadena de amor. Probably, what interests most visitors here is the well, which they say has miraculous waters.

Other sites worth visiting are the art—deco inspired Leon Apacible house and the famous Marcella Agoncillo house. Towards the afternoon, we still had enough time to explore the rest of the town.

We dropped by stores selling embroidered piña cloth made into traditional clothes and barong, amazingly detailed and well- crafted. An equally well-known souvenir is the balisong—a unique knife that hides its blade when folded. Stores selling these knives can be easily spotted around Taal. It was a belt of more churches after Taal.

Along the way is Bauan Church, the tree—lined Basilica of Batangas; then off to the east is Ibaan Church. We followed the road to the south again going to the coastal town of San Juan. We visited San Juan Nepomuceno Church before exiting to Quezon.
THE NATURE TRAIL

More than the churches and heritage sites, it seems that Batangas had more in store for us. On separate occasions, I had come across other interesting activities in this province, probably because of its proximity to the city.

One weekend, I was invited by my cousins to stay at La Luz Resort in San Juan. I have heard many good things about this place and I have decided to check if they’re all true. To get to San Juan, I took the new tollway that goes all the way to Batangas City via Exit 93 (Malainin) and through the towns of Ibaan and Rosario. This way is faster than going through the STAR Tollway in Lipa. The town proper of San Juan is actually lined with numerous ancestral houses that also makes for a good walk around town.

La Luz, being the last resort, entailed passing by a series of other well—maintained resorts like Virgin Beach and Balai sa Laiya.

Upon reaching La Luz and settling down in one of the two—floor cottages (Php 4,300 overnight cost, good ten people), we decided to rent a kayak (Php 200 per hour). It was a workout activity for me.

It was a good thing that the buffet lunch was already prepared when we finished. The meals at La Luz are priced at Php 950 per head but this is already inclusive of four meals —- lunch, snacks, dinner and breakfast.

We went snorkeling the next day and saw fishes _ swimming among corals. I also had a chance to try diving in Anilao, Batangas but it was an intro dive because I did not have a license yet. To get to the dive site, we had to pass by Tagaytay, Lemery, Taal and San Luis.

Travel time is 2.5 hours to get to the pick —up area. A pump boat took us to one of the dive resorts - Dive and Trek Resort (tel. no. 0910-9364556, www.diveandtrek.com). intro drive, which was the one I did, the dive master leads you across the dive site for 30 minutes and you will just enjoy the view — a colorful combination offish, corals and other marine creatures. After my intro dive, I rested for a little while and then enjoyed a sumptuous lunch with the group.

As I have discovered, Batangas does not only play host to numerous beach and dive sites. I had the chance to hike Mt. Maculot in the town of Cuenca, right after Lipa. The weather during the hike was quite sunny but I would have preferred some clouds, especially in parts of the trail where trees are absent. The hike itself was pretty straightforward, with trees and grass ever present along the trail. Upon reaching the campsite, I was afforded a spectacular view of the surrounding islands and seascape. I was also delighted to see a sari—sari store selling halo-halo, a welcome treat for hikers like me.
FOOD TRIP

Whenever I am in Batangas, I would always try having Bulalo. This is usually served in most of the restaurants in the province. A trip to Batangas will not be complete without trying their Bulalo.

Most, if not all, of the dining places in this province offer this local food fare — try the one Almarius Grill (in Lipa City. Also try Lutong Bahay sa Sawali Restaurant (Tolentino St.) in Batangas City for seafood courses.

For a taste of hacienda dining, Visit Charley’s in Lipa and enjoy a feast with purebred horses grazing about in the background. Try their tomato—potato soup with basil to start a good meal.
LOCAL FINDS

The Batangas—crafted balisong knife still makes one good souvenir from this province. A good cup of Kapeng Barako should not be missed. Make sure to get a bag of this Liberica variety of coffee from the local Wet market.

There’s also macapuno, pastillas and ube from Malvar that you can take home. From Balayan, apart from a sampling of their lechon. bring home a bottle of their Bagoong Balayan.
BOARD AND LODGING

If you’re looking for a truly relaxing vacation, The Farm at San Benito, Lipa (tel. no. O26-96-3795)‘ is one great escape that perfectly fits this description. It is actually a wellness resort that offers guests with health and wellness programs.

The Balinese— inspired cottages are also part of its charm, a bit pricey but nevertheless an experience worth trying. In Batangas City, the capital of the province, there are also a number of available hotels to choose from.

For budget—conscious travelers, you may opt to book a room at Mac—Ro Lodge or Alpa Hotel. There is also Day’s Hotel (tel. no. 02—895—3297)and Hotel Pontefino (tel. no. 02~63S—9364) for a little bit of luxury.

If you’re staying in Anilao, try the Crystal Blue Resort (tel. no. (043) 300— 1169). It provides you a good view of the surrounding islands - Sombrero and Maricaban.
GETTING AROUND

Major bus terminals around Metro Manila regularly ply the Batangas route, especially those going directly to Batangas pier. Terminals found in Cubao, Buendia, Lawton and EDSA-Pasay usually charge an average of Php 150 for one—way ticket.

Typical travel time is two hours. Once in Batangas, local jeepneys and tricycles are common modes of transportation.

For island hopping, boats can be easily arranged with boat owners or with the resorts in the area.

Should you opt to follow our road trip, we took South Luzon Expressway (SLEX); exited in Sta. Rosa immediately turning right. It was a 40-minute uphill drive before reaching the concrete arch marker of Tagaytay going to Batangas.

A SWEET MIX OF OLD AND NEW: NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Across the still farmland and picturesque hillside is a city often referred to as the “Paris of Negros” mainly because of its legendary collection of impeccably preserved heritage houses.In fact, 30 of these houses have been declared a historical landmark, making Silay the province with the most number of ancestral houses next only to Vigan. Dotted right at the northwest coast of Negros Island, Silay offers untouched forests along with a dreamy imagery that makes it harder for anyone to leave the place.
GOING TO NEGROS

Contents
1 GOING TO NEGROS
2 A SPRINKLE OF NATURE TRAIL
3 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
First stop is Bacolod City. Its moniker the “City of Smiles” represents the generally sunny disposition of its locals, who appear to be accommodating and approachable at any given time. In fact, it is by asking directions from a random i stranger that we were able to find our way to the Provincial Capital of Negros Occidental, designed by the celebrated architectjuan Arellano. Its grand structure is certainly a splendid sight to see. No wonder, it is considered one of the most monumental provincial capitols which was declared a national historical landmark in 2004.

Afterwards, we headed straight to the provincial park smacked right at the center of Bacolod City, Capitol Park and Lagoon. When you see a sculpture of a carabao being pulled by a woman and (at the northern end of the lagoon) a carabao pulled by a man, you know you’re at the right place. I must say that it is a bit ofa busy place amidst the tranquil environment with people engaging in different activities such as jogging, aerobics, martial arts and even some who are preoccupied feeding the tilapia in the lagoon.

We also went to the San Sebastian Cathedral Church near the city hall and right across the Bacolod Public Plaza. The daunting facade of the cathedral has that nostalgic feel reminiscent ofa long forgotten era. Off to the next destination we headed to Talisay City, home to the mystifyingly enthralling mansion Called “The Ruins.” The mansion, though skeletal in frame, still exudes such a romantic appeal that makes anyone who sees it intrigued and slightly haunted.

This place has become a favorite backdrop for tourists who want to add a little bit of drama to their pictures. The Ruins is open to the public from 8:30 am to 8 pm everyday. It may also be used as a venue for special events like weddings, family reunions, etc. Camping and picnic grounds, bath houses and a pavilion are also offered.

And of course this whole experience is not going to be complete without visiting the City of Silay.

A SPRINKLE OF NATURE TRAIL

We went to Bgy. Balaring to visit a mangrove forest that is being preserved and reforested through the help of the local government. It was definitely a different adventure for us because it was just not a close encounter with nature but a greater opportunity to help preserve it. In this community, we learned that the existence of the mangroves creates a breeding ground for clam shells and crabs—the same seafoods the locals sell in the market.

Arriving at 10:30 am, we were briefed about the project at the local town hall fronting a basketball court. Then we made our way to the site through rows of houses and alleys that make up part of the : local community. After a short 10-minute walk, and together with a group of students who joined us in this adventure, we arrived at an area where the mangrove trees were already visible. The mangroves were already 3 years old and about 10-12ft in height. To get to the actual site, we crossed a footbridge made of bamboo, a makeshift are that serves as the marker indicating you have already reached the mangrove site.

Along the way, you’ll meet some of the locals who are resident caretakers of the area. The footbridge actually extends to various parts of the mangrove forest - the only way to get to the actual site where we were supposed to plant. We were advised to put on socks instead of slippers or sandals for the activity. This is to protect our feet and to be more comfortable walking through the mudsand. lt’s better to put on two socks and make sure that they extend up to your knees because while their mudsand is soft and for most part gets only ankle deep, there are some parts in the area that can Sink YOU up to your knees.

We went to the end of the footbridge and made our descent into the muddy and sandy trail. Walking through it was a bit ofa challenge because the mud was sticky, and the terrain uneven but after 15-20 minutes ofwalking and sliding, we finally reached the exact location. By this time, the sun was already scorching hot so its advisable to put on sunblock before you proceed with the activity as there is no shade available in the area. We were each given mangrove plants about 2-3 months old (each cost Php 5).

Before planting them and to make sure that they are well—embedded in the mud, the locals who were with us had to make some holes in the sand through the use ofbamboos. After planting 10 mangroves, we decided to go back to the campsite and enjoy the lunch prepared by the locals. Indeed, the visit proved to be a unique and inspiring experience.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The progressive city of San Carlos in Negros Occidental is the home of the first ethanol power plant in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. bioethanol plant. This DBP- funded facility, located at the San Carlos Agro-lndustrial Economic Zone, produces bioethanol processed from sugar cane and other agricultural feedstock. The plant produces an estimated 40 million liters of fuel grade bioethanol, or about 10 percent of the country's requirements as specified by the Biofuels Law of 2006. The plant also produces eight megawatts of electricity tapped to surrounding areas of San Carlos City.
FOOD TRIP

The dining experience in Negros is simply delightful. A lot of restaurants offer the local fare like Aboy’s where you can have a truly filling meal with their specialties like sinugbang liempo, panga, tuna, blue marlin and gindara. If you fancy lechon, try Akasya Grill at 17th Lacson St. in Bacolod City. Bob’s is also one of the most popular restaurants in Bacolod — they serve mostly American dishes but they also have local favorites like pancit, adobo and kare—kare. When dining at Bob’s, don’t miss their chicken sate, baby back ribs and daing na bangus. For authentic chicken inasal, try dining at Manukan Country which is open 24 hours.
LOCAL FINDS

Sweet treats are the common pasalubong finds in the City of Smi1eg_ Bring home some boxes of Napoleones, a unique, square-shaped puff pastry filled with custard cream and topped with crispy sugar glaze. Each pack costs around Php 230. Barquillos or hollow cylinder of crisp rolled cookies, sometimes filled with polvoron powder can be bought from local shops at Php 20 per pack. Another delightful treat worth bringing home are mango tartlets, Php 175 per pack.
BOARD AND LODGING

Pension Bacolod, Star Plus Pension, Bascon Hotel and Days Inn are some of the best options for budget conscious travelers. There are also mid—range accommodations to choose from — Bacolod Executive Inn, Circle Inn and Sugarland Hotel to name a few, for a price range ofPhp 1,200 — Php 3,000 per night. For high—end accommodations, try Casino Filipino Hotel, Sylvia Manor and L’Fisher Hotel. Getting to this sweet escape also provided me and my friends the opportunity to experience sea travel, via RORO (for some, it was their first time). While we had to rely on some of our creativity (we played the popular game Pinoy Henyo on the ferry) and the wonders of Play Station Portable to while 3Way the time while at sea, it also provided us with more bonding moments and spectacular views of the islands that we came across.
GETTING AROUND

Negros Occidental is part of the Western Nautical Highway where the jump—off point to the first RORO ferry ride is in Batangas City. From there, the sea travel takes roughly 2 hours before getting to the port of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro. From Calapan, we spent another 3 hours of land travel to Roxas City where we boarded another RORO to get to Caticlan, Aklan. Two of my friends decided to stay in Boracay for two days and just met up with us in Bacolod. From Aklan, we had to ride a bus to Iloilo City and to Dumangas Port where we boarded the final RORO leg to get to Bacolod. In Negros Occidental, the usual modes of transportation used are jeepneys and buses.

Spend your summer in Surigao

A visit to Surigao City will not be complete without hitting the famous offshore island of Siargao. We took the boat from the city's port going to Siargao island that costs Php 250 per head. Known as the surfing Capital of the Philippines," Siargao offers a number of surfing spots to choose from such as the Tuason point, where Cloud 9 is found. Cloud 9, as they say, has put the country in the list of top surfing spots in the world. It features a powerful reef break ideal for professional surfers.

FOOD TRIP

colorful painted tricycles took us to the busy public market of the city where vegetables, meat and fish are mostly found. We treated ourselves to a refreshing kinilaw dish or raw fish steeped in vinegar, lemon juice, ginger and onions. This only costs Php 40 Php 60 per serving, Iro or dog stew, litson, banding or roasted goat are also sold in the market. Butong, or young coconut juice served straight from the nut is also sold there as well as local tuba at Php 80 to Php 120 per bottle, depending on the size.
local funds Surigao women are fond of making native jewelry which they sold at reasonable prices. T-shirts with prints, beads, and other beach stuff are likewise available. And for those who love to bring home baon for their mothers to cook-marlin fish is available for only Php 200 per kilo; Spanish mackerel and dolphin fish are also available.
BOARD AND LODGING

Finding accommodations in Surigao is not a problem given the choices available to tourists and travelers. You won't miss the bright yellow building that is Lemondee Hotel, located in Borromeo St. (tel. no. 086-232-7334, Php 450 Php 620). You may also stay at Hotel Tavern, also located in Borromeo St. te no. 086-231-7300), which is more of an upscale hotel in the area with room rates that start at Php 1,200. The Garden Pavilion located at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Capitol Road (tel. no. 086-826-7779) provides a quiet respite with its garden setting.
Getting Around

Surigao is an exciting place to visit. And though it lies in the northern part of Mindanao, south of the archipelago, it is still accessible to travelers and tourists coming from the north through RORO From Pasay, Philtranco buses bound for Surigao are available. These buses board the RORO ferry to Lipata port in Surigao City. At the Li Ferry Terminal, there are tricycles that wait for passengers going to the city with fares ranging from Php 15 to Php 20. Around the city, tricycles, jeepneys, and multicabs are available to provide road services Going to offshore islands, a boat ride from the city's port to S costs around hp 250 per head.

Northern Samar Travel Guide

The Philippine archipelago boasts of more than 7,000 islands blessed with divine wealth of nature. Among these island treasures, Samar holds its crown as the third largest and richest in the Eastern Visayas region. It is one of the 12 regions in the Philippines with no defined land borders
Food Trip

Local restaurants in Northern Samar serve mostly seafood dishes. In Catarman, Mich restaurant serves good-tasting pasta tor only Php 75. The resorts at Biri Island alse serve the local seafood fare.
Local finds

In front of the Catarman Airport is a one-stop pasalubong center where you an buy products from all over Northern Samar, These include pili products, pinato from Bobon, and bottled tuna from Palapag.
Where to Stay

Most accommodations are available at Catarman. You may choose from the following hotels: GV Pension House at Marcos Street, Brgy. Narra, (tel. no. 055-500-6373). Bahay Pinoy Pension House at 378 Capitol Road, Brgy. Dalakit (tel. no. 055-500- 5739), Mijares Hotel at Balite Street, tel. no. 055-2518608), St. Lorenz Hotel at Annunciation Street (tel. no. 055-500- 9158), Waway's Pension House at Brgy. Molave(tel. no. 055-251-8530), and Pink City Pension House atJacinto St., Brgy. Yakal (tel. no. 055-251-8349). In Biri, try the Biri Central, (tel. no. 0927-8455700) and Villa Amor (tel. no. 0906-9681137). In Allen, the Pahayahayan Hotel, tel. no. 055-300-2018) can give you decent accommodations.
Getting There

From Matnog, Sorsogon, ferries cross the famous San Bernardino Strait and dock in the town of Allen at the western tip of Samar Island. Allen is more or less a 14-hour trip from Manila. From Allen, you could choose to make your way down to Tacloban, Leyte or stay a day or two in Northern Samar to explore a province that is most of the time overlooked on these long- haul rides to Mindanao.

Leyte portal to the past

LOCATED IN THE EASTERN PART OF VISA AS IS LEYTE NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE THIS PROVINCE WHICH HAS A NUMBER OF CENTURIES-OLD CHURCHES AND ADVENTURE SITES THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY ANY TRAVELER.

FOOD TRIP

Foodies will find the local food fare in Leyte simply delightful. There shops that one should not miss, One of these is the most famous Italian dining place in Tacloban, Giuseppe's (tel. no, 053-321-4910, open 1030am -1030 pm), located at Avenida Veteranos. Apart from its usual pizza and Italian dishes, they also serve Filipino dishes and seafood. Ocho Seafood Grill (tel. no. 1, Senator Engage St.) is another restaurant that should be bookmarked in one's food trip plan You can choose from their freshest seafood catch and have it cooked us the way you like it. Also worth is their crunchy chicharon made from fish skin. For a refreshing and laid- back dining experience, try Rafael Farm Restaurant (open 10am-8pm) sprawling with both an excellent landscape and an array of food dishes that include salads, sandwiches, steaks, and chicken and pork meals.
LOCAL FINDS

Binagol, Sagmani and Chocolate Moron are the top three treats to take home from Leyte. Binagol, a local delicacy, is a sweet mixture of talyan a root crop), sugar, and coconut milk placed inside a bago or coconut shell and steamed. Sagman is similar to Binagol but it is made mainly from sweet potato, yam, or cassava instead of talyan. Don't leave Leyte without buying Chocolate Moron, made from rice flour mixed with cocoa. You can get all three from a pasalubong store in Tacloban such as Tita Aida's Delica at Zamora Street.
BOARD AND LODGING

A number of hotels be can found in Tacloban, the provincial capital of Leyte, If you are on a budget, try staying at GV Pension along Avenida Veteranos cor Luna St.(tel. no. 053-325-3142, rates range from Php 350-700) or at Manhattan Inn along Rizal Ave. (tel. no. 053-321-4170. Php 650-1200). More high-end accommodations are offered at the Leyte Park Resort Hotel along Magsaysay Blvd. (tel. no. 053-325-600, Php 1,700-3,000) or Asia Stars Hotel at Zamora St. (tel. no. 053-321-4952, Php 1,200 1,800) In rmoc, try Buenas Pension Plaza along Lopez Jaena St. (tel. no 053-255-2640, Php 400-500/night) or Don Felipe Hotel (tel. no. 053- 255-2460, 500- 3,000/night).
GETTING AROUND

There are available bus lines that can take you to Leyte, among them, Philtranco and Silver Star, that make use of the RORO in San ports Ricardo, Southern Leyte and Naval, Biliran. From these ports there are already available buses and vans for rent that will take you to Tacloban, the provincial capital of Leyte. Modes of transportation in the area include the usual jeepneys, buses and multicabs.

Laguna: A weekend wonder

Heritage Trail

Contents
1 Heritage Trail
2 Nature Adventure
3 Food Trip
4 Local Finds
5 Board & Lodging
6 Getting Around
The province of Laguna is hour's away from Manila It is one of the perfect getaways that can suit a travelers wish for both cultural immersion and exciting adventure. While it is famous for its hot springs and water destinations, Laguna has a wealth of old churches and heritage sites that I came to appreciate and marvel at lirat in list was the former our residence of Laguna's most famous son and our national hero Jose Rizal, the Rizal Shrine, I had been here before during our school field trips but what is different now is that the replica of the family's house is colored green. Curious about the major change, we learned that this move served to honor the family s roots in agriculture. The shrine has interesting and precious memorabilia from Rizal's life like the toothbrush holder that he made for his sister Trinidad and some of his old clothes and shoes. Our second stop was the Shrine of st Anthony in Pila. T e area where the church stands, facing the town hall and with the school on its right side. reflects the old layout of the town plaza from the Spanish era. Being in the area felt like living a scene from Noli Me Tangere and rightly so because these well preserved old houses have been around for centuries. For this reason, the whole town center of ila was declared a National Historical Landmark in 2000 Going back to the church, we earned that its structure is made adobe stones which were transported by hand from the original and larger church in Bgy Pagalangan Its bell is considered the third oldest bell in the country and will mark its 400th year in 2012. After Pila, our next stop was the St. Bartholomew Church in Nagcadan. The church stands massive and breathtaking with its Baroque style architecture. It still has its original facade but most of its architecture has already undergone restoration. A short distance from the church is another site declared by the National Historical Institute as a National Historical he Underground Cemetery. surrounding the chapel an the underground cemetery is a circular wall that also served as crypts and tombs The chapel that stands on top of the underground cemetery is quite small in size and has simple altar During the Spanish era this chapel was where final blessings were given to the dead before they were laid to rest in the crypt 15ft below. The entrance to the crypt can be found at the side of the chapel. After ing through two flights of stairs, we reached the place where Katipuneros used to hold their secret meetings. Our guide told us that there are only 36 niche the t which were reserved for church leaders, the rich and the affluent and priests who died in that era It was already late in the afternoon. when we arrived at Casa San Pablo in San Pablo, Laguna, where we spent the remaining hours of the day exploring its grounds and lounging on the hammocks spread across its lawn The following morning, we left early to get to Liliw where St.John the Baptist Church is located. The centuries-old church was formerly part of Nagcarlan unfortunate events in the past an earthquake in 1880 and a fire in 1898-- rendered the church devoid of its original structure, save for one of its walls which s stand today. On the way to the church we passed by Gat Tayaw street. The numerous stalls selling all kinds of footwear line this street reinforcing the reputation of Liliwa a town also known for its thriving footwear industry. By lunchtime, we were already in Maryjay appreciating yet another magnificent structure-the Church of St. Gregory the Great. This brick made church is massive, moreso if ou look at it from the outside Apart from being the country's third --largest church, this structure has survived two fires in the past. It used to be made of bamboo but the locals decided to alter its structure constructing it using red bricks in order to preserve it From Maryja, we proceeded to Cavinti. This was where we spent the evening. On the way to the resort (Lagos Del Sol), we passed by the Japanese Memorial Garden, a shrine dedicated to Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita. We had to climb up several flights of stairs to get to the upper part of the 12-hectare attraction. The shrine reflects the simplicity and minimalist style of the Japanese The ambassador of Japan visits this site every year. Aside from Gen. Yamashita, other Japanese soldiers who perished during the war are also buried here. At the top part of the garden, a very picturesque view of Caliraya Lake is sure to attract everyone. The next morning, we were off to visit more churches in the towns of Pete Paki and Mabitac. Pete is known for its people's excellent craftsmanship in woodwo This is clearly reflected in the interiors of the St James the Apostle Parish Church, especially its ceiling. Amazingly, the wood-clad ceiling was made without using nails Interesting fixtures in the churc also include two paintings featuring St. Cristobal. These two paintings had different origins the first one is oriental and the second one European. Stories have it that the parish priest then did not like the oriental painting and had it red with the European version. It was only in the 70s that the original painting was discovered when the church underwent renovation. After visiting these church we decided to go around the town and visit some of the woodcarversas they went about their daily work. One ofth mos famous wood sculptors from Paete is --Luis Ac-Ac His gallery that doubles as his shop is located on JV Quezada St and houses some of his most prized pieces like the Bunong Braso and Nagkaka rosa. Also in Paete, we passed by some taka or papier mache makers One of the most colorful shops that sell papier mache products is the Ang Buh at Hugs sa Paete Art Shop. They have taka pieces masks fruits, images that are usually used in plays. From Paete, our second to the last stop was Pakil The town is famous for the Turumba Festival, a grand procession of the image o the Virgin Mary through the streets, up to the seashore and back to the church. Merriment follows the image with people dancing to the beat of drums in the street. The Virgen de los Dolores de Turumba stands at the center of the altar People who want to get closer to the image and offer their intentions can go to the back of the church where a designated pahalikan" can be found. It's a small window situated directly at the back of the image. Apart from having an awe inpi ring church, Pakil is another town in Laguna that displays the skill and craftsmanship of its people through woodcrafts. They are the no. 1 producer of decorative items, with designs that range from butterflies to fans and peacocks made from woodshavings On shop where you can find these designs is the Whittler's Arts and Crafts at 175 Tavera St. ur last stop for the day was the town of Mabitac. The church Our Lady of Candelaria was already renovated and not much of the old structure remains but its location is the story itself The church is perched on top of a hill and to get to it, we had to climb up exactly 126 steps.
Nature Adventure

Laguna has a lot of diverse waterforms where you can enjoy swimming or simply relax and enjoy the view. Some of the natural sites that are more exciting include the Seven Lakes ofSan Pablo, the Pueblo El Salvador in Cavinti where you can find the Magdapio Falls,Nakaho Falls,---- Tibatib Nature Trail and Bayakan Falls. In Majara, try plunging in the ice-cold water
Food Trip

Kusina Salud in By Sta Cruz in San Pablo offers sumptuous and interesting dishes Try their Adobo Diablo (Php255),en abao meat with milk and chilis and spices coconut or their Binagoongang Baby (Php 255), The cozy yet eclectic ambiance of the restaurant adds to the unique dining experience that also can be enjoyed by guests. Another restaurant worth visiting is Ana Bela, a quaint cafein Liliw. They serve a variety of past and salad dishes as well as mouth-watering pastries. The café and bakeshop offers food at affordable prices- pasta dishes start at Php 60. This dining haven is located at 503 Rizal St., in Liliw For a taste of something quite out of the try going to the Exotik Restaurant in ordinary, Kalayaan, Laguna. As the name implies, they serve exotic dishes like frogs, snails, deer, wild lizards (bayawak) flavorful y cooked for guests enjo Even the ambiance of the restaurant is reflective of its name-it houses a number of animals including birds, monkeys and python named Samantha.
Local Finds

Take home treats from this province include the buco pie and espasol available in installs found along the highway, If you find yourself in the town of Liliw drop by the store in Mabini St. called S Prime Choice They offer a wide range of pastries (uraro, yema, turones, cart) with interesting flavors such as buko pandan black forest and melon polvoron.
Board & Lodging

Tranquil surroundings charmingly tucked in one o Lagunas town asa San Pablo Gomez Compound, Bgy San Roque, San Pablo City, Laguna; tel. no. 0920-9624083/0917-812 6687) is one-- of the places that provide a unique yet relaxing way to spend a weekend. Quaint cottages, with itte poter pieces make for a good vacation. Lagos Del Sol (tel. no. 049-526-8088 loc. 120/523-1827), a resort in Cavinti fronting the Caliraya Lake has modern facilities that also provide a good retreat from the busy life in the city. It also has local and international cuisines that guests can enjoy.
Getting Around

Several bus companies that regularly ply the South Luzon Expressway can take you to the towns of aguna Getting from one town to the next is easy with jeepneys, tri and buses but f you want to go to the more far flung areas of Laguna, its best to bring your own vehicle or renta van for convenience. Postscript: The Open Road From Laguna, the road remains open to adventures that could take one further south to the province ofBicol, to the port of Orso and to the island ofMasbate, Samar all the way to Surigao.