Mindanao Tour

April 6 to 12, 2009 - This might be the longest red marked dates of the year and our family decided to go to Cagayan de Oro and Davao City by land to visit my mother's native place,my cousins,my uncles and aunts.From Naga City our first stop is Matnog,Sorsogon the southernmost tip of the island of Luzon and jump off point to the Visayas.It is where you will wait for long to avail of the RORO ferry.There are a lot of fixers here that will promise you being prioritized to board the RORO since it only allow five private vehicles and the rest are public buses.My advice is, just stay in line and never negotiate with them.We boarded MV Peñafrancia at 2 a.m. bound to Allen,Northern Samar .

From Allen Port,we travel far south and cross the longest bridge in the Philippines The San Jaunico Bridge by noon.It connects the town of Sta. Rita,Samar and the City of Tacloban, Leyte.

Our next stop is the Gen.Mac Arthur Landing Memorial in Palo,Leyte.I almost got a nose bleed explaining to my kids the history behind the landing of Americans in Leyte.Its been a decade since I study Philippines History in College.

We hit the road again, and pass by Agas-Agas Bridge (the tallest bridge in the country).It was still under construction,the scenery was breathtaking as you traverse two mountains.At 4 p.m. we are at Liloan,Southern Leyte Port waiting to board the ship bound to Lipata,Surigao - the gateway to Mindanao.Unlike in Matnog Port,there are less fixers here and even we avail one,it was so honest and deserved to be paid for.On board the ship,we enjoy the majestic sunset and the cold breeze as we sails across Mindanao Sea.We arrive at Lipata, Surigao at 12 mid-night.

We are advice to stay for a night in a nearby hotel in Lipata Port.They said that it was too risky to travel in Surigao during wee hours because of the series of hijack incidences in the area.We stay and had comfortable sleep in Surigao City.After breakfast, we take the road towards Cagayan De Oro City and enjoy the scenery along the way.

In the City of Golden Friendship,we met my cousins, uncles and aunts.I can't memorized their names,it was my first acquaintance with them.Then,we proceed at El Salvador City where we stay for the night.The next day, we went to the Divine Mercy Shrine located at the Divine Mercy Hills overlooking Macajalar Bay. The shrine has a 50 foot statue of the Divine Mercy Christ. It serves as a pilgrimage site for the Divine Mercy devotees. As a pilgrimage and sacred site, visitors are not allowed to wear shorts and other revealing clothing. Those who do so will be forced to cover themselves with a blue cloth provided by the shrine administrators.

After lunch we visited our relatives at Malaybalay City,Bukidnon dubbed as the South Summer Capital of the Philippines.We dropped by at the famed monastery of the Benedictine Monks.It was so relaxing there,feel like I was under a giant pyramid promoted then by the late Ka Ernie Baron who claims a lot of miracle healing.Then,we spent our dinner at one of our cousins' house and call it a day.It was so cold there at night because of its elevation and dense forested mountains.

The next day,on our way to Davao City we took pictures at Ver Overview and Nature Park - a landscaped area which renders a vista of beautiful rolling hills and plains of Bukidnon.The trip was so refreshing because of the cooler climate at BuDa road (Bukidnon-Davao Road ) and the majestic scenery along the way.In the afternoon,we visited the Philippines Eagle Center of Davao and stay at Seagull Beach Resort for the night.

As all vacation ends up going to beach,the next day is a plunge to the island of Samal at Costa Marina Beach Resort.We stay at the beach until noon and after lunch visited the Davao Crocodile Park.At 3pm,we took a rest and after dinner take a hike at Davao Jack's Ridge.

Spending red marked dates with your family is a gift to offer and a gift to received.No matter how cheap or expensive it was,how short or long,how far or near,what remains in our hearts are the memories of happy thoughts that no treasures in this world can compare.

Camsur Watersports Complex

March 28, 2009 - after our island hopping in Atulayan Island in Sangay,we drop by at CWC, the new wakeboard mecca in Asia and probably of the world.Tourists around the globe flocks here not just for the extreme sports but for the locals as well.They said that we Bicolanos are the most hospitable "pinoy".Before,Cam Sur was only known to many after a devastating typhoon or even worst,as one of the poorest province in the Philippines.This man-made wonder some how change our image as a province and give as a fighting chance to be competitive and be valued like our brother in the first world.

Panicuason Hot Spring Resort

March 8, 2009 - It was Sunday,after a tiring month-end closing of books at the office, at last I got my break.We spent the day at Panicuason Hot Spring Resort just 20 minutes ride from downtown Naga City.This rain forest resort caters hot and cold spring to nature lover tourist.If you want to detoxify your mind and appreciate how simple life should be, this place is for you.

Atulayan Island

March 28, 2009 - Atulayan Island is located in Sangay, Camarines Sur, Philippines, a 20 minutes boat ride from Nato Beach.Its name was derived from the word - "Atol", which literally means snail. From afar, Atulayan does look like a snail, with its sloping curves extending from the top down to the shores.This is my third visit in the island for a span of one year and I am disappointed on how the locals managed the island.Irresponsible beach goers thrown their garbage left and right and the local doesn't even care.Lucky for them mother nature cleanse herself and this ivory colored beach still attract beach lovers and still the most cheapest island hopping in Camarines Sur.

Whale Sharks in Sorsogon

February 15, 2009 - Donsol, Sorsogon - It was not a lucky day for us.We were able to see the gentle giant just once and from a far.Spotting where the butanding is the most boring part.My kids almost lose their patience.But along the way,we've seen dolphins playing and other rare fish.It really help to diminish their disappointment.

The boat rental is so expensive for small group and also the foods,I suggest to bring your own meal and snacks for the day.Lastly,don't expect a lot.Whale Shark Interaction sometimes is a game of luck.

Boracay Vacation

January 20 - 22, 2009 - Well there's a lot of post praising Boracay Island nature's wonders and I agree to them all.These additional tips might be of help for those who have meager budget.Stay at the Orchids Resort (www.orchidsboracay.com) at Station 3.If you have the intelligent card distributed by Intelligent Designs ( 0918-4456393)for a minimum of two night stay, you can avail 50% discount on the first night and 20% on the succeeding nights.Take your lunch at Mang Inasal at Talipapa, they have meals less than P50.Avail the reef walking late in the afternoon ( pass 3 p.m.)they cost 50% less than taken in the morning.Join island hopping in group usually before 8 a.m.Lastly,book at www.cebupacificair.com every 25th day of December,They have P1 fare ( all in P53 excluding Terminal Fees ).

Summer at Calaguas Islands

Visited March 14, 2009 - Calaguas is a group of islands in the Pacific under the jurisdiction of the town of Vinzons, Province of Camarines Norte. The main island, named Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) by the locals is not yet commercially developed, only three cottages built by the local tourism office serves as resting place. Unreached by cell site signals, it is ideal for tourist escaping the noise of the metropolis.The serenity can be likened to the movie “Cast Away” but truly a very satisfying experience. If you are planning to go there consider the following;

1. Rent a boat bigger enough for your group. Sea travel time is almost three hours and the waves in some areas are moderately rough. Don’t forget to wear your lifejacket.

2. Bring a lot of water, basic kitchen utensils, rice and firewood.The nearest house where you can ask for assistance is two kilometers away.

3. Don’t try to go back to Daet in the afternoon. Waves are not that friendly. Stay for a night in the islands. Just be sure that you have a secured tent, emergency light and survival kit.