A proud Batoeño

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

June 24-25,2010 - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park as of this writing is the only Philippines entry included to the short list of sites in the search for the new seven wonders of the world.This post is my simple contribution to help promote it and let your vote be counted at www.New7Wonders.com

Indeed ours is the most blessed country in the world in terms of nature's wonders.It is a gift with a responsibility to preserved and a place for mankind to see God's infinite power.I had already visited one of the seven wonders of the world,six sites more to go....hopefully soon.

Albay Adventure 102

April 23-25,2010 - One of the activities lined up by the province of Albay in celebration of its month long Magayon Festival 2010 is the Albay Adventure Tour 102 organized by the provincial tourism office.On its second year,the event offers basic extreme activities such as mountain biking,kayaking,island hopping,snorkeling,zipline,and ATV at Mt.Mayon lava front.

The three days - two nights activities will give you an opportunity to explore the group of outlying islands composed of Cagraray, Rapu-rapu, Batan and San Miguel (collectively known as CRABS) that straddles the Albay and Lagonoy Gulfs,interact with nature through snorkeling,fish feeding,ATV at Mt.Mayon Lava Front and experience the province’s best beaches,sumptuous local cuisine and exclusive resort such as the well known Misibis Bay Resort.

One can never imagine that all of these thrill and excitement will only cost you P1,500.00/person inclusive of foods,beers,and tents.Surely,my wife and I will include this one on our "must-do" list next year .For more information, please contact the Albay Tourism Office at Tel. No.:(052) 481-0250.

Caramoan Islands Revisited

April 9-10,2010 - Its summer again,and an island hopping in Caramoan,Camarines Sur will always be included in my checklist.This is my fifth straight year since 2006 but every visit is always just like the first.The place continuously amazed me and this time I bring with me my two daughters for them to appreciate the nature's wonders in Caramoan.

As usual,some of the islands are restricted for landing due to the ongoing filming of Survivor Israel 2.So we have to be contented by passing through and looking them from afar.Well,this is not new except that this time they includes the other islands such as Lahus and Sabitang Laya.

But despite all of that Survivor glitch,we are not shortchanged anyway.My wife and I was able to trek the hidden lagoon in Matukad Island.Last year we were not able to make it because of the rain.After climbing the top of the limestone formation at the end of the island with rocks that are a bit sharp,you will see the hidden lagoon at the other side.This lagoon is said to be enchanted.Folk stories told that this was once home to two enchanted milkfish.One day,a fisherman took the other fish and soon after,a member of his family died.Indeed,we were able to saw the other milkfish swimming in the lagoon although we are positioned at the top of the mountain.

Revisiting Caramoan Islands can never be said that I had have more than enough of this,every visit has a new adventure to discover and a new stories to tell.Enjoy your summer!

HOW TO DIY CARAMOAN.

Kawa-Kawa Trek

March 29,2010 - This is one of few activities which I planned to do in the observance of the Holy Week this year,a way of the cross at Kawa-Kawa Trek Ligao City, Albay.The place was named after a kawa (frying pan) because of the peculiar shape naturally molded in its upper portion.The 236-meter-high hill offers serenity for the souls, and spectacular panoramic views of Mayon Volcano and other nearby mountains.

Life-size statues of the way of the cross stations start with the Last Supper at the foot of the hill and ends with the Resurrection at the top.I also took this opportunity to easily share and story-tell to my kids the passion of Christ and it was accepted by them with a lot of enthusiasm.

In the huge bowl shape field, obstacle courses was set-up and visitors can use it for free. They can also enjoy horseback riding (P15/ride for adults) with an assistance of a trainer from the BSP Eagle Scout Advancement Camp and Facilities.I had my first horseback riding here with my only son.It was awesome!

For us who belongs to the working class who spent most of the time at work to earn a decent living for our family,the Holy Week is not only a time of reflections or reconciliation with God but also a chance to fill-up the lost moments of bonding,joy and laughters with our family.After all,this is what we are here for.

Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession 2009

September 19, 2009 - Peñafrancia Festival is the biggest Marian devotion in the Philippines celebrated on the third week of September at Naga City in Camarines Sur.I am residing on this blessed city for almost ten years now and this is my first time to take some photos of last year fluvial procession.

This year marks the Tercentenary ( 300 years )Celebration of Devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.May this post served as an invitation to participate and rejoice with us for the gift of devotion and grace we received from Ina 300 years ago.Come,lets go back home for INA.Viva La Virgen!

Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Albay

Cagsawa Church belfry is the most popular structure in the entire Bicol Region.It stood as a symbol of Bicol region’s impressive landscape, rich history and the people’s strength and resiliency to face and to rise from the ravages of Mother Nature.

Folklore states that originally Kagsawa was derived from the word “KAG” meaning owner and “SAWA” meaning python. Kagsawa could also mean excesses or too much. The February 1, 1814 Mayon eruption was recorded to be worst eruption of Mt. Mayon. Some 1,200 people who took refuge and sought the sanctuary of the church during the eruption all died when the church was engulfed by the flowing lava.

In 2006,super typhoon Reming reminisce the fate of our ancestors causing massive loss of life when mudslides from the Mayon Volcano buried many villages in Daraga Albay including this historic site.Now,back on its feet again,I was completely in awe of her.

At the entrance of the park visitors will find a wide variety of souvenir shops and stalls which showcase native products and handicrafts. A wide selection of T-shirts with native scenes and designs are also available.

Daet Camarines Norte

February 22, 2010 - One can never miss to visit this monument in Daet Camarines Norte because it holds the distinction of being the first monument erected in honor of the National Hero Jose P. Rizal way back in 1898. It is also known as "Unang Bantayog ni Jose Rizal" were Bantayog Festival coined its name to celebrates the founding of Camarines Norte. As of 2009, it has been 89 years since the province has become independent, since March 3, 1919, when Ambos Camarines (at that time Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur were one province) was split into two.

Before,Daet is known as the first surfing spot in the country especially its long stretch of beach in Bagasbas.But due to lack of government supports it was outdone by Surigao and other surfing sites in the country.Great that just recently, the 2nd Kiteboarding competition was a success drawing back again tourists to visit this province which has so much to offer other than surfing.

Tinagba Festival

February 11, 2010 - Tinagba Festival is an ancient Bicol first harvest offering that features a caravan of gaily-decorated bull carts/motorized floats which usually coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.This year highlights the character float parade and the 2010 Tinagba Gayon Bicol Festival of Festivals Showdown (moving choreography) where nine contingents will participate from Bicol’s famed festivals like The Palong Festival of Camarines Norte, Lapay Bantigue Festival of Masbate, Pinili Festival of Pili, Camarines Sur, Paraw Festival (Province of Sorsogon), Catandungan Festival (Catanduanes), Tabak Festival of Tabaco City, Sosogon Festival (Sorsogon City), Ibalong Festival (Legazpi City) and Pulang-Angui Festival of Albay.

The character float parade starts at around 10:30 a.m.,It was awesome to see fruits and crops perfectly decorated and arranged as floats.

Bicol Festival of Festivals Showdown starts at 1:00 p.m.,It was fun,I have not seen some of them like the Lapay Bantigue Festival of Masbate and Catandungan Festival of Catanduanes even if I am a Bicolano because it was far from the main land.Great its all here in one place.

We also have a chance to pray at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto where the traditional culminating point of Tinagba Festival.On top,you will see the entire city proper.

Tinagba as a tradition reminds us that,what ever fruits we harvest from our labors no matter how big or small.We must offer it first to God and surely He will payback a thousandfold.

Cebu City Tour

November 14-15,2009 -From Bohol,our next stop is the oldest city in the Philippines - The City of Cebu.We arrived at Pier 1 via Ocean Jet Ferry at around 9 a.m.It was a disgusting experience when somebody approach us and pretend to help us look for a taxi then afterward ask for a fee.The cab driver said that they are Badjao (Sea Gypsies).But what was equally frustrating is the taxi ride from port to La Guardia Hotel.We are charged P200.00.Its just three blocks away from the port.But then again,this is a do-it-yourself tour its all part of the experience.

First stop is the Basilica del Sto.Niño.I feel reunited with Señor Sto.Niño since my last visit here was in 1996 when I am an exchange student for a year at University of Cebu.I don't have relatives in Cebu and this church is my favorite breathing space whenever I am home sick.

Just beside the Cathedral is the Magellan Cross planted by Portuguese, and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.One can never miss to drop by on this site because the Magellan's Cross and the chapel in Magallanes St. just in front of the City Hall is a prominent symbol of Cebu.

Then we walk towards Port San Pedro just few blocks away from Magellan's Cross. Port San Pedro is one of the oldest spanish port in the Philippines. It was first started in May 8, 1965.The work of colonization had just begun and due to the hostility of the natives, the Spaniards were compelled to build the port.The port is triangular in shape with two sides facing the sea and the third side facing the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery, and the third side with palisade made of wood. The port serves as a nucleus of the first established settlement in the Philippines.

Cebu is also known for its variety of dried fish, we were told that the best place to buy them is in Tres de Abril St., Taboan Market a few minutes away from the cathedral.We just ride a jeep to get there.

Then we went to the provincial capitol of Cebu to have some pictures. Along the way we pass by Crown Regency Hotel which caters the famous extreme edge coaster ride and sky walking adventure. From Capitol we go back to downtown and buy Cebu made guitar at the Freedom Park.

Having a do- it- yourself city tour in Cebu is not that complicated. All you have to bring is a lot of guts coupled by thorough research of the place in the internet. I tell you the experience is great! See you on our coming DIY tour in Puerto Princesa ( June 2010) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( July 2010 ).