In my years of traveling, I always look forward to the different modes of transportation that will take me to my destination....
Airplanes are, of course, the fastest way around. My favorite part is when the plane is taking off... that moment when you feel its full speed as it runs on the ground, and slowly taking off to defy gravity. My least favorite part is the landing... the uncertainty of getting that smooth transition from being airborne to being in contact with the ground.
Riding a small plane is one adventure I will never forget. Each of the production team was assigned his/her own plane. I felt like a VIP! The lightness and size of the plane were enough to make me really scared, as soon as we took off. You felt so vulnerable and you could actually feel how the wind up there affects your flying. But the magnificent view made me forget my fear... The plane only flies at 1000 feet, so you can really see the details of the islands scattered in the emerald and deep blue seas.
(Route: Cebu to Siargao, 1.5 hours)
Habal-habal (simply a motorbike) is a popular means of transportation in some far-flung areas in the country. It's actually a fun ride, knowing that there will be no cars, buses or any big vehicles that will hit or bump you. Never mind the dust, it's part of nature like the trees and the rustic landscape that surround you.
In Corregidor, this is the only way to get around the island. An improvised jeepney where one can have a good view of the island's ruins.
As a nation of 7107 islands, it is only appropriate to experience traveling around by ship. I remember as a young boy, whenever we go to our province (Negros Occidental), we would always take the ship. Back then, the facilities were still very simple and poorly maintained. Thank heavens, traveling by ship now is not that boring anymore, as numerous activities can now be done onboard.
The 7107 Islands Cruise was a great way to discover and explore our country. It was an attempt to familiarize Filipinos with the concept of "cruise ship". However, due to "politics", the ship's operation is currently on hold.
I was able to visit Coron, Palawan with these ships - 7107 Islands Cruise (2009, above) and the T/S Kapitan Felix Oca (2010, below).
T/S Oca is a training ship where cadets from the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific are trained with the intricacies of shipping. The ship also happens to be the venue of my first Extra Challenge episode. I never thought that I would get to ride Oca again... It's a great feeling to get aboard this ship once more. The challenges... the conversations... the haggardness... they all came back vividly :-)
Speaking of sea vessels, this is the boat that takes passengers from Manila to Corregidor. Smooth and short ride...
(By the way, it was only in Corregidor and the waters of Bataan that T/S Oca brought us for our Extra Challenge shoot).
Of course, when you travel to the Philippines to explore its islands... you can't get away with these BOATS in all shapes and sizes!
Sipalay, Negros Occidental
Sipalay, Negros Occidental
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
a military speedboat we used to
get to Cagbalete Island, Quezon
a private speedboat that brought us around
the islands of San Vicente, Palawan
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