ENDLESS HORIZON IN CAGBALETE ISLAND, QUEZON

I am not sure if there's a Filipino who can visit all of the country's 7,107 islands in his/her entire lifetime.  Oh well, is it even possible?  

But i consider myself lucky enough to be able to visit some of my country's fascinating islands that promises an unforgettable experience for its visitors.  And unforgettable it is, indeed, when I got the chance to visit one of Mauban, Quezon's pride - the Cagbalete Island.  

You need to walk far just to reach the waters!

NIGHTMARE IN NAIA 3

UPDATE:   
This incident happened last January 22, 2013. But during my recent trip last September and November 2013, arriving passengers are now allowed to get regular metered taxis at the Departure area.  Thanks for a petition on change.org after some passengers managed to "film" their experience with their smartphones and posted the incident on Youtube.   

Long line as passengers wait for a yellow airport taxi.  The regular white taxis are
no longer allowed to take passengers at the Departure Area. 

I arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at half past 1 in the afternoon.  That day, I was looking forward to go home to have a decent sleep.  I've been working for more than 12-hours per day during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and a good rest was what my body really longed for.  

I'm not new to airports in Manila.  If you don't want to take the Yellow Airport Taxis, you may take a bus that will bring you to the MRT station in EDSA for only 20 pesos, or you may take the regular white taxis at the Departure area on the 3rd level.  

I opted to take the regular white taxis and I was glad to see them lined up outside!  No need to wait, I told myself.  But, the moment I got in, the airport guards suddenly asked me to get out and told the taxi driver to leave.  I asked why and they told me that these regular taxis are no longer allowed to take passengers.  It was the new order from the airport management that took effect that morning.  

CLARK IS IT! Trinoma-Clark Airport Lounge

The first time I flew from Clark Airport/DMIA, I had to go to Cubao and catch a bus going to Pampanga (Dau Terminal).  From there, a tricycle ride will bring me to another terminal at the entrance of Clark Freeport Zone where I need to ride a fully-packed jeepney (you can rent the entire jeep if you have extra budget or in a hurry) that will bring me to the airport.  If you're traveling light and have plenty of time to spare, this may not be an issue.  But, holidays are meant to have a convenient experience and this should start from your point of origin, right?

Thankfully, the Trinoma Mall and Clark Airport have come up with a solution to give the increasing number of passengers flying from Clark more convenience and money-saving opportunity.  An all-new Trinoma-Clark Airport Lounge has been formally launched last January 15, 2013 attended by various representatives from major airlines operating in Clark, the Trinoma mall and Tourism officials.  

This is a very good news for budget travellers like most of us!  The Lounge will be open 24/7, with airconditioned and some wi-fi equipped buses that will regularly bring the passengers to and from the airport, for an approximately 1.5 hour trip.  The fare is only 200 Pesos. (Now, if you live in Quezon City, the taxi fare going to NAIA is around 250-300 pesos!).  

The Lounge is also equipped with two large monitors flashing real-time flight status updates. If you find out that your flight is delayed for several hours, you can still have time go around the mall for some last minute shopping (sunblocks, extra bag, flipflops, skincare products, etc.) or even watch a movie if you like!  Don't worry, there's no need to bring along your luggages inside the mall as the Lounge provides a secured luggage counter. 

So, folks, next time you fly, don't be limited by flying through NAIA! Because now, we've got an equally better alternative flying through Clark!  Bon voyage!  


NOTES: 
Clark International Airport (Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) caters to a number of local and foreign-owned airlines flying to key tourism hotspots in the Philippines (Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, etc.) and in Asia (Singapore, Bangkok, Hongkong, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Seoul, Taipei, etc.)  

The Lounge is located at the Trinoma Mall, in front of Mindanao Avenue / McDonald's, beside Mercury Drug, Medical City and CD-R King. 

You may contact the Lounge Hotline at 621-3673 for the bus schedules.  

Spacious lobby and monitors give passengers convenience as they wait for their bus ride. 

Bus services courtesy of Genesis, Philtranco and Victory Liner Group. 

Air Asia, one of the active players in regional travel!  Now, everyone can fly! 

Oh My... I'm in SIPALAY!

Very few Filipinos have probably heard of this gorgeous and idyllic beach tucked somewhere south of Negros Occidental.  But, for a number of foreign adventurers and divers (mostly Europeans), they have long discovered this paradise and some have even called this home.  

Sipalay is a quiet seaside town in the southernmost part of Negros Occidental in the Visayas region. It boasts of unspoilt beaches and spectacular diving site where one can see a number of World War II sunken vessels and rich marine life. Only a number of Filipino tourists go here (most of them are from Negros province) but Westerners (mostly divers) are a common presence.  

To Be Young and Free in DINAGYANG FESTIVAL!

Take a Break! 

January marks the start of the year and it also catapults the festive season in the entire Philippine archipelago! 

The Feast of the Black Nazarene opens it all, followed by the Sinulog Festival in Cebu held in honour of the Sto. Niño. Smaller celebrations also take place in different cities as a tribute for the Child Saint.  But in the city of Iloilo, a joyous and spirited celebration is also held, filling major streets with loud music as the marauding revellers come in droves with their colourful costumes and props! 

I was still a young boy when I first witnessed Dinagyang Festival.  We used to live in Iloilo that time.  Since then, I never had the chance to go there to be part of this annual Ilonggo merry-making! 

But on my 3_th birthday, I decided to go to be young and free again, just like my childhood days.  And it was a great decision! 

MANILA BAY SUNSET: Doom or Boom?

The Novena Mass ends in Baclaran and I rush to get a ride along Roxas Blvd. to reach the CCP Complex before the glorious glaring ball call it a day.  

I was not alone.  Some tourists and locals were also there to marvel at the beauty of the sun slowly disappearing in the horizon.  No doubt a beauty for everyone to see! And the best thing is, it is for free!  

The Sunset at Manila Bay is an enduring image of Manila's identity and natural charm. Some even claim that it's the most beautiful sunset in the world.  Sadly, I heard some news that the bay in this area is being planned to be reclaimed to give way for more development and infrastructure. 

As Filipinos who love our capital city, we should not allow this to happen.  Manila will entirely lose its identity if its magnificent view of the sunset will be obstructed by tall buildings and other infrastructure. 

Let us preserve the beauty of our city.  What we need is to revitalise its historic quarters,   keep it clean and crime-free and improve/preserve the existing infrastructures.  Tourism is the key for this city to be on its feet again.  And it is not impossible if the city's officials will only have a world-class vision of this city who was once the envy of its neighbouring sisters in Asia.  

Please support the petition to preserve Manila Bay... 

Please SIGN THE PETITION:  
http://www.change.org/petitions/s-o-s-manila-bay-save-our-sunset-stop-the-reclamation-of-manila-bay

Journeys Beyond the Pearl of the Orient Seas...

Amazing... 

The Kingdom of Wonder ... 

Truly Asia.... 

My stories and adventures, soon.  

IN PURSUIT OF QUEZON'S FABLED WATERFALLS ...

The sun was blistering hot that day. Summer was at its peak and most people are struggling to keep themselves cool.  If you're in the heart of Quezon Province, the idea of a refreshing swim in a beach or a river is simply far-fetched.  But our local contacts told us to go to this waterfalls hidden in the mountain ranges of Atimonan for a refreshing dip.

Being an adventure-seeker that we are, we followed his suggestion and went out to search this fabled waterfalls, where a golden bell is said to be hidden beneath its depths. After a long, slow travel on a winding road, we finally stopped on this seemingly unnoticeable road sign that says Welcome to Bantayan Waterfalls and Caves.

The simple tarpaulin signage along the road.

My Melancholia in MALAPASCUA

It felt sad and depressing when I left Malapascua Island.  I didn't want to board that boat yet. The sea is so inviting for another swim, for another day of lazing along the beach and reading my book (Life of Pi by Yann Martel) under the comforting trees.  I have only spent 4 days in this enchanting island and it's never enough to satisfy my insatiable curiosity for this sunny, charming paradise. Though one can explore the entire island by foot in one day, I know there are still more to discover and learn beyond its idyllic beauty. 

Bounty Beach 

MANILA: A Closer Look (Part 1)

I find Manila interestingly charming. This may not be the city I want to live in because of its flood-prone and narrow streets, but I still continue to find myself going here at least once a month to experience her alluring vibrancy and chaos. Her rich history and underbelly piques my imagination like no other city in the Philippines.  Her invaluable role in the country's politics, religion, trade, education and culture sets her apart from the rest. 

Despite her grim appearance, she still possess that indelible character that made her an enviable city in the Far East during her golden, pre-WW II age. One only needs to take a walk to explore and re-discover the remnants of her once glorious past.  You'll be surprised how most of them survived, despite utter neglect. 

PASSPORT 2011

It's a big world out there.  There are so much to learn, to see, to eat, to experience. 

Be brave to explore other places.  If you can't find someone to go with you, then do it alone!  You'll be surprised to meet a lot of solo travelers when you're out there.  

Get your passport now and start collecting those stamps!  Bon Voyage! 

Passport Stamps, 2011. 

PUERTO PRINCESA: The Princess of the West Philippine Sea

My expectations are high for Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. So much has been said about this big city (as the locals claim) that your anticipation has already been heightened even before setting foot on its land.

I went there to film its scenic spots for a travel show so I didn't really have the luxury of exploring it more intimately, like a laidback traveler usually do. Actually, PP is quite hard to explore if you're on a tight schedule and budget. The scenic spots are scattered sporadically that moving around may cost you a lot - both time and money. The best way to cover as many places as you can is to rent your own vehicle (like a van).

ALIW NA ALIW SA ALIWAN FESTIVAL 2011

Every town or city in this country has its own festivities! And most of them are deeply rooted in religious and farming traditions...

In Manila, city dwellers get a glimpse of these festivities from around the country in the annual ALIWAN FESTIVAL. A number of organizations (from various towns/cities) take part in this colorful and merry spectacle to parade their local traditions, beautiful boys and girls, products, artistry and culture!

The parade starts at the Quirino Grandstand and ends in front of Aliw Theatre at the CCP Complex. It's good to see people braving the mid-afternoon heat just to witness this event. The mood is festive and relaxed.

I waited for the parade (floats, costumes, etc.) at Aliw Theatre. I was hoping to get clear pictures with natural light... Unfortunately, the parade arrived early evening and the lights were not strong enough from our position. Anyway, I had fun and it was a great opportunity to experience this kind of grand festivity even in an urbanized city...

ON MY WITS' END IN CALAUIT!

Palawan never ceases to surprise its visitors! The province (or its group of islands) is never called "the last frontier" for nothing!

On its northwestern side lies the island of Calauit - a game preserve where animals are free to roam and propagate! (to know more about the island, visit http://www.calauitisland.com/ ).

Our tour guide told us that this island turned into a game preserve by then Pres. Marcos as a gift to his son, Bongbong. Animals were imported from Africa. Sadly, the succeeding administration never prioritized its maintenance on their budget allocation, thus the island slowly went into oblivion... Consequently, the welfare of the animals suffered. (Yes, the island needs a budget for veterinarians, maintenance of facilities, etc.)

LUCBAN, QUEZON: Christ is indeed Larger than Life!

Ang Kamay ni Jesus.

Lucban, Quezon.

(You can't miss this... this is just along the National Highway, a few minutes before reaching the town of Lucban, Quezon).

Have a Blessed Holy Week!

As you enter the premises, you will be greeted with a "Noah's Arc", with some statues of animals trying to get inside the "arc".

There are also the statues of of Adam and Eve... and the Angel that led them away from the Paradise...

Then, get ready to climb hundreds of steps to reach this...

(the view above is spectacular... you will see the verdant landscape of Lucban, Quezon).

The giant statue of the Risen Christ, mightily situated on a hilltop.

Reminds me of Christ's Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Some scenes on The Way of the Cross

DEMYSTIFYING MT. BANAHAW

We have different traditions during Holy Week. Others flock to the beaches for some sun, sea and sand. Some simply stay home and do a DVD marathon. And quite a few still practice the annual pilgrimage to what they consider as a Holy Place.

Mt. Banahaw has been in our books as a mystic mountain, possessing powers that heal. It's waters, which flow from the depths of its springs are said to cure illness and bring good health to those who drink or bathe it.

And for these people who brave the heat and the rough roads just to reach this legendary mountain, every effort is worth it!

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There are many points of entry to Mt. Banahaw. This is from Dolores, Quezon. When I visited the site last year, some areas were closed down (especially the higher grounds) in efforts to restore and revive the ecology. This is the foot of the mountain, where people continue to flock, get some "holy water" and have some bonding moments with families, friends and the gods.