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!

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.

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.