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Mention Maguindanao or Sultan Kudarat and one would surely get the question whether it is safe to go and visit these places. It is a resounding "yes" everytime I encounter the question having spent a total of two nights and a full day on the roads of these two beautiful provinces and getting immersed with the rich culture and history of our Muslim brothers and sisters.  Tough and rugged, Maguindanao is now ready to show the world its natural and manmade beauty. Prior to 1966, Cotabato was counted as one province with its rich and colorful history and culture dating back to pre-Spanish times. It was under the leadership of Sultan Kudarat in the 1600's that this region came together to successfully supress the Spaniards from their efforts to christianize the area. By the turn of the American regime, the Moro Province was recognized and established. It was in 1966 that South Cotabato was recognized as a separate province and was subsequently followed by the creation of Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat as independent provinces in 1973. Our trip will bring us around the Cotabato City, the province's gateway, and on the roads of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to discover our Muslim heritage and culture as Filipinos. The Charm of Cotabato City Cotabato City is an independent city in Maguindanao. Founded in the 1500s, Kota Wati served as the capital of the Maguindanao Sultanate until its collapse in 1888. The sultanate ruled over a vast area of Mindanao during those times.
Called by a number of nicknames, the city aims to be the "Halal Capital of the Philippines". It is the gateway to Maguindanao with the Cotabato Airport and its bus transport network connecting it to other cities in Mindanao. It now serves as the capital of the Bangsamoro Regional Government with the recent ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, more popularly known as the Grand Mosque, is Cotabato City's premiere tourist icon. Situated along the banks of Tamontaka River, the mosque is the largest in the Philippines and costs a whopping US$48 million. Its construction was completely funded by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei with its architecture by Felino Palafox.  The Cotabato Grand Mosque was my first taste of Muslim architecture. The Grand Mosque stands by its name. Coming in from Manila by air, our first glimpse of this architectural beauty was on our final descent to Cotabato Airport. But nothing beats having to see it face-to-face against the afternoon sun. Its grand design with its 141 feet minaret stands out of the skyline of Kalanganan's flatlands.
I have been fascinated with the history and architecture of old churches. I love the story intertwined with the aesthetic beauty of its structure. And coming face to face with the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, it was my first time to appreciate the beauty of a place of worship of Islam. Unlike the places of worship of Christians, the mosque is void of too much fancy. Its main prayer room is bare as the faithful sits on the floor during their prayers. I was amazed at the sheer beauty of the mosque. There are a lot of photogenic spots that would tease your creativity but be responsible and conscious of the creative shots. Remember that the place is a sacred place among our Muslim brethren.  I enjoyed exploring every corner of the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is open to the public but certain protocols need to be observed like clothing. Shorts, sandos, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed but do not fret as their is a store that rent out traditional Muslim attires when you need to dress appropriately. One should also be conscious that there are specific areas where photography is not allowed. Getting there: From the city, take a public jeep to Awang and ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection of Sinsuat Avenue and the Tamontaka Bubong Road where you can get a habal-habal ride to the Grand Mosque. For habal-habal arrangements to the Grand Mosque, you can contact Kuya Mohammad Edsa at +63935 9063067. People's Palace The grand Muslim architectural design of the new city hall of Cotabato against the setting orange sun was a perfect backdrop to describe a lazy afternoon in Cotabato City. Aptly called as the People's Palace, it is the center of the governance of the city. Its Muslim inspired architectural design make it unique and reflective of the region it represents.  A playful afternoon at the Cotabato City People's Palace. Its sprawling grounds turn into a playground of sorts in the afternoon as the young adults play a round of soccer while the smaller kids enjoy playing tag. It was fun as we interacted with the kids who had no inhibitions having their pictures taken. The kids were very warm and friendly that we had a grand time interacting with them. Getting there: From the Grand Mosque drop-off point along Sinsuat Avenue, take a jeep back to the city marked "Town" and ask the driver to drop you off at the new City Hall. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral At the heart of the city is the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - the center of the Catholic faith in the city. First built in 1948, the church sits, quietly, with its modern architecture, along Cotabato City's main street. Its simple facade scores differently against the grand designs of mosques found in the city, evoking a simple and yet elegant design.  The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion is the city's center of the Catholic faith.
Its interiors create a homey atmosphere with its high ceilings highlighted by gold and white retablo. Its altar is higlighted by an image of the Crucified Christ. Getting there: From the People's Palace, take a jeep with the signboard "Town" and ask the driver to drop you off at the church. Tantawan Park and PC Hill The Tantawan Park and PC Hill forms part of the city's historical core. This small hill in the city provides a panoramic view of Cotabato and once served as the center of governance in the province - the building of the old provincial capitol still stands to this day. This is where you will also find the historic Kutabato Caves which, unfortunately, was closed during the time of our visit.  The statue of the great Sultan Kudarat is the centerpiece of Tantawan Park.
At the foot of the hill is the Tantawan Park which bears the image of the great Muslim leader and local hero, Sultan Kudarat. The highly honored sultan once ruled a vast empire in Mindanao and was responsible in deflecting Spanish conquistadors in Mindanao. Getting there: The park and the hill is just walking distance from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. Cotabato City Plaza Like other Philippine city or municipality, the Cotabato City Plaza is at the center of the activities and the city, in terms of its location. This is the location of the old city hall which is also stands out for its unique architecture that highlights Muslim culture. The city's own version of the Rizal Park stands at the front of the old city hall.  At the heart of the city is the old city hall of Cotabato City, Across the street is another open space where city celebrations and assemblies are done. A huge stage highlights this part of the plaza. The plaza is also a great spot to warm up in the late afternoons with locals. Getting there: The Cotabato City Plaza is just a few minutes walk from the Tamtawan Park. Datu Odin Sinsuat A 30-minute jeepney ride away from Cotabato City is the sleepy municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat. Visitors of Maguindanao arriving via planes get to be greeted first by this municipality as the airport is within its jurisdiction. Traveling through its roads will make you wonder as to what other off-beat natural and man-made beauty this municipality is willing to share with the world.  The Cotabato Airport is located at the Datu Odin Sinsuat. White Mosque Hiding behind the shadows of the Grand Mosque, the Masjid Al-Nasser Abpi, more commonly called White Mosque, is another mosque worth admiring as you traverse the roads of Maguindanao. The mosque highlighted by its domes and two minarets, donned in white and gold, is an unassuming attraction in the neighborhood. We can only admire it from a distance because the caretaker was out during the time of our visit.  The unassuming White Mosque of Datu Odin Sinsuat is just 30 minutes away from the city. Finding the mosque can be quite tricky because most locals are not aware that the mosque is a point of interest in the municipality. It is located inside a village along the highway. And while your there, check out Pon de Monggo while waiting for the van to the next destination. Getting there: From Cotabato City, take a jeep to Awang that goes to Magelco. Ask the driver to drop you off at El Grande where you can ride a payong-payong to the White Mosque. Pan de Monggo is located along the highway. Margues Blue Lagoon 20 minutes from the White Mosque is another hidden gem of Datu Odin Sinsuat - this time it is a natural wonder. Tucked along the sleepy town of Margues is a lagoon that forms part of the local's daily life but it is an amazing off-beat destination for travelers.  The off-beat destination in Datu Odin Sinsuat is the Margues Blue Lagoon. The blue hues of the lagoon, its surrounding flora, and the serene atmosphere create an enchanting vibe of the place. Locals say that the water springs from the bottom of the lagoon and its depth create the blue hues. It also serves as a water resource for locals where they take a bath or wash their cloths. The Margues Blue Lagoon is a perfect place to relax and commune with nature because it is still void of the usual influx of travelers. Getting There: The Margues Blue Lagoon is about 15-minutes away from the White Mosque by van. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Margues Elementary School. Pink Mosque, Datu Saudi Ampatuan A color that symbolizes peace and love turned this lovely mosque into an attraction. The striking pink color of the Masjid Dimaukom, also known as the Pink Mosque, stood out to be noticed, not only by the locals, but by travelers traversing the area.  The famous Pink Mosque of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The construction of the Pink Mosque was commissioned by Samsodin Dimaukom, a prominent politician in the province. It was beautiful to look at the mosque as it glistens under the noon sun. Interestingly, the color became so prominent that the whole town seem to be painted in pink. I guess the local government took the color a notch higher by literrally painting the whole town pink. Getting There: Take a van or a bus along the highway in Margues. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at the Pink Mosque. Travel time is about an 45 minutes to an hour. The place is hard to miss because the town is pretty in pink. Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Hands down to the province of Sultan Kudarat for having the grandest provincial capitol that I have seen in the Philippines. The new capitol building sits on a sprawling field that faces the vast oil palm plantation. It was like a palace in the midst of a hacienda.  The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol in Isulan is one of the most beautiful capitol in the country
What makes the provincial capitol stand out is its unique architecture that reflects the Muslim culture. Its yellow-gold dome is evident againsts its white facade that it takes on a similar look of a mosque. It really has the vibe of a sultan's palace - a true representation of one of the great sultans that ruled Mindanao. A monument honoring Sultan Kudarat sits at the center of the sprawling lawn of the Getting There: From the Pink Mosque, head back to the main highway of Datu Saudi Ampatuan where you can take a van or a bus headed to Isulan. The trip takes about an hour by van. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Isulan Rotonda where you can take a tricycle to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol. POST TRAVEL NOTES Maguidanao may seem tough on the outside but, in reality, the vibe is very laidback, peaceful, and tame. There are a hundred and one checkpoints as you traverse the province but you get used to it. I guess most locals do because the province has long been in the middle of skirmishes between the military and rogue groups. But let us be clear that these skirmishes, most often than not, are easily controlled, isolated, and far from the usual tourist trails and local communities.  Get ready to be charmed by Lake S'bu's lotus. We are heading there next. What stood out for me was the warmth of the locals. From small kids, bus ticketing officers, bakery owners, and your habal-habal driver, they were very helpful and made us comfortable through their smiles and conversations. I did not feel any fear at any given time of the trip. I seriously wish that off-beat travelers continue to open the province to the world. There are still a lot to discover on this side of the Philippines and, with these discoveries, open more opportunities for the locals and its communities. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Cotabato City, the gateway to Maguindanao. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour - The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) - People’s Palace - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - PC Hill and Tantawan Park - Old Cotabato City Hall - Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. - White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) - Lake S’bu - T’Boli Museum - Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour - Lago Beach - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church - Glan Municipal Hall - Taban Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour - General Santos Fish Port - Queen Tuna Park - Pioneer Street - Plaza Heneral Santos - Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
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The warmth of the morning sun caressed my skin as I took a moment to take in the beauty that was in front of me. The view was surreal. My mind cannot find a more fitting word to describe the beauty of the curtain of water cascading on a rock face with green vegetation. I have seen it in pictures and, now that I am standing in front of it, the mystery behind Asik-Asik Falls begin to deepen.  Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines. Located deep within the mountainous terrain of Alamada in the province Cotabato is one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, Asik-Asik. This tourist destination stands out because its springwater cascades through a wide rockwall surface with green vegetation creating a stunning image of a curtain of water. This unique cascade make it an extraordinary destination to explore and discover. Its beauty was kept well-hidden from the world until its discovery by the locals in 2010 but it was only two years after its initial discovery that it started to catch the attention of off-beat travelers. Getting a first hand view of Asik-Asik Falls is no joke. One needs to endure a two-hour habal-habal ride through paved and rough roads from Midsayap, our jump off point, to Brgy. Dulao in Alamada. My driver mentioned that the roads are a lot better now compared to earlier years as most of the access roads to Brgy. Dulao are close to completion making the trip faster and more comfortable. He shared with me that during earlier years, they had to contend with rough roads that compromises their safety and their guests. By the way, it is highly recommended to have one guest per habal-habal for safety reasons.  The 2-hour habal-habal ride from Midsayap was a cruise with our driver, Kuya Jun.
The two-hour ride will traverse through the agricultural fields of Midsayap, Libungan, and Alamada giving you a refreshing view of the rural scene of the region. The endless view of the valley bordered by the mountains of the nearby provinces will keep you entertained and amused during the habal-habal trip. I enjoyed the rustic views especially when we were already traversing the hills of Alamada that overlooks the valleys of Cotabato. The first thing that I noticed when we arrived at Brgy. Dulao was the efforts of the local government to build tourist facilities in the area. There is a registration/waiting hall, with a nice view of the hills, where tourists can re-charge before and after visiting the famed waterfalls. Local residents have also set-up small snack and souvenir shops beside the hall where I had my favorite breakfast of pastil! These are strong indications of the robust commerce that Asik-Asik Falls is bringing in to the community. After we registered and paid a minimal fee of Php20, we started our trek down the ridge to the waterfalls. The downhill trek is easy because of the cemented pathways. There are shaded rest stops along the way but it is more often used during the uphill trek back. One would not notice the steep descent down the trail because your eyes will be treated with a panoramic view of Alamada's mountain farmlands. Note that there are no streams or river that run parallel with the trail to the waterfalls.  Enjoying the view during the 30-minute downhill trek.
For a brief moment, I was in awe at the raw beauty of Asik-Asik Falls when I first saw it in full view. I was dumbfounded with its beauty that I wondered how such a natural wonder was kept hidden from the world for a long time. I breathed in its beauty while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle trickles of mist on my skin. It was worth enjoying the moment first before doing anything.  The view of Asik-Asik Falls up close left me breathless. The trip was worth it. The beauty of Asik-Asik Falls is its unique cascade that covers the whole rock surface of the cliff covered with moss and ferns. Spring water cascades from a height of 60 meters into a shallow basin creating a veil of water and mist. Visitors can wade into the pool and enjoy a refreshing cold shower at the base of the rock wall. The more adventurous ones climb up its slippery rocks for photo ops or to get a better view of the cascade.  A panoramic view of Asik-Asik's curtain of water. Asik-Asik's beauty is also clouded with mystery. The water that cascades onto the wall surface emananates from a spring beneath its walls unlike other waterfalls where its water comes from a water source upstream. I have asked locals where the water source of this unique waterfalls and they could only point to two nearby lakes as its possible source - Lake Lanao or Lake Putian. The water then snakes under the ground to spring out of Asik-Asik Falls.
There is no doubt that Asik-Asik Falls is one the most photogenic waterfalls in the country. Every corner and every angle is worth capturing on photo. The fallen trees and potruding rocks add to the drama of the scene. The best area to capture a panoramic shot of Asik-Asik Falls is downstream ofcthe tributary where you get to see the whole beauty of the falls. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowd. POST TRAVEL NOTES As we slowly trudged uphill to the registration area, I was still in awe of Asik-Asik unique beauty. I was amazed with how majestic it looked up close. Its unique feature definitely make it one of the best destinations in the country. It is a trip that is worth taking.  Maguindanao may seem tough but I assure you that road tripping through the province is fun! What makes the whole Asik-Asik Falls experience more interesting is the fact that it was a recent find by both the locals and the traveling community. It begs the question - what other uniquely beautiful destinations can we find in Mindanao? I am excited with the opportunities of exploring this part of the country now that it is getting the spotlight that's been long overdue. And for starters, it is definitely safe to travel in Mindanao. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Cotabato. In Cotabato City, you can take a trike to Novo Merchandise along Jose Lim Street where the terminal for vans that pass through Midsayap are located. Fare to Midsayap is Php70 and travel time is approximately 45 minutes. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Midsayap Community Doctor’s Hospital where most of the habal-habals are located. Habal-Habal rates to Dulao, Alameda from Midsayap is at Php750 roundtrip. It is highly recommended to have one habal-habal per person for safety reasons. You can contact our habal-habal driver Kuya Jun Camap at +63919 4558958 to arrange for your trip. From the Dulao registration center, it will be another 20-30 minute downhill trek to Asik-Asik Falls. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour - The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) - People’s Palace - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - PC Hill and Tantawan Park - Old Cotabato City Hall - Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. - White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) - Lake S’bu - T’Boli Museum - Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour - Lago Beach - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church - Glan Municipal Hall - Taban Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour - General Santos Fish Port - Queen Tuna Park - Pioneer Street - Plaza Heneral Santos - Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The weekends leading to the grand celebration of the Panagbenga are not exactly the kind of weekends Baguio locals enjoy. With the worsening problem of the city's traffic and waste management, the additional congestion is not something that we welcome with a big smile and open arms. Don't get me wrong, we love the attention and the business it brings but not the human behavior problems that go with the annual celebration. With the festival gearing up for its grand celebration, we decided to spend a quiet beach weekend in Camp Avenue.  Somewhere along the shores of San Juan, La Union lies this photogenic beach spot.
Camp Avenue is a beach campsite tucked along the shorelines of San Juan in La Union. Unlike the popular surf spot, the camp is void of the usual development associated with the influx of tourists. It has maintained a low key aura despite the attention that it initially received through Facebook and other social media platforms. Its socmed exposure was enough to pique my curiousity to check and give it a grade. A+ for the camp vibe The vibe of Camp Avenue is grade A+ and spot on as a beach chill spot. They were able to blend the laidback atmosphere and its beautiful shoreline with the campsite's structures.  Camp Avenue's Indo Bali Huts is a must-try accommodation. There are three ways to enjoy a night's rest in Camp Avenue - camping, glamping, and the Indo Bali Huts. In our case, we experienced staying in one of the huts. Do not expect much because Camp Avenue is still a camping site and not a resort. Expect the basics. The Indo Bali Huts are triangular huts, like Indian teepees, made of bamboo with coconut roofings. It is designed with a mattress and a desk fan for a comfortable sleep. The hut is large enough to accomodate 2 to 3 adults and it is located within the fenced perimeters of the camp. The huts do not have locks but a swing door safekeeps your items inside. Just make sure that you bring with you all your important stuff.
If camping and glamping is your style, the campsite is located closer to the beach. Glamping facilities are the same with that of the Indo Bali Huts except that you are in a bigger tent. A for camp facilities Again, do not expect much because Camp Avenue is not a resort. They have clean common restrooms and shower areas. It is well-maintained but the camp needs more shower areas to cater to the surge of campers, which in our case was very evident since we came in on a long weekend.
The camp has a restaurant and a swing bar where you can get your alcohol fix. The complimentary cocktail drink is grade A. I loved the mix. There is a small store a few steps from the reception area for anything else that you need. There are hammocks within the premises that you can use to enjoy a nap or if you just want to be lazy even for just a day. Cooking is not allowed in Camp Avenue as a precaution considering that the huts are made of light combustible materials. Although, I think a designated grill area would be able to give an extra flair to their camping experience. A- for camp food The biggest drawback for Camp Avenue is the food. While bringing in food is charged corkage as per camp rules, they really need to level up their cooking game in the kitchen. Food is one aspect that help create the experience and, in Camp Avenue's case, it does not.
We tried their pasta, sandwich, and rice bowl meals and it was not value for money. Too bad though that there are no other restaurant options unless you would like to drive up to the surf spot in San Juan. Even their breakfast was not enough to perk me up the next morning. A- for camp parties Camp Avenue has a perfect spot for a beach party and they have a good DJ to boot. The early evening music mix was really inviting that I was anticipating a huge crowd as the night deepens. I actually thought that it was going to be a nice way to introduce parties to my 10-year old lady. I'd rather that we introduce it to her than someone else.  This is how millennials party. Hahahaha! After having dinner and taking a short nap, we came back to the party grounds but it did not pick-up as expected but the music was inviting. Then the flamboyant host suddenly announced that it was "manyakan time". That caught us by surprise. He then scooped a couple to do body shots on stage. Now I have been to parties that escalate towards that kind of scene BUT this particular party was not that kind and was not even close to that. It seemed that it was trying to use "it" as a come on for those who were either on the beach or inside the tents. It tried to emulate Boracay by using the famous tagline "what happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay" but using "Camp Avenue" instead. One thing missed though was that Boracay never uses it to "attract" party goers. It may escalate to that but it was never forced down people's throat as THE highlight for the night the way the host did it at Camp Avenue. I think that rolled the party vibe further down after that. A+ for camp art Camp Avenue has a lot of artistic nooks - from its swing bar to its Indo bali huts to its campsite. Although it is not as glam as what I have previously seen on Facebook posts, these photogenic spots does not deviate that much from expectation.  A perfect La Union sunset is Camp Avenue's biggest draw. The swings carefully place by the beach front are great spots for photos, without the tents around it. Or their version of the bird's nest that gives you a perfect view of the beach and the sea. Its 3-D Camp Avenue sign would have been a perfect spot for the sunset except for the rows and rows of tents behind it. These artsy nooks would stand out if they just organize their campsite. For those who want to play around with their creativity, there is a pottery-making corner in front of Camp Avenue. Locals will teach you the basics of pottery-making before setting you out to explore your creative mind.  Watch the sunset on the camp's nest. But the beach of Camp Avenue stands out when it comes to camp art. It is one of the most photogenic beach spots that I have seen in the north. Unlike the surrounding beaches in the area, the rocks by the beach stop the rolling of the waves creating a lagoon-like basin by the shore. It makes a perfect spot for dramatic photos matched by a perfect sunset. I would let the picture speak for itself. POST TRAVEL NOTES Overall, Camp Avenue in San Juan, La Union is grade A. There is no doubt that it is in a perfect location on this side of town but it still has a lot of room for improvement to level up to other camping/glamping sites in the country. With a little reorganizing and re-wiring, it has the potential to be a preferred camping/glamping spot in Luzon.  Getting ready for the summer of 2019! My expectations of Camp Avenue did not really match up to my experience considering that I have tried other glamping spots, but only on a few notes. I did not come out amazed neither disappointed. It was still a good weekend beach break and it could have been better. And I hope to get a better experience the second time around. Getting There: Partas Bus Lines and Viron Bus Lines have regular trips to the north that pass by San Juan in La Union. You can ask the conductor to drop you off at Camp Avenue at Taboc, San Juan. You can reach Camp Avenue at +63917 7942293 for advance reservations.
The wind was blowing on our faces as our habal-habal raced down the circumferential road of this island garden city. We were headed to the port after a day of racing through the hotspots of this premier Mindanao destination. It was a day of fully getting immersed and connected with nature that had me refreshed and totally blown away.  It was a day of communing with nature on this island garden city. Just 15 minutes away from Davao City, the Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCOS is a city composed of two islands along the waters of Davao Gulf - Samal and Talikud. Its name is derived from the Sama-Bajau people, the original inhabitants of the island. This city is a popular weekend destination in the region that boasts of white sand beaches, ruggedly beautiful nature spots, and the largest colony of fruit bats in the world. So how do you capture all these wonders in a day? Well, it was quite easy. My brother and I hopped on a habal-habal and enjoyed a full day on an island garden city. Balete Tree Park After a quick breakfast by a roadside eatery, our first stop was the Balete Tree Park in Anonang. The main attraction of the park is a huge Balete tree that is estimated to be a 120 to 150 years old.  The century-old Balete Tree, like this one in Samal, is no longer shrouded with mystery but it is now an attraction. Every Filipino's childhood is not complete without the mystical story of the Balete tree. The tree is said to be a dwelling place of entities and we were told not to get close to it. But traveling around the Philippines have shattered these mystical stories. A number of these century-old trees have become an attraction in itself like the ones found in Baler and Siquijor.
Samal's very own Balete tree is not an exception. The towering tree, with its long hanging vines, does not send shivers at all. The locals allowed the tree to flourish by keeping it untouched. Bluebird Viewdeck Just by the main road, the Bluebird Resort offers an amazing view of Samal Island and its surrounding waters. The resort charges a minimal entrance fee and there are also huts that you can rent for those who are intending to stay longer.  Playing around with my brother's drone at Bluebird View Deck.
The panoramic view, coupled by the gentle sea breeze, is very relaxing. You can just sit down and enjoy the view while munching on your favorite snack. I guess, it is also a nice breather before immersing yourself to the beauty of Samal. Sabang Cliff Tucked nicely along the shorelines of Samal is a cliff diving spot for adrenaline junkies. Unlike other cliff diving spots, Sabang Cliff is raw and void of the usual platforms. So cliff diving would mean climbing up rocks and crevices after making the jump into its calm blue waters.  Get your adrenaline running and take the leap at Sabang Cliff. On the other side of the dive spot is a rocky beach area where you can enjoy the breaking of the waves. The place is also a great place for photos because of its trees along its shores that make a great backdrop for pictures. Kaputian Beach Kaputian's white sand shoreline, its blue waters, and the chill vibe make it one of the popular beach spots in Samal by both locals and guests. It is located on the southwestern part of the island and has a nice view of Talicud Island. It is a popular spot that it is one of the quick stops of island-hopping activities of tour operators in Talicud.  Kaputian Beach is known for its white sand beach and gives you a peek at Talikud Island.
The government-run resort has cottages for rent for those intending to stay longer by the beach. It has a sprawling open area for camping for those who want to experience staying overnight. The laidback atmosphere of Kaputian Beach make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun. By the way, one of its attraction is a stuffed "dugong" (sea cow), a reminder for guests and locals that these gentle creatures reside in the waters of that surround Samal. Hagimit Falls Imagine getting immersed and fascinated by a network of waterfalls in one area. This is what you will get to enjoy when you visit Hagimit Falls. The name of this prime tourist spot in Samal was derived from "hagimit", a tree that was once abundant in the area.  Hagimit Falls is a must-visit spot in Samal Island.
The network of cascades was developed into a park complete with accommodations, cottages, and restaurant to cater to the needs of its visitors. These structures were built around these small falls keeping and preserving Hagimit's natural beauty intact. It was great to see how man-made structures blend beautifully with nature.
There are a lot of nooks and crannies to explore in Hagimit Falls. Water that cascades in varying heights will definitely amaze you so don't just settle in one area. Walk its trails and enjoy a lazy afternoon under the shade of its trees. Choose your own spot where you can enjoy the sound of water cascading on its rocks while taking a dip in its cool waters. Trust me, it’s a perfect way to relax in Samal. Monfort Bat Sanctuary Have you ever wondered how Davao's durian continues to flourish?  The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is home of an estimated 2.5 million fruit bats. It is the largest fruit bat colony in the world. Well, you can put the blame on the "kwaknit" or fruit bats from Samal Island who helps propagate the durian fruit in the province. Samal Island is the home of the biggest fruit bat colony in the world with an estimate of 1.8 million bats at the time of its discovery. At present, the colony is said to have an estimate of 2.5 million bats. The 5 bat chambers are all located within the property of the Monfort family who have taken conservation efforts to protect the colony. Guests of the sanctuary can view these nocturnal animals outside the entrances and entering the caves are strictly prohibited. You would be amazed observing thousands of bats that blanket the walls of the caves.
Guests go through an orientation of the conservation efforts being done at the sanctuary that focuses on CPR - Conserve, Protect, and Respect. It includes a brief history of how the sanctuary came to be and the importance of the kwaknit. With 2.5 millions bats helping propagate the durian, the region is assured of having a steady supply of durian. Without these bats, there will be no durian. Sanipaan Marine Park and Vanishing island Capping off our daytrip, we headed to the Sanipaan Marine Park in Tambo. The marine sanctuary was identified as an eco-tourism zone and a community-based tourism program for the local community covering 158 hectares. Locals offer boating, mangrove tours, and snorkeling activities.  Enjoying the shite sand bar of Sanipaan, also known as the Vanishing Island. One of the main activities in the sanctuary is a visit to the Vanishing Island. It is a white sandbar located a few minutes from the jump-off point that "rises and sinks" with the tide. There are floating cottages on the island for those who want to stay on the island longer. You can also explore the nearby mangrove area for those IG worthy shots.
The best time to visit will be in the late afternoon for a more dramatic shot. POST TRAVEL NOTES Nature has a very interesting way of refreshing and re-energizing the mind and body. Having spent a whole day exploring nature's wonders on the Island Garden City of Samal, I went home totally blown away by the island's beauty. Samal Island is a must-visit destination in Mindanao. The beauty that it showcases above water is one that will definitely make you want to head back and explore more. I guess, next time, its time to explore what's underneath.  Summer is starting to settle in. Are you ready? Like what I mentioned previously, last year's trip to Mindanao was something for my books. It made me realize that I have been missing a lot on Mindanao's beauty and that it is about time to focus on this region this year. #Mindanao1 is definitely underway and Mindanao will definitely rock this travel blog this 2019. Getting There: Major airlines have regular flights to Davao from major cities in the Philippines and some select international destinations. You can take a taxi or a public jeep to the Samal Ferry Wharf where you can take a 15-minute RORO ride to Samal Island. For daytour Samal Island arrangements, you can reach Kuya Jaynon at (0975) 216 1434 (Globe) and (0938) 101 9110 (SMART).
There is a certain kind of melody that plays in the middle of the night. The sound of crickets blends perfectly well with the gentle whisper of the wind and the rustling of the leaves. Every now and then, a small splash of water hums in to the evening melody. The music it creates is calming as it lulled me back to sleep. I heard it perfectly well that December early morning as we slept under the stars marooned in the island of Isla Maria.  Isla Maria is a haven of peace and tranquility in the middle of Lake Lumot. Isla Maria is a small island located in the middle of Lake Lumot, a man-made water reservoir in Cavinti, Laguna. The island is a perfect spot to get marooned and detached from your busy city life. You can choose to sleep under a roof or under the stars. Or you can opt to sing your heart out until the first light of day. With amenities that cater to families, workmates, and even your barkada, Isla Maria gives you a different feel of island living.
I first caught a glimpse of Isla Maria on Facebook after a guest shared her experience and photos of her recent visit. I got curious because of Isla Maria's unique proposition - enjoying life on an island in the middle of a lake. It was something that was worth trying out especially for a beach person like me. So how does Isla Maria re-defined island living? Isla Maria makes the whole experience Memorable. Living on an island on a lake is not the usual staple for travelers in the Philippines and being able to do so is a totally unique and memorable experience. But having the whole island for yourself, which we did, levels up the whole experience.  Living on a lake island is a unique experience and having it all for ourselves made it memorable Isla Maria is like a huge house where you have everything that you need. You have a choice of accommodations - from a whole house to glamping. We did camp out in style on the island and we woke up refreshed to a bright and sunny December morning. Time seems to slow down on Isla Maria and you get to spend more time with family and friends. You can share your stories while cooking your meals or while you take a lazy dip in their pool. You can even play a round of badminton or hide and seek during your free hours, which you get a lot. Evenings can be a lot of fun where you can lie down on its grass to gaze at the stars while a family member or friend belts out their favorite videoke tunes until the wee hours of the morning.
The island re-defines family or peer bonding. It gives you the opportunity to just re-connect effectively the old-fashioned way. Think of it as a family or peer weekend at home... only this time marooned in an island on a lake. Isla Maria gives you a different kind of Adventure If you think that the laidback feel of the island will tone down your sense of adventure, you guessed wrong. Isla Maria packages include a different sense of adventure with its water activities, fishing, and island hopping!  Enjoying a sunny day in one of the islands of Lake Lumot. Island hopping? Yes, you heard it right! Lake Lumot has its own collection of islands that you can explore. But do not expect it to be the white-sand-type kind if islands. You can circumnavigate these bare islands, just a few minutes from Isla Maria, in a few minutes because it is that small. If you come in at the right time, you can catch a glimpse of migratory birds on its banks or water buffalo's lazing around its shallow waters. And did I mention that these islands/islets is a perfect spot for those unadulterated IG-worthy pictures?
And just when your food supplies run low (you have to bring and prepare your own meals at Isla Maria), do not worry because part of your activity is fishing. The fresh water lake is home to a number of fishpens that breed Tilapia. We docked in one of these fishpens and tried our hand on fishing. These fishpens make fishing an easy and fun activity and kids would love it! Asher definitely did enjoy it. You just pay the attendants based on how many kilos you harvested from the lot. Grill your freshly "harvested" tilapia and enjoy your meal.  You can also enjoy kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Lumot.
The still waters of Lake Lumot is conducive for other water activities. You can deviate from your usual exercise routine by hopping on a kayak and paddle your way around the island. You can work out your upper body while getting a tan and enjoying the morning sun. Or if you have extra cash on hand, you can rent their jet ski and get on a high speed adventure on Lake Lumot. Isla Maria Relaxes you. Isla Maria is an easy escape from the hustle of the city. The place is laidback and disconnecting is an easy option for its guests. You can choose to just doze of on a hammock or enjoy the sunset view by the pool. If singing is your stress reliever than by all means sing your heart out until your voice cracks with its videoke machine. Or you can choose your own chill spot where you can read a book or meditate.  Relaxing at the floating cottage of Isla Maria.
I loved their floating cottage where I spent most of my morning on our second day. Its cozy ambiance matched by some early 2000 music, blasting from the sound system, was a perfect spot to just chill and hum with the song playing. It was not just relaxing, it was nostalgic like an easy Sunday morning. Isla Maria re-connects you with nature to Inspire you. Have you ever experienced the calming effect of watching the sunrise or the sunset with the sound of nature surrounding you? That was exactly how the island makes you experience these nature shows. You can find your own spot and just enjoy watching the day turn into night and then night turning into day.  Get inspired and make the jump! Take the time to lie on the grass to enjoy the sun or enjoy the cool waters of the calm lake. Better yet, get some adrenaline running by getting your guts together to jump into the lake. After a couple of rounds, relax on the bamboo rafts and doze off to the sounds of water slushing and soft winds blowing. Cap off the day by lying down on the grass to gaze at the stars and the evening sky.
Re-connecting with nature makes you realize that it is worth taking the time off with nature. Nature energizes and inspires you to be able to think clearly and to be more focused. And Isla Maria is a great place to exactly do just that. Isla Maria makes you Appreciate the best things in life. Isla Maria makes you realize that most of the things that make our lives better does not come with a heavy price. Connecting with family and friends is as simple as spending time sharing stories or laughing at the corniest jokes. Connecting with yourself is about taking the courage to jump or to listening to music that you get to enjoy. And that getting re-charged can be done by simply watching the sunset or by looking at the stars.  A simple life is a great way of living.
As you watch a fisherman tread through the calm waters of Lake Lumot as he does his daily chores, you learn to appreciate that life is simple. We get to realize that life can be simplified if we look closely around us. POST TRAVEL NOTES For most travelers, we have always associated island living with white sand beach coves on an undiscovered island. Isla Maria gives a different shade to that definition. This island on the man-made lake of Lumot gives it a more subdued vibe of having to spend a day or two on an island all for yourself. It is a great escape from the fast paced city life without having to worry about flights or long drives. I am always on the lookout for the new destinations that offer a unique proposition. Isla Maria caught my attention because of its glamping and the idea of spending a day on island all for yourself. I must say that Isla Maria really delivered what it says it would.  Are you ready to take the leap to our next destination? Isla Maria should be on your bucketlist this summer. Spending a summer night on an island is a cool idea especially if you are talking about an island on a lake which we rarely find. Getting There: Isla Maria, located in Cavinti, Laguna, is just a 3-hour drive from Manila by private car via Tanay in Rizal. They have tree houses, a family house, and glamping accommodations. Their standard packages include boat transfers, fishing, island hopping, and unlimited use of kayak, pedal boat, and videoke. You can check out details of Isla Maria packages or message them through their Facebook page by clicking here. If you are commuting, you can take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz in Laguna from Buendia (Php68). You can then take a jeep bound for Cavinti and ask the driver to drop you off at the Johnson Junction (Fare is at Php30). Take a trike from the junction to Isla Maria or Lagpan (Fare is at Php150), the jump-off point to Isla Maria.
The sound of the waves hitting the shore was music to my ears after enduring a 12-hour travel from Manila to Mati. The travel experience included rushing out of the airport, ala "Amazing Race", as soon as the plane landed from Clark, to intercept the bus that my brother hopped on in downtown Davao. Four and a half hours after boarding the bus, we were rolling in to the sleepy city of Mati. We were tired, hungry, but EXCITED.  Excited to explore Mati! When my Mindanao-based brother and I first talked about taking a trip somewhere in Mindanao, Mati was his obvious choice. He missed riding the waves after moving in to Cagayan de Oro in 2017. I loved the idea because Mati was new place for me to discover and explore. The city of Mati is not like most cities. Located on south eastern side of Mindanao, it is void of the usual high concentration of buildings and establishments that we usually find in an urban set-up. It evokes a provincial vibe more than a city. It is a popular weekend beach escape on this side of the country and its claim to fame are the waters of Dahican Beach which is ideal for skimboarding. Join me as we explore the sites and the sounds of Mati, the provincial capital of Davao Oriental. Dahican Beach Our first stop for this trip is its famous Dahican Beach!  Dahican Beach is a popular beach destination on this side of Mindanao. Located 30 minutes away from the city center, my brother and I opted to make Dahican Surf Camp our pitstop for this trip. The surf camp is a beachfront resort located in the middle of Dahican's seven-kilometer shoreline of white sand beach facing Mayo Bay.
Dahican Beach is Mati's prime tourism draw. Its white sand beach attracts beach bums for its chill and laidback vibe. Watching the sun rise on its horizon is a great reward for early risers. Or you can also enjoy watching fishermen haul in their catch in the morning. For evening persons, you can have your fix by enjoying your fave drink while indulging yourself to house music blending perfectly with the sound of the waves crashing along its shores. The waves of Dahican also attracts adrenaline junkies. It is a popular skim boarding spot in Mindanao, and there are spots in the area where you can also enjoy riding its swells. My brother had a grand time body surfing while I enjoyed watching skim boarders skim along its shores.  Dahican Beach is also popular as a premier skim boarding spot in the country. The raw beauty of Dahican Beach can give other Philippine beach spot a run for the money. I loved how unassuming the place is despite its beauty. It has something to offer for all types of travelers, from beach chilling to challenging its waves. Subangan Museum Davao Oriental prides itself for having an area that is rich in biodiversity. And a visit to the Subangan Museum will give you an overview of the province's rich ecology, culture, and history.  The Subangan Museum was named from the phrase "Subang sa Adlaw", which means "first light". The first floor of the museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Davao Oriental. It gives you a glimpse of the way of life of the different tribes from its region, from a historical point of view to the present. You will be amazed at the colorful artistry found in their body ornaments and the way they dress. A special room also gives its guest a walkthrough on how the region was affected by climate change. The second floor is an exciting exhibit that makes you feel, see, and hear the rich beauty of its natural resources. It walks you through the Davao Oriental's tourist attractions, mossy forests, and awesome cave systems. And it walks you through the exhibit by making you experience how it feels to be in those places. The exhibit is experiential which makes you excited to discover the real thing. At the center of all the exhibit is the skeletal remains of Davor, a sperm whale that died in 2010 along the waters of Governor Generoso. It is the first whale exhibit in the country and the 7th largest on display in the world, measuring 53 feet in length. Its name is derived from the province's name to signify the rich biodiversity of Davao Oriental.  The museum's main attraction is the skeletal remain of the sperm whale, Davor. The first whale exhibit in the country. The Subangan Museum is one the well-curated museums that I have visited here in the Philippines. I came out full of new information that I picked up in a fun and interesting way. Definitely, it stands by its name derived from the local phrase "Subang sa Adlaw" which roughly translates to "first light of the day". The museum does serve as a the "first light" in understanding its culture, history, and natural beauty of Davao Oriental. Provincial Capitol and People's Park Standing atop a hill overlooking the Pujada Bay, the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol is the province's seat of power. It is the most dominant structure in Mati's skyline. Adjacent to the Provincial Capitol Building is the People's Park - a sprawling open space park. A small monument honoring Andres Bonifacio and a Children's Playground are the prominent attraction in the park. Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino Located at the heart of the city, the Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino is the center of the Catholic faith in the city.  The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino at the heart of the city. Its modern and minimal approach in its architecture make the structure blend with the modest atmosphere of the city. From the outside, the church may seem like your usual neighborhood church but you will appreciate it more once you step inside the church.  The homey ambiance of the cathedral. Its modern minimalist design extends to its interiors. You will be impressed with its high ceilings and its simple altar with its wood finishing that gives it a very warm and homey feel. Mati Bay Walk Just a few meters walk from the church is a sprawling park facing Pujada Bay - the Baywalk. The open field park sits behind the breakwaters giving its guests a beautiful view of the bay and the surrounding mountains of the province.  It is very easy to fall in love with the laidback feel of Mati.
This is a popular afternoon spot for locals where they can enjoy the view and the breeze while spending time with family and friends. This is where you would also find the "I Love Mati" sign with the Pujada Bay as its backdrop. Mati City Hall The City Hall of Mati serves as the center of governance of the city. Located two blocks away from the Baywalk, you can take a 5-minute walk to the city hall and you also get to enjoy a usual day in Mati. Check out the city's watchtower and its garden that bears the busts of the city's mayors. You will also find the city's pylon a few meters from the city hall gate. Sleeping Dinosaur of Mati Another famous spot in Mati is its Sleeping Dinosaur. It is a viewing deck atop a hill that overlooks Pujada Bay and the surrounding landscape around it. It got its name because the landmass that separates Pujada Bay and Balete Bay looks like a sleeping dinosaur resting on the bay's waters.  I had front seats to enjoy the beauty of Mati's Sleeping Dinosaur. The view deck is located along the city's outskirts on the western side. You can take a bus bound for Davao or Tagum and you can ask the driver to drop you at the Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck. Alternatively if you are coming from Davao, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the view deck before you head off to the city center.
Be prepared to be physically challenged with a short and a bit steep 15-minute hike to the view deck. This part of the trip caught me off-guard that I was huffing and puffing when we reached the view deck. But your huffing and puffing will be rewarded by the amazing views of the land and sea of Davao Oriental. I was lucky to come in without the crowd that I was able to enjoy 30-minutes of unadulterated view of the "Sleeping Dinosaur" while getting refreshed by the breeze coming in from the sea. POST TRAVEL NOTES At first glance, the city of Mati may seem to be a sleepy and unassuming Philippine destination. Most people would probably associate it with Dahican Beach and skimboarding. But beyond the white sand and the adrenaline, the city gives you an interesting sneak peek of what you can discover and explore in this city and Davao del Sur.  Get ready to be marooned on an island on our next trip! The province is a pot of gold for travelers and Mati has not seen the last of me yet. Well, kelangan lang talaga na matibay ka if you plan to visit Mati. The travel from Manila alone can be taxing but it's a trip worth taking. Maybe on my next trip to Mati, I should take it a "notch higher". Tara! Mati, Bai! Getting There: Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines have regular flights to Davao City from Manila, Clark, and major cities in the Philippines. From the airport, you can walk to the highway where you can take a bus to Mati City. You can take a tricycle or ride a habal-habal to go to Dahican Beach or to go around the city.
Roughly at 11.20pm, we were along EDSA in Cubao desperately hailing a taxi to get home. A ride getting home shouldn't be a problem on a regular day but this was not a regular day. It was December 31 and we just came from a 14-hour trip from Caramoan. 25 minutes and four cabs later, we were home and 15 minutes ahead of 2019. And 20 minutes after ringing in the new year, we were comfortably asleep - tired after returning from our supposed yearend trip and after we got "Usman-ed" in Caramoan.  Our yearend travel had us seeking for higher ground, literally. Our planned trip started out smoothly days before the onset of the new year. The plan was to explore the beautiful beaches of Caramoan on the eastern seaboard of Camarines Sur. This tourist destination took the limelight after being featured on a number of seasons of the international franchise of "Survivor". With its pristine white sand beaches, off-beat rustic ambiance, and 13 islands to explore, it is not surprising that a lot of locals will try their luck in surviving Caramoan. Day 1: A Surprise Sidetrip We started out our trip smoothly with two families, a couple, and a solo traveler. We all boarded a van for an overnight trip to Caramoan. Weather was fine when we left although I was aware that a typhoon was going to hit land in Samar which may affect the weather system in the area. I expected some rains and some winds on our first day.  Typhoon Usman forced our group to make a short visit to the Cagsawa Ruins in Legazpi City. It was drizzling in Naga when we stopped over for breakfast. And just after breakfast, our first itinerary change was announced. Our sidetrips to Naga, initially scheduled on the third day was moved to the first day. It was understandable since we cannot afford to set out to explore islands in that kind of weather. But a major change was that our side trip was to include Albay. I was reluctant because by moving towards Legazpi meant getting closer to the typhoon which meant more rains. But when you are a joiner on a trip, you are at the mercy of the organizer's discretion. We had no choice but to go with the flow. The heavy downpour in Naga did not allow us to fully explore two of the city's popular destinations - the Penafrancia Minore Basilica and the Camsur Watersport Complex. We were able to make a short visit and view the image of the Our Lady of Penafrancia. However, the rains were relentless when we reached the CWC that we just had a quick tour of the complex. The rains were more considerate when we reached Legazpi City. While some of our companions managed to hop on an ATV and enjoy a trail run, our group decided to enjoy lunch and go for some pasalubong shopping at the Cagsawa Ruins. It has been years since I first set foot to explore the ruins and it was a nice to come face to face with this iconic attraction. Too bad though that it was raining and Mayon was not in view.  Sinigang sa Buko was our biggest discovery in Legazpi City. After the brief stop in Albay, we finally headed up to Caramoan and arrived at around 9pm amidst a heavy downpour. We later found out that our van was the last to have crossed the mountains to Caramoan. Day 2: A Rainy Staycation at Rex Inn Garden Resort We were jolted out from our slumber at around 6.15 in the morning. The frantic wake up call woke us in the midst of a flooded room. In no time, I was scampering to get our bags up on the bed. I was scooping stuff floating around while Jeh and Asher was securing our important stuff inside our Hull and Stern dry bags. We did not feel any fear. In fact, we were all laughing at our predicament.  The heavy rains in the early morning caused this river to overflow and flood the resort that we were in. I evacuated Asher first as water was rising fast before Jeh and I started to haul our things out of the flooded room. At one point, I feared that the presence of snakes in the floodwaters. By the time that I made a final sweep in the room, water was already on my thighs. It rose from ankle-deep waters up to my thighs in a matter of 30 minutes. The great thing with Rex Inn Garden Resort was that we were ushered in to a new room on the higher grounds of the resort as fast as we were evacuated. All affected guests were well-taken cared of. In no time, we were already sorting out our wet clothes from the dry ones. After breakfast (which was served and delivered to our room on time), I was able to get a clear picture of our situation. The heavy downpour in the evening that continued through the early morning caused the adjacent river to overflow and flood the resort. Baranggay officials were even mapping out a rescue plan to save 3 families stranded in one of the hills near our resort at the time that I was assessing the situation. The families sought higher grounds when the river swelled.
By midday, we were made aware that all roads leading out of Caramoan was blocked by landslides, a total of 18 landslides along the access road. Access to town was also blocked by another landslide. There was no easy way in to and out of the place as clearing operations may take days. The only way out was through the Caramoan Feeder Port in Guijalo and it would entail navigating through muddy trails because of the landslide. We decided that sitting out the storm was the only option as we were stranded anyway. Our island hopping activity turned into an unscheduled staycation at Rex Inn Garden Resort. We enjoyed just relaxing in our room, enjoy the sumptous meals which were always served on time, and enjoy the rainy and windy weather. Some of the guests took the opportunity to just enjoy a dip in the pool. Day 3: Three Beaches and A Church With the sun breaking out of the clouds, our guide, Kuya Joseph of Gayon Travel and Tours, organized a quick beach hopping activity to give us a sneak peek of Caramoan's rustic beauty.  We made a short trip to the nearby Bagieng Island when the skies cleared on the third day. We couldn't go far because a gale warning was still in effect in the area and the closest island that we can get safely into was Bagieng Island, more popularly known as Survivor Island. This is the island that is used by the international franchise for their location for the popular reality tv show. There are three beach spots in the area. Our first stop was the Balete Beach characterized by its cream-colored sand and the abundance of Balete trees. The place is a solitary spot which is also ideal for camping. It's solitary atmosphere make it a great spot to enjoy a slice of some peace and quiet.  Our first stop was Balete Beach. We were having a great time since the sun was cooperating.
Bagieng Beach is another stretch of cream-colored sandy beach at the "back" of the island. This is the landing area of motorized boats to access the location of the reality show. Its sugary sand and lush greens make it another photogenic spot for those cool and, sometimes, wacky shot.  Bagieng Beach is the docking area at Survivor Island.
Sabitang Laya is the main attraction of the island as this is the spot where the series is shot. Its vast open space and sandy shores, it is a great place where you can have a picnic and enjoy a cool dip. Asher loved the spot. Its dramatic limestone formation are great backdrops for photos. Its natural beauty would make any survivor enjoy spending time in the island.  Sabitang Laya is a photogenic spot because of its towering limestone rocks. As our exploration was limited due to safety issues, we were already headed back to the resort by midday. The beach hopping activity was really meant to give us a short preview of what to expect when we return sometime soon.  The sun came out briefly and we surely enjoyed its warmth. Later in the afternoon, we had the chance to head down to Caramoan town after one lane of the road was cleared of mud. The short trip to the town gave us a clear picture of the devastation brought in by the rains of Usman. Not far from our resort, flood waters was as deep as 10 feet. Locals were all busy cleaning up the mess inside and outside their homes. In the midst of the typhoon mess stands a Spanish-period church that dominates the skyline of the town of Caramoan. Built in the 15th century, the St. Michael Archangel Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in Camarines Sur. Its brick walls, glowing in red-orange hues in the late afternoon light, reflects its simplicity, its age and its rich history. Its three-tierred facade is highlighted by the image of St. Michael on the second tier and a belfry on the third.  I couldn't get my eyes off the beauty of the century old St. Michael Archangel Parish Church. The simplicity of the church extends within the walls of the church. Its main attraction is its altar and its three-tierred retablo with the image of the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece. The top level of the retablo bears the image of the church's patron saint.
We visited the church just as its afternoon mass was ending. As the faithful spilled out of the church's concrete pathways, I caught a glimpse of the church's wide courtyard still bearing puddles of floodwater. The church survived typhoons and earthquakes in all its 400 years of existence, which the town will be celebrating on May of this year, and no amount of Usman's rain is going to dampen the townfolks' faith. POST TRAVEL NOTES As we sailed across the waters of Lagonoy Gulf in the middle of the rain, I asked my little girl if she enjoyed our trip. Asher replied with a resounding "yes"! We both agreed that it was a different experience but it was one for our travel books. Our plan may have deviated by a mile but we love the fact that we did not allow the flood, the rain, and the wind to spoil the fun. We defined what was fun. We only realized how Usman drenched the region after we boarded our bus to Manila, the last bus trip for the year. We never had any idea of how much damaged it has caused until we got connected back onto social media. Now, we understood why our families were worried. It was a different experience. That I guess is the essence of our yearend trip - trips are never perfect. Something's bound to happen that will derail you from the plan. And that is the best part because you discover something new and different about the place and about you.  And yes, we are not yet done with Caramoan. We are heading back soon. My biggest pick-up from the experience - always waterproof your bag and it wouldn't hurt to have a Hull and Stern Waterproof bag. And yes, we are planning our return to Caramoan soon. Special Note: I have to commend Kuya Joseph and the staff of Rex Inn Garden Resort for taking care of me and my family. I cannot thank you enough for your fast action and for making us feel comfortable throughout our stay. We really enjoyed our stay in Caramoan kahit na-Usman kami sa Caramoan. Getting There: Raymond Bus Lines have direct land trips to and from Caramaon from their Cubao Station. Advance bus reservations are required weeks ahead so plan your trips very well. My recommended place to stay is Rex Inn Garden Resort. For hassle-free joiner tour, you can get in touch with Kuya Joseph of Gayon Travel and Tours, based in Caramoan, that includes van transportation, accommodation, meals, and island tours. He can also make accommodation and island tours arrangements if you are bringing a car with you.
As I am writing this down, my family and I are sitting out the torrential rains and strong winds of typhoon Usman as it traverses the Visayas area. We are in Caramoan for our much anticipated yearender trip until a hurried wake-up call from one resort staff this morning. We woke up to a flooded room and we had to sweep on every single stuff that we had, both wet and dry, to move to a higher area of the resort in about 30 mins. I wil be blogging about it soon and how it pulled-off to be a yearend surprise.  2018 was another great year of going around the Philippines. I was more organized with the scheduling of my trips this year with "big" trips happening every quarter and the shorter ones filling the in betweens. I have explored the popular ones and those that are considered off-beat, focusing more on places that I have yet to explore. I am learning to turn down the usual trips in lieu of being able to explore new spots in the country. When I started the year, I aimed to continue exploring provinces of the country that I have yet to cover with my #GOT81 goal. I identified one province from Luzon, one from Visayas, and one from Mindanao to explore. I had Catanduanes and joining the Pahiyas Festival in my 2018 bucket list, as well.
In retrospect, I was able to accomplish 3 out of the 7 items on my travel bucket list for 2018. Batanes was impressive but it was Catanduanes that made a mark on me. Antique was really awesome because I loved the solo backpacking scene which I have not done for a long time. Although I missed out on Pagadian this year, my Siargao, Mati, and Samal Island trips (Mati and Samal blogs are still on the works) were so awesome that Mindanao is my priority for my travel bucket list for 2019. For my year ender, I wil be sharing with you my top local destinations for 2018. #GOT81: Siargao Siargao Island is my top destination for this year. The place charming and endearing that Siargao grows in you slowly. I love the unique mix of its rustic atmosphere and vibrant island party feel. You get immersed with its natural beauty and get the rush with its activities while getting your fill of gastronomic delights from a wide selection of restaurants.  Siargao grows in you. Its vibe intoxicates you that you fall in love with it, more and more each day. Going around Siargao reminds you of your summer vacations in your parents' hometown where you just watch the day pass by going around town and observe the community's afternoon runs. You smiled at everyone you meet and the favor is returned. Every now and then, someone will make a short conversation with you and you really don't mind it. You feel that you are part of the community, not just a mere visitor. This was Siargao to me. It goes beyond getting amazed by its natural beauty or its adrenaline-pumping activities. It makes you feel that you are part of the community. You can read on my full Siargao blog here: #GOTOffBeat: Caramoan, Camarines Sur Our yearender trip to Caramoan is my off-beat destination for the year because of two things - Caramoan remains to be an off-beat tourist spot despite its popularity and it also got us off beat from the usual course of travel because of what we went through.  It is amazing that despite the popularity of Caramoan, locally and internationally, it has remained an off beat spot. I was pleasantly surprised with the absence of the usual restaurants and hotels present in the "more" popular destinations. Local small businesses thrive and you can still manage to get cheaper priced goods and services. It managed to remain rustic and off-beat probably because of getting there is not a joke.
But what made our Caramoan experience unique was the experience. We signed up with a tour group that came in at a time that storm Usman was about to hit Samar that also affected in the area. Despite the weather bulletins, we managed to get to Caramoan safely on schedule and with minor changes in the itinerary. The next day we woke up to a flooded room, we had to be moved to a higher area of the resort, and we had to sit it out the rest of our second day.
By the third day, we were told that we were stranded as there were 18 landslides that needed to be cleared out along our route. It was on the same day that we realized how much damage Usman lashed out on Caramoan and its surrounding areas.  It was a different and difficult experience but we took it in stride. We even managed to squeeze in a quick tour of the area before finding our way back to Manila. We learned a thing or two which I am excited to share with you on my future blog entry about this trip. And no worries, we will be back. (Kudos to Kuya Joseph of Gayon Travel and Tours and the staff of Rex Garden Tourist Inn for taking care of us during the ordeal. It was not the most ideal yearend family vacation but you made the whole experience bearable, comfortable, and fun. Maraming salamat po!) #GOTNurtured: Antique I consider my Antique trip a "lucky trip". It was initially cancelled because of personal reasons and, with sheer luck, I was able to rebook it a month later because of an airline consideration due to, again, a weather disturbance. It was also my first solo backpacking trip after a long time.  Antique was a laidback charmer. It was very rustic and peaceful. It was a perfect place to unwind and detach from the world. This was a place that gives you that sense of adventure and rewards you with real quality time for self. I like the mix where a little hiking and water adventure makes you see the beauty that lies within its province and then enjoy a soothing kawa bath or morning meditation in the midst of nature. It allows you to see, experience, and be one with nature. In its very essence, Antique is ideal for solo travelers. The serene atmosphere that it offers is ideal for those who are soul searching or for those who just simply want to detach from the world and re-charge. There are nature activities to try out and historical sites to explore to keep you amused. And you can end your day reading a good book or just simply drowning out in music while having a hot cup of coffee. Read more about my Antique trip here: #GOTDiscovered: Isla Maria, Cavinti, Laguna And of course, our 2018 will not be complete without my discovery for this year - Isla Maria in Cavinti, Laguna!  Imagine having a whole island for yourself as a vacation spot. It was one of the coolest way to spend a Christmas day-out and it is just 4 hours away from Manila. Isla Maria is a small island in Lake Lumot ideal for a weekend family trip or a company teambuilding activity. You really get value for your money that includes a short island-hopping tour of Lake Lumot, unlimited use of the kayak, and you can even go try your hand on fishing.
This is another upcoming blog that I will be sharing with you soon and I just needed to share my unique destination find for 2018. You can check out their Isla Maria's Facebook page here. As 2018 ushers in 2019, my project #GOT81 is still in effect and I am taking on the theme of #Mindanao1 this year. My trips to Siargao, Mati, and Samal Island made me realize that I still have a lot to explore and discover in Mindanao. So for this year, Mindanao will be my priority hence the number "1". I think it is also high time that I get to show that Mindanao is a safe destination to travel coming from someone who was born in Cagayan de Oro. So what's on my travel bucketlist this 2019? 1. Quirino This landlocked destination missed out on me in 2018 and word is out that it is one off-beat destination that defines locked and loaded. This is one destination that has haunted me since the time that I read about it and I am rearing to explore it. 2. Balangiga Bells It's back and I have got to hear it. After concerted efforts, the bells of Balangiga is back in its home. This is one historical and cultural treasure that I have got to see and hear as it is a mute witness to the horrors of the American occupation. 3. SoCCSKSarGen Gear up for another backpack adventure through Mindanao this March. I am excited to explore the wonders and the colorful heritage at the heart of Mindanao. This is going to be one of my biggest trip, if not the biggest, for the year. 4. Pagadian-Ozamiz-Dapitan-Dipolog Again, Pagadian also missed out on me in 2018 because of a family emergency. So I am re-planning the long overdue trip and this time crossing through three other cities in the area. 5. Dinagat Island Off-beat destinations continue to charm me and Dinagat Island fits the pack. After watching it on "Byahe ni Drew" and seeing it from above (on my way to Siargao), Dinagat Island has caught my eye. And there is only way to quench my curiousity - checking out its spot. 6. Masskara Festival This is another festival that I have been wanting to experience. Having seen its winning group perform during the Dinagyang week, I think the festival is one celebration where I can join in the fun and the dancing. And hopefully, I will be able to do it this year. 7. Swim with the Whale Sharks in Donsol The best way to swim with the whale sharks is to swim with them in their natural habitat without disturbing its usual course. It would be a great experience to observe these gentle creatures in the wild. I still have a couple of blogs that I am still working on as of this writing. I hope to share them with you in the coming weeks. As we work on heading back to Manila just in time for the New Year (as we are now aboard a boat to Sabang Port), I hope you enjoyed your travels this 2018 and I hope you also enjoyed mine, as well.  Ready for my 2019 adventures!!! And with 2019 rushing in, gear up for another exciting year of exciting adventures and misadventures. Cheers to the new year! PS. We arrived home safely 15 minutes before 2019 ushered in.
The City of Pines is a favorite destination of Filipinos at this time of the year. With its cold weather that matches up with the Christmas season, don't be surprised if your family or your peers are planning a weekend trip to Baguio. This city is the closest thing that you can get to that cold autumn feels on a tight budget. If you have an extra hundred, you can even get that winter-feels.  Baguio is a preferred destination during the Christmas season. Sitting at 1, 540 MASL, Baguio City is the highest city, in terms of elevation, in the country. It is a year-round destination that packs in history, adventure, and culture in one complete itinerary. But apart from the usual visits to Mines View, horseback riding in Wright Park, and boating in Burnham, here are 7 interesting things to do when in Baguio. Glamping in style Yes, you heard it right. You can now camp out in style at Valleypoint Campsite in Sto. Tomas. Solo travelers can avail of an overnight package at Php1350 that includes glamping accomodation, breakfast, unlimited coffee, and one round of aerosoft shooting.  Glamping at Valleypoint Campsite is the latest attraction in Baguio. The campsite is located along a ridge that overlooks the southern part of the city and evenings are amazing with the view of the city lights. The campsite also has a common room with large pillows where you can spend the rest of the evening playing group games from the camp's selections or you can opt to sip a cup of warm coffee while chatting with friends.
For early morning risers, you can wake up to the cold Baguio morning just before sunrise and enjoy the light show of the sun rising. You won't see the sun rising but the play of colors at dawn is amazing. You'd realize that the cold wouldn't bother you as you get treated with its own version of its sea of clouds.  Enjoying a cold Baguio early morning.
And just before leaving, get de-stressed by aiming the airsoft gun on a target and see how good you are on hitting the bulls eye. A great way to end your glamping experience. You can check out the Facebook page of Valleypoint Campsite here. Walk the city With its cool weather, exploring Baguio's tourism core by foot is the best way to go. You get to enjoy its weather and the city's beauty at your own pace and without the headache of getting stuck in Baguio traffic. You can kick off your walking tour with an insightful visit at the Museo Kordilyera where you get a glimpse of the unique culture of the different groups in the Cordillera. Walking distance from the Museo Kordilyera is the Baguio Museum . The museum showcases the rich culture of the Cordillera. It also gives you a glimpse of how Baguio looked a decade ago and how the city developed into what it is now. The museum's main attraction is Apo Baket - a mummy from the Cordilleras. The museum has been her home for the past decades.  Getting ready to explore the Baguio Museum. Walk along Governor Pack Road and find the historical marker where its development started before saying a short prayer at the Baguio Cathedral. Admire the church's rustic design with its pink facade, stained glass windows, and its twin belfries. The church also served as a shelter during World War 2 and within its ground is a memorial for the casualties of the war.  The Baguio Cathedral is one of the iconic images of the city. You can then walk down the stairs that leads down to Session Road, Baguio's most famous street. This is where you will find a lot business establishment, both popular and Baguio-based. Check out Vizco's and Tea House for their cakes or you can check out the ukay shops along Sky World. Looking for a vegetarian fix, head off to Oh My Gulay! You would be surprised at what you'd find in Session Road. If you are thinking of lunch, I suggest that you take your food out instead of dining in. Because not far from Session Road is Burnham Park. Its huge ground is a great place to sit back, relax, and have a picnic while you enjoy the rush and the view. The park also offers a lot of activities for the young and old. You can try your hand out with boating on its lagoon, biking around, or by letting kids be kids on its playground.  A visit to Baguio is never complete without trying Burnham Lakes's boating activity. You can cap off your walking tour by heading up to the Baguio City Hall. Along the way, you will pass by the city's own version of Rizal Park honoring the country's national hero. A view deck in front of the city hall will give you a commanding view of the city. A great way to end your city walking tour. Have a picnic They say that the best way to enjoy a place is to go the way locals do. Growing up in Baguio, going on a picnic is a staple among residents and forms part of everyone's childhood memories. I have yet to meet a Baguio resident who never had a picnic experience even once during their growing up years in this city. The city has a lot of parks to choose from where you can share a meal with the family under its clear skies. Burnham Park, the upper part of Wright Park, the Botanical Garden, and John Hay are popular picnic spots in the city. The cool weather and the greens will be a memorable experience. Art Appreciation Baguio is a UNESCO Creative City with a lot of homegrown artists taking their roots here. The Bencab Museum and Tam-awan Village are top-of-the-mind art spots in Baguio that receives a lot of tourists on a regular basis. The art spots have become a city icon for artistry and creativity.  Ili Likha Artist Village is one of the creative spots in the city. But the city has more creative spots to discover. Street art is a common thing to see and appreciate in Baguio. Skyworld may seem to be a great place to shop for ukay items but, when it closes its shop, you'd be amazed by creativity on its metal roll-up doors. So, keep your eyes open and appreciate the creativity on fence walls, roll-up doors and sidewalks that become canvasses of the young creative minds of Baguio locals.  Colors of Stobosa is another popular stop in the city. While you are at it, Ili Likha Artist's Village is worth checking out along Assumption Road. This multi-level establishment was the brainchild of film-maker Kidlat Tahimik, who was recently recognized as a National Artist for Film. Artworks in different forms blend naturally with the complex's wooden structures and beams to create a sanctuary that would engage the artist in you. Re-discover History The City of Pines is an old settlement pre-dating the Spanish occupation. It used to be called "Kafagway" and was a hunting ground of the Ibalois and other highland ethnic tribes. It was only during the American Period when Baguio was developed as a summer retreat for Americans. Burnham Park, the Mansion, Kennon Road, Teacher's Camp, and Camp John Hay were some of the structures built during this period.  Kennon Road is a historic connection of the city to the Pangasinan. Baguio's heritage and historical structures are mute witnesses to the both the good and the bad of Philippine history. The Baguio City Hall, Burnham Park, and the Mansion saw the development of Baguio from a rancheria to a bustling city. Session Road saw how local businesses bloomed and how bigger market players entered the local scene. Camp John Hay was a taste of America during the 80's until it was developed as an ecological attraction in the city. Of course, we have heard the creepy stories of the log houses in Teacher's Camp. How its hauntings are associated to its early American inhabitants. You wouldn't want to miss out a visit to the famous Diplomat Hotel that have seen the horrors of the Japanese occupation of the city. It also tells you how a place once feared has slowly evolved into a destination that gives you a commanding view of the city. Well, a visit to Diplomat would never be complete without its haunting stories.
Wherever you go in Baguio, there will always be a touch of history. Don't just sulk up on the view but be amazed by the stories and history behind these tourist spots. Hike My love for the outdoors was born in Baguio. As a young boy, I enjoyed hiking on the trails around PMA. Some trails lead to another part of the camp while the other leads to the Loakan Airport or a "view deck" of Kennon Road. The scent of pine trees while walking on these trails are all embedded in my memory.  Mount Ulap is a popular day hike spot near Baguio City. Although the scent of pine trees may no longer be there, hiking is still an activity worth trying out when in Baguio. The popular hiking trail of Mount Ulap can be done if you have an extra day to spare. My family have done its traverse and the commanding views of the Cordillera, La Union, and Pangasinan is enough of a reward for challenging you physically. You can read our complete experience here. But if you only have a few hours to spare and you want to get close to nature, you can take a hike along John Hay's Yellow Trail. It snakes through the forested areas of the camp and will take around 2 hours to complete. It is a great way to exercise and commune with nature while you enjoy the cool climate of the city. Shop Mention Baguio City and expect people to associate it with ukay-ukay. You can't blame them because the city did popularize thrift shopping in the country. There are a lot of places to go ukay-ukay shopping in the city - Skyworld along Session Road, Abanao Street, and Hilltop to name a few. But the night market along Harrison Road is a must place to check out for unique finds. The street comes alive with its merchants selling anything under the sun. You just have to have a keen eye in searching for great finds. If you get tired and hungry in the process, food stalls are located on both ends of the street that offer different kind of street food and coffee.
But beyond the ukay-ukay economy of Baguio, there are a lot of great finds in Baguio's public market, from strawberries to the walis tambo. Freshly ground coffee, fresh vegetables, fresh flowers, freshly-made ube, and handicrafts are just some of the great "pasalubongs" that you can bring home. If you want to find what and where in Baguio's public market, check out my Baguio Palengke Attack blog here. Baguio is also the home of a number of homegrown businesses. Mirthful Atman and Mirth Fragrances are two brands that I have come across and loved that are based in Baguio. Mirthful Atman is a shirt brand that aims to inspire one to be a "happy soul" through their cool shirt designs while Mirth Fragrances offer linen sprays and perfumes for everyday use. Check out the Facebook page of Mirth Fragrances here. POST TRAVEL NOTES The Baguio that I grew up in has long evolved into an urban jungle marred by a boom in its population and traffic. Gone were the days that you wake up to the fresh scent of pine trees during cold mornings. But the city still tries to keep its culture, history, heritage, and its stories intact despite the changing environment that it sits in. Its tourist spots and its activities, both the old and the new, tries to connect its residents and its tourists to the old Baguio that I grew up in.  Thinking of how great 2018 was for travel. What's in store for 2019? I hope that as we walk the city, enjoy its cool weather with friends and family, appreciate its beauty and artistry, and support its local businesses, we are able to see beyond Baguio's site and sounds. We are able to understand that, despite its development, the old Baguio feel is the key in keeping its uniqueness as a Philippine destination. That it is not just the cold but the unique blend of the cold and pine tree scent that complete the Baguio vibe. It is not just the beauty of its site but the stories behind it that make the city come alive. And we could make that promise to strive, whether locals or guests, to keep that city spirit and vibe alive in our hearts and mind, and more importantly in our actions. Getting there: Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus, and Genesis Bus have daily trips to Baguio City. Regular aircon bus trips cost around Php450 one way while the De Luxe buses of Victory Liner and Genesis Bus costs Php750 one way. Taxis and jeepneys are the mode of transport within the city but, with the traffic, getting around by foot is faster. City Core Walking Tour Itinerary: 9.00a - Museo Kordilyera 10.00a - Baguio Museum 11.00a - Baguio Cathedral via Governor Pack Road 11.45a - Session Road / Skyworld Ukay-Ukay Shops / Ili Likha Artist’s Village / Buy Lunch 1.00p - Picnic Lunch at Burnham Park / Explore Burnham / Boating / Biking 3.00p - Baguio City Hall via Rizal Park 4.30p - Ukay-ukay shopping at Abanao / Explore Baguio Public Market 6.30p - Dinner at Session Road 8.30p - Visit Baguio Market
#ExploreManila was a personal project that I started a few years back that was aimed at exploring the cities and the lone municipality of Metro Manila. The goal was discover each city/municipality's history, food stops, and culture amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. The city adventure had me enjoying a free kalesa ride in Pasig City, being personally accomodated by visual artist Cacnio (the artist behind the Php20-peso bill design) inside his Malabon home, looking for a historical monument in Mandaluyong, and searching for a historical lighthouse along the banks of Taguig. Through these adventures and misadventures, I have come to realize that Metro Manila is more than just a bustling metropolis.  The Baclaran Church is the most iconic spot of Paranaque. It was unfortunate, though, that this adventure had to take the backseat for a time... until two Sundays ago. A long overdue visit to my sibling's final resting place down south spawned into a spontaneous city adventure that had me enjoying a hot afternoon exploring Paranaque.  The Paranaque marker at the Sucat Exit of the South Luzon Expressway. Paranaque, located south of Metro Manila, is a city by the bay that is popular for its its posh hotels along the reclaimed area of Manila Bay. The city was officially founded in 1580 and was originally known as Palanyag. Its strategic location played an important role in the country's history from the Spanish period up to World War 2.  A typical day in the old barrios of Paranaque. Paranaque has evolved from being a metro suburb to a bustling city. It managed to keep its traditions and history intact amidst the buzz of the city. Let us discover the city's history as we #ExploreParanaque! Elorde Sports Center (Paranaque-Sucat Road) Established in 1974, the Elorde Sports Center was the brainchild of Gabriel "Flash" Elorde - one of the country's best Filipino boxers of all time. This 3-hectare property is a sports haven and has become a brand associated to sport of boxing. It houses a stadium, boxing rings, tennis courts, and swimming pools. It is also a populat host for regular cockfighting derbies.
The brand has expanded widely in the metro but its original branch remains, not only as a venue for discovering and developing talents, but as an attraction, as well. Getting there: From the Sucat bus stop along SLEX, cross to the other side of the Paranaque-Sucat Road. Take a jeep to Kabihasnan and ask the driver to drop you off at "Elorde". Fare is at Php10. San Dionisio Chapel and Heritage Tree (Quirino Avenue) This old Spanish Chapel is the home of the headless image of St. Denis or Tata Dune - a French Bishop who was persecuted by his persecutors.  The rustic San Dionisio Chapel is the home of the headless image of Tata Dune. The church stands out with its simple facade made from adobe, bricks, and cement. Its big open courtyard has a stage where their annual senaculo tradition is held. Installed on its walls is a "Lupong Tagapangasiwa ng Bisita" marker. Within its courtyard stands a huge Acacia Tree that provide a refreshing shade from the afternoon sun. The tree was declared a heritage tree by the city government in 2007.  A full view of the San Dionisio Chapel compound.
Its simple interior is highlighted by a two-tierred retablo with the reverred image of Tata Dune, cradling his head on his arms, as its centerpiece.  The San Dionisio Heritage Tree is also found within the chapel's courtyard. The serene and peaceful ambiance of the place give you that relaxing provincial feel. I enjoyed taking a spot by the courtyard, enjoying the cool shade of its heritage tree, and enjoying the rustic beauty of the old chapel. Getting there: From Elorde Sport Center, you can take a jeep to Kabihasnan and ask the driver to drop you off at San Dionisio Chapel. The Cathedral Parish of Saint Andrew (Quirino Avenue) At the heart of the old Paranaque stands a huge church that really had me in awe when I first caught sight of it. The Cathedral Parish of Saint Andrew is a church that has a touch of history, a sanctuary for the faithful, and a majestic beauty.  The Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew, also known as the Paranaque Cathedral, is one of the oldest churches in the country. Established in 1580, the congregation were mainly from the barrios of La Huerta, Don Galo, and San Dionisio and was dedicated to St. Andrew. The church and the convent was completed in 1650 but convent was later on demolished upon orders of the Governor-General because of threats of an attack by Chinese pirate, Koxinga. The Paranaque Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the country.  The beautiful interior of the Paranaque Cathedral. The four-century old church was built baroque style with buttresses on the side. Its facade is highlighted by an image of Saint Andrew with a four-storey belfry standing adjacent to the church. Its interior os majestic with its high ceiling and huge windows on the side. Its altar garbed in gold and white is highlighted by an image of Christ on the cross. Two adjacent altars flank the main altar. One bearing images of different saints and the other bearing the reverred image of the Nuestra Senora Del Buen Suceso.  The church is also the home of the revered image of the Nuestra Senora del Buen Suceso. It is housed in its own altar. The Nuestra Senora Del Buen Suceso was canonically crowned as the patroness of the city in September of 2000. Getting there: From San Dionisio Chapel, you can take a jeep bound for Baclaran and you can ask the driver to drop you off at St. Andrew. La Huerta I noticed a couple of mansions just right outside the Paranaque Cathedral so I took my time to take a stroll around La Huerta. During earlier times, this old town had an orchard that was admired by many that it was said that people who travelled through La Huerta would stop to admire it. Unfortunately, the orchard slowly deteriorated as no one was able to really take care of it.
But beyond its famed orchard, La Huerta also played a role in Philippine history. It is the birthplace of Padre Masangkay, a Filipino priest who was involved in the Cavite Mutiny and later joined the revolution against the Spaniards, and Manuel Bernabe, a renowned Filipino author. Both have their own contributions recognized by the community. La Huerta has its own collections of mansions that give you a glimpse of the past in La Huerta. These houses are privately owned so I only view them from a distance. These houses have maintained their grandeur despite the developments around it. Simbahang Metodista Episkopal (Qurino Avenue) This small Methodist Church along Quirino Avenue brings the honor of being the first Methodist church established south of Manila. The church was first established in 1901 in Mabong but was transferred to its location in 1917. Unfortunately, it was accidentally bombed during the liberation of Manila that took the lives of 77 Filipinos.
The church was rebuilt in 1950 with the aid of the Philippine War Damaged Commission and the Trinity Church in the US and was named Martyrs' Memorial United Methodist Church. Getting there: From La Huerta, take a jeep going to Baclaran. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tambo. Baclaran (Roxas Boulevard) If Manila has Divisoria and San Juan has Greenhills, Baclaran is Paranaque's hawker center. This is where you can get goods that are really cheap from clothes, shoes, religious items, food, bags, and household items. For those who love to shop for cheap items, Baclaran is a place worth checking out. Walking around the place can be confusing with a lot of stalls lined up on the streets that offer goods with really cheap prices. The keyword here is to haggle. Go around and check out the stalls before making the final purchase. Expect the crowd here on Wednesdays and Sundays. Getting there: From the Simbahang Metodista Episkopal, take a jeep going to Baclaran Baclaran Church (Roxas Boulevard) In the midst of the hustle of commerce in Baclaran is the Redemptorist Church - one of the popular churchs in the metro. The church is a national shrine dedicated to the "Our Mother of Perpetual Help" and is one of the largest Marian congregation in the country. Wednesdays are often referred to as "Baclaran Days" as it is during these days that the novena is prayed.  Baclaran Church is a well-loved and well-visited place in Baclaran. The current church is the third structure to be built on its location. The church, with its Modern Romanesque design, took 6 years to be built since most of its funding came from personal contributions from devotees. It was officially dedicated in 1958 and has been open for 24 hours ever since. Pope John Paul II offered mass on this shrine during his 1981 visit in the country.
Its grand interiors stand out for its high ceiling and simple design. Its main feature is the image of "The Mother of Perpetual Help" installed at the altar of the church. The church has a seating capacity of 2000 but can accommodate as much as 11, 000 in a single mass. The sprawling church compound has a small park and open spaces where visitors can relax before or after mass. Its recent addition is its belfry that features mosaic of its patroness on its four sides. POST TRAVEL NOTES I never expected to walk through history in Paranaque. I have always associated it as a food haven but it did not occur to me how this city grew out from our history. It is a city that was able to preserve its history and culture despite the rapid development happening within its territory. Unlike the other cities in the metro where urban development grew around or drowned around historical sites, Paranaque historical core has remained intact. Exploring the old barrios of La Huerta, San Dionisio, and Don Galo is like visiting a provincial town where you get to appreciate its stories and laidback vibe.  Where to next? Sa malamig! Local travelers are quick to jump on a trip to explore interesting and famous Philippine destination but seldom take the time to explore the city where they reside. We are all quick to share itineraries of the places that we have visited but we are stumped when asked about interesting places in our neighborhood. Metro Manila is more than just a bustling metropolis. It is a place where history was written, where old customs are still being practiced, and where you get to understand the different Pinoy cultures and traditions. You get to see the raw beauty of Manila by exploring it one city at a time. Getting there: You can take a bus to Sucat from any point along EDSA. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Baclaran where you can take a jeep to Kabihasnan.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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April 2019
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