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I don’t know if you have observed it but the heat of this year’s dry season seems to be more bearable compared to last year. I have already managed the now one-month quarantine with my ever-dependable hammock to start me up with my summer vibe. Unlike last year where my summer opener got cut short, I still have to catch the view of the beach this year.  This is the time when I am hoping that I am enjoying the sun somewhere in the Philippines. While #NCRPlus residents are locked up inside their homes, the rest of the country have already started enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. I guess, it really boils down to the discipline of people in the midst of this pandemic. Well, that is how it is and we can only hope for a more relaxed quarantine in the coming months. Some of us, me included, are probably back on the drawing boards for our summer plans. Hence, I decided to blog about 7 must-do dry season activities here in the Philippines. We will be going around the country to enjoy a full summer day here in Pinas! Watch the sunrise at Binurong Point, Catanduanes Let us start our day in the province known for its howling winds - Catanduanes. This island-province is located on the eastern side of the country and faces the Pacific Ocean. It is usually the first to be battered by typhoons coming from the Pacific hence its monicker. But the beautiful and rugged terrains of Binurong Point is a great place to catch the first rays of the rising sun.  Binurong Point in Catanduanes is one of the places in the country that offers the best seats to watch the sunrise. The trek to Binurong Point takes about 30 - 40 minutes from the jump off point. It usually starts very early in the morning just in time for you to catch the beauty of the sun rising in the east. Once you get to the viewdeck, you can pick your spot and get ready to be amazed by the sun theatrics from its first morning rays to its play of golden yellow to finally bursting into full morning brightness. Expect to be awed by its beauty as you watch one of the first rays of the sun breaking out from horizon. The sun’s early morning rays will also show you the rugged beauty of Binurong Point. You will be amazed by the views of its sloping hills meeting the waters of the Pacific. It gives you a glimpse of the rugged and pristine beauty of Catanduanes. You can read about my Catanduanes adventures here: Howling with the Winds of Catanduanes Watch the Blooming of the Lotus at Lake S’bu in South Cotabato Another great morning activity is hopping on a boat and watch the blooming of the lotus at Lake S’bu. This activity offers a different kind of calmness and peace in the morning. The views of the pink lotuses against the rustic backdrop of South Cotabato make it a perfect way to start your day.  Enjoying an early morning paddling at Lake S'bu.
The blooming of the lotuses is an iconic tourism draw of Lake S’bu - the home of the indigenous T’boli group. To fully appreciate the view, one would need to wake up early, board a wooden canoe, and paddle through the calm waters of the lake onto the site. The soft and warm morning rays and the cool weather completes the serene vibe of being surrounded by the beauty of the pink blooms. It is a nice way to enjoy the peace and quiet that Lake S’bu offers its guests. But Lake S’bu is not just all about chilling and relaxing as it also has other activities that could get your adrenaline pumping. Its scenic waterfalls and its rich cultural heritage make it a unique destination that not only makes you smile but also fills your heart with pride. I seriously think that a trip to Lake S’bu should activity that every Filipino must make in his or her lifetime. Read about my Lake S’bu travel here: Lake Bloomers of S'bu Kayak around El Nido’s Big and Small Lagoon El Nido is a beach paradise. The once off-beat destination, known only to adventurous travelers, has steadily captured the hearts of many until it has fully come out of its shell. Its amazing limestone formations, secluded beach spots, amazing underwater scenes, and local stories that go with these spots have easily made El Nido a favorite, not only among foreign tourists but, among local travelers.  Enjoying El Nido's Small Lagoon aboard a kayak. But El Nido is not just about beach-bumming and island hopping. Paddling up on two of its most popular lagoons is one of the great way to enjoy the summer sun - the Small Lagoon and the Big Lagoon. These two major attractions in El Nido sits adjacent to each other on island of Miniloc and its names best describes its size relative to each other. The best way to explore its nooks and crannies is by paddling up aboard a kayak. The Small Lagoon can be accessed via a small rock opening while the Big Lagoon gives you a more majestic way of greeting as you wade through its wide banks on its entrance.  Getting ready to paddle up at El Nido's Big Lagoon. You can paddle around and explore the nooks and crannies of the lagoons before finding your own corner to relax and enjoy its peaceful vibe. You can also enjoy a quick and refreshing dip in its cool waters before heading back to your boat. Be conscious of the time though because once you get into the serene vibe of the lagoons, time seems to be on a standstill in El Nido. You can read about my El Nido trip here: #ElNidoFortified Swim with the Jellies in Surigao We all love heading down to the beach at we have here in the Philippines. Beach is LIFE, especially during the dry season. Philippine summer is not complete without a quick beach dip!  Enjoying the peace and quiet of the Jellyfish Sanctuary in Socorro.
But you can actually spice up your beach trip by going on a swim with sea creatures in the wild. You can start off with that experience with the stingless jellyfish of Sohoton in Surigao del Norte. Located at Bucas Grande Island, the sanctuary gives you the unique experience of being able to swim with the stingless jellyfish - a perfect way to get close with nature. The laidback and serene atmosphere of the sanctuary adds up to the experience of being close to nature. It makes you experience that oneness with nature. Surigao del Norte is a destination that has something in store for any kind of traveler. From the adrenaline junkie to the nature-tripper, they got everything covered. On top of your preferred adventure, you get to enjoy that unique and warm provincial hospitality that only Surigao can offer. Read about how I enjoyed my trip in Surigao here: #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso Get relaxed and warmed up in Tibiao, Antique Getting your muscles relaxed after a long day full of activities is definitely a must. Nothing beats an aromatic warm bath to slow down your day before enjoying a nice and calm evening. And the best place to get that is where the kawa bath was born - Tibiao in Antique!  Enjoying a relaxing old-style spa treatment. Tibiao is a rustic municipality on the western coast of Panay Island. This is where the original “kawa bath” was born. The process begins with a large cauldron that is filled with water that is heated over fire. Flowers, herbs, and leaves are added as aromatics. Once ready, guests take a dip in its warm and fragrant waters to relax their body after hustling the whole day. The kawa bath is soothing for both mind and body as you get relaxed while being surrounded with nature and disconnected from the rest of the world.
The rustic mountainside of Tibiao is a perfect getaway when you want to disconnect. It allows you to unplug from your busy city life and connects you with nature to get you refreshed and energized. It makes you realize that the simple joys are the best part of living. Read about my Tibiao adventure here: Alamat ng Gintong Takipsilim At Mainit na Kawa Bar Hop in Lakawon Island Imagine yourself getting onto a floating bar just to unwind as you prepare to watch the sunset. Nice, right? This is why you should not miss out Lakawon Island in Cadiz City. It has redefined bar hopping with one of the largest floating bars in the country.  Chilling at Lakawon's Floating Bar. Conveniently anchored a few meters from the island, the Lakawon Floating Bar is one of the major attractions of the island. The barge was redesigned into a bar complete with a bar and lounging chairs that faces the sea. You can enjoy sipping on your favorite drink and munching on your fave snack while enjoying the view of the island and the waters around it. If you want to take a quick swim, you can just jump off from the lounging chairs into the inviting waters of the island.  Lakawon Island is a great perfect summer getaway. Lakawon Island grew out from the devastation of a typhoon. The island was, initially, popular among locals who go to there to camp out. It took a typhoon to unwrap its beauty to a larger audience and it has grown from a mere camp site to a world-class resort island. Read about our Lakawon adventures here: Lakaw Lakawon Watch the Sunset at San Vicente They say that every sunset is unique and I would have to agree. I love watching the sunset more than the sunrise because it tends to be more dramatic and poetic. And one of the best spots to catch the drama of the setting sun is at Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan.  The sunset show of San Vicente gives you a myriad of amazing colors. San Vicente prides itself with having the longest white sand beach in the country, with a length of 14.7 kilometers. It faces the West Philippine Sea and is one of the best spots to watch the sunset. You will get an amazing light show as the sun sets on the horizon. The shifting colors of pink, orange, and blue hues will keep you awe. Interestingly, the beach also comes alive during that time when locals go out and enjoy the waters of the beach. You’ve got locals walking by the beach, fishermen preparing for a night’s work, kids skimboarding, and tourists enjoying the view of the day ending. All these adds to the drama of the sunset. It gives you that peaceful vibe that tomorrow is going to be another exciting day of adventures. San Vicente is a rustic destination where you get to enjoy the bucolic life. The people are friendly, life is laidback, and there’s so much beauty around. It is very easy to fall in love with the place because, for a beach person like me, it has the recipe for a perfect beach day. Read about my San Vicente trip here: SanVic sa Pagbabago POST TRAVEL NOTES The Philippines is a country that has a lot of amazing destinations. Some of these spots are enjoying its popularity, others are starting to get recognized, and there are still those that needs to be given the attention. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there will always be a Pinas destination that will be perfect to your taste. I guess with more than 7000 islands to choose from in the Philippines, one can never go wrong.  Thinking of where to go soon? Any ideas? I would have to say that this new round of community quarantines can be frustrating especially for a traveler like me and on a season like this. This is the perfect time to explore and discover. But I also understand that part of being a seasoned traveler is understanding that we also have to be responsible when we go around. This is the time when being a responsible traveler matter. Traveling can wait for the safety of others, especially for those who have limited access to healthcare facilities in the province. While waiting, I choose to reminisce the fun in traveling while planning my next adventure rather than sulking and complaining. That is where the fun of traveling begins! #StandTogetherPinoy
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Intramuros is more than just a historical site. It is a standing reminder of 300 years of Spanish rule and was a mute witness as to how the Philippines was born as a republic. If the walls of the city can talk, it would have given us an animated illustration of the grandest celebrations and the horrors of destruction inside and outside its walls.  A kalesa ride around Intramuros is a great way to explore the walled city. Writing about Intramuros was on point as the country is currently celebrating the Quincentennial Commemoration of the Battle of Mactan. The arrival of the Spaniards, led by Magellan, marked the start of Spanish rule in the country and the walled city was at the heart of the action during that 300-year rule. Intramuros was at the center of politics, religion, education, and commerce for three centuries and we will get to see these influences as we continue exploring Intramuros. West Gates of Intramuros: Puerta de Postigo and Puerta de Sta. Lucia Intramuros used to have 8 gates in the earlier days. 3 on the north, 3 on the west, 1 on the south, and 1 on the east. Only 5 of the gates remain intact today. The other three were either destroyed during World War 2 or demolished to give way to the road network going into the walled city.  The footprint was part of the re-tracing the Rizal's steps when he passed through Puerta de Postigo on his execution day. Puerta de Postigo was built in 1662 and led directly to the palaces of the Gobernador and the Archbishop of Manila. The gate is historical as this was the gate where Dr. Jose Rizal walked out of Intramuros during his execution. One can see traces of foot prints that were once installed to show tourists where Rizal walked in Intramuros on his last day. The gate was now converted into a police barracks. Not far from the Postigo gate is the Puerta de Sta. Lucia. The gate is one of the original gates of Intramuros and was built in 1603. Its side chambers were expanded in the 18th century. It is a popular entry point if you are coming from the promenade along Manila Bay.  The Puerta de Sta. Lucia was the gate that leads to a promenade along the shores of Manila Bay.
Both gates were destroyed during World War 2 and was reconstructed during 80’s. Both gates have been re-used as security offices with the construction of the bigger gates of Intramuros. Museo de Intramuros (San Ignacio Church) The Museo de Intramuros is the site where the San Ignacio Church once stood. The church was completed in 1889 and was designed by the first Filipino Architect, Felix Roxas Sr. The construction of the church was coined as their “Golden Dream” but was heavily damaged during World War 2. The church burned for 4 straight days because of the local hardwood used for its construction.  The San Ignacio Church is now being re-built to become the Museo de Intramuros. The church is undergoing reconstruction and is going to be re-purposed to become the Museo de Intramuros. It will soon be the repository of historical and cultural artifacts collected through time. Plazuela de Sta. Isabel / Memorare Manila 1945 The Plazuela de Sta. Isabel is a small park that stands on the original site of the Sta. Isabel College. Established in 1632, it is one of the oldest girl schools in the world that once catered to Spanish female orphans. It was in 1733 that it was accorded the name “Real Colegio de Sta. Isabel. However, the school building was completely destroyed during World War 2, forcing the nuns to relocate in Ermita.
A small park was created on part of the original site of the college. The Memorare Manila 1945 was installed on the plazuela that honored the lives of the civilians who died during the liberation of Manila. Over 100,000 defenseless civilians were killed at that time from the brutality of the Japanese forces and the bombardment of Allied forces. The monument stands to remember that fateful episode in Philippine history. San Agustin Church and Museum Among the 7 original churches inside Intramuros, the San Agustin Church was the only church that was spared from the destruction of World War 2. Completed in 1607, it is the oldest stone church in the country and it is one of the four Baroque Churches in the country that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a historical landmark having witnessed the drafting of the terms of the Surrender of Manila to the Americans and the horrors of being a concentration camp during World War 2 where hundreds of civilian lives were slaughtered by the Japanese.  The San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country. and is the only church in Intramuros that survived WW2. The grand architecture of San Agustin Church can be seen from both the outside and the inside of the church. Its facade is patterned to the magnificent churches built in Mexico while one would be in awe at the grand interiors of the church. From its beautifully designed navel, its baroque pulpit, and its amazing choir loft with its pipe organs, everything is a grand representation of the how religion was viewed in the past.
The adjacent convent was converted into a museum that, by far, has the most extensive historical and cultural collections that I have seen from a religious museum. It, literally, walks you through history with its wide century-old collections of religious and secular artifacts. I enjoyed looking through its collection that includes a century-old baroque altar and antique ivory images of saints. The life-size images reminded me of my lola’s collection in Ilocos. It still gives me the creeps.
The museum also gives you a glimpse on the influence that religion had in the Philippines and in the region. The museum has an extensive collection of Chinese jars and porcelains. It gives you a glimpse of their way of life with their antique collection of paintings and personal effects. It allows you access to its choir loft where you get to see a top view of the church and a face-to-face encounter with its pipe organ.  The halls of the convent/museum was a perfect place for a pictorial. The Crypts of San Agustin is one of the main attractions in its museum. The tradition of burying the earthly remains of the dead inside the church is not new to me but I find San Agustin’s one of the most organized and extensive inside a church. Located inside one of the caverns, it is the final resting place of prominent Filipino families including that of famous Filipino painter, Juan Luna. San Agustin Church and Museum is a must place to visit in Intramuros. I was impressed by its extensive collections that walked me through the rich history of the church and the country. Its massive hallways made me imagine how it felt to have walked through it centuries ago. A visit to this church and museum is worth the time and could actually fill in a whole blog space. Plaza Luis Complex Adjacent to the San Agustin Church is a complex composed of 9 replica houses that represented Spanish-period bahay-na-bato. Collectively known as Plaza Luis, the houses were built based on archived pictures and plans. The houses were built in similar fashion and use just like its old counterparts where the base is made from adobe stones and the upper floors with wood.
Walking inside the complex will give you a glimpse of how the rich lived in the old days with its beautiful house interior designs complete with a central fountain area, grand staircases, and cobble stone-lined hallways. Similar to the old days, the first floor were rented out to businesses. The topmost floors were living areas of the owners. At present, it houses a museum and function areas of restaurants. The Plaza Luis Complex now functions as an event place with restaurants and novelty stores within the compound. The architecture and interior designs cannot be missed as it gives you that Spanish-period vibe. Cuartel de Sta. Lucia / Gallery of Philippine Presidents Cuartel de Sta. Lucia is the ruins of a barracks that once stood adjacent to the Puerta de Sta. Lucia. Built in 1781, it was originally referred to as the Cuartel de la Artilleria de Montana. It became the barracks of the Philippine Constabulary in 1901 before becoming the first site of the Philippine Military Academy in 1905. The structure was severely damaged during the war.  The Cuartel de Santa Lucia was the first site of the Philippine Military Academy. The walls of the barracks were only re-constructed part of the cuartel after the war. The inside of the barracks was converted into a park. Adjacent to its ruins is the gallery of past Philippine Presidents. The spot is a good place to relax before moving to your next Intramuros spot. Baluarte de San Diego The Baluarte de San Diego is one of the oldest stone fortifications in the walled city. It was completed in 1587 and faces the Manila Bay on the western side of Intramuros. The baluarte, during its heydays, had a metal casting factory. Unfortunately, the Baluarte de San Diego got damaged caused by natural and man-made calamities. It got severely damaged in the liberation of Manila and was completely restored in 1992.  Baluarte de San Diego is one of the oldest stone fortification in Intramuros.
The restoration of the Baluarte de San Diego created a relaxing park with a unique mix of fort ruins and manicured lawns. The spade-shaped baluarte is one of the photogenic spots in Intramuros and is a preferred location for event photography. A pictorial for a debut was ongoing when I visited the park. The geometry of the fort is a great subject or backdrop for pictures.  The most photographed spot of the Baluarte de San Diego. The fort is also a great place to enjoy the views of the Ermita skyline and the Manila Hotel. You can sit down on the fort’s walls to enjoy the warm afternoon sun and breeze. It offers a panoramic view of the golf course outside the walls against the backdrop of Manila’s skyline. A perfect way to cap of your visit at Baluarte de San Diego. Puerta Real The original Puerta Real gate was first built in 1663 and was located on the present General Luna entrance of Intramuros. The gate was used by the Governor-General exclusively during state function. The old gate was destroyed during the British Invasion in 1762 and was rebuilt in its present location in 1780.  Puerta Real gate was the entranced used by the Governor-General. Local guides in Intramuros shares that only carriage of the rich can enter through Puerta Real in the old days. During those times, only the rich can afford to stay within the walls of Intramuros and that required a separate entrance for residents. Meanwhile, the peasants and the commoners would have to use the other gates of the walled city.
At present, Puerta Real was re-designed as an events venue for celebrations. And true to its original calling, one needs to have the money to be able to celebrate in its gardens. Puerta del Parian The Puerta del Parian is one of the earliest entrances in Intramuros. It was built in 1593 and was named after the Chinese community in the area of Lawton and Arroceros Park that was called “Parian de Arroceros”. The parian was the commercial center of Manila and the gate connected the community to residents of Intramuros.  The Puerta del Parian connected Intramuros to the Chinese merchant community outside of Intramuros.
The Parian gate became the official gate of the Governor-General when Puerta Real was destroyed in 1762. Just like the other gates of Intramuros, it was also severely damaged during the Liberation of Manila and its restoration was completed in 1982. POST TRAVEL NOTES Intramuros is more than just a historical attraction in Metro Manila. It sits at the heart of the 300 years of being under the colony of Spain. It saw the joyous celebrations that brought smiles to Filipinos, the hushed words said because of the fear that colonizers held on us, and the tears that rolled from the pains of war and death. And just like its walls, it also showed us how strong Filipinos can be through the grandest of days and the darkest of nights. The Filipino spirit will keep burning.  San ang summer lakad natin? As we face the battle against COVID19, I seriously hope that we get to see beyond our differences so we can unite and work together to win this part of our generation’s fight. This is the time that we need to get our act together and think of others more than ourselves. This is the time that we need to build the walls around us to protect us and not between us to divide us. When we do this and win, remember we can enjoy more of the Philippines safely. #StandTogetherPinoy You can check out my upcoming Youtube video this weekend on my channel: #ByahengOffTheGrid. Getting there: You can take the LRT 1 and go down at the Central Station. Take the pedestrian tunnel behind the Metropolitan Manila and exit at the farthest exit. From there you can walk to the Anda gate of Intramuros.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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