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The “Manila Bay Sands” have been a hot topic since efforts to beautify the area with crushed dolomite first hit the news. The sneak peek over the weekend brought in hordes of people who wanted to be the first to experience the new look of the area. I guess it is safe to say that it did not disappoint and more people, including me, are quite curious of how it will look after the rehabilitation project is completed.  The Philippines is blessed with long shoreline. Balabac is my top choice for a white sand beach spot in the country. In the spirit of the coastal clean-up celebration and while everyone is drooling and flaunting their white sand experiences, let me share with you seven white sand beach spots that captured my heart. These destinations are a work-in-progress selection as there are still others that I still have to explore. But these beach spots have made me look back and miss the sun, sand, and sea of summer. Punta Sebaring, Balabac, Palawan Hands down to Punta Sebaring as my top white sand beach spot here in the Philippines! Located on the southernmost municipality of Palawan, it boasts of one of the finest sands, if not the finest, in the country. It is so fine that your feet sink into its wet sand.  Punta Sebaring is said to have the finest white sand in the country.
The sandbar that stretches out into the blue waters of Palawan is a perfect backdrop for pictures. It is rustic and largely remains untouched which makes it a perfect destination to chill out and relax. We got to enjoy the whole sandbar all for ourselves where we got our fill of the summer sun, sand, and sea. Punta Sebaring re-defines what a beach paradise is.  Enjoying the beauty of Punta Sebaring. Balabac, through the years, have been getting traction on the tourism front and we have seen some developments in the area. This is a good opportunity for its locals to work on a sustainable program to keep its natural beauty despite the attention that it is getting now. I will always cherish the memories where I saw Balabac in its raw form and I hope more Filipinos will get to enjoy its pristine beauty. You can read on my Balabac adventures here: A Balabac Summer Buffet (Part 2) White Beach, Boracay Boracay is the ultimate beach party island. It has blossomed from an off-beat destination during the 80’s to being one of the top beach destinations in the world. I was lucky enough to have seen Boracay during its early years when boats from the mainland dock on the beachfront.  Boracay is the country tourism icon and is a favorite beach destination by many. At the center of all the island buzz is White Beach. The 4-kilometer white sand beach spot is popular for its powdery white sand. This is where most of the hotels, food establishments, and activities happen. The stretch is also where you get the best view of the sunset on the island. You can choose to watch it while enjoying a nice cold drink by the beach or aboard a paraw where you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the sunset and the island.  A view of Boracay's perfect sunset. Boracay went into a 6-month rehabilitation under the Duterte Administration. Some of my friends who have been there have shared that the island is a lot better and more subdued after the rehabilitation. It has successfully regained its title even after months of closure. This is an amazing feat to make Boracay a more sustainable destination to enjoy. Read up on my Boracay adventures here: Random Travel: Boracay in a Day Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas During the time of our visit, Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas was said to be how Boracay looked in the 80’s. It was rustic, pristine, and off-beat. We braved the long drive to Camarines Norte and the choppy waters of Vinzons just to catch the view and experience what it has to offer. It didn’t fail to impress us.  A view of Calaguas Island at the time when its was starting to break into mainstream travelers.
Mahabang Buhangin is Calaguas’ prime attraction. The stretch of white sand shoreline and its turquoise waters is a perfect beach combination. We were lucky that we were able to pitch our tent at the beachfront as the island was pretty crowded during the visit. One can choose to either chill out by the beach or go for a hike atop a nearby hill that offers a 360-degree view of the island. The hill is also a good vantage point to watch both the sunset and the sunrise.
Interestingly, Calaguas quickly rose to fame as a popular weekend destination, especially among the metro residents. Its natural beauty and chill beach vibe quickly captured the hearts of many. Calaguas is great weekend getaway where you can simply relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and the sea. Want to visit Calaguas? Check this out for tips: Feeling the Vibe of Calaguas Bantayan Island, Cebu This rustic and laidback island, on the northern side of Cebu, is one of my favorite Cebu beach spots. You will get to create good memories from its rustic ambiance and the natural beauty of the place. Bantayan is definitely a must-visit destination in the province.  I love the rustic and laidback atmosphere of Bantayan Island. The beach spots in Bantayan Island are simply perfect. From its white sand shores to rocky beach spots, it gives you a total beach experience that matches the island’s rustic charm. You have a lot of white sand beach spots to explore and uncover on this island. The best way to discover these beach spots is by hopping on a bike and leisurely bike around town.
Bantayan Island is a total tourism package where you get a touch of history and natural beauty surrounded by the old-town feel. It does not rush you with your itinerary. It gives you that sense to simply stop and enjoy the moment. It wants its tourists and guests to stay a little longer and breathe in its unique vibe. You can read about my Bantayan travelogue here: Unguarded Moments in Bantayan Island Cresta de Gallo, Romblon Cresta de Gallo is an island that offers a rare privilege of watching the sunset and sunrise on the same spot. This kidney-shaped island in Sibuyan Sea remains untouched by commercialization and offers its guest a rugged survivor-style kind of experience. On this island, you get marooned on it in style.  Exploring the rugged island of Cresta de Gallo.
It is very easy to fall in love with Cresta de Gallo. There is nothing much to do but explore its pristine beauty. Our group had the privilege of having the whole island for ourselves so we really took the time to walk its sandy shores and explore while waiting for the sunset. I enjoyed having to watch the sunset while listening to the gentle sound of the waves lapping up on its white sand shoreline. It was a very calming experience. Romblon is a tourism gem that is waiting for its turn in the limelight. With Cresta de Gallo at its helm, I would not be surprised if a heightened interest to the province will drive development in its tourism front. Cresta de Gallo cannot hide under the shadows very long because its beauty is for the whole world to see. Cresta de Gallo was an adventure. Read more about it here: #LaBoRomblon Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan The long white sand shore of San Vicente is the main tourism icon of this municipality. The 14.7-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand is the longest in the country. And with the growing interest in its natural beauty, we are now seeing the development of tourism facilities in the area. I wouldn’t be surprised that, in a few years, we will be seeing a more commercialized Long Beach in Palawan.  Playing with sun at Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan. Long Beach is a beauty to admire. The white sand stretch faces the western side of Palawan giving guests a perfect view of the sunset. Walking along its shoreline as the sun goes down is a perfect way to a day after exploring San Vicente and Port Barton. It has managed to maintain its rustic vibe despite the attention that it has been getting. Oh... and its long stretch of powdery white sand is also a nesting ground of sea turtles.  San Vicente's Long Beach is the longest white sand shoreline in the Philippines. Like many destinations in the country, San Vicente is now creating its own buzz. The opening of its airport to commercial flights have opened new opportunities for its locals. It is great to see that its Local Government is following a sustainable development plan for San Vicente. We just hope that it will be followed to the tee. Read about my San Vicente adventure here: SanVic sa Pagbabago (Unang Bugso) Gumasa Beach, Glan, Saranggani Gumasa Beach in Saranggani is often referred to as the “Boracay of the South”. With its powdery white sand and turquoise blue waters, it is not surprising to see the similarities with that of the party island in Aklan. But Gumasa Beach has its own brand of beach vibe as it hosts the annual Sarbay Festival.  Enjoying the sun, sand, and sea of Gumasa Beach in Glan.
The 6-kilometer white sand stretch of Gumasa Beach is just one of the many beach spots in Glan. It is popular among locals and guests for its charm and beauty. Most part of the beach front are already privately-owned that access to its shoreline may either require you to pay a little amount or the use of one’s charm. I guess the latter was our advantage so we got to see and explore the cove’s beauty. This beach spot is a charmer and photogenic that it can quickly capture your heart. It is a perfect summer beach spot in Mindanao. Gumasa Beach is one beach destination that I would like to return to in the future. I would like to get a full experience of having to spend a day by its shores and watch the day go by. It is a beauty that is worth a second look. Read about my Saranggani trip here: #Mindanao1: What's the G in Saranggani POST TRAVEL NOTES The Philippines is blessed with a long coastline with different characters. From the boulder shorelines of Batanes to the pink sands of Zamboanga, we have a wide selection to choose from depending on what appeals to our senses. I guess it is safe to say that most of us love the feel and vibe of white sand beaches because of how it contrasts with the darker shade of sea waters. This makes the spot look more appealing. The restoration of Manila Bay with white sand is something that can create tourism opportunities for the city of Manila. I am excited to see how the restoration will look once completed. Although it is true that nothing beats the real thing, it is nice that more Filipinos can experience the feel and the vibe of a white sand shoreline against the beauty of the Manila sunset especially for those who cannot afford to experience the “real thing”.  Getting ready to explore!!! If you are one of those people who can afford to, no one’s stopping you to check out the 7 white sand beach spots that I just shared with you. #PinasMuna
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The Philippines is a country that has a rich and colorful mix of culture and traditions. From the Ivatan up north down to the Muslims in the south, we are treated to a variety of interesting beliefs and practices that give us the different facets of being a Filipino. We get to see our common practices and understand the uniqueness of the place and its people. Every corner of the Philippines showcases its rich culture, tradition, and heritage. Sa virtual byahe natin this week, let me share with you 7 Philippine destinations that I have visited and experienced their unique culture. These places stand out, not only for the beauty of the place, but for the amazing community vibe and tradition that complete the travel experience. These are destinations where the community and their interaction leave a lasting impression to their visitors. Batanes Humility is one community trait that will leave a huge impression on you when you leave Batanes. The simple living and the sense of community of the Ivatan people complements the sheer natural beauty of the place. The province is a complete package for its natural beauty and the strong cultural connection among its locals.  Batanes is a destination that will amaze you with its beautiful views and interesting way of life. Batanes is the northernmost province of the country and is always in the Philippine bucket list of both local and foreign travelers. It’s beautiful rolling hills, lighthouses, and rugged coastlines are like scenes from movies. The rustic views of the province complement the laidback vibe of the community. Time stops here in Batanes. Guests find themselves experiencing how mutual respect and understanding make a better community. The value of honesty is valued here that this is where you will find the famous Honesty Store that has already become an attraction in itself. Imagine that we have become totally amazed with the value of honestly that it has become an attraction!
The meek Ivatan culture is very much alive in the province. It was like I was transported back in time with their stone houses and the simple lives of the locals. Batanes was able to keep its culture and traditions safe from outside influence that it remains alive and vibrant in the communities. Read about my Batanes travel here: #GOT81: Dios Mamajes, Batanes (Part 1) #GOT81: Dios Mamajes, Batanes (Part 2) #GOT81: Dios Mamajes, Batanes (Part 3) #GOT81Batanes Pahabol: Pitong Must Do sa Basco Babuyan Island Just right across Batanes via the Luzon Strait is another island that has captured my heart because of its close-knit community - Babuyan Claro. A trip to the island is not for the faint hearted as it entails a grueling 8-hour boat ride through rough waters from Sta. Ana in Cagayan. The island has managed to keep its distance from outside influences but has retained the strong community spirit among its locals.  Fishing and farming are the main source of livelihood in Babuyan Claro. Babuyan Claro is not as spectacular as its neighboring islands in terms of its attractions. Its main attraction is the Smith Volcano that towers over the whole island. The bolcano also serves as the boatman’s guide when traveling to the island. It does not have the usual sandy beaches that most travelers enjoy. It is rugged, untouched, and works on its own charm.  Who said that you can't be fashionable on the island? One thing that stood out for me during our trip to Babuyan Claro was their humility, sense of community, and their warm hospitality. We were treated like a family from the time that we arrived until we left the island. They had an amazing practice that the whole village walks with their guests to the beachfront to bade them a safe journey back to the mainland. If I were to be marooned on an island, I’d prefer to be marooned with the locals of Babuyan Claro. Read about my Babuyan Claro travel experience here: #JournalsOfTheTravelingDaDa: Roughing Out Loud, Babuyan Sagada Long before the hit movie made Sagada a popular destination among mainstream travelers, this mountain destination has been making its rounds among off-beat travelers. It was a place where you can find solace and comfort in the arms of nature and its community. It was THE place to go to for those who want to do some soul searching.  Sagada is a popular destination for those who are soul-searching. It is very easy to fall in love with Sagada. The breathtaking views of nature, the rich culture and traditions that one gets immersed in, and the local community vibe make Sagada a worthy travel spot. It does not conform with its guests but it is the other way around. Each attraction has a story to tell and demands utter respect, from its visitors, to these stories and traditions. One needs to be respectful of their way of life to get the full Sagada experience.
One thing that I love with Sagada is that it did not bend its knees to its renewed popularity. The locals maintained their daily churn without having to adjust too much to the influx of tourists. It was able to preserve its old charm that Sagada was known for - a small town where you can enjoy a day or two of finding your inner peace. Read about my Sagada travel experience here: #GOT81MountainProvince: Sagada In Its True Form Taal, Batangas The old houses of Taal speak of its colorful history and rich traditions. It is a town where you walk through its streets and be transported back to the time when the rich and the landed Batanguenos lived in their beautiful “bahay-na-bato”. The whole town is a beauty as the past is perfectly merged with its present.  A view of the town of Taal from the belfry of the Basilka ng Taal.
Exploring the town of Taal is like being transported back in time. It gives you a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle of the rich and their interesting, sometimes peculiar, daily routine. The Spanish influence is very much alive with how these houses were designed inside and out. Yes, you can explore the interior of some of these old houses, even spend a night, that they have kept pretty much close to its original design. Interestingly, some of these houses were the homes of prominent Filipino revolutionaries who raged war against Spain.
Unlike Vigan, Taal’s heritage houses are not confined in one area. Almost every corner of the town has a house that has a history to share. You walk around and you get that old town vibe. The town has successfully managed to bring together the old and the new while retaining the glory of its colorful past. Read about my Taal town travel experience here: Walking The Streets of Taal (The 11th of My 15 in 2015) Cebu City You might be wondering why a city like Cebu is included on this list. Well, I have said it before that I love this city for having that unique mix of urban and rural vibe. It has never changed through the years despite the development that the city has gone through. Cebu City has managed to keep its rich history and tradition in small pockets within its urban maze.
If there was one thing that makes this city stand out, it is their unwavering faith to the Santo Nino. It goes beyond their annual January celebration of the Sinulog. I have always looked forward to visiting the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu just to feel the tremendous faith of the Cebuanos. The way they profess their faith is simply admirable.  Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines. While in Cebu, take the time to explore the city’s historical sites to understand how faith and Christianity molded the city to what it is now. Breathe in the mix of city and rural vibe. It is very different and charming that it would make you fall in love with Cebu. It is the only city in the country that has this unique feel. It is hard to explain because Cebu City makes you feel it. Read about my Cebu City travel experience here: Explore Cebu City (The 2nd Part of Our Cebu Instaviaje) Siquijor Mystic and enchanting are two words that I would use to describe the island province of Siquijor. It is an unassuming destination that blends its natural beauty and “interesting” anecdotes. For those who are not familiar, this island is known for its mysterious stories and practices often associated with witchcraft and black magic.  Siquijor is an island that is popular for its mysticism and mystery. Siquijor is a charmer and there’s no magic involved in the process. Its natural beauty and historical sites will make you fall in love with the island. You get treated to a relaxing fish spa under a century-old Balete tree and you get a natural high by jumping off a swing into the base of one of the cascades of Cambugahay Falls. You get to be amazed by its century-old churches and a bit creeped out by the image of Mother Mary holding a skull. And then, there is the story about the island’s “mambabarang”, people who practice black magic. They are believed to be non-traditional healers and they can mix up a potion that can have one fall madly in love with you. They say that you usually find them living in the mountains.
Siquijor is the other side of Cebu. This is where you can have a close encounter with a person whose faith go beyond the usual religious practices. Most of us would find it weird but it is another facet to our being Filipino as these practices go beyond the Spanish-period. You visit Siquijor with an open-mind because that is the only way that you will get to enjoy the ride. Read about my Siquijor travel experience here: De-mystifying Siquijor Lake S’bu, South Cotabato The serene atmosphere of Lake S’bu make it an ideal destination where you could disconnect from one’s busy city life to reconnect with nature and oneself. The laidback vibe gives you that sense of time stopping to allow you to breathe in and enjoy the moment. It allows you see the beauty in the small things - from the blooming of its pink lotus to feeling the cold waters of their amazing waterfalls running over your feet.  If I were to describe Lake S'bu, it is a charming and magical place to explore. But beyond the beauty of nature is their amazing and colorful culture and tradition. In the T’boli’s ancestral domain, everything revolves around the strong connection between man and nature. Everything done is seen with respect to maintaining the harmony among locals and the world that they live in. There is a story behind everything that they do and the things they create.
The T’boli dream weavers are fascinating to watch as they create their masterpieces. These indigenous art forms are not just clothes but are fabrics that tell their story. Each design is “given” to the visionary through a dream. Materials are delicately prepared that could take weeks or months of preparation before the weavers could start working on translating the dream into these unique fabrics. Again, these dreams speak of the strong connection of man and nature that Lake S’bu allows you to indulge in. Read about my Lake S’bu travel experience here: #Mindanao1: Lake Bloomers of S'bu POST TRAVEL NOTES The Philippines is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. It is not surprising because of the different geographical groups that has its own brand, identity, and way of life. These practices are often influenced by their location, community, beliefs, and outside influences. There are similarities, differences, and, at some point, a fusing of these practices. These 7 destinations stand out to me not only for their amazing attractions but more for their colorful and rich culture. It makes you see beyond the sights. It gives you the opportunity to focus on what’s within and the stories passed on for centuries.  My current and persistent mood for the past 5 months. Traveling around the country will give you a glimpse of our amazing diversity. Our traditions, culture, and dialect may vary from region to region but it is in our similarities and difference that we find the beauty of being a Filipino. Every province provides us with a different facet that make us understand how our being Filipino make us a unique race. Explore Pinas and stand proud! #PinasMuna
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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August 2023
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