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This is the time of the year when Filipinos gather for a reunion in the most interesting location - the cemetery. Yes, you heard it right. The start of November gathers Filipino families at the final resting place of our departed love ones to remember and celebrate their lives here on earth. Cemeteries across the nation burst into a festive atmosphere, in the play of candlelights, flowers, and food, as both the living and the dead gather to celebrate life.  It is the time of the year where I love the spook with a pinch of adventure. I have a cool fascination for heritage cemeteries since I visited the Old Spanish Cemetery of San Joaquin in Iloilo. From then on, I will always check on heritage cemeteries in my intended destinations in hopes of exploring their old arches and/or simborios, or whatever is left of it. Some of these cemeteries carry stories with them that make it more interesting. In the spirit of Halloween, here are sone interesting cemeteries you might want to explore for its history and its stories. Paco Park, Manila Paco Park is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Metro Manila after its inauguration in 1822. Originally called Cementerio General de Dilao, it was built by the Dominicans for the affluent families of Intramuros who fell victims to a Cholera epidemic. Notable personalities who were once interred here were Dr. Jose Rizal, and the three martyred priests GomBurZa. It was de-commissioned in 1912 and was declared a National Park in 1966.
The cemetery now stands as a green space in the middle of the metro. Its circular design makes it unique and gives you a look at how cemeteries were built in the area during the Spanish period. Fun fact, the Remedios Circle was also a cemetery, of a similar design, before it was turned into a promenade area. At the heart of the park is the St. Pancratius Chapel. The former simborio church was re-purposed to serve as a fully functional church.
La Loma Cemetery, Manila The La Loma Cemetery is the oldest cemetery that is still in use to this day. Opened in 1884, the 54-hectare cemetery was originally called Cementerio de Binondo and was an exclusive burial grounds for the Catholics during the Spanish-period. Prominent personalities buried in La Loma are Josefa Llanes Escoda, Vicente Lava, and Victorino Mapa.
The La Loma Cemetery was one of the few areas in Manila that was spared from the destruction of World War 2. You can still marvel at its amazing collections of heritage Spanish-period structures to its art-deco mausoleums. At the heart of its heritage structure is the Chapel of St. Pancratius. This Spanish-period mortuary chapel was where the final mass for the dead is done before it is finally laid to rest. It was later de-commissioned when a newer church was built. At present, the chapel is being preserved, hopefully together with what remains of its Spanish-period gate, as a link to our colorful past.
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Nagcarlan, Laguna The “Libingan sa Ilalim ng Nagcarlan” is the only underground cemetery in the Philippines and has been accorded as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Built in 1845, the cemetery was a public burial site and the underground crypts were exclusive for Spanish friars and prominent families of Nagcarlan. The underground served as a meeting place for revolutionaries against Spanish authorities and a hide out for Filipino fighters during the Philippine-American War and World War 2.  The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is a National Historical Landmark in the province of Laguna. The sprawling cemetery is bounded by red stone walls that also serves as tombs. At the center of the cemetery is a small mortuary chapel where the final blessing is given. An image of the Santo Sepulcro is the main highlight of the chapel. A flight of stairs would lead you down to the underground cemetery. The tombs line the walls of the underground cemetery. There is a local story that shares that the cemetery and the church are connected by a tunnel and the access point is believed to be one of the crypts in the underground cemetery.
Hamtic Cemetery, Antique The Hamtic Cemetery is an unassuming cemetery in the middle of a rice field. Located a few meters from the main highway, the cemetery looks ordinary except for its Spanish-period baroque-style mortuary church. There’s very limited information about this mortuary chapel. However, there’s already a move to declare the chapel as a historical landmark by the LGU of Antique.  The baroque-style Hamtic Cemetery Church is being nominated to become a historical landmark in Antique. The chapel was made from coral stones, adobe, and bricks. The design follows a baroque design similar to the churches of San Joaquin, Molo, and Tigbauan in Iloilo. There are two belfries that flank the facade of the church. An image of the Risen Christ is the highlight of the three-tiered facade of the simborio. But beyond the history of this chapel, there are interesting supernatural stories. Locals who bury their dead often surround the grave to ward off “aswangs” from feasting on the dead.
Sagada Cemetery, Sagada Before all the stories of a place that mends broken hearts, Sagada’s original claim to fame are its hanging coffins. This century-old tradition of the Cordillerans have been a subject of interests of academicians and tourists. However, not everyone is accorded this kind of burial and it is reserved to prominent and respected figures in the community. In fact, the community has its own town cemetery just a few meters from the church. The Sagada Town Cemetery joins this list, not for its history, but for its unique practice during this time of the year. The cemetery stands along one side of one of its hills. The cool weather and tranquility of the place exude a peaceful vibe in the area. Locals have an interesting practice of setting up bonfires on the graves of their loved ones during November 1 instead of candles. This gives an impression that the hillside is on fire on the night of remembering the dead.
POST TRAVEL NOTES November 1 is a day that reminds Filipinos of our close familial relationships, even when our loved ones have already passed on to the afterlife. This makes cemeteries a repository of stories and memories. So, it is not surprising that we have cemeteries that has its own history and story to share. It is like a time capsule that capture age-old practices and beliefs that gives us a glimpse of the past and beyond.  Hiking to honor the legacy and death of a former Philippine President. As we remember our loved ones this long weekend, let us also remember to make the most of our life. Go around and make memories. Explore and make stories. So, when it is our time to go, we have tons of stories to be left behind and to be shared by the ones we have left behind. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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Who would have thought that a biscuit from this quaint town, one of my favorite, would put this humble town in the food tourism map of Cebu and the Philippines? But beyond its famed snack, traces of the town’s humble beginnings can be traced back starting from the Spanish-period. Exploring the town stitches the different periods of foreign occupations in the Cebu town of Liloan.  Liloan is a small town with an iconic biscuit and a ton of stories to share with any kind of traveler. Just about an hour away from Cebu City, the town of Liloan is part of the main urban center of the province. It was established as a pueblo and a parish in 1845, and has since been a mute witness to the province’s rich history. The name Liloan was derived from the Cebuano phrase “lilo-an” which means a place where whirlpools or “lilo” are created by the ebb and flow of the bay waters. From a quaint little town to a bustling municipality, Liloan has kept its history rooted in its food, attractions, and traditions. San Fernando El Rey Parish Church Right at the heart of Liloan stands the Spanish-period church, San Fernando El Rey Parish Church. Built in 1847, it is the oldest standing heritage structure in town. The church stands with two unique features among the historical structures in Cebu. - the church’s orientation and size. While most churches in the country faces the sea, the Liloan Parish Church faces the mountains on the west side of town. No plausible explanation has been accepted on the unique orientation of the church. The size of the church is relatively bigger compared to the other churches built in the province.  The San Fernando El Rey Parish Church is the oldest heritage structure in Liloan. The church is an eye catcher because its old stone architecture will grab your attention as you traverse along the national highway. The church’s impressive and simple facade, flanked by its two adjacent belfries, stands as a dominant structure of Likoan’s skyline. The sprawling tree-covered courtyard gives a refreshing vibe to the whole complex. Its arched entrance has an engraving, Ano 1847, the year of the church’s construction.
The church is shaped like a cross with a dome on its crossing. The three-tierred retablo, clad in gold, has the image of Liloan’s patron saint as its highlight. The transepts have smaller altars that honor St. Joseph and Mama Mary. You will also be amazed by the stained-glass windows that line the walls of its navel. You could really feel the sanctuary vibe while enjoying the view of the interior of the San Fernando El Rey Parish Church. Liloan Municipal Hall Just right across the Liloan Parish Church is the center of governance of the municipality. The complex houses the municipal offices that provide the basic services to residents of Liloan. Similar to other Spanish-period towns, the munisipyo follows the usual two-story structure with a lanay-style driveway. It was undergoing minor painting works at the time of my visit.  The Municipal Hall of Liloan at the poblacion. The municipal hall courtyard was also getting a refreshed look when I was there. A statue honoring Dr. Jose Rizal stands as its main highlight. There were small pop-up shops that sell local products and meals on one side. A miniature replica of the Bagacay Point Lighthouse stands along the junction across the complex highlighting one of the heritage structures in Liloan. Titay’s Liloan Rosquillos and Rosquillos Festival If there was one thing that placed Liloan in the tourism map, it will be its iconic biscuit Rosquillos. Its name was derived from the Soanish word “rosca” which meant ringlets, owing to its flowery shape with a hole in the middle where you can insert your finger into. The biscuit, made from flour, eggs, milk, and a secret ingredient, was originally given as a side snack for every soda bought from their store. It became an instant sensation with, no other than, former PH President Sergio Osmena taking notice of this unique snack.  Titay's Rosquillos is THE iconicsnack of Liloan and Cebu. The passion for baking of Margareta “Titay” Frasco has gone a long way since then. From its humble beginnings, the business has grown to having their own store/museum where you can see how the rosquillos has become an icon, not only in Liloan but in Cebu. Its popularity gave birth to its own celebration - the Rosquillos Festival. The festival is held every end of May to honor the Liloan’s patron saint, St. Ferdinand El Rey. The rosquillos is a personal favorite so I did not miss out on visiting the original shop in Liloan. Apart from the usual Cebu pasalubongs that you can buy in the store, you can also enjoy a light snack while reading through the history of this famous biscuit. It is interesting how a small snack, that was once just a side snack, has given a different tourism perspective for a town like Liloan. Pier 88 and Liloan By-Pass Road Liloan has grown to become a bustling town in Cebu. Its growth has attracted businesses in the area creating more economical opportunities for its residents. This has brought in the development of Pier 88 to connect them to other seaports in the region. To date, Pier88 is connected to Mactan and Camotes Island with regular daily trips to these ports.
Standing adjacent to Pier 88 is the development of the Liloan By-Pass Road. The road runs along the coastline of the town and offers an amazing view of the Camotes Sea. Although the road is the still in construction, the area is frequently visited by locals who enjoy a morning or afternoon walk or jog along its length. I enjoyed just taking a spot along its banks and took in the view of the sea. Silot Bay and Suba Bridge Silot Bay is a 100-hectare tidal lagoon within the poblacion area of Liloan. The area is complete with its mangrove forest, two islets, and recreational areas like Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon. The tides affect the depth of the lagoon and I was lucky to have caught the view of locals fishing as the water receded because of the low tide. The lagoon is weekend spot for locals who want a quick relief from the heat of the metro.  Silot Bay is a tidal lagoon at the heart of Liloan. At the mouth of the lagoon is the Suba Bridge. It is a crucial link between Brgy. Poblacion and Brgy. Catarman and once played host to yachts that brought in guests to Silot Bay. There are picnic huts and tables at the base of the bridge where locals can enjoy a quick dip with family and friends. Just like other bridges in the country, it has its own story to share, from the supernatural and myths to lovers professing their love by the bridge.
The most prominent attraction in Silot Bay is Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon. The sprawling resort has mangroves spots for fishing, villas for accommodations, swimming pools, and a number of restaurants where you can enjoy a wide selection of entrees. They also offer other recreational activities that you can enjoy with family and friends. It is a great destination if you are looking for a quick weekend escape from the metro. Bagacay Point Lighthouse Liloan lies along the entrance of the Mactan Strait so it is not surprising that lighthouses were built to serve as guides to seafarers entering the strait. In fact, there are two heritage lighthouses that can be found in Liloan - the Bantayan ng Hari and the Bagacay Point Lighthouse. Unfortunately, the Spanish-period baluarte or Bantayan ng Hari lies inside a posh private village so it is no longer accessible to the public.  The Bagacay Point Lighthouse is a heritage structure from the American period. The Bagacay Point Lighthouse is an American-period lighthouse that was once the center of the Liloan’s festival prior to the introduction of the Rosquillos Festival. Standing at 52 meters, the lighthouse guides seafarers that traverse the north coast of Cebu and the Mactan Channel. It started operations on April 1905 and has since been in service for more than a century. The octagonal lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark in 2004. Marina Sanctuary Bayview Unlike other beach destinations in Cebu, Liloan’s beach spots are not blessed with white sand shores. The coast that run along the national highway has a collection of dark-colored beach spots with great views of the sunrise. But Liloan has something to offer that is equally interesting on the coastal side along the Bagacay Point.
The Marina Sanctuary Bayview is a public campsite that lies along the southern coast of Liloan. The rugged shorelines are a mix of sand and mud dotted with mangrove covers. Its location, right at the mouth of the Mactan Channel, prides itself with a great relaxing view of the sea and the neighboring island of Mactan. You get to enjoy the views of passing ships and planes with Punta Engano in the background. It is a perfect laidback spot for an easy weekend escape in Liloan. Must-try: Masi Another quick snack that you can enjoy in Liloan is Masi. This glutinous rice balls is a treat with its fillings of chopped peanuts and muscovado. The balls are then boiled until it floats, indicating that it is already cooked.
Unlike the rosquillos, where it has a store where you can buy it, Masi is commonly sold by vendors in public areas. I chanced upon a vendor while exploring the poblacion and I quickly had to try it. These balls, about the size of a one-peso coin, became an easy favorite for me with its soft chewy texture that bursts into flavor in your mouth. A definite must-try snack when you find yourself in Liloan. POST TRAVEL NOTES Liloan is one of the three baking towns of Cebu. The humble beginnings of this town rooted on a side snack turned it into a destination with an iconic Cebu snack that everyone loves. But beyond its bite, we can always stitch up the colorful stories of Liloan that transcends centuries and has survived three foreign occupations. It just shows us that each town has a story that could fill your palate and your mind.  Go out, explore, and find your peace. We are hiking the mountains next. Every town has a story to tell and it comes in different sizes. Some may come in huge battle grounds while others come in smaller bite sizes. But it is not about the size but on how the community has grown from these shared tales. It is about how these stories bring to life the coming together of a community to become bigger and better in the years that come after. Ikaw, ano ang kwento ng lugar ninyo? Watch out for the release of my Liloan Stitch Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are daily flights to Mactan - Cebu International Airport from Manila and other provincial and international airports. You can take a bus from the airport to SM City Cebu where you can take an airconditioned PUV or bus (located at the North Terminal) to Liloan. You can ask the jeep or bus driver to drop you off at the Liloan Church. You can take a trike or habal-habal to tour around Liloan. For easier exploration, you can also contact my Cebu habal-habal guide, Mickey, at (0991) 2480431 and arrange for a tour of Liloan. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
The past days have been wet days in Luzon. With active weather systems affecting the Philippines, it was no surprise that it was bringing in the rains. Filipinos are used to these shifts in weather so we have already packed our stuff and prepared to stay home for the coming months… NOT!!!  Exploring the Philippines is an all-weather activity. The Philippines is a year-round destination. We have got a destination in dry days and in wet days. In reality, weather is not and was never an issue for Pinoys when exploring. It was just a matter of choosing the right destination to fit the prevailing weather system. In line with the p weather, here are 6 destinations that is worth exploring that to make you through the rain. Quirino This landlocked province is a treasure trove for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies. The mountains that stand guard has a lot to offer from its peaks down to its caves under it. A large part of the region is under the Quirino Protected landscape, that lies along the upper portion of the Cagayan River, that preserves its natural attractions. This is where water dances with the curves and corners of the mountains.  Quirino is an off-beat destination that packs a lot of natural wonders. You really get the rustic vibe as you enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the mountains at Landingan View Point. The view perfectly fuses the flower gardens, the mountains, and the river that snakes through the landscape. The view of the river reminds you of the adventure of getting splashed around its rapids and enjoying a quick jump into its cold waters as you enjoy the rock walls that lie along its banks. Exploring the trails of these mountains brings you to breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and amazing rock formations.
Quirino is definitely an underrated mountain adventure that is best enjoyed during the wet seasons. It may not have the beach spots but the fresh waters that cascade and snake around its rugged terrains can give guests a good ride. The mountains of Quirino, not only protects its territory, but also holds a pack full of adventures for curious travelers. You can read about my Quirino travel adventure here: Liwliwa, Zambales Zambales is a year round Philippine destination. From its islands to its hiking trails to its beach coves, the province has a lot to offer for any kind of traveler. Liwliwa is a popular weekend spot among local travelers owing to its proximity to the metro and the chill vibe that it offers. It is an all-weather beach spot, whether you want to have fun under the sun or the melodramatics of an afternoon drizzle.  Chilling it out at Liwliwa, Zambales. Liwliwa has evolved from an off-beat surfing destination to a popular weekend spot of metro people. It has kept its laidback vibe but has more to offer to its guests, from the initial surfing and beach bumming to more diverse activities like ATV activities, waterfall chasing, beach bars, and yoga classes. Weekends at Liwliwa has become more crowded. But despite the crowd, I still got to enjoy what I love the most doing in Liwliwa - chilling down with a drink while enjoying the view of its sunset.
Liwliwa is one destination where I have seen it develop from a laidback vibe to a more vibrant experience through the years. Its popularity has grown, thanks to social media, and with it came development in the area. We have more options now in terms of dining and accommodation. We have more people enjoying the beach. And on my mind, I would still try to find my solitary and serene spot in Liwliwa where I can enjoy the place like the old days. You can read about my Liwliwa travel adventure here: Intramuros This spot in the metro exudes that melancholic vibe as the rains pitter patter on its cobblestone streets. The place transports you back to the good old days of Manila. The walls of Intramuros protected a huge chunk of history that we can literally walk its streets and learn from our distant Filipino past. Under the sun or under the rain, both seasons can offer a different perspective of Intramuros.  Intramuros is a destination that exudes a romantic vibe during the wet season. Behind the walls of Intramuros is a treasure trove to explore and discover for anyone who is interested or loves history. Its collection of museums gives you a glimpse of the old Spanish days whether it be the lives of its residents or the faith that bind these residents. The lavish lifestyle of its residents, the gates that open to other local communities, the horrors of its garrisons during the war, and the last days of our national heroes are all fused inside its thick walls. The stories of Intramuros makes you understand how we can be better at being a Filipino, and with a little rain, learning it can be a little more dramatic.
I strongly agree that EVERY Filipino should get to explore Intramuros at least once in their lifetime. We should be spending more to attract the younger generation to explore this historical destination at the heart of the metro to build their sense of pride and nationalism. We can build a better nation by cultivating nationalism among the youth by putting premium on our history. You can read about my Intramuros travel adventure here: Badian, Cebu The province of Cebu is another treasure box of amazing destinations. The province is an all-year round destination that has a lot to offer to its locals and guests from sun up to sun down and whether the sun is shining or the rain clouds are hovering. Its beauty rolls from the top of its mountains to the depths of its sea. Badian is one destination that gives you that fun-filled experience, rain or shine.  Our Kawasan Canyoneering had us splashing around the turquoise waters of Canlaob River. The main draw of Badian is its Canyoneering experience along the turquoise waters of the Canlaob River. The experience had us flying over the mountain slopes of Badian to the jump off point of the canyoneering adventure. From here, you would be trekking along and into the river, and I really mean INTO the river. The activity will challenge your fear of heights and water as you jump inthe cascading waters of Canlaob. The canyoneering will get you dripping wet, rain or shine.
The thrill and chill of Canlaob River adventure is perfect against the backdrop of the lush forests that surrounds you. The experience gives you a full sensory experience - the rustic views are relaxing to the eyes, the sound of water rushing down the river is relaxing to the ears, and the feel of the cold water on the skin soothes one’s tired muscles. The canyoneering adventure immerses you with nature, literally and figuratively, to be refreshed and re-energized by the nature. Badian is a perfect way to enjoy the wet season in the Philippines. You can read about our Badian travel adventure here: Siargao Island Beach spots are usually associated with the dry season in the Philippines but this island on the west side of Mindanao packs a punch with as an all weather destination. From beaches to lagoons to swimming with the jellies to night outs, Siargao Island is a must-visit destination. It is an island that fuses rural living with a touch of urban flare all hidden behind its coconut trees and white sand beach spots.  Siargao Island is one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines. Siargao Island has gained popularity for its “afam” guests and you can’t blame foreigners for radiating towards the beauty of this island. It does give you a laidback tropical vibe and fuses it with adventures that allow you to immerse and enjoy the beauty of nature. Where else can you find a destination where you get the thrill of riding its waves and the thrill of swimming with thousands of jellyfish. You can enjoy the sun and play beach volleyball with strangers at Guyam and/or find your self alone aboard a kayak enjoying the calming sound of nature, with a slight drizzle, at Sugba Lagoon. You can explore the rock pools of Magpupungko and indulge your palate with Siargao’s pan de coco. There is always something to do and enjoy at Siargao Island, rain or shine.
If there is one island that I would like to return to and explore again, Siargao island is on my top 3 list. It is a destination that brings back rustic childhood memories of vacations in the province. This island humbles you,m as you enjoy its natural beauty and the activities that it offers. It teaches you that life is best enjoyed by its simplicity. Whether you are under the Siargao sun or enjoying getting a wash from its rain, this island sends you home with a different perspective after an awesome adventure. You can read about my Siargao travel adventure here: POST TRAVEL NOTES The rains have been drenching us over the past days and weeks. Metro Manila has been lucky enough that, even with the billions spent on flood control, a little rain brings out the flood pools of the metro. But we should not let the weather dampen our spirit of adventure and exploration. Rain or shrine, there will always be a destination worth exploring in the Philippines! A sense of adventure is all you need to explore the Philippines, rain or shine! Traveling is not just about taking a flight or a bus to a destination. The best place to explore during the wet season is your own locality. Explore and discover the nooks and crannies of your place. Share it and, who knows, you might just unravel the next tourism destination in the Philippines. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
It was a warm and sunny day when I strolled around the Capitol area of Cebu City. The city was buzzing as the whole province was in anticipation for a celebration dubbed as Cebu’s “Festival of Festivals”. The event would include a competition between contingents from the different municipalities and cities of the province of Cebu vying for the top prizes in Ritual Dancing, Street Dancing, and Festival Queen. This was a showcase of Cebu’s best in one venue dubbed as the “Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024”  The Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is a gathering of the best festival performers of the province of Cebu. The Pasigarbo sa Sugbo celebration is one of the highlights of the province’s Foundation Day. It aims to bring together the different festivals from the different corners of Cebu in one stage. The goal is to showcase and promote the culture, product, and beauty of the municipality or city to those watching the showcase. This is done in an elaborate presentation of creative storytelling of dance, matched with colorful costumes and huge props. This year’s festival had a total of 51 contingents and brings back the celebration to the streets of Cebu City and the Cebu City Sports Complex. Kwento ng Pasigarbo The Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was the brainchild of the incumbent Governor Gwen Garcia. Launched in 2008, the goal was to bring on one stage the different festivals of the municipalities and cities of Cebu. “Pasigarbo” is rooted from the Cebuano word “garbo” which means pride. The festival highlights the pride of the Cebu’s colorful culture and celebrations of the province of Cebu.  We are ready to witness the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Complex. Photo by: IG @zaridads. The first venue of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City. It was later moved to the Cebu City Sports Complex after the former venue was deemed unsafe from the damages brought by the earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda. In its 9 years of staging, Bantayan’s Palawod Festival and Carcar City’s Kabkaban Festival has brought home the top prize for a total of 3 years each. This year brings together a total of 51 contingents on Cebu City’s streets and on the stage of the Cebu City Sports Complex. Pasigarbo Sa Dalan The street dance exhibition started at around 2pm that started along V. Rama snaking its way to the Provincial Capitol to Fuente Osmena down to Osmena Boulevard and finally to the Cebu City Sports Complex. The final stop is the venue for the Ritual Dance Showdown. There are stops along the way where the participants showcase their street dancing to the tune of the theme of the “Pasigarbo sa Sugbo”.
The streetdance ensemble includes the municipality or city’s float, their Festival Queen, the Festival Dancers, and their beautifully-designed carozas honoring their patron saints. The ensembles parades through the city and, at specific points (judging areas, I presume), they engage the audience with their ritual street dance routine. The participants continue the display of creativity and movement rain or shine and throughout the duration of the celebration. The smiles and the sways are all weather and time proof, I must say.
This year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo had the Cebu City contingent leading the front as guest performers. I was only able to catch the performers from Cebu City, Tuburan, San Remigio, and Toledo City at the start of the parade because it started to drizzle. We had to rush to the sports complex from Fuente Osmena which made me miss out on the street dancing of the first batch of the contingents. But I chanced upon the contingents who were still on the parade route at 10.30pm at Fuente Osmena. I was able to catch up with the contingents like Alegria, Cordova, Consolacion, and Minglanilla. The energy and smiles remain high and bright despite having been on the route for close to 10 hours. They were slowly inching their way to the venue but their energy remains high and they were always ready to give the audience a street performance with so much gusto. Pasigarbo sa Entablado The festivities of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 culminates at the Cebu City Sports Complex where a huge stage serves as the main showdown area. This is where the Ritual Dancing Competition are held in front of esteemed judges and hundreds of spectators. The bleachers of the complex are filled to the brim as the entrance is free to the public. The huge stage has one entrance at R. Landon Extension and one exit towards Bacalso Avenue. This allows a smooth flow of contingents from their entrance to their exit. The rules of the competition are strict. Contingents have a minute to ingress their props as their mayor gives them their introduction. Their music plays as soon as the introduction ends, no cues given. As soon as the presentation is done, the team has a full minute to extract EVERYTHING offstage. Failure to follow these rules would mean a deduction and, if you are in luck, a mild scolding from their beloved Governor Gwen.
You might think that it is such an easy task but, when you have a battalion of dancers and a lot of huge props and backdrops to move around, it can be nerve wracking even for us in the audience. But I guess these performers have been trained perfectly as they seem to execute everything flawlessly. Everything seems to work like clockwork. Despite the event being a competition, each contingent all fully aware of the part that they play, cooperates, and understands how they are connected to each other’s performances.
I was totally not prepared that the whole festivities would run until early in the morning. I only had the chance to watch the first batch of 17 municipalities. I must say that I was impressed by how the whole program flowed flawlessly. It was a visual and audio treat for me who enjoys theater and artistic live productions. It was like watching 17 short theater productions with all the works. It was really impressive and amazing. Too bad though that I was not able to watch all 51 contingents. Pasigarbo Talagsaon The Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 ended with a high in the wee hours of the next day. Naga City’s Dagitab Festival brought home the top prize when they dazzled the audience with their music and movement highlighted by an amazing light show. Carcar City’s Kabkaban Festival brought home the top prize for the Street Dancing Competition. My personal favorites from the batch that I watched was the Tuba Festival of Borbon finished at 7th Place and Toledo’s Hinulwan Festival finished at 9th Place.
On a personal note, Borbon’s Tuba Festival was my biggest winner. The group’s catchy rhythm and creative and fun presentation of work-life balance piqued my interest. Their music, movements, and OG style of performance really brought the house down. It was a performance that really made a mark for being fun and amusing. If the goal was to showcase and promote tourism and culture, Borbon’s performance successfully influenced me to read about the municipality and plan a trip there to explore the place and have a taste of their famed tuba. Borbon can expect me to visit their place after watching them at the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024! POST TRAVEL NOTES I am no longer wondering how Cebu stands unified as one province. With an event like Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, the celebration effectively brings together the province into a friendly competition while enforcing the values of unity, resilience, and the sense of Cebuano pride. The province has effectively preserved and showcased its colorful culture and traditions to Cebuanos and to the world whilst instilling that sense of pride in my minds of the younger generation. Pasigarbo sa Sugbo fires up the creativity of its local talents and the Cebuano pride through world-class performances in one stage. Isang biskwit and nagdala sa akin sa lugar na ito. San tayo sunod? Local governments play a huge role in promoting tourism in their local communities. They should be opening opportunities for communities and groups to showcase their products, talents, and attractions to a wider audience. The exposure would create interest in the destination that would translate to alternative sustainable livelihood aligned with tourism. Local community fairs and festivities bring new and renewed interests to the destination. Like what I have already said that my biggest take away from the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 is that I will be exploring you soon, Borbon! #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #CebuSeries Getting there: Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is celebrated during the month of August, during the Founding Anniversary of the province. There are direct flights from major cities in the country and international airports to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the main gateway of the province. From the airport, there are public transports, public taxis, and ride-hailing transport to the city. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
Picture this… sitting on the shores of an unadulterated public beach and enjoying its cream-colored sand under your feet. You are breathing in the beauty of the turquoise-colored waters and you are sharing the experience with locals and locals only. You don’t see flocks of tourists, not even a shadow of foreign guests. This is an off-beat destination and it is known only among Cebuanos. This is Tabuelan.  Enjoying a laidback Tabuelan weekend. Tabuelan is the youngest municipality in the province of Cebu. Established in 1953, the town is popular for its community spring pools and its white sand beach spots. It is an off-beat destination so you don’t get the usual touristy fanfare. It makes you experience an OG weekend the way locals do. Join us as we discover the hidden gems of Tabuelan over a weekend. Tabuelan Poblacion It was a three-hour old style of bus travel to the town of Tabuelan. Since the town is relatively off the usual tourist grid, transportation is usually limited to ordinary mini buses that ply the route of Tuburan or San Remigio. This means that going to is relatively easy while going from can be quite a challenge especially if you are coming off from a weekend. Our travel to Tabuelan went unhitched since we left Cebu City early in the morning.  The Tabuelan Public Market is a central point of the town. Tabuelan is a typical rural town that is slow-paced and simple. At the heart of the town is the bustling commercial center, the Tabuelan Public Market. This is where business happens for most of the day. It is the center of trade and transport and commercial buses make a quick stop here. Apart from a nearby 24-hour convenience store, there’s no other trace of modern-day convenience in and around town. Everything that you need, from daily supplies to meals for tourists, is found in the area.  The San Juan Bautista Parish Church with its serene vibe. The San Juan Bautista Parish Church is just a 10-minute walk from the market. Void of the usual Spanish-period structure found in most municipalities of Cebu, the Tabuelan Church stands in the most conspicuous part of town and exudes an air of peace and tranquility. Its belfry stands adjacent to its facade by its mosaic windows. The interior is high-ceiling and spacious with its simplicity. Angels line the pillars of the church that helps highlight its gold-lined retablo. Just a short ride away from the poblacion, one can find the Tabuelan Municipal Hall. The government center is tucked along the hillside of the town. The compound houses government offices and the town’s gymnasium which serves the town’s center for its activities. The hall, together with the town’s version of its Rizal Park, stands overlooking the poblacion. From this vantage point, you get a quick glimpse of its coastal areas and the poblacion. Tabuelan Municipal Plaza At the heart of the poblacion is the Tabuelan Municipal Plaza. The plaza is a sprawling park that lies along the town’s riverside. The plaza is complete with a bandstand and a playground making it an ideal place to enjoy watching the day pass by in Tabuelan. Just right across the plaza is the Tabuelan sign with the mangrove cover as its backdrop. I have read that there is a boat cruise activity that tourist can try that will tour you along the river that snakes through the town. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch it when we visited Tabuelan and I am not sure whether it is ceased operations.
At the heart of the plaza is a statue of one of the prominent figures of Tabuelan - Casiano Gerona. He is referred to as “Titi Casi” and served as a public servant for Tabuelan. He is the man responsible for the developement of Tabuelan from a sleepy rural town to a bustling center for commerce. The town honors this man with a monument erected at the plaza. Tabuelan Wharf Did you know that Tabuelan has a municipal port that connects it to Negros? It was Titi Casi who spearheaded the construction of the wharf that connected Tabuelan to Escalante. The port is located close to river’s mouth and it is about a 20-minute walk from the town’s public market. The opening of the wharf significantly improved commerce in the area with supply trucks plying the route. There is even a bus line that connects Cebu and Bacolod that ply this route.  The Tabuelan Wharf connects the province of Cebu and the town to the island of Negros. The wharf was busy when we visited the port. We came at a time where a RORO just offloaded their cargo from Negros and was about to load their cargo trucks to Negros. Since boat trips are limited, the wharf is not as busy as other ports. I had the chance to walk around the port and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the place. The view of the river meeting the sea was very relaxingly beautiful. Liki Spring Community spring pools are regular spots in Cebu, and Tabuelan has its own collection to show off. These freshwater pools are not the usual tourist attractions as it caters more to the community’s water needs. It is part of the locals’ daily lives and, for us urban pips, an attraction that really amazes us.
Liki Spring is one of the many spring pools in Tabuelan. Located along the hills of the town, the pool was developed to harvest fresh water for the community’s water needs in irrigation, household, and even potable drinking water. Liki Spring is a relaxing place to visit because the pool is surrounded by greens. Its clear waters offer a refreshing cold dip after we explored the town. It is a shallow pool and its depth varies through the day depending on the tide. On a usual day, you find locals washing their laundry or kids enjoying a quick dip in its cold waters. Gumbang Spring Among the three pool springs that we visited, Gumbang Spring was the busiest. The spring pool is small and is located along the highway going to the poblacion. It was developed into a concrete pool and its waters flow downstream to a stream that runs alongside the highway. It was a busy day when we arrived at the pools. The locals were probably surprised with our arrival in the middle of their usual Sunday chores. Mothers were doing their laundry and the kids were taking their usual baths. Concrete steps lead down to the pool and a concrete pool was also developed as a catch basin of its flowing fresh water. Who would have thought that there was a spring pool attraction right along the highway. Cantacoyang Spring Cantacoyang Spring is the most popular spring pool attraction in Tabuelan. Located just a few meters from the highway, you would have to take a quick walk through a trail to a concrete dam structure that collects freshwater into a pool before it drains out to a stream. Just like the two other spring pools, Cantocayang serves the fresh water needs of its surrounding communities. Do not be surprised to find locals enjoying its cold waters especially on a hot day.  The Cantacoyang Spring is the most beautiful and dramatic fresh pool spring spot in Tabuelan. What makes Cantocayang Spring different is it its picturesque downstream flow. As freshwater flows out of the pool. It makes its way down into a stream disappearing into its thick palm tree covers. This spot is a perfect spot for an IG-worthy picture. It gives the spring pool a dramatic view as you enjoy the cold waters of Cantocayang Spring. Maravilla Public Beach Located about 20 minutes from the Poblacion, Maravilla Public Beach is the most popular beach spot in Tabuelan. This is where you will find most local tourists enjoying the sun, sand, and sea on this side of Cebu. Unlike other popular destinations north of the province, Tabuelan is not a spot that foreigners often visit so you get to enjoy Maravilla Beach the way locals do and it does not come with a hefty budget. This is the real deal Cebuano kind of weekend beach spot.  Maravilla Beach is the most popular beach spot here in Tabuelan. The white sand shoreline is lined with private resorts but there is a public beach that you can visit that requires no entrance fees. There are beach tables and huts that you can rent if you intend to stay longer. We rented out a beach table before we checked out what we can get for lunch. We got a whole grilled chicken, puso, and 3 packs of steamed scallops. The scallops were a good deal for a hundred with around 15 pieces per pack. We ate in style using our hands as we enjoyed the view and the breeze.
Maravilla Beach exudes that OG beach vibe. You get to enjoy just chilling down and enjoying the beach without the usual touristy vibe. You get an occasional vendor coming through but they are not as pushy with their trade and the prices are not touristy. I enjoyed cooling down in the waters of the beach like the way I used to when I was younger. You get to enjoy the humdrum of a Sunday beach day the way local Cebuanos do. You simply just keep chilling the day until it is time to go home. Cansimon Bai Beach resorts line the coastal stretch of Tabuelan. These resorts cater to different kinds of tourists from the lavish spenders to budget-conscious travelers. In our case, we opted for a cheaper and a more laidback weekend accommodation at Carmeling’s Place in Barangay Olivo. It turned out to be a good decision as we got to enjoy the laidback vibe of the resort all to ourselves.  I have found a personal beach spot in Cansimon Point. Cansimon Bai is one of the beach spots that sit along the coast of Tabuelan. The beach is more laidback and, since it is relatively unknown, only guests of nearby resorts and locals get to enjoy the laidback and tranquil vibe of the beach. You get to enjoy the spot with its combination of white sand, rock formations, and mangrove covers. The northern side of the beach is home to a thriving mangrove forest where you can capture dramatic images of mangrove tree formations. This is also the spot where locals enjoy the beach here in Olivo.
Cansimon Bai is a pretty laidback beach spot. We enjoyed the unadulterated beach vibe of the place. It was untouched and was not crowded. It is one of the local’s best kept secret in Tabuelan. We enjoyed sipping on our fresh buko juice, sourced by one of locals, while enjoying the tranquil vibe of the beach. This was a perfect way to end a weekend in Tabuelan - away from the crowd, with just us and nature. POST TRAVEL NOTES Tabuelan was a great destination find. This off-beat spot, north of Cebu, gave us a perfect weekend escape from our usual urban hussle. It slowed us down, made use appreciate and commune with nature, and recharged us. It was a destination that unexpectedly gave us a perfect weekend that we enjoyed the time we spent there. It is THE destination that is perfect to unwind and recharge. I have found a weekend escape destination in Tabuelan.  Eeeeyyyyy to our next adventure! Exploring offbeat destinations often leads us to discovering a new and exciting spot that is not on the usual tourism trail. We are able to explore and enjoy the place in its unadulterated state, long before mainstream tourism gets its hand on it. We get to see its raw beauty and enjoy its local vibe before commercialism sets in. This is a great position because we can share the raw experience for others to start exploring and opening new opportunities for its locals and its community. Check out our Tabuelan Youtube Travel Video here:
#MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #CebuSeries Getting there: Major airlines have direct flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from local and international airport hubs. You can take a cab, a Grab car, or the Airport-SM City Cebu Bus to get to the North Bus Terminal from the airport. You can then take a bus to Tuburan via Tabuelan and ask the driver to drop you off at the Tabuelan Public Market. To get around Tabuelan, you can contact our Trike driver/guide Kuya Andrew at (0965) 499 3072. Make sure that you make an arrangement for your pick-up at the public market prior to your arrival. I highly recommend Carmeling’s Place for their rustic and serene accommodations near Cansimon Point. You can reach them at (0920) 4859646 or through their FB page: FB Page: Carmeling's Place Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
I like staying in nice hotels and doing staycations but I rarely do contents for these stays unless the experience was totally extraordinary or something travel-worthy came around during my stay. Most of the time, I do get a nice experience but just not enough for me to make a content out of it. But a recent stay in this “heritage” hotel had me totally swept off my feet because I walked through its rooms of history. Yes, this is THE Manila Hotel and, most of you, are not aware that they offer a FREE history tour where you walk into its history.  The historical Manila Hotel is the oldest 5-star hotel in the country.
Built in 1909, the Manila Hotel is the oldest premier hotel in the country that is conveniently located in the historical core of Manila. It officially opened its doors in 1912 with 142 rooms and was constructed to rival the Malacanang Palace. The penthouse of the original structure eventually served as the official residence and office of General Douglas MacArthur from 1935 to 1941. From the damage it bore during the end of World War 2, it has undergone rehabilitation and expansion to become a 570-room hotel. It has played host to famous entertainment and political personalities like Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Ernest Hemmingway, Bill Clinton, and King Charles III. Unknown to many, the Manila Hotel offers a heritage tour for both guests and non-guests that walks you through the hallways and, if you are lucky, suites of its rich and colorful history. The Hotel The original 5-story structure was designed by New York architect William Parsons. The structure would be utilizing the sea breeze for its ventilation with rooms having amazing views of the Manila Bay Harbor on one side and Intramuros on the other. The renovation of the hotel in the 70s added the hotel tower behind the original structure that expanded its room capacity to 570.  The iconic lobby of the Manila Hotel is one of the best in Manila. The hotel lobby remains to be the icon of the Manila Hotel. It exudes elegance with its Doric columns, brass chandeliers, marble floors, and mahogany furnitures. The wide lobby is a great place to hold meetings, gather up with friends, or just enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a book. It also serves as an art venue where artworks are often on display for guests to admire.
The rooms are kept on old elegant styling with wooden bed frames and furnitures. Crafted wooden sliding doors frame its windows that offer amazing views of the Manila Harbor or the Walls of Intramuros. I prefer the rooms facing the bay because it gives you personal front seats to the famous beautiful sunset of Manila Bay. They offer a great staycation experience with their complete facilities from restaurants to the hotel’s swimming pool. One thing that really stands out for me are the complimentary small chocolate treats that you get when you stay with them.” Heritage Museum Located at the ground floor of the Manila Hotel, the Heritage Museum houses the hotel’s collection of pictures, personal items, and memorabilia of its beautiful past. It bears two historical markers of the hotel - the hotel being the first consular office of Australia in the country and Manila Hotel being the venue of the opening ceremonies of the 1971 Constitutional Convention led by former President Diosdado Macapagal. A miniature rendition of the present-day Manila Hotel is the main attraction of the receiving area of the Heritage Museum.  One of the historical markers installed at the Manila Hotel. The main gallery is a small room that serves as a repository of the hotel’s vibrant past. It has a collection of pictures of the hotel’s historical events and famous guests who have stayed here displayed on its walls. It has volumes of press clippings in its catalogue. Its collection also includes memorabilia from prominent personalities that was given to the hotel and antique furnitures from. These collections walks you through the century-worth history of the hotel from it construction to its devastation in World War 2 to it rehabilitation to its expansion in the 70’s. It was great to see that all these are properly documented and preserved for everyone to learn and enjoy.
The most prominent artifacts that really stood out for me was the hotel’s collection of memorabilia from its most popular resident, Gen. MacArthur, and the replica copies of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The hotel was able to save and preserve some of the personal effects of the famous general that are prominently displayed in the museum and in the MacArthur Suite. It was also great to be able to have a closer look at the handwritten novel of Dr. Jose Rizal with his own handwriting. You will get impressed at our national hero’s neat handwriting. The museum not only showcased their history but also linked the hotel with our country’s rich past. The MacArthur Suite We were lucky that we were able to step inside and explore the historic MacArthur Suite. You can make a request to include the suite in the tour but it is subject to its availability. The whole heritage tour is guided so you really get to explore the locations and also get facts during the tour.  The MacArthur Suite was once the official residence of General MacArthur during his stint as the Field Marshall of the country. The MacArthur Suite is located on the penthouse on the 5th floor of the original building. The sprawling suite served as the home and office of General MacArthur during his stint as the Governor-General of the country. As per our hotel guide, it was President Manuel Quezon who invited the general to assist in the creation of a Philippine Army as a Field Marshall. His conditions in accepting the position was to have a salary similar to that of the Philippine President and a residence that is similar to that of Malacanang. Hence, the refurbishing of the 5th level of the hotel to be converted into the general’s official residence. He was then appointed as Chairman and President of the hotel to justify his salary and residential requirements.
The two-bedroom suite was classy, elegant, and gives off a vibe of luxury with a pinch of history. It has 2 bedrooms, a dining area, a receiving area, a study, and a kitchen. Our guide, Rap, shared with us that you get a personal butler when you book the suite. The amenities also include luxurious brands for its hygiene kit. You get to enjoy the luxurious living in a historical site rolled into one. You get to live a day or two like a Field Marshall.  The elegant Master's Bedroom of the MacArthur Suite. The suite displays collections of personal artifacts of General Douglas MacArthur. The walls of the hallway and the dining area have photographs displayed of his family members and event highlights during his stint here in the Philippines. His office, complete with his table and chairs, are accessible to guests and you get a glimpse of his work area and how it feels to be on his seat with the view of Manila Bay on his window. The family of the general has also allowed the display of the general’s medals in his former office in the hotel.  Of course, I wouldn't miss out on checking out the office of General MacArthur. Staying in the suite is heavy on the pocket but worth the value. You get to experience living the way General MacArthur did in a modern hotel set-up. But our guide also shared with us that the Manila Hotel gives a HUGE discount on the historical suite during the hotel’s anniversary every July. POST TRAVEL NOTES Who would have thought that my attentiveness to hotel ads running on TV would open up a different and interesting staycation experience for me. We all know that Manila Hotel is significant in Philippine history and yet I never knew that they have a heritage museum in the hotel and they offer a free guided tour of the museum and, if luck is on your side, the historical MacArthur Suite. The neat part of it - it is FREE! You just have to make a prior appointment with the Front Desk and pray that no one is staying on the historical suite. Here is something that is worth checking out when you find yourself staying or sipping a cup of coffee at the Manila Hotel.  San maganda pumunta tuwing tag-ulan? Where to next? It’s interesting to find something new in a destination that you have become familiar with. Discoveries like these give you a different excitement and perspective that amplifies the experience. It doesn’t change what is already there but it does add more spice to the “usual”. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Major airlines have direct flights to Manila from local and international airports. You can take a cab or Grab car to get to the Manila Hotel. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hull.stern/ Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/hull.stern Get 10% off on your Magwai purchase on Lazada, Shopee, and Magwai website when you use my code: marc7del10 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/magwaiph/ Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/MagwaiPH
It was a river snaking into the sea that made this Cebu destination part of my 2024 travel bucket list. A river that also embodies a community working together in creating community tourism project as an alternative income source for its locals. It is an eco-tourism spot that can also give you a beach break with its hidden coves. Welcome to the exciting and rustic town of Aloguinsan in Cebu.  I got my birthday trip roaring in Aloguinsan! Our mini-bus rolled out of the Cebu South Bus at 5am. This was going to be an estimated 3-hour trip to Aloguinsan via Carcar. The rustic town of Aloguinsan was originally a barrio of the neighboring town of Pinamungajan and was created as a separate town in 1886 by a Spanish royal decree. The town may look rustic and tame but it has a strong history of fighting off invaders from the Moros during the Spanish-period to Japanese invaders in World War 2. Eto yung bayan na tahimik lang sa umpisa pero maraming kwento habang namamasyal ka dito (This is a town that starts off silent but you unearth its stories while exploring it). Its natural beauty blends in with its rich history that rolls from its hill to its waters. Aloguinsan Poblacion There was a slight drizzle when I arrived in Aloguinsan around 7.30am. I opted to check out the Aloguinsan Public Market for breakfast and also to kill time, with the hope of getting a clear weather before I start exploring the town. The poblacion is the center of the municipality where the center for commerce, governance, and religion.  Enjoying the view of the the poblacion atop one of the hills of Aloguinsan. I really found the Aloguinsan Public Market uniquely charming. Conveniently located along the mouth of a clean river, it has a small fish port where sea produce is dropped off by fishermen directly to its vendors. It is the center of commerce of the town so it is the place where you can purchase fresh produce and the place where you can also enjoy a meal. Don’t expect fastfiod chains in town. Aloguinsan gave me that provincial town vibe that I really enjoyed because I don’t usually get to enjoy these moments in the city.
Just like any Spanish-period town, the church is located close to the town center. It is situated atop one of the hills and has a sprawling church ground with a century tree as an attraction. Established in 1912, the church was dedicated to St. Raphael the Archangel. The present-day church structure was completed in 1939 that features the bell tower as its main facade. Its modern-designed interiors feature a gold-colored retablo with the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece.  The St. Raphael the Archangel Parish sits atop one of the hills of Aloguinsan. Government offices are also within striking distance within the poblacion. It signifies that most community activities happen in the poblacion. The municipal hall is located close to the seaside of the town where a huge open space is often used for activities and festivities. Baluarte Park The town of Aloguinsan is a Spanish-period town and its coastal location often subjects it to frequent Moro raids. A baluarte or watchtower was built on a hill that sits close to the shores of the sea. The tower helped in protecting the town from Moro raiders by giving them advance warning and an unfair advantage for a defensive stance. As per their local story, the baluarte put a stop to these raids.  I am looking at part of the ruins of the Spanish-period baluarte of Aloguinsan. Only a few standing coral foundations serve as a reminder of the Spanish-period Baluarte. The LGU have taken the initial effort of creating a park with the ruins as its main feature. They have also chained off the ruins to prevent visitors from damaging what remains of the heritage structure. I could see that the structure may have been huge considering the locations of the few standing foundations. The baluarte gives one a panoramic view of the sea and the town.
The park gives you a top view of the town. It also gives you a panoramic view of the surrounding shoreline of the poblacion. They have developed it with basic tourist facilities with picnic sheds and restrooms. Unfortunately, the park needs proper maintenance and attention. I also think that they should move that the ruins be recognized for its historical value considering that what remains of the old Spanish baluarte remains largely intact and void of any vandalism. Bojo River Cruise Bojo River is THE tourism icon of the town of Aloguinsan. The river, beyond its natural beauty, is a community-based sustainable eco-tourism project handled by the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) that provides river tours to its guests. This is not the usual tours where you just paddle out through the river to enjoy the serenity and the views. What makes it unique is that a local guide, from the community, gives you an educational brief of the importance of the Bojo River to the community. You don’t only get to enjoy the seascape and landscape but you also come home with new and inspiring insights.  The Bojo River Cruise is the main tourism draw of Aloguinsan. My Bojo River Cruise adventure started with a short orientation with Miss Jamaila Alvarado, Secretary of BAETAS. She gave us a brief that the project utilizes the locals with the upkeep of their “landing” area and the actual tour through the 1.4-kilometer river stretch. The project was pioneered by the LGU and the community and, with the help of Aboitiz and 700 private individuals, planted 20,000 seedlings to re-forest the river’s lost mangrove cover. Today, the river now hosts 24 kinds of mangrove species along the length of the river.
My river guide, Kuya Gonsalo, paddled our wooden bangka through the still waters of Bojo River while giving me fast facts about the river. Mangrove trees lined the riverbanks and Kuya Gonsalo was introducing me to the different varieties of mangrove species. Bojo River is home to 24 mangrove species and these forest are essential to the community since these are breeding grounds of fish. Historically, the mangrove covers also served as a hideout of Filipinos and guerrilla fighters during World War 2.
What makes Bojo River unique is that the river opens up to the sea. The estuary is located between two rock cliffs, like guards standing at the mouth of the river, exuding a dramatic landscape. A raft house was anchored close to the estuary for guests to relax on and have their pictures taken with the “opening” on the background. This is also the spot where guests are allowed to take a quick dip. We further ventured out to the sea where I was treated with amazing underwater views of living and vibrant coral reefs. You get to enjoy the mangrove covers by the river and the beauty of underwater life in one go.
The river exudes a serene vibe as I took in the beauty and calmness of nature. It was also good that the river cruise was a community effort that did not only breathed new life to Bojo River but also provided an alternative livelihood to its community. Furthermore, it was also comforting that the locals who were once in the position of discovering and exploring what they have at their doorstep is now at the frontlines of promoting sustainable local tourism. The Bojo River Cruise is a MUST when you find yourself in Aloguinsan. Hermit’s Cove The view of the hills of Aloguinsan was relaxing as we rolled on to our next spot - Hermit’s Cove. The cove is a popular beach spot in Aloguinsan made popular by its aquamarine waters and cream-colored shorelines. Since it was a Sunday, I was already expecting a crowd but not the volume that I caught up with when I got there.  I am not a hermit at Hermit's Cove. Hermit’s Cove is located at the base of a cliff facing the Tanon Strait. A concrete pathway leads tourists down to the beach cove where there are available picnic hits and tables for rent. One can also find your own spot where you can lay down your mat or set-up your camping chair without extra charges. I found my corner under rock overhang close to the stairs/pathway of the cove.
Just like other beach spots on this side of Cebu, the water is inviting with its aquamarine color. The sprawling cream-colored shoreline is perfect for any kind of activity - from making sand castles to playing a round of beach volley. You need to bring your own food and drinks in the area because there were only a few stores in the area. There are some locals that offer boating and beach activities. I quickly found my corner where I enjoyed a mid-afternoon beach chill under the shade of the rock overhangs. Bugarak Beach There was another beach spot in Aloguinsan that was also popular among locals and tourists but local politics have pushed its owners to close it down. It was the closure of Hidden Beach that paved the way for the adjacent beach spot, though not as beautiful, to get traction among locals. As they say, locals know where to go so I ended up taking on the challenge to explore Bugarak Beach.  Bugarak Beach is a uniquely charming beach popular among locals. Bugarak Beach is unique because it fuses the mangroves of Bojo River and the cream-colored sands of Hermit’s Cove into one spot. The shoreline of this beach spot is a mix of rock formations and cream-colored sand. Just a few meters off-shore is where you will find the mangrove cover, giving swimmers that extra shade from the sun. The beachfront is narrow, with only enough space to set up a length of small beach tables or a tent. Guides at the entrance would offer tables that you can rent and, if you are there for just a visit, you can just find your own spot along the shoreline.
The beach is a public beach so they do not charge any entrance. It can be challenging to get there as there are no directional signs or signages. Just go towards the direction of Tanon Strait. Except for the local crowd and their blaring music, the beach is a nice escape from the usual Sunday beach crowd. I just hope that the LGU can help in the upkeep of the Bugarak Beach. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time exploring this hidden beach in Aloguinsan. POST TRAVEL NOTES Aloguinsan is your typical provincial town where it gives you that rustic, unassuming, and simple vibe but packs a punch when you start exploring its sights and sounds. Its main tourism draw, the Bojo River, is a great example of a community-led tourism project that is able to sustainably develop and promote a natural attraction that also benefits the members of its community. It would be nice to have this initiative be a cornerstone for the whole town to do the same for all its tourism spots creating a tourism ecosystem that could put Aloguinsan in the forefront of a town-based tourism initiative in the country.  Aloguinsan was roaring! Another 2024 travel bucketlist achieved! It is true that, when we involve the community in tourism and socio-economic projects that benefit them, the buy-in of the locals is stronger. Their involvement pushes to make the project their own that gives it a higher chance of success. If we want tourism to be a stronger player in Philippine economy, we do not need more tourist rest areas. What we need is to involve the community in key tourism projects, train the locals on how they can benefit from it, and let the community take it as their own. Check out my Aloguinsan Adventure on my Youtube here:
#MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are regular flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from various local and international airports. You can then take a cab to the Cebu Bus Terminal where you can take a bus to Aloguinsan. Land travel is 3 hours from the city. For the Bojo River Cruise, you can get in touch with the BAETAS President - Mr. Rudney Carcuevas through FB messenger or at (0923) 1419424. If you are a group of at least 6 persons, you can book a full river cruise experience at least two days ahead. They can also accommodate walk-ins, similar to my experience. For habal-habal arrangements around Aloguinsan, you can contact Kuya Arnel at (0966) 073 9013.  Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hull.stern/ Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/hull.stern Get 10% off on your Magwai purchase on Lazada, Shopee, and Magwai website when you use my code: marc7del10 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/magwaiph/ Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/MagwaiPH
There is an island off the coast of Zambales that is undisputed to be one of the best places to enjoy a chill weekend with friends and colleagues. We got marooned on the island where we raised our flag, planned our defense and offense strategies, and fought our battles with burning pride. We did not have to deal with water cannons but we had to protect our territory with water guns. There was no territorial dispute but we had fun chilling out, ng walang pagdadalawang isip, on the island of Magalawa.  Enjoying the beauty and serenity of Magalawa Island. Magalawa Island is a 56-hectare island just 5 minutes away, by motorized banca, from Palauig in mainland Zambales. It is a popular beach spot with its calm waters and white sand shorelines. The island is part of the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape that was declared a protected area in August 1993 by Former President Fidel V. Ramos. The protected area has been found to be the home of rare mangroves species, thriving coral reefs, and a nesting area of marine turtles. Tourism activities on the island are regulated to preserve its natural beauty. Here are 5 things that you can do when you are on a weekend chill on the island of Magalawa: Camp Out There are two beach resorts on the island - Armada Resort and Ruiz Resort. Both resorts are located on the northeast side of the island but have strict guest restrictions when crossing its boundaries. Our group stayed at Armada and I was lucky to have slipped through, unknowingly, to also explore Ruiz Resort.  Magalawa is one of the beach spots that offers a great camping experience.
The best way to enjoy a weekend stay in Magalawa is to camp out. Armada Resort has a number of accommodations to offer for guests, from aircon rooms to camping tents. We opted to get the treehouse and camp around it, giving us beach front access and a space where we conducted our team games and activities. There are basic facilities in the resort - restrooms, shower areas, and grilling areas. There’s also a store for last minute item that you need. In my case, I did set-up my hammock under the treehouse. I enjoyed a nice evening slumber with the sea breeze blowing in. It was relaxing to listen to nature’s evening sounds with an occasional laughter breaking out from campers enjoying the evening. Play and Let Loose We went to Magalawa Island for our annual team-building activity. We prepared a lot of activities that covered our first day. We had a huge open space for ourselves so we had fun working together and running around. We simply let loose and enjoyed the day. We got down and dirty with a dose of laughter.
Bring your own badminton sets, beach volleyball, and/or boarding games. Armada Resort has a sprawling space that you can use for these games. You can also rent these out from the resort, including a kayak, so you can let loose and have fun while enjoying the island. They even have a hoop if you are up to play a round or two of basketball.  It was a fun weekend with these gang. Magalawa Island offers a very laidback vibe that you get to watch the whole day pass. Without the usual distractions, you really need to find ways on how to kill time. This is the best time to let loose, get physically active, get those muscles going, play around, and enjoy real dirt fun. Catch the sunrise Magalawa has one of the best views of the sunrise that I have seen so far. This caught most of us by surprise when we saw the morning sun glaring in red rising on the horizon. It was mesmerizing and it had everyone glued to their seats enjoying the early morning show.  I caught the most beautiful sunrise, so far, for 2024.
The Magalawa sunrise was a great day starter. It was calming and hopeful. It was a perfect backdrop for pictures but its beauty just captured our attention. I cannot help it that I dropped what I was doing just to admire its beauty. Everyone did. Explore Marooned on a 56-hectare island, there are a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. The south side of the island is more rugged and interesting to explore while the north side is the more touristy side. Nevertheless with a lot of time to burn, you will have fun exploring the shorelines of Magalawa.  I spent my free time exploring the Magalawa Island. Trying to find a spot to catch the sunset, I was lucky enough to have crossed over to Ruiz Resort. I explored the adjacent resort where I also enjoyed its rustic ambiance. They also have a white sand beachfront but it felt more laidback. It was only when I went back to Armada that I found out that both resorts are “exclusive” to its guests. Armada Resort has a longer shoreline and has exclusive access to the island’s sandbar. From the sandbar, you get to see the 180-degree view of the Armada’s beachfront’s stretch and the length of the beach strip that stretch towards the island’s mangrove area. An old wooden fishing boat was converted into a bar is the main highlight of the sandbar. This was also a great spot to catch the colors of the sunset with the island in the foreground.  Capturing a Zambales sunset from the sandbar of Magalawa. I also took the time to explore the mangrove area on the south side of the island by following the island’s shoreline, beyond Armada’s port. A three-story DENR post was installed along the coast where it gives you a panoramic view of this side of the island and mainland Palauig. It was perfect spot to enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet in the middle of nature. You would also see a sign that informs tourist to be mindful since the island also serves as a nesting area for marine turtles. I wonder when nesting season is on the island so I get to watch these sea creatures begin the cycle of life.
At the end of the beach strip is the mangrove area of the island. It was great to see how these mangroves are kept in its pristine condition and how new buds are growing out of the waters. Mangroves are important natural infrastructures that protect the coastline and serves as breeding grounds for sea creatures. The place was very calm and peaceful that I found myself under a shade of trees to enjoy being surrounded by nature and enjoying the distant sound of waves crashing off the coast of Zambales.  A Mangrove Forest is located on the southern end of the island. I was only able to explore one side of the island and there was still the other side to check out, the side that faces the South China Sea. I think there are trails that snake around the island but I think I would need a guide to navigate to the other side. Or I could try staying at Ruiz Resort next time so I can walk the beach strip on the other side. Beach Chill Magalawa Island is a perfect spot to chill out by the beach because it perfectly fuses the sun, sand, and sea. You can easily find your spot by the beach where you can lay down on your beach mat to enjoy the sun by the white sand shores. You can then head down its crystal clear waters to enjoy a quick dip to cool down.  Capturing my beach chill in one spherical shot. Magalawa is definitely one of those islands that has been under the radar for quite a while. You can enjoy the island whether you are going solo, going on a date, or going with family and friends. It gives you that “pantropiko” vibe where you can enjoy the beach by yourself and with friends. So read your favorite book or drink with friends. Let the island beach vibe get into you to enjoy the island. POST TRAVEL NOTES The island of Magalawa is just one of the many islands that dot the eastern coast of the country that is a perfect venue for beach gatherings or for solo travels. It gives you the rustic beach vibe that lets you consciously detach from the humdrum of your usual life just to give you that perfect relaxing weekend break. Makakahinga ka dito as you take in the beauty and calmness of the place and recharges you with nature’s bounty. Hindi ako magdadalawang isip na balikan ang Magalawa just to enjoy a day or two of that rustic beach vibe.  Where are we going next? Promoting local tourism has always been an advocacy that is close to my heart. This is the driving force why I create contents on social media to encourage more Filipinos to explore the Philippines more. I am happy that I am able to fuse my passion in growing people and discovering local destinations in one perfect venue. Like what I always say, we explore the Philippines one destination at a time, only this time with 45 other individuals. You can check out our Magalawa Island Youtube Travel Video here:
#MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Our teambuilding activity was organized by FB: biyahisturista.phtravel . They have regular joiner weekend trips to Magalawa Island and they can also organize exclusive trips to the island. You can check out their FB page for your inquiries: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=byahisturista.phtravel
It was an old church that caught my attention to this destination in Northern Mindanao. An old church that has an architecture that is unique to this town and, probably, the only one in the country. It was just an hour or two away from Cagayan de Oro and a quick visit to my birthplace provided an opportunity for me to make a quick swing to the rustic town of Jasaan.  Jasaan is rustic town in Northern Mindanao with a church that is unique and beautiful. Jasaan is a rustic town that lies along the coast of Macalajar Bay. Established in 1830, the first community and church was established at “Daanglungsod”, now Barangay Aplaya. It served as the center of evangelization that covered Sumilao, Libona, and Malitbog. The name of the town was believed to have been from the native word ‘ag-hasaa” which translates to “I am sharpening my bolo”. The story goes that a Spanish missionary asked a local the name of the place and the native, who was sharpening a bolo, replied ‘ag-hasaa” as the native thought that he was being asked what he was doing. The name “Hasaan” was later adopted and then later evolved to its present-name, Jasaan. Visitors often pass by this town on their way to Camiguin or Gingoog, with little knowledge that this town holds a national treasure and natural attractions that is worth checking out. Jasaan Town Center Just a short ride away from the highway, you will be impressed by the sprawling town center of Jasaan. It follows a typical Spanish-period pueblo where the church, market, and the government centers are situated adjacent to each other. The present town center was not the original settlement of Jasaan. The first settlement was established along the coast of the present-day Aplaya. The remains of “kota” or watchtower is said to be the only memory left from the original community. We were not able to locate the said “kota” during our visit.  The old Jasa-an Municipal Hall which now serves as the local COMELEC office. The sprawling town center was one of the biggest that I have seen on a municipal level. The municipal roads demarcates the property of the church and the government. Local government offices dot the plaza, with the huge community auditorium as the central park of the town. One structure that stands out at the town center is the Old Municipal Hall of Jasaan which probably dates back to the American period. It is still in use and now serves as the municipal office of the COMELEC.  The local Rizal Monument in front of the town's auditorium. The town was built in the concept of the “bajo de las campanas” where houses were built within “hearing distance” of the church bell’s tolling. Its design was an example of the separation of the state and the church with the municipal roads serving as borders of the church’s property. The plaza is the center of community activities where locals, of different ages, converge to relax or work on their personal or school chores. Immaculate Conception Parish and Convent At the heart of the town is the Immaculate Conception Parish and Convent. The church stands as a reminder of the Spanish influence in the region, with the first church was built out of lime in 1830 at the original settlement site in present-day Aplaya. Jasaan became the base of the Jesuits for their evangelical missions in Bukidnon. It was in 1887 that the construction of the present-day church. The church was designed to mimic the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros. The Jasaan Parish Church is a heritage structure that is unique in the country. The Jasaan Parish Church stands unique with its Barn-style Baroque design. The church has a brick wall base and a wooden second level and belfry. The structure stands unique because of its architecture, the only kind that I have seen in the country so far. The church stands impressive by the town center, giving a rustic provincial vibe to Jasaan. I was in awe when I saw the church. It was like I was in a town in the wild west. I think the sprawling and dusty open space fronting the church gave it that “western-howdy” vibe. The wooden second floor of the church was really a sight to see because this was the most distinct feature of the church.  The church follows a barnyard baroque architecture. The interior was as impressive as its exterior. Unlike other historical churches that exudes an atmosphere of a sanctuary with its thick walls, the Jasaan Parish Church was more homey with its wood and brick structure. It was relatively cooler inside since the wood structure allowed the breeze to flow through naturally into the structure. I particularly liked the weaved bamboo wood that lined the walls at the second level giving it that barnyard feel inside.  The beautiful interior of the Jasaan Parish Church. The church has two significant features with its interior - the church altar and the wood crafts that line its ceilings. The 2-level gothic inspired retablo features 5 arched chambers and spirals that mimics a church’s facade. Each chamber features a saint with the Immaculate Conception as its main centerpiece. The ceilings mimics that of a weaved basket with its wood artwork. While other heritage churches paint their ceilings with biblical scenes, Jasaan Church highlights its local craftsmanship with a weaved basket design on its ceilings.
I was able to access the choir loft and the belfry. The choir loft had an amazing view of the church from floor to ceiling. It gave me a full view of the beauty of the church’s interior. The belfry gave me a top view of the town center and its surrounding areas. The “weaved ceiling” design is still present at the belfry’s ceilings. The church has two belfries that originally had 4 bells. One of these bells was moved to the San Agustin Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro. The church convent sits adjacent to the church and serves as the church’s office. A small museum was opened that gives guests the historical and religious value of the church. Unfortunately, it was closed during the time of my visit. The church is part of Northern Mindanao’s National Cultural Treasure. Needless to say, the Immaculate Conception Parish Church and Convent stands as the main centerpiece of the Jasaan’s poblacion. Sagpulon Falls Deep within the hinterlands of Jasaan is a natural gem that has attracted locals and tourists to this town - the Sagpulon Falls. It is just one of the two popular natural attractions in Jasaan. The waterfalls can easily be accessed as the area has already been developed with its paved roads and resort facilities. You can easily drive or take a habal-habal from the highway to the entrance of the waterfall.  Enjoying my view of the Sagpulon Falls. The area was developed as a resort with complete amenities for those intending to visit for a day or those planning to camp for the night. Entrance fees are collected at the entrance, by the local LGU, for its upkeep. A hanging bridge welcomes you at the start of the short hike to the base of the falls. The trail was already developed making the hike easy and comfortable. Resort facilities like fresh water swimming pools and picnic huts, and large halls for big groups were installed on the opposite bank facing the waterfalls. This gives guest a rest/picnic area with a view of the cascade of the waterfalls. I quickly found my corner along the banks of the waterfalls that gave me the best view of the cascade. We went to Jasaan during the Philippines’ dry season so I was not able to capture the famed cascade of Sagpulon Falls. The waterfalls sits along a steep rock face of the mountain and its biggest draw was its 100-foot cascade onto a deep basin. There were smaller cascades to enjoy and the basin at the foot of the falls was gleaming with its green-colored waters. It was cold and inviting so I did take the time to cool down by dipping my feet into its cold waters. In no time, schools of small fish started nibbling on the dead skin cells of my feet. It was a relaxing treat while enjoying the serenity of the place and the sound of the cascading waters.
Sagpulon Falls was nature’s treat for me on that day. I really enjoyed the calm and relaxing vibe of the place as I sat there admiring the falls with all my senses. I just hoped that the development was more planned more towards making it closer to nature. Although l admire the effort to develop the area, the hard structures installed did not really complement the natural vibe that Sagpulon Falls was giving off. POST TRAVEL NOTES Along the road destination can be exciting as long as we keep an open mind to new discoveries and adventures. Most people miss out on amazing destinations because they are so focused on the “usual” tourism spots. Giving off-beat destinations a second look can give your road trips a different recipe of fun and a new kind of adventure. It may not be the usual but it can be as exciting as the usual.  We are hitting the beach next before the rain comes. Jasaan is one of those destinations that most people would regularly pass by without giving it a quick stop. Most people do not realize that this rustic town, “along the way”, has something to share. It may not be the usual tourism destination but its own tourism brand is something that one can appreciate even for a few hours during a road trip.A day in this rustic town is an exciting mix of history and nature that would make other people ask… kung “Jasaan ka na naman?” Watch out for the release of my Jasaan Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Cagayan de Oro is the jump-off point to Jasaan in Misamis Oriental. You can take a flight to Laguindingan Airport from any major airport of the Philippines. From the airport, you can take a van to the city and as the driver to drop you off at the Agora Market. You can take a bus to Gingoog or Balingasag and ask the driver to drop you off at the town of Jasaan. You can take a habal-habal to take you around town.
This was a trail that really had me pushing myself until I reached the top. This was not an easy trail to conquer and it did not help that I was not able to prep myself for this gruelling hike. Halfway through the trail, I was already swearing under my breath and was asking myself why was I on the trail, when I could have opted to relax by the beach. I was meeting Mount Kabunian for the first time and it was not easy as I hoped for.  It was my most difficult climb so far but it was all worth it for the views atop Mount Kabunian. The road to Mount Kabunian is a winding one…LITERALLY! I found myself enjoying the early morning fresh air of Bakun after a two-hour land trip from Baguio through roads that was so curvy that it would put dried noodles to shame. Bakun is a municipality under Benguet and borders Ilocos Sur. It is a popular hiking destination with a collection of mountain peaks to conquer. On this day, I will be standing at 1789 meters above sea level at the home of the supreme Cordilleran god, Kabunyan. Kabunian Trail Stories The jump-off point of Mount Kabunian starts at the town of Bakun. The sleepy town is the base point of two popular peaks in the area - Mount Kabunian and Mount Tenglawan. We started our hike at 5.30am, snaking through the sleepy town and down the steep slopes of the mountainside town. Looming in front of us was Mount Gedgedayan, glowing in brown and orange hues as the morning sun hits its mountainside. We were going to traverse around it before making our ascent to the Mount Kabunian.
As we slowly weaved through the pine firest covers of the trail, our sweeper guide, Kuya Smith, shared with us the trail stories of Mount Kabunian. Local legend tells the story of a mortal man, Duligen, who walked the trail and rested in one of the caves in the area and found food and water served before him. After he had his fill, he brought home the plates with him where he died. The meals were no longer seen from then on and a stone male figure was seen that provided fresh water, from its… uhmm… penis, to travelers for years. The image and the cave then disappeared and was replaced by a spring water source close to the summit.
We slowly inched our way to the forest as the early morning sunlight broke through the mountains and pine trees. There is a fork along the trail where the upper trail leads to the peak of Mount Kabunian while the other trail leads down to Bakun’s waterfalls. The lower trail runs parallel to the Bakun River and treat you with the amazing view of the river, the adjacent mountainside, and the local powerplant in the area. Mount Tenglawan, with its horned peak, looms beside the trail. It is referred to as the “Devil’s Mountain” because of its horned peak and stands in contrast to the home of the mighty deity Kabunyan. Ascending The Trail of the Mighty Kabunian A metal trail marker marks the area where Mount Gegedlayan and Mount Kabunian meet. Nestled at 1,400 meters above sea level, the marker also provides a narrative of the sacredness and history of Mount Kabunian. A hanging bridge serves as the pass between the two mountains. At this point, trekkers will start to ascend the slopes of Mount Kabunian.
The ascent to Mount Kabunian is not a joke. It is tiring and relentless, and offers very minimal rest points along the trail. It also gets more challenging as you battle out the climb with the heat of the late morning sun giving you that extra sweat on your back. A resting shed with a spring water source would be the last spot to re-energize yourself before the arduous climb to the peak of this sacred mountain.
Despite the challenging trail, the views along the way are simply breathtaking. The picturesque view of the surrounding Cordillera mountain ranges and the occasional cool mountain breeze give you the needed motivation to keep pushing upward. You get to see the view of their “Toblerone Mountain” that eroded during the strong Abra earthquake, the commanding view of Mount Tenglawan, the other side of Mount Gegedlayan, and a view of the lowlands of Ilocos. You will really get a fill of the rugged mountain views as you trek higher through the trail.  IG Stop: Enjoying the views of the Cordillera mountain ranges along the trail. The trails have been secured with some parts having safety railings installed. Apart from the relentless ascent, steeper ravines line both sides of the trail which can cause anxiety for those who have fear of heights. One of the highlights of the trail is a portion that they call “Stairway to Heaven” - a steep ascending stairs along the trail. One would really need to pace and rest to catch your breath as you climb along this short segment of the trail.  The famous "Stairway to Heaven" of Mount Kabunian. It was already at this point that I was starting to ask what I was doing to myself. This was, by far, the most difficult climb that I have done so far. As this has been an established trade trail by Igorot and Ilocano traders, I couldn’t help but admire the strength and stamina of these traders as they regularly ply this trade route on foot on a regular basis. Imagine, that even to these day, young students take this weekly trek from their homes to their school in Bakun. Kuya Smith shared that these students hike to their homes on Friday and return back to Bakun on Sunday, with their weekly rations on their back. Now, that is one story to remind us of the hardship of wanting to get a proper education. On Top of the Kabunian Trail With less than 2 kilometers to get to the peak, we made a quick stop before getting back on the trail. The midday sun was relentless on our backs and it did not help that we were on the rocky part of the trail so the heat absorbed by the rock faces were also beating at us. It was like being inside an oven.
Finally, we got to cross the last hanging bridge along the trail. We were now traversing the rock face area of Mount Kabunian. Kuya Smith pointed at a portion of the rock face the location where the legendary cave once stood. All that it has now is a solid rock wall. The mountain is sacred among the Igorots and a part of the rock face also serves as the final resting place of their mummified ancestors. The new found interest on Mount Kabunian proved to be detrimental to their heritage that the LGU had to secure these resting places/caves with railings and cages.
The trail breaks into another fork where one trail leads on to the old trading trail and the other to the peak of Mount Kabunian. A spring water source is also located in the area and this could be the water source that sprung near the peak that was mentioned in the local legend. With renewed strength, we finally took on the last stretch of the trail atop the rock face of Mount Kabunian.  Finally conquered the mighty Mount Kabunian! I stood at 1,789 meters above sea level. Standing at 1,789 meters above sea level, I was happy that I pushed myself and conquered Mount Kabunian. From the top, you get a view of the Cordillera mountain ranges on one side and the lowlands of Ilocos on the other side. The 360-degree views were enough reward after more than 4 hours on the trail. I breathed everything in at the top - the views, the breeze, and the jubilant feeling of having successfully reached Mount Kabunian. Besides, the usual shot of Mount Kabunian where I was standing on a fallen tree was a great remembrance on how I walked the trails of Kabunyan. POST TRAVEL NOTES The renewed interests on hiking destinations in the Cordilleras is opening new opportunities for its locals and communities. Similarly, trekking the slopes of Mount Kabunian, and even Mount Tenglawan, have opened new livelihood resources and economies in the community. Sari-sari stores get additional revenues from the spending behaviors of tourists visiting the area while guides get extra resources from fees and tips. Local fresh produce can be directly bought by tourists for personal consumption or as “pasalubongs”. This puts local tourism as a support industry for the community. LGUs should bank on sustainable tourism opportunities to make their communities and the lives of their locals sustainable and better. From an iconic mountain shot to this iconic church tucked in Northern Mindanao. Are you ready? As we have more people exploring local destinations, we also discover new and off beat spots. This opens huge livelihood opportunities to communities who are not aware of the potential of their place as a tourist destination. That is why we should encourage local governments to take the forefront in developing their own tourism brand. Let the locals discover and speak proudly of their place. Empowering local communities on their own brand of tourism is key to its success. It starts from there, not rest areas. Watch out for the release of my Mount Kabunian Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: I joined an organized joiner tour for this hiking trip to Mount Kabunian that was handled by the Ahong Burlitin. You can check out their Facebook page for the schedule and details of their upcoming trips to Mount Kabunian. A huge thank you and shoutout to Hull and Stern for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels. You can check out their Facebook page and Instagram for their latest dry bag designs for your travels.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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