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My first encounter with this destination was a grueling 13-hour run, walk, and hike around the island. The race around the island had me surprised and amazed of its raw natural beauty. I vowed to visit it again. Who would have thought that on my fourth visit to this island, I would be doing my own version of race that got my guys lost in the island of Tingloy.  A fourth visit to the island introduced me to a different side of Tingloy! Roughly 3 hours away from Manila, Tingloy is an island-municipality along the Batangas Bay composed of the islands of Marikaban and Caban and smaller islets in the area. It is a beach destination that has caught the attention of local travelers because of its raw beauty and proximity to the metro. It is a perfect escape from the huff and puff of the city that could easily quench your thirst for sun, sand, and sea. We were lucky to have enjoyed all three as we took a quick beach break from our usual day inside our workspace. Tingloy Poblacion The Port of Tingloy is the first to welcome you to the island. There are regular fast craft ferries that ply the route to the island from Anilao or Talaga Port. Chaos ensues as passengers disembark with officials giving instructions and trike drivers offering their services to its visitors. The one thing that will strike you the most is the peaceful and simple vibe as soon as you set foot on the island. The warm smiles and hospitality of its locals is easily felt as you explore the poblacion.
The Poblacion area is a simple community by the shore facing Mabini in the mainland. The vibe is very homey and welcoming as each person that you would meet would always flash their warm smiles. It is the center of commerce, religion, and education of the municipality as this is where you would see the main church, the schools, and most of the businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and homestays. Interestingly, it also has a couple of well-preserved ancestral houses that date back to American period. The Rosales Ancestral House is one of these houses that date back to 1922.
The warm hospitality of the locals has not changed from the time that I first set foot on Tingloy to my fourth visit. It was something that does stick out every time and that I always carry home with me. The quaint town vibe gives you that relaxed feel that lingers days after you have left the island. Coastal Hot Spring (Barangay Papaya) About 15 minutes by trike from the port, Barangay Papaya is an unassuming community on the other side of the island that faces Mindoro. Life here is relaxing and simple. It is a close-knit community along a rugged coast where time slips by very slowly and you get to enjoy the chill beach vibe. It has a small damaged port where you can enjoy the perfect view of its coast against the backdrop of the sun setting behind a hill.
The rugged beauty of its coast are revealed when the tides draw out to sea. Its rocky features give its shoreline a melo-dramatic landscape, especially with the sun setting or the silhouette of Mindoro in the background. But beyond its rocky features, the low tide reveals a secret - a hot spring by its rocky shores. The rock formations on the coast will amaze you especially on the section where a straight line perfectly halves the formation. As you explore the rock pools, you would notice hot water bubbling to the surface. The water temperature ranges from comfortable to almost boiling hot. Locals say that hot mist can be observed in the early morning around the area when the tides are low. It made me wonder where the hot spring is coming from… perhaps an underwater volcano? Sombrero Island Tingloy is an island destination and the waters surrounding it are teeming with underwater life. It has white sand beach spots that has gained popularity through the years. A great way to explore the island’s spots is to hire a small boat and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. We were lucky to have the sun on our side when we visited Tingloy that gave our team a well-deserved last minute summer escape. Our first stop… Sombrero Island.
The island got its name because its shaped like a hat or a “sombrero” jutting out from the sea. It is located off the western coast of Marikaban and is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. We donned our life vests and masks to enjoy its underwater beauty. I marveled at the life under its waters teeming with schools of fish with the livery of its rich coral reefs as its backdrop. I enjoyed the tranquility of just paddling out and enjoying the underwater views of Sombrero Island. Sepoc Beach and Kweba ni Dugong Among all the spots when I first “explored” Tingloy, it was Sepoc Beach that REALLY made a mark on me. I still can still vividly recall the view that opened up to us after we came out of the lush vegetation covers protecting this beach spot. It was a perfect unspoiled white sand cove that you only see on movies. I had to stop and just breathe in its beauty. Unfortunately that side of Sepoc is already privately owned and guests are no longer allowed to visit.  This sandy side of Sepoc Beach, now owned privately, was one of the beach spots that left a mark on me during my first visit. The adjacent side of Sepoc Beach is the one that is accessible to the public. This beach cove is surrounded and protected by rocky cliffs and has a mix of stone and sand shoreline. The round stones of different shapes and sizes are found along its shores that, when our banca docked on shore, some of my guys started collecting stones as “panghilod”. Talk about bringing home a unique pasalubong from Tingloy.  This is the side of Sepoc Beach that can be accessed by the public. The rock cliffs that separate the private and public beach strips of Sepoc have cave spots. Aptly dubbed as “Kweba ni Dugong”, the three caves sits along the rocky coastline of the beach. Getting to the caves is tricky as one would have to traverse the sharp rocks along its cliff walls and swim across the mouth of the first cave while the waves crash you onto the rocks. There is a huge chance that you would end up with minor cuts and bruises.
Two of caves are single opening caves and the third having 2 entry or exit points. The first cave was a challenge to explore because of the depth of the water and the waves continually pushing you inwards. The two other caves had a more chill vibe as it had sandy spots where you can sit down, rest, and relax before going for a return traverse. Despite the challenge, cuts, and scratches, our team enjoyed the whole experience of finding dugong. Blue Lagoon A rock formation by the coast with two turquoise-colored pools and a panoramic view of the sea is a great spot to chill down in Tingloy. The twin pools are surrounded by rock formations that create a still sandy pool where one can enjoy a quick dip. You get to enjoy its waters with the shade from its cliff and a full view of its blue waters.
The rock formations also provide a good backdrop for those IG-worthy beach photos. The rugged landscape provide a good contrast to smooth background of the sea. If you just want to chill down, you can find your spot and enjoy the breathtaking views as the sea breeze cools you down. Masasa Beach Masasa Beach is the main tourist draw of Tingloy. With its white sand shore and relaxing beach view, it is THE most popular beach spot in the island. It has maintained its beauty despite the influx of tourists and commerce in the area. It was good though that the LGU have placed policies to maintain its upkeep.  On my way to Masasa Beach - the prime attraction of Tingloy. This beach cove facing the Mindoro area boasts of white sandy shores and still waters so you really get to enjoy wading in its waters. Commerce have been regulated so you don’t have much structures around except for a couple of beach huts, rock covers, and tree covers. You get to enjoy the beach in its almost unspoiled beauty. On one side of the beach is a rock formation that you can climb up to capture a panoramic view of Masasa Beach.
The biggest discovery on my fourth visit in Masasa was that beauty above its waters run parallel to the beauty underneath its waters. A snorkeling activity where we were dragged by our bangka along the deeper parts of Masasa Beach revealed the colorful underwater life beneath its waters. It was teeming with beautiful corals and sea creatures. If you are lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea turtle grazing along its sandy shores.
Masasa Beach was a real surprise for me on this trip. It revealed its beauty beyond what I already knew. Not only was it able to preserve its old charm, it was also able to share another facet of its beauty. It gives you more reason to explore Tingloy again and again. POST TRAVEL NOTES Tingloy have kept its old charm and has given me another facet of its beauty. I never thought that I would discover something new on my fourth visit to the island - a hot spring and rich coral life right at the doorstep of Masasa River. I discovered its beauty when I first got lost in Tingloy and getting my guys lost this time revealed more sights to enjoy. I guess getting #LostInTingloy is not a bad idea after all.  I guess, we all had fun. Where to next? Re-discovering a destination is not a bad idea. It gives us the opportunity to overturn stones that previously stood on to reveal something new about the place. We get to see the place from a different lens that makes us appreciate the place more. Kung bibigyan ka ng pagkakataon, anong lugar sa Pinas ang gusto mong balikan? Share mo naman sa comment ykung saan. #WeGiveTheWorldOurBest #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: You can take a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal from Metro Manila (Quezon City, Makati, and Paranaque). You can then take a jeep from Batangas Grand Terminal to either Anilao Port or Talaga Port (Prevailing weather or season determines which port will be used as jump off points to Tingloy). Jeepney drtivers would know which port would be in use. Fastcraft vessels are available at the port to take you to Tingloy. Tricycle is the mode in the transportation within the island. There are a lot of homestays on the island. If you want a laidback vibe, you can stay at Waterfront Beach House in Barangay Papaya. For an easy, complete, and organized trip to Tingloy, you can check out Masasa Beach Transient House on their Facebook page or you may contact Edric Cepillo at (0909) 1998174.
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Stories of hauntings in its abandoned military hospital piqued my interest to this destination. I have read its history, how it molded the landscape on this side of Pampanga, and how the huffing of Mount Pinatubo puffed out the lights of this former US military base. It also shares a story of rising up from the volcanic ashes to become a prime destination for business and pleasure. This is progressive township of Clark in Pampanga!  Stories of hauntings at Clark Abandoned Hospital "haunted" my curiousity. Clark Field was originally established as Fort Stotsenberg in 1903 under the US Army. A portion of the camp was used as a landing field and was called Clark Field, in honor of Harold Clark - a military aviator who resided in Manila from 1904 to 1910. It was one of the largest airfields during World War 2 and served as a major operations center of the Japanese Imperial Army. It remained as a major stronghold of the US and Philippine military forces after the war until the departure of the Americans in 1991, following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Clark has long risen from the ashes spewed by Mount Pinatubo. From a military base to a bustling tourism and economic hub, this destination serves as the gateway to the north with a long list of places to discover and explore. My recent visit had me walking around the historical core of Clark. The place where it all started. Clark Museum The best way to start exploring the historical core of Clark is a quick visit to the Clark Museum. Located at one end of the parade grounds, the interactive museum walks you through the history of Pampanga and Clark. It also showcases the faith and culture of the Kapampangans. The museum also has a 4D Theater that will walk you through the early beginning and development of the township of Clark in a movie. The Clark Museum has 4 galleries to enjoy. Gallery 1 walks you through the geology and geography of Pampanga. The province is a flat land sandwiched by two volcanoes - Pinatubo and Arayat. Both volcanoes played a huge role in the geography of the province. It has been the home of the Aetas and has a unique biodiversity. The uniqueness of Pampanga transcends to its colorful culture and this is featured in Gallery 2 of the museum. It walks you through its religious celebrations, Kapampangan culture, and creativity.
Gallery 3 and 4 focuses on the early beginnings of Clark as a military base to its development as an economic hub in Central Luzon. Gallery 3 gives you a brief on its historical core with its collection of artifacts from the past. It walks you through the humble beginnings of Fort Stotsenberg until the evacuation of the Clark in the wake of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption. The history leads guests to the present-day Clark with its industries, development, activities, and attractions. It also gives you a preview of the future of its township.
Unfortunately, I was not able to check out the 4D Theater because I was not able to catch the scheduled showing time. The museum and the theater have separate entrance fees of Php100 each. Both the museum and theater are great ways to start your exploration of Clark because it gives you a better overview of the destinations to visit. Fort Stotsenberg Historical Marker / Clark Parade Grounds Just right in front of the museum is the Clark Parade Grounds - a sprawling open oval field at the heart of Clark’s historical core. Barn Houses, that now serves as offices and restaurants, are lined up along the sides of the field. The grounds give you a landscape view of the area at any point of the oval. It kind of reminded me of the UP Oval, the only difference is that you get to see the other side of the oval from where you are standing.  Clark dates back its origins to the US military camp of Fort Stotsenberg. The parade ground is a popular spot for activities with family and friends. The wide expanse allows you to choose your spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic or to simply enjoy the views and the activities happening around you. As I walked along the jogging trail, I enjoyed watching a soccer game, kids playing by the grass, families spending time with each other, and friends doing their jogging rounds while sharing stories and laughter. This is a perfect spot in Clark to wind down at the end of the day.  The Clark Parade Grounds is a place where you get to enjoy a lot of activities with family and friends. The Clark Parade Grounds was a mute witness of the place’s early beginnings. The Fort Stotsenberg Historical Marker stands alongside the pillars of the gates of the original camp along the oval. It outlines the history of the field as an Aeta community before becoming a militart camp and eventually as an economic center in Pampanga. A monument was built that flanks the pillars to emphasize the military history of the place.  Fort Stotsenberg was a military base established by the US in the country in 1903. The grounds is also a perfect place to catch the sunset. I realized this as I enjoyed an afternoon stroll around the grounds. You can choose a spot where you get to enjoy the warmth of the sun as it sinks down behind the mountain ranges along the Mount Pinatubo area. Barn Houses / Historical Structures The Clark Museum has a display that mapped out Clark Airbase. Interestingly, these buildings were assigned a number for reference. Most of these structures are still in use today, either as an office or for business, and most are clustered along the historical core of Clark. Some now stand in ruins that serve as a memory of Clark’s heydays. This is the map of Clark Airbase on display at the Clark Museum. Lined up on one side of the parade grounds are the Barn Houses. These large houses date back to 1903 when Fort Stotsenburg was established as a military camp. It was interesting to find how these structures give you that American-community feel, the kind that you watch on US shows. I guess living or working in these barn houses give you that refreshing and quaint provincial vibe overall.
There are a couple of historical structures that you can find along the perimeters of the parade grounds. Building 2122 was once a bowling alley that later on became the office of the Post Commander and now the Office of the CEO of the Clark Development Corporation. Building 2425 was built in 1914 and served as a post office. It now serves as a the tourism office of Clark. As you walk around the oval, historical briefs are given for each building that holds significance to Clark.
There are other structures that you find around the area. A walk around Air Force City will bring you to the Ruins of the Old Kelly Theater and Building 5788 - the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures as it is prohibited inside the camp. Building 5396 is stationed off a little further and serves as another chapel of the camp. Clark Philippine Flag Pole and President Manuel Roxas Death Place Historical Marker Located at one end of the oval stands the Clark Philippine Flag Pole. The flagpole has been on that location since the early beginnings of the military camp. It was erected in 1906 with a cost of USD220. It now stands proudly as a symbol of independence and resilience.  The Clark Philippine Flagpole was erected in 1906 at a cost of USD220. At the base of the flagpole stands a historical marker of Clark being the death place of former President Manuel Roxas. He was the 5th President of the Philippines and died after delivering a speech at the Kelly Theater. His term was the shortest for a Philippine President at 22 months and 18 days. Two other memorials stand adjacent to his NHI memorial honoring the men and women who fought and died during World War 2. Clark Abandoned Hospital If there was one destination that really made Clark interesting to me from the start, it is the Clark Abandoned Hospital. My interest in dark tourism placed Clark on my map because of the creepy stories of this hospital. It was featured as one of the scariest place on earth. This time around I made sure to make a quick visit.  The Clark Abandoned Hospital is believed to be one of the haunted places in the world. Completed in December 1964, the Clark Hospital was built at a cost of USD6 million and was considered as one of the most advanced medical facility in Asia during its heydays. It had a capacity of 200 beds and was a mute witness to the casualties of the Vietnam War. It ceased operations in 1991 after the Americans pulled out of Clark and the hospital was buried with a 12-inch deep volcanic ash. Looters and nature took over the structure leaving only its empty shell. The stories of its hauntings were shared by locals and was even featured in international news. It is probably because of its bloody history that gave life to these haunting stories. From shrill screams to apparitions to objects being thrown, the stories have made rounds that either scared people away or attracted them to visit out of curiosity. They say that the morgue of the hospital was the most haunted. Did I feel anything when I went to explore it? It made me feel uneasy when I was there. There were times when I could sense that a lot of eyes were looking at me that gave me the creepy feeling. I could sense a young boy who was curious of my presence. The chill ran down my spine a couple of times but I was not scared. More than the scare, I was interested with the stories inside the walls of the abandoned hospital. I am looking forward to walking its halls soon, after the National Museum turns it into a provincial branch of the museum where the living and dead can share its stories side by side. POST TRAVEL NOTES Clark was like a phoenix that rose from the ashes of Mount Pinatubo. It continues to grow and change the landscape of the region from the time that it was established as a military camp to its current status as an economic center. It has seen the ravages of war and a volcanic eruption and yet it continues on picking up the pieces and rebuilding better from what was lost. A true symbol of the Pinoy’s strength and resiliency.  Weather is starting to get wet but it is always summer here in the Philippines! Every Philippine destination has a humble story on how it all began. Behind its development, you can find remnants and memories of the past that brought tears and smiles to its residents. It shares with you the ups and the downs of the past that paved the way to a stronger community. We need to value the past for us to see the best for our future. #WeGiveTheWorldOurBest #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: Major airlines have direct flights to Clark from major airports in the country and in some international airports. If you are coming from Manila, you can take a P2P bus to SM City Clark from Trinoma. You can take a taxi or Grab to the Clark Museum. You can explore Clark’s historical core by foot from the Clark Museum.
There is always an opportunity to explore when I travel. It is all a matter of planning, the right timing, and an adventurous spirit. With a few hours to spare before heading back to Manila, I decided to hop on a bus and explore a city that has always captured my attention but I never really got to experience. I guess it was the right time to discover Carcar - the city famous for the bits of its history and lechon!  The bits and eats of this city was worth a quick trip. Just an hour away from the Queen City of the South, Carcar is a well-preserved heritage town in the province of Cebu. Its collection of heritage and ancestral houses are mute witnesses to its colorful history since it was established in 1599. It is one of the oldest towns in the province. But beyond its colorful history is a gastronomic experience that has placed Cebu in the culinary tourism trail. Let me take you to a quick tour of the city’s history bits and eats. Carcar City Rotunda Apart from the heritage houses that dot the highway, the city rotunda is a striking architecture that will catch the attention of anyone passing through Carcar. The design stands out as it showcases a colonial design that you would often see in a town plaza. But make no mistake as this is just a crossroad for those traveling to the south or the west side of the province.  The Carcar Rotunda is one of the iconic structures in the city.
The rotunda was built in the 1920s. A bandstand sits right in the middle of the rotunda with four other sculpture standing on the directions of the north, south, east, and west. These artworks were done by a local artist, Dr. Ramon Abellana, based from the sketches of painter and his brother, Martino Abellana. The sculpture of the teo women on the bandstand showcases American colonial influence as it depicts the US leading the Philippines to prosperity. The rotunda has since become an attraction and an icon for Carcar City. Carcar Plaza The Carcar Plaza is a around a 5-minute walk from the Carcar Rotunda. Situated atop a small hill, the location has a commanding view of its surrounding areas. It is the best place to continue your walking tour of the city as the area alone holds a lot of historical bits and heritage structures. Similar to old Spanish town designs, the center for religion, governance, and education surround the plaza with the center of commerce just a stone throw away.  The Carcar Plaza is the best place to start getting history bits of the city. The Pantaleon Villegas Monument sits at the road that leads to the plaza. This local hero, also known as Leon Kilat (“Lightning Lion” in Cebuano), is a known Katipunero who was tasked to expand the grips of the revolution in the region. He led the Battle of Tres de Abril in 1898 and was initially successful in tying down the hands of the Spaniards. It was during their retreat that he was betrayed and killed by his allies on the grounds of endangering the town of Carcar. The town now honors him for planting the seeds of revolution in Cebu.
The plaza is a typical old town plaza with a monument honoring Gat Jose Rizal at the center. The Carcar Church Complex sits at the background of the Rizal monument while the old town/city hall is on the left side of the plaza. There are two educational institutions in the area and both has bits of history to share. The Upland Elementary School was a school established in 1905 and its main building is part of the city’s heritage collection. The same goes for the P. del Corro Building of the St. Catherine College which was built in 1921. Carcar Church and Convent A dominant structure in the town plaza is the Carcar Church, also known as the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Founded in 1599, the stone structure started construction in 1860 and was completed in 1875. Its architecture features a simple facade of Greco-Tuscan design highlighted by a timepiece atop of the facade. Two belfries flank the church with its unique Moorish onion-shaped top. In front of the church is the image of the Christ the King Statue sculpted by Italian sculptor, Dante Guidetti, who resided in Cebu in the 1930s.  The Church of the Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Christ the King Statue of Carcar City. The church interior’s elaborate and extensive design is a real beauty from its painted ceilings to its tiled floors. The main altar features a number of saint images with its patron saint, St. Catherine, as its centerpiece. The ceiling atop the altar features a painting of the Holy Family and God the Father with both paintings blending with the altar. The pillars of the nave are lined with angels that closely resembles the same design of the Molo Church in Iloilo.
The convent sits adjacent to the church and was also completed in the same year as the church. The convent, with a typical bahay-na-bato design, remains well-preserved and functional. It houses the offices of the Carcar Church. Carcar Museum The most striking heritage structure in the Carcar town plaza is the Carcar Museum. The structure was completed in 1937 and now stands as a beautiful example of American-colonial architecture. The construction was funded by the Americans under the leadership of the Mayor Mariano Mercado, whose monument now stands alongside the heritage structure. It originally opened as a country club with a swimming pool, the first of its kind on this part of Cebu. It was later converted as the Carcar Puericulture Center and Dispensary - a 2-storey health facility for women and children.  The Carcar Museum is a good example of adaptive re-use of a heritage house by a local government unit. The structure does not look like a hospital. In fact, it looked like an elegant house where big and lavish parties are held, probably because its original use was that of a social gathering place. Its intricate and elegant wood works, wood railings, mahogany stairs, black and white floor tiles, and stained-glass windows give it that grand elegant vibe to its visitors. The veranda and the 2nd floor windows allow the breeze to flow through the structure. The veranda is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just enjoying the view of the plaza. The second floor window by the hall gives you a great view of the mountain range of the province.  The house was built as a club house before it was turned into a rural health unit for women and children. The complex has its own swimming pool, the first in the area, but it is no longer in use. Around it are small rooms which served as “changing rooms” and small cabanas. The deepest part of the pool is probably around 10 feet. One can imagine how rich Carcar residents enjoyed these luxuries during the hot summer days but the pool also has its own horror stories to share. It was said that a number of Filipinos died in the pool during the Japanese occupation. Our guide shared with us that the changing rooms were used as torture chambers. After the victims were tortured, they were tied up, stabbed, and thrown into the pool to drown. These stories paved the way of stories that claim that the pool and the house is haunted.
The Dispensary was restored into its former glory and is the first museum installed by an LGU in Southern Cebu. You can learn a great deal on the history of Carcar and the museum from the historical timeline mounted on its walls. They also have a collection of historical and cultural artifacts, including the table where Pantaleon Villegas was assassinated, that give you a preview of the town’s colorful past. It is a repository of Carcar’s history where you can learn how the city came to be.
Both the museum coordinator and me agreed the need to bridge our past to our present. Local government units, despite the limited funding, should invest in the restoration and adaptive re-use of its heritage sites. The Carcar Museum is a great example of such LGU projects. It was a challenge but it can be done. Carcar Heritage Houses (Sta. Catalina Street) Similar to Vigan, Taal, and Silay, Carcar City has its own collection of heritage houses. There the area are about 50 houses that can be counted as part of its collection with a couple of these houses duly recognized as a heritage house by the National Historical Institute. The museum guide mentioned that the LGU have already passed an ordinance stating that houses that were 50 years old and up need clearance from the city office before it can be demolished. They are also working on having a section of the city as a heritage zone.
Most of these houses are lined along Sta. Catalina Street and the main highway. It is not hard to notice the houses along the highway as these mansions sit alongside each other. The Sato House is the first to catch your attention as you enter the town center, although, it looks like it needs to be given a fresher look. The house is also the assassination site of Pantaleon Villegas. The Silva House (1898) and Mercado House (1906), both recognized as a heritage house by the NHI, stand face-to-face along the intersection of Sta. Catalina St. and the main highway. The Yap House (1905), just a little further down the highway, looks classy in its blue and white hues. This house once has a replica in the old Nayong Pilipino Park in Paranaque.
As you walk further down Sta. Catalina Street, you will be treated with old family houses built in different colonial years. Dakong Balay (1873) is another NHI recognized heritage house in Carcar. Unfortunately, it needs to be restored in its beauty. Other beautiful houses along the street are the Marfori-Cui House, Mateo Noel House, and the Juario-Villarosa House. At the end of the street stands the oldest house in the city - the Sarmiento-Osmena House, also known as Bahay na Tisa. Built in 1859, it was able to preserve the original tisa or clay tile roof of the house. It is also an NHI-recognized heritage house.
It was a bliss to see all these beautiful houses lined up for an old soul like me. I can’t help but imagine the beauty and elegance of these houses during its prime. I really hope that the LGU and the owners of these houses could work together to give these homes the needed restoration to give it a fresh nostalgic look. This would also give them that needed push for this part of the city to be declared a heritage zone. Carcar Lechon The mention of Cebu will always give me the trigger to crave for lechon or roasted pig. In my travels, I have only two places where I have had the best tasting lechon - Calbayog City and Cebu! I did hear that the best lechon in the province is actually in Carcar. I knew that I always enjoyed their Carcar chicharon. It is one of my favorites but lechon… well, I got to taste it.  The city of Carcar is also popular for its lechon. They say it is the best tasting in the province. I have to agree to that! Unfortunately, the old Carcar Market was destroyed by a super typhoon so I had to find my way to the new public market of the city. A section of the market is designated for their lechon vendors and I was overwhelmed as soon as I stepped in. Everyone was just offering me lechon. I was offered a free “balat” or lechon skin taste and it was really good. I got myself a good kilo to try out and enjoy. My verdict… it is the best. The museum curator was right in saying that I should try out their lechon. It is best enjoyed with pu-so (rice) and no sauce needed. If you (or I) have the extra time in Cebu, I would be swinging by Carcar for their lechon. It is worth all the travel!!! POST TRAVEL NOTES The city of Carcar have always intrigued me. I have passed by the city a couple of times and I always said to myself that I should swing by this town. I finally did. Although it was quick, I really enjoyed its simple rural vibe, its history bits, and its eats. It is a great destination where you can enjoy stories over a meal. I would probably stay a little longer next time and explore more of its stories while munching lechon by its beach.  It's starting to rain the afternoon but the rain won't stop us from exploring! There are destinations that we often pass by but never really took the time to explore it. As travelers, we sometimes get focused on the destination we are heading to that we fail to appreciate the journey to the destination. This is your signal to slow down and enjoy the ride. My biggest take away from this trip is to take trips longer and enjoy the journey and the destination. Every trip should be a collection of stories from start to finish. #WeGiveTheWorldOurBest #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: Major airlines have direct flights to Cebu City from major airports in the country and in some international airports. From the airport, you can take a cab to the South Bus Terminal where you can take a Ceres bus headed for Moalboal or Oslob. These buses pass through the town of Carcar. The trip takes about an hour from the bus terminal.
The Philippines is sizzling. This comes after Manila had two days of rainy/cloudy weather in the middle of “Pinoy summer” a few weeks back. This happened the week after swarms of Filipinos flocked to different beach destinations across the country during the Holy Week break. The Philippines being a tropical and archipelagic country has a long list of beach spots to discover and explore. It is safe to say that we will never run out of beach spots to quench the sizzling heat at this time of the year. Let's re-define PH summer with destinations that ain't a beach! However, the Philippines is more than just sea and sand. We also have great destinations that is beyond the usual. These spots are good vacation alternatives if you are not a beach person or if you simply want to avoid the crowd at this time of the year. Here are 7 destinations where you can enjoy the “heat” that ain’t the beach. Batanes Batanes is the northernmost province of the country and is probably on the travel bucket list of most Filipinos. The dramatic landscape and the thriving Batan culture is the reason why this destination is a hot pick among local and international travelers. Visiting the islands of the province is like being transported to a different world that will make you want to stay and live surrounded by its natural beauty.  Batanes is a destination that is on the bucket list of many Filipinos. The province is surrounded by often times rough waters of the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine sea. It has beach spots however its main pull are the rugged terrains meeting the blue waters of its channels. The high winds blowing into the island refreshes and cools you down as you enjoy the views rugged land forms jutting out from the sea with its famous lighthouses in the foreground. This gives Batanes an out of this world beauty that is best appreciated from the vantage point of its rolling hills.
Batanes is a great summer destination because you get to enjoy the sea breeze as it blows over the islands. You get to be grounded to a unique culture of simple living, resilience, and integrity. This is a destination where you really get to immerse in their way of life and makes you appreciate simple living surrounded by natural beauty. On this summer spot, you get to enjoy the sea from a view like a picture handpainted by God. You can read about my Batanes adventures here: Batanes (Part 1) / Batanes (Part 2) / Batanes (Part 3) Baguio City The City of Pines is a staple of the Philippines’ dry season, after all, it is the highest city when we speak about elevation in the country. Its location along the ridges of the Cordilleras give it a more cooler temperature. History has been a mute witness on how the city has become a summer escape since the American occupation. Even to this day, it is THE preferred summer spot in Luzon that ain’t a beach.
The city is a UNESCO Creative City so you get to enjoy the many creative expressions in the city - art pieces, street performers, visual artists, and local handicrafts. Session Road has gone from a popular city street to a Sunday flea market and a center for creative expression. Foodies will also get a fill of the different gastronomic experiences in the city - from value meals to fine dining. The city has something to offer for any kind of traveler who want a “cooler” travel experience to beat the heat. The city has undergone a lot of development over the years. From a city with pine and parks, the city continuous to re-invent itself, always offering something new to its guests. You get to enjoy the outdoors while breathing in its cold air. You can go and paddle a boat, hike the woods, explore its gardens, or simply shop for pasalubong without breaking a sweat. Baguio is a city that lets you breath. You can read about my Baguio adventures here: Baguio City Lake Mapanuepe, Zambales Lake Mapanuepe is a good destination to detach and unwind. This beauty was born from the devastation of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in the 90’s. Lahar flow inundated communities and villages that resulted to loss of life and properties. In the case of Lake Mapanuepe, lahar blocked the flow of the river, trapping water like a reservoir, and submerged communities. The event altered the landscape of Zambales and created the beauty of Lake Mapanuepe.  This newly discovered destination in Zambales is a perfect destination to disconnect and relax. The lake is a popular weekend camping destination. It is a no frills back-to-basic spot where you get to enjoy the sight and smell of nature minus the technology. The lake gives you the opportunity to detach and enjoy the company of your family and friends as you explore the place, enjoy the views, and chill down. Swimming in the lake is not yet allowed as its depth still needs to be mapped. With nothing much to do, Lake Mapanuepe makes sure that you get to enjoy the company you are with surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
Lake Mapanuepe is proof of nature’s birth - destruction cycle. Its wrath gives birth a to a new beauty. The birth of the lake gave us an alternative summer spot where you get to enjoy the basics of life. The best things in life are free. You can read about my Lake Mapanuepe adventures here: Lake Mapanuepe Tibiao, Antique Tibiao is a bucolic and relaxing destination. The mountainside is a great spot to detach from modern day living and reconnect with nature. Similar to Lake Mapanuepe, you wake up to a simple rural life of morning sounds of nature and going to sleep with the evening songs of nature. This is my best version, so far, of living the provincial life. I enjoyed that the resorts are the no-frills kind with nature cradling you in its arms.
You can go on an early morning hike to the three-tiered cascade of Bugtong Bato Falls and enjoy the view of the farmlands along the trail. Get refreshed by dipping your feet into cold spring waters at the base of the falls and then follow it up with an adrenaline-pumping river tubing run at Tibiao River. This will make your summer a wet and wild adventure, leaving you with a smile on your face.  The best way to cap off your Tibiao adventure is with a relaxing kawa bath. A visit to Tibiao will not be complete without enjoying their kawa bath experience. This relaxing bath experience originated from here where large pots, locally called “kawa”, are filled with water and warmed by fire underneath the kawa. Herbs, leaves, and flowers are added to give you that aromatic smell as the warm waters soothe and relax your muscles. This is how you cap off an activity-filled day in Tibiao. You can read about my Tibiao adventures here: Tibiao, Antique Kawasan Falls, Cebu Cebu is a province that has a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. From the top of the mountain to the bottom of the sea, it has something to offer to any kind of traveler. It is a province where you get to enjoy the urban vibe with the rustic attractions with a few hours of land travel.
Kawasan Falls is a sure-fire destination that will get your adrenaline pumping as you enjoy the beauty of its rugged mountainside. It makes you excitingly uncomfortable as you face your fear of heights and water as you trek through the riverbank trails of the Kawasan gorge. You get to jump in and tumble in the raging waters of Kawasan River. You get to enjoy the views of its forest covers. What will captivate you the most is the aquamarine colors of the river’s water.  Ayan ang itsura ng nagtatapang-tapangan, The whole river traverse takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The final jump and the view of Kawasan Falls marks the end of the trail. Make sure to get a picture with the falls as a souvenir for your successful Kawasan adventure. The activity may be tiring but the memories you bring home is worth the jumps and splashes. You can read about my Kawasan Falls adventures here: Kawasan Falls Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring, Cagayan de Oro The development of Cagayan de Oro has lead to the discovery of new natural attractions in the outskirts of the city. The Cagayan de Oro River is pivotal in its history and as an attraction. It was the river that secured the city’s spot in the list of adrenaline-pumping tourist activities in the country.  Sinulom Falls is the latest tourism destination in Cagayn de Oro City. Sinulom Falls is an addition to the list. Located along the boundary of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, this natural attraction features 28 waterfalls cascading into the mighty Cagayan de Oro River. From the vantage point in Tignapoloaon, it would seem that the mountainside of Talakag is shedding tears into the river. One can choose to go on a day trip or spend a night to enjoy the calming sights and sounds of Sinulom Falls.
Further upstream is the Bolao Cold Spring. This spring resort is a series of rock pools that collect the cold mountain spring waters into furbished basins where one can enjoy a nice cold dip. The place is also surrounded by picnic huts making it a great place to spend time with family and friends. Bolao Cold Spring is a perfect way to escape the heat of the dry season. You can read about my Sinulom Falls adventures here: Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring Lake S’bu, South Cotabato Lake S’bu is a laidback destination in Mindanao that gives you that rustic provincial vibe. It is a destination that is rich in natural beauty and culture. It is a perfect destination for those looking to get a closer look at the colorful traditions of one of the ethnolinguistic groups in Mindanao - the T’bolis.  Lake S'bu is great destination to commune with nature and to understand local T'boli culture. The main tourism draw of Lake S’bu is the blooming of the lotus on its lake. Part of the lake glows in a sea of pink flowers as the morning sun breaks in. This creates that mystical vibe on the lake as the morning mist drifts above the placid lake as it glows in pink. You need to catch the view only during the mornings. You can also add a little more drama with your pictures by wearing the traditional attire of the T’boli but please you need to wear it with pride and respect.
This South Cotabato destination is also a gem for how it merges their cultural beliefs and its natural attractions. Apart from the lake, you can also enjoy exploring its natural beauty. You can view it from the top or you can also check it up close and personal or both. The great thing about Lake S’bu is how they can weave their stories and how they live in harmony with their surroundings on their popular fabric - the T’nalak. It is a destination that fuses nature, traditions, and beauty in one elegant story. You can read about my Lake S’bu adventures here: Lake S'bu POST TRAVEL NOTES When the Philippines heats up during the dry season, it is not all about the sun, sand, or sea. There are a lot of destinations that you can explore that offers the same excitement and thrill, and it ain’t a beach. The Philippines is a multi-faceted destination that has a lot to offer for any kind of traveler and mood. Each spot has something unique to offer with the same serving of Filipino hospitality. Philippine summer is all about opening windows of opportunities. Pinoy summer is not just about the beach. It really depends on your taste and preference on what activities to do. Although most people would choose the sea under the blue skies, there are those who would want to explore beyond the usual. This doesn’t mean that such choice is less than the other destinations. It does tell us that you get to #DefineYourSummer! #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli
One of the biggest challenges of visiting an old destination, especially if it is a popular one, is finding a different story to share. Trying to explore what’s new and interesting while giving a different facet to an old attraction needs an ounce of research and curiosity. This was a challenge that I had to face as a travel content creator when I visited my birthplace after how many years. The biggest question was how do I find another “gold” in the old city of Cagayan de Oro?  Looking for a new "gold" in Cagayan de Oro. Cagayan de Oro has developed both vertically and horizontally. The once quaint and rustic city, where Divisoria was a focal point of activities and commerce, has now grown to become a metro with different pockets of development in and around the city. The “expansion” paved the way for new attractions to be discovered while keeping the old charm of the city. I had the chance to walk around the city and reminisce at the spending my summers in the old days of the city. Museo de Oro (Xavier University) Located inside the Ateneo de Cagayan campus, the Museo de Oro is dubbed as a folkloric museum that showcases the traditions and folklores of Mindanao. The museum was founded in 1967 by Father Francisco Demetrio SJ to house historical and archeological artifacts from Mindanao. What started out as a collection of Fr. Demetrio, from his personal and study travels, is now an exhibit of 3 galleries that walks you through the rich history and culture of Mindanao and the country.  The Museo de Oro is a new gold find for me.
The first gallery walks you through the ethnohistory of Northern Mindanao, from its pre-Hispanic era to the modern times. Archaeological finds in the city’s outskirts show that early inhabitants of the area lived along the banks of the Cagayan de Oro River. The museum has a wide collection of fossilized bones, burial jars, and artifacts that give guests a glimpse of Cagayan de Oro’s pre-colonial past. It gives you a preview on how the locals lived, their practices, and even how they interacted with other settlements.  The first gallery walks you through the development of the city from the pre-colonial times to the present. The visual exhibits and collections of period pieces outlines the development of the city and its surrounding provinces from the arrival of the Spaniards to the modern-day Cagayan de Oro. These pieces includes religious images, furniture pieces, paintings, and old photographs of the city. It also highlights the Kagay-anon local heroes who stood up against colonial rule - from the local heroine, Salud, to the Filipino forces victory in Macahambus to freedom fighters against Japanese forces. The last gives you the background on where the street names in downtown were named after. The second gallery was focused on the culture and traditions of Mindanao’s indigenous groups. It introduces you to these groups via a visual presentation of each group’s creation stories. A map of Mindanao also outlines where these “lumads” are rooted giving you an overview of its diverse culture. It then walks you through their colorful lifestyles from music, day-to-day materials that they use, their ornaments, warfare and hunting gears, and clothing. It gives you a better understanding of their way of life. It makes you appreciate the similarities and diversity of each group and how it blends to our understanding on being a Filipino. The third gallery has two sections - the first is an exhibit of Father Demetrio’s collection and the second is an art exhibition area. The gallery of the founder of Museo de Oro gives you a brief on the life and works of Father Demetrio. Recognitions and some personal effects of Fr. Demetrio are on display, including a collection of currencies and an exhibit on a local cult. A “gold nugget” find in the museum is the original menu card of the Malolos Congress. If I understood it right, it is the only copy that we have at present.
The last of the exhibit was an art exhibition of local artists. The artworks on exhibit, at the time, were in 2D and 3D form that mirrored current events. The artworks teased my creativity that allowed me “interact” with the some of the exhibits to create visual stories of my own. The good thing about the whole experience was that I had the whole place for myself so I was in no hurry to capture my ideas.  The gallery also has a space for art exhibits of local artists. It was my first time to check out Museo de Oro and I really enjoyed walking through the history of Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao. If you are planning to visit, just make sure that you contact them first at (088) 8539800 local 9270 to book an appointment. The museum is a great way to start off your walking tour to the city’s downtown. Plaza Divisoria From Xavier University, I started to reminisce the days of the old and rustic CDO starting with Divisoria. The area was once the business center of the city where you can find almost everything here. This strip was also once the venue of the city’s weekend night cafe. It also serves as an activity center for community and city activities.
Beyond its being a business center, the Divisoria Plaza has been a mute witness to the history and development of the city. The strip was created as a “fire wall” after a fire in 1901 engulfed most of the town structures. The strip was later developed into a linear park where memorials and activity areas were installed. Monuments honoring Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, former President Magsaysay, and former City Mayor Borja. Interestingly, the Andres Bonifacio Monument also serves as a memorial to the fallen Kagay-anons who died during the Battle of Agusan Hill.
From a simple fire deterrent to a bustling town center, Plaza Divisoria is a city landmark. The development of the city may have drawn out some businesses towards more favorable locations but it has kept the old charm of the city. It is not just a plaza or a business center but a reminder of the city’s glorious past. Gaston Park and Cagayan de Oro City Museum Just a few meters from Plaza Divisoria is Gaston Park. The public park had a historical marker for its significance but the marker was no longer in its location during my recent visit. The park served as a public plaza of Cagayan de Misamis during the Spanish period. It also serves as the training grounds of local patriots and was the site of the Battle of Misamis de Cagayan in April 1900. The park is a favorite afternoon spot of locals where they also get to enjoy a fountain light show in the evening.  Gaston Park is a huge open park at the city's poblacion. The old water tank of the city was now converted into the City Museum. The tower was completed in 1922 and provided potable water to the 3000 residents of the Poblacion. It survived World War 2 and was still in use in the 1970s. It was re-purposed to house a three-level city museum in 2008 and now serves as a repository of the city’s archives and historical artifacts.
The museum exhibit runs parallel to that of Museo de Oro however its collection is not as extensive as that of Museo’s. The exhibit focuses more on the history of the city from its humble beginnings to the present. It is sequenced chronologically and in narrative format from the Spanish occupation to the Japanese Occupation. The topmost level is where you will find the film archives office and a display of the city mayors of CDO through the years. St. Agustine Metropolitan Cathedral The present Neo-Gothic style of the Cagayan de Oro Cathedral was built in the 1950s after it was destroyed in World War 2. The present location is believed to be the original site of the first church built from light materials when locals, who were initially settled in Huluga, were convinced by Father San Pedro to relocate to this site. The establishment of the church and the community marked the birth of Cagayan de Misamis. The first stone church was completed in 1851 but it was bombed in 1942 that left it in rubbles, with only a wooden cross surviving the blast.  The Cagayan de Oro Cathedral is the center of the Catholic faith in the city. I was baptized in this church. The church stands as a mute witness to the faith of the Kagay-anons. I find it a unique church with its pulpit design that is void of the usual retablos that you see from old churches. What you have is an image of the crucified Christ with a podium of images of saints line up as a backdrop. At the center of the podium is the image of St Agustine, the patron saint of the city. One can get near these images to offer their prayers.
The cathedral stands along the banks of the Cagayan de Oro River. The cathedral’s structure with its side windows and openings allow fresh air to circulate inside the church giving it a “fresh and breathable” interior. It gives the church that homey and safe vibe for a faith sanctuary. Cagayan de Oro River At the center of the city’s history is the mighty Cagayan de Oro River. The humble beginnings of the city takes its roots on its banks. It was and still remains an integral part of the city’s development through the years and has brought smiles and tears to both locals and those who dare challenge its raging waters.
The upstream of the river is the main tourist attraction with its whitewater rafting activities. But there is more natural attraction to discover as you head further upstream - like Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring in Tignapoloaon. Sinulom Waterfalls is a collection of 28 waterfalls cascading on a mountain side into the Cagayan de Oro River. Further upstream is the Bolao Cold Spring that is a series of cold water spring pools where one can enjoy a cold dip to beat the summer heat. You can check out my separate blog on Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring.
With the development of the CDO, there are now a number of new bridges that span across the Cagayan de Oro River but the oldest bridge, Carmen Bridge, ellicits the more nostalgic vibe among all. It is the oldest bridge in the city that was inaugurated in 1931 connecting Carmen to the Poblacion. It is the bridge that I fondly remember that welcomes and bids us goodbye whenever we visit CDO. It has recently received an art installation that even made it more romantic for the locals. The Cagayan de Oro City Hall compound sits adjacent to the Carmen Bridge. The site is where the Casa Real of Cagayan de Misamis once stood. This was where the tri-color Philippine flag was raised to declare independence under the Aguinaldo administration. It was the first declaration of independence in Mindanao. The event would be known as the “La Fiesta Nacional”. It was nice to walk around the “poblacion” of Cagayan de Oro. It was nice reminiscing where we had lunches and snacks with my grandparents. Where a school supplies store once stood where I bought notebooks. Feeling nostalgic with the smell from the fruit stand in Plaza Divisoria. It was nice that the city has kept its “golden charm” and I hope they get to keep it that way despite the development in and around the city. POST TRAVEL NOTES Who would have thought that the unexpected rains and communication mishap for a Marawi visit ended up with a leisure historical walk, intertwined with my own memories, around Cagayan de Oro downtown. It was good revisiting stories that left a gold mark in the hearts of its locals and visitors. The city remains a charmer as it fuses the old and the new to create new stories and experiences.  Where can we catch the summer sun? Re-discovering old destinations is a great way to see and gauge how urban development changes the vibe of the city. It gives you an insight on the direction of its development and how it affects the historical landmarks of the city. Does it innovate to fuse the past and the present or does the present bury the past? Keeping the charm of the past is important in urban development. As the old Filipino saying goes - hindi makakarating sa paroroonan ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: All major airline in the Philippines have flights to Laguindingan Airport from major cities of the country. You can take an airport van from the airport to the city proper of Cagayan de Oro. You can take a taxi, jeep, or motorela when going around the city.
A socmed post on this natural attraction piqued my interest. It was not the usual Cagayan de Oro attraction I had in mind. A lot has changed in this city. From the rustic and clustered downtown, the city has expanded both vertically and horizontally. The changes brought in huge developments to the city, uncovering spots that were previously behind the untouched forest covers in the city’s hinterlands. So when I was planning to visit my birthplace, a visit to Sinulom Waterfalls was inevitable.  The urban development of Cagayan de Oro led to the "discovery" of Sinulom Falls. Tucked within the mountains of Talakag in Bukidnon, Sinulom Falls is a collection of 28 waterfalls that cascades into the Cagayan de Oro River. It’s viewpoint is on the side of Tignapoloan. Surrounded by the forest covers and mountains, it is a very relaxing and chill destination that you can enjoy in a day or two. My adventure to Sinulom started at 6am at Carmen Market where I took the van to Talakag. I asked to be dropped off at the Tignapoloan Crossing where I hired a habal-habal to the waterfalls. I arrived early at the resort which opens at 8am. I had to sit it out for 45 minutes before I was allowed to enter the resort. Sinulom Falls One can already view the multiple cascades of Sinulom from the entrance of the resort. Yes, a resort is already operational and the entrance fee of Php160 covers the two main attractions in the area - Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring. The resort has full amenities - swimming pools, a restaurant, airconditioned rooms, and camping facilities for those who want to spend a night at the resort. The main hall of the resort has a viewing deck that gives you the best panoramic view of Sinulom Waterfalls.  Sinulom Falls is a collection of 28 waterfalls cascading into the Cagayan de Oro River.
A pathway leads you down to the pool area and the camp grounds where you can get a closer view of the cascades of Sinulom Falls. From up close, the falls reminds me of Asik-Asik in Cotabato, only that the latter has a wider rock wall where spring water cascades. Sinulom’s cascades are more concentrated and defined along the rock walls. You can clearly identify the individual cascades creating an image of the crying mountains. The waters drain into the Cagayan de Oro river and it makes a dramatic foreground for Sinulom.  Apart from a perfect vantage point of the falls, the resort has complete amenities to make your stay comfortable and fun. The camp grounds along the river side have boulders that serve as “platforms” for a better view of the falls or for that instagram-worthy shots. You get a view of the raging waters of the de Oro river with the falls as its backdrop. The river waters were murky at the time of my visit because of the rains from the day before. Take extra precaution when you get close to the riverbanks and stay within safety ropes installed by the resort. I enjoyed the moment where I just sat down on one of the rocks to enjoy the view of the cascades and the surrounding greens and listening to the roaring sounds of water rushing. It was very relaxing and energizing to just let nature embrace you.
Sinulom Falls was a beauty to see and it is an interesting addition to the rustic adventures of Cagayan de Oro. It gave the city another must see destination that is quite unique compared to the other waterfalls attraction in Mindanao. It is a beauty from a distance and up close. It seemed that the mountain side was shedding tears of joy of having been found. Bolao Cold Spring If you are up for a quick and relaxing break from the heat of enjoying the views of Sinulom Falls, it is time to take a dip at Bolao Cold Spring. A short hike down the trail and over the hanging bridge and a quick jeepney ride, will bring you to the shallow spring pools of Bolao. The area is complete with picnic huts which makes it a good spot for family gatherings as you enjoy the cold mountain spring waters. A perfect destination to escape the summer heat.  Heading up to another attraction in the area - Bolao Cold Spring. The cold waters cascade from the mountains of Talakag into catch basins made of rocks. The waters are collected into a series of man-made pools before draining into the Cagayan de Oro River. Wooden pathways surround these pools for easier access by guests where the can swim, enjoy a light massage from the cascade, or just simply enjoy the feel of the cold water on their skins. Since it is all natural, you can catch a sight of schools of small fish near the rock crevices. You can easily find your own spot where you can enjoy having a tan while enjoying the cold water running on your body.
It was a perfect way to cool down after I enjoyed the sights and sounds of Sinulom Falls. As I dipped my feet into the waters of Bolao, I enjoyed the feeling of the spring water cooling me down on a hot midday. I also enjoyed the sound of the cascading waters mixed with the laughters of the other guests. These are the joys that we miss out when we live in the metro. This was natural peace and bliss that only nature can give. POST TRAVEL NOTES May ganyan pala sa Cagayan de Oro? This was the same question that I thought of when I first saw the socmed post on Sinulom Falls. It was the same question that my relatives asked me after I shared with them my travel experience. The city that I have known since I was a kid have changed dramatically and these changes have led to discoveries of new attractions in areas where I probably once feared to explore. Now we are seeing more natural attractions in the city that is beyond the white waters of Cagayan de Oro. This is exciting because I am now wondering what are the other “gold” finds in de Oro that is worth exploring in my next CDO trip. Let's re-visit the "gold" in Cagayan de Oro next. Urban development are often viewed with varying opinions - some get excited for the prospect of financial growth while some frown upon it for the behavioral and environmental changes it will bring. As the area expands, we get to discover new natural attractions that adds to the beauty of the place but, with the discovery, comes commercialization. We need to find the right balance between development and preservation because we cannot stop change. Finding the right balance is key to finding a win-win situation as these changes happen around us. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: All major airline in the Philippines have flights to Laguindingan Airport from major cities of the country. You can take an airport van from the airport to the city proper of Cagayan de Oro. You can then take a taxi or public jeeps to Carmen Public Market. The terminal for vans going to Talakag is along Castro Street, right infront of Rika Drugstore. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Tignapoloan Crossing where you can take a habal-habal to Sinulom Falls. Please make sure that you also arrange a return trip with your habal-habal driver. For habal-habal arrangements, you can contact Kuya Albert at (0926) 4803823.
I remember Antipolo City as a favorite chill spot when I was in college. The ridge along Sumulong Highway was a top choice for a Friday night out where you enjoy the cool weather and the view of the metro’s lights over bottles of beer and sisig. Back then, these kinds of night outs were a luxury. We usually do this after hurdling our finals and opening the school break.  Antipolo is a favorite coffee stop by many residents of Manila but this city has more to offer. Antipolo City has kept its charm as an easy escape from the metro, be it a day trip or a weekend escape. A visit to this suburb city was made easy with the LRT 2 extension that significantly cut travel time to the east of Metro Manila. Despite these changes, the city managed to retain its “provincial” vibe that attracts metro residents and local travelers. My eagerness to check the LRT 2 extension got me re-visiting and re-exploring the city that sits on the hills east of the metro. Cathedral of Antipolo At the heart of the city is the Cathedral of Antipolo, also known as the Pontifical Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It is the home of the Black Madonna - the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The church receives millions of devotees especially during the annual “alay lakad” held annually every April 30. During this time, devotees conduct their “panata” as they bring their petitions to the patron Lady, walking the length of Sumulong Highway and Ortigas Avenue to the church grounds.  The Antipolo Cathedral is visited by thousands of devotees during the annual "Alay Lakad".
While we all marvel at the beauty and people’s devotion of the church, I discovered that behind the church’s altar is a small museum where you get to see a brief history and an exhibit of the church’s artifacts. A small prayer room is found behind the back of the church where you can light a candle and offer your prayers and manifestations. The stairs inside the room leads up to a loft where the artifacts of the church are on display. These includes revered Marian images, old garments of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, and miniature tableaus depicting significant events of the church.
You also get a closer look at the revered image from a small window behind its pedestal on the church’s retablo. The vantage point gives you a back view of the Marian image and the navel of the church. Devotees take the time to also offer their prayers on this pedestal. Mystical Cave My curiosity was piqued when I first heard of the Mystical Cave in Antipolo. It does not come as a surprise as the city lie along the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. It sounded really interesting so I took the time to explore it during a recent visit in the city.  The Mystical Cave is a destination visited by devotees and travelers along the city's outskirt. The cave is located on the outskirts of the city. It is about a 20-30 minute trike ride from the city center. The cave faces the Laguna de Bay. One needs to climb up a flight of stairs to get to the mouth of the cave. A fee is charged by the caretakers to enter the cave which includes a guided tour of the upper part of the cave system. Our guide said exploring the lower part of the cave can be a challenge physically as some parts would require crawling through small spaces to get through.
The upper level of the cave is easy to navigate. The cave has a single opening that serves as the only entrance and exit into the system. It has its own collection of stalactite and stalagmite rock formations although it seems that it has been exposed to human activity. Our guide walked us through the well-lighted trail where she highlighted some formations that the shadows casted depict religious figures and events. You get to explore the upper part cave in 20 minutes with the guide helping you with the vantage points to catch the shadow casted. It does take a little creativity to be able to see the image described by the guide.
Mystical Cave has become an attraction especially during the Lenten Season because devotees flock to the cave because of its religious depiction. Although not recognized by the Catholic Church, the faithful still visit the church and offer prayers to these “religious” images. The cave is not just an attraction among travelers and bikers but also to the faithful. Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape A lot of improvement has been done on the protected area of Hinulugang Taktak from the last time that I visited the park. Apart from the less musky smell of the falls, the park offers exciting activities that will keep both adults and kids excited and challenged. You could really see that the local government has invested on improving the park as an attraction for the city.  An upper view of the beautiful Himulugang Taktak. There are activities that will challenge you and will make you face your fears that are FREE currently. You can challenge yourself physically by trying out wall climbing or challenge your fear of heights by rappeling down. You can also choose to enjoy the views of Hinulugang Taktak and its surrounding areas by traversing the treetop canopies or by enjoying the heights at the spider web. These activities are free to visitors, at present, for people to enjoy and give you different views of the Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape.
Hinulugang Taktak remains majestic and beautiful. The smell that the cascading waters emit has significantly improved. Park sheds are properly maintained making the park a good spot for picnics with family and/or friends. The park also has a public swimming pool that provide an easy relief from the heat. This would make the Hinulugang Taktak Protected Area a quick and easy to visit during the summer months. Pinto Art Museum Pinto Art Museum is probably the most popular art gallery on this side of Manila. Founded by Dr. Joven Cuanang, the museum’s humble beginnings started out as a hobby for the neurologists who started his collection in the 1980s. The area has been developed into a gallery that features the wide collection of contemporary artworks of local artists.  Pinto Art Museum opens the doors of my creativity. The gallery has undergone many changes from my last visit. It has expanded and has additional galleries and performance spaces. The rustic charm of the small chapel still welcomes you as you enter the compound. The cafe, adjacent to the chapel, was a huge improvement from its food selection and serving sizes. There are now 3 cafes in the museum that caters to visitors of the museum.
The Pinto Academy is a structure that houses Filipino cultural galleries and performance spaces. An outdoor amphitheater gives you that rustic and relaxing vibe as you enjoy the Antipolo breeze under the afternoon sun. The artistry of Pinto is felt with the Nine Muses and Chorus in teracota by Noi Gonzales. The structure also houses Indigenous Art from pre-Spanish jar covers, images of ethnic gods, musical instruments of the country, and ancient burial jars. Interestingly, the burial jars are displayed in a manner that it takes out the fear associated with death. It makes you feel comfortable with one of life’s constants.
There are 7 galleries to explore in Pinto Museum. The galleries feature contemporary works from paintings to sculptures to 3D walkthrough artpieces. Gallery 1 opens with “Karnabal” by the group Salingpusa. Mounted in an amphitheater style gallery, it gives you an impression of a viewer watching a “show”. I remember this artwork catching my attention from my first visit. The artwork and how it was placed captures the attention of guests.  The artwork "Karnabal" never fails to amaze me as I start my journey to the creative world of Filipinos. Walking through the galleries makes you pause to admire and tests your creative side. The galleries were built to also maximize the natural slopes and rock formations of the compound. I still get amazed by the “wired” artworks of gallery 3. I enjoyed the intricate detail by the artists. The exhibits have a mix of the old works with new ones keeping returning guests something to remember from the past visits and something new to admire.
The sprawling Gallery 7 was a welcome addition to Pinto Gallery. The huge exhibit area gave me a sense of freedom to explore and be creative. You get to find your own corner for your creative shots. It was a visual delight from its paintings to sculptures to its optical illusions. The exhibits depict life in an exaggerated and creative way. The basement of the gallery also features a station of the cross utilizing the materials from the ongoing construction, I think. The museum also features an arboretum where you can find your corner to relax and commune with nature.
Pinto Art Museum was a welcome change from my usual travels. It slowed me down and gave me a more relaxed vibe while testing my creativity in the process. Like what I said earlier, it gave me the chance to reminisce my previous visit while enjoying the new artwork additions and the new gallery. POST TRAVEL NOTES Revisiting Antipolo gave me an “updated” version of the city. It was nice to see that a lot of changes have been taking place to improve previous destinations while I also got to enjoy exploring new attractions in the city. It gave Antipolo a “fresher” look for me that goes beyond the usual weekend coffee stop.  Let your creativity fly! There is always something new to discover in old destinations. One just needs to have a keen eye for these attractions. It may mean re-visiting a destination with a new set of eyes or exploring a new spot that has been under the shadows. Remember that no two visits are the same. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: You can take the LRT 2 and go down the Antipolo Station. At the exit of the station, you can take a jeep that goes to Antipolo Simbahan. You get around Antipolo using the tricycle. You can contact Ate Joan at (0951) 2892809 for assistance at Mystical Cave.
My 2023 travels opened with me enjoying the view from the top. This year’s opening salvo had me puffing in the early morning cold along the mountain trails of the Cordilleras. Mind you, it was not an easy adventure, but it was one for the books. It was a personal feat that had me tearing up when I reached Luzon’s rooftop. This is my Mount Pulag story.  My Mount Pulag story is about challenging myself to be rewarded with a God-given view. Mount Pulag is the the third tallest mountain in the Philippines. Tucked comfortably between the boundaries of Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, and the Ifugao, its peak stands at a height of 2,926 meters above sea level and towers over the rugged terrains of the Cordillera. This mountain is sacred among the locals as it believed to be the home of the spirits of their ancestors in the afterlife. It is often referred to as the playground of the gods as you get to enjoy its rolling grasslands with the sea of clouds as its backdrop. 7.30am: DENR Visitor Center, Bokod After two hours of travel from Baguio, our journey to Mount Pulag started at the DENR Visitor Center in Bokod. We arrived at around 8am and the first thing that we had to do was to get medical clearance for the hike. There is a doctor in the area who can evaluate you for a fee of Php150 (as of January 2023). The medical clearance is a pre-requisite to climb Mount Pulag.
It was then a long wait for our turn to be given the pre-climb orientation by the DENR. You really need to bring a lot of patience with you as the waiting time can be gruelling depending on the number of guests for that day. The park only accommodates a maximum of 500 guests daily but that still means a long wait as they conduct the orientation in batches. You can choose to explore the town of Bokod or catch up on your sleep while waiting. I chose to pop in some music while enjoying the rugged views and the tranquility of the town.  I popped in some good music and started having my own pictorial to kill the boredom. Hahaha! The DENR orientation gives visitors of the park a brief on the mountain’s unique environmental features. Mount Pulag is classified as a national park that covers 11,550 hectares. It has 3 existing mountain trails with the Ambangeg Trail as the easiest to hike. This trail gets you to the peak in 4-5 hours. The park is home to a large diversity of flora and fauna with some of these species endemic to Mount Pulag so a huge part of the orientation focuses on being responsible visitors of the park to help preserve its natural state. 1.30pm: Baba Lak Ranger Station, Kabayan The Baba Lak Ranger Station is the jump-off point to Mount Pulag. It is about an hour away from the DENR Office and lies within the boundaries of the Mount Pulag National Park. A small community was already established here that offers homestays and basic food services to its visitors. This would be our home and base for this trip.  Baba Lak Ranger Station would serve as our basecamp for the trip. It will give you a preview of what to see at the peak. The ranger station sits along the slopes of Mount Pulag. Its location offers an amazing vantage point of the surrounding areas, from terraced farmlands to rugged mountains of the Cordilleras. As we had a lot of spare time to kill, I decided to go around and explore the rustic beauty of the place.
The center of the village serves as its business area. This is where you would find homestays, convenience stores, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Going further down the road, you would find a good vantage point where you could have a panoramic view of the terraced farmlands and rugged eastern mountain side of the Cordilleras. The mountain views, with fog drifting along and gentle cold, is very relaxing and peaceful.  I discovered a spot uphill where the ridge offers an amazing view of the surrounding landscape and a perfect spot for sunset watching.
My biggest “discovery” at Baba Lak Ranger Station is found on the upper side of the business area. At the end of the village, the road forks into two dirt roads. Take the left one and walk up the hill. Follow the road until you reach a ridge where you get the most beautiful views of the Cordillera mountain ranges. I found my spot where I enjoyed the view, the afternoon sun, and the cold. This is also a great spot to catch the sunset as it gives you a play of colors matched with its own sea of clouds. The clouds here are appreciated at closer views. 1.30am : Sunrise at 2926 MASL Our journey started out early in the cold morning. January and February are usually the cold and dry months in the Cordillera making it the best time to visit Mount Pulag, meaning a higher chance of having to hike without the rain and mud. However, you really need to bundle up on sweaters and jackets to warm you up. Temperatures can get really cold especially at the peak. I doubled up on everything - knee high socks, sports leggings, jogging pants, a shirt, a sweater, and a thick hiking jacket (designed for cold temperatures). Don’t forget to bring with you a bonnet, warm gloves (bring 2), and an extra “balabal”. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp, a rain poncho, extra shirt, trail food, and water.  I was bundled up because temperatures were really cold.
The morning hike was uneventful. You don’t really get to see much as everything is swallowed by the darkness. We hiked in hush, most of the time, focusing on our steps. We exchanged stories to keep us amused through the dark trails. Keep the noise at minimum as locals believe that when the spirits get annoyed by the noise, they make it rain. And getting wet is not something you would want in the biting cold. The trail is a gradual ascent to the top. The first assault is the trail leading to Camp 1. There were two major stops along the trail - Camp 1 and Camp 2. It was in Camp 2 that you would start feeling the cold biting. From Camp 2, it was going to be hike along the grasslands of Mount Pulag. The trail traverses along the sides of the mountain. Here you will be treated with a rare sight of hiking lamps snaking along the trail matched by the stars twinkling in clear skies. You get to see a glimpse of the peak of Pulag, in the dark, because of the lights leading up to its height. At certain points in the trail, you would catch a glimpse of the Baguio’s city lights glowing from a far distance. The sight would amaze you. I got off-trailed when I tried catching up with the group on the lead and I ended up climbing the third peak of Mount Pulag.
I almost did not make it to the peak. I almost quit on the last stretch and I had to push myself a little more. The last few meters were the hardest and I really teared up when I reached the top and saw the sunrise and the rugged terrains around the area. I found my corner behind the shrubs, hoping that it could shield from the cold wind blowing on us. It was already cold and the wind made it colder. I took my spot and enjoyed the view of the mountain sunrise. I loved how the sky slowly shifted from a dark shade to blue to orange with the sea of clouds on the foreground.  Giving my biggest smile at 2926masl! I had to push myself to get this picture. Thanks to our coor, Jorge Afable of Lakbayan Pinas.
As the sun rises in the horizon, the rugged landscape is revealed in full view. You get warmed up by the sun’s rays and you get to enjoy the views of the sloping hills of Mount Pulag and the mountains of the Cordilleras. Don’t forget to have your picture taken at the Mount Pulag sign to complete the experience. It may be a challenge, because of the crowd, but it is a souvenir worth taking for taking on the Mount Pulag challenge. 8.00am : Above The Clouds and Trails After two hours at the peak, we started our descent to the base camp. This time you get to see the views of along the trail that was covered in darkness during the hike up. We got to enjoy the beauty of Mount Pulag’s grassland as we headed back to Camp 2.
We took a detour to another peak of Mount Pulag which they call “Tower”. Our guide, Jorge, said it is the best place to catch Mount Pulag’s famous sea of clouds. I pushed myself for another assault to get a better view above the clouds. It did not disappoint. The sun was already up when we got to its peak and we were lucky to have caught it in its full beauty. It was a beauty to see fluffy clouds covering the horizon.
As we continued back the trail, I enjoyed the view of the park’s Mossy Forest. Mount Pulag has three distinct flora features - the Pine Forest, the Mossy Forest, and its Grasslands. These features are clearly outlined along the slopes of Mount Pulag. The Mossy Forest was very dramatic and ethereal. It was like walking along the set of the “Lord of the Rings”. POST TRAVEL NOTES Mount Pulag was a 2023 travel goal unlocked for me. It was a challenging first travel and yet a very fulfilling one. It was a good introduction to my curiosity to unravel the beauty of the Cordilleras. I am a Baguio resident and yet I still have to explore the uplands beyond Sagada and the Banawe Rice Terraces. This was a good start.  Getting ready for our 2023 travel adventures. I am really not a huge fan of hiking along mountain trails as I am more of a beach person. However, the Cordillera have caught my eye and I am starting to research on exploring this side of Pinas. I guess this area remains off beat for most travelers and yet I also think that it is a tourism treasure box waiting to be opened because of its rich culture and rustic beauty. Tara na sa Cordillera!😁 Watch out for the release of my Pulag adventure on video on my YT channel, #ByahengOffTheGrid, soon. Getting there: This Mount Pulag trip was organized by the FB Travel Group, Lakbayan Pinas. You can join the trip as a joiner for a rate of Php4500 (as of January 2023) that covers everything from RT transportation, accommodation with three meals and UNLIMITED coffee (Lunch-Dinner-Recovery Meal), and Registration and Guide Fees. You can get your medical clearance at Bokod for Php150. Things that you need to bring for the hike: > Flashlight/headlight > Trail foods > 1 Liter of water > Jacket/thermal > Bonnet/cap > Gloves/socks > Poncho/umbrella You can check out the FB page of Lakbayan Pinas for more details.
2022 was a year of travel revenge and recovery for me. As travel restrictions got eased, I had the chance to explore new provinces after almost two years of staying close to home. It also meant enjoying, again, the exhilarating feeling of riding a plane. It was a breath of fresh air and renewed excitement to explore the different corners Philippines once again.  2022 was a year of revenge and recovery for me. Visayas was my core travel this 2022 with its eastern side sweeping me off my feet. I was also more into the offbeat destinations this year which gave me a more raw and relaxed vibe of Pinas. It was a nice way to re-start my passion for local travel and working towards visiting the remaining provinces to complete my #GOT81 project. Just like previous years, I will be closing 2022 with my #Top3PinasDestinationsFor2022. These destinations are all off-beat and are waiting for their turn to shine. Guiuan, Eastern Samar Guiuan was love at first sight for me. I loved how the laidback vibe of this town on the eastern side of Samar fused with the natural beauty of its coastline. It is a a little piece of heaven for beach lovers. It gives you that adrenaline pumping waves on one side and a more relaxing one on the other side. It has a perfect match for every kind of beach person.  With its rustic and laidback vibe, it was easy for me to fall in love with Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
Apart from its beach spots, you can also enjoy the different natural and historical attractions that Guiuan has to offer. This quaint town played a crucial role in our country’s history, both in Magellan’s voyage and in the country’s liberation in World War 2. The town is seasoned with a perfect mix of history, religion, natural beauty, and people that makes it hard for anyone not to fall in love with the place. Guiuan is my one and only. It was one of those destinations where I actually foresee a good future for development and a great place to settle down. It is a destination that I plan to visit again soon. It captured my heart and I sorely miss it. Sambawan Island, Biliran Sambawan Island was a welcome break from the stress of a divisive national elections. It refreshed me of “back-to-basics” travel where you live a day with the barest of necessities, and that meant sleeping on wooden floors without electricity and limited water supply. It also meant having to “survive” with what food that you brought with you. This came as a surprise as I really thought that the island was “touristy”.  Sambawan Island came as a surprise but it was a welcome breather from the stress of the national election.
The island was a perfect spot to disconnect. It was rustic and laidback that you have got nothing else to do but enjoy the island in its raw form. The different angles of the island, from its viewing deck, were all amazing. Walang patapon. In fact, you will get a full load of a tropical island life as you enjoy the full day of enjoying your time for self while communing with nature. Here you enjoy everything as time slows you down. Sambawan Island was a perfect spot to re-start and recharge. It was living the island life at its finest. I just hope that further development of the island will preserve its natural beauty and calm vibe. It was nice that an island like this gave me a much-needed respite from the strains of urban living. Quirino Naging mailap but I finally got it covered and I do not regret having explored it. Quirino is a landlocked province that is offbeat and underrated. The rugged terrains of the province is a treasure trove of natural attractions above and below it, not to mention the waters that snake through its land. It gives you a wide range of travel experience that drives your adrenaline to relaxing your mind and body.  I finally got to explore and enjoy the rugged beauty of Quirino!
The province can be quite a challenge to explore because the destinations are spread out along the expanse of its mountain ranges. Although road systems were already built for easier access, public transport to these destinations can be quite a challenge. Take the time to enjoy the spots. Enjoy the rush and breathe in the rugged natural beauty of Quirino. Quirino remains rugged and offbeat keeping most of its attractions in its pristine beauty. Since all of its attractions are inland, it will take time for the usual travelers to appreciate its beauty. It is one destination that I would like to see come out of its shell and be given the attention that it deserves. POST TRAVEL NOTES As we enter a new year, I am excited to explore more Pinas destinations. I am excited to work on most of my last 14 Pinas provinces to complete my project. My target is to complete my #GOT81 project in the next two years. Here are the destinations that I am working on this year: BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) - These three destinations are my ultimate goal for this year. I think it is about time that we give the natural and cultural beauty of these destinations the attention it deserves without the prejudice. Marawi City - Ravaged by war, the city was rehabilitated by the Duterte administration. The once “hostile” territory is now an attraction that also deserves attention without the prejudice. Dinagat Island - The islands of Dinagat is calling again. This was one destination that I had to miss out because of the lockdowns. I guess it is calling me out again. Sorsogon - I have always wanted to backpack around Sorsogon. It has been on my plans for years now. I guess it is time to start putting the plans into action. Mount Pulag - The sea of clouds beckons. I need to see the sun rise from this vantage point. I know that it is going to be a perfect view.  We need to explore more chill spots this 2023. Traveling around Pinas is in my genes. Nothing beats enjoying the rhythm and the beat of our local destinations. While it is true that we have one of the most beautiful spots here in the country, its beauty is further brightened up by the Filipino spirit. My hope is that more Filipinos will discover and share our country’s beauty this 2023.
The City of Pines has been my second home. A month doesn’t go by without me having to enjoy its cold climate and its city lights. Nothing beats having to enjoy a nice steak meal at Sizzling Plate or finding my way inside the Baguio Public Market. As I struggled to find an interesting travel topic to blog about, I came across an article that there was once a proposal to declare certain spots and areas of Baguio as a heritage structure and/or area. The list included the city’s iconic street - Session Road.  Session Road is Baguio's icon. It is a central figure of the city's history, heritage, and culture. Session Road is THE most popular street in Baguio City. It has been a major business area of the city from the time that the city was chartered by the Americans until the present. It is a major stage for the city’s events from the annual Panagbenga Festivities to its Weekly Sunday Market and Street Performances. But probably unknown to many is the historical value of Session Road that makes it worthy to be considered as a heritage zone of the city. Site of the First Philippine Commission A historical marker tucked conspicuously along Governor Pack Road tells us how Session Road got its name. The site where the Baden Powell Inn is located was once the venue of the session of the Philippine Commission that officially declared Baguio City as the country’s Summer Capital. The name of Baguio’s famous street was in reference to this historical session. This official government meeting marked the start of the development of Baguio.  The NHC Historical Marker at the site in Governor Pack Road where the First Session of the Philippine Commission was held in Baguio. Unfortunately, the Baden Powell Inn is no longer in operation. Its American Colonial design remains intact against the backdrop of Baguio’s downtown area. Looking in from the outside, I guess there are some sections in the inn that offer a panoramic view of the city. I really hope that the local government can invest resources that will preserve its structure together with the rich history of the place. Casa Vallejo Established in 1904, Casa Vallejo is considered to one of the oldest institutions in the city. It was first used as a dormitory, assigned as dormitory 4, for workers who were helping build the city before being converted into a hotel in 1923. It survived the carpet-bombing during World War 2 preserving its American-colonial architecture that we still enjoy until today. It is recognized for its historical value with it own NHCP Historical Marker that was unveiled in September 2019.  Casa Vallejo was recognized as one of the oldest institutions in the city. I remember, during my younger years, of passing by the unoccupied Casa Vallejo. It looked creepy and haunted that it added chills to the already cold weather of the city. I thought that it was a perfect set for a horror film with its old wood architecture in its dilapidated state. Fortunately, the development in the area gave the casa a new lease as a hotel, the oldest in the city.
Today, Casa Vallejo is now a popular food tourism destination with its Hill Station Restaurant. It offers good food with its rustic ambiance. The hotel is also fully functional with its cozy old-Baguio style lodge. Casa Vallejo’s location is an ideal as it is close to most of the attractions in the city. Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral One of the main attractions in the City of Pines is the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, more popularly known as the Baguio Cathedral. This Cathedral by the hill distinctly stands out with its pink color exteriors and two spirals that dominate the city skyline. The church was completed and consecrated in 1936 and was dedicated to the Our Lady of Atonement.  The Baguio Cathedral sits atop a hill and dominates the city skyline of Baguio. Unknown to many, the church became a refuge to Baguio residents in World War 2. It was one of the few structures that survived the carpet-bombing saving hundreds of lives. In fact, history remains intact within the church’s grounds where the remains of the thousands of people who died during the liberation are interred. A small memorial serves as reminder of the location and the tragic event.
The church stands out from the city skyline because of the two spiral belfries and its pink exteriors. The stained-glass windows that adorn both the interior and exterior of the church is an attraction that is worth admiring. The flower-shaped stained-glass window is a feature unique to the Baguio Cathedral. The wood interior design of the church gives it a homey and rustic vibe.
The church grounds are connected to Session Road via a 104-step staircase. The removal of the roof structure gave the staircase its original beauty. You get to be amazed by the city view as you walk down the steps of the staircase. A view of the staircase from the base gives Session Road that romantic vibe. Session Road Session Road is the central business district of Baguio City. The hillside road is home to many local and homegrown businesses and offices. It is lined with a wide selection of food establishments and shops that you can choose from to dine or shop. There is even ukay-ukay shops where you can get good and branded finds at bargain prices.  Session Road is a major artery of Baguio's business district.
Session Road played a huge part in the history and development of Baguio. It served as a major artery that connected the center of American governance, located at Upper Sessions, with the local center of commerce. It was a no brainer that development would spur along the area. Some structures along Session Road were proposed to be considered to form part of its heritage area. You can check out the Laperal Building which is reminiscent of old Manila apartments. Further down the street, you have the PNB Building, the MS Building, and Pines Arcade.  Session Road is also home to many local homegrown businesses. Session Road comes alive during Sundays and during the annual Panagbenga celebration. The road strip is closed on Sundays to traffic, giving pedestrians an opportunity to enjoy the stretch with shops, cultural shows, and performances from local artists and cosplayers. A portion of the street is also closed for artists and artists-at-heart for their chalk artworks. Session Road is also the main stage of city’s activities from the float parade of the Panagbenga to the Lantern Parade during the city’s Christmas celebration.
Session Road is a vital road link in the city playing a huge part in the city’s history and development. It also a main stage to most of the city’s activities. It can easily shift from a bustling business area to a romantic road side to a festive stage that celebrates the colorful culture of the Cordillera. Malcolm Square Malcolm Square is another stage for the city’s cultural exhibitions. During the earlier years of the city, it served as the local’s dog market. A swamp separated the market from the stone market.  Malcolm Square was once the old dog market. It is now an open space park and a venue of the city's cultural activities.
The square is now an open park and venue. It sometimes hosts activities and fairs that feature cultural shows and trade fairs. It forms part of the business district since it is sandwhiched by Session Road and the public market. Two structures being considered to be part of the heritage site of Session Road are Plaza Theater and Arevalo Building. Maharlika Stone Marker The original Stone Marker of Baguio City’s old Stone Market is mounted on one of the pillars in front of the Maharlika Building. The site where the building now stands was the original location of the city’s market. Originally called Javjavan, the stone market was built by German prisoners in 1917. It was re-constructed in 1958 but was totally destroyed by fire in 1970.  The Maharlika Livelihood Complex was the site of Baguio City's Old Stone Market. It was in the 80’s that the present structure was built and only the Eagle Stone Marker of the market was preserved from the original structure. The marker and a brief of the market’s history are now on display in front of the Maharlika Building. The market has expanded and has become a tourist attraction of the city. Maharlika, on the other hand, has remained to be the home of local businesses including shops that sell souvenir items. POST TRAVEL NOTES Baguio City is a favorite weekend destination because of its climate and proximity to Metro Manila. It has continually reinvented itself as a destination with a good mix of the old favorite spots and new attractions, not to mention, having a wide selection of food spots that will surely give you a good fill mentally and physically. But beyond the shine and the glam that go with its popularity is the sad reality that it needs to really focus on preserving the rich heritage from its humble beginnings. It needs to invest in keeping the old alive despite the changing landscape of the city. This way it ensures that the future visitors, both new and returning, are able to enjoy the uniqueness that made the city a summer capital.  Planning on where to go next. Sama ka? Keeping our heritage intact despite the changing landscape of our local destinations can be a huge challenge for local governments. It is always presumed that it is a tug between preservation and development. What needs to be done is to look for the balance between the two. Preservation and development can co-exist but there is a need for all shareholders to cooperate in finding a viable solution. That’s where the challenge lies. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas #SamaSamangBabangonMuli Getting there: There are regular trips from Manila or Pampanga to Baguio City where two of Luzon’s major airports are located. The trip takes about 4 to 5 hours from Manila. There are also regular trips from other major cities in Northern Luzon. Philippine Airlines will start direct flights to and from Cebu City on December 2022.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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August 2024
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