One of my sister’s friends wrote the following:

While foreign tourists would most likely put the Philippines way down their list of places to go to [because of the hostage taking], I think it’s about time we locals help out and explore our own country.

I’m taking this to heart. I will travel to as many place in the Philippines as I can.

Since I was on office arrest [my boss told me not to take long trips until the end of the year], all I could do were weekend getaways or day trips. I decided to go with a day trip for the meantime.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tagaytay has always been a common destination for me and my family and friends. I can’t count the numerous special occasions that I have spent with family and friends there. I guess that for us from the South, Tagaytay offers a quick respite from the Metro Manila busyness!

So what do I love about Tagaytay? A LOT, if you ask me!

First off, of course, is the weather. Tagaytay is the closest thing to cold weather that people from Manila can get, next to Baguio. And it’s always nice, during a hot spell, to go to Tagaytay and feel the cool air there.

And who would forget about the food? Tagaytay has some of the best restaurants in the Philippines, like LZM, Antonio’s, Leslie’s, Bon Giorno [one of the best Italian restaurants!], and Bag of Beans. This mocha frappe from Bag of Beans is one of the best I’ve tasted! I’ve actually become addicted to it. And don’t even get me started with one of the best buffets in the world [and I'm not a buffet lover!]!

Tagaytay also has some of the best hotels. And for me, more than the accommodations, what makes these hotels extra beautiful is the view that comes with them. Some of the hotels serve also as golf courses, so just imagine the view. The above picture is the view from our room in Evercrest. Diba ang ganda? The scene is sooo calming!

But I guess the most important reason I love Tagaytay is that it is where my beautiful sister, Angeli, and her handsome boyfriend, Aris, got married recently. And for that, Tagaytay will now truly hold a special place in my heart.

Biases aside, it was truly one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended. It was an event full of laughter and tears [as in bumaha ng luha!]. As the wedding coordinator told me after: “It was a very beautiful wedding. Not a dull moment, at ang families nyo, super kwela.” [Yes, both our family and the groom's family are the most crazy and kwela families there are. Pag nagkasalo-salo nga, chaos talaga!] She further said, “And your families are two of the nicest families we’ve ever had.” It was so nice to hear that! More importantly, it goes to show how happy I am with Angeli’s husband…not only is he nice, but his entire family is. And I can’t be happier because our family gained more members, and I know that Angeli is in very good hands. Ours is a close-knit family, and so is that of Aris, and that’s why Aris is like a brother [even then], and his parents and siblings, even to me, are like family already.

My sister is not a crybaby [as my mother and other sister pointed out in the reception program]. Among us three sisters, it is I and my other sister [the bunso] who cry over McDo commercials and Maalala Mo Kaya trailers. Even when our mother got sick, she rarely cried. But during her wedding, she might as well brought pail for the tears she shed [tears of joy of course]. Even before her march started, she was already crying. She was hardly able to enjoy her “walk”  because she stopped every now and then to compose herself because she can’t help but cry. My mother even “made sundo.” In the end, a 10-meter march by the bride took 5 minutes [but we're not complaining, really], and after, everyone else were crying! It was such a tender, heartfelt moment! Love was overflowing, and the joy goes deep to the heart!

The reception was as beautiful as the ceremony. The food was delicious, and the program was engaging. Everyone had fun. The wedding was a collaboration among many people, including myself. And it so fulfilling to see it as a success. I really enjoyed this special occasion, and it is one I will never forget. Kung baga, unless I suffer amnesia, it will be forever in my heart.

I really thank God that my sister found a loving and kind husband. I do pray that their marriage vows will hold until they leave this world. To you both, I love you so much and best wishes! And as Mommy Rose [Aris' mother] said, bigyan nyo na sya agad ng apo!

Anawangin Cove is fast becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Anawangin is located in Zambalez, a province known for its beautiful beaches, thus the hype of how beautiful the place is.

Going to a place like Anawangin involves much preparation because it means one thing: camping.  Simple as it may sound because all you have to bring are the basics, it is not. You have to list down all you have to bring, lest you forget something behind [and there are no stores in the island]. my friends and I delegated stuff to bring, like the tents, burners, gas, cooking utensils, food, etc. A 2-day camping trip took weeks of preparation. he! he!

Read the rest of this entry »

Bohol, specifically Tagbilaran and Panglao, is one my favorite places in the Philippines. Not only is it beautiful, but also, their culture is one that many places in the Philippines should emulate.

First, the province is so green and clean! I’m not aware if they have a program for maintaining their environment and surroundings  clean, but the way they take care their place is so amazing. Green na green! I also like their culture. In Tagbilaran, tricycle drivers put an inspiring line at the back of their tricycles [if I'm not mistaken, this is a law], something like “In God we trust.” This may seem insignificant, but I bet this has an indirect positive effect on the people of Bohol.

Second, tourist spots are “untouched.” And when I say this, I mean that they are well taken care of. Boholanos take pride in their land, and this is so evident with the way they take care of the tourist attractions.

Cruising through Loboc River while enjoying lunch [or dinner] and listening to music is something one must experience in Bohol. And the experience comes with nice views of trees and waters, not to mention a playing band at the end of the river! The whole trip is so relaxing too! Cost: PhP300 per person [includes buffet meal].

Now, who wouldn’t know what these cute little things are? Mata pa lang, kilala na natin sila! Tarsier! Do you know that these guys are suicidal? Yes, they do this by banging their heads on something! Their eyes are also super sensitive, so tourists are advised to take pictures without the use of flash. And, no, you can’t take home one of these.

Bohol = Chocolate Hills. Magnificent! There must have been hundreds of small hills here! Amazing how many small hills there are, para talagang tskolate na hinulog! [Remember how we just study this in school?]

And the best thing about Bohol? The beaches. I have always been vocal in saying that the beaches in Panglao are my favorite in the Philippines. Why? Just take a look at the white, fine sand and the super blue waters. A big plus is that the beaches are not too commercialized, unlike those in Boracay, Palawan, or Cebu. There are few tourists here and few commercial establishments. The atmosphere is just plain relaxing!

Great beaches in Panglao, Bohol

During low tide, the shore can be so big and the sea can be soooo far! This is a time to enjoy the fine white sand of Panglao beaches!

During high tide, There is barely any shoreline! The beach is no near!

Can you see where the light blue water becomes dark blue? Ganda ano? That’s how far the shallow part is! Ang layo mo na, hanggang bewang mo pa rin ang tubig!

Tagbilaran and Panglao are small places…but they are very rich in places to see. You might need just a little time to go around, but you will certainly go home with the best and meaningful experiences. One of the best places in the Philippines, I might say.

For more information on Bohol, visit the following:

Bohol

Bohol, Philippines: “God’s Little Paradise”

Bohol.com

Bohol Island Travel Guides, Tips, and Information

Accomodations:

Bohol, Philippines: Where to Stay in Bohol

Bohol Hotels and Resorts

Others

Cruise on Loboc River

I found this beautiful picture of the Philippines [from Experience Philippines] that made my mouth drop [and left it hanging there for about a minute]. I’m not sure where exactly in the Philippines this is, but my best guess would be Palawan. [Click the site above to see a clearer picture.]

Beautiful ano? We really should be proud of our beaches. We have some of the best beaches in the world: Palawan, Boracay, Panglao, Pagudpud, Caramoan, just to name a very few! While other countries [like those in Europe] boast of their structure, we can boast of our environmental treasures. Kung baga, meron ba sila nyan?

I remember a conversation we had with Danelia, the pretty and nice receptionist of our hotel in Paris.

Daniela: Oh, you’re from the Philippines? It’s a very beautiful country!

Me [beaming of course]: Oh, you’ve been there?

Daniela: No. But I’ve seen it in magazines and on TV. Your beaches are beautiful! The next time you go here, can you please take the sun, put it in your pocket, and let it out here?

Summer is now here, and I guess we’ll be all rushing to the great beaches of our country. Let’s take advantage of the beautiful sand and blue waters of our country!

I’m feeling H-O-T…no, not the hot as in I’m feeling drop-dead gorgeous HOT! It’s just that this post is hot-off-the-grill! I attended this event just this morning!

Second, it is the 14th Hot Air Balloon Festival that we are talking about…

Read the rest of this entry »

I was browsing through the channels one night and came upon an “VTR” that I have come to love since I first saw it. It was the “Tara Byahe Tayo” commercial, which has the following lyrics [in bold are places I've been to or things I've done]:

Ikaw ba’y nalulungkot, naiinip, nababagot?
Ikaw ba’y napapagod, araw gabi’y puro kayod?
Buhay mo ba’y walang saysay, walang sigla, walang kulay?
Bawa’t araw ba’y pareho, parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo, kasama ang pamilya
Barkada at buong grupo, para mag-enjoy nang todo.
Halika, biyahe tayo, nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas, ang galing ng Pilipino.

Napasyal ka na ba sa Intramuros at Luneta
Palawan, Vigan, at Batanes; Subic, Baguio, at Rice Terraces?
Namasdan mo na ba ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga
Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon; Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo, mula Basco hanggang Jolo
Nang makilala ng husto ang ating kapwa Pilipino.
Halika, biyahe tayo, nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas, ang galing ng Pilipino.

From city to city, even thousand and a hundred plus islas
Sa mahal kong Pilipinas, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao ating puntahan.
Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!

Nasubukan mo na bang mag-rapids* sa Pagsanjan
Mag-diving* sa Anilao, mag-surfing sa Siargao?
Natikman mo na ba ang sisig ng Pampanga
Duriang Davao, bangus Dagupan, Bicol express at lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo, nang makatulong kahit pano
Sa pag-unlad ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan.
Halika, biyahe tayo, nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas, ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakisaya ka na ba sa pahiyas at maskara
Moriones at ati-atihan, sinulog at kadayawan?
Namiesta ka na ba sa penafrancia sa Naga
Umakyat sa antipolo, nagsayaw sa Obando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo, upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan, kaunlaran, kapayapaan.
Halika, biyahe tayo, nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas, ang galing ng Pilipino.

(*I have done these, but not in in the places specified)

(If you haven’t seen the video, I suggest you take the time to watch it.)

I don’t know why, but every time I catch this VTR, I can’t help but shed a tear. He! He! To watch these artists sing [for free] to “promote” our country is such a wonderful treat. Also, the lyrics are spot on: Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan. But more importantly, I can’t help but marvel at how beautiful the Philippines is! As in! As I watch the videos and pictures of beaches, mountains, and the people of the Philippines being shown, naiiyak talaga ako sa ganda ng Pilipinas. Honestly!

Ever since we were small, my parents have been taking us around the Philippines for us to appreciate the 7,107 islands we have. We’ve been to so many places in the Philippines and I guess this is where my love of travel and the Philippines started.  [My father has always told us, when we were pressing him to get his own passport, "Papuntahin nyo na ako kahit saan sa Pilipinas, ok lang sa akin. Pero di ako lalabas ng Pilipinas."] I believe that if you’ve been to more countries than to places in the Philippines, YOU ARE MISSING A L-O-T!

I might sound like a broken record because in all my posts on my travel around the Philippines, I’ve always screamed “Super ganda talaga ng Pilipinas!” or “Super enjoy!” But it’s so true! The Philippines is such a wonderful place! There are so many wonderful places to visit, so many things to experience, so many adventures awaiting! SUPER GANDA talaga!

In the lyrics, I put in bold the things I’ve done or the places I’ve visited for two reasons: first, to know how much I’ve traveled the Philippines, and second, to know what else I need to do or what place to visit [sort of a "to-visit" and "to-do" checklist]. I mean, I was disappointed to realize I haven’t attended a single festival yet [ay, save for the Giant Lantern Festival and Panagbenga]! I’ve been to Lucena, Bacolod, Marinduque, Aklan, Cebu, and Davao but haven’t even gotten to attend Pahiyas, Maskara, Moriones, Ati-atihan, Sinulog, and Kadayawan festival, respectively! Not even one! BUMMER! I better start now! Also, I just know I have to go to Batanes and Caramoan before I die! So much to do, so many places to go to!!

I guess I just want to encourage you all to visit these places because the Philippines is such a beautiful and great country! As in! And will never get tired of saying that! So if you’re thinking of buying a new laptop or playstation 3, or buying a new set of mags for your car,  save your money instead and go to Aklan or Davao to enjoy dancing with the performers of Ati-Atihan or Kadayawan!

Halika, biyahe tayo, nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas, ang galing ng Pilipino

[festival pictures courtesy of wikipilipinas, edited]

This entry was originally posted at kumarenggrace.i.ph.

There are some sports that I could say would be improbable for me to try. Take surfing for example. No matter how I would like to try this sport, there are some reasons why I can’t try this. First, and most importantly, I don’t know how to swim! Yup, the most fundamental thing needed, and I don’t even know how! Second, I don’t think I’d be able to stand on a board while balancing myself on the waves.

Anyway, enough about what I may not be able to try…more on what I can try!

When my friend invited me to try wakeboarding, I told her, “Asus, nakiki-uso ka na naman!” Wakeboarding is something that celebrities are into these days. Not only that, many people are trying this [new] water sport. (I don’t know if it’s really new, but maybe its something that people are noticing these days.) As for me, I don’t want to do something just for the sake that everybody’s doing this or that.

But then, the adventurous me took over and I was able to convince myself that this is something I should try even if just once in my life. More importantly, I felt that this is something I can do.

Read the rest of this entry »

The first time I went to Cagayan de Oro City in 2004 was with my family to celebrate the holy week there, so it was more of visiting churches and other tourist spots. (We also went to Iligan and Bukidnon, which was one of the nicest places I’ve been to.)

I had another opportunity to go to CDO in 2006, this time with Paul, Jane, and Rico—a birthday gift for myself. And this time, it was all about adventure!

Read the rest of this entry »

When one mentions Ilocos Sur, the immediate thing that comes to mind is Vigan. Yup, Vigan is the heart of Ilocos Sur. But one should realize that there is more to Ilocos Sur than just Vigan. Last Holy Week, Paul, Wendy, and I came with my father to his hometown, Sta. Cruz Ilocos Norte. I had the chance to rediscover this great province and get to know more about what makes it unique.

Read the rest of this entry »