Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Whale Shark Watching in Sorsogon
Figuring out what other leisure things to do at sea besides the usual swimming, diving, water skiing, or surfing? Fishing is fun but there’s no fun like catching the world’s biggest fish—catching it on video face to face. And they’re all waiting to be caught on candid camera out there in Donsol.
Donsol, Sorsogon, in the southern most tip of Luzon, is where the world famous whale sharks loiter. And there they loiter the whole year round—although their peak seasons have been reported from February to May, when the Donsol Sea is at its clearest and calmest.
This fishing and diving village has clusters of beautiful mountains greeting incoming visitors. Also the wide azure sea, humble, smiling people, and recently, a world popular marine phenomenon that brings the fisher folks with higher economic revenue yearly.
Sorsogon can be reached through a land trip, public bus or private car, via the Philippine Tourism Highway. This is about a 15-hour drive of refreshing rustic sceneries from Manila taking the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Donsol used to be a quiet fishing and cottage industry town, frequented by storms and annual rains. Then God sent forth hundreds of whale sharks. The sightings first became a household byword in diving circles in the community. Then the news was passed on to some visiting tourists. Soon it overflowed to the tourism world. Now thousands flock to Donsol.
Locally the whale sharks are called “Butanding.” These gentle giants loiter in Donsol waters all year round, as observed by guys from the World Wildlife Fund. No other place in the country—or in the world—can one spot whale sharks hanging around that long.
The thought of swimming and diving with the world’s largest fish out there in deep sea is scary, to say the least. Yet these mammoth creatures are harmless and often let humans swim and dive with them side by side. It was both fascinating and magical, said one who had glided with them underwater. It was like the world stopped, he added.
At Donsol, these whale sharks may appear in a group of 10 to 15 at one time. The Donsol harbor has one of the highest densities of whale sharks in the world. Whale sharks can measure from 15 to 40 feet long. They have silvery polka dots all over them and feed only on plankton and krill. Donsol has tons of Plankton in its waters. So that’s why they’re here year round.
Whale shark watching, like diving, is a growing sea hobby worldwide and is available and affordable in Donsol, Sorsogon. It is Donsol’s main attraction today besides its other natural features that also draw the curiosity of visitors.
[Tags]Whale Sharks, Sorsogon, Donsol, Whale Shark Watching[/Tags]
Some Choice Tourist Destinations in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago located just above the equator in Southeastern Asia. Nestled between the Philippine and South China Seas, it is lovingly called the Pearl of the Orient by its natives. For indeed, traveling to it is like finding a unique pearl in a vast ocean, discovering not only beautiful spots but also warm and hospitable inhabitants.
It enjoys a warm, humid climate all year round and for this, tourists usually find haven in its countless beaches. Foremost is the world-famous island resort of Boracay, with its powdery white sands, crystalline-blue sea and spectacular sunsets. Tourist accommodations are abundant, ranging from the luxurious and exclusive to the more budget-friendly. One can take his pick on varied amenities available for swimming, diving, sailing, sport fishing, or just sunbathing.
Another popular tourist destination is the island of Palawan, known for its pristine beaches and friendly people. Exotic flowers and animals abound in this quaint locale. It is here where the Tubbataha Reef is found, a marine sanctuary park recognized by the World Heritage List and a source of constant joy for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. For a touch of adventure, one can explore caves in the underground river of Saint Paul’s National Park or take a safari ride in Calauit Island to see unusual wildlife.
Bohol is considered as one of the loveliest islands in the country. There is no lack for white beaches with world-class resorts here and its nearby isles. There are also numerous freshwater springs where one can relax and enjoy some relaxing moments in. Another world-famous attraction are the Chocolate Hills, a group of hilly mounds that turn brown during summer, resembling a popular chocolate treat. Trips are also available to visit several of the old churches of Bohol. Here, one can be acquainted with century-old relics serving as testimonies to the country’s past under the Spanish rule.
For tourists and travelers seeking to enjoy the sea and the beach to the fullest, Siargao Island is an ideal spot. Lying in the southeastern part of the country, it is becoming increasingly popular because of its surfing waves and enthusiasts flock to this island for the Siargao Surfing Cup held every year. Other activities include sunbathing, deep sea fishing, diving and kayaking.
For those seeking the ultimate paradise, Samal Island is the perfect destination. Aside from white sand beaches, this island also boasts of mangroves, coral reefs and interesting rock formations. One can wake up and go to sleep to perfect sunrise and sunsets in this quaint locale situated at the southern part of the country.
Of course, for the more urban-seeking tourists, there is Subic Bay, formerly a military base that now boasts of the sea, commercial developments and virgin forests in one exciting package. It caters to crowds with wide-ranging interests, from bungee-jumping and sport fishing to the more sedate golf courses and arcade center.
Beauty of the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,100 islands. It is located in South East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The Philippines has 3 main regions. These regions are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The capital of the Philippines is Manila.
Culturally relevant attractions showcase the history and culture of the Philippines. We can find several museums and preserved architecture all over the islands. The Intramuros is one such structure. Built by the Spanish people during their regime, it houses several churches and other relevant political buildings and structures. In the neighboring province of Metro Manila, one can find the Banaue Rice terraces. These are mountain slopes converted into rice paddies. Since the tribes in this area didn’t have a lot of flat land, they develop the mountains to cater to their needs. In Sagada, one can see the hanging coffins, which were placed on the rock face of mountains.
In Cebu City, one can see the Lapu-lapu monument in Mactan, depicting the chieftain who thwarted Ferdinand Magellan. Cebu is also overflowing with five star hotels and resorts which cater to beach lovers and divers. Make sure not to miss the Sinulog Festival which showcases the story of the Sto. Nino de Cebu. A boat or plane ride away from Cebu is Bohol, a large island with beautiful, pristine beaches and a bevy of underwater attractions. The island of Bohol is also home to several churches which date back to the Spanish era. One can also find the legendary Chocolate Hills in Bohol. These hills look like mounds of chocolate during the dry season, thus their name.
Palawan is world renowned for its world class resorts and dive spots. One can also fish for game fish and other large fish there. The resorts in Palawan are exclusive and very private. Several of these, offer water sports adventure and other adventure sports like rock climbing. We can also witness the gathering of the delicious bird’s nests which are then made into bird’s nest soup. There are underwater rivers which can be explored by diving or by boat.
Davao City in Mindanao is home to Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak. This is the base of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary which houses the endangered eagles along with other birds of prey. The Pearl Farm, Davao is an exclusive island resort specializing in pearl culture. Bukidnon is famous for its Del Monte Golf course and Del Monte Pineapples. Huge plantations of pineapples make a scenic backdrop for pictures. Ati-atihan festivals are held in Bukidnon. These events are usually about agriculture, horse riding etc. Cagayan de Oro is the neighbor of Bukidnon to the north. One can go white water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River. It boasts a 3 hour ride down river with 27 rapids. There are several Nature Parks here that allow one to zip line from one tree to another and rappel down a gorge.
These are just a fraction of the beautiful sights and attractions to be found in the Philippines. Many more await visitors and tourists alike.
Business Opportunities for Seafarers
The many years spent by seafarers working on an international cargo or passenger’s ships is an assurance for their family of a regular income—and in dollars at that. But like every OPFW, seafarers also dream of returning home to be with their family and relatives and stay with them for good. They, too, are thinking of someday retiring from work.
Once this happens, seafarers and their families need to think of ways and means on how to maintain their upkeep. They need to plan their financial posture so that they don’t need to worry about sending their children to school or pay the amortization of their home or car loan, since the steady flow or green bucks has stopped.
Joining local shipping firms or other related fields can be an option, but for some seafarers who feel they’ve had enough of seafaring and want to try other fields of endeavor, they can put to the test their hidden skills in entrepreneurship. They may consider venturing into a business. That way, the money they saved will be channeled to a business undertaking that may anchor the family’s future.
- Video Game Arcade/Computer Shop – Who hasn’t heard of video games and the Internet and the hordes of youngsters addicted to them? With a captive and willing market among school kids, setting up a neighborhood video game arcade cum computer shop can be undertaken even without leaving your own home. Once you find a suitable space for your business, be it your own garage or a rented space, all you need are two to four play station units, TV sets, PCs, and a telephone line to get you going. That will cost you at least P100,000. Of course, you can acquire more gaming sets once the clientele starts growing.
- Agro-Business – Offering a much wider and bigger opportunities than franchising, venturing into agri-business is often overlooked if not disregarded by many would-be entrepreneurs. Unlike other ventures though, agri business may require more time before your realize profits. But once you get going, there’s no stopping it. For those with idle lands in the provinces, traditional rice and vegetable farming, as well as tilapia and bangus breeding are possible options. But with the stiff competition brought about by imported grains, you may consider into a specialized farming.
Aquaculture experts recommend venturing into niche markets such as raising eel, lobsters, lapu-lapu, and uland or Giant Malaysian Prawns. On the farming side, one option is organic vegetable farming. There is a growing market for organic produce after consumers heard of reports that most vegetable are sprayed, if not drowned, with chemical pesticides and preservatives to maintain their fresh look on the shelves.
- Bubble Gum Machine – If you are not really that interested to get into business and not ready to handle the financial risks that go with it, then experiment with a P2,000 to P5,000 investment by getting one of those bubble gum machines you see in schools, malls movie houses, supermarkets, play areas, and other places frequented by kids. The minimal investment and the profits you may realize may just inspire you to get into bigger ventures and sail all the way to prosperity.
Starting a Bakery in the Philippines
For Anna, baking was a hobby she enjoyed as a young teenager. Now that she has a family, she never thought that baking goodies for her children will turn out to be a profitable home business. Let’s find out more from her.
Q: What are the products that you sell?
A: My product line is basically different kind of cookies, brownies and sometimes cakes. For the cookies, I have oatmeal and choco chips, then the chocolate crinkles. I also bake brownies with a variety of toppings like marshmallows and nuts. Then for the cakes, I offer chocolate and cheese cakes. I also accommodate orders for cakes for special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Q: How many people do you employ?
A: I started with one assistant but later hired two more to assist me in the kitchen and one driver since I just entered into agreements with three restaurants to supply them with my products.
Q: How profitable has this business been?
A: For someone who did not really plan to start this business, I can say that I am satisfied with the profit that I have earned from this. It really is profitable since the ingredients are basically the dame, with little variety, so you get to use most of what you buy. And there is no spoilage since you bake according to the orders you get.
In terms of pricing, I have to keep my prices lower than the known bakeshops. Otherwise, customers would rather buy from them. Besides, clients expect lower prices from me. Mark up would probably be from 35% to 50% depending on the product and quantity.
Q: How do you market your products to get orders?
A: It was difficult at the start, It’s funny to think that when I was just baking for my family and friends as a hobby, I did not feel tired baking all those goodies. But when I decided to continue this as a business, I felt the pressure to think of ways to get additional orders. And at the end of the day, I really feel exhausted. I guess it was a normal reaction since you start to think of earning profits.
Initially, I asked the help of family and friends and had them taste my products. Actually, they were my initial clients. Then, their friends also started to order from me. And when I had the opportunity, I joined small bazaars in subdivisions to introduce my products. I got several orders through it. I also got to advertise my business through the mothers of my eldest son’s classmates.
Actually, I must say that this business continues its existence through referrals and being able to maintain loyal clients who order from you for several occasions.
Q: What advice can you give to those who want to start this kind of business?
A: First and foremost, you have to love baking. It’s a must! Otherwise, you cannot start this kind of business. Then you have to be patient. When I started to think of this as a business, I was so eager to earn the profit right away but it took some time. So you really have to be patient. Also, you must be very realistic and set reasonable goals for yourself and your business. Lastly, you have to make sure the quality of your products remains consistent.
A Whole Year of Banderitas
Aside from festivities with local flavors, the Philippine Islands have events too of international appeal which attracts foreigners. In Las Piñas City, there’s the Bamboo Organ Festival featuring international classical music performers utilizing the legendary bamboo organ of St. Joseph’s Parish Church. In Masbate of the Bicol Province, the Rodeo Filipino can be likened to rodeo shows in the US Midwest or Latin America with activities like bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, lassoing on foot, casting down large cattle, and wood chopping.
A whole year of banderitas
Indeed, an imaginary string of banderitas (colorful trimmings) can be wrapped around the Philippines to represent a year-full of celebrations. And we haven’t even talked about the festivals of the Christmas season yet. You may have already known that they have the longest Christmas season in the world, starting as early as October and lasting until February. The spirit of the season could not be contained that you can hear people greeting “Merry Christmas” even during the grim-funny Halloween Night and the deliriously-funny All Souls’ Day.
For devoted Catholics though, the official Christmas season begins at the first Advent Sunday which marks the start of the Simbang Gabi. Friends, lovers, families flock to churches to hear the late night or early morning mass before enjoying hot chocolate and puto bumbong. And the surrounding is really a sight to behold with the multi-colored blinking lights of lanterns. For this, LGUs have started hosting Christmas lantern, tree and other Christmas symbols festivals. In Tangub City, indigenous materials are used to create Christmas symbols to be later displayed in an event. Of course, there’s also the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga which this year will feature the largest lantern to be ever built.
Indeed, the Filipinos love to party and they party like no other people can. While the trend in western countries like America is to party in one big swoop after toiling at work for a significant time, in a society like the Philippines, every occasion becomes a cause for a celebration and so everyday is a holiday. This may appal non-members of the society but festivities like these merely reflect the Filipinos’ zest for life and their unwavering capacity to laugh at life’s hardships.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re a foreigner looking for a truly fantastic place to celebrate a holiday or a local wanting to discover more of the country, Philippines will not disappoint you. Explore and be awed.
Some of the Finest Spots in the Philippines
Take a look at Philippines’ history and culture reflected by old churches, forts and modern museums. Look at the finest three-layered forests and white-sand beaches.
Consecrated with far-reaching coastline, the Philippines are known to be pealed with good beaches and first class resorts. Its deep blue, crystal waters offer 40,000 square kilometers of different coral reefs swarming with mixtures of marine life.
Gifted with a tropical climate, the Philippines give a perfect treat to savor the sunlight. Located in Southeast Asia and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines boasts of untainted beaches, extravagant sunsets, profuse pastoral lands, superb resorts, amazingly impressive islands, and a even areas that have cool weather that is brought by the mountains.
Feel the warmth of summer just by going to beaches like Boracay, which is found in Panay in the Western Visayas Region. You may also visit Panglao which is found in the province of Bohol. Capture the view of Sagada, Baguio, and Tagaytay, and have a dip in refreshing waters of different resorts.
There are many featured destinations found in the Philippines such as:
Donsol – found in the Sorsogon province, which is called “whale shark capital.”
Boracay – this is one of the best swimming destinations in the whole world. It has crystal clear waters which are perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Guimaras – this is found in Nueva Valencia. It has 238.3-kilometer coastline. It has long stretches of powdery, white sand which is also known to be the best among the world.
Palawan – this place really has an exotic beauty. It is called “country’s last frontier.” It has more than a thousand islands and thousand islets, scenic rock formations, magnificent caves and underwater rivers.
Coron – a town which is found in Busuanga Island in Northen Palawan, it is said that men get charmed by its natural beauty.
Cebu City – branded as “queen city of the south.” This is a top provincial destination of foreign travelers.
Pagudpud – found in Ilocos. It is the best setting for photo shoots for travel magazine covers, panoramic movies. Its main attraction is Saud Beach, which is known for its fine white sand stretching for about a hundred meters and Maira-ira Piont, which hides a secluded beach that is called, Blue Lagoon. There are also breathtaking landscapes which include Bantay Abot-abot, a sculpture that is carved by the wind and the sea.
Bohol – one of the loveliest islands found in southern Philippines. This is found in Visayas region.
Panglao Island – many foreigners have beach activities here such as diving, snorkeling, and caving. This also area is also used for seminars, brainstorming, conventions, etc.
These are just some of the beautiful places found in the Philippines. Aside from these places, there’s a lot more you wish you could go and you should visit.
Film History Comes to Life at LVN Museum part 1
In difficult times such as what our country is facing now, it is comforting that there are still a few places where a Filipino can be proud of his patrimony. Yes, as the title says, we won’t be visiting a beach or a ruin. For a change, travel in the Philippines with a relaxed pace. Come with me to a different place of discovery: the museum.
Sprawling lot
Nestled on the sprawling lot of LVN studios on P. Tuazon blvd. in Quezon City is the LVN Museum. Once inside the compound, the visitor has to inform the people at the front desk at the administration building of his purpose, or he can call beforehand and have his name registered so the security guard can let him through. There is an entrance fee of P30.
The museum is still housed in a one-storey building, but don’t be fooled because there is nothing simple about the facade or the front lawn. Both are colorfully decorated with bayonets, shields, coat of arms and old lighting equipment. It’s a prelude to what a visitor can expect to see inside the museum: more than two decades of film legacy!
Before I went to the museum, I read up on the history of LVN from a masteral dissertation of a university professor. I learned that the studio was established in 1938, shortly before the Second World War. The acronym LVN was taken from the first letter of the last names of its partners: Doña Narcisa Buencamino de Leon, Carmen Villongco and Eleuterio Navoa Sr.
Facilities
It was closed down during the war and opened again after the Liberation until 1961, when it finally stopped producing movies. LVN Studios’ facilities were revitalized to cater to post-production needs of its clients.
The museum is packed with surprises. I call them that because from what I’ve learned from my edifying interview with its curator and founder, Bernard Fernandez, the pieces on display were salvaged from a neglected state in storage. A museum was never in the plan of LVN.
Fernandez said that the museum was created by a mere stroke of fate, with a little initiative from him. He recalled seeing boxes and boxes of old costumes and props stacked in a bodega more than 10 years ago. Then in 1989, he had a vacant lot—where old and rotting cars were piled up—leveled down and a sort of open structure was erected. He employed a hired hand and moved the salvaged boxes to that site.
Bingo Jambo
If one takes a stroll in most of the big malls here in the Philippines, one would notice that almost all, if not all, have a special area for BINGO enthusiasts. In these halls, people of all ages, and of all walks of life, can be spotted, from a bouncing toddler to a weakly elder, from the masses to the elite all play Bingo. This grand game has been among the favorite past times of Filipino families most especially on weekends.
Bingo is a basically a game of chance wherein random numbers are picked and players match these numbers to their corresponding 5×5 cards which are basically a matrix of numbers and the letters B, I, N, G, O, hence BINGO.
Whenever, a specified pattern is formed, the player shouts “BINGO” to notify the caller of the win and inform other players. The caller will verify the pattern and will declare the winner. A corresponding cash price for the pattern will be given.
Then another pattern is called and another game is played until another player wins. Usually, the game is played in rounds wherein each round has a specified pattern that players aim to form. The pattern becomes more and more difficult round after round and the pot money becomes bigger and bigger, up to the final round, which is famously called as the black-out here in the Philippines. In these rounds all numbers in the matrix must be called and filled out on your card in order to win.
It can be argued that BINGO originated from the similar game Lotto in Italy around 1530. The term BINGO however came from the word Beano in the United States. Beans were used to cover the numbers on the cards back then. It is argued that an excited player shouted Bingo instead of Beano, and the term was adopted then on.
In the Philippines, earlier BINGO games were mostly played in “perias”, an interim amusement place established during fiestas in the different barrios / places. This evolved into a highly popular game and is now often used as a form of charity by religious churches and / or groups, and other fund raising activities. Presently, online and real time games are also available over the web.
Off shoots from the original game have been developed as well, such as Christmas Bingo, Bovine Bingo, Roadkill Bingo etc. Basically the same principles and rules apply, with a little modification for more excitement, and only the rewards are changed. In Christmas Bingo for example, instead of monetary jackpots, gifts are given to the winners, also, at the onset, the cards given to the players are blank and it is up to the players to fill the blanks with numbers from 1 to 40. No duplication of numbers on one card is allowed.
Philippine Party Mania
Party mania
As with all other peoples, Filipinos cherish their freedom so much that almost all historical events especially battles are commemorated. There’s the Battle of Bessang Pass in Ilocos Norte on June 14 which led to the surrender of General Yamashita and the end of the Japanese Occupation. Re-enactments abound too like the Homonhon Landing of Fernando Magallanes on March 16 and the Balangiga Victory of the Filipinos over the American troops in Samar on September 28.
Historical celebrations like these need the direct involvement of local government units as much as religious events need the guidance of the parishes. This influence of the LGUs is especially seen in festivals celebrating the founding of the various towns, cities, provinces or regions. In Butuan at Agusan del Norte, people celebrate the establishment of the city charter on the Adlaw Hong Butuan while the entire province of Sorsogon become one big party venue during the Kasanggayahan Festival from October 10 to 17.
By now, you may have realized the inexhaustible talent of the Filipino for celebrating every imaginable event from the gargantuan to the minute. And size or importance doesn’t matter, every celebration is grand be it the usual or the strange. Take for example the surrealistic Tawo-Tawo Festival in Negros wherein gigantic scarecrows are paraded as people dance along, the playful Obando Fertility Rites in Bulacan where childless couple go to or the ghoulish Taong Putik of Nueva Ecija where devotees of St. John the Baptist cover their bodies with mud and dried leaves.
Beauty in variety
While the Filipino passion for festivities doesn’t seem to know any boundaries, not all celebrations cater to the worldly desire for fun. Communities all throughout the country also come up with programs or events aimed at raising the civic consciousness of its populace like cleanliness and beautification drives, and environmental protection campaigns like tree planting. What is truly fun though on these events are the side highlights like small skits presented by young people.
And as a country of multi-cultural ethnicity, an entire year of celebrations wouldn’t be complete if there weren’t festivities identified with other cultures. There’s the Chinese Lunar Year celebration, an event which many Filipinos have come to embrace for its spectacular fireworks, lively Dragon dances and the sumptuous Chinese cuisine. Don’t forget the Eid Al`fitr and Eid Mubarak of the Muslim Filipinos down south, which are celebrations marking the ending of the Ramadan and the Hajj season, respectively.
