Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Manila Personal Blogs
Going back to ones memory lane may not be pleasing for so many people. Nonetheless, as for me, I do really take pleasure in it. Not that I am a sadistic individual trying to torture my psyche, but going back through the past has been a concoction of bitter-sweet sensation: a real-time ‘spiritual wine’ for me. One of the ‘best’, is should say, ‘intoxicating’ experience of my childhood days happened way back when I was at my second (2nd) grade during my primary education years.
My aunt was once a ‘domestic helper’ based in Singapore almost twenty (20) years ago. Nonetheless, it was just a brief stint and decided to go home and stay here at the Philippines for good. After getting a secure job, she got married and had her own family. Not long after, she and her husband was blessed with twins-an instant son and daughter. I was six (6) then, when I first had my twin cousins. They were so cute that time. It was actually a meeting of ‘first and last’ because since then, as a family, they decided to settle at Baguio for good.
Since then, I have not seen them, especially my cousins personally. I was updated by their ‘looks’ through pictures (and by the way, digital cameras and handy phones with cameras were not available during those times) and by how relatives described their physical attributes. However, the long wait was over when my aunt and her family opted to spend their summer vacation here at Manila. After two (2) long years, finally I have had a glimpse of my twin cousins since they were born. Both of them have grown a lot! Nonetheless, the excitement proved to be short-lived. They planned to stay outside the Philippines for good because my ‘Tito’ (uncle) had a break for a better job-a chance to be assigned in a greener pasture; an opportunity to stay at the land of milk and honey.
Fort Santiago
As a last note, they would like to spend their last moments being here in the Philippines by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. I was wondering if the visit would be for my cousins or for their parents. Honestly, I was more excited than my cousins since that time they were chanting ‘Jobee! Jobee!’ (most likely an inflection of the popular food chain in the Philippines which is Jollibee). Nonetheless, we pushed through National Museum of the Philippines. I was in my second (2nd) grade then, and as I recall in our History class, we were discussing the Galleons, historical trade routes and other facts that can only be read through history books. My anticipation fell short after my we verified that the museum was closed for some renovation. Again, my two cousins chanted ‘Jobee! Jobee!’ After having a hearty lunch, my aunt never gave up visiting some historical places. Since where at the vicinity of Manila, I happened to ask her, what the ‘wall’ was all about. She grinned and answered me, ‘that is Intramuros’. It was an ‘A-ha’ or ‘Eureka’ experience for my young mind during that time. Then I glanced at my aunt saying some instruction in Ilocano dialect for our ‘Manong’ (an address of respect) driver. To my thrill, we found ourselves within the ‘walls’ I was asking about. We headed to what was called Fort Santiago.
Fort Santiago (Fuerza de Santiago in Spanish) was the foremost defense stronghold of the Spanish Government in the Philippines. After the two World Wars, the government tried to restore and preserve it as a historical heritage of the Philippines. What gave me goose bumps as we enter Fort Santiago is the fact that the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last moments in this said citadel before being executed.
It seems that as we walked through the Rizal Shrine, a feeling of nostalgia entered my very being. It seemed that through the memorabilia of Rizal was trying to tell me something. The replica of the dungeon where Rizal spent his last night gave us a sense of nationality and pride. To see a ‘piece’ of our national hero, literally, was the most memorable experience I had with this visit. It was a piece of Jose Rizal’s ‘vertebra’ preserved and displayed for tourists and visitors alike to see.
I was really a very informative (I hate saying the term ‘educational’ because it does not really justify the real essence of the word) and memorable trip for me indeed. At that time, I thought of visiting the Rizal Shrine again with my own camera.
Manila Cathedral
After taking our ‘merienda’ or snacks, again, at Jollibee (as per request of my cute cousins), my aunt decided to hear mass at Manila Cathedral. My aunt was a frustrated nun actually and since she was educated and trained in a religious convent (Dominican Order), she gave me some background of the cathedral. Manila Cathedral or to be exact the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Manila. Based on etymology itself ‘cathedra’ means ‘seat’ or in religious sense ‘seat of the bishop’. As we waited for the priest for the celebration of the mass, we tried to read upon some information embossed through golden or brassy tablets. The historical cathedral itself had been reconstructed and renovated after natural calamities and the World Wars throughout the history. I remember being in shocked after we heard (for me it was the first time) the enchanting sound of the pipe organ signaling the Mass was about to start. I was glad to see that at a young age, my cousins were behaving well as my uncle and aunt solemnly pray during the mass. It was a memorable experience again for me, when I saw my aunt smile and all of a sudden shed a tear silently as my uncle tried to embrace her assuring her silently that everything would be good.
After few days since our visit at Intramuros, my parents and I found ourselves at the airport. It was ‘bye-bye’ moment for my aunt and her family and my parents told me that it would take a long time before they would be here again. As for my twin cousins, they were excited with the thought they would be boarding a plane and flying. As for me, I could not speak that time. I did not want to speak because it would just trigger my eyes to let go of the tears I try to hide that time. Yes, the tears rolled by. The thought of losing a part of my life was definitely a painful experience for me. She was my favorite aunt, and she would be gone for so long. I even recalled my mom telling me that my aunt offered to care for me after graduation, at least for a year, as an act of gratitude for my parents for supporting her studies. As she tried to consult me, she said ‘Kuya, tahan na po’ (Big brother, please calm down) in a very comforting manner. She continued, ‘you are the reason we went to those places, because I know you love history. It was my way of showing you that you are very dear to me, almost like a son for me’. My uncle also tried to consoled my and asserted that my aunt always talked about me all the time. I tried embracing both of them as hard as I could to let them feel I do not want them to go, but it was time to say ‘goodbye’.
Ten years after, back then I was in my second (2nd) year in college, going back on these places was always memorable. It was the time I had a chance to visit the Rizal Shrine for the second (2nd) time around and it seemed always the same old good feeling. Nonetheless, I visited the place with a new outlook and a different stance-but the feeling remained the same: I really missed my aunt. In order to help myself with my yearning, I decided to go to Manila Cathedral to hear Mass and pray. I tried to sit at the same spot we were together ten (10) years ago but unfortunately it was occupied. However, it was coincidental to see myself as a young kid sitting on the same spot ten (10) years ago. Since I had my own camera that time, I was able to take pictures of the places we had been years ago with different perspective. As soon as I processed them, I sent them soft copies (thanks for internet) of my photographs. As I recall, our phone rang around two in the morning (still dark here in the Philippines) and I was surprised that it was my aunt very thankful of the pictures. It really brought back the old memories, she said.
Manila is truly the heart of the Philippines. History books would definitely agree in its historical values and unparalleled heritage from other noted cities of the Philippines. Manila is a place where ‘promdis’ (a slang for native ‘from the province’) try their best to improve their lives surviving in the concrete jungle of Manila.
General Santos Personal Blogs
Emmanuel ‘Manny the PACMAN’ Pacquiao has been the the ‘real-life’ hero in the Philippines and in the professional boxing nowadays. His stardom was donned by the seven (7) world titles in seven (7) different weight categories or divisions. Most importantly, ‘The PACMAN’ has been the reason why the city of General Santos in Mindanao, Philippines has resurfaced in the limelight.
The Tuna Capital of the Philippines
I love tuna! I remember when my siblings and I were just a bunch of kids concern only with their toys, my mom usually described foods or meals she had to serve in order for us to eat them. When she cooked a certain kind of dish (it was tuna), I remembered her getting a piece of our toy fish and giving us some description of our dish. It was effective, and since then I love eating tuna.
I then realized that my mom’s description was a bit ‘short’ when I started my formal schooling. Based on the pictures and images I saw in my books, tunas are caught and were carried by fishermen over their shoulders. That means they were usually colossal in terms of size! I immediately confronted my mom about it, and she just laughed. Actually we both had a good laugh.
Encountering the Big Fish
We had a sort of team building planned by one of our superior at the office. I remembered him saying that it would be held somewhere in Mindanao. We were all excited and since Manny Pacquiao had been hitting the headlines, I thought his hometown: General Santos City. The day before our flight to Mindanao, my superior gave us a sort of documentation regarding his plans for the team building and lo and behold, we were on our way to General Santos City. When we arrived at the place; we were surprised to see and encounter our ‘big bosses’ offshore and gave us warm welcome. These guys were the ones we usually encounter through video phone or live chatting for meeting. It was good to know they were very accommodating. One of them actually admitted that he funded the team building at GenSan (another moniker of the city) because of the number one (1) pound-for-pound boxer in the world today: Manny Pacquiao. He advised us to enjoy and relax for us to be prepared of his culminating activity for the team building.
After a hefty lunch, we went to the Kalaja Eco-Tourism Destination. Kalaja Karsts Land was one of the best sights I was able to see in my entire life. Karsts are terrain formation molded by the dissolution of layers of soluble rock layer. It was called as ‘Kalaha’ after the name given by the natives because it resembles a cooking ware, particularly of a frying pot. The place was very relaxing because of scenery.
We continued our tour at GenSan and before we arrived in a fish port, one of the big bosses stood up and shouted, ‘are you ready for the challenge?’ Clueless of what we were about to do, in unison, we just replied ‘Yes!’ and the boss quipped ‘you better be ready guys!’ and laughed, since he was the boss we laughed with him as well.
When we entered the post vicinity, we were pleased to see a banner welcoming us. What made us wonder was the settings of the place seemed to suggest a sort of an activity. The host greeted us and gave us instructions of what would be happening after we change clothes and put on some gears. We were geared up for a game involving tunas, not just tunas, they were big tunas! We have had a relay game of transferring of tuna from one station to another. Tunas’ weight was no joke considering the fact that we had to carry them from one point to another. It was a fun-filled and very memorable experience for us. To be exact, it was a humbling experience. As for me, it made me more respectful of the fishermen who would do the activity over and over again to earn for a living. It made me realized as well the value of my present job.
General Santo City or GenSan had been blessed with tons and tons of tuna production the whole year long. This industry made them competitive in terms of economic growth amongst progressive cities in the Philippines. As a sort of thanksgiving, the locals celebrate the ‘Kalilangan Festival’ to showcase their talents and efforts as a sense of gratitude for an abundant harvest. For me, GenSan is one of the most memorable places in terms of natural resources.
Bacolod Personal Blogs
Bacolod is popular among Filipinos as the City of Smiles. Found in the Visayas group of islands more particularly in the Panay Island. This quiet and unassuming city is just an hour’s flight away from Metro Manila. However, its nearest airport is in its neighboring city of Silay, Bacolod is just thirty minutes away by private car.
Once you reach Bacolod, you are welcomed by the warmth of its inhabitants. A walk along downtown Bacolod can bring you just about anywhere. Its plaza is a great place for musings as you admire the city’s simple landscaping. Malls are just a stone’s throw away as well as localized tiangges to satisfy the bargain hunter within.
The primary means of transportation in the city is via the jeepney. Although its jeepneys look a little bit different from those seen in Metro Manila, these jeepneys are pretty much the same. It wouldn’t take you minutes before you learn the vernacular as to how to stop the jeepney or to give your payment.
One must try in Bacolod is its chicken inasal. Why the Ilonggos, those in Bacolod are commonly called, even have their own haven of chicken inasal that they fondly called Manukan Country. Manukan is the Ilonggo term for chicken.
Feast your eyes on a series of simple stalls all serving chicken inasal. Chicken inasal is barbecued chicken with the Ilonggos own kind of marinade. These are served on a banana leaf with white rice mixed with garlic. And if you should try the chicken inasal, you might as well try it the way the Ilonggos try it! Drizzle chicken oil generously on your rice and dip your chicken in a mixture of sili (local chili), vinegar and soy sauce. It is absolutely delicious.
Sampling the chicken inasal in Manukan Country is definitely better than any other commercialized representation of the inasal in Bacolod. Its simplicity is what gives it that edge.
Just an hour away from Bacolod’s city proper is Mambukal Resort. The resort is located on a mountain. Hot springs could be found all over the resort. It is said that these springs have a therapeutic effect on those who try it. Be careful though because the resort also offers several safety measures to visitors.
Another sidetrip that one can try at the resort is a trek to visit the seven falls. As the name suggests, seven falls can be seen during the hike. These falls offer cool and calming water to every Bacolod visitor.
These are just some of the attractions one could find in Bacolod. Of course, all these are best enjoyed among the Ilonggos who never seem to fail to smile.
Samar Personal Blogs
More than 7000 fertile islands composed the country of the Philippines and the island of Samar is the third (3rd) biggest or largest one which is connected to Leyte which is an island on the southwestern part and flanking on the Pacific Ocean at the eastern part. The island of Samar has been defined by remarkable Natural Park, hot springs and stunning beaches. The Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar is located at the southern part of the island was established to conserve and protect thriving rainforest and mystifying caves. Another noted natural beauty of this island is the Blanca Aurora Waterfalls. It is a must for tourists or visitors to see and experience this natural landmark of Samar.
Catarman: Capital of North Samar
The beauty of Samar is still hidden in Catarman. Tourist spots in this location have yet to be discovered. For those who have had discover its wonder, the local government provided some tourist amenity and basic services. To accommodate tourists, pension houses are common in the place. Though the place is categorically rural, but its market and shopping center are significantly okay.
My Place of Refuge
Catarman had been my place of refuge when I was in college. Especially during those times I was really burned out by thesis making. My thesis moderator encouraged me to submit every week at least, two (2) pages of my work for me to finish my thesis earlier than the usual so that I could relax. Honestly, it was really a good discipline; nonetheless, I had to admit it was very tough. I had to make ends meet during that two (2) month journey to Calvary as I tried giving him report every week. However, it was worth it, I finished my thesis before the first (1st) semester ended and it was such an achievement for me but my energy had been totally drained. My moderator asked me if I were okay and I frankly said I was not. I told him with due respect that it had taken the best of me I really needed a break. He just laughed and said that my efforts had been paid off because he would be giving us a total relaxation. He told me to be ready in two (2) days because we were set to Catarman-his hometown. I felt a rush of cold water showered upon me giving and ecstatic feeling! For the next few days my classmates and I enjoyed a wonderful distressing vacation in Catarman.
The Catarman getaway was definitely one of the most memorable experiences for me. It was the best place for me to relax because it had defined the real meaning of the phrase ‘getting away from it all’. It was such a ‘retreat’ for me and maybe for some other classmates because unlike other tourist spots, it seemed that when we stayed there, it was as if it was our ‘own place’. The people were so warm and hospitable that I made a pact to the place that I would be returning to the place if stress had taken a big part of me. O failed with that pact, simply because I used to go to Catarman, not to do away with stress, but to answer the call of its irresistible beauty.
Cebu Personal Blogs
Cebu City has been the considered to be center of industry, education, trade and business. It has become more than a place but it has been a symbol of progress and development in in the Visayas Region. Being there is tantamount (almost) as being in Metro Manila (capital of the Philippines). The famous Magellan’s Cross is also one of the main tourist attractions of Cebu City.
Surviving Cebu City’s Whereabouts
Since Cebu City is a highly-developed metropolitan in the Philippines, there are a lot of must-see places around the vicinity. Most of these places have historical and religious significance throughout the history of Cebu. Two (2) of my favorite places are Casa Gorordo Museum and Basilica of Santo Niño (Basilica del Santo Niño or Basilica of the Holy Child). Casa Gorordo is a well-maintained grand mansion with Spanish-themed design. The said mansion is built mostly of wood and it has one of the best garden settings I had seen. The Basilica of Santo Niño, however, has been regarded as the oldest religious artifact or relic in the Philippines. Unlike old churches around the world, this church is still active-meaning devotees, not just tourists, flock the church for Catholic liturgical or spiritual activities. This church marked as the symbol for the conversion of the natives of Cebu (since the Spanish colonization) to Christianity or Catholicism.
How to roam around Cebu City
Philippines ‘King of the Road’ or Jeepneys are the main transporters of Cebu City. These jeeps are designed with colorful patterns that tourists would surely love! Minimum charge for the fare of this public utility vehicle is usually uniformed with standard fare in the Philippines. Buses are also available in the city transporting visitors on all parts of the island. Of course, if one has a bigger and heftier budget and would like to have some personal approach as per roaming around the city, taking or renting a cab would be the best option. Taxis are available virtually around the city. As per experience, it is always best to have somebody (a relative or local in the city) to guide through the city to do some bargaining to save some hard-earned money. Nonetheless, taxis provide better comfort compare to the usual public jeeps or buses, and of course, it always comes with an additional cost. Before I forget, tricycles are also available as one of the popular public vehicles that can get tourists and visitors alike in short distance travels.
Knowing and being informed of something about a certain place would definitely spell a big difference in traveling, roaming or exploring experience. As for me, it eases up away some tension or pressure and let me enjoy my precious moments of vacation worthwhile. Cebu has been a wonderful destination for me and I would be looking forward to be there anytime given another opportunity.
Boracay Personal Blogs
The heat is on! Specifically the ‘Summer Heat’ is on! After almost ten (10) long months of formal education, now is the time to take the backseat, relax and unwind. Since the scorching summer heat makes us sweaty, we might as well try to be wet and wild as we consider taking our time or chilling in a beach resort. Of course one of the best resorts for me would be the Boracay Island
Boracay: It’s Paradise!
One of the factors why Philippines may be remembered around the world is because of this island. Boracay Island has been a major tourist attraction since it was accidentally discovered in 1970. From that time on, Boracay Island has been developed as one of the main tourist destination particularly to those who like to independently travel or the so-called backpackers.
Best time to be in Boracay
From November until February (considered as dry season in the Philippines) the main beach is said to be suitable for swimming or very calm. During that period as well, large winds and waves define the other side of the island which is best for wave running, wind surfing and other suitable aquatic sports activities. Trained lifeguards are deployed and assigned to ensure safety (courtesy of the local government)
My ‘Beaches’
The last time I was at Boracay Island, I really tried to experience all the beaches; as in literally ‘treading the waters’ and of course the crowd! I love the ambiance and the scenery in Bailing Hai Beach. When I went there, it was maybe coincidental that it seemed that everybody was so relaxed. It was not boring, it was very at peace and I just float around the shore. The next stop for me was the Puka Beach which is at the north part of the tip of the island. Blue water, white sand and relatively few patrons defined this beach and it was a perfect picture of a tropical island. I made sure that I both a handful of local jewelries made from the puka shells the locals collected (the beach was named after the shells surrounding it) and I considered them as my ‘pasalubong’ (best or nearest translation would be ‘present’ or a ‘take home present or presents’) for my relatives and love ones.
Of course, one could never consider oneself to be in Boracay Island if one had not been to the island’s main beach: the White Beach. White Beach is the center of the island in terms of business and commercial transactions. In this exquisite stretch of powdery white sand, I was able to see all kinds of trades that tourists can surely love-from food, drinks and what not’s, visitors of this island were all well-pleased!
Boracay is definitely one of the best options if one would opt to spend his or her well-deserved free time in a tropical island. Boracay Island’s guarantee of satisfaction has been proven since the time of its discovery until this very day. Yes, Boracay is indeed a paradise!
Dipolog Personal Blogs
The Orchid City
I was once browsing over some recent pictures of our trip to Dipolog City when my ‘Tita’ (aunt) asked me how to get to Dipolog City so that she could also enjoy the lovely places and landmarks Diplolog City has to offer. As a gesture of respect, it seemed that I just acted as a travel agent who helped and assisted me getting informed before I experienced
Enjoy Dipolog City through sea travel
From the port of Pulauan in the city of Dapitan, Dipolog City is very reachable. The distance between the Paulauan Port to Dipolog City is more or less twelve (12) kilometers. There are daily trips (ferry trips) that cater tourists from the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete. A weekly trip is available for tourists and visitors alike that would come from the busy Metro Manila going to Dipolog City. The creation of a ‘RoRo’ facility (Roll-on, Roll-off) located at Barangay Galas would allow for the ultimate relocation of the service to Dipolog while maintaining inter-island functions at Pulauan, that is right now a base pier.
Experience Dipolog by Land Access
I really enjoyed sea travel but my aunt was a bit ‘freaky’ about it and I was aware of it. My aunt and dad had their worst accident in the sea when they were still young. My dad, to overcome his fear, he chose and entered into sea farer’s career. My poor aunt never got over with it to the point that she almost even compromised her wedding because she kept it a secret to her ex-boyfriend (now her husband) when the proposal happened near the beach shore. It was definitely crazy but it was true. Nonetheless, my aunt was used to long hours of driving and she really enjoyed land travel. That was her major strength and unfortunately, that was my waterloo on my part. Dipolog City, from any point in the Philippines, can easily be reached through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway or RoRo system. Provincial buses around the Philippines are very comfortable and they are air conditioned. However, not for long, my aunt remembered sea travel again and she needed another option.
Welcome Dipolog City through the Skies
Since the idea of sea travel made my aunt ‘seasick’, I suggested another way of getting to the ‘Orchid City of the Philippines’. I told her that flights from Metro Manila to Dipolog City were available thrice (3x) a week. From Manila, the plane would land at Dipolog City Airport. With that note, my aunt smiled advised me within a day or two, I should be ready because she needed a tour guide for her to enjoy the wonders of Dipolog City. I knew then that Lady Luck smiled at me.
The beauty of the Orchid City of the Philippines is definitely accessible for tourists and visitors alike. Whether it would be through sea travel, land access or air voyage, transport services could provide safe and world-class quality.
Puerto Princesa Personal Blogs
Eco-tourism has been the new wave or the new culture that the Philippine government has trying to imbibe in restoring and maintaining world-class tourism. Nonetheless, before it has been totally implemented in the department of tourism, as far as I can remember, the province of Palawan already reflected this kind of culture and attitude in making their place locally and globally competitive.
‘Princes of Ports’
That has been the literal Spanish translation of Puerto Princesa according to the official website of Puerto Princesa City. Legend has it that there was once a princess with rare beauty roamed around the bay during night time, thus the name ‘Puerto Princesa’ was attributed. Other stories claimed, however, the reason for its name was because of the place’s geographic value as a harbor or port, being naturally sheltered by unfriendly weather the whole year and a suitable deepness for those ships to anchor during that time and thus the description ‘Princes of Ports’ was given (in Spanish, ‘Puerto Princesa’).
Love at ‘First Sight’
I was a first (1st) year in high school student when I was able to be at Palawan. It was our school’s annual Summer Camping that time and I was so excited because that was the first time I boarded a ‘real’ big ferry. It was definitely ‘Super’! I thought I did not need any medication for sea sickness, but when the boat started to move away from Manila port, I seemed that my world was literally turning upside-down. I really thanked God for the fast relief that time. It took almost half a day before we found our vessel in the ports of Palawan and indeed it was so different from the port where we came from.
During that time, we were surprised that there were a lot of divers making a living in the port itself. What made us be amazed of these divers was the fact that they were swimming in the harbor and we could never have had imagined it could possibly happen at the ports of Manila! These divers made a living by amusing tourists that if one of us throws a coin to the sea they would try to ‘dive’ for it!
When we arrived at Puerto Princesa City, we were welcomed by the bishop of Palawan (a proud alumnus of our institution) and we stayed at his place for the next day before totally camping out at Mount St. Paul. As first timers, many of us prepared for the camp and at the same time explored the city as we roamed around the place.
It was in Puerto Princesa that I first saw a signed board that prohibited ‘spitting’ in the city streets. Natives were so disciplined and the whole place was definitely a paradise! It was incomparable to the busy streets of Metro Manila. During that time, my classmates and I were talking about the place’s ‘charisma’ as if the city placed us under its spell and all we could say were words of admiration and wonder. The only regret that we had was we never had that much documentation as per taking some photos of the place. It was absolutely a very wonderful experience for us!
Camping at Mount St.Paul
Palawan was not yet through in giving us reasons to admire her wonders. When we went to Mount St. Paul, our Boy Scout master and leaders told us that we were going to hike to reach our campsite. I was very excited that time because, again, it would be my first time to really get ‘in touch’ with Mother Nature, as I hiked through Mount St. Paul. It was tiring and at the same time memorable experience for me. We stayed for almost five (5) days in camp, but it was indeed unforgettable. In those five (5) short days, we were able to appreciate sky or star gazing because the place was really away from the usual city lights. That was the time I saw a ‘shooting star’ and it was amazing! We never missed during our stay hiking our way to a very good swimming spot where we swam with big tides to our delight!
The Monkey Trail and the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The camp was designed for us to know and to be trained in the ways of a Boy Scout. For these reason, we were never treated as a ‘tourist’ that everything was available in one click. Nonetheless, it could be arranged though, if you visit the place as a tourist. For us, we were Boy Scouts to be trained and at the same time learn to appreciate nature. In order for us to enjoy the wonders of the underground river of Palawan, we needed to take a hike again through what they called that time the ‘Monkey Trail’. Living by the given name, the trail was indeed for monkeys freely roaming around because without the structure in which we were threading, we cannot be at the underground river, and only monkeys could jump from one rock to another to get to the other side. There was another way though, and it was through the bay boarding a small motor boat.
We were all exhausted when we reached the entrance of the underground river, but after a hearty lunch and few time of rest, again, we were back in action. After gearing up some safety paraphernalia, we boarded a small motor craft and entered our way through the cave’s opening. As soon as darkness enveloped us, the strong carbide lamps by the tourist guide illuminated a particular spot in the cave as they explained its significance. The most remarkable sight I had in this place was when the guide explained some sort of ‘cathedral’ or ‘church’ inside the river as they attributed religious figures to stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Before we left our campsite, we were given a sort of talk or conversation about caring for Mother Nature. It was then that I realized that even in my young age, I could contribute and do my share preserving the wonders of nature. I also realized that it was really possible for us to make a difference in caring for Mother Nature. As a final note, the official caretaker of Mount St. Paul prophesized that Palawan would be known because of the wonders Mother Nature had bestowed for them and it was up for the locals how they would act in order for them to thank Mother Nature by caring these wonders. Indeed, the custodian was correct Puerto Princesa or Palawan has been truly a ‘City in the Forest and Sports Tourism Capital of the Philippines’!
Immigrating to the Philippines at This Time
The prospects of immigrating to the Philippines are encouraging, especially with the current developments both in the cities and the countryside. Immigrating is especially favorable at this time when economic and peace and order situation is predicted to improve in the next 10 years.
Some sectors speculate a major and sudden turn around of events for the Philippines in the near future. Many believe that a great political and economic restructuring are on the way resulting to positive reforms that will pave the way to more local and foreign investments in the country. Due to these investments, a lot of immigrating investors will flock to the country and boost further the tourism industry. In fact, even today, these positive immigrating activities are being felt initially.
Generally, the trend of most government initiated development is geared towards an improved tourism climate in the country. This thrust is aimed to encourage more foreigners to decide on immigrating to the country. It is believed that more foreign investments will trigger more immigrating activities, and vice versa. And this should goad the government to focus more on the general peace and order situation in the country.
The Philippines has lots of tourist and scenic attractions which are mostly located in the countryside. Aside from this, it has lots of potential sites for various industries and commercial businesses. The bullish aggressiveness of the real estate sector has provided new pathways into the hinterlands and along coasts for new saleable prime lands that immigrating people can consider for residence or investment.
In fact, one of the real estate trends today in the country is to provide a complete community within a given realty project site. Most condo communities really target immigrating individuals who are looking for secure and enclosed condo communities complete with posh recreation facilities, commercial and business areas, multi-purpose centers, and security, all in the perimeter of the classy community. Most times, these condo communities are located close to a commercial or business district, like the condo communities around Ortigas Center in Pasig, Metro Manila. Immigrating families can fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings of their immediate community, plus the accessibility of commercial and financial districts.
With these present developments and others being projected for the coming years, there is an anticipated influx of immigrating foreign nationals in the offing.
Immigrating to the Philippines at this time has never been this timely. This is the best time to start positioning for the great developments ahead.
Sorsogon Personal Blogs
I remember during my primary and secondary education years in school, whenever somebody would be asking me what would be the best beach resort for me, I always replied, ‘Rizal Beach!’ Then, everybody around me would gave me their straight faces with the usual question, ‘Rizal Beach?’ Almost everybody in the classroom did not have any idea what or where Rizal Beach was located; except of course to some of my fellow ‘kababayan’ (native of the same province or region) who knew of the place. Honestly, I felt a bit of disappointment and regret to know that only a few had an idea where or what is Rizal Beach. Nonetheless, I was never embarrassed every time it happened because Rizal Beach was certainly one of the best getaways especially during summer days.
Gubat, Sorsogon: Our Place of Origin
My father was born and lived his first years of his childhood in Gubat, Sorsogon. Some of his siblings as well were born and raised in the same town until our grandparents took risk to have a better life in the concrete jungle of Metro Manila. Since my papa is a Bicolano, as always, whenever we planned to stay in Bicol for quite sometime, we would be staying at Legazpi City (on one of my father’s ancestral homes) for a day or two to prepare ourselves as we go to Gubat, Sorsogon. I really love the place because, as we always claim, we have a good ‘swimming spot’ at the back of our home! There is seashore waiting for us to swim and enjoy. Not to mention the best delicacies our relatives would be giving us.
The Rizal Beach
Whenever my father would be telling us to prepare ourselves to go to Rizal Beach, It would always be a mixed feeling of excitement and lonely anticipation. The ‘Rizal Beach Trip’ was the signal that our Bicol escapades would soon be over. It was always like that. Nevertheless, the thought of being in this cool place always made me awake the whole night because of exhilaration. After taking out hearty breakfast, we would now be headed to Rizal Beach for the next almost half-a-day of fun. Even the scorching heat of the sun could not tone down our enthusiasm a bit. Since it was our clan’s place, we would just stay on one of the best and biggest cottage or cottages available by the shore to secure our things. Cottages during that time were for rent and it was always a ‘first come-first serve’ policy. We were definitely exempted of this rule since it is ‘our place’. Just a short phone call and our relatives would be preparing the place for us. After a long and fun-filled day, we knew that within a day or two we would be going back to Manila.
Rizal Beach: My Latest Visit
After finishing college and receiving my diploma, I decided to have a trip to Gubat, Sorsogon after almost ten (10) long years. The accommodation was still the same and certainly it was very special. For years that I had not been here, the local government boosted their efforts in fostering the Eco-Tourism. What I liked best was the ‘Butanding’ or Whale Shark interaction. I was lucky that I was there at one of their peak months (February until May) that I was able to swim with these gentle giants. I never failed to visit my favorite place which was the Rizal Beach and it had surpassed my expectations. Ten (10) years ago, the place was not that developed until my last visit that there were now accommodations along the shore! I was surprised to see some of the famous movie stars relaxing with me as well enjoying my ‘favorite’ beach.
Sorsogon nowadays is one of the best places to be here in the Philippines. The accommodating and hospitable natives of this wonderful place this feat possible. I am definitely one of the proud Bicolanos to have had witnessed the place’s development throughout the years. As our relatives would greet us, ‘Dagos Tabi!’ which means ‘hop in or come in, you are very welcome!’
