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.
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’).
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!
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 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'!
When one hears Cavite, one thinks of heroes. Truly, the mark that the Cavite province had left during the Spanish era revolution is enough to last several lifetimes. Among all the well-known Spanish-period Caviteños, and perhaps one of the most-well known revolutionaries in the Philippines, is the country’s first president – Emilio Aguinaldo.
Emilio Aguinaldo lived to a grand old age of ninety-four, merely a couple of months short of reaching ninety-five. In 1962, two years before he died, he donated his home to the Philippine government. That home is what we know today as the Aguinaldo Shrine.
Located in Kawit, Cavite, the Aguinaldo Shrine is one of the Philippines’ national shrines. It was from a window in this house that the declaration of the Philippine Independence was read. On that same day, June 12 1898, and in that same window, the Philippine flag was first formally waved while the national anthem was being played. It’s a common misconception that the independence was announced on the more recently added balcony at the top façade of the house.
The Aguinaldo shrine holds many secret passages which were actively used during the time of the revolution. However, it wasn’t always like that. Emilio Aguinaldo’s ancestral home came from humble beginnings – the structure built on 1845 was made of thatch and wood. It was reconstructed twice, once on 1849 and another on 1920. The first president was born there, May 22, 1869.
The most visible part of the structure is the triangular section with a tower topped by a spire. The climb to the highest floor constitutes climbing a whopping five flights of stairs plus a ladder. Aguinaldo was said to have a predilection for this tower at the top. The ground floor which used to be un-walled according to the architectural preferences during that time now houses a museum.
Aguinaldo’s bedroom, the grand hall, the conference hall, the kitchen and the dining area and a veranda are all located at the second floor of the house. There is also a bas relief map of the Philippines on the ceiling of the dining room with Cavite being painted red. The third floor has a library featuring a balcony overlooking the grand hall. There is also a corridor on this floor which gives access to the mansion’s eastern wing where the Aguinaldo daughters and their families lived.
The fourth floor is the Ambassador’s Room which was once used by the General’s son-in-law, Ambassador Jose Melencio, as a study. On the fifth floor is Aguinaldo’s other bedroom. It was said that this was where he spent his last years. It has a brass bed and a huge desk. The tiled terrace on this floor provides a view of Manila Bay as well as Cavite’s shores.
It only takes less than two hours to get from Manila to the historic province of Cavite. So if ever you get the urge to take a trip across time, you might want to try one of the most importance places in this country’s history; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
The 7,100 islands that comprise the Philippine archipelago have inspired a lot of myths since they became known years ago. Here is one of their versions.
According to a myth the country was once a big island. In the island lived a fierce warrior. Aside from his braveness and dexterity in the art of war, this warrior was also known for his pili (native nut) farm. Thus, the myth says, the locals fondly called him “Pili.” And he also fondly called the land his “pili” or “pinili,” meaning the chosen one.
Pinas was a farmer’s daughter. The myth says Pili and Pinas were getting along well as lovers, but a foreign king was threatening to invade the land. Pili, was not bothered in the least. According to the myth, he prepared his men for the impending invasion. Daily, he and his men trained fiercely for battle. The myth adds that Pili was a master in handling the native long sword “tabak” and the hard wooden shield “panangga.”
The myth says that finally, the day that the locals dreaded came. Not far from shore the proud sails of the invading ships suddenly appeared. The superior navy began to flex its muscles. The myth says that soon canon balls were flying overhead and destroying the defense lines of Pili’s tattered forces. The local defenders had no choice but to remain in shelters and wait for the canons to cease.
Then, the myth says, the soldiers of the foreign king landed and started to engage the local defenders with guns and swords. Many of the locals died. Pili, the myth says, with sword and shield in hands, stood his ground despite his outnumbered and badly injured men and their inferior weapons. He looked up the sky and whispered a prayer to God or “Bathala.” Immediately, the myth says, Bathala responded with a shout, saying “This is my chosen land in the far east!” Then Bathala slammed his giant foot on the land. The deep cracks and crevices swallowed the invaders, the myth adds.
The big island became several islands forming the shape of a warrior in a ready stance holding a shield (Visayas) and a sword (Palawan). Since then, the myth says, Pili and Pinas were nowhere to be found. Thus, the islands, since then, had been called Pilipinas.
In this myth, the Philippine archipelago was supernaturally formed by their faith in Bathala to save the natives from foreign invasion.
Davao City in Mindanao has a lot to offer to a tourist. The city has a lot of destinations for sightseeing, water-activities, hiking and nature-tripping, shopping, etc. These activities guarantee that travelers will enjoy their visit to Davao City.
From within the city itself, a traveler will not have a difficult time in exploring what Davao has to offer. For those who want to know the history and culture of the place, San Pedro Cathedral offers the traveler to be acquainted with the spiritual life of the city. To know more about the history of the city, the Davao Museum is certainly the place to visit and explore.
More adventurous tourist and those who want to experience the natural wonders of Davao will be delighted to know that there are several destinations near Davao. A trek up Mount Apo (the highest mountain in the Philippines at 10,311 feet) will make the visitor enjoy the rainforest of Davao. Breathtaking panoramas, waterfalls, ridges and creeks await the adventurer. Another adventure destination is Marilog. Just an hour and a half away from the city, one can explore Marilog to see the natural beauty of Datu Salumay Spring, Baganihan Caves, Epol Falls, and Seagull Mountain Resort. Another adventure destination is Eden Nature Park, which offers activities like trekking, swimming and horseback riding.
For those who love water activities the Matina, Talomo and Toril shorelines in Davao Gulf have several resorts and beaches for swimming and water sports. Another site near Davao is Samal Island. Resorts in this island offer activities like kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, windsurfing and game fishing. The Davao River, meanwhile, dares travelers to do a three-hour white water rafting adventure.
The city also has nature parks that highlight conservation of animal species. Crocodile Farm enables the visitor see the crocodiles endemic only in the Philippines. Conservation of the endangered Philippine Eagle is the showcase of the Philippine Eagle Center. The Malagos Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort showcases birds such as eagles, parrots, hawks and ostriches. These birds perform neat tricks to the delight of an audience. The Marine Turtle Sanctuary in Punta Dumalag highlights the conservation and protection of Hawksbill turtles.
Davao City also has numerous shopping destinations. One can shop for the famously delicious durian at Durian Park and Bankerohan Public Market. Souvenir shops in Aldevinco Shopping Center along C.M. Recto Avenue offers a wide array of local products. Batik garments, brass products, orchids and other products are sold here.