Have you ever traveled on a public transport vehicle where everyone aboard seemed to be neighbors though they were all perfect strangers? Discover what it's like to travel in the Philippines in style and sit back and have a great conversation with someone who could become a great friend.
Jeepneys still remain the main method of transportation in the Philippines. They are found literally everywhere. Whether you are in the huge cities of Manila, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, and Olongapo or maybe in some backwater town somewhere on the Islands of Luzon, Mindanao or Visayas, you'll be surprised to find a jeepney speeding along the streets or trudging along dusty rugged trails. It is still the most practical and the cheapest way to travel in the Philippines.
In the mid-1940's, at the end of World War II, the jeepneys were first created from surplus Willy's Jeeps. The rear section was opened to fit a cab and an open entrance to the back, then benches were attached to the sides with comfortable back supports and an open frame window to let one have a whiff of the cool breeze.
Round bars were attached, running all around the body from which passengers can hold on to when getting on or getting off. At first canvas tops were used as a roof, but as time went on the canvas roof was replaced by metal — to ward off the sun in summer and the rain during the cold rainy season. Bright colors soon replaced the olive-drab colors, and an array of artwork was painted on the whole vehicle.
To top it all off, elaborate hood ornaments were added - sometimes a horse, sometimes even four horses would be on the hood, or even a huge trumpet-like horn to bellow out a roar to the public to announce the vehicle's arrival. All this was done to attract would-be passengers and provide a unique travel experience in the Philippines.
One might say that to travel in a jeepney is to take a taste of the Philippine culture. There is a distinct camaraderie that occurs only in this mode of travel.
Here are a few tips when on a jeepney:
First, when your in a jeepney, it is expected that when another passenger yells out to the driver and hands over his fare it is expected that those who are at arms length to grab the money and hand it to the driver or to pass it along. In this case the guy who paid the fare may have been too far back from the driver. The case is the same when the driver gives back change.
Second, casual conversations also take place inside a jeepney. People sometimes ask where another passenger is going or where he's been, not necessarily that they want to know, but it is just a uniquely Filipino way to say hi. Drivers also might sometimes josh a passenger, and anyone also has a chance to get back at him. Just in case the driver can't understand what a passenger was saying people along the line in the benches would help and try to explain. This also works vice-versa.
The culture in a jeepney is one where every passenger gets to help one another and sometimes make a total stranger a great friend. It is where one can share a ride with another and get a sample of that unique Filipino hospitality.
[Tags]Jeepney, Traveling, Philippines, Transport, Manila, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Olongapo[/Tags]
If you are intending to go on a Subic Bay sightseeing trip, it might be worthwhile to set aside at least a whole day because there are plenty of activities that can be done. If this is your first time to visit Subic Bay, here are the recommended places to visit and activities to do.
One of the most popular among Subic Bay’s forest reserve, the Bat Kingdom houses various species of fruitbats, flying foxes, and bamboo bats. The former is the biggest variety. Although they are viewed from their sanctuary, you can always spot these creatures in flight from the Bat Highway.
Stretching a total of 15 hectares, Zoobic Safari is composed of several sections. The Petting Zoo is located at the forest and houses various kinds of animals from deers, bearcats, horses, goats, and other varieties.
The Serpentarium section is home to a wide array of snakes, and there is a pond nearby which is home to crocodiles. The Tiger Safari is the highlight of the trip and a guide will input valuable information as you look at the animals.
Another Subic sightseeing venue worth visiting is the Bicentennial Park. This is the best place to go if you want to spend quality time with your friends and families or if you just want to spend the time alone. Here you can go for a picnic, take a stroll, or go fishing. The area for fishing has been renovated and improved.
If you are tired of Subic sightseeing and would want to go on an adventure, Hill 394 is one of the most well renowned venues for climbers. Standing more than 1,300 feet above sea level, it provides a breathtaking sight of Subic Bay as well as of the picturesque Mount Natib. This place also gives you an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate your body after a tiring trip.
If you want to have a feel of what the soldiers go through during military training, the Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) Camp is the place for you. This is not only a good exercise but also a good time to learn about jungle navigation. The Jest Camp has a Mini Zoo, where the Butterfly Garden is the main feature.
Another popular attraction in Subic sightseeing is wreck diving. Ruins of several ships lies underneath the waters of the bay. This is a must see for divers especially the American and Japanese vessels. Wreck diving gives traditional diving and snorkeling an additional twist.
Finally, one of the venues you would not want to include in your Subic sightseeing itinerary is Subic Bay Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park that is ideal for educational and tour packages. It provides both young and old visitors an opportunity to gain knowledge about the different marine species that thrive underneath the ocean.
At the same time, the sea pens are home to some varieties of marine life that will simply astound you such as killer whales, seals, dolphins, to name just a few.
In the end, a Subic sightseeing expedition will never be complete without a visit to the various sights that the former naval base has to offer.
Subic Bay (located in Olongapo) is 100 kilometers northwest of Manila on the west coast of Luzon Island in the province of Zambales, Philippines. The Subic Bay area was formerly home to a US Navy base, but was turned into an industrial area known as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Nestled in the pristine waters of the Subic Bay are wonderful dive sites composed of nineteen interesting dive sites, which includes a 19th century Spanish gunboat.
The Subic Bay boasts of a magnificent array of wreck dives. Since the Subic Bay was originally a site of a Spanish naval base in 1885 one of its oldest wreck dive site is the El Capitan. It is situated near the inner channel marker of the Ilanin Bay. The El Capitan lies on its port side with the stern in five meters and the bow resting in 20 meters. Average depth is at 23 meters and the maximum depth is 20 meters. One can encounter the average tropical fish species that frolic in the waters of the Subic Bay.
Home to different species of shallow water marine life, the Oryoku Maru is another dive site in the Subic Bay that is astoundingly filled with life. This dive site is located 400 meters off the Alava pier in the Subic Bay area. Maximum dive depth is 20 meters with visibility at 5-15 meters (depending on the time of the year). The marine life in this dive site is more varied including clown fishes, angelfishes, lobsters, barracudas, and spotted sweet lips that abound in the Subic Bay waters.
Another famous dive site in the Subic Bay is the World War I vintage battle cruiser USS New York. It was built in 1891 in Philadelphia and was scuttled in 1941 when the Japanese invaded the country. It lies on its port side in 85 feet of water. This historic ship still has its cannons intact and divers have categorized this dive site as the perfect spot for underwater photography. Lion fish, lapu-lapu, spotted rays, and lobsters can be observed in this dive site.
Probably the best dive site in the Subic Bay is that of a Japanese patrol boat. This vessel sits upright in the Triboa Bay at 20 to 25 meters in depth. Visibility is from seven to thirteen meters. This dive site is also famous for a nearby coral reef where divers can enjoy a vast array of coral and tropical fish.
After a really fantastic day of underwater exploring, prepare to be greeted by friendly old world charm and hospitality by the locals. The picturesque vista of a blue mountain and the sea with a backdrop of a virgin forest is truly breath-taking.
You can get to Subic Bay by car from Manila in two and a half hours to four hours depending on traffic flow. A private car transfer from Manila to the Subic Bay can easily be arranged. If you plan to get to Subic Bay by bus you should take a shuttle to Angeles from Manila. There are daily trips from Manila to Angeles. From Angeles you take another shuttle to Subic Bay. You can be dropped off at your chosen destination in the Subic Bay area.
[Tags]Diving, Dive Sites, Subic, Philippines, Luzon, Dive, Angeles, Subic Bay, Olongapo, Diving in the Philippines, Scuba, Wreckdiving, Wreck Diving[/Tags]
One of the most popular places in the Philippines in terms of tourism, Subic Bay is also known for its world-class tertiary schools that offer superior student services and academic programs. Inside these colleges, students can find different kinds of interesting courses that they can use for their professional careers in the future. All of these are part of an extensive Subic Bay education system, which specializes in various fields such as computer technology, business and other areas of interest.
Specializing in computer and information technology, people can find COMTEQ Computer and Business School along Manila Avenue. One of the major contributors to the overall success of a highly efficient Subic Bay education system, this school tries to educate its students in the best way possible with the help of its state-of-the art facilities and outstanding academic programs. It has two computer laboratories, one HRM room and an electronics room. It also features a library and advanced workstations for students. The school has the Institute for Multimedia and Information Technology, which offers courses like Associate in Computer Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. For shorter courses, students can enroll at the Center for Technical Education and Skills Development, which offers courses like Industrial Electricity, Computer Hardware Technology and Electronics Technology.
A tertiary school that specializes in engineering and technology, Mondriaan Aura College is situated at Building H-8932 within the former SubCom area. This educational institution has several graduate programs to offer. For those who wish to take a Master in Management course, they can major in Business Administration, Public Administration or Human Resources Management. The undergraduate programs of this college are also very good, particularly the engineering courses such as the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. There are also various skills courses, namely Hotel and Restaurant Services, Computer Hardware Servicing and Associate in Aircraft Maintenance Technology.
Definitely one of the most prominent tertiary schools in the area, Lyceum of Subic Bay offers good quality education with the aid of its state-of-the-art facilities. This school has a speech laboratory, a nursing laboratory and a library. In addition, students can also enjoy using its other laboratories for engineering, criminology and chemistry. It also houses a conference room, an audiovisual room and a computer laboratory. When it comes to academic programs, there is nothing bad to say about this school as it offers globally recognized courses such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration and Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. It also offers various kinds of TESDA programs including the Caregiver Training Course, Medical Transcription Services and Airline Secretarial Administration.
One of the oldest learning institutions in Manila, and in the Philippines, is the University of Santo Tomas, or UST. Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal studied Medicine in this centennial university. Other heroes and some Philippine presidents also graduated here. A short trip to this historic university captures the grandeur of the past in the present setting. It traces history back in 1611.
UST, or fondly called “uste” by generations of benefactors, was built in 1611 on approval of no less than King Philip II of Spain. Named after St. Thomas Aquinas the Dominican priest, UST was first situated inside the Intramuros Wall (Manila at the time was a walled city) as a convent and seminary. It mostly offered courses in theology, philosophy, grammar, logic, the arts, and other related courses.
In 1871 it began offering Medicine and Pharmacy. Later in 1927 UST was transferred in a 220,000 square meter lot in the Sulucan Hills in Sampaloc, Manila where it now sits right at the corner of Espana (or Quezon Boulevard Extension) and Lacson Avenue (former Forbes avenue). Well, the hills are gone today and UST campus in Manila is on a flat ground clustered with old and new buildings, a hospital, and abundant trees and parks. Other courses were eventually offered. Plans are made for an upcoming UST Laguna, General Santos City, and even Sri Lanka.
The main building was built also in 1927. This historical building in Manila allegedly boasts of being one of the first earthquake-proof buildings in the Philippines and Asia. This historical building in Manila is said to sway with earthquake motion. It is styled in classic Baroque architecture, of perfect symmetry, with an interesting look-out tower in the middle.
In World War II, the conquering Japanese Army converted UST campus into a prison camp. Lots of Filipino and American soldiers were imprisoned and reportedly tormented here. It was one of many buildings damaged when Americans attacked to liberate Manila from the Japanese. After restoring this historical building in Manila, other buildings were added, like the popular UST hospital.
Today, besides having its grand history preserved in the walls of its historical building, UST Manila boasts of some 35,000 students, state-of-the-art learning and medical facilities, a modern gym, managed parks and greeneries, and other modern amenities. Its remarkable historical, scientific, and medical museums are often field trip destinations of other schools. The air of past and present grandeur can still be had in a short visit there.
A love story turned sour. This folklore says the world started in romance but ended in fierce rebellion. Like many Philippine history events that started in the invader's love for the islands and how the natives rebelled against it.
According to this tale, long before anything was created save sea and sky, two gods ruled: Maguayan and Kaptan. The first had a daughter, which was the sea, and the second a son, the wind. Maguayan’s daughter was Lidagat, Kaptan’s son was Lihangin. The gods agreed to their marriage.
Sea and Wind had 4 kids: Likalibutan, Liadlao, and Libulan were boys and Lisuga was a girl. The folklore says Likabutan, the eldest son’s body was of rock. He was brave and very strong. Liadlao’s body was of gold. He was a happy kid. Libulan’s was of copper---he was weak and timid. Lisuga, the girl, was of pure silver. She was a gentle, sweet girl.
The parents, Wind and Sea, died. So Likabutan, took charge of wind control. The tale says grandpas Maguayan and Kaptan reared the growing siblings.
Likabutan, turned power greedy and sought to challenge grandpa Kaptan, the sky god. He tried to enlist his brothers’ help, which they gave reluctantly. Soon the trio was storming the heavens.
But they couldn’t topple the steel gate that barred their way. Likabutan, summoned enough wind power and blew the thing down. The tale adds that this so infuriated grandpa Kaptan that he struck them with a bolt of lightning each.
Libulan the copper and Liadlao the gold both melted into balls, turning into “moon” and “sun” respectively. The folklore continues that Likabutan was demolished into huge pieces and fell in the sea. His shattered body became “land.” Lisuga, their sister, wasn’t spared either. A lightning bolt shattered her into tiny silver pieces which became “stars.”
Later, the tale adds, out of a bamboo tree a man and woman came out. Later they had offspring. Their youngest, Pandaguan, was fierce and adventurous. He caught a big shark, thought it was a god, and adored it. Later, it made him think he was a god-conqueror, so he turned on the two gods. Angry they sent him a low-voltage lightning--just enough to get him back to his right senses. The folklore says that burned him black. From his darkened body came Negritos.
This folklore certainly mirrors how Filipino folks saw life around them. This affected some of their values and character---a romantic and adventurous people. Even tales attest to that.
At a young age, I felt a terrible sensation of being disturbed when poor locals of Ormoc had been ravaged by series of landslides and flashfloods way back 1991. I could still recall the horrific views in every newsflash that time and it really made me sick in a way or two. Nonetheless, as a gesture of respect and hope, my parents and I offered prayers every night for the healing process of the province and as well of our country.
Years after the tragedy, I was still stunned by the memory of those fateful days. When I entered college, I met one of the survivors of the said tragedy. At that time, whenever she shared her life threatening ordeal, see could not help but shed tears. All I could do that time was to tap her and assured her that things would be better. As if I had a genie in a bottle, things went well for the next few years on her end. During the last days of our college years, she initiated that we should plan a vacation and she would be the gracious host. I was surprised to her that and I agree to join the trip (not without some inhibitions). Few days after getting our hard-earned diplomas, we were set to her place at Ormoc and we were all surprised.
Yes, as soon as we set our foot to Ormoc, we were immediately captivated by its charm. It was like that my reservations had been overcome and I knew for a fact that this was most likely, a major factor for my friend’s recovery. Ormoc had definitely bounced back big time from its terrible past. As per economic progress, it was now considered as a first (1st) class city.
We stayed at our friend’s home for the rest of our vacation. As a gracious host, she provided everything we needed. She said that it was her way of thanking us for understanding her situation and for the friendship we had for the past four (4) years of our college lives. For the next days, she led us through various noted landmarks of her native land. Located at the heart of the city, we had some good bonding time with the Ormocanons (locals of Ormoc) as we strolled along the Centennial Park. Since my one of my favorite fruits was pineapple (for some unknown reasons) we went to Brgy. Hibunawon to visit the pineapple plantation and to taste one of Ormoc's pride the Queen Pineapple. It was best pineapple I ever tasted! We also had a chance passing by the Leyte Golf and Country Club where we met one of our friend’s relative who was a golf enthusiast. We were able to visit as well the Tongonan Hotsprings National Park. It was the first (1st) geothermal plant to run in the Philippines. This power plant also served as the main source of electricity or power of the whole district. Our tour was capped at the Lake Danao and tried to be with 'Mother Nature' as we boarded on floating cottages to be relaxed and rejuvenated.
Ormoc City after their worst ordeal as a municipality had been a symbol of hope and possibility to rise up and start all over again. Being a first class city in terms of financial or economic stability proved that this city had been gifted with determined people who knew how to handle their own fate and success.
How did Filipinos once thought of themselves in general? A popular folklore will give us a good idea how.
Filipinos, a generation ago, once had a negative folklore going around by word-of-mouth about a general concept of what Filipinos were. Folklores on lazy Juan, or “Juan Tamad,” was said to symbolize the typical Filipino. Stories of lazy Juan went around, especially narrated to kids and young people, hoping that the young generation would be challenged to wake up and determine not to be like lazy Juan.
But some social experts, beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, started challenging the general notions on Filipinos that folklores on lazy Juan produced. They asserted that such folklores did more harm than good, especially to young minds. If something like a negative folklore becomes imbedded in the imagination of the youth, it might produce a lethargic culture among them instead of discourage a similarity to lazy Juan’s lifestyle.
Folklores on lazy Juan are characterized by a lazy lad who uses his native wit to simplify hard work. For instance, instead of going up a guava tree for a ripe guava fruit, he lays down right under the fruit and waits for it to fall off by gravitational pull. To others, folklores on lazy Juan are actually a plus factor for Filipinos; they show their unique indigenous wit. Instead of unnecessarily going through a tedious process of work, why not simplify it whenever possible?
To some, the folklores really shouldn’t be titled “Lazy Juan”, but “Smart Juan.” While others insist the main character, Juan, is more a tricky Juan than a smart one. But the majority seems to favor to have the folklore remain a thing with the old folks; the present crop of young generation hardly knows the folklores on lazy Juan. It’s rarely heard in schools and kids’ conversation. It seems a majority prefer to let it die naturally; unless someone makes a PC or Internet game on it.
Some conjecture that the folklore started with the Spaniards. Some centuries ago they started a campaign to demoralize the brown Indians or “Indios” (native Filipinos) from taking even a fancy at independence and self will. Thus, according to a theory, the conquerors thought of circulating a folklore on the incompetence and laziness of “Indios.”
The folklore on lazy Juan had served its purpose in its own generation. It had made fun in certain ways some undesirable Filipino habits and highlighted in some ways some Filipino ingenuity.
Legal separation is an action taken by one spouse who believes that the marriage has no more hope of working. There is no divorce in the Philippines, and so, to get out of an unhappy or failing marriage, legal separation is the only recourse.
A husband or a wife may file a petition for legal separation based on one or several of the reasons listed in the Family Code. The first of these refers to repeated physical violence or abusive conduct. The receiver of such violence may be the petitioner, or the common child, or the child of the petitioner.
Another reason for filing a legal separation is moral pressure of physical violence to force the petitioner to change his religion or political affiliation. Another serious reason is when the respondent (the spouse of the petitioner) tries to induce or force their child (or the petitioner’s child) to be involved in prostitution.
A husband or wife may also file for legal separation if his or her spouse has been sentenced to imprisonment of more than six years. Another reason for legal separation is when the respondents attempts to kill the petitioner, or is involved in drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism or homosexuality, sexual infidelity or sexual perversion. Still another reason is when the respondent has abandoned the petitioner, without justifiable cause, for more than a year. Along with desertion, bigamy is also another good reason for filing legal separation. This is when the respondent marries another while still married to the petitioner.
There are also grounds that will make a petition for legal separation is denied. First among these is when the petitioner (also called aggrieved party) has condoned to the offense that was being complained of. This means that when a woman marries a man, who already confessed his homosexuality before their marriage, the woman’s petition for legal separation on the grounds of homosexuality will be denied. Another reason is when the petitioner has consented to the offense of the respondent.
To exaggerate, a drug pusher’s petition for legal separation against his or her spouse who is a drug addict will be denied. The court will also deny a petition if both parties wanted the legal separation. This will be taken as connivance between the parties.
Another thing to remember is that the petition for legal separation must be filed within five years of the occurrence of the complaint.
It is ridiculous to file a legal separation petition on the grounds of physical violence that happened ten years ago. Some would think that the process for this legal action is slow. Well, it may be slow. But Article 58 of the Family Code specifically stated that no action for a legal separation will be taken before six months have passed since the petition was filed. In the meantime, the court will attempt to reconcile the spouses.
[Tags]Legal Seperation, Philippines Divorce, Seperation, Family, Broken Family, Philippines[/Tags]
“Bachoy” is originally an Ilonggo native cuisine. But several versions were made of it, among which was the native Tagalog dish “bachoy. Most Philippine cuisines are characterized by flexibility. A native dish originally from a certain province or region will be redone in another. But the availability or lack of original ingredients in a locality will force improvisation of the native dish and later result into a different version of it.
Original Ilonggo La Paz “bachoy” is a soup noodle native cuisine with ample pieces of beef and spices. Native Tagalog dish “bachoy” on the other hand is a stew of swine organs and pork lean meat without noodles. What’s the difference? Cook and eat it to find out.
We need half kilo each of swine heart, liver, and lean meat. Some add a portion of lungs. These swine parts are often cheaper than pork meat itself, so this native cuisine is often economical to cook. Clean swine inner parts with water and soak in a basin of water for 5 minutes. Later, slice into cubes of about half an inch by half an inch. Then, prepare 5 pieces crushed and sliced garlic, three balls sliced onions, three small bundles of “kinchay” leaves, half of a whole ginger (peeled and sliced small), and 5 cups water. Then we’re ready to cook this native Tagalog dish.
Sauté garlic in oil in a medium-size pot until light brown. Put in onions and ginger until light brown. The natural ginger flavoring brings out the pungent spicy taste and aroma of this native cuisine coupled with the strong culinary features of “kinchay” leaves. “Kinchay” is known to normalize high blood pressure by its fibrous action and flashing out cholesterol. So this native Tagalog dish is also healthy,
Then put swine flesh and lean meat in. Cook while turning over continually for a minute. Pour 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. When swine flesh and lean meat are tender, put in “kinchay” leaves. Boil for another minute, put out the fire, and serve this native cuisine hot. Serves 5 persons. This native Tagalog dish is best eaten when supplemented with a dash of fish sauce or “patis.”
This native cuisine is considered a royal treat in Philippine dining and few popular restaurant know this almost secret recipe. This is mostly served in homes for special guests.
Philippine native Tagalog dish “bachoy” is a unique and tasty treat. This native cuisine is also healthy with a anti-cholesterol action.