I had been in the 'call center' industry for almost three years and being stressed out had been an understatement. It was definitely toxic. I had to admit, this kind of industry may not be suitable especially for those who have some health issues. Nonetheless, I knew myself and what I could do and I suited up for the job. After months of taking in all kinds of calls (mostly overseas), I felt a deep longing to take sometime for relaxation and break. ‘I want to break free!’ that was what I was talking about and this has been running around my head already for quite sometime. As a sort of a cathartic means to let some pressure escape from my being, I asked one of my 'wavemates' (a term coined in the industry to denote a class or batch) if she felt the same way as well. Right on the money, I was not alone that we wanted to take a break. We need a sort of a 'team building' to vent exhaustion out.
It was during our downtime that we had a chance to talk and brainstorm the what, when, where, who, why and how of our getaway. Since we had schedule conflicts or issues, we tried to suggest a lot on how we would be relaxing. The session ended when one of our seniors suggested the place 'Puerto Galera' and everbody agreed.
Honestly, when everybody agreed, I was taken back in my mind. 'Where is Puerto Galera anyway?' was the question that was jumping around my mind. One of my teammates who was a native or Mindoro told me that the place was just approximately four (4) to five (5) hours travel from Manila. Accessibility is not a problem and we just had to take the SLEX or South Luzon Expressway going to the Batangas Pier and we need to board the vehicle in a 'RoRo' ship (roll on, roll off vessel) for us to use the vehicle with us at Puerto Galera. Ease of access was definitely not a problem going to Puerto Galera, especially within the Metro Manila area. There was actually a bus terminal that provided service from Manila until tourists arrived at the vicinity of the resort itself. Another option according to my colleague (this brought out the adventurer in all of us), was to look for bus on the main road going to Batangas Pier and we would find our way to the place.
During the day itself, we had a sort of a problem. The van that was intended to transport us and that we would be using was delayed. For that reason, we decided to take a bus headed to Batangas pier. We were surprised that our supervisor was ahead of us and the van was with her as well! She took advantage of our 'shock' and we boarded the RoRo ship.
We spent the next twelve (12) – sisteen (16) hours at Puerto Galera as if there was no tomorrow. The beach was so alluring that was the reason why everybody was having fun in the cool blue water! We could not help but join the crowd and as for me, as soon as I stepped at the shore and felt the water, I immediately plunged my head and sank making my whole body drenched in water and it was an amazing feeling. It seemed that all the stress and pressure left my being and I was renewed. I felt I was a 'new man'! We ended our team building by dropping by at our officemate’s ancestral home at Mindoro and had some time to rest.
We arrived at our colleague's place just around lunch time. We have had our feel of one of his relatives' special dishes. At first it seemed to look like ordinary breaded fried pork and chicken with a sauce but when the dish found its way in our palate, it was really unique. I even quipped, 'Wow! Fried Galera!' Everybody had a good laugh and we were enjoying ourselves that time.
Before we went home, our supervisor asked for some few moments to have a small talk or meeting. She admitted that she 'set up' the 'no-van scheme' for a purpose. She wanted us to be united and at the same time be happy with our teammates. She explained that the journey in itself was part of the team building process and the moral was that we had to stick together no matter what. We all smiled and some were teary-eyed and as always, I did 'break the ice'. It was really a wonderful experience for us to one as a team. Puerto Galera had left something on my being after that short 'break' happened in my life. As of today, even though we had already decided to part ways, we would still gather together as a team as if we had just parted our ways just a day ago.
I know for sure that everybody had 'head-turning' moments in one or two occasions in our life. Being mesmerized to a certain person, to a thing or to a specific place is nothing but natural: it is a fact of life. Nonetheless, here in the Philippines, there is a place that would 'snatch' the hearts of every tourist if ever they would have a chance to see and experience this destination. Get ready and be hooked up by the charms of Dumaguete City!
History dictates some proof why this place’s charisma is simply irresistible. 'Daggit' is one of the root word attributed to the location for two (2) possible reasons. During the ancient times, Muslim bandits or pirates frequently attacked this almost coastal place. Thus the word 'to snatch' or 'Daggit' was relatively attributed to the place. Another instance it was said that the natural charms of this place never failed to attract visitors and stay there for good and consequently another word was coined, 'Dumaguet', meaning 'to swoop' then it was named as 'Dananguet' in 1572 and was referred as 'Dumaguete' not until 1734.
Sea lovers and divers alike would definitely love this place of Apo Island and Sumilion Island dive spots. Apo Island dive site showcases the wonder of the various marine flora and fauna which is one of the best in the world. Scuba diving is another activity to enjoy in this city. Children and the 'young at heart' would definitely enjoy whale and dolphin watching near Bais Bay. Another aquatic related activity or sports is kayaking.
If a tourist loves nature tripping through the land, spelunking in Mabinay Cave System is possible. Long walk or hiking on top of Mount Talinis to enjoy the three (3) lakes is another reason why this island 'snatches' the hearts of tourists and visitors alike. These sites or locations are Dumaguete City's priceless gems and that is why the local government promotes and preserves them at the same time.
The City of Dumaguete is simply appealing. Its enticing charm had been its natural wonders and beauty since the ancient time and history attested to the place's alluring appeal was overwhelming that whoever had seen this place would just like to stay for good. Nature has given Dumaguete City one of the best places to spend a lot of reasons (diverse activities in land or sea) why tourists and visitors should visit this place and be mesmerized.
I answered the simple question with these following statements and descriptions. I lived at a city that is a expansive metropolitan area of more than a million residents situated in Mindanao particularly in the southeastern part of it. For a fact, my place is considered as one of the largest cities in the world. Natural advantages are the blessings of this place that the soil is so rich in minerals and very fertile. Our local government has always been taking benefit of its strategic location which is a typhoon-free region and balance or equal distribution of climatic conditions defines its weather the whole year round.
Our mountain stood tallest amongst any mountains in the Philippines. This mountain seems to overlook our humble city and appears to be a vigilant sentinel watching us for anything that could harm us. Climbing the peak of this mountain would make one realize how blessed this modest land is: intact forest, productive valleys, traversable river, extensive metro and first-rate beaches facing the gulf.
We value education as we had been recognized one of the cities with high literacy rates in Asia. Workforce is one of the best because we can speak English and we were trained to be industrious and self-reliant. Our city is a sort of melting pot of cultures and differences are respected and developed in a pleasant and peace-loving atmosphere.
Our metropolis has bee the center of services, trade and commerce in Mindanao and our facilities are among the best providing an avenue for further economic expansion. Urban living is at its best because we have the usual amenities and facilities and we can have them in reasonable prices as well. Accessibility to the usual needs is never a problem in this place such as communication, recreation and leisure. We have had the basic needs covered with a plus.
The economic pace of this metropolis is on the rise but the great outdoors and breathtaking wonders of nature make the stability between work hard and relaxation. The question I was trying to answer was 'where do you live?' Of course, the simple answer this question was Davao City. I did not answer it directly because I wanted them to realize that the word 'Davao' was not just another ordinary place. In a way, as I answered the query, I also set their expectations of this beautiful place called Davao.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
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!
One of my favorite foods or delicacies I consider is 'Sisig'. The crunchiness, spice tingling taste and its sour based flavor made it a truly uniquely 'Filipino'. I even asked my one of my relatives to teach me how to cook 'Sisig' in her own version. Cooking the dish was a learning experience; the procedure needed a lot of effort and in order to perfect it, one must learn the secret of the 'know-how' of the dish.
I had cooked the dish twice or thrice since it needed a lot of effort, as I had said. Whenever there would be a sort of drinking sessions, 'Sisig' would definitely complete the gathering. During my college days, I was dubbed by one of the refectory servers as 'Mr.Sisig' for obvious reason. I always ordered or asked for the same dish every lunch time. I recalled searching for the origin of ‘Sisig’ for a day instead of researching for my thesis.
My girlfriend was from Pampanga and she knew about my 'obsession' with the dish. She surprised me as she asked me to accompany her at home and spend our short break with her family. Her mom cooked a special 'Kare-kare' (Philippine stew) also one of my favorite. I never appreciated peanut butter but, 'Kare-kare' was an exception. The dish was made from variety of vegetables, oxtail, tripe, beef and peanut sauce. Anyway I looked for 'Sisig' but to my surprise, it was not in the menu. It seemed that one of my girlfriend’s siblings noticed a sort of disappointment in my aura. I then observed my girlfriend and her parents whispered something and had grinned. I sensed they were up to something. The lunch continued then we rested for sometime.
My girlfriend then asked me to prepare because we would be going somewhere else and it would be a surprise. We went to SM (a famous local mall in the Philippines originally stands for 'Shoe Mart') and I observed a lot of locals gathering. As if I was hearing a count down or a loud music, all of a sudden the place was literally filled with 'Sisig'! it was the annual 'Sisig' Festival that we were going to attend to and my girlfriend gave me a sweet kiss on my cheek asked me to open my mouth then she gave me a spoonful of my favorite 'Sisig'! It was a lovely and memorable afternoon for me again with my beloved and her family. Her parents then asked me to celebrate Hearts' Day with them instead of being somewhere else with their daughter. I simply said a definite 'Yes!' to their request.
Months after the 'Sisig' Festival, my girlfriend reminded me of my commitment to her parents. I even gave her an assurance that it would be happening. As far as I could recall, we went back to Pampanga again before Valentine's Day. I was surprised that from Los Baños, Laguna, we had a non-stop travel going to Angeles City, Pampanga. We had not even had a chance to drop by at their home to leave some loads to make ourselves a bit comfortable. As we arrived at the venue, I saw a familiar sports utility vehicle and my girlfriend just opened the trunk and put all our things and headed towards the hot-air balloon field and this was actually the first (1st) time I saw such huge balloons with their pilots in them! Her dad told me that this festival had been celebrated for seven (7) or eight (8) years in Pampanga. I was really a crowd drawer. Since my girlfriend's dad was part of the organizing team, they planned to have it longer than the usual weekend affair. I was really happy that time. Spending Hearts' Day with your beloved and her loved ones as well made us even closer.
Angeles City has been transformed and has improved to a booming export processing area or zone in Pampanga. The two festivals are indeed tourist attraction and are definitely an income generating event for the benefit of the municipality. Since Angeles City has been strategically located to the busy lifestyle of Metro Manila, commerce and business would certainly flourish.
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.
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.