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.
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.
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.
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!'
I was not feeling well the first (1st) time I traveled at the island of Bohol particularly at Tagbilaran City. One of my siblings was actually assigned at Tagbilaran City for almost six (6) months regarding a project. That was the reason why I was almost bedridden and just stayed at my brother's apartment during my entire stay in Bohol Island. Nonetheless, I have a hobby or a workaround whenever I would be stuck in a certain place. I would always look for something to read about information about the place itself. It was really automatic for me since high school when I started to be away from my parents more often than not. Of course the first (1st) place I read about was all about Makati. After that, whenever we traveled to Tagaytay City, Batangas or at any place, I made sure I was well-versed regarding some 'info-stuffs' in my head.
I tried to look for a short of a leaflet, a short manual or a tourist handout about Bohol Island in my bag and I was not able to get one. I just remembered that I must had left it with my food wrappers and trashes then threw or accidentally left it in the ferry (for the record, I would rather take a ferry boat than to have a short flight via airplane. Life is a journey indeed!) I asked my brother’s housekeeper if they there were books to read and check. She told me that it seemed that the last occupants left elementary or high school books and they were kept in the cabinet. My boredom gave me a bit of a lift and motivation to check those books. 'Eureka!' I said when I found an old edition high school history book written none other than Gregorio F. Zaide-I called this guy a master because ever since I started studying history formally, his name was always under the line 'author'. I checked the table of contents and browsed ahead to the Bohol Island section.
According to what was written or published, Tagbilaran has been considered as the 'Bool Kingdom' way back the fifteenth (15th) century. The name 'Tagbilaran', however, is still indistinct to many historians until this date. They said that the first (1st) name of Tagbilaran is 'Tinabilan' which means covered or screened since the place was protected on the southwest by the island of Panglao. Other tradition or 'rendition' (I said), the term 'Tagbilaran' was etymologically derived from ‘Tagubilaan’-coined from two local dialect word 'Tagu' (meaning 'hide' or 'to hide') and 'Bilaan' (a known marauder Muslim tribe). Thus the word 'Tinabilan': a place hidden or unconcealed from the looting Muslims. Inflexion of the word to 'Tagbilaran' could have been derived from the Spanish conquerors.
Tagbilaran started as small settlements of locals who vowed to the influence or spirit of 'Anito' (pagan idol or god) in the lower Mansasa. The first (1st) locals of the place already practiced burying the dead as archeologists found a sort of burial grounds. The place had also established trade with Indonesia, Malaysia and China. When the Spaniards came, the establishment of a more civilized and advanced community was made possible at Sitio Ubos. To fully establish a government, the Spaniards built a cathedral.
All of a sudden, I experienced a bit of goose bumps for some reason (maybe because of the medicine I took) Nonetheless, it seemed that I glanced a certain information regarding the place about a significant historical event that took place in this very place. Ever since I had read about ‘Sandugo’ or the famous 'Blood Compact', I feared about the pain that it inflicted to the participants. Little less I that I was aware of that it was really a very significant historical event and it marked a treaty or a sort of diplomacy between two nations. As soon as I read it, I called my brother and told him to arrange a trip to the place of 'Sandugo' as soon I felt better.
History is definitely a sort of a 'spirit' according to a modern philosopher. History is all about experiences, events and learning from these things. Tagbiliran City had made its choice since time immemorial to be amicable to others as per the symbolization of the Blood Compact or 'Sandugo'. History, as always, would be a key in making a place a symbol of significance.
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.
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.