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.

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.

I had been assigned to a lot of places around the Philippines (mostly around Luzon) and my almost two (2) year assignment in Zamboanga City, had been one of the challenging (at first-since I had set some unlikely expectations-which is my bad) and at the same time most memorable.

The City of Flowers

The officer-in-charge at the Zamboanga site had to be replaced due to some work related conflicts. I was the lucky one ('unlucky' at first as I had said) to be deployed and be assigned for the next eighteen months. Personally, I did not find any conflict since I do not have had my own family to leave behind. The only family that worried the most was my mom (as always). I pretended that I was okay to ease the tension my mom was dealing with. Nonetheless, I was in a way worried since I was hearing and seeing a lot of not-so good news through media then.

I started my search some historical background of Zamboanga City to make me relaxed in a way. I was confused of what I was reading when it was described as the City of Flowers, 'El Orgullo de Mindanao' (The Pride of Mindanao) and 'Zamboanga Hermosa' (Beautiful Zamboanga). At the back of my head I said then, 'this is interesting!' Zamboanga had been regarded at tourism as the Asia's Latin City.

Mixture of Diverse Culture

At the moment I arrived at Zamboanga, I felt a spine-tingling sensation and I know everything was going to be fine. In Zamboanga, for the next couple of months, saw and witnessed how dissimilar cultures of Muslims and Christians jived to come up with colorful festivities and holidays. The 'Dia de Zamboanga' had been a commemoration of the place when it was declared a chartered city during the Commonwealth Government times. It was usually in February that it was commemorated. Usual Christian or Catholic Holy Days like Christmas, Fiesta de Barangay or Fonda de Barangay (feasts in honor of their patron saints), Fiesta se La Immaculada Conception (feast of the Immaculate Conception), Fiesta Pilar or Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the Santacruzan, the colorful Flores de Mayo and of course, the Holy Week are faithfully observed by Christians, Catholics and devotees alike in a very creative manner. For the first time in my life as well, I experienced some noted Muslim Holy Days such as the Festival of Sacrifice (Eis al-Adha) or 'Greater Eid'-which observed the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God and this had been commemorated worldwide as well. Another Muslim commemoration was the Eid al-Fitr or Hari Ray Puasa which marked the end of fasting period and the Isra Wal Miraj; an event observing the nocturnal journey and ascension of Muhammad.

These festivities or commemorations had really changed my attitude regarding my impression of Mindanao, specifically of Zamboanga City. It had been a home for me for almost two (2) years and the place had welcomed me as one of their natives. I realized after my assignment the first (1st) impressions of the foreign navigators who discovered the place, how they were mesmerized and fascinated by the beauty of now the City of Flowers in the Philippines.

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!'

My family decided to live independently (it is popular in the Filipino culture to have this kind of 'extended family' ties) after two (2) or three (3) years since I was born. As far as I could remember, we settled in an apartment in Blue Ridge in Quezon City. My father was a resident doctor then at the adjacent hospital known as the Labor Hospital (nowadays, it is the Quirino Memorial Medical Center) and for years, he had practiced his medical expertise as a general surgeon. Then my papa decided to render his service as a government doctor and he chose to be assigned at the Bicol Region since he is a Bicolano. Since then, it was a privilege for us to be with our papa in three occasions in a month.

The first time we accompanied my father at the bus terminal headed to Bicol, I really cried a lot. I was aware that my father would be away for a long period of time and that really broke my young spirit at that time. This instance happened two (2) or three (3) times more the moment we sent papa to the terminal. Nonetheless, I realized that my tears went futile when it happened and it was the reason I stopped being a crybaby. Well, my father also talked to me heart to heart why he needed to be away.

To Legazpi City: A glimpse of the 'Perfect Cone'

On one instance, I woke up seeing my mama, papa and our nanny packed a lot of baggage and they were all in a hurry. I even remembered my mama reprimanding me for asking too much questions about what was going on. After packing our things, we headed again to the terminal and all I had in mind that my father would be again, leaving us. As we boarded the bus, my other siblings were comfortably seated and seemed to be happy. The co-driver of the bus then signaled it was time to go and I found myself trying to go out of the bus, then my papa said, 'sit tight' then he smiled. At that moment I knew we were going with my papa. I thought that time I was going to enjoy it.

After a 'gruesome' 8 hours of trip, my siblings and I were surprised, but pleased with what we were seeing in the background. Everything was literally 'green'. What we were seeing were coconut trees, hills and mountains-these things we do not usually see in the concrete jungle of Quezon City. All of a sudden, what we saw next gave us mixed feeling of admiration and at the same time fear. In my mind that time, I was asking myself, 'am I only dreaming?'. 'That is the Mayon Volcano' my father was giving us a heads up. Nonetheless, my brothers and I could not even fathom what we were seeing. It was definitely exciting and I remember overhearing my brother, 'can we climb it?'. Our curiosity stopped after a group of clouds block our wonderful view.

We stayed at one of our papa's ancestral home (yes, they do have a lot of ancestral homes scattered around the Bicol Region). The sun was setting and the clouds were still persistent in blocking our object of admiration. After a hefty meal and some mingling with our relatives, we called it a day.

'Daragang Magayon': Lady Beautiful

As soon as I woke up, it seemed like a beautiful lady was peeking on me as I again saw the majestic Mayon Volcano! True to its legend and description, Mayon Volcano is world-famous because of its ‘perfect cone’ shape. It was named by the locals after the mythical heroine 'Daragang Magayon' or Lady Beautiful. My brothers and I talked about it, and I remembered my cousins, who were locals of Legazpi, just simply laughed at us, but that did not stop our curious awe of the famous volcano. Since it was our first time at Legazpi City, our relatives with our parents decided to give us a trip at one of the scenic and tourist spots around Mayon Volcano: the Cagsawa Ruins.

Cagsawa Ruins: The silent witness of the dark side of this beauty

Being at the Cagsawa Ruins, it felt a bit strange as for my experience. All the while, I thought that once you saw the famous belfry, you were, literally, set at the foot of the Mayon Volcano. Well, it did not work that way. The bell tower or the belfry was a mute eyewitness to the terrible outburst of Mother Nature through the volcano. I was even imagining survivors trying to help their way up to the tower for refuge as they saw the raging lava. Well, that was the past and we were here to be fascinated by the beauty of the Mayon Volcano!

Seeing Mayon Volcano and knowing a bit of its past make me proud being a Bicolano. As always, I convinced my friends to go and visit Bicol, particularly Legazpi City and see the wonders the place it can give. It is definitely a must for all tourists and visitors alike to experience one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Mayon Volcano is considered to be one of active volcanoes in the Philippines and the local government never fails to give ample reminders of safety measures to guarantee a well-spent vacation. Mayon Volcano: 'Magayon ini' (it is beautiful)!

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.

Just ran out of luck: Reviewing History through the Master

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.

A bit of a history

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.

In the Beginning

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.

The Blood Compact: Sandugo

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.

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.

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'!

The 'Most Convenient Camping' I ever had

I was in my first (1st) year in my secondary education (or high school) when I was able to 'set foot' at Olongapo City, particularly in Subic Bay. It was another wonderful experience for me since the place was a bit advance than the usual city settings in the Philippines in terms of design and overall facilities.

Since the Americans left the base, they left high class infrastructures and facilities and it is up to the assigned or appointed chairman of the place how to maximize these state of the art 'junks' they left behind as well. Since then, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA had become an icon of progress in the Philippines. The place was able to sustain jobs and businesses making it a vital factor in the economic venture for the Philippines.

My First Camping

During our stay in SBMA, we were informed that we would be setting our camps outside the barracks. We were so excited that we would be able to assemble our own individual tents. Nonetheless, our senior scout leaders forgot to remind us something about the tents. Unfortunately, they were not really waterproof. The announcement was quite late and we were already set up. As for plan B, we were asked to occupy the empty barracks. None of us, at first, would like to move a muscle to transfer until Mother Nature forced us to relocate because of the rain. When we entered the barracks, we were in unison saying, 'parang sa palabas lang o sine lang ito!' (It is like in the movies or films!) We then raced to hop in and occupy a bed that was bigger than the average bed we have in our homes. The best part of it was the management allowed us to us their air condition units. It was indeed a 'cool' camping!

JEST: Jungle Environmental Survival Training

Since we were boy scouts, we hiked our way to the Jungle Environmental Survival Training Camp (or JEST Camp). The name of the place had already explained itself since the camp was meant for jungle survival. The Aetas or indigenous people of the place were the ones teaching the ways of the jungle for survival. They were very accommodating indeed! I would definitely not forget the trainer, a native, who handled and gave us some pointers how to endure the harsh jungle environment or scenario. He was Freddie Friday (as the Americans called him; his real name is Freddie Biernes or Viernes which literally means 'Friday'). He showed and demonstrated for us how to cook meat without fire by simply clamping or fixing it between your armpits and go on with the usual activity. After two (2) to three (3) hours one can now enjoy 'burger ala pit'. I was not sure if he was kidding or joking but I believed that one could do anything for survival. We were able to learn the value and versatility of the bamboo and its usage. Practically speaking we were taught to cook and make fire just using bamboo. The best part of it was when Freddie gave us a chance to taste at least a drop or two of water from a stem of a plant that could hold water.

As for me, my experience at Subic had left an impression that improvement and advancement are possible. With the aid of foreign investors and right management of the local government of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, nothing could hamper this place's economic growth. Since it has been a landmark for tourists, SBMA continues to maintain and improve its status. My latest visit in the place manifested that things were really getting better.

I learned to appreciate a lot of things because of being informed. I appreciate things if and only if it is possible to have a direct experience with it. When I started to learn appreciating music, it was not enough for me to just listen and watch concerts and see the bands play their stuffs. To satisfy my 'appreciation', I needed to learn music by playing and making them by myself using a musical instruments. Same goes with other things, like going to a place and exploring it. Before trying to be in a new place or location, I really try to have bits and pieces of information to really appreciate and 'understand' what is going on (well, my point here is for me to have a 'feel of the place'). As for me, appreciation is more of setting expectations for myself than others trying to set expectations for me. It is like throwing questions to the tour guide than have the tour lead have it all the way. As for now I would like to discuss some facts about Leyte. I would be acting as a virtual 'tour guide'.

A Bit of a History

Leyte had been actively trading with merchants from neighboring nations particularly with the Chinese until Spanish set foot to Limasawa in 1521. The local chieftains had been amicable in accepting the Portuguese navigator none other than Ferdinand Magellan. Since then the rural place had taken transition from simple rural living to a relatively modern lifestyle. However, some asserted that it was Ruy Lopez de Villabos was the first Spanish conquistador to be in the island in 1543 and coined it Las Islas Felipinas. One of the most significant historical events that took place in the surrounding seas of the island was the 'Battle of Leyte Gulf'. The event occurred on October 1944. Its historical significance was the reclamation of the Allied forces of the island that spelled a crucial element for the victory of both Americans and Filipinos against the invading Japanese in the Philippines during the Second World War.

Leyte as of Today

The island of Leyte is composed of three (3) cities and forty (40) municipalities. The municipalities had been gathered into six (6) legislative or congressional districts. Tacloban City, the island’s main city had been declared highly-urbanized city way back 2008. However, the city of Ormoc is an independent component city. These two (2) cities have independent administration from the island itself meaning residents of these cities do not participate in electing provincial officials. The other city (technically speaking) is Baybay City.

Island's Business

The main commerce or business in Leyte is mainly depends on agriculture. Planting rice is the main thing especially in the lower flatter areas like in Tacloban. Another economic drive for the island is coconut farming and making coconut oil has been an income generating trade for the island as well. Fishing is another main source of income among locals. Having the largest geothermal plant in Asia, Leyte has become one of the Philippines' resource-rich provinces

Experiencing it Live

The Festival of Festivals which is the 'Kasadya-an' showcases the uniqueness and colorful history of Leyte. The word 'Kasadya-an' itself means gaiety, merrymaking or fun. The festivity is defined by lively, lovely and colorful parade that everybody would enjoy to see! The natives, in honoring the miraculous Señor Sto.Niño de Leyte, have their bodies painted (as Pintados). This has been a practice since the early times of the locals' conversion to Christianity. This festivity has become one of the landmark occasions in Leyte. It only happens annually on the month end of June.

Leyte Island's significance can never be completed without understanding or being aware of its history. I honestly had some goose bumps before getting to the island as I read the complete account of the battle of Leyte. I even pushed a simple tour around some safe locations in the Leyte Gulf just to fully understand and at least be one with those who had fought and offered their lives for the sake of freedom and this island. As for me, experiencing is 'experiencing as'.