Pandan Grande Island | Amazed by Gentle Pawikans

SABLAYAN, Occidental Mindoro -- It was a fine morning when our outdoor group's summer getaway officially began. We proceeded to our first destination which is Pandan Grande Island. But before that, our excitement was hung for few minutes because my companion has to buy goods for our consumption and all we will be needing in the entire trip. That took for only a half-hour and then we were enroute to the island. 

I joined the first batch who came a day ahead. Kahit na humabol lang ako Hehehe! Naiwan kasi ng bus. While the other group came the next day. We tagged them the Sablay-an group. Peace! Hahaha!

Little did we know that just from first destination will be one of the highlight of our adventure.

[Sponsored Post] Alfoncito Place | A Taste of Italian Cuisine in Summer Capital

There it goes!!! Summer season is fast approaching although kisses of cold breeze can still be felt because of the blow of Amihan (Northeast Monsoon). So, where else Filipinos would go during the hot season? None other but in the Summer Capital--BAGUIO CITY. This high altitude city offers refreshing ambience of merging nature and modern city living that made it distinct from other urban areas definitely because of its cold weather. It became a popular tourist spot locally for its numerous tourist destinations and the chance to experience diverse  Cordilleran culture.

And after the tour around in the city, hanging-out and food munching would be the best relief for your grumbling stomach and to regain the drained energy. So, let me suggest you a dining place where you can focus on your foodgasm --- it's Alfoncito's Place.

Guimbal Church | A Photoblog

Cabatuan Church | Bricky and Bulky

CABATUAN, Iloilo -- The Town of Cabatuan was the last town I visited when I had my Iloilo Tour along with Sir Estan Cabigas of Langyaw. It was already dusk and the sun have set already when we reached the town. This sleepy town turns into a gathering place specially the plaza area in front of the church as I saw bunch of locals around. My priority was to visit the town for its colossal church which never failed to amazed me at the moment I glanced on it. It is indeed massive especially the symmetrical bell towers that was clad by red bricks. 

Calinog Church

Lambunao Church | On Balance and Symmetry

The Town of Lambunao was the second town we visited after Calinog. This is for my visita iglesia, together with Sir Estan Cabigas of Langyaw.

I haven't have a thorough research 'bout the Town of Lambunao on the time we visited there. Might have due to limited time.  But according to little information gathered, the town is consider as the Summer Capital of Iloilo because of its location on higher ground nearing the mountains of the north. It is also said that the town is haven of numerous waterfalls to explore and hidden lakes as they call it "Tinagong Dagat". I remember that a church staff mentioned to us its whereabouts and lead us to a painting of it done on portion of wall of church's hall. Only if we had so much time to explore this wonders thus, it gave us reason to go back there primarily for it.

Santa Barbara Church | The Reach of Spanish-Moorish Style Influence

SANTA BARBARA, Iloilo -- 

Guimaras Mango Pizza and Pasta

Known for its dubbed as sweetest mango on earth, Guimaras Province have genuinely utilizes its major product into a popular Italian food with a twist. As for my self, 'can't even believe that using mango fruit as main flavour would taste that really good--- for a pasta and pizza.

San Joaquin Church | A Military Themed Church

After our visit in Miag-ao Church, we decided to go further to visit the far-flung town of San Joaquin primarily for its Grand Baroque Old Cemetery. San Joaquin was the last town in southeastern part of  Iloilo Province. After it, you're already in the Province of Antique. Though you will have a long travel to reach this sleepy town, it has much to offer to its visitor whether by nature, food, festivities and tracing back its rich history. Basically, its church would tell the  old days of the charming town.

Jaro Church | Male Saints Domination

JARO District, Iloilo City -- After four long hours of travel from Kalibo Airport, I finally reached the charming cosmopolitan of Panay Island. My travel buddy Ad and I were agreed to meet in Jaro as it was the nearest place for both of us. He came in Iloilo City a day ahead of me. This trip was materialize primarily to witness Dinagyang Festival after it caught my interest to experience it firsthand when they performed in Aliwan Fiesta and bagged the grand prize. Jaro Church was the first that welcomed me and as if warmly greeted me along with its separate soaring bell tower across the street. And just from that moment, I presumed that this trip will be surely terrific. 

Chasing Sunset | A Poem

Chasing Sunset
by Galaero 

Miag-ao Church | A UNESCO World Heritage Site

MIAG-AO, Iloilo -- It never crosses my mind that I could see Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church or the Miao-ao Church the soonest as this. This is the remaining among UNESCO Heritage Churches in the country that I haven't seen yet. So when I booked my flight to Iloilo City to watch Dinagyang Festival at first hand, I surely included  this heritage site in my itineraries. (To be continued...)

Janiuay Cemetery | Ilongos' Value for the Departed and Artistry

Just like San Joaquin Cemetery and among other historical sites of Iloilo, Janiuay Cemetery can also be found along the main road. For numbers Ilonggos, the town of Janiuay is connoted with its grand Filipino-Hispano cemetery. This cemetery became part of the diverse Spanish colonial sites of this history-rich province.

Cabatuan Cemetery | Striving the Modern Times

My fascination on colonial cemeteries grows out more when I had my tour in Iloilo. Cabatuan was the last town I visited during my stay there and its aged cemetery was my last stop. The daylight  was starting to hide and darkness is prevailing fast when we reached this heritage marvel. 

Cabatuan cemetery was built with the leadership of Fr. Juan Porras and was inaugurated on February 4, 1894. It is the only cemetery in the Philippines that has perfect square and is enclosed on all four sides with intricately-designed steel railing.

San Joaquin Cemetery | Grandeur and Beyond

  

Heritage tour in the Province of Iloilo shall not only include churches and ancestral houses but also colonial cemeteries dated back in Spanish occupation. And one of these is San Joaquin Cemetery. 

Built in 1892, the Campo Santo of Town of San Joaquin, one of the Iloilo's farthest town, have catered deads of the province for more than a century.

Molo Church

I only heard Molo as the popular noodle dish in Panay Island but my trip in Iloilo has allowed to set my feet on its land and see right before my eyes its beautiful church.

Molo Church is popular as the feminist Church dedicated to St. Anne, is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Molo District of Iloilo City in the Philippines. The church is one of the most familiar landmarks and tourist attractions in the city.

Under the Moon Bow [Moon Rainbow]

Seen on the headlines of  news in TV tonight, I hurriedly went in our roof top to personally see this phenomenon -- Moon Ring, Moon Halo or the Moon Bow.

The ring around the moon was caused by the refraction of the moonlight on million of ice crystals on the sky tonight. The shape of the ice crystals results in focusing the light into the ring.

Chocolate De Batirol | A Taste of Back to Traditional Tsokolate

"A Picture worth a thousand Words."

 For the mean time, pictures would be the only content of this post. Right after my architectural tasks I'll switch back on my blogger duty and relate about this traditional Tsokolate and the rest of December 2013 Baguio Trip! Happy viewing!



Alibijaban Series [Post 1] : Journey of Uncertainty

Now, I believe that bests were really saved for last....

Never thought that my supposedly Mt. Batulao climb would turned into spontaneous trip 10 hours ride from the Metro, a place not so popular to everyone and yet a paradise island that needs to be discovered. My fears and worries in traveling alone was eased by the warmest people I've met in this travel escape.

Certified Batang 90's [90's Kids]

I was born in the late 80's (1988 to be exact) but my childhood days was spent during the 90's. Definitely, it was the most memorable part of my existence. It was the decade of my life when I was freely playing around with my young peers and not minding what my tomorrow will be as an adult me does.

And just this last Sunday of September, I coincidentally witnessed the memoirs of my juvenile age. It was thru 90's << Naalala Mo Pa Ba? Exhibit in part of the "Intramuros Pasyal Sunday" with the effort of Philippine Art 164 Class from UP Manila.

If you really are 90's kid what must be the 90's things that stored in your memory? Let me give you some of these and refresh all our 90's days.

Intramuros Pasyal Sunday

Imagine the city or a busy street without cars passing by. Unusual isn't it? But this was made possible on a street of the Walled City of Intramuros -- Gen. Luna Street which is adjacent to the Oldest Baroque Church in the Philippines -- San Agustine Church.

That car-less street was conjuncted in celebration of "International Car-Free Day, Intramuros Pasyal Sunday was brought by Intramuros Administration, Manila Bulletin, and the Manila Collectibles.

National Museum of the Philippines [New Galleries]

To be able to have brief knowledge of such country, city, town or any place, a visit in the museum 

.........must include in travelers' destination. It gives a quick glimpse of history and cultural background 

Above was the Old Legislative Building and now serve as the "The National Art Gallery".

In celebration of "Museum and Gallery Month", the National Museum of the Philippines has opened its door for free. This will be free in the entire month of October including all the provincial branches. In Manila, there were two neo-classical government building was now converted into main museum. One is the Old Legislative Building which is now "The National Art Gallery". All the artworks like paintings, mural and sculptures made by our notable art genius (by Luna, Amorsolo, Hidalgo, Tolentino and among others) were well kept and preserved there.  The second one is the former Finance Building that now serves as the "Museum of the Filipino People". It houses cultural artifacts and collections unearthed by both foreign and local anthropologist.  

Paco Park and Cemetery | Serving Life's Two Destinations

Among the historical sites in Manila, Paco Cemetery/Park must be the most accessible in our house. It's just one jeepney ride away from home. In about 15 minutes, I could be in the park already. Although it is very much accessible in my place,  I just reached it last June of this year and the second time was this month of September. 

Barasoain Church Revisited

"Find the Cat." That was we're larking about when we still have the old 10 Peso bill made from paper. And please don't tell me you never did it or ever heard about it? That moment, we were eager to locate it and see if the animal was really there. Man, I honestly did that. But the truth is, there was no cat in the picture but a part of the church's façade mouldings. It just happened that it looks like a cat.

For the second time, I got the chance to take a peek again on the historical landmark after fifteen years. I was in the 3rd grade when the last time that I saw it with my bare eyes. It was part of the itineraries of our educational trip. We all know that in history record this edifice served significant roles not just in the Province of Bulacan but in the entire country.

The church was our first destination when we have our Malolos' Singkaban Festival.  Over the years, the church remain beautiful. Unlike any other old structure that went through rehabilitation, the rustic looks of the façade was preserved though modern times has reached it.

Caratig | Jeepney's Little Brother

A certain place become a distinct destination by its tourist spots, delicacies, culture and tradition. Hence, what makes a locality also unique is their mode of transportation.

 

If some locations of Visayas and Mindanao, have their habal habal, while Zamboanga has vintas and in the old city of Intramuros are roaming Calesas, the City of Malolos has their Jeepney! Yes a jeepney but not the ordinary one. It is a smaller version of the regular jeepey -- A Caratig.

 

 

This 10-seater (5 on both side) local bus has route going to Barasoain Church proper and to the town center. It served as our main conveying vehicle when we had our tour around the City of Malolos.  

 

Minimun fare is same as the regular jeepney--P8.00

So when you visit Malolos, surely you'll get the chance to ride on it.

 

St. Joseph the Worker Parish | SJDM, Bulacan

The fact that Bulacan has shared a significant role in our country most especially on colonial time. Perhaps, as one of the earliest province in Central Luzon, concentration of historic site is indeed diverse. Just like its neighboring provinces, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and among others, the province houses numbers of old structures. Churches must be the best example.

Aside from Barasaoin, the infamous Church which was once placed in an old version 10 peso bill, Bulacan has more old worship building. And one is located in San Jose Del Monte.-- The Saint Joseph the worker Parish.

 

Bulacan Food Munch and Pasalubong

Traveling must always include food munching galore. It is a way to treat ourselves after an exhausting trip and to try the local delicacies. It is also a way to discover the best restaurant in the place and recommend it to other travellers.

In our Bulacan escapade, we never missed to try the local menus that is offered in popular eateries, might as well the pocket and taste buds friendly eat destination.

Kubo sa Bayan, a Restaurant and Catering Service

One has to begin in SJDM, Bulacan. Found in the town proper is the "Kubo sa Bayan". It is across the street which is adjacent to church, beside the poblacion market. For assurance, you may ask the local where it is.

Said that it was featured in the travel show, "Biyahe ni Drew".  



Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto | Fruit of Great Faith and Healing

"If faith can move a mountain, let the mountain moves."....

The above line is just one of the few lyrics from  the Christian Song "Waiting here for you" which signifies huge amount of faith. And that was  what I witnessed when I had my Bulacan tour last Saturday with some of new found blogger friends.

 

It is like I was in a European Scene.

Singkaban Festival of Bulacan

The Province of Bulacan have shared a great role in our country's rich history. According to our history record, the first constitutional democracy was born there and held the First Philippine Republic in Malolos. Among all these are the long list contributions of the province  that are too many to mention.
 

Now, in the modern times, the province seems bit forgotten as prominent provinces in the country in terms of tourism. And in order to promote the provinces again and call tourists, both local or foreign, the Bulakenyos are working out to revive their tourism magnet and also to promote the local skills and Festivities.
 

And one of the annual festival held in Bulacan is the Singkaban Festival.

Singkaban stands for "Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan". It is a festival of arts and culture in honor of the capitols patron saint "Our Lady of Victory". The festival is celebrated every second week of September in which also aligned in celebration of "Linggo ng Bulakan".

The Bulakenyos are showcasing their traditional arts like "Balagtasan", and folk dance under the Singkaban Arches. Sigkaban arches are made of bamboo designed with slightly peeled top layer that made look fluffy and flowery like. The festival is also the emergence of various festivals in the province that took part on the street dance competition.



Official Logo of Singkaban Festival 2013. Photo credit to Provincial Government website of Bulacan



Sumilon Light House

The Philippines is consider as one of the largest archipelago in the world that is composed of 7,107 islands (said to be more during low tide). And due to archipelagic location, sea navigation is the major transport system in the country to transfer its citizen from island to island. Thus, it houses numerous harbours to cater the local and foreign mariners.

Aside from harbours and ports, our country has numbers of lighthouses that served as navigation aid for maritime pilots and its sea farer most likely during the early times. But due to modernization and high expense to its maintenance, the operation of lighthouses has declined and started to become a dilapidated stone and historical landmark.

Our trip in Cebu gave me the chance to visit one of the province's light house. And for farola enthusiast out there, Cebu must be a drop by in your trip and be awed by its lighthouses.

Lies on the southern Cebu is the town of Oslob. It houses the verdant island of Sumilon. Not known to travellers and backpackers, aside  from Blue Water Resort, Sumilon has its well kept secret attraction--the lighthouse and Baluarte.