Mt. Maculot

Cuenca, Batangas

Great Sta. Cruz Island

Zamboanga, City

Star Fish Island

Honda Bay, Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan

Calaguas Island

Camarines Norte, Bicol

VIVA STO. NINO!!!

Celebration of Sto. Nino Festivals in the country

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Mt. Batulao (811+ MASL)


Nasugbu, Batangas
Specification: Minor Climb
Difficulty: 4/9
Specs: Minor Climb

Did You Know?

The name Mt. Batulao is derived from "bato sa ilaw", refers to the annual phenomenon that occurs during the last week of December when the sun is framed between the two sharp peaks of the mountain.

Personal Insights:

Another check to my bucket list. One of my accomplishments is to set foot to one of the controversial mountains in the south, Mt. Batulao. This is relatively close to the metro with a challenging heights of more the 800 meters above sea level.

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Friday, September 5, 2014

PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART 2014



Philippine Travel Mart is celebrating its SILVER ANNIVERSARY!!! This has been one of the biggest events of the year. There are lots of exciting promos and giveaways await to all of us!


Here is he schedule of the most awaited event of the year:

PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART

EXHIBITION HOURS
DATEACTIVITIESTIME
5-Sep-14Exclusive to Exhibitors and Invited Guests only 08:00AM-10:00AM
Open to Public 
          Opening Ceremony 10:00AM
          Exhibition Hours 10:00AM-09:00PM
6-Sep-14Open to the Public 10:00AM-09:00PM
7-Sep-14Open to the Public 10:00AM-09:00PM
Entrance Fee:
Regular:  Php 50.00
Student/Senior:   Php 40.00
Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) is the biggest association of tour operators and agencies that promote exclusively domestic and inbound tourism. It has a nationwide membership and has been at the frontier of Domestic tourism promotion, partnering with DOT, and its regional offices. PHILTOA is please to announce that the yearly Philippines Travel Mart, the biggest travel trade exhibition in the promotion and marketing of domestic and inbound tourism will be on its 25th year of staging. Yes, it is the silver anniversary of the Philippine Travel Mart, making it the longest running travel trade exhibition in the Philippines.
(Taken Last year's PTM 2013 event)

The organizing committee of the 25th Philippine Travel Mart is making sure that this year’s staging will be the biggest and most meaningful, worthy of its silver anniversary celebration. In view of the forthcoming implementation of the ASEAN Integration in 2015, which aims to promote seamless and borderless   travelling within the   region   and   adoption   of   the Mutual Recognition Agreement among the ASEAN nation members, the 25th Philippine Travel Mart for the first time will now include ASEAN regional packages and Twin City packages (Philippines+1 ASEAN City). We have more colorful exhibits, 25 “Pasasalamat”  Sale ng Bayan Tour packages, bigger & exciting cultural events to make sure that 25th Philippine Travel is 25 times More Fun In the Philippines.
(Source: philtoa.com)
Please click the link below for Travel Mart Pics experience 2013!

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Monday, August 4, 2014

Mt. Daraitan


Mt. Daraitan
Tanay, Rizal /Gen. Nakar, Quezon


Major jump-off: Brgy. Daraitan Tanay, Rizal
Summit: Peak1 (Tungtungang Bato 1) and Peak2 (Tungtungan Bato 2)
Summit: 3-4 hrs
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 3-4

For Your Information:

Mt Daraitan is a hidden paradise located in Tanay, Rizal. It offers a lot of excitement to all nature and non-nature enthusiasts. From the rock formation, river, tropical forest, summit, views, cave, flora and fauna, and even the people, are considered treasure that you will keep for life.
There are lots of activities and adventures that Mt. Daraitan has to offer. From extreme swimming, river crossing, caving (spelunking), rock climbing, rappelling, climbing, and even photography.This is a very promising outdoor getaway to all who seek for adventure unite themselves with our nature.
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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Pagoda Festival | Bocaue

                                 (Photo credits to Francis Vivas)

Bocaue Pagoda Festival
Bocaue, Bulacan

Did You Know?
It is also know as "Pagoda sa Wawa" or "Bocaue River Festival" or "Pista ng Mapagpalang Krus sa Wawa" or "Bocaue Fluvial Festival"

Feast Day:
Being held every first Sunday of July In Honor of the Holy Cross of Wawa (Mahal na Krus sa Wawa).

History:
After 21 years from the time of the tragedy who killed around 300 people due to drowning because of the sinking of the pagoda, The Pagoda has set sails again and revived the spirit of the River Festival last July 6, 2014. This event is said to be celebrated in commemorating an old woman being saved from drowning by a floating cross which presumed the Holy Cross of Wawa.

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Tondaligan Beach | Pangasinan



Have you heard about Tondaligan Beach? I haven't heard about that beach in Dagupan. All I know about Dagupan is bangus (milk fish) and its festival. I joined one of my photography groups to Pangasinan for what they called FUNmeet.
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Monday, May 19, 2014

Sayaw sa Obando (Obando Fertility Rites) 2014



Sayaw Sa Obando
Every May, the town of Obando in the province of Bulacan, celebrates the Obando Fertility Dance Festival or also known as Obando Fertility Rites or Sayaw sa Obando.
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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Mt. Maculot | Batangas

Mt. Maculot (706+ MASL)
Rockies

Cuenca, Batangas




Personal Insights:


At last, I finally meet Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas. It has been a dream come true! I have been hearing about the beauty of this mountain but I never got the chance to climb it due to demand in travels and events. But now the wait is over and yes indeed! The beauty of this mountain especially this Lenten Season (though I was never got the chance to to the Grotto Traverse as planned).


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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

White Island | Camiguin

White Island

A horse-shoe shape sand bar that changes its size depending on ocean tides. For me, the island sand bar is "TOTALLY A PARADISE". Despite its size, its beauty is incomparable. Unique, beautiful, extraordinary and a lot more. Plus the panoramic view of Mt. Hibok-hibok adds  compliment to any everyone who visits the island.
The sand is so white and fine like a powder that fills the island. And the crystal clear water amazed us because we see the flooring and other marine animals who passed by and played in the island. My friends and I really enjoyed the white island especially out group picture, jump shots, video clips and even selfies. 
while on the island, we still strong suggest to bring skin protections like sunblocks, umbrellas, malongs/ big scarfs and alike to protect yourselves to the direct heat of sunlight. But Nevertheless, you will really enjoy your stay in Camiguin White Island.

Getting There:
You need to hire a boat. it will cost you P100.00 per hear to get to the island plus and environmental fee of P65.00. 
There are people who will offer you snorkeling gears and life vest for P100.00 so you can enjoy your beach experience in the island.

Don't forget to bring you cameras. :-)
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Dinagyang Festival 2014

Dinagyang Festival is one of the most extravagant celebration that Philippines has to offer.
Dinagyang is the Iloilo's version of Ati-atihan. It distinguishes itself in terms of choreography and and their one-of-a-kind artistry in costumes of the participating tribes.

This is my first time to celebrate Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo. We arrived in Silay Airport Bacolod for us to take photos of the Old Mansions that serves as the National Heritage and attraction in Bacolod. We stayed for the whole day and decided to take a boat to reach Iloilo before the day ends. it only take for about an hour and we reach the Iloilo where our dear friend Chuchay is waiting to pick us up. It was a great adventure from the start until the end of our getaway.

The first thing we did was go the the Sto Nino church and in our surprise, there were lots of participants in Dinagyang having there costumes and their props with them as the mass started. It was just on a Friday and the main event would be on Sunday. It was an awesome experience as I witness how the people prepared their breathe taking performances.

On that night we went to Iloilo Museum to see some of the artifacts and photos being exhibited in line with the event. Then we went to SM Iloilo to witness spectacular fire works display. From Iloilo proper to where the Dinagyang event will be held, it takes for about 30 minutes to reach SM Iloilo.

We had our dinner where some of our Funtastic Philippines Family are waiting to witness the fireworks display.

After that we went to one our friend's apartment for us to stay until Monday. While waiting for the main event on Sunday, our group decided to go Guimaras by Saturday so see what Guimaras can offer. (See Guimaras Getaway)

Dinagyang Festivals or Kasadyahan Festivals was participated by 11 Tribes named the:

1. Bacolod MassKara Festival
2. Saad Festival of Leganes, Iloilo
3. Manggahan Festival of Guimaras Province
4. Tribu Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City, Negros Occidental
5. Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, Iloilo City
6. Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City, Capiz
7. Hugyaw Tribe of Saint Therese-MTC College, Iloilo City
8. Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival
9. Tribu Banigan of Libertad, Antique
10. Tribu Panubli-on of Professional Electronics Institutes
11. Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

They performed in four (4) platform stages (Freedom Granstand, Provincial Capitol, Quezon-Ledesma and Maria Clara) simultaneously as they move along and show they outstanding perform to the next stage.

Their performances is based on the culture of their tribes as well as to their costumes. Some showed on how they defeated the "aswang", "malignos" and other bad elements that tried to conquer and reign to community.  Some showed how they fought with other tribes and some showed how Sto. Nino helped them in theor communities.


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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Panagbenga 2014: Inspiring the Community for a Greener Tomorrow




Panagbenga Festival also known as the Flower Festival is one f the famous festivals in the Philippines that is being celebrated in the whole month of February. Panagbenga Festival is celebrated in Baguio City as a tribute from the devastating earthquake last 1990. Millions of locals as well as the tourists visit Baguio City to witness the said event. 

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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring | Camiguin


Ardent hot Spring

Located at the foot of Hibok-Hibok Volcano that is considered the most recent active volcanoes in Camiguin. Ardent is the famous hot spring in Camiguin. Soaking in hot spring is also therapeutic. The mineral content of the water gives a lot of therapeutic benefits. As such, hotspring also balances and harmonizes our bodymind naturally. It also dissolves our stress and tension leaving a relaxed body and soul while soak in water.

The temperature of water in every pool varies from 33 Degrees Centigrade to 38 Degrees Centigrade to answer every individual needs. Skin pores tend to open when exposed to warm water and advised to shower with cold water after swimming in the pool.

The smell of Sulfur Dioxide gas smells like a "rotten egg".  The higher the content, the more it will smell. The sulfuric content in the water varies from PH 6,4 to 7.2 
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Sto. Nino Cold Spring


Sto Nino Cold Spring

Also part of the "7 Major Tourist Spots" in Camiguin with a spacious of 2-meter deep pool and from its name, composes with a very cold water that will refresh you from the hot weather. The pools also has a 2 slides and estimates a 7 to 9 feet deep once you slide towards the water. The crystal clear water of the pool gives you an idea that the place is well maintained. The pool also has a sandy floor that serves a massage as you walk and step on it. Though it is so cold, surely everybody will enjoy the place and it will definitely quench your thirst because of the refreshing feeling that the place can give.

You can also do picnic inside since there are table available and you can also eat outside the premises to the restaurants/ "ihaw-ihaw" that offer big fish menus like Lapu-Lapu, Tanigue, Salamon, etc.

The Entrance is P25

To Get There:
Hire a "habal-habal" or multi-cab and tell to bring you to Sto. Nino Cold Spring.


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Old Church Ruins | Camigiun



Old Church Ruins
Sited in Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin

May 13, 1871
6:00PM

Cotta Bato, the capital of Camiguin Island was a quiet and attractive town verdant in its natural wonders. Its peaceful shores provided strolling grounds for inhabitants as they basked under a gracious moonlight.Suddenly....
Tranquility came to a halt as a sub-terranean rumbling sowed indescribable terror. Hundreds of houses and the churches crumbled into pieces, the ground rolled and broke into deep crevices with horrifying earthquake served only as a prelude in the destructive climax as cataclysm never witnessed before Mt. Volcano gave out its fiercest and most violent outbreak.
8:20PM
Cotta Bato was but a dreadful olle of ruins. The single volcanic eruption buried a beautiful town into obscurity.
Hundreds of lives were lost while the survivors sought refuge in the open country that gave them hope for tomorrow.
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Enigma Tree House Ecolodge | Camiguin


Located in Barangay Balbagon, Mambajao.



When we arrived in Laguindingan Airport, we met Ms. Tanya who happens to be a very good friend of the owner, Ms Ros. Unfortunately when we arrived in Enigmata Lodge, Ms Ros in Manila and we were not able to extend the regards of her friend and we were quite worried because it was almost dark when we arrived at the place and thought of not being entertained and allowed to go inside and the owner was not there too,only the care taker. In our surprise, we were granted to explore the whole masterpiece without any cost at all.  The whole tree house is made of Acacia tree. Anywhere your eyes lead you, you will see a lot or masterpiece and work of art that will end up you saying "unbelievably amazing".

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Katibawasan Falls | Camiguin




Katibawasan Falls

Location: Mambajao

Included in the "7 Major Tourist Spots" in Camiguin. The Katibawasan Falls is the famous 250m falls in Camiguin known to its iced-cold water and different faunas surrounded in it.
 It is the best destination especially during summer because of its refreshing and invigorating water splashes and the pool as well to which you can go and enjoy swim or just by simply dipping your feet while drinking your favorite refreshing beverages. You can also picnic here since there has available tables that can cater group or even for couples.

The falls is being maintained by the government so there is a minimum entrance fee of P20.00. There are also souvenir shops in from of the entrance where you can buy "pasalubong" or souvenirs for your love ones.




You can also try there famous delicacy, "kiping", a dried sweet potatoe spread with coco jam as sweetener.

Entrance: P20.00 To get thereyou can hire a "habal-habal" or multi-cab.
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Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sunken Cemetery


Did you know that?
Sunken Cemetery Cross- Is only the replica of the original cross found the the back-end part of the cemetery that serves as the break water of the area. It was erected sometime in the 1980's.
Sunken Cemetery Cross- also serves the locals of the island as well as the tourist as a scenic spot to commemorate the departed buried there.
There has only one tomb that is visible on the water but due to its age and there are lots of corals live on it, you can hardly identify it as a tombstone.

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Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross

  
Personal Insights:
Walkway to the Old Volcano, also known as the Paanad Walkway, was our first stop of our tour. It is located in Mambajao, the main town of Camiguin.

(Jesus praying at the Garden of Getsemani)

The Old Volcano and Station of the Cross is located along the highway of Mambajao in which you will see the markings where you can take you pictures where the stairs are located going to the Stations of the Cross starting to the Statue of Jesus praying in the Getsemani.

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About Me


I am Xander, a travel enthusiast who wants to explore the 81 provinces of the country. It started from a simple getaway to a more complex travel blogging. Join me as I complete my adventure and witness the beauty of our country.

To know me better, click my image and see my full story.