New Job

The reason that I have not been blogging is that I have been awfully busy. I spend about four hours everyday with this new job, it is so intense that my back and arms are now sore. Healing of my tennis elbow injury is slow due to this too. I am into farming and never thought I have a green thumb!

The truth is, I am into virtual farming called Farm Town. It's a beta game in facebook. I swear, it is so addicting and even got my peers into it. So, our table topic is always about the farm but it doesn't end there, once we get home, we meet again in our virtual world!

Group shot before a harvest.

I started way ahead of my neighbors, I'm close to getting that coveted mansion. From a plain green field, (modesty aside) mine is one of the nicest! :p



I draw inspiration from other nice farms like these:
http://s592.photobucket.com/albums/tt4/leewonra/

Way To Go PAL

Yehey! This is what I am waiting for... another round of international seat sale from our flagship carrier Philippine Airlines. The real deal promo was such a hit! Their website crashed due to too much traffic. I had a friend who lined up for six hours just to get her ticket and another who had been lining up for eight hours and there are 2000 people in front of him. Dubbed as Way To Go Promo Fares, now it's not only available online, but also in ticket offices and travel agents.

For sale and ticketing from 01 to 05 June 2009 only.

SECTOR WEB FARE BASIS BCC ALL-IN FARE
(USD)
Round Trip
$688 MANILA - SAN FRANCISCO/LOS ANGELES/LAS VEGAS/VANCOUVER
$468 MANILA - HONOLULU
$468 MANILA - SYDNEY/MELBOURNE (PR 211 ONLY)
$228 CEBU - NARITA
$228 MANILA - FUKUOKA/NAGOYA
$188 MANILA - OSAKA
$198 MANILA - BEIJING
$178 MANILA - SHANGHAI
$168 MANILA - JAKARTA (PR 503/PR504)
$148 MANILA - JAKARTA (PR 535/PR536)
$118 MANILA - BANGKOK/SINGAPORE/SAIGON
$98 MANILA - HONG KONG/MACAU/TAIPEI

Prices listed above are inclusive of surcharges and exclusive of government taxes and other fees that are to be collected at the airport.

APPLICATION:
* Valid for round trip travel on economy class.

TRAVEL VALIDITY:
TRANSPACIFIC
* Valid for outbound travel from 01SEP09 through 25DEC09

REGIONALS
* Valid for outbound travel from 01JUL09 through 30NOV09.

MINIMUM/MAXIMUM STAY:
TRANSPACIFIC
* Minimum 3 days and maximum 21 days stay

AUSTRALIA
* Minimum 2 days and maximum 21 days stay

REGIONALS
* Minimum 2 days and maximum 8 days stay


SALES RESTRICTIONS:
* Tickets must be issued on or before 05 June 2009.

RESERVATIONS, PAYMENT AND TICKETING:
* Tickets must be issued 24 hours after confirmed reservations.
For reservations made and confirmed on 05 June 2009,
tickets must be issued within the same day.
* Changes are not permitted
- rebooking/rerouting/reissuance/upgrading/endorsement/combination
are not permitted
* No extension of validity
* Non refundable. Surcharges attached to this fare are likewise non-refundable
Government taxes are refundable subject to USD 25 Refund Service Fee
* No child/infant discount

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISION:
* No mileage accrual

Know more about A(H1N1) Swine Influenza

I was in Beijing at the height of SARS. It was a horrible experience fearing the unknown. Something I would not want to experience again.

At that time news blockout was implemented all over China, so little do we know what was actually happening. We were in the shock of our lives when gallons of disinfectants were seen rushed inside the school campus. Then, the over populated Beijing turned into a ghost town.

Being discriminated was another thing to handle. Poor you, if you get sick at this time, no one would be willing to nurse you. We had to wear eleven layers of mask to protect ourselves. No one wants you home either, a companion of ours was booted out of a hotel after knowing they came from Beijing. While waiting for the incubation period to lapse, I too was quarantined. In consolation: we were quarantined in luxury in a suite room in five star hotel in Makati for a week and it was a taboo to say we came from Beijing.

Now, I'm worried about the non-rebookable, non-refundable flights I booked last week when Philippine Airlines slashed airline rates by 60%!

What now? Don't let paranoia kick in. Stay healty and get informed. Know more about A(H1N1) (swine flu virus):

swine flu: frequently asked questions

About the disease

WHO update as of 1 May 2009
How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?

Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.
What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

Regarding study of the first outbreak, have you received any feedback from the WHO team sent to Mexico to investigate the outbreak?

Teams are already sending epidemiological evidence but we will know more over the next few days.

Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?

No.

Is there any information on the economic impact of the outbreak so far?

No.

Why are we so worried about this pandemic possibility when thousands die every year from seasonal epidemics?

Seasonal epidemics occur every year and we are able to treat the virus with seasonal vaccines. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. It is a new virus and one to which the populations will have no immunity.

Wander our Wonders: Island Tour of Batan and Sabtang, Batanes

I was off to a well deserved break after the tax men came knocking on the door that left me sleepless and restless for a time.

We had to be awake by three in the morning for our early morning flight. But my blogsy friend Nina was right, we had to wait, flights don't leave earlier than six. "Finally!" is what we blurted out when we landed in Basco, Batanes. After months of hullabaloo, we safely landed aboard the 30-seater plane of seair together with a group of 19 joining the photo safari of Mandy Navasero. See my reviews about the photo safari here.

The view of Mt. Iraya and a stylish stone house airport terminal greeted us on the runway of Basco Airport. We were met at the airport by a local guide. Mang Roger is a typical Ivatan local: hardworking, hospitable and jack of all trade. He was more than just a tour guide. Aboard the jeepney, some were seated on the roof, a thrilling ride zipping on that winding road cliff of Batan. Batanes here we come!

Clockwise (L-R): Batanes runway with Mt. Iraya, Seair, Jeepney Ride, Basco Airport Terminal

Day01 ISLAND TOUR OF BASCO, BATAN

First stop was a fifteen minute spelunking in a World War III Japanese Tunnel. True to popular sayings, there's light at the end of the tunnel. As we exit the tunnel, it was our first view of the hedgerow. Hedgerow is a closely spaced shrubs that serves as barriers, protection from wind and prevents soil erosion. These hedgerow are popular in Scotland which earned Batanes the name, Scotland of the Philippines.



The rest of the day was a jeepney ride to Tukon Hills overlooking Basco, a climb up the Mahatao Lighthouse, a walking tour of Basco, a sit on the rocks of Rocky Beach or Chadpidan, a wait for the sunset at Chanarian View Deck and an evening entertained by the Basco palo-palo cultural dance.

Clockwise (L-R): Mahatao Lighthouse, Chanarian View Deck, Tukon Radar, Grazing Cow in Mahatao, Rocky Beach, View from Tukon Hills, Hedgerow View from Tukon Hills (center)

Day02 ISLAND TOUR OF SABTANG

With an early morning wake-up call, we're headed to Ivana port to ride the falowa. With lifevests on, we were prepared to rock with falowa as we crossed the sea to Sabtang Island. The weather was great, the waves was not as rough as I've expected.

We toured the town of Savidug, had buko juice in Chavayan, had lunch in Nakanmuan’s White Beach under the famous Batanes Natural Arc, went to the Sabtang Lighthouse while waiting for our falowa ride back to Batan.

Clockwise (L-R): Kid overlooking the window at Savidug Stone House, Whitebeach Natural Arc, Nakanmuan's White beach, Carabao in streets of Savidug, Chavayan Stone house, Raging waves by Sabtang Lighthouse, Sinakan Stone House, Ruins at Savidug, Peddling Ivatan, Sabtang Lighthouse (center)

Back to Batan Island by four, we dropped by the UNESCO heritage House of Dakay built in 1600. Lola Frestilda Dakay lives in this house alone. This old lady is one of the most photographed person in Batanes. Now she's very old and weak, as much as she wants to get up and sit by the door like she did on a cover of Reader's Digest, she can only hold onto a rope atop of her bed to sit and made a gesture to welcome us inside her house.



Further down in Ivana is the Ivana Church and the one of a kind Honesty Coffee Shop. It's called Honesty for the simple reason that you pay for what you buy even without someone manning the store. There's a price list on the wall, a log book to write what you bought and a box where you'll leave your money. You should bring change, it's keep the change policy here. This is something you'll only find in Batanes.

Clockwise (L-R): Ivana Church, Ivana Port, Ivana Port, Sunset at Ivana Port, Honesty Coffee Shop

Day03 ISLAND TOUR OF BATAN

It was another early day as we wanted to catch the sunrise, but we were caught offguard, our jeepney ride arrived when the sun has risen. We had breakfast instead and headed to an early morning walk at the Rolling Hills. Lo and behold, the view of the hills overlooking the sea is heavenly. It's tranquility moves the soul and breaks one into tears with a song of prayer. A moving experience felt by one during a group prayer that touched the rest of the group. Who would have thought that someone who chose to go solo on this trip, one who was exceptionally bubbly was feeling empty seven years after her husband's death, found peace on this land and so she speaks, "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want..."

After that enriching experience was a ride back to Tukon Hills. Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge sits on top of Tukon Hills overlooking the sea where the Pacific Ocean meets the South China Sea. It was once the home studio of a great artist Pacita Abad who lost the battle of cancer. The place is reburbished in country style charms with rooms overlooking the sea and mountain. Rooms starts from P3,750 to 8,000.

The so called Marlboro Country, was another breathtaking panoramic view, with velvet green grass and grazing cows. I could hear the sound of music playing in this windy Marlboro Hills. We had a tasty lunch in a hut but I could imagine laying down after having our picnic on a mat right on top of the hill. Wishful thinking maybe, but it's not impossible.

Clockwise (L-R): View from Rolling Hills, Fundacion Pacita du Tukon, View from treking up to Fountain of Youth at Diura, Early morning walk at Rolling Hills, Marlboro Hills, Diura Beach, Rolling Hills, Infinity pool of Fountain of Youth, View from the window of Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge (center)

We moved to Diura fishing village, where we started our trek up the hills to the Fountain of Youth. It's spring water with infinity pool overlooking the sea. Others took a swim while we just laze around waiting for the tides to go low. We continued to walk down by the shore, leading to Crystal Cave for a short spelunking. As we exit the tide went high instead of low. The guide must have overlooked the calendar. We had to brave the raging waters, as we head back to the village. Some didn't want to get wet but in the end, everyone got soaked. Whew, we survived with scratches here and there and a bundle of fond memories to last a lifetime.

Batanes is finally off my wishlist, but wait! Batanes will remain on the list, I'd love go back there with a free and easy itinerary, different from what we had. That is, to laze around Fundacion Pacita sitting on top of a hill overlooking the Pacific and South China Sea... to lay a picnic mat at Marlboro Hills with the real sound of music... and to watch the clouds go by as the sun sets by the Rolling Hills. :D

MANDY NAVASERO BATANES PHOTO SAFARI:

Mandy Navasero: (02)8991767 or mandynavasero@yahoo.com
Nice Travel & Tours: (02)5266363 or nicetrvl@i-manila.com.ph

GETTING TO BATANES:

Fly via Seair from Manila to Basco Airport.

GOING AROUND BATANES:

1. Pack a Map of Batanes by Ironwulf.
2. Contact a guide. Mang Roger Amboy: +639183331797
3. Discuss your itinerary with your guide, maximize travel time.
4. Hire a jeep or van. (I didn't see any form of public transportation.)

ACCOMMODATION IN BATANES:

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge http://www.fundacionpacita.ph/ Rates: P3750 - 8000+

Batanes Resort +639275829078 Rates: P550 - 1500

Batanes Seaside Resort and Restaurant +639212290120 +639178825609 Rates: P450 - P1200

Shanedel's Inn +639204470737 Rates: P350 - 1200

Ivatan Lodge ivatanlodge@yahoo.com  P300 - 1200

More Long Weekend Holidays: Eid al-Adha

President Arroyo has signed an executive order formally declaring Nov. 27 and 28 this year as national non-working holidays in observance of the Islamic festival Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha means "festival of sacrifice", celebrated by muslims to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God.

This will give way for more Filipino Muslims to go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the hajj. That also means a four-day weekend from Friday, November 28 to Monday, November 30 (Bonifacio Day). This will be the 12th long weekend holiday for the Philippines in 2009 (to add to those previously announced.)

read more.

Batanes Photo Safari with Mandy Navasero

Along with my sister, we booked this tour five months before the scheduled trip. With early bird discount, we paid P20,000 all inclusive of travel photography workshop, full board and lodging, and airfare from Manila to Basco with Zest Air. Regular rate is at P25,000.

Zest Air flights are suspended due to unfortunate events. With a sigh of relief we were accommodated with Seair. A few days before the trip, we were informed that our flight was cancelled. It would have been lovely to experience Batanes with the cold front but we were left with no choice but to reschedule it on a later date. Two weeks ago, we finally land on Basco, Batanes at the height of summer.

We were checked-in at Batanes Seaside Resort, unfortunately, not all bookings were honored. Some overstaying guests occupied our rooms, so some of our companions has to stay for a night in another lodging house. With basic ammenities, rooms are clean and spacious, private bathroom comes with electric hot and cold shower, the suite rooms came with a refrigerator, and there's television too but food was ordinary.



Mandy Navasero's Photo Safari is unlike the travel photography I've been to. There was no room-in lecture, not even a critique session. Mandy's teaching style is different. Her creative ideas are outrageous and her personality is a standout - at times with comic relief and naughty antics. She remained energetic and passionate with what she is doing inspite of her age.

Mandy Navasero during an informal lecture at the view deck

She puts emphasis to shoot with a heart, to pose with an attitude, and to add life into the subject. After a while, I've come to appreciate it. It's not the technical aspect that brings life to a photo. My basic knowledge on travel photography came in handy, but Batanes landscape is lovely as it is, it will come out beautiful in any photo. She puts much emphasis on colors and fashion photography with the so called "S-curve". Frankly, it doesn't come naturally for me, I look awkward in my photos. All throughout the trip, it seemed like we were having a photoshoot. We had our fair share of becoming a bench model, a beauty queen, a lifestyle model and a mastered the art of jumpology. On the otherhand, being the photographer, one must know how to motivate and to bring out the spirit of the subject, flatter if you must.



This is my second travel photography workshop and I'm getting comfortable with the Nikon D40. No more cheats this time, I managed to pull off some good shots with the manual settings. Yipee! :)

Joining Batanes Photo Safari with Mandy Navasero:

I recommend this tour for those adventurous fellows who love to travel and like to shoot and/or appear in them, but not for those hard core photographers who expect point by point photography lecture.

PROS: hassle free: board & lodging, itinerary & flight bookings and everything else are taken cared of; touring with a group sharing the same passion for travel & photography

CONS: quite hectic: itinerary needs to be ironed out to maximize travel time and to start on time; for pre-trip briefing: personal appearance was necessary when it could be done remotely via email; no critique session: it would have been necessary for a photography workshop.

For inquiries, they can be reached at:
Mandy Navasero: (02)8991767 or mandynavasero@yahoo.com
Nice Travel & Tours: (02)5266363 or nicetrvl@i-manila.com.ph

Read more about my experience on the trip here.

Ad Sense, No Sense

I've long received from google my google (ad sense) account and got more than a thousand points on Entrecard.

I've signed up after a little encouragement from a blogger friend but I actually don't know what to do with it. For now, these made no sense to me. Boo!

Discovering Camsur Watersports Complex

After our successful encounter with the whale sharks in Donsol, we were off to discover Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Camarines Sur.

It was an hour land trip from Donsol, Sorsogon to FilCab/GT Express Daraga Terminal.


In Daraga Terminal, several vans are waiting in line for hire. At P140 per head, we found our way to Pili, Camarines Sur two hours later on a Daraga - Naga van for hire. That's a lot of savings compared to hiring a private van at P3000. We got off on the highway, crossed the street and rode a tricycle leading to the Eco Village inside the complex of the Capitol. At P7.50 each, five of us and a stranger were forced to cramp inside this tricycle with our bags and luggage on top since the driver refused to have it all to ourselves.

I made reservations with Eco Village. Quite disappointed with what we saw, we had to look into the rooms first before we checked-in. Facilities and rooms are unfortunately not well maintained and dilapidated. The cabins looked more like dog houses (excuse me for such comparison but it's what I think it looked like). Even the staff could not give a decent answer if the rooms are good. The eco village concept would have been nice. I guess the reviews I read was written many years ago. Good that I've researched beforehand, I knew of other options. We asked if there is available room in the cabanas. Timely, the WWA Wakeboard Championship just concluded the previous day, there were available rooms. So we had to lag our bags again and cramp on a small tricycle further into the complex.

Voila! I was happy with what I saw. Accommodations at Villa del Rey is what I envisioned CamSur Watersports Complex is, clean and world-class. The front desk of Villa del Rey was right next to Villa del Rey Villas the most luxurious accommodation available in the complex with this huge pool nestled in the middle.




Across the street is where the Villa Del Rey Wood Cabins and Villa del Rey Containers are lined together in a spacious lot. On the other side is the Villa Del Rey Cabanas.



We settled in the Cabanas at P1350/room for two. I could not understand how the pricing scheme is but the accommodations in this newer area are cheaper than the rooms in eco village.



CWC WAKEBOARDING COMPLEX:
Open daily from 830am to 930pm, Mondays from 830am to 7pm

The WWA World Championship just concluded but the place is still packed with foreigners. I assume many of them joined the competition. The complex is equipped with free wi-fi, club house, swimming pool and more. Wakeboarding fees is reasonably priced, check out their website for applicable rates. As much as I wanted to try it out, I know I can't pull it off. The queue was long, once you fall you have to queue at the end of the line again so we opted to go to Lago del Rey.



LAGO DEL REY AQUAPARK:
Open daily from 830am to 6pm.

Lago del Rey Aquapark is just across the street, I saw this featured on Sports Unlimited a few weeks before our trip and it looked so much fun. It's a fresh water man-made lagoon, 5 to 20 feet deep, filled with inflatables for aquasports. A lifevest is provided and must be worn at all times. For P120 an hour or P380 per day, kids will enjoy the kiddie round inflatable and wading pool, while adults will enjoy playing on a slide, a seesaw, an obstacle course, a volleyball court, a trampoline and an iceberg (for wall climbing). Sailboats and jetski are also available for rent. It's so much fun being a kid for a day.



FOOD AND GETTING AROUND THE COMPLEX:

Food is available only at the clubhouse or at the Mansion for about P150 to P300/meal. Food kiosks are also available on special events.

Villa del Rey is walking distance to the wakeboarding complex and Lago del Rey. You'll need a ride going to and from the Eco Village and the Mansion. Free shuttle service is available around the complex but if there are too many guests, it would be difficult to find one. There's also a free shuttle that will take one from CWC to Naga City for about 15 minutes ride on a scheduled trip (9am, 2pm, 7pm). The airport is in Naga City, and so is the van and bus terminal.

The 9am free shuttle service to Naga dropped us off at the FilCab/GT Express van terminal in Naga, right across the soon to open SM Naga. At the van terminal, we managed to talk it through, to drop us directly at Legaspi airport for P150/head. It's two and a half hour land trip from Naga City back to Legaspi City, just in time for our flight.

-0-

Hail to the governer who has a vision to develop something like this. I hope they can keep up with the maintenance of the facilities more than his term in office and not just build and build something new. For my reader's info, it's taxpayers money that funds this project.

If there is anything that is remaining in my wish list for Bicol, I'd say Camaroan. See, the list just keeps getting longer!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Camsur Watersports Complex Office:
Provincial Capitol Complex
Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur
Contact Number: +63(54) 475-0689 or +63(54) 475-4784
Fax Number: +63(54) 477-5162
E-mail: info@camsurwatersportscomplex.com
info@camarinessur.gov.ph
Website: http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com
http://www.lago-delrey.com

WoW Donsol, Sorsogon: Butanding Interaction

More about Whaleshark Interaction, see my Donsol Travel Guide here.

I've looked forward to summer like never before. With back to back trips from Donsol, Sorsogon, CamSur Wakeboarding Complex and Batanes, I am overwhelmed and fascinated. With tan lines all over, add all the superlatives, now my thoughts are garbled! I can't seem to make a decent post.

While on the plane, our flight was announced delayed for reason that documents have yet to be completed and Legaspi airport is closed and learned that our companions' flight out of Manila was likewise delayed for an hour. What the #@?!! I was anxious, this can't be... nothing should go wrong. It was hell of a pressure to set foot in Donsol and see the whalesharks. I knew I can't go back home not seeing one otherwise I'll be at the receiving end of all possible mockery. For those who knows my tale, the long wait was worth it. If it rains it pours, this time it poured with so much luck!

We were met at the airport by a van driver arranged by the resort. Before heading to Donsol, we dropped by Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church. The Mayon Volcano was standing high and mighty across Legaspi City. The Mayon Volcano is best viewed from a distance between 6 to 8 in the morning when skies are clear. With P10 entrance fee, we entered Cagsawa Ruins with the Mayon Volcano on the background. Once in Cagsawa Ruins, you'll be met by local kids, age 10 to 16, they will start by narrating the history of Cagsawa Ruins with visual presentation, then later offers to take your pictures with camera tricks. Good thing I've read an article about it, otherwise I would have shooed them away. I tell you, they are very creative. They even knew how to use my digital camera more than I do. In the end, you won't hesitate to give them a tip.


Afterwhich, we proceeded to an hour land trip to Vitton Resort in Dancalan Beach Resort, registered at the Donsol Tourist Center next door and met by a lovely sunset.

Next day was judgement day, I booked the best Butanding Interaction Officer, Omar. He was the videographer of Donsol (the movie) and guide to celebrities like Korina Sanchez of Balitang K and Dianne Castillejo of Sports Unlimited. He took care of the booking of the boat, skipper, spotter, gear and everything else.

It was non-stop sightings between 730 to 11am, we barely had time in between to reapply sunblock or to grab a sandwich. Just in time we get settled on the boat, the guide shouts "ready!". Who am I to complain? I rushed to put on my fins over and over again, be the first to sit on the edge of the boat and lucky to be dragged by the guide through and through. Twas an amazing encounter with the gentle giants.



I've lost count, but I can safely say we swam with 5 different whalesharks in more than 8 occasions. But it's not in the numbers. The first one was the biggest and the friendliest. It didn't mind our presence, interaction lasted a good 30 minutes... it could have been longer but we could not keep up, after having our portraits alongside it (so I have proof to brag). I was literally panting the first time when fear sinks in, then excitement sets in and eventually breath rans out. I probably gulped a liter of water with planktons (eew!) and heard someone screamed underwater. With that first encounter, we were already very much content but they just kept coming and coming, even on our way back to shore.

The rest of the day was a lazy afternoon, spent an hour of thanksgiving mass in Donsol, Church in their native dialect and nourished our hungry pangs at Amor Farm Resort.


It was a totally awesome experience, I don't mind going back someday.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! off we went to Camsur Watersports Complex.

Sagada Travel Guide: Spelunking Sumaging Cave and more

It has been more than two years, the memories of my Lakbay Cordillera still wows me. :) If there is anywhere in Philippines that should not be missed, I'd say a trip to Banaue and Sagada. The long ride was tiring but it was still worth all the hassle, at least once in your life.

If you want to go underground without special training and equipment, Sagada is your best bet. The town sits in a limestone valley riddled with over 60 known caves. The Sagada caves feature shimmering underground streams with golden or silvery stalactite and stalagmite formations and cool natural pools inside.

Sumaging Cave, the largest, can be explored by anyone with a local guide; the basic tour lasts around three hours but it is possible to spend an entire day inside. If there is anything you should not miss, it's this. I've never seen other cave in the world that clean and nice, the experience was equally great: spelunking barefoot at one point, holding on ropes seemingly wall climbing like spiderman, submerging in ice cold water and who would ever forget the bat dung.

SPELUNKING FEES:
1-4 persons - php 400 -1 guide; 5 persons - php 450 - 1 guide; 6-9 persons - php 800 - 2 guides; 10 persons - php 900 -2 guides; 11-14 persons - php 1,200 - 3 guides; 15 persons - 1,350; 16 and above is 100 per head

SIGHTSEEING FEES: (choice of 3 spots)
1-10 P400 -1 guide; 11-15 P600 -1 guide; 16-20 P800 -2 guides
escort to sugong coffins and burial cave @ P200

OTHER THINGS TO SEE/DO:
* Echo Valley - hanging coffins in limestone cliffs
* Lumiang Burial Cave - coffins at entrance of cave
* Sugong Hanging Coffins
* Walk about the township of Sagada
* Kiltepan View point - panoramic view of rice terraces
* Bokong Waterfalls
* St Mary's Episcopal Church
* Underground river
* Taste Yogurt in Yogurt House
* Taste of pinikpikang manok (order in advance, takes hours to prepare)
* Weekend buffet at Log Cabin by French Chef Aklay (P250/pax call 09205200463 for reservations)


WHAT TO EXPECT/TIPS:

* To trek and get wet
* Tours are managed at the tourist center at fixed rates
* Very basic accommodations
* 9pm curfew
* Rough bumpy ride
* Cool weather
* 2 full days would be best, 1 full day would be enough for spelunking and 3 sites to visit

WHERE TO STAY:
Saint Joseph Inn and Restaurant contact # 09185595934
P1,500/room for 3 or 4 (villa, no AC with private CR & hot & cold bath)
P3,500/room for 8 pax (villa, no AC with private CR & hot & cold bath)
bed space starts at P200/pax (no AC with common bath)

backpackers can opt for cheaper accommodation starting from P150/bed space. Others suggest George Guesthouse #09185480406 or 09206070994 or Masferee Inn, complete list of contact info of accommodation found here.

HOW TO GET THERE:
There are 2 ways of going to/from Sagada - via Banaue and via Baguio. We combined both for maximum experience so we took the Manila - Banaue - Sagada - Baguio - Manila route. You can either:

1. Hire a van from Manila (10 hrs per way with stops) for P3,000-7,000/day with driver plus gas and board & lodging - this is the most convenient.

2. Take the public transport.

Airconditioned Autobus leaves Manila at 10pm daily, and with 2-3 brief stopovers along the way, the bus arrived in Banaue at 7am. Then, a short tricycle ride from the terminal to the town proper to transfer to a jeepney going to Bontoc (2hrs) and transfer to another jeepney bound for Sagada (1hr).

Leave Sagada at 6am for a 6 hour ride to Baguio via a non-airconditioned Lizardo Transit bus. The fresh air is very soothing to your weary bones. From Baguio, another 7 hour trip in an airconditioned Victory Liner bus to Manila.

WHAT TO PACK:
1. Map of Sagada

2. Quick dry clothes and trekking shoes
3. Light jacket

MY DIY POST TRIP ACCOUNTING (December 2006):
P8,000/pax for group of 6 inclusive of:

* private van with 2 drivers en route: Manila-Banaue-Sagada (via Bontoc)-Manila (via Baguio)
* We booked our 8-seater hi-ace through WGC Comml, Rosario Pasig - tel# 6275105 sun cel#09228791716 at P3,000/day, they were kind enough to accommodate our last minute advice, the shocks wasn't so good, if you're willing to shell out more, find a vehicle with good shock absorber since you'll be in for a very bumpy ride.
* 4D/3N full-board (1N at Banaue Hotel, 2N at St. Joseph Inn - private bath with hot/cold shower)
* Guided Trek in Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Spelunking in Sumaging Cave, Site Seeing in Lumiang Burial Cave, Echo Valley, St. Mary's Church, view of Sugong Hanging Coffins.
* Our Itinerary:
* Day1 - 10 hour land trip from Manila to Banaue, overnight in Banaue Hotel - Banaue
* Day2 - 5 hour trek in Batad Rice Terraces, evening land trip to Sagada (risky!), overnight in St. Joseph Inn - Sagada
* Day3 - Spelunking in Sumaging Cave and sightseeing, overnight in St. Joseph Inn - Sagada
* Day4 - land trip from Sagada to Manila via Baguio

Banaue Travel Guide

WHAT TO SEE/DO:

Banaue Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

Dubbed as the "Eight Wonder of the World," the Banaue Rice Terraces start from the base of the mountain range and reach up to several thousand feet high. It is said that their length, put end to end, would encircle half of the globe. Made 2,000 years ago, these rice terraces manifest the engineering skill and ingenuity of the sturdy Ifugaos. Streams and springs found in the mountains were tapped and channeled into irrigation canals that run downhill through the rice terraces.

Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao

Located at Barangay Batad in Banaue, these rice terraces are shaped like an amphitheater. The Batad Rice Terraces can be reached by a 12-kilometer ride from Banaue Hotel to the junction, followed by a 2-hour trek up and down through mountain trails, an hour trek around the terraces, another 2-hour back up to the junction. (You may proceed to Tappiya Falls and may opt to camp overnight in Batad.) Allocate one full day for this.

Others:

* Tam-an village - minutes walk behind Banaue Hotel, it's an old village in Banaue, where native huts and souvenirs are available.
* Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint - there are several decks, where one can get a good view of the rice terraces. One viewpoint is the one featured on the one thousand peso bill.

WHERE TO STAY:
Banue Hotel & Youth Hostel (073-3864087)
this is the only hotel in the area, this high rise building sits on top of the hill managed by Philippine Tourism Authority’s (PTA). Room rates starts from P2,300 and bed space available at P200/bed space.

Other budget accommodation ranging from P200 to P600 are also available Banaue View Inn (073-3864078), People's Lodge & Restaurant (073-3864014), New Wonder Lodge (073-3864021), Greenview Lodge (073-3864021), Sanafe Lodge (073-3364085).

WHERE TO EAT:

People's Lodge & Restaurant, Banaue Hotel, Hidden Valley Restaurant

WHAT TO EXPECT:

* 10 hour land trip per way from Manila to Banaue (with leisurely stop)
* To trek for hours on the terraces unless you opt see it only at the view deck
* Tours are optional and managed at the Banaue Tourist Information Center at fixed rates located at town center. (same rate available at Banaue Hotel)
* 3-star hotel accommodations in Banaue Hotel or very basic accommodations in a lodge
* Spectacular view of Rice Terraces; we opted to trek Batad Rice Terraces since traveller reviews it's more picturesque than Banaue, and true enough it is awesome!
* Very Rough roads
* Cool weather

HOW TO GET THERE:

1. By private van.

Two alternate routes via Baguio City. First is via Halsema Mountain Trail and Bontoc, Mt. Province (8 hrs-441kms). Second, is from Baguio City to Banaue via Nueva Ecija (8-9 hrs). Total travel time is approximately 10 hours with lazy stops.

2. Take the public transport.

Airconditioned Autobus leaves Manila at 10pm daily, and with 2-3 brief stopovers along the way, the bus arrived in Banaue at 7am.

MY DIY POST TRIP ACCOUNTING (December 2006):
P8,000/pax for group of 6 inclusive of:

* private van with 2 drivers en route: Manila-Banaue-Sagada (via Bontoc)-Manila (via Baguio)
* We booked our 8-seater hi-ace through WGC Comml, Rosario Pasig - tel# 6275105 sun cel#09228791716 at P3,000/day, they were kind enough to accommodate our last minute advice, the shocks wasn't so good, if you're willing to shell out more, find a vehicle with good shock absorber since you'll be in for a very bumpy ride.
* 4D/3N full-board (1N at Banaue Hotel, 2N at St. Joseph Inn - private bath with hot/cold shower)
* Guided Trek in Batad Rice Terraces (P1,500/jeep), Banaue, Spelunking in Sumaging Cave, Site Seeing in Lumiang Burial Cave, Echo Valley, St. Mary's Church, view of Sugong Hanging Coffins.
* Our Itinerary:
* Day1 - 10 hour land trip from Manila to Banaue, overnight in Banaue Hotel - Banaue
* Day2 - 5 hour trek in Batad Rice Terraces, evening land trip to Sagada (risky!), overnight in St. Joseph Inn - Sagada
* Day3 - Spelunking in Sumaging Cave and sightseeing, overnight in St. Joseph Inn - Sagada
* Day4 - land trip from Sagada to Manila via Baguio

more Banaue travel guide at virtualtourist.com.
for hassle free vacation, join pre-arranged budget tours at www.thetravelfactor.multiply.com

Wake Up Call

For the past three months, I've been awfully lazy. I've been waking up exceptionally late, becoming less productive at work and spending to much time online. I've been thinking about waking up earlier to start the day with a session at the gym like I used to but it remained just a thought. Ironically, it's so hard to wake up early on work days while I'm up and about early on Sunday mornings. Today, I had a wake-up call from CebuPacific informing me that my flight has been rescheduled, arrgh. If there is anything good about this, I lost about 7 pounds since Christmas. Aside from the stressful months that passed, it dawned on me yesterday that breakfast is already brunch, leaving one full meal a day for me, I've somehow lost my appetite. (But no worries, I now have the license to binge.)

Today, Brother Bo speaks about getting passionate about life and having a big dream that's so exciting it will wake you up every morning. That's exactly I don't have at the moment. Sigh, it's odd! This is a wake-up call for me.

Pinoy Big Brother 2009 Audition - Update for Cebu

Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) has undoubtedly stirred the curiosity of many viewers not only in the Philippines but globally. It's very Filipino to be entertained prying into the lives of other people. So even if you hate it, you're glued into it. Although I'm ashamed to admit it, I watch this and I was particularly glued with PBB Celebrity Edition 2 to the extent of subscribing to its live stream for three days. That left me and my sister sleepless! By subscribing into live stream and browsing through forums, I've somehow witnessed how they can manipulate the plot, hype up issues or burry them to protect the image of a star. If there is anything, hands down to ABS-CBN's capacity to build or break one into stardom.

So what's the big buzz?! PBB is coming up with an audition again. Unbelievably, it's first day was flocked by 10,000 aspirants. I don't know if this is an exaggeration - even if it is, that's still a lot of people.

PBB 2009 audition is scheduled from 9am to 3pm:

• February 27, 2009 at PDA Concert Hall
• March 1, 2009 at Lipa City Colleges, Batangas
• March 3 & 4, 2009 at Porta Vaga Mall, Baguio City
• March 6, 2009 at Centennial Arena, Laoag
• March 8, 2009 at Holy Angels University Angeles City, Pampanga
• Mar 9 & 11, 2009 - PBB Season 3 audition -PDA concert hall
• Mar 13, 2009 - PBB Teen audition-PDA concert hall
• March 15, 2009 at Cebu Parkmall, Mandaue City, Cebu
• March 20, 2009 at Tarlac State University, Tarlac
• April 17, 2009 at Island City Mall, Tagbilaran, Bohol
• April 19, 2009 at Capiz Gym, Roxas City
• April 24, 2009 at Father Saturnino Urios, University Gym, Butuan City
• April 26, 2009 at General Santos Gym, Brgy. Lagao, General Santos City
• May 8, 2009 at Camarines Sur Capitol Convention Center, Pili, Camarines Sur

As much as I want to break the news, audition for Cebu is in the works. Come back for an update.

UPDATE!
What: Pinoy Big Brother 2009 Audition in Cebu
For: PBB Season 3, PBB Teen 3, Pinoy Dream Academy 3
Where: Cebu Parkmall, Mandaue Cebu
When: March 15, 2009 9am to 3pm
Special appearance by: PBB Teen runner-up Robi Dominggo
For Frequently Asked Questions check out: http://parkmallph.blogspot.com

To know more about Parkmall check out:
www.parkmallph.com or www.parkmallph.blogspot.com

DISCLAIMER: The author is not in any way connected with ABS-CBN/Endemol/or its organizing committee. Your inquiries is best addressed in www.pinoybigbrother.multiply.com

Opportunity Knocks Only Once

My maternal grandfather was a chef who operated the most famous Chinese restaurant in his locality during his time. Unfortunately, when he passed away, no one was able to carry on that legacy. I would have wanted to do the same but I'm occupied with so many other things, that remains an unfulfilled dream.

A relative of mine franchised a popular coffee shop. My sister opened up the idea if we could supply them some sweets. I blurted out our intention once but was turned down simply because of franchise policies.

However, some policies are made to be broken. Three weeks ago, I got a call if I could supply since their supplier cannot meet the demand. Willingly I agreed. The past weeks, I've been in search for decent ramekins... unbelievably, it's such a hard find! I got a few from Landmark Makati at a very good price but it was not enough.

The past weeks I've been in my test kitchen... now my throat is sore with too much sweets. It has been a while since I last baked. Luckily, I have a cousin who's a food technologist whom I can consult every so often. Home baking is a lot different from commercial baking. It's not just the ingredients, it's the procedure, the packaging and everything else. I had to have my oven fixed from red to blue flame. I had to bake the ramekins for an hour prior to its first use to keep it oven safe.

With a very small volume, the proceeds I will get from this is actually not material at all. It's barely enough to sustain my weekend fancies. But it's an opportunity I want to grab.

He's Just Not That Into You

He's just not that into you the movie should be coming out in local theaters soon, it's now showing in the US. It stars Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Afleck and more. The book was written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tucillo inspired by an episode in Sex and the City. The book speaks of relationships, how to read the signs and interpret that actions of the opposite sex. Signs that shout he's just not that into you yet undeniably keeps you up all night hoping that it's just the exception and not the rule. It intends to be your wake up call. I've read the book and I can't wait to see the movie.

Valentine's Day is coming up, if he's not asking you out on a date, let it be your wake up call, he's just not that into you. ;)

Himala sa Simala

Woke up earlier than usual on a Sunday morning for a visit to the Monastery of Holy Eucharist or Mother Mary Shrine in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Sibonga Town, Cebu. I accepted a friend's invitation knowing that I need to say some prayers.

Devotees from across the globe flock Simala bringing their faith and writing their petitions, longing for answered prayers and some miracle. The shrine became famous after word spread that the image of the Virgin Mary was seen shedding tears of blood, a phenomenon that lacks scientific or official church validation but nevertheless draws more and more people. But long before that, I have an aunt who have personal devotion to her for answering her prayer of bearing her only begotten child.

DIRECTIONS: It takes at least two hours to get to Sibonga from Cebu City Center via the South Reclamation Project (SRP). Head south of Cebu, upon reaching Carcar's rotunda, go straight. When you reach Sibonga, signs are visible, turn right and proceed on a long winding road uphill.

We parked the car outside, there are several private lots charging P40 parking fee. Noticeably, there are several restaurants, shops and dormitory sprouting outside the monastery.

Upon entering its gate, I was surprise to see a long queue of devotees along those concrete slopes and stairs, hundreds or maybe a thousand of them, patiently waiting for their turn to kiss the image inside the church.


We walked past them and proceeded uphill right outside the church where candles are being sold. Colored candles are available for sale at P35, each color representing your specific intention. Red for love, Green for prosperity, Brown for lifetime partner, Gold for good health, there's violet, yellow, blue and a lot more. Nevertheless, I assume God is color blind, whatever color your candle is, your prayers are heard. It was difficult to keep them alight with the wind blowing.
Colored candles symbolizes petition for:
• GOLD - HEALING (Good Health, Recovery, Spiritual, Family Tree)
• GREEN - PROSPERITY/SUCCESS (Exam, Study, Financial, Business)
• BLUE - PERSERVERANCE (Employment, Career, Assignment, Promotions)
• VIOLET - ACHIEVEMENT (Plans in life, Struggles, Endeavors, Journey, Voyage)
• RED - LOVE (Unity, Friendship, Engagement, Family)
• YELLOW - PEACE (Courage, Strength, Hope)
• WHITE - PURITY (Enlightenment, Guidance, Right path)
• ORANGE - RECONCILATION (Sweetheart, Wife/Husband, Enemy, Family)
• PINK - THANKSGIVING/HAPPINESS/JOY (Spiritual, Physical)
• BLACK - SOULS (Forgiveness, Pardon)
• BROWN -VOCATION (Marriage bond, God’s Servant, Single life)
• GRAY - DELIVERANCE (Bad ways, Things, Spirits)
• CREAM - CONVERSION/FAITH (Children, Household, Couples)

Visitors and devotees who go to Simala are there to offer their petitions. Blank sheets of paper and pens on which to write their intentions are prepared by the Marian monks for one to drop in a box. I wrote mine while we were in the car. With a tougher year ahead, I never thought I had more than two things to ask.

The church exterior is imposing, sitting on a hill. It's relatively small inside considering its large facade. I wonder how they can house thousands of devotees for mass. (Plans are on its way of making a much bigger venue.) The interior is a work in progress. The ceiling work is done but some parts of the wall wasn't painted yet. The church is filled with wooden pews that look up to an elevated altar, where the miraculous statue of Mary is visible from afar. The stairs on the left are filled with people leading to the image. That's the same line on queue from the gate, that's several hours of waiting.

Note: Once inside the altar, visitors who wish to pay homage and kiss has to walk barefoot. Since the area is considered sacred ground, shoes and footwear have to be removed and modesty is part of the dress code. Wearing of shorts, body-hugging blouses or sleeveless shirts is not allowed. Visitors who come dressed in this attire are asked to cover up with sarongs or malongs, prepared by the monks at the entrance.

After our prayers have been said, we walked back down hill, detoured on a bell on the right. It's a wishing bell! One has to let a coin bounce on that bell and it should fall into the well infront of it. TIP: Don't hit the bell too hard, you're coin will definitely bounce outside to an opposite direction. Throw it gently on the center body of the bell, it will just slide down from its body into the well. It's simply physics but not everyone can do it. ;)

These practices will definitely raise eyebrows. I'm Catholic and I'm quite surprised. It was my first time there so I was quite observant with what was happening. At the end of the day, what matters most is the faith that Mother Mary prays for us and that Jesus hears our prayers.

SCHEDULE OF MASSES:
M-F: 12nn, Saturdays: 1030am, Sundays: 330pm
1030-1130pm and 330-430pm every 13th of the month.

SCHEDULE OF SUNDAY MASSES IN CEBU CITY:

Sacred Heart Church, D. Jakosalem
6,8,930,11,^6,730 (Anticipated: 6)

Redemptorist Church
5*,6*,7,815,930,1045,^330*,445,6,715 (Anticipated:530,645)

Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Asilo dela Milagrosa, Gorordo, Lahug
6,7,^530 (Anticipated: 530)

Capitol Church
7,11,^4,7 (Anticipated: 530)

St. Therese, Lahug
530*,7,9,1030*,^4,530*,7* (Anticipated: 6)

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
530*,7*,830,10*,1130,^230*,4*,530,7 (Anticipated: 530)

*Cebuano masses (unmarked are english masses)
^afternoon onwards

For other churches around the Philippines check out this site.

Flying to Coron, Busuanga

In my recent trip to Coron, Busuanga, I redeemed a travel voucher with Cebu Pacific from my previous failed trip. True to their word, I didn't have to pay a single cent for that. I only had to make a phone reservation, email the travel voucher (and present them during check-in) and got the email confirmation four hours later. Anxious about their customer service performance record, we arrived at the airport two hours before the flight. I guess my fate has changed, we met no problem. Except for the long queue for security check early in the morning.

The plane left on time. The plane was almost full, passengers were even seated on stewardess seats while stewardess were seated in the middle fronting the aisle on make-shift seats! Wow, this budget airline has its way of maximing its capacity.

In all the flights I've been to across the world, the door to the lavatory is faced on the side of plane. But on this plane, the lavatory is at the tail end. I was facing its tail end trying to open the door, I had to look at the stewardess for assurance that what I'm doing was right and got a nod from them. Not seeing what's behind that door, I could only imagine I can be suctioned out of the plane when I open the door. LOL paranoia!

While waiting for the luggages to be out, arrival card needs to be filled up at the arrival hall. A lady came to distribute and collected them after.

It took a while before luggages were out, there is no conveyor belt, luggages were lined one by one on a platform just like in many provincial airports in the country.

Out of the airport, several drivers are holding on placards of names of passengers or resort destinations. After a while our host came to meet us, whew! I thought she didn't get my message, I was trying to reach her before the flight but she can't be reached. Apparently, mobile phone signal in the area is weak.

Flying out of Busuanga, we took PAL Express. Check through to PAL flights was not allowed. I was expecting a new plane like we had in Caticlan (Boracay) but it wasn't. The plane arrived late thus, our flight departed late too but it wasn't a long wait.

FLYING TO/FROM CORON, BUSUANGA:

Small low flying planes fly from Manila to Busuanga Airport via PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Airways and Seair (while passesnger vessels of Superferry docks in Coron Town after 12 hours at sea). Flights are almost an hour except for Seair's Donier that only takes 35 minutes. (get 15% discount on seair flights HERE.)

Baggage allowance is limited to 10kgs for PAL, Zest Airways and Seair and 15kgs for Cebu Pacific. Excess baggage is charged between 80 to 100 pesos per kilogram.

There are several vans by airlines, resorts or simply awaiting for passengers to be transferred to Coron Town. They charge P150 per pax for shared transfers and P1,500 per van for private transfers. Coron Town is about 45 minutes away from the airport crossing on bumpy road with mountain view along an animal ranch. Concreting of roads is on its way, this should cut travel time further.

See my Calamian Islands Travel Guide: Coron, Busuanga, Calauit, Maricaban.

Calamian Islands, Northern Palawan Travel Guide: Club Paradise, Maricaban, Calauit, Coron, Busuanga

Just like any tourist, I was quite confused with the sights to see in Palawan. I had to see the map before I understood it's geography. Palawan is a huge archipelago, it may take a month to visit the whole island. Puerto Princessa (PP) is at it's center, it is the jump off point for Honda Bay Island Hopping and 7 wonders of the world nominee Underground River Tour. From PP, El Nido is two hours away by land + short boat transfers while Coron is ten hours away by big passenger vessel and Tubbataha Marine Park is twelve hours by boat.

These three main tourist destinations of Palawan can now be reached by plane. PP and Coron (via Busuanga) via flagship airline PAL, or Cebu Pacific, Zest Airways & Seair. While El Nido can be reached by Seair or charter flights on Island Transvoyager. Since these are small aircraft, free luggage allowance is limited to 10 to 15 kilograms. Click link for more info on flying to Busuanga.

This is probably the most difficult trip I've organized simply because I wanted to make an itinerary that's off the beaten path. There is limited information on the net, most sites offer tour packages rather than helpful hints and contact information. Mobile phone signal is weak in some areas, it took me some ten tries before I could reach the contacts. Since we have only four days to spare, we've trimmed down the trip to two islands of Calamian Islands, Northern Palawan. Calamian Islands, consists of Busuanga Island, Coron Island, Calauit Island, Culion Island and other neighboring islands. The locals discouraged us to push through our initial plan of cruising around Busuanga Island for three days due to strong northeastern winds (Amihan) in January, so we decided to skip Gutob Bay and came up with plan B:


Day 1 Getting to Club Paradise Resort
Busuanga Airport - Maricaban Bay - Dimakya Island - Maricaban Bay

Planes fly from Manila to Busuanga Airport via PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Airways and Seair (while passesnger vessels of Superferry docks in Coron Town). There are several vans awaiting for passengers to be transferred to Coron Town for P150 per pax or P1,500 per van.

Since we wanted to visit Club Paradise, we went straight to Maricaban Bay. We were met at the airport by our host, Vicky Hefti of Vicky's Lodging House. Her place is an hour away from the the airport, a fishing village, the jump-off point to Club Paradise, Dimakya Island.

Day use at Club Paradise costs P2,500 inclusive of airport transfers, lunch buffet, and use of facilities. It's a rated AAA resort, which costs as much as $300/night during peak season. Alternatively, we had our lunch at Vicky's Lodging House for P250 and booked a boat through Vicky's/Dugong Dive Center to bring us to Club Paradise. Round trip boat transfers is at P900/pax plus $10/pax day use fee at Club Paradise.

After lunch, on board fiberglass diving boat Tashina, we were cruising Maricaban Bay. Lovely view of the mountain on one side, a couple of inhabited islands on the other. We cruised passed El Rio Y Mar and Isla Walang Lang-aw. We reached Club Paradise, Dimakya Island, thirty minutes later. We were met with inviting clear blue sea and white sands, I've never seen such clear blue sea water! We had to transfer to a chase boat to get to the shore, one by one we had to time our entry with the strong breaks. It caught me, so I was literally pushed to shore with the guide holding me tightly, obviously, I got soaked (but we all had a good laugh)!

Two of us went diving at the reef while the rest tried to brave the water snorkeling. 60 feet underwater, water visibilty was bad due to continuous strong winds and waves for the past days. We missed the resident turtle, nevertheless, on that white sandy bottom, we saw stingray and my first ever mandarin fish. If you're lucky you'll find Dugong in this area. Dive rate for Vicky's guests is discounted at P1,000/dive and P400 for gear rental per dive. They provide good condition Scubapro gear (exactly just like mine).

Too short a time to bum around. Before the sun sets, we had to leave for Vicky's Lodging House where we will spend the night.

Vicky's Lodging House / Vicky's Guest House provides basic room accomodation with tiled private toilet & bath. Electricity is not available in the area, but generator is available on stand by. Vicky's home cooked meals are great. We feasted on crabs, fish, pork belly and who would forget the banana flambe. Vicky is definitely a great host, one with pleasing personality and warm hospitality. She even accompanied us in our tours the next day. If you wish to stay with them, do advise her in advance. Logistics in the area is difficult, they have to buy their supplies including food and water from Coron or Manila.

Day 2 Getting to Calauit Island Safari, Maquinig Hot Springs, Mt. Tapyas
Maricaban Bay - Calauit Island - Coron Town

We were set to leave at 5am by land to get to Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary by 7am, when the animals are known to group together before they wander around. We got delayed, we left past 6am and the land trip took more than three hours, so we got there around 930am. By this time, the animals have wandered around and the tour truck has left. So we walked past the unmanned entrance and saw our first, second, then third giraffe in the wild! We tried to get closer but they tend to move away until a small tour truck came to us. These giraffes followed us in our tour truck knowing they will be fed.



Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). Booking is required to enter Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, they have an office in Coron that will take your bookings (I failed to get their numbers, if you have one do post it here). Our host Vicky arranged it for us. Entrance is at P250/pax and tour truck is at P1,000/truck (but we got the small one at P500).

How to get to Calauit Safari? There are two ways to reach Calauit Island: By Land or By Boat.

1. hire a van at P6,000 from Coron Town for about 4 hours land trip per way + short outrigger boat to cross the island at P400/boat. Make sure your driver knows where to stop, there are no visible signs as to where to take the boat to cross the island.

2. rent a boat (rates were based on what I've canvassed)

From Coron Town, rent an outrigger boat to Calauit Island. It is about P9-11,000 for about 5 to 6 hours per way. You may opt to stay overnight in North Cay Island and go island hopping in Gutob Bay: North Cay/South Cay Island, Black Island.

From Club Paradise or from Vicky's Guesthouse (Maricaban Bay) it is 2 hours away. Club Paradise charge $46/pax all-in for the tour or you can rent a boat through Vicky at P4,000/boat + entrance fees.

Boat trips is advisable only from February to May when the sea is calm.

We left Calauit at noon, and we're in for another 4-hour land trip from the northern most tip of Busuanga to the southern most tip of Busuanga as we head to Coron Town. We had a stop over at Concepcion Falls for our packed lunch of crabs and chicken adobo.


We reached Coron Town past 5pm, checked-in Princess of Coron and met up with our coron local guide Mang Eran of DIY Coron.

He was accommodating enough to lead the way up to Mt. Tapyas. That's more than 800 flights of steps uphill where you'll see the whole town of Coron and Coron islands. Going uphill, look to your right and see that island dubbed as the "sleeping giant".

We had a hearty dinner at Kawayanan Grill. Coron Town is pretty small, you can easily go around town by foot or tricycle. Trikes in coron can fit 7 pax. Feel free to ask for directions, you'll find everything just around the corner.

Maquinit Hot Springs is about 20 minutes tricycle ride from town center. We paid P300 for round trip tricycle fare. Our driver waited for our return trip. Entrance to Maquinit Hot Springs is at P100/pax, local residents can buy tickets in town at P50/pax - maybe your trike driver can do that for you like ours did. ;)

Day 3 A must: Coron Island Hopping
Coron Town - Coron Island Hopping - Coron Town

The highlight of every tour to Coron is the Coron Island Hopping. We arranged with DIY Coron for a hassle free day. Ours costs P1300/pax for six pax, inclusive of hotel pickup to/fr port, boat rental, entrance fees, hearty lunch and cheesewiz sandwich snack.



If you decide to go on your own, boats are readily available for hire at P1500 - P2500 per day at the port. Follow this itinerary to maximize your travel time and take note of the following entrance fees:


SIETE PECADOS (P75): (Seven Sins) snorkel in a marine sanctuary around seven islets.


KALACHUCHI ISLAND (P0): a marine sanctuary named after the kalachuchi tree on top of it.

KAYANGAN LAKE (P200): dubbed as one of the cleanest fresh water lake in the world. It can be reached after a hundred steps up then down hill. If there is anything you should not miss, it would be this lake. The lime stone rock formation underwater was breathtaking. Noticeably, floating on fresh water is more difficult, one becomes less bouyant.


Don't forget to stop by the cave half-way to/fr Kayangan Lake see this view from the top:


Eat your packed lunch by the Kayangan Cove. There is a long stretch of table available for use near where the boats dock. One thing great about getting a package tour is, you don't have to worry about logistics especially on food and drinks. We would have wanted lobsters but it wasn't available in the market so we had crabs and shrimps instead.


BARRACUDA LAKE (P75): a very short trek up and down on sharp limestone was a challenge before you reach the brackish lake. Hail to those divers who brought along their scuba gears & tanks.


TWIN LAGOON (P0): it was high tide when we got there, the gap was really small so we had to swim (less than a meter) underwater to get to the other side. Be mindful of the sharp rocks overhead when you rise. Once inside, experience thermocline, it's amazing to actually see it at shallow depth and actually feel the difference with your hands (a few inches apart) on top of the other. See and try it for yourself, it's amazing.


SKELETON WRECK (P100): one of the few shallow ship wreck in Coron seen by snorkeling. Wreck diving is popular in Coron at the depths of 60ft or more.

BANOL BEACH (P100): a small cove of white sand beach front maintained by the Tagbuana Tribe. A cozy place to beach bum. Wish we had more time to spare but the sun is about to set, we had to go back to town.


After a series of seafood meals, go to Bistro Coron for some tasty Italian pizza, pasta and more in Coron Town. The shrimp & mushroom pasta with fresh tomato sauce was tasty, the marinara pasta was so so, but the pizza was great! Oops, that's still seafood.



Day 4 AIRPORT

Our host, Princess of Coron arranged shared airport transfers for us, we didn't have to go to the town center, we were picked up at the resort for P150/pax. Princess of Coron provides the best facilities in town according to a local. Our clean spacious room, located on the second floor was priced at P1,600. It had king size bed and one double deck, large cabinets, a living room on one side, airconditioned, tiled bathroom w/ shower enclosures. It's owned by an Austrian and his Filipina wife. It's not really a resort nor a hotel, but more of a lodging house.

Busuanga airport, Yulo King Ranch is a 45 minute scenic ride across mountain view and animal ranch from Coron Town.

This is finally off my wow Philippines wish list. Three more to go! :D

TIP: Ours was a DIY tour, if you like the itinerary exactly like ours, simply contact Vicky for Day 1 and 2 and Owen of DIY CORON for Day 3. The latter is known for coming up with budget group tours, feel free to contact him and share a tour, he can arrange the tour from Day 1 to 3 also. He certainly was of great help to us and even made ocular inspection on our behalf.

THINGS TO BRING:

1. first aid, vitamins, medicine - pharmacy is not readily available
2. flash light - electricity is not available 24 hours in certain areas
3. insect repellant: off lotion (a must!)
4. mask, snorkel and fins (rental is available at P150)
5. towels and toiletries, sun block
6. slippers and trekking shoes (for barracuda lake)
7. dry bag/zip locks
8. cash! - atm and credit card not available
9. swim suit, rash guard and quick dry clothes, cap
10. underwater camera and batteries
11. rain jacket (for rain and wave splash)

POST TRIP ACCOUNTING: P8724/pax + 1600 dive/pax + P1115 airfare

P 200 naia airport terminal fee
P 250 airport transfers (1500/6)
P 900 boat to club para
P 477 club para day use ($10)
P 400 vickys lodging house (800/2)
P 950 vickys meals (4meals)
P 50 1 liter mineral water
P1000 van rental to vickys-calauit (jump-off point)-coron (6000/6)
P 67 boat transfers to/fr calauit island (400/6)
P 250 calauit entrance fee
P 85 calauit tour truck (1000 less 50%/6)
P1600 two nights at princess of coron (1600/2*2)
P 270 POC meals (2bf meals)
P 60 5 liter mineral water (35x5/3)
P 200 kawayanan grill
P 320 coron bistro
P 50 maquinit hot spring round trip tricycle ride(300/6)
P 75 maquinit hot spring entrance fee (P100-25 discount)
P1300 coron island hopping (w/ lunch & entrance fees)
P 50 tip
P 150 airport transfers
P 20 busuanga airport terminal fee
-o-
P1000 dive fee
P 400 dive gear
P 200 tip
-o-
P0 mla-busuanga (travel voucher) via CP
P1115 busuanga-mla via PAL express

Contact Information:

FOR TOURS:

• DIY Coron (Owen) +639285212805 ambivalent13@yahoo.com http://owenferrer.multiply.com


• Local Guide (Eran)+639204339152


• Dugong Dive Center 09178533395 (menchi) or 09209519100 (dirk) info@dugongdivecenter.com


• Club Paradise (02)838-4956 to 60

FOR ACCOMODATION:

• Vicky's Lodging House / Vicky's Guest House @ P800/room (Vicky Hefti)+639266467327


• Princess of Coron P1500-1800/room (Elena Paguia)+639192361430 maelenapaguia@yahoo.com

Other places to stay:

• Seadive Resort +639184000448 +639209458714 seadive@seadiveresort.com


• Darayonan(Chin Fernandez) +639178811151 dipulao@yahoo.com.ph


• Village Lodge (Bec) becfernandez@coronvillagelodge.com


• Divelink info@divelink.com.ph

Pit Senyor! Sinulog 2009

Cebu's largest annual event, Sinulog Festival is coming up this Sunday. The streets are now packed with cars and people. Good thing I paid homage early on. It is customary for Cebuanos to visit Sr. Sto. Nino's image at the Basilica. Queque extends upto the church grounds, waiting time of an hour is already short.

Sinulog, syagit ug kusog, Pit Senyor! Pit Senyor! tanan magsaulog! is the song you hear everywhere during this time of the year.

Sinulog is celebrated for nine days with two major activities as highlights –a religious procession on Saturday and grand street parade on Sunday. It got its name from a ritual dance in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño.

Schedule of activities for Sinulog 2009:

January 17, 2009 (Saturday)
6am - Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño together with Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mactan Channel; starting point: Ouano Wharf, Mandaue City)
9am - Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
2pm - Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño)
6:30pm - Sinulog Festival Queen 2009 (Cebu City Sports Center)
7pm - Street Party (Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia)
8pm - Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras (Ayala Center Cebu hallways; culmination at the South Surface Parking Area)

January 18, 2009 (Sunday) - Sinulog 2009 Grand Parade
9am - Sinulog 2009 Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7pm - Grand Fireworks Display (Cebu City Sports Center a.k.a. Abellana and Plaza Independencia)
7:30pm - Concert by Street Party Bands (Fuente Osmeña)
8pm - Grand Fireworks Display sponsored by the Mitsumi Group of Companies (Ayala Football Grounds)

January 19, 2009 (Monday)
1pm - Awarding Ceremonies (Cebu City Sports Center a.k.a. Abellana)

January 31, 2009 (Saturday)
1pm - Awarding Ceremonies for the winners of the Sinulog 2009 Photo Contest and Sinulog 2009 Video Documentary Contest

Travel Photography Workshop

Photoholic Ilocos is a trip to Ilocos organized by Travel Factor. Photoholics is a modern day linggo which refers to those addicts to face the camera or take photographs. It started out as a venue for knowledge sharing among hobbyist.

A big plus to the trip was their first ever photography workshop facilitated by Cedric Valera. I love to travel and learning to love photography. What could be better than having both at the same time. Undeniably, having a digital camera is fast becoming like having a mobile phone.

I had to borrow a DSLR for the trip and had to cram reading the manual before we left. For someone who had no background on digital photography, I was challenged and at times frustrated by the workshop not to mention the assignment that went with it. Sir Ced have shared a lot of travel photography tips and he has successfully shared those with his bubbly self and got away with critiquing our shots with his funny antics!

Let me share some tips I learned during the workshop:

F16 1/250 ISO 200 is the best exposure for daylight in travel photography.

(from digicamguides.com)Geek speak:
APERTURE:

f4.5 = SMALL DEPTH OF FIELD = Best for portraits
f8.0 = MEDIUM DEPTH OF FIELD = Good for most shots
f22 = LARGE DEPTH OF FIELD = Best for landscapes

SHUTTER SPEED:
2000 - 4000 Very fast. (for flying animals.)
500 - 1000 Fast shutter. (for playing kids.)
125 - 500 Moderate shutter speed. (portrait.)
8 - 60 Slow shutter speed with tripod. (show movement)
8" - 30" Very slow shutter speed with tripod. (night shoot)

Watch out for CHISMIS: these are distracting elements of a photograph. (Calle Crisologo)

Watch out for CHISMIS: these are abruptly cut subject. (Bangui Windmills)

Set CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE for night shoot. CWB sets the benchmark of white in a different lighting condition.(Calle Crisologo, by Ced Valera).

Go for silhoutte on backlight (against the light). First meter the sky then shoot the subject. The subject must appear dark for a perfect silhoutte, no details just outline. (Paoay Church)

Take note the intersecting lines of the RULE OF THIRDS.

Portraiture: The eye shall intersect the lines on rule of thirds. Watch out for growing objects on the head. Don't cut on the joints. (Saud Beach, Pagudpud)

Landscape: the horizon can be horizontally on the upper or lower thirds. (Bantay Abot)

Look out for patterns. (Vigan Pottery)

Play with shadows. (Cobblestones of Vigan)

Center Balance for doors and windows. (Paoay Church)

The angle tells a story, it projects different levels of respect or social status. In portraiture, respect is key and consent may be necessary.(Kabigan Falls)

Staircases are emo. Leading lines shall start at the corner. It leads and draws the eye to the subject. (Cape Bojeador Lighthouse)

Look for patterns and details. (Paoay Church)

Leading lines (river) lead to the subject. (Capurpurawan Rock)

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH POST-PROCESSING.

After all that has been learned, I've come to realize it's not so much on the arrow, but it's the Indian.

I love the experience, I'm excited for another travel photography workshop in Batanes with Mandy Navasero next month. :D

Note: Pictures taken with Nikon D40.