Boat on Shore!

INTRAMUROS: The other side!

2016-07-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Intramuros!

It was my first time to visit this part of Intramuros and I was impressed of this view.

PRAYERS for BOHOL and CEBU!

2013-10-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

I felt so sad when earthquake hit Bohol and Cebu. Cebu is my second home while Bohol is one of my favorites. These two places are home of my closest friends and relatives.

Old structures especially Churches are most affected by the incident. Cebu and Bohol are known as home of the best and oldest Churches in the Philippines. Everytime I visit these places, I always stop and take a snapshot of the beautiful facade of these Churches. I haven't heard any destruction in Talibon and Dauis Churches, and I hope they are fine.

One of the most devastated is the Loon Church where almost nothing but pieces of stones were left. My prayers and sympathy are always with you, to my friends, my family and the rest who are affected with the earthquake. Until now, there are status and tweets that people are still experiencing after shocks and tremors in low magnitude. To my loved ones, please be safe and ask for guidance. Be alert and don't panic.

To the people who are willing to extend their gratitude and kindness, you may send personal message to me. My sister is accepting donations in cash or in kind to the families affected in Bohol and Cebu.

Loon Church, Bohol

Baclayon Church, Bohol

Loboc Church, Bohol

Sto. Nino Church, Cebu City

Dauis Church, Bohol

Talibon Church, Bohol

Church somewhere in Cebu south

Discomforts while on Travel

2013-08-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

When you are on travel, everything is uncomfortable! You are out of your comfort zone and these situations will add more discomfort while on travel.

I guess you already have an idea.

Flood, can't go out.

Sweet couple on your next table.

Storm in Boracay, can't enjoy the beach! What the!

The place you would like to visit is not open for viewing.

Creepy place to stay.

Ei Mr Pilot, there is a storm along the way.

Waiting for the next trip, Ok!

Chinese sign boards? Is there any translation?

Riding on a "skylab" and good luck if it's out of balance.

Saying goodbye with besties, sad moments happen every end of the trip.

Meal for two? Ei, I'm alone in this room.

TRAFFIC!!!!

Sleeping on the couch while waiting for your room.

My MAKATI

2013-07-29T06:22:00.001-07:00

The Central Business District in four perspectives. These are not the best photos but at least I tried.

During Sunrise

Mid-Day

Sunset

Night

The SULU Archipelago!

2012-08-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

My first travel to Tawi-Tawi was via ship from Zamboanga City Port and I haven't felt any excitement because it was my first to go to the province. My perceptions were very different until I started to talk to strangers inside the ship. Their comments was really different on what I heard in the news and print medias. The travel lasted for 16 hours and half of it was spent in sleeping. We passed by the SULU ARCHIPELAGO upon reaching the province of Tawi-Tawi. Seair flights during that time was stopped due to some aircraft standards that until now they haven't resumed their operations to Tawi-Tawi. That is the reason why I took the ship instead.

I was happy to know that there where already available flights to Tawi-Tawi by AirPhilExpress the second time I visited the place (at present,CebuPacificAir has already flights to Tawi-Tawi). I'm also glad to know that flights are in the morning because I know that Islands within the Sulu Archipelago are magnificent. Upon take-off my camera was already prepared and ready to capture beautiful aerial sites. Below are pictures I took during my Zamboanga - Tawi-Tawi flight. Enjoy!

These Islands are great and very comparable to some beautiful known beaches in the Philippines. If and only if this part of the country is very safe for tourists and locals, surely people will flock and build communities here.

Pangangan Island CALAPE, BOHOL

2012-08-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

It was stormy season in Metro Manila when I and my officemate decided to go to Pangangan Island Calape, Bohol for field work. It was a risk that we will ride a boat around the Island during high season of monsoon.

It was a bit cloudy with slight rain around Metro Manila during our departure from NAIA Terminal Three. I was wishing and hopeful that the weather in Bohol is not the same as in Metro Manila.

Bohol is a Province and an Island that has so much to offer. It has a lot of activities and perfect for unwinding. It has nice beaches, dive spots, extreme sports, nice views and etc. It has also an easy access from Manila, Cebu and Davao.

There's a new flight by MidSea Express from Davao-Bohol v.v. check the website for details: http://www.midseaexpress.com/

I will go back to Bohol and search new places to unwind.

Flight 5J 617 bound for Tagbilaran.

Bohol's rehabilitated highways. No more rough roads around Bohol.

Rows of Indian Trees, some parts are Acacia Trees.

Calape Town Proper

The Calape Church, not as old as other Bohol Churches.

The Causeway to Pangangan Island.

Cottages within the Causeway

It looks like an abandoned lighthouse. This is the boundary if the Marine Protected Area in Calape.

We stayed at Treasure Island Beach Resort in Pangangan Island. They have several choices of food, good food. We ordered more on sea foods which it cost so much in big cities. But in Treasure Island the price is affordable. Look for Maam Blessy owner of Treasure Island Resort: 09165569382. If you want to relax and unwind for few days, for me, Treasure Island Resort is perfect for you.

Sunset view from Treasure Island Resort

Treasure Island Cottage

Aerial view of Pangangan Island

The Great MAKATI Skyline!

2012-07-23T03:35:00.002-07:00

The whole stretch of Makati Skyline.

I was invited by my officemate to have tea or coffee at her condo and I was struck by the view she has on her living room. Thanks for the invitation Makoto!

Another view of Makati Skyline.

It looks like some sort of first world skyline.

New York? Hong Kong? Shanghai China? I don't think so.

The tallest building being built at this this generation.

The Great BOHOL

2012-04-03T00:01:00.002-07:00

I was Cebu-based and there were many times I tried to visit BOHOL! Time, budget and effort won't allow me. But during my Travel in the Visayas, Bohol is on my top list. It's like all people around me had been to Bohol.

Bohol, a great package for tourist. All in one: from Landscape to Seascape; Flora to Fauna, Food and People.

Upon arrival at Bohol Port, there are many people offering for package tours. All tours are of the same stops and price. The usual price is 1,500.00Php. Two days in Bohol is already enough unless you beyond with your adventures.

I have decided to take the tour the next day. I was surprised what I saw outside my hotel room.

Moonset at 5:30am

Insider Tip:

You may contact Kuya Jun at +639196457427 or contact my Boholana friend, Sky for more information.

The BOHOL Package Tour:

First Stop: "The SANDUGO"

The statue of Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi symbolizing the Treaty of Friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos.

The SANDUGO Statue. As if I was part of the Treaty of Friendship!

Second Stop: "The BACLAYON CHURCH"

The Church of Baclayon remembers us how old the Christianity has been introduced in the Philippines. There were also old Churches in some parts of Bohol as well as in the Visayas Region.

Exterior of Baclayon Church

Interior of the Church

Insider Tip:

Make a wish during for first visits on Churches. -a tip from a friend, Hannah-

Third Stop: "Philippines' Greatest SNAKE"

It is a Python Snake and it is recorded as the biggest snake in captivity. There is a human-snake too who performs Whitney Houston in Live!

Biggest Python in captivity.

Insider Tip:

Make sure that the snake is full upon entering its cage.

Fees: 5.00Php - access road, 10.00Php - entrance

Fourth Stop: "Philippines' Smallest Primate: TARSIER, Tarsius syrichta"

The Phillipine Tarsier was known as the World's Smallest Primate but there are articles stating that it's not.

Tarsius syrichta

Insider Tip:

Do no over-stressed them, they are endangered.

Fees: Only Donations

Fifth Stop: "LOBOC RIVER CRUISE"

The Loboc River Cruise is very popular since it is not an ordinary cruise. It's like a fine-dining in a floating restaurant, in the middle of the river with 360degrees view of rainforest. Food is great at 450.00Php.

Loboc Church

The cut-Bridge: the construction was stopped because the Church will be demolished if pursued.

Floating Restaurants and floating raft with the dancing ladies.

The tip of the river cruise.

Insider Tip:

Be there by lunch time to make sure food is freshly served. Bring extra money for extra charges like government taxes and so on. Kindly refer to Bohol Official Site for more info.

Fees: 450.00Php - buffet, 100.00Php

Sixth Stop: "The BUTTERFLY FARM"

There are several species of Butterflies are on site.

Different types of Butterfly Pupa

Learning Macro-Shot

Insider Tip:

Learn macro option to capture great shots.
Fees: 25.00Php

Seventh Stop: "MAN-MADE FOREST"

It is a 2-kilometer ride covered with Mahogany Trees. The trees have grown better than those in the wild.

The Man-Made Forest

Eighth Stop: "The GREAT CHOCOLATE HILLS"

It was raining when I get there so I had to wait until the rain stops. While seeing the view, I was wondering how these things had happen. I always remember when I was a grade-schooler, "Chocolate Hills" is always on discussions about "Ang Mga Anyong Lupa ng Pilipinas". At that age, it's like always a dream of seeing Chocolate Hills in person.

The GREAT CHOCOLATE HILLS

Upon leaving the View Deck in Carmen

Insider Tip:

Do not visit during rainy days, you won't enjoy the view. There were no covered walkways to the top of viewing deck.

Fees: 50.00Php

Aside from these stops/adventures, Bohol has still lot of things to discover. Danao Adventure Park offers great deals for extreme adventurers such as the bungee-like adventures aka Plunge. The beach type of person could go to Panglao Island and other neighboring Islands for great Beach adventure. I had visited Panglao Island but only in few hours at dinner time. I wasn't able to capture great scenery in Panglao but my friend Sky (Under the Sky) wrote about Panglao and her adventures: Paradise called Panglao Island.

I will make sure to feature Danao Adventure Park and Panglao on my next visit in Bohol.

Videos for PHILIPPINES' BEST BEACH DESTINATIONS: CORON and EL NIDO

2012-03-30T01:24:00.000-07:00

CORON PALAWAN

Coron Islands

Feeding Frenzy at Siete Picados

EL NIDO PALAWAN

Viewd from Og's Pension House

Amazing Rock Formations

PHILIPPINES' BEST BEACH DESTINATIONS

2012-03-29T04:15:00.003-07:00

It's almost SUMMER! I miss Philippines' nice beaches. I am a lone traveler. I often go to the beach to unwind, to see people, to meet new faces, to experience new crowd. With these experiences, I have compiled photos and memories. This compilation is based on my personal experiences.

1. CORON PALAWAN

Coron Palawan for me is the best. It has many things to offer and the experience is totally different. You'll be able to see different attractions from nice beaches to lakes to hot spring to coral garden to museum. Name it and you'll have it. Visit Coron and see it for yourself.

Coron Boulevard

Moutain range viewed from boulevard.

Viewed from atop going to Kayangan Lake.

Kayangan Lake

Stony Montains

Siete Picados

Culion Island, Home of the Leprosy Museum.

Getting There:

From Manila: Take the flights by Cebu Pacific Air, AirphilExpress.com and Philippine Airlines

From El Nido: Take the Boat Ride from El Nido

Insider Tip:

Contact Mommita' Lodge: Everything is included: Airport Transfer, Food, Accommodation and Tours. Contact no +639082762553, +639082762553 email: zaldyangulo@yahoo.com, mamitaslodge@yahoo.com

More of Coron Palawan by kim under the sun:

2. EL NIDO PALAWAN

El Nido is similar to Coron but fewer attractions only those beaches and islands. But these beaches and islands are magnificent. You have four options on which attractions you are going to take. TOUR A, TOUR B, TOUR C and TOUR D.

View from OG's Pension House.

Island stop over with Tour C.

Our boat and the majestic view of stone islands.

Stony Islands

Breath-taking mountain range at El Nido proper.

The OG's Pension House

Beachfront of El Nido Proper

Getting There:

From Puerto Princesa: Take a Bus, Jeepney or Van. The most comfortable and fastest ride is the Van. But if you want to go for an adventure, take the Bus and ride on top.

From Manila: Take the flights by Seair.

Insider Tip:

Take an early schedule from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Stay at OG's Pension House, they offer cheap rates with free breakfast. The location is perfect for the beachfront view.

OG's Pension House: contact no: +639167070393 and +639204040223 email: ogspensionne@yahoo.com.ph

3. BORACAY ISLAND

What I love about Boracay: the crowd, the party, beachfront, sunset. I love seeing people with their best swim suits. The beachfront is very wide and the sand grain is very fine. Sun-Bathing is perfect in Boracay.

Boracay Sand Castle

Vintas at Station 3

Boracay Station 2

Wind Surfing at Station 1

Willy's Rock at Station 1

Perfect weather for sun-bathing.

St. Vicent's Cottages

The Boracay's Night Crowd

Getting There:

From Manila/Cebu to Caticlan/Kalibo by Cebu Pacific Air, AirphilExpress.com, Philippine Airlines and Seair, ZestAir

From Clark to Caticlan/Kalibo by Seair, Seair and Air Asia.com

International flight from Pusan, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei by ZestAir

Insider Tip:

It takes almost two-hour bus ride from Kalibo to Caticlan. St. Vincent's Cottages in Boracay offers affordable rates and located between station 3 and station 2. There are free booklets from Caticlan Port upon departure to Boracay Island.

4. BANTAYAN ISLAND CEBU

It is similar to Boracay but it has shorter beach front. Sand grain is also as thin as Boracay's in some parts.

This is the nearest Beach Getaway from Cebu in terms of land trip. Mactan Island Cebu has also nice beaches but it is already used by the luxury hotels. Unlike Bantayan, the beachfront is shared from one resort to the other.

Booths for the Celebration of Fiesta during Lenten Season.

Sunrise at Santa Fe Bantayan

Brown Sand at Botigues Island

The Bantayan Crowd

People usually bring their own tents for cheaper accommodation fees.

Getting There:

From Cebu City: Take the Bus going to Hagnaya from North Bus Terminal Station, North Reclamation Area Cebu City.

Insider Tip:

Visit Bantayan during the Lenten Season. Instead of having sacrifices, the Island is full of so much party, food because it is also their Fiesta.

5. SIARGAO SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Siargao is known as the surfing capital. Perfect place to learn surfing. But, how about those who are not surfers? Siargao has a nice beachfront in General Luna. There are also three small islands you could visit which is also perfect for non-surfers. Go and rent a boat and go to Bucas Grande which has similar landscape and seascape to Palawan's.

General Luna Siargao

Foot Bridge going to General Luna seaside.

Sohoton Cave Bucas Grande. Place for millions of Jellies only found in Sohoton and Palau.

Secluded Island nearby Bucas Grande

Stony Islands

The Cloud 9

The Cloud 9: best visit every September for Surfing Competition

Getting There:
Take the boat/ship by Montenegro Lines from Surigao City Port. The ship docks at Dapa Siargao then rent a tricycle to General Luna. Cebu Pacific Air has direct flight to Siargao. You may also check AirphilExpress.com and Philippine Airlines for flights going to Butuan.

Insider Tip:
Do not travel during high season of monsoon. You won't enjoy the trip.

I LOVE SUNSETS!

2012-03-26T01:48:00.001-07:00

All my travels, I always wait for the sun to set. Sometimes you see them setting brightly but sometimes dull. There are other places that sunsets are not so nice; mountains block them.

It feels great to see wonderful sunset, It is like waiting for better tomorrow.

SIBUTO ISLAND TAWI-TAWI

SEMIRARA ANTIQUE

CUYO PALAWAN

TAYTAY PALAWAN

GENERAL LUNA SIARGAO

WHITE ISLAND CAMIGUIN

CEBU CITY

OZAMIZ CITY PORT AREA

DALIPUGA ILIGAN CITY

SEA WALL DAVAO CITY

MASBATE CITY PORT AREA

MASBATE CITY BEACH FRONT

LEGAZPI CITY ALBAY

MALL OF ASIA

BONGAO TAWI-TAWI

ZAMBOANGA CITY PORT AREA

SAN JOSE OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

BORACAY ISLAND

CORON PALAWAN

Blooms at EL NIDO PALAWAN

2012-03-25T10:30:00.001-07:00

They are called Palawan Cherries in El Nido and they grow everywhere. They bloom every first quarter of the year. It's like Sakura in Japan! It's lovely to see them every time I stroll around El Nido town.

Lake Mainit, SURIGAO DEL NORTE

2012-03-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

I was trying my best to take nice photo of Lake Mainit while inside the running bus. I had no time to stop and take beautiful pictures. The weather is not good too.

Signage to Lake Mainit, I took this while the bus slow down to pick up some passengers.

The Lake Mainit, better shot while inside the speeding bus.

This view is nice if the sun is out.

Majestic Mountain range plus the lake!

Good Morning, EL NIDO PALAWAN

2012-03-20T02:30:00.001-07:00

Breath-Taking view from the hotel I stayed in El Nido Palawan. This is the view I encounter every morning while having my breakfast at the beach. I miss you El Nido!

I choose PHILIPPINES!

2012-02-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

I miss ROMBLON!

2012-02-27T00:04:00.001-08:00

Taken during my Travel in Tablas Island, Romblon Philippines

Beauty in Gimangpang, INITAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

2012-02-24T00:03:00.001-08:00

My college thesis involved in four areas for biodiversity comparison. My Thesis Adviser told us that Gimangpang Initao is one of the chosen areas. When we get there, "I didn't expect that there is BEAUTY hidden in Gimangpang, Initao Misamis Oriental."

Breath-taking view.

I always pass the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road when I go home and get back to school. I always get bored everytime I pass this area since everything seemed so dull. But the time I had a chance to stop for my sampling, my views has been changed.

Another breath-taking view!

Everything seemed so quiet and peaceful! I want to back and bring back memories.

Sibato Island, CALUYA, ANTIQUE

2012-02-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

It has been almost a year that I enjoyed Caluya Antique. Every corner of the Island has beauty. Sibato is a Barangay and it is also a lone island which is already adjacent to Boracay. It has an opposite number of crowd compared to Boracay but it has as beautiful as Boracay's fine sand. I won't prolong my words in describing SIBATO, just look at the pictures and see it for yourself.

Bright Blue Sky, perfect weather for sun bathing!

A rover on duty!

Is it comparable to Bora? What do you think?

Dried sea stars, Protoreaster nodosus

Day Care Center

This is where boats dock.

Old man preparing his harvested seaweeds for further drying.

Kids were holding fishing rods instead toys.

LAKBAYAN!

2012-01-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

I got B Grade in LAKBAYAN! I haven't visited my blog for I think 2 months since I got low connection. I can't remember the exact date. I have to rush my posts so I could cope up with you guys (as if I have viewers, funny!).

Anyways, pic below is my graded map. See what are the places I have been.

My Lakbayan grade is B!
How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!
Created by Eugene Villar.

Fuente Circle, CEBU CITY

2011-11-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

I remembered when me and my sister had a photography session on Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City. The photos were captured during the summer of 2009.

My best shot during day time.

My best shot during night time.

CEBU CITY

2011-10-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken July 03, 2011 while waiting for the ship to dock. I remember back in 2004, the skyline doesn't looked like this. Only few scrapers were visible that time. But, with the fast progress, Cebu skyline is growing and continuously growing.

Barangay Imba, CALUYA, ANTIQUE

2011-10-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Locals told me that this place was sited with small river.

I was wondering what was this place before since it shows a remnant of a rusted steel rod.

Fine white sand beach but the other side is already rocky.

Taal Volcano, TAGAYTAY

2011-10-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

The sleeping Taal Volcano and its surroundings.

OZAMIZ, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

2011-10-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Sunrise in Panguil Bay, Ozamiz City

PHILIPPINES

2011-10-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

I made a compilation on my travel in the Philippines! The title of the video is

"I Choose Philippines! Tara Biyahe Tayo!" Enjoy!