Con Tour Blog | A Photo and Travel Blogger, Philippines

One Hot Summer Day at Gumasa White Sand Beach

2013-05-16T15:04:00.000+08:00

Beach Volleyball Court at Gumasa.

It's my long long time dream to step on the white sand of Gumasa Beach and to feel the healing power of the fine sand while in contact with our tired feet.

I thought of not seeing "her" beauty in this year of snake, or apprehensive for another attempt, that might eventually become a failure, as what happened last time when I attended the Google Mindanao summit in General Santos City. That was because of my bucket's budget and available extra time.
Short stretch of beach line

Five years ago when I started yearning to see this priceless gem in the Southern Tip of Mindanao after reading some posts with beautiful photos displaying its beauty. From then on, I kept on researching some blog posts about Gumasa Beaches in the blogosphere way back 2009, and finally that yearning in seeing "her" spectacular beauty had come to life last April this year.

White Sands especially in beaches is wonderfully cool underfoot and it is incredibly soft. This is one of our reasons in coming over.

A lone boat (photo vary in actual-actual color of sand is relatively white)

Another reason aside from a therapeutic effect for our body especially the cool feeling underfoot is the beach photography. Try my new gears and practice on what I've learned from the Photography Workshop I've attended last time with Estan Cabigas as our speaker. Second was a getaway vacation with my family.

We endured the 10 hours of long travel because of our desire to see the white sand of Gumasa Beach and to have at least a family bonding away from home and also trained our kids on how to responsibly manage themselves while on travel via public transportation.

Though that was a short and a hot summer vacation day, my family and I enjoyed very much and we are looking forward to go back to this beautiful beach and will have another trip in the Southern Tip of the Philippines----the Gumasa White Sand Beach of Glan, Sarangani.

It suggests that it can be done. Pitching a tent. (Doc Remo's Tent)

And we went home with a satisfied soul after we have had our short getaway vacation on one hot summer day but with a cool family bonding experience last April 2013, that makes it different and unforgettable experience in our life.

This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Blogger's Blog Carnival (6th Entry so far) for May 2013 with the theme "Summer Epilogue that happened one hot summer day, hosted by Jona Branzuela Bering of Backpacking with a Book.

Check out the previous blog carnival topics in Estan Cabigas' Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival.

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Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City

2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw

3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

4. One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach
5. When you are at General Santos City? Stay in Ellis Suites

Photo Shoot : The Giant Headdress of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

2013-05-12T22:22:00.000+08:00

The Giant Headdress. It's a great landmark in the Municipality of Impasug-ong the resembles the headdress of the female traditional costume. Headdress of the Baes.

It can be seen at the road intersection between the National Highway (Sayre Highway) and the old national highway in going to the Poblacion of Impasug-ong. The headdress is located about 1.0 kilometer from Barangay Kisolon (Bus Terminal).

Designed and crafted by Sculpture Artist Kublai of Davao.

Camera : Canon Powershot A1100 IS

Aperture : f/2.7
Exposure Time : 1/500 sec.

ISO-Speed : ISO-80

Metering Mode : Pattern

Exposure Bias : 0 step

Focal Length : 28 mm

Lens : Point and shoot

Getaway Guides: 2013 Clubbing Holidays Checklist

2013-05-10T14:52:00.001+08:00

The holiday’s booked, you and your mates are psyched, but have you got everything you need to in the mix for your uberly awesomesauce 2013 clubbing holidays? It might be about kicking back, chillaxing and going sick after sundown, but making sure you’ve got the necessities to sort that shizzle is key to some serious clubbing holiday carnage.

Boring Bits and Bobs

It might seem like a complete yawn-fest, but sorting all your documents in advance will ensure you definitely get on that jet plane. And let’s be honest, if you don’t, you’d be a little bit miffed.

    Passport – with at least six months validity remaining from your return date to the UK

    Insurance – the travel kind, have a look online for some low cost deals

    EHIC Card

Currency – can be purchased online, or through a travel agency or your local post office, it’s also worthwhile taking your bank card abroad just in case you lose your cash or run out of spends Documents for your 2013 clubbing holidays – including any tickets and boarding passes, as well as your travel itinerary Travel Time-Busters. Depending on which of the 2013 clubbing holidays you choose from, your travel time across Europe could be anything up to just over four hours. Jam your cabin luggage full with some serious time-busting entertainment.

    Music

    Games

    Magazines

    Books

    Travel sickness tablets

    Holiday Hot List

What’s hot and what’s not? When you’re packing your case you need a right good mash up of practical items and fun stuff for holiday shenanigans.

    Camera

    Suncream/Aftersun

    Painkillers and tummy tablets

    Creature comforts – your favourite tea bags and coffee can always come in handy

    Clothing – don’t forget fancy dress get up as well

    Toiletries

    Plenty of protection

The best deals on 2013 clubbing holidays are online now, girls and boys. Book up your bargain break today and get ready for

a mission to messy._____________________
Guest Post :
Written by : Catherine Lavinia
Photo Credits :Kos

5 Best Destinations in the Philippines to Start a Business

2013-05-09T09:04:00.002+08:00

Among the most popular holiday destinations in the Asia Pacific Region is the beautifully diverse archipelago of the Philippines. This republic is not only rich in natural resources and awesome scenery, but is also blessed with charming and friendly locals. No wonder tourists from all over the world flock to this lovely Asian country.

Now, not only is the country has a great place for tourists, but it is also quite favourable for entrepreneurs and investors. In fact, its capital has several thriving industries and even has its own stock exchange. But if you are a serious businessperson and what cities in particular should you bring your investments to? Well, here are five of the best destinations in the Philippines you would certainly try your entrepreneur's luck in.

1. Metro Manila - is the main metropolis of the country and where Manila the Capital City of the Philippines can be found. Aside from the capital, it comprises the cities of Caloocan, Makati, Quezon, Marikina, Malabon, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Pasay, San Juan, Parañaque, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the town of Pateros. The area has some of the country's biggest shopping centres and business districts as well as the country's most impressive skyscrapers and infrastructures.

2. Baguio City - is a City on top of a plateau and is located in the Northern Luzon, Province of Benguet. The city is a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners because of its magnificent mountain landscapes. Aside from that, its weather is also uncharacteristically cold compared to the rest of the country—certainly a welcome respite during the summer months. It was under American rule in the early 1900s and is now the site of the country's Philippine Military Academy—often called the "West Point" of the Philippines.

3. Cebu City - is considered the Philippines’ unofficial second capital. According to surveys, it has among the country's fastest growing economies and has quite a number of thriving industries. In addition to that, its residents, according to statistics, have a higher standard of living compared to those living in the capital.

4. Davao City - is one of the most blissful cities in the Mindanao region. It has an ethnically diverse population with several indigenous tribes such as the Bagobos, Manobos, Manyakas, and Guiangans. Due to its efficiently governed local government, it is considered to be among the country's cities with the lowest crime rate.

5. Zamboanga City - is the third largest city in the country, and is considered to be one of the most important Cities in the Mindanao area. The city's main industry is manufacturing and agriculture; and its main products are pearls, fruits, coconut, rubber, and fish. It's also considered to be among the most populated urban areas in the Philippines.

These five Cities are among the most densely populated places in the country and attract quite a high number of tourists and business people. This means these locales would naturally have many commercial spaces for rent, which is among the things you need to start up a business with. Indeed, these qualities make them the perfect locations to invest your money in.

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Guest Post

About the Author:
Established in 1989, Regus has been catering to the office space needs of clients across the globe—even in the Philippines! They also strive to offer useful information for entrepreneurs in running a business or selecting commercial spaces.

When you are at General Santos City? Stay in Ellis Suites

2013-05-07T13:12:00.001+08:00

Exit gate of Ellis Suites

Best Hotels to stay in General Santos City?
Best Suites to stay in General Santos City?

More Focus? Click the image to enlarge
More photos here

These are the questions that you might come up into your mind once you are looking for a place to stay in General Santos City. What is the Best Hotel or Suites to stay in General Santos City? And then an access to internet where to find a best place to stay in General Santos City would be your immediate resolve to that.

There are actually a lot of hotels to choose from in the City of General Santos City. But during our summer trip down to the Southern Tip of Mindanao, instead of deciding in going home on the second day, and as part of our itinerary, General Santos City is also best place to explore. And because of this decision, we choose to at least stay in this City for one night.

Ellis Suites came to our mind that best suit our taste to stay in General Santos City.

The reception hall / lobby of Ellis Suites

The very essence in managing the hotel is the attitude of the people who manned the place. They are so friendly and accommodating beyond what is taught to them about "customer service". They made us feel comfortable and secure. Especially that I am with my family. Why I am blogging this suites? Because I am just returning the kindness of the hotel people during our stay there.

The Ellis Suites interior veranda

Ellis Suites was constructed last year and opened just this January 18, 2013. This suite is relatively new and a home of some celebrities who happened to visit General Santos.

Terrace

State of the art rooms with new signature design in the field of architectural--the box type design. A combination of glamour and elegant with sossy ambiance and atmosphere but with affordable price of ordinary people like us. Ellis Suites is your best choice on where to stay in General Santos City.

Colorful Dining Tables

Next to their lobby or the reception is their dining lounge (they call it as coffee shop) where complimentary breakfast is served which starts from 6.00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. When we entered their dining lounge, to take our breakfast, we were greeted with colorful chairs and tables. While waiting with your breakfast meal to be served, you may open your social media sites since the area is a WIFI zone.

Mini Living Area

You may also read your favorite magazines at their mini living area right beside their dining lounge.

Our Breakfast

Our Executive Room

WIFI zone is also available in every rooms with fast signals that no need to wait minutes in uploading our photos of the places we've explored after our jaunt in Gumasa White Sand Beach in Sarangani. So uploading many photos is not a problem here.

They have wide parking space, standby generator, Coffee Shop and Function rooms. They also have airport transfer as added services.

Their Shower Room and their water closet

This is surely my home and will stay here in my next visit even if I will pay it with my own pocket.

Where is the exact location of Ellis Suites and how to get to the newest Oasis of Relaxation in Gensan?

Ellis Suites is located in Yumang corner Aparente Streets in Purok Malakas, General Santos City and it is less than 10 minutes ride from Bulaong Terminal for tricycle at 20 pesos per person.

Their Room Rates :

(subject to change without prior notice)

Standard Room : 1,550

Twin Room : 2,200

Executive Room : 2,400

Family Room : 3,200

For reservation :

Please call these contact numbers : (083)-552-0956 / 302-3512

Ellis Suites Email Addy : ellissuite2013@gmail.com

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Our stay in Ellis Suite is free, courtesy of Ellis Suites and the Bariles, Avel Manansala of GenSan Online News Magazine.
Thank you also to Mark, the manager and Phil, the supervisor and the ladies at the reception counter who warmly greeted us upon entering their lobby area.
Special Thanks to Doc Remo Aguiler, of Hiker's Itch for the 2 free extra breakfast

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Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City

2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw

3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

4. One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach

Ski Equipment: To Rent or To Buy?

2013-05-05T22:41:00.001+08:00

Whether you’re planning on your first ever ski holiday or you’ve had a few chances already to test your skills on the piste, the question about ski hire is a persistent one.

Do you rent your equipment or do you invest in your own stuff?

It’s not an easy answer and your decision will depend largely on your personal opinion but there’s advantages and disadvantages to both ski rental and purchase.

For starters, how many times do you think you’ll use them if you bought your own skis, poles and boots? Will you use them enough to warrant the investment or will they be pulled out the cupboard once, before they gather dust for the rest of eternity? If you are only expecting to ski a few times, chances are ski rental would be the best way to go. However, if you think you’ll get substantial use out of them, then perhaps it’s time to spend on your own kit.

An advantage of hiring skis is the ever-changing technology. Unless you are made of money, you won’t be changing your skis very often, meaning you will be missing out on new-fangled technology and updates which may improve the comfort and wearability of the gear. Renting equipment means you will have access to the most recent equipment, year in, year out.

Buying your own means that you can have them tweaked to suit you perfectly and can choose the best style for your individual needs – sometimes, this is a type that isn’t readily available in a hire shop. If you do decide to invest in your own kit, take advantage of seasonal sales that make room for new stock.

It’s not an easy answer but if you don’t fancy lugging them around airports or paying for extra baggage, rental skis and equipment may be perfect for you – particularly if you don’t know when your next ski holiday will be.

______________________
Guest Post :
Written by : Catherine Lavinia
Photo Credits : Ski-Wallpaper.com

General Santos : Dinner @ Sarangani Highlands

2013-05-04T14:03:00.001+08:00

Their version of the Baby Back ribs

Looking for a good restaurant to have a great dinner with sumptuous meal servings in General Santos City? I guess you knew it already where to head once you get here or happen to visit General Santos City.

Or if you are still looking for a better place to dine in and have plan to have a short stay in General Santos City, do not waste your time, never miss to take a short visit and have a delightful moment of dinner with your family, or with your peers in the Sarangani Highlands.

The Crispy Tuna-one of their specialties. Far behind is the Seafood Pinakbet, a Filipino favorite cuisene.

These are the questions that I've always pinned once I get to a place where I've felt that I am stranger. So, if you are properly guided, then you have nothing to worry to get lost in this Tuna Blessed region in Southern Mindanao.

Like any other good restaurants, Sarangani Highlands offers not only a good Hotel to stay with a scent of mountain breeze of a real highland place and an ambiance of nature's good landscape and architecture, but they also offer best variety of foods. From Continental cuisine, Asian and Filipino cuisene.

Shark's Fin Soup

Sarangani Highlands is just 20 minutes away drive from the commercial hub or shall we say about 12 kilometers away from downtown. Located in an outskirt, Purok Wal, Tambler of General Santos City where you can see an overview of Sarangani Bay and the locally known and most visited by tourists, their Fish Port.

It started its business in mid 2000 after the owner bought the property because of its scenic view, gradually introduced its landscape to fit its location and its name and owned by one of the prominent tuna traders in this City, the Riveras. Residents of General Santos City frequented the place to relax.

Bonsai Plant Collection

This is actually part of our Ridge to Edge jaunt in the Southern Tip of Mindanao with my family and one of the greatest experiences that we had in this part of the Mindanao Region, visiting a prominent restaurant, the Sarangani Highlands.

We have availed of this opportunity in courtesy of my humble friend, Dr. Remo Aguilar of the Hiker's Itch from Tacurong City.

Some of the photos that we had after up with our sumptuous dinner.

Photo Credits : To my wife
After you had your dinner, you can stay here overnight.

Here's the Room Rates of Sarangani Highlands : Subject to change without prior notice :

Deluxe Room Single                         =      1,800
Deluxe Room Double                       =      1,950
Family Room (7 individual beds) =      2,250

Other inclusions :
- Free Wifi - which is important to any establishments, even resorts like in Gumasa Beach
- Free Airport transfer
- Hot and Cold shower for second floor rooms
- Televisions
Some deluxe rooms have verandas and mini-bar
-extra bed and extra person - P800

Opens from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Daily Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Entrance Fee of P100.00
(6 years old and up) consumables

How to get to Sarangani Highlands?

1. Just take a motorcycle (habal-habal) at the Bulaong Terminal with an estimated fare of 100-150 pesos depending on how you negotiate with the driver.
2. There's a landmark in there, a checkpoint, an entry point in going to the Sarangani Highlands.
3. From the Airport. There are taxis waiting to transport you to Sarangani Highlands.

How to Contact Sarangani Highlands?

Tel Nos. 0922-859-0043 for Sun Users like me; (083)-554-3336; 304-0752 Fax : 083-554-3336. Or email them : saranganihighlands@gmail.com

Or go to Sarangani Highlands's website : www.saranganihighlands.com

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Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City
2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw
3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?
4. One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach

Sarangani : One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach

2013-05-01T13:33:00.000+08:00

Boat's Shadow

Some of the things I had in mind on what to do in Gumasa White Sand Beach during the planning stage are : to wake up early, take a walk along the shore line and take some photos on mangroves. Including on my lists are photographing boats that I yearned doing long time ago.

Arrived in the evening of April 23, I went right away at the shoreline, after done disembarking our backpacks inside our room. Checking all the possible vantage points where to shoot the following morning or dawn. Though, it was not a full moon that time, the night project a bright sky with twinkling dots. A signal that the weather is in a favorable condition.
Excited the following morning and woke up at 4:30 a.m. Took some snapshots on the boats and trees right at the beach fronts. I hope that you like these photos because I like them so much.

Until the face of the sky slowly paved its way for a new day.
Spotted Fishermen's Boat for early morning catch
The silence and serenity of the place was interrupted and perturbed with a roaring sounds of motorized boats and I then spotted Fishermen's Boat rushing to deep part of the sea for an early catch. It was also at this moment that I chanced to buy 2 kilos of fresh catch of squid at P80 pesos per kilo which later we grilled part of them and the rest were cooked in "adobo" style.

I continued my leisure walk until the morning sky became clearer and clearer.

I headed farther down Southern part of the beach line until I saw a fallen tree of unknown cause when I asked some of the locales. I scrutinized further at the same time fired my shutter using my newly procured ND8 3 stops with the help of a chair as my quadro-pod since I didn't brought my tripod for personal reason---I don't want to be suspected as surveryor like Doc Wendz.

Excited with what Doc Remo taught me on how to use silky like result of water documenting its motion using my ND8 Filter.

I tried to take a balance shot on the horizon but unfortunately it was a bit tilted. And I have reason for that---its my first time in using a Neutral Density Filter-8 at 3 stops which I bought in a mall just recently with a chair as my balancer. Tsk tsk tsk.

I continued taking photos. Tried what I learned from the experts.

Though the horizon still a bit tilted at least I knew where my lapses are.

And I guess, I have lot of things to improve and considered that as a lesson.

Lesson learned :

1. Like bringing a tripod for better shots.
2. Check the horizon by framing first before firing a shot.
3. More reading about using a neutral density.

But generally, I've enjoyed a lot in shooting this fallen tree and other subjects nearby on one sublime morning at Gumasa White Beach at Glan, in Sarangani Province.

Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City
2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw
3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

2013-04-28T18:24:00.000+08:00

Pristine blue sea scape with blue sky, untouched coconut and other trees

Series 1,2,3

A long, tiring and butt-numbing travel from Bukidnon of Central Mindanao and of almost 10 hours of bus travel was just so exhaustive. But if you are greeted with this kind of pristine blue ocean view of Celebes Sea, all of your bad travel experiences and your body pains like hemorrhoid, all of that will be gone and you will surely be refreshed from work related stresses.

Away from Urban usual way of life, you are here to spend time in communing with nature, listening to the gushing sounds of the sea waves as it splashes the sea bank, feel the sea and summer breeze that touches your face while listening your favorite music with your Ipod or MP3. Gumasa White Sand Beach is one of the best choices for your summer getaway vacation as I did with my family last April 24 in this part of the Sarangani Province.

Sea corals on a low tide condition

Gumasa White Sand Beach of the Sarangani Province is also a place for your great summer escape where you can really appreciate what true nature is.

Unexploited and untamed beach fronts, underdeveloped where you can just hear the birds chirping, waves rushing to the sea banks during on typical summer night time while looking up the stars twinkling in the clear sky while lying on the fine and powdery white sand.

Low tide, @10:00 a.m.

Family of Coconut Trees

You may also do some beach walking on a low tide condition if you like. Take photograph of a great sea scape of Gumasa White Sand Beach if you are a photography enthusiast or an amateur photographers. Or beach walk and bumming together with your loved ones.

For Children, the level of sea bed is on a gradual slope where shallow portion can still be up to more than 50 meters. But as a parent, you should be alert and keep on watching your children.

These are the reasons why you should choose Gumasa White Sand Beach. This is the favorite summer getaway or escape from a busy urban city life, both locals and foreign alike, especially people coming from General Santos City.

There are boats available for rent and the fee is negotiable depending on the number of guests present. When we were there, we almost owned the beach front since it was during weekdays. Few beach goers were there.

In other words, this is my type of a beachfront that is so serene and not overcrowded. Without big structures that disposed human waste and garbage dumped at the nearby site.

We stayed in White Haven Beach Resort and rented their aircon concrete cottage named "Sigay" at P3,200 per night. Or you may pitch your favorite tent on the beachfront and just rent an open cottage 'til morning. Others who has service vehicle prefer to stay at the Ellis Suites, the suites in the outskirt of General Santos City but with an affordable rate for travelers like us.

Expect that some parts of the beach fronts has lots of coconut husks because on the opposite side, it is fully planted with coconut trees.

Early in the morning, you may buy fresh seafood for your breakfast at the nearby fish landing where some of the fishermen selling their fresh catch at a cheaper price. Shall we say at a "farm gate price". For you meals, like lunch and dinner, you may ask the reception to prepare at least an hour ahead.

Boat at the White Haven Beach Resort @ Dawn

Some of the photos of Gumasa White Sand Beach

View of the Celebes Sea (Photo Credits to my wife)

(Photo Credits to my wife)

Stretch of Beach

Lifeguard House

Mother and a Child Coconut trees

Gumasa Beach is part of Municipality of Glan, Sarangani Province

How to get there? : For Commuters.

Take a van at KCC Mall Terminal with a fare rate of P70-80 pesos per person. You may pay extra seat if you have more than two baggages with you. Travel time from General Santos City is about 45-50 minutes depending on the vehicle's speed. Take a tricycle or if you are alone, take habal-habal at P30-60 pesos per person. If you want to stay there, and commuting at dusk, you may bring a packed food for your dinner. From Glan Terminal, Gumasa Beach is only 5-7 kilometers away.

For Contact numbers : (083)-826-9319; (083)-826-9341; 0920-947-9148.

Booking and Reservation time : 8 am to 8 pm only. Contact Person : Cenie / Joyce

Accomodation that we had : "Sigay" Family room at P3,200 per night. They have no WIFI and TV but they have refrigerator for your food storage.

Van / Transportation : 0926-814-0936- Driver Alan San Jose. We arrived at the resort and Alan offered us to buy rice at Glan proper for our Dinner since the reception was already closed at 8 pm. What a kindest act by Alan that we will not forget as part of our good experience in Glan, Sarangani.

please see https://maps.google.com/

Enjoy your stay!

Sultan Kudarat : Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-Ihaw

2013-04-28T12:47:00.000+08:00

Series 1,2,3

[Please read first the Series 1 of Ridge to Edge Blog Series before you proceed to read the series 2 for better appreciation].

Long travel to a certain destination for almost 7 hours was so exhaustive especially when you are with your family and anxious where to find a place for a late lunch in a place that you just see it for the first time, Tacurong City of Sultan Kudarat.

To step into this place is also my long time dream destination. But our destination for this blog series, from Ridge to Edge is the Gumasa of Glan in Sarangani Province.

Our initial plan was to take a late lunch in General Santos since we have a time table to reach the White Beach of this Southern Tip of Mindanao-and that was chasing the sunset.

But since an offer to take a late lunch at a Restaurant of this wonderful City of Tacurong--the VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw, the home of Crispy Chicharon Tilapia and Deep Fried Hito, an offer that cannot be refused and resisted from a good friend, a doctor, a fellow travel blogger and a fellow photographer, Dr. Remo Aguilar of Hiker's Itch and Tacurong City dot Net.

Our stomach was really on a growling state.

A short body and knee stretching, a sumptuous meal with Deep Fried Hito, Crispy Chicharong Tilapia and a non-commercialized Buko Halo Halo was really worthy for a very short stop over in the City of Goodwill, Tacurong City. They also offered Adobong Hito, Grilled Hito and Kinilaw na Tilapia.

Locally known as Ihaw-ihaw sa Exit (Grilling at Exit). It is tagged as exit because all the public transportation use this road as their exit to General Santos City, Davao City, Cotabato City and to Cagayan de Oro City.

So, if you are into this route to General Santos or Cotabato City, Tacurong City, the City of Goodwill is worth a visit if espoused also with a sumptuous meal with various array of Native Foods at VE-JR Aqua Farm Ihaw-ihaw.

We even brought home their delicious chicharong Tilapia. If asked to visit their Talakudong Festival? I will visit again this wonderful City of Sultan Kudarat, the City of Goodwill, Tacurong City on their Talakudong Festival on every 3rd Saturday September each year---soon this year.

Our Food. Deep Fried Hito and Chicharong Tilapia with Buko Halo-Halo as our dessert.

Courtesy of Doc Remo Aguilar of Hiker's Itch and Tacurong City Dot Net.

VE-JR Aqua Farm Ihaw-Ihaw

VE-JR Aqua Farm Ihaw-ihaw restaurant is located at the Magsaysay Evenue, Exit Road, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat

Contact Number : (064)-200-6262

Sultan Kudarat : En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City

2013-04-27T21:03:00.000+08:00

Part 1 - A prelude (Series 1).

Series 1,2,3

Spotted fishermen's boats at dawn in Gumasa Beach, Glan, Sarangani.

The Ridge to Edge blog series has just began.

Why Ridge to Edge? Its because I live in a mountainous province in Bukidnon of Central Mindanao, and this is our journey to the edge of Mindanao---journey to the beaches (edge).

The series one will highlight on the decision making process, health condition, work schedule, and the availability of the bus on planned time slot en route to Tacurong City, alternative plan just in case the in-availability of the transportation for the Gensan bound bus and what to expect on an aircon bus plying to this route. Another consideration and it is the mainstream of this travel series to the Southern Tip of Mindanao, the Gumasa of the Municipality of Glan, in the Province of Sarangani--- is the budget.

Bus Terminal at Kabacan, North Cotabato (stop-over)

Time Element and Health Condition:

It was not a coincidence but I guess, the postponement of our (with my family) trip to the Southern Tip of Mindanao which we initially scheduled on the first week of April was just a real sign that we need to consider. Why? Because of the health condition of my two kids, Bea and James.

Last March 26 was the graduation of my son James (grade 6). Two days prior to that very special event of the life of my son, he was inflicted with a chicken pox, but he still managed to attend with that "pox" on his body.

So we again have a second thought to push through with our plan on the 1st week and instead postponed it on the 2nd week of April. Since April 9 was a holiday, I decided to schedule my leave on the 8th of April up to April 10. So, I filed another leave on the second time around. After James' chicken pox was finally healed, my wife, suspected that my little girl Bea, was infected with that pox virus. We have no option(s) but to postpone again on the third time. We estimated the healing time for two weeks and made it sure that Bea is ok for our trip to the Southern Tip.

I reported back for work and finished at least reasonable number of outputs. We need to wait and stretched my patience for full healing of the chicken pox, until finally time permitted us to continue with our long journey to the Southern Tip of Mindanao---the Sarangani Province.

Blissful Guro described this one as a corned beef bus, not a sardines bus.

Decision Making Process:

Decision making is the most critical part especially when we travel together with our family. A travel with your 2 kids is really a hard decision to make. We never ignored on what had happened to the two kids about their health condition---inflicted with chicken pox. The health condition might or may be a some sort of getting us away on what would be the possible things to happen along our way if their "pox" came out during the course of our travel.

Another hardest thing to decide is the time of departure from our place, may either be at midnight or at dawn on the eve of our journey to the Southern Tip of Mindanao-the Gumasa Beach. We still asked the bus authorities on the schedule of their bus bound to Gensan via Tacurong City.

Their schedule was not strictly followed.

Options made and still lucky:

We opted to take the Gensan bound bus. As alternative to our plan, if the Gensan bound or a Tacurong City bound bus will come first, we will take this route instead of via Davao Route that will take us another 2-3 hours of travel.

We woke up early at 3:00 a.m. and went off to the bus terminal at around 4:45 am and waited for almost 3 hours for the bus to come. The first one who came bound to Gensan Route was the Tacurong bound bus. At 7:30 a.m. the bus left the terminal and luckily we still have seats available for us.

What to Expect on an Aircon Bus bound to Tacurong City :

As your guide, you might expect a full comfort en route to Tacurong City. If only if, there are other bus companies, it will only have a seating capacity and not an over capacity like what we had to this route.

We thought of a comfort ride all the way to Tacurong City, but since there is no other bus company plying to this route, the aircon bus became a corned beef bus. Started at Maramag, Bukidnon, the bus driver and the conductor allowed more passengers to get inside the bus and let them on standing position at the center aisle.

Some of the passengers who have kids along with them were on standing position from Maramag to M'lang, North Cotabato. Two of these kids seated with us. So you can now imagine how very "comfort" our bus ride was, plying to these route.

It's not my first time in Kidapawan and Kabacan but its my first time to pass through Datu Paglas, Maguindanao and Tacurong City and other places in going to General Santos and it's first time with my family to travel outside Bukidnon via to this route.

A glimpse of some landmarks while en route to Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

M'Lang or Matalam Rotunda. Landmark(s) in going to General Santos City via Tacurong City.

The Matalam Bus Terminal. Short stop-over

Datu Paglas, Maguindanao Rotunda

We arrived at Tacurong City at 2:00 p.m. more or less, or roughly 6 1/2 hours travel from Malaybalay City or 9 1/2 hours from Cagayan de Oro City and had our Late lunch at VE-JR Aqua farm, with Dr. Remo Aguilar of Tacurong City Dot Net, a fellow Pinoy Travel Blogger, who graced us to a sumptuous lunch.

Summary of Initial Expenses en Route from Cagayan de Oro City or Malaybalay City to Tacurong City:

Fare Rate in going to Tacurong City from Cagayan de Oro City or Malaybalay City :

Malaybalay City to Tacurong City :

2 kids - P 310 pesos/kid - P 620.00 - discounted rate (Student Privelege)

2 adults - 395 pesos/adult - 790.00 - Full

Total Fare Expenses :----------------- P1,410.00

Cagayan de Oro City to Tacurong City

2 kids - P 310 pesos/kid + 110/kid - P 840.00 - discount rate (Student Privelege)

2 adults- 395 pesos/adult + 135/adult - 1,060.00 - Full

Total Fare Expenses :----------------- P1,900.00

Itinerary :

7:30 a.m. - Bus Terminal (Malaybalay City)

2:00 p.m.- Tacurong City Bus Terminal

___________________________________
Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City
2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw
3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?
4. One Sublime Morning Gumasa White Beach

Holiday Favourites

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When it comes to finding a great summer holiday, the world is your oyster. There are so many wonderful destinations to visit, both close to home and far away, covering every taste and budget conceivable, the only difficulty you'll have is deciding which one to visit.

Let's start with the favourites close to home. You've got our friends across the Channel - France - which is the perfect place for anyone who hates flying and who loves good food and even better wine. Here you'll find delicious cider in Normandy, fresh seafood in Brittany, hearty beef bourguignon in Burgundy and superb wine just about everywhere. If you fancy somewhere a little further afield, Spain is a superb destination that has become famous for such Brit-friendly resorts as Costa Blanca, yet has so much more to offer.

There's the vibrant city of Valencia which effortlessly combines laid-back beach living with chic cosmopolitan city flair, or lively Barcelona with its cutting-edge architecture and electric vibe. Spain has got sprawling vineyards, soul-stirring mountains, glorious rolling countryside and - of course - that delicious Spanish staple, tapas. It's fair to say that Spain vacations have so much to offer today's holidaymaker.

Elsewhere, Greece is an eternally popular destination that never fails to impress. It's home to lovely Corfu, known as the Emerald Isle, with its sparkling seas and pine-clad hillsides. There's lively Crete with its bustling resorts and incredible ancient ruins. There's drop-dead gorgeous Kefalonia, made famous for its part in the Hollywood blockbuster Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Or lovely Samos with its laid-back vibe and first-rate hotels. Whatever you fancy, whether it's cheap Corfu holidays or a five-star getaway in Kefalonia, Greece is happy to oblige.

The same goes for most other destinations on the summer holiday spectrum. There's a superb range of holidays to suit virtually every taste, preference and budget imaginable, and then some. So, what's your holiday favourite?

_____________________________

Photo Credits : www.thomascook.com

A Guest Post : Written by Catherine Lavinia

Sarangani : Meeting the Sarangani's Famous Artist

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Ronald Tamfalan and Con Tour

To judge an Indigenous Visual Art Exhibit was a very challenging experience in my entire life. Because Judging is very new to me. I am not an artist but I love paintings especially the abstract paintings since my childhood. Judging is really a different dimension of my experience and I am grateful to Kalinawa Art Foundation and the Bukidnon State University for picking me up as one of the panel of Judges and appointed later as Chairman. The 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples' Visual Art Exhibit was held last March 2, 2013, and one of the highlight of events and a must visit during the Kaamulan Festival.

Much more if you meet a humble and down to earth artist who is so respected by his community---the T'boli community.

It was actually a fine experience meeting Sarangani's Famous Artist, Mr. Ronal Tamfalan. When I saw his work (at my back), I was amazed with the details of a warrior painted on a canvass made of Abaca fiber.

I did a little research from the website of the Kalinawa Art Foundation, and this is the brief description of this humble artist;

Ronald is a Thirty four year old member of the T'boli community. Believing in the innate artist within, he has been practicing his art for seven years already. He remembers his first artwork as a child - the face of his teacher painted during a lecture. Being T'boli, he paints to orient people about the culture and the history of his tribe - showing both the positive and negative aspects. In 2003 the year he became focused on art he founded Kinalum Art, an art group composed of artists from Kiamba and Koronadal, South Cotabato. In 2008, he founded the Aton Art composed of artists from the whole of South Cotabato.

Waway Saway band

I also chanced to meet the Waway Saway band, the famous artist of Bukidnon and his band members.

The Higaonon Artists from Bukidnon

With the 2D Category First Prize Winner, Soil Painting, Harold Armecin, title=Kinabuhi (means Life)

(Photo Courtesy : Kalinawa Art Foundation)

The Ribbon Cutting during the opening Ceremony.[Dr. Remedios Barreto, PhD, Bukidnon State University, Ms.Raquel D. Palma Gil, Executive Director Kalinawa Art Foundation and Rev. Father Conrad Casas, Parish Priest Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon].

Look at my attire, I was just fresh from claiming my 2nd prize in Kaamulan Festival Photo Contest when I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

This is purely my contribution to the IP community and on voluntary in nature.

2D Category: 1st Price Harold C. Armecin Title: Kinabuhi, 2nd Price Salima Saway Agra-an Title: Untitled, 3rd Prize Gabriel A. Lausa Title: Pag-preserba sa Kinaiyahan para sa sunod nga Henerasyon, 4th Prize Raul s. Bendit Title: Tagtamboliling. 3D Category: 1st Price Gerald Saway Title: ang Buhay ni Inang, 2nd Prize Benecio Docenos Title: Tialos: 3rd Price Mary Mae H. Castro Title: Puzzle Pole, 4th Prize Elfreddie Title: Napiling Buhay. Traditional Category: 1st Price Rodelio L. Saway Title: Kutyapi, 2nd Prize Jose B. Castro Title: Guma Daw Subong, 3rd Prize Benecio Docenos Title: Dayoday, 4th Prize Raul Abunda Title: Manungkaling.

oOo

Bukidnon : As Soil Painting Capital

2013-04-11T22:17:00.000+08:00

Here's a good news for you.

Lets help this project by spreading this one, Bukidnon as the Soil Painting Capital of the World. Con Tour Blog is one of the participating bloggers of this event and please help us spread this good news.

For those who would like to help, you may register and the registration Fee in spreading the good news is P100 pesos per pax.

For more details, please contact the Provincial Tourism Office, 088-813-3114.

Philippine Festivals 2013 Calendar

2013-04-10T14:21:00.000+08:00

The expected dates for the festivals in Philippines 2013 are shown in the list below.

Sto. Niño Festival

Date 2013: Tuesday, 1 January (27 January in Bulacan)
Occasion: This festival is held on different days in different provinces of Philippines. In Bulacan this festival is held during the last Sunday of January. In some other provinces it is held during the first Sunday of January. The festivities are somehow different in some regions but basically the local and foreign tourists have an opportunity to see very well-made Catholic images and statues of the Child Jesus, known locally as the Sto. Niño in various manifestations.
Applicable to: National

Pista ng Tatlong Hari (Feast of the Three Kings)

Date 2013: Sunday, 6 January
Occasion: During the feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Epiphany. In the Philippines people usually pray and prepare gifts for Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. This feast usually marks the official end of the liturgical Christmas in the Philippines.
Applicable to: National

Pista ng Mahal na Nazareno (Feast of the Black Nazarene)

Date 2013: Wednesday, 9 January
Occasion: Catholics and devotees of the Black Nazarene converge together in what has always been an all-day intense procession carrying the huge cart where the Black Nazarene lies. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to Philippines (Manila) to be a part of the procession of the Black Nazarene.
Applicable to: Quiapo, Manila only

Araw ng Koronadal “Hinugyaw Festival”

Date 2013: Thursday, 10 January
Occasion: During this feast, people of Koronadal City in Mindanao celebrate various cultural facades that have settled in the city over the years.
Applicable to: Mindanao only

Ati-Atihan / Sinulog Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 20 January
Occasion: One of the grandest street parties in the Philippines, this feast celebrates the Sto. Niño. It is held on every third week of January in Aklan and Cebu, and is more popularly known around the world as Ati-Atihan or Sinulog Festival. During this event, the locals of Aklan and tourists put marks on their faces similar to masks while on the Sinulog Festivals, the dancers wear vibrant colors of costume with the statue of the Sto Niño is being swing with the tune of the dance. Ati-atihan on the other hand are supposed to resemble Negritos who are dancing to vibrant ethnic music produced mostly by drums and other local instruments.
Applicable to: Aklan/Cebu only

Ati-atihan / Sinulog Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 20 January
Occasion: Locals of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental come together in unique mostly handmade costumes while their bodies are painted in black. They are celebrating the feast of El Señor Sto. Niño.
Applicable to: National

Zambulawan

Date 2013: Sunday, 20 January
Occasion: During this feast, people of Koronadal City in Mindanao celebrate various cultural facades that have settled in the city over the years.
Applicable to: Zamboanga del Sur only

Pasungay Festival in San Joaquin (Bull Fighting Festival)

Date 2013: Every 21st day of January
Occasion: Pasungay is an annual festival held in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo. Local people say that the Pasungay begun when two furious bulls were set loose by the cow keepers and the fighting bulls in the hillside was witnessed by the resting farmers. During this festival, spectators cheer as they watch bulls from the town and nearby areas fight. There’s also another annual festival held in the town of San Joaquin on the same day. It’s called Pahibag – the annual horse fight festival.
Applicable to: Iloilo only

Dinagyang Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 27 January
Occasion: Dinagyang is a religious and cultural festival held in the city of Iloilo. Anyone attending the Dinagyang Festival must shout the words “Hala Bira” as they dance to the vivacious music along the populated streets. Just like most of the festivals in Philippines, this one is also very colorful and joyful.
Applicable to: Iloilo only

Pista ng Mahal na Patron ng Kandila (Feast of Our Lady of Candles-Candelaria)
Date 2013: Saturday, 2 February
Occasion: Thousands of devotees gather at the Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo to celebrate the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. It is one of the most lavish religious spectacles in the country. The feast starts with the blessing of the candles and continues with a procession of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, the patroness of the festivity.
Applicable to: Iloilo only

Chinese New Year

Date 2013: Sunday, 10 February
Occasion: Filipinos do respect the Chinese community. In the last few years, the Chinese New Year considered a national holiday.

Applicable to: National

Kalilangan Festival
Date 2013 : 27 February
Occasion : From a Maguindanaoan term "kalilang" which means celebration or festivity, Kalilangan Festival is a celebration of Gensan's rich and diverse culture and heritage and coincides with the foundation anniversary of General Santos City. It was recognized as the Best Tourism Event (Culture and Arts category) in the country in the years 2011 and 2012 by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. Kadsagayan is the term for their Street Dancing at the Oval Plaza of the City.
Applicable to : General Santos City

Panagbenga (Flower Festival)

Date 2013: Sunday, 24 February
Occasion: The parade of flowers on the major streets of Baguio with grand parade of floats of flowers.
Applicable to: Baguio city only

Sibug-Sibug Festival

Date 2013: Tuesday, 26 February
Occasion: This festival is celebrated during the foundation day of the Sibugay, Zamboanga Province. Sibug-Sibug festival is another colorful parade of cultural treasures. Experience street dancing, ethnic rituals, thanking the gods of good harvest, wedding and healing rituals. It usually lasts for two weeks. About their food, their famous is their delicious Oysters.
Applicable to: Sibugay only

Paraw Regatta

Date 2013: Sunday, 3 March
Occasion: This is an absolutely amazing event for all sailing enthusiasts. It is one of the most exciting race of colorful sailboats called Paraws. The festival is held annually in the straits between Guimaras Island and the city of Iloilo. It’s also a perfect time to show off stunning Paraw design.
Applicable to: Iloilo only

Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon (Ethnic Cultural Festival of Bukidnon)

Date 2013: Saturday, 02 March
Occasion: The Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is yet another proof of rich culture of Mindanao island. It is held on the first Saturday of March annually. The main street of Malaybalay become lively and colorful, the locals and tourists are partying all week. Great music, ethnic food fest, and native dancing until the end of the week. Kaamulan, from the word Amul, that means, gathering of all tribes.
Applicable to: Bukidnon only

Sandugo Festival (Blood Compact Commemoration)

Date 2013: Saturday, 16 March
Occasion: Sandugo means “one blood”. The Blood Compact happened between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Sikatuna, chief of Bool (now Bohol), as a sign of friendship and end of hostility. Today, the city of Tagbilaran, Bohol commemorates this event through a feast and some series of interesting local events.
Applicable to: Bohol only

Mahal na Araw (Holy Week)

Date 2013: From Sunday, 24-31 March
Occasion: The Philippine Holy Week celebration is a period of wherein devotees reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life, from the time of his preaching, going through the time of his death, and until his resurrection.
Applicable to: National

Via Crusis (Way of the Cross)

Date 2013: From Monday to Sunday, 25-31 March
Occasion: Via Crusis or Via Dolorosa is a religious devotion that takes place in Cebu City and commemorates 14 key events on day of Christ’s crucifixion during the season of Lent. It’s attended mostly by Cebuano devotees and other devotees who voluntarily join the penitential procession to 12 Stations of the Cross found in 12 hectares of rolling hills.
Applicable to: Cebu City

Manaoag Pilgrimages

Date 2013: From Monday to Sunday, 7-14 April
Occasion: Our Lady of Manaoag is visited by both local and foreign devotees. Most Catholics believe that Our Lady of Manaoag has miraculous powers. Manaoag, becomes one of the Philippines’ pilgrimage centers because of the miraculous image. On Saturday, vehicles that transport pilgrims are blessed.
Applicable to: Pangasinan only

Pak’kaat Kallo

Date 2013: From Monday to Sunday, 25-31 March
Occasion: During this festivity, the tribe of Manobo in Magpet, Cotabato celebrates their bountiful harvests through rituals, dances and songs during the holy week.
Applicable to: Magpet, Cotabato

Turumba (Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba)

Date 2013: Friday, 29 March
Occasion: This procession is held during the Good Friday. Devotees usually carry the ancient image of the Virgin Mary on the streets of Pakil, Laguna. They dance and sing in the streets making religious procession even more enjoyable.
Applicable to: Pakil, Laguna

Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras

Date 2013: Friday, 29 March
Occasion: It’s held during the Good Friday in the city of Jordan. Locals come together to reenact the Crucifixion of Christ. Devotees start the penitential procession to the “Balaan Bukid” or the Holy Mountain where a cross stands towering at the chapel overlooking the Guimaras Straight and Iloilo City.

Applicable to: Jordan, Guimaras

Cutud Lenten Rites

Date 2013: Friday, 29 March
Occasion: Cutud, Pampanga region is known all around the world for probably the most realistic reenactment of the Passion of the Christ including the actual nailing of three flagellants. They are nailed on a wooden cross in San Pedro.
Applicable to: San Pedro, Cutud, Pampanga

Moriones Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 29 March
Occasion: In Marinduque, locals take part in the traditional reenactment of the Crucifixion of Christ with the soldiers or “Moriones” wearing colorful masks and costumes. The Moriones refer to the heartless Roman soldiers. The festival’s highlight is the reenactment of the conversion of Longguinus, the one who stabbed Jesus and was then eventually beheaded.
Applicable to: Boac, Magpoc, Marinduque

Lamilamihan Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 14 or 21 April
Occasion: This annual event showcases the rich culture of Yakan – indigenous tribes in Mindanao. Yakan music, dances and handmade crafts are absolutely amazing.
Applicable to: Lamitan, Basilan

Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival)
Date 2013: Wednesday, 1 May
Occasion: A day of Lingayen, Pangasinan thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and abundant fishing observed all over Pangasinan traditional with mass offering on beautiful beaches and fluvial parade.
Applicable to: Lingayen, Pangasinan

Viva Vigan Festival

Date 2013: From Sunday to Thursday, 1-5 May
Occasion: Viva Vigan Festival is the main event in the city of Vigan that showcases the cultural richness of this northern tourist destination. Unique and amazing art of the Bigueños is definitely the highlight of this festival.
Applicable to: Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan (Flowers of May)

Date 2013: During May
Occasion: Santacruzan is a very popular event in Philippines. During this event people celebrate the finding of the True Cross by Santa Elena. Prior to Santacruzan, a nine-day novena is held honoring the Holy Cross. It is followed by a procession wherein Reyna Elena is represented by a beautiful girl accompanied by a boy who shall represent King Constantine. Other girls and boys in the parade represent biblical characters. Well-decorated arches are the highlights of this event. It’s a month-long national festival.

Applicable to: National

Antipolo Pilgrimage

Date 2013: During May
Occasion: During the month of May, pilgrims walk from their homes to the Antipolo Church in Rizal province to visit the miraculous image of the Virgin of Antipolo.
Applicable to: Antipolo Rizal

Pahiyas Festival

Date 2013: Wednesday, 15 May
Occasion: Houses are decorated in amazingly colorful fruits, vegetables and flowers. A noodle called “habhab” and the transparent rice tortilla called “kiping” are served during Pahiyas Festival.
Applicable to: Lucban, Quezon

Mudpack Festival

Date 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 15-16 June
Occasion: The Mudpack Festival in Negros Occidental is a symbolic celebration of “primitive people”, opposite to people of the so-called modern world. They respect nature and everything surrounding them. It celebrates the harmony of man and nature and encourages environmentalism among young people.
Applicable to: Mambkal Murcia, Negros Occidental

Parada ng Lechon

Date 2013: Monday, 24 June
Occasion: Parada ng Lechon means “parade of roasted pig". During this annual event, several roasted pigs are decorated and showcased in Balayan. People also pour water during this event. It’s highly recommended to bring some extra clothes when visiting the Parada ng Lechon in June :)
Applicable to: Mambkal Murcia, Balayan, Batangas

Pintados/Kasadyaan Festival

Date 2013: Saturday, 29 June
Occasion: Local people of Tacloban who had tattoos during the Spanish years were highly regarded as courageous. During the Pintados Festival, local and foreign tourists decorate themselves to imitate brave warriors while dancing to vibrant beats of drums.
Applicable to: Tacloban City

Bocaue River Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 7 July
Occasion: The Bocaue River Festival commemorates the discovery of the miraculous cross floating and landmark called “Wawa.” What is unique about festival however is the procession down the river with a huge ornately decorated pagoda float when people get soaked in the river water.
Applicable to: Bocaue

T'nalak Festival

Date 2013 : 2nd Week of July

Occasion : The T'nalak Festival is a commemoration of the foundation anniversary of the province of South Cotabato and was named after the woven cloth made by the T'boli's in the province.

Applicable to : South Cotabato Only

Kinabayo Festival

Date 2013: Wednesday, 24 July
Occasion: The annual Kinabayo Festival features a re-enactment of the Spanish-Moors wars especially the Battle of Covadonga, the historic last stand of Spanish soldiers under General Pelagio versus Saracan.
Applicable to: Dapitan City

Paaway sa Kabayo (Horse Fighting Festival)

Date 2013: Thursday, 25 July
Occasion: Male horses fight over female horses – this is what the Paaway sa Kabayo is all about. More than 100 horses have been trained solely for this and it is twice a year event.
Applicable to: Tanjay, Negros Oriental

Rajah Baguinda Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 11 August
Occasion: Rajah Baguinda festival is highly respected for spreading Islam and establishing the power of the Sultanate Government in the archipelago of Sulu. The Rajah Baguinda Festival showcases a rich culture of Sulu. It’s a three-day festival.
Applicable to: Jolo, Sulu

Eid-El FITR Muslim Festival

Date 2013: Thursday, 8 August
Occasion: This Muslim festival that signifies the end of Ramadan, or the holy month of fasting, has been declared a national holiday to give further respect to the Islamic religion in the Philippines.
Applicable to: National

Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

Date 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 August
Occasion: Kadayawan sa Dabaw – the king of all festivals in Philippines. Held at the third week of August, Kadayawan celebrates the bountiful harvest of Davao’s flowers, fruits and other produce as well as the wealth of the city’s culture.
States applicable to: Davao City

Sarakiki

Date 2013: All week, 1-8 September
Occasion: Sarakiki celebrates cockfighting as a hobby among many Filipinos. During this festival people dance in costumes that make them look like the brave fighting roosters.
Applicable to: National

Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Karadjao Festival

Date 2012: Sunday, 9 September
Date 2013: Monday, 9 September
Occasion: A colorful festival showcasing the Surigaonon’s Tribal Culture through street dancing celebrated every 9th of September.
Applicable to: Surigao City

Peñafrancia Viva La Virgen

Date 2013: Saturday, 21 September
Occasion: Peñafrancia Viva La Virgen is one of the most important religious celebrations in Naga city. It’s celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol. The festival is characterized by a nine-day procession along the Bicol river, and ends with Our Lady of Peñafrancia crossing the river whilst surrounded by glowing candles.
Applicable to: Naga City, Camarines Sur

Lemlunay (T’Boli Tribal Festival)

Date 2013: From Monday to Wednesday, 16-18 September
Occasion: Lemlunay is an annual festival held at the beautiful lake Sebu. It features original T’boli’s tribal rituals which commence with the sound of gongs and native music. The event is culminated at the Town Plaza where cultural street dancing and ethnic sports, like horse fighting, are held.
Applicable to: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival

Date 2013: From Tuesday to Saturday, 1-12 October
Occasion: The miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar at Fort Pila is celebrated during the Zamboanga La Hermosa festival.
Applicable to: National

Lanzones Festival

Date 2013: Saturday, 19 October
Occasion: The harvest of small round yellow fruit called lanzones is celebrated during the Lanzones Festival. Streets are filled with local dancers and tourists. Cultural shows, parties, parades and beauty pageant are also held. One of the aims of the festival is to show the rich cultural products of Camiguin.
Applicable to: Mambajao, Camiguin

Masskara Festival

Date 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 October
Occasion: Also known as the Mardi Gras of Philippines. Bacolod City air is filled with cheerful and outrageous spirits during the Masskara Festival. Young and old participants wear masks and magnificent costumes while dancing around the main streets of the city. The city of Bacolod is also called the City of Smiles.
Applicable to: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

La Naval De Manila (Procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval)

Date 2013: Sunday, 13 October
Occasion: The harvest of small round yellow fruit called lanzones is celebrated during the Lanzones Festival. Streets are filled with local dancers and tourists. Cultural shows, parties, parades and beauty pageant are also held. One of the aims of the festival is to show the rich cultural products of Camiguin.
Applicable to: Sto. Domingo, Q. C.

Pinta Flores Festival

Date 2013: From Sunday to Tuesday 3-5 November
Occasion: It’s one of the most popular and definitely the most colorful street dancing festival/contest in San Carlos City. This festival is all about flowers and dances, amazing costumes, and the triumph of good against evil. PintaFlores Festival is attended by local and foreign tourists who join the locals in a city-wide celebration.
Applicable to: Negros Occidental, San Carlos City.

Higantes Festival (Feast of San Clemente)

Date 2013: Saturday, 23 November
Occasion: The image of San Clemente is carried by male devotees in a procession during this festival. The devotees wear fishermen clothes and carry fishermen equipment with themselves. The highlight of the festival are the dancing higantes which are paper mache puppets, usually 12 ft. high and about 5 ft. diameter. They are huge and very often shown in different forms and personalities. The procession ends at Laguna de Bay.
Applicable to: Angono, Rizal.

Grand Cordillera Festival

Date 2013: Sunday, 24 November
Occasion: Tribes and ethnic groups of the Cordillera region come together every year to celebrate life and revive ancient traditions on the last Sunday in November. This region is rich in arts and culture. If you want to see unique street dances, ritual performances or listen to great songs, Grand Cordillera Festival is definitely for you. Besides, it’s a week-long event.
Applicable to: Baguio City, Cordillera region.

Pagdidiwata

Date 2013: Sunday, 8 December
Occasion: Native people of Tagbanua or Palawan celebrate through ritual dances and food offerings to the souls of their departed kin and to their deities. The thanksgiving celebration is held in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan.
Applicable to: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Immaculate Conception

Date 2013: Sunday, 8 December
Occasion: La Immaculada is the patroness of Intramuros, Manila. During this annual event, a procession is held with more than fifty images of the Virgin Mary from provinces and countries around the world being carried by devotees around the historic place of Intramuros.
Applicable to: Intramuros, Manila

Bikol Pastores

Date 2013: Saturday, 18 December
Occasion: This extraordinary Christmas tradition takes place in the Bicol City of Legazpi in Albay. During this event, young men and women dressed in their unique colorful shepherd costumes roam around the city, dancing and singing to the tune of “Pastores a Belen”.
Applicable to: Legazpi City, Albay

Giant Lantern Festival

Date 2013: Saturday, 21 December (held every third Saturday of December)
Occasion: San Fernando, Pampanga is known for producing the most colorful, magnificent, creative and attractive Christmas lanterns in Philippines. To celebrate the art of lantern-making, an annual festival and competition among lantern-makers is held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. The contest features giant lanterns that are as big as forty feet in diameter and have many (usually more than thousand) light bulbs.
Applicable to: San Fernando, Pampanga

Note:
If you know a festival in your place that is not listed here, please write it in the comment box below. Thank you very much.

-Con Tour Blog

Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival 2013 Schedule

2013-04-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

Madayaw kaninyong Tanan sa Dabaw! Prosperous to you all in Davao.

On every third week of the month of August each year, the City of Durian, Davao City holds the annual feast celebration of Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

Madayaw is a warm and friendly greetings that means bountiful, valuable, superior, beautiful or profitable. The word Madayaw when this is associated to Kadawayan sa Dabaw, it directly connects to a Festival, that means a Festival for a celebration of good life, and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

Hence, the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival then come to life.

It is also during this festival that the 10 tribes will converge for a thanksgiving rituals, thanking the gods for a bountiful harvest.

These 10 indigenous tribes people composed of the Matigsalug (from the Salug river, that also traverses the Bukidnon highlands), Ata, Ovu-Manuvo (they are also present in Pangantucan in Bukidnon), Klata-Djangan, Tagabawa, Tausog, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kagan, and Sama. These people converge to the city and will wear their ethnic costumes and indigenous dress and parade in the streets of Davao.

This year's schedule is;

August 17, 2013 - That is Saturday, Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing)
August 18, 2013 - Sunday, Pamulak sa Kadalanan (Parade of Flowers)

I have been praying this time that I would witness this grandest event in Davao, because the reason I love to watch every Festival in our country, the Philippines, not only the colorful costumes they are wearing but to feel the vibes of our cultural heritage that hopefully the next generation would continue the sense of preserving it.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and hotels now and lets meet in Davao.

Get on Board the Norwegian Epic

2013-04-06T19:11:00.000+08:00

Get on Board the Norwegian Epic, by Catherine Lavinia

Whenever you’re looking into a cruise vacation, particularly if you’re a newbie to this holidaying option, it’s always handy to know more about the ship you’ve chosen to spend the cruise duration aboard on. Having a more in-depth idea of what to expect, what facilities are on offer and the style of the cruise you’ve booked can help you plan your time wisely and ensure that it’s a hassle-free trip.

Norwegian Epic cruises tour various corners of the world, including the Caribbean, the Western Mediterranean and Transatlantic cruises. A holiday on the decks of the Epic will provide you with a jam packed itinerary that you can savour while also providing excellent value for money, particularly if you’ve been lucky enough to book one of the last minute Thomas Cook cruises on the liner.

With a capacity for over 4000 passengers, the Norwegian Epic is more than just your bog standard cruise liner. Spectacular leisure and entertainment facilities mean that, whatever in the mood for, there will be something to suit you. Ample activities on board also ensure that you’re never bored, even on the long days at sea.

Staterooms

If you’re a lover of all things active, there are plenty of kicks to choose from, including the onboard Aquapark, a rock climbing wall and plenty of fitness opportunities such as squash and basketball courts as well as a jogging track.

Don’t worry about the children either – aboard the Norwegian Epic, you can be sure that they will be well looked after. From the Nickelodeon character breakfast to play areas and tween zones, whatever their age, there will be something to keep them busy.

If all you want to do is sit back, relax and unwind, there’s no better place for it. Whether you want to watch the world go by as you sip a cocktail on the top deck, or you prefer to splurge on a well-deserved spa treatment at the largest waterborne beauty treatment zone in the world, the Epic is ideal.

Take a look at the last minute Thomas Cook cruises on the Norwegian Epic today – you won’t be disappointed.

Photos, courtesy of [www.thomascook.com.]

Rizal Park, One Year had passed so swiftly

2013-04-04T17:44:00.000+08:00

The signage of Rizal Park along the Taft Avenue

One year had passed so swiftly when my son James and I went to the people's park in the Urban Manila, the Rizal Park or most commonly known as Luneta Park. That was April 3, 2012.

Luneta or Rizal Park is just an ordinary park nowadays but rich in history and still favored by ordinary people like us.

Map of the Philipines in Rizal Park

It is favored mostly by ordinary people who preferred to live a simple living. Picnic in the park where children play "patintero" and other Filipino Traditional Kid's play, are just one of the usual activities of these people .

During the childhood years of my wife, this place is the family's favorite hang-out. Maybe because that time, there were still no malls. With or without malls, I still prefer to bring my family to the park. For what reason? Because I want my children play physical than playing video games.

In this park, you can still see the map of the Philippines. As usual the big signage of Rizal Park is still there painted with bold white color.

Near the famous Taft Avenue, you can still see the group of sculptured dinosaurs, made of concrete and painted with vibrant colors.

The big shoe was still there. My son James took a pose on this same spot where his mother also had during her childhood.

So, since it's summer right now. It is also the best time to visit Luneta and the Rizal Park.

The crocodile hunter---that's me...Ang tapang.

_____________________________________________________

Fly with Cebu Pacific Air now and avail their promo fares, a review
Aerial Shots : The bluish earth called our HOME
DIY : 12 Travel Tips for Visayan or Mindanaoan Travellers
Manila Ocean Park, a converging zone
Gerry's Grill in Manila Ocean Park
Revisiting Rizal and Luneta Park
Rizal Park, One Year had passed so swiftly

_________________________________________________

Cagayan de Oro : Mallberry Suite in Lim Ket Kai

2013-04-03T14:34:00.000+08:00

Room Interior

Accessibility when it comes to location and worry free when in comes to security, homey atmosphere and not so pricey, Mallberry Suite, considered as our second home, a place for a comfortable staycation in the City of the Golden Friendship.

In visiting my home city, the City of the Golden Friendship, this hotel is always our option. But that only dictates when I have an extra budget for hotel expenses.

After I filled-out the guest information sheet, the front desk were checking out something in their computer database, and later told us, welcome "back" to Mallberry Suite sir, mam. Then I told her (front desk officer), How about the deposit? They didn't allowed us to lodge our deposit and told us to pay in full upon checking-out since we are a return guest(s). That's really an amazing one in recognizing their return guest.

Another thing, as a return guest(s) in this luxurious hotel in the heart of Cagayan de Oro City, and as a government employee, they gave us 10-12% discount for 4 pax of 2 adults and 2 kids and other privileges, such as one additional kid for free of charge.

They have a very hospitable and admirable staff especially their receptionists.

Their services are also an admirable and an awe-inspiring one, like when we requested for additional two (2) pillows, the response time is less than 1-2 minutes.

Lobby Area

Mallberry Suite is one of the most stylish and luxurious but affordable hotels in Cagayan de Oro City, today. Its accessibility from the Agora Save More Integrated bus terminal and at the heart of the City, made it more convenient to travelers like us. The hotel is near from the best of the line shopping centers like the Robinsons, Lim Ket Kai Mall Complex and other prominent restaurants in the area like the Max's Restuarant.

It is also near from the van terminal in going to Camiguin and other tourist destinations in Region 10, like the Dahilayan in Bukidnon.

Hotel Lounge

The hotel has already expanded to the same size (in terms of area) as the previous one, that will accommodate more travelers and tourists, locals and foreign alike. It also packed a lot of amenities, like restaurants, meeting and function rooms, a theater, an indoor pool and a gym. It also has a spa until the wee hours in the morning.

After we were done with our sumptuous breakfast in the 7th floor, my son James suggested to find the indoor pool of the hotel.

Indoor Pool

We sneaked around the place and we found more that are pleasant to the eye of an amateur photographer. Their architectural interior design of the lounge.

Their leisure area.

We've been here for more than five (5) times since this hotel was established in early 2000s, but we never explored the lounge until this visit.

Mini-Gym

Circular form stair going to the ground floor.

For those who have not yet stayed in this luxurious hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, this post is just our honest opinion and our fine experience with the hotel crew, from the receptionists to the bellboy, housekeeping and their breakfast servings.

For your convenience, here are the rates for your reference and subject to change anytime.

Room Rates :

Valet Solo: PHP 1,240.00

Corporate Solo: PHP 1,740.00

Superior: PHP 2,200.00

DeLuxe: PHP 2,400.00

Executive Superior: PHP 2,780.00

Executive DeLuxe: PHP 2,980.00

Junior Suite: 3,300.00

Mallberry Suite: PHP 3,700.00

Executive Junior Suite: PHP 3,900.00

Presidential Suite: PHP 7,500.00

Residence Suites A: PHP 6,890.00

Residence Suites B & C: PHP 4,890.00

Address : Florentino Street, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental
at the Back of Robinsons Plaza Building (Limketkai Complex),
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Phone: 088 854-1999 or 088 854-3999
Fax: 088 854-4999
oOo

Bukidnon : Pine Grove Mountain Lodge in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich

2013-04-02T11:29:00.004+08:00

Road trip in Bukidnon is one of the highlights of the Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho Summer Specials which was aired last March 24, 2013, replayed last March 28, 2013, wherein the three (3) of us travel bloggers, Con Tour Blog, Suroy Pilipinas and Tupe D' Trekero were featured and showcasing some of the best spots of Bukidnon, the Dahilayan Adventure Park Dual Zipline, as one of the tourists travel destinations during summer.

After we have done with the shooting, Mark Nituma, the director/producer, called a break and invited us to take some heavy snacks inside the Pine Grove Mountain Lodge in this park.

I only ordered the usual Beef Tapa at an affordable price of more or less P200 pesos, espoused it with 3 in 1 Coffee just to neutralize the cold temperature of the place. After finished with my food, I took some snapshots of the place, the architectural interior design of the Pine Grove Mountain Lodge.

As usual and it is always present in every construction features here in Bukidnon, the Mangima stones installed on the wall near the entrance door or the lobby before going to the reception area.

I've been here in Dahilayan Adventure Park in 3-4 times, but was never been inside except for personal necessity. It's just during this time that I've got a chance to explore the place because of the Jessica Soho Shooting with the GMA7 crew for its summer specials.

The design is so classical with an attic provided with a Dormir Awning type of a window on the second level, where you can also peep the foggy ground outside the hotel on their fixed viewing glass in the ground floor.

I really like their decorative stuffs because its the owners collection of antique stuffs from places abroad they've been and displayed within the lobby and dining area.

The ambiance is just a homey and very tidy type of atmosphere.

The Beef Tapa

Their Friendly receptionists, Ms. Sotelo with Mark the producer/director of GMA7

(meant for each other)

This is not Baguio or Tagaytay, this is Bukidnon.

Their Room Rates.

Standard Room P2,800 per night
Can accommodate up to a max of 3 pax (1 queen size bed & 1 twin bed)
Free Set Breakfast for 2.

Deluxe Room P3,200 per night

Can accommodate up to a max of 3 pax (1 queen size bed & 1 twin bed)
Free Set Breakfast for 2 pax.

Suite Room P3,500 per night
Can accommodate up to a max of 3 pax (1 queen size bed & 1 twin bed)
Free Set Breakfast for 2 pax.

Family Room P5,000 per night
6 Single beds & 1 Sofa Bed.
Can accommodate a Max of 7 Pax.
No free breakfast.

All guests of Pinegrove are entitled to 20% discount on Zipline Rides. Discount only applies to registered guests per room.

CONTACT NUMBERS : 0917-622-3204.

General Santos to Cagayan de Oro route and Vice Versa

2013-04-01T17:36:00.000+08:00

The lone bus company, Rural Tours Mindanao, Inc., is now serving the route plying to General Santos from Cagayan de Oro City and vice versa, from General Santos City with five (5) trips daily. From Bulaong Terminal of General Santos City to Agora Bus terminal of Cagayan de Oro City.

Here's the daily trip schedule for Gensan-CDO route and vice versa of Rural Transit.

Gensan-CDO
1st trip- 3:00 AM
2nd trip- 4:00 AM
3rd trip- 5:00 AM
4th trip- 6:00 AM
5th trip - 7:00 AM (last trip)

CDO- Gensan

1st trip- 10 PM
2nd trip- 12:00 AM
3rd trip- 2:00 AM
4th trip- 4:00 AM
5th trip - 6:00 AM (last trip)

Max's Fried Chicken in Cagayan de Oro

2013-04-01T09:37:00.000+08:00

When in comes to food choices, there are a lot of restaurant to choose from. Every time that we are in Cagayan de Oro City, there are a lot of options when in comes to restaurant, but we need to choose the most accessible one. One of the options is to take a look at Lim Ket Kai Complex. There are lots of accessible venues there, like the Max's Fried Chicken.

The Max's Fried Chicken is now located in the Robinsons' Lim Ket Kai Complex, right at the corner before you reach the main entrance of the Robinson's Plaza.

The Mallberry Suite is considered as our second home when talking about a place that worth to live in at least at an overnight stay. A walking distance from this famous restaurant, conveniently accessible to the Lim Ket Kai Mall Complex.

Aside from its accessibility from the hotel and the mall complex, the location is also strategic from the Save More Agora Bus Terminal, which is about 500 meters away from the mall complex.

When I sneaked around inside the Max's Fried Chicken restaurant, I've noticed some of the innovations on their architectural and interior design. They introduced some of the latest architectural enhancements on their ceiling, right after the entrance door. More attractive to the customers is the veranda and its canopy that protects diners from direct heat or even when it rains.

When and Where was the first location of Max's Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City?

The original location of Max's Restaurant?

Max's Restaurant was first established in Divisoria in this City sometime in early 2000. They have less customers in Divisoria than their present location in Lim Ket Kai, according to one of their staff.

Trivia :

Divisoria is the old commercial hub in Cagayan de Oro City. After the completion of the Limketkai Complex in the early 1990s, this old hub was affected and their economic activity slowed down. The old commercial hub just slowly recovered in the early 2000s.

Which is absolutely right because of its accessibility. And this is perhaps the probable reason why they transferred to its new location, at the Robinson Building, Lim Ket Kai Mall Complex.

About the food? Still at its best and our favorite.

For best and affordable budget, we choose the half table order for a family of four pax at a price of P1,229.00. The food we ordered exceeded our capacity that we have to take out some and considered as our midnight snacks.

Their famous fried chicken, "sarap to the bones". You can even eat the crunchy bones (but not recommended).

How to get there?

From Bukidnon/Butuan/Surigao :

Your Bus terminal will be in Agora Bus Terminal or Save More Agora Bus Terminal. Just take a taxi with estimated fare of P55 pesos only. Tell the driver to drop you off in Robinson's Plaza Max's Restaurant.

From Iligan /Ozamis/Oroquieta :

Your Bus Terminal is in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City. Just take a taxi with estimated fare of P150 pesos only. Tell the driver to drop you off in Robinson's Plaza Max's Restaurant.

Happy trip and treat this summer!

Con Tour Featured in Jessica Soho Summer Special Show-Road Trip in Bukidnon

2013-03-25T23:56:00.000+08:00

I actually did not expect that the travel blogger behind Con Tour Blog will be featured in a prestigious Host and a Trustworthy Anchor, Ms. Jessica Soho show on its summer specials that was aired yesterday, March 24, 2013, entitled Road Trip in Bukidnon.

And how I was being chosen to be as host or travel guide on this segment? Estan, my friend, a popular and multi-awarded travel blogger and Photographer based in Makati, fielded a personal message in my facebook. He was also featured in this same show. He told me in his message that he gave my URL Blog address to GMA7 Jessica Soho staff for content heavy here in Mindanao.

The next travel blogger who fielded his message to FB, was Enrico Dee of www.byahilo.com asking my phone number, saying "bonz can i get your number? kapuso mo jessica soho might shoot in bukidnon. kelangan nila blogger". So I gave right away my number.

Then followed by Journeying James, "bosing! quick lang, can i have your contact number? i lost my contacts kasi, thanks!". Maybe he wanted me to get surprise, that is why he did not told me his intention. Then later he revealed that the same TV Show was looking for a travel blogger. This is just to mention a few. I am also grateful to some who did not identified themselves.

With Gifford our driver, Earl and Tupe (before the launch)

I was a bit nervous because I know that this kind of message from a fellow travel and professional bloggers, is not a joke. I was more excited because of two things. One is my opportunity to be featured on a National TV on a show that everyone considered it as a trusted one. Or in short, a show that has reputation. The other one, to be featured on a National TV, considered to be one of my great milestones, because of my passion in blogging and photography.

I really admit. I am not alone with this kind of opportunity and chance that I've got right now in this lifetime. You are there with me, my friends, my followers, my readers and my family circle by blood and by affinity. I owe this to you. This chance of a lifetime only happened because of you.

I am sincere in saying this. Again, I owe this to you. And I am giving this back to you.

Life is full of adventure, but not all adventure is always fun. There are adventures also that need to be declined like what I did in the Drop Zone in Dahilayan Adventure Park, because one, my spinal column / chord which is a little bit curve and the other thing, was I didn't have yet my executive cardio check up. So during this event, I really have to decline. And there's no harm in declining and listen to your vibration. Though it was a failed attempt, at least, I went home safe.:-).

My Experience :

Road Trip in Bukidnon, a Jessica Soho Summer Special experience was really an invigorating and awesome. Being featured in a National TV is of no joke and its like just a dream that until now I can't believe it. Sometimes I felt so excited and at times, I felt worried on what would happen to me just in case, like in the longest dual zipline. I have kids to raise and a lovable and supportive wife. My wife always supports me when in comes to blogging and photography. They are proud that their Papa went home safe.

Willier Esplana, with black outfit, the hardcore cameraman.

All were first :

The first activity was to ride a 4 x 4 offroad vehicle with super enhanced power, courtesy of TrixOffroad. It is also my first time to ride a 4 x 4 offroad landcruiser vehicle here in my lifetime. It was also fit because Bukidnon has mountainous terrain and topography.

First time to ride a zipline with Gopro Camera mounted on my breast. But it was my second time to ride a zipline.

First time to see a Gopro Camera.

First time to ride a flying lizard which is a newly installed adventure in the park.

First time to decline to take a ride on a dual swing adventure in drop zone.

First time in river tubing.

First time to be featured in National TV on Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho Summer Special, and not a travel special as I previously posted here.

First time to meet a director and movie writer in actual and interact with hardcore cameramen.

First time to take video on pinetrees and used as a material for the show with the instruction and guide by a real movie director.

First time in actual shooting with a real movie segment.

First experience in a horse back riding with a horse previously rode by an on-cam GMA talent Sarah Lahbati, but its my 8th or 10th time riding a horse.

First time to hear people congratulations bonz, we watched you on a National TV.

First time in Mindanao featuring 3 Pinoy Travel Bloggers in Bukidnon, all in one segment in Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho Summer Specials.

First time with the Provincial Tourism Office, with Mam Laila Marte and her staff, went together in promoting our home province Bukidnon, through this show for free. Kudos to GMA7.

First time to feel overwhelmed with this kind of appreciation from sincere people.

First time that my FB Wall flooded with appreciation and congratulating words and phrases.

First time to reach a blog statistics up to more than 600 pageviews in one day.

All these first time(s), I am thankful to all of you, my readers and friends.

With heartfelt thanks to the following with their comments and message for the three of us ;

Laila Rubin Diez Marte-Administrative Officer of Provincial Tourism Office.

Thank you so much to our very own Bukidnon Travel Bloggers Bonzenti Panganiban, Tupe Da Trekero, Earl E. Bolivar,who volunteered to promote our Beloved Bukidnon. With the meager Budget that the Bukidnon Provincial Tourism have, it's very difficult for us to promote the Province. But with these unselfish people who share their precious time, effort and talents in blogging, we find link and FREE promotion of our Best adventure destination in Bukidnon. Our support is very little compared to what you have done to our Tourism Promotion. I salute you guys, so proud to be Bukidnon. Thank You so much guys.... hoping for more partnership program and projects with you soon..God Bless us all.. God Bless Bukidnon...

With Mam Laila and Tupe (at the back)

Micaela Rodriguez, a fellow Pinoy Travel Blogger, the author of Micamyx

Loved tonight's episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho! I've been to Mindanao a couple of times, but I haven't been to Bukidnon! Congrats Earl E. Bolivar , Bonzenti Panganiban and Tupe for the fun Bukidnon roadtrip feature! Also, I miss the games I used to play as a kid. Solenn's short interview reminded me on one of the factors why I like her as a person :D

Torch Araynado Bioyo - our friend, neighbor and barkada.

Bonzenti Panganiban and Earl E. Bolivar guys you make us proud ! Hard work and determination paid off. Kuhaon namog artista ani hehehee! (They will hire you as on-cam talent).

Olan Emboscado - The author of The Travel Teller and the 2011 Best Travel Blogger in Mindanao.

Watching my fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho... Indeed, you guys are blessings to Bukidnon. So proud of you Bonzenti Panganiban, Earl E. Bolivar and Tupe Da Trekero...!

Mam Tes Llacer - a businesswoman in Bukidnon and a fellow BPBS and good friend.

Nice job Bon, Tupe & Earl... We really have a lot to show & be proud of about Bukidnon. Way to go guys!

Mam Tatsy Blancaflor - a mother, a sister in community and a friend

Hi Bonz! watched the Kapuso Mo with Jessica Soho...nakakaproud! Bukidnon was so beautiful and so serene and we got more interested to watch because your name was mentioned and we didn't take off our eyes until the program is finished! you are a good tourist guide..no wonder you are also a good photographer..

Pinoy Adventurista - a fellow pinoy travel blogger, a true friend.

Congratulations Kuya Bonzenti Panganiban, Earl E. Bolivar and Tupe Da Trekero! Super enjoy watching your Bukidnon Roadtrip on KMJS! Woohoo!!! :)

Rain Amantiad-Campanilla - a fellow Pinoy Travel Blogger.

A Day in The Life of Travel Bloggers. Sir Bonzenti, Earl & Tupe, paytera oi! :D Mindanao represent!

These people just represent among other people who expressed their support to the three of us and just to mention a few of them. But though they were not mentioned, I still thankful with their sincere comments and words of inspiration.

Thank you very much. Two thumbs up.

Mabuhay ang Jessica Soho, and her crew and staff.

The GMA7 Crew, Director/Producer-Mark Nituma, Willier Esplana (Cameraman), Bonzenti (Con Tour Blog), Jess Bernardo (Assistant Cameraman), Earl (Suroy Pilipinas) and Tupe Diaz (Tupe D' Trekero).

This is our tribute to Bukidnon, our Home Province.

And for those who have not seen the segment, here's the video clip for you.

Con Tour will be featured in Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho Travel Specials?

2013-03-23T00:29:00.000+08:00

"I Just Can't Believe It". These are the words that came out from my mouth, of which until writing this post, I just can't believe that I would be featured in a National Primetime TV in the time slot of GMA7's Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho Travel Specials. This segment will only takes 12 minutes of exposure and fame, but it would take a worthwhile experience for a guy, a father of two and a husband for an ever supportive wife.

And of course, this will not be realized without you, my friends, readers, followers and my family who supported me all the way. I would not reached this point if not because of you and because of my fellow pinoy travel bloggers, Estan, Enrico and Journeying James, to mention a few who recommended us to be the host of this episode, the Road Trip in Bukidnon.

Together with Earl and Tupe, we will be hosting in promoting our very own Province Bukidnon to boost the tourism sector. My role in this segment is a "driver" of a 4 x 4 offroad vehicle by Trix Offroad.

The GMA7 News and Current Affairs crew, Mark Nituma the producer, writer and director, Willier Esplana the hard core cameraman and Jessie Bernardo the assistant cameraman were so friendly people, where we felt comfortable on camera once they will give us some directions what to do.

It was really a fine and awesome experience for me aside from the adventure that I had for two (2) days, and I've learned a lot that working in a production line is really a tough job.

Though I was not able to take the challenge in one of the adventure spots--the Dahilayan Adventure Park's drop zone because of my spinal column. I just documented my colleagues ultimate swing experience.

Right now, I am so excited to watch the final crafted segment on March 24, 2013, Sunday at 7 pm. So do not switch to another channel and inviting you to watch Con Tour, Suroy Pilipinas and Tupe D' Trekero's experience during the Road Trip in Bukidnon, produced by the Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho Travel Specials.

Special Thanks to the following:

Ms. Laila Rubin Marte of the Provincial Tourism Office in providing us food and vehicle and our Nanay during this event, the Eco-Venture Inc. in providing us guides, BAI Shop for the tubes and other essentials in White Water River Tubing activity, and the Dahilayan Adventure Park owner Mr. Ravi and his staff, NLEX CATERING by Leizl Sargento for the food during Water Tubing & Felicisimo Galamiton, the driver of stick truck for the hauling of Rubber Tubes from PSWD and last but not the least, the PDRRMC rescue team for the Province of Bukidnon. The energetic Driver, Gifford Idulsa and also served as our assistant. And Kapuso GMA7 in giving me this worthwhile experience that I just can't believe it.

Eagles in Bukidnon, inside the Zoo

2013-03-18T14:45:00.000+08:00

Eagle inside the zoo

It was just a coincidence when I visited this place here in Maramag, Bukidnon. A zoo in Bukidnon owned by a prominent politician here in the Province. Coincidence, its because we did not visit the place for viewing but for a pre-nuptial shoot.

I do not have any idea on what's inside but I know already that the place is a zoological site, only here in Maramag, Bukidnon. I do not have also any idea that about 5 eagles were inside one of the cages there. When I spotted them inside, I felt bad with these species. They were misplaced. They should be in the forest, in their home, the Mount Kitanglad. If you can read their eyes, they're seemed unhappy.

I also spotted other animals exhibited in there. Like the peacock in the above photo. The place is also a fair place for nuptial shoot but in some spots only. It was not satisfactorily maintained but its also a nice place for children's exposure on some animals that are present inside this zoo.

How to get there?

This zoo is located in San Miguel, Maramag. From Maramag proper, you can take a bus plying to Wao and tell the conductor to drop you off to this zoo located in San Miguel. Its on the right side of the road in going to Wao, Lanao del Sur road. They are open from 8 am to 5 pm with entrance fee per head at P30 pesos.