tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801Fri, 24 May 2013 09:54:37 +0000travel blogging for newbiesWow philippinesCagayan De Oro White Water Rafting AdventureLagunaHow-to-get-a-Photographer’s-Pass-to-the-17th-Philippine-International-Hot-Air-Balloon-Fiesta16th-Philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiestaCoron-Palawan-Land-Touropen hyperlink on anew tabmasskara-festival-photo-passMgalawa Island Beach ResortVilla Cleofas resortTravel-directions-to-cagbalete-islandtickets to the 17th Philippine Hot Air Baloon Fiestahow-to-go-to-cagbalete-islandTambobong White Beach in PangasinanPoland Toursim logo16th-Philippine-hot-air-balloon-festivalmust do things in coron palawanPhilippine-beachessouthern EuropeClub-Manila-East-Tayta-RizalBest Hotel in BataanHow-To-go-to-Club-Manila-East-Taytay-RizalPhilippines white beachesCalguas IslandIs-The-Cheapest-and-Least-Expensive -Beach-Resort-in-Manila--the-Unsafeststo nino coldspringwhere to stay in coronSto-Domingo-AlbayDarayonan Lodgehistory of 17th Philippine 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(lakwatsero)Blogger44125MyIslandTrekhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-8385521796538086218Wed, 22 May 2013 10:49:00 +00002013-05-22T19:01:25.519+08:00Vinzon's Portboat ride to calaguasCalaguasTinaga IslandCalguas IslandDaetbest beach in the PhilippinesDIY CalaguasCamarines Norte<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Calaguas, Camarines Norte -- It was 2008 when I first heard of such a place.  It came to me like a  strange storyteller&#39;s myth when an intoxicated backpacker mentioned it during one of those out-of-town trips.  It was late at night, everyone had been drinking and talking nonsense. <br> I don&#39;t  exactly remember everything that happened that particular night,  but I recall being half asleep when someone brought up the topic &quot;best beach you’ve been to&quot; or &quot;rate the best beach in the Philippines.&quot; Boracay came out of almost everyone&#39;s mouth except for  this guy who blurted some thing out like ”Boracay falls to number two on my list.  Have you heard about the island Calaguas?”<br> <div> <br></div> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NNmwhWZvvM/UZtbvRqNAFI/AAAAAAAAADk/mGSh87Z1T5U/s1600/Calaguas-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NNmwhWZvvM/UZtbvRqNAFI/AAAAAAAAADk/mGSh87Z1T5U/s1600/Calaguas-17.jpg"></a></div> <br> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A lot of thoughts emerged from inside my head. I was doubtful and curios at the same time. Can there be a beach better than Boracay?</div> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/a-journey-to-calaguas-islands-of.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/6eVdx_eZjl4" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/6eVdx_eZjl4/a-journey-to-calaguas-islands-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)0http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/a-journey-to-calaguas-islands-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-4233460455291122594Thu, 16 May 2013 06:02:00 +00002013-05-19T14:54:07.822+08:00southern EuropeMediterraneanGuest PostGreece<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br> <div class="MsoNormal"> On a holiday to Greece, you can be pretty sure of a great beach holiday with sizzling sunshine and tons of gorgeous golden sands. <span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.thomascook.com/lp/1x6-eodin7/holidays-kos" rel="nofollow">Kos</a> </span>is no different - but there&#39;s much more to this compact little island than simply lazing on a beach.</div> <div class="MsoNormal"> <br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/kos-uncovered_16.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/-p1MyaTpwFM" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/-p1MyaTpwFM/kos-uncovered_16.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Guest Trekker)http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/kos-uncovered_16.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-86301419065543478Thu, 09 May 2013 03:54:00 +00002013-05-19T14:55:34.831+08:00festivalUKGuest Post<br> <div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10pt;">It’s that time of year again, Brighton Fringe is just around the corner and many are already planning which events to attend at the four-week festival on the south coast.  Brighton Fringe is the largest arts festival in the UK with nearly 4000 performances throughout the month.  There has never been a better reason to spend <a href="https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/book/brighton-hotels" rel="nofollow">a weekend away in Brighton</a>, as the 2013 Fringe promises to be bigger and better than any past year.  </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"> <br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/brighton-fringe-festival-may-june-2013.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/iIjz3b-jy1Q" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/iIjz3b-jy1Q/brighton-fringe-festival-may-june-2013.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Guest Trekker)http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/brighton-fringe-festival-may-june-2013.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-6375928281304004935Wed, 01 May 2013 05:02:00 +00002013-05-19T14:56:32.868+08:00DenmarkEuropeGuest Post<div style="text-align: justify;"> Europe has many exotic destinations and beautiful landscapes with bustling cities. Why choose Denmark? Because it’s perfect if you have kids or you’re a kid at heart. The country has some unique attractions and its own archipelago similar to the Philippines. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> I’m sure a lot of Filipinos are not sold to the idea ‘coz we have this preconceived notion that France, the UK and Amsterdam are the only good places to visit in Europe. Denmark is not an established tourist spot in Europe but it certainly holds a lot of good places to visit for the entire family.</div> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr0yDP3ZLSQ/UYCcs0MntPI/AAAAAAAAAB0/HijXyizFrOs/s1600/Denmark_Travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hr0yDP3ZLSQ/UYCcs0MntPI/AAAAAAAAAB0/HijXyizFrOs/s1600/Denmark_Travel.jpg"></a></div> <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/trekking-to-denmark.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/kE8Q4LCJOWU" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/kE8Q4LCJOWU/trekking-to-denmark.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Guest Trekker)http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/05/trekking-to-denmark.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-1977367603788729408Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:58:00 +00002013-05-24T03:51:42.929+08:00Pawikan CaveIsla De GigantesHigantes Islandhow to go to Gigantes IslandCarlesGigantes IslandCabugao IslandAntonia BeachIloilobest white beaches and islands in iloilotourist spot in Iloilo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span> <br> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Carles</b>, <b>Iloilo</b>--When travelling to Panay Island in the Visayas region, the first travel destination that will come to mind is<b> </b>Boracay Island, the most popular beach and travel destination in the Philippines.  But a few kilomiters from Aklan, somewhere off the cost of Iloilo is a hidden, pristine, and unspoiled group of islands  called<b> Isla De Gigantes</b>,  or Gigantes/Higantes Island.</span></div> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v75KZNVNm28/UXYwl7sf8aI/AAAAAAAABbw/RZ-sAyjRquI/s1600/Gigantes+Island-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v75KZNVNm28/UXYwl7sf8aI/AAAAAAAABbw/RZ-sAyjRquI/s1600/Gigantes+Island-2.jpg"></span></a></div> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I first learned about the islands and islets of Gigantes Sur and Gigantes Norte, collectively known as Islas de Gigantes, when someone asked me  if i wanted to go to Roxas.  I said something like,  &quot;Sure, why not? What is there to see in Roxas?&quot;  This someone said,  &quot;go google &#39;Estancia.&#39;&quot; I did and, several keywords and links after, Google images of sugary white sand, azure waters, and breathtaking landscapes popped up.</span><br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/04/discovering-islas-de-gigantes-in-carles.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/rGwDmd4Mzts" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/rGwDmd4Mzts/discovering-islas-de-gigantes-in-carles.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)2http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/04/discovering-islas-de-gigantes-in-carles.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-7727881464486551490Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:50:00 +00002013-03-25T16:30:13.563+08:00The Philippine International Pyromusical CompetitionThe 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition: Italy Vs The Netherlands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, an annual event which for the past two years, I have always caught a glimpse of, at least once during its yearly 6-weekends run, will hold its final weekend of fireworks exhibition and competition today March 23, 2013 between Canada and The Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia, by the scenic Manila Bay.</div> <b></b><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_w8UPaFH69k/UU1YGnsE10I/AAAAAAAABaM/fwfycbARLps/s1600/Pyromusical+2013-1-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_w8UPaFH69k/UU1YGnsE10I/AAAAAAAABaM/fwfycbARLps/s1600/Pyromusical+2013-1-33.jpg"></a></div> <br> <div style="text-align: justify;"> After missing the 18th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark Pampanga last February this year, I thought I&#39;d miss the 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, too. <br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/03/the-4th-philippine-international.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/WKT9M9ipzOM" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/WKT9M9ipzOM/the-4th-philippine-international.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)1http://www.myislandtrek.com/2013/03/the-4th-philippine-international.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-6107180779906413746Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:12:00 +00002012-03-05T09:02:09.388+08:00must see places in IlocosIlocos Norte Tour Itinerary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ilocos Norte, Philippines</b>-- In line with our   Ilocos Norte visit this coming weekend,<i> Lakwatsera</i> and I would like to share our Ilocos Norte Tour itinerary, which will be updated later on with links to our Ilocos Norte Heritage Tour posts. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is already an all-too-familiar itinerary for <i>Lakwatsera</i> since she has been to Ilocos a couple of times and was part of  a slightly similar tour back in 2008. I, on the other hand, have never been to Ilocos. Everything in this itinerary sounds all  new and exciting to me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 4D/3N itinerary, according to most, is the normal tourist route to Ilocos. It includes almost all of the  <i>must-see</i> tourist hotspots in Ilocos Norte . </div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk7i_Op_mEs/T1O2s1x1eyI/AAAAAAAABXw/TZgdvGM8B3k/s1600/Ilocos+Tour+Itinerary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk7i_Op_mEs/T1O2s1x1eyI/AAAAAAAABXw/TZgdvGM8B3k/s1600/Ilocos+Tour+Itinerary.jpg"></a></div><span style="color: blue;"><b></b></span><br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/03/ilocos-norte-tour-itinerary.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/AAa3WNj6rP8" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/AAa3WNj6rP8/ilocos-norte-tour-itinerary.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)42http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/03/ilocos-norte-tour-itinerary.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-1423488874427419773Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:54:00 +00002012-02-21T19:29:05.954+08:00The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical CompetitionSpain and UKTickets to the 3rd Pyromusical competion3rd pyromusical competition schedule and location3rd Pyromusical Competition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Seaside Boulevard, Mall Of Asia, Saturday, February 18, 2012 -- The New Year&#39;s Eve celebration is long over but the Philippines is not done painting the sky all sorts of brilliant colors, as the currently on going <b>3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition</b> continues to brighten the Manila sky with vivid and spectacular burst of colorful fireworks from the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts.<br> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br> </div><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYv7DCKYhio/T0HV2WSI2WI/AAAAAAAABU8/fCJ2Qz8ft8c/s640/Manila+Bay%252C+Philippines-8.jpg" width="640"><br> <br> This annual event opened at the SM Mall of Asia last February 11, Saturday, with fireworks display from competing countries South Korea and Malta. Now, every Saturday this month until March 17, 2012, two competing countries will showcase their fireworks display expertise by the scenic Manila Bay.<br> </div></div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/rs4ZiMrgOpw" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/rs4ZiMrgOpw/3rd-philippine-international.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)30http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-5428237783285291363Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +00002012-02-17T18:21:07.201+08:00photos of 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiestahistory of 17th Philippine International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Clark,Pampanga-- The 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held its 4th and final day yesterday, Sunday, February 12, 2012. Taking aside the delayed entry (for those with <b>VIP</b> and <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/01/how-to-get-photographers-pass-to-17th.html" target="_blank">Photographer&#39;s Passes</a>) and  overcast sky, <i>Lawkatsera</i> and I, together with three Lakwatsa buddies, had another fun time witnessing the annual festival for the second year in a row.</div><br> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFtN9oY3DD0/TzhU_FAHSZI/AAAAAAAABPU/h61LO-5a_E8/s1600/17th+Philippine+International+Hot+Air+Balloon+Fiesta-Clarkfield%252C+Pampanga-45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the new balloons that participated this year</td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;">The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has been around for 17 years and it got me curious on how this annual event came to be.</span><br> <div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/17th-philippine-international-hot-air_13.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/C38kZJGHhyE" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/C38kZJGHhyE/17th-philippine-international-hot-air_13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)31http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/17th-philippine-international-hot-air_13.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-1920507115566078884Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +00002012-02-08T23:41:20.329+08:00Driving-directions-to-Clark-Pampanga17th-Philippine-International-Hot-Air-Balloon-Fiesta-in-Clark-Pampanga-Schedule-of-Events-and -Directions-on How-To-Get-There<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The 17th Philiipine International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta, held annually in Clark Pampanga , is only a couple of days away. This colorful event will run from February 9 to February 12, 2012. To those who haven&#39;t been to the event yet and don&#39;t know what to expect, click <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/16th-philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiesta.html#more" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also visit www(dot)philballoonfest(dot)net for more information.<br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeCgWuUQ7LE/TzD7Gp6UhqI/AAAAAAAABFM/pWHMcU-cyHM/s320/17th+hot+air+balloon+fiesta.jpg" width="320"></div><br> Please come early since the events start exactly as scheduled. If you don&#39;t have tickets yet, make sure your are at the event area, at least, an hour early so you can purchase your entrance tickets at the gate. Entrance ticket to the event is 200 pesos per person.<br> Kindly refer to the schedule of activities below. For first timers,  driving and commuting directions have also been posted here.<br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/17th-philippine-international-hot-air.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/v6qGOyLNfr8" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/v6qGOyLNfr8/17th-philippine-international-hot-air.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)12http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/17th-philippine-international-hot-air.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-2326440420325861557Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:11:00 +00002012-03-02T09:53:10.919+08:00Best Hotel in Bataanbest beach in Bagac BataanBataan's-Best-Beach-ResortReview of Las Casas Filipinas de AcuzarLas Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Bagac, Bataan-- As someone born and raised in the late 20th Century, I wouldn&#39;t exactly call walking along cobblestone streets lined with 18th to early 20th century Spanish colonial houses and heritage architectures nostalgic. It is more like being transported back in time. <br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTkvHeG1vCc/Tx8ILPPGv0I/AAAAAAAABEk/TQ03ZjiQOY4/s1600/La+Casa.jpg"></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">When <i>Lakwatsera</i> said that she wanted to go Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, I was more doubtful than excited. It sounded like a boring trip to a museum.<br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar-heritage.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/zxbAQjeSGdA" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/zxbAQjeSGdA/las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar-heritage.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)79http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/02/las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar-heritage.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-3520355147506697722Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +00002012-02-06T16:02:34.283+08:0017th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark Pampangatickets to the 17th Philippine Hot Air Baloon FiestaHow-to-get-a-Photographer’s-Pass-to-the-17th-Philippine-International-Hot-Air-Balloon-Fiesta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br> </b><br> <b>Caltex</b>, one of the major sponsors to this year&#39;s Philippine Hot Air Ballon Fiesta, has, again, chosen <b>Digital Photographer Philippines</b> as media partner to the <b>17th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta</b>. Same as last year, <b>DPP </b>has been tasked with the distribution of Photographers&#39; Passes.<br> Although it was difficult to get a <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/photographers-pass-16th-philippine.html" target="_blank">photo pass to the 16th Hot Air Ballon Fiesta</a> last year, <i>Lawatsera</i> and I were lucky enough to get ours via lottery that the <b>DPP</b> held for its members.<br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y4hQb1P500/TU6tdNYMfiI/AAAAAAAABDo/zRWphYbFMBs/s1600/hab2.jpg"></div><br> This year is <i>a lot</i> different. The already hard to obtain photo pass has become more elusive. PAKVAFXDVKUH<br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/01/how-to-get-photographers-pass-to-17th.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/8zkOJCQVfJs" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/8zkOJCQVfJs/how-to-get-photographers-pass-to-17th.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)16http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/01/how-to-get-photographers-pass-to-17th.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-4330700403666584040Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:58:00 +00002012-01-13T18:58:23.232+08:00pista ng quiapoMetropolitan ManilaVideo of the Feast of The Black Nazarene 2012Feast of The Black NazareneVideo of the Itim na Nazarenovideo of the Black Nazarene Procession<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Quiapo, Manila-- I never thought I&#39;d be shooting a video that I&#39;d end up posting on this blog. Last monday, January 9, 2012, me and <b>Lakwatsero</b> went to Quiapo to watch the <i>Translacion</i> of the Black Nazarene during its 405th celebration. It was our second time to witness the event; but, unlike last year&#39;s <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/feast-of-black-nazarene-in-quiapo.html#more" target="_blank">Feast of The Black Nazarene</a> celebration, I didn&#39;t have my DLSR camera with me. It got broken during the <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/11/my-first-masskara-festival-event-and.html#more" target="_blank">Masskara Festival</a> last October and remains broken to this day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was carrying a point-and-shoot digital camera but, after a few test shots, I figured using it will not give me any good results. It was around 7:00 PM when we arrived and although the streets of Manila around the Quiapo area were well lighted, it wasn&#39;t really enough good lighting for any point-and-shoot camera to handle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We walked all the way from Carriedo to Lawton in search of a good vantage point and found our spot on one end of some bridge (Jones Bridge, I think). I told <b>Lakwatsero</b> I&#39;ll just shoot a video instead of take pictures. He agreed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Standing and perched on top of the bridge&#39;s railing and holding on to a lamp post for support , I took a video of the procession as long as I could. <b>Lakwatsero</b> stood on the ground outside of the bridge, behind me and the railing in case I fell. Well,  after around 6 minutes of video, the crowd started converging towards the bridge&#39;s railing. I panicked and fell. End of video.</div></div><br> <center><object height="360" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_KVja-U6D2g?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_KVja-U6D2g?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></center></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">I attempted to post this blog entry around 3:11 AM January 10 while the Feast of the Black Nazarene Procession which started 8:00 AM January 9, was still in progress. At the time, the Procession has been going on for more than 17 hours. This is, by far, the longest Feast of the Black Nazarene grand procession in its 405- year history.</div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/01/feast-of-black-nazarene-2012.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/AJhdv7ePM7A" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/AJhdv7ePM7A/feast-of-black-nazarene-2012.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)11http://www.myislandtrek.com/2012/01/feast-of-black-nazarene-2012.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-3404935541259262130Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:59:00 +00002012-01-31T01:47:42.511+08:00philippine-festivalsmasskara-festival-photo-contestnegros-occidental-bacolodmasskara-festival-photo-passMasskara-Festival-2011maskara-festival-bacolod-city<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Negros Occidental, Bacolod City-- After so many years of hearing, reading, and seeing colurful photos about it, I finally was able to go to my first Masskara Festival this year. This is also my second attempt at a photo contest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Onboard Airphil flight to Bacolod at 4:20am, me and travelbuddies actually  almost didn&#39;t make it to Bacolod as we orignally booked via PAL-- but that&#39;s a whole different story.  Luckily, we got flight via AirPhil instead; an earlier flight than what was orginally planned.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a blessing in disguise since it allowed our group plenty of time to rest and explore the city before the Masskara main events kicked off.  </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzFSBxPQNZg/TqV-1TAxlPI/AAAAAAAAA_8/f5ecDEvOF-U/s1600/Masskara1festival+2011.jpg"></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">Held annualy in Bacolod City, also known as The City of Smiles, this celebration, aptly called Festival of Smiles, brings to the streets a parade of floats, street dancers, and performers adorned with lavish and extravagant costumes. The festival started in 1980 in the midst of crisis and tragic events that fell upon the Negrenses. At a time when the price of sugar was at an all-time low, and the province, which relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, was tremendously affected, the &quot;festival of smiles&quot; emerged as proof of Bacolod City&#39;s resiliency towards tragedy. </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/11/my-first-masskara-festival-event-and.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/hT8QAJEObY4" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/hT8QAJEObY4/my-first-masskara-festival-event-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)41http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/11/my-first-masskara-festival-event-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-2375562392529439741Sun, 01 May 2011 03:38:00 +00002011-07-31T14:16:49.820+08:00cheapest beach-resortunsafest-beach -resortManila-Bay-swimmers-on-easter-sundayIs-The-Cheapest-and-Least-Expensive -Beach-Resort-in-Manila--the-Unsafest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Baywalk,Roxas Blvd--Remember the lyrics of Sen. Manny Villar&#39;s 2010 Presidential Election campaign jingle? The song that all of us suffered LSS (Last Song Syndrome) from and  kept playing over and over  our heads long after the campaign season was finished due to the number of times it was played on radio and television? </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><b>Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura</b>?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i> Nag-Pasko ka na ba sa gitna ng kalsada?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Yan ang tanong namin,</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i> Tunay ka bang isa sa amin?</i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">I was reminded of the song when I went to Roxas Blvd last Easter Sunday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Philippines has plenty of beaches surrounded by pristine crystal clear sea waters and it made me  wonder why some people  chose to swim or bath on polluted sea waters (dagat ng basura?) instead of  having gone to beaches or resorts that have clean  natural environments last Easter Holiday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The kids on this photo  seem to be having such a grand time as they swim and frolic on the sea waters of the Manila Bay. The joy on these kids faces is probably no different from the joy on other kid&#39;s faces somewhere in <i>Coron</i> or  <i>Boracay.  </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQT3NYeDT6k/TbRSTyc24_I/AAAAAAAAAzs/USM7ZErY16Q/s1600/Easter_Manila+Bay-87.jpg"></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">The scene over at the one of the finest natural harbors in the world last Easter Sunday is probably the same scene one would find on most beaches or resorts here in the Philippines during summer. Families from allover  Manila flocked to Roxas Blvd&#39;s bay area to swim or bathed on its polluted sea waters despite warnings from the local government.</div></div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/05/is-cheapest-and-least-expensive-beach.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/oy22-shsVgE" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/oy22-shsVgE/is-cheapest-and-least-expensive-beach.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)8http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/05/is-cheapest-and-least-expensive-beach.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-3469868031595315446Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:41:00 +00002011-07-31T15:32:52.355+08:00ALIWAN -FIESTA -2011's-Photos-Festival-Winners-and-Best -SmilesThe-best-Philippine-festival-winnwers-of-aliwan-fiesta-2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Philippines has a long list of festivals and celebrations all year round. Festivals or fiestas like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, Dinagyang Festival in Ilo-ilo, et al,  attract tourists from all parts of the world.<br> <br> These festivals showcase the rich and colorful culture and history of the Philippines and normally culminates with a grand parade of extravagant floats, spectacular and colorful costumes, flamboyant street dancers and artistic performers.<br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCvhKSTKWN4/Tas2BjgL_aI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/IhSdfBGBarI/s1600/Aliwan+Festival_April2011-41.jpg"></div></div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">Every year, the best floats, best street dancers,and contingents with the most colorful and beautiful costumes, representing the different festivals and provinces all over the Philippines converge in Manila to join  the yearly  ALIWAN FIESTA , &quot;festival of champions.&quot;</div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/04/aliwan-fiesta-2011s-photos-festival.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/zsGbtQQBvgU" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/zsGbtQQBvgU/aliwan-fiesta-2011s-photos-festival.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)3http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/04/aliwan-fiesta-2011s-photos-festival.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-2804796962898012079Sun, 17 Apr 2011 03:28:00 +00002011-07-31T18:15:33.930+08:00Driving-directions-to-CMEClub-Manila-ResortHow-To-go-to-Club-Manila-East-Taytay-RizalClub-Manila-East-Tayta-RizalTaytay-Rizal-Tourist-attractionnearest -resort in metro-manila<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Taytay, Rizal--Need a quick fix to beat the summer heat? Wanna go out of town but don&#39;t want to waste an entire morning or afternoon away on travel time? Here&#39;s a suggestion: <b>Club Manila East.</b><br> Located in the highly urbanized municipality of Taytay, Rizal, this inland resort is ideal for anyone looking for a quick out-of-town get-away. For those who live in nearby Metro Manila cities like Pasig, Marikina, Manila, San Juan, Mandaluyong, or Taguig, traveling to and from the nearby provice of Rizal shouldn&#39;t take more than 1 or 2 hours.</div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eujihLQKE2E/TY9zZtLQU-I/AAAAAAAAAt4/G09OZS6vBXU/s1600/club+manila+east+1.jpg"></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">About two weeks ago,around early Sunday aftenoon, <i>Lakwatsera </i>felt a sudden craving to go swimming. We really didn&#39;t have the luxury of time, so my first suggestion was for her to just bring out the inflatable kiddie pool she asked me to buy at a mall last summer, fill it up with air and water, and then go dip herself. It didn&#39;t work. </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/04/not-so-out-of-town-trip-at-club-manila.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/OpSkIk_cEWI" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/OpSkIk_cEWI/not-so-out-of-town-trip-at-club-manila.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)7http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/04/not-so-out-of-town-trip-at-club-manila.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-4826841573896206011Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:12:00 +00002012-03-27T22:04:13.032+08:00Travel-directions-to-cagbalete-islandhow-to-go-to-cagbalete-islandbeaches- Quezon- provincecagbalete-island-in-mauban-quezonPansacola resortVilla Cleofas resortCabalete island<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mauban, Quezon-- Cagbalete Island may, at first glance, look like just another tropical island beach here in the Philippines. The island&#39;s fitting but stereotypical descriptions-- fine white sand, pristine turquoise waters, lush greenery-- may seem no different from our country&#39;s  other beautiful islands that boast endless strips of awe-inspiring beaches. The descriptions  sound  familiar, yes, but the only way to really discover how unique and truly different <i>the island is</i> is by actually being there.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QEypqtVVAGA/TX0rP9bqnVI/AAAAAAAAAts/-p9xhUp6rMo/s1600/cagbalete+island+001.jpg"></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br> </span><br> <span style="font-size: small;">Remote, peaceful, away from suburban life, the tourist scene here is generally laid-back. Visitors of the island are mostly local tourists who happen to find it.</span><br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/03/mystical-cagbalete-island-of-mauban.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/lnR7mvGSLDE" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/lnR7mvGSLDE/mystical-cagbalete-island-of-mauban.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)54http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/03/mystical-cagbalete-island-of-mauban.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-4286012659369890374Sun, 06 Mar 2011 05:39:00 +00002011-07-31T18:46:39.494+08:002nd-philippime-international-pyromusical-competitionphilippine-pyrolympicspyromusical competition-japan-vs-canadafirewroks-display-competition-philippines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">SM Mall of Asia, Manila Bay area-- the 2nd Philippine International PyroMusical Competition held its 4th week of competition yesterday, March 5th, 2011, between Japan and Canada, 2 of 10 competing countries in this year&#39;s PyroMusical Competition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JVF5gs7yrqQ/TXuyQmo5kPI/AAAAAAAAAqU/hvwtkHL6fO4/s1600/Pyromusical1.jpg"></div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We were supposed to go to the event as early as last week, Feb 26, to see China and France battle it out for fireworks-display supremacy, but we  were unable to because <i>Lakwatsera, </i>failed to inform me that we had to be there by 7pm. Finally, yesterday, we were able to go the the event--still-- not by 7pm, but at least, early enough to catch the fireworks exhibition before it was over.<br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/03/2nd-philippine-international.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/kOhg-hw6gvE" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/kOhg-hw6gvE/2nd-philippine-international.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)2http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/03/2nd-philippine-international.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-4612402495250752874Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:47:00 +00002011-03-01T01:48:05.794+08:00Coron-Palawan-Land-TourMalcapuya Islandwhere to stay in coronmust do things in coron palawanMaquinit .Siete PecadosMust-see- things-in -palawantKayangan LakeDarayonan Lodge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Coron Palawan--  After our Aklan  trip in 2010, <b>Lakwatsero</b> and I both expressed desires of going to Palawan next. But since we both work and have conflicting schedules,we are under no obligation to always travel together.  I sometimes travel without him whenever I&#39;m free. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jtf1qQ1KbIE/TWpOVGYXsnI/AAAAAAAAApc/wz4sn6KQgZo/s1600/coron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jtf1qQ1KbIE/TWpOVGYXsnI/AAAAAAAAApc/wz4sn6KQgZo/s1600/coron.jpg"></a></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">My 4D3N Palawan trip about a week ago which I am sharing and disclosing right now, could have easily been one of those trips that I normally take without <b>Lakwatsero</b>  that doesn&#39;t piss him off. Unfortunately, no matter how great or fun, my first trip to The Last Frontier was, I broke a deal, a <b>promise,</b> and pissed someone off...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/my-undisclosed-trip-to-last-frontier.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/cTDMg1hXA5k" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/cTDMg1hXA5k/my-undisclosed-trip-to-last-frontier.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsera)25http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/my-undisclosed-trip-to-last-frontier.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-6378888310943845962Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:48:00 +00002011-07-31T19:27:12.227+08:00Hot Air Balloon festival PhilippinesPhotographer's -Pass-16th -Philippine -International -Hot- Air -Ballon -Fiesta16th-Philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiesta-Clark-Pampanga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga-- Finally, after missing it last year, I was able to go to my first, ever, hot air balloon event on Feb 13, 2011. The Philippine International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta, an annual event, held its 16th fiesta last week from Feb 10 to 13 at  the Clark Economic Freeport Zone.</div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj4KOV2Omt0/TV4QFuao3AI/AAAAAAAAAnM/9XkgXX4Ju-Y/s1600/hab113.jpg"></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Lakwatsera </i>and I left Cainta, Rizal  last Saturday at 2:30 am, and, in less than  two hours, found ourselves a sweet parking spot inside Clark, not far from the entrance to the event. </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/16th-philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiesta.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/c-onGktYKFc" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/c-onGktYKFc/16th-philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiesta.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)7http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/16th-philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiesta.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-3633781483411140956Mon, 07 Feb 2011 01:28:00 +00002011-02-21T00:24:55.686+08:0016th-Philippine-hot-air-balloon-festivalPhotographer's -Pass-16th -Philippine -International -Hot- Air -Ballon -FiestaPhilippine-hot-air-baloon-festival-clark-pampanga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/16th-philippine-hot-air-balloon-fiesta.html"><b><i>16th Philippine International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta </i></b></a>happens this week, Feb 10-13, in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga. Ticket or admission fee to the event is 150.00 pesos, I think.  Regular admission or pass means watching the event behind a fence and outside the perimeter where the hot air balloons are before they take off.  If  you&#39;re a photographer or  a wannabe photographer and  would like to get access inside the perimeter and see the balloons up close while they&#39;re being set up or inflated, all you need is a <b><i>p</i><i>hotographer&#39;s pass</i></b>. But, unfortunately, <i><b>now</b></i> is too late.<i> Digital Photographer Philippines</i> (<b>DPP</b>) already raffled out <b><i>limited </i></b>slots for photographer passes. Now, just because you are willing to shell out 1,000.00 pesos for the pass doesn&#39;t mean you&#39;ll get one.Out of the several hundreds who signed up for the elusive photo pass, only a few actually got lucky. OK, &#39; long story short, I have a photographer pass and I can&#39;t wait to go to Clark  this coming weekend. What&#39;s luckier than that?</div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq9XUFbED6M/TU6s5NF7EyI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/avnisSv-Plk/s1600/hab1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq9XUFbED6M/TU6s5NF7EyI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/avnisSv-Plk/s1600/hab1.jpg"></a></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">Well, this is luckier:  <br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/photographers-pass-16th-philippine.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/FGKFeClQLpE" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/FGKFeClQLpE/photographers-pass-16th-philippine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)2http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/photographers-pass-16th-philippine.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-4964074150592312953Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:43:00 +00002011-02-18T15:12:13.930+08:00pista ng nazarenohow to go to quiapo churchpista ng quiapoPista ng Itim na Nazareno in Quiapo ManilaMetropolitan ManilaQuiapo churchFeast of The Black Nazarene<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Quiapo Church, Manila</b>-- The biggest religious event and celebration in the Philippines-- the <b>Feast of the  Black Nazarene</b> or<b> Pista ng Itim na Nazareno</b>-- happens every year on the 9th of January . Beginning with a holy Mass held in honor of  the Holy Nazarene on the first Fiday of the year, the celebration culminates with a grand  procession where the Black Nazarene, a life-sized,  dark-colored sculpture of  Jesus Christ, bearing the cross on his shoulder, is the focal point. <br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq9XUFbED6M/TTpQk7ReoPI/AAAAAAAAAj0/ZnbHDA41pVE/s1600/nas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq9XUFbED6M/TTpQk7ReoPI/AAAAAAAAAj0/ZnbHDA41pVE/s1600/nas1.jpg"></a></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">The same day each year, thousands  of devotees in maroon-colored shirts and several replicas of the dark-colored statue become the usual sight around the Quiapo Church area and its surrounding streets.<br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/feast-of-black-nazarene-in-quiapo.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/GVvQHij9z18" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/GVvQHij9z18/feast-of-black-nazarene-in-quiapo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)0http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/02/feast-of-black-nazarene-in-quiapo.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-3206902605634360978Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:55:00 +00002012-02-22T21:05:36.412+08:002010 best travel picturea and photostop ten travel photos of 2010best 0f 2011 travel photographsfavorite travel pictures of 2010<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://independentbackpacker.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-first.html">August 17, 2010</a> is when this blog was born and launched into the travel blogosphere. It&#39;s barely half-a-year old and already 2010 is over. Before <i>Lakwatsera</i> or I make the first official  travel post for 2011, We would like to share our favorite travel pics of 2010.  As already mentioned in the <a href="http://independentbackpacker.blogspot.com/p/about.html">About Us </a>page of this blog,  <i>Lakwatsera</i> and I are not travel writers or photographers, and for that reason, we are not sharing these pictures because we think they are great or of good technical quality; we simply want to share our own images  of places that were most memorable to us in 2010. Because we both keep regular nine-to-fives, we did not have the time to post all of our travels (together and separately) in 2010. Hopefully, 2011 will give us more time to sit and think about the forgotten details of our untold or unshared travel stories.  For the  meantime, We&#39;ve rummaged through old files of  our combined 2010 travel  pictures and would like to share10 of our favorites:</div><br> </div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/01/favorite-travel-photos-of-2010-look.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/XAnX83Ri5HY" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/XAnX83Ri5HY/favorite-travel-photos-of-2010-look.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)4http://www.myislandtrek.com/2011/01/favorite-travel-photos-of-2010-look.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075600319053324801.post-7989114191590348154Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:39:00 +00002011-02-18T15:55:12.462+08:00The-Black-Sand-Beach-of-Sto- Domingo-AlbaySto-Domingo-AlbayPhilippine-beachesunique beaches in the philippinesAlbayTop black sand beachesMayon-volcano-beaches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sto. Domingo,Albay</b>-- One need not travel to <b>Hawaii</b> or <b>Maui</b>, where some of the top black-sand beaches are, to see one of the most beautiful pure black-sand beaches in existence. The Sto. Domingo beach in Albay, here in the Philippines is one of the purest, finest and most authentic black-sand beaches in the world.</div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq9XUFbED6M/TRuR92-mIuI/AAAAAAAAAiM/beNif0bjS48/s1600/black1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq9XUFbED6M/TRuR92-mIuI/AAAAAAAAAiM/beNif0bjS48/s1600/black1.jpg"></a></div><br> <div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to its volcanic origins,Albay is home to several black-sand beaches located in the towns of Bacacay, Tiwi, and Sto. Domingo.<br> </div></div><a href="http://www.myislandtrek.com/2010/12/black-sand-beach-of-sto-domingo-albay.html#more"><b><i>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE&gt;&gt;</i></b></a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~4/XaXyfFzzSgw" height="1" width="1"/>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyIslandTrek/~3/XaXyfFzzSgw/black-sand-beach-of-sto-domingo-albay.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (lakwatsero)30http://www.myislandtrek.com/2010/12/black-sand-beach-of-sto-domingo-albay.html