Wanderlust Fever

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:39:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:56:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:55:00 +0000

Agro Trade Fair

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:30:00 +0000

Our Resident Mechanic

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:08:00 +0000

Fresh from his Manila sojourn, my driver...uh, hubby...is very busy with a lot of chores.

MTV and The Department Of Tourism Launch Awesome Philippines!

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Awesome Philippines is a first-of-its-kind national tourism campaign borne out of the partnership between MTV Asia and the Department of Tourism. Executed as part of MTV Revelations, the campaign uses a series of video vignettes and new media to promote the Philippines to youth travelers in eleven overseas markets, including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Korea, Canada, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore.

Seen in the attached photo (L-R): Chris Pattinson (Director, MTV Asia), MTV VJ Maggie Wilson, Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano (Department of Tourism), Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. (Department of Tourism), and Eduardo Mapa Jr. (Managing Director / Media Contacts) during the launch of the Awesome Philippines campaign to some members of the blogging community.

MTV VJs from overseas are featured in the video vignettes showcasing a number of the best destinations and attractions that the Philippines can offer to youth travelers. One of those VJs is VJ Taya, who shares her latest vacation in various video vignettes with her fans over the Internet. To film these vignettes, Taya traveled to various parts of the Philippines including Manila, Batangas, Bicol, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. "It was my first time in the Philippines and it was simply awesome! I’ve heard so much about the Philippines from my friends and was just raring to go on this trip. It definitely turned out well beyond my expectations! With hundreds of sights to see, things to do and cultures to experience, a trip to one of their many beautiful islands will guarantee unforgettable memories for you to take home. I am already planning my next trip there. I love the Philippines!" says Taya.

Showing Taya around the Philippines in the vignettes was Christine Gambito, better known by her screen name HappySlip, an advocate for Philippine Tourism. "Many people are unaware of the many amazing experiences that the Philippines has to offer. I am honored that I got the opportunity to represent my home. I hope through this, people will be excited to come and explore the ultimate Philippine experience," says HappySlip.

MTV Asia was chosen by the Philippine Department of Tourism as the partner for its Awesome Philippines campaign because of the resonance that the MTV brand has among the youth market worldwide. In the vignettes, the youth connection is distinctive as it employs a style that is synonymously MTV — fast-paced, vivid and visually engaging. Additionally, the vignettes strongly bring out a true Filipino flavor while it presents the Philippines as a must-visit travel destination for the overseas youth market.

The Awesome Philippines campaign cuts through with its use of highly-interactive web activities. One of its initial efforts was an online contest hosted on its official website, www.awesomephilippines.com. Dubbed Video Remixes, the contest had participants creating their own dream holiday in the Philippines in a creative video story. Different clips of specific destinations were made available on the site; and participants were given the task of choosing from those clips and editing them based on their own storyline. Further, they were allowed to choose the soundtrack for their video from the songs available on the site. The video with the highest ratings from other users emerged as the winner; and its owner given that dream holiday he remixed as a prize.

Another exciting web-based activity for the Awesome Philippines campaign will use the virtual world of Second Life. As users join this virtual world, they will have access to a multitude of features that allow them to create their own virtual identity, interact with other users, encounter objects, and participate in individual or group tasks while they explore a virtual Philippines.

All activities for the Awesome Philippines campaign strive to highlight what the country’s 7,107 breathtaking islands can offer in terms of adventurous escapes, beach destinations, dive spots, health and wellness, shopping, history and culture among others. Visit www.awesomephilippines.com to find out more about the awesome travel possibilities in the country. Get to know the best tourist attractions and tourist destinations the Philippines has to offer!

Baclayon Church

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Still on my Bohol trip, I present to you one of the oldest churches in the Philippines - Baclayon Church!

In 1717, Baclayon was finally created as the Parish of the Immaculate Concepcion and the present church totally finished in 1727. The parish acquired a big bell in 1835. Its antiquity is written in its high altar and upon the painting in the ceilings.

Beside the church is a museum that houses centuries-old religious relics and other antiquities. One can find a statue of the Blessed Virgin (said to be given by the Queen Catherine of Aragon),an ivory statue of the crucified Christ looking heavenward, relics of famous saints like St. Ignatius of Loyola, old vestments embroidered in gold thread, mass songs written in sheepskin and books with covers made of carabao skin.

With a monastery type building, the Baclayon church has an eerie dungeon reserved for natives who violated the Roman Catholics Laws - a concrete evidence of the extreme measures of discipline imposed upon the natives in order to suppress their supposedly pagan ways of living.

Baclayon Church background info courtesy of Bohol Tourism.

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:26:00 +0000

I was absent from making blog posts for a few days, all the while thinking what places have I been to that I haven't written about here. It was yesterday when I finally hit the jackpot! The clan attended the first birthday of a niece yesterday. We were laughing and talking about our most recent out-of-town trip - our Manila sojourn and our subsequent adventures - on to trips of the past years - to our adventures in Bohol. And so, I now present you ... the Chocolate Hills of Bohol!

Basic Facts

The Chocolate Hills is a rolling terrain of haycock hills — mounds of general shape which are conical and almost symmetrical. Estimated to be at least 1,268 individual mounds to about 1,776, these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually grass-covered limestone hills. The large and numerous perfect domes vary in sizes from 30 to 50 metres (98 to 160 ft) high with the largest being 120 metres (390 ft) in height. Aesthetically extensive, they are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol. Bohol's "main attraction", these unique mound-shaped hills are scattered by the thousands on the island's central plain, concentrated near the town of Carmen.

During the dry season, the precipitation is inadequate such that the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown. This transforms the area into seemingly endless rows of "chocolate kisses". The branded confection is the inspiration behind the name, Chocolate Hills

The Legend

When giants live with mortals, a gentle giant fell in love with a beautiful village girl. Agoro, the giant was handsome and though a favorite among female giants, was also a loner. When everything and everybody sleeps, Arogo would sit by his favorite spot near the river to ponder or just watch the night pass by.

One night while Arogo was by his spot, he noticed a beautiful native girl with hair as black as the night by the river bank. He instantly fell in love with Aluya. After that night, Arogo would always wait by his place to take a glimpse at his beloved Aluya. A rumor reached Arogo that Aluya would soon marry a man her parents chose for her.

The night before Aluya's wedding, Agoro kidnapped Aluya. Seeing a giant, Aluya screamed, kicked and cried, but to no avail. Arogo was successful in abducting Aluya.

In the giant's cave, Arogo tried to give Aluya food and water but the girl kept on crying. Her sadness reached her heart that she died with tears in her eyes. Arogo buried her and kept his vigil. He cried for days and months. Giant tears fell to the ground. He cried a thousand years for the loss of his love.

After sometime, Arogo's tears hardened and became what we know today as Chocolate Hills. The Hills were witnesses of an unrequited love of the years go by.

The Fame

World-renowned. Cited as a Geological Movement of the country. Nominee for the New 7 Wonders of the World. With that fame, people from all over the world would come to see for themselves - and would hardly believe what their eyes are telling them. There is no way this awesome geological feature could ever be man-made!

That was my feeling even when we were still from afar, seeing only the tips of the hills on the horizon. As we went nearer, the clearer our view of the hills became. On both sides of the road and as far as your eyes can see, the famous Chocolate Hills struck us with awe. You know, there are probably a few times in your life that you'd feel humbled and amazed by the Creator's masterpieces. My up close encounter with Bohol's Chocolate Hills was one of them. It made me feel breathless!

One of the two highest hills has a viewing deck on top for tourists to view the grand panorama. However, before anyone could take in the wonderful view, one has to climb all 214 steps (used to be 213 but added one step to make it more romantic - 2/14, gets?) to the viewing deck. My aunt balked at the thought of too much physical exhortion and opted to wait at the bottom. meanwhile, I and my cousins even raced as to whoever could reached the top first. All went well at the start but a few moments later, we realized we were just tiring ourselves out foolishly - who could enjoy the magnificent view while panting our lungs out, right?

Many tourists were already at the viewing deck when we arrived at the top, slightly panting (Ok, fine! More like panting noisily, thanks to our mini race!). We took a picture of the bell - I forgot, though, what its significance was. If anyone could tell me, please do. Thanks!

PS. Another thing Bohol's Chocolate Hills is known for - a big heartbreak for all chocolate lovers worldwide! Even if you'd dig a hill through, you could never find chocolate - only limestone, dearies!

Bluewaters Beach Resort

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:27:00 +0000

Samal Island has always been a favorite place to hang out with for beach lovers. With its white sand and pristine waters, it's no wonder people from all over the country flock to this small island. Many beach resorts line its coast. One of which is Bluewaters Beach Resort.

The clan spent an overnight in this beach resort - frolicked at the beach, played water games at the pool, and lounged under coconut trees. What we liked about this place is the scenic location of their pool. Situated a few meters above sea level, one could swim in the pool while viewing the grand vista below. It was a pretty amazing that I and my uncle couldn't resist having our pictures taken.

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:23:00 +0000

Speaking of communing with nature, like visiting Eden Nature P ark, I recalled visiting a similar place when I was still working in Cagayan de Oro City. I and Dennis had decided to go back to Davao City and work telecommute. So, it was like the last hurrah for us - enjoy and see CDO's sights before we leave the city. Supported by two of our close friends, Mhai-Mhai and Clyde, we went nature communing in Gardens of Malasag.

The information we gathered at this site enthralled us so much. However, to our disappointment, some facilities were already, shall I say, obsolete. These were not maintained and, thus, fell to deterioration. Nevertheless, the four of us were determined to enjoy the place regardless of its state. There were still nice spots. Hiking the acres-large establishment and absorbing the scenic views along the way, I'd say, we have conquered the Gardens of Malasag. *wink*

Some photos are taken from this site.

Eden Nature Park

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:07:00 +0000

The first time I've heard about Eden Nature Park was also the first time I visited this place. That was years ago, when my high school bestfriend had this venue for her 18th birthday celebration. The place was still quite raw then. A work in progress, an employee said. However, I could already see the makings of a fantastic place for those who enjoy Mother Nature.

I had visited the place twice since. Each time, new attractions were added. Each time, Eden Nature Park became more and more beautiful and enjoyable for me. Indeed, Eden Nature Park has established its reputation as one of Davao City's premier destinations for nature lovers, like me.

Eden Nature Park has a lot to offer for all ages - guided tour, hiking and trekking, camping, swimming, and fishing among others. The place also boasts of using farm-grown organic herbs and vegetables in their restaurant's fares. The flowers, trees and others plants also come from their garden and nurseries. They also have an animal sanctuary and scenic spots like ponds and waterfalls. For more information, visit their website. Pictures shown are courtesy of their site. (P.S. I'm berating myself for not bringing a cam each time I come to Eden!)

The Venue

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:27:00 +0000

Watch. Dance. Eat. Play. Where can you do all these in one place? The Venue!

Located beside Davao Central Bank, the Venue is a big factor why the city's residents changed their nightly habits. The party place as it's called, the Venue features a very large space for entertainment. The country's top comedy acts, bands, and solo artists are usually featured. When such live performances aren't offered, live bands play on stage for crowds to dance or simply listen to. Outside is a compound of cafés, bars, restaurants and other places to hang out. The usual crowds are a varied mix - from teens to yuppies to the more mature patrons. Dress code is anything goes. But as this is a party place and where you might just bump into someone interesting, it might be a good idea to don up your best rags! hehe

Photos courtesy of their site.

Davao Crocodile Park

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:27:00 +0000

Shame on me... Had it not been for friends from Cagayan de Oro wanting to see the sights of the city, I wouldn't have set foot on the new Crocodile Park. Tsk, tsk, tsk... Me, being a native Davaoeña at that!

Oh, well. There's a reason for that, see. I visited the park a long time ago and was dismayed by its conditions. It was called Crocodile Park - but a park it was not. It was more like a large backyard where the owners bred crocodiles. It was also like a so-so zoo where a number of different animals where caged and displayed. I thought back then, "So, this is it, huh? I'm never coming back to this place."

Years passed, news of the park's renovations and new attractions spread on to ears from far away. It was with this fame that my CDO friends egged us Davao locals to accompany them to the park. Though I was hesitant at first, I was soon caught up in their excitement to see the famous Pangil, the park's resident giant croc. And was I ever surprised! The place was transformed! Now, I can truly say, Davao Crocodile Park is a park! Lol!

We thoroughly enjoyed the place. The park was clean and the animal exhibits very orderly. The animal shows were fascinating as well as amusing (thanks to the playful orangutan, Vivian). The Crocodile Dance was quite frighteningly mesmerizing. I didn't think heavy, short-legged crocs could jump and lift its whole body out of the water to snap at the dangling dressed chicken! But it did! It was awesome. I wish I had taken a snapshot of that exact moment. Oh well, maybe next time.

For more information about the Davao Crocodile Park, do visit their site here. Picture credits to the Davao Crocodile Park site.

The Apo View Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Nestled in the heart of Davao City's bustling metropolis is the imposing facade of the 10-floor city landmark. The Apo View Hotel is a first class hotel with world-class facilities - 159 guest rooms, ballrooms and conference rooms, business center, live-music lounge, discotheque, pool, casino, and spa services among others.

I got a chance to taste this hotel's luxurious amenities when my mother became a member of the Diamond Club. Armed with complimentary tickets, the family trooped inside our spacious room for a night's stay. We swam in the exclusive pool. What's nice about this experience was the view. Situated at almost mid-height of the building, we could see the busy streets below. It was specially made beautiful because it was nighttime and the city's lights were twinkling a different colors. After rinsing ourselves, we roamed the hallways and discovered where the casino, the restaurants and pubs are. We dined at the Top of the Apo, the hotel's restaurant, aptly named so as it was located at the topmost floor of the building. We dined on the scrumptious buffet offerings while gazing the city's nightscape. It was with satisfied smiles that we plodded back to our room. With the very inviting bed before us, we tried to delay the inevitable by watching the television and talking non-stop with each other. When we could no longer keep our heavy eyelids from closing, we laid down on super soft comforters and slept soundly. The morning after was again spent on roaming around the hotels grounds and facilities. We left the hotel before lunch. Short though the stay was, the experience was well worth it. It isn't everyday that common people like us could sample world-class service and surroundings.

Manila Ocean Park

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:24:00 +0000

A picture paints a thousand words... I'll give a you a few pictures for a few thousand words! Lol! What can I do? I simply feasted my eyes on the marine life exhibited on Manila Ocean Park, the Philippines' first state-of-the-art oceanarium.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:57:00 +0000

I had a chance to be billeted in this premier hotel for two nights. Was the experience ever luxurious! With the exquisite furnishings, elaborate designs and the friendly staff, I felt like a star. Unconvinced? See for yourself!

To learn more about the hotel, its rates and packages, and reservations, check this out.

Reminiscing Camiguin

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:50:00 +0000

Who could forget such picturesque views? It was the summer of 2004 - my first ever trip to Camiguin. We filled our schedules with bathing at cold and hot springs, visits to the sunken cemetery, the old church, and plodding our way through all fourteen stations of the cross.

Oh! Did I forget to mention our trip to Katibawasan Falls? Yeah, the water was very cold but very invigorating. Our trip to White Island was somewhat so-so. We were a bit regretful we didn't bring our bathing suits! Lol! We'll have to go back and be ready the next time.

Whitewater Rafting in Cagayan de Oro

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:08:00 +0000

The low rumble from the distance sent a signal to my brain to pump more adrenalin through my bloodstream, making my heart beat faster and tensing up my muscles for the coming debacle. I looked to my right and saw my friends' faces. All were showing no signs of letting up. All were eager and excited to hurdle the remaining rapids. We grinned at each other as if saying "Bring it on!"

What for me was only a fantasy came to fruition when I came here. I had long since dreamed of going on outdoor adventures where I could pit myself against nature. See, I had this wonderful image of myself - a beanpole-thin yuppie with a sedentary lifestyle conquering the forces of nature! Yeah, dream on...

But dreams can come true! What I and my friends experienced was one hell of an exhilarating ride. Definitely worth doing again.

Seven Hours Away

noreply@blogger.com (teena) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:47:00 +0000

As familiar landmarks and sights recede from view to be replaced by sceneries of lush greenery and breathtaking cliffs, I settled back on my seat to sleep the whole journey away. Or so I hoped.

Nothing and no one could have made me give up my grip on the bus seat’s handlebars as I held on for dear life. An exaggeration, I know. However, I felt utter chagrin as I turned to the couple on the left and found them dozing fitfully, with nary a trace of discomfort. The bus was then traversing the circuitous highway of Mangima, Bukidnon. To my frazzled nerves, it lorded over that of Mawab zigzag road and the “daang bituka” going to Subic, Zambales from Manila.

At last, the pier came into view and I know it’s only half an hour tops before I set foot on Cagayan de Oro soil once again.

The Streets
The bustling metropolis seemed like a bird on the verge of flight. Evidence is manifested in the still numerous “motorelas” competing for road supremacy against the standard jeepney of most Philippine urban hubs. Nevertheless, these motorcycle contraptions are a most wonderful means to go about the city proper for two things. First, the fare’s a peso less than a jeepney’s. (To think, I was already pleasantly surprised to note that the standard jeepney fare here is P6.50 whereas it’s P7.50 in Davao City.) Secondly, motorelas aren’t restricted to follow a certain route. Give the driver the name of your destination and you’ll surely be taken there in no time – even to your own doorstep (in my case, at least!).

More signs of an economy taking flight are: the just completed and on going construction of the Puntod-Kauswagan and the Balulang-Macasandig bridges, respectively; the under construction Laguindingan International Airport; and the much anticipated unveiling of the Ayala Center.

The Language
Where else could one trace the origin of these dialogues?

“Tsada lugar ang palabas?”
“Gikan siya ug merkado, bah?”
“Nagkinatawaha mi sa naghinilaka na bata.”
“Gakaulit jud ko sa akong katapad, na.”

Ah…the wonder of multidialectal Philippines! Just hours from my hometown and the average Bisaya (to my mind) is given a few interesting twists - agpas, sapon, kai, lingas – to name more. Moreover, the farther one moves away from the city proper, to Salay for example, things get even more interesting. The “gulay” becomes “utan” and “kan-on” is now “luto“.

The People
The City of Golden Friendship, it’s called. (And I wonder why…joke!) Indeed, I’ve personally experienced the Kagay-anons’ own brand of hospitality – and I found it to my liking.

Jeepney barkers not only call your attention for their jeepney’s destination, they still ask you where you’re headed to even after you’ve said no. Even mere bystanders aren’t spared from this kind of customer service. The ultimate though is this – barkers actually steering the person by the elbow towards the jeepney when the incredulous victim has already stated his unequivocal refusal to the barker’s offered ride.

That’s not all. Be a witness to CDO’s hospitality just by lounging at the weekends night café. Foreigners – Caucasians and, the more common, Koreans – abound in almost every tent. How else could these people stay and have fun if not for the charming and very accommodating company they enjoy!

Kidding aside though, typical Filipino hospitality is what can be truly experienced here in Cagayan de Oro City. People don’t hesitate to give the right directions to the hapless stranger. New officemates and board mates give way to become new friends. Indeed, one almost immediately becomes acclimatized to the city – and starts to feel like an honorary native.

Here and Now
It’s been a month since I’ve been here. Some expectations have been met – liking the place, the people, and the street food (Try their taho and binaki!). One even exceeded beyond my imagination – whitewater rafting (I’d do it again, promise!). Though, some are still in the wings, waiting for their fulfillment. In any case, my “turbulent” journey to Cagayan de Oro City did not end when I stepped down the bus. The adventure has just started and I’m sure I’ll be in for a ride of a lifetime.