THE PINOY EXPLORER

Panagbenga 2012 | Flower arrangement is more fun in the Philippines!

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:06:00 +0000

Mark Lapid, Philippine Tourism Authority General Manager

I had to inch my way through the crowd and I had to do all means to get a good vantage point of float parade. Changed from 150 mm which I prepared earlier, to my 300 mm. It was just too impossible to get through the thick crowd. Good thing I found a spot on an inclined road infront of the mall that allowed me to get better shots.

Missing the street dance competition on the first day almost dampened my mood, that is why I promised myself I had to photograph it by all means. It was my first day to attend the Panagbenga Festival, and I have to enjoy the big event.

Attending the Panagbenga had it's good and bad points, highs and lows, but overall, I am happy I have been part of it, at last! I thought photographing Aliwan Fiesta was already challenging, but Panagbenga is far more difficult to shoot.

I am just glad to share with you some of the photos I took.

Contingent from Taal, Batanagas, featuring their Batangas knife.

Contingent from Urdaneta City

Baguio National High School band member

Vice Ganda, wowed the crowd!

Social networking, more fun in Panagbenga!

Special effects from Casino Alcohol.

More photos at: Panagbenga 2012 in Flickr. Watch out for more photos soon!

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Bukidnon's Monastery of Transfiguration

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:41:00 +0000

Having seen many photos of the church of the Monastery of Transfiguration in Flickr, I secretly wished to explore and spend at least a day in this place sometime in my lifetime. Out of the blue, it came like an answered prayer. God must have granted this secret wish to visit His Church, and perhaps, He knows that I have a penchant for photographing churches wherever I go. In fact, it just dawned over me while I write this article, and I thank God for that opportunity.

We did not have much time to spare though. It was just a quick stop, and I had to act a la guerilla—quick and suave. Of course, I did not put prayer on the side. After my prayer, admiring the place came next.

With a little time allotted, the whole complex was too big and wide to be explored, so I focused on the entire church itself—leaving out the architectural details like the altar, which I found out later to be actually a boulder that was specially chosen and transported from the river near the church. They polished rough edges to be usable as an altar. Now I regret having missed the details.

Be that as it may, the short jaunt was not short at all, for it gave me that lasting memory for having visited a holy place.While researching on this place for this blog, I noted some interesting facts:

It was designed by our National Artist for Architecture, Leandro Locsin;
Its pyramid-like structure represents religious symbols: the triangular roof means The Triune God, and its square base represents mankind’s equality in the eyes of God;
The Monastery was inaugurated on August 6, 1983, and is now on its 29th year;
The new complex that we see now was built 10 years later, that started during the laying of its cornerstone on August 6, 1993; The new complex was blessed on March 21, 2002;
It is a home to one of the most loved “Monks’ Blend” coffee;

Sitting on the top of the hill, where one can enjoy profound serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty, the church complex is perfect for living a monastic life, or spending several days for spiritual retreats by both the religious and the lay people—where human nature meets God—where Jesus acts as channel between temporal and eternal existence.

Read more about transfiguration, HERE.
For more historical facts, click this link to the website of the Monastery of Transfiguration
For more photos, visit my Flickr Photo Stream.

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Eureka! | What do Malaysia and the Philippines have in common?

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +0000

This reminds me of an essay by the eminent, former UN Secretary General, Carlos P. Romulo, "I am a Filipino", where he said:

"I sprung from a hardy race – child of many generations removed of ancient Malayan pioneers."

Indeed, Bahasa Malaysia and some Philippine dialects have a lot in common particularly Kapampangan, Ilocano, and Visayan dialects, and these words "tolak" and "tulak" which mean "push" is just one among the many. One just needs to listen carefully at the root words, and take note of the conjugation and spelling.

Cool! Isn't it?

Anyway, I am sharing with you the essay of Carlos P. Romulo, which, I remember, we have recited in high school in our speech class.

I AM A FILIPINO
by Carlos P. Romulo, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

I am a Filipino – inheritor of a glorious past, hostage to the uncertain future. As such I must prove equal to a two-fold task- the task of meeting my responsibility to the past, and the task of performing my obligation to the future. I sprung from a hardy race – child of many generations removed of ancient Malayan pioneers. Across the centuries, the memory comes rushing back to me: of brown-skinned men putting out to sea in ships that were as frail as their hearts were stout. Over the sea I see them come, borne upon the billowing wave and the whistling wind, carried upon the mighty swell of hope- hope in the free abundance of new land that was to be their home and their children’s forever.

This is the land they sought and found. Every inch of shore that their eyes first set upon, every hill and mountain that beckoned to them with a green and purple invitation, every mile of rolling plain that their view encompassed, every river and lake that promise a plentiful living and the fruitfulness of commerce, is a hallowed spot to me.

By the strength of their hearts and hands, by every right of law, human and divine, this land and all the appurtenances thereof – the black and fertile soil, the seas and lakes and rivers teeming with fish, the forests with their inexhaustible wealth in wild life and timber, the mountains with their bowels swollen with minerals – the whole of this rich and happy land has been, for centuries without number, the land of my fathers. This land I received in trust from them and in trust will pass it to my children, and so on until the world is no more.

I am a Filipino. In my blood runs the immortal seed of heroes – seed that flowered down the centuries in deeds of courage and defiance. In my veins yet pulses the same hot blood that sent Lapulapu to battle against the alien foe that drove Diego Silang and Dagohoy into rebellion against the foreign oppressor.

That seed is immortal. It is the self-same seed that flowered in the heart of Jose Rizal that morning in Bagumbayan when a volley of shots put an end to all that was mortal of him and made his spirit deathless forever; the same that flowered in the hearts of Bonifacio in Balintawak, of Gergorio del Pilar at Tirad Pass, of Antonio Luna at Calumpit; that bloomed in flowers of frustration in the sad heart of Emilio Aguinaldo at Palanan, and yet burst fourth royally again in the proud heart of Manuel L. Quezon when he stood at last on the threshold of ancient Malacañang Palace, in the symbolic act of possession and racial vindication.

The seed I bear within me is an immortal seed. It is the mark of my manhood, the symbol of dignity as a human being. Like the seeds that were once buried in the tomb of Tutankhamen many thousand years ago, it shall grow and flower and bear fruit again. It is the insigne of my race, and my generation is but a stage in the unending search of my people for freedom and happiness.

I am a Filipino, child of the marriage of the East and the West. The East, with its languor and mysticism, its passivity and endurance, was my mother, and my sire was the West that came thundering across the seas with the Cross and Sword and the Machine. I am of the East, an eager participant in its struggles for liberation from the imperialist yoke. But I also know that the East must awake from its centuried sleep, shape of the lethargy that has bound his limbs, and start moving where destiny awaits.

For, I, too, am of the West, and the vigorous peoples of the West have destroyed forever the peace and quiet that once were ours. I can no longer live, being apart from those whose world now trembles to the roar of bomb and cannon shot. For no man and no nation is an island, but a part of the main, there is no longer any East and West – only individuals and nations making those momentous choices that are hinges upon which history resolves.

At the vanguard of progress in this part of the world I stand – a forlorn figure in the eyes of some, but not one defeated and lost. For through the thick, interlacing branches of habit and custom above me I have seen the light of the sun, and I know that it is good. I have seen the light of justice and equality and freedom and my heart has been lifted by the vision of democracy, and I shall not rest until my land and my people shall have been blessed by these, beyond the power of any man or nation to subvert or destroy.

I am a Filipino, and this is my inheritance. What pledge shall I give that I may prove worthy of my inheritance? I shall give the pledge that has come ringing down the corridors of the centuries, and it shall be compounded of the joyous cries of my Malayan forebears when they first saw the contours of this land loom before their eyes, of the battle cries that have resounded in every field of combat from Mactan to Tirad pass, of the voices of my people when they sing:

Land of the Morning,Child of the sun returning…Ne’er shall invaders, trample thy sacred shore.

Out of the lush green of these seven thousand isles, out of the heartstrings of sixteen million* people all vibrating to one song, I shall weave the mighty fabric of my pledge. Out of the songs of the farmers at sunrise when they go to labor in the fields; out of the sweat of the hard-bitten pioneers in Mal-ig and Koronadal; out of the silent endurance of stevedores at the piers and the ominous grumbling of peasants in Pampanga; out of the first cries of babies newly born and the lullabies that mothers sing; out of the crashing of gears and the whine of turbines in the factories; out of the crunch of ploughs upturning the earth; out of the limitless patience of teachers in the classrooms and doctors in the clinics; out of the tramp of soldiers marching, I shall make the pattern of my pledge:

“I am a Filipino born of freedom and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance – for myself and my children’s children – forever.

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Seaside dining in Talisayan

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:39:00 +0000

The travel from Valencia, Bukidnon to Butuan City was quite long. A road construction along the Malaybalay area further delayed the travel by at least an hour. Save for the good roads from Cagayan de Oro to Butuan City. It has been past lunchtime and the bayside eateries along the beaches of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental were just perfect to replenish our growling tummies!

On the way, we dropped by Nita’s Restaurant that had“floating” dining areas. Not only was the fresh seafood great but the place had more than the usual ambiance. Why not? It offers a good view of the Bohol Sea and Gingoog Bay.

The food was simple but tasty. I just love the freshly made fish kinilaw. I forgot to ask what the name of the fish was, and it was too late when I remembered taking a photo again! You see, feasting on the food comes in first for me before taking photos, ergo the badly composed and arranged subject. It may look plain and drab in photos, but they do really taste good not just in photos! Well it’s better to taste it first then brag it, than brag a well-composed photo then be disappointed about the taste.

What struck me about the place is you get to be intimate with nature—the sun, sea, verdant hills and mountains and refreshing air —perfectly assembled right before your eyes to feast on. It is not just the food, but the natural beauty that is more than enough for a travel and photo junkie like me.

However, the downside of it—they are keeping a sea turtle in captivity. I have blogged about the pawikan of Bataan and from that brief encounter with the Pakiwan Center, I learned it is against the law to put sea turtles in captivity. Sure it is an added attraction that would entice and entertain customers, but not for someone like me who knows it is wrong.

The whole dining experience would have been awesome, had it not for the pawikan in captivity I saw. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. For all we know, they might be holding a special permit to do it. However, I am not taking any chances. I have to do what I ought to do.

I took photos not for posterity but for documentation. I do not want to be a kill-joy, but I am a development worker, before I am a travel blogger. This blogger has already notified the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) about this concern and here is hoping they can free this turtle.

If you care about sea turtles and free those held in captivity, Please feel free to share this blog article. Thanks!

Click this for more photos.

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Eureka : The PWD Rider in Iligan City

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Date taken: May 26, 2008

We were heading to Marawi City for a meeting with our program partner from Mindanao State University, when my lady boss spotted this rider and called my attention. Immediately, I grabbed my camera and took several shots. Good thing my camera was in a "P" mode that time so I wasted no time in the manual settings.

It was a sight to behold! Indeed, his physical disability did not hinder him to travel and move around! Aptly, the quote I put in my flickr album says:

The trick is not how much pain you feel - but how much joy you feel. Any idiot can feel pain. Life is full of excuses to feel pain, excuses not to live, excuses, excuses, excuses. - Erica Jong

With all the tasks at hand, there is no reason for me to say any excuses, in whatever manner that is applicable to me--especially in my backlogs in blogging. Time for me to set a more workable blogging and work schedule this time!

And for those who do not like to travel...Tara na! Byahe tayo!

Just a quick post to say I am missing more blogging and blog-hopping...and say hello to everyone!

Methinks, this is one for the books!

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Bukidnon: 15-minute rendezvous with Ver Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Ver Overview seems like just is one of those stopovers along the Davao-Davao highway. Located at Kipolot, Barangay Palaopao, Quezon, Ver Overview and Nature Park renders a panoramic vista of the expansive rolling hills, plains and valleys of Bukidnon—and a 15-minute stop gave that lasting impression of the Bukidnon’s majestic charm.

Exploring the area in such a limited pee break is such a challenging yet exciting task. Wasting no time, I immediately grabbed my camera bag and went downhill to see what it has to offer—and I was not disappointed with what I saw.

Indeed, seeing the vast valleys and mountain ranges all over Bukidnon offered a natural high. The cold breeze in mid-afternoon and the sun starting its descent gave that wonderful sense of freedom and tranquillity.

But it is not just a highway stop.

More than just a viewpoint to Bukidnon’s charm and beauty, it also offers a valuable cultural experience. Adorned by the works of Davao-based and eminent artist, Kublai Millan, the park also features sculptures of indigenous peoples purposefully arranged in tableaus and positioned in many parts of the park. I would say it was a remarkable fusion of architecture, nature and culture.

However, it would prove useless coming to this place without knowing exactly what these sculptures meant. Knowing Kublai’s affinity to indigenous art or the rendition of anything indigenous, I thought that there must be some meaning to it. So three years later, when I decided to blog about it, I tried to research on this one.

First, I learned that the sculptures pay homage to the seven (7) major tribes inhabiting Bukidnon that include:

Matigsalugs (people along the Salug River)
Bukidnons (people from the lowlands),
Tigwahanuns (people along the Tigwa river),
Umayamnuns (the inhabitants along the Umayam river amidst the Pantaran mountains),
Talaandigs (people from Talakag, Songco, Kibangay and Basak),
Higaonons (people who come from Agusan), and the
Manobos (people whose spread has been noted to be great in Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kitaotao, Kibawe, Kadingilan, Don Carlos and Quezon).

It is interesting to know that most of the tribes are associated with a certain ecosystem. This brings me to a reflection that destroying an ecosystem or pulling them out of their communities would be tantamount to killing or uprooting their culture, traditions and heritage.

Their rich cultural heritage is being celebrated through the annual Kaamulan Festival, which I have learned the first time when I was covering the Aliwan Fiesta in Manila. Bukidnon’s website describes the festival as:

“Kaamulan” is from the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather”. It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribal people for a purpose. It can mean a datu-ship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these put together.”

Kaamulan Festival starts every second half of February to March 10. March 10 is the culminating day which marks the anniversary of the founding of Bukidnon as a province in 1917.

It was not enough to know that they are the tribes of Bukidnon. Further into my research, I came to know better what these sculptures were doing:

This figure greeted me as I stepped onto the stairway down to the viewpoint. A boy is playing agong. Agong is used as a gong during gatherings to call the attention of the tribe members. It is also used for ethnic dancing. It is made up of copper and usually has a shaped like a hat. It is played by beating it with a wooden stick.

It appears that there are two women pounding rice. Later, I learned that it is also associated with an ethnic dance called bubudsil, which is an ethnic dance using a wooden pole simulating the pounding of rice harvest.

I thought that perhaps, this sculpture of a girl was playing a mouth instrument. Indeed, it is called kubing, which is a thin slat of bamboo with a small hole in the middle that gives variation of various tones. The vibration is initiated by blowing wind using the mouth.

What is more interesting is the tableau that features a bangkakaw. Bangkakaw is a percussion instrument made of wood. It is played during festivities to thank Magbabaya through dancing and paddling it with a long wooden stick.

I already know how a kubing and agong sounds like, but I never heard the sound of bangkakaw. A Youtube video was helpful and it only proves that it has an interesting ethnic sound that only seasoned players and with a knowledge of indigenous rhythm can make:

YouTube video courtesy of: Staramae

That explains why this group of men is above the men and women playing bangkakaw, because they appear to be praying and praising their Magbabaya (God).

Putting all these information together, it must have been a Kaamulan festival in art form!

Interesting, isn’t it? I wish all other view decks are like Ver Overview, which features not only the natural beauty of the place but it’s culture, tradition and heritage, as well.

_______
Note: Most of the information on indigenous knowledge in this article was taken from Bukidnon Official Website, and further qualified these based on the experience and some cultural exposure. The author further researched on how the indigenous musical instruments look like, and associated the photos he took with the description provided in the website. If the author missed out something or needs to be corrected on the indigenous knowledge presented, please feel free to comment or send him an email.

____
See more photos: Ver Overview

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Let's paint the town RED!

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:54:00 +0000

February is the month of love, and by culture and instinct, we associate love with heart, even though we know it's the hypothalamus at work not the heart. Without much ado, heart and RED are almost synonymous to each other.

The color red connotes a lot of things:

In high school, it symbolizes seniority.
Red wards off bad spirits. I remember my mom hanging a red hanky beside my sons and nephews and nieces when they were a baby. She told me, it would drive away ghosts that may disturb the sleeping baby.
The Chinese associate it with luck or fortune, as well as courage, loyalty, honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness, passion
Red is power and is often connoted bravery and heroism, and even revolution
In our flag, the red color symbolizes the blood, sacrifice, and courage of those who fought for our freedom from colonial invaders
Red is beauty or attractiveness, passion, and lust, and as such, red always begets attention.
On the negative, red is used as a symbol of guilt and anger
and the most popular of them all, Red is LOVE.

Anyway, the Pinoy Explorer wants to greet you all a Happy Valentine this month of love!

As a fitting reminder, let me share some of my photos I gathered from my travels and many photowalks--all with the color RED in it.

Of course, RED is not complete without the strawberries from Baguio.

Blood, sacrifice, and courage

Taken from the Miyata Race in Subic Bay.

A red is the sea of yellow. Kuya Kim Atienza, during President Aquino's funeral. Taken at Luneta.

Red Car in General Luna, Intramuros, Manila in HDR.

Signs in the comfort rooms of Tam-awan Village, Baguio City.

Do you know what bus terminal is this?

Dinagyang Festival contingent, Aliwan Fiesta, 2008.

My former Muslim Interns during their trip to Baguio. (Click the image to read related story).

Okay, okay, it can be taken anywhere else, but I really took this from Butterfly Garden in Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat, Pasonanca Park, Zamboanga City.

That small red car in Kuching City.

A child participant during the event I covered. (click the photo to read related story)

Red bike in Basco Batanes.

I was captivated by this mosaic in one of the walls in San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati.

Cult leader.

To see more "RED photos" click this link to my Flickr stream.

Happy Valentines!

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Mesmerized in Hiwang

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:07:00 +0000

The surgical trip of Bontoc-Sagada-Bontoc-Banaue is one of the most visually rewarding travels I have ever had, so far. Notwithstanding that fact that I have nurtured a special and intimate relationship with the Cordilleras, this trip, despite its long and winding trip, has made me more relaxed than physically exhausted. Why? It simply feeds something to my soul. Maybe it's the culture. Perhaps, it's the cool climate. It could be the beautiful scenery. Probably, its warm people. The laid-back life. All these--when arranged in a beautiful and lyrical ensemble--becomes a source of an energy that lifts the soul and awakens the senses.

Such is my experience going to Hiwang.

Nestled on a mountain top at 4,500 feet above sea level is the highest viewing deck in Banaue that gives you a perfect view of the Banaue Rice Terraces. On a clear day, you can also see the Hungduan Terraces. But since it was raining hard and the fog has already set in, viewing the Banaue Terraces is just as rewarding an experience, nonetheless.

Specifically, this place is called Hiwang Native House Inn which is located at Hiwang Gohang, Banaue, Ifugao. At the time we were in this place, it has five (5) Ifugao houses where guests can stay and experience living the rustic "Ifugao way". Expect no other amenities than the beddings. Complain not when you go to the outhouse, which is the "Ifugao way". We were told you can bring your food or order from the inn.

This place reminds me of the movie I saw on cable TV. Yes, it is the location for the movie, Don't Give Up on Us, topbilled by Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual. It was that morning scene when Abby (Judy Ann), after a word war with Vince (Piolo), when Abby turned her back on Vince, paused and cried simply because she was awed by what she saw--the early morning view of the beautiful Banaue Rice Terraces. Okay, enough of that. (Disclaimer: I am not a Judy Ann or Piolo fan...I just love re-runs that fills a void in my insomniac nights. LOL!)

And so, I thought it only happens in the movies! Nah, I did not cry. In my unrestrained excitement I blurted out "WOW!" a lot of times, then I heard "Shhhhhhhhhh!" from one of the huts! It was siesta time when we got there, and apparently, the couple staying in one of the Ifugao huts was having a nap. My bad! Normally, they do not allow sightseers because it was supposedly a "private" place when there are guests. But then we were good at explaining to the caretaker that we were scouting for possible training venues around Banaue--that is why we were allowed to peep.

Hiwang Native House Inn, also features some artifacts in its souvenir store near the parking lot. From here you can have a glimpse of an Ifugao culture. There are many versions of wooden and stone carvings of their pagan god, Bulul, which is oftentimes associated with bountiful harvest and one who will guard your family from evil spirits and give you healing from sickness. There are also other artifacts, decorative pieces, woven tapestries, and many more.

Of course, the most captivating part about this place is the beauty of nature that surrounds it, and the opportunity from seeing Banaue from a different view and perspective.
________

More photos at my Flickr Stream.

Location:

How to get there?

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Vigan in 8 hours

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:12:00 +0000

What could you possibly do within eight (8) hours in Vigan?

Needless to say, you need more, right? What if you are just there as a transient before you need to go to another destination? Say further up North, or if you had an official business next town, and say, have some hours to spend before the official business? We had a scheduled presentation 1 PM and we arrived the night before, so we had some time to spare. If you are in the same situation, you might as well, spend the free time to explore more about the culture and heritage of Vigan--without exerting too much effort on it.

Okay, so here it is.

We arrived around 8PM from Manila before the day of the scheduled conference, that makes us more rested and relaxed for the next day's activity.

8:30 PM
At around 8:30 PM we were already billeted at Grandpa's Inn located at Bonifacio cor. Quirino Boulevard. By then I have already taken some photos of the Inn, and proceeded to Uno Grill right accross Grandpa's Inn for our late dinner. This is where we had the famous poqui-poqui and bagnet!

10:00 PM
After our dinner, we decided to walk along the famous Crisologo St., which is just two blocks away. Here we did some "touristy" shots, (Smile!), while I attempted, even only with my handy portable miniature tripod, to get some postcard shots of the famed Calle Crisologo. Contented with our smiles and poses, we proceeded to Plaza Burgos to look for the famous Vigan empanada, but we learned the stores in the plaza were already closed, so we had no choice but just walked around the Plaza Salcedo infront of the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. I wanted to do some night photography but I was limited with my wobbly tripod, so I abandoned the plan. Again, I had to be contended being the official photographer of my colleagues.

11:30 PM
We made our way back to the hotel to rest after a long day of travel. But we were not yet contented with our tourist photos that we found the Grandpa's Inn's interiors so inviting and irresistible, so we took photos of ourselves--again! You see, you do not have to waste precious moments like these!

6:30 AM
We had our breakfast at Kusina Felicitas. Of course, vigan longaniza should not be missed! Sorry but I was not able to take photos.

7:30 AM
I was already out in the streets taking photos. We agreed we will leave around by 8:00 AM. But it turned out, we we left the hotel at 8:30. The ladies seemed to have more penchant on buying pasalubong at Grandpa's Inn Souvenir and Gift Shop than roaming the streets. I could have roamed around more to photograph the cathedral. Be that as it may, it was a rewarding short street photography I had.

After that, we went on to explore more of Vigan.

First was the Bantay Church Bell Tower and the Shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Caridad. I only took some photos of the Bell Tower. I only regret now that did not even attempt to get closer.

For the church, it so happened that there was a funeral mass going on so it did not augur well for a photoshoot, so I just had to make do with exterior shots of the church.

My companions seemed more interested in Pagburnayan. Well, in fact, there's nothing much to see in Bantay bell tower, anyway. It seems I was the only one who was interested in the architectural details. So I just went with the flow. I thought, it is easy to go to Vigan and get more details, if time and resources would allow.

In fact, I am also very much interested with pagburnayan as I wanted to capture a potter in action. Truth to tell, I think I was the one they waited for this time because I had to make sure I have clear shots of the potter. It was a very challenging and daunting task to shoot in low lighting conditions given the fact that I only had standard lenses and wtihout a tripod at that. I was glad I succeed in some shots and even called it a day.

I thought we would have more time to roam around the city streets, but then I realized the ladies were not contented with what they bought in RG's pottery shop. We moved to another pottery shop across the street, where some curio and souvenir shops are also located. There I bought some for me, too. I have a penchant for shirts, so I bought one for me.

Next itinerary would be the Vigan Public Market. I did not go inside this time. I only asked the ladies to buy bagnet for me--three (3) kilos of it! That is how "healthy-conscious" I am! (LOL!). It took them a bit long. It was almost noontime and it was sweltering hot! Nonetheless, this also allowed me to ask about the schedule of trips to Baguio, which was my next destination that night after our official business in Currimao.

Had there been more time, I could have dropped by Bassit Cemetery, where Simbaan a Bassit (literally translated as "old small church") is located. From the car, I saw that that it would have been a beautiful photographt subject. So if you have time, make sure you include this in your itinerary.

11:00 AM
A bit past 11 AM, we were back to the hotel and get dressed for the meeting at 1PM.

11:30 AM
We had lunch at Cafe Uno...again our usual fare of bagnet, but this time with ginisang mongo. by 12:00 NN, we were heading to Currimao Playa Hotel for the presentation in a conference.

So there! In 8 hours (actually, around 5 hours of exploring, less sleeping time, and dressing up and eating), you can do a lot in Vigan. If you are not a pasalubong shop-a-holic, you can do a lot more to explore about its culture and heritage. Ours was not a planned itinerary and with no time frames allotted for each activity.

More than just an exploration of sorts, visiting Vigan brings me back to my Ilocano roots--which makes me more appreciate my forefathers and appreciate more of who I am and where I come from. Definitely, eight (8) hours was not enough. I will make it a point for me to return and appreciate more about my own culture and heritage.
____
For more photos, visit Vigan in 8 hours in Flickr

Also, Vigan City is nominated in New7Wonders - Cities. Please Vote for Vigan and the Philippine Cities.

Here is the walking tour guide:

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Asin Road's nature and man-made wonders

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:13:00 +0000

I have spent 6 years in Baguio City. Whenever I see a jeepney with the sign, Nangalisan, I was always wondering where that place was? I know it is somewhere the vicinity of Baguio City but I did not exactly know where this place was -- not until more than 20 years later when I had to accompany my wife to photograph some of their project beneficiaries in Barangay San Pascual in Tuba, Benguet.

It was a fine sunny day. The sun shone brightly after days of rain before the trip. Now I know that going to San Pascual and Nangalisan would mean traversing Asin Road. It was a smooth ride because most of the road all the way to Nangalisan is already concrete.

Asin road, which became witness to our frequent trips to a friend's house in KM 4, used to be an "abortion road"--it being a rugged stoney road back then. In the early 90s, I used to visit this area during my first NGO work--working with the woodcarvers of Asin. It was also a reminiscence of sorts when I recalled those overnight stays at my friend's house during college days, and the frequent field work trips. To my surprise, however, the physical development in the area was unbelievable. Where there were no houses sprang various structures--big and small. Sadly, too, what used to be limestones (akin to those of Sagada) gloriously jutting from the mountain across the river are now merely leveled grounds for a supposedly subdivision. In my mind, how could developers disregard nature and destroy such beauty? Despite its close proximity to Baguio City, Asin road, back in the early 90s, used to have that laid back atmosphere and rustic appeal. Needless to say, it was quite a reliever from the hustle and bustle of downtown Baguio as one can commune with Ifugao woodcarvers and natives of Benguet.

Be that as it may, I was relieved to realize now that beyond KM 4, Asin road has remained rustic and provincial. It was my first time to go beyond KM 4, and was surprised of the beautiful landscape, especially when we reached Nangalisan and San Pascual. And I realized, there was so much more to a usual Baguio trip--one just needs to see and try them for yourself.

Along the road, I saw interesting man-made and natural wonders. However, I did not shoot yet going to San Pascual as we were rushing for the project. But on the way back, despite some drizzles, I requested that we stop at interesting points so that I can shoot.

The Brown Madonna Shrine

The Shrine of the Brown Madonna can be found in KM 7, Asin Road in Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet, in a man-made tunnel that was intended for a railway system connecting La Union and Baguio. The tunnel was discovered by former Baguio City Councilor Nars Padilla in 1986. The said tunnels were part of the two tunnels--poplarly known as Asin Tunnels--constructed in 1850s through prison labor but was abandoned in 1915 due to World War I. Benguet Province's website further explains that it was abandoned because the cost of construction ballooned to 1000% of the original budget.

According to the article in Philippine Daily Inquirer, Padilla was instrumental in putting up the grotto by convincing his neighbors to build the shrine. Thus, it was through bayanihan, that the Shrine was erected. The anniversary of the Shrine falls on the first week of October and has just celebrated its Silver Jubilee last in 2011. However, you will notice that the photo does not depict a "brown" Madonna. On special occasions, it is garbed with a brown cape, thus the name, Brown Madonna.

Sipitan and Yanged Tunnels

These two tunnels are More popularly called as "3 days-2 nights" since going to Asin hot spring resorts, you would experience 3 times daylight and twice of darkness, thus the popular colloquial name. Officially, these are called Sipitan and Yanged Tunnels. As explained above, it was intended for a railway system that was abandoned in 1915.

First Tunnel, coming from Baguio

Second tunnel, coming from Baguio City, which is the boundary of Barangay Nangalisan

The falls over and under the bridge

Not far from the tunnels is this bridge. I could not remember the name of the bridge written on the marker on the top left. It looked like an ordinary rickety bridge but you will be amazed of the beauty above and underneath. One just needs to look at this carefully and appreciate its natural beauty.

Falls near the road going to Neverland

There is a new mountain resort in Nangalisan called, Neverland. We stopped a bit to have our photos taken by the signage, but what was more interesting is this narrow falls right on the left of the road.

Disoor Park (Picnic area)

Downhill to San Pascual, but still part of Nangalisan, one can see a big limestone boulder that majestically sits on the river (or perhaps marble because it was slippery when I stepped on it?) . While locating this in wikimaps, I learned that it is called disoor, a local dialect. I was not contented by merely taking some photos from the road. Instead, I went down further and I was in awe when I saw the more beautiful part of the river. Had it not been raining, and no one was waiting for me in the car, I would have lingered some more. It is a popular picnic and swimming area.

A shot of the boulder from the road.

The boulder up close

Sedimentary rock formation and the boulder, forming a pool between them.

To the right is an inviting rapids and cascades!

The terraces of San Pascual and Aringay

Downhill further to the Southwest is Barangay San Pascual, which is already near the boundary of La Union province by the town of Aringay.

The rice terraces of San Pascual

Indeed, one of the best things about traveling is not only the destination, but the journey itself. The rustic appeal of Asin Road boasting its natural beauty and man's creativity can draw your senses. The endless mountain ranges, the cascading river, cold streams and waterfalls are simply spectacular. For those coming from Baguio City, a road trip through Asin Road is a refreshing respite from the cold weather. More than the natural beauty it offers, however, it is my wish that I would have the chance to linger and have more chances to meet the people along the way--in that way, the journey becomes a more complete, wonderful and fulfilling learning experience.

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When "It's more fun in the Philippines!" clicks, and when it doesn't

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:08:00 +0000

Filipinos are known for their sunny and cheerful disposition. Filipinos are also so adaptable and resilient that, in fact—as a way of coping, Filipino can still laugh and smile amid natural calamities, economic difficulties, and social tragedies.

Needless to say, it is this very trait that rallies the Filipino people, once again—through the power of social media, towards promoting the Philippines as a prime tourist and travel destination.

The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) new campaign slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” drew both positive remarks and negative criticisms. Prior to this, DOT’s “Kay Ganda ng Pilipinas” drew so much flak for it being a copycat of Poland’s tourism logo. Hence no other than the Philippine president ordered to junk the campaign logo and tagline “Pilipinas, Kay Ganda”. To this blogger, that is clearly an oversight.

Several months later after Former DOT Secretary tendered his resignation on August 31, 2010, the DOT under the new leadership of an advertising executive Ramon Jimenez, worked to define what would be the Philippines’ tourism tagline. Hence, they decided “it’s more fun in the Philippines” would nail it.

However there were some sceptics on the new tagline. It was reported that it was a copycat of Switzerland’s promotional tagline more than 60 years ago. But it did not stop the new meme to spread all over the world that it has gone viral in the internet—that photographers, travel bloggers, lifestyle bloggers and even Facebookers attempted to make their own version of the meme. Needless to say, Filipinos, literally, had fun with it.

To check on why it clicks, The Pinoy Explorer asked several travel bloggers and photographers, communications and media practitioners why they think this campaign slogan works for the Philippines, and here are their answers:

Edmar Gu-Quibb
Travel blogger, Edmaration, Etc.

It tries to balance the negative publicity around the world that the Philippines is a mischievous place for tourists (referring to Manila bus hostage crisis in Rizal Park), and for journalists (like the Magauindanao massacre).

Despite the brutal past that the Philippines had to face before the global community, the slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines" tells that if you have experienced something from other countries, the Philippines can offer better, which could be very catchy. If I were to decide, of course, I will choose the one with "more" fun.

Journeying James
Travel blogger - Journeying James

It is different from our neighbors in the Southeast Asia—most of the countries use a one-word adjective to describe their countries. We on the other hand, say loudly that we are offering better deals.

It clicked because Pinoys want to have their say on the tourism promotion. And they can do just that when they start to make "it's more fun in the philippines" captioned photos. It has gone viral now.

Roniel Macatol
Photographer, Travel Blogger – Eating halfway

Whether Pinoys found it a serious advocacy or just simply entertaining (I mean those who mock it by changing the "fun" to "funnier"), it positively awakened the creativity among us by coming up with memes on the photos/promo initiated by the DOT. It served well the purpose when DOT said that the campaign is banking on the power of social media.

Eileen Campos
Travel Blogger, Possibly Pinay

I absolutely support and love the new DOT campaign. Controversy aside, it is great because people are contributing to it and people are reacting to it positively.
It encourages people to create the content themselves to contribute to the campaign. I'd like to call it modern day bayanihan.

It is witty and it allows us to display everything Filipino—not just the Chocolate hills and the underground river but also people, culture and the way of life here. People can easily relate.

Chito Flores
Travel Blogger, Liquid Druid's Blog

There are lots of factors. Foremost is the fact that it gets people to be involved. Filipinos now have a sense that they themselves are responsible for the success of the campaign. As a result, this spurs creativity, humor, wit and whatever is best in being Filipinos.

It does help that most of what's going on is based in the Internet. Even those who are not creatively-inclined and who are content with just viewing the work created by others will most likely forward it to their non-Filipino friends.

Reuel Delez
Photographer,
Travel Blogger, Make Nowhere, Somewhere.

I think the new slogan works because it allows Filipinos to interact and play with the idea with a pinch of wit and irony. It’s a nice play which can sometimes be uberly exaggerated but can remain in line with the theme. I have seen funny ones but still showcases some of the events or whatnot, the Filipinos are and can be proud of.

One particular, just on top of my head are, the photo of our cebu inmates with a caption: “Jailtime. It’s more fun in the philippines.” Another is of a helicopter on decent, a lot of people below with a caption, “Miss saigon, more fun in the Philippines.” These are just some that gives me a good laugh, but, I think, will still send out an idea of what an eccentric but fun country the Philippines is.

As mentioned some of the photo posts are exaggerated but for me other than the campaign, it reunites us Filipinos in the idea of the DOT theme. Personally, even along with its glitches, it is an establishment of our character as a country.

Baba Gozum
DJ, Hongkong
Photographer

Overseas Filipinos welcome the new DOT slogan. Simple lang tayong mga Pinoy [We, Filipinos, are simple people]. Even the most cynical among us agree we are fun -loving people.

However, there are those who gave their divergent thoughts on this, and they sit well enough to carefully ponder upon amid the sea of people taking side with the new slogan.

Edmar Gu-Quibb further says:

[If the government] wants to attract foreign tourists, they should be ready first to welcome them. If we will overhype this slogan knowing that we have “one of the worst airports,” poor public security, unsafe and dirty streets in some parts of Metro Manila, the slogan will just turn to be a shame. It will just disappoint foreign tourists knowing that they are expecting better fun in the Philippines and not one horrible experience. If we will not fix the broken, the slogan will just turn to be a lie that will spread negatively as fast as forest fire.

Chito Francisco
Photographer
Head Writer, Bubble Gang

I think the efforts of the DOT to promote Philippine tourism is commendable, and I would gladly support it in any way I can. The slogan, may or may not work. Personally, I find it corny and outdated. I don't even think they put much thought in coming up with that. But silly slogans and titles oftentimes create interest, that is why I stated that it could have a positive effect on the campaign. Here's hoping that it does.

Essentially, there are and will always be a spectrum of ideas.

While we are caught in this whirlwind affair with the new slogan, we should not let ourselves be catapulted to the notion that it is always “fun in the Philippines.”

Undeniably, the Philippines have so much to offer. We have the finest beaches in the world. We can offer the best dining and cheapest shopping experience. We have the most exotic, idyllic and spectacular ecosystems that we can be proud of. We are the most hospitable people. We have the most fun and cheerful people to host the nations. We have rich history, culture and heritage as a showcase. However, we should not also miss the fact that we also have so much to work on.

The Philippines has yet to reclaim itself as the “Queen of the Pacific” or the “Pearl of the Orient” where every foreign visitor can always say “WOW, Philippines!” and perhaps learn to utter the words, “Pilipinas, Kay Ganda!”.

The success of the tourism industry is measured not by the number of clicks alone or how has it gone viral in the internet, but by the actual number of visitors per year and the economic benefits and concomitant job generation. Here is hoping that it does not just be a meme.

Secretary Jimenez said that selling tourism is “as easy to sell as Chickenjoy,” I would say, it is in the buying and tasting that counts and matters.

The Pinoy Explorer should not be misconstrued. He supports the DOT's new campaign slogan and the initiatives for the Philippines’ tourism industry. While there is so much hype and excitement in the social media—when the selling has seemed to have succeeded, the DOT should not allow this excitement among travel bloggers and people using other forms of social media, to carelessly and irresponsibly take a dip.

Just as travel bloggers have been unselfishly writing stories about the Philippines, who had been unwavering and championing Philippine tourism, there should also be a parallel move to make the tourism products worth selling.

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Why "It's more fun in the Philippines?"

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:48:00 +0000

That day, I got "lost" in Burnham Park. I could not find my family! I was so busy capturing people around the lake. Then I saw this young man walking briskly and enjoying his toy--a bubble toy! I immediately propped up my camera, and he did not mind getting the attention from the people around him and from me.

This is one of the reasons why it is fun to travel around the Philippines!

In the Philippines, you get to have fun by having simple pleasures like this--and is literally a "walk in the park."

Again, too many negative comments are arising from the new tagline of the Department of Tourism's "It's more fun in the Philippines". Filipinos, and travel bloggers, let us all unite to promote the Philippines! We are fun-loving people, and we must realize, bickering is not fun at all!

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Eureka! : Glorious sunset in Pura, Tarlac

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:53:00 +0000

Going home for the Christmas in Nueva Ecija, we traversed SCTEX and exited at La Paz, Victoria, and Pura all in the province of Tarlac. While at at Mabalacat area of SCTEX the boys keep telling me there is a beautiful cloud formation of on the left. of course we could not stop along SCTEX just to take a photo. You see the kids are already used to seeing beautiful sceneries knowing that I am a photography buff. Their eyes are trained, so to say.

When we reached Pura, Tarlac, I noticed a spectacular cloud formation on the left, and the boys (my son and my nephew) saw it too! So we had to stop for a while and I took some quick shots. I took this in RAW so I can easily adjust exposures later on in Lightroom, and I am just so happy it came out after tweaking on the exposure and colors.

No need to mention but I am a sucker for beautiful sunsets, and rarely do I chance upon a beautiful cloud with silver lining, with the rays of sun seeping through it. I think, this is one of my best sunset photos, ever.

And this is definitely a fitting photo for a eureka moment!

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"Talk Time" with Susan Calo Medina

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:55:00 +0000

First, my apologies for not having uploaded my supposedly 3-part series of my year-ender. I have no other major reason--it is Christmas and New Year holiday--when all we have in mind is forget the gym workouts and the diet regimen to give in to our earthly desires to eat, drink and be merry! I guess, with that, my apologies are accepted. [Smile!].

Second, I just want to share with you a once-in-a-lifetime experience just this afternoon--that is meeting the Philippines' travel icon--Ms. Susan Calo-Medina of Travel Time!

It started with me commenting about Travel Time episode "My Personal Baguio" in their fan page, then a series of communication ensued between me and her staff to find a common schedule for the meet, which is actually an interview. Actually, I did not expect this to happen. In fact, with so many concerns before Christmas, I have already forgotten all about the possibility of an interview as mentioned in the Facebook note in their fan page. It was just a "try" on my part. Besides, whether or not I would be interviewed, I gave a comment that comes from the heart. I was stunned, of course! I have met dignitaries because of my work, but I never felt this way! The mere thought that I will have the chance to meet the Travel Icon, simply kept playing in my mind!

Then I began to weave possible questions and answers. Restless, I even sent SMS to her staff what possible questions she would ask so at least I can prepare and not look nincompoop infront of Mrs. Medina. She told me, it is very simple and we would have a "rehearsal." I was relieved with that.

Then the day came for the interview. It was simple and short--and I hope I did not make a fool of myself. It was my first time to do an on-cam interview. Considering that I am new to this, it was both a surprise and a relief that there is no one directing and telling me what I "should" say, or say "cut", or "re-take". It was very casual that, in my mind, I asked--"That's it?" Yeah, yeah, I stammered a bit but Ms. Medina was quick to come to the rescue with another question. It was just awesome for a first-timer for an on-cam interview.

What helped me go through this is perhaps the pleasant disposition of Ms. Medina. She had no air and was just so accommodating. It was definitely an honor on my part to have met her.

When we had to bid each other goodbyes and said our "thank you's", I had to let go of my inhibitions. I have never done this before-even with the Philippine President I worked for (which I regretted, of course!). I was always shy to ask. This time, I just had to let go and ask if we could have a have a photo for posterity. She was game with it even if she was worried she was not wearing make up. But then as I told her, she still came out beautifully in the photo. (The sad part is that the photo was a bit blurred. The flash was set to slow synchro. Sigh!). Then I asked permission that I will blog about this.

So this is it! Now, this is my yea-render post!

The interview will be aired on January 14 over ANC Channel, Saturday at 9:30 AM.

Watch "Travel Time with Susan Calo Medina"
ANC Channel
Saturdays at 9:30 AM
Replays: Saturday (5:30 PM), Mondays (6:00 PM) and Fridays (2;30 AM)
http://www.traveltime.com.ph/

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Eureka! | Judy Ann's crispy pata

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:05:00 +0000

After performing our duties as wannabe social welfare officers pretending to be photography enthusiasts, we thought of rewarding ourselves after a job well done. Since some of our colleagues were from Malabon, they wanted us to taste the best that Malabon can offer. So off we went to this small but famous restaurant.

At first, the waitresses were unsure if they could still entertain us, because they were expecting guests who have a reservation at 3PM. Looking at our watches, it was only a bit past 1PM. So we negotiated. We promised we will eat fast, as long as they can cook fast too--and we had a deal.

Of course we ordered the famed crispy pata (pig knuckles) ! And since some of us (like me, LOL!), were health-conscious (tell it to the marines!), we ordered veggies like the usual chop suey and ampalaya (bitter gourd) with meat. So we had this!

Crispy, succulent and tender crispy pata!

Apparently not your usual chop suey

Ampalaya with beef (but we learned later it had shrimps too!)

True to our words, we were done in 30 minutes, and we only paid a little over a P100 each. I thought it was better than having the usual fastfood fare, and we get to taste what Malabon is known for.

The crispy pata had a different taste and had just the right tenderness! Apparently, the home-made pickles and and its juice sprinkled all over nailed it. The veggies are stirred in oyster sauce that made it taste better. Unlike the predictable ampalaya with beef, this one had tomatoes that, I think, made the bitter taste to stand out. I am no food connoisseur, so I will not speak more. Let the taste speak for itself.

So where do you find this restaurant?

There. Judy Ann's is already a part of Malabon heritage. Among other Malabon delicacies, their crispy pata is always sought for.

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No more ghost stories in Baguio's Casa Vallejo

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:55:00 +0000

The urban legend that Casa Vallejo has become over the past decades, has drawn a lot of interest. Why not? Casa Vallejo in Baguio City is believed to be a place for ghostly apparitions. In fact, it has become the subject of pre-Halloween or Halloween specials of many TV shows in the Philippines.

I recall that at the time I visited my friends and former colleagues, I stayed here 2 years after my 6-year Baguio sojourn. If my memory serves me right , I was the lone guest of the hotel manned solely by an old Igorot man. If my memory serves me right, I stayed in the farthest left room at the mezzanine. It was a bit eerie, but it was not that scary except by nightfall. The mere thought that the building looked old both from inside and out, there can be no denying that whether or not you believe in ghosts, you would still entertain the possibility of apparitions. Well, I had no option. It was the cheapest hotel at that time, I think, and I was on a tight budget. Nonetheless, the rooms and the bathroom were clean, but not five-star clean, so to say.

The then dark corridors. It is still dark at the stairs portion but
fully lit up at night.

The staircase you'd not want to look at while walking along the corridor when it
was not yet renovated.

Back in the day, the interiors were dark--a stark reminder of Baguio's old haunted houses. The battered wooden floors that had seen better days squeaked at every step. It was so silent you would hear your own breathing and think more than twice if you would want to go out to wine and dine at night along Session Road. There was no intercom, and the only communication between me and the old man and the noise that breaks the silence of the night was the desk bell on the front desk in the middle of the lobby--which was a good 25-30 meters away from my room. One early morning when I ordered coffee, it took a while for the old man to appear from the dark corners! Much to my trepidation, I had to entertain myself by looking at the glass windows. Unannounced, he suddenly appeared at my back mumbling some words I could not decipher! True, I almost fainted right there and then! [Smile!]

Fast-track to 2010, we had the chance to had an overnight stay in this hotel again. It being on a soft launch, with a rich history, and the one with available room because the other hotels were fully booked, we gave it a try.

Well-appointed rooms.

Cozy and homey lobby.

Upon entering the lobby I was surprised with its transformation. Even at night, the interior looked bright and sunny. It was unpretentious with its simple and homey, yet elegant design. And I just love how they made that old fireplace the centerpiece of the lobby! The corridors are already well-lighted (thank, heavens!), the wooden floor--though still squeaking--is now carpeted, the rooms are also carpeted, the sheets and linens are crisp and clean, and the bathroom and comfort room is neatly tiled, with a good supply of hot and cold water.

Knowing Casa Vallejo in its former state of disrepair after DENR has occupied the place, its renovation and restoration to its former glory to become a well-known boutique hotel in Baguio City, is simply commendable! Too bad I was not able to take interior photos that time. Overall, it was a night well-spent and there was no ghost that appeared to me that night.

Where important men and women, once, passed through.

On several occasions, I had the opportunity stay in this hotel again and had more time to better appreciate its historical significance, and of course, having more opportunities to take some photos (but not that much for I am wary that the management might hinder me from doing so.). The scent of aged pine wood, the romantic ambiance, and its historical significance gives you that old-world feel in a modern and vibrant Baguio City. Likewise, while it's well-appointed rooms can give comfort, there is nothing more comforting than its courteous staff who always had that ready smile.

I think the historical significance of the hotel exudes that irresistible charm and interesting character that can draw a transient to book into this hotel. At this point, allow me not to reinvent the Casa Vallejo's history but cull out, instead, from other online sources like the website of Casa Vallejo and Philippine Daily Inquirer, and other online sources which I failed to (credits of the succeeding texts, therefore, go to these websites).

Here's the attention-grabbing bits of information about the hotel:

Built in 1909, Casa Vallejo is one of the oldest remaining structures, built before Baguio City's founding anniversary (1910).
It became a German Prisoner of War detention center in 1917,
Dormitory 4 to house the employees of the Bureau of Public Works before the 1920s, when the American colonial government began populating Baguio.
Became a hotel in 1923,
Salvador Vallejo (where it got its current name) leased the hotel from the government in 1927 and converted it into a hotel;
It became a British and Indian refugee center in 1940;
Together with Baguio Cathedral, it survived the Japanese carpet bombing during World War II in 1941;
Served as a temporary site of the Baguio City High School in 1945 after WW II;
It is the the only remaining building of the Government Compound built from 1908 to 1909, and
It has been named by the Baguio Centennial Commission as one of the 10 oldest institutions in the city.

Of recent, Casa Vallejo has become the home of the Philippines' first Cinematheque built and managed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). The cinematheque is a 70-seater theater that shows art films from the the Philippines and abroad.

Aside from the hotel, Casa Vallejo features the restaurant Hill Station, Mt. Could book shop, and North Haven Spa. If you happen to plan to stay in this hotel for work or vacation, make sure you book ahead since they are usually full.

Hill Station Restaurant, formerly the ballroom.

North Haven Spa on the left side of the hotel.

Casa Vallejo has very rich historical significance to Baguio City's heritage, as such I would not mind blogging about it for the sake of blogging alone. I say it is worth staying in this hotel and becoming part of its living history and hospitality to people of different nationalities and background whom it had kept in its comforting embrace under abysmal and pleasant conditions and situations.

While the ghosts of the past may still be lurking around it its every nook and cranny, I am sure they are happy with what has become of Casa Vallejo today.

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Eureka! | Batanes' oldest Ivatan house

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:26:00 +0000

Date taken: September 17, 2007

Also known as the House of Dakay, it is believed that this is the oldest house in Batanes. This was was built in 1887 and the only stone house that was left after a strong earthquake that hit Batanes in September 13, 1918. Its walls are made of layers of corals and stones, and are two-feet thick, which could stand the pounding of strong winds during typhoons. It is located in the town of Ivana.

When I took these photos last September 17, 2007, it was 3 days after the anniversary of the earthquake and the house was exactly 120 years old. Auntie Ida (Ivatans or locals commonly call elders, auntie) or Florestida Estrella, then 81, owns the house. I do not know if she is still alive. If it were so, she would be 85 by now, and the house is now 124 years old.

Does anybody know if she is still alive?

By the way, my apologies for the poor shots. I was then a noob in photography with just a 4 megapixel Olympus point and shoot in my hand.

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Calapan Bay by day and night

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Going to and from field work in Oriental Mindoro gave me the chance to appreciate the beauty of Calapan Bay. I was billeted in Calapan Bay hotel, a stone's throw away from Calapan City pier. For the first 3 days, I was disappointed. It was always raining. On the 4th and 5th day of my stay in the hotel, bright sunny mornings greeted me. It was a break from gloomy breakfasts.

Initially, I thought it was just an ordinary daily scene. But then peeping through the grills of the fence that separates the sea and the hotel, I noticed some people gleaning (it was a lowtide). Again, another dramatic scene I always wanted to capture through my lenses. So, I dashed back to my room and grabbed my camera backpack and in minutes, I was shooting the beautiful scenery. Thus for three mornings, what could be better than enjoying morning sun, sniffing the salty sea air, savoring your coffee while admiring this God-given scenery? Lovely, isnt't it?

The view from Calapan Bay Hotel's rear veranda.

A fisherman catching some fish.

Wide view of Capalan City Pier.

A gleaner, apparently collecting clams and other edibles.

However, I did not have much chance of capturing Calapan Bay by nightfall. It was either raining at night or too late when I reach the hotel from field work. I had a full week and felt drained and sometimes I would just doze off until dinner time.

When it was dinnertime on my second to the last night in the hotel, a beautiful sunset became a reliever to my worn out body. Again, I ran back to my room to get my camera! (I seem to have a penchant of not bringing my camera with me! Well, it happens. Besides I had to dine and not shoot.).

Thinking that sunsets happen so fast I felt I had to do it again. Unlike my other previous sunset photos, it was not very dramatic, but then, sunsets always fascinates me. I was careful not to have camera shake as I did not have a tripod with me (Yeah, a lame excuse!). I tried on some, but I only made some good shots, especially in some long exposures, and increasing the ISO is the only way to have it fast.

Sunset in Calapan Bay.

Super Cat heading to Batangas Port. Trying on an incandescent white balance.

Again, I am just happy to share with you some photos of Calapan Bay by day and night. I hope you like what I saw.

For more photos, please visit the Calapan Bay set in Flickr.

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Shooting cascades in Papa-a

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Papa-a is another backyard nature wonder I have visited in Brgy. Mangangan I, Baco, Oriental Mindoro. It was just a good 50 meters hike from my friend's house! Again, they are just so lucky to have this in their own backyard!

As soon as we arrived, I prepared my photography gears and headed to this rocky stream. There are no big falls to see (or perhaps further upstream, I never asked) but as soon as I stepped on it, I was simply awed by its cool and clean water!

There was a looming rain, and I thought it might be dangerous to trek as there would be a possibility of a flash flood coming from the mountain. I was told, this stream can go high at 10 feet during a continuous and strong downpour. But then, the sun shone brightly in between cumulus clouds. Besides, it was a break from a week of work in Calapan City and I had to unwind even just for a day and negative thoughts can't just defeat this overwhelming natural beauty right before my eyes.

The cascade that flows between the mag-asawang bato.

As soon as I saw small cascades running down the stream, I immediately thought it would be good to do long exposures. It was just disappointing that I did not bring my tripod [again!]. However, with a luggage of wardrobe good for a week, heavy documents and laptop in tow, it was cumbersome to bring a tripod on your official trips. Again, I had to improvise. Despite the shutter lag in my camera, plus the strong sunshine, which made it difficult for me to time and expose correctly, I was able to get some usable photos.

Mag-asawang Bato [twin rock]. The water is so cool and clear you can see the rocks below.

The main attraction in this stream is called mag-asawang bato [a twin rock]. It has a waist level pool in between. As soon as we arrived, I was already dying to plunge. But then, I had to accomplish my main agenda in coming here--to photograph.

After doing my photography, and although not pleased with what I have taken, I thought it was time for me to plunge! It was just frustrating having a camera that does not cooperate. Besides, I was soaking in sweat and the cool water was just inviting and irresistible! So I took the plunge!

Taking the plunge!

After I was refreshed, I looked for more cascades to shoot upstream and found a good shaded spot and got lucky to have these shots. (It is advisable to have long exposures under overcast skies or under a shade). Having no tripod was just challenging! I had to prop myself on top of rocks just so I can have these taken.

Definitely, this visit was worth the not-so-bumpy trip. It was just refreshing and definitely a break from a heavy work week. If I were to describe it in one word, literally or figuratively--COOL!

For more photos, see Shooting cascades in Papa-a set on Flickr

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Revisiting Barangay Calima

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000

At a glance, Brgy, Calima in Pola, Mindoro Oriental, is just another ordinary coastal barangay. On a second look, and with a keen eye for something beautiful, however, it will reveal its rustic appeal.

It is not a sleepy village at all. Economic activity is very much alive. They have village stores where you can buy your basic necessities without going to town. Although it is separated from the town by a river, transportation is not a problem. For P5.00 you can easily just cross the estuary, and ride a single motorbike for P5.00 or P10.00 for a solo back ride. In 2 minutes from the riverbank, you are already in the barangay center where all the basic amenities are a few steps away, except for the elementary school which sits on the hill around 50 meters high.

Our first time. Since it was high tide, we had to skip the motorbike ride and went straight
ahead to the small port.

Endearing people

Austere as they may be, there is something that makes Calima's people endearing.

There seems to be no idle moment for most of the residents. You will find women tending their homes and sweeping their backyard and streets. Thus, I could not help but compare this community with other coastal barangays I have visited. The community is relatively clean except that they need to manage their solid waste (which, as of my last visit, is a big concern in the deliberations of the Barangay council).

A clean and green community.

While households have a source of entertainment they are not preoccupied by their television sets or radio except, perhaps, during lunchtime when they have to watch their fave noontime shows, and at night for their soaps.

If you happen to visit the place on a weekend, you would wake up, even before the crack of dawn, by the loud dance music playing at the community plaza, a.k.a. covered basketball court. Pray that you would be dead tired from the previous day's travel, or you'll find this quite annoying. But it was okay. we were guests, and we could not complain. So, what is the loud and thumping dance music all about? I was told it was time for moms' and grandmas' weekly aerobics exercise. I was told I should have taken photos of them. I agree it would have been a documentary piece, but I was lulled back to sleep and dreamt, instead, I was partying in a club or so. [Smile!].

After breakfast, men proceed to theirs farms up on the hills or go fishing. Teenage boys play basketball while the girls help in their households. Children, on weekdays, go to school or you can find them playing traditional Filipino games like dama, patintero, piko jolens or simply enjoy the slides and monkey bars in the playground during weekends. During low tide, you can see them gleaning on the shores looking for shells and other edibles like sea urchins and sea cucumber.

Boys the playing traditional marble game.

Fishermen tending their boats during the low tide.

Ideal? Maybe. That is because everyone is is part of "isang pisa." Isang pisa, like a single hatched egg, is a colloquial term for "angkan" [clan]. Calima got its name from the five (5) families [lima or five] from the province of Romblon who settled in this community. These families, who happen to have family names that starts with letter "F," also come from a single clan in Romblon. So, practically, everyone is related by blood affinity. Everybody knows everyone, and everyone is friendly to total strangers.

Blood affinity works well in terms of politics. It does not matter who wins in the next election for the Barangay officials. So everyone gets to support the local leaders who happen to be their relative so they can also speak their minds to their officials like they were their younger or older brother or sister.

It also takes pride in being an awardee for having a zero-crime rate. Why not? Nobody would dare commit a crime against a blood relative.

Of course, one cannot prevent some occasional brawls among teenage boys and among men. However, they cannot evade justice in this small village. Without discriminating about who started the fight, all who were involved are all "sentenced" to do a day of manual labor like cleaning the community or hauling sacks of sand from the beach. The worst and, perhaps, the amusing and most excruciating part of their punishment is that they serve their sentence right infront of the witnessing community, and they become the laughing stock of young boys and girls cheering and jeering at them. Since the last verdict was made, nothing of this sort has happened--simply because the boys and men are just too shameful to act stupid and be shamefully punished that way--again. A classic example of value for hiya or shame? Definitely.

Hidden beauty

Rest area for famers going down from the hills. They built this hut as their rest area
before proceeding to the barangay center. This area is also used as
a camping ground during summer.

The rustic charm of the place cannot cannot escape from a photographer's keen eye. Yes, it does not have those wide and white sand beaches that could pass for a postcard. It is near an estuary, which gives additional character to the place. I have visited the place twice and in those two instances, it was always overcast and always raining. The colors were drab. No blue skies and cotton-like clouds to shoot, but it had that view of a seascape that reflects rain clouds, gleaning fisherfolks and kids during low tides--creating interest and drama. Not bad at all!

Cemented pathway along the river, lined up with coconut and narra.

On my first visit, I never had the chance to walk through and along its river. So when I had the chance on my second visit, I thought I should take some more photos. I was told there is a waterfall 1-hour walk away (again, depending on how fast can you walk or climb), but then I was there on an official visit this time, and have to go back to Calapan that same day. Perhaps, I should go back to visit its falls. So I just had to be contented taking some photos I took going to the cooperative's project I was evaluating. For them, it is just an ordinary part of the community, but it is not only me who told them they are lucky having this natural resource right at their backyard.

Crystal clean river, where children take a bath and women do their laundry.

On our way back, I took some more photos, until we bade them goodbye. Perhaps, not the last goodbye. I was told, there are places that need to be explored more. I hope to revisit it again when the right time comes.

Going back to the community.

A teenage boy carrying a head basket.

Fascinated with a lot of gumamela flowers that come in different varieties and colors.

Traditional nipa hut.

The community rest house.

Amused by these langka fruits hanging over the road.

One last look from the other side.

For more photos, please visit Revisiting Barangay Calima set in Flickr.

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A short immersion at Pula's Iraya village

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:32:00 +0000

It was not in our itinerary. We were supposed to head back to Calapan City after lunch. But then it was too early to call it a day. I was cleaning and fixing my camera when my friend, Mey, called me because we had to go to Pula.

Pula? Yes, as in, color red. Pula is a small village of 15 families of the Mangyan Iraya tribe. Pula got its name from the "reddish" or perhaps brownish soil found in the area. There are only 15 families, but the normal 5-member per family is not applicable to them. Many of the families have as much as 10 members, so roughly, there are 150 individuals.

Pula is at the foot of Mt. Halcon in Brgy. Mangangan I, Baco, Oriental Mindoro, and is around 20-30 kilometers from Calapan City. From the barangay proper one needs to cross a shallow rocky stream called Papa-a that swells during heavy rains, which I will also blog about later. I was thankful that the hike to the community sitting on a plateau was not that steep. We had to pass through bushy tracks, orchards planted with lanzones, and rambutan, and oranges they call Valencia (No, not the Valencia orange that we know). I was thankful, too, for the overcast sky that made hiking more comfortable!

I have been to Mindoro several times and just admired Mt. Halcon from afar. I never realized I have a friend who hails from a barangay right at the foot of Mt. Halcon! I may never have hiked the real trek to this mountain, but at least, I have come this far--for now. I am just exhilarated with that thought.

Start of the climb. Notice the reddish [rather brownish soil] where the community got its name.

We met Iraya girls on the way up.

The plateau planted with lanzones and the amazing view of Mt. Halcon.

Another interesting viewpoint of Mt. Halcon.

An orchard planted with rambutan. Too bad, it is already off season.

Upon entering the community, were were greeted by this humongous banana bunch!
We could not help but take photos of ourselves.

In a little less than 30 minutes of walking, we were already in the community. Admittedly, it was my first time to see a Mangyan village. Just as curious as we are, everyone got more curious about us, and the residents arrived in trickles. Children gathered around and laughed at us while having our pictures taken with the banana. They ran to and fro, and hid everywhere and avoiding my camera. According to Mey, Mangyans are naturally shy, and they are often aloof of media people because many photographers in the past took their photos, used them to seek for funding supposedly to benefit the Mangyan, but to no avail. Many Mangyan communities felt they were exploited. Noticing the growing curiosity among them, Mey explained that we were just visiting the place that I come from Manila and was "on vacation."

At the community center, I took notice of their palay harvest being dried. They told us it is upland rice and it is organic. Our "host", who was sensitive enough delightfully showed us their pounded rice. She even offered to give the ganta of rice as a token, but Mey, who was also sensitive to their needs insisted to pay for it, which she did not refuse in the end.

Dried upland palay

Organic upland rice

Deeper into our conversation, it was disheartening to know that they have already forgotten their Iraya dialect. According to them, their parents and grandparents have not taught them the language. Having lived close to Tagalog-speaking people, they chose not to teach their young children. Not even Mang Fernando, who is the aplake (eldest) in the community does not speak their dialect. In the passing of time, their communal festivities and rituals have also gone. So to say, they have become more Tagalog than Iraya.

Mang Fernando, the community's aplake

So, is their culture vanishing? Maybe, yes. Maybe, no.

I believe that there are still some remnants of Iraya beliefs and practices. The inquisitive person that I am, I asked what this was (photo below). They giggled at me and told me it is called kubakob (literally means hiding place or a refuge), which is actually a typhoon shelter. Their kubakob can accommodate around 3 families (more or less 30 people) and is fixed during the typhoon season. It may look simple and primitive, but it serves its purpose because it can protect them more compared to their elevated huts that can be easily lifted and blown away by a hurling wind. Again, I am amazed by their ingenuity. Logically, low structures cannot be easily toppled down by typhoons.

Kubakob, a storn shelter.

Again, when I raised my head to drink from my bottled water, I noticed another interesting part of the house. I thought it was an antenna of sorts but they do not even own a radio. Again they smiled and giggled (what a happy people they are!) while explaining that it is called salapingaw. This is simply a bamboo pole split at the end and held by a wedge to form a fork. The word salapingaw rang a bell into my Ilocano ears. It is akin to Ilocano word salapang, which is usually a branch that splits into two separate branches forming a fork or a "Y" and is used for a slingshot [tirador].

Salapingaw, according to them, is supposed to guard and protect them from lightning and thunderstorms. Again, I realized that this is an indigenous version of a lightning arrester. Scientifically, lightning hits poles and tall structures that serves as a conductor for the electricity to the ground. So the salapingaw, which is higher than their roof would tend to attract lighting, ergo, save the entire house or them from being hit. Ingenious! Don't you think so?

Salapingaw, protection against lighting and thunder., or an indigenous lightning arrester.

Salapingao installed like a TV antenna.

Of course we should not discount the fact that they still forget their indigenous farming practices. We told them they are lucky to have organic rice and they were delighted with the knowledge that rich and health-conscious people eat organic products. Isn't it enviable that they have organic rice, bananas, other fruits, vegetables, chicken, pig, and what have you--right outside their homes?

What struck me most about this community are their simplicity, happy disposition and most of all their sense of community and hospitality. They do not know us, but they entertained us like an important visitor. They offered us their valencia which they purposely picked just for us from the orchards we passed through going to their community. I was humbled with that gesture.

Simple as it was, that gesture of hospitality will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Valencia looks like an oversized dalandan or a diminutive pomelo but has the sweetness of an orange. It was very juicy and but messy to eat that nothing would be left of the juice if you try to separate the meat with your hands--like how you eat a pomelo. After peeling and get a sizable portion, you have bite the fruit to get most of the juice and pulpbits. Mouthwatering, eh? Yes it was. We thought that, perhaps, this variety is used for making orange juices because 80% or more is juice! Of course we did not finish it all. We shared it with the kids who were staring at us--who were delighted at how we enjoyed eating it.

Valencia orange

How a valencia looks like inside

Then out of nowhere, these two girls came with two pieces of cacao fruit. It was my first time to see a cacao fruit this big. They told me it is not even big. It can even get bigger when it fully matures--yeah, like a a solo papaya or even bigger. I learned that they eat the white fleshy part. After they have peeled it I pinched and tasted a bit. It is spongy like a pomelo but softer and smoother. It is sour that tastes like a guava or a dragon fruit. Got the idea? Most of all, it fills the stomach of these hungry kids.

Girls with cacao fruit

Ready to peel the cacao.

Done after a few minutes

Eating the fleshy part, akin to the peel of pomelo.

On a footnote, Irayas or any Mangyan tribe according to Mey, are very skillful with bolos or knives--even among diminutive girls like the one above. Handling and using a bolo is one important skill they must master as it is their primary work tool in their farms or, back in the day, for hunting.

On a sadder note, however, these Irayas no longer have legal rights to their ancestral land. A rich and influential person managed to secure land titles declaring this vast plateau as his own. Nobody knows how and why he was able to "buy" the land. The development worker that I am, I begin to question why on earth did an ancestral land became a privately owned land, and titled at that!? But then it is too late. But do they have a case when they assert for their claim for an ancestral domain? I do not have the answer at this point.

Now they have become squatters in their own ancestral land. On a lighter note, the supposedly "land owner" allows them to live and till the land their forefathers have left. But, until when? nobody knows.

Helping out the elders

Curious souls.

Their land. Their playground. Their life.

This short visit turned out not just as a simple travel or a break from work. It has become a short community immersion. Like this story that began as just another travel blog entry, it has become a reflection, a community SWOT analysis, and a lesson I can never learn in graduate school.

More than just a travel story, it has rekindled my chosen career in development work. It has, once again, kept me grounded. I needed this for the longest time. My work in the past years have kept me inside the air-conditioned rooms--merely as a technocrat observer and an outsider--jumbling words and coining phrases into policies or poverty alleviation project proposals. Instead, this unplanned photowalk has become my refresher course in development management.

As we walked away from the community, Mey and I, who are both NGO workers began to discuss how we can share our expertise to the community. We thought of many possibilities...and hopefully these possibilities, in one way or another, can become a reality.

***For the complete set of photos, visit the Flickr Album

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Awesome sunset in Butuan City

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:10:00 +0000

It is not very often you get to witness a stunning sunset that gives you goosebumps. For a photography junkie like me, you should never, never, never let it pass just like that. If you are lucky enough to bring with you a camera, that would be heaven, but you will forever be haunted by your conscience if you did not--you know the feeling that makes you uneasy and makes you curse yourself why on earth you did not bring any camera at all!

Anyway, flashback earlier during that day, we had an impulsive plan (if we finished our official business in the town of Trento in Agusan sel Sur) to see Lolong, the World's biggest crocodile held in captivity (now officially on Guinnes Book of World Records), which is now in the nearby town of Bunawan. But then work gets in the way! (Smile!) We had to meet a couple more of government officials before driving back to Butuan City. Besides, a Trento local told us that Lolong is always in hiding, anyway, showing only some of his scales on his back. You only get to see Lolong in full view during Saturdays when they drain and clean up the pond where he stays. Also, you need to walk a couple of kilometers to the location. They do not allow vehicles coming to the area since it will disrupt Lolong's new habitat.

We were disappointed, big time! But I just hope that, one day, I would have the chance to go back in Agusan del Sur, and see Lolong, by hook and by crook!

But then later that day, God was kind enough to lighten up my mood, and he gave us all a magnificent sky to end the day to relax our weary minds and tired bodies. It was just a fantastic scene passing through Butuan City's new suspension bridge.

At first, I was trying my best to capture it inside the car, but then I could no longer keep it and asked my colleagues if we could stop for a minute for me to be able to capture this magnificent sunset. They obliged and understood this photography junkie. Click! Click! Click! and I was done.

I realize God has a lot of ways to comfort me and assuage my disappointment. We have done a great job that day, and although we were disappointed for not having the chance to see Lolong, God has rewarded us with a beautiful sunset. Fair enough!

To see more sunset photos, CLICK THIS LINK.

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Enchanting Lake Mainit

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:31:00 +0000

On our way to a meeting in Alegria, Surigao del Norte, Lake Mainit cannot be missed. From the zig-zagging road from Butuan City, the lake is an imposing natural beauty. I could not help but exclaim how beautiful it was! I have seen only Laguna Lake, the man-made Burnham Lake in Baguio City, and Lake Sebu (which to me is very ominous), but the beauty of Lake Mainit is just awesome. From afar, it looks like it is pristine because it can still reflect the blue skies.

Good thing also, is the fact that it did not rain that day. It always rains here in this part of the country. The very, very wet months start in November to January, which causes the lake to swell up to 5 meters that reaches the resort's veranda.

After finishing an official mission in Alegria, Surigao del Norte, we dropped by the Almont Lake Resort in Brgy. San Roque, Kitcharao Agusan del Norte to have coffee. The rain was foreboding but then the sun was kind and came out for me!

Before the coffee was even served, I was off to the lakeshore and did quick snaps and tried to cover all possible angles. I regretted, however, to have left in the dining area my camera bag that contained my other lenses. But nevertheless, my wide lens was more than what I needed to photograph this beautiful landscape.

Later, on, while sipping my almost cold coffee, I changed into telephoto lens to get some closer shots of the distant islands. The shoot took no more than 30 minutes for it would be too shameful to my colleagues when I linger, and I am just happy with the result.

Lake Mainit is around 1-hour drive from Butuan city and located between the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. The following are bits of information about the lake:

The lake gots its name, Mainit (hot) from the fact that it has two sources of hot spring, thus its warm water;
It is located between the two provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte;
It covers 17,430 hectares and has 28 river tributaries, and its water exits in the town of Tubay, Agusan del Norte
The deepest part of the lake is 128 meters and is 80 feet above sea level;
It is the 4th largest lake in the Philippines;
It is abundant with tilapia fish and freshwater eel locally called kasili

The lake is also rich with historical and cultural facts. This website provides detailed historical facts and stories about the lake and the town of Mainit where it got its name.

Had we been not on official trip, it would have been nicer if we can linger more to try kayaking or explore the lake on a boat or witness sunrise and sunset, perhaps. Nonetheless, no matter how quick it was, the side trip to Lake Mainit is worth the short stop and a cup of brewed coffee while you allow your senses to be captivated and enchanted by its beauty.

For more photos click this link.

_____________________

My contribution to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival for November 2011 with the theme “Mindanao Bliss” hosted by Olan Fernandez of The Travel Teller.

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Eureka! | Baguio City: Smokers beware!

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:06:00 +0000

Something to be aware of when in Baguio.

I was leisurely walking along Gov. Pack Road, on our way to an event at the back of SM City Baguio when I saw this sign, and the signs, I later realized, are posted all over the city! I learned, though, that one can smoke in designated smoking areas only.

Hence you should ask your hotel, restaurants where you dine in, and other establishments regarding the designated smoking areas to avoid being apprehended and pay a fine.

For the smokers out there, if you feel the urge while walking along the parks and Session Road, that stick of cigarette can wait. Munch a boiled corn sold in the parks, have a candy, or whatever that can satisfy your oral fixation. Better be forewarned and stay away from the hassle while on vacation or on official business. Now, there are three (3) major cities banning smoking--which starts with Davao City, the entire Metro Manila, and now, Baguio City.

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How sugar is made?

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:28:00 +0000

Sugar is central to the evolution of the Negrense culture. Because of this industry, we get to see the affluence and the prosperity it has brought to the province. Some families of celebrity status—whether in the politics, the arts, and the high society come from the province of Negros. On the other hand, we were also witness to the plight of lowly sacadas and sugar plantation workers who are important cogs of this industry.

While there is a big gap that seems to separate the ultra rich and the ultra poor in this part of the country, it is the cultural traits that bind them together. While they are sometimes regarded to have that lavish spirit, who enjoy having fun and the finer things in life, it is because Ilonggo people are highly motivated to succeed, educated, skilled, and very entrepreneurial. Fair enough, they work hard to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Not only has the sugar industry shaped their socio-economic status, but sugar is very much a part of their life, particularly in their pastries and confectionary. Among other things, I would always look forward for the pasalubong treats like piaya (which now comes in different flavors), pinasugbo, and barquillos.

Because of some "friendly" connections, going to Silay City, Negros Occidental has allowed us and the kids to see how sugar is made. It was worth skipping the old buildings of Silay and almost missing the the sunset at The Ruins. It was an educational trip for all of us, especially the kids who just loved observing the entire process.

However, we had a limited exposure because we did not have the chance to see the full production cycle, Why? First, we were “early” to observe it. The production stage was only up to the boiling of the cleaned up “sugar juice.” Second, there were sections that I could not photograph (like the warehouse full of 2 million sacks of raw sugar), and the raw sugar production process (which is an industry secret) and which we did not get to see because the refining stage has yet to start in about 2 hours after the last stage we saw. Nonetheless, the short trip was already overwhelming for me and the kids. It wowuld have been nice, but I was able to see and photograph some interesting parts of the production.

Let me guide you through the photos.

Sugar stalks are being transported from the plantation to the sugar central. One will see rows of trucks filled wit sugarcane stalks and dump them into this collecting bin equipped with a huge conveyor.

Sugarcane stalks are carried through a conveyor and washed to remove the dirt before they are pressed against the rolling crushers.

Then it is pulped, and juice is separated from pulp. There are several stages to remove the pulp (until it is cleaned from impurities)

Pulp is separated from the juice. This conveyor leads to a dumping ground outside the plant.

The pulp goes through another process of drying and storage, and being transported through a conveyor into a huge incinerator, which produces electricity for the entire plant, including the offices and housing units. I find this even more interesting than the sugar production itself. This incinerator applies a waste-to-energy technology (renewable energy technology or biomass RE), and produces 5MW power that it plans to sell power to its neighboring sugar mills. It has managed to control its effluents by recycling water to dissolve solid particles by spraying water on the dust, so what comes out of those huge exhaust pipes is just heat through steam. It would cost a lot to build this powerplant, and the management did not disclose how much but told us it is very expensive. However they would prefer using their own power because it is much cheaper in the long run rather than buying it.

The incinerator plant.

How it looks inside the incinerator. Taken from a peeping/observation hole.

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