During the radio interview at DZAR 1026 Manila or Sonshine Radio's Biyahe at Gimik program

With radio host Tony Cuevas

I’m on a roll. After being featured in some publications as a blogger and as a person, as well as national TV via Jessica Soho’s Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho program, here comes a radio interview at DZAR 1026 Manila, popularly, Sonshine Radio.

Biyahe at Gimik, the travel program hosted by veteran broadcaster Tony Cuevas and aired every Monday (focuses on Luzon), Wednesday (for Visayas destinations) and Friday (Mindanao places). I was their special guest for today, Wednesday, and I never thought that this interview would be light, conversational and fun!

When did you start to travel? What places are interesting? Have you been to Bohol…? and many more queries that I was able to answer well, describing places not limited to the Visayas but also in Mindanao, Luzon, and other places. There were also text in questions coming from listeners.

This is my first time to go live on radio but what surprised me at first was seeing how modern radio stations have become. They are high tech! Other than hearing one via radio waves, video is livestreamed via the internet!

I will post the video soon.

I got several photos published in the March 2012 issue of Philippine Airline’s inflight magazine, Mabuhay for a visita iglesiaarticle written by Mico Manalo.

Except for the Betis Church interior, the images include Sta. Ana (Manila), Guiuan (Samar), Tayabas Church interior (Quezon), and the facades of Mahatao, Ivana and Sabtang, all in Batanes.

This is my nth contribution to this travel magazine, mostly images but in this month’s issue of May, I finally had an article written focusing on Zamboanga Sibugay. Check out my post in my other blog, Simbahan.net for additional info.

Left, article which carries my photos of heritage churches in Mabuhay Magazine’s Visita Iglesia special, March 2012 issue

Situbo Falls in Zamboanga del Norte is just one hour from Ipil

Composite page spread of my first travel article with Mabuhay Magazine

A 'bahay na bato' house in Vigan City

Calesa style benches along Calle Crisologo

The heat in Manila is taking its toll on my sanity. Humid and coupled with occasional bursts of rain just exacerbates the heat. I’m feeling depressed that the itch to travel is growing more and more. Ah, travel. How I want to feel the wind on my face, visit new places or old reliable ones. Bath in a pristine lagoon or just cozy up in hotels in slough.

Vigan City would be a good place to visit again, for the nth time. It’s grand old bahay-na-bato houses exudes history. It’s old cathedral, with resplendent altars and beautiful carvings reminds one of its rich past.

I remember, a couple of years ago, I specifically filed for a leave from work to celebrate my birthday and I was then enroute to this beautiful place. It was only at 2 AM the following day that I arrived, tired and hungry. A few years later, I was blowing another candle on top of a small chocolate cake with my amour beside me in one of the hotels there with a four poster bed.

Simbaan-a-bassit, a cemetery chapel in Vigan

Though small, I like visiting the quaint simbaan-a-bassit, literally small church, which is actually a cemetery chapel. It’s beautiful espadana makes it unique and the small image of the Santo Intierro inside is being venerated. I like watching its curves and white-washed walls with decorative volutes at the sides.

Calle Crisologo? While it is one tourist trap with the many souvenir stalls lining this cobbled but short street, it still doesn’t fail to amaze. Grand and elegantly standing at both sides of the streets are several old houses. Large wooden doors framed by thick stone frames while wooden calesa style benches make for a good rest.

At the burnayan, traditional clay pottery in the city

The burnayan, clay pottery industry in Vigan City is quite known. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch Mr. Fidel Antiporda Go, declared National Folk Artist for his contribution to the burnay craft and preservation as he tells you the nitty gritty of pottery making and firing.

I’ve been to Vigan City many times. But then, there’s always something to find interesting in this old but beautiful place. With the heat and humidity in Manila, I might as well just go back there soon.

Of course, I have eaten in other restaurants like Don Vito Ristorante Italiano where we had lunch and dinner and a mexican restaurant but these three featured here were memorable.

Giant shrimps with Dill and Ouzo

I’m familiar with Cyma but I confess, I really haven’t eaten there until I got to Boracay. The Greek restaurant’s space is rather small and a bit out of the way, located in a small alley near the souvenir shops. But god, the food is great (and pricey). Large servings of food is more than enough for one person and their selection of pasta, desserts, main course and appetizers are good.

We had crabs and salmon pasta, steak as well as some soup but during my last day there, I especially ordered their Giant Shrimps with Dill and Ouzo. The prawns were really large and plump. Sweet tasting and coupled with the special sauce, made it all the more special. Ouzo, by the way is a popular drink in Greece made from a variety of ingredients like pressed grapes, fennel, berries, and other herbs and spices. I’m not really familiar with this drink but it contrasted well with the prawns.

The baklava, another popular pastry dessert is rather too sweet for me that I was having difficulty consuming the single slice but it was enough to satisfy my curiosity.

Aria Gelato's mixed berry and tiramisu, left; Cafe del Sol's watermelon shake and strawberry cheesecake

The heat was rather unbearable that’s why I went to Aria Gelato and got myself two scoops of ice cream: mixed berries and tiramisu. Both are great tasting ice cream that was enought to beat the summer heat. Fruit in Ice Cream’s Summer Cafe also serves delicious pistachio flavored ice cream.

Never to be missed, I always find myself gravitating to Cafe del Sol’s ice blended coffee or fruit shakes and pastries. I’m not so much a fan of their cheesecakes, its too light and fluffy for my taste that I suspect was mixed with cream. Not real cheesecake for me but other people do swear and rave about these desserts.

A beautiful natural rock arch at the eastern side of Boracay

Gaping maw, close up of a cave at the water's edge

I woke as early as a quarter to five o’clock, A.M. as we were to meet at exactly five infront of Boracay Mandarin hotel. With three others from Iloilo media and two from Smart, our host, we walked to Station 1 where we will board the pumpboat.

The sun hasn’t broken out yet from the horizon but the sky is turning pink, men were cleaning the sand and a few people were running at the shoreline.

The engine roared, the pumpboat moved forward, past the sands of Stations 1-3, passing the low structures as well as the anchored yachts and boats near Asya resort in Station 3. Suddenly, the scene, from white sandy beach gave way to a rocky shoreline to cliff faces. I was amazed.

Turle with a monkey's head? An interesting rock formationl northeastern side

We rounded off the southern part of the island. There were low but still interesting rock formations. Buildings of Boracay’s jetty came into view. At that early time, there were already boats bringing visitors to and from the island. As the sun has already risen from the horizon, beautiful yellow rays emanated, a golden sunrise.

Rocky face with a small cavity. Can it be a shallow cave? CLICK TO ENLARGE

Our two young boatmen were quite calm whereas me and my companions were quite scared. I said to myself, nothing to be alarmed at, really. I’ve been to this before, in Palaui and Babuyan Channel and much stronger.

Despite the waves, there were fishermen with their small bancas just going about their fishing. The flatness of Bulabog Beach gave way to a rugged hill, then a cliff, then that natural arch.

Looks like a giant eye

Our boatman navigating the shallows after our Puka Beach stopover. CLICK TO ENLARGE

Rounding off the northwestern side, just after Puka Beach were a series of rocky cliffs but this time, lower than the other side. Slowly, the hotels and other structures of development in Boracay came into view. After a few minutes, we were back again in Station 1 where we alighted.

Hiring a pumpboat to go around Boracay or even island hopping is a good activity as it gives you an opportunity to see a different facet of the island, its wild, rugged and raw side. Far from the maddening crowds, far from the many structures. Doing this, you’ll come to appreciate this island better.

Thanx to Smart for the media tour. There are several pumpboats available for rent. You can arrange it with your hotel/resort or ask around at the white beach in Stations 1-3. As for our rental, our host was able to get it for a discounted rate of just P2,500.

Almost hidden, Anuplig Falls is the reward from a long trek

I was in the NORTH. Up at the coasts of Cagayan and the Ilocos Norte provinces when I was again invited to be part of Lakbay Norte’s 2011 edition, Leg 2, visiting several new and interesting spots as well as reacquainted with some old sites. The day didn’t look good. Overcast. The sky a boring white with no features. But we arrived in Adams, Ilocos Norte’s last town up north, remote and secluded in the last stands of the mighty Cordilleras before terminating at Pasaleng Bay.

Media persons with us who took the dip

At a moderate pace, we passed along the road following the river then crossed the spillway to a rugged trail. From residential houses to farmlands, pasture and eventually to the forest line along rolling hills.

The trail wasn’t really difficult, with no steep ascents and descents except near the river where the waterfall is just part of the water system.

It can be tiring though but the beautiful view of forest covered mountains, farmlands and interesting flora and occasional insects crossing our path made it less of a labor.

After an hour, we were finally near our destination and the cries of excitement just made our pace faster with me trying to dart, nevermind if the trail has become too rugged with tree roots making it a bit challenging. But we persevered.

Closer view of Anuplig Falls

Bloggers and media trekking to Anuplig Falls

The water is cold but just welcome as it cools the hot body from all the trekking. This is what I like about Anuplig Falls. Ensconced in a cul de sac of a stony wall the cascade just pours and pours, thunderous from a distance. And after the initial amazement, the water, lapping at one’s feet and lower legs become inviting.

The area is forested and adds to the coolness of the river. My companions were diving and jumping in the water while I was busy taking images. After an hour, it was time to go. Up to the trailhead where it can be difficult to walk the trail, hanging vines and weak branches.

But the beauty of it all? Anuplig Falls stays in your memory. Something that can be retrieved when work’s get tougher or gets into ones nerves. When the call of the wild makes you smile and decide, I should go there again, soon…

Ice cream bars in wafer sandwich. A good way to bear the tropical heat. Above, durian flavor.

Who says its only found in the Philippines? Ice cream sandwich

It was high noon, the heat was just unbearable as I was going around the flea market near Bugis Junction and MRT to shoot for an assignment. And while looking at the merchandise and people going around while taking shots, I noticed an ice cream vendor with people milling around waiting to buy.

Wafer ice cream is rather popular in Singapore. It is that country’s equivalent of our own dirty ice cream, the sorbetero with his tankfull of delicious and creamy flavored dessert. In Singapore, it is known as potong (cut) and comes in different flavores: mint chip, blueberry, cherry ripple, durian, sweet corn and others.

The Little Red Dot hosted my Singapore travel for ten days and during this time, I was able to become familiar with the culture, food and anything that made this small country one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. From what I saw, he was handing out small blocks of different colored ice cream sandwiched between thin wafers wrapped in transparent plastic. Feeling the heat and my mouth getting dryer by the minute, I came close. Ordered and got mine for S$1 a piece. Delicious? I had durian. And not content, I tried the mint chip. A couple of minutes later, I tried blueberry. So delicious. A good way to beat the tropical heat!

This trip was made possible through the invitation of David of The Little Red Dot Hostel. Check them out whenever you’re in Singapore for cheap rates.

Beautiful Bagsang Falls in Gonzaga, Cagayan

Cool waters in a forested setting

Indigenous Agta children making Sitio Bagsang home

Just less than a kilometer from the Agta (original inhabitants of northern Luzon, they are also called Ati, Aeta, Dumagat in other provinces where they are present) village, its a pleasant walk to the edge of farmlands where the forest line ends and just tracing a few trail including a short descent. The farmlands are extensive and at high noon, can be very hot. Good thing that when we entered the forest, it was all cool filled with birdsong and damselflies darting along the way.

Part of the river system of Bagsang Falls

Vegetation and footpath going to the waterfall. CLICK TO ENLARGE

There are vines hanging, tall trees, interesting flora and flowers as well as a beautiful stream set against a verdant backdrop. But the waterfalls is just beautiful. Short and because it is more like a huge rock projecting out, one can even sit behind the cascade, a rare thing in most waterfall and the pool is just thigh deep. Perfect for children. The water is also good as a hydro massage.

Our gratitute to Tita Marissa, energetic and fun to be with tourism officer of Gonzaga, Cagayan for assisting us during our exploration of the municipality.

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Mabnang Falls in Claveria, Cagayan

Do you want to visit the waterfall? Elizer Simon, Claveria tourism officer asked us. But we were already in Claveria late in the afternoon and I wasn’t sure if we can still make it. Don’t worry, its just near. He reassured us.

Thus we headed our way to Barangay Mabnang, just a couple of kilometers from Claveria’s towncenter and which is near the border with Sta. Praxedes, both are northern municipalities of Cagayan province with the latter, the last town before Ilocos. These are closer to Laoag City than the capital, Tuguegarao City.

I was back again in this municipality after just four days from shooting the Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho travel feature. This time with Eric, my travel buddy. I was more interested to visit again Taggat Lagoon but Elizer’s invitation was just to hard too resist.

When we arrived at a little clearing midway up in the hill with beautiful anahaw palms, we started our hike.

Lower cascade of Mabnang Falls which is more angled

Mabnang Falls with Eric to provide scale.

I have a thing for waterfalls because of their many forms, volume and height as well as location. But what I don’t like is that reaching one, most of the time entails a steep descent like Tappiyah Falls in Batad, Fedilisan in Sagada, Merloquet in Situbo, Zamboanga City, to cite a few.

But when we reached the falls, I was surprised that it was really accessible. Just about a hundred meters from where we started walking with no steep ascent or descent. Just a gradual and easy slope to contend with.

But then, Mabnang Falls is small. It is just around 40 feet but it is said that there is a taller cascade above it but kind of inaccessible as the route was damaged during the logging years. A few meters from where the waterfall is another cascade, this time at an angle, almost the same length but lesser volume.

Pool before Mabnang Falls has an outstanding view of the mountains. It is found at the clearing almost a hundred meters from the actual cascade.

While the waterfall is beautiful, barangay plans are not. Already, they have cemented the sides and ground to make a pool directly where the water will fall. And this makes it disappointing. When we were there, they have already made progress.

Back to where we started hiking, the barangay is making a pool with water coming from Mabnang Falls. And god, the view is just so spectacular. Elevated and on top of a hill, it gives a good view of the farmland directly opposite the main highway with forested mountains and  the wide open blue sky above. I think, this will also be a good alternative or enjoy after swimming at the waterfall.

My great appreciation for Mr. Elizer Simon, Claveria tourism officer who assisted us when we were there.