Tourist Destination: Coco Beach, Puerto Galera

At last... I am already 28 years old and a guy from Batangas, it' my first time to visit Puerto Galera. I've been in different places here in Philippines. I've been in Baguio, La Union, Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo, Ozamis, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, Davao Oriental, Leyte, Bukidnon, Aklan, Boracay, Palawan and others but this is my first time in Mindoro although it's only 45 minutes from my place going to Mindoro. Anyway, in my first time I have a chance to experience having 2 days and 1 night vacation in beautiful place like Coco Beach. From Manila going South it will take you to Talaga Port, Mabini, Batangas (bus or van) about 2-3 hours and from Talaga Port it will take about 45 minutes going to Coco Beach (via passenger boat of Coco Beach). You will have a change to see the beauty of different islands and sea while travelling from Talaga Port to Coco Beach. If you're near the Coco Beach the boat will stop and another boat will pickup the passengers. Going to their Coco Beach Information, they will give you necklace that are made of sea shells and they will also give you fresh buko juice, at that time I feel I am a VIP (hehehe). They have so many beautiful places that you may hang-out. The Silent Pool with jacuzzi, big siwimming pool, place for workout, cable jeepney, banana boat, bar, snorkling and others. So, here are my pictures and enjoy...

Erap guilty of plunder, sentenced to life imprisonment

Updated 9:49 a.m.) The Sandiganbayan meted out a guilty verdict againstformer President Joseph Estrada on plunder charges and sentenced him tolife imprisonment or reclusion perpetua. The ousted leader was allowedcontinued stay in his Tanay resthouse "until further notice."Magistrates "sentenc[ed] the accused, former President Joseph EjercitoEstrada, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of plunder defined inand penalized by Republic Act 7080 as amended."As for his perjury charges, the former president was found not guilty. Theantigraft court also agreed to consider Estrada's six years in detention astime served for the offense.For their part, his son Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and the ousted leader'slawyer Edward Serapio were acquitted of plunder charges.Estrada was accused of violating Republic Act No. 7080 for allegedlyreceiving P545-million protection money from jueteng operators; divertingP130-million tobacco excise tax share of Ilocos Sur; receivingP189.7-million kickback from Belle Corp. for GSIS, SSS purchase ofP1.8-billion worth of shares of stocks and maintaining P3.23-billion "JoseVelarde" account with Equitable-PCIBank Binondo, Manila branchHe was also charged with perjury or violation of Article 183, Revised PenalCode for alleged false declaration of his 1999 Statement of Assets,Liabilities and Net Worth.The verdict only covered accused Estrada, Jinggoy and Serapio as otherco-accused were still at large have not been arraigned yet. The otheraccused were Yolanda Ricaforte, Jaime Dichaves, Alma Alfaro, Eleuterio Tanand Delia Rajas.According to court procedures, a trial cannot proceed unless an accused hasbeen arraigned.The cases of the other accused will be archived until the court acquiresjurisdiction over them through arrest or surrender.Meanwhile, another accused, Charlie "Atong" Ang was sentenced March thisyear to up to six years in prison on charges of corruption of a publicofficial after entering a plea bargaining agreementHe admitted delivering part of P130 million tobacco excise tax funds toEstrada's Greenhills residence and pocketing P25 million, which he wouldreturn to the government by offering his family's mansion at CorinthianGardens in Quezon City in lieu of cash.The plunder trial started on October 1, 2001, a little more than fivemonths after Estrada was arrested in April 25 that same year.At least 71 prosecution witnesses were presented throughout the Estradaplunder trial which include Juetenggate whistleblower and Ilocos Sur Gov.Luis "Chavit" Singson, who testified between July and September 2002; starwitness Clarissa Ocampo, who testified in November 2002 and bank officials.The government lawyers rested their case in April 2003.Estrada's lawyers started presenting their witnesses a year later. Amongtheir 76 witnesses called by the graft court from September 2004 to June2006 were bank officials, politicians, newspaper reporters, formerjustices, a prominent clergyman, and senator Jinggoy Estrada.Estrada himself took the witness stand 11 times from March to June 2006.Both the prosecution and the defense panels presented their closingarguments on June 15, 2007.Estrada has been detained for more than six years, while the plunder trialis ongoing. He has been allowed to visit his ailing 102-year-old mother,Doña Mary Ejercito, on some occasions. - GMANews.TVPlaintiff's Memorandum for Crim. Case No. 26558 (Plunder), People of thePhilippines vs. Joseph Ejercito Estrada, et.al.

Philippine Calendar of Events, Festivals and Activities - September 2007

1. KASIBU CITRUS FESTIVAL

Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya

Marks the plentiful citrus harvest of the acknowledged citrus capital of the Philippines – Kasibu, known for its sweet oranges like Perante, Satsuma, Navel and also pomelo and other fruits.
For more information pls contact:

Ms. Catalina Acpal

OIC – Provincial Tourism OfficerProvince of Nueva Vizcaya

Telefax : (6378) 805-3970

2. REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL ASSEMBLY (RTCA)

Region I

A two-day interaction of Provincial, municipal, barangay and regional tourism council officers discussing the issues and concerns, updates of tourism, presentation of plans and programs per council.
For more information pls contact:

DOT-Region I

Tel. # (6372) 888-2411/700-5780

3. HRAB’S TOURISM WEEKEND CULINARY EXPO

Baguio City (date to be announce)

Culinary skills demonstration and cook fest sponsored by the Baguio Country Club
For more information pls contact:

Mr. Anthony de Leon

Manager, BCC

Tel. No. (6374) 444-8129

4. CARACOL

La Huerta, Paranaque City

The fluvial parade is in honor of Brgy. La Huerta patron saint San Nicolas de Tolentino. The devotees use cascos or large wooden barges to carry and ferry the image of the saint. This simple but festive atmosphere started way back during the period 1912.
For more information please contact:

Ms. Josephine Orozca

City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office

Telefax # 829-06910

5. AMAZING PHILIPPINE BEAUTIES

Film Center,Pasay City

An annual event featuring the beautiful and intelligent transversties vying for the title as Ms. Amazing Philippine Beauty.
For more information please contact:

Ms. Aira Alano

Tourism Office, Pasay City

Tel. # (632)833-8470

6. WEDDING EXPO PHILIPPINES

PICC Forum, CCP Complex

WEDDING EXPO PHILIPPINES, the country''s biggest, longest running, and most respected wedding fair, celebrates its 11th edition at the PICC Forum, CCP Complex on 1-2 September 2007. This event, much awaited by both soon-to-weds and the entire local wedding industry, also aims to promote the country''s wedding tourism among local and foreign tourists.
WEDDING EXPO PHILIPPINES has firmly established itself as the wedding fair and launch venue of choice of the country''s premier wedding suppliers. In March 2007, more than Php29 Million in onsite down payments were booked with WedExpo Phil. exhibitors during the 2-day fair.
For more information you may contact

Themes & Motifs at telephone no: 371-9783/410-0032/0920-9083576

or visit their website at www.themesnmotifs.com

7. ANNUAL HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM WEEKEND

Baguio City

Culinary skills demonstration and cook fest sponsored by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) and the Baguio Country Club
For more information pls contact:

(HRAB) Baguio Country Club

Tel. No. (6374) 442-2635

8. HINUGYAW FESTIVAL/ COTABATO PROVINCE FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY

Amas, Kidapawan City

Annual foundation day celebration of the Province of Cotabato. Activities include civic parade, ethnic dances, sports activities and agri-cultural trade fair.
For more information pls contact:

Mr. Frederico F. Fino

Office of the Governor

Capitol Complex, Amas, Kidapawan City

Tel./Fax # (6364) 288-1799

9. WOW HIRINUGYAW FESTIVAL (TEMPORARY NAME OF FESTIVAL)

Cabatuan, Iloilo

Hirinugyaw, a street dancing festivity participated by various agencies and non-governmental organizations in the Municipality of Cabatuan. This activity serves as the opening salvo of the 10-day celebration of the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 1-10 of every year.
For more information please contact:

SB Nestor Amoroso or Engr. Rosalia Ferrariz

Tourism OfficerMunicipal Hall

Cabatuan, Iloilo

Tel. no. (6333) 5227861

10. HANDURAW FESTIVAL

Leon, Iloilo

The festivity commemorates the transfer of Pueblo del Camando to Sitio Capan, the present site of the municipality. The week-long event include food festival highlighted by the cultural presentation depicting the founding of the pueblo and the transfer to the present site. It is preceded by the evacuation of residents with torches from Pueblo del Camando.
For more information please contact:

Ma. Analiza Camago

Municipal Tourism Officer

Tel. no. (6333) 3310036

11. “PAGDIRIWANG” CITY CHARTER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

General Santos City

Charter Day Celebration of Gen. Santos City. Activities are agro-industrial trade fair, pasiklaban sa Plaza Kusina Gensan Food Festival, Search for Binibining Gen. Santos, Song Festival, Civic-Military Parade, Pasasalamat and re-enactment of Gov. Paulino Santos First Landing.
For more information pls contact:

DOT-Region XII

Tel. # (6364) 421-1110/7868

Mr. Warren Manilay

City Tourism Officer

Office of the Mayor

Tel. # (083) 552-5150

12. BAGUIO CHARTER DAY/ BAGUIO TOURISM MONTH

Baguio City

97th celebration with street parade, food feast, exhibits and other fun activities.
For more information pls contact:

Office of City Mayor City Hall ;

Tel. No. (6374)442-3939

13. HINIRUGYAW FESTIVAL

Cabatuan, Iloilo

Hirinugyaw, a street dancing festivity participated by various agencies and non-governmental organizations in the Municipality of Cabatuan. This activity serves as the opening salvo of the 10-day celebration of the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 1-10 of every year.
For more information please contact:

SB Nestor Amoroso or Engr. Rosalia Ferrariz

(Tourism Officer) Municipal Hall, Cabatuan, Iloilo

Tel. No. (6333) 5227861

14. VICTORY DAY

Kiangan, Ifugao

Annual peace commemoration of the end of the WW II.
For more information please contact:

CORDILLERA ADMIN. REGION

MS. PURIFICATION S. MOLINTAS,

Regional Director

DOT Complex, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City 2600

Tel.:(6374) 442 6708 / 442 7014Fax: (6374) 442 8848

dotcar@mozcom.com

15. TILAW SA PAGKAONG NAN SURIGAONON FOOD FESTIVAL

Surigao City,Surigao del Norte

A sumptuous, delicious celebration of the native Surigaonon palate.

16. TUNA FESTIVAL SA GENSAN

General Santos City

The festival is about revelry and gaiety giving back the glory to the ocean for the abundance and bounty of tuna. It is also the highlight of General Santos City 38th Charter Anniversary Celebration.
For more information please contact:

DOT Region XII SOHURA T. DIMAAMPAO,

Regional Director

2nd Flr., COMSE Bldg., Quezon Ave., 9600 Cotabato City

Tel. No (6364)4211110

Fax No (6364)4217868

E-mail: dot12@mozcom.com

17. SARAKIKI-HADANG FESTIVAL

Calbayog City, Western Samar

HADANG…a ritual dance. Sarakiki as a ritual dance per se is a dance-offering of the Warays to their deity or deities which traces its roots to pre-colonial religious beliefs. Calbayognons held that spirits occupied a position of command over the power of nature which may inflict harm or do good in society. Rituals to please these spirits were held during feasts and other occasions like planting and harvest season, drought and in times of dreadful epidemics. The ceremony could last a couple of days. It involved the entire villagers who offered (manok) sacrifices to venerate the spirits. Traditionally, our forefathers make use of patani ug ugis nga manok (black feather and white feather chicken) as the offering in veneration of the spirits.
SARAKIKI-HADANG in a nutshell, had two elements: one, the way the ceremonies were prescribed; two, the offering to the supernatural. In the former, ceremonies were done in all sort of gesticulations and body movements – that of the chickens - uproar and shouting in rhythmic beating of talutangs and pealing of bells. The other element was the use of patani ug ugis nga manok as the sacrifice. A manok serves as an offering and indubitably as a part of the ritual.
In the context of cultural development, the term Sarakiki is adapted to describe the significance of the movements used in the famous dance “kuratsa”, a courtship dance eminent to all Calbayognons. Today “kuratsa” is the most popular dance form consummated in all celebrations most especially during wedding jovialities. Sarakiki is likewise place forth in songs particularly the SADA-SADA an event of merriment in the evening before a wedding ceremony, which redound to one of our most well-liked tradition, the so-called pamalaye or pamamanhikan. Another confirmation is the thumbs-up form of the Calbayognons while dancing which represents the tahud.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Erlinda Calesa

Tel: (6355) 209-1776209-4041

18. SINAB’BADAN TRIBAL FESTIVAL

Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

A festival of oneness among the different tribes of the municipality showcasing indigenous art, music and dances.
For more information please contact:

Municipal Office Tel. No. (6382) 4411463

Telefax: (6382) 4411471
DOT-Region XI

Tel. # (6382) 221-0070/225-1940
PAIC Officec/o Ms. Camila Semilla-Infiesto

Tel. # (6382)515-3077

19. KINAIYAHAN

Dauin, Oriental Negros

Celebrating the bounties of nature and underscoring Dauin’s campaign to conserve its natural resources and attractions. Street dancing and field presentations by all the clustered barangays of the municipality
For more information please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Dauin

Mobile # 0917-882-2068

20. MEGAYON FESTIVAL (THANKSGIVING)

Zamboanga del Sur

Megayon is a festival of unity and solidarity. It showcases the living tradition and diverse culture of the province. Also Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur (54th)
For more information pls contact:

DOT-Region 9

Tel. # (6362) 993-0030/991-0218

21. BUSIG-ON FESTIVAL

Labo, Cam. Norte

A festival based on the epic of Busig-On of Labo town which exemplifies heroism and Bicolano values. The festival features the town’s distinct historical values and sentiments through talent and skills competition featuring the town’s places of interest.
For more information please contact:

Mr. Abel Icatlo

Provincial Capitol

Daet, Cam. Norte

Tel. No. (6356) 721-4341/440-2013

22. SIPONG FESTIVAL

Bais City, Negros Oriental

Bais City is the sugar capital of the province. It is blessed with a very productive bay. Even before colonization, it has been a tradition for Baisanons to converge in a common place to trade called the “tabo”, the rewards of hard toil include fellowship, feasting, singing and dancing, even cockfighting. The Sipong
For more information please contact:

Mr. Antonio Serrano, Jr.

City Tourism Office

Tel. # (6335) 541-5161

24. PADUL-ONG

Borongan, E. Samar

Pageant relating how the Lady of Nativity became the patroness of Borongan.
For more information please contact:

Atty. Norman Bocar

Tel. No. (6355) 3301139/ (6355) 261.21.55

25. PANAGDADAPUN FESTIVAL (ARAW NG QUIRINO)

Cabarroguis, Quirino

The 28th Anniversary of the establishment of the civil government of Quirino.
For more information please contact:

Office of the Governor

Tel. No. (6378)6925088

Ms. Aurea Martinez

Tel. No. (63916) 3902309

26. LINGGO NG BULAKAN

Malolos, Bulacan

A weeklong celebration featuring the history of Bulacan, tourism and trade exhibits of Bulacan tourist attractions and products, craft demonstrations, street dancing, parade of floats, cultural events, on-the-spot painting contest, Tuklas-Talino, Dangal ng Lipi awarding to be given to Bulakenos that contribute their profession in various fields, among others.
Contact Person:

Rosette Ramos

Tel. No. (63 44) 662-7635/791-7335

Special thanks to WOW Philippines: http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/