Sunday, January 25, 2009

Stay at Villa Carolina, Bolinao, Pangasinan

During our stay in Pangasinan, specifically in Bolinao, we stayed in Villa Carolina. This is a mid class resort in Brgy Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan. There are other resorts but the stay is not so practical. All in all, we are a group of 12 including 3 kids. Basically, our stay is good since we got to enjoy the beach and the tour without costing us that much. We reserved the Bungalow, which can accomodate for up to 16 pax. This is comprising of 2 bedrooms with 3 double bed for each room. We have a dinning area, receiving area and 1 toilet. Each rooms are airconditioned with one TV in the receiving area. What's good about this resort, they are not charging you an extra cost if you bring your own food unlike other resorts nearby. Mam Carol, the owner, is very accommodating. The room costs 6000 per night inclusive of breakfast. We have stayed there for 3 days, 2 nights.Mam Carol gave us 500 discount on the total amount. They are also offering other rooms.

Please see the table below:

Small Kubo (aircon) 2-4 persons Php 3,000-3,500 / night
Duplex (aircon) 8-10 persons Php 5,000-6,000 / night
Bungalo (aircon) 8-16 persons Php 6,000-10,000 / night
Big Kubo (fan) 4-8 persons Php 3,000-3,500 / night
Kabana 4-8 persons Php 3,000-4,500 / night
Cottage max of 10 persons Php 500 / day
Amenities:
1. Billiard
2. Table tennis
3. Videoke
4. Jaccuzzi
5. Pool
Villa Carolina Pictures:
The Beach
Cow at the beach
Villa Carolina Pool
View at the beach near Puerto del Sol

With my family at Villa Carolina pool

For more details, you can visit their website at http://www.villacarolinapangasinan.com/

Monday, January 12, 2009

Philippine Calendar of Events - February 2009

SALAKAYAN FESTIVAL
February 1- February 6 | Miag-ao, Iloilo
The festival is a week-long cultural presentation of Miag-ao shown through various activities like food fair, agro-industrial, and trade fair, photo exhibit literary and musical program, beauty pageant, street and ballroom dancing, sports events and many others.

PABIRIK FESTIVAL
February 1- February 2 | Paracale, Camarines Norte
Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the gold mining industry in the province.

BICOL ARTS FESTIVAL
February 1- February 28 | Legazpi City
A week-long festival showcasing the region’s arts and culture, crafts and agro-industrial products coming from the six (6) provinces and three (3) cities of Bicol. It coincides with the celebration of the National Arts Month every February.

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS
February 1- February 14 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Wedding/Renewal of Vows and coronation of SK''s search for Miss Valentines.

NATIONAL ARTS MONTH
February 1- February 28 | Nationwide
A tribute to the talent and creativity of the Filipino artists,
highlights world-renowned Filipino masters, as well as the new generations influencing the local arts scene.

LAVANDERO FESTIVAL
February 1- February 6 | Mandaluyong
As part of the week-long Mandaluyong Day celebration, the
unique festival focused on the city’s ancient tradition of washing clothes in the once clean and clear waters of the Pasig River. Amusingly, focal point of the festival is the men participants washing clothes instead of women.

FESTIVALS OF HEART
February 1- February 28 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Wedding/Renewal of vows and coronation of SK’s Search for Miss Valentines.

SUROY SA SURIGAO
February 1- February 28 | Surigao City
An activity initiated by the City Tourism Office that provides opportunities for participating groups to explore Surigao’s best thru island-hopping adventure, cave exploration and canoeing to the lush mangrove areas and other interesting sites.


FEAST OF OURLADY OF CANDLES
February 2 | Jaro, Iloilo City
The biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with the blessing of candles and a procession of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria and the Fiesta Queen and her court.

PAMULINAWEN_
February 2 10 | Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
The word means "Ilocano Maiden"; a festival showing Ilocano Customs and Virtues.

THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN FESTIVAL
February 3- February 11 | Las Piñas
A ten-day series of cultural events, with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ made by Fray Diego de la Cera found only in Las Piñas.

GULING-GULING FESTIVAL (STREET DANCING)_
February 5 | Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Exciting and calendrical rites in Paoay where townsfolk and
their guests participate in singing and dancing in the street, dressed in their native costume, the antique and attractive “Abel paoay Kimona” with matching tapis or pandiling, adorned with century old jewelries

KALI-KALIHAN HARVEST FESTIVAL
February 6 | Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental
A harvest festival with a street dance showing their cultural heritage the art of "kali" otherwise known as "arnis" or "escrima", the traditional martial arts of the Filipino people since the 7th century.

FIESTA TSINOY
February 6 | Legaspi City
Chinese New Year Celebration featuring activities like Dragon / Lion Dance, Chinese Cultural Program and others.

TINAPAY FESTIVAL
February 7- February 13 | Cuenca, Batangas
An annual activity conceived by the town as thanksgiving to their patron saint, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for a bountiful life.

PHILIPPINE INTL. HOT-AIR BALLOON FIESTA
February 9 12 | Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Field, Pampanga
YES! Some 30 flying superstars known as hot-air balloons are making their grand performance to treat thousands of people to a three-day air-sporting extravaganza filled only with fun, excitement and friendly competition.

FISTAHAN
February 9- February 15 | Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled tuna specialties such as "panga and buntot".

CHINESE NEW YEAR
February 9 | Region-wide
The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance.

BULANG-BULANG FESTIVAL
February 9 | San Enrique, Negros Occidental
A cultural identity moving high spirited, resilient, an interlude with the life of a cock or rooster, in unity with the nature, an icon of the sportive game of chance and arguably not as a gambling promotion, but basically Filipino Tinobaganon.

DAVAO CHINESE NEW YEAR
February 9- February 17 | Davao City
A festive New Year Celebration of the Filipino Chinese Residents

CHINESE NEW YEAR
February 9 | Nationwide
The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance. This parade is performed at the prominent malls and department stores, and the giving of moon cakes.

PABALHAS SA TABLAS
February 11 | Candoni, Negros Occidental
The concept of “Pabalhas sa Tablas” originated from the actual history of Candoni, where a group of settlers (composed of Isabeleños, Hinigaranon, Ilonggo, etc.) decided to look for a land in which they can call their own.

SPRING FESTIVAL (CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR)
February 11 | BAguio City
The Chinese community in Baguio usher in 2005 as the Year of the Wooden Rooster with fireworks and funfare including a parade along the city''s major thoroughfares

TINAGBA FESTIVAL (BOUNTIFUL HARVEST)
February 11 | Iriga City, Camarines Sur
A tradition of the first harvest offering coinciding on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Derived from the early rituals of the ancient Bicolanos offering their harvest to their own gods as a form of thanksgiving and to seek favor for a more bountiful harvest throughout the year. A long parade of colorfully and grandiosely decorated bull and carabao carts, carrying newly harvested crops, ending with a mass before the Emerald Grotto at Calvary Hills. Here all the offerings are blessed, then distributed to indigent families.

TIBURIN HORSE RACE
February 12 | Libertad, Pasay City, Metro Manila
One of the highlights of the Sta. Clara Feast Day, about 100 horses have been trained to participate in this exciting and thrilling horse race.

PAMAYPAY NG CALOOCAN FESTIVAL
February 12 | Caloocan City
One of the highlights of the city''s Foundation Day, showcasing the use of teh "Pamaypay"/fan as traditional tool to the surging heat as exhibited in techno-modern folk street dancing competition.

“SAMBALILO” HAT FESTIVAL
February 13 | Paranaque City, Metro Manila


FEAST DAY OF STA. CLARA
February 13 | Pasay City
Different activities are lined up in celebration of Sta. Clara’s Feast Day. Some of the highlights include the Serenata and The Tiburin Race. Serenata is a series of rondalla and brass band concerts and a revival of open-air musical performances held at the Sta. Clara patio, while the Tiburin Race is an exciting and thrilling horse-racing at Cementina and Libertad streets. About 100 horses have been trained solely for this event.

LOCAL MEDIA FAMILIARIZATION TOUR
February 13- February 19 | Cagayan de Oro
A one day excursion to media design to update on the new adventure of Cagayan de oro.

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS
February 14 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental
In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Weddings/Renewal of Vows and coronation of Search for Miss Valentines

SERENATA
February 14 | Pasay City
A series of rondalla and brass band concerts. A revival of open-air concerts held at the patio of Sta. Clara Church.

2ND ANNUAL “HARANA: KARANTAHAN NIN PAGRANGA” (A MUSIC FESTIVAL)
February 14 | San Jose, Camarines Sur
The festival feature local talents and young artists in its effortsa to promote cultural awareness, tourism development and youth empowerment in the District of partido. Highlighted by the Bicol Love Song Choral Competition. Other activities are lined up to drumbeat the affair.

BLOOMING HEARTS DAY
February 14 | Baguio City
Mass Wedding with longest kissing scene to be held in Baguio City in celebration of Valentine''s Day

AURORA DAY AND SUMAN FESTIVAL
February 14- February 19 | Baler, Aurora
Celebration of the foundation of the province of Aurora which celebrated on the very day of birth of the Late Lady Aurora Quezon that coincide with the grandest festival, the Suman Festival.

APAYAO PROVINCE 6TH FOUNDATION
February 14 | Apayao
A provincial celebration marking the creation of Apayao as a separate province with cultural activities and the trade fairs.

KALINGA PROVINCE 6TH FOUNDATION
February 14 | Kalinga
A provincial celebration marking the creation of Kalinga as a separate province with cultural activities and trade fairs featuring the Ulalim.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY ALUMNI HOMECOMING
February 18- February 19 | PMa, Baguio City
Annual gathering of military officers and their families in Baguio who graduated from PMA, the premier military school which trains the elite corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

KAP’YAAN FESTIVAL
February 18- February 20 | Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur
Founding Anniversary of the creation of the municipality; agri-trade fair and civic military parade

BICOL REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCILS ASSEMBLY
February 18- February 19 | Naga City
A gathering of all tourism stakeholders to agree on a cooperative program and synchronized efforts that would trigger the response towards a unified and sustainable regional tourism development.

PASAYAW FESTIVAL_
February 19 | Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
A combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God

BABAYLAN FESTIVAL (RITUALS)
February 19 | Bago City, Negros Occidental
A festival newly conceptualized by the City of Bago and celebrated during the Charter Anniversary every 19th of February. Babaylan Festival is based on the rituals performed by the Babaylans, like rituals on marriage, baptism, healing, harvest and others. Babaylans get their healing powers from the unseen spirits.


ILOILO PARAW REGATTA
February 19- February 20 | Iloilo City
An exciting race among outriggers in the strait between Guimaras and Iloilo City.


MUTYA NG CARAGA
February 20 | Urios College Gym, Butuan City
This beauty search is one of the highlights of the annual celebration of the founding of the Caraga Region.


MUTYA NG CARAGA
February 20 | Urios College gym, Butuan City
This is one of the highlights of the founding of the CARAGA region

BALSAHAN FESTIVAL
February 20 | Sibunag, Guimaras
Balsahan is Sibunag’s way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag river which snakes its way through most of the town’s barangays. A major geographical feature of the town, the river holds many interesting myths and legends that are sure to tickle one’s imagination, and whet one’s appetite to unravel its secrets. Use the balsa in your trek for some satisfying discoveries – you will be pleasantly rewarded.

ASINAN FESTIVAL
February 20 | San Lorenzo, Guimaras
Marvel at how the ordinary salt has gravitated the people of San Lorenzo into an annual gathering with all the delicious trimmings of specialty products. Not everything in the Asinan festival is salty though, as there are the spicy seafoods, the juicy citrus, the crispy nuts. With the proper blend of the unique hospitality and the natural smiles of the people and one will hunger for more of the Asinan spectacle.

CEBU X INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS EXHIBITION
February 21- February 27 | Cebu City, Cebu
With Cebu X promoting Cebu as the Design Destination in Asia, an exhibition is scheduled by the end of February showcasing Asia’s best furniture designs expertly executed by master craftsmen.

KALILANGAN FESTIVAL_
February 21 27 | General Santos City
Celebrates the "friendly co-existence with all the people of General Santos City". Activities include agro-industrial trade fair, cultural presentation, culinary arts contest, Pagana, Kulintangan, ethnic musical instrument competition and Kidig-Kidig sa Dalan.

TRAVEL TOUR EXPO_
February 22 24 | SM Megamall
Annual exhibition of travel and tourism destinations, products and services.


CARAGA ANNIVERSARY
February 23- February 25 | CARAGA
A grand celebration of the creation of CARAGA Region

60TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD WAR II
February 23- September 3 | WW II Sites
60th Anniversary of WW II "A Salute to Valor"

CARAGA ANNIVERSARY
February 23- February 25 | Caraga Region/Regionwide
A grand celebration on the creation of the CARAGA Region.

SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL
February 23 | Zamboanga Sibugay
Highlighted by colorful ethnic street dancing with rituals depicting good harvest, wedding and healing rituals.

ARAW NG ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY
February 24 | Zamboanga Sibugay
A civic-military parade kicks off the celebration. Agri-trade fair, sports competition, cultural presentation and selection of Bb. Zamboanga Sibugay are also held.

CEBU CITY CHARTER DAY_
February 24 | Cebu City
In celebration of Cebu City''s Charter Day, related activities like civic parade, cultural presentations attended by Cebu Officials and guests at the Cebu city hall.

3RD MINDANAO DIVE CONGRESS/FIESTA
February 24- February 25 | Davao City Samal
A gathering of diving enthusiasts, promotion of dive areas, exhibits, fun dives, aqua sports competition, scubasura; discovery dive; scuba lessons; concert for a cause; dive safari

ADIVAY
February 25 | La Trinidad, Bengued
The maiden launching of an annual Agri Tourism Trade Fair featuring the various products of the BLIST area which will complement the activity highlights of Panagbenga . Adivay which means "fun" will be held in La Trinidad Benguet.

PANAGBENGA - BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVAL
February 26- February 27 | Baguio City
Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, it will be the 10th holding of this annual event which will showcase the City of Baguio as a City of Flowers. The Floral Street Parade will be held on February 26 and the Floral Float Parade on February 27.

DIA DELA CIUDAD DE ZAMBOANGA
February 26 | Zamboanga City
A celebration to honor the historical event when Zamboanga was converted into chartered city. Activities include street dancing, cultural dance festival and a regatta.

HIL-O - HIL-O FESTIVAL
February 26- February 28 | Maayon, Capiz
A cultural and fiesta celebration.

ITIK-ITIK FESTIVAL
February 27 | Pasig City, Metro Manila
The Itik-Itik Festival is held every last Sunday of February in
Brgy. Kalawaan. Men, women and children take part in the activities and merrymaking. The significant event is not only limited to colorful activities, sumptuous food, revelry and fun, but also draws people closer to God and to one another. It is a rich showcase of Filipino culture and tradition usually celebrated on the Feasts of the barangay’s beloved patroness, St. Martha.

MANIAMBUS FESTIVAL
February 27 | Negros Occidental
"Maniambus" is a Visayan term meaning to strike with a club because its coastal waters were them beaming with fish that catching could be done simply by clubbing.

SAMBAYAN FESTIVAL
February 28- March 31 | Tobias Fornier, Antique
A celebration of rites called samba/paned. This describe two kinds of rituals, one held on the hills (or mountains) and other held along the seacoast perform to ask for rain, to thank the ancestral spirit for good harvest.

Plan your visit to Philippines this coming February and enjoy your stay here... Special thanks to Department of Tourism, Philippines...

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Island Tour at Hundred Island, Alaminos, Pangasinan

Some of the most beautiful tourist spots can be seen in Pangasinan, Philippines. One of these is the Hundred Islands. According to a native of Pangasinan, the actual count of the islands is not really 100, but 123. You can see here different islands that are separated by just few meters. This is considered as one of God’s precious gift and one of the income generating for the province of Pangasinan, specifically in the municipality of Alaminos. Aside from that, lots of the native of Pangasinan get their income here. Some owns boat that brings tourists to difference islands. If you need some souvenirs for friends, name a few, and you can find it here, from shirts to house décor and key chains. You can have your souvenirs personalized like putting your name on it.

Some of the big islands are Quezon Island, Childrens island, etc. One spot that we visited is the Imelda’s cave. It’s just a small cave but really wonderful and beautiful. You can also get to see the Pinoy Big Brother House in one of the islands. We have spent our lunch in Quezon Island. After lunch, we do snorkeling to see some precious clams and sea creatures.

More of our trips in Pangasinan including expenses and some of the great things to do in Pangasinan. Enjoy...

Souvenir

PBB House at Hundred Island


Snorkeling


View at Quezon Island


Quezon Island near snorkeling area


Imelda's Cave


Hundred Island






At Cuenco Island



Island Tour


View at Alaminos

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Holiday Getaway in Pangasinan!!!

Holiday Getaway in Bolinao, Pangasinan
It was almost 12 hours of drive from Batangas to Bolinao, Pangasinan taking STAR Tollway, SLEX, EDSA, NLEX and SCTEX (exit at Subic). Exit from Subic was advised to us to be a shorter way to get to Pangasinan but, unfortunately, it took us longer. It would be faster to take the exit at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. It will only consume at most 9 hours. But then, seems like we took this route to get to see other places while on our way there. On our way home back to Batangas, we took the Hacienda Luisita exit. Well, this trip is a way to chill and relax from our busy schedule from work. From a hard days of work, I think it’s really this time of the year that we need to unwind and have a hassle free mind. I don’t want to end this vacation though, especially if you’re in the beach, seeing and feeling the relaxing effect of sunset and sunrise. This vacation is also set in time for me and my wife’s 1st year anniversary. We shared this vacation with some relatives and loved ones. And of course, my 3-month old baby is also with us, travelling the same distance as we do. When he grows up, I will show him pictures of our trip to Pangasinan, sharing to him how wonderful it is spending the holidays with him for the 1st time.

Sharing some pictures of our vacation in Bolinao and staying at Villa Carolina.
Lighthouse...


Villa Carolina Pool...
Villa Carolina Rooms...


Bolinao Sunset...


Bolinao Beach...

Enchanted Cave... One of Dyesebel location...



At Villa Carolina...







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