Philippine Tourist Guide

Caliraya Teambuilding

2010-02-05T20:28:00.009+08:00

Lake Caliraya was created in 1937 by US Army Engineer Major General Hugh J. Casey by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre to generate hydroelectric power for Manila. It was sabotaged by retreating Americans to prevent use by invading Japanese who rebuilt it, then themselves sabotaged it as their own defeat approached. The Americans seeded the lake with largemouth bass, and through the years, the lake has remained the most popular bass fishing spot in the country. It was 'discovered' in the early 70's by Manila tourists who then popularized the lake to Manila's elite and expatriate community. Property values increased even more so when the main road to the lake was paved and the hydroelectric plant refurbished. Caliraya later became a high-end neighborhood of vacation homes for the rich and famous. An example is the De Padua vacation home, built in 1974. That was until the 1980s, when Lake Caliraya's surroundings were occupied by the New People's Army, which affected tourism and development. Nevertheless, since 1985, there has been major real estate development, with the construction of several world class resorts, golf courses and country clubs. Caliraya continues to be a haven for the rich and the elite, with activities including large mouth bass fishing, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, boating, golf, camping, and other sporting and outdoor activities. Property values remain high, and a new generation of developments, both private and commercial, is on the rise.

Source: Wikipedia

Caliraya Information:

Address:

Brgy. Lewin, Lumban, Laguna, Philippines

Telephone Number:

+6326377027

+6326380515

OFF TOPIC: Poweraide Team Pilipinas (Philippines) win over Japan

2009-08-07T22:30:00.002+08:00

Tianjin, China

FIBA Asia Championship

Game Result

Philippines 78
Japan 69

Congratulations to Philippines!!!

OFF TOPIC: Poweraide Team Pilipinas (Philippines) win over Sri Lanka

2009-08-06T10:33:00.002+08:00

Tianjin, China

FIBA World Championship

Philippines 115
Sri Lanka 31

Congratulations... Keep it up...

Let's make it to Turkey!!!

OFF TOPIC: Tribute to President Corazon "Cory" Aquino - 1933 - 2009

2009-08-05T00:58:00.001+08:00

Salamat President Cory sa katapangan, katatagan at tyaga na inalay mo sa sambayanang Pilipino para sa demokrasyang tinatamasa ng mga Pilipino hanggang ngayon.

Nawa'y magsilbing gabay ang iyong sinumulan para sa mga namumuno at mamumuno sa bansang Pilipinas.

Nawa'y ang iyong katapatan at may takot sa Diyos na pasisilbi sa bayan ay maging halimbawa para sa mga pinuno at kawani ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas.

Nawa'y maging gabay ng bawat Pilipino ang pinaglaban mo at ng sambayanang Pilipino noong taong 1986 para sa demokrasya ng bansa.

Nawa'y ang pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino sa People Power noong 1986 ay maipagpatuloy ng kasalukuyang henerasyon.

Nawa'y sumulong sa kaunlaran ang bansang Pilipinas para masuklian natin ang paghihirap na ginawa ni President Cory.

Nawa'y natuto na ang mga Pilipino sa naging aral ng People Power noong 1986.

Nawa'y mahalin nating mga Pilipino ang bansang Pilipinas tulad ng pagmamahal ni President Cory.

Nawa'y tunay na paglilingkod ang ibigay ng pinuno at kawani ng gobyerno sa mga Pilipino.

Mga Pilipino gumising muli tayo sa ating pagkakaidlip, buhayin muli natin ang diwa ng People Power na pinangunahan ni Presidente Cory. Ngayon na wala na si Ninoy, Cory at Cardinal Sin handa pa ba tayong mga Pilipino na ituloy ang laban nila para umunlad ang Pilipinas para sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Magkaisa tayo, mahalin natin ang kapwa natin Pilipino, mahalin natin ang Pilipinas.

Salamat Sen. Ninoy, Salamat Pres. Cory, Salamat Cardinal Sin. Ako mismo mamahalin ko ang Pilipinas katulad ng pagmamahal nyo.

May God bless Philippines...

Visita Iglesia - Holy Week Tradition

2009-04-26T11:10:00.017+08:00

It's been one month already since my last post. I'm busy for so many things which I need to give importance. We need to prepare the documents needed for our move-in with our new house. I already conducted a learning session for Project Management here in our company and I hope the participants learn something with what I have delivered.

Anyways, I just want to share some pictures taken from our Visita Iglesia which we are doing every Holy Week. We visited 14 churches all over Batangas, here's the complete list or church and picture. Enjoy...

1. San Pascual Church

2. Bauan Church

3. Aplaya, Bauan Church

4. Sta. Teresita Church

5. Taal Church

6. Cuenca Church

7. San Jose Church

8. Lipa Church

9. Mt. Carmel, Lipa Church

10. Ibaan Church

11. Euphrasia Church

12. Santissima Trinidad, Batangas City Church

13. Batangas City Church

14. St. Rita, Batangas City Church - Last Church

Off Topic: Chip Tsao article

2009-03-31T12:45:00.006+08:00

This is an off-topic. I wanted to tackle a very crucial issue that I recently heard and read over the Internet. This is humiliating as it entails the Filipino community, in general. This is in regard to Mr,. Chip Tsao's articles in HK magazine (https://hk-magazine.com). If you dont have any idea of his article, take a good read at this article,

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The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke. But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout “China, Madam/Sir” loudly whenever they hear the word “Spratly.” They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, “Long live Chairman Mao!” at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that’s going a bit too far, at least for the time being.

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wherein he described the Philippines as the "nation of servants". In this article, he depicted that Philippines is not worthy of claiming the Spratlys from China, which employs hundreds of thousands of Filipino domestic helpers on very low wages. On the same article, he even threatened to terminate the employment of his Filipino domestic helper, to avoid committing an act of treason. This article seems to be very degrading to us, Filipinos. But if there is one thing that I wanted to point out in this article is what Filipinos have that other nationalities do not have. Yes, Filipinos are type cast as "servants of the world", we do not deny that fact. But why do other nations preferred Filipinos to be their house keeper? Simple, we are trustworthy, knows how to communicate well in English, clean and proper, respectful, industrious and many others. We should not be ashamed of this because being a housekeeper is a decent job. They are a part of every household, entrusting your home's safety, your childrens' welfare while you are at work, daily meals, and others. Just a piece of advise and message to this columnist, next time, be carefule with your words. You might be kidding a bit or having good times, but those boastful words hurt other people. Be anxious as well, as your article might reflect your character and up bringing. Your article is considered to be very mortifying for us Filipinos. So do not blame us if majority of the Filipinos, who have read and heard of your writings felt annoyed and furious. Consider us unprivileged and debase, but we can proudly say we have principles and character. Mr. Tsao, learn to respect other people, whatever their stature was. If you do have comments on our governments action towards the Spratlys Island, do not drag domestic helpers on this issue. They are just doing their fair share in life to bring descent food and future for their families. Stick to your concern and disregard irrelevant issues. You might not want us, Filipinos, to bring into writings all the issues and bad image your country has that brought threat not only to other people's health, but the economy as well. I have high respects for columnists, because they give us informative facts on what's happening around us. I know this columnist has a good education, but next time, use your education to right meaningful and helpful articles. We can always get commendable works without condemning unrelated issues.

Philippines topped the Earth Hour

2009-03-30T17:07:00.003+08:00

This is good news for my fellow Filipino's!!!

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Phillipines registers record participation

The Philippines topped the Earth Hour global register for cities, towns and districts taking part in Asia, with more than 650 communities taking part.The event started with the darkening of the Rizal Shrine, a major Manila landmark honouring Filipino national hero Dr. José Rizal. The massive Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the world’s fourth largest mall, also went dark in a ceremony that drew several hundred people.The ceremony was broadcast live to homes around the country by Studio 23, one of the largest television networks in the Philippines.The Philippines is one of the half dozen countries that share the Coral Triangle – a world centre of marine biodiversity - home to six of the seven marine turtle species, more than 3,000 species of fish, the heaviest bony fish of the deep (the 1,000 kg mola) and the coelacanth, a species thought until recently to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs some 65 million years ago.But more than 18 per cent of the region's coral reefs were damaged or destroyed in a bleaching event linked to rising sea temperatures in 1998-99, underlining the immense risks climate change poses to the environment, food security and the economies of coastal and island countries and communities.

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Source: http://www.earthhour.org/

Caramoan Island, Camarines Sur

2009-03-24T14:50:00.007+08:00

History and geography

The name Caramoan has been officially adapted since 1619, the year it was founded by a zealous missionary, the venerable Spanish friar Francisco de la Cruz Y Oropesa. This 60-year old priest penetrated the thick virgin forest of the Caramoan Peninsula and found a small settlement in a place called Baluarte. Later on, this settlement was turned over to the administration of the Holy Bishopric in 1696.

The small town of Caramoan was then located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the North and East and Lagonoy Gulf on the South. It was determined that the first name given to this place was Guta de Leche by the Dutch traders who operated a gold mine in Lahuy Island and frequented the area to trade with the natives, prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. The name was perhaps derived from the milkdrop stalagmites found among the rocks of Guta Port. But upon the arrival of the Spaniards, the place came to be called "Carahan" for the sea turtle, which was at that time to be found in great number along the shores of the Peninsula.

Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of the Province of Camarines Sur and is situated at the heart of the Caramoan Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Luzon. It occupies the lower eastern portion of the Province of Camarines Sur. It is bounded on the north by the town of Garchitorena and the Pacific Ocean; on the northeast by the island province of Catanduanes; on the south by Lagonoy Gulf; on the east by the Maqueda Channel and on the west by the municipality of Presentacion.

The municipality is situated between east longitude 124o59" and 13o46" north latitude. It covers approximately 27,741 square kilometers with approximately 71 kilometers of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 501 kilometers away from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Pili Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers away from Naga City, the heart of Bicol.

Tourism

The Caramoan Peninsula has gained tourism popularity in recent years. After the place has been featured in the news and local television programs, local and foreign travelers started to explore the beaches of the peninsula. Caramoan is one of the National Parks of the Philippines.

Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Survivor France

The 8th season of “Koh-Lanta” (French edition of “Survivor),” was shot entirely in Caramoan. TV director Corinne Vaillant, stated that "the powdery sand, the coconuts on Gota beach and the neighboring islets are a 'dream' for the French people. We chose Caramoan because it’s really wild. It’s necessary that contestants don’t see anything other than nature for them to believe that they’re really lost in the wilds.

Pictures from my friend Joi, who visited Caramoan Island...

WOW Philippines...

Philippine Events: April 2009

2009-03-24T14:40:00.001+08:00

BUTANDING FESTIVAL
April Donsol, Sorsogon
A festival which users the “Butanding” (whaleshark) season and a thanksgiving for its blessings to the people of Donsol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade.

SUROY TA
April 1- May 31 Davao City
Initiated by the City Tourism Office, this activity offers affordable tours around Davao City.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM ANNIVERSARY FIREWORKS COMPETITION
April 1- May 31 Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna
The competition is an annual tradition that features the best fireworks suppliers in a contest to out-do each other in presenting supreme-quality pyrotechnics. EK is celebrating 10 years of providing magic and enchantment to the public. As a treat to their patrons, guests to the park will witness at least 4 fireworks presentations for all weekend of April and May.

FIESTA PASIKLAB
April 1- May 31 Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
It is a multi-lateral Trade Exposition highlighting 12 renowned provincial festivals: Ati-Atihan of Aklan, Higantes of Angono, Iloilo''s Dinagyang Festival, Lucban''s Pahiyas, Davao''s Kadayawan, Ilocos Sur''s Viva Vigan, Bacolod''s Masskara, Zamboanga''s Hermosa, Naga''s Peñafrancia, Batangas'' Parada ng Lechon, Tacloban''s Pintados, and Cebu''s Sinulog.

HUMAN CANVAS BODY PAINTING COMPETITION
April 01 SM Megamall, Building B, Open Parking Space C, Mandaluyong City
It is a competition that aims to open the minds of Filipinos to a whole new perpective on body art through body art works sporting the theme: FESTIVALS OF THE ISLANDS promoting the many beautiful and exciting places our country has to offer. It hopes to make Filipinos realize that this kind of art is not pornography but a new and exciting art form.

BANANA FESTIVAL
April 1- April 5 La Castellana, Negros Occidental
A harvest festival that opens on the first day of April, showcasing the different varieties of banana which is abundant in the municipality.

KESONG PUTI FESTIVAL
April 1- April 9 Sta Cruz, Laguna
Different activities lined up in this celebration that include trade fair, food festival, cultural shows, street dancing, painting contest, beauty pageant and with highlight on the kesongputi, made from carabao milk, fermented and wrapped in banana leaves.

LILIW GAT TAYAW FOOTWEAR FESTIVAL
April 3- April 7 Liliw, Laguna
A colorful event highlighted by a parade of floats featuring the agricultural and industrial products of Liliw.

ALLAW TA APO SANDAWA (TRIBES HONOR MT. APO)_
April 7 Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
A gathering of all highland tribes in honor of Mt. Apo as the country''s highest peak, it comes as no surprise that Mt. Apo is considered sacred ground. Join the highland tribes of Mindanao to the mountain in this annual gathering.

“3RD ASEAN PARAGAMES VISMIN ELIMINATION GAMES”
April 7- April 9 Zamboanga City
Paralethics from Visayas and Mindanao will converge in Zamboanga City for a three-day sports competition. Champions in this event will then compete in the 3rd ASEAN Paragames to be held in Manila in December 2005.

NATIONAL INVITATIONAL SKIMBOARDING COMPETITION
April 8- April 9 Misamis Oriental
A showcase of skills, courage and agility of skimboarders coming from various parts of the country.

GEMS OF THE PHILIPPINES (YAMAN NG PILIPINAS)
April 08 Maharlika Hall of Casino Filipino, Parañaque City
A dinner/cultural show presented by the Asian Gem Tourism Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with DOT and PAGCOR. It is an authentic cultural extravaganza showcasing the rich heritage of Filipino culture, fashion, traditions and festivities through dances, music and songs.

MT. HAMIGUITAN JOURNEY
April 08 - 12 La Unino, San Isidro, Davao Oriental
A trek to Mt. Hamiguitan where one finds the 600 hectares Bonsai Field or the so called "Pgymy Forest".

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN_
April 9 Mt Samat, Bataan
The fall of Bataan is commemorated every year. Top government officials, Japanese and American WW II veterans including their Filipino counterparts and visitors go to Mt. Samat to participate at the annual rites held to honor the bravery of the soldiers who fought for the defense of Bataan.

CONQUER MT. APO
April 13 - 20 Mt. Apo, Davao City
An annual sumer climb to Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.

5TH NATIONAL CAVING CONGRESS
April 13- April 17 San Miguel, Baggao, Cagayan
The Congress aims to foster relationship among cavers in the country and to help develop the knowledge and attitude of the community on the Tourism Industry. The Sierra Madre Outdoor Club and Sang-at Salug Outdoor Club are pioneering outdoor groups in region 02 are collaborating for the event.

BANCATHON SA MAGNAGA
April 13 Pantukan, Comval
An annual motorized banca race among fisherman of the region within waters of Magnaga offering huge cash prizes

PAHIMIS FESTIVAL
April 15 Amadeo, Cavite
A Festival that revives the coffee industry

SINABALU FESTIVAL
April 16- April 30 Rizal, Cagayan
Celebrates the town fiesta of Rizal highlighting the Malaweg ancestry and cooking of glutinous rice on bamboos; showcasing the culture in songs and dances.

MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS_
April 16 20 Guimaras
A commemorative celebration of the anniversary of Guimaras as a province and to showcase the premier product of the province (mango) and the various local attractions.

ANGKAN-ANGKAN
April 16 Marikina City, Metro Manila
Ka-angkan is the Feast of Clans being celebrated during the Cityhood Anniversary of Marikina. The feast is being celebrated as a tribute to the native residents of the city since they were the ones who formed the community and shaped the city’s own culture and tradition.

BANGUS FESTIVAL_
April 16- May 4 Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Part of Dagupan''s Pista''y Dayat celebration, highlight of which is the longest bangus grill, 101 ways to cook bangus, Bangus Harvest Dance parade, sports competition/exhibition.

TAMPISAW FESTIVAL (EARTH DAY CELEBRATION)
April 16- April 18 Concepcion, Iloilo
A 3-day annual festivity to commemorate the Earth Day Celebration which features fluvial parade, tree-planting and other environment educational activities.

SUNDUAN
April 16 Pasig City, Metro Manila
A colorful procession of 2 barangays which hold their respective fiestas every other year, sharing one patron saint - Sta. Rosa de Lima. The image is fetched by the celebrating barangay from the other barangay.

TANDUYONG FESTIVAL
April 17 San Jose City, Bulacan
A parade to give thanks for a good harvest participated by various barangays and establishments in colorful costumes and instead of marching, dance in the street.

PANA-AD SA NEGROS_
April 18 25 Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Is the "festival of all festivals" in the province. It is a week-long summer event that brings together the towns and cities in Negros Occidental in one big showcase of handicrafts, products, tourism attractions, and local festivals. Festivities include trade and food fairs, garden show, golf tournament, singing and songwriting competitions, beauty pageant, and a fiesta presentation featuring the festival of each town and city in a colorful and jubilant presentation at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium

TUNGOH AD HUNGDUAN
April 18 - 24 Hungduan, Ifugao
A cultural fiesta of the Ifugaos of Hungduan which features ethnic games, rituals, arts and crafts-oriented activities.

MANGO-BAMBOO FESTIVAL AND TRADE FAIR_
April 20 27 San Carlos, Pangasinan
A festival promoting San Carlos City as major trading center of bamboo based products/furniture and best producer of "carabao" mangoes and other mango variety in the country.

COCOWAYAN FESTIVAL
April 20 25 Isabela City
Beauty pageant, street dances and trade fair of coconut and bamboo products which abound in Isabela, characterize this festival.

BAGABAS ECO-FEST
April 21 - 27 Daet, Camarines Norte

BANKARERA
April 21 Penablanca, Cagayan
Boat rowing race at the clear waters of the Pinacanuan River within the Callao Caves Tourist Zone

KINULOB FESTIVAL
April 21- April 25 Mabini, Batangas
Kinulob Festival gives recognition to the local native chicken raisers. Kinulob is one way of cooking the whole chicken with unique presentation. Street dance competition, mini band exhibition, cultural presentation and Mutya ng Mabini pageant are some of the highlights of the festival.

GOTAD AD HINGYON
April 21- April 24 Hingyon Municipality, Ifugao
Ethnic thanksgiving with cultural fair by Ifugaos in Hingyon.

BANGKARERA (Boat-rowing race)
April 21 Penablanca, Cagayan
A boat-rowing race on the waters of scenic Pinacanauan River.

SANDUGUAN FESTIVAL
April 21- April 27 Calapan, Mindoro Oriental
Reviving the barter trade between the Mait native and the Chinese traders. This weeklong festivity features agro-trade, historical parade, reenactment of the barter trading and Indakan sa Sanduguan (a street dancing competition).

KADAUGAN SA MACTAN FESTIVAL_
April 22 27 Bgy. Mactan, Lapu-Lapi City, Cebu
A week-long commemoration of the historic battle of Mactan between the Spanish Conquistador Fernando Magallanes and Mactan Chieftain Lapu-Lapu.

HINUGYAW SA HINIGARAN FESTIVAL
April 22- April 23 Hinigaran, Negros Occidental
"Hinugyaw" a local dialect that means rejoice/revelry is celebrated every 25th to 30th of April every year. The six day festivities will culminate on April 30 with a grand parade in the afternoon featuring street dancing performers in their colorful costumes.

GOTAD AD KIANGAN
April 23- April 25 Kiangan, Ifugao
An Ifugao cultural celebration featuring Kiangan''s ethnic customs and traditions

PINAKBET FESTIVAL
April 23 Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
A festival celebrating a favorite dish of the Ilocanos, “pinakbet” featuring street dances, cooking competitions

PISTA SA KINAIYAHAN
April 23- April 26 Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
A tree-planting activity done at the foot of Mt. Apo and clean-up program at the peak.

CANGMATING SIBULAN, NEGROS ORIENTAL
April 24- April 30 Yagyag Festival
Yagyag is the vernacular for spawning, to lay eggs or spread, propagate and grow. The process refers in particular to the crabs and other marine creatures that gather during the months of October to December in Sapa, one of two springs found in Barangay Cangmating of Sibulan.

PISTA’Y DAYAT (THANKSGIVING)_
April 24- May 2 Lingayen, Pangasinan
Thanksgiving festival for the year''s bountiful harvest from the sea celebrated every 1st of May.

BAHAG-HARI FESTIVAL
April 24 Pinamalayan, Mindoro Oriental
A colorful celebration highlighted by street dancing, a parade of float and a different Moriones Festival.

KAROSAHAN FESTIVAL
April 24 Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
This is a proud tradition where beautiful maidens compete for attention with the gaily-decorated Karosas with their load of goodies.

AKLAN DAY CELEBRATION
April 25 Aklan
An annual celebration commemorating the province''s founding anniversary when it formally declared independence fro its mother province of Capiz on April 25, 1958.

PANAGAT "FISH" TIVAL
April 25 Estancia, Iloilo
This is a tribute to fishermen of Estancia. It is a celebration that calls for ultimate cooperation and soul of "Bayanihan" among their neighboring town.

THE SABUTAN FESTIVAL AND MINI-TRADE FAIR
April 25- April 29 Mabitac, Mindoro Oriental
Exhibit of different products mainly from Sabutan.

KUTSITSA FESTIVAL
April 26 Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
This is a thanksgiving event for a bountiful harvest, with festivities like street dancing competition and agri-trade fair.

AWESOME DIVES PHILIPPINES: AN ADVENTURE LIFESTYLE
April 26- April 28 Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City
The 1st Dive Show in the Philippines

KAFAGWAY
April 27 Baguio City
A commemorative event reliving the liberation of Baguio City from the control of Japanese Forces through a moving pageant along Session Road

SAKNUNGAN FESTIVAL
April 27- April 30 San Jose, Mindoro Occidental
Festival incorporating the exhibition of the cultural heritage of Mindoro’s ethnic communities

PASALAMAT FESTIVAL_
April 27 La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
Held every Sunday nearest the first of May or Labor Day. It is a harvest thanksgiving celebration by the people of La Carlota City. The festival is based on an age-old practice of offering thanksgiving to the god of agriculture living inside Kanlaon Volcano.

TINAPAHAN FESTIVAL
April 29- May 1 Lemery, Batangas
A 3-day festivities that will showcase a trade fair of agro-industrial products, lectures on livestock raising and food processing as well as food demo competition

IMBAYAH
April 29- May 1 Banaue, Ifugao
Ethnic Sports Festival and thanksgiving rites featuring Ifugao''s traditional practices showcased in their songs, dances, arts & crafts

ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE
April 30- May 1 Antipolo, Rizal
Every May, many pilgrims are seen taking the mudtrodden path leading to Antipolo. It is in this small town that one can find the religious shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, popularly known as the Virgin of Antipolo.

Thanks to WOW Philippines...

Off Topic: Nationalism of Francis Magalona - A tribute to master rapper of Philippines

2009-03-11T12:33:00.004+08:00

I copied this article from Francis M. multiply account.

I want to show his love and loyalty to his country, Philippines. As owner of this blog, I focused my blog in beautiful tourist destination in Philippines because I want to promote tourism. I hope this blog helps Philippine tourism to create jobs for Filipinos...

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Jose Rizal died for us December 30, 1896. Today is his day. In a lamp at his "selda" he hid his last piece "Mi Ultimo Adios" which had these words, "Adios patria adorada.." (Goodbye my beloved country)

He was ahead of his time. With his novels "Noli Mi Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" he showed everyone his courage. He was a visionary and he saw things that continue up this day.

If Rizal were alive today I would want to have some coffee with him. Talk to him, learn from him, and break bread with him. I look up to the man. I even made a song about him back in the late 90's. It's called "Idol ko si Rizal".

I guess if we just loved our country so much we would be willing to die for it. I would. But a dead me is a useless me. I am more useful alive. As long as I live, I will continue to espouse his dedication to uplift our country and our people.

We are a people with heritage. Period. Before we were colonized by Spain we had a culture, we had governance, we had commerce, and we had our art.Long live Rizal and the other heroes like Bonifacio, del Pilar, Mabini who fought for our independence.

Long live THE FILIPINO AND FILIPINA.

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For more information, you may visit Francis M. multiply account:

http://francismagalona.multiply.com/

Philippines: Summer getaway packages

2009-03-11T11:20:00.002+08:00

Signs and Wonders International
4/F GGB Building, Pascor Drive, Sto. Niño, Parañaque City 1700, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 852-7349 / 852-7328 Ext. 157 · Fax: (632) 854-1285
E-mail: swi-mnl@airspeed.com.ph

Back Packers Packages
PUERTO DEL SOL (Bolinao Pangasinan)
Ph 6,000 per pax
Inclusions:
3days/ 2nights aircon accommodation based on twin/triple sharing, daily breakfast, roundtrip bus transfer( Manila-bolinao-Manila) , free us of sports facilities (beach volleyball, badminton), free use of outdoor Jacuzzi, use of shower and change room, use of swimming pool

BAGUIO
Ph 5,900 per pax
Inclusions:
3days/2nights accommodation at Baguio Palace, 2days breakfast, roundtrip bus transfer (Manila-Baguio-Manila), Roundtrip transfer, (bus terminal-hotel-bus terminal). City tour: visit to Burnham park, wright park, the mansion, grotto, botanical garden, baguio cathedral, PMA, Mines view park, city market. Service of land transfer during tour.

ZAMBALES (Iba)
Php 4,200 per pax
Inclusions:
3days/2nights aircon accommodation based on twin/triple sharing at Crystal land resort. 2 days breakfast, Roundtrip bus transfer ( Manila-ZAmbales-Manila), swimming at the beach, Tour: Explore on your own>

BATAAN (BAlanga)
Ph 4,700 per pax
Inclusions :
3days/2nights aircon accommodation based on twin /triple sharing room at Crown Royale. 2days breakfast, roundtrip bus transfer (Manila-Subic- Manila). (Tour: Explore onyour own)

LA UNION (Bauang)
PH 4, 700 per pax
Inclusions:
3days/2nights aircon accommodation at Bali Hai based ontwin sharing. 2days breakfast, roundtrip bus transfer (Manila-La Union-Manila)

SUBIC
PH 4,900 per paxInclusions: 3days/2nights aircon accommodation based on twin/triple sharing at Subic International Hotel. 2 days breakfast, roundtrip bus transfer ( Manila-subic-manila)

Summer in Philippines 2009

2009-03-09T18:19:00.006+08:00

I want to share this beautiful beach located in the diving capital of the Philippines in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas just 2-3hours away from Manila. The name of the beach is Vivere Azure. This beach resort was open in public last March 2008 and this is totally new and even I am from Batangas I have not visited this beach resort and probably I will schedule a visit here within the year if we can afford the price. As per their website http://www.vivereazure.com/ the lowest rate is Cobalt with 26.04 sq. m., For their published rate (Single: $215++, Double: $178++), Discounted rate (Single: $160++ , Double:$105++). The highest is Azure with 105.89 sq. m., Published rate (Single:$500++, Double:$390++), Discounted rate(Single:$325++, Double:$210++). It includes the following: Welcome drinks, Free use of the Infinity Pool, Lunch, Afternoon snacks, Dinne, Breakfast, Morning Snacks, Lunch, Free use of snorkeling gear, Life vest, Raft, Kayak, Use of Game Room (Billiards and Darts).

Some pictures of Vivere Azure:

For Vivere Azure review, please visit:

http://kwentongkengkay.com/2008/04/18/ang-azure-by-vivere-resort-a-review/

WOW Philippines!!!

Celebrating Holy Week in Philippines

2009-02-27T15:39:00.003+08:00

Being the only Christian nation in the Far East, the belief of such religious observance was inherently Christian in origin brought to the Philippines by the Spanish Conquistadors when they first planted the Cross, symbol of Christianity, on the islands thus signaling the advent of the conversion of the natives to the faith of the Conquerors.

Holy Week culminates with all the solemn observance of Christian and pagan rituals. The practice is nationwide and has varying undertones of religious significance that is both moving and touching in its entirety. There are countless "Cenaculos" and "Pabasas" reciting and reenacting the passion and death of Jesus Christ in traditionally written verse form and dramatized version of the original sacrifice two thousand years ago.

The Holy Week in the Philippines has various appeals for everyone that combine native traditions and modern day touches with numerous innovations according to temperament and locale.

The week from Monday to Good Friday is an emotion packed series of religious ceremonies reminiscent of Christendom's most cherished traditions. Easter Sunday pall builds up into a glorious pealing of church bells for the pre-dawn "pasalubong", a reenactment of the Risen Christ's meeting with His Mother at the church patio under a specially prepared arch. An angel then descends from the platform and lifts the mourning veil of the grieving Mother amidst the pealing of bells. The procession of the two images then ends up inside the church and masses are said.

Lenten celebration in the Philippines is a conglomeration of quaint Christian and paganistic practices that are found nowhere else in the world. Some are breathtaking and exciting as they are charming and so distinctively Filipino that they are a source of wonderment for any tourist.

FLAGELLANTS

They scourge themselves in a somewhat paganistic manner considered medieval by many. This is done by stripping themselves naked from the waist up, walking barefooted under a midday sun and flagging themselves bloody with ropes and broken pieces of glass attached with strings to bamboo sticks. They do this as a means of atonement of their sins. It is a sort of retribution of their offenses and human weaknesses for past favor such as after going through some crisis or danger in their lives. This is commonly practiced in the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Rizal and practically all over the Tagalog region.

PABASA

It's a family affair with the cooperation of relatives and neighbors. Others do these twenty four hours daily within the seven days of singing and reading of the Passion and Death taken from the verses of the Bible. Foods and drinks are being served to the singers.

BLACK NAZARENE

A century-old black statue in Quiapo, sculptured in Mexico during the Galleon Trade era, considered miraculous by devotees is brought out for procession every Good Friday. The statue is borne on the shoulders of male devotees in a slow, difficult procession around the narrow streets of the district, a score of men struggle to keep the image moving on. Thousands more try to muscle their way to touch the Nazarene as if carried by a powerful tide in an ocean of humanity.

SALUBONG

In Palawan it is reenacted in Iwahig Penal Colony participated by thousands of torch-bearing convicts in uniform line up in a pre-dawn ceremony.

MORIONES FESTIVALS

Marinduque Island is famous and known throughout the world. No one could recall its beginning but old folks claimed it started since time immemorial. Usually it is held in the plazas of Boac and Gasan. The towns present a spectacular pageant wherein people are dressed like Roman soldiers to commemorate the beheading of Longinos. The festivities have a Mardigras atmosphere.

BAGUIO CITY

Thousands of lowlanders, Manilans and foreign tourists flock to this summer capital to escape heat. Hotels and lodging houses are all booked a month before the Holy Week. Others trek to the mountain to view the city of pines and people enjoying the merry making not minding the religious people are in church for this Holy occasion.

SIETE PALABRAS

All radio stations throughout the nation are being sponsored by religious groups to air the reading of the "Siete Palabras" (Seven Last Words). There are series of speakers depicting the life of Jesus Christ and of course in different versions but the same meaning. Aglipayans, Episcopalians and Roman Catholics do this simultaneously.

VISITA IGLESIAS

In Manila it is a practice of Catholic believers to visit, if possible, 14 churches within Metro Manila representing the fourteen stations of the cross.

BALA-AN BUKID

Guimaras landmark, a huge white cross overlooking the City of Iloilo, a favorite pilgrimage venue of Visayan people.

HUGE 14th STATION

In Iguig, Tuguegarao oversized station of the cross at the hillside outside the centuries old church with a beautiful facade.

DAVAO CITY

Old folks still practice the traditional belief of not to create unnecessary sounds especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

BICOL REGION

Bicolanos are too religious from Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Legaspi, Naga down to Camarines Norte and Sur, they have all the Holy Week rituals.

SAN PABLO CITY

Celebrities and movie stars from Manila and neighboring provinces join the most attended procession organized by Don Ado Escudero of Villa Escudero.

14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS

At the grotto of Lourdes in Novaliches, Quezon City the devotees, thousands of them, come during the Holy Week as a pilgrimage at the Calvary built with the fourteen stations of the Cross, life size, zigzagging at the hillside.

AMULETS HUNTERS

In Sipalay, Negros Occidental, it is a day for Herbolarios searching for anting-anting in unexplored caves on Good Friday.

FORTY FIVE STATUES

In Paete, Laguna procession of 45 statues beautifully decorated "carrozas" depicting the life of our Lord. Also in Siquijor, an island on the southern tip of Cebu, is well known for its Good Friday procession. Huge centuries-old statue fully decorated with fresh flowers.

CAPILYA

A town in Zamboanga still practices the old tradition of Lenten Season, one of which is the Capilya. Town people put up an improvised 14 altars around the poblacion representing the way of the cross. A group of singers sing ballad songs of Christ's passion.

CENACULOS

It is held in the Philippine Cultural Center sponsored by the Department of Tourism. Cast of characters include popular movie stars. In Taguig, Rizal they popularize the modern version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" reshown at the Fort Santiago Amphitheater for the benefit of Manilans. In Mexico, Pampanga and also Dinalupihan in Bataan there is one who actually had himself nailed to a cross for his "crucifixion" simulating Christ's passion as best as he painfully can.

PAGTALTAL SA JORDAN

In the Visayan region, we have now the famous "Ang PAGTALTAL SA JORDAN" in the island province of Guimaras. A reenactment of our Lord's sufferings on the way to the Calvary held every Good Friday at the Municipal grounds. For the last years, it was attended by dignitaries from America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Canada, and thousands of tourists from European and Asian countries. Jordan town is widely known as the "GOLGOTHA" of the Philippines.

Ash Wednesday: February 25, 2009

Holy Week: April 6 - 12, 2009

Official Holiday: April 9-10, 2009

Source: The News Today

Philippine Calendar of Events - March 2009

2009-02-26T16:46:00.005+08:00

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL
March 1 8 Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A spectacular yearly gathering of the seven (7) hilltribes featuring their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts and rituals, clad in their traditional vibrant costumes and heirloom jewelry

RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS)
March 1 31 Masbate City
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate once again! Feel the excitement as our local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like bull riding and sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and saddle up – its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’, cowpunchibn’ affair.

ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS)
March 1- March 7 Island Garden City of Samal
Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand castle contest, cultural shows, etc.

PASIG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
March 1- March 31 Pasig City
Participants vary from singers, pianists & violinists, bandleaders and music teachers whose common goal is to keep classical music and "kundimans” alive. On this event, artists, and music lovers gather at the Pasig City Museum to listen and appreciate the music of classical artists as performed by their fellow Pasigueños. In all, the Summer Music Festival aims to revive the great musical tradition of Pasig.

PARADE OF FESTIVALS
March 1 Muntinlupa City
One of the highlights of Muntinlupa City’s Cityhood Anniversary.

PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVAL_
March 1 31 Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao
The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety.

4TH ZP SUMMER
March 1- March 31 Zamboanga City
This event, which cover the Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, del Norte and del Sur, promotes domestic tourism in the Peninsula.

SUGBAHAN
March 2- March 14 Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties such as tuna.

PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN
March 3 New Washington, Aklan
Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered as one of the historical places in the country.

COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT
March 4- March 5 Culasi, Antique
It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw, their acclaimed God.

PUERTO PRINCESA FOUNDATION DAY
March 4 Puerto Princesa City
A celebration of the founding anniversary of the City highlighted by the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa.

CEBU X INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND FURNISHING EXHIBITION_
March 6 9 Cebu City
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.

BANGKERO FESTIVAL
March 6- March 10 Pagsanjan, Laguna
Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”

ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)
March 07 - 11 Bangued, Abra
Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit" bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the tribal natives of Abra.

PANAGTAGBO FESTIVAL
March 7 Tagum City
Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary. It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.

VIS-MIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE SHOW_
March 7 9 SM Cebu Trade Hall
This 4th International Visayas Mindanao Travel, Tours, Leisure and Lifestyle Exposition and Conference, is a festive capsulized presentation of the different tourism attractions, destination and facilities, tour activities, mode of transportation and information in the Visayas and Mindanao clusters, showcasing its respective unique historical and cultural assets as well as in helping create awareness and promoting various tourist destinations found the VIS-MIN region.

THE 14THE WEDDING EXPO PHILIPPINES (2009)
March 7 8 PICC Forum, CCP Complex
The biggest, most comprehensive, and longest running gathering of wedding suppliers from all over the Philippines as they showcase the latest trends and newest styles in saying "I Do." This is the event that the entire Philippine wedding industry gears up for!

NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH CELEBRATION EXHIBIT
March 8- March 12 Clamshell I, Intramuros, Manila
A weeklong exhibit organized by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) showcasing numerous products and services in celebration of the National Women''s Month.

102ND BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE PRESIDENT JOSE P. LAUREL
March 9 Tanauan, Batangas
A yearly celebration commemorating the birth of President Jose P. Laurel.

HOLISTIC FESTIVAL
March 9- March 11 Villa Jireh, Labrador, Pangasinan
Projects Pangasinan as a health tourism destination with focus on wellness & lifestyle change from the holistic approach. Converging multi-sectoral groups: Eco-Defense Movement, Fishermen/Farmers Association, Tourism.

BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
March 9 15 Guimbal, Iloilo
A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations.

ARAW NG DABAW CELEBRATION
March 10- March 16 Davao City
Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs and cultural presentations. There''s also a colorful civic-military parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest, most charming ladies this side of the islands.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
March 14- March 20 La Trinidad, Benguet
The municipality of La Trinindad in Benguet, known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, will feature the baking of the largest strawberry cake including a trade fair on strawberry products and cutflowers.

PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL_
March 16 22 Passi City, Iloilo
A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city. The festival’s main features include the parade and competition of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition, Food Festival

HOMONHON LANDING_
March 16 Homonhon, Eastern Samar
Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.

SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS_
March 16 23 Iguig, Cagayan
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on an 11 hectare rolling terrain of the larger than life size 14 Stations of the Cross.

LUGAHAIT FESTIVAL
March 16 Lugait, Misamis Oriental
A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances

BUTUAN-CHINA TRADE MISSION
March 17 Butuan City
Commemoration of the first Butuan-China Trade Mission

SOLI-SOLI FESTIVAL_
March 18 San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, its freestyle street dancing competition uses soli-soli plant as its dominants material.

BANANA FESTIVAL
March 18- March 19 Baco, Mindoro Oriental
A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of St. Joseph.

MAYON CONQUEST
March 18- March 20 Albay
A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano, MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly activity.

SULYOG FESTIVAL
March 19 Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental
A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats and cultural shows.

TABAK FESTIVAL
March 19- March 22 Tabaco City, Albay
Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.

SINIGAYAN FESTIVAL
March 19 Sagay City
An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture, products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores of the city.

PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)_
March 20 21 Bantayan, Cebu
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful white sandy beaches.

SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL
March 20- March 27 Calabanga, Camarines Sur
A week-long observance of Bicolanos unique religiosity and a pilgrimage to "Amang Hinulid"

PANAAD_
March 20 21 Camiguin
A yearly trek of devotees coming from the neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to Camiguin’s walkway considered the Region’s famous Holy Week site

SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
March 20- March 27 Nationwide
A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season

SEMANA SANTA AT BALINTOKATOK LA SALETTE SHRINE
March 20- March 27 Santiago City
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on a hill and ends at the top where a chapel stands.

LENTEN WEEK/ "PAGPAPAKO"
March 21- March 26 Baler and Casiguran, Aurora
Highlighted in every Good Friday at a hilltop of Ermita hill “Pagpapako” celebration. Simultaneous at poblacion procession of different patron saints.

CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)
March 21- March 26 Cainta, Rizal
Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places sll over the Philippines during Holy Week. However in Cainta, Rizal, people take to the streets to witness passion plays participated in by the town folks.

LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY)
March 21- March 26 Sn Pablo City, Laguna
An impressive array of centuries old religious images owned by Don Escudero. These images are borne by their silver carrozas as an expression of faith of the citizens of San Pablo.

BUHING KALBARYO
March 21- March 26 Cebu City, Cebu
During the Lenten season, the Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. will have Lenten presentations

SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG CITY)
March 21- March 26 Dapitan City
Experience spiritual cleansing through sacrifices, i.e. religious rites (reenactment Passion of Jesus) at St. James the Greater Church, procession alongside life-size images of saints on carriages on selected city streets.

AGOO SEMANA SANTA_
March 21 Agoo, La Union
The Holy week celebration, particularly Good Friday, is a display of devoutness and traditional pomp.

MORIONES FESTIVAL
March 21- March 27 Marinduque
A festival of the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers and centurions; culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.

TURUMBA
March 21- March 26 Pakil, Laguna
The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting before the Holy Week every nine days thereafter and ends in the month of June and in celebrated with dancing procession.

PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS_
March 21 Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to “Balaan Bukid”.

CUTUD LENTEN RITES_
March 21 San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga
A re-enactment of Christ''s passion and death.

PAMALANDONG HA PALO_
March 21 Palo, Leyte
Dramatic re-enactment of Christ''s sufferings on the cross.

ALIMANGO FESTIVAL_
March 22 Lala, Lanao del Norte
A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.

TORUGPO_
March 22 Carigara, Leyte
Carabao and horse fights.

BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO
March 22 Cavite
A celebration commemorating the birth of the First President of the Philippine Republic.

19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
March 23 Kalibo, Aklan
Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.

SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA_
March 23 Carigara, Leyte
Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday.

KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL_
March 23 Minglanilla, Cebu
Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand followed by a day long games and entertainment tht highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.

LUCKY SUMMER VISITOR/S
March 24 Baguio City
A special feature of Summer in Baguio Project, this annual event spearheaded by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club, will choose the lucky visitors to the Summer Capital of the Philippines and will be afforded prizes that include hosted meals, tours, free accommodations, and other souvenir items

SEMANA SANTA AT SILAY CITY
March 24- March 27 Silay City
Highlights of activities fall on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Christian Community Theater in coordination with the Silay City Government presents contemporized and stylized version of the sacrifices, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday procession of the images of Saints made in Italy and crafted by the local artists attract believers and tourists alike.

MALIBAY CENACULO
March 24- March 25 Tanghalang Malibay, Malibay Plaza, Pasay City
A 10-day activity commencing with daily performances of particular scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are to be performed by Cenaculistas of Pasay.

KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS
March 24- March 25 Dipolog City
A mountain climbing/trekking activity and via cruces participated in by the Catholic community of Zamboanga del Norte and the neighboring municipalities.

LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT SAN CARLOS CITY
March 25 San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
A live reenactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross along the main thoroughfares of the city.

PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO
March 25 Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

KALBARYO
March 25 San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota City
Live re-enactment of the 7 last words held on Good Friday at the Hills of Bgy. La Granja. The Kalbaryo, being a community based and multi-sectoral theatrical showcase makes a total distinction in translating the promise of Christ’s most liberating resurrection.

PAGHUKOM
March 25 Calinog, Iloilo
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST
March 25 Santa Barbara, Iloilo
A Kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross is set-up in strategic places all over the town where the procession would pass through. This tableau would either be composed of human characters or art works. On Good Friday, people would go around the town to witness the judging of the most unique and beautiful Kapiya along with the most authentic Pasyon (Passions of Christ) Singing.

ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS)
March 25 Cainta, Rizal
A stage presentation that highlighted the judgement of Jesus Christ

GIWANG-GIWANG
March 25 Binangonan, Rizal
It is a play executed every Good Friday by replaying the funeral of Jesus Christ through a procession. Due to the influx of tourists, devotes and other people trying to touch the “Sepulkro”, it sways, hence, Giwang-giwang. People searching for an amulet or anting-anting to join this religious activity.

SALUBONG (ANGONO, RIZAL)
March 26- March 27 Angono, Rizal
Black Saturday is highlighted by 3-hour presentation of “Vigilia na Muling Pagkabuhay” at the patio of the church. On Easter Sunday, a celebration is held of the reunion of the Risen Christ with Virgin Mary is reenacted. It is facilitated by young girl inside an inverted giant paper flower suspended the removal of the mourning veil from Mary’s head by a from bamboo trellis. The petals are mechanically opened by giant toy birds to reveal the girl inside. It is then followed by a religious dancing of young ladies called “Kapitana” and “Tenyenta”, to the tune of “Bati”.

LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION
March 26 San Antonio, Siquijor
A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate in a ritual known as "Tang-Alap".

CUARESMA
March 26- March 27 San Jose, Antique
The center celebration is replete with theater practice: from Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) to Paskwa kang Pagkabanhaw (Easter Sunday). It is a one week theatrical events where there is a street pageantry where the dramatic persons are composed of antiquated life-sized images of saints on pasos decorated with flower.

SUGAT
March 27 San Carlos, Negros Occ.
A religious procession that depicts the meeting of the resurrected Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is usually celebrated every dawn of Easter Sunday.

HUDAS-HUDAS
March 27 San Jose, Antique
Initiated by the Aglipayan Church since the seventies. The people gather in the town plaza to hang Judas and burned the effigy done on Black Saturday. In this spectacle, the people are reminded of Judas’ treachery and they all participate in “executing” him.

SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL) AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION
March 27 Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City
The Easter festivity unfolds at dawn around five o’clock with a procession heralding the resurrection of Christ and his reunion with Mary. While the molded images of Mother and Son are placed side by side, a little girl dressed up like an angel replace the Blessed Virgin’s black veil of grief and mourning with a white one as the Osana, a hymn of praise and adoration endemic to Parañaque, is sung.

KISI-KISI FESTIVAL
March 27- March 31 Negros Occidental
Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto. Niño saved the village from the moro raids.

MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL
March 27 San Pedro, Laguna
Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up alternately with floats.

HALADAYA FESTIVAL
March 27- April 3 Daan Bantayan, Cebu
Is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a streetdancing on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means "Halad kang Datu Daya", the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan Bantayan.

SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CUP
March 27- March 31 General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
An annual international competition which is open for all local and foreign bikers.

TABACCO FESTIVAL
March 28- March 29 Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Annual festival to promote major industry of the city “Tobacco.”

KATKAT SA DIPOLOG
March 28- April 3 Dipolog City
An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every summer season in Dipolog City.

GAWAGAWAY-YAN FESTIVAL_
March 30- April 13 Cauayan City
Celebrates the cityhood of the City of Canayan in Isabela Province; activities include cultural shows, trade shows, parades and street dancing and variety shows, etc.

SINUGDAN/COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MASS_
March 31 Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
Commemoration of the first mass in the Philippines held by the Spaniards.

FIRST EASTER MASS CELEBRATION
March 31 Butuan City
A re-enactment of Magellan's landing and planting of the cross on March 21, 1521 at Mazaua, Butuan City.

Thanks to www.tourism.gov.ph...

Stay at Villa Carolina, Bolinao, Pangasinan

2009-01-25T19:55:00.007+08:00

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/

Philippine Calendar of Events - February 2009

2009-01-12T17:02:00.003+08:00

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...

Island Tour at Hundred Island, Alaminos, Pangasinan

2009-01-11T12:27:00.008+08:00

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

Holiday Getaway in Pangasinan!!!

2009-01-03T20:13:00.007+08:00

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...

Holiday in Pangasinan...

2008-12-18T15:28:00.004+08:00

We are preparing for our 1st Wedding anniversary and we are planning to celebrate it in Pangasinan with my family, my wife’s family and our first angel “Ron Gabriel”. He will only be on his 3rd month during our travel and we dont want him to be left out especially we will be out of Manila. Eventhough this will be a long travel; we are expecting that we will enjoy this trip and we also wanted something new on our first year as husband and wife together with the fruit of our love, our cute little boy.

Well we will enjoy our vacation since this is the time to relax for a long work in 2008…

We will stay in Villa Carolina y Juan Beach Resort Bolinao Pangasinan.

Beach Front:

Things to do in Pangasinan:

100 Island Tour

Beach Hopping

Visit at Bolinao Light House

Visit at Bolinao Falls

Visit at St. James Church

For more information, visit Villa Carolina site:

http://www.villacarolinapangasinan.com

SUMMER @ BORACAY

2008-04-23T20:22:00.003+08:00

Philippines' most visited tourists destination, "BORACAY BEACH". The beautiful white sand, clean environment and fresh water plus the beautiful snorkling area wherein you will see the beautiful corals and colorful fish (like nemo). It's nice to visit Crystal cove and experience lunch there with fresh sea foods like shrimp, squid and different fish.

There are a lot of activities there during day and night. They have island hopping, banana boat, flying fish, beach volleyball and other. During night there are restaurants offering eat all you can, bar hopping, disco, videoke bar and others.

How to get there?

Manila to Caticlan - 35-50 minutes via airplane (Cebu Pacific, SeaAir, Air Philippines)
Caticlan to Boracay Pier - 10 minutes via boat
Boracay to Kikko's Beach Resort - 20 minutes via multi-cab

Affordable restaurant

Andoks lechon

Pagudpud Beach - Ilocos Norte

2008-01-29T12:39:00.000+08:00

IT'S SUMMER TIME...

The long wait is almost over. Rainy season will up for an end. According to the forecast, this will last until the month of February or March. This prolonged the much awaited summer, and this of course is especially for all water adventurers or the beach lovers, who loves to mingle with the sun. Most of all, most teenagers are on vacation at this time, making them more excited to have fun in the water and sand. Needless to say, georgeous men and women move out of their shelves at this time, flaring their God's given gift of beauty.Proud to say, Philippines is so gifted to have wonderful and beautiful beaches. Several tourists from foreign lands move here to relax and enjoy the beauty and exquisiteness of Philippine beaches. Some of which are Boracay in Caticlan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro and beaches in Batangas like beaches in Mabini and Calatagan. You will surely be amazed of its bluish water as indication of its purity and cleanliness. Beaches in the Philippines are not only know to tourists but also to its own countrymen. I, as well, loved going to different places in my home land. Just recently, last December, me and my wife have gone to a very nice place in the Ilocos area, Ilocos Norte to be specific. We have found a very peaceful resort in the town of Pagudpod. We went there during the non-peak season; less people and of course, cost effective since they are offering 50% off on room rates. It seems to be like a paradise to me since we have found inner peace and have a good rest.There are several ways to reach this place. You can be here by air or by land. Travel by land will consume 13-15 hours. Traveling from Manila to Ilocos by air will roughly be an hour and another 2 hours by land. You need to take the Laoag flight, and from Laoag, take the bus going to Pagudpod. Dont be disappointed because the bus is quite old and is just an ordinary bus (not airconditioned). If you choose to travel by bus, please have this post as a reference.

1. Bus from Manila to Laoag (Partas bus - pasay and cubao terminal) - PhP700.00 or more

2. Bus from Laoag to Pagudpud - PhP70.00

3. Tricycle going to beaches - PhP40.00 or less)

Beach resorts in Pagudpud

1. Jun & Carol Beach Cottages

Address: Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

For reservation:

Albert: 09214847746

Jun: 09205740136

Leah: 09185289589

Landline: 0776760183

Accomodation:

1 Double Room Cottage with wide terrace fronting the sea. Toilet & Bath on each room. Air conditioned.1 Seven Room Building. Close view of the sea. Attic with private terrace suitable for honeymooners. Air conditioned.

2 Single Room Air conditioned. Cottages with individual toilet and bath.

Other facilities: Picnic sheds, Convinience store, Restaurant, Videoke, Cable TV, Hot and Cold bath, Wifi internet (the most important to me)

Rates in Philippine Peso:

Good for 2: Peak = 2800, Off-Peak = 1250-1500

Good for 3: Peak = 3000, Off-Peak = 1250-1800

Good for 4: Peak = 3200, Off-Peak = 1300-1800

Good for 5: Peak = 3800, Off-Peak = 1500-2200

Good for 6: Peak = 4400, Off-Peak = 1800-2500

Off-Peak Season (July-Nov, Jan-Feb)

2. Ella Cottages @ Evangeline Resort

Address: Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Cellphone #: 09286085745

Accomodation:

3 Single Room Cottages with Aircon and Bathroom

Cottage 1: w/ TV & DVD player, good for 4 persons

Cottage 2: w/ cable TV player, good for 6 persons

Cottage 3: w/ TV & DVD player, good for 4 persons

Rate in Philippine Peso:Good for 4 persons - Peak = 3500, Off-Peak = 1500

Good for 6 persons - Peak = 4500, Off-Peak = 2000

Extra bed - Peak = 350, Off Peak = 175

Off-Peak Season (July-Nov, Jan-Feb)Other Amenities:Billiard HallKitchen (w/ complete cooking utensils)

Here are some other recommended resorts found in Pagudpod:

1. Saud Beach Resort — High End Resort amidst a coconut plantation with nice wooden floors and bamboo furniture.

Tel: +632-928 9853 Manila

2. Villa del Mar — If you want a deluxe cottage with stone floors and capiz-shell windows.

Mobile: +63 920 553-4161

West End Rocky Shore Resorts in Saud Beach

3. Apo Idon — One of the nicest resorts in Pagudpud with appealing rooms made of stone walls and good lighting.

4. Terra Rika Beach Resort – One of the popular relatively affordable resort with a nice restaurant.

Mobile: +63 918 937-1752

terrarikadiveresort@yahoo.com

5. Northridge Resort - Sister company of Terra Rika and Apo Idon located in the West End.

Mobile: +63920 220-5089

Pagudpud Resorts not located in Saud Beach

1. Pannzian Beach and Mountain Resort - located near the long, black sand beach of Pansian often beaten by strong winds.

Tel: +632 646-90202.

2. Kapuluan Vista Resort - The resort possesses a distinctive, contemporary design and décor that creates both a high-energy and serene ambiance on a casual setting. This is located near Blue Lagoon.

Tel: (+6372) 888-2809

Cellular: (+63920) 952-2528

Website: http://www.kapuluanvistaresort.com/

If you want a resort with all the urban amenities and expect to stay with first class accommodations, you should stay in Saud Beach Resort.

For a romantic place, I suggest that you book in Apo Idon. If you are on a budget, canvass your way from the different resorts in the rocky-shore west end of Saud Beach. If it is your 3rd time in Pagudpud, I suggest you try Kapuluan Vista Resort.

Visit at Chavit Baluarte

2008-01-11T16:10:00.000+08:00

These are some pictures taken at Baluarte of former Governor of Ilocos Sur Chavit Singson. It was featured also in Korina's Sanchez Show in ABS-CBN.

It's about 10minutes away from business center of Vigan via tricycle. We pay 40pesos one way going to Baluarte. No entrance fee, no pony ride fee but you will enjoy the beautiful location of Chavit mini zoo. If you want to buy some "pasalubong" which are product of Ilocos Sur and it's also available in Baluarte and it's affordable.

Come and visit Chavit's Mini Zoo...

Special thanks to Chavit Singson and the people who maintain Baluarte!!!

See again there...

Online Travel Agency - Additional Info

2008-01-10T12:33:00.000+08:00

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Online Travel Agency

2008-01-08T21:28:00.000+08:00

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Philippine Tourist Guide

Honeymoon Trip with my wife

2008-01-06T11:06:00.000+08:00

Northern Philippine Trip - First stop Vigan, Ilocos Sur

We have a long trip going to Northern part of the Philippines and we departed from Partas terminal at Cubao, Quezon City about 11:00 P.M. last January 2, 2008. We arrived at Partas Vigan terminal about 6:00 A.M., January 3, 2008, the trip was 7 hours and from the terminal we go straight to the hotel that we reserved "Vigan Heritage Mansion - recommended hotel to stay in Vigan" and we rest for about 3 hours.

Short information of Vigan City

VIGAN City: Where the past has a powerful present

Vigan...the only heritage City in the Philippines, where time stood still...
where images of antiquated houses, narrow cobbled streets, calesas and friendly places welcome everyone...
a time capsule which captivates one's imagination...
where modernity, tradition and culture blend well to suit with the demands of the times...
where it's people's unparalleled culture and history continue to unite them...
where it's people reflect a convergence of rich religious tradition and modern culture -
an eternal reflection of universal human ingenuity and faith...

Visit to Vigan Historic Places...

After our rest, we prepare for our visit to different historic places here in Vigan. These are the places that we visit in Vigan:

1. Calle Crisologo - the historic street in Vigan, Spanish time
2. Syquia Mansion - the house of wife of former President Elpidio Quirino. This is the Malacañang of the North in the time of President Quirino.
3. Plaza Burgos - a landmark tribute to Father Jose P. Burgos
4. Vigan City Hall
5. Ilocos Sur Capitol
6. UNESCo Marker
7. Burgos Museum - Father Jose Burgos House and Museu, contains his memorabilia; cultural, archaeogical and enthnographic treasures, antique collections; 14 Esteban Pichay Villanueva canvasses depicting the 1807 Basi Revolt.
8. Crisologo Museum - houses the memorabilia of the late Congressman Floro Crisologo, also known as father of Social Security System or SSS. Floro Crisologo is the father of Bro. Vincent "Bingbong Crisologo".
9. Pagburnayan - where traditional Vigan burnay (jars) are made.
10. St. Paul's Cathedral - an Ilocano or Earthquake Baroque style church originally built on 1574 by Juan de Salcedo
11. Baluarte - Chavit Singson's Zoo, a skeet shooting range, butterfly garden and pony rides.
12. Plaza Salcedo - rises majestically amidst placid lagoon; features the Juan de Salcedo Monument, the oldest of it's kind in Northern Luzon; it is where Gabriela Silang was executed by public hanging in 1763.

Vigan Trip Expenses:

1. Fare: Manila to Vigan - PhP 575.00/person - Partas regular aircon, Terminal to Vigan Heritage Mansion - Php 30.00 -tricycle ride. Partas has De Luxe Bus which will give you a comfortable ride.
2. Hotel: Room for 2 (Queenzise bed, hot and cold shower, TV with cable) - PhP 2000.00/day
3. Fare in the City - PhP 10.00 per tricycle ride
4. Calesa ride - PhP 150.00/hour
5. Visit fee to each historic places - PhP 10.00 - 20.00, sometimes just a donation or free
6. Baluarte visit - No visit fee and pony ride fee.
7. Longanisa price - PhP 100.00 per half kilo
8. Chichacorn price - 3 big size for PhP 100.00, the small one is PhP 20.00 each or 3 for PhP 50.00
9. Tinubong - PhP 100.00/4 small kawayan
10. Kalamay - PhP 20.00 / plastic or "supot"

Thanks to Tourism Office of Vigan... More information in my next posts... Hotels, Transportation, Restaurants and others...

Pacquiao wins over Barreira via unanimous decision

2007-10-07T18:04:00.000+08:00

Another Victory for Team Pacquiao and for all Filipino people around the world. Manny Pacquiao being named as Mexican assasin, continuously prove that he really is undefeated. He profoundly received praises around the globe and once more won the title for his division. The fight lasted for 12 rounds and he won via unanimous decision. Pacman had a hard time defeating Marco Antonio Barreira because of the experience, stamina and witt that the opponent has. During the 11th round, Pacman was able to show triumph and endurance because of his speed and body movements. He has succeeded to create bruises to his opponents on the final round. Pacman continuously make the country pround by winning this match.

CONGRATULATIONS MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO for winning the title once more... Cheers to the Philippine talents that is now widely recognized.....

Tourist Destination: Coco Beach, Puerto Galera

2007-09-26T12:29:00.000+08:00

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

2007-09-12T11:18:00.000+08:00

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

2007-09-04T12:32:00.000+08:00

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

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/

OFF-TOPIC 2: A Love Story

2007-08-15T22:07:00.000+08:00

Ohh, what a movie. When you watch the movie you're not sure until almost half of the movie you'll not sure of who is the WIFE and MISTRESS? It's totally different with other movies that circulates with a man, wife and mistress. We know that the mistress is always much younger than the wife but with this movie the mistress is older than the wife. So it means that the 'wife' of Aga Mulach 'Ian' is Angelica Panganiban 'Careen (I don't know the exact spelling)' and the mistress is Maricel Soriano 'Joana'. I may say that it's a good movie because it's different.

Watch it...

OFF-TOPIC: A Love Story

2007-08-14T10:13:00.000+08:00

Drama movie of Aga Mulach, Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban....

The question to this movie is:

Who is the WIFE of Aga Mulach and who is the MISTRESS???

This was an argument here in our office and we end up with bet between the employees... So come on, guess who is the mistress and who is the wife???

Philippine Calendar of Festivals and Activities for August (Part 2)

2007-07-30T23:29:00.000+08:00

Continuation of Philippine Festivals and Activities

CABIBI FESTIVAL : LALLO DAY

Lal-lo, Cagayan

The patronal town fiesta of Lallo, formerly Ciudad Nueva Segovia is highlighted by an agro-industrial trade fair and street dancing competition
For more information pls contact:

Hon. Florante C. Pascual

Mayor, Municipality of Lallo

Telefax : (6378) 854-4007

CEBU FOUNDING ANNIVERSAY

Cebu

Nightly cultural and variety shows, agricultural trade fair and night market are among the many activities lined-up in celebration of the island province''s founding day anniversary.
For more information pls contact :

DOT-Region VII

Tel. # (6332) 254-6077/6650/3534

CELEBRATION OF BUAN NG WIKA

Capitol Site,Batangas City

A month long activity celebrating "Buwan ng Wika". The activities undertaken are campaign for using Filipino as a medium, hanging of streamer and short program.
For more information pls contact:

Batangas Provincial Tourism

OfficeTel. # (6343) 723-4397
DOT-Region IVTel. # (632)524-1969/1528

PADAGYAW FESTIVAL

Dumarao, Capiz

A cultural and fiesta celebration in honor of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. Padagyaw is a term coined by the Dumaraonon to describe a communal activity free of any monetary consideration in performing a project, an enterprise or any errand. A kindred, closeness and good relationship is developed in the community. Activities include Pista ng Bayan, Teachers Night, ABC Night, Coronation of the Fiesta Queen and the Centinela, among others.
For more information please contact

c/o Mr. Bo Bediones

Provincial Tourism OfficerRoxas City

Tel. no. (6336) 6210042

MERCEDES FISHTIVAL/KADAGATAN FESTIVAL

Mercedes, Camarines

It is a fishermen’s celebration of thanksgiving for the blessings and bounty during the seafaring, fishing expedition and fish farming endeavors. The fishtival is also a moment of retrospect and recognition of Mother Nature for having endowed Mercedes with a gift of vast fishery resources, magnificent shorelines and other aquatic potentials and the wise utilization and preservation of ecological balance for the attainment of environmental dignity and beauty.
For more information pls contact:

Office of the Mayor

Tel. No. (6354) 440. 10. 11

PANGAPOG FESTIVAL

Island Garden City of Samal

A thanksgiving festival celebration bountiful harvest features parade, indak-indak sa dalan, cultural presentation etc.
For more information please contact:

Island Garden City of Samal Office

Tel. No.(6382)227.09.63

Telefax:(6382)227.09.64

ADLAW HONG BUTUAN (CHARTER DAY ANNIVERSARY)

Butuan CityIt’s the charter day celebration of Butuan City. It is highlighted by the thanksgiving mass, motorcade recognition of outstanding Butuanons & City employees night.
For more information pls contact:

Ms. Liwliwa B. Esguerra

City Tourism Office

Tel. # (6385) 225-4041

PALAGSING FESTIVAL Butuan City

A competition for the longest and the best tasting palagsing
For more information please contact:

DOT REGION XIII

LETICIA TAN, Officer-In-Charge

No. 174 km. 2, J.C. Aquino Ave., 8600 Butuan City

Tel. No. (6385)2255712/3418413

Fax No. (6385)3416371

E-mail: tourism@balanghai.com

FIESTA BACOLOD (HRANO)

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Annual fiesta
For more information please contact:

Mayor Evelio Leonardia

Bacolod City, Negros Occ.

Tel. no. (6334) 7083066

Fax no. (6334) 4346751

KABANKALAN CITY CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental

A weeklong celebration highlighted by an agro-industrial fair showcasing the indigenous products of the farmers and the cooperatives. Creative booths that display these products are constructed by the different barangays at the city plaza.
For more information please contact:

Eddie M. Yap

City Administrator

Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental

Cell # 639195921957

Tel.# (6334) 4712291/ 4712185

Fax 4712291

MINDANAO TRADE EXPO

Davao City

An Agro industrial trade fair with business matching for the promotion of Mindanao’s world class product.
For more information please contact:

City Tourism Office

Tel. No. (6382) 222.19.56

Telefax (6382) 222.19.57

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS PATRONAL FIESTA

Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental

Nuestra Señora de los Nieves is the patron saint of the city, parishioners celebrate the event with the Holy Mass and a procession around the city streets and capped with a cultural show in the local catholic school.
For more information please contact:

Mayor Carminia Bascon

City of Himamaylan

Tel. no. (6334) 3883683

CORDOVA DINAGAT FESTIVAL (FISHING RITUALS)

Cordova, Cebu

The celebration honors the town’s most prized source of livelihood-fishing. “Dinagat” means “anything” pertaining to the sea”. It showcases Cordova’s distinctive cultural heritage though authentic traditional rituals and dances. The dance movement is an imitation of the movement of the sea life. Its story portrays own literary forms such as its folktales, legends, myths and historical facts inspire its dance scenarios.
For more information please contact:

Mrs. Cristina Sitoy/Office of the Mayor

Tel. No. (6332)496-8150

BAKASI FESTIVAL

Cordova, Cebu

The festival is a unique reinvention of the Dinagat festival. The exotic eel locally known as ''bakasi'' is pecullar and abundant in Cordova. The dance replicates the gliding movement of the Bakasi. Other related activities include a Bakasi race and cooking contest to show off the ways in preparing bakasi which is the main livelihood of the people.
For more information pls contact:

DOT-Region VII

Tel. # (6332) 254-6077/6650/3534

REGATTA FESTIVAL

Gainza, Cam. Sur

A week-long festivity aimed to preserve its culture and tradition and to promote the area as a tourist destination. Highlight is the boat race.
For more information please get intouch with the

Office of the Mayor

Gainza, Cam. Sur

BIMP EAGA « KUMBIRA » CULINARY SHOW AND LIVE COMPETITION

The Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City

Food and culinary competitions sponsored by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA)
For more information pls contact:

REGIONAL OFFICE X

CATALINO E. CHAN III,

Regional Director

A. Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro City 9000

Tel.: (6388) 726 394 / 723 696

Fax: (6388) 723 696 c/o PTA / (6388) 727 432

dotr10@yahoo.com

BONGA

Sibonga, Cebu

The celebration is in honor of the town’s patron saint, Our Lady of Pilar and Santa Filomena. Among its highlights is the street dancing and ritual/showdown competition. Bunga is a Cebuano word which means fruit in English. This festival is a form of thanksgiving for all the blessings and graces the Sibongahanons have received for the abundant fruits found in their town.
For more information please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Sibonga, Cebu

Tel. # (6332) 486-9422

PAVVU RULUN FESTIVAL

Tuguegarao, Cagayan

It is the patronal fiesta of the city honoring St. Hyacinth enthroned at the elevated St. Hycinth Church beside the St. Paul University Philippines. The events surrounding the festival include street dancing competition, drum and lyre competition, beauty pageant, trade fair, pancit cooking and eating contests, job fair and many more.
For more information please contact:

Office of the City Mayor

Tel. No.(6378)844.14.49

KAADLAWAN HAN SAMAR

Catbalogan Samar

Festivities to commemorate the foundation day of Samar
For more information please contact:

Gov. Milagros Tan/ Te. No. (6355) 251.24.84

SANTONES

Barangay Calumpang, Liliw, Laguna

A five day festival featuring the sweet santol and lanzones fruits raised in the locality.
For more information please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Liliw,.Laguna

Tel. # (6349) 563-10010

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

Philippine Calendar of Festivals and Activities for August

2007-07-26T22:38:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Philippine Tourist Guide!!!

Visit and enjoy the festivals and activities for the month of August in the Philippines.

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 Officer
Province of Nueva Vizcaya
Telefax : (6378) 805-3970

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special thanks to: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/

Philippine Tourist Guide: Your number one guide in Philippine Tourist Spots, Tourism, Activities and Festivals.

Enjoy visiting this site and wait for more travel guides in August.

Off Topic: Philippine Properties & Real Estate

2007-07-25T23:58:00.000+08:00

------Visit----- http://www.philippineproperties.ph/ for different properties, real estate, condominiums, town houses and others that are available. It will give you idea with different properties available and its price. It will give you informations with all locations of their properties that are available most especially in Metro Manila.

Welcome and Mabuhay!!! Hope to see you there...

Philippine Destination Cebu : Cebu Queen City of the South

2007-07-19T23:03:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Cebu, Philippines! Mabuhay!

The City of Cebu consider as the next established City in Southern part of the Philippines. The Malacanang Palace in the South resides in this City. There are Ayala Center Malls, SM Malls and other well-known malls they have. There are well-known universities like University of the Philippines, University of Cebu, Southwestern University, Cebu Normal University are one of the different universities in the city. Come, experience and visit their well-known Sinulog Festival one of the most visited festival in Philippines.

More of Cebu City:

The City of Cebu (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbo) is the main capital of Cebu in the Philippines and is the second most important metropolitan center in the country. The city lies on the eastern shore of the island of Cebu and is the first Spanish settlement in the country. It is the country's main domestic shipping hub and is home to more than 80% of the country's inter-island shipping companies. Cebu is also the main hub, outside of the capital, of international flights into the country and is the most important center of commerce, trade, and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao, the southern parts of the country. It is because of this and other important aspects that Cebu City is dubbed the Queen City of the South. According to the official 2000 census, it has a population of 718,821 people in 147,600 households.
Cebu City is the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay. Metro Cebu has a total population of more than 2 million people. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban, and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City is located.

History

The Heritage of Cebu Monument in Parian.30,000 years ago,Cebu, zebu,or Sugbu, was already a prosperous settlement before it was colonized by Spain. It had trade relations with China and the other countries of Southeast Asia.
On April 7, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu. He was welcomed by Rajah Humabon, who, together with his wife and about 800 natives, were baptized by the Spaniards on April 14, 1521 and are considered to be the first Filipino Catholics. Magellan, however, failed to successfully claim the Philippines for the crown of Spain, having been slain in neighboring Mactan Island on April 27, 1521 by the chieftain Lapu-lapu.
On April 27, 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi, with Augustinian Friar Andrés de Urdaneta, landed in Cebu. Legazpi renamed the city on January 1, 1571, from San Miguel to Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus. During this six year period, Cebu City was the capital of the newly established Spanish colony. (See also: Manila Galleon)
The province of Cebu was created under Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917. It is the home province of Sergio Osmeña, Sr. who succeeded Manuel L. Quezon as Commonwealth president during World War II.
CEBOOM refers to the boom of economy of both the city and the province of Cebu in the early part of the 1990's.
Cebu City was scheduled to co-host the ASEAN Summit along with neighboring Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City back in December 2006. However, due to the typhoon that swept through central Philippines on that month, the convention date was held in January 2007. The success of the summit made the city of cebu one of the most renowned cities in Asia. With investor population growing in the metropolis, Cebu is a promising city to be reckoned with.

Geography

Magellan's Cross kiosk.
Cebu City has a land area of 291.2 km². Of this, 55.9 km² is classified as urban, while 235.2 km² is classified as rural. Its geographic coordinates are 10°17′0″N, 123°54′0″E. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban, and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City is located.
The city is politically subdivided into 80 barangays. These are grouped into two congressional districts, with 46 barangays in the northern district and 34 barangays in the southern district.

Culture
The city is an important cultural center in the Philippines. The city's most famous landmark is Magellan's Cross. This cross, now housed in a chapel, was supposedly planted by Ferdinand Magellan when he arrived in the Philippine Islands in 1521. It was encased in hollow tindalo wood in 1835 upon the order of the Augustinian Bishop Santos Gomez Marañon to prevent devotees from taking it home chip by chip. The same bishop restored the present template, or kiosk, located at the present Magellan street between City Hall and Colegio del Santo Niño. Revered by the Cebuanos, the Cross of Magellan is a symbol of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines.
A few walks away from the Magellan's Cross is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, an Augustinian church which was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1965 during the 400th year celebrations of the Christianization of the Philippines held in Cebu. The church, which was the first to be established in the islands, is built of hewn stone and features the country's oldest relic, the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

A 19th century map of old Cebu (downtown Cebu City).
Cebu City is also host to the popular Sinulog festival, held every third Sunday of January in honor of Santo Niño, the "Holy Child". The Sinulog is a dance ritual of pre-Spanish origin. The dancer moves two steps forward and one step backward to the rhythmic sound of drums. This movement resembles somewhat the current (sulog) of the river. Thus, the Cebuanos called it sinulog. The dance was meant to honor the anitos (spirits of descendants).
When the Spaniards arrived in Cebu, Magellan offered, as a baptismal gift, to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon and later named Juana, the image of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). With Magellan gone, the natives likewise honored the Santo Niño with their sinulog. Because the Augustinian missionaries appreciated native culture, the sinulog was preserved but limited to honoring the Santo Niño. Once the Santo Niño church was built in the 1500's, the faithful started performing the sinulog in front of the church, the devotees offering candles and the dancers shouting "Pit Señor!"
During the annual feast of the Santo Niño, held every 3rd Sunday of January, the Basilica del Santo Niño, which houses the still original icon, turns into a dancing hall after the solemn mass, with all the devotees executing the sinulog. The dance continues during the procession in front of the carroza which bears the statue along the streets of Cebu up to late evening.
In 1980, the city authorities of Cebu made the Sinulog part and parcel of the religious feast of the Santo Niños. A mardi-gras atmosphere was added, the innovation becoming more colorful each year. The religious and the earthy sometimes overlap each other but, as a whole, there is much fun for Cebuanos and tourists alike who find in the Santo Niño festival that part of every one's childhood that must stay like Santa Claus and halloween.

Government
Main article: Barangays in Cebu City
Cebu City is a chartered city and thus is actually independent from Cebu Province. Registered voters of the city cannot vote for provincial candidates unlike its nearby counterparts (Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay cities) that form part of Metro Cebu. It is the capital of the province mainly because the provincial capitol is located in it. There were proposals however during the time of Governor Lito Osmeña to create an "administrative district" that would be independent from Cebu City. This would literally mean carving out Cebu City's Barangay Capitol where the provincial capitol and other provincial offices are located. The plan however didn't push through and was even followed by other proposals like the transfer of the capital to nearby Balamban town.
Cebu City is governed mainly by city hall, composed of one mayor, one vice-mayor and sixteen councilors (eight representing the north and eight representing the south). Each official is elected publicly to 3-year terms. The day to day administration of the city is handled by a city administrator.
Cebu City is politically subdivided into 80 barangays. The chief of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) also sits in the city council.

Economy

The Cebu Business Park.
The local economy is mostly propped up by trade, services, and tourism. Small and medium enterprises, mostly driven by the natural enterpreneurial tendencies of its people, have played a great role in the economy. The city is also home to a number of national and international corporations some of which are homegrown. More than 80% of interisland vessels operating in the country are also based there. Recently, the entry of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms such as call centers have contributed much to the growth of the local economy. Such has made the city together with the nearby cities that form part of Metro Cebu as the country's second important economic center.
Cebu pulses around the old district popularly known as downtown area and is regarded as the main central business district. In the years that followed however, and with the city's growth and expansion, the concentration of businesses have expanded outside this area. In 1988, the Cebu Provincial Government sold a vast tract of land that was occupied by a golfcourse to a group of Manila-based businessmen, the Ayalas, who later developed it into what is now the Cebu Business Park, a neo-central business district. Just nearby is the Asiatown Information Technology (IT) Park, also by the Ayalas, which was once the old Lahug Airport and caters mostly to firms related to the information technology (IT) industry such as software development, telecommunication, call centers, among others.
Certain areas though still have to be addressed in order for the city and the rest of the island to sustain its growth in the coming years. The lack of space though has somewhat been taken cared of with the completion of the South Roads Properties (SRP), a 330-hectare reclamation area in the southern portion of the city. It was built by the city government through a loan and is envisioned to play a driving role in the economy especially that congestion, given the fact that most of the city's land area is mountainous, would definitely be an issue in the future.
Most businessmen have acknowledged that the city must work hard in attracting direct foreign investments especially for the SRP especially with the entry of China in the global playing field.

Infrastructure

Cebu City Skyline as captured from a moving ship.
Cebu City and the rest of the metro areas have all the necessary infrastructures sufficient enough for its pace of urbanization. The city is readily accessible by air via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport located in Lapu-Lapu City which has direct flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China, Palau, Malaysia, Taiwan, Qatar, and South Korea. There are also direct transfer flights via the capital's Ninoy Aquino International Airport that readily connects the city to other destinations in the world. The city mostly gets its power from an interconnection grid with the Leyte Geothermal Power Plant which also powers majority of the Visayas Islands. There are also coal-fired power plants though these have been controversial due to its impact to the environment. Another coal-fired power plant is nearing completion and is envisioned to make the city independent from the interconnection grid once completed. Distribution of electricity is provided by the Visayas Electric Company (VECO).
The city is served by a domestic and international port which are handled by the Cebu Port Authority. Much of the city's waterfront is actually occupied by the port with around 3.5 kilometers of berthing space. The domestic port readily gives access to nearby islands and provinces. The city's central location makes it as an ideal transshipment hub. It is in fact home to more than 80% of the country's interisland vessels plying domestic routes mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Telecommunication facilities, broadband and wireless internet connections are readily available and are provided by some of the country's largest telecommunication companies.
In the mid 1990s the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill was constructed to ease garbage disposal within the city. It is however nearing its lifespan although the Provincial Government is planning to build two sanitary landfills to serve both the northern and southern parts of Metro Cebu including Cebu City. In June 2005, the city fully implemented the segregation of wastes as mandated by law.
Mass transportation throughout the city and the metropolis itself is provided by the popular jeepneys. There were previous plans of setting up a mass railway system but it was deemed not feasible as of the moment due to the high construction cost that it will entail and the uncertainty of making the routes profitable. A metro bus system, however, was recently implemented.
IDEA analysis of AIM survey Directly relating with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) survey, the Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis Inc. (IDEA) analyzed that Cebu City's fast growth has resulted in an irony of sorts as the Queen City of the South slipped below the top five most competitive cities in the country last year, losing its former spot to Davao.
Veteran economist Cayetano Paderanga Jr., head of the team, stated that the city's ranking suggests that businessmen continues to have "anxieties" about "congestion in roads, water and others."
He also stated that concerned local governments must invest in needed infrastructure to address issues raised by the business sector.
Despite the setback however, Paderanga declares that "Cebu is still a fast growing city," and that its speedy growth led to economic development overtaking the city's infrastructure.
In the AIM survey, Davao replaced Cebu in the top five most competitive metro cities in the country. The other four are Las Piñas, Makati, Marikina and Muntinlupa. Cebu City finished last of 12 metro cities in terms of infrastructure but landed first of the same 12 cities surveyed in terms of linkages and accessibility [1].

Healthcare
There are currently four large, and privately owned, tertiary hospitals operating in the city that are modern and of international standards: Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, Chong Hua Hospital, Perpetual Soccour Hospital and Visayas Community Medical Center. Other tertiary hospitals can also be found within the metro area. There are three government hospitals, one run by the city, the other which is the biggest is run by the province, while the third which is a mother and child hospital is directly under the Department of Health. The city however just like any other in the country is rapidly experiencing a shortage of skilled nurses due to the high demand abroad where compensation is attractive. Most of the nurses already working in the hospitals have only a few years of training, some are even fresh graduates. Despite the fact that the country produces thousands of nurses annually, the turnover is still high with even some fresh graduates working for only an average of 1-2 years before going abroad. The government though has tried several ways to address this issue including requiring fresh graduates to serve in the country for a specified period of time before being allowed to work overseas.

Education

Cebu Normal University
Cebu City is the country's center of education outside of Metro Manila. It currently has nine large universities each with a number of campus branches throughout the metro, and more than a dozen other schools and colleges specializing in various courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Nautical courses, Nursing, Law, Computer and IT, etc.
Among these schools is the University of the Philippines, Visayas- Cebu College (U.P. Cebu) - a satellite campus of the University of the Philippines, Visayas- Miagao, Iloilo (U.P. System - Visayas) which is generally acknowledged as the top university in the country. It is located in the Lahug district in Cebu City.
The oldest school (but not the oldest university) in the Philippines is the University of San Carlos and has 4 campuses around the metropolitan area. It was originally called Colegio de San Ildefonso and was established in 1595 by the Jesuits. It is currently headed by the SVD.
Its newest university, Cebu Doctors' University (formerly Cebu Doctors' College) was elevated to university status on November 2004. It is the first and only medical university in the Philippines and is currently constructing a nine-storey main building at the Cebu Boardwalk in nearby Mandaue City.
Many foreign students also come to Cebu City to study since education is relatively cheaper here. Most of them are Iranians and Nepalese who come to study dentistry and medicine. In recent years, many Koreans have come to Cebu to study English.
Cebu City has 68 public elementary schools, 23 national high schools and 28 night high schools. These night high schools are operated by the Cebu City Government. The City has a literacy rate of 97%.

Tourism

Tourism contributes a big chunk to the local economy. Inset shows Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Convention Center which was constructed in time for the 1998 Asean Tourism Forum.
Tourism continues to contribute much to the local economy not just of the city itself but of the entire province and because of this the city hosted the 1998 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF). The city also hosted the East Asian Tourism Forum (EATOF) in August 2002 in which the province of Cebu is a member and signatory.
Early 2006, one of the island's famous landmark formally reopened under a new name, Marco Polo Plaza, after more than two years of closing its doors. The hotel complex was formerly occupied by Cebu Plaza which was the first deluxe hotel in the province. It opened in the early 80s and was viewed by some as a symbol of the province's economic growth.
There are a number of commercial establishments in the city, the most popular of which are the SM City and Ayala Center malls. There are also other smaller malls and stand alone department stores. Throughout the years however, the establishment of "strip malls" which offers some sort of a town center environment have become the trend.
Despite the presence of such establishments, the downtown area still remains the nerve of commercial activity in the city. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and the Metropolitan Cathedral are also located there.

Special thanks to: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Congratulation to Rep. Pablo Garcia

Philippine Tourist Destination: Batangas

2007-07-10T00:08:00.000+08:00

WELCOME TO BATANGAS!!!

The place of "Kapeng Barako", "Batangas Blades", "Taal Volcano", "Goto", "Bulalo", "Diving Spots" and most of all "My Birth Place".

We have different beautiful diving spots at Mabini, Batangas. We have the Eagle Point, Vistamar, Aguila and other beautiful beach resort. There are beautiful beaches in Calatagan - Munting Buhangin Beach Camp, Nasugbu, Bauan - Dive and Trek, San Juan - Laiya and a lot more.

More about Batangas:

Batangas is a province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea.

Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. The province has many beaches and famous for excellent diving spots only a few hours away from Manila. Some of the more notable ones are Anilao in the Municipality of Mabini, Matabungkay and Punta Fuego in the Municipality of Nasugbu, the Municipality of Calatagan and Laiya in the Municipality of San Juan.

Found in the province is world-known Anilao (Mabini) and its many dive sites that are ideal for observing marine life, and outstanding for macro photography. Located only 110 kilometers south of Metropolitan Manila, it is very accessible by land or by sea.

Batangas is also where Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes is located. The volcano has a water-filled crater and sits on an island in the center of Taal Lake, which geologists believe is an ancient caldera.

The town of Taal is famous for its hand embroideries, knives, and sausages; and it reigns as one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.

Batangas is also generally accepted by linguists as the 'Heart of the Tagalog Language'. Poetically, Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name Kumintang.

NAME:

The first recorded name of the Province was Kumintang. Later, the Spaniards went to settle the present day Balayan, then the most progressive town of the Province. The name of the Province was changed into Bonbon.

Some time later, the capital of the province was transferred to Taal, since being near the lake, it is an easy commercial centre. After the transfer, the leaders of the province decided to change the name of the province after its capital.

Still later, the Spaniards chose to transfer the capital for the third time, now in its present capital the Town of Batangan. later Batangas City, and the Province changed its name once more after the Capital. in 1889, Batangas City became the country's 8th city.

The term batangan means a raft, the people used so that they could fish in the nearby Taal Lake.

The name "Batangas" was derived from the word "batang," which is a term of the natives for the numerous logs found in the Calumpang River, the body of water that runs through the northeastern portion of the town and assumes the shape of a tuning fork.

the term Batangueño or Batangueña generally is an adjective that describes something or someone from Batangas. However, in the recent revival of provincial identitity among the natives of Batangas, these terms is more commonly being used nowadays to mean at native of the province. On the other hand, the old term Batangan is being revived to describe something that is of Batangas flavour.

LANGUAGE

Batangas is the 'Heart of the Tagalog Language' as the dialect of Tagalog spoken here closely resembles the Tagalog spoken before the arrival of the Spanish. Therefore, a strong presence of the Tagalog Culture is clearly visible until now.

Linguistically Batangueños are also known for their unique affectation of often placing the particles eh or ga (equivalent of particle ba Filipino), usually as a marker of stress on the sentence, at the end of their spoken sentences or speech; for example: "Ay, oo, eh!" ("Aye, yes, indeed!"). Some even prolong the particle 'eh' into 'ala eh', though it really has no meaning in itself.

In the recent years, waves of migration from the Visayas had brought significant number of Visayans to the province. There are also a few who can speak Spanish, since Batangas was an important centre during the colonial period.

The province of Batangas also has one of the highest literacy rates in the country at 96.5%, wherein the males have a little higher literacy rate at 97.1% than females with 95.9%.

PEOPLE:

Maria Kalaw Katigbak, a Filipino historian, was quoted to call the Batangueños the Super-Tagalogs. This is because these group of people belonging to the Tagalog stock is the paramount example of what one can expect from this ethnolinguistic group. And indeed, when you ask someone to overact a Tagalog, they would imitate the Batangueños.

One particular custom in the Batangan culture is the so called Matanda sa Dugo (lit. older by blood) practice wherein one gives respect not because of age but of consanguinity. During the early times, the custom of having very large families are very common. Thus, it may be expected that the someone's uncle could be of the same age, or even younger than himself. In this case, the older one would call the younger one in an honorary title (such as tiyo or simply kuya if they can no longer establish the relationship), not the other way around. This often draws confusion to those from other provinces who are not accustomed to such practices.

Batangueños are very regionalistic. When one learns that a person in the room is also from Batangas, expect them to be together until the end of the event. It is also expected that those in office would favour their fellow Batangueños as long as the rules could allow it. Thus the running joke, the Batangas Mafia came to existence.

They also tend to live in a large extended family. It is but common that a piece of land remains undivided until the family connection becomes to far-off related. Marriages between relatives of the fifth generation is still restrained in the Batangan culture even if Philippine laws allow it.

Most Batangueños are either farmers or fishers who sell their own products in the market. Although most of them has also finished a degree, a lot of the people not to use what they have studied and put up their own small businesses instead. This is perhaps due to the subconscious idea that he who has no land to cultivate or trade to make is a lazy person.

Since Batangas has long been declared a tourism area by late President Ferdinand Marcos, people from other places could find a very hospitable culture in the Batangueños. They will feed you more than the usual with the food they eat. Actually, these folks would appreciate it greatly if they see that you are trying to be one of them.

Batangueños are heavy drinkers. Men, and sometimes women, could spend long hours of drinking sessions as if there would be no more work the next day. This is specially true if you are to visit the far-flung barangays.

Aside from drinking too much liquor, Batangueños like sweet food. Perhaps this is because there has never been a shortage of sugar in the province due to the presence of the Central Azucarera Don Pedro, the current largest producer of sugar in the whole archipelago.

And if they like their liquors strong and their foods sweet, Batangueños also like their coffee strong. During the early 1900s, Batangas was the largest producer of coffee in the whole of Asia. In the barrios, the people would drink brewed coffee, which the locals call kapeng barako, translated as the stud's coffee. At present, steps are being made, especially in the city of Lipa to regain the title of having the largest coffee production in Asia.

LANGUAGE:

Perhaps, there is no better way to describe a Batangueño than the language he or she speaks. Batangueños, being mainly descendants of the ancient Tagalogs, speak a dialect of the language with a very strong accent. Indeed, one can easily recognize a Batangueño the moment he opens his mouth.

Though generally intelligible to speakers of other dialects, such as the Manila and Tayabas dialects, the vocabulary of the Batangan Dialect is more closely related to the ancient Tagalog. Rarely do Batangueños use Taglish, as the custom in Manila. In fact, when you ask someone from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino to describe the Tagalog spoken in Batangas, it will easily be labelled 'makaluma' (old style.)

Although much can be said about the way a Batangueño speaks his or her Tagalog, the high literacy of the locals means English is also widely spoken in the province. Spanish is also understood up to some extent. In fact, some towns like Nasugbu, Taal and Lemery still have a significant minority of Spanish speakers. Visayan is also spoken by a significant minority due to the infulx of migration from the Southern Philippines.

MYTHODOLOGY & LITERATURE

According to scholars, the mythology of Batangas is closely related to the mythology of the Oaxacan Tribe of Mexico. A clear proof is the presence of story 'Why the Firefly is Noisy?' and 'The Race of the Carabao and Tortoise', both having their counterparts in Mexico.

Scholars also identified that the ancient Batangueños, like the rest of the Tagalog Tribe, worship the Supreme Creator, known as Bathala. Lesser gods like Mayari, the goddess of the Moon and her brother Apolake, god of the sun, were also present. And although people would not easily connect it with mythology, the Northeast Monsoon is still called Amihan, while the Southwest Monsoon is called Habagat.

For literature, Padre Vicente Garcia came to be known when he wrote an essay to defend José Rizal's Noli Me Tangere.

In 2004, the Province of Batangas gave its Son Domingo Landicho (familiarly called Inggo be Batangueños) the 'Dangal ng Batangas Award' (Pride of Batangas) for being the 'Peoples' Poet'. He, together with Ambassador Lauro Baja, former Executive secretary Renato de Villa, Current Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona, and Transport Secretary Leandro Mendoza received the award in a ceremony which highlighted the celebration of the 423rd year of the founding of the Province.

MUSIC

When a foreigner visits the Philippines, he or she always remark on how musical the Filipinos are. The Batangueños are no exception. Batangueños have always been visible in the Philippine music scene, whether it is in the field of traditional music, popular music or even popular music.

Musicologists identified Batangas as the origin of the kumintang, and ancient war song, which later evolved to become the signature of Filipino love songs the kundiman. From the ancient kumintang, another vocal music emerged, identified as the awit. The huluna, a psalm-like lullaby, is also famous in some towns, especially Bauan. And during the Lenten Season, the Christian passion-narrative, called Pasyon by the natives, is but expected in every corners of the province.

Debates may also be done while singing. While those from the Province of Bulacan are known for their Balagatasan (a form of debate done in poetry), Batangueños are famous for the duplo (a sung debate where each lines of the verse must be octosyllabic) and the karagatan (a sung dabate where each lines of the verse must be dodecasyllabic.) The latter, whose literal meaning is the ocean, got its name from the opening lines. Always, the karagatan is opened by saying some verses that alludes the depth of the sea and comparing it to the difficulty of joining the debate. And as mentioned above, the debate must be sung.

Batangas is also the origin of the Balitao (although Cebuanos may argue.) Aside from being a form of vocal music, the Balitao is also a form of dance music. The Balitao, together with the Subli is the most famous form of dance native to Batangas.

In the field of serious music, no one can underestimate the contribution of Batangas. Batangas is the birthplace of the famous Filipino soprano Conching Rosal, dubbed as the First Lady of the Philippine Operatic Stage. Lorenzo Ilustre, a local composer, also became famous for his wide array of religious and liturgical music.

On the other hand, the Maestro of Philippine Music, Ryan Cayabyab is no less than a Batangueño, whose mother Celerina Pujante was in her own right a well sought operatic soprano in the 1950s, about the same time as Rosal. Ogie Alcasid, known to fans as Mr. Composer, also hails from this province.

Special thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/
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