Voyage of the Balangay Update

Team Balangay has finally set sail aboard Diwata ng Lahi towards an epic journey from Manila Bay to Mindanao and later on to Southeast Asia. For more updates from Team Balangay, visit the official website. Lawig balangay!

Note: Diwata ng Lahi will be joined by another balangay once it docks in Butuan City. The balangay construction in Butuan will be paid for by private citizens.

Spring Fever

I love Spring! It's the time of year when flowers are abloom and the climate is just right. Not too hot, not too cold. Just perfect! Imagine an air-conditioned world. That's what spring is like. I can go out in a light sweater at noontime and do not sweat. I wish it's spring all year round.

Ariel and I welcomed the new season by going to a hanami last Sunday. Hanami is the Japanese term for "picnic". It literally means "view the flowers". And view the flowers we did! We went to one of Japan's "park cities", Kakamigahara-shi, which is a mere 15 minutes away by local train. Kakamigahara has a huge city park located right beside Shin-Sakai River. The river is lined with sakura trees and is listed among the top 100 spots to view cherry blossoms in Japan.

When we got there, we were greeted by this beautiful sight:

We met up with Ariel's sister, Nancy, and her husband, Aljio, who got there earlier. A picnic mat was already spread out in the grass. Ariel and I then proceeded to the food booths to buy lunch. I settled for barbecue and french fries while Ariel opted for ramen. After eating, it was pictorial time!

We first took turns in taking pictures of each other with the sakura.

Er, it was more of Ariel taking pictures of watashi.

On our way back to the picnic grounds, we spotted this hand-drawn "karitela".

I also bumped into old acquaintances from work whom I have not seen for more than two years.

(L-R: Maritess, Janet, me, Flor, Nancy and Ariel)

This diva of a dog passed by us with her owner.

We also went to the very colorful floral garden area and took some more pictures.

Of course, I just had to pose beside the fountain.

I also tried out my hand in point and shoot photography.

Going to a hanami has become a spring ritual for me and Ariel. Whenever we are in Japan, we always make sure to go and see the cherry blosssoms because they only come out once a year and stay in bloom for only a week. The cherry blossoms in Kakamigahara have now started falling off and it will take another year for us to see them again.

Happy Easter everyone!

More Philippine Beaches

As promised, here's my post on the beautiful Philippine beaches which I have visited in the past.

1. Panglao Island - I went to Panglao Island in the province of Bohol in May 2005 after attending Mark and Barb's wedding in Cebu. We stayed at Alona Kew Resort for 3 days and 2 nights. If I remember correctly, our twin room cost less than P2k per night. We ate at a restaurant in a neighboring resort and the nearby "talipapa". From Panglao, we hired a van and toured around Bohol all the way to Jagna. We visited famous sites like the blood compact site, Baclayon church, Loboc River, hanging bridge, man-made forest, tarsiers and, of course, Chocolate Hills. We took the boat from Jagna to Nasipit on our way back to Butuan.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Tagbilaran
By boat from Cebu to Tagbilaran
By van from Tabilaran to Panglao Island

2. Samal Island - I spent my honeymoon with Ariel at Pearl Farm Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte in 2003. The resort is perfect for a honeymoon because it is secluded and very serene. We were booked in one of the Samal Houses which was right on the water! All meals are buffet-style and our honeymoon package included one romantic dinner at the parola (with serenade) and free island hopping. I immensely enjoyed the trip to nearby Malipano Island that I did not want to leave. There also many other resorts in Samal Island like Paradise Resort and Blue Water Resort.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Davao
By ferry or motor boat from Sasa wharf to Samal Island
(Pearl Farm Resort has its own boat transfer service from Waterfront Insular Hotel to Pearl Farm Resort)

3. Camiguin - The only time I went to Camiguin was way back in 1996 with my family. This was when I discovered the "pastel" (bread with custard filling) and Camiguin was unlike what it is today. We stayed at one of the resorts in Agoho, Mambajao. Back then, Paras Resort was still under construction. Our fist day was spent at White Island, which was clear from the obstructions that it has now. On our 2nd day, we hired a multicab to get to the Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls and Ardent Hot Spring.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila or Cebu to Cagayan De Oro or Butuan
By bus/van from Cagayan De Oro or Butuan to Balingaon
By ferry boat from Balingoan to Camiguin

4. Siargao - I was in Siargao, Surigao del Norte with a group of friends only last September 2008. We stayed at Travellers Resort in Cabuntog, General Luna. We watched the international surfing competition at Cloud Nine and spent a day going to nearby islands. From General Luna, one can easily hop to Naked Island, Dako Island and Guyam Island. For cold beers at night, head to Nine Bar or Siargao Inn.


Getting there:

By plane from Manila or Cebu to Surigao City or Butuan
By bus/van from Butuan to Surigao City
By motor boat/ferry from Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao Island
By tricycle/jeepney from Dapa to Gen. Luna

5. Marinduque - The island province of Marinduque is most popular during Holy Week because of the Moriones Festival. I went there in the mid-1990's with my Butuanon housemates to witness this event. We stayed in a companion's house for 2 nights and 2 days. We went to elephant island and toured around the whole province in one day. Good Friday was spent in the streets of Boac to witness the procession.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Marinduque
By bus/van from Manila to Lucena
By ferry from Lucena to Marinduque


(Siargao photo courtesy of islomaniac@webshots.com)
(other photos courtesy of unsuspecting citizens of the internet)

Philippine Beach Destinations

Summer has officially arrived in the Philippines and for most people, that only means one thing - beach, beach, beach! Below is a list of ten beaches in the Philippines which I wish to visit in my lifetime.

1. Boracay - The most popular beach destination of the Philippines located in the northwestern tip of Panay Island, Western Visayas. Boracay is a favorite of the Manila party crowd because of its very active nightlife.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila or Cebu to Caticlan or Kalibo
By bus/van from Kalibo or Iloilo to Caticlan
By motor boat from Caticlan to Boracay Island

2. Caramoan - This used to be the Philippines' best kept secret until it was featured in the French version of the TV show "Survivor". It is now fast gaining popularity and is touted to be the "next big thing" after Boracay. It is located in Camarines Sur in Bicol facing the Pacific Ocean.


Getting there:
By plane or bus from Manila to Naga City
By van/jeepney from Naga City to Sabang port
By motor boat from Sabang port to Guijalo port, Caramoan
By private vehicle directly from Manila to Caramoan

3. El Nido - One of the many features of Palawan, the Philippines' last frontier. It is located about 238 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital. El Nido is composed of 45 islands and islets.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to El Nido or Puerto Princesa
By ferry boat from Manila to El Nido
By bus/van/jeepney from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

4. Coron - It is the name of both a town in Busuanga Island and an island just offshore. Both Busuanga and Coron Islands are part of the Calamianes Group of Islands along with Culion and several other smaller islands. From Coron, one can also visit the wildlife sanctuary in Calauit Island.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Busuanga
By ferry boat from Manila to Busuanga or Coron
By jeepney/van from Busuanga to Coron

5. Honda Bay - The island hopper's paradise! Honda Bay is also located in Palawan, framing the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa. One can simply hop on a boat and go around the many wonderful islands like Bat Island, Starfish Island and Snake Island.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Puerto Princesa
By jeepney/tricycle from Puerto Princesa to Sta. Lourdes Wharf
By motor boat from Sta. Lourdes Wharf to any island of choice

6. Malapascua - It is more popular as a diving destination located in the northernmost tip of Cebu province. Must do's: drinks at Sunsplash floating bar and a trip to Calanggaman Island.


Getting there:
By plane from international and domestic points to Cebu City
By bus/van from Cebu City to Maya
By motor boat from Maya wharf to Logon, Malapascua Island

7. Bantayan Island - It is located in the northwestern part of Cebu province, composed of the municiplaities of Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe. It is a very popular destination during Lent because it is the only place in the Philippines where eating pork on Good Friday is allowed by the Catholic Church. Bantayan Island is also known as the "egg basket" of the Philippines generating 1.5 million eggs a day!


Getting there:
By plane from international and domestic points to Cebu City
By bus/van from Cebu City to Hagnaya
By motor boat from Hagnaya to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

8. Romblon - The province of Romblon is recognized as the "marble country of the Philippines". It is located at the center of the entire archipelago and is composed of three main islands: Romblon, Sibuyan and Tablas.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila or Cebu to Caticlan
By ferry boat from Caticlan to Odiongan
By ferry boat from Manila, Batangas or Lucena to Odiongan, San Agustin or Romblon

9. Pagudpud - It is located in the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte facing South China Sea. Must see: Kaibigan Falls, Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Laoag
By bus/van from Manila to Laoag or Pagudpud
By bus/van from Laoag to Pagudpud

10. Guimaras - It is an island province situated between Panay Island and Negros Occidental. Guimaras is best known for its very sweet mangoes, thus the "Manggahan Festival" every 22nd of April. The best beaches of Guimaras are located in Jordan and Nueva Valencia.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Iloilo
By motor boat or ferry from Iloilo to Jordan
By jeepney/van from Jordan to any municipality


Please note that this list only includes destinations which I have not visited yet. I will write about other popular destinations which I have already visited in my next post.


(photos courtesy of unsuspecting citizens of the internet)

Siargao Adventure: An Epilogue

We left Travellers Resort at almost 4AM on Tuesday, Sept. 23. We were all very quiet on the way to the port. Perhaps we were sleepy, perhaps we were musing, or perhaps we were simply in disbelief that this one good thing has come to an end.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. We rode the Fortune Angel and left Dapa at 6AM. I stayed at the upper deck and watched Siargao slowly disappear into the horizon...

*********************

Ronnie left Siargao a day after us. Dondi came to Butuan yesterday, Saturday. I invited both of them to a small dinner gathering at the Flores house in Doongan. It was Uncle Gumer's death anniversary. We introduced Dondi to our other friends, Janice, Caryl and Lynn. Jurgenne also came with Ronnie.

If our Siargao nights were crazy, this night was a laughfest. Dondi was visibly in awe of Lynn's hilarious antics. After all, Lynn/Lino, is the one who gave us "Gigicamer", "T-Fronter" and "Chikert! Chikert!" - all seemingly meaningless words but words that, to us, bring a million laughs...

Siargao Day 3: Almost goodbye...

I was roused from sleep once again at 4:30AM on our third day in Siargao. I changed from my sleeping attire and went down to the beach. It was cloudy so I went back to the room and took a shower. An hour later, I was ready to go. I waited at one of the kiosks and enjoyed the morning chill. Dondi came out, greeted me good morning and rushed to Cloud 9. The first round of surfing heats was rescheduled for that day because the waves were not big enough on Sunday. Ronnie came out a bit later and started taking pictures.

It was around 7AM when everybody was up and ready for Cloud 9. When we got to the site, there were still very few people around. As usual, we did what we have learned to do best in Siargao - photo sessions.

Darlene and me by the surfing "monument"


With our new friend Alex C., #4 surfer of the Philippines


Surfing champion of the Philippines, Heavyweight Division :)


Darlene on the new walkway leading to the viewing tower


The last leg of the walkway - I thought this was going to be easy!



The viewing tower


No ID, No Entry?


The comp begins...


Defending champion, Wade Goodall

More surfers...

It was a slow morning and the world-famous Cloud 9 barrels were nowhere to be found. One surfer commented, "The waves are sleeping!".

We left the tower and had brunch at Marife's, the best food joint in Cloud 9. I had spaghetti while the rest had omelettes and crepes.

Darlene's bacon and cheese omelette

Humongous, yummy, syrupy banana crepe!


Darlene with No. 1 Filipina surfer Nilde Blancada @ Marife's

After eating, Darlene, May and Jane went back to the resort to catch more Zzzz's. I was left behind with Ronnie and Alex, who placed 3rd in his heat. He complained about the lack of waves and how they were forced to ride on bad ones just to get Round 1 over with. We learn a little later that the rest of the heats were postponed because the waves continued to lull. Alex and Ronnie recalled last year's competition which was finished in three days. They said the waves were near perfect! Where are those waves now???, I wondered.

Ronnie and I decided to go back to the resort and wait for Dondi there. He was supposed to bring us to the former mayor's house for lunch. It was the town fiesta!

Dondi came from his organizing chores at around 1PM. We proceeded on HH to our hosts' house. The couple were both former mayors of General Luna. We were served food al fresco. Again, there were so much food that I could not recount everything. There was lechon, fried lumpia, humba, afritada and many, many more! Our lady host was very accommodating. We told her about the new love team brewing in the group and she readily said she would be the ninang at the wedding!

Our balikbayan hosts from the other night came by when we were on our way out. We said hi and goodbye and went back to Cloud 9.

Welcome to General Luna!

Back at Cloud 9

Less than 5 minutes in Cloud 9 and May was already asking, "Asa tong namaligya ug halo-halo?". We were all floored! We could not even walk straight after all the eating at lunch! Alas! There was no halo-halo available that day. We walked to Ronnie and Dondi's "hideout" and found two girls sleeping there. We talked and shared some more laughs. Dondi was his usual crazy self and entertained us no end. He pointed to us "Quiksilver" and "Jacking Horse". A little later, the boys took a dip in the water while eying some bikini-clad girls swimming nearby. Jane contented herself by posing for more photos.

Billabong babe!

Sssshhh!

The view from the "hideout"


Jane and her favorite surfboard

We stayed at the hideout until it was time to eat again. We went back to Marife's and cooled off with milkshakes. It was already dusk when we went back to the resort.

Back at Travellers Inn, the group decided to go night swimming. I changed into my swimming gear and was last to follow in the water. Dondi started telling ghost stories so I covered my ears and hummed to myself. I also sang "Part of Your World" which Dondi thought was a religious song! When it started to drizzle, the three girls went back to our room. I stayed behind with my two "bodyguards". We relaxed in the warm water and watched a firefly flutter by. It has been ages since I last saw a firefly! I recall catching them at our backyard when I was little. I trained my sight on the firefly until it was gone. At that exact moment, I felt like a kid again.

Soon, Ronnie came out of the water and headed back to the resort. Dondi and I followed shortly. It was time for dinner.

On our way in, we saw Alex waiting for us. I talked to the resort owner to get our bill and went inside the hut. We took turns taking our shower while May and I did our computation. The boys were early and got impatient so they decided go ahead and eat dinner at the local barbecue stall. We were still full anyway so we told them we'd meet up at Nine Bar.

It was almost 8PM when we were finally ready for our last romp in Siargao. May had to do some reports so Jane and I left while Darlene stayed with her. Ronnie and Dondi were already at Nine Bar when we arrived. They caught the last of the lechon party and were having ribs and free beer. Alex had to meet up with a friend somewhere and would return later.

The GL party owls continued to pour in as the night wore on. Alex came and so did Chris Pulo and his puppy. Darlene and May joined us at almost 10PM. They brought tempura chips and I ate it with my "innocent" Sprite.

By this time, the "Siargao Super Six" already had a bunch of inside jokes to share and laugh about. A different mix of people would come to our table, say hi and continue on. An Israeli named Kenny(?) introduced himself to us and made small talk. An Australian girl who owns one of the resorts in GL sat beside Ronnie and lingered there for a while. Ronnie, who swears loyalty to his wife, did not even bother to look and say hi. Snubbed, the drunk girl left and moved to another table. Later, Alex and Jane made their way through the dance floor.


They did not stay long because Jane was not comfortable being stared at by different girls. Alex apparently had too many admirers who were eager to check out his dancing partner. He smiled innocently and denied knowing all those girls.

With the surfing heats continuing early the next day, the crowd thinned out as quickly as it swelled. We left the bar at a little past midnight.

Last shot

Back at the resort, we prepared our stuff for our return trip to Butuan early the next day...

Goodbye Siargao...


(Photos courtesy of Ronald and Darlene Chua)