Sagbayan Peak – Bohol

The one that captures my attention in Sagbayan are the statue of different toy characters and animals, which are huge and fun to look at. The viewing decks in this place are an attraction itself, which give one a 360 degree view of the chocolate hills. From this place the island of Cebu can be seen. The sea that separates Bohol and Cebu are really spectacular to look at.

Prony the Live Anaconda of Bohol – Sta. Filomena, Alburquerque, Bohol

Prony is a python, which is named after its captor. It is the biggest python in captivity in the province. Today it is being feed with live pig. Before it was feed with stray dogs but the animal kingdom federation, Inc., requested the mayor to stop the owners from feeding the python with dogs since it is a violation of the Animal Welfare act.
There is a donation box to help the owners to maintain the sanctuary.

Carmen Chocolate Hills-Carmen, Bohol

Bohol is famous for Chocolate hills and tarsiers. Carmen Chocolate Hills Development is one of the places that hard to resist enjoying and unleashed its beauty. The hills look like have similar sizes and shape. It’s really amazing how these hills have no trees just grasses during rainy seasons and they turn into brown during summer. In between hills are green ride fields, carabaos, coconut trees, etc.
Amazing place, amazing people!

Blood Compact Monument -Tagbilaran, Bohol

Touring Bohol is a delightful experience, communion with nature and glimpse of bits of the history of the Philippines. Blood compact in Bohol is one of the peace treaties between two nations of different races. On March 16, 1565, Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of the Spanish expedition and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol then, they sealed the friendship through blood compact. Blood compact was a native custom at that time where both parties draw drops of blood from their arms, mix the blood with wine and then equally drunk the mixture.

Boholanos consider this event as a very special and commemorate it with a yearly festival called “Sandugo”, which means “one blood” It’s a long month celebration, which starts every 22nd of July on the Bohol Day celebrations and extends it up to late August.

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center - Bilar, Bohol

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center is located in Bilar, Bohol. The goal of this conservation center is to protect and strengthen the natural environment of the butterflies. It aims to raise population of the butterflies in Bohol as well as to seek additional livelihood for the Boholanos.

Visiting this center will open your eyes to the colorful world of the butterflies. Its life cycle and life span. U can play and let the butterflies get near u. There is a picnic area inside the center, where the visitor can rest and eat before proceeding to the other tourist spots.

Baclayon Church-Baclayon, Bohol

Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion is also known as Baclayon Church. Located in Baclayon, Bohol. It is one of the most the most preserve stone churches in the Philippines. Considered as the oldest church in the Province of Bohol.
The church building has a dungeon where the violators of the Roman Catholic law was punished. It has an old convent with a small museum, where religious artifacts believed to be centuries old.

Rajah Sikatuna National Park-Bilar, Bohol

Rajah Sikatuna National Park is also known as Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape. It was declared as National Park under Proclamation No. 129 on July 10,1987. If you r a nature lover and bird watcher, this place is a haven for you. It is in Bilar, Bohol, the heart of the province.

Loboc Church-Loboc, Bohol

The province of Bohol has one of the beautiful Churches in the Philippines. One of them is the St. Peter and Paul Parish church also known as Loboc Church. It is the second oldest Church in the province. The famous Loboc Children's Choir is raised and trained here. The style of the Church is Roman style. The Bell tower is more or less 100 meters away from the church. There is a 3-storey building attached to this Church, which the Loboc Museum can be found in the third floor. Religeous artifacts are there.

Visiting Churches in Bohol, one should wear something that would not show some skin. If you are wearing shorts or sleeveless, you will be given a shawl to cover your legs or your arms. But that shawl should be returned after visiting the church.

Loboc River - Loboc, Bohol

One of the attractions in Bohol is the crusing on Loboc River. It's a cruise where one can experience the beauty of nature as well as the culture of the Filipinos. The food while on the cruise is unlimited. Native delicacies, fresh fruits, grilled foods, which would satisfy your appetite. While cruising there is a band serenading. And there are cruise stops, which local performers entertain the visitors. At the end of the river is the falls called Busay falls.
There is a cruise at night too, where u could experience the lights and dances of the fireflies.

Krus Na Daku (Big Cross) -Loboc, Bohol

Krus na daku is considered as the Mt. Sinai in Loboc, Bohol. During Holy Weeks Boholanos are commemorating the passion of Christ in this Mountain. Stations of the Cross are there the last station is the Krus na Daku, which stands on the top of the mountain. It takes an hour before reaching the top of the mountain.
The scenery at the top of it is the 360 degrees of the province of Bohol. From here you can see the beauty of nature. Refreshing and unwinding to rest after the trek. This cross can be seen while cruising the Loboc River. At night it has light.

Hanging Bridge at Sipatan River - Sevilla, Bohol

Exploring Bohol is great, its like u enter a new paradise. The place is enchanting. Every town has its own place to share for everyone to enjoy the stay. U just have to rent a van or any for rent vehicle to tour around. One of the places that u should not miss is dropping by at the hanging bridge at Sipatan River. The fee for traversing the bridge is 10 pesos that is less than a dollar. Actually that fee is for maintaining the bridge. The capacity of the bridge is just 10 persons. Crossing the bridge is fun specialy when ur companions have fear of height and somebody would shake the bridge. Torture for them. The water of the river is not clear its like muddy one but the place has rich in vegetation. Fresh air. There are buko, which is perfect after the tiring experience of crossing the bridge. And there are sourvenirs for sale.

Kalamay - a Native Delicacy

Filipino food is a fusion of different style and taste. We have unique taste and food. When I'm on trip I usually look for pasalubong or gift for my friends and loved ones left. I don't want to buy anything just to have pasalubong for them. Usually, native delicacies that are distinct can be found on that place or region. In Bohol there are many gift items for sourvernirs and pasalubong. One of the native delicacies that catch my attention is the kalamay. Kalamay is usually made of grind glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk. But in Bohol it has flavor of peanuts and ube. Ube is a root crop. Ube means violet. The packaging of kalamay with peanut is unique they put it in a coconut shell. Perfect pasalubong for sweet tooth person. It's nice toeat when it is cold, can be served as dessert. Kalamay Ube is an ingredient too for halo-halo, which is a Filipino food too.

Tinikling - Philippines' Folk Dance

Philippine has a colorful and beautiful culture. Filipinos love to dance and sing, that's why if u would notice even in a small village there are videoke bars. When I was in grade school I would always part of choral group and dance troupe. One of the dances that I didn’t like to dance is the tinikling. Tinikling is a folk dance imitating the movement of the native bird called tikling. It was so hard for me because the rhythm is fast plus I have to be mindful of the bamboo sticks that might clip my feet. A dancer of this dance should have a sharp ear for the fast rhythm.

If u would travel to the province of Bohol, for sure u will drop by at the famous Loboc River. While taking the cruise to that river there are folk dancers and singers, who will entertain you and introduce to some part of Filipino culture. One of the dances being performed is Tinikling.

Taytay Falls - Majayjay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna

One Sunday we decided to visit Taytay Falls also known as Majayjay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna. I was fascinated with name of place called Majayjay. According to some folklore “ma” was from the word marami, which means plenty in English. And the word “jay”(pronounced as hay) was from “hay”, which means sigh in English. So the word is full of sighs from appreciating the gift of nature. We had no car of our own so we just commuted to go here. We left at 7:00am in our place then we reached Brgy. Taytay past 12pm already. The trip was long because we had to cut trips. But the trip was really awesome. We met the old ways of Filipinos in accepting guests. The locals were very warm. They let us feel safe. One of the passengers in the jeep where we rode invited us to go to their place in Brgy. Bukal tovisit the water falls there called Bukal Falls. We promised to visit her someday.

The entrance to Taytay falls is 20 pesos per head for day tour. Before we proceed to do the trek we decided to order pancit habhab, a local delicacy but the small restaurant or turo-turo in the local term, had no available noodle for pancit habhab. So we ordered Pancit Bihon(rice noodle) instead. One order of pancit bihon cost 70 pesos. We could not eat all of them; one order could feed 4 to 5 persons. After eating we toke out the remaining Pancit Bihon and brought it to the water falls.

Trekking to the water falls was easy. The path way is already cemented so it so easy to trek. Actually this is the easiest trek that we had. The visitors were all Filipinos. I did not see any foreigners there unlike in Pagsanjan Falls. It’s good to know that more locals are helping the tourism in propagating the local tourism. The visitors in this water falls are dominated by the youth. They put up tent and camp there.

The water is too cold. We couldn’t stay in the water for long. The place is really awesome. The vegetation is still rich. It’s a safe place there are civilian guards everywhere, who remind everyone not too litter and be careful with exploring the place.

The water falls height is more or less 20ft., clear and cold.

We stayed there for just a couple of hour, it was short but we explored the place. The trip was awesome and worth of our time.

St. Anthony Parish Church - Juban, Sorsgon

This Church is a Roman Style one. It has a park inside the compound, which I think would be nice to serve as a reception area for any Christian Celebrations such as weddding, Christening and others. It is located in the heart of Juban, Sorsogon.

San Ramon Nonato Church (Tagas Church) - Legaspi City, Albay

Along the road, just in the outskirt of Legaspi City, Albay. It is also known as Tagas Church.

The Chocolate Hills of Legaspi City

I was in the first flight to Legaspi City. And after the clouds greeted me with so much joy, they disappeared when the plane was about to land and the scattered hills, which looked like chocolate hills, showed and gave me more excitements in taking pictures till the Majestic Mayon Volcano showed up. It was a breathtaking scene. As if I was welcomed wholeheartedly. Great experience.



Scattered Small Hills


Mt. Mayon greets every passenger with a smile



Chocolate Hills look like


Beautiful Tiny Hills


The Plains from up above


Mt. Mayon early in the morning



Mt. Mayon with Wings



Mt. Mayon

St. Raphael Parish Church - Legaspi City, Albay

It is located at the heart of Legaspi City. Accessible, perfect for baptisms, weddings and other Christians' celebrations.

Cotton Like Clouds

While on board in an airplane to Legaspi City, I was too bored when suddenly I looked outside the window and these clouds greeted me with a smile and joy. They're the ones who let me forget the boredness and the excitement of going home. As the plane was flying they followed us as if they're playing with me. They let me feel blessed and happy while they were entertaining me with this beautiful view.

Pile of Cottons

Clouds are running after me...

As If they were dancing before my eyes

Up up up away!

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary - Cumadcad, Castilla, Sorsogon

This church is located along Maharlike Hi-way going in and out of the province of Sorsogon. Perfect for Church Vistation.

Our Lady of Fatima Church - Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

It's a small Church perfect for private and small wedding, baptism and other occassions. This is located in the heart of Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.

Daraga Church-Our Lady of the Gate, Daraga, Albay

Very beautiful and old hilltop church, overlooking the majestic Mayon Volcano. It is Located at the town of Daraga, province of Albay.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church-Casiguran, Sorsogn

Philippines' culture and heritage can be seen through Churches. Filipinos are really religious. When traveling to the Philippines that will always include the Visitation of Churches.
In the province of Sorsogon, one of the churches that is always nice to visit is the one in Casiguran. It is a hilltop Church like one of that in Irosin. This church is in Honor of the Most Holy Rosary through Virgin Mary.

Sinampay-Hanging Clothes

Going to the provinces are nice to experience primitive ways of life. One of the things that Filipinos should be thankful of is having a rich in natural resources. Mostly those who are living in the provinces washing their clothes in the river or spring where they could hang their clothes while swimming too.

Happy Valentine '09

Divine Word Seminary-Tagaytay City, Batangas

Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. Tagaytay will become one of the best places for you to visit, relax and lay way back enjoying the clean, cool air amongst a pleasant and safe atmosphere.



With its cool climate and clean air, Tagaytay City is the perfect place for leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing. It makes for an affordable weekend getaway for most Filipino families living near the area.





Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat." One of them is the Divine World Seminary, SVD. We have two friends who were seminarians there so from time to time I, my friends and family members visited them. Actually we attended their respective ordinations.


Very inspiring moment


Great to meet those who are willing to dedicate their lives to God.

Dancalan Beach - Bulusan, Sorsogon

Sunrise at Dancalan Beach




Camping and overnight

During my childhood years, I always look forward to the time that the whole clan would have reunion at the beach. One of the beaches that I grew up with is Dancalan Beach in Bulusan, Sorsogon. Because of its shallow waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life, the place is ideal for snorkeling, camping and swimming. The kids can swim without much supervision of the parents or guardians. We could walk half a kilometer from the seashore while looking for edible seaweeds.

On its beach front, the Philippine Tourism Authority built several concrete picnic cottages, including a store and canteen now ran by a local community-based cooperative. Across the road is a resort hotel offering air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool. The resort is located just after the Bulusan poblacion from the town of Irosin.

La Mesa Ecopark - The only forest left in Metro Manila

Nursery

Want to go on a picnic in a forest setting without leaving Metro Manila? Well, you should seriously check out the La Mesa Ecopark, which is within the La Mesa Dam watershed in Novaliches, Quezon City. Officially named as the La Mesa Watershed Resort and Ecological Park, the ecopark provides weary Metro residents with a respite from the polluted downtown areas.

La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. The property is owned by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a government agency. La Mesa Watershed is 2700 hectares, 700 hectares of which is the reservoir and 2000 hectares of which is the surrounding forest. This forest is the last remaining one of its size in Metro Manila and serves as its carbon dioxide sink. La Mesa Watershed, therefore, is vital to the city, not only because it is a primary source of drinking water, but also because its forest functions as the lungs of Metro Manila, providing it with clean air.

To sustain the Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Bantay Kalikasan, in partnership with the MWSS and the Q.C. Government, rehabilitated and renovated a 33 hectare public park located right outside the natural boundaries of the watershed and 40 meters below the reservoir. In September 2004, it was renamed La Mesa Ecopark and reopened to the public. All revenues generated by La Mesa Ecopark are utilized for the continuous preservation and protection of La Mesa Watershed.

La Mesa Ecopark envisions a better environment for our children. Its mission is to spread environmental awareness through education and advocacy. La Mesa Ecopark is a venue providing for healthful outdoor recreation and a true forest experience. It is a living classroom and laboratory for environmental education and aims to be a center for biodiversity conservation. Today, the park continues to be a popular destination for family outings and picnics; a more healthful alternative to shopping malls.

La Mesa Ecopark boasts of the following facilities:

Superferry Boating lagoon



Bike Rental Area



Swimming Pool




Among the things you can encounter in the park is the centerpiece salt-water swimming pool,

Lopez Picnic Grounds


Five hectares of picnic spots with grilling facilities underneath a forest of varied trees.

Shell Flower Terraces




Two hectares of flower terraces. This is actually the dam wall of the reservoir.


a fishing pond



Petron Fitness and Mountain Bike Trail






Here, one can enjoy a full-body workout under the shade of trees. The fitness trail has 17 exercise stations and connects to a forested 1.2 km mountain bike trail.


Wall Climbing



Rapelling



Paintball Ground


Souvenir Shop



Butterfly Hatchery