The Journey to Caramoan National Park

The first time I fell in love with the place when I saw it featured in GMA’s magazine show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. From then on I read and browsed about that place. It took a year before we got the chance to visit this exotic place.
Last Holy Week, we spent our vacation there. We rode a bus from Manila to Naga, from Naga to Sabang Port. Sabang Port is not a usual port; it is more a public beach. Men would carry you and your baggage in their shoulders in order for you to board to a motorized boat. It was uncomfortable for girls but no choice. The trip from Sabang Port to Guialo Port was really amazing; there is islet white sand some tourist can visit and explore. The mountains are like chocolate hills and rock formations are really awesome.

Arriving in Guialo Port we had to ride a boat just to reach the platform of the port, then Jeep to Caramoan town proper. From there, we looked for lodging houses, hotel or even transient houses but there were no available. Some locals told us we could spend our vacation in an island because some tourists were already camping there too. We were saddened by the news that Gota Beach, Matukad Island and other islands were closed for tourists because the French Survivor was there. So we feel embittered because the local government should have the heart to give advisory that these islands were closed. Although we read an advisory at the Sabang Port that Gota beach was under renovation but we thought the other islands near Gota Beach were open.
But we were already there so no choice we have to enjoy while we were thinking what we should do we ate in Camalig Restaurant. We had laing, which Bicolanos crave for. The good thing was that one of the tricycle drivers we spoke with was from our province and he knew someone, whose family owns islands but far from Caramoan proper. The driver assured us that the islands are really beautiful and worth of the time. We were lucky because this man, Jun Ramos, has a boat rental for tourists. He served us our tour guide and one of the boat men. He offered us the rest house of his Uncle in Lahuy Island. We had tents so we set them up although the mother and grandmother of Jun wanted us to stay inside the rest house. Swimming at night was fun in this island because the water was warm plus the moon, it was an enchanting night. I brought two sets of rechargeable batteries but they were low-bat when the night came. The problem was this island has no electricity but the good thing was there was a generator in one of the houses so the batteries were charged till midnight only. While we were sleeping the rain poured and we transferred to the rest house. Staying in this island was really an experience that can’t be trade. Thanks Riason and Ramos family.

Manila Ocean Park

Last December 2007, I read that Manila Ocean Park would have a soft opening. So we planned to visit it. But when we went there it was still under construction. And last July we had time to visit it, this time it is already open.
The plan of this park is to make this as the first world-class marine themed park to adopt a fusion concept-bringing together in one complex an Oceanarium, a mall, a restaurant row, boutique hotel, open water marine habitats and multi-purpose function facilities. As of today the only open are the Oceanarium and restaurants. The Oceanarium is the first and largest aquarium facility in the Philippines. U can experience a wide variety of species, such as sharks, fishes and invertebrates indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The journey in the Oceanarium begins in the “Agos” (Flow), where u will learn about the natural flow of water from the land to the sea. In this zone u can found the giant arapaima, alligator gar and various types of African cichlids. There is a touch pool, where u can experience a hands-on experience awaits those who want to interact with some of our friendly residents such as the starfish and sea cucumber.
The next part is the “Bahura” (Reef), which features some of the most fascinating creatures in the Philippine coral reefs.
“Laot” (Fishing Ground), u will find a wide array of fish in the deeper waters of the sea. There are giant grouper, which can weigh up to 660 pounds, making ti one of the largest coral reel-dwelling bony fish.
The area that I enjoyed most is the “Buhay ng Karagatan”, where u can walk through the 25-meter long underwater tunnel, surrounded by awesome creatures. This tunnel showcases various marine animals and how they interact with each other.
“Ang Kalaliman” (The Deep) features different kinds of schooling fish like the barracuda.
Stingray (Pagi) area is the overhang tank offers a unique top and bottom view of stingrays.
“Pating” (Shark), the shark tank, where u can observe how sharks behave and interact with one another.
There is a multi-media facility, where fun, interactive activities for all ages await the Oceanarium visitors. In this area u can find out how can help save the ocean and its inhabitants; or learn more about marine ecosystems, life cycles of coral reefs, and other interesting facts and trivia through the use of thrilling hi-tech devices. Listen, watch, experience and learn.
In the second floor is the exit area, there are fish spa, boat ride, shark viewing area, restaurants and souvenir store.

The Bamboo Organ-A National Treasure

My sister and I are really wanted to attend and watch the concert of The Bamboo Organ but sad to say the concert tickets were very dear. We could not afford to buy although we are hoping someday we can watch the concert. Instead we chose to visit it in the Church, where it is in housed. The entrance is 35.00 for adults and 20.00 for children.
One Sunday morning we decided to visit the St. Joseph Parish Church at P. Diego Cera Ave., Poblacion, Las Piñas, where the Bamboo Organ housed. It is two rides away from our place. We were feeling blessed because it was a gloomy day and few tourists were there. So we had ample time to explore the place. The church is made of adobe stones, which was constructed between 1797 to 1819. Its architectural design is Baroque; I felt I was in another era.
The only pipe organ in the world which pipes are made of bamboo is The Bamboo Organ of Las Piñas City. It took Fr. Diego Cera dela Virgen del Carmen, the first parish priest, 8 years to finish the bamboo organ (1816-1824). It was destroyed in the 1880’s by typhoon and earthquake, which made it unplayable for several years. The pipes were kept till 1917 in the old sacristy when tourists discovered it. The total restoration contract was awarded to Johannes Klais Orgelbau in Bonn, Germany in 1972 and the organ was shipped to Germany in 1973. In March 1975, the restored Bamboo Organ returned home. Since then, every February the yearly International Bamboo Organ Festival is held attracting both local and foreign music enthusiast. After a panel of evaluation of this famous Bamboo Organ on November 24, 2003, the National Museum of the Philippines declared the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ as National Cultural treasure because it is the only 19th century bamboo organ in the Philippines that has survived and is still functioning.”
The Antillan House, which is adjacent to the church, is where the entrance for those who want to have a clearer view of the Bamboo Organ. In this house u can see the gift shop as well as the Museum.
Have fun in visiting this National Treasure, very nice one.