Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Semana Santa- Baliuag, Bulacan

PINOY PILGRIMS


From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

Being hailed as the only Christian/Catholic Country in Asia, it is not surprising that the Philippines is known worldwide in celebrating every Christian event. It is said that the essence of being a Christian/Catholic is everyone's recognition of the Easter- the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The highlight of this event is the SEMANA SANTA (Holy Week).

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

The event commences on Palm Sunday- where many Filipinos will go to church bringing their Palaspas- A variety of palm with different shapes and designs. These palm leaves will be blessed by holy water after the celebration of mass. This tradition depicts the joyous entry of Jesus Christ to the Jerusalem.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

During Holy Monday up to Holy Wednesday, pilgrims have different religious activities nationwide. Confessions, reflections and visiting old churches are very common. One of the practices out of this festival is the VISITA IGLESIAS- or the traditional visitation of 7 different churches.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

The Quiapo Church would most likely in the list. This Century-old structure lies within the very heart of Manila. Home of the Senior Nazareno (the famous miraculous statue of Jesus Christ being celebrated on every 9th of January every year), this church is very accessible to anyone who seeks miracle.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

Basilica de San Sebastian or San Sebastian Church- Looking at its Gothic spires, one would not think that San Sebastian is constructed of prefabricated steel. The story goes that the Augustinian Recollect Order, having seen their church thrice leveled to the ground by earthquakes, decided to have the new one cast in steel so that it would endure Manila's temblors.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

With its vaulted ceilings, jewel-like stained glass windows and generally romantic air, San Sebastian is understandably a much-favored itinerary in Visita Iglesia and also famous venue for weddings.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

The original San Miguel or Saint Michael Church was constructed in 1630s as an act of gratitude by a Spanish governor-general who had miraculously escaped death on a military campaign. The church also ministered to Japanese Christians fleeing persecution under the Tokugawa Shogunate, and since many of these exiles belonged to the samurai, or warrior, class, the church was dedicated to Saint Michael, the dragon-slayer. The present church, notable for the beautiful symmetry of its twin bell towers, follows the mold of European Baroque architecture. Because of its proximity, the church is often associated with Malacanang Palace .

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

Going back to Baliuag, the very highlight of this town is on Good Friday. Fortunately, I was raised and grew-up on this religious place. Here, we are taught of celebrating this event in not going places to such as popular beaches in the Philippines. We inherited the values of Christian living to reflect and join the Lord in his journey and passions.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

Today, Baliuag is now recognized as having the most colorful and longest procession of almost 90 carozas or floats with life-size statue depicting every scene in Jesus Christ's Passion.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan


Filipinos are known loving to their parents, especially to their mothers, it could not ignore our great devotion to the the Blessed Virgin Mary- the patron Saint of the Philippines. As the whole nation is aware of all the pains she suffered- as Mary- the Virgin, she witnessed all the hardships and compassions of Jesus Christ to mankind.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

This float has almost 12 statue-characters from the Holy Book's event. Dressed in bright colors, anyone would agree that these people has a great taste in fashion and arts.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan
In bigger caroza, it would surely need an assistance from the procession's attendant to clear all the pavements and cliff-hanging branches of trees.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

Dominated by the most-of-the-grieving-women characters, many are dressed-up coming from designs in Paris and Italy, first-time visitor will be confused if she/he is Spain or some other part in Europe.

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan
But the true essence of the celebration is not set aside. Reminiscing God's gift to all of us...

From Pilgrimage in Baliuag, Bulacan

...to be a genuinely true Christians that we could share to the whole world.

(if you want to witness this once-a-year festival, you may contact us for your convenience)


Monday, May 18, 2009

PAHIYAS Festival

WORLD'S ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL FESTIVALS

From PAHIYAS Festival 2009

Seasons of Merry Making in the Philippines is endless- aside from being hailed as having the longest and merriest celebration of Christmas, thanks to the traditions that the Spanish colonizer gifted to us. PAHIYAS Festival can be considered bravely by every Filipino as One of the World's Colorful Festival- if not one of the brightest (literally, since there are no presence of abundant lights in the province).

From PAHIYAS Festival 2009

'Pahiyas' is derived from local Filipino word 'payas' which means- to decorate and acclaimed as the fiesta of all fiestas. Celebrated every 15th day of May every year, the Pahiyas festival transforms the small town of Lucban in Quezon from ordinary to extravagant sight. Originated as a pagan harvest celebration, it is now commemorated in honor of San Isidro Labrador- the Patron Saint of Farmers, peasant and laborers used to be a farmer in Madrid.


From PAHIYAS Festival 2009

Preparation for Pahiyas Festival is tedious and requires a lot of skills, but only celebrated only for a short period. The most anticipated sight to see is the colorful decoration of houses made from fruits, vegetables, and kipings.


From PAHIYAS Festival 2009

The locals believed that the practice started when the farmers offered harvest at the foot of Mount Banahaw. The tradition changed eventually and and the food offering was brought to the church. They bring the harvest to have more blessings and believed that this ritual was essential because the were told failure to do so could bring deprivation, death and misfortune to the town.

From PAHIYAS Festival 2009


In keeping the tradition alive, the locals agreed to display their harvest in front of their houses where the parish priest would come to bless the harvest during the procession of the image of San Isidro Labrador.


From PAHIYAS Festival 2009
Because of the economic situation, the town decided that every year, only the assigned houses would participate by means of competition- the best of the decorative and creative design of the Pahiyas during the festival. After the competition, all the decorations will be thrown away to the people. But the important thing to prove that you have been to Lucban is seeing the colorful kipings and tasting the delicious Pancit Habhab and Longanisang Lucban.

From PAHIYAS Festival 2009

KIPINGS are leaf-shaped rice wafers brilliantly dyed in colors- in red, fuschia, green, yellow and in other radiant colors. The leaves used include the kabal, kape (brown coffee tree leaf), talisay (umbrella tree), kakaw (cocoa tree) and saba (cooking banana). A kiping becomes more attractive when it catches the rays of the sun, turning it into downpour of eye-catching colors.

From PAHIYAS Festival 2009

They say, the procedure in making the kiping is a secret and only the chosen ones will be entrusted to make it.

So, get your best and favorite sneakers or rubber shoes, water bottles, cameras, video camera, hats, and umbrellas. Welcome to the Pahiyas Festival!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Donsol's Whale Shark (Buntanding)

Whale Shark Capital of the World

I very first heard & read about Whale Shark (Bundating) sometime in 1998 in Philippine Daily Inquirer. I was very fascinated with the story even then and dreamt of someday, I will be able to interact with this God's gift to Donsol. Before 1997, the World's popular Whale Shark Tour was in Nigaloo Reef, West of Australia, where the hopefuls enlisted the aid of a light spotter plane. Aside from being rather sky-rocketing price- $400-$500 or P20,000-P25,000 per person, whale shark interaction was not guaranteed.

It took me about 11 years to fulfill this dream. It was first week of March 2009 then, when I decided to brave and travel this once sleepy town- the Donsol. Little did the world know that for years, fishermen is Donsol were shooing away dozens of friendly, lumbering sharks bumping into their nets. And since 1998, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)- a global conseravation group has played a crucial role in establishing a community-based ecotourism by facilitating fund-sourcing and stakeholder mobilization for the conservation of the species- now deemed by the DOT as the flagship of ecotourism destination and one of the best attractions in Bicol Region.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
Landing on the Province of Bicol will give you the first treat- the Panoramic view of Mayon Volcano. But that was another story I've told. Traveling more than 2-hour drive was worth-waiting.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
Local flora surrounding the town will give you the relief and additional entertainment as you wait for the next day for the interaction. (Unless otherwise, you arrived as early as 7:00am, you can immediately have your Butanding Tour).

From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
Dash of gold through the horizon has another factor for you to have the thoughts that this place is really blessed. As the night gets deeper, another treat awaits you.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
Fireflies are very abundant in Ogod and Donsol Rivers. (I felt so sorry because any camera couldn't capture their great assembly in every mangrove that surrounds the rivers). The magic happens only a night, of course. Where the enchantment begins after the sun sets and the beauty is revealed when the darkness descends. This is the nightlife in Donsol, where the place is so quiet and all you can hear is the nature. The enchanted beauty of these thousands of nocturnal insects inhabit the two rivers and provide the glow around the mangrove trees- like Christmas lights that these flicker of lights takes the shape of the tree.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
The following morning, after attending a brief but important orientation, we sailed an accredited motor boat with Whale Shark spotter and guide. Here, before plunging on the water, the guide will give you the last minute reminders about the Butanding's behavior.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
Here it was, the excitement begun! You cannot control yourself and be excited- this caused me to drank sea water as I've face this gentle giant.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
This was the first glimpse I have! My head swelled and felt like it burst when it I saw this creature. I want to wake up, thinking that I was only in a big dream. But no, it was a reality, so I have to conquer my fear and play with this long-time subject from my must-see list.
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
The second Butanding I encountered was as big as a mini-bus. Seemed like I was in a big movie house's screen while this gentle giant passed through where I was. The urge of my fascination has triggered me to play along with the sea creature. I clearly observed that Butanding are mindless of those who wanted to see them up-close. Their eyes are too small, big wide mouth and large fins!
From Donsol Sorsogon- Home of the Gentle Giants
Foreigners are having fun scoring an underwater videos. Who wouldn't resist? After all, it is considered as the Best Animal encounter in Asia according to
From TIME

Saturday, May 9, 2009

BORACAY- World's Sought-after Paradise

From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World

Who doesn't know of Boracay?
Since it became popular worldwide in the early 80's, this island is a must-go destination, not only in the Philippines but in the whole Asia as well as in the whole world!


From yahoo! travel
polls showed that BORACAY island is consistent in the 'Top 10 Best Beaches in the World ' besting all other beaches in Asia such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and even Australia.

From photos4travel
Ranks No.8 on 'Top 10 Most Popular Beaches in the World' based on warm weather, sand quality, beautiful water, facilities and environment.


From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World
Accessibility is problem-no-more in this beautiful island. Most major local flights served this destination. Flights are scheduled every hour by each airline companY. An international chartered flight is possible, where most of the Koreans enjoy this benefits.

From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World
You can leave your things behind, the locals are trained to be more honest for the traveler who are having their holidays

From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World
Witness the wonderful sunset that only a truly Tropical Island Paradise could offer you.

From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World
Boracay is not alone in serving you the best. It's nearby beach (on the other side of the island) is the equally-or-even-more-beautiful stretch of the shoreline- the Puka Beach. Less crowded area, the locals can serve you the best of the island's delicacies.

From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World
What's more? Indulge yourself and wear your best. Before having an island party at night, dont forget to treat yourself in this all-time fashionable local accessories.

From Boracay Island- One of the Best Beaches in the World
you bet, even this clever buddy can't miss the island party!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

CORON ISLANDS- Mystically Treasured

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

Every visit to any island in the Archipelago would give you the chance to have a glimpse of NAIA- named after the slayed hero- Ninoy (Benigno) Aquino Jr. Lucky if your flight is scheduled in early morning because this scenery will surely give you the best of the sunrise treat.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

As you landed the Busuanga Airport, foggy (not smog! mind you) air will greet you on your face, where the nature reminds us that this place is not as polluted as the Metros.

From guardian.co.uk
Palawan Ranks No. 4!

Says 'From deserted white sand lapped by turquoise water to wave crashing against rugged shores'.

Although Alex Garland's backpacker odyssey The Beach is set in Thailand, he took much of the inspiration for the location from the Philippines. The reason? As anyone who has been to Thailand in the last decade will tell you, the chances of founding your very own deserted island paradise in a country that has become synonymous with the backpacker superhighway are close to nil. The Philippines, on the other hand has over 7,000 islands, a fraction of the tourists and so many deserted beaches that it's easy to hire a fishing boat, sail off into the sun and create your very own "Beach".

The western island group of Palawan, which even Filipinos describe as their country's last frontier, is inconceivably exotic and tropical. It's an archipelago of jagged limestone islands with underground rivers, rocky coves, virgin rainforest and, of course, sugar-white sandy beaches. Honda Bay, which has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, is one of the most popular but the fun in Palawan is in discovering your own deserted stretch of sand.

A real tropical Island resort awaits us, one of our hosts. Secluded from Coron town proper, it only requires you to have a 10-minute boat transfer. Prior to that, a 45-minute land travel will be needed from Busuanga Airport to Coron town. But sceneries along the way will fill your eagerness to explore the islands.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

Eat your heart out- Donald Trump. This ramp is not yet been used by any beauty pageant, even the Ms. Universe competition but the guests who have been to this paradise.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

Formation of the limestone would make your wild imagination to see different replicas from the formation. Blanket by aqua green to aqua blue calm water, where delta surrounds the place, a cool to warm water will give you the de luxe experience to do your chosen water sports.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

All I can say is...BEAUTIFUL, isn't it? =)

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

This is where the Delta is. Feel free!

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

The pictureque landmark of coron. Your visit would not be complete without treking the hill the would give you this panoramic view. What's more, right behind this hill, is the Kayangan Lake. the Second cleanest lake in the Philippines.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

One of the creatures that would witness your freedom to join our Mother Nature. This school of fish is so magical, never afraid of human intervention. Do not harm, because the fairy might punish you. Lol.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

Sweetest moment. A couple doing their fishing for their living. So simple and yet so lovely.

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands

Being laid back is being untouched. The great escape from the wild and bustlig cities. These people are caretakers of the Kayangan Lake. They are friendly, don't worry!

From CORON, PALAWAN- Mystical Islands


This photograph speaks louder than words. Just kidding. I give you all the judgment how to describe how serene this place is.


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