Monday, December 31, 2012

Where have I been in the last twelve months?

It has been a year of frenzied travels. Going out of my comfort zone has never been so fulfilling as how 2012 has been. Here’s a last look to my 12 months of travel and escapades.


January: Palaui Island and Tuguegarao City Trip

Nothing beats the first time. Trying to travel with other Couchsurfers for the first time was indeed something to remember for life. I had a great time meeting new friends and sharing with them some food, stories, games and thoughts ranging from the trivial to the profound ones. Also, I discovered how beautiful Cagayan Valley is. Adorned with hundreds of amazing caves, the Cave Capital of the Philippines is indeed gifted with natural wonders the world has to see.


February: First Solo Backpacking: The Cebu, Davao and Cagayan De Oro Route

This could be the most exhilarating of all my trips this year. Being alone for 10 days, exploring the places I have never been to before, and meeting a lot of generous people who accommodated me, helped me in going around the provinces and gave me food, lots of laughs and memories was priceless. Cebu has been my dream destination ever since in grade school when Philippine History was a favorite subject of mine. Nonetheless, Davao City has made my Ash Wednesday birthday an introspective one. And I enjoyed every single thing about the city so I returned for Kadayawan. Cagayan De Oro gave me my first zipline experience and had me reunited with my best choir friends who are now staying in the city for good. As usual, we enjoyed lots and lots and lots of food! I also learned how to make a maki. LoL.


March: Pilgrimage in Lipa, San Jose, Alitagtag, Taal and Tagaytay

My original plan for this month did not push through. Nevertheless, the last minute invitation from my friends in Canlubang was just perfect as the end of the Lenten Season drew near. I joined the annual pilgrimage of the San Jose Parish in Canlubang. More and more pilgrims have been joining each year and I am lucky enough to be with these really cool guys, young and old who were eager to see new churches every year. I have never participated such a long trip to the some of the most significant worship places in history. Not including the mother parish church of Saint Joseph in Canlubang, we have visited 7 churches. The highlight could be climbing the top of the belfry of the largest church in Asia (Yes it's in the Philippines!) built in Taal and also walking along the heritage town of Taal which is in fact teeming with the same Spanish era elegance as Vigan. The other churches were The Archdiocese of Lipa Cathedral, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine, Invencion Dela Sta Cruz Parish Church, the old San Jose Parish Church, The Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay and the SVD Church.

April: Churches, Churches and More Churches!

To continue the pilgrimage in a more personal way, I picked my backpack on Holy Wednesday. Along with some friends from Canlubang, I headed off to other towns in Laguna and visited more churches. We have visited Inmaculada Concepcion Parish in Sta Cruz, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pagsanjan, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Luisiana where we were lucky to witness the Pandan Festival and St. James the Apostle Church in Paete, which boasts itself as the Wood Carving Capital of the Philippines. The highlight of this trip would be the Holy Wednesday Procession of the Holy Images, carved over the years in Paete. My favorite image is the crucified Jesus with its very realistic contour of the human body. During our traditional Visita Iglesia in MRA Parish, I have also visited many churches in Metro Manila. Altogether, they could be summed up to 25 just within the Holy Week including the pilgrimage in March, the Saturday before Palm Sunday.

May: This month was dedicated to Hangad's 20th Anniversary Concert so I did not go out of Manila.

June: One Good Deed for Daraitan

Meeting new friends is always a wonderful experience. But meeting new friends for a good cause is uniquely unforgettable. The good thing about this is that this event is a product of personal endeavor of a group of friends. No, this is not under any NGO or any humanitarian movement. This is an initiative of some mountaineer friends who happened to pass by the town and decided to help. I joined them in looking for sponsors and donations for the kids of Daraitan, as they start the school year. More than being happy to be a part of the cool guys and gals, I am blessed to have the opportunity to share myself to the kids through songs and gift-giving. This kind of event is done once or twice a year. This January, we will have another one. If you want to give donations, feel free to comment and message me here.


July: Palawan and Boracay Baby!

Hitting two places in one month has never been this good. Palawan, a place I always thought of visiting for years has finally become an instant favorite of mine. From the orderly and clean city of Puerto Princesa, to the natural wonders of Honda Bay islands and Puerto Princesa Underground River, you can never go wrong in putting it on the top spot of your bucket list. Boracay? Not on my plan this year but having the chance to fly and stay at a very low cost sounded good. So after four days of arriving from Palawan, I headed to Boracay. One of my favorite spots now is Puka Beach. Don't ask me how I spent 3D3N in the island for only 3,000. Thanks to Couchsurfing and Google! :)



August: Kadayawan!

This is prolly the biggest festival I have attended so far. From graceful street dancers to colorful floats, my first Kadayawan experience had been a blast. Together with 40 plus Couchsurfers, I basked on the fine sand of Samal Island once again, this time, with a guitar and a bunch of jammers around. I have fallen in love with Davao the first time in February. And honestly, I can always come back anytime.

September: Sawasdee Krub!

For my trip abroad this year, it's in the Land of Smiles! And what made it different is the fact that I did not travel alone. My sister and mom enjoyed Bangkok City as much as I do. They liked the food though. I don't. LOL. Nonetheless, shopping, temples, malls and the crowd of all races made up our stay a very unforgettable one. It was indeed a wonderful experience to cross timezone with my family.




October: My Gradeschool Bestfriend's Wedding

This reminds me that I am not getting any younger. Anyway, the wedding was in Rosario, a small yet vibrant town in Batangas. For the first time in many years, I had a night chat with my grade school buddy. The last time I remember staying up late with him was in Boy Scout Camping when we went to ghost hunt instead of sleeping. LOL. I also had the chance to get lost in Lipa City proper the night I traveled alone from Manila. Haha. As always, getting lost makes the experience more enjoyable.



November: Hello Bicolandia!

Naga and Legaspi it was! When Hangad had a show in Naga, I took the chance to stay longer and see Mount Mayon. So I was with my backpack again, roaming Legaspi City alone. To my surprise, Legaspi is a progressive city where urban life and beauty of nature meet. The highlight of this backpacking? Of course a closer look at the famous perfect cone volcano.




December: It's Naga again!

So I realized I liked Naga but never get to walk around that much. For the Christmas vacation, I chose to be alone and did a pilgrimage in the major churches in the city which are amazingly just walking distance from each other. Reflecting on how I want to live my 2013, I found myself resting on the Uragon spirituality. My devotion to the Virgin Mary have actually renewed on that sunny day. The funny thing about this trip is that I am supposed to be with my best bud in Naga or in Daet. He went to Daet a day ahead and it had been raining all week. No one dared to go to the other town so we ended up not seeing each other in Bicol. Nonetheless, my stay in Naga was a refreshing one.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Foods that Define Puerto Princesa


Chow Long, Tamilok and Hopia – your stay in Puerto Princesa will not be complete without trying these local foods. Locals say there are other great foods that are unique in the province like Suran and Lamiyo but I am not that fortunate to try them all on my stay. So here, I will attempt to describe how it feels like eating the food that Palaweño’s love to eat.


1. Chow Long (sometimes spelled Chao Long) – You’ll surely don’t want to miss this one. A Vietnamese influenced dish, this beef stew noodle with bean sprouts in sweet and spicy soup is perfect for an afternoon snack or a quick munch on a midnight walk. This is best served with meat stuffed French bread. Your stories about Palawan would just be half-exciting without the Chow Long experience. By the way, a bowl costs only P45.


2. Tamilok – Your Palawan visit would not be complete without trying this famous local delicacy. This woodworm (which is not actually a worm) is found in mangroves. To have it fresh from the wood, you may ask for one if you're trying the Mangrove Paddling Boat Tour in Sabang. The best way to enjoy it is dipping it in spicy vinegar - Kinilaw as we call it. You can also order it in Kinabuch's for P120 or you may also get it from the market for P20-P30.






3. Baker’s Hill’s Hopia - If you're in Puerto Princesa for a date or just an out of town getaway with friends, the best destination for posing for photos is the Baker's Hill. But more than the quaint landscape, they serve really good pastries. The crowd's favorite is their version of Hopia. You may get it for P20 for a pack of five. So I suggest you take out some bread and pastries, add to your itinerary the extended walk to Mitra Mansion, bask on the view of the city in one of the benches as you eat the newly cooked hopia you just bought.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Things To Do in Puerto Princesa City Proper

Having the cleanest city, the locals of Puerto Princesa are indeed more good-natured. So never attempt to throw your trash anywhere nor smoke in public places. Follow traffic rules and be polite and friendly just as them. Here are some of the things you can do in the city proper of the cleanest and greenest city.

Hear Mass at the Cathedral

If you’re a Catholic, you’ll appreciate hearing mass at this big church serving as the home of the Apostolic Vicariate of Palawan. I happened to attend a Sunday mass with a really good homilist. If you’re not a Catholic, you can still say a little prayer in this peaceful worship place. Anyone can also appreciate its beautiful interior.


Remember the war heroes in Plaza Cuartel

Having been told of so many war stories passed on by our grandparents, we might have been used to hearing tales of people being tortured and killed during the Japanese occupation. But this places might break your heart though. This former military base is where 150 American soldiers were burned alive during the Second World War. A historically significant place, Plaza Cuartel is now a landscaped park where you can walk around and see the beautiful view of the bay.


Eat Chow Long at the Public Market

After a long walk, you can take a tricycle going to the public market for P10. Pamper yourself with a hot Chow Long. Add some spice until it perfectly matches your taste. The public market recipe is just enough though for the authentic Palawan Chow Long experience. Pair it with a meat-stuffed French Bread for a heavy merienda. You may also grab some seafood in this market and have it cooked in the hotel.


Bike by the Bay

Just near the public market is a wide and long stretch of the Baywalk facing the beautiful bay. Have your picture taken with the ferries and boats at the background. The time to go here is during sunset and also sunrise. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see the dolphins prancing on the clean waters. Bike rental is available at good deals.


Walk along Rizal Avenue at Midnight

For me, Puerto Princesa is not only the cleanest and the greenest city in the Philippines but also one of the safest places in the country. Walking along the highway at midnight is such a wonderful thing to do. Pass by all the bars and clubs that are still alive at this time of the night and also drop by Mendoza Park. During daytime, the Palawan Museum located in this park is also a good destination. You will also notice how the public market is very organized without any garbage visible in any corner. This may be a hard thing to say but the night here is the irony of all our Metro Manila phobias. Having been a victim of mugging, I do hope that someday Manila could be this safe. Many food stalls are still open at night so you can grab some more Chow Long again (Sorry it’s my favourite). I suggest you do it during your last night in the city. It’s going to be very memorable. We stayed until almost 2:00 AM and that was the best Puerto Princesa night I had during the whole duration of my stay.


This is just in the city proper. You'll definitely enjoy more of the city itself when you check out other districts where the exciting adventures and enthralling views await. More posts about Puerto Princesa coming shortly.

The Puerto Princesa Nightlife

I was only able to try Gypsy’s and Tiki. Have I stayed longer, I might be trying some more bars along Rizal Avenue. Although as far as the locals say, these two nightlife destinations are the bests in town. True enough, hanging out even on weekdays did not seem less exciting – at least to the perception of visitors like me.

If you’re looking for a cozy place to spend the night after that long day of island hopping in Honda Bay, Gypsy’s Lair Art Café is the right venue to grab some bottles and chill out with the peer. It’s relaxing acoustic live music will never fail to make you comfortable as you share stories with your friends. The bar is actually an art gallery with a very artsy fancy interior. Make good memories during your stay in the city by jamming with the band.



The most well-known bar is of course located at KM 0. Tiki Bar it is. Tourists, Filipinos and foreigners alike, make up the perky crowd. The pumpy bass sounds and the hyperactive drumbeats will surely give you a blast. Should the live band excite you with their Top 40 repertoire, feel free to hit the dance floor. Hitting a bucket of beers and requesting your favourite song to be played can also be the simple way of enjoying the place.




What does Tiki mean by the way? Check out the picture.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

On the Last Day of my Puerto Princesa Trip


It has been the fifth day since I left Puerto Princesa City with a heavy heart. How I wish I could stay longer. Falling in love with the city is one of the good things I felt for all these travel escapades I have been doing in the past couple of months. In this regard, allow me to express something through the language of my heart that is Filipino.

Ang terminong walang pagsidlan ng tuwa ay isang pagtitipid ng pahayag. Oo at nag-uumapaw ang aking saya at pagtangi sa nag-iisang lungsod sa Palawan subalit ang totoo, ang saya at pagtanging ito ay hindi maipahahayag ng mga salita. Sa aking palagay, kailangan mo itong sadyain nang malaman mo ang ibig kong sabihin.

Dumating ako nang walang kakilala roon maliban sa ilang taong nakausap ko online sa pamamagitan ng proyektong Couchsurfing, isang website na layong maipagniig ang mga manlalakbay sa iba’t ibang sulok ng mundo. Iyon ang una kong subok na gamitin ang pagkakataong makituloy nang libre sa isang hindi ko kakilala bagaman Disyembre pa nang nakaraang taon nang ako’y nag-sign up sa website na ito.
Kung tutuusin, estranghero ako sa bayang iyon subalit sa mga unang pagtapak ko pa lang dito ay kaibigan na ang turing ng mga taosa akin. Hindi pa man nagsisimula ang aking paglilibot, ginagabayan na ako ng mga bago kong kaibigan para sa mga dapat kong gawin at puntahan sa pinakamalinis na lungsod sa bansa.

The City in a Forest – Ito ang taguri sa makakalikasang lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. Kaya nga naman, una sa aking listahan ang dalawa sa pinakabantog nilang atraksyon: Ang pamamangka sa Puerto Princesa Underground River at ang paglundag sa mga isla ng Honda Bay. Ang dalawang ito ay lubos kong ikinatuwa. Aaminin kong may mga pagkakataong sa sobrang ganda ng aking nakikita ay halos maluha ako sa mangha. Subalit ang mga ito ay wala pa sa kalingkingan. Sinasabi nilang marami pang mas maganda sa Palawan higit sa Puerto Princesa. Sabi ko sa kanila, kung dito ay natuwa ako, sana hindi ako atakihin sa pusosaiba pang makikitakosaibangmga pueblo sa hinaharap.

Oomanghang-manghaako, isang Manilenyo, sa kakaibang hulma ng Diyos sa kalikasan na nahahayag sa marikit na bayang iyon. Subalit higit sa mga atraksyong panturista, hindi ako halos makapaniwala sa pagkabukas-palad at pagkapalakaibigan ng mga lokal doon. Bukod sa libreng matutuluyan, ibinigay ng may-ari ng bahay ang kanyang panahon upang masamahan ako sa paglibot sa magagandang pasyalan sa lungsod gayundin sa pagkain ng pinakamasasarap na kainan. Nakipagkuwentuhan siya hanggang madaling araw sa kabila ng maagang pasok kinabukasan. May iba pa akong mga naging kaibigan sa pamamagitan din ng website na sumama sa aming mga gimik. Ang isa’y manggagamot na dumederetso pa sa aming hapunan pagkatapos ng kanyang trabaho at ang isa ay hotelier na siyang tumulong sa aking pagpapareserba ng tour na may diskwento pa!

Maliban sa di-maitatangging gandang Underground River at Honda Bay, maraming bagayang tumatak sa akin sa loob ng apat na araw na paglilibot ko roon. Hindi sasapat ang isang paskil para maihayag ang lahat ng ito.Subalit ang habambuhay kong magugunita ay ang huli kong paglalakad nung huling araw ko sa lungsod. Ito ay sa Mitra Road sa distrito ng Sicsican. 


Habang binubusog ng magagandang tanawin ang aking mga mata sa kalsadang iyon, hindi ko napigilan ang mapaluha sa pasasalamat. Bagaman madalas kong gawin ang paglilibot mag-isa, hindi ko maikakailang sa mga paglalakad na iyon higit kong nakakausap ang Maylikha. Sa kaabalahan ng Kalakhang Maynila, mahirap nang pilitin ang sariling manahimik at magmuni sa kung ano ang ibig ipadama ng Diyos sa atin. Mahirap ang buhay na walang panahon para sa katahimikan. Nakababaliw. Napakabuti ng Diyos sa akin sa pagbibigay Niya ng pagkakataong makapaglakbay ako sa kabilang limitadong panahon at salapi. Subalit higit pa sa pagkakataon, ang lakas ng loob na kahit paano’y subukang lakbayin ang Pilipinas ang aking ipinagpapasalamat. Maraming tao ang mas may kakayahang maglibot. Subalit iilan lang ang napupuspusan ng tiwala sa sarili na kayang kaya pala gawin ang lahat ng ito kung gugustuhin.

Hangad kong marating mo ang Puerto Princesa. Siyangapala, humigit kumulang limang libong piso lamang ang lahat ng aking nagasta sa apat na araw na pananatili ko doon. Kasama na rito ang lahat ng pamasahe. Ang detalye nito sa mga susunod na artikulo.

How To Get To and Away From Puerto Princesa International Airport


You just need ten pesos (P10.00). Yes you read that right! Once you alight the plane, just walk straight to Rizal Avenue. Don’t mind the tricycles within the airport premises. They charge around P30 to P50. Just walk around 20-30 meters towards the gate and get a tricycle on the road. You’ll know you’re in Rizal Avenue when you see the Rotary Club symbol at the Exit Gate. The tricycle fare is just P10 from the airport to any point in the city proper. By the way, don’t look for taxis. They don’t have any. They actually don’t need it. You’ll find out why when you go around the city.



In Puerto Princesa city proper, Rizal Avenue is the only major road you have to remember. All other major roads are going towards the direction of other districts. Here’s the map for your reference:



Hence, from any point in the city going back to the airport, it will cost you only P10 too!

Dining in Puerto Princesa


Life is beautiful. You’ll surely agree with me once you try the best dishes and food trip in Puerto Princesa. Oh did I mention that they are really inexpensive? Ok. Let’s start with the pricey ones. P200-P400. Yeah I know it just equates to a burger in Stackers or a frappe and cake tandem in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. In Puerto Princesa it is the cost of a dinner of two to three guys. Yes I mean guys who get extra rice.

My First Taste of Palawan
It is very unlikely of me to leave the bowls half-filled and the rice plates unfinished. I thought it was a Manila serving. Oh well I forgot I was in Palawan. The usual price range of meals is P70-P120 per person. Where are these bountiful plates found? Here are some of the tastiest meals I had.

My first taste of Palawan was the famed Inasal of Balinsasayaw. For how much? P79. Add it up with Fresh Buko juice and of course, my extra rice, that would be P133. Burp.

Now the main feature of this restaurant is their elevated Nipa huts where the tables are situated. You ring the bell when you order and voila! You can feast on their Filipino menu. Their cooking time takes a while though. But it’s totally worth it. BTW, albeit the huts have big windows, smoking is not allowed in this restaurant.

Dining with the gang? Try Kinabuch’s! Don’t get over excited though. Their serving of Sinigang na Baboy is unbelievably huge. I think it would suffice 3-4 male stomachs. Their Sisig is one of the best I’ve tried. Three of us dined and the P600 bill was for the half-emptied 3 dishes, drinks and 6 cups of rice. Some said their Tamilok serving is good. But I wanted it raw so I decided to have it in Sabang Beach right after the Underground River tour.

Kinabuch's Restaurant

My favourite restaurant in Puerto Princesa is named Ka Inato. I tried their P95 Inasal and I was surprised by the big chicken thigh being served in front of me. Their seafood Kare-kare is good too. For beverages, their Naughty Professor is to die for. Meals’ prices range from P90-P130. But what you will surely enjoy in Ka Inato is the homey ambience. It reminded me of an ancestral house with artsy paintings, ceramics and sculptures in the interior. The OPM instrumental music being played is also a win, soothing your auditory senses as you savor your sumptuous dinner. Are you going to Puerto Princesa with your special someone? This is the best place to dine.

Ka Inato in Rizal Ave

There is also another good restaurant they told me about. It’s called Kalui’s Restaurant. I have not tried it. If you’re planning to dine there, have your table reserved a day before.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Lost Chronicles

Here I go again. Trying to revive something I have taken for granted for a couple of months. And in spite of some people expressing their interest in my neophyte reads, I still go back to the old lazy me who does something whenever I feel.

Why have I stopped writing? Aside from being extremely lethargic, I was thinking that I was doing those things out of obligation for myself in order to stay focus on my goals this year. Alas! It's July and I don't think I have reached even just a quarter of my personal goals.

Anyway, it should not matter now. The fact that I am writing this post right now is another stage of pushing myself on top of some unnecessary baggage. Some things are better shared in order to beat them. Including these personal snoozy stuff and the likes.

Tomorrow, I will be embarking again on a new backpacking journey. This time, it's just for a shorter time of four days but I do hope this will help me get back on track of sharing my adventures and experiences.

I have told myself I will be going out of Manila or feature a unique Filipino event at least once a month. I was able to do this. In fact, I have been to many places and did some cool escapades with friends but I failed to write them down. I will try to post some pictures in this blog and write what I can remember in the coming days.

Meanwhile, let me share my excitement in this Palawan trip that I will be doing in a couple of hours.

God is so good. =)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Province of Cebu - A Quick Glance of my Three Day Tour

It's Ash Wednesday and my Lent has not started yet. For a quick glimpse on my first three days of backpacking, here are the places I went to. How much have I spent so far? Let me see.

First Day: Cebu City. The highlight? Search for a map. It was like an amazing race when I realized during the 1130AM Sunday mass at the Basilica, that I was making so much haste out of the airport and I forgot to get a map. I almost memorized Colon Street walking to and fro. It was Sunday so the city hall was closed as well as the other shops. I finally got one when I decided to go to a National Bookstore in Ayala Terraces, which is a great place by the way. I also visited The Taoist Temple, ate at Sunburst and went back to downtown to check in. One funny moment was when the jeepney stopped and all the guy passengers had to push it to start again. And what to say when they speak to you in Bisaya? "Tagalog please" And they'll say sorry. :-p

Amount spent for the day: P1441 (including food, cab and jeepney fares, a really nice tourist inn)



More details on this soon.

Second Day: Moalboal. Beer and chips by the beach. This was not originally on my itinerary but someone said it would be great to spend the night there. And it was one of the most wonderful night of my life. So after having my lunch at Larsian in midtown Cebu, I headed south of the province. As some of you know, I love to be alone. I should have come there earlier and rented a snorkeling set for the whole day. But I still had a great time being on the shoreline just before sunset. Through my goggles, I was able to watch really cool marine life since it was low tide and float on the water facing the sky with the seagrasses beneath my body. After the dinner and chatter with the lodge owner and other backpackers who checked in (who are all foreigners by the way), I bought a bottle of pale pilsen and a pack of chips, jumped on a ramp connected to someone else's room facing the beach and enjoyed the high tide a meter just below my feet. Ooh life. Then the room guest arrived after more than an hour or two so I went back to the dorm to take a cozy sleep inside the mosquito net.

Amount spent for the day: P525 (including the bus fare, food, and beer of course)
More details on this soon.

Day Three: Badian. Swimming at Kawasan Falls. While everyone else was still asleep, I left my locker keys at the reception area and headed to Badian, a 30 minute ride from Moalboal. I took the bus because motor guides was charging me P600 and I don't want to ride the motorcycle for 45 minutes in the highway. I went to Kawasan Falls on my own with the help prior googling and hints from other travelers at the lodge. And voila! the magnificent view of nature was in front me! I dared myself to swim at the falls with the help of life vest of course. I had a fantastic experience. That noon, I went back to Cebu City for some pasalubong and ukulele just before my flight to Davao. Another thing I enjoyed that day was my meal before heading to the airport.

Amount spent for the day: P1409.25 (including the food, bus fares, P300 groceries and P625 ukulele with bag)
More details on this soon.


Yes this is not really shoestring yet as some of you may see. But hey! The amount is still practical for a traveler. By the way, I did not include the P200 terminal fee in the airport. I will post all the details after this ten day trip. :)

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Few Hours Before My First Solo Backpacking Trip

This is it! My first major solo backpacking adventure starts in a few hours. This will be for ten days and I am very excited to see things expected and unexpected. I will be going to Cebu, Davao, Digos and Cagayan De Oro - all of these were just a part of my dream destinations locally. I think this is the most exciting travel adventure I am doing so far as a solo backpacker.

And yes, I promised myself to travel a lot this year, specially to the local destinations I have not been to. For February, this is the only travel I am doing outside Manila and I'm sure it is going to be amazing. This is also a part of my annual personal soul searching activity during my birthday. This time, it will not only be for a day but for a week and a half. It's that long because that's the load of issues I have to muse over. Just kidding.

But honestly, it is just this year when I realize that I loved traveling alone since I was a child. I remember commuting at the age of eight and going to Olongapo City alone when I was twelve. And until now, that passion for discovering places on my own is still running in my veins.

In the next few days, I will be posting my activities and my expenses. I hope the next blog entries will help you in one of your travels since I am travelling in a shoestring and just like those many Pinoy backpacker bloggers, I also aim to convince and encourage fellow Filipinos to travel the Philippines even with small budget.


This blog is inspired by some of the respected travelers in the Philippines like JourneyingJames.com. Just keep posted on this side for the next entries about this 10-Day Backpacking in CEB-DVO-CDO!

The Story behind the Pestaño Case

This is a repost from Calvin's Hub.
You probably heard a lot about corruption these days with the inquisition going on regarding retired generals and the wealth they accumulated from public coffers throughout the years even after their retirement.
It sickens me that the leaders of the so-called “defenders of our nation” are doing these to us. Sometimes I pity the loyal footsoldiers who serve under these corrupt commanding officers.
Anyway, you might be wondering who this Pestaño is? Not a lot of people knew him but he’s one of our heroes in this fight against corruption in the military. Here’s the story of Ensign Philip Andrew Azarcon Pestaño of the Philippine Navy:

Pestaño’s story

pestanoIn 1995, Ensign Philip Pestaño was the ship’s deck officer and cargo master for the Navy logistics ship Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas. He was the one in charge of the cargo being loaded on and off the ship.
Anyway, he discovered that the cargo being loaded onto his vessel includes illegally cut logs that were going to be sold illegally, sacks of flour which were not flour at all but shabu, and military weapons which were going to be sold to the Abu Sayaff.
His conscience won’t let him approve of the cargo. Superior officers asked him to be reasonable because it’s a big business and it involves many important people. But Philip could not, in conscience, sign approval.
When Philip was given leave to go home, his parents received calls asking them to get his son off the ship or he will be killed. Many times his family begged him not to go back. His father wants him to resign and give up his military career for fear of his life but Philip said to his father: ‘Kawawa ang bayan!’ and he went back to the ship.
On September 27, 1995, Ensign Pestaño was found dead in his cabin when the ship arrived at Roxas Boulevard from Cavite. The Navy immediately ruled his death as suicide based on a suicide note found in his stateroom. However, handwriting experts concluded that the note was a forgery.

Investigation

In a Senate investigation sponsored by then Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo two years later, they found out that:
“Pestaño did not kill himself aboard the BRP Bacolod City. . . . He was bludgeoned unconscious and then shot to death somewhere else in the vessel. His body was moved and laid on the bed where it was found. . . .
“The clear absence of blood spatters, bone fragments or other human tissues is physical evidence more eloquent than a hundred witnesses. It is impossible for a person who has just sustained a fatal head injury to walk from some other place in his room, lie on his bed and drop dead. . . .
“He was killed by an assailant, necessarily aboard the BRP Bacolod City. . . . The attempt to make it appear Pestaño killed himself, inside his stateroom, was so deliberate and elaborate that one person could not have accomplished it by himself.”
This debunked the findings of the Navy, the NBI and Western Police District who officially ruled that it was a case of suicide.
But what happened? Just last year, August 2010, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the murder charges filed by the family of Ensign Phillip Pestaño againstPhilippine Navy officials. Ombudswoman Merceditas Gutierrez ruled that there was no sufficient evidence to arrive at a fair and reasonable resolution that the crime of murder was committed and that those accused were likely guilty thereof.
There are many more deaths / disappearances that happened following this case. Ensign Pestaño was one of the fallen soldiers who stood against corruption that inspired Sen. Trillanes and the Magdalo Group to launch a mutiny against the unabated corruption in the military.
With the investigation regarding military corruption going on today, and Angelo Reyes taking his secrets to his grave, one couldn’t help but think of Pestaño’s last words, “Kawawa ang Bayan!’.

- end -

There are latest developments on this case as of today.

Another case of 'do-it-yourself' justice by Rina Jimenez-David
Experts insists on Pestaño death was suicide by Dona Z Pazzibugan
Why I defend accused in Pestaño case by Mon Tulfo
Pestaño's case: The True Story by Mon Tulfo

Now, what has this issue something to do with me?

Yes I  long to have a fair and just government in my country. Moreover, a blood brother of mine is currently in the military academy and (as he claims :p) is doing good in his academics. I am kind of affected by this Pestaño case in a way since it can happen to any upright military man. When a lot of anomalies and scandals are linked to the superiors in the AFP, it is hard to think how a righteous person deal with this too much politicking within the military. Going along with it is treachery to the country and counteracting and challenging it can lead to a fatal ending. It is as if every genuinely patriotic and kindhearted individual who joins the roster has to choose between those two options.

A few hours ago, I have attended the thanksgiving mass for the reopening of the Pestaño case. Whatever is true behind this case, whether he was really killed or was into suicide, I do hope and pray that the truth will come finally come out. We've heard a lot of these stories in this country where the victim's relatives with the means and resources are able to challenge a perceived injustice and which poor people are not able to do. I don't know until when such stories will end but at least one a time, we try. PNoy was not my president but I still have hope that he continues his goal to clean this government, somehow bringing justice to those who are deprived of it.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Pop Music Fest is Back!

It's back! Well, it's not the same MetroPop that we all know but this time it is dubbed as PhilPop or the First Philippine Popular Music Festival. Through the initiative of no less than Mr. C himself, with the help of other prominent songwriters in the country, a new brand of songwriting festival is being launched aiming to encourage amateur and professional Filipino songwriters to make music and help OPM get back to its former glory.




Submission of entries is from March 1 until May 10. The grand winner will receive one million pesos and a trophy. Further details are posted on the PhilPop's official website. You may also like the Facebook Page and follow on Twitter. To all the music songwriters our there, this is it!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Peñablanca and the Chambers of Callao Caves

Aside from the postcards I frequently see on local bookstores and that one episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya, there is nothing more that I know about Callao Caves. Never have I known that that side-trip from Palaui Island which I suddenly decided to join just on the way back to Sta. Ana was going to be an awe-inspiring one.

Callao Caves is the only well known cave I have gone since the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. And with all unbiased opinion, I do not understand how other countries can feature such destination when our own country has more breathtaking natural wonders to wow over.

According to the tour guides, Cagayan has over 380 caves with around 70 with registered names. The province has been dubbed by the Department of Tourism as the Caving Capital of the Philippines.

Callao Caves, which got its name from the Kalaw bird or the hornbill, is situated in Peñablanca, Cagayan, around 30 minute travel from Tuguegarao City. It boasts seven unique chambers with impressive features.


The first chamber welcomes you to the magnificent work of nature. Recently on this chamber, they found bones of a man from the early era, much older than the Tabon Man. The second chamber, since it has the most beautiful skylight during daybreak, was converted into a chapel during the time of President Marcos. The third chamber is the darkest but if you try to light the walls with your torch, you are bound to see the marvelous formations of rocks.


The fourth chamber brings you another skylights with more stalactites, stalagmites and columns are visible. The fifth has the biggest chamber hole that it allowed growth of some lichens that made some stalactites green. There's even this formation that resembles three scoops of ice cream in different flavors!



The sixth chamber was a bit slippery. Here, you will see Mufasa's head.



The seventh chamber is where you can see the last skylight by the wall. Good thing the whole cave is well-lighted on some dark parts like the third and seventh chambers.


After the seven chamber tour, we were also very lucky to have a glimpse of the Derek Cave which is about 45 minute hike atop the Callao Cave. They refer to this as a technical cave. A French companion said perhaps it's because you need to have technique to get there. The path was grassy and some parts are stiff. There was a time that we had to hold on to tree roots to climb a two to three meter high rock. Nonetheless, the long journey was worth it. We were able to see a true scientific cave being studied by speleologists. The crystalline walls and the shiny stalactites and stalagmites are proofs of centuries in its making. We were not even allowed to touch the walls and columns to avoid tainting the minerals in the elegant formations. Unlike the Callao Cave, there was no light inside Derek Cave so you need to have a head torch. Here, I have tasted the purest water nature can make, gathered from the stalagmite droplets.



 It was indeed an awe-inspiring moment to see the beauty of nature as we go home. As I told myself over again, I shall be back to Cagayan in the future to do more spelunking. Next time, I hope I will have Andoy or any other kids to guide me. A piece of advice, they are more enjoyable to talk with. I loved listening to the stories of younger tourist guides.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

The Tranquil Island of Palaui

As I promised myself, I will travel at least once a month in a place in the Philippines where I have not gone before. Or at least cover one festival in nearby cities and provinces. My first spot is Palaui Island.

While riding a boat going to the picturesque shore, one of my companions, who is French, said, it reminded him of Scotland. Many travelers say that Palaui Island is the inexpensive version of Batanes.

The island has this calm ambiance and stunning beauty that you would wish to stay for a few more days. All the points in the island are so inviting. It will make you think to extend your camping days to explore more the other sides of it.



We were welcomed by Ate Maya who, along with her husband, is the only resident on that side of the island. She told us stories about the forest crabs competing for food every afternoon and the Alamid cat which steals the food for the chicken at night.






There are two interesting sites we went to during our stay. One is the Cape Engaño Lighthouse which serves the vessels up until now. The historic lighthouse has been declared as an "important cultural property" by National Museum in March 2010. (University of North Carolina, 2011) It is located on top of the hill where you can also see the other islets surrounding the main island of Palaui.


Climbing the top of the hill was really fun. Some of us decided to take the other way down the hill which was more exciting to do. At some point you will have to avoid mud and poos and forge some small brooks. It has become even more memorable when I accidentally stepped on a carabao poo which I thought was a rock. LOL. 


That night we put up a bonfire by the beach to play word games, talk and roast marshmallows. There's no cozier feeling than lying down the tarpaulin, hearing only the sound of waves and the burning firewoods. It was the perfect moment to talk freely about life and other stuff ranging from the trivial one to the very profound. It is interesting to mention that the sky is clearer and the stars are brighter and more visible. 

The next day, we went to the falls to take a bath and replenish our water containers. This is the second spot we went to other than the camp site. Taking your shower here feels like having a hydrotherapy massage for free.


After the bath, we went back to the camp site and started pinching down our tents. It was a quick stay but one thing is for sure, I will definitely go back to Palaui Island to explore it more. I'm sure there's a lot to discover about it.