When does Christmas Season officially end?

No not yet! Don't take down your Christmas tree and parols just yet. Not even on the Solemnity of the Epiphany or traditionally called Three Kings which we are celebrating today.

Photo credits to Cypress Dublin

Christmas Season starts on Misa de Gallo or the Evening Mass before Christmas and ends on the Sunday of the Lord's Baptism. On Monday after the Solemnity of Baptism, we go back to the Ordinary Time. In some special cases though, the Solemnity of Baptism falls on a Monday. Hence, we end Christmas season on a Monday as well. But of course, this is based on the Christian Liturgical Calendar.

This post is just to inform servants and fellow Catholics that singing Christmas songs and using your church's fancy siryales and thurible sets are encouraged until Sunday. The Nativity sets are still supposed to be seen after today.

In a secular point of view tough, we may take down our Christmas decorations as the tradition suggests. Here in the Philippines, we traditionally keep the decors after Epiphany Sunday. In some countries, they do it on the Sunday of the Lord's Presentation, the 40th day of Christmas as they call it. Whichever day we prefer, it is not a bad thing to conform with the  commercialized celebrations. But it is always a good thing to follow the correct one and consider its meaning and significance in the story of our salvation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. =)