Visita Iglesia Nueva Vizcaya: Old Church of Dupax del Sur
17 January 2012
Reputedly the best preserved old stone church of Nueva Vizcaya can be found in the town of Dupax del Sur that Tutubi tried to pass by just to take a pitcure of the really impressive facade with red bricks for the old belfry.
San Vicente de Ferrer Church Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church with newly-painted facade but still sporting the red bricks of the bell tower
Dupax del Sur is a town in Nueva Vizcaya that you'll pass by if you're going to Isabela and Tuguegarao (Cagayan) but this old church is at the town center, quite a distance from Maharlika Highway en route to Bambang, Bayombong and Solano towns.
An unplanned trip actually, Tutubi found it by asking locals where it is but he was only able to find it after a few tries in nearby Dupax del Norte.
The church interior may be great to marvel but Tutubi had to go to catch on time plus his stomach is complaining as it's already lunch time.
Doing a Nueva Vizcaya Visita Iglesia may be a different activity, somewhere north east of Metro Manila and about hours away by land.
Read more after the jump!
San Vicente de Ferrer Church Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church with newly-painted facade but still sporting the red bricks of the bell towerDupax del Sur is a town in Nueva Vizcaya that you'll pass by if you're going to Isabela and Tuguegarao (Cagayan) but this old church is at the town center, quite a distance from Maharlika Highway en route to Bambang, Bayombong and Solano towns.
An unplanned trip actually, Tutubi found it by asking locals where it is but he was only able to find it after a few tries in nearby Dupax del Norte.
The church interior may be great to marvel but Tutubi had to go to catch on time plus his stomach is complaining as it's already lunch time.
Doing a Nueva Vizcaya Visita Iglesia may be a different activity, somewhere north east of Metro Manila and about hours away by land.
Labels: Cagayan Valley, Churches, Nueva Vizcaya, Visita Iglesia
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:06 PM,
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Visita Iglesia Pangasinan: Churches of Mangatarem and Aguilar
14 January 2012
Just some sort of drive-by Visita Iglesia in Pangasinan on the way to Bolinao town, you can see two old churches along the way
These are just two drive-by photos, you can see the effect of the car tint plus some slight blur and poor composition :(
St. Raymund the Peñafort Church, Mangatarem, Pangasinan (Mangatarem Church)
Mangatarem church features a large green dome, technically called the apse, common in baroque style churches of old
St. Joseph The Patriarch Church Aguilar, Pangasinan (Aguilar Church):
the church has similar architecture and facade with the churches of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte but not the earthquake baroque style of siblings up north
these two churches are easiest to visit should you decide to do a Visita Iglesia Pangasinan in Holy Week, particularly on Holy Thursday where Catholic faithful visit seven churches.
related posts:
Bolinao Church
Visita Iglesia Ilocos Sur
Read more after the jump!
These are just two drive-by photos, you can see the effect of the car tint plus some slight blur and poor composition :(
St. Raymund the Peñafort Church, Mangatarem, Pangasinan (Mangatarem Church)
Mangatarem church features a large green dome, technically called the apse, common in baroque style churches of oldSt. Joseph The Patriarch Church Aguilar, Pangasinan (Aguilar Church):
the church has similar architecture and facade with the churches of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte but not the earthquake baroque style of siblings up norththese two churches are easiest to visit should you decide to do a Visita Iglesia Pangasinan in Holy Week, particularly on Holy Thursday where Catholic faithful visit seven churches.
related posts:
Bolinao Church
Visita Iglesia Ilocos Sur
Labels: Churches, Ilocos Region, Pangasinan, Visita Iglesia
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:42 PM,
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Sunlife Dragon Dance Chinese New Year Binondo Route and Schedule
13 January 2012
For those planning to see and shoot Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown in Binondo for a possible photo-opp of Chinese New Year, Sunlife's longest Dragon Dance will snake through Binondo starting from Lawton to Jones Bridge.
January 20, 2012 (Friday) 10:00 – 11:30 Motorcade
Sequence of Motorcade: 1,000 ft Dragon, Rabbit Float, Elf Trucks, vehicles of SunLife employees
Dragon Dance Route:
Start: Liwasang Bonifacio turn right to Jones Bridge
Right to Escolta
Go around Plaza Sta. Cruz
Straight to Dasmarinas
Right to Q. Paredes
Pass infront of Binondo Church
Take a turn at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz
Straight to Juan Luna
End at the foot of Jones Bridge
Related Post:
Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown
Read more after the jump!
January 20, 2012 (Friday) 10:00 – 11:30 Motorcade
Sequence of Motorcade: 1,000 ft Dragon, Rabbit Float, Elf Trucks, vehicles of SunLife employees
Dragon Dance Route:
Start: Liwasang Bonifacio turn right to Jones Bridge
Right to Escolta
Go around Plaza Sta. Cruz
Straight to Dasmarinas
Right to Q. Paredes
Pass infront of Binondo Church
Take a turn at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz
Straight to Juan Luna
End at the foot of Jones Bridge
Related Post:
Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown
Labels: Chinese New Year, Events
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:14 PM,
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Manila Airport (NAIA) Terminal Fee/Departure Tax Lowered to PhP550.00
10 January 2012
This is a bit of good news at least for international travelers from Manila, five year implementation of aviation security fee at NAIA, costing PhP200.00 per outgoing foreign travel, will lapse on January 31, 2012. the
Starting February 1, 2012, NAIA Terminal Fee will be pegged at PhP550.00/person. Domestic travelers will still be charged local terminal fee of PhP200.00 per passenger.
Comforting? This month though, expect Caticlan Aiport terminal fee to be increased to PhP200.00, up from PhP20.00, as pegged by SMC, who now operates Caticlan Airport.
Related Posts on Manila Airport/NAIA
Airport Terminal Fee
Manila Airport Guide
you may also be looking for:
manila airport tax, naia terminal fee 2012, naia aiport tax price cost, ninoy aquino international airport terminal fee rate
Read more after the jump!
Starting February 1, 2012, NAIA Terminal Fee will be pegged at PhP550.00/person. Domestic travelers will still be charged local terminal fee of PhP200.00 per passenger.
Comforting? This month though, expect Caticlan Aiport terminal fee to be increased to PhP200.00, up from PhP20.00, as pegged by SMC, who now operates Caticlan Airport.
Related Posts on Manila Airport/NAIA
Airport Terminal Fee
Manila Airport Guide
you may also be looking for:
manila airport tax, naia terminal fee 2012, naia aiport tax price cost, ninoy aquino international airport terminal fee rate
Labels: Airports, Travel Tips
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:38 PM,
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Bourne Legacy Manila Shoot Locations, Schedules and MMDA Traffic Re-routing
Hollywood movie "Bourne Legacy" lead actor Jeremy Renner, lead actress Rachel Weisz, director and crew of the movie series are in town to shoot the latest installment of the movie franchise.
herewith are tips, shoot locations, schedules and traffic re-routing information for you, provided by MMDA
Bourne Legacy shoot locations:
Ayala Avenue (Makati), Intramuros (Manila), at Jones Bridge (Manila), Marikina City Market, Navotas Fishport (Navotas), and Pasay Taft Rotonda in Metro Manila, and in Palawan.
Bourne Legacy Shoot Schedules:
Wednesdays to Sundays, break on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Manila scenes for the movie will be shot from
Jan. 11 to 15 in San Andres,
Jan. 18 to 19 on J. Bocobo St. corner Remedios Circle,
Jan. 15 on Leveriza St.,
Jan. 14 at San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenues,
Jan. 25 on Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia streets in Intramuros,
Feb. 17 to 18 on Jones Bridge
Jan. 18-19 Remedios Circle in Malate
Feb. 8 to 15 on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Sta. Mesa.
The MMDA said there will be a "scene of actress Rachel Weisz clinging to a spinning jeepney during a high-speed chase. Another scene will involve a helicopter hovering above the Makati City business district at night."
Traffic Re-routing:
Wednesday (January 11) to Friday (January 13), Leveriza Street will be closed to traffic between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Intermittent traffic control will be implemented along Quirino Avenue and San Andres from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m.
The following alternate routes were announced by the MMDA:
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue:
All vehicles must turn right at M. Adriatico, left at Bagong Lipunan, right at President Quirino to destination
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard:
Take San Andres, right turn at L. M. Guerero, left turn at Remedios, left turn at Maria Orosa, right at San Andres, left at M. Adroiatico, right at President Quirino to destination
- For buses along Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road to Manila:
Right turn at Vito Cruz, left at Taft Avenue to destination
- For buses from Taft Avenue – Manila to Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road:
Right at Vito Cruz, left at Roxas Boulevard to destination
Source: MMDA Official Website
Read more after the jump!
herewith are tips, shoot locations, schedules and traffic re-routing information for you, provided by MMDA
Bourne Legacy shoot locations:
Ayala Avenue (Makati), Intramuros (Manila), at Jones Bridge (Manila), Marikina City Market, Navotas Fishport (Navotas), and Pasay Taft Rotonda in Metro Manila, and in Palawan.
Bourne Legacy Shoot Schedules:
Wednesdays to Sundays, break on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Manila scenes for the movie will be shot from
Jan. 11 to 15 in San Andres,
Jan. 18 to 19 on J. Bocobo St. corner Remedios Circle,
Jan. 15 on Leveriza St.,
Jan. 14 at San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenues,
Jan. 25 on Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia streets in Intramuros,
Feb. 17 to 18 on Jones Bridge
Jan. 18-19 Remedios Circle in Malate
Feb. 8 to 15 on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Sta. Mesa.
The MMDA said there will be a "scene of actress Rachel Weisz clinging to a spinning jeepney during a high-speed chase. Another scene will involve a helicopter hovering above the Makati City business district at night."
Traffic Re-routing:
Wednesday (January 11) to Friday (January 13), Leveriza Street will be closed to traffic between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Intermittent traffic control will be implemented along Quirino Avenue and San Andres from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m.
The following alternate routes were announced by the MMDA:
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue:
All vehicles must turn right at M. Adriatico, left at Bagong Lipunan, right at President Quirino to destination
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard:
Take San Andres, right turn at L. M. Guerero, left turn at Remedios, left turn at Maria Orosa, right at San Andres, left at M. Adroiatico, right at President Quirino to destination
- For buses along Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road to Manila:
Right turn at Vito Cruz, left at Taft Avenue to destination
- For buses from Taft Avenue – Manila to Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road:
Right at Vito Cruz, left at Roxas Boulevard to destination
Source: MMDA Official Website
Labels: Floobydust
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:03 PM,
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Butanding/Tuki in Oslob, Cebu (Whale Sharks Should be Left Alone)
08 January 2012
Over the holiday break, there have been reported sightings of whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, or tuki as called by locals. These gentle giants are called Butanding in Donsol, Sorsogon that turned the sleepy town at the mouth of Donsol River into an eco-tourism attraction famous around the world.
This same attraction can be achieved by Oslob, Cebu, being nearer to the tourists of Cebu City but one disturbing news caught Tutubi's eye-- that the fishermen of Oslob town turned tuki-watching guides are feeding the tuki (butanding) with small shrimps.
Feeding whale sharks may be "more fun" but what they're doing is NOT right!
Such activity is uncalled for and with disastrous results, not now but in the future, where the tukis may become tamed or domesticated thus altering their natural behavior.
Oslob should learn how to deal with tukis in their town by setting up rules in tuki interaction, similar to what Donsol Butanding Interaction rules that simply state:
1. Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
2. Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.
3. Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the whale shark and at least 4 meters from its tail.
4. Do not undertake flash photography.
5. Do not use underwater motorized diver propulsions.
---
Oslob should try to put in place organized tuki sightseeing tours and avoid ganging up on sighted tukis, note in Donsol only one boat is allowed to interact with butanding. Ganging up on a whale shark may stress out the tuki.
the boats used in Cebu Whale Shark interactions are small ones and no life vests, good only for two people, unlike big boats used in Donsol.
Safety first should be implemented, use bigger boats and require life jackets!
---
How to get to Oslob, Cebu:
From Cebu South Terminal, there are bus lines passing by Oslob, Cebu passing by Talisay, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, and Boljoon towns with travel time of around 3 hours. No updated bus fares, trip schedules, entrance fees, boat rental charges or whale shark tour rates.
Entry Keywords:
cebu whaleshark tours, cebu butanding, cebu tuki, oslob, cebu, bus fare to oslob cebu,
Related posts on Whale Sharks:
Donsol Butanding Whale Sharks
Butanding Donsol Whale Sharl Tours in Sorsogon
Read more after the jump!
This same attraction can be achieved by Oslob, Cebu, being nearer to the tourists of Cebu City but one disturbing news caught Tutubi's eye-- that the fishermen of Oslob town turned tuki-watching guides are feeding the tuki (butanding) with small shrimps.
Feeding whale sharks may be "more fun" but what they're doing is NOT right!
Such activity is uncalled for and with disastrous results, not now but in the future, where the tukis may become tamed or domesticated thus altering their natural behavior.
Oslob should learn how to deal with tukis in their town by setting up rules in tuki interaction, similar to what Donsol Butanding Interaction rules that simply state:
1. Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
2. Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.
3. Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the whale shark and at least 4 meters from its tail.
4. Do not undertake flash photography.
5. Do not use underwater motorized diver propulsions.
---
Oslob should try to put in place organized tuki sightseeing tours and avoid ganging up on sighted tukis, note in Donsol only one boat is allowed to interact with butanding. Ganging up on a whale shark may stress out the tuki.
the boats used in Cebu Whale Shark interactions are small ones and no life vests, good only for two people, unlike big boats used in Donsol.
Safety first should be implemented, use bigger boats and require life jackets!
---
How to get to Oslob, Cebu:
From Cebu South Terminal, there are bus lines passing by Oslob, Cebu passing by Talisay, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, and Boljoon towns with travel time of around 3 hours. No updated bus fares, trip schedules, entrance fees, boat rental charges or whale shark tour rates.
Entry Keywords:
cebu whaleshark tours, cebu butanding, cebu tuki, oslob, cebu, bus fare to oslob cebu,
Related posts on Whale Sharks:
Donsol Butanding Whale Sharks
Butanding Donsol Whale Sharl Tours in Sorsogon
Labels: Cebu, Central Visayas, Ecotourism
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:49 PM,
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Backpacker-friendly: Patar White Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan
07 January 2012
A hidden gem of Bolinao, Pangasinan unknown to ordinary people is the presence of a long fine white sand beach in barangay Patar, less than a kilometer from Cape Bolinao Lighthouse that is a perfect spot for backpackers and travelers with a shoestring budget.
Patar Shite Beach's stretch of fine white sand, with Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort on the background
fine white sand, clear waters, no hecklers and pesky vendors in sight unlike...it's more fun here than...
Patar Beach Resorts, hotels, accommodations and camp site:
there are really two "Patar Beach resorts" here on Patar White Beach, there's the 5 star Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort and the bundget travel-friendly cottages for rent on the beachfront.
Cottages for rent rates are pegged at PhP200/cottage for a day. Backpackers can pitch tents on the beach but camping rates for PhP200 to be paid at barangay Patar for them to provide security and for the use of public restrooms/washroom/toilets.
Tutubi asked around for overnight accommodations, he got quotes for as low as PhP1500.00/cottage good for 15 people (backpacker or dorm type) not for the squimish but very cheap beachfront accommodations.
the public restroom near the service road to Patar White beach
open cottages for family picnics/company outings for only PhP200.00/cottage/day
Next...cheap souvenir shirts and shellcrafts
Related Posts on Bolinao, Pangasinan:
Bolinao Beach Resorts
Puerto del Sol beach Resort and Spa
Enchanted Cave Bolinao Pangasinan
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Bolinao Church
Binungey
Read more after the jump!
Patar Shite Beach's stretch of fine white sand, with Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort on the background
fine white sand, clear waters, no hecklers and pesky vendors in sight unlike...it's more fun here than...Patar Beach Resorts, hotels, accommodations and camp site:
there are really two "Patar Beach resorts" here on Patar White Beach, there's the 5 star Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort and the bundget travel-friendly cottages for rent on the beachfront.
Cottages for rent rates are pegged at PhP200/cottage for a day. Backpackers can pitch tents on the beach but camping rates for PhP200 to be paid at barangay Patar for them to provide security and for the use of public restrooms/washroom/toilets.
Tutubi asked around for overnight accommodations, he got quotes for as low as PhP1500.00/cottage good for 15 people (backpacker or dorm type) not for the squimish but very cheap beachfront accommodations.
the public restroom near the service road to Patar White beach
open cottages for family picnics/company outings for only PhP200.00/cottage/dayNext...cheap souvenir shirts and shellcrafts
Related Posts on Bolinao, Pangasinan:
Bolinao Beach Resorts
Puerto del Sol beach Resort and Spa
Enchanted Cave Bolinao Pangasinan
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Bolinao Church
Binungey
Labels: Beaches, Ilocos Region, Pangasinan
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:02 PM,
, links to this post
It's More Fun in the Philippines! New DOT Slogan
06 January 2012
The latest slogan of the Department of tourism was just released and it simply says: It's more fun the Philippines!
Tutubi doesn't care if the new slogan is an alleged copycat of an old 1961 slogan of Switzerland, it probably may be just a coincidence and not intentional similarity due to the use of simple phrase.
It's really more fun in the Philippines, reason why Tutubi chose to stay rather than join the millions of Filipinos working or immigrated abroad.
It's really more fun in the Philippines, that Tutubi intends to visit all 79 provinces of the country, rather than just Boracay or foreign destinations Filipinos drop just to impress others.
It's more fun in the Philippines, even if many Filipinos don't deserve to be raved about nor loved!
Tutubi still prefers the old slogan though: Wow Philippines
Perhaps when he becomes Tourism Secretary he'll be able to make necessary programs to attract tourists to the country, especially backpackers that most Tourism secretaries disregard if not abhor (like former tourism secretary Alberto Lim)
:P
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi doesn't care if the new slogan is an alleged copycat of an old 1961 slogan of Switzerland, it probably may be just a coincidence and not intentional similarity due to the use of simple phrase.
It's really more fun in the Philippines, reason why Tutubi chose to stay rather than join the millions of Filipinos working or immigrated abroad.
It's really more fun in the Philippines, that Tutubi intends to visit all 79 provinces of the country, rather than just Boracay or foreign destinations Filipinos drop just to impress others.
It's more fun in the Philippines, even if many Filipinos don't deserve to be raved about nor loved!
Tutubi still prefers the old slogan though: Wow Philippines
Perhaps when he becomes Tourism Secretary he'll be able to make necessary programs to attract tourists to the country, especially backpackers that most Tourism secretaries disregard if not abhor (like former tourism secretary Alberto Lim)
:P
posted by backpacking philippines @ 11:46 PM,
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A Marian Pilgrimage to Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal
01 January 2012
An unplanned trip to the upland hills of Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, on the prodding of Tutubi's sister who hitched along on his way to Quezon City turned out into another "joy of discovery" adventure with a place, heard of by Tutubi in 2010 yet forgot to check it out, that features a 71-feet giant statue of Mother Mary, that's been drawing a steadily increasing hordes of pilgrims (and tourists) to the windy place similar to how Kamay ni Hesus is attracting catholic devotees to Lucban, Quezon.
Regina RICA features a 71-feet tall statue of Regina Rosarii (Queen of the Holy Rosary), called "Our Lady on Top of the Hill" by Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, who also commissioned scuptor Jose Barcena, Jr. to sculpt the giant statue.
Regina RICA photos:
the footpath to Regina Rica. the return path is via asphalt road. you can also drive up to the giant statue for those who can no longer walk
the shade under the giant statue can seat about 70 people. there's an adoration chapel insde the statue, the only place where picture taking is not allowed. guests are requested to dress modestly and keep quiet
the huge statue of Mother Mary and the child Jesus up close (with resemblance to the image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila
the 13.5 hectare area is full of trees, quite cold and windy. Tutubi actually now wants to buy his own farm/resthouse there which is near the JE Camp (the former rest house and detention/house arrest of jailed former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada
the soon-to-be-finished chapel of Regina RICA along the long and winding road to Regina Rosarii
Information:
Regina RICA's official website declares "The first Regina Rosarii Shrine in the Philippines is at the Dominican Heights, Tagum Davao. Jose Barcena Jr., Jojo our artist and sculptor depicted our Lady like Our Lady of la Naval. The second Regina Rosarii Statue is at the Rosary hill in Tagaytay. The third Regina Rosarii statue is the 30 –foot revolving statue on top of the roof deck of the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii."
Regina RICA entrance fee/admission prices: None, Nada, Free admission
Photography/Taking Pictures: allowed in all areas except inside the Regina Rosarii chapel.
Mass Schedules: evey Sunday (no particular time posted though, will update once available)
Dress Code: no strapless, spaghetti dresses, sandos and shorts
Bringing of food: forbidden, it's a pilgrimage place, for pilgrimage, prayer and contemplation and not for picnics and parties. there's a restaurant (Pasilungan) where you can have buffet meals or short orders for food and drinks.
Overnight Accommodations: no hotel nor overnight accommodations here for guests and visitors. Not designed as a wedding venue nor party venue for debuts and birthdays. there are may resorts in Tanay, Rizal where you book your garden wedding venue and party events. Future amenities though include rooms for retreats, recollections and seminars.
parking: ample street parking though some areas are sloping. Wonder how it's like during Holy Week (Holy Thursdays for Visita Iglesia), Good Friday, Black Saturday or Easter Sunday though, the place must be a mountain full of people.
How to get to Regina RICA:
Regina RICA's official website already has driving directions to Regina RICA on how to get there. A more detailed map of Regina RICA will soon be available on OpenStreetMap for your GPS devices once Tutubi gets hold of precious time to upload tracks and waypoints.
For those without cars and afraid of long cummute to Regina RICA, you can call telephone number +63.2.372.5327 to reserve a seat for a shuttle service tour with food for only PhP350.00. Shuttle departs 7am at RICA main in Quezon City and leaves Regina RICA at 4pm. Travel time is about 1.5 hours from Quezon City.
Regina RICA
Address: Along Marcos Highway, Sitio Aguho, Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal province
Contact Numbers: +63.2.985.3878; +63.2.401.2036
Mobile Numbers: +63.919.269.4286; +0919.269.4286
Regina Rosarii (Regina Main in Quezon City)
Location: 70 Scout Fernandez St. Barangay Laging Handa, Q.C.
Telephone/Fax Number: +63.2,372.5327
Mobile: +63.919.269.4286; +63.919.269.4286
Read more after the jump!
Regina RICA features a 71-feet tall statue of Regina Rosarii (Queen of the Holy Rosary), called "Our Lady on Top of the Hill" by Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, who also commissioned scuptor Jose Barcena, Jr. to sculpt the giant statue.
Regina RICA photos:
the footpath to Regina Rica. the return path is via asphalt road. you can also drive up to the giant statue for those who can no longer walk
the shade under the giant statue can seat about 70 people. there's an adoration chapel insde the statue, the only place where picture taking is not allowed. guests are requested to dress modestly and keep quiet
the huge statue of Mother Mary and the child Jesus up close (with resemblance to the image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila
the 13.5 hectare area is full of trees, quite cold and windy. Tutubi actually now wants to buy his own farm/resthouse there which is near the JE Camp (the former rest house and detention/house arrest of jailed former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada
the soon-to-be-finished chapel of Regina RICA along the long and winding road to Regina RosariiInformation:
Regina RICA's official website declares "The first Regina Rosarii Shrine in the Philippines is at the Dominican Heights, Tagum Davao. Jose Barcena Jr., Jojo our artist and sculptor depicted our Lady like Our Lady of la Naval. The second Regina Rosarii Statue is at the Rosary hill in Tagaytay. The third Regina Rosarii statue is the 30 –foot revolving statue on top of the roof deck of the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii."
Regina RICA entrance fee/admission prices: None, Nada, Free admission
Photography/Taking Pictures: allowed in all areas except inside the Regina Rosarii chapel.
Mass Schedules: evey Sunday (no particular time posted though, will update once available)
Dress Code: no strapless, spaghetti dresses, sandos and shorts
Bringing of food: forbidden, it's a pilgrimage place, for pilgrimage, prayer and contemplation and not for picnics and parties. there's a restaurant (Pasilungan) where you can have buffet meals or short orders for food and drinks.
Overnight Accommodations: no hotel nor overnight accommodations here for guests and visitors. Not designed as a wedding venue nor party venue for debuts and birthdays. there are may resorts in Tanay, Rizal where you book your garden wedding venue and party events. Future amenities though include rooms for retreats, recollections and seminars.
parking: ample street parking though some areas are sloping. Wonder how it's like during Holy Week (Holy Thursdays for Visita Iglesia), Good Friday, Black Saturday or Easter Sunday though, the place must be a mountain full of people.
How to get to Regina RICA:
Regina RICA's official website already has driving directions to Regina RICA on how to get there. A more detailed map of Regina RICA will soon be available on OpenStreetMap for your GPS devices once Tutubi gets hold of precious time to upload tracks and waypoints.
For those without cars and afraid of long cummute to Regina RICA, you can call telephone number +63.2.372.5327 to reserve a seat for a shuttle service tour with food for only PhP350.00. Shuttle departs 7am at RICA main in Quezon City and leaves Regina RICA at 4pm. Travel time is about 1.5 hours from Quezon City.
Regina RICA
Address: Along Marcos Highway, Sitio Aguho, Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal province
Contact Numbers: +63.2.985.3878; +63.2.401.2036
Mobile Numbers: +63.919.269.4286; +0919.269.4286
Regina Rosarii (Regina Main in Quezon City)
Location: 70 Scout Fernandez St. Barangay Laging Handa, Q.C.
Telephone/Fax Number: +63.2,372.5327
Mobile: +63.919.269.4286; +63.919.269.4286
Labels: Calabarzon, Pilgrimage Sites, Rizal, Southern Tagalog
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:42 PM,
, links to this post
A Jordanian's Jose Rizal Shrine in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
30 December 2011
It's unusual for Tutubi to come a place unprepared i.e. without his usual list of interesting places or noteworthy restaurants featuring local specialties and delicacies since he found out that the still promoted yet already extinct Salinas Salt Springs is not worth a visit. In a recent visit to Solano, Nueva vizcaya, he was taken to this place, called Jordanian by the locals, that turned out to be a newly-built shrine in honor of Jose Rizal and 15 other national heroes located in barangay Casat, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya near the road that leads to Mt. Pulag.
The Jose rizal Shrine features a nice hillside park with a fountain, some retail space, winding road (that puts poorly-maintained national roads to shame), nicely manicured garden, an obelisk, helipad and some sort of clubhouse, still unfinished in front of the Jordanian's mansion. The centerpiece of the Rizal Shrine is the (now second) largest Jose Rizal monument built with fiber glass covered by a bronze-colored metal layer. The body weighs 1.2 tons while the base weighs 1.3 tons, according to Mahmoud Asfour, the naturalized Filipino developer of the park.
Jose Rizal Shrine in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya:
a national heroes obelisk
the now second largest jose rizal monument covered in bronze-colored metal. Note the presence of a NHCP (National Historical Commission of the Philippines, formerly NHI) marker
the huge Rizal Monument with a person on the frame to add scale
a nice view of the green fields of Bayombong from the hillside park
About Mahmoud Asfour:
Mahmoud Asfour was former vice president of Citibank International and a former official of the International Monetary Fund.
His "utang na loob" to a Filipino was rooted sometime when he was stranded for two days in middle of the desert in Saudi Arabia before the Gulf War without food and water, when he was found and rescued by a "good samaritan" Filipino truck driver.
He has since married a Filipina and settled in Nueva Vizcaya (Tutubi even met the good man and his son, a newly-minted computer engineering graduate) and helped put up business and charitable works in addition to the new Rizal Shrine. He was granted Filipino citizenship in July 2005.
---
The Jose Rizal Monument in Nueva Vizcaya held the title of "largest Rizal monument" for a short time only due to the construction of the giant Jose rizal monument in front of Calamba City Hall in Laguna, the birthplace of Jose Rizal, which was made taller by about 5 feet from this monument upon the orders of local politicians who've heard of the presence of this monument.
---
Tutubi, in one of his lucky days, chanced upon Mr Mahmoud Ashfour, sporting a Rizal t-shirt, personally supervising workers of his Rizal Shrine. He asked him his nationality, to which he promptly replied Filipino, and why was he building such a nice place. His reply turned a quizzical look on Tutubi and is not worth publishing here.
---
Jose Rizal Shrine and Monument
Barangay Casat, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Coordinates: N16 31 07.6 E121 08 30.2
road map here with the POI and road network personally added by Tutubi (mapping places is another one of his advocacy and worthwhile pastime)
Other Jose Rizal related posts (you may also click the Jose Rizal Category on the navigation pane):
How to Get to Fort Santiago
Jose Rizal Shrine Dapitan
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong,
Jose Rizal in Paco Cemetery
Read more after the jump!
The Jose rizal Shrine features a nice hillside park with a fountain, some retail space, winding road (that puts poorly-maintained national roads to shame), nicely manicured garden, an obelisk, helipad and some sort of clubhouse, still unfinished in front of the Jordanian's mansion. The centerpiece of the Rizal Shrine is the (now second) largest Jose Rizal monument built with fiber glass covered by a bronze-colored metal layer. The body weighs 1.2 tons while the base weighs 1.3 tons, according to Mahmoud Asfour, the naturalized Filipino developer of the park.
Jose Rizal Shrine in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya:
a national heroes obelisk
the now second largest jose rizal monument covered in bronze-colored metal. Note the presence of a NHCP (National Historical Commission of the Philippines, formerly NHI) marker
the huge Rizal Monument with a person on the frame to add scale
a nice view of the green fields of Bayombong from the hillside parkAbout Mahmoud Asfour:
Mahmoud Asfour was former vice president of Citibank International and a former official of the International Monetary Fund.
His "utang na loob" to a Filipino was rooted sometime when he was stranded for two days in middle of the desert in Saudi Arabia before the Gulf War without food and water, when he was found and rescued by a "good samaritan" Filipino truck driver.
He has since married a Filipina and settled in Nueva Vizcaya (Tutubi even met the good man and his son, a newly-minted computer engineering graduate) and helped put up business and charitable works in addition to the new Rizal Shrine. He was granted Filipino citizenship in July 2005.
---
The Jose Rizal Monument in Nueva Vizcaya held the title of "largest Rizal monument" for a short time only due to the construction of the giant Jose rizal monument in front of Calamba City Hall in Laguna, the birthplace of Jose Rizal, which was made taller by about 5 feet from this monument upon the orders of local politicians who've heard of the presence of this monument.
---
Tutubi, in one of his lucky days, chanced upon Mr Mahmoud Ashfour, sporting a Rizal t-shirt, personally supervising workers of his Rizal Shrine. He asked him his nationality, to which he promptly replied Filipino, and why was he building such a nice place. His reply turned a quizzical look on Tutubi and is not worth publishing here.
---
Jose Rizal Shrine and Monument
Barangay Casat, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Coordinates: N16 31 07.6 E121 08 30.2
road map here with the POI and road network personally added by Tutubi (mapping places is another one of his advocacy and worthwhile pastime)
Other Jose Rizal related posts (you may also click the Jose Rizal Category on the navigation pane):
How to Get to Fort Santiago
Jose Rizal Shrine Dapitan
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong,
Jose Rizal in Paco Cemetery
Labels: Cagayan Valley, Jose Rizal, Monuments, Nueva Vizcaya
posted by backpacking philippines @ 12:01 AM,
, links to this post
Parola: Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Pangasinan
28 December 2011
Standing 101 feet high, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, next only to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Located in Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, it guides sailors and fishermen from the coast of Cape Bolinao. It was built by the Americans some time in 1903 (thus it's not really an old Spanish Lighthouse)
Like most lighthouses in the Philippines, it's operated by the Philippine Coast Guard and now running on solar power.
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse with Scarlett, Tutubi's new travel buddy in view
a crude attempt at framing the shot behind a flower with the camera held so low without even looking at the viewfinder...turned out fine though
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse offers a sweeping view of Cape Bolinao passage, the iconic Treasures of Bolinao beach resort with its lighthouse logo and the backpacker-friendly white sand beach of Patar.
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Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Coordinates: N16 18 25.6 E119 47 07.8
Read more after the jump!
Like most lighthouses in the Philippines, it's operated by the Philippine Coast Guard and now running on solar power.
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse with Scarlett, Tutubi's new travel buddy in view 
a crude attempt at framing the shot behind a flower with the camera held so low without even looking at the viewfinder...turned out fine thoughCape Bolinao Lighthouse offers a sweeping view of Cape Bolinao passage, the iconic Treasures of Bolinao beach resort with its lighthouse logo and the backpacker-friendly white sand beach of Patar.
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Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Coordinates: N16 18 25.6 E119 47 07.8
Labels: Ilocos Region, Lighthouses, Pangasinan
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:10 PM,
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Origin of the Philippines and the Enchanted Cave of Bolinao Pangasinan
27 December 2011
A few hundred meters from Puerto del Sol Beach Resort and Spa, along the road going to Cape Bolinao Lighthouse and Patar white beach, are several underground caves with natural swimming pools where tourists go to after beach bumming on the white sand beach of Patar.
One of the more popular, and promoted by Bolinao Tourism people, is the so called Enchanted Cave, a privately-owned resort/park with the underground cave and a natural pool of cold, refreshing fresh water.
On the way to the cave entrance, near the parking lot are coral stones, testament to the fact that Luzon Island, not just Bolinao used to be underwater (did you also notice this in Sagada? way up in the mountains of the Cordillera?)
these rocks are actually dead corals, proof that at least this part of Bolinao used to be submerged under the sea
fossilized giant clams probably millions of years old though no carbon dating of scientific way to verify the claim
the underground natural swimming pool of Enchanted Cave beckons to swimmers
Review and Comment on Enchanted Cave:
This cave reminds Tutubi of Bohol's Hinagdanan Cave, something overrated and bordering as a tourist trap with expensive entrance fee plus the fact that it's being promoted as something enchanted or mystic just to lure tourists. Near Enchanted Cave are other pseudo-spelunking attractions e.g. Wonderful Cave then Cindy's Cave.
---
Enchanted Cave:
Contact Numbers: +63.928.783.9890; +63.939.5709907
Coordinates: N16 20 35.5 E119 48 13.6
Enchanted Cave Entrance Fee:
Entrance Fee: PhP50.00
Swimming: PhP70.00 (PhP50.00 + PhP20.00)
Parking:
4 wheel vehicle: PhP25.00 (cars, jeeps, vans)
3 wheel vehicle: PhP15.00
2 wheel vehicle: PhP10.00
How to get there:
Ride a tricycle from Bolinao town proper. Bolinao is a bus ride from Manila (e.g. Victory Liner) and about 1 hour from Alaminos, Pangasinan
Read more after the jump!
One of the more popular, and promoted by Bolinao Tourism people, is the so called Enchanted Cave, a privately-owned resort/park with the underground cave and a natural pool of cold, refreshing fresh water.
On the way to the cave entrance, near the parking lot are coral stones, testament to the fact that Luzon Island, not just Bolinao used to be underwater (did you also notice this in Sagada? way up in the mountains of the Cordillera?)
these rocks are actually dead corals, proof that at least this part of Bolinao used to be submerged under the sea
fossilized giant clams probably millions of years old though no carbon dating of scientific way to verify the claim
the underground natural swimming pool of Enchanted Cave beckons to swimmersReview and Comment on Enchanted Cave:
This cave reminds Tutubi of Bohol's Hinagdanan Cave, something overrated and bordering as a tourist trap with expensive entrance fee plus the fact that it's being promoted as something enchanted or mystic just to lure tourists. Near Enchanted Cave are other pseudo-spelunking attractions e.g. Wonderful Cave then Cindy's Cave.
---
Enchanted Cave:
Contact Numbers: +63.928.783.9890; +63.939.5709907
Coordinates: N16 20 35.5 E119 48 13.6
Enchanted Cave Entrance Fee:
Entrance Fee: PhP50.00
Swimming: PhP70.00 (PhP50.00 + PhP20.00)
Parking:
4 wheel vehicle: PhP25.00 (cars, jeeps, vans)
3 wheel vehicle: PhP15.00
2 wheel vehicle: PhP10.00
How to get there:
Ride a tricycle from Bolinao town proper. Bolinao is a bus ride from Manila (e.g. Victory Liner) and about 1 hour from Alaminos, Pangasinan
Labels: Caves, Ilocos Region, Pangasinan
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:10 PM,
, links to this post
Makati New Year Countdown 2012: Party Schedule
25 December 2011
For those who'll be "stuck" in Metro Manila on New Years eve, herewith is information found by Tutubi in an underpass in Makati with the countdown party schedule, location, with live entertainment for the New Year 2012 countdown in Makati.
Makati New Year Countdown 2012:
The Magical, Musical Makati:
Schedule:
December 31, 2011 at 5:30pm onwards
Live Bands: Antimano, Bloom Brothers, Silk, The Company, and the Dawn
Brought to you by City Government of Makati plus Makati Turismo, Ayala Land, MACEA, BPI TV5.
---
there are similar New Year Countdown 2012 Manila probably in Luneta (Rizal Park), Libis (Quezon City), Cebu, Davao, Boracay, Baguio and at various restaurants.
The most famous new year countdown party still in the world is the one held at New York TownSquare
Read more after the jump!
Makati New Year Countdown 2012:
The Magical, Musical Makati:
Schedule:
December 31, 2011 at 5:30pm onwards
Live Bands: Antimano, Bloom Brothers, Silk, The Company, and the Dawn
Brought to you by City Government of Makati plus Makati Turismo, Ayala Land, MACEA, BPI TV5.
---
there are similar New Year Countdown 2012 Manila probably in Luneta (Rizal Park), Libis (Quezon City), Cebu, Davao, Boracay, Baguio and at various restaurants.
The most famous new year countdown party still in the world is the one held at New York TownSquare
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:23 PM,
, links to this post
Metro Manila Film Festival MMFF 2011 Parade Route, Schedule, Awards Night
22 December 2011
For those thinking of watching live the Grand parade of floats for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 on Roxas Boulevard, herewith is the MMFF Parade Route and Schedule.
MMFF filfest parade of Stars to start at 2pm on December 24, 2011.
Parade aroute: start at the back of SM Mall of Asia, EDSA, left to Roxas Boulevard and into Quirino Grandstand
at the Luneta (Rizal Park)
Guest which among the filmfest participants will parade the best float and stars with them. List of Movies:
1. Ang Panday 2 (Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.)
2. Enteng ng Ina Mo (Vic Sotto, Aiai delas Alas)
3. Asiong Salonga Story (George Estregan, Carla Abellana)
4. Shake, Rattle and Roll 13
5. My House Husband (Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo
6. Segunda Mano (Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes)
(Tutubi doensn't have the complete list of movies for MMFF 2011, feel free to leave comments)
Who will be the The Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Actress?
Tutubi's bet is that Asiong Salonga will be the bottom dweller, if not a flop :(
December 25, 2011 (Christmas Day): start of official screenings at your favorite movie theaters
December 28: Awards Night at the Resorts World Performing Arts Theater with hosts Ai-Ai de las Alas and Cesar Montano.
Watch it on Jan. 1, 2012 at 10:30 p.m. ABS-CBN.
Read more after the jump!
MMFF filfest parade of Stars to start at 2pm on December 24, 2011.
Parade aroute: start at the back of SM Mall of Asia, EDSA, left to Roxas Boulevard and into Quirino Grandstand
at the Luneta (Rizal Park)
Guest which among the filmfest participants will parade the best float and stars with them. List of Movies:
1. Ang Panday 2 (Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.)
2. Enteng ng Ina Mo (Vic Sotto, Aiai delas Alas)
3. Asiong Salonga Story (George Estregan, Carla Abellana)
4. Shake, Rattle and Roll 13
5. My House Husband (Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo
6. Segunda Mano (Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes)
(Tutubi doensn't have the complete list of movies for MMFF 2011, feel free to leave comments)
Who will be the The Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Actress?
Tutubi's bet is that Asiong Salonga will be the bottom dweller, if not a flop :(
December 25, 2011 (Christmas Day): start of official screenings at your favorite movie theaters
December 28: Awards Night at the Resorts World Performing Arts Theater with hosts Ai-Ai de las Alas and Cesar Montano.
Watch it on Jan. 1, 2012 at 10:30 p.m. ABS-CBN.
Labels: Floobydust
posted by backpacking philippines @ 11:26 PM,
, links to this post
Tita's Delight Bibingka of Tanauan, Batangas
17 December 2011
Locals, when asked about their own place, can only be of two types-- informative or the clueless. Tutubi asked his officemate about the famous Tanauan bibingka, some kind of cheese bibingka of Tanauan famous pasalubong sough after by tourists and visitors but was rather clueless. He asked another friend from Tanauan recently and pointed him to the place with pinpoint accuracy.
Tita's Delight Bibingka is a variant of the cheese bibingka of Tanauan, soft and fluffy, not unlike bibingka galapong. It's more of a cross between Vigan Royal Bibingka and egg pie in texture and taste.
Tita's Delight Bibingka and Pastries
Address: #19 Akle St.
Mt. View Subd., Tanauan City, Batangas
Telephone Number: +63.43.778.1735
Contact Number: +63.915.992.7025
Location details: at the back of Daniel Mercado Medical Center
(beside Aling Denang's Bibingka and Cassava. There's also famous Aling Atay's Bibingka at Tanauan public market)
Coordinates: N14 04 47.6 E121 09 04.2
Prices of Cheese Bibingka:
Extra Large: PhP570.00
Medium: PhP370.00 (about 10 inches diameter, 1.5 inches thick)
Small: PhP240.00
Oval: PhP150.00
Mini: PhP70.00 (about 4 inches diameter, 1 inch thick)
Btw, Tutubi's friend actaully lives a walking distance from Tita's Delight Bibingka and pastries shop, just at the back of Daniel Mercado Medical Center (DMMC, sarcastically called Dito Maya't-Maya Charged). It's probable that Tutubi asked the wrong question thus got the wrong answer. Asking around Tanauan City didn't do much but there's always the joy of finding something fantastic after having a hard time looking for it-- the joy of discovery!
You might also be interested in these:
Vigan Royal Bibingka
Original Buko PieBibingka Galapong
Vjandep Pastel
Read more after the jump!
Tita's Delight Bibingka is a variant of the cheese bibingka of Tanauan, soft and fluffy, not unlike bibingka galapong. It's more of a cross between Vigan Royal Bibingka and egg pie in texture and taste.
Tita's Delight Bibingka and Pastries
Address: #19 Akle St.
Mt. View Subd., Tanauan City, Batangas
Telephone Number: +63.43.778.1735
Contact Number: +63.915.992.7025
Location details: at the back of Daniel Mercado Medical Center
(beside Aling Denang's Bibingka and Cassava. There's also famous Aling Atay's Bibingka at Tanauan public market)
Coordinates: N14 04 47.6 E121 09 04.2
Prices of Cheese Bibingka:
Extra Large: PhP570.00
Medium: PhP370.00 (about 10 inches diameter, 1.5 inches thick)
Small: PhP240.00
Oval: PhP150.00
Mini: PhP70.00 (about 4 inches diameter, 1 inch thick)
Btw, Tutubi's friend actaully lives a walking distance from Tita's Delight Bibingka and pastries shop, just at the back of Daniel Mercado Medical Center (DMMC, sarcastically called Dito Maya't-Maya Charged). It's probable that Tutubi asked the wrong question thus got the wrong answer. Asking around Tanauan City didn't do much but there's always the joy of finding something fantastic after having a hard time looking for it-- the joy of discovery!
You might also be interested in these:
Vigan Royal Bibingka
Original Buko PieBibingka Galapong
Vjandep Pastel
Labels: Batangas, Calabarzon, Pasalubong, Specialties
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:48 PM,
, links to this post