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Flight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures/photos/videos, travel guides, independent and honest reviews, affordable, recommended resorts and hotels (including inns, guesthouses, pension houses, lodges, hostels, condotels, bed and breakfast and other cheap accommodations), commuting guides, routes (sometimes street maps and GPS coordinates/waypoints) and driving directions to answer "how to get there" questions, information and tips on tourism, budget travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!

Backpacking, independent travel, and flashpacking are cheaper than the "cheapest package tours" and promotional offers around but you can also use travel information for family vacations, even romantic honeymoon destinations.

More than the usual tourist spots and "places to see," this blog advocates heritage conservation, environmental protection, and history awareness for Filipinos, foreigners, and ex-pats wishing to explore Paradise Philippines and Exotic Asia!
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    Three Years and Counting...

    After almost 500 posts and around eleven years of wanderlust, Backpacking Philippines and Asia turned three years old this day.

    So many places visited still unposted on this blog, so little time and money. A few minor hiccups like the aborted trip to Surigao City, Siargao and Dinagat Island and canceled return trip to Cebu City.

    For the time being, here's the latest snapshot of the places Tutubi visited over the years:


    My Lakbayan grade is B!



    What's in store for this blog?

    Tutubi will embark on a new voyage outside of Asia for the first time, amidst the global scare of swine flu, influenza A(H1N1) hanging like the sword of Damocles over many travelers. He may not be able to update this blog in the coming week(s). He already has his hotel bookings, plane tickets, passport, Visa, even alcohol-based sanitizers...the only thing he doesn't have is a detailed itinerary of places to visit and things to do for he really loves a very flexible "tour" schedule that changes whereever the wind blows.

    Tutubi will cross the bridge when he gets there...a famous bridge from down under! :P

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:32 PM, ,

    Latest Swine Flu Influenza A(H1N1) Cases and Outbreak in the Philippines

    Latest Swine Flu Update in the Philippines, there are now 77 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in the Philippines mostly Filipinos from abroad but there are still no local outbreak of the virus as proper medical attention and quarantine procedures are in place.

    The first 6 confirmed cases in the Philippines, note there's no definite location to avoid panic (latest news as of June 11, 2009):

    1. a 10-year-old girl from the United States
    2. a 50-year-old woman from the United States
    3. a one-year-old baby girl who arrived from the United States
    4. a 13-year-old boy who arrived from Hong Kong
    5. a 55-year-old man who had contact with two Taiwanese nationals after attending a wedding in Zambales.
    6. a 26-year-old woman who also attended the same wedding in Zambales

    All the confirmed A(H1N1) patients are confined in government hospitals, mostly at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa.

    of latest tally of swine flu cases in the Philippines, there are several schools De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University-East Asia College, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, St. Andrews School in Parañaque and Ateneo de Manila University. For privacy reasons, the names and addresses of the patients can't be disclosed.

    Should you defer travel in these events? The World Health Organization does not recommend deferring travel plans, according to their official website. The Health governing body merely recommends proper hygiene, washing of hands and other things but not including wearing face masks as there are no outbreaks in the country.

    Should you be afraid? Tutubi's not really that concerned since it's a cureable disease where less than 1 percent (less than a hundred from about 12000 cases worldwide) die due to complications from pre-existing medical conditions. But he's also putting himself on self-quarantine on his return so as not to infect others should he catch the virus somewhere.

    He's no Manny Pacquiao, who's so irresponsible, he ignored the DOH warning of social distancing. It's a good thing he and his entourage don't have the virus from Las Vegas. For if he did have it, there would have been a serious A(H1N1)outbreak in the Philippines.

    Lastly, you can see flu vaccines sold at drugstores as if they can prevent A(H1N1) infections plsu the disgusting marketing pitch of a Vitamin C supplement claiming it can cure the viral infection.

    NEWS UPDATED: June 11, 2009
    Source: Inquirer.Net news reports

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:49 PM, ,

    Old Church of St. Joseph, Barcelona, Sorsogon

    From Rizal Beach in Gubat town and on the way to Bulusan Lake, you would pass by a handsome old stone church facing the sea in a town named after a famous city of Spain

    Photos of St. Joseph Church, Barcelona, Sorsogon:


    old facade of the church, too bad the new image in front of the church obstructs the view of the facade and limits the angle you can take pictures from
    the inside of the church was unlit and quite typical of most old stone churches


    A marker indicating the year 1874 probably states the year the structure was completed

    This old church is a recommended in your itinerary in case you want to do a Sorsogon Visita Iglesia on Holy Week.

    How to get there:

    Commuting to Barcelona involves a jeepney ride from Gubat, Sorsogon. Visit the post on Gubat or Sorsogon City for details on commuting to Barcelona or driving directions.

    No information yet on St. Joseph Parish contact number and mass schedules

    Related Posts:
    Rizal Beach Resort
    How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon

    Labels: , , ,

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM, ,

    List of Museums in Manila and Beyond (Entrance Fee, Museum Hours)

    A typical Filipino's memory of museums include boring field trips to museums emptied from buses and made to fall in line without making any noise. He's not being able to actually enjoy the experience but rather remember the experience as a requirement rather than a learning journey.

    UPDATED: January 2014

    It's sad that Museums in the Philippines are always empty, except students on field trips and a handful of foreigners, where visitors of the National Museum in one whole year can be matched by people at SM Megamall or SM Mall of Asia on a single day.

    A certified museum geek that he is, Tutubi painstakingly compiled this list of museums in the Philippines for all like-minded individuals wishing to discover their cultural and historical roots as well as curious tourists seeking to discover more the the Philippines of yore and get to to know heroes carved in stone, painted on various surfaces or preserved in various forms.

    This is in celebration of May 18 as International Museum Day declared by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

    Note that this is a work in progress and will be updated once information is available. Should you know of other museums not listed here, do leave a comment and the information or links. Sourced mostly from Tutubi's knowledge of the place and/or news items with links provided below.

    Museums in Metro Manila

    The National Museum of the Filipino People
    Address: former Finance Building, Padre Burgos Street, Rizal Park, Manila
    Telephone: +63.2.527.0278
    Fax: +63.2.527.0306
    Museum hours: Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
    Entrance/Admission Fee: PhP150.00, Student PhP50.00, Senior Citizen PhP120.00

    How to get there: Located on Rizal Park (Luneta), it's just walking distance from LRT U.N. Avenue station or via jeepneys passing by Taft Avenue or Mabini.
    Directions to National Museum: from Makati, it's best to drive towards Roxas Boulevard then turn right on P. Burgos (after passing Rizal Park/Luneta). The museum in on the right, near the corner of Taft Avenue and across the National Art Gallery. Parking is available at the museum compound.
    National Museum entrance fee

    National Art Gallery
    Former Senate Building near The National Museum and Manila City Hall
    Burgos St. Manila
    Centerpiece of Juan Luna's Spoliarium and various other artworks
    How to get there: From Quezon City or Quiapo, better take jeepneys with signboards of Mabini and alight in front of the neo-classical building.
    National Art gallery entrance fee

    Rizal Shrine and Museum
    Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
    features memorabilia of Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero
    How to get there: Board a jeepney in Quiapo with signboard Pier and alight in front of Palacio del Gobernador near Manila Cathedral. A short walk towards the gate of Fort Santiago with a minimal entrance fee.

    Archdiocesan Museum of Manila
    Address: 121 Arzobispo St., Intramuros, Manila
    Tel. No.: +63.2.492.1616 ext. 222
    Fax: +63.2.530.4815

    Casa Manila Museum
    Address: Plaza San Luis Complex corner Gen. Luna & Real Streets.
    Museum Hours: Open daily except Mondays from 9am-6pm
    Museum Admission price/entrance fee: PhP75.00 PhP50.00 (senior citizens)

    Metropolitan Museum
    Roxas Blvd near Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
    Remarks: Visit also Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gold Room, a walk-in vault underneath the Metropolitan Museum with impressive collection of old paintings and ancient gold ornaments of pre-hispanic Filipinos. This is Tutubi's favorite museum, besides the National Museum.
    How to get there: Board the orange shuttle at LRT Vito Cruz station going to CCP Complex.
    Alight at the corner of Roxas Blvd and Pablo Ocampo then walk towards BSP gate

    BSP Money Museum
    Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
    Roxas Boulevard corner Pablo Ocampo St., Manila
    How to get there: Board the orange shuttle at LRT Vito Cruz station going to CCP Complex.
    Alight at the corner of Roxas Blvd and Pablo Ocampo then walk towards BSP gate

    Postal Museum and Philatelic Library
    Address: Manila Central Post Office compound.
    Remarks: Hidden at the third floor of the building of the Security Inspection Services Division and Postal Police Force
    It is the oldest museum in southeast Asia. Allows the public to view the country’s rich repository of stamps and items used by the post office through the years including: Old mail boxes, typewriters, awards, paintings, stamps, philatelic magazines, as well as books and catalogues.

    Ayala Museum
    Makati Avenue beside Greenbelt 4
    Makati City
    Remarks: Try not to miss the Ayala Museum Gold Room. There also is a “virtual copy” of the Boxer Codex, the 16th century manuscript is one of the treasures in the Lilly Library in the University of Indiana in Bloomington
    How to there: Walking distance from MRT Ayala Avenue station. From LRT Buendia station, ride the bus with signboards Ayala/Rustans and drop off at Rustans (or Rufino Tower/PBCOM) then walk towards the museum with a fountain in front.

    Makati Museum (Museo Ng Makati)
    JAddress: P Rizal St. cor. A. Mabini St., Makati
    Tel. No.: +63.2.818.5223

    Museo ng Kalinangang Pilipino (CCP Museum)
    a humanities museum that has displays on the works of Filipino traditional artists and preserves Filipino artistic traditions. Permanent exhibits include
    significant Filipino artistic traditions and the CCP Collection of Traditional Asian Musical Instruments from the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, Thailand, China and South Korea.

    Malacañang Museum
    Kalayaan Hall – the old Executive Building built in 1920– at the heart of the Malacañang Palace complex
    open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Official Website: http://www.op.gov.ph/museum/
    Tel: 63-2 7364662
    Fax: 63-2 7361120
    Remarks: by appointment only. See details on the official website
    How to get there: From Quiapo, ride a jeepney going to San Miguel (terminal near Ilalim/ Quinta Market and Globo de Oro street near the Golden Mosque)
    Admission: PhP50.00 adults, PhP30.00 children

    Yuchengco Museum
    G/F RCBC Bldg, Ayala Avenue corner Gil Puyat Ave (Buendia)
    Makati City
    How to get there: From LRT Buendia Station, board a jeep going to Guadalupe and alight in front of RCBC Tower (after crossing Ayala Avenue). Alternatively, from MRT Buendia (Gil Puyat) station, board a jeep going to Washington or bus with LRT/Leveriza to take you there (alight in front of The Columns condominium before crossing Ayala Avenue then walk to the other side)
    Entrance Fee: PhP100.00

    San Agustin Museum
    Beside San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila
    How to go there: Board a jeep bound for Pier in Quiapo and alight in front of Manila Cathedral.
    You may walk to San Agustin or hire a pedicab

    Lopez Museum
    Exhange Rd, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
    huge collection of rare books and art pieces on display and research purposes
    Lopez Museum(largest collection of both Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo paintings as well as Rizal artifacts)
    How to get there: from MRT Ortigas Avenue station, it's just a short taxi ride away.

    Bahay Nakpil Bautista,
    Bautista St., Quiapo, Manila
    With artifacts of Gregoria "Oryang" de Jesus, the widow of Andres Bonifacio, who re-married Nakpil. The original home of Juan Luna's "the Parisian Life" now on display the at GISI Museum
    How to go there: board a jeepney bound for Quiapo then alight at the corner of Hidalgo and Quezon Blvd. Walk towards
    Hidalgo (East side going to San Sebastian) then turn left on Barbosa St.

    AFP Museum
    Camp Aguinaldo, EDSA, Quezon City
    Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s uniform and hand-written letters of Apolinario Mabini.

    Aerospace Museum of the Philippine Air Force (PAF)
    Address: Sales Street corner Andrews Avenue, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City near NAIA Terminal 3
    Entrance Fee: P20. Jet simulator fee between P75 and P150.

    Museo ng Katipunan
    formerly Museum of the Philippine Revolution
    Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, San Juan

    The UST Museum of Arts & Sciences
    Mezzanine, Main Building
    University of Santo Tomas
    Telephone: +63.2.781.1815
    Open Tuesdays to Fridays - 9:00am to 4:30pm
    Admission fee: Students - PhP20.00 / Adults - PhP30.00

    Bantayog ng mga Bayani Museum
    Quezon Avenue near corner EDSA
    Museum dedicated to the victims, heroes and martyrs of Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos
    How to get there: It's walking distance from MRT Quezon Avenue Station, near the jeepney terminal plying the EDSA -UP route. From Quiapo, you may ride jeepneys with Fairview / Lagro signboard.

    Veterans Federation of the Philippines’ Museum, Library, Archives and Theatre,
    Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City displays of tableaus and pictures of war veterans particularly guerillas and Peftok (Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea) veterans (Korean War)
    Museum is open Mondays to Fridays from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m., except during lunch time.
    Entrance fees are P75 for adults and P50 for students.
    Telephone Number: +63.2.838.9148

    Museo Pambata ng Maynila
    What: Let children discover more about the environment, science, crafts, the global village, etc. via hands-on exhibits and interactive displays as well as enjoy featured activities like storytelling sessions.
    Location: Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila
    When: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8 AM -5 PM; Sundays, 1 – 5 PM
    How much: Children and Adults - P100.00, Manila residents (with valid ID) free on Tuesdays and 50 percent discount on other days; street children, infants (under two years), museum workers, teachers (with valid ID) free
    Telephone numbers 5231797 to 98; 5360595
    E-mail: exhibits@museopambata.org
    Website: www.museopambata.org
    How to get there: Jeepneys in Quiapo with signboard Pier will take you there after passing by Intramuros and South Harbor gates. Alternatively, from LRT UN Avenue Station, walk towards Padre Faura St. and board jeepneys going to Pier, alight at the corner of South Drive, cross Roxas Boulevard towards the children's museum.

    National Commission for Culture and the Arts
    633 General Luna Street
    Intramuros, Manila
    Telephone: +63.2.527.2192
    How to get there: Jeepneys in Quiapo with signboard Pier will take you there. Get off in front of Manila Cathedral.

    Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center
    Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
    Telephone Numbers: +63.2.928.1927; +63.2.981.8500 locals 4021 to 24
    Fax Number: +63.2.928.1925
    Website: www.vargasmuseum.org
    Email addresses: vargasmuseum@up.edu.ph, vargasmuseum@yahoo.com, vargasmuseum@gmail.com
    Museum Hours: Tuesdays - Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays closed
    Admission
    PhP 20.00 - UP students, alumni, faculty and employees
    PhP 30.00 - Non-UP
    Free - Every Wednesdays for UP students, alumni, faculty and employees for a group less than 10.

    Marikina Shoe Museum
    Website:http://city.marikina.gov.ph/PAGES/shoemuseum.htm
    Address: J.P. Rizal St, Barangay San Roque, Marikina City
    Museum Hours: 8-12 to 1-5PM Monday - Sunday (Closed on Holidays)
    Admission Fee: P20 per person
    Location: J.P. Rizal St,Barangay San Roque, Marikina City
    Museum Office: +63.2.430.9735

    Marikina Doll Museum
    Marikina Sports Complex, McDonald’s corner Sumulong Highway,
    Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City
    Entrance Fee: P25.00
    When: Everyday, 8 AM – 12 NN and 1 - 5 PM
    Tel. No.: +63.2.430.9733; +63.2.430.9735

    Belen Museum and Miniature Museum,
    V. Gomez St., Barangay Sta. Elena
    When: Everyday, 8 AM – 12 NN and 1 - 5 PM
    How much: Entrances P30.00 each
    Tel. No.: +63.2.430.9733; +63.2.430.9735

    Iglesia Ni Cristo Museum and Gallery (INC Museum)
    Location: INC Central Office, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
    Exhibits posters and dioramas depicting the Iglesia's beginnings, culture, rituals and practices.
    How to get there: From Quiapo or MRT Quezon Avenue station, hail a jeepney bound for Fairview and get off in front of the church.

    Mind Museum
    West Crescent Park in Bonifacio Global City
    conceived by the Bonifacio Arts Foundation Inc. (Bafi)
    Remarks: the museum features the story of the atom, the varieties of life, the mystery inside the earth, the majesty of the universe and the evolution of technology. the museum’s main galleries on the ground level are called Atom, Life, Earth and Universe. Another gallery devoted entirely to Technology will be on the upper level.

    Gamaba Museum
    Address: 4/F Tesoro's Handicraft Shop
    325A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
    Honors the life and achievements of the National Living Artists Awardees of the Philippines (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or Gamaba).
    Museum hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m./Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Telephone: +63.2.524.3936 to 40.

    Museo Valenzuela
    Subdivision 1, Brgy Marulas, Valenzuela City
    Features life and memorabilia of the Katipunan particularly Dr. Pio Valenzuela from whom the city was named
    Remarks: it's beside Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

    Museo De Sta. Ana
    Poblacion, Taguig City
    the repository of artifacts detailing the rich religious culture and history of Taguig since 1857

    LRTA Museum and Activity Center (planned)

    The museum would showcase the latest in railway technology for the appreciation of students and enthusiasts. There will also be a children’s center which offers creative, interactive and educational activities to increase visitors’ knowledge of the railway industry.

    Kaban Ng Hiyas Ng Lungsod Ng Mandaluyong
    Mandaluyong City Hall, Maysilo Circle
    Mandaluyong City


    Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Museums:

    Abra Museums:
    Apayao Museums:

    Baguio Museums:

    The Bencab Museum is open 9 a.m to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays. It is a project of the Bencab Art Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization that supports activities related to the arts and environment. Visit www.bencabmuseum.org

    Center for Ibaloi Heritage and Loakan History
    Loakan Elementary School near the airport in Barangay Loakan, Baguio City

    St Louis University Museum of Arts and Culture
    This museum is a good place to learn about the cultural heritage of the Cordilleras. Situated in a university building, the museum displays a range of relics and artifacts including an ancient coffin. A museum curator is always on hand to answer any questions and offer interesting snippets on information about the local culture.
    Phone: +63 74 442 3043.

    Aguinaldo Museum
    Gen. Luna road, Baguio City
    The Aguinaldo Museum is an interesting place to spend some time and sits beside the huge statue of General Emilio Aguinaldo, which also serves as an important Baguio landmark.
    The museum and statue are on General Luna road in an area of the city referred to locally as ‘Jungle Town’.

    Baguio-Mountain Province Museum
    A showcase of Cordillera's the mountain culture. The displays include a number of relics and artifacts showcasing local traditions. The museum buildings designed in the style of the mountain provinces.

    Benguet Museums:

    Benguet Museum
    Benguet Provincial Capitol, La Trinidad, Benguet
    Open Hours: 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri)
    Admission: FREE
    Provincial museum containing ethnographic materials relating to the indigenous people of Benguet.

    Kabayan Branch Museum
    National Museum, Kabayan Branch
    Kabayan, Benguet
    Proprietor: National Museum of the Philippines
    Open Hours: 8am-12pm; 1-5pm (Mon-Sat)
    Closed: Sundays
    Admission: FREE
    Kabayan Museum's attraction are the preserved mummies of Kabayan Mummy Caves said to be about 500 years old, one of the Philippines' national cultural treasures. It is a burial caves that holds mummies sited in Kabayan especially in the Timbac Caves. It also features the culture of the Ibaloi and the Kankanaey.

    Baguio-Benguet Museum

    St. Louis University Museum of Arts and Culture
    St. Louis University, Baguio City
    Tel: +63.74.442.3043; +63.74.442.2793 loc. 260

    Bontoc Museum

    bontoc museum Bontoc Museum, Bontoc (capital town of Mountain Province)


    Region I: Ilocos Region

    Ilocos Norte Museums

    Museo Ilocos Norte and Library
    Address: General Luna St., Laoag City.
    Tel. No.: +63.77.770.4587

    Marcos Museum
    Batac, Ilocos Norte

    Ilocos Sur Museums

    Crisologo Museum
    Vigan

    Padre Burgos National Museum Branch
    Address: Padre Burgos House, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
    Open Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

    Magsingal National Museum Branch
    Magsingal, Ilocos Sur

    La Union Museums
    Pangasinan Museums

    Bolinao Museum
    Artifacts of Bolinao history and social-geography

    Dagupan City Museums

    The Museo Ilocos Norte and Library serve as repositories of archival documents, books, artifacts, photographs, recordings and other aspects of Ilocos material culture.

    Region II Cagayan Valley

    Batanes Museums

    Quirino Museums

    Cagayan Museums

    Tuguegarao Museum
    evidence of paleolithic Philippines that disproved the wave migration theory

    Nueva Vizcaya Museums

    People's Museum and Library
    Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
    Former seat of the provincial government which houses Novo Viscayano history and heritage.

    Isabela Museums

    Isabela Museum and Library
    Old Capitol Building in Ilagan, Isabela
    Features a gallery exhibit & collection of antiques such as artifacts, fossils, ethnographic items, heirloom pieces, visual arts (photographs, paintings, sculpture, graphic arts); historical and cultural dioramas, miniature models of provincial landmarks, among others.
    Open from Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

    Santiago City Museum at Balay na Santiago
    Santiago City, Isabela
    Originally built as the ‘Palasyo del Barrio’ or Barangay Hall of Calao West, Balay na Santiago is a reconstruction of a typical Spanish colonial house modeled after Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s house in Kawit, Cavite. It showcases historical artifacts relevant to the city plus interesting sites and traditions.

    balay na santiago city museumBalay na Santiago looks like a reconstruction of a bahay na bato with the facade modeled after the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite.

    Region III Central Luzon

    Aurora Museums
    Bataan Museums
    Nueva Ecija Museums

    National Food Authority Grains Industry Museum
    Address: Central Luzon Regional Office McArthur Highway, Cabanatuan City
    Contact No.: +63.44.463.1233; +63.44.463.1167
    Fax: +63.44.463.1167
    Museum Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

    Tarlac Museums

    Maria Clara Museum,
    Camiling Tarlac
    memorabilias of Maria Clara, one of Jose Rizal's girlfriends

    Aquino Center and Ninoy Aquino Museum
    MacArthur Highway, Tarlac, Tarlac
    Near the entrance of the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac City
    The centerpiece of the Aquino Center

    Pampanga Museums

    Kamikaze Museum,
    Angeles City
    Location: Residence of the noted Pampango artist, Dan H. Dizon, President of the Kamikaze Memorial Society of the Philippines (KAMESO). On display are World War II mementos, particularly those of Kamikaze pilots of Japan. Other interesting facets of the museum are the different helmets used by the Axis and Allied powers of World War II.

    Museo ning Angeles
    Angeles City
    Location: in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church
    Contact Number: +63.45.887.4703
    Reamrks: Housed in a 1920 edifice and Angeles city’s former “municipio” (town hall). There is a planned construction of The "Culinarium" the country's first culinary museum

    Museo Ning Betis

    Archdiocesian Museum and Archives (City of San Fernando)
    Houses antiques and exquisite works of art depicting Pampanga’s rich cultural heritage.
    St. Peter’s Parochial Church (Apalit, Pampanga). Built between 1629 and 1630, it is located at the town plaza. Its ceiling and dome are filled with beautiful paintings.

    Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS)
    museum of various Kapampangan heritage, old books and newspapers

    Bulacan Museum

    Barasoain Ecclesiastical Museum
    beside Barasoain Church, Malolos Bulacan

    Baliuag Museum
    Baliuag, Bulacan

    Region IV Southern Tagalog

    Rizal Museums

    Meralco Museum
    Academic Building of the MMLDC Foundation, Inc.
    Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal
    http://www.meralco.com.ph/Business/about/mh_meralco_museum.htm

    Laguna Museums

    Rizal Shrine
    Calamba, Laguna
    reconstructed house of Rizal clan

    Rice World
    International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Banos Laguna
    museum dedicated to rice and rice artifacts.
    Admission: Free

    UPLB Museum of Natural History
    College of Forestry and Natural Resources campus, UPLB
    The Museum of Natural History houses a diverse collection of more than
    300,000.00 Philippine animals, plants, microorganisms, and other artifacts living
    plants can be seen in the hortorium near the bridge going up to Forestry campus.
    The Museum can be found immediately to the left of the archway going into the
    CFNR.

    The Museum is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is
    open to the public for a fee of P20.00 adult and P 10.00 children. For
    reservations, contact (049) 536-2864.

    UPLB Entomology Museum
    3/F Institute of Biological Science Bldg., College of Arts and Sciences, U.P. Los Baños
    Features the different species of the insect world from the smallest bug to the biggest moth.

    Pila Municipal Museum
    Pila, Laguna

    Bahay Laguna
    Magdalena, Laguna
    Showcases the memorabilias of former Laguna Governor Felicisimo San Luis and mementos from Laguna towns

    Aera Museum (Escudero Private Museum)
    San Pablo City, Laguna

    Cavite Museums

    Aguinaldo Trial House
    Maragondon, Cavite
    The house in Maragondon, Cavite, where a military court tried Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio, has been turned into a museum commemorating a significant, if dark, episode in our history. Its centerpiece is a life-size diorama recreating the trial scene.
    Open: Tuesday to Saturday at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.*

    Museo dela Salle
    Dasmarinas, Cavite

    Philippine Navy Museum
    Fort San Felipe Naval Base Cavite
    Cavite City

    Batangas Museums

    General Malvar Museum and Library
    Sto. Tomas, Batangas
    General Malvar is the last Filipino General to surrender to the Americans

    Mabini Shrine
    Tanauan, Batangas
    Apolinario Mabini, "Brains of the Katipunan," was buried

    Golden Sunset
    Calatagan
    On the resort owned by Ricky Reyes, several artifacts excavated on the place revealed

    Gintong Yaman Ng Quezon Museum
    Provincial Health Building, Capitol Compound, Lucena City
    The museum houses a collection of the memorabilia of former president Manuel L. Quezon. A large section of the museum contains the personal belongings of the former prominent people of the province.

    Palawan Museums

    Palawan Puerto Princesa National Museum
    showcases the history, culture, music, arts and crafts of Palawan that include artifacts from the Tabon caves.
    Museum hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn, and 2:00 p.m. to 5: p.m.,
    Monday to Friday except Wednesday.
    Address: Old City Hall Building, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City.
    How to get there: take a tricycle or multicab plying the Rizal Avenue route

    Oriental Mindoro Museums

    Puerto Galera National Museum Branch
    Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
    Region V: Bicol Region

    Camarines Norte Museums

    Camarines Sur Museums

    Museo de Concilliar de Naga
    Naga City
    pre-Hispanic burial urn at the speaks of Bicol’s Ibalon epic starring King Handiong, according to a study of a Filipino anthropologist. Dr. Zeus Salazar

    Colegio De Sta. Isabel Museum
    Colegio de Sta Isabel, Naga City

    Albay Museums

    Legaspi City Museum
    Legaspi City, Albay

    Daraga National Museum Branch
    Daraga, Albay, Bicol, Philippines


    Sorsogon Museums
    Masbate Museums
    Catanduanes Museums

    Museums in the Visayas

    Region VI: Western Visayas

    Aklan Museums
    Antique Museums
    Capiz Museums

    Museo De Sta. Monica
    Panay, Capiz

    Guimaras Museums
    Iloilo Museums

    Museo De Rosendo Mejica
    251 Lopez Jaena St., Baluarte Molo
    Iloilo City, Iloilo

    Panay Peace Memorial Museum
    Bankers Village IV, Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro District, Iloilo
    contains reading materials about the war, photographs and video clips. It also hosts memoirs and personal letters of Japanese soldiers who died in the war


    Negros Occidental Museums

    Dizon–Ramos Museum
    Bacolod City
    Features collections of Dizon-Ramos family and glimpse of their lifestyle

    Bernardino Jalandoni House Museum
    Silay
    Remarks: stradivarius violin, oldest books, century-old-pieces of furniture, wooden refrigerator, visual art collection, and hacienderos’ kitchen wares.

    Hofileña Heritage House, Silay
    Remarks: with National Historical Institute marker, has priceless art collections, printmaking workshop and family story

    Museo Pambata
    Sagay, Negros

    Negros Museum
    Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
    Old Agricultural Building along Gatuslao Street,

    Region VII: Central Visayas

    Cebu Museums

    Cebu Provincial Museum

    The Museo Sugbo
    Address: old Cebu provincial jail, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City
    Remarks: has four galleries detailing Cebu’s past. Six more galleries are set to be opened in the future, two of these will house the National Historical Institute’s Museum of Philippine Political History while three others will showcase the artifacts of Cebu’s pre-colonial past, together with an art gallery to be installed by the National Museum

    Cathedral Museum, Cebu City

    Fort San Pedro
    Cebu City

    Casa Gorordo

    Sandiego-Yap House

    Carcar Museum
    Carcar, Cebu
    Location: between Carcar Church and and City Hall building

    Bohol Museums

    Negros Oriental Museums

    Silliman University Anthropology Museum
    Silliman University, Dumaguete City


    Siquijor Museums



    Region 8: Eastern Visayas

    Biliran Museums
    Northern Leyte Museums Southern Leyte Museums
    Northern Samar Museums
    Eastern Samar Museums
    Western Samar Museums

    Museums in Mindanao:

    Region 9:

    Zamboanga City Museums
    Zamboanga del Norte Museums
    Zamboanga del Sur Museums
    Zamboanga Sibugay

    Region X: Northern Mindanao

    Bukidnon Museums

    Central Mindanao State University Historical Museum
    Central Mindanao State University
    Musuan, Bukidnon
    Tel: +8822.72.2680


    Cagayan de Oro City Museums
    Camiguin Museums
    Iligan City[2] Museums
    Lanao del Norte Museums
    Misamis Occidental Museums
    Misamis Oriental Museums


    Museum of Three Cultures
    Capitol University Campus, Cagayan de Oro
    showcases the history and artistry of the three major culture groups in Mindanao: the “lumad” (indigenous peoples), Moro and lowland migrants, particularly the Maranaos of Lanao (Ranaw), the Matigsalug, Higaunon and Tigwa Manobo tribes of Bukidnon, and the lowland Visayan migrants of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities.

    Museo de Oro (Xavier University Museum)
    Cagayan de Oro (CDO)

    Museo de Oro has a core collection built by Fr. Francisco Demetrio, the compiler of that wonderful two-volume “Encyclopedia of Philippine Folk Beliefs and Customs.” An interesting display is an authentic menu of the French banquet of Malolos Congress

    Zamboanga National Museum Branch
    Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City

    Region XI: Davao Region

    Compostela Valley
    Davao City Museums

    Davao Museum
    Zonta Bldg., Insular Village Phase I, Lanang
    Davao City

    Davao del Norte Museums
    Davao del Sur Museums
    Davao Oriental Museums



    Region XII: SOCCSKSARGEN

    Cotabato Museums
    Cotabato City Museums
    General Santos City Museums
    Sarangani Museums
    South Cotabato Museums
    Sultan Kudarat Museums

    Cotabato National Museum Branch
    Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, LTP 12 compound
    Cotabato City

    Region VIII: Caraga Region

    Agusan del Norte Museums
    Agusan del Sur Museums

    Butuan City Museums

    Butuan Regional Museum
    Near Butuan City Hall and Balangay Hotel

    Balangay Shrine
    Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City
    Agusan del Norte
    actual balangay on display at the museum and excavation site

    butuan balangay shrine museumBalangay Shrine Museum

    Dinagat Islands Museums
    Surigao del Norte Museums
    Surigao del Sur Museums

    Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

    Basilan Museums

    Lanao del Sur Museums

    Mindanao State University Natural Science Museum
    2nd Floor Aga Khan Museum Building
    Mindanao State University, Marawi City

    Maguindanao Museums

    Sulu Museums

    Jolo National Museum Branch
    Capitol Site, Jolo Island, Sulu

    Tawi-Tawi Museums

    Tawi-Tawi Ethnological Museum
    Sulu Collge of Technology and Oceanography
    Mindanao State University, Bongao
    Tawi-Tawi

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:00 PM, ,

    Bicol: Rizal Beach Resort, Gubat, Sorsogon

    One of only two "true" resorts on Rizal beach, Gubat Bay in Sorsogon is the beach resort named after the beach itself: Rizal Beach Resort

    Tutubi was able to take these photos of the gate and of the beach front while he stayed at the nearby Veramaris Resort.

    Photos of Rizal Beach Resort:

    the entrance of Rizal Beach Resort near Veramaris Resort
    rizal beach gubat sorsogonthe coconu tree-lined beach front with fine gray sandrizal beach gubat sorsogona child playing on Rizal beach. Notice the waves on the beach good for newbie surfing, skimboarding, even boardsailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the presence of strong winds

    Tutubi can't give you a review of Rizal Beach Resort for he didn't stay there. You may call their published contact number for room rates, daytours/entrance fees and other inquiries.

    Rizal Beach Resort
    Gubat Sorsogon
    Tel. No.: +63.56.311.1829; +63.56.311.1830
    Official Website: http://www.rizalbeachresort.com

    Related Posts:
    Veramaris Resort.
    Donsol Whale Sharks Interaction Guide
    Donsol Video
    Surfing Beaches of the Philippines

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    posted by GingGoy @ 8:48 PM, ,

    Veramaris Resort, Rizal Gubat Sorsogon

    After about 3.5 hours commuting from Legazpi Airport with a a van, jeepney and two tricycle rides, Tutubi was able to reach his home for the night, Veramaris Resort, booked by his contact in Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative (GSAC) that was his host for his stay in Gubat town.

    Photos of Veramaris Resort, Rizal beach, Gubat, Sorsogon:

    Veramaris Resort facade
    the function hall/restaurant

    Tutubi's room for the night

    Veramaris Resort cottages and beach front

    Review of Veramaris Resort:

    Facilities: the place evidently need a paint job and renovation and furnitures that need replacement. Resort is generally clean though and the cottages are ok.

    Food: the restaurant serves only a limited food on the menu and service and food were aweful, at an expensive price similar to Manila's prices. The other places to eat are too far from town mostly in Sorsogon City (Sidney suggested Casa Dominga restaurant but too far). Reason why Tutubi went straight to Legazpi Airport Hotel the next day to sample usual good food he knew exists there.

    Rooms: during the time, Tutubi and his usual "tour" companion were the only ones billeted at the resort. The room has large windows with heavy sliding covers (probably for security), bed needed changing of mattress for more comfort. The shower head needs to be replaced as well.

    Price: Too expensive for the facility and service. If it were priced at Ph1000.00 a night, Tutubi wouldn't call it expensive but the actual room rate was more than double the amount.

    Overall Rating: Not Recommended; you'll just waste your time and money. (He didn't even try to get the resort's contact number for reservations and inquiries)

    Due to not-so-good reviews about nearby Rizal Beach Resort, he opted to stay at Veramaris Resort only to find out he got a worse deal than the former due to absence of alternative places to stay in Gubat.

    Rizal beach, however, has fine gray sand with waves for newbie surfing and skimboarding. The windy beach can also be tapped for windsurfing, kiteboarding/kitesurfing if only locals can discover the potential.


    How to get to Rizal Beach, Gubat, Sorsogon:

    There are direct buses going to Gubat from Cubao Araneta Terminal. From Legazpi, you can take vans going to Sorsogon City (fare: PhP60.00 travel time 1.5 hours) followed by a jeepney ride to Gubat via Casiguran (fare: PhP18.00). In Gubat, you can hire a tricycyle for PhP50.00 (special trip) or board a jeepney going to Bulusan that pass by the Rizal beach. There are many cheap "beach resorts" on Rizal beach for family outings or daytrips but, again, only for adventurous souls.

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    posted by GingGoy @ 11:13 PM, ,

    The NPA in Gubat, Sorsogon?

    Two days before Tutubi went to Sorsogon, news on TV bannered a story about an encounter with the NPA in the town of Gubat, Sorsogon that worried his friends who knew where he's going next.

    But the ever undaunted Tutubi, actually aware, was not afraid for he knew that the trouble really lies in the remote barrio of the town whose name means jungle in the vernacular.

    Photos of Gubat, Sorsogon taken inside a van (that's why there's a bluish color cast)

    When he got to Gubat, he immediately noticed the presence of large banners welcoming Jejomar Binay, the present mayor of Makati City now eyeing the country's most powerful seat, with a speaking engagement at Rizal Beach Resort.

    the public market of Gubat, Sorsogon: no sign of the NPA in this "dreaded town"tricycles are mostly overloaded like this funny one with a passenger that seemed to be drunk, dead or just keeping his face from the hot summer sunThe newly-installed ATM at the building o\f Gubat St. Anthony Credit Cooperative (the nearest other ATMs are 19 kilometers away in Sorsogon City)

    Gubat is actually a peaceful and progressive town in Gubat Bay with rizal beach becoming a haven of newbie surfing and skimboarding. There are various beach resorts in Gubat including Rizal beach Resort and Vermaris Resort.

    Note: Media really needs to avoid sensationalism in breaking the news, the network gets the attention but the community is really badly affected as well as the entire country. No matter how beautiful the country is, misinformed tourists won't come and visit the place.

    You want a second opinion about Sorsogon and the friendly NPAs of Bicol as well as safety and security of foreigners and toursits there? Ask Sidney, the Belgian owner of My Sari-Sari Store who calls Sorsogon his second home and actually stayed there for twenty long years with no problems with the NPA.

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    posted by GingGoy @ 9:26 PM, ,

    Bicol: Sorsogon City Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, Irosin Tour

    Straight from Legazpi Airport, Tutubi boarded a tricycle that took him to the van and bus terminal where he rode a van to Sorsogon City.

    From there and in a span of just a few hours, he was able to visit interesting places in the province of Sorsogon including the newbie surfing and skimboarding mecca of Rizal beach in Gubat, an old church in Barcelona, the picturesque Bulusan Lake capped with a stopover for Bicolano cuisine in Irosin

    The van and bus terminal in Legazpi offers a great view of Mayon Volcano

    The trip from Legazpi to Sorsogon City lasting more than an hour, and passed by the town of Castilla and winding roads cut through forested areas and green ricefields.

    The Sorsogon City welcome arch (taken sometime in 2005)

    In Sorsogon City, the jeepney terminal used by Gubat-bound jeepneys is near Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Tutubi decided to check out when he saw an old jeepney waiting for passengers that he didn't want to ride in.

    Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City undergoing facelift

    the jeepney plying the Sorsogon to Gubat via Casiguran route. Tutubi didn't ride this jeep for fear of his life :P


    This series will take you on a short virtual tour of Sorsogon:

    To be continued...

    How to get to Sorsogon:

    Commuting to Sorsogon is easy for budget travelers who can live with taking a 12 hour bus ride to Sorsogon (Donsol, Pilar, Gubat, Matnog) offered by several bus lines in Manila.

    For those trying to save time and a sore butt, you can book a flight toLegazpi Airport, hire a tricycle to the van/bus terminal then take a van/bus to Sorsogon City which will be the jump-off point of later explorations.

    Fares and travel times:
    Legazpi Airport to Bus terminal: PhP50.00 (travel time about 10 minutes)
    Legazpi Van Terminal to Sorsogon City: PhP60.00 (1.5 hours duration)
    Sorsogon City to Gubat, Sorsogon: PhP18.00 (45 minutes + ample waiting time)

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    posted by GingGoy @ 11:43 PM, ,

    Makati Grand Parade: Ayala Avenue Traffic Re-routing

    To give way for the Makati grand Parade on May 8, 2009 (Friday) in celebration of Makati City 339th Foundation Day, parts of Ayala Avenue will be closed to traffic during the duration of the parade where various floats and street performers from Caracol Festival and other street dancers


    May 8, 2009 Makati Traffic Advisory for Ayala Avenue:


    Both lanes of Ayala Avenue, from Makati Avenue to Rufino Street (formerly Herrera) will be closed from noon of May 8 until the event finishes.

    Lanes from Gil Puyat to Metropolitan Street will also be closed, together with Kamagong St. to Gil Puyat Avenue (Formerly Buendia) from noon to 4 p.m.

    Drivers are advised to take alternate routes and to expect heavy traffic in the area. Commuters need to know the new bus and jeepney routes during the event to avoid confusion.

    ---

    Wishing to catch the Grand Parade? Here's how to get to Ayala Avenue, Makati City:

    Note there are designated loading and unloading areas on Ayala Avenue where violators expect fines (you won't pass by the areas on Grand Parade day though)

    1. Unloading: Rustans/Glorietta underpass between EDSA and Makati Avenue, PBCOM/Herrera between Paseo de Roxas and Herrera (Rufino)

    2. Loading: Stock Exchange/SGV between Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, between Herrera (Rufino) and Salcedo/HV Dela Costa

    Commute to Ayala Avenue, Makati City:
    1. From EDSA, QC, take buses with signboard LRT/AYALA (not AYALA Ibabaw for they only pass by EDSA corner Ayala Avenue) and alight on one of designated unloading areas on Ayala.
    2. Via MRT, get off on Buendia Station then transfer to a Ayala/LRT bus or choose to get off at Ayala Station then transfer to a jeepney going to Washington.
    3. via LRT Buendia Station, take a bus with signboard Ayala/Rustans

    Driving directions to Ayala Avenue, Makati City (parking in Makati is a huge problem so not recommended for first-timers):

    From Quezon City via EDSA is just a straight drive where you turn right on Ayala Avenue. Travel time is unpredictable though

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    posted by GingGoy @ 11:31 PM, ,