Tutubi checked in to a "beach resort in Pampanga" inside a sprawling export processing zone and found a sport where you can play beach volleyball on white sand. Can you guess where this is?

More details to follow




coconut trees, white sand beach and a lake


beach volleyball, anyone?

As of this time, Tutubi is still in transition phase. He's been very busy these past two years at work and just recently transferred from Makati to Pasig City to cut his travel time in half.

He'll post more as his backlog is quite long already!

he'll also celebrate nine years of travel blogging (he's been blogging for more than ten years now actually)

Labels: Beaches, Central Luzon, Hotels and Resorts, Pampanga

Magalawa Island, an island lined with white sand beach can be found in Palauig, Zambales. It's mostly divided into three parts, the first is settled by a small community of fishermen, the second is owned by a politician who owns Ruiz Resort and the third is by the Armada family who owns Armada Resort Magalawa Island (who claims to own the whole island which is disputed in court against the owners of Ruiz Resort).

the white sand beach of Magalawa Island Armada Resort

Magalawa Island Resort Entrance Fee/Daytour rate:

PhP700.00/head, free for children/babies, inclusive of parking fee, round-trip boat transfers, lunch, and use of resort facilities (including rooms if available) from 8am to 5pm
Overnight accommodations are available, latest rates posted on their official website. Snorkeling is included in the Magalawa Island itinerary and rates, including free use of snorkels, masks and even underwater pictures by the boatmen.

How to Get to Magalawa Island:

Online map of Magalawa Island can be found here via OpenStreetMap. You can use Garmin GPS Navigators or iOS and Android apps (e.g. OSMAnd) to easily find the place.

How to Commute to Magalawa Island (Public transportation, the backpacking way):

1. Take a Victory Liner bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales at Victory Liner Caloocan just near LRT Monumento station. Bus Fare is around PhP650.00
2. Request the bus driver to drop you off in Barangay Pangolingan, Palauig Zambales (near Radio Veritas Road), expect total travel time of around six hours where you will pass by
San Fernando, Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao in Pampanga, Dinalupihan (Bataan), Olongapo City, and the Zambales towns of Subic, San Marcelino, San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba (the capital of Zambales), Palauig town proper.
3. Take a tricycle to take you to Armada Fish dealer compound in Brgy. Luan where you can find a small pier (Fare is PhP150.00/trip, negotiable)
4. Ride the boat to Magalawa Island (this is included in the package of PhP700.00/person day tour rate). Boat ride is around 10-15 minutes

Driving Directions to Magalawa Island:

1. Follow one of these two routes:
1.1 NLEX -SCTEX - Tipo Exit to reach Olongapo City or Subic Bay Freeport
1.2 NLEX - left San Fernando Exit and follow Jose Abad Santos Avenue to pass by Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao (where Double Happiness Restaurant is, the stop-over of Victory Liner buses), Dinalupihan (turn right here, if you missed this you'll find yourself on Bataan Provincial Highway going to Balanga), pass by Olongapo city proper (Rizal Avenue) then turn right when you see the Ulo ng Apo monument, a rotonda (roundabout, with landmarks Victory Liner Olongapo and Jollibee)

2. After Olongapo City, you'll pass by town of Subic, Zambales, San Marcelino (the hometown of Ramon Magsaysay and where you can find vendors selling singkamas), San Narciso (you won't pass by San Antonio, where you can find Pundaquit, the gateway to Camara Island, Capones Island, Capones Lighthouse, Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove) San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba (the capital of Zambales), and Palauig.

3. After passing by the intersection of the highway and the road leading to Palauig town proper, you will pass by a zigzag road (twisties) then turn left to a corner. This road (mostly rough road) leads to the jump off point to Magalawa Island. Travel time here is around thirty minutes.

4. Enter the Armada Resort compound and park there, board the boat to Magalawa Island.

Enjoy!

Other notable islands in Zambales with white sand beaches:
Capones Island in San Antonio
Potipot Island in Candelaria
Hermana Mayor Island in Sta. Cruz
Hermana Menor Island in Sta. Cruz
Balaki Island in Infanta
San Salvador Island in San Salvador
Matalvis Island in Masinloc
Agat Island
Pilapir Island

lots of islands indeed to explore in Zambales!

Labels: Beaches, Central Luzon, Islands, Travel Guides, Zambales

There are claims that the Hollywood movies Lord of the Rings ("The Felloswhip of the Ring," "The Two Towers," "The Return of the King") used swords forged not in the fires of Mordor but in the fires of the northern town of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan. This claim is also made for the Braveheart (Mel Gibson) and Batman Begins (Christian Bale) using old jeepney leaf springs (called molye in Tagalog) and ordered by Hollywood movie producers.

What's definite though is that the Hollywood movies of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy were shot in New Zealand but the swords of Gandalf, the little Hobbit Frodo, the Dark Lord Sauron and "The Return of the King" Aragorn can be bought at swordsmiths shops (Panday or pandayan) scattered in this northern town of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan.

Known to Tutubi for years yet the chance to actually find time to look for the place known as the Bayan ng Panday (town of blacksmiths) and Pandayan (blacksmith shop) in barangay Palacpalac of Pozzorubio. He, on one occasion, asked around but didn't find time to look for it due to lack of time

On the way home from Baguio, without an inkling to look for the blacksmith shops, he spotted a shop selling knives, swords, battle axes, katana, kris and kampilan along the national highway of Pangasinan that ended his quest, and still unplanned at that: he met one of the legendary panday of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan


How much do sword replicas cost in Pozzorubio? It's around PhP3,000.00 up, the longer the sword, more expensive it gets of course. Tutubi asked for the price of the Braveheart sword, 1.8 meters long and a few kilograms in weight that must give an idea how big and tall the real William Wallace was, the shopkeeper told him it's PhP8,000.000 while a Rambo jungle survival knife, a replica of Sylvester Stallone's knife in the popular Vietnam War movie is around PhP1,500.00.

He asked for his business card and took note of the shops address, contact number and location coordinates in his GPS navigator so he can go back anytime without getting lost.

Tutubi loves epic drama movies, or those set in the middle ages even prehistoric times (even if they mostly have historically fictitious scripts) and would love to buy replicas of swords used in those movies he loves: The Last Samurai (Tom Cruise), Kingdom of Heaven (Orlando Bloom), 300 (Gerard Butler), but money and space to actually display them swords are not yet in his arsenal.

Someday, he'll probably will but he ensures that he'll buy three swords first, the kampilan, kris and the katana. Two Filipino swords and a Japanese sword used by a samurai (yes, the samurai is the warrior brandishing a katana, the sword. Most Filipinos call the sword samurai)

Looking for an authentic cosplay with medieval armor and real swords as costumes? :P

---

Hollywood Movie Notes:

The claimed original sword of William Wallace, a Scotsman who rebelled against the king of England in the 13th century and whose life was made into the movie Braveheart, is 1.8 meters long and is stored at a museum in Scotland.

The Kingdom of Heaven is about the Crusades and the war of Jerusalem against Saladin during the Middle Ages

The Last Samurai is a fictional epic drama set during the late nineteenth century Japan

300 tells a fictionalized story about the Battle of Thermopylae where King Leonidas led 300 Spartan warriors to a battle against the Persian king Xerxes. The Battle of Thermopylae has a similar tale and ending as the Battle of Tirad Pass in Philippine history.

Labels: Central Luzon, OTOP, Pangasinan

The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics in Marilao, Bulacan and also is a favorite place to have new cars blessed by the parish priest for safe travel

Tutubi made a short visit to the town of Marilao, Bulacan to attend a baptism at the Divine Mercy Shrine, took a few pictures of the place, ate at the reception venue nearby, bought a marilao bibingka at the Original Bibingkahan sa Do then went home

Pictures of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy (in Lomo):


one of the many chaplets inside the shrine where you can pray and light candles

the large covered area where masses are held, just beside the open parking

another open area, this time without roof, where a large group can gather, very near the office and the are where car blessings are performed

the nice church pews made from fallen trees

one of the stations of the cross

Our Lady of Guadalupe image with water flowing over it. nice effect but reflects on photos



----

National Shrine of the Divine Mercy
Sta. Rosa I, Marilao, Bulacan
Telephone Number: +63.44.893.0616; +63.44.248.7255
Note: free entrance (no entrance fee/admission rates there)

How to get to Divine Mercy Shrine, Marilao, Bulacan

click here for an online map of Divine Mercy Shrine via OpenStreetMap

there are buses on EDSA with signboard Marilao that will pass in front of the shrine. fx and shuttle service from Trinoma, SM North EDSA and Eton Centris also have GTExpress and shuttle going there at regular intervals

driving directions to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy:

for private cars, you just need to use NLEX, take Marilao exit, drive along Marilao - San Jose del Monte Road until you see the church to your right (there's a 7-Eleven convenience store to your left. Note though that you will see road signs leading to the open carpark at the back
Parking Fee: there's a flat rate open parking fee of PhP20.00

Sunday Mass Schedule at Divine Mercy Shrine
6am, 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am; 3:30pm, 5pm, 6:30pm

Please call the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy contact number or visit their official website for inquiries on wedding rates, baptisms, events, accommodations, funeral masses, retreats, confirmations and car blessings. No idea on open and close hours to the public and other Holy Week activities (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday)

Other pilgrimage sites you may want to visit for Catholics:
Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal
Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban Quezon

Labels: Bulacan, Central Luzon, Churches

Thinking of going to Baler, Aurora to visit a surfing beach used as location shoot for the Hollywood movie Apocalypse Now? Stay at a beach resort in Baler (Sabang Beach and Cemento Beach), visit the historic Baler Catholic Church, or go island-hopping/snorkeling/diving on Dimadimalangat Island, Aniao Island and Lukso-Lukso Island just off the coast of Baler? herewith are the information on how to get there.

Map of Baler, Aurora:

here's a street map of baler, Aurora via OpenStreetMap. For the online version, click here.

Map of Baler, Aurora

The Towns of Aurora Province:
Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, San Luis

Driving Directions to Baler, Aurora

if you have a private car (SUV recommended), you can drive to Baler from Manila via North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit at Sta. Rita Bulacan. From there, follow the highway leading to Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

There are two routes to Baler, one is via Canili-Pantabangan road and the recommended one Baler-Bongabon Road via Cabanatuan

From Cabanatuan City Proper, follow direction signs leading to Bongabon until you see a fork on the road (where you choose right), continue until you reach Baler-Bongabon highway, pass by Aurora National Memorial Park in the Sierra Madre, pass Aurora Welcome Arch, the town of San Luis then finally Baler.

How to Get to Baler, Aurora (Land and Air Transportation)

How to Commute to Baler Aurora:

Direct land travel by bus to Baler, Aurora is served by Genesis Transport with travel time of 6-7 hours and fare of PhP429.00 (Baler to Pasay, air-con). In Baler Poblacion, you ride tricycles (minimum fare) to your hotel or resort or jeepney going to other towns. You can hire boats to take you island-hopping (boat ride rates vary from size and number of people)

Other buses going to Cabanatuan (e.g. Baliwag Transit) can be taken then transfer to any bus going to Baler (e.g. Sieera Madre Transit) Aparri, Ilagan, San Jose or Tuguegarao via Baler with travel time of around 2.5 hours from Cabanatuan.

Flights to Baler, Aurora / Air Transportation

Flights to Baler, Aurora used to be served by SeAir but the service has been discontinued (as checked by Tutubi on the SeAir official website trial booking)

Ferry to Baler, Aurora:

as of this time, no commercial boat/ferry company passes by Baler, Aurora

Places to See in Baler, Aurora (Tourist Spots/Attractions):
Beaches: Sabang Beach and Cemento Beach
History: Baler Catholic Church, Doña Aurora Memorial Shrine, Aurora Quezon Memorial Marker, Lt. Commander James Gilmore Marker, Quezon House (the vacation house of former president Manuel L. Quezon)
Islands: Dimadimalangat Island, Aniao Island and Lukso-Lukso Island

Labels: Aurora, Central Luzon

Looking for the latest information on How to get to Baler, Aurora by bus? Only Genesis Transport, with terminals on EDSA, Cubao in Quezon City, Sta. Cruz, Manila (Avenida corner Doroteo Jose), Pasay is the only bus company with direct trips to Baler, Aurora from Cubao.

Genesis Transport Bus Terminal on EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City

For a map of Baler, Aurora via OpenStreetMap, click here.

Other towns of Aurora: Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, San Luis

Bus Fare to Baler, Aurora
Genesis Transport Deluxe Bus Fare to Baler from Cubao: PhP500.00
Air-conditioned Bus Fare to Baler from Pasay: PhP429.00

Travel Time from Cubao to Baler, Aurora:
6-7 hours (depends on time, road and traffic conditions)

Genesis Transport Trip Schedules:

Genesis Transport bus trip schedules with first and last trips

Genesis Transport Bus Routes ( all trips vice versa ):

Cubao – Baguio
Dagupan – Baguio
Pasay – Mariveles, Bataan
Pasay – Balanga, Bataab
Pasay – San Fernando, La Union
Cubao – Baler, Aurora
Avenida – Baguio
Avenida – Mariveles, Bataan
Avenida – Balanga, Bataan
Mariveles – Baguio
San Fernando – Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija
Casiguran Aurora - Pasay/Cubao
Cubao – Olongapo, Zambales

Cubao terminal location:
704 EDSA Corner New York St., Cubao, Quezon City
(northbound EDSA, walking distance from MRT Araneta Center - Cubao station and LRT 2 Cubao Station)

Avenida Bus Station:
Rizal Avenue corner Doroteo Jose
Sta. Cruz, Manila
(northbound Avenida, just near LRT Doroteo Jose Station and LRT 2 Recto Station)

Genesis Transport Contact Number:
Call these telephone numbers for inquiries, bus fares: +63.2.709.0803; +63.2.421.1425

Tutubi is not in any way affiliated with Genesis Transport. You mall their published telephone numbers or visit Genesis Transport official website for inquiries, bus fares, promo fares, cargo, freight charges, senior citizen discounts, regular fares, chartered bus rates et al

How to get to Baler, Aurora, How to Commute to Baler, Aurora

Related Posts:
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
Cubao Bus Stations

Labels: Aurora, Buses, Central Luzon, Public Transportation

As already hinted on the previous blog post, Tutubi joined his company summer outing at the still under construction "heritage resort" of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar where he treated his family to a weekend in the luxury resort merely two weeks after he treated them in Tagaytay.

The location shoot of some of GMA7's soap operas in Pictures:

Casa Jaen, an old mansion from Jaen, Nueva Ecija, visible on the "reflecting pool" in front of the old house

Casa Meycauayan, Tutubi's weekend getaway home, is an old house from Meycauayan, Bulacan with three rooms on the second floor.

Tutubi's room with 2 King sized beds and two extra beds. No idea about the room rates but Tutubi merely paid PhP1425.00/night price for each of his 4 extra persons

the bathroom of one room of Casa Meycauayan with a bathtub and hot and cold shower

Tutubi's independent Reviews, Recommendations and Comments on Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort, Bagac, Bataan:

1. For those with children, there's no highchair for your babies/toddlers at the restaurant.
2. Avoid ordering beef dishes. Tutubi ordered bulalo for lunch on his first day and it was a disappointment. No marrowy goodness and the beef was almost rubber-like. The beef mechado for dinner later was both tender and rubbery i.e. inconsistent.
3. Their escabeche maya-maya was a winner with large servings good for 3-4 persons (recommended) and life-saver due to the disappointing. bulalo. Usual dishes on the menu costs PhP300 and up and good for 3-4 persons. Nothing to rave about other food here, just so-so.
4. Daing na Bangus during breakfast was just fried milkfish, not even marinated with the usual vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic.
4. Buffet food for company summer outing was too limited. Company size of 40 persons and yet the prepared food was not enough for 40 pax. This happened in 3 out of four buffet meals which should have been all-you-can-eat (a primary requirement in all of his company outings) that turned out to be eat-what-your-officemates-were-not-able-to-eat; breakfast didn't turn out like that when some skipped breakfast and merely stayed in bed longer due to hangovers or lost sleep.

Cultural show during dinner where guests were serenaded with Kundimans and fold dances. benefit of the community tha provided jobs to local highly evident. The local artist, from Paete, Laguna, turned out to be a classmate of Tutubi's septuagenarian father.

the swimming pool with green water and rocks simulating a "sapa" of one's childhood.

La Piscina, the resort's swimming pool made like a stream with rocks is only four-feet deep, good for families and toddlers, but Tutubi prefers something deeper and probably an infinity pool.

The nearby beach of Bagac has fine gray sand but the waters may be a dangerous when waves come. Depth of beach water falls drastically after a few meters, evident from the color of the water from light blue to dark blue.

Bathrooms equipped with hot and cold showers and bathtub, quite roomy but slippery wooden flooring (you're in an old house with no original modern bathroom amenities, remember?)

Safety deposit boxes in rooms but no instructions were posted on how to set the PIN, thus Tutubi didn't bother to use it.

No in-room telephone lines installed, it's difficult if you need help for room service, you need to go out to the front office, quite a walk (or a mobile phone call away), but what if it's too hot or it's raining?

Staff were courteous though as the resort is managed by Genesis Hotels but there was no dedicated account officer/coordinator to handle Tutubi's company's needs, something sorely lacking and a regular at all hotels and resorts he's visited involving company events. What if you're having your dream wedding/debut there? Tutubi's officemates had to coordinate with front office who were also busy attending to other guests (from MacroAsia) and some daytrip tourists.

Check-in and Check out hassles:

Imagine Tutubi got delayed in leaving the resort due to unusual problems encountered by his other officemates e.g. overused towels and missing bathroom mats that his officemates denied, probably due to improper inventory. This is the first time Tutubi encountered problems like this...again-- overused towels, only at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar!

Overall Review of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:

Honestly, Tutubi enjoyed his stay at las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar simply because he was with his family in such a luxurious place, but the "heritage resort" lacks the feel of other high-end resorts that Tutubi has visited, despite his being a budget traveler. The resort though is still under construction where probably more towns will lose priceless old heritage houses to be transplanted here.

More photos of Las Casas Filipinas Acuzar Heritage Resort soon along with Tutubi's take on transfer of "heritage conservation."

Related Post:
Beach Resorts in Bagac, Bataan
Las casas de acuzar day tour rate/entrance fee: PhP1250.00/person
room rates: varies but it's not cheap

Labels: Bataan, Bataan Resorts, Central Luzon, Hotels and Resorts

The recent visit to Balanga, Bataan was capped by an unplanned visit to Subic since the lead vehicle in the 3 car convoy didn't see the exit to NLEX along SCTEx due to heavy rain and thus just decided to head straight to do some dutyfree shopping in Subic instead.

Royal Subic Mall, picture taken while raining. beside it is Puregold DutyFree

Herewith is Tutubi's review of dutyfree shopping in Subic to answer the question: Is Dutyfree shopping worth it?

It depends on the buyer. If the shopper knows the prices of the goods
before going there all the way from Manila, it's a bargain otherwise
she's just wasting her money for the items you can have at the same or
slightly more expensive price in Manila.

Tutubi found out the price of Spam Lite (yeah, forget original Spam,
even Spam with less Sodium for they're too salty) at Royal Subic is just
the same at Walter Mart and SM but Snickers chocolate bars are sold with
a PhP7 difference than the mentioned malls.

If you're looking for local items, why bother going there to buy those
things?

Infant milk formula, though a tad cheaper, but not all brands are on
sale like Nan One HW for hypoallergenic milk formulas for sensitive babies like Tutubi, Jr.

Havaianas flip-flops prices are PhP100 lower than Manila's malls, that's
according to Tutubi's peer who loves those expensive footwear from
Brazil (Tutubi prefers the low priced flip-flops at Munoz Market, dirt
cheap and not heartbreaking should he lose or break one)

The only reason people should go duty-free shopping is when the products
they're looking for are not available at the local malls or hard-to-find
items.

The best reason not to go there: Buy Philippine-made products, it
creates jobs and helps the economy. Discard the colonial-mentality that
everything imported is better than local products. It's not always the case.

Lastly, try to internalize this mantra: Buy not what you need, not what
you want. What you don't really need, however cheap, is expensive!

Notes on Subic Duty Free Shopping:

Credit cards are accepted as well as US dollar notes for payment. BancNet ATM cards can also be used to pay for your purchases at Puregold Duty Free Mall

Royal Subic Mall
Mall hours: open from 10am to 7pm (Monday - Thursday)
9am to 7pm (Friday - Sunday)
Tel. No: +63.47.252.3015; +63.47.252.6115

Tip: also in Subic Petron gas station is a Nike Factory store (another nike factory outlet is in the Shell gas station on the southbound lane of NLEX)

Labels: Central Luzon, Malls, Shopping, Subic, Zambales

"Bumagsak na ang Bataan," Tutubi said when he went to Bataan to attend his officemates' wedding at St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga with a sidetrip to the historic Mt. Samat, the site of fierce fighting at the onset of World War II and where the Dambana ng kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) stands to remind visitors of the gallant stand of American and Filipino soldiers in World War II.

Mt. Samat was the stronghold of combined American and Filipino forces defending the mountainous peninsula of Bataan against the Japanese from December 1941 until its capitulation on April 9, 1942.

The almost four month long resistance, caught the Japanese by surprise and delayed their war plan thereby saving Australia from the onslaught of the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 started the harrowing war crime called Bataan Death March where thousands of American and Filipino POWs were forced to march for about 100 kilometers, by foot interrupted by a train ride in cramped cars, for days without food and water to get to Capas, Tarlac. Thousands died during the ordeal and thousands more died at the concentration camp during captivity.

Mt. Samat Shrine, dubbed "Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor)," was built to honor not just the heroic efforts of the World War II soldiers who valiantly fought the Japanese invaders against insurmountable odds but also all other heroes whose heroics and deeds were enshrined like Jose Rizal whose bas relief occupies one side of the Memorial Cross, Juan Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo, Lapu-Lapu, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, Melchora Aquino, Gabriela Silang et al.

Now declared a National Historical Shrine, it was built during the time of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos on top of Mt. Samat, the base of the site of fierce fighting with main feature of a Monument Cross standing 92 meters tall made of concrete, marble and steel.

The hurriedly taken picture of Dambana ng Kagitingan's Monument Cross in just in time before fog and rain enveloped the monument

a brief lull in the rain allowed Tutubi to take a photo of two "young-at-hearts" playing with a gun battery similar to the ones displayed on Corregidor Island

The sad part about the trip was that the rain almost spoiled the trip completely. Tutubi didn't bother to ride the elevator to get to the top of the Monument Cross to get a sweeping view of Bataan peninsula, Manila Bay and even Corregidor Island. A brief photo-op with officemates resulted to a few pictures (with one of his peers did an Oblation-like pose near the cross' base in silhouette). No other pictures were taken as the entire Mt. Samat was covered in rain clouds that even Tutubi's waterproof camera was rendered useless.

Dambana ng Kagitingan deserves a return trip for Tutubi as well as his wish to re-trace the infamous Death March route someday.



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Dambana ng Kagitingan Travel Information


Mt. Samat Shrine Entrance Fees:

PhP30.00 for foreigners
PhP20.00 for locals
PhP10.00 for students

Parking fee:

PhP20.00 cars/small vehicles
PhP50.00 large vehicles

Overnight accommodations at Mt. Samat Shrine is offered at the Dambana ng Kagitingan Guesthouse. No information was gathered due to the rains.

There's also a museum inside the shrine but was not visited by Tutubi due to lack of time.

Shrine is open to the public from 8am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays, no information on holidays as of posting time). Elevator access to the top of the Cross is closed during lunch break

Comfort Rooms available with PhP3.00 per "pee fee."

How to get to Mt. Samat Shrine Bataan:

Driving Directions: From EDSA northbound to Balintawak take NLEX and exit at the SCTEx spur road after passing Dau toll plaza. After getting ticket at SCTex tollgate, choose the road going to Subic and exit at Dinalupihan (Toll fee: PhP88.00) Turn right at the end of the SCTEx exit road and follow road signs leading to Mt. Samat, Balanga or your destination town.

On reaching Pilar, Bataan junction, you'll see direction signs on your right pointing the way to Mt. Samat where you turn right (sign says the historic shrine is 11 kilometers away). Turn left on the road after passing Kilometer 19 Death March Marker

Travel time to Bataan (Mt Samat or Balanga) is around 2.5 to 3 hours from EDSA, Quezon City via NLEX and SCTEx.

Commute to Bataan, the backpacking way is not easy for the route to the historic shrine is not served by public transportation. The nearest point can be reached by Bataan buses is the Pilar, Bataan junction on the national highway where the shrine's 11 kilometers away. You can ride a tricycle at the junction or do some muscle flexing by trekking up the mountain.

Ferries to Bataan are available from SM Mall of Asia complex by MetroStar serving the Pasay to Orion Port ferry route. In Orion, you can ride jeepneys going to Balanga that pass by Pilar and alight at the junction for the jump-off point to Mt. Samat Shrine

Labels: Bataan, Central Luzon, Historical Shrines, World War II

Last week Tutubi saw a teaser on TV about an adventure attraction in Cebu that he intends do in his upcoming trip to Cebu (for the nth time). But due to his channel surfing ways, he forgot about it almost missed the entire episode of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho's Summer Special.

The first segment featured some destinations tagged as alternative summer destinations to Bora, or groomed to be the next big thing as Bora-- very fine white sand beach, resorts and accommodations for every budget and an island of party animals.


If you weren't able to watch the KMJS April 4 episode, here's the summary of suggested destinations plus Tutubi's reviews and comments of the places mentioned-- because he's been to all of them-- and why he disagrees with the suggestion that the places won't be and can't be the next Bora
1. Anawangin Cove

A boat ride ride away from Barangay Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales (Also the gateway to Capones Lighthouse) is really picture-perfect place with a cove of fine white sand beach complimented with a backdrop of pine trees (actually agoho trees (Casuarina equisetifolia)), common to Zambales beaches) making the place a fusion of Bora and Baguio combined. It's a backpacker place, much like Bora decades ago, a favorite of trekkers who trek to the place and camp out.

Perfect, but, beware of a lurking danger in Anawangin with the presence of untertows/undercurrents making the beach not suitable for children and family vacations besides the place lacking facilities for such. Tutubi suggest staying at a Pundaquit beach resort (the best one seems to be
Punta de Uian though pricey), just hire a boat to get there and don't forget your life vests!

2. Pueblo Por La Playa

An exclusive members-only resort development in Pagbilao, Quezon was also visited by Tutubi recently when he saw the resort with people frolicking and riding the jet ski from Silangang Nayon Park & Restaurant. After he left Silangang Nayon, he proceeded to visit the place before going back to Lucena City.

Pueblo Por La Playa sign on the main entrance gate

Tutubi's Note: Pueblo Por La Playa has nice multi-colored houses and family-friendly facilities but the beach, again the beach, doesn't compare with Bora's if you're going to tag it as the next one. Tutubi wanted to explore the nearby Pagbilao Grande Island's beaches said to be very good but it will take time. To be able to enter the place, there's a membership fee of PhP300,000.00, plus the annual dues of course, making the place out of reach of ordinary mortals in the Philippines. Tutubi also loves to visit other places rather than to spend vacations regularly in just one place.

3. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp

A beach resort on a long stretch of fine white sand beach in Nasugbu, Batangas. It shares the beach with the exclusive Terrazas de Punta Fuego, beach resort partnered with Club Punta Fuego (they're different but within a few minutes driving distance from each other). The beach front can only accommodate a few more resorts and so the infestation of beach resorts there won't happen unlike in Bora's four kilometer long stretch.

Munting Muhangin beach with "munting" visitors

4. Calaguas Group of Islands

An island group part of Vinzons town of Camarines Norte in Bicol Region. It's about 3 hours by boat from Vinzon's port, Mercedes or even Bagasbas Beach in Daet and about an hour away from Apuao Grande Island. (Note the header, as of posting time, of this blog was taken on Calaguas Island in May 2008)

The super fine sand of Calaguas Island's Mahabang Buhangin beach doesn't feel hot on your feet

Feedback: The pristine long stretch of super fine white sand beach also perfect for swimming on Calaguas Island's Mahabang Buhangin has what it takes to make Boracay a run for its money. The sand is so fine, as fine as those in Bora, if not finer. It doesn't also feel hot on your feet probably due to its unique chemical composition similar to Boracay's white sand. It doesn't have the notorious green moss that litter Boracay's shoreline on summer mornings.

Calaguas Island as the next Boracay? Tutubi doesn't think so. It's too far from civilization making it fit for adventurous backpackers, the same mold of backpackers who leaked photos of Boracay to the world decades ago that started its ascension to its current place in Philippine tourism, when backpackers were displaced by the usual tourists and turned the paradise into a party-place if not of sex, drugs and booze. Calaguas Island is also not a place for all seasons, Tutubi doesn't recommend going there during the typhoon season lest you get stranded by big waves. He wants to return to the island again someday to find it like it was before: a communion with nature, sand, sun, stars at night, without the trappings of modern civilization for there's no electricity on the island.

Conclusion:

Boracay is Boracay, it has a different persona than the places mentioned, and there's absolutely no other place that can rival it at this time for being the place to be seen (even during Holy Week), but that doesn't mean there are no better alternatives to it. It only depends on your own taste and preferences.

Jessica Soho's episode researchers fell short of Bora's salacious charms if KMJS is really serious about the places, including two resorts, in tagging them as "The Next Bora."

Notes:

Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho
Schedule: Saturday, 9pm at GMA

About Melvic Brinas, the guy from Daet Tourism officer as contact person for Calaguas Group of Islands, all he can say about him for you readers are these two words: Caveat Emptor!

Please visit the links on this page for the contact numbers, reviews, driving directions and other details

Labels: Bicol Region, Boracay, Calabarzon, Camarines Norte, Central Luzon, Quezon, Southern Tagalog, Zambales

Combine tried and tested Barrio Fiesta Singing Cooks and Waiters Atbp's restaurant experience and Filipino cuisine, native-themed palaisdaan restaurant with an ambiance of native huts with Buddhist-inspired landscaping and you got yourself a satisfying meal and relaxing place called Isdaan Floating Restaurant.





Located along Gerona, Tarlac portion of MacArthur Highway where Tutubi passed by so many times in the past but never actually visited. This time, his officemates, coming from Camp John Hay in Baguio City, acquiesced to drop by for late lunch at the popular palaisdaan floating restaurant in Tarlac. This place is half-way to Baguio, and other northern provinces making it a popular stop-over for road trips reachable from Manila via NLEX, SCTEX and Tarlac City.

Cory Aquino, a Tarlac native, consulting with the late Jaime Cardinal Sin

From MacArthur Highway, one can see the giant Buddhas, fishes and other Buddhist-inspired statues and mythical creatures that remind you of Buddhist nations of Southeast Asia like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos if you've ever been to one of them.


Giant Buddha at Isdaan

Price of food at Isdaan Floating Restaurant is only slightly lower than Barrio Fiesta restaurants in Manila but worth it due to the relaxing atmosphere, beside rice fields with fresh air, conducive to sleeping after a heavy meal.

Sample menu prices:

Crispy Pata: PhP254.00 (crispy pork knuckles)
Ginataang Hipon Sipitsipitan Luto sa Buho: PhP139.00 (a recommended dish of prawns in spicy coconut milk served in bamboo),
Lechon de Leche PhP2,800.00 (one whole pit-roasted baby suckling pig, quite cheap actually)
Lechon Manok (Inihaw sa Dahon): PhP191.00 (one whole roast chicken)

lechon de leche (roast suckling pig) only costs PhP2,800.00

picture of the table with the food gone, reason why Tutubi doesn't take pictures of food if he's with hungry office mates. Note the restaurant serves food in environment-friendly banana leaves and bamboo-- no plastic except straws

Activities at Isdaan Floating Restaurant, Gerona, Tarlac:

Tacsiyapo Wall: Release your anger
Ungoy-Unggoyan: survive the spitting, urinating monkeys for a kilo of free fish
San Kilo Bridge: for 1 kilo of free fish, cooked the way you want it, cross the long bridge and survive
Mga Mahiwagang kamay: experience the legend of the giant hands
Wishing Buddhas: make your dreams come true


Cross this concrete bridge called "Sang Kilo Bridge" about 20 centimeters wide and 30 meters long, laden with sea shells as obstacles, and get 1 free kilo of fish cooked to your preferred way...the fishpond is about 6 ft to 9 ft so prepare to get wet should you fall

Note the place is dangerous for playing kids to roam around unattended so better stick to the restaurant's policy of using life vests for hyperactive kids. Be careful also when stepping on or leaving the floating huts, this is specially for non-swimmers as you can get a splash of your life there.


the tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur is out of place, it should've been moved to a children's playground as its a really distracting figure

Talking about negatives, their non-acceptance of credit cards -- it's a cash-only establishment so better bring wads of cash before visiting the restaurant. Budget about PhP300.00 and up per person and you'll really have a really nice meal. The establishment seems to be almost always full, attracting families of tourists and balikbayan so be early in order to get your desired seat/hut in the place.

How to get to Isdaan Floating Restaurant, Gerona, Tarlac:

Directions to Isdaan Floating Restaurant is easy, just follow this route: NLEX, SCTEX, exit at Tarlac, turn left going to Tarlac city proper and Hacienda Luisita then right on MacArthur Highway. Continue until you reach Gerona where the restaurant can be seen on your left. Travel time is about an hour from NLEX Dau exit entering SCTEX.

Update August 2010: there's an on-going construction of Isdaan restaurant in Bay, Laguna in between Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay and Samaral Seafood Restaurant. No information on opening date though.

UPDATE: November 2011: Isdaan Laguna is now open for business. No information yet on Isdaan telehone number for reservation nor contact person.

Labels: Central Luzon, Restaurants, Tarlac, Tarlac Restaurants

Live crucifixion re-enactments in the Philippines are always sensationalized by foreign media in the Philippines making foreigners believe the practice is prevalent in the Philippines. This coming Good Friday, throngs of curious people, tourists and foreign media will once again troop to a place in Pampanga called San Pedro Cutud to witness people flagellating themselves before being crucified on an improvised Golgotha complete with wooden crosses and stainless-steel nails driven on their palms and feet.

Note that the people submit to crucifixion for decades now as a form of penitence. The practice though is not really sanctioned by the Catholic Church.

Photo of actual crucified man in San Pedro Cutud (photo by Sidney Snoeck, used with permission)

For more pictures of the live crucifixions, check out Sidney Snoeck's blog about it here (Sidney is a Belgian who now calls the Philippines his second home)

For those wishing to personally witness the bloody event, herewith is the schedule and instructions on how to get to the crucifixion sites.

Live crucifixion Schedule April 10, 2009 Good Friday Holy Week 2009:

Barangay San Juan: 9am to 12nn
Barangay Sta. Lucia: 10am to 12nn
Barangay San Pedro Cutud: 12nn to 3pm

How to get to Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga:

Driving directions to Cutud: take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) exiting via San Fernando going left towards San Fernando city proper. Turn left under the San Fernando flyover to MacArthur Highway. When you reach a fork on the right with a statue (the so called rotonda), choose the right road (Gen Hizon) that leads to Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando (Coordinates: 15°1'42"N 120°41'34"E), and San Fernando City Hall on Consunji St.. Turn left on Sta. Lucia St then follow the road map to Cutud below (map provided by the Government of San Fernando City):



It takes time to figure out the map, to aid in deciphering it, you may refer to the road map via Wikimapia(centered on San fernando City Hall), click here. Should you get lost, ask people for directions (The local government of San Fernando should install street signs and assign traffic aides to guide people to the place).

How to commute to Cutud:

Commuting to Cutud on Good Friday may be a hassle as bus trips are mostly erratic due to lack of passengers in Metro Manila. Nevertheless, you may board a bus of Victory Liner (on EDSA Pasay or Cubao). Get off the Victory Liner Terminal in San Fernando then transfer to a jeep, tricycle to San Pedro Cutud.

Related Posts:

Holy Week in Paete, Laguna
Manila Visita Iglesia

Labels: Central Luzon, Holy Week, Pampanga

Right after checking out a subdivision lot in Malolos he's paying for for quite sometime now, Tutubi, before heading back to Manila, turned right under the flyover to Paseo de Congreso that will be his usual sidetrip to a historic place in Malolos, Bulacan.

When they got to the destination, his mommy recognized the facade of the church they saw as the one featured on the old ten peso bill: Barasoain Church.

About 2 kilometers from Malolos crossing stands the historic Barasoain church, the site where the Malolos Congress inaugurated on September 15, 1898 with Pedro Paterno as president and drafted the Malolos Constitution (chiefly by Felipe Calderon). The Malolos Constitution was ratified on January 21, 1899. This piece of history is the foundation of the first constitutional republic in Asia.



facade of the historic Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan

the historic church featured on the old ten peso bill, the site of the proclamation of Asia's first republic
a monument remembering the Malolos Congress that drafted and promulgated the Malolos Constitution

The First Philippine Republic was formally established on January 21, 1899, in Malolos, Bulacan, and ended abruptly when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans, aided by Macabebe scouts, in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901.

Later events led to the Americans taking over the country and transformed itself from "Land of the Free" to a "land of enslavers," from a Nation to an Empire in order to realize their "manifest destiny" through the use of benevolent assimilation.

Notes:

Barasoain Church was also the site of the inauguration of the short-lived presidency of Joseph Estrada who was ousted during the so-called EDSA Dos and ushered in the reign of PGMA.

Beside Barasoain Church is the Barasoain Ecclesiastical Museum but Tutubi wasn't able to enter since it was a Monday, the usual day when museums in the Philippines are closed.

In front of the historic edifice is a patio and plaza with a monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Republic of the Philippines.

There are two markers installed in front of the church: one by the National Historical Institute and another by the University of the Philippines


How to get to Malolos, Bulacan:

Commute to Barasoain Church: Board a bus to Bulacan (e.g. Baliwag Transit on EDSA, Cubao) and alight in front of Bulacan Provincial Capitol just after passing the flyover (viaduct) of Malolos crossing. Transfer to a jeepney/multicab with signboard Malolos (or ride a tricycyle) and drop off in front of Barasoain Church (on your right)

Driving directions to Malolos: From Makati, head towards EDSA then proceed to NLEX and take Tabang Exit (the exit immediately after the Shell gasoline station). The road (Manila North Road) will pass by Guiguinto then Malolos after a straight drive. When you reach the flyover at the so called Malolos Crossing, choose Ilalim to turn left to Paseo de Congreso where Barasoain Church is about 10 minutes from Crossing. Ample parking space available at the patio in front of the historic church.

Other historical places in Bulacan according to the official website of Bulacan Provincial Government:

Enriquez Ancestral House, Bulacan
Meyto Shrine, Calumpit
St. John the Baptist Church, calumpit
Barasoain Ecclesiatical Museum, Malolos
Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion, Malolos
Bulacan Museum, Malolos
Casa Real Shrine, Malolos
Pinagrealan, Norzagaray
Tecson House, San Miguel
Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine, Bulacan
Biak-na-bato National Park, San Miguel
Baliuag Museum, Baliuag
Old Train Statio, Guiguinto
Kakarong de Sili, Pandi
Mercado house, Bustos
Battle of Quingua, Plaridel
Bagbag Bridge, Calumpit

Labels: Bulacan, Central Luzon, Churches, Philippine History, Philippine Revolution

In World History, people remember the fateful day of October 20, 1944 synonymous with the well-rehearsed and publicized landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the beach of Palo, Leyte and the great Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history between the Imperial Japanese Navy against the massive US fleet and some Australian vessels.

Lesser known than the much-publicized landing of the megalomaniacal general, together with the diminutive Carlos P. Romulo ,wading on the beach, was the birth of the flying human bombs, dubbed the Kamikaze, meaning divine wind in Japanese, that was very successful, at first, in hitting their targets, until the Americans found ways to neutralize them later in the war.

On a recent trip to Pampanga, Tutubi, aided by a map from Wikimapia, searched for a former airstrip constructed by the Americans during "peace time" and used by the Japanese during World War II. The old runway is now gone, nearby however is the toll gate of the newly-opened Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. To commemorate the historic significance of the place, the Kamikaze Peace Shrine and Memorial was constructed on the site of the former airstrip.

the sign at the gate of memorial shrine. there are also two huge markers ont the entrance walls, one in Japanese, the other in English, with the words in full below.

the monument of the Kamikaze airman with fresh flowers probably laid by Japanese tourists
the memorial shrine with the Philippine flag and the old flag rising sun of imperian Japan. (Notice the drop of water on the lens that Tutubi didn't remove by Photoshop :P )

The entrance of the shrine is "guarded" by a torii gate, traditional Japanese gates of Shinto Shrines. After 4 "classic" shots, rain fell and Tutubi had to scamper back to his car to save his camera from getting drenched.

the torii gate of the shrine taken from inside the car.

Lt. Seki, the first confirmed Kamikaze pilot, before his historic suicide mission wrote: "Japan's future is bleak if it is forced to kill one of its best pilots. I am not going on this mission for the Emperor or for the Empire... I am going because I was ordered to!" He was also heard say "It is better to die, rather than to live as a coward."

Such is the spirit of the Kamikaze, death before dishonor, the way of the ancient Samurai and the Bushido Code...

For Tutubi, all he can say of the Kamikaze are these two words: NEVER AGAIN!

---
The historical marker reads:

"Kamikaze East Airfield Peace Memorial

This spot is the central frontage of the very first Japanese Kamikaze Airfield during World War II, the Mabalacat East Airfield. On 20 October 1944, Vice Admiral Takijiro Onishi founded the Kamikaze at Mabalacat, Pampanga, Luzon Island. The first to volunteer were 23 fliers of the 201st Air Fleet, Imperial Nippon Naval Air Force under Capt. Sakae Yamamoto, then stationed at Mabalacat. This first Kamikaze group was called the Shinpu Special Attack Corp under Lt. Yukio Seki. The corps was divided into four units: the Shikishima Unit, the Yamato Unit; the Asahi Unit, and the Yamazakura Unit. At 0725 hrs. on 25 October 1944, the Shikishima unit took off from Mabalacat led by Lt. Yukio Seki. His men were Sgt. Iwao Nakano, Sgt. Nobuotami, Em 1/C Hajime Nagamine and Em 2/C Shigeo Oguro At 1045 hrs., on the said date, the unit hit enemy targets near the Gulf of Leyte. Lt. Seki's plane hit first, blowing up the U.S. Carrier St. Lo which sank 20 minutes later. Lt. Seki's men also hit and heavily damaged the U.S. Carriers: Kalinin Bay, Kitkun Bay, Sangamon, Santee, Suwanee and White Plains. This first successful Kamikaze Mission was witnessed, then reported by C/WO Hiroyoshi Nishizawa, Japan's greatest pilot, to Lt. Cmdr. Tadashi Nakajima in Cebu Air Base of the 201st Airgroup. War Historians considered Lt. Yukio Seki as the "The World's First Official Human Bomb!"

N.B.

The Mabalacat Tourism Office (MTO) supports the establishment of the Kamikaze Peace Memorial not for the glorification of the Kamikaze but rather for the promotion of goodwill, peace, and friendship among nations. The Memorial serves as a reminder that the Kamikaze phenomenon should never happen again.

Whereas, the once dusty and serene town of Mabalacat is recorded in the annals of war in the Pacific theater during the Second World War as the birthplace of the Kamikaze phenomenon;

Whereas, the people of Mabalacat were innocent victims caught in a senseless war between foreign powers for world supremacy;

Whereas, the cause and demise of of the Kamikaze pilots is an important part of liberative struggle of the Mabalaquenos and the entire Filipino nation to unchain the fetters that bind them;

Whereas, the establishment of the Kamikaze monument which would not only serve as a cruel reminder of the horrors and senselessness of war, but is likely to boost tourism and sense of history in the area; and

Wherefore, the declaration of Clarkfield-Mabalacat, Pampanga on October 1998 as "A City of World Peace" is a continuing effort to secure lasting and enduring peace for all mankind thorughout the world, irrespective of nations and races.

Signed: Guy "Indra" Hilbero
Mabalacat Tourism Office
WWII Researcher"

Note:
There is a so-called Kamikaze Museum maintained by the Kamikaze Memorial Society of the Philippines (KAMESO), in nearby Angeles City but Tutubi has yet to visit the place. Various World War II mementos of the Kamikaze pilots of Japan and different helmets used by the Axis and Allied powers of World War II are said to be on display.

How to get there:

Driving Directions: From NLEX, exit at Dau, but do not cross the bridge going to Tarlac, instead drive towards the Mabalacat arch until you see the end of road leading to a public market then turn right. It's just along MacArthur Highway and a few meters after the exit gates of SCTEx.

Commute: There are buses going to Mabalacat Pampanga or Angeles City. In Mabalacat, transfer to a Capas-bound jeepney where you will pass by the shrine near the boundary of Bamban, Tarlac.

There are two other events on the 20th of October very significant to this blog. Can anyone guess what they are?

神風 第二次世界大戦

Labels: Central Luzon, Luzon, Pampanga, World War II

On Cagayan Valley road in Cabanatuan on the way to Isabela, Tutubi's driver pointed out a restaurant he recommended for lunch but since it was too early, they decided to have lunch there instead on their return trip to Manila.

It took Tutubi more than 5 hours to travel to Cabanatuan from Santiago City due to heavy traffic in Santiago City's fiesta aggravated by the gridlock in Cabanatuan caused by the "million" tricycles weaving their way throughout the city.

Tutubi's driver took a bypass road from crossing passing by Barangay Kapitan Pepe, Capitol and Texas Hotel and Traveller's Inn back into Maharlika Highway where Circle's Restaurant is located.



They waited in line at the jam-packed restaurant where a wedding reception was held and naturally, food was taken much faster than waiters can replenish at the buffet table so they decided to activate plan B: transfer to another all you can eat restaurant near Circles.

Just a few meters Circle's Restaurant is another place offering the same tack at the same price of P100: Honeys Grill and Restaurant shaded with a big aratilis tree and other plants. The place has no air-conditioning but is cool enough due to the presence of chicken wire-like porous walls allowing air from the outside to circulate.

Menu included balaw-balaw, adobo, pinakbet, ginataang kalabasa, caldereta, and chicken curry with salad, leche flan and gelatin. You get all these for only P100 or P120 for additional bottomless softdrinks or iced tea.





Over-all, food at Honey's Grill is not something to rave about since it's just ordinary to Tutubi's quite discerning taste; but the price tag for such an "all you can eat" menu makes it a recommended place to eat for budget travelers like him wishing to squeeze the most out of P100 bill whose value shrinks due to high inflation aggravated by the rising cost of fuel prices. (for foreign readers' information: US$1 = P45)

After indulging in two full plates, iced tea and desserts, headed out to find the former concentration camp immortalized in the Hollywood movie "The Great Raid" plus the visit to Cabanatuan Cathedral to visit the Antonio Luna monument interrupted by a sudden rain that rendered parts of the "tricycle capital of the Philippines" flooded.

another all you can eat place spotted by Tutubi in Baliuag, Bulacan: Mango Tango Restaurant


About 4 hours later, Tutubi's back to his lair somewhere in Metro Manila.

Labels: Cabanatuan City, Central Luzon, Nueva Ecija, Restaurants

San Mateo, the town where Tutubi needs to finish his business first before really going to sidetrips and interesting places.

A sign at the boundary intrigued him claiming San Mateo is a child-friendly municipality:

welcome sign of San Mateo town. Notice the 343 kilometer sign post near it.

We research led to this webpage for "having won the 2007 Presidential Awards for Child-Friendly Municipality Regional Search – 1st to 3rd Class."

All that Tutubi knows about San Mateo is that they take pride in their mongo [mungbean] production and uniquely peach-orange itlog na maalat [salted eggs] colored with achuete. The salted eggs are said to be not too salty with yellow yolk. Tutubi was able to bring home a few kilos of mongo for his mommy but wasn't able to get samples of sa town's salted eggs due to "memory gap."

Labels: Central Luzon, Isabela