Paete's Annual Rizal Day Parade
30 December 2008
Paete, the artistic town in Laguna has an authentic link to Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. It was in Dapitan where Dr. Rizal was exiled when Jose Caancan, a woodcarver from Paete, sought him out to learn woodcarving.
Jose Caancan returned to Paete armed with teachings from the exiled Rizal and later helped create the Rizal Monument at Paete town plaza in 1903, one of the first monuments in honor of Rizal predated by the Rizal Monument in Daet Camarines Norte by a few years.
Every year on the eve of Rizal Day (December 29), the Miss Rizal Day celebration is held at the town plaza, followed by wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal monument early the morning of December 30, and capped by a parade that winds around the narrow streets of Paete with students, senior citizens and other organizations supported with colorful floats of candidates...
herewith are just some of the photos:
Tutubi wasn't able to document the wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal monument due to his laziness to get up early on the cold December morning. :P
Jose Caancan returned to Paete armed with teachings from the exiled Rizal and later helped create the Rizal Monument at Paete town plaza in 1903, one of the first monuments in honor of Rizal predated by the Rizal Monument in Daet Camarines Norte by a few years.
Every year on the eve of Rizal Day (December 29), the Miss Rizal Day celebration is held at the town plaza, followed by wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal monument early the morning of December 30, and capped by a parade that winds around the narrow streets of Paete with students, senior citizens and other organizations supported with colorful floats of candidates...
herewith are just some of the photos:
Tutubi wasn't able to document the wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal monument due to his laziness to get up early on the cold December morning. :P
posted by GingGoy @ 9:02 PM,
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Quiapo Black Nazarene Schedule and Procession Route
28 December 2008
In his student days, Tutubi avoided Quiapo during the Nazareno fiesta due to heavy traffic and instead pass by Sta. Cruz via Avenida from Sampaloc, where he lived, on his way to the university where he graduated.
This time, the usually crowded procession will take a different route to avoid problems of too many people squeezing themselves in such a small area in Quiapo.
herewith is the information on Quiapo's Nazareno procession route and schedule of activities:
2009 Black Nazarene Theme:
“Poong Hesus Nazareno, lumalapit kami sa inyo sa aming kababaang loob at kahirapan [Our Blessed Black Nazarene, we come to you in all humility].”
Quiapo Church Mass schedules and other Black Nazarene activities
Daily Novena masses from December 31, 2008 to January 8, 2009 at 5:45 p.m.
Street masses at 7:00 p.m. from January 2 to January 7
January 7: procession of the Replicas of the Black Nazarene 2 p.m.
January 8: Healing Mass at 5pm January 8 (Thursday) followed by the traditional “Pahalik sa mahal na Poong Nazareno [A Kiss for the Black Nazarene]” and vigil
January 9:
7:00 a.m. A concelebrated mass by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales
8:30 a.m. Procession of the image of the Black Nazarene from Luneta to Quiapo Church
Black Nazarene procession route:
Starting point: Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta (Rizal Park)
to pass through Burgos St. (in front of Manila City Hall and Mehan Graden)
McArthur Bridge, through Plaza Lacson towards Rizal Avenue (Avenida), right turn on Claro M. Recto, right to Legarda (Mendiola), Arlegui St., Quezon Boulevard, Palanca St., Villalobos, Plaza Miranda, and then to Quiapo Church.
Safety reminder:
be wary of your belongings, including your wallets and cellphones and digital cameras as the place, even if it's a religious festivity, is littered with pickpockets. :(
This time, the usually crowded procession will take a different route to avoid problems of too many people squeezing themselves in such a small area in Quiapo.
herewith is the information on Quiapo's Nazareno procession route and schedule of activities:
2009 Black Nazarene Theme:
“Poong Hesus Nazareno, lumalapit kami sa inyo sa aming kababaang loob at kahirapan [Our Blessed Black Nazarene, we come to you in all humility].”
Quiapo Church Mass schedules and other Black Nazarene activities
Daily Novena masses from December 31, 2008 to January 8, 2009 at 5:45 p.m.
Street masses at 7:00 p.m. from January 2 to January 7
January 7: procession of the Replicas of the Black Nazarene 2 p.m.
January 8: Healing Mass at 5pm January 8 (Thursday) followed by the traditional “Pahalik sa mahal na Poong Nazareno [A Kiss for the Black Nazarene]” and vigil
January 9:
7:00 a.m. A concelebrated mass by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales
8:30 a.m. Procession of the image of the Black Nazarene from Luneta to Quiapo Church
Black Nazarene procession route:
Starting point: Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta (Rizal Park)
to pass through Burgos St. (in front of Manila City Hall and Mehan Graden)
McArthur Bridge, through Plaza Lacson towards Rizal Avenue (Avenida), right turn on Claro M. Recto, right to Legarda (Mendiola), Arlegui St., Quezon Boulevard, Palanca St., Villalobos, Plaza Miranda, and then to Quiapo Church.
Safety reminder:
be wary of your belongings, including your wallets and cellphones and digital cameras as the place, even if it's a religious festivity, is littered with pickpockets. :(
Labels: Fiestas
posted by GingGoy @ 8:33 PM,
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Christmas at the Malls: SM City North EDSA and Trinoma
25 December 2008
Tutubi wrote earlier how he celebrates Christmas: stay at home; but this time, due to the arrival of his parents from the province, he had to change his annual routine and treated his parents at the mall
He arrived at SM City North EDSA shortly before 10am, the regular opening time of SM malls while his parents came with his sister around 11:30am, just in time for lunch where his parents wished to eat at Pizza Hut Bistro.
SM City North EDSA. (picture taken from Trinoma using Tutubi's new toy: Olympus Stylus 850SW)
After lunch, his parents requested to watch movies shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a time where only Filipino films are shown in theaters. They chose "Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat" billed by Ai-ai delas Alas. Tutubi and his sister decided not to enter the moviehouse due to so many people and opted instead to tour the newly-opened The Annex whose opening made SM City North EDSA-- the biggest in the Philippines and now the third largest mall in the world in terms of leaseable area with the Main mall building, SM The Block, SM Cyberzone and The Annex combined.
When showtime was over, Tutubi and his sister hurried back to Cinema 8 to fetch their parents and walked to the adjoining The Block, browsed through sale at Mango and acceeded to their mother's request to eat at Razon's Halo-halo for their pancit luglug.
Trinoma activity center where many families spent Christmas
This time, they crossed the new-constructed pedestrian overpass to Trinoma and ate at Razons while Tutubi ordered sotanghon soup at Reyes Barbeque
The return walk to SM was too much already for his mother, suffering from arthritis, but managed to inch her way to SM Cyberzone carpark.
Tutubi played Santa Claus that day to his parents and made their simple wishes come true!
---
How to get to Trinoma Mall:
Commute to Trinoma: The fastest way to Trinoma is via the MRT where North Avenue station is linked conveniently. From Manila, you can get there by boarding jeepeneys with Project 6 signboards.
Driving directions to Trinoma:
Driving to Trinoma is easy coming from Makati since it's just a north-bound drive on EDSA and located just the the last MRT station so it's hard to miss.
Trinoma Parking Fees:
P30 first 4 hours; P10 every hour thereafter
P200 lost parking Ticket
Tip: avoid the Mindanao Carpark especially for newbie drivers. It's too narrow passage way and dark. Choose North Parking if available.
How to get to SM City North EDSA:
Commute to SM City North EDSA: The fastest way to SM City North EDSA is via the MRT where North Avenue station where it's a 5 minutes walk away. From Manila, you can get there by boarding jeepeneys with Project 6 signboards.
Driving directions to SM City North EDSA:
Driving to SM City North EDSA is easy coming from Makati since it's just a north-bound drive on EDSA and located just the the last MRT station so it's hard to miss after passing Trinoma.
SM City North EDSA Parking Fees:
Covered parking: P30 flat rate
Open Parking: P15 flat rate
Free Parking for motorcycles
For those taking a taxi at SM City, if there are too many people waiting for cabs, try to flag them down near the Bago-bantay tricycle terminal or at the other end of SM Cyberzone.
Eversince Trinoma opened at the so-called North Triangle, foot traffic at SM City North EDSA, one the most profitable mall of the SM Group, dropped.
Which is better, SM City North EDSA or Trinoma? It depends.
SM Cinemas vs Trinoma Movie Theaters: Tutubi just loves to watch movies at Ayala Malls (Trinoma, Glorietta and Greenbelt) due to the smaller theaters, sometimes with THX encoding, and more ergonomic seats with coasters (the same qualities he loves at Gateway Mall Cinemas in Cubao)
For pay parking, SM stands out, due to lower pricing, better design and availability of parking slots.
for groceries, Landmark department store have tad lower prices (read: a few centavos lower than same items) than SM Supermarket and Save More for the same item (except those labeled SM Bonus, of course). Tipping is not allowed at Landmark while it's ok for SM Supermarket should you request help in pushing your shopping carts to your car at the pick up point.
SM Department Store vs Trinoma's Crossings: Crossings has more upscale finds and better customer service than SM. The latter though has more items on sale. There's free gift-wrapping at both department stores.
For medicines and prescription drugs, SM only has South Star drug while Trinoma boasts of Mercury Drug...have you ever wondered why there are no Mercury Drugstores at SM malls? It's some sort of trivia :P
Trinoma has a nice garden roofdeck frequented by "park goers" and possibly the reason why SM decided to build their own rooftop garden (unfinished as of posting time).
Want to watch colorful pyrotechnics or practice fireworks photography? SM City North EDSA has them on schedule every Saturday night at 7pm while Trinoma fireworks show will commence an hour later at 8pm.
Transport terminals:
From Trinoma and MRT North Avenue Station, there are jeepneys that will take you to the University of the Philippines (UP), Project 6, Muñoz (Muñoz Market and Walter Mart Nort EDSA), West Avenue, Pag-asa, St. James, Tandang Sora, NIA, fx/vans/GTExpress to Marilao, San Fernando and other places in Bulacan and Pampanga. Tricycles are also available to take you to Veterans Village and Bago-bantay.
For a road map of SM City North EDSA and Trinoma (which means Triangle North of Makati), click here
He arrived at SM City North EDSA shortly before 10am, the regular opening time of SM malls while his parents came with his sister around 11:30am, just in time for lunch where his parents wished to eat at Pizza Hut Bistro.
SM City North EDSA. (picture taken from Trinoma using Tutubi's new toy: Olympus Stylus 850SW)After lunch, his parents requested to watch movies shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a time where only Filipino films are shown in theaters. They chose "Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat" billed by Ai-ai delas Alas. Tutubi and his sister decided not to enter the moviehouse due to so many people and opted instead to tour the newly-opened The Annex whose opening made SM City North EDSA-- the biggest in the Philippines and now the third largest mall in the world in terms of leaseable area with the Main mall building, SM The Block, SM Cyberzone and The Annex combined.
When showtime was over, Tutubi and his sister hurried back to Cinema 8 to fetch their parents and walked to the adjoining The Block, browsed through sale at Mango and acceeded to their mother's request to eat at Razon's Halo-halo for their pancit luglug.
Trinoma activity center where many families spent ChristmasThis time, they crossed the new-constructed pedestrian overpass to Trinoma and ate at Razons while Tutubi ordered sotanghon soup at Reyes Barbeque
The return walk to SM was too much already for his mother, suffering from arthritis, but managed to inch her way to SM Cyberzone carpark.
Tutubi played Santa Claus that day to his parents and made their simple wishes come true!
---
How to get to Trinoma Mall:
Commute to Trinoma: The fastest way to Trinoma is via the MRT where North Avenue station is linked conveniently. From Manila, you can get there by boarding jeepeneys with Project 6 signboards.
Driving directions to Trinoma:
Driving to Trinoma is easy coming from Makati since it's just a north-bound drive on EDSA and located just the the last MRT station so it's hard to miss.
Trinoma Parking Fees:
P30 first 4 hours; P10 every hour thereafter
P200 lost parking Ticket
Tip: avoid the Mindanao Carpark especially for newbie drivers. It's too narrow passage way and dark. Choose North Parking if available.
How to get to SM City North EDSA:
Commute to SM City North EDSA: The fastest way to SM City North EDSA is via the MRT where North Avenue station where it's a 5 minutes walk away. From Manila, you can get there by boarding jeepeneys with Project 6 signboards.
Driving directions to SM City North EDSA:
Driving to SM City North EDSA is easy coming from Makati since it's just a north-bound drive on EDSA and located just the the last MRT station so it's hard to miss after passing Trinoma.
SM City North EDSA Parking Fees:
Covered parking: P30 flat rate
Open Parking: P15 flat rate
Free Parking for motorcycles
For those taking a taxi at SM City, if there are too many people waiting for cabs, try to flag them down near the Bago-bantay tricycle terminal or at the other end of SM Cyberzone.
Eversince Trinoma opened at the so-called North Triangle, foot traffic at SM City North EDSA, one the most profitable mall of the SM Group, dropped.
Which is better, SM City North EDSA or Trinoma? It depends.
SM Cinemas vs Trinoma Movie Theaters: Tutubi just loves to watch movies at Ayala Malls (Trinoma, Glorietta and Greenbelt) due to the smaller theaters, sometimes with THX encoding, and more ergonomic seats with coasters (the same qualities he loves at Gateway Mall Cinemas in Cubao)
For pay parking, SM stands out, due to lower pricing, better design and availability of parking slots.
for groceries, Landmark department store have tad lower prices (read: a few centavos lower than same items) than SM Supermarket and Save More for the same item (except those labeled SM Bonus, of course). Tipping is not allowed at Landmark while it's ok for SM Supermarket should you request help in pushing your shopping carts to your car at the pick up point.
SM Department Store vs Trinoma's Crossings: Crossings has more upscale finds and better customer service than SM. The latter though has more items on sale. There's free gift-wrapping at both department stores.
For medicines and prescription drugs, SM only has South Star drug while Trinoma boasts of Mercury Drug...have you ever wondered why there are no Mercury Drugstores at SM malls? It's some sort of trivia :P
Trinoma has a nice garden roofdeck frequented by "park goers" and possibly the reason why SM decided to build their own rooftop garden (unfinished as of posting time).
Want to watch colorful pyrotechnics or practice fireworks photography? SM City North EDSA has them on schedule every Saturday night at 7pm while Trinoma fireworks show will commence an hour later at 8pm.
Transport terminals:
From Trinoma and MRT North Avenue Station, there are jeepneys that will take you to the University of the Philippines (UP), Project 6, Muñoz (Muñoz Market and Walter Mart Nort EDSA), West Avenue, Pag-asa, St. James, Tandang Sora, NIA, fx/vans/GTExpress to Marilao, San Fernando and other places in Bulacan and Pampanga. Tricycles are also available to take you to Veterans Village and Bago-bantay.
For a road map of SM City North EDSA and Trinoma (which means Triangle North of Makati), click here
Labels: Malls, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City
posted by GingGoy @ 11:07 PM,
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Christmas is Not about Gifts and Money
24 December 2008
The longest celebration of Christmas in the world is in the Philippines (one of two predominantly Christian nations in Asia...and you still think the Philippines is the only one?), some celebrate it once the "ber" month of September begins, some join right after Halloween is over. It will end on the Day of the Three Kings (or Magi), called Epiphany.
The month of December is the time of sales promotions with shopping malls announcing sale, promos and bargains, making road traffic unbearable. Many people, who seem to not run out of cash, go on a shopping spree. ATMs start going offline and dispense only either P500 or P1000 bills while some go to their banks to exchange crisp bills fresh from the money-making machines of the BSP.
How does Tutubi celebrate Christmas? He's used to simple celebration, stay at home, no feasts and lavish spending, no materialism and commercialized Christmas celebration. Most of his Christmas bonus went straight to his savings account after shaving off mortgages for his future home, slowly but surely preparing for his planned early retirement in the Philippines which is an uncommon habit for Filipinos who'd start the new year broke due to overspending during the holiday season.
Two bundles of crisp twenty peso bills for Christmas giveaways to children. This used to be hundred pesos, then fifty pesos, and now, due to the crisis and hard times made more difficult with multiplying nephews, nieces and godchildren, now just twenties or veinte pesos.
Tutubi's a "gifted child" annually during his company's Christmas party with his officemates giving him gifts. It's great even if he has yet to win any major raffle prizes at Chrismas parties
Christmas is not about gifts and money, it's meant for spreading message of love, peace and hope even if you're "pesoless."
Merry Christmas and a Hopefully No Recession New Year!
Related Post:
Christmas in the Philippines
The month of December is the time of sales promotions with shopping malls announcing sale, promos and bargains, making road traffic unbearable. Many people, who seem to not run out of cash, go on a shopping spree. ATMs start going offline and dispense only either P500 or P1000 bills while some go to their banks to exchange crisp bills fresh from the money-making machines of the BSP.
How does Tutubi celebrate Christmas? He's used to simple celebration, stay at home, no feasts and lavish spending, no materialism and commercialized Christmas celebration. Most of his Christmas bonus went straight to his savings account after shaving off mortgages for his future home, slowly but surely preparing for his planned early retirement in the Philippines which is an uncommon habit for Filipinos who'd start the new year broke due to overspending during the holiday season.
Two bundles of crisp twenty peso bills for Christmas giveaways to children. This used to be hundred pesos, then fifty pesos, and now, due to the crisis and hard times made more difficult with multiplying nephews, nieces and godchildren, now just twenties or veinte pesos.
Tutubi's a "gifted child" annually during his company's Christmas party with his officemates giving him gifts. It's great even if he has yet to win any major raffle prizes at Chrismas partiesChristmas is not about gifts and money, it's meant for spreading message of love, peace and hope even if you're "pesoless."
Merry Christmas and a Hopefully No Recession New Year!
Related Post:
Christmas in the Philippines
Labels: Philippine Holidays
posted by GingGoy @ 12:01 PM,
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Amazing Race Asia 3: Tisha Silang and Geoff Rodriguez
19 December 2008
Followers of the Amazing Race Asia 3, were heartbroken when the usual leading pair of Tisha Silang and Geoff Rodriguez, ended up as first-runner up of the well-loved reality game on AXN.
During one of the numerous Christmas parties Tutubi attended, much needed breaks from his numerous travels, he was able to meet the pair, given the task at hosting the party at a hotel in Makati City.
Tisha Silang and her model-boyfriend Geoff Rodriguez hosting a Christmas party
Note that in 1998, Ms. Tisha Silang won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe (Miss Philippines - Universe) but was forced to give up her title due to her being a Canadian citizen (dual-citizenship was not around at that time for the lovely Filipina).
the beautifully-tanned Tisha gamely posed for a photo of Tutubi wearing his paparazzi hat
The lovely pair were runners-up of Amazing Race Asia 3, improving on the third-place finish of buddies Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez at Amazing Race Asia 2...
If only Tutubi can join Amazing Race Asia...but he's not a celebrity :P
During one of the numerous Christmas parties Tutubi attended, much needed breaks from his numerous travels, he was able to meet the pair, given the task at hosting the party at a hotel in Makati City.
Tisha Silang and her model-boyfriend Geoff Rodriguez hosting a Christmas partyNote that in 1998, Ms. Tisha Silang won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe (Miss Philippines - Universe) but was forced to give up her title due to her being a Canadian citizen (dual-citizenship was not around at that time for the lovely Filipina).
the beautifully-tanned Tisha gamely posed for a photo of Tutubi wearing his paparazzi hatThe lovely pair were runners-up of Amazing Race Asia 3, improving on the third-place finish of buddies Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez at Amazing Race Asia 2...
If only Tutubi can join Amazing Race Asia...but he's not a celebrity :P
Labels: Celebrities
posted by GingGoy @ 9:37 PM,
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Leyte Tacloban Delicacies: Binagol and Moron
13 December 2008
A trip to a place for Tutubi won't be complete without him sampling what the locals are proud of like delicacies, food for his own consumption as well as pasalubong, a part of Filipino custom to take home something for his friends, family and office mates.
This time, Tutubi "met" Leyte's delicacies with the binagol of Dagami , chocolate moron (how he loves the name) and pastillas of Carigara town.
a pile of binagol sold on the sidewalk of Tacloban City public market. Binagol costs P25.00 each (about $0.50)
binagol without the banana leaf cover exposing the sweet stuff inside on a coconut shell (picture taken using Canon Ixus 30)
the chocolate moron, similar to suman but with chocolate flavor.
How to make binagol? If you're looking for binagol recipe, look for those people who has been making them for generations in Dagami town. Binagol is sweetened taro (locals call the gabi species as talyan endemic in Palapag, Northern Samar) pudding with nuts Leyte. The talyan is first grounded then mixed with eggs, gata ng niyog (coconut milk), sugar, butter, nuts and chocolate. The mixture is placed in receptacles of coconut shells, called bagol (hence the name binagol), wrapped in banana leaves then steamed.
Where to buy them? Tacloban market or from the towns who make them: Dagami for binagol, Carigara for pastillas, hubhob, and moron.
No information yet on where to buy binagol in Manila. Tutubi has yet to see them in malls, even at weekend markets.
This time, Tutubi "met" Leyte's delicacies with the binagol of Dagami , chocolate moron (how he loves the name) and pastillas of Carigara town.
a pile of binagol sold on the sidewalk of Tacloban City public market. Binagol costs P25.00 each (about $0.50)
binagol without the banana leaf cover exposing the sweet stuff inside on a coconut shell (picture taken using Canon Ixus 30)
the chocolate moron, similar to suman but with chocolate flavor.How to make binagol? If you're looking for binagol recipe, look for those people who has been making them for generations in Dagami town. Binagol is sweetened taro (locals call the gabi species as talyan endemic in Palapag, Northern Samar) pudding with nuts Leyte. The talyan is first grounded then mixed with eggs, gata ng niyog (coconut milk), sugar, butter, nuts and chocolate. The mixture is placed in receptacles of coconut shells, called bagol (hence the name binagol), wrapped in banana leaves then steamed.
Where to buy them? Tacloban market or from the towns who make them: Dagami for binagol, Carigara for pastillas, hubhob, and moron.
No information yet on where to buy binagol in Manila. Tutubi has yet to see them in malls, even at weekend markets.
Labels: Delicacies, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Pasalubong, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 11:17 PM,
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Samar: Marabut Rock Formations and Beach
07 December 2008
Onwards from Basey town in Samar, Tutubi proceeded to the next town of Marabut to catch sight of the rock formations and secluded white beach nearest to Tacloban City.
Photos of Marabut Beach and rock formations you normally see on Samar Tourism brochures (pictures taken with an umbrella over Tutubi's head to protect his camera):
Marabut rock formations that entices rock climbers to test their skills. the cove looks peaceful enough for kayaking
a white beach with no people, it's expected since it's raining. People from Tacloban reportedly flock to this beach during summer. You can reach this place by walking about 50 meters from the main highway
There are no beach resorts seen by Tutubi when he went there, probably located on the other side of the cove. He only spent a few minutes to take pictures with an umbrella over his head since it's still raining. Other rock formations in Samar are in Biri town.
How to get to Marabut, Samar:
Commute: buses and jeepneys to Marabut are available from Tacloban City Bus Terminal.
Driving directions: you can reach the town and the beach via around 33 km travel under an hour from Tacloban passing San Juanico Bridge and the Samar towns of Sta. Rita and Basey. Directional signs will guide you along the way.
Photos of Marabut Beach and rock formations you normally see on Samar Tourism brochures (pictures taken with an umbrella over Tutubi's head to protect his camera):
Marabut rock formations that entices rock climbers to test their skills. the cove looks peaceful enough for kayaking
a white beach with no people, it's expected since it's raining. People from Tacloban reportedly flock to this beach during summer. You can reach this place by walking about 50 meters from the main highwayThere are no beach resorts seen by Tutubi when he went there, probably located on the other side of the cove. He only spent a few minutes to take pictures with an umbrella over his head since it's still raining. Other rock formations in Samar are in Biri town.
How to get to Marabut, Samar:
Commute: buses and jeepneys to Marabut are available from Tacloban City Bus Terminal.
Driving directions: you can reach the town and the beach via around 33 km travel under an hour from Tacloban passing San Juanico Bridge and the Samar towns of Sta. Rita and Basey. Directional signs will guide you along the way.
Labels: Beaches, Eastern Visayas, Samar
posted by GingGoy @ 6:21 PM,
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Manny Pacquiao and Sports Tourism
With Manny Pacquiao's domination of the aging warrior in Oscar dela Hoya, the prospect is very high for Manny Pacquiao to fight again on Philippine soil.
Remember the unforgettable Thrilla in Manila held at the Araneta Coliseum between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier won by Ali via a 14th round TKO.
If Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton will materialize, it will probably be held in England at Wembley due to the monetary and better business sense for Bob Arum.
The Philippine government, however, should fully encourage and develop sports tourism, not just in boxing and billiards, but in other sports as well.
As for Manny Pacquiao, stay true in being a boxer and a promoter. Don't enter the dirty world of politics!
related post:
Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar Dela Hoya Fight Result
Karylle and the Philippine National Anthem
Remember the unforgettable Thrilla in Manila held at the Araneta Coliseum between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier won by Ali via a 14th round TKO.
If Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton will materialize, it will probably be held in England at Wembley due to the monetary and better business sense for Bob Arum.
The Philippine government, however, should fully encourage and develop sports tourism, not just in boxing and billiards, but in other sports as well.
As for Manny Pacquiao, stay true in being a boxer and a promoter. Don't enter the dirty world of politics!
related post:
Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar Dela Hoya Fight Result
Karylle and the Philippine National Anthem
Labels: Sports Tourism
posted by GingGoy @ 3:27 PM,
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Samar: Basey Church and the Missing Banig
02 December 2008
Even with the unrelenting rain, Tutubi was urged by his friend to at least visit two more attractions in Samar before heading back to Tacloban for his 6pm flight to Manila via Cebu Pacific. They were able to at least travel for more than an hour more even with almost zero visibility by driving slowly since his guide knows the place quite well.
Basey, pronounced Basay, is a sleepy town in Samar opposite Tacloban City that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for making the longest Banig (sleeping mats). The town is home to numerous mat weavers. Sadly, no remnant of the record-breaking long mat was seen by Tutubi. The town celebrates its town fiesta with the Banig Festival in September.
the welcome to Basey banner at the junction during a downpour
What he saw in Basey was the old Spanish church of Basey, the San Miguel Arcangel (St. Michael the Archangel Parish) with the bell tower indicating the year 1846. He wasn't able to get out of the car, again, due to heavy rain and had to take a picture of the church while inside the car and through the glass.
picture of the facade taken inside the car
San Miguel Arcangel bell tower with the old bells visible
The most popular destination of Basey is the Sohoton National Park for adventurers and eco-tourism enthusiasts looking to explore caves, waterfalls and other activities. Tourism is the area is not well-developed and marketed and hampered by the lack of tourism infrastructure and not-so-good roads.
After Basey, Tutubi proceeded to the next destination town of Samar: Marabut with it's beach and gorgeous rock formations
---
Basey Tourist Attraction
Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Barangay Inuntan
For information, try to get in touch with Sohoton Services Association (SSA) to provide you with caving guide, kayaking guide, food as well as souvenirs and rest houses.
How to get to Basey, Samar:
Commute: From Tacloban Bus Terminal, board jeepneys or mini-buses/vans bound for Basey for less than an hour trip.
Driving Directions: Basey is less than an hour drive from Tacloban via San Juanico Bridge. Direction signs are present so you won't get lost. Drive carefully due to the presence of potholes along the way, something Samar island is "famous" for.
Basey, pronounced Basay, is a sleepy town in Samar opposite Tacloban City that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for making the longest Banig (sleeping mats). The town is home to numerous mat weavers. Sadly, no remnant of the record-breaking long mat was seen by Tutubi. The town celebrates its town fiesta with the Banig Festival in September.
the welcome to Basey banner at the junction during a downpourWhat he saw in Basey was the old Spanish church of Basey, the San Miguel Arcangel (St. Michael the Archangel Parish) with the bell tower indicating the year 1846. He wasn't able to get out of the car, again, due to heavy rain and had to take a picture of the church while inside the car and through the glass.
picture of the facade taken inside the car
San Miguel Arcangel bell tower with the old bells visibleThe most popular destination of Basey is the Sohoton National Park for adventurers and eco-tourism enthusiasts looking to explore caves, waterfalls and other activities. Tourism is the area is not well-developed and marketed and hampered by the lack of tourism infrastructure and not-so-good roads.
After Basey, Tutubi proceeded to the next destination town of Samar: Marabut with it's beach and gorgeous rock formations
---
Basey Tourist Attraction
Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Barangay Inuntan
For information, try to get in touch with Sohoton Services Association (SSA) to provide you with caving guide, kayaking guide, food as well as souvenirs and rest houses.
How to get to Basey, Samar:
Commute: From Tacloban Bus Terminal, board jeepneys or mini-buses/vans bound for Basey for less than an hour trip.
Driving Directions: Basey is less than an hour drive from Tacloban via San Juanico Bridge. Direction signs are present so you won't get lost. Drive carefully due to the presence of potholes along the way, something Samar island is "famous" for.
Labels: Churches, Eastern Visayas, Samar
posted by GingGoy @ 9:06 PM,
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Andres Bonifacio: Monuments, Shrines, Katipunan History and Trivia
30 November 2008
An election fraught with allegations of electoral fraud where ballots counted outnumbered voters and orchestrated by the upper class against a plebeian. Man condemned in a trial for high treason. Wife beaten and raped by his arresting officer. Rapist did not stand trial and got away with impunity. Leader executed and buried in an unmarked grave whose body up to now has never been recovered.
These are not current events, but events that happened more than a century ago to a man whose birthday the country celebrates this day: Andres Bonifacio
Born on Nov. 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, in present day Tutuban and part of the vast shopping mecca of Divisoria. He was named Andres since Nov. 30 is the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. A monument of him can be seen in front of Tutuban Mall on C.M. Recto Avenue.
His parents, Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro died from tuberculosis, mother first followed by father a year later.
Was present in the house on Ylaya St meeting when Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina
When La Liga Filipina was disbanded with the exile of Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Bonifacio founded the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (The Highest, Most Venerable Association of the Sons of the People), or the Katipunan, on July 7, 1892 together with Ladislaw Diwa and Teodoro Plata, at a house of Deodato Arellano on Sagunto Street (now Santo Cristo St) in Tondo. There's a historical marker at the site of KKK founding.
Bonifacio used the caves of Pamitinan in present day Rodriguez (Montalban) of Rizal on which he wrote: Long Live Philippine Independence
A poet and well verse in Spanish, his most famous poem's titled 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa'
Married twice, the first one to Monica, his neighbor in Tondo, who died of leprosy a year later.
Second marriage to Gregoria de Jesus (Oryang), an 18 year old lass from a wealthy family in Kalookan, at Binondo Church (though church records turned out nil, they could have married under assumed names for Oryang to escape parental objection being a minor at that time)
Notable Bonifacio Monuments:
Cry of Balintawak Monument at the corner of EDSA and Bonifacio Drive in Quezon City by Napoleon Abueva in bronze. There's a plaster version in front of Vinzons Hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
The Cry of Pugadlawin near Quezon City General Hospital (Did you ever wondered why there were at least two cries?)
Bonifacio Monument, popularly called Monumento, a national shrine with an obelisk at the heart of a rotonda (roundabout), the meeting point of EDSA, MacArthur Highway, Rizal Avenue(Avenue) and Samson Road in Caloocan City. It's sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino, a National Aritst for Visual Arts.
the western part of Monumento in Caloocan.
Bonifacio Monument in front of National Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, also done by Guillermo Tolentino
Bonifacio Monument at the Mehan Garden near Manila City Hall, a work by Eduardo Castrillo. (Ed Castrillo is also the one who sculpted the EDSA Shrine in front of Robinsons Galleria at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and the upcoming Montemaria Shrine in Batangas)
an old photo of the monument beside the Manila City Hall with the clock tower in view
Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City, the site of Andres Bonifacio's battle where he met defeat at the hands of the Spaniards
The Tejeros Convention, the site of the election that catapulted Emilio Aguinaldo as president of the Philippines. Allegations of fraud, called Acta de Tejeros, emerged the next day. The election protest was never resolved (old news, eh?)
Bonifacio was executed on May 10, 1897 on Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon (this was previously listed in textbooks as Mt. Buntis and sometimes Mt. Hulog ). A shrine is now present at the execution site in a place now called Bonifacio Historical Shrine and Eco-tourism Park in Barangay Pinagsanhan, Maragondon.
Lastly, don't ever try to restart the old debate on Andres Bonifacio, and not Jose Rizal as Philippine National Hero.
---
Expect Tutubi to visit the places mentioned here in the future :P
Sources:
Ambeth Ocampo's articles on the Philippine Daily Inquirer
here, here and here.
The "rape" of Gregoria De Jesus was postulated by Ambeth Ocampo in his book Bones of Contention
National Historical Institute
These are not current events, but events that happened more than a century ago to a man whose birthday the country celebrates this day: Andres Bonifacio
Born on Nov. 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, in present day Tutuban and part of the vast shopping mecca of Divisoria. He was named Andres since Nov. 30 is the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. A monument of him can be seen in front of Tutuban Mall on C.M. Recto Avenue.
His parents, Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro died from tuberculosis, mother first followed by father a year later.
Was present in the house on Ylaya St meeting when Jose Rizal founded the La Liga Filipina
When La Liga Filipina was disbanded with the exile of Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Bonifacio founded the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (The Highest, Most Venerable Association of the Sons of the People), or the Katipunan, on July 7, 1892 together with Ladislaw Diwa and Teodoro Plata, at a house of Deodato Arellano on Sagunto Street (now Santo Cristo St) in Tondo. There's a historical marker at the site of KKK founding.
Bonifacio used the caves of Pamitinan in present day Rodriguez (Montalban) of Rizal on which he wrote: Long Live Philippine Independence
A poet and well verse in Spanish, his most famous poem's titled 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa'
Married twice, the first one to Monica, his neighbor in Tondo, who died of leprosy a year later.
Second marriage to Gregoria de Jesus (Oryang), an 18 year old lass from a wealthy family in Kalookan, at Binondo Church (though church records turned out nil, they could have married under assumed names for Oryang to escape parental objection being a minor at that time)
Notable Bonifacio Monuments:
Cry of Balintawak Monument at the corner of EDSA and Bonifacio Drive in Quezon City by Napoleon Abueva in bronze. There's a plaster version in front of Vinzons Hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
The Cry of Pugadlawin near Quezon City General Hospital (Did you ever wondered why there were at least two cries?)
Bonifacio Monument, popularly called Monumento, a national shrine with an obelisk at the heart of a rotonda (roundabout), the meeting point of EDSA, MacArthur Highway, Rizal Avenue(Avenue) and Samson Road in Caloocan City. It's sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino, a National Aritst for Visual Arts.
the western part of Monumento in Caloocan. Bonifacio Monument in front of National Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, also done by Guillermo Tolentino
Bonifacio Monument at the Mehan Garden near Manila City Hall, a work by Eduardo Castrillo. (Ed Castrillo is also the one who sculpted the EDSA Shrine in front of Robinsons Galleria at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and the upcoming Montemaria Shrine in Batangas)
an old photo of the monument beside the Manila City Hall with the clock tower in viewPinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City, the site of Andres Bonifacio's battle where he met defeat at the hands of the Spaniards
The Tejeros Convention, the site of the election that catapulted Emilio Aguinaldo as president of the Philippines. Allegations of fraud, called Acta de Tejeros, emerged the next day. The election protest was never resolved (old news, eh?)
Bonifacio was executed on May 10, 1897 on Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon (this was previously listed in textbooks as Mt. Buntis and sometimes Mt. Hulog ). A shrine is now present at the execution site in a place now called Bonifacio Historical Shrine and Eco-tourism Park in Barangay Pinagsanhan, Maragondon.
Lastly, don't ever try to restart the old debate on Andres Bonifacio, and not Jose Rizal as Philippine National Hero.
---
Expect Tutubi to visit the places mentioned here in the future :P
Sources:
Ambeth Ocampo's articles on the Philippine Daily Inquirer
here, here and here.
The "rape" of Gregoria De Jesus was postulated by Ambeth Ocampo in his book Bones of Contention
National Historical Institute
Labels: Andres Bonifacio, Caloocan City, Manila, Metro Manila, Monuments, National Heroes, Philippine History, San Juan
posted by GingGoy @ 9:06 PM,
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Crossing San Juanico Bridge Unhampered by Heavy Rain
29 November 2008
With heavy rains offering near zero visibility in Tacloban hardly dampened Tutubi's will to travel and explore places, he was able to cross the famous San Juanico bridge, the Philippines' longest bridge connecting Leyte island to neighboring Samar separated by San Juanico Strait
San Juanico Bridge has a length of 2.16 kilometers with an arch at midspan allowing ample vertical clearance for ships to pass and visit the port of Tacloban.
the approach to San Juanico Bridge from Tacloban
The Welcome to Samar Arch: Tutubi conquered Samar :P
The shape of the other half of the bridge is visible here
If one end of the bridge is in Tacloban City, the other end is in Sta. Rita town of Samar.
What most people remember about San Juanico Bridge is the stunt pulled off by stuntman/actor Dante Varona where he jumped on the span unto the water below. What most people don't know, however, is that the bridge, when viewed from the sky, is a combination of the letters L and S to represent Leyte and Samar.
The lower part shaped like the letter L for Leyte and the upper part like an S for Samar (picture from Wikimapia)
Unconfirmed reports claims former president Ferdinand Marcos had the bridge constructed in 1973 as a gift to her imeldific wife, Imelda Marcos, who hails from Tacloban.
---
How to get there:
San Juanico Bridge is about 10-20 minutes away by jeep or van from Tacloban Airport. You may ride buses/jeepneys going to Samar (e.g. Basey or Marabut or Guian) at Tacloban Bus terminal.
San Juanico Bridge is also one stop of Leyte Provincial Government-organized Icot-icot tour
Upcoming posts:
Braving Samar's notorious bad roads to stunning rock formations in a secluded beach and a town of the Banig Festival :P
San Juanico Bridge has a length of 2.16 kilometers with an arch at midspan allowing ample vertical clearance for ships to pass and visit the port of Tacloban.
the approach to San Juanico Bridge from Tacloban
The Welcome to Samar Arch: Tutubi conquered Samar :P
The shape of the other half of the bridge is visible here
If one end of the bridge is in Tacloban City, the other end is in Sta. Rita town of Samar.What most people remember about San Juanico Bridge is the stunt pulled off by stuntman/actor Dante Varona where he jumped on the span unto the water below. What most people don't know, however, is that the bridge, when viewed from the sky, is a combination of the letters L and S to represent Leyte and Samar.
The lower part shaped like the letter L for Leyte and the upper part like an S for Samar (picture from Wikimapia)Unconfirmed reports claims former president Ferdinand Marcos had the bridge constructed in 1973 as a gift to her imeldific wife, Imelda Marcos, who hails from Tacloban.
---
How to get there:
San Juanico Bridge is about 10-20 minutes away by jeep or van from Tacloban Airport. You may ride buses/jeepneys going to Samar (e.g. Basey or Marabut or Guian) at Tacloban Bus terminal.
San Juanico Bridge is also one stop of Leyte Provincial Government-organized Icot-icot tour
Upcoming posts:
Braving Samar's notorious bad roads to stunning rock formations in a secluded beach and a town of the Banig Festival :P
Labels: Bridges, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Samar, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:55 PM,
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Suroy-suroy Leyte: Tacloban City DIY Tour
24 November 2008
Still sleepy after spending the night in Ormoc, Tutubi woke up at 5:30am, took a quick shower and breakfast and flagged a tricycle that took him to the Duptours terminal to catch the shuttle to Tacloban...
He needed to be at RTR Plaza in Tacloban by 9am to join the Icot-icot tour, but sadly, with usual planned trips, it didn't materialize. Duptours van arrived late and it was raining heavily in Tacloban thus canceled Tutubi's hope for the guided tour of Tacloban City.
But just the same, even with the rain, there's still plan B and a plan C...with a service car courtesy of a friend, plan B did materialize. He went around Tacloban City in the middle of a pouring rain with brief lull or a slight drizzle in between managed to take pictures inside the car:
Leyte Provincial Capitol, a historical neo-classical building where General MacArthur and President Osmeña announced that Tacloban was the temporary seat of the Commonwealth government.
CAP building, formerly called Price Mansion, on Justice Romualdez Street: the official residence and headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines in 1944. Now owned by College Assurance Plan (CAP)
The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, where you can see on display the different priceless art objects said to be gifts to the former first lady Imelda Marcos during her trips abroad.
Several government buildings line Magsaysay Boulevard e.g. Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan and University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Tacloban campus. There's also the Family Park; statue of the Image of the Crucified Christ; statue of Maria Kannon, the Madonna of Japan that symbolizes peace at the foot of Kanhuraw Hill; the Philippine-Japan Peace Park and the Balyu-an Tower.
Sto. Niño Church on On Real Street is the the main Catholic Church in the city (there's also the Redemptorist Church nearby). Beside it is the People’s Center and Library and the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum.
Redoña Residence on Sen. Enage Street corner T. Claudio Street, is a two-story wooden heritage house with capiz windows.
Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine, foot of Kanhuraw Hill, (madonna of japan) made from single slab of rare miyagi stone
Buddhist Temple in Anibong District, Tacloban City at the foot of a hill. A beautiful 2-storey pagoda where monks and Buddhists make their worship, prayers, and offerings.
Did you know where Tutubi went after the Tacloban City Tour eve if it's raining?
wait for the next posts :P
---
Tacloban Travel Tip:
If you need a guided tour of Tacloban City that includes in their itinerary the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo town (no mention of the Palo Cathedral) and a brief stop over at San Juanico Bridge, you may join the so called Icot-icot tour organized by the Leyte Tourism Office:
City Tour Fee (includes the ride, tour guide and the entrance fees at the Sto. Niño Shrine)
PhP100 for the morning trip
PhP150 for the afternoon trip (inclusive of entrance fee a visit to a bucolic farm resort in Babatngon, Leyte)
Where to catch it:
RTR Plaza in Tacloban City
Trip Schedule:
Daily at 9am and 2pm
They have a minimum number of persons joining for a trip to take place or if less than that, you can pay for six persons i.e. PhP900.00 and you'll have the multicab and driver/guide all for yourself for three hours.
He needed to be at RTR Plaza in Tacloban by 9am to join the Icot-icot tour, but sadly, with usual planned trips, it didn't materialize. Duptours van arrived late and it was raining heavily in Tacloban thus canceled Tutubi's hope for the guided tour of Tacloban City.
But just the same, even with the rain, there's still plan B and a plan C...with a service car courtesy of a friend, plan B did materialize. He went around Tacloban City in the middle of a pouring rain with brief lull or a slight drizzle in between managed to take pictures inside the car:
Leyte Provincial Capitol, a historical neo-classical building where General MacArthur and President Osmeña announced that Tacloban was the temporary seat of the Commonwealth government.
CAP building, formerly called Price Mansion, on Justice Romualdez Street: the official residence and headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines in 1944. Now owned by College Assurance Plan (CAP)
The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, where you can see on display the different priceless art objects said to be gifts to the former first lady Imelda Marcos during her trips abroad.Several government buildings line Magsaysay Boulevard e.g. Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan and University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Tacloban campus. There's also the Family Park; statue of the Image of the Crucified Christ; statue of Maria Kannon, the Madonna of Japan that symbolizes peace at the foot of Kanhuraw Hill; the Philippine-Japan Peace Park and the Balyu-an Tower.
Sto. Niño Church on On Real Street is the the main Catholic Church in the city (there's also the Redemptorist Church nearby). Beside it is the People’s Center and Library and the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum.
Redoña Residence on Sen. Enage Street corner T. Claudio Street, is a two-story wooden heritage house with capiz windows.
Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine, foot of Kanhuraw Hill, (madonna of japan) made from single slab of rare miyagi stone
Buddhist Temple in Anibong District, Tacloban City at the foot of a hill. A beautiful 2-storey pagoda where monks and Buddhists make their worship, prayers, and offerings.Did you know where Tutubi went after the Tacloban City Tour eve if it's raining?
wait for the next posts :P
---
Tacloban Travel Tip:
If you need a guided tour of Tacloban City that includes in their itinerary the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo town (no mention of the Palo Cathedral) and a brief stop over at San Juanico Bridge, you may join the so called Icot-icot tour organized by the Leyte Tourism Office:
City Tour Fee (includes the ride, tour guide and the entrance fees at the Sto. Niño Shrine)
PhP100 for the morning trip
PhP150 for the afternoon trip (inclusive of entrance fee a visit to a bucolic farm resort in Babatngon, Leyte)
Where to catch it:
RTR Plaza in Tacloban City
Trip Schedule:
Daily at 9am and 2pm
They have a minimum number of persons joining for a trip to take place or if less than that, you can pay for six persons i.e. PhP900.00 and you'll have the multicab and driver/guide all for yourself for three hours.
Labels: Churches, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Museums, Tacloban City, Temples
posted by GingGoy @ 9:18 PM,
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The Neo-Classical Leyte Provincial Capitol
21 November 2008
The first destination of Tutubi's DIY tour of Tacloban took him to the Leyte Provincial Capitol, an almost immaculate white neo-classical building that once served as Capitol Building of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during the period dubbed as days of liberation of World War II that began with the historic Battle of Leyte Gulf and Leyte invasion.
The capitol building sports a neo-classical architectural style typical of American-era government edifices.
NHI Historical Marker reads:
"Capitol Building of the Philippines, 1944-1945
On the steps of this Capitol Building of Leyte was formally installed, 23 October 1944, Sergio Osmena as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the presence of cabinetmen, liberation forces and many other grateful people. Henceforth, until 27 February 1945, this edifice served as the Capitol Building of the Philippines."
After the bloody and disastrous Battle of Manila, the seat of the national government moved to its home in Manila.
Two bas reliefs can be found on both sides of the capitol: a depiction of the "first mass" on Limasawa Island and the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Red Beach, Palo, Leyte.
Inside the capitol was an exhibit on the 64th anniversary of the Leyte landing celebration last month including photographs and memoirs other historic events in Leyte and Samar including the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War.
Notes:
Then Vice President Sergio Osmena, whose face you see featured on the P50 bill, was installed president of the Commonwealth due to the death of President Manuel Quezon on August 1, 1944 in New York, after a long fight against tuberculosis (a highly-cureable disease these days). He was with President Quezon on Corregidor Island and left the island for the United States to establish the Philippine government in exile. After the war, he lost the presidential elections of 1946 to Manuel Roxas (the face on the P100 bill), the first president of the new independent Republic of the Philippines. He retired in Cebu, his home province, died in 1961 and buried at Manila North Cemetery.
The site of the first mass in the Philippines and second anchorage of Ferdinand Magellan, after Homonhon, in 1521 is still disputed. It's historically recorded as Mazaua by Antonio Figafetta, Magellan's chronicler who was able to return to Spain after Magellan was killed in The Battle of Mactan against Lapu-lapu. The "official" stand of the NHI shot down arguments that Limasawa has no anchorage for large boats and disregarded the accounts of Gines de Mafra, the only person to have visited Mazaua twice, first with Magellan and the second time with the ill-fated expedition of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, who pointed Mazaua to an island not Limasawa, but somewhere in Butuan in northern Mindanao. More of this in future posts...
The capitol building sports a neo-classical architectural style typical of American-era government edifices.NHI Historical Marker reads:
"Capitol Building of the Philippines, 1944-1945
On the steps of this Capitol Building of Leyte was formally installed, 23 October 1944, Sergio Osmena as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the presence of cabinetmen, liberation forces and many other grateful people. Henceforth, until 27 February 1945, this edifice served as the Capitol Building of the Philippines."
After the bloody and disastrous Battle of Manila, the seat of the national government moved to its home in Manila.
Two bas reliefs can be found on both sides of the capitol: a depiction of the "first mass" on Limasawa Island and the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Red Beach, Palo, Leyte.
Inside the capitol was an exhibit on the 64th anniversary of the Leyte landing celebration last month including photographs and memoirs other historic events in Leyte and Samar including the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War.
Notes:
Then Vice President Sergio Osmena, whose face you see featured on the P50 bill, was installed president of the Commonwealth due to the death of President Manuel Quezon on August 1, 1944 in New York, after a long fight against tuberculosis (a highly-cureable disease these days). He was with President Quezon on Corregidor Island and left the island for the United States to establish the Philippine government in exile. After the war, he lost the presidential elections of 1946 to Manuel Roxas (the face on the P100 bill), the first president of the new independent Republic of the Philippines. He retired in Cebu, his home province, died in 1961 and buried at Manila North Cemetery.
The site of the first mass in the Philippines and second anchorage of Ferdinand Magellan, after Homonhon, in 1521 is still disputed. It's historically recorded as Mazaua by Antonio Figafetta, Magellan's chronicler who was able to return to Spain after Magellan was killed in The Battle of Mactan against Lapu-lapu. The "official" stand of the NHI shot down arguments that Limasawa has no anchorage for large boats and disregarded the accounts of Gines de Mafra, the only person to have visited Mazaua twice, first with Magellan and the second time with the ill-fated expedition of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, who pointed Mazaua to an island not Limasawa, but somewhere in Butuan in northern Mindanao. More of this in future posts...
Labels: Architecture, Leyte, Tacloban City, World War II
posted by GingGoy @ 8:57 PM,
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A Highly Urbanized City of Tacloban?
18 November 2008
Tacloban, the booming capital of Leyte province and the gateway to Eastern Visayas region is now on the verge of joining the "elite" group of highly-urbanized cities of the Philippines.
Tacloban’s population exceeded the required total population and much more that the minimum required income as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991.
To start the bid to be a HUC, the President needs to declare a city highly urbanized followed by ratification by the city’s voters in a plebiscite to be held within 120 days after it is issued before the proclamation takes effect.
Tacloban City's plebiscite will be on December 18, 2008.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a highly-urbanized city?
Economic progress may be faster there, but taxes, particularly real property taxes or amelyar can be increased by the city government anytime they want to without intervention by Leyte Capitol.
Tacloban City government will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Leyte and will stop sharing tax revenue with Leyte province.
Meanwhile, just to share photos of booming Tacloban taken in a cruising car :P
The soon to be open Robinsons Mall, just in time for Christmas shopping...there is said to be an SM in the works as well as Gaisano mall
Giant shopping malls are sign of progress in a city...and also a sign of horrendous traffic jams during mall-wide sale. There is also a Gaisano mall being constructed plus a rumored land acquisition by SM to be developed into a shopping mall. (Just hope that Tacloban city downtown's economic life don't get suck out by the malls like what happened in Manila)
The site of the old Tacloban bus terminal is now a McDonald's. Can you see the profile of Tutubi on the dashboard?
If Ormoc City has a famous resident in Lucy Torres-Gomez, Tacloban has a gorgeous first-lady in Cristina Gonzales who owns a salon and spa in Tacloban downtown is a neo-classical style building.
Coming Up: Suroy-suroy Tacloban and pasalubong shopping
Related post:
Highly-urbanized Cities in the Philippines
Tacloban’s population exceeded the required total population and much more that the minimum required income as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991.
To start the bid to be a HUC, the President needs to declare a city highly urbanized followed by ratification by the city’s voters in a plebiscite to be held within 120 days after it is issued before the proclamation takes effect.
Tacloban City's plebiscite will be on December 18, 2008.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a highly-urbanized city?
Economic progress may be faster there, but taxes, particularly real property taxes or amelyar can be increased by the city government anytime they want to without intervention by Leyte Capitol.
Tacloban City government will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Leyte and will stop sharing tax revenue with Leyte province.
Meanwhile, just to share photos of booming Tacloban taken in a cruising car :P
The soon to be open Robinsons Mall, just in time for Christmas shopping...there is said to be an SM in the works as well as Gaisano mallGiant shopping malls are sign of progress in a city...and also a sign of horrendous traffic jams during mall-wide sale. There is also a Gaisano mall being constructed plus a rumored land acquisition by SM to be developed into a shopping mall. (Just hope that Tacloban city downtown's economic life don't get suck out by the malls like what happened in Manila)
The site of the old Tacloban bus terminal is now a McDonald's. Can you see the profile of Tutubi on the dashboard?
If Ormoc City has a famous resident in Lucy Torres-Gomez, Tacloban has a gorgeous first-lady in Cristina Gonzales who owns a salon and spa in Tacloban downtown is a neo-classical style building.Coming Up: Suroy-suroy Tacloban and pasalubong shopping
Related post:
Highly-urbanized Cities in the Philippines
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:33 PM,
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EO 758 SVEG “Special Visa for Employment Generation”
16 November 2008
In another incentive for foreigners to retire and live in the Philippines by investing “special visa for employment generation” (SVEG) was recently offered as contained in the newly-signed Executive Order No. 758.
When most other visitors to the Philippines are allowed to stay at least 21 days, depending on their nationality, most visas can be extended for up to a year.
Salient points of the SVEG Visa according to Executive Order No. 758:
"Foreigners who employ at least 10 Filipinos can stay in the country indefinitely."
"Qualified non-immigrant foreigners will be extended “multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay without need of prior departure from the Philippines"
"The privilege will also cover a qualified foreigner’s spouse and unmarried children—legitimate, illegitimate or adopted—below 18 years old."
The SVEG will not legitimize the status of overstaying foreigners and sometimes doing business in the country.
The information application would be coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
How to apply for SVEG “special visa for employment generation":
You may visit the Burea of Immigration Office in Intramuros, Manila for details, SVEG Visa fees and requirements e.g. minimum capital required.
Links and Sources:
Bureau of Immigration
Gov.ph
When most other visitors to the Philippines are allowed to stay at least 21 days, depending on their nationality, most visas can be extended for up to a year.
Salient points of the SVEG Visa according to Executive Order No. 758:
"Foreigners who employ at least 10 Filipinos can stay in the country indefinitely."
"Qualified non-immigrant foreigners will be extended “multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay without need of prior departure from the Philippines"
"The privilege will also cover a qualified foreigner’s spouse and unmarried children—legitimate, illegitimate or adopted—below 18 years old."
The SVEG will not legitimize the status of overstaying foreigners and sometimes doing business in the country.
The information application would be coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
How to apply for SVEG “special visa for employment generation":
You may visit the Burea of Immigration Office in Intramuros, Manila for details, SVEG Visa fees and requirements e.g. minimum capital required.
Links and Sources:
Bureau of Immigration
Gov.ph
Labels: Living in the Philippines, Philippine Visa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:40 PM,
,
Ormoc: 17 Years after the Flash Flood
15 November 2008
Seventeen years ago, the seaside city of Ormoc in Leyte island was ravaged by a flash flood that swept the city and killed around than eight thousand people. Ghastly photos of the tragic event was shown not only in the Philippines but the whole world and triggered massive relief efforts to help the survivors. The tragedy was blamed, as usual, to people's irreverence and exploitation of Mother Nature.
With his recent visit to Ormoc, he was able to visualize the damage to the city, including its reputation as a unsafe place to travel, from locals who showed him around, even from survivors of the disaster who have their own stories to tell. Tutubi will just share photos of Ormoc, 17 years after the tragedy, from an image of disaster to a new one pulsating with promise, a clear picture of a liveable city who has learned from past mistakes.
St. Peters College and St. Peter and Paul Church. Also partly visible is Ormoc City Astrodome
Lots of trees visible from a distance where a football game, something not usual in Manila is also held. Football is popular in the Visayas particularly Bacolod and Iloilo
closer view of the football field (200mm at f11)
This post is not to perpetuate Ormoc as a place of tragedy but rather provide a fresh outlook and image of the city as a safe, livable place. Some people already chose this as their retirement place two hours away from bustling Cebu City.
---
Ormoc Travel and Living Information
Other tourist attractions:
Laki Danao Natural Park
Go boating, camping, mountain trekking and birdwatching
Ormoc Golf Course
Leyte Golf and Country Club, Brgy. Mabini
Old bridge near the City Hall, Carlota Hills
World War II Memorial Markers, Ormoc Bay
Ormoc Beach Resorts:
a few resorts line the beach of Ormoc most popular is Sabin Beach Resort. Note though that Sabin's beach front is not so desirable for beach bummers; the resort though has a nice swim-around pool.
Ormoc Pasalubong/delicacies:
Young Attitudes Cassava Cake
Pineapples (Queen variety, you may buy them at the market or the pasalubong center near Ormoc bus terminal)
How to get there:
Manila to Ormoc: There are now flights to Ormoc Airport by PAL Express on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Alternatives are you take a flight to Tacloban then ride a bus or v-hire for about 3 hours land travel to Ormoc or a flight to Cebu then a 2 hour fastcraft (Supercat) or slow ferry (e.g. Cebu Ferries), about 6 hours sea travel.
For the budget-conscious and with luxury of time, Ormoc Ro-ro buses are available at Philtranco and Ultrabus.
Getting around Ormoc:
there are no taxis in Ormoc but plenty of tricycles to take you anywhere around or beyond the city.
Languages spoken:
Ormocanons speak Waray language (should be a language and not merely a dialect), English and Filipino is widely spoken.
Shopping Malls and Nightlife:
there are no giant malls and always alive nightlife in Ormoc (Tutubi doesn't like them malls anyway). Lots of them in Cebu City and there are also the soon-to-be open Robinsons mall and Gaisano in booming Tacloban City and probably an SM in the future.
The flash flood in Ormoc City occured on November 5, 1991 attributed to illegal logging but some claimed it's due to the presence of waterspouts and a storm that created a dam under the bridge of a river. When the dam burst, the water swept houses on a sandbar at the mouth of the river.
All photos taken on the roof deck of OCCCI building, currently the tallest building in the city. For other posts on Ormoc, please click the Ormoc categories below.
With his recent visit to Ormoc, he was able to visualize the damage to the city, including its reputation as a unsafe place to travel, from locals who showed him around, even from survivors of the disaster who have their own stories to tell. Tutubi will just share photos of Ormoc, 17 years after the tragedy, from an image of disaster to a new one pulsating with promise, a clear picture of a liveable city who has learned from past mistakes.
St. Peters College and St. Peter and Paul Church. Also partly visible is Ormoc City Astrodome
Lots of trees visible from a distance where a football game, something not usual in Manila is also held. Football is popular in the Visayas particularly Bacolod and Iloilo
closer view of the football field (200mm at f11)This post is not to perpetuate Ormoc as a place of tragedy but rather provide a fresh outlook and image of the city as a safe, livable place. Some people already chose this as their retirement place two hours away from bustling Cebu City.
---
Ormoc Travel and Living Information
Other tourist attractions:
Laki Danao Natural Park
Go boating, camping, mountain trekking and birdwatching
Ormoc Golf Course
Leyte Golf and Country Club, Brgy. Mabini
Old bridge near the City Hall, Carlota Hills
World War II Memorial Markers, Ormoc Bay
Ormoc Beach Resorts:
a few resorts line the beach of Ormoc most popular is Sabin Beach Resort. Note though that Sabin's beach front is not so desirable for beach bummers; the resort though has a nice swim-around pool.
Ormoc Pasalubong/delicacies:
Young Attitudes Cassava Cake
Pineapples (Queen variety, you may buy them at the market or the pasalubong center near Ormoc bus terminal)
How to get there:
Manila to Ormoc: There are now flights to Ormoc Airport by PAL Express on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Alternatives are you take a flight to Tacloban then ride a bus or v-hire for about 3 hours land travel to Ormoc or a flight to Cebu then a 2 hour fastcraft (Supercat) or slow ferry (e.g. Cebu Ferries), about 6 hours sea travel.
For the budget-conscious and with luxury of time, Ormoc Ro-ro buses are available at Philtranco and Ultrabus.
Getting around Ormoc:
there are no taxis in Ormoc but plenty of tricycles to take you anywhere around or beyond the city.
Languages spoken:
Ormocanons speak Waray language (should be a language and not merely a dialect), English and Filipino is widely spoken.
Shopping Malls and Nightlife:
there are no giant malls and always alive nightlife in Ormoc (Tutubi doesn't like them malls anyway). Lots of them in Cebu City and there are also the soon-to-be open Robinsons mall and Gaisano in booming Tacloban City and probably an SM in the future.
The flash flood in Ormoc City occured on November 5, 1991 attributed to illegal logging but some claimed it's due to the presence of waterspouts and a storm that created a dam under the bridge of a river. When the dam burst, the water swept houses on a sandbar at the mouth of the river.
All photos taken on the roof deck of OCCCI building, currently the tallest building in the city. For other posts on Ormoc, please click the Ormoc categories below.
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Living in the Philippines, Ormoc
posted by GingGoy @ 1:26 AM,
,
Tacloban Airport Guide: Terminal Fee, How to Get there via Jeepney, Taxi
11 November 2008
Now named Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Tacloban Domestic airport is the gateway to Eastern Visayas serving flights to Tacloban City.
From this airport, you can then venture out and explore other towns and cities of Leyte and Samar. This airport was destroyed by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in December 2013 and currently is state of disrepair
UPDATED: June 2014
Tacloban Airport before Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. People waiting for passengers of a Cebu Pacific flight. Tutubi hang out at the arrival while waiting for the opening of check-in counters
Carriers servicing Tacloban Domestic Airport:
Philippine Airlines with regular daily flights to other destinations
Cebu Pacific with regular daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Kalibo
Tacloban Airport Terminal Fee: PhP100.00 (as of June 2014, sometimes called airport tax/departure tax/airport users tax)
A baggage carousel is present eliminating the need for porters at the arrival hall.
Double layer of X-Ray machines plus guards for body frisking and sifting through your hand-carried bags for security.
There's a small store inside the passengers lounge selling snacks and last minute pasalubong stuff like binagol, pastillas and chocolate moron. No restaurant inside the terminal.
No tubes to board the aircraft, you need to walk and use the stairs to the airplane doors like in most other domestic airports.
Hotels near Tacloban Airport:
Walking distance: None
There are many hotels and other accommodations in downtown Tacloban
From Tacloban Aiport to your destination:
Taxis are available to take you to Tacloban City downtown for PhP250.00 (travel time is about 30 minutes). They can also be hired for P2,500.00 12-hour city tour besides other V-hire (van for hire) there with people offering you their vehicles at the exit gate.
For backpackers and budget travelers, jeepneys ply the route going to the New Tacloban Bus Terminal (where buses, shuttle service (GT Express) and jeepneys are waiting for passengers), downtown and even Duptours terminals (beside a gas station). If you're in a hurry, don't ride the waiting jeepneys at the exit if it's not full, head straight to the airport gate and flag a jeep going to Tacloban.
Commuting to Tacloban Airport:
If you took the bus or shuttle (e.g. Duptours) from anywhere in Leyte (e.g. Ormoc) or Samar (Basey, Marabut, Guian, Borongan), drop off at Tacloban rotonda and transfer to a jeepney with signboard San Jose-Airport. The same jeepney can be found in downtown Tacloban. There are no taxis in the city center, only tricycles, and the airport is quite far for tricycles so expect an expensive fare.
WARNING:
Don't even think of cracking a bomb joke at the airport. Filipinos may have a sense of humor but bomb jokes can make you miss your flight and get you in serious trouble with the police and airport security people.
Note: Tutubi is posting updated information on these things. He noticed guide books about the Philippines, including Lonely Planet and Jens Peters, are churning out new editions yet information has not been fully updated and verified and it seems the authors have not really been to some destinations and probably got the information from someone else :(
From this airport, you can then venture out and explore other towns and cities of Leyte and Samar. This airport was destroyed by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in December 2013 and currently is state of disrepair
UPDATED: June 2014
Tacloban Airport before Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. People waiting for passengers of a Cebu Pacific flight. Tutubi hang out at the arrival while waiting for the opening of check-in countersCarriers servicing Tacloban Domestic Airport:
Philippine Airlines with regular daily flights to other destinations
Cebu Pacific with regular daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Kalibo
Tacloban Airport Terminal Fee: PhP100.00 (as of June 2014, sometimes called airport tax/departure tax/airport users tax)
A baggage carousel is present eliminating the need for porters at the arrival hall.
Double layer of X-Ray machines plus guards for body frisking and sifting through your hand-carried bags for security.
There's a small store inside the passengers lounge selling snacks and last minute pasalubong stuff like binagol, pastillas and chocolate moron. No restaurant inside the terminal.
No tubes to board the aircraft, you need to walk and use the stairs to the airplane doors like in most other domestic airports.
Hotels near Tacloban Airport:
Walking distance: None
There are many hotels and other accommodations in downtown Tacloban
From Tacloban Aiport to your destination:
Taxis are available to take you to Tacloban City downtown for PhP250.00 (travel time is about 30 minutes). They can also be hired for P2,500.00 12-hour city tour besides other V-hire (van for hire) there with people offering you their vehicles at the exit gate.
For backpackers and budget travelers, jeepneys ply the route going to the New Tacloban Bus Terminal (where buses, shuttle service (GT Express) and jeepneys are waiting for passengers), downtown and even Duptours terminals (beside a gas station). If you're in a hurry, don't ride the waiting jeepneys at the exit if it's not full, head straight to the airport gate and flag a jeep going to Tacloban.
Commuting to Tacloban Airport:
If you took the bus or shuttle (e.g. Duptours) from anywhere in Leyte (e.g. Ormoc) or Samar (Basey, Marabut, Guian, Borongan), drop off at Tacloban rotonda and transfer to a jeepney with signboard San Jose-Airport. The same jeepney can be found in downtown Tacloban. There are no taxis in the city center, only tricycles, and the airport is quite far for tricycles so expect an expensive fare.
WARNING:
Don't even think of cracking a bomb joke at the airport. Filipinos may have a sense of humor but bomb jokes can make you miss your flight and get you in serious trouble with the police and airport security people.
Note: Tutubi is posting updated information on these things. He noticed guide books about the Philippines, including Lonely Planet and Jens Peters, are churning out new editions yet information has not been fully updated and verified and it seems the authors have not really been to some destinations and probably got the information from someone else :(
Labels: Airports, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Tacloban City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:20 PM,
,
The Chicken Inato of Chicken Ati-Atihan
10 November 2008
One of the places Tutubi ate out in Ormoc reminded him of Jo's Chicken Inato on Jupiter St. in Makati and the original one in Dumaguete City.
Chicken inato, literally meaning "our chicken" or "homely chicken" in English is special marinated chicken bar-be-queued to golden brown appetizing goodness.
Upon getting the menu, he ordered chicken thigh for only PhP65.00, cheap by Manila standard where a similar meal costs aboout Php100 or more.
a noisy picture of the chicken at ISO1600...'twas too dark inside
the bahay kubo ambiance of the place is good, though the lights are too dim for practical photography of food if you don't have additional light with you.
Tutubi did what he saw locals eating there did: eat with bare hands :P
Chicken Ati-atihan's tagline: Mapapasayaw ka sa sarap!
What's your favorite bar-be-qued chicken? Chicken inasal? chicken inato? or your own secret chicken bbq recipe?
---
Chicken Ati-atihan
Aviles St., Ormoc City, Leyte
There's another restaurant in Ormoc by the same owners of Chicken Ati-atihan serving the same chicken inato (and also offering franchise) but Tutubi forgot the name.
Other recommended Ormoc Restaurant:
Chito's Chow Bar & Restaurant
(Filipino/Chinese Dishes)
(Near Veteran's Park and Ormoc City Coliseum)
Tel. No. +63.53.255.3520
Chicken inato, literally meaning "our chicken" or "homely chicken" in English is special marinated chicken bar-be-queued to golden brown appetizing goodness.
Upon getting the menu, he ordered chicken thigh for only PhP65.00, cheap by Manila standard where a similar meal costs aboout Php100 or more.
a noisy picture of the chicken at ISO1600...'twas too dark inside
the bahay kubo ambiance of the place is good, though the lights are too dim for practical photography of food if you don't have additional light with you.Tutubi did what he saw locals eating there did: eat with bare hands :P
Chicken Ati-atihan's tagline: Mapapasayaw ka sa sarap!
What's your favorite bar-be-qued chicken? Chicken inasal? chicken inato? or your own secret chicken bbq recipe?
---
Chicken Ati-atihan
Aviles St., Ormoc City, Leyte
There's another restaurant in Ormoc by the same owners of Chicken Ati-atihan serving the same chicken inato (and also offering franchise) but Tutubi forgot the name.
Other recommended Ormoc Restaurant:
Chito's Chow Bar & Restaurant
(Filipino/Chinese Dishes)
(Near Veteran's Park and Ormoc City Coliseum)
Tel. No. +63.53.255.3520
Labels: Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Leyte Restaurants, Ormoc, Restaurants
posted by GingGoy @ 9:24 PM,
,
Ormoc Accommodations: OCCCI Hostel
Anyone looking for the newest place to stay in Ormoc can easily find it in downtown Ormoc, walking distance from the St. Peter and Paul Church, Veterans Park, and Ormoc City Superdome
Tutubi came home to his room at OCCC hostel with this sight of comfortable bed with satin-like bed sheets.
Located at the 4th floor of OCCCI building, the tallest structure currently in Ormoc, barely a year old, and offers a great view of the city outside.
Service was great with the amiable hostel keeper, nice, clean toilet and shower, a TV and personal refrigerator with mini-bar prices that won't prevent you from getting one from the stocks.
There are three suites at OCCCI Hostel for only PhP800.00 plus 4 dormitory type rooms for budget travelers and groups for PhP250.00/person a night.
Tipping is not allowed; Tutubi tried it but the courteous staff declined.
No meals available but the staff can order one for you from restaurants nearby.
Elevator service is available during office hours only though so you have to walk up the stairs if you return late at night.
OCCCI is an Ormoc-based Cooperative with numerous branches in Leyte and neighboring provinces.
Telephone Number: +63.53.561.1235 (request to be connected to the hostel)
There are other hotels, and pension houses in Ormoc including beach resorts (e.g. Sabin Beach Resort but quite far from the city center)
How to get there:
From Duptours terminal, Ormoc pier or bus terminal, just ride a tricycle and tell the driver OCCCI (pronounced "oxy"). Tricycle fare is minimum PhP6.00 only. You can also walk if you feel like it since Ormoc is a walkable city.
Tutubi came home to his room at OCCC hostel with this sight of comfortable bed with satin-like bed sheets.
Located at the 4th floor of OCCCI building, the tallest structure currently in Ormoc, barely a year old, and offers a great view of the city outside.
Service was great with the amiable hostel keeper, nice, clean toilet and shower, a TV and personal refrigerator with mini-bar prices that won't prevent you from getting one from the stocks.
There are three suites at OCCCI Hostel for only PhP800.00 plus 4 dormitory type rooms for budget travelers and groups for PhP250.00/person a night.
Tipping is not allowed; Tutubi tried it but the courteous staff declined.
No meals available but the staff can order one for you from restaurants nearby.
Elevator service is available during office hours only though so you have to walk up the stairs if you return late at night.
OCCCI is an Ormoc-based Cooperative with numerous branches in Leyte and neighboring provinces.
Telephone Number: +63.53.561.1235 (request to be connected to the hostel)
There are other hotels, and pension houses in Ormoc including beach resorts (e.g. Sabin Beach Resort but quite far from the city center)
How to get there:
From Duptours terminal, Ormoc pier or bus terminal, just ride a tricycle and tell the driver OCCCI (pronounced "oxy"). Tricycle fare is minimum PhP6.00 only. You can also walk if you feel like it since Ormoc is a walkable city.
Labels: Accommodations, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc
posted by GingGoy @ 9:23 PM,
,
Ormoc: Cassava Cake from Young Attitudes
08 November 2008
Where ever Tutubi goes, one of the first questions he'll ask from friends and locals is this: "What's the specialty of this place?
In Ormoc, he again posed the same question to his hosts and got the answer: cassava cake, with unique recipe from Young Attitudes. He thought it's just the usual cassava cake that can be bought anywhere else but when they got to a store in downtown Ormoc, he found out the cassava cake has it's own twist-- it's mixed with buco (young coconut) plus a sprinkling of cheese on top and packaged in mouth-watering bite-size pieces.
After buying a box (just one, ever wary of Cebu Pacific excess baggage charges), When Tutubi got back to the hostel, he got curious, opened the box and sampled the cassava cake. Tasting it was really good, even if he doesn't have a sweet tooth, he ate more than he usually does and stuffed the box inside the refrigerator lest he devours them all.
a quick photo of the box packaging, labeled Young Attitudes Cassava con Buco Delight, on Tutubi's bed in a room with poor fluorescent lighting :(
Cassava cake, the delicacy in bite-size, heavenly goodness eliminating the need for the knife (and fighting in case of uneven slicing)
Verdict: Young Attitudes: Ang pinakalami nga cassava cake!
Young Attitudes
Address: Bonifacio St., Ormoc City, Leyte
Tel. No.: +63.53.255.4790; +63.53.255.7739
Branch: P. Burgos. St., Tacloban City
No information yet whether this Ormoc delicacy is available at SM or anywhere in Metro Manila so Tutubi requested his friend from Ormoc to bring one when he travels to Makati in the near future.
In Ormoc, he again posed the same question to his hosts and got the answer: cassava cake, with unique recipe from Young Attitudes. He thought it's just the usual cassava cake that can be bought anywhere else but when they got to a store in downtown Ormoc, he found out the cassava cake has it's own twist-- it's mixed with buco (young coconut) plus a sprinkling of cheese on top and packaged in mouth-watering bite-size pieces.
After buying a box (just one, ever wary of Cebu Pacific excess baggage charges), When Tutubi got back to the hostel, he got curious, opened the box and sampled the cassava cake. Tasting it was really good, even if he doesn't have a sweet tooth, he ate more than he usually does and stuffed the box inside the refrigerator lest he devours them all.
a quick photo of the box packaging, labeled Young Attitudes Cassava con Buco Delight, on Tutubi's bed in a room with poor fluorescent lighting :(
Cassava cake, the delicacy in bite-size, heavenly goodness eliminating the need for the knife (and fighting in case of uneven slicing)Verdict: Young Attitudes: Ang pinakalami nga cassava cake!
Young Attitudes
Address: Bonifacio St., Ormoc City, Leyte
Tel. No.: +63.53.255.4790; +63.53.255.7739
Branch: P. Burgos. St., Tacloban City
No information yet whether this Ormoc delicacy is available at SM or anywhere in Metro Manila so Tutubi requested his friend from Ormoc to bring one when he travels to Makati in the near future.
Labels: Delicacies, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc, Pasalubong
posted by GingGoy @ 6:20 PM,
,
Ormoc Church: St. Peter and Paul Parish
07 November 2008
A stone's throw away from OCCCI Hostel where Tutubi stayed, Ormoc Catholic Church is fairly new with it's marble facade and gold-leafed tableau inside. There was a funeral service the first time he passed by so he didn't enter the church at first and instead dropped by in the evening before resting.
There's no date nor history marker posted on the church but remnants of the old stone church can be found on one side of the patio now converted into a grotto.
the belfry viewed on top of OCCCI building
the tableau with gold-leaf and rococo look
Beside the parish is St. Peters College while the building facing Ormoc Bay is Ormoc City Superdome.
coming up...Ormoc pasalubong
Tags: Leyte Visita Iglesia
There's no date nor history marker posted on the church but remnants of the old stone church can be found on one side of the patio now converted into a grotto.
the belfry viewed on top of OCCCI building
the tableau with gold-leaf and rococo lookBeside the parish is St. Peters College while the building facing Ormoc Bay is Ormoc City Superdome.
coming up...Ormoc pasalubong
Tags: Leyte Visita Iglesia
Labels: Churches, Eastern Visayas, Leyte, Ormoc, Visita Iglesia
posted by GingGoy @ 9:16 PM,
,