Rizal: Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Church)
26 February 2008
Similar to Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine in Pangasinan, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City attracts pilgrims from all over the country particularly people intending to travel, work abroad or blessing new cars/vehicles. This belief in Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Senora De la Paz Y Buen Viaje) has its roots, historians say, that the miraculous icon has sailed back and forth between Manila and Acapulco (Mexico) eight times and on several occasions was credited with protecting the galleon from pirates, and Dutch/British blockades.
picture of Antipolo Church. too bad the sky turned cloudy just as Tutubi passed by.
History of Antipolo Church on the NHI marker
Fiesta in Antipolo is during the month of May while mass schedules follow the usual Sunday masses.
Antipolo Tourist Traps and Tips:
For those who want to have their cars and vehicles blessed, proceed directly to the Parish office to make your donation (of any amount) then show your receipt to the priests and lay ministers blessing other vehicles. The process takes only a few minutes.
People and vendors may sell you pasalubong like suman, kasuy (cashew nuts, mostly from Palawan) and others but buy from the legitimate vendors on a certain side of the church. The ambulant vendors are illegal and block the gates and passageways.
Overeager people may also pin something on you on your way out of the church, politely tell them you're not interested for they' ask for donation again which are not sanctioned by the parish.
How to get to Antipolo Church:
Commute: the fastest way is via MRT/LRT transfer to LRT 2 get off at the last station (Santolan). Board a jeep bound for Antipolo then transfer to a tricycle to take you to the church. There are Antipolo-bound jeepneys in Cubao, Quezon City.
Commute from Laguna: Board a Sta. Cruz-bound jeepney then transfer to a Siniloan PUJ. In Siniloan, flag a jeep to Tanay, Rizal then another jeep to Antipolo (too many jumps but faster than going around the Laguna Loop. If you're from Quezon province, you may board a jeep bound to Pagsanjan or Sta. Cruz then follow this route.
Divisoria, Manila to Antipolo, take EMBC bus that pass by Sta Mesa and Ortigas Extension. Take tricycle to Antipolo Church.
Directions by car: From Makati make your way to Marcos Highway on C5 then choose ilalim C5-Kalayaan Flyover where you also pass by St. Claire (Sta. Clara). Drive straight Marcos Highway, right Sumulong Highway (landmark: Masinag Wet and Dry Market to the left). Drive along the highway (you'll pass Valley Golf and Country Club), head straight at the junction (with signs going to Baras and Hinulugang Taktak). You may ask boys signaling you where to go since there are so many one way streets and map is not always available)
Other pilgrimage sites in Antipolo:
Boso-Boso Church: remnants of an old church destroyed during World War 2.
The White Cross, now called as Via Dolorosa on Pinagmisahan St. with its station of the cross and a large White Cross at the top. (This is is similar to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon)
Inday Nelly's Mystical Cave located in Puting Bato, Brgy. San Luis, with 205 step stairway, with natural rock formations (stalactites and stalagmites) resembling Catholic images.
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Manaoag
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Manila
Visita Iglesia Rizal and Laguna
picture of Antipolo Church. too bad the sky turned cloudy just as Tutubi passed by.
History of Antipolo Church on the NHI markerFiesta in Antipolo is during the month of May while mass schedules follow the usual Sunday masses.
Antipolo Tourist Traps and Tips:For those who want to have their cars and vehicles blessed, proceed directly to the Parish office to make your donation (of any amount) then show your receipt to the priests and lay ministers blessing other vehicles. The process takes only a few minutes.
People and vendors may sell you pasalubong like suman, kasuy (cashew nuts, mostly from Palawan) and others but buy from the legitimate vendors on a certain side of the church. The ambulant vendors are illegal and block the gates and passageways.
Overeager people may also pin something on you on your way out of the church, politely tell them you're not interested for they' ask for donation again which are not sanctioned by the parish.
How to get to Antipolo Church:
Commute: the fastest way is via MRT/LRT transfer to LRT 2 get off at the last station (Santolan). Board a jeep bound for Antipolo then transfer to a tricycle to take you to the church. There are Antipolo-bound jeepneys in Cubao, Quezon City.
Commute from Laguna: Board a Sta. Cruz-bound jeepney then transfer to a Siniloan PUJ. In Siniloan, flag a jeep to Tanay, Rizal then another jeep to Antipolo (too many jumps but faster than going around the Laguna Loop. If you're from Quezon province, you may board a jeep bound to Pagsanjan or Sta. Cruz then follow this route.
Divisoria, Manila to Antipolo, take EMBC bus that pass by Sta Mesa and Ortigas Extension. Take tricycle to Antipolo Church.
Directions by car: From Makati make your way to Marcos Highway on C5 then choose ilalim C5-Kalayaan Flyover where you also pass by St. Claire (Sta. Clara). Drive straight Marcos Highway, right Sumulong Highway (landmark: Masinag Wet and Dry Market to the left). Drive along the highway (you'll pass Valley Golf and Country Club), head straight at the junction (with signs going to Baras and Hinulugang Taktak). You may ask boys signaling you where to go since there are so many one way streets and map is not always available)
Other pilgrimage sites in Antipolo:
Boso-Boso Church: remnants of an old church destroyed during World War 2.
The White Cross, now called as Via Dolorosa on Pinagmisahan St. with its station of the cross and a large White Cross at the top. (This is is similar to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon)
Inday Nelly's Mystical Cave located in Puting Bato, Brgy. San Luis, with 205 step stairway, with natural rock formations (stalactites and stalagmites) resembling Catholic images.
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Manaoag
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Manila
Visita Iglesia Rizal and Laguna
Labels: Antipolo City, Calabarzon, Churches, Pilgrimage Sites, Rizal, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:33 PM,
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Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan
22 February 2008
A favorite pilgrimage site for Catholics, the Our Lady of Manaoag, revered patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy draws the faithful to the shrine in Manaoag, Pangasinan.History of Manaoag shrine dates back to 1605 by its establishment by the Dominicans. The present church is a showcase of Romanesque architecture (the same one used by the Baclaran Church).
The ivory image was brought from Spain by way of Acapulco and venerated by many faithful Catholics who flock to the site on pilgrimages.
Travel Guide Manaoag Church
Manaoag Shrine Mass Schedules according to the official website:
Monday - Friday every hour 5am - 11am
Saturday - every hour 5am - 12nn & 4:30pm
Sunday - every hour 5am - 12nn, 3pm & 4:30pm
Feast of Senora de Manaoag: The fiesta of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary popularly known as Señora de Manaoag, is celebrated on the third Wednesday after Easter Sunday.
Telephone number: +63.75.529.0132
How to get to Manaoag Church from Manila:
Commute: Bus companies Five Star, Victory Liner, and Dagupan Bus Line with bus terminals in on EDSA Cubao, Quezon City, have daily trip schedules that'll take you directly to Manaoag Church. Fare is around PhP231 one way and thr trip takes about 4 hours.
Victory Liner bus to Manaoag trip schedules: Sunday at 4 a.m. at the Pasay terminal and at 4 a.m. at the Cubao bus terminal of Victory Liner. Bus fare to Manaoag: PhP350.00
Other directions: Manaoag is bordered by Pozorrubio in the north, Urdaneta and Mapandan in the South, Binalonan in the east, and San Jacinto in the west all in Pangasinan.
Pasalubong: look for tupig sold in the vicinity of the church.
UPDATED: March 2013
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Manila
Visita Iglesia Rizal and Laguna
Labels: Churches, Pangasinan, Pilgrimage Sites
posted by GingGoy @ 9:37 PM,
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Manila Visita Iglesia Route Guide to Manila's 7 Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas in Holy Week
20 February 2008
Holy week is just around the corner and possibly many Catholics are planning to perform the traditional Visita Iglesia pilgrimage to seven churches in the city. Herewith is a nice guide and some photos of Manila's old churches
Sharing Tutubi's old pictures from his old "baul" of the Manila's old churches (and not so old ones). Note that most of these structures should be preserved for heritage values besides being lasting monuments of Filipino's faith.
San Agustin Church
Address: General Luna St. corner Real St., Intramuros, Manila
Description: San Agustin Church, Intramuros -Oldest Catholic Church in the Philippines and the only Church in Intramuros’ original seven that survived the the February 1945 Battle of Manila. Showcase of Earthquake Baroque architecture with interiors painted with trompe-l'oeil. Spanish conquistadors, Miguel López de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martín de Goiti are buried in a tomb, underneath the church while the nearby crypt (inside San Agustin Museum) lies the remains of Juan Luna.
How to commute there: From Quezon City (Espana or Quiapo), board a jeepney with Quiapo/Pier signboard then alight in front of Plaza Roma (where Manila Cathedral is located). San Agustin is a short walk from there. (Quiapo can be reached via LRT Carriedo station)
Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minore de la Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion)
Address: Plaza Roma, Intramuros, Manila (near Palacio del Gobernador)
Description: Seat of the Archdiocese of Manila, present structure is the 6th cathedral to rise on the site since 1581 (the last one demolished after extensive damage during the Battle of Manila)
How to get to Manila cathdral: From Quezon City (Espana or Quiapo), board a jeepney with Quiapo/Pier signboard then alight in front of Plaza Roma (where Manila Cathedral is located). San Agustin is a short walk from there. (Quiapo can be reached via LRT Carriedo station)
Driving Directions to Manila Cathedral: route from Makati, head towards Buendia and turn right on Roxas Blvd. Drive all the way to Anda Circle (past Luneta) and turn right on the Intramuros gate where Manila cathedral can be seen on your right about 400 meters from the gate. (Parking space available at the ruins of the Ayuntamiento)
Tondo Church (Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church)
Address: I. Chacon, Tondo, Manila
Picture of Tondo Church by wandering Pusa available here while interesting history of the church is available here
Directions to Tondo Church: from Roxas Blvd, drive towards Intramuros then go straight to Delpan Bridge and Radial Road. Turn right at the corner of Moriones Street then right again on Zamora St. You'll pass by the imposing church structure there. The church is accessible by a short jeepney ride from Divisoria on Ilaya St.but Tutubi has yet to try it. He just passed by the place several times)
Malate Church (Nuestra Señora de Remedios Church)
Address: M.H. del Pilar St., Malate, Manila
Description: Augustinian built on the second half of the 18th century, Muslim-Baroque architecture. The church served as stone fortress of the British against the Spaniards in Intramuros.
How to get there: From Quezon City, Espana or Quiapo, hail a jeepney bound for Mabini and get off in front of the church.
Ermita Church (Nuestra Señora de Guia)
Address: M.H. Del Pilar St., Ermita, Manila
Description: the church of Ermita which was founded in 1591 as a small chapel with Nuestra Señora de Guia as patroness.
How to get there: From QC or Quiapo, hail a jeepney bound for Mabini. Get off in front of Ermita Church (near Hotel La Corona)
Directions by car/taxi from Makati, head towards Osmena Highway then Quirino Avenue. Turn left on Paz Guanzon St all the way to UN Avenue. After crossing Taft Avenue, turn left M.H. del Pilar St and look for the church on your left.
Pandacan Church: Sto. Nino de Pandacan
Address: Pandacan, Manila
Description: One of two churches in Manila devoted to the Santo Nino and therefore celebrates fiesta on the third Sunday of January.
How to get there: From Makati, proceed to Osmena Highway then right turn on reaching Quirino Avenue. Turn right on Jesus St. just before Mabini Bridge (Nagtahan). Pandacan Church is about 5 minutes from the corner. (The place is near the controversial Pandacan oil Depot)
Paco Church (St. Pancratius Chapel) and San Fernando de Dilao
Address: Paco, Manila
Description: Paco Cemetery, where St. Pancratius Chapel, was the place where the remains of Jose Rizal was buried in an unmarked grave and also the grave of the three martyred priests- Gomez, Burgos and Zamora, were buried.
How to get there: the place is a mere five minute walk from LRT UN Avenue station, walk towards Padre Faura St (the side opposite Philippine General Hospital)you'll see the old walls of the chapel on San Marcelino St.
Quiapo Church (Basilica Minore del Nazareno Negro)
Address: Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila
(Quiapo Church picture by J, used with permission)
Description: Franciscan, 1586. Home of the annual January Black Nazarene procession on January 9.
How to get there: Quiapo Church is walking distance from LRT Carriedo Station All jeepneys with Quiapo signboard will take you to the church (after some walking).
Santa Ana ChurchNuestra Señora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned)
Franciscan Missionaries founded in 1578, present church built in 1720.
How to get there: From LRT Pedro Gil Station (Herran). Hail a Sta. Ana-bound jeep and get off right in front of the church.
San Sebastian Church (Basilica Minore de San Sebastian)
Address: Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila
Description: the only all-steel church in Asia. Has links to Gustave Eiffel of France.
Binondo Church (Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz)
Address: Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila
Description: Dominican Friars 1596, badly damaged during World War II, only the octagonal bell tower and some foundations remain of the original church structure.
How to get there: From Taft Avenue, hail a Divisoria-bound jeepney. Get off in front of the church.
Sta. Cruz Church (Santa Cruz Parish)
Address: Plaza Lacson, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Description: Society of Jesus (Jesuits) 1608. Dominican after the Jesuits’ expulsion. Original structure damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Rebuilt in 1957.
How to get there: The Church is walking distance from LRT Carriedo Station. Commute from Taft Avenue, hail a jeepney bound for Sta. Cruz and alight in front of the church.
Bustillos Church (The Twin Churches of Bustillos: Church of Our Lady of Loreto and Church of St. Anthony of Padua)
The Franciscans built the Church of Our Lady of Loreto in honor of Nuestra Senora de Loreto in 1613. Rebuilt after World War II
The original Church of St. Anthony of Padua was built in Paco in 1619; relocated in Sampaloc in 1783.
Church of Our Lady of Loreto and the Church of St. Anthony of Padua are situated in the same compound on J. Figueras St (Bustillos Street)
How to get there: Bustillos is walking distance from LRT 2 . Jeepneys on Hidalgo St. bound for Bustillos pass in front of the churches. Other PUJ that pass near the area are Quiapo-Lealtad and Quiapo-Balic-balic routes. Jeepneys plying the Pasig-Quiapo route pass by Legarda St. Alight at Jollibee Bustillos on Legarda St then walk along J. Figueras St (formerly Bustillos St)
Other Interesting Churches and Chapels in Manila:San Beda: Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat (Benedictine Chapel in San Beda College)
DLSU Chapel: Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament (De La Salle University, Manila)San Miguel Church: St. Michael and the Archangels (San Miguel, Manila)
Suggested Manila Bisita Iglesia itinerary (walking tour) of seven churches on Holy Thursday:
Quiapo Church, San Sebastian Church, San Miguel Church, St Jude Thaddeus, San Beda Chapel, San Antonio de Padua and Loreto Church (Bustillos)
Updated: March 2013
Note: the other UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Philippines lumped together with San Agustin Church as Baroque Churches include Miagao Church in Iloilo, Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, and Sta. Maria Church in Ilocos Sur.
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
Our Lady of Manaoag
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Rizal and Laguna
Sharing Tutubi's old pictures from his old "baul" of the Manila's old churches (and not so old ones). Note that most of these structures should be preserved for heritage values besides being lasting monuments of Filipino's faith.
San Agustin Church
Address: General Luna St. corner Real St., Intramuros, Manila
Description: San Agustin Church, Intramuros -Oldest Catholic Church in the Philippines and the only Church in Intramuros’ original seven that survived the the February 1945 Battle of Manila. Showcase of Earthquake Baroque architecture with interiors painted with trompe-l'oeil. Spanish conquistadors, Miguel López de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martín de Goiti are buried in a tomb, underneath the church while the nearby crypt (inside San Agustin Museum) lies the remains of Juan Luna.
How to commute there: From Quezon City (Espana or Quiapo), board a jeepney with Quiapo/Pier signboard then alight in front of Plaza Roma (where Manila Cathedral is located). San Agustin is a short walk from there. (Quiapo can be reached via LRT Carriedo station)
Manila Cathedral (Basilica Minore de la Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion)
Address: Plaza Roma, Intramuros, Manila (near Palacio del Gobernador)
Description: Seat of the Archdiocese of Manila, present structure is the 6th cathedral to rise on the site since 1581 (the last one demolished after extensive damage during the Battle of Manila)
How to get to Manila cathdral: From Quezon City (Espana or Quiapo), board a jeepney with Quiapo/Pier signboard then alight in front of Plaza Roma (where Manila Cathedral is located). San Agustin is a short walk from there. (Quiapo can be reached via LRT Carriedo station)
Driving Directions to Manila Cathedral: route from Makati, head towards Buendia and turn right on Roxas Blvd. Drive all the way to Anda Circle (past Luneta) and turn right on the Intramuros gate where Manila cathedral can be seen on your right about 400 meters from the gate. (Parking space available at the ruins of the Ayuntamiento)
Tondo Church (Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church)
Address: I. Chacon, Tondo, Manila
Picture of Tondo Church by wandering Pusa available here while interesting history of the church is available here
Directions to Tondo Church: from Roxas Blvd, drive towards Intramuros then go straight to Delpan Bridge and Radial Road. Turn right at the corner of Moriones Street then right again on Zamora St. You'll pass by the imposing church structure there. The church is accessible by a short jeepney ride from Divisoria on Ilaya St.but Tutubi has yet to try it. He just passed by the place several times)
Malate Church (Nuestra Señora de Remedios Church)
Address: M.H. del Pilar St., Malate, Manila
Description: Augustinian built on the second half of the 18th century, Muslim-Baroque architecture. The church served as stone fortress of the British against the Spaniards in Intramuros.
How to get there: From Quezon City, Espana or Quiapo, hail a jeepney bound for Mabini and get off in front of the church.
Ermita Church (Nuestra Señora de Guia)
Address: M.H. Del Pilar St., Ermita, Manila
Description: the church of Ermita which was founded in 1591 as a small chapel with Nuestra Señora de Guia as patroness.
How to get there: From QC or Quiapo, hail a jeepney bound for Mabini. Get off in front of Ermita Church (near Hotel La Corona)
Directions by car/taxi from Makati, head towards Osmena Highway then Quirino Avenue. Turn left on Paz Guanzon St all the way to UN Avenue. After crossing Taft Avenue, turn left M.H. del Pilar St and look for the church on your left.
Pandacan Church: Sto. Nino de Pandacan
Address: Pandacan, Manila
Description: One of two churches in Manila devoted to the Santo Nino and therefore celebrates fiesta on the third Sunday of January.
How to get there: From Makati, proceed to Osmena Highway then right turn on reaching Quirino Avenue. Turn right on Jesus St. just before Mabini Bridge (Nagtahan). Pandacan Church is about 5 minutes from the corner. (The place is near the controversial Pandacan oil Depot)
Paco Church (St. Pancratius Chapel) and San Fernando de Dilao
Address: Paco, Manila
Description: Paco Cemetery, where St. Pancratius Chapel, was the place where the remains of Jose Rizal was buried in an unmarked grave and also the grave of the three martyred priests- Gomez, Burgos and Zamora, were buried.
How to get there: the place is a mere five minute walk from LRT UN Avenue station, walk towards Padre Faura St (the side opposite Philippine General Hospital)you'll see the old walls of the chapel on San Marcelino St.
Quiapo Church (Basilica Minore del Nazareno Negro)
Address: Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila
(Quiapo Church picture by J, used with permission)Description: Franciscan, 1586. Home of the annual January Black Nazarene procession on January 9.
How to get there: Quiapo Church is walking distance from LRT Carriedo Station All jeepneys with Quiapo signboard will take you to the church (after some walking).
Santa Ana ChurchNuestra Señora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned)
Franciscan Missionaries founded in 1578, present church built in 1720.
How to get there: From LRT Pedro Gil Station (Herran). Hail a Sta. Ana-bound jeep and get off right in front of the church.
San Sebastian Church (Basilica Minore de San Sebastian)
Address: Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo, Manila
Description: the only all-steel church in Asia. Has links to Gustave Eiffel of France.
Binondo Church (Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz)
Address: Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila
Description: Dominican Friars 1596, badly damaged during World War II, only the octagonal bell tower and some foundations remain of the original church structure.
How to get there: From Taft Avenue, hail a Divisoria-bound jeepney. Get off in front of the church.
Sta. Cruz Church (Santa Cruz Parish)
Address: Plaza Lacson, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Description: Society of Jesus (Jesuits) 1608. Dominican after the Jesuits’ expulsion. Original structure damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Rebuilt in 1957.
How to get there: The Church is walking distance from LRT Carriedo Station. Commute from Taft Avenue, hail a jeepney bound for Sta. Cruz and alight in front of the church.
Bustillos Church (The Twin Churches of Bustillos: Church of Our Lady of Loreto and Church of St. Anthony of Padua)
The Franciscans built the Church of Our Lady of Loreto in honor of Nuestra Senora de Loreto in 1613. Rebuilt after World War II
The original Church of St. Anthony of Padua was built in Paco in 1619; relocated in Sampaloc in 1783.
Church of Our Lady of Loreto and the Church of St. Anthony of Padua are situated in the same compound on J. Figueras St (Bustillos Street)
How to get there: Bustillos is walking distance from LRT 2 . Jeepneys on Hidalgo St. bound for Bustillos pass in front of the churches. Other PUJ that pass near the area are Quiapo-Lealtad and Quiapo-Balic-balic routes. Jeepneys plying the Pasig-Quiapo route pass by Legarda St. Alight at Jollibee Bustillos on Legarda St then walk along J. Figueras St (formerly Bustillos St)
Other Interesting Churches and Chapels in Manila:San Beda: Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat (Benedictine Chapel in San Beda College)
DLSU Chapel: Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament (De La Salle University, Manila)San Miguel Church: St. Michael and the Archangels (San Miguel, Manila)
Suggested Manila Bisita Iglesia itinerary (walking tour) of seven churches on Holy Thursday:
Quiapo Church, San Sebastian Church, San Miguel Church, St Jude Thaddeus, San Beda Chapel, San Antonio de Padua and Loreto Church (Bustillos)
Updated: March 2013
Note: the other UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Philippines lumped together with San Agustin Church as Baroque Churches include Miagao Church in Iloilo, Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, and Sta. Maria Church in Ilocos Sur.
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
Our Lady of Manaoag
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Rizal and Laguna
Labels: Churches, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Visita Iglesia
posted by GingGoy @ 10:29 PM,
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Visita Iglesia Laguna and Rizal: Old Churches Route Guide
19 February 2008
Going on a "bisita iglesia" tour around Rizal province and Laguna via the so-called Laguna Loop? Here's a snippet, names and suggested itinerary for your reference.
Traditional Visita Iglesia during Holy Thursday requires visiting seven churches possibly has its roots on the seven churches of Rome (the city of seven hills). Note that pre-war Intramuros has seven churches of which only San Agustin survived the second world war.
Suggested Visita Iglesia of Rizal and Laguna itinerary:
Antipolo Church, Baras Church, Tanay Church, Morong Church
Mabitac Church, Pakil Church, Paete Church, Longos Church (Kalayaan)
Catholic Churches of Laguna (Visita Iglesia):
Mabitac Church: Church of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria
Due to earthquakes, only the belltower of the old church of Mabitac remains and no attempt at restoring the old church was made.
Siniloan Church: Parish of Saints Peter and Paul (new church, the old one is gone)
Pangil Church: Church of Nuestra Senora dela Natividad
Pakil Church: San Pedro de Alcantara Church
Paete Church: San Santiago Apostol (St. James the Apostle or St. James the Great)
Longos Church: Parish of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist Church)
the belfry of the old stone church
San Antonio, Kalayaan: San Antonio de Padua (Church of St. Anthony de Padua)
Lumban Church: St. Sebastian the Martyr Parish (San Sebastian)
Cavinti Church: Parish of the Transfiguration Church
Pagsanjan Church: Church of Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church)
Sta Cruz Church: Sta. Cruz Church
Pila Church: San Antonio de Padua (Church of St. Anthony de Padua)
Bay Church: San Agustin (St. Augustine Church)
Calauan Church: San Isidro Labrador
Nagcarlan Church: San Bartolome (Church of St. Bartholomew)
Magdalena Church: Maria Magdalena (St. Mary Magdalene Church)
Majayjay Church: San Gregorio Magno (St. Gregory the Great Church)
Liliw Church: San Juan Bautista (St. John The Baptist Parish Church)
Luisiana Church: Our Lady of the Rosary Parish
Alaminos Church: Our Lady of the Pillar Parish
San Pablo Cathedral: Cathedral Church of St. Paul, First Hermit
Calamba Church: San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) (where Jose Rizal was baptized on June 22, 1861)
Sta Rosa Church: Church of Sta. Rosa de Lima
San Pedro Church: Santo Sepulchro (Holy Sepulchre Church)
Rizal Bisita Iglesia:
Baras Church: San Jose Church (Saint Joseph Parish Church)
Morong Church: Church of San Geronimo
Tanay Church: San Ildefonso Church
Antipolo Church: Nuestra Senora De la Paz Y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage)
How to get there:
With Antipolo Church as starting point, it's easy to board jeepneys going to the churches (commute) or simply follow the road for directions (most towns only have two main roads: one is the highway, the other pass through the town center or poblacion). The route is clearly visible on various maps of Laguna and Rizal provinces.
UPDATED: April 2014
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
Our Lady of Manaoag
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Manila
Traditional Visita Iglesia during Holy Thursday requires visiting seven churches possibly has its roots on the seven churches of Rome (the city of seven hills). Note that pre-war Intramuros has seven churches of which only San Agustin survived the second world war.
Suggested Visita Iglesia of Rizal and Laguna itinerary:
Antipolo Church, Baras Church, Tanay Church, Morong Church
Mabitac Church, Pakil Church, Paete Church, Longos Church (Kalayaan)
Catholic Churches of Laguna (Visita Iglesia):
Mabitac Church: Church of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria
Due to earthquakes, only the belltower of the old church of Mabitac remains and no attempt at restoring the old church was made.Siniloan Church: Parish of Saints Peter and Paul (new church, the old one is gone)
Pangil Church: Church of Nuestra Senora dela Natividad
Pakil Church: San Pedro de Alcantara Church
Paete Church: San Santiago Apostol (St. James the Apostle or St. James the Great)
Longos Church: Parish of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist Church)
the belfry of the old stone churchSan Antonio, Kalayaan: San Antonio de Padua (Church of St. Anthony de Padua)
Lumban Church: St. Sebastian the Martyr Parish (San Sebastian)
Cavinti Church: Parish of the Transfiguration Church
Pagsanjan Church: Church of Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church)
Sta Cruz Church: Sta. Cruz Church
Pila Church: San Antonio de Padua (Church of St. Anthony de Padua)
Bay Church: San Agustin (St. Augustine Church)
Calauan Church: San Isidro Labrador
Nagcarlan Church: San Bartolome (Church of St. Bartholomew)
Magdalena Church: Maria Magdalena (St. Mary Magdalene Church)
Majayjay Church: San Gregorio Magno (St. Gregory the Great Church)
Liliw Church: San Juan Bautista (St. John The Baptist Parish Church)
Luisiana Church: Our Lady of the Rosary Parish
Alaminos Church: Our Lady of the Pillar Parish
San Pablo Cathedral: Cathedral Church of St. Paul, First Hermit
Calamba Church: San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) (where Jose Rizal was baptized on June 22, 1861)
Sta Rosa Church: Church of Sta. Rosa de Lima
San Pedro Church: Santo Sepulchro (Holy Sepulchre Church)
Rizal Bisita Iglesia:
Baras Church: San Jose Church (Saint Joseph Parish Church)
Morong Church: Church of San Geronimo
Tanay Church: San Ildefonso Church
Antipolo Church: Nuestra Senora De la Paz Y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage)
How to get there:
With Antipolo Church as starting point, it's easy to board jeepneys going to the churches (commute) or simply follow the road for directions (most towns only have two main roads: one is the highway, the other pass through the town center or poblacion). The route is clearly visible on various maps of Laguna and Rizal provinces.
UPDATED: April 2014
Related Posts:
St. Clare Monastery
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
Our Lady of Manaoag
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa
Our Lady of the Pillar
Kamay ni Hesus
Visita Iglesia Manila
Labels: Calabarzon, Churches, Laguna, Rizal, Southern Tagalog, Visita Iglesia
posted by GingGoy @ 9:23 PM,
,
Remembering Iwahig Penal Colony, Palawan
18 February 2008
Exactly two years ago, a tragic event happened in Palawan that impacted Tutubi's life and outlook in this world particularly in his living on the edge attitude.
On the second day of Tutubi and his friends' travel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the huge white cross of Iwahig Penal Colony, a wall-less prison where prisoners till the land instead of being kept in cells, was the silent witness of a tragedy that's about to happen.
The large cross of Iwahig Penal Colony near the maximum security compound (a rather crude attempt on high key effect using Photoshop).
It was on a beach near Iwahig, a place called Inagawan, where Tutubi and two of his travel mates survived unassuming yet dangerous waves on an underwater cliff; one of his friends didn't make it alive.
The tragic event still lives vividly and remembered...
May you rest in peace, Rolan!
---
Related links:
Survivor Palawan
Philippine Crocodiles at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC)
On the second day of Tutubi and his friends' travel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the huge white cross of Iwahig Penal Colony, a wall-less prison where prisoners till the land instead of being kept in cells, was the silent witness of a tragedy that's about to happen.
The large cross of Iwahig Penal Colony near the maximum security compound (a rather crude attempt on high key effect using Photoshop).It was on a beach near Iwahig, a place called Inagawan, where Tutubi and two of his travel mates survived unassuming yet dangerous waves on an underwater cliff; one of his friends didn't make it alive.
The tragic event still lives vividly and remembered...
May you rest in peace, Rolan!
---
Related links:
Survivor Palawan
Philippine Crocodiles at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC)
Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:08 PM,
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Angeles City Food Trip: Itinerary and Restaurants
16 February 2008
After all the hot air balloons were no longer visible on the horizon, Tutubi didn't bother to watch the skydiving, helicopter maneuvers and aerial acrobatics for they're already hungry and Tutubi's camera battery lost juice earlier than usual. Decided instead to go for an impromptu food trip of the city of Angels i.e. Angeles City.
First stop: Razon's Halo-halo, not the original branch in Guagua and Angeles City, but a stall inside the grounds of the fiesta. Ordered the usual halo-halo, dinuguan and puto. The halo-halo was its usual sweet sensation but the dinuguan was disappointing.
Next stop: Zapata's Cantina Mexicano, an authentic Mexican restaurant near Field's avenue, the (in)famous red light district of Angeles City. Ordered a simple nachos, a simple one sprinkled with jalapeno and black olives with cheese dip (it's simple and lacks the hot punch Tutubi is always looking for). The burrito filled with shredded beef and beans was great however. Didn't order pizza and pasta for there's a long list of other restaurants to "conquer."
Third detour: the visit to Susie's Cuisine at Nepo Mart was interrupted by the magnetic charm of Fruits in Ice Cream (FIC) where delectable desserts of mango and pistachio ice cream.
Near FIC and beside Nepo Mall, the ice cream was further "pushed" down by a sampler of Armando's Pizza at the Historic Old Camalig Restaurant, an old grains depot converted to a quiant restaurant with "old world" feel. The pizza, unique to Pampanga, features Kapampangan longganiza, salted duck eggs (ebun buru), onions and pickle relish and proclaims it as the "pambansang pizza (national pizza)." The pizza, when ordered for take use a native bilao which good for their environment advocacy.
The pitstop: Susie's Cuisine, famous for the best kakanin of Pampanga particularly mochi (looks like japanese gyoza), tibok-tibok (akin to maja blanca). Tutubi also found out Aling Susie's embotido passed his exacting standard on this steamed pork delicacy. (You may also visit Colour Orange's take on Pampanga Food Trip: Susie's Cuisine for kakanin/pasalubong photos)
At around 12noon and with tummies full of the samplings, headed home to chaotic Manila.
---
Other Notable Angeles City Restaurants and Food Trip destinations:
Near Nepo Mart is a branch of Everybody's Cafe, Halo-Halo sa Corazon (whose version of halo-halo consists of sweetened saba (a banana variety), macapuno (mutant coconut), halaya (purple yam jam), beans and cream corn. Also in Angeles City is the home of original sisig: Aling Lucing's Sisig who's branches now in Makati.
Other Information:
Historic Camalig Restaurant
292 Sto. Rosario Street, Angeles City
Website: http://www.camalig.com
Location: Beside Nepo Mall
You will not find information on girlie bars and hookers and stuff (like those on Fields Avenue, Barangay Balibago) for Tutubi doesn't advocate sex tourism-- please respect the Filipina and women in general.
How to get to Angeles City, Pampanga:
Commute by Bus to Angeles City by Philippine Rabbit with terminal on Rizal Avenue (near corner Recto Avenue). Nearest LRT station is Doroteo Jose and LRT 2's last station. Victory Liner buses bound for Dagupan can also be taken to get to Angeles City (alight at the terminal then board a jeep or tricylcle to your destination). You may refer to the bus companies' official websites for fares and updated schedules.
Related Links:
Razon's Halo-Halo
First stop: Razon's Halo-halo, not the original branch in Guagua and Angeles City, but a stall inside the grounds of the fiesta. Ordered the usual halo-halo, dinuguan and puto. The halo-halo was its usual sweet sensation but the dinuguan was disappointing.
Next stop: Zapata's Cantina Mexicano, an authentic Mexican restaurant near Field's avenue, the (in)famous red light district of Angeles City. Ordered a simple nachos, a simple one sprinkled with jalapeno and black olives with cheese dip (it's simple and lacks the hot punch Tutubi is always looking for). The burrito filled with shredded beef and beans was great however. Didn't order pizza and pasta for there's a long list of other restaurants to "conquer."
Third detour: the visit to Susie's Cuisine at Nepo Mart was interrupted by the magnetic charm of Fruits in Ice Cream (FIC) where delectable desserts of mango and pistachio ice cream.
Near FIC and beside Nepo Mall, the ice cream was further "pushed" down by a sampler of Armando's Pizza at the Historic Old Camalig Restaurant, an old grains depot converted to a quiant restaurant with "old world" feel. The pizza, unique to Pampanga, features Kapampangan longganiza, salted duck eggs (ebun buru), onions and pickle relish and proclaims it as the "pambansang pizza (national pizza)." The pizza, when ordered for take use a native bilao which good for their environment advocacy.
The pitstop: Susie's Cuisine, famous for the best kakanin of Pampanga particularly mochi (looks like japanese gyoza), tibok-tibok (akin to maja blanca). Tutubi also found out Aling Susie's embotido passed his exacting standard on this steamed pork delicacy. (You may also visit Colour Orange's take on Pampanga Food Trip: Susie's Cuisine for kakanin/pasalubong photos)
At around 12noon and with tummies full of the samplings, headed home to chaotic Manila.
---
Other Notable Angeles City Restaurants and Food Trip destinations:
Near Nepo Mart is a branch of Everybody's Cafe, Halo-Halo sa Corazon (whose version of halo-halo consists of sweetened saba (a banana variety), macapuno (mutant coconut), halaya (purple yam jam), beans and cream corn. Also in Angeles City is the home of original sisig: Aling Lucing's Sisig who's branches now in Makati.
Other Information:
Historic Camalig Restaurant
292 Sto. Rosario Street, Angeles City
Website: http://www.camalig.com
Location: Beside Nepo Mall
You will not find information on girlie bars and hookers and stuff (like those on Fields Avenue, Barangay Balibago) for Tutubi doesn't advocate sex tourism-- please respect the Filipina and women in general.
How to get to Angeles City, Pampanga:
Commute by Bus to Angeles City by Philippine Rabbit with terminal on Rizal Avenue (near corner Recto Avenue). Nearest LRT station is Doroteo Jose and LRT 2's last station. Victory Liner buses bound for Dagupan can also be taken to get to Angeles City (alight at the terminal then board a jeep or tricylcle to your destination). You may refer to the bus companies' official websites for fares and updated schedules.
Related Links:
Razon's Halo-Halo
Labels: Angeles City, Pampanga, Pampanga Restaurant, Restaurants
posted by GingGoy @ 10:17 PM,
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Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway SCTEx Guide
12 February 2008
Good new to all motorists planning to spend Holy week in the north: Subic , Tarlac, Zambales or farther, the four-lane Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), now the country’s longest toll road, will be open to traffic starting March 17 to March 24 from 5:30am to 5:30pm (closed at night due to lack of street lighting) and will cut travel time between the Subic and Clark free ports to 30 minutes down from one hour and 30 minutes using the old roundabout route. Free use of the tollway i.e. no toll fees starts on Tuesday March 17 until March 24 and will involve only the Subic-to-Clark portion spanning 50 km.
After the Holy Week dry run, the tollway will be temporarily closed for final preparations before it officially opens next month probably third or fourth week of April 2008.
Vehicles that would be allowed to test the expressway are light vehicles, chartered buses and motorcycles with engine displacements of 400 cc and higher.
SCTEx Toll Fees and Rates:
No approved toll fees yet but most to likely start at P2.49 per km
Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway SCTEx Guide to motorists:
Driving directions to Subic via the SCTEx: From NLEx, take the spur interchange between Barangays Dau and Sta. Inez in Mabalacat. Drive to the SCTEx Clark logistics toll plaza, head to the bridge and follow the loop of the ramp toward Subic.
Those bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan interchange through the Roman Highway.
On the return trip to Metro Manila, motorists from Subic and Bataan may enter the SCTEx through the Tipo toll plaza or Dinalupihan toll plaza leading to the Clark logistics toll plaza, take the first ramp, then the spur interchange toward NLEx.
Motorists bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan Interchange via the Roman highway.
The regular route to Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales which is the Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo Highway (now the Jose Abad Santos Avenue) is still open to traffic.
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Information:
Divided into two sections—the 50.5-km Subic-Clark span and the 43.27-km Clark-Tarlac section.
The Subic-Clark part is designed to give motorists easier access to the provinces of Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales.
SCTEx has eight interchanges: Floridablanca, Porac in Dolores, Clark, Dinalupihan, Angeles, Mabalacat, Tarlac and Subic
SCTEx length: 94-km tollway connects the Subic and Clark free ports with about 34 bridges; North Diversion Road, now the NLEx, spans 84 km.
North end of the highway is the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac City
Builders:
Kajima Corp., Obayashi Corp., JFE Engineering Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Joint Venture built the Subic-Clark section.
Hazama-Taisei-Nippon Steel Joint Venture constructed the 43.27-km Clark-Tarlac portion.
SCTEx Project cost: P60.5 billion
SCTEx Hotline and Telephone Numbers:
+63.45.865.2030
+63.2.362.9997
+63.2.362.2246
You may also download the SCTEx Primer here that includes pictures and route map
Sources:
Bases Conversion Development Authority
After the Holy Week dry run, the tollway will be temporarily closed for final preparations before it officially opens next month probably third or fourth week of April 2008.
Vehicles that would be allowed to test the expressway are light vehicles, chartered buses and motorcycles with engine displacements of 400 cc and higher.
SCTEx Toll Fees and Rates:
No approved toll fees yet but most to likely start at P2.49 per km
Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway SCTEx Guide to motorists:
Driving directions to Subic via the SCTEx: From NLEx, take the spur interchange between Barangays Dau and Sta. Inez in Mabalacat. Drive to the SCTEx Clark logistics toll plaza, head to the bridge and follow the loop of the ramp toward Subic.
Those bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan interchange through the Roman Highway.
On the return trip to Metro Manila, motorists from Subic and Bataan may enter the SCTEx through the Tipo toll plaza or Dinalupihan toll plaza leading to the Clark logistics toll plaza, take the first ramp, then the spur interchange toward NLEx.
Motorists bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan Interchange via the Roman highway.
The regular route to Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales which is the Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo Highway (now the Jose Abad Santos Avenue) is still open to traffic.
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Information:
Divided into two sections—the 50.5-km Subic-Clark span and the 43.27-km Clark-Tarlac section.
The Subic-Clark part is designed to give motorists easier access to the provinces of Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales.
SCTEx has eight interchanges: Floridablanca, Porac in Dolores, Clark, Dinalupihan, Angeles, Mabalacat, Tarlac and Subic
SCTEx length: 94-km tollway connects the Subic and Clark free ports with about 34 bridges; North Diversion Road, now the NLEx, spans 84 km.
North end of the highway is the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac City
Builders:
Kajima Corp., Obayashi Corp., JFE Engineering Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Joint Venture built the Subic-Clark section.
Hazama-Taisei-Nippon Steel Joint Venture constructed the 43.27-km Clark-Tarlac portion.
SCTEx Project cost: P60.5 billion
SCTEx Hotline and Telephone Numbers:
+63.45.865.2030
+63.2.362.9997
+63.2.362.2246
You may also download the SCTEx Primer here that includes pictures and route map
Sources:
Bases Conversion Development Authority
Labels: Roads and Highways
posted by GingGoy @ 11:20 PM,
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Clark, Pampanga: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Pictures
10 February 2008
Hast Du etwas Zeit für mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied fuer Dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Up, up, and away...
Tutubi didn't turn German, he just remembered the 80's song by German group Nena, "99 Luftballoons" and The Fifth Dimension's "Up, Up And Away" when he made a trip to Clark Field (formerly Clark Air Base and now Clark Economic Processing Zone (CEPZ)), Pampanga.
12th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Pictures:
The fiesta saw 21 hot air balloons fly to the sky in the early morning and last day of the 12th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Participating ballooners from 12 countries came with their colorful propane-powered flying machines.
the flag raising (or was it flag-descending ceremony where a skydiver delivered the Philippine flag from the sky
the propane gas-powered balloons and a "wicker basket" for the pilots
Wish you were blue, but "The color of the sky as far as I can see is coal grey" --10000 Maniacs, The Color of the Sky
It's just bad that the weather didn't cooperate. 'Twas cloudy and quite windy, good thing Tutubi can stand the chilly wind due to his spending long hours inside the datacenter, typical of people in the IT industry
the hot air balloon that looks like an octopus reminds Tutubi of the robot of Little John, member of the Voltes V quintet :P
One of the last balloons to fly. (wanted to take pictures of all hot air balloons in flight but limited by the kitlens' ability to zoom in closer. This will change, however, in a few weeks) :P
Photographing the Photographer: look at how photographers try to find the perfect shot
After the balloons disappeared on the horizon, kites by fiesta goers filled the sky, skydiving, helicopter flights and airplane acrobatics ensued but Tutubi and band of bloggers (catchlyts, orange and yam) just went to some restaurants at 10:30 for something like an Angeles City food trip to again sample the famed Kapampangan cuisine and pasalubong.
More on that next time...
Looking forward to the 13th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!
Links:
Angeles City Food Trip
Orange's Hot air balloon post
---
Notes:
Tutubi was able to secure a VIP pass to the area reserved for organizers, media and photographers (made to cough up P350 each), courtesy of J's friend manning the entrance (a DOT employee). He was also able to spot several bloggers and photographers up close.
How to get to Clark, Pampanga:
Directions by car: the best way to go there from Manila is via the NLEX (north luzon expressway), DAU exit. turn right, cross the bridge then left at the end of the street (MacArthur Highway). On reaching Caltex gasoline station, turn right. You will see SM City Clark and directions to the place so it's easy to find. Travel time is around one and a half hours from Quezon City.
Commute: Philtranco Bus to Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga is available at SM Megamall Bldg A, Fare is around P300 and P350 from Pasay City terminal. For trip schedules, visit Philtranco official website. Philtranco is also the same bus company ferrying passengers to Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) that budget carriers Air Asia and Tiger Airways use.
Dann singe ich ein Lied fuer Dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Up, up, and away...
Tutubi didn't turn German, he just remembered the 80's song by German group Nena, "99 Luftballoons" and The Fifth Dimension's "Up, Up And Away" when he made a trip to Clark Field (formerly Clark Air Base and now Clark Economic Processing Zone (CEPZ)), Pampanga.
12th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Pictures:
The fiesta saw 21 hot air balloons fly to the sky in the early morning and last day of the 12th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Participating ballooners from 12 countries came with their colorful propane-powered flying machines.
the flag raising (or was it flag-descending ceremony where a skydiver delivered the Philippine flag from the sky
the propane gas-powered balloons and a "wicker basket" for the pilots
Wish you were blue, but "The color of the sky as far as I can see is coal grey" --10000 Maniacs, The Color of the Sky 
It's just bad that the weather didn't cooperate. 'Twas cloudy and quite windy, good thing Tutubi can stand the chilly wind due to his spending long hours inside the datacenter, typical of people in the IT industry
the hot air balloon that looks like an octopus reminds Tutubi of the robot of Little John, member of the Voltes V quintet :P
One of the last balloons to fly. (wanted to take pictures of all hot air balloons in flight but limited by the kitlens' ability to zoom in closer. This will change, however, in a few weeks) :P
Photographing the Photographer: look at how photographers try to find the perfect shotAfter the balloons disappeared on the horizon, kites by fiesta goers filled the sky, skydiving, helicopter flights and airplane acrobatics ensued but Tutubi and band of bloggers (catchlyts, orange and yam) just went to some restaurants at 10:30 for something like an Angeles City food trip to again sample the famed Kapampangan cuisine and pasalubong.
More on that next time...
Looking forward to the 13th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!
Links:
Angeles City Food Trip
Orange's Hot air balloon post
---
Notes:
Tutubi was able to secure a VIP pass to the area reserved for organizers, media and photographers (made to cough up P350 each), courtesy of J's friend manning the entrance (a DOT employee). He was also able to spot several bloggers and photographers up close.
How to get to Clark, Pampanga:
Directions by car: the best way to go there from Manila is via the NLEX (north luzon expressway), DAU exit. turn right, cross the bridge then left at the end of the street (MacArthur Highway). On reaching Caltex gasoline station, turn right. You will see SM City Clark and directions to the place so it's easy to find. Travel time is around one and a half hours from Quezon City.
Commute: Philtranco Bus to Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga is available at SM Megamall Bldg A, Fare is around P300 and P350 from Pasay City terminal. For trip schedules, visit Philtranco official website. Philtranco is also the same bus company ferrying passengers to Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) that budget carriers Air Asia and Tiger Airways use.
Labels: Angeles City, Central Luzon, Festivals, Fiestas, Pampanga
posted by GingGoy @ 8:41 PM,
,
The Best Islands of the Philippines: A Virtual Tour
08 February 2008
How many islands does the Philippines have? The usual quick reply is not an answer but a question, high tide or low tide?
Too many islands yet so little time, whether thinking of living an Island life in the Philippines or just travel and backpacking hopping from island to island, Tutubi will take you to an exhilarating virtual island-hopping around the Philippines' more than 7107 tropical islands-- regardless of height of the tide.
The country, geographically divided into three island groups-- Luzon, Visayas and Mindano-- the largest of which is Luzon, the seat of "Imperial Manila," second largest is Mindanao and the Visayas, named after Sri Vijaya empire.
The islands visited by Tutubi in his flight chronicles for a virtual guided tour as well as those still on his wish list:
Island Fortress of Corregidor, a 45 minute ride from the CCP Complex and politically part of Cavite City takes you back in time during the gloom days of World War 2 in the so called Pacific Theater where defenders of the "the Rock," led by the megalomaniacal MacArthur, delayed Japanese war timetable thereby saving Australia from the Japanese juggernaut.
Potipot Island, a small island with white sand, off the beach of Candelaria, Zambales To reach the island from Manila, board a Victory Liner bus bound for Sta. Cruz then drop off at Dawal Resort. There you can negotiate for a boat to take you to the island in 15 minutes.
Hundred Islands, Alaminos City, Pangasinan is a national park with more than a hundred islands, the most prominent of these are Quezon Island, Children's Island, Governor's Island, Cathedral Island and PADI Island (where cave can double as a camp site). An ambitious development plan was unveiled recently byt Alaminos City government with the aim of interconnecting some islands using underwater tubes planned by Palafox.
Camara and Capones Island off the coast of Barangay Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales is a romantic place due to secluded white sand beaches and the romantic Faro de Punta Capones lighthouse shows the way to boats and ships out in the sea.
a fisherman fixes his net on the beach with Camara Island on the background. Beyond Camara is Capones Island
Calaguas Island, a virgin white sand island accessible by a two-hour boat ride from Vinzons, Camarines Norte (alternately, a boat ride from Daet's Bagasbas beach or Mercedes town). Still undeveloped and touted to be as beautiful as Boracay sans the madding crowd.
Palawan, the country's largest province in terms of land area, with a geography different from the rest of the islands, looks more like mainland Asia. It's home to two UNESCO world Heritage Sites: the longest navigable underground river, called St. Paul Subterranean River, and Tubbataha Reef, worthy of pride for its enviable marine biodiversity. It also sits on huge deposits of natural gas.
Busuanga, Coron, Calamian Group of Islands in Northern Palawan offer magnificent wrecks of sunken Japanese ships of World War 2 (wreck diving), Coral Bay offers great snorkeling/dive site (it was here where Tutubi met clown fishes looking for Nemo) while jellyfish bay teems with jellyfishes (of course). Nearby Calauit Island is where to experience African safari in Asia due to the presence of various African animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, eland, topi and bushbacks brought to the island in 1976 by then president Marcos. Calamian Group of Islands is also the home of the endemic Calamian deer.
aerial picture of Calamian group of Islands in northern Palawan, taken from a 19-seater SeaAir plane using Canon Ixus 30
The island of Mindoro, where the beaches of Puerto Galera (White Beach and Sabang) is most popular with Metro Manilans also boasts of popular dive sites. It's the home of Mangyan indigenous people living on the slopes of Mt.Halcon, two Mangyan tribes still use the ancient scripts similar to Baybayin (alibata). The tamaraw is also endemic to this island.
Part of Mindoro off coast of Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental is Pandan Island where pristine beach awaits bold adventurers. Only one resort is located there, the North Pandan Island Resort, where a food feast awaits every visitor. By the way, there's no electricity so be prepared for a very tranquil life in paradise.
Sandwiched by Tayabas bay and Sibuyan Sea is Marinduque that comes alive during Holy Week with the Moriones Festival.
Romblon boasts of marble deposits while nearby Tablas and Sibuyan Islands invites backpackers to their unexplored beaches, waterfalls and caves. Virgin beaches of Carabao Island beckons intrepid explorers looking for an alternative to nearby congested Boracay Island. Some 45 minutes from Sibuyan Island is Cresta de Gallo, 5 hectare virgin island surrounded by coral reefs and fine white sand beaches.
Panay, divided into four provinces of Aklan (home of Ati-atihan and the famous beaches of Boracay), Antique, Capiz and Iloilo (home of Dinagyang Festival) was said to have been the site of the legend ofthe ten datu from Borneo. Aklan's Batan town still can't shake the belief in their Code of Kalantiaw which was proven years ago to be a sham. Panay is one of the places where the rare Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world can be found.
Boracay Island, the Philippines' most famous island part of Malay town in Aklan province is a the most visited and famous tourist destination in the Philippines.
Negros, the boot-shaped island divided into two provinces. It used to called Buglas before Spaniards christened it Negros due to the black inhabitants of the place when the white men arrived. It's the fourth largest island of the sprawling archipelago.
Cebu, the country's top retirement haven of Americans and Europeans and the playground of Japanese and Korean tourists, is home to Cebu City, dubbed the "Queen City of the South," Ce-boom economy and place full of history, beaches, waterfalls, dive sites and the heritage City of Carcar.
Mactan Island, adjacent to island province of Cebu, was the site of the historic battle between Ferdinand Magellan (the Portuguese explorer in the service of Spain) and local chieftain Lapu-lapu where the locals repulsed the soon-to-be colonizers of the archipelago in an early morning, ill-planned battle. It hosts the Cebu International Airport and über-pricey and exclusive Plantation Bay Resort
Pescador Island, Moalboal, Cebu is the best snorkeling site Tutubi has seen so far. It's a popular dive spot centered on a small limestone formation and visible from Panagsama beach of Moalboal town in southwestern Cebu province.
Bohol, the island province that enjoyed 80 years of freedom from Spanish tyranny under Dagohoy is full of tourist attractions that include Loboc River Cruise, old churches, the world famous Chocolate Hills, pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls, and the new adventure mecca of Danao. Never mind the anachronistic Sandugo Festival that commemorates, wrongfully, the blood compact, supposedly a treaty of friendship between Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It's the 10th biggest island of the country.
Panglao Island, merely fifteen minutes away from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is proud of its dive sites and beaches and is among the top tourist destination in the Philippines. A study claimed that Panglao alone has more marine diversity than the whole of Japan or Mediterranean Sea.
Balicasag Island is a small island with marine sanctuary accessible by boat from Panglao Island. A government operated resort is presence as well as a lighthouse.
Pamilacan Island, usually paired with Balicasag, it's a site where dolphin watching trips in the morning is the "in" thing.
Siquijor Island, the mystical and enigmatic island, a ferry ride away from Dumaguete City, infamous for witches, ghouls, rituals, amulets, shamans, faith healers, and soothsayers. Where every Holy Friday is a day to recharge powers of Talisman, locally called anting-anting. The island's mysticism, most of the time, turns off tourists, but is a come-on to the adventurous few and backpackers, like Tutubi, who dislike the "usual" tourist crowd. Siquijor island is a great, off-the-beaten track destination in the Philippines, so you're missing out on this if you haven't been to the place. Please keep this a secret though until Tutubi returns there to fully explore the place.
the white sands of Alubihod beach in Guimaras
The island province of Guimaras, the home of the sweetest mangoes and once the victim of an environmental disaster in the form of an oil spill is back on its toes with steady increase of tourist arrivals. Part of Guimaras is Isla Naburot in Sinapsapan, Jordan, that takes you back to the days when there's no electricity, telephone and television for a true escape-from-civilization paradise.
The captivating Island of Camiguin , Tutubi's favorite island destination due to it's rustic and laid back atmosphere, where you can find 7 volcanoes and 5 towns, hot and cold springs, white sand beaches and sandbars, majestic waterfalls and sweet vjandep pastel and lanzones/langsat.
Samal Island, a short boat ride from bustling Davao City, hosts the Paradise Island beach resort with its mini-zoo, the famous Pearl Farm Resort, Crododile Farm, an interesting "Bat Cave" (where the world's highest concentration of fruit bats can be found) and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). Nearby is Talicud Island and the white sand beaches of Isla Reta.
Other Fantasy Islands in Tutubi's wishlist for the coming years:
Batanes Islands, the land of the hardy Ivatan people, with the largest islands Itbayat, Batan, and Sabtang. Frequented by typhoons and isolated from the rest of the Philippines, the unique culture and picturesque landscape is nominated and awaiting listing in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list (so better hurry, Tutubi, before the place is overran by tourists)
Babuyan Islands, an archipelago of five major islands: Babuyan island, Calayan, Camiguin (different one from more famous Camiguin Island of Mindanao), Dalupiri, and Fuga, between the Philippines' main island of Luzon and Batanes where the only breeding ground of humpback whales in the Philippines was found. The group of islands is politically part of Cagayan province.
If Corregidor is for Manila Bay, Grande Island is for Subic Bay with its bunkers and batteries guarding the mouth of the bay that's the former home of a US base.
Magalawa Island, Palauig, Zambales, off the coast of Masinloc town is another not so well known gem of an island with nice white beach and fish sanctuary ideal for snorkelling. Other islands hear the area is San Salvador Island, Matalvi Island, Luan Island, Pilapir Island and Little Island.
Verde Island (Isla Verde), Batalan, Caban Cove, Ligpo Island, Merriel's Rock, Sombrero Island, Bonito Island off the coast of Anilao, Batangas are popular dive spots. In a recent study conducted by marine biologists led by Kent Carpenter of the World Conservation Union, the Verde Island Passage was hailed as the "center of marine biodiversity in the world." The study put the passage at the peak of the so called "Coral Triangle" spanning an area of the Sulawesi and the Sulu Seas in the southern Philippines, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Island.
Balesin Island, an unspoilt Fantasy island in Polillo, Quezon. Four hours land travel from Manila and another three hours by boat but you'll be away from civilization while you're there.
Fortune Island off Nasugbu, Batangas, is near where the San Diego galleon, exhibited at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, was recovered.
Cagraray Island, part of Bacacay, Albay on the eastern slope of Mayon Volcano and near Sula Channel in the Bicol Region. It's home to fine white sand beach of Misibis Beachfront Resort and near the grand Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa.
Samar, the third largest island of the Philippines, is always at the receiving end of typhoon reports due to its being the easternmost part of the country to receive incoming tropical depressions. Samar, likewise, boasts of forest reserves and other natural attractions. It's in this island where the regal Philippine eagle was first "discovered" by John Whitehead.
Olango Island in Cebu features a bird watching paradise where thousands of migratory birds escaping the cold winter of Russia and China seek refuge and food abundant in the area.
Bantayan Island fine white sand beaches without the crowd of most popular beaches. To get there from Cebu airport, flag a taxi to take you to Cebu North Bus Terminal, board a bus bound to Hagnaya. In Hagnaya, board a ferry for a 30-minute ride to Sta. Fe town on Bantayan Island.
Near Bantayan is Malapascua Island that caters to diving enthusiasts and a short boat ride from Daang-Bantayan town in Cebu Island or directly from Bantayan Island.
Camotes Islands, named after sweet potatoes, part of Cebu province and located between Cebu, Leyte and Bohol islands, consist of four islands, Pacijan Island, Poro Island, Ponson Island and the small Tulang Island. Virgin beaches await the intrepid explorer to these tiny island paradise devoid of people.
Jandayan Island off Barangay Handumon, Gedafi, Bohol boasting of a marine sanctuary of seahorses that glow in the dark (diving after sundown is recommended)
Sumilon Island, an island, whose name means "to take shelter," off the coast of Oslob a southern town in cebu. It offers spectacular diving experience once ravaged by Muro Ami fishing methods but now brought back to life.
Lakawan Island, a mere hour away from Bacolod City, means "puntahan" in Filipino, is an island getaway for tired souls of the city of smiles.
Danjugan Island in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental is showcase of Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. (PRRCFI) for its ecosystem and wildlife conservation.
Apo Island, politically part of Dauin, Negros Oriental and accessible by boat from Dumaguete City, is a popular dive site and snorkeling destination for tourists boasting of an impressive list of fish and coral species.
Nogas Island, 3 miles from the shore of Anini-y town of Antique and a government naval reservation.
Leyte, immortalized during the second world war where the surrounding played silent witness to a great naval battle in history.
San Pedro Island off Hinunangan in South Leyte offers secluded white sand beaches.
Canigao Island, seven minutes by boat from Nonok village in the town of Matalom in Leyte is a seven-hectare island with fine white sand beaches
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, in the north-eastern tip of Mindanao is a world-class surfing destination famed for its "cloud 9" waves.
Off the coast of the city of Mati, Davao Oriental lie the islands of Waniban and Pujada with their white sand beaches ideal for backpackers. Waniban Island is a 15 minute boat ride from Cinco Masau Resort where you can rent a banca going to the island.
Internationally disputed Spratly Islands, called Kalayaan, lies within Philippine area of responsibility yet claimed by neighboring countries that include China, Taiwan, Vietnam is said to have huge deposits of gas and oil besides straddling a vital sea lane in the region.
Sta. Cruz Island, fifteen minute by boat from the pier of Zamboanga City boasts of a rare pink sand beach. In order to go there, you need to coordinate with Zamboanga Tourism office near Lantaka Hotel for booking, and security escorts since it's too proximate to Basilan Island.
Basilan Island, an island province notorious as haven of terrorists, has the potential for tourism destination if not for the "sword of Damocles" perpetually hanging over intrepid visitors. Secluded beaches and lush jungles create a perfect mix for eco-tourism in the area-- if the present conflict is resolved!
Sulu, a site of the regular Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) military exercise by the US ironically is also the site of the Bud Dahu massacre of about 600 Tausug men and women, including children, were killed by US soldiers in 1906. It's also in Sulu and nearby islands where the langgal, a local meeting place and mosque featured in the P1000 bill, can be found.
On the small island of Simunul Islam was introduced Muslim missionary named Makdum in in the year 1380. The ruins of the mosque in Tubig-Indangan that he built can still be seen. People of Simunul also use and still builds boats that resemble the the ancient balangay ng Butuan up to this day
Tawi-tawi, the southernmost province of the Philippines, part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with capital town of Bongao. It shares sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province.
Turtle Islands, part of Tawi-tawi province is geographically close to Malaysia's Sabah state in the island of Borneo. It boasts of a turtle sanctuary where you can find the only living area of Green Sea Turtles (pawikan) in the world. Declared a protected area, it's also a site of international turtle protection and conservation program.
Besides these Philippine Islands, Tutubi was able to set foot on the Island of Singapore, Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Elephanta Island off the coast of Mumbai India and wishes to be able to visit Palau, Easter Island, Christmas Island, Galapagos, Komodo Island in Indonesia to see the Komodo Dragon and lots of islands more.
What can you do in these islands? lots of activities: snorkel, beach bum, surf, windsurf, jet ski, dive, parasail, kiteboard, kitesurf, yatch race, even join the annual Philippine Hobie Challenge, Paraw Regatta (Iloilo), dragon boat races and other water sports activities.
Tutubi dreams of living on a small island, away from it all where life begins and ends with the sun while days pass by lazily slumped on a hammock...but life's not a beach!
Consummatum Est. Finished his virtual island-hopping.
Question: How many islands have you been to?
you may leave a comment if you want to know "how to get to" the places mentioned here
Too many islands yet so little time, whether thinking of living an Island life in the Philippines or just travel and backpacking hopping from island to island, Tutubi will take you to an exhilarating virtual island-hopping around the Philippines' more than 7107 tropical islands-- regardless of height of the tide.
The country, geographically divided into three island groups-- Luzon, Visayas and Mindano-- the largest of which is Luzon, the seat of "Imperial Manila," second largest is Mindanao and the Visayas, named after Sri Vijaya empire.
The islands visited by Tutubi in his flight chronicles for a virtual guided tour as well as those still on his wish list:
Island Fortress of Corregidor, a 45 minute ride from the CCP Complex and politically part of Cavite City takes you back in time during the gloom days of World War 2 in the so called Pacific Theater where defenders of the "the Rock," led by the megalomaniacal MacArthur, delayed Japanese war timetable thereby saving Australia from the Japanese juggernaut.
Potipot Island, a small island with white sand, off the beach of Candelaria, Zambales To reach the island from Manila, board a Victory Liner bus bound for Sta. Cruz then drop off at Dawal Resort. There you can negotiate for a boat to take you to the island in 15 minutes.
Hundred Islands, Alaminos City, Pangasinan is a national park with more than a hundred islands, the most prominent of these are Quezon Island, Children's Island, Governor's Island, Cathedral Island and PADI Island (where cave can double as a camp site). An ambitious development plan was unveiled recently byt Alaminos City government with the aim of interconnecting some islands using underwater tubes planned by Palafox.
Camara and Capones Island off the coast of Barangay Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales is a romantic place due to secluded white sand beaches and the romantic Faro de Punta Capones lighthouse shows the way to boats and ships out in the sea.
a fisherman fixes his net on the beach with Camara Island on the background. Beyond Camara is Capones IslandCalaguas Island, a virgin white sand island accessible by a two-hour boat ride from Vinzons, Camarines Norte (alternately, a boat ride from Daet's Bagasbas beach or Mercedes town). Still undeveloped and touted to be as beautiful as Boracay sans the madding crowd.
Palawan, the country's largest province in terms of land area, with a geography different from the rest of the islands, looks more like mainland Asia. It's home to two UNESCO world Heritage Sites: the longest navigable underground river, called St. Paul Subterranean River, and Tubbataha Reef, worthy of pride for its enviable marine biodiversity. It also sits on huge deposits of natural gas.
Busuanga, Coron, Calamian Group of Islands in Northern Palawan offer magnificent wrecks of sunken Japanese ships of World War 2 (wreck diving), Coral Bay offers great snorkeling/dive site (it was here where Tutubi met clown fishes looking for Nemo) while jellyfish bay teems with jellyfishes (of course). Nearby Calauit Island is where to experience African safari in Asia due to the presence of various African animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, eland, topi and bushbacks brought to the island in 1976 by then president Marcos. Calamian Group of Islands is also the home of the endemic Calamian deer.
aerial picture of Calamian group of Islands in northern Palawan, taken from a 19-seater SeaAir plane using Canon Ixus 30The island of Mindoro, where the beaches of Puerto Galera (White Beach and Sabang) is most popular with Metro Manilans also boasts of popular dive sites. It's the home of Mangyan indigenous people living on the slopes of Mt.Halcon, two Mangyan tribes still use the ancient scripts similar to Baybayin (alibata). The tamaraw is also endemic to this island.
Part of Mindoro off coast of Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental is Pandan Island where pristine beach awaits bold adventurers. Only one resort is located there, the North Pandan Island Resort, where a food feast awaits every visitor. By the way, there's no electricity so be prepared for a very tranquil life in paradise.
Sandwiched by Tayabas bay and Sibuyan Sea is Marinduque that comes alive during Holy Week with the Moriones Festival.
Romblon boasts of marble deposits while nearby Tablas and Sibuyan Islands invites backpackers to their unexplored beaches, waterfalls and caves. Virgin beaches of Carabao Island beckons intrepid explorers looking for an alternative to nearby congested Boracay Island. Some 45 minutes from Sibuyan Island is Cresta de Gallo, 5 hectare virgin island surrounded by coral reefs and fine white sand beaches.
Panay, divided into four provinces of Aklan (home of Ati-atihan and the famous beaches of Boracay), Antique, Capiz and Iloilo (home of Dinagyang Festival) was said to have been the site of the legend ofthe ten datu from Borneo. Aklan's Batan town still can't shake the belief in their Code of Kalantiaw which was proven years ago to be a sham. Panay is one of the places where the rare Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world can be found.
Boracay Island, the Philippines' most famous island part of Malay town in Aklan province is a the most visited and famous tourist destination in the Philippines.
Negros, the boot-shaped island divided into two provinces. It used to called Buglas before Spaniards christened it Negros due to the black inhabitants of the place when the white men arrived. It's the fourth largest island of the sprawling archipelago.
Cebu, the country's top retirement haven of Americans and Europeans and the playground of Japanese and Korean tourists, is home to Cebu City, dubbed the "Queen City of the South," Ce-boom economy and place full of history, beaches, waterfalls, dive sites and the heritage City of Carcar.
Mactan Island, adjacent to island province of Cebu, was the site of the historic battle between Ferdinand Magellan (the Portuguese explorer in the service of Spain) and local chieftain Lapu-lapu where the locals repulsed the soon-to-be colonizers of the archipelago in an early morning, ill-planned battle. It hosts the Cebu International Airport and über-pricey and exclusive Plantation Bay Resort
Pescador Island, Moalboal, Cebu is the best snorkeling site Tutubi has seen so far. It's a popular dive spot centered on a small limestone formation and visible from Panagsama beach of Moalboal town in southwestern Cebu province.
Bohol, the island province that enjoyed 80 years of freedom from Spanish tyranny under Dagohoy is full of tourist attractions that include Loboc River Cruise, old churches, the world famous Chocolate Hills, pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls, and the new adventure mecca of Danao. Never mind the anachronistic Sandugo Festival that commemorates, wrongfully, the blood compact, supposedly a treaty of friendship between Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It's the 10th biggest island of the country.
Panglao Island, merely fifteen minutes away from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is proud of its dive sites and beaches and is among the top tourist destination in the Philippines. A study claimed that Panglao alone has more marine diversity than the whole of Japan or Mediterranean Sea.
Balicasag Island is a small island with marine sanctuary accessible by boat from Panglao Island. A government operated resort is presence as well as a lighthouse.
Pamilacan Island, usually paired with Balicasag, it's a site where dolphin watching trips in the morning is the "in" thing.
Siquijor Island, the mystical and enigmatic island, a ferry ride away from Dumaguete City, infamous for witches, ghouls, rituals, amulets, shamans, faith healers, and soothsayers. Where every Holy Friday is a day to recharge powers of Talisman, locally called anting-anting. The island's mysticism, most of the time, turns off tourists, but is a come-on to the adventurous few and backpackers, like Tutubi, who dislike the "usual" tourist crowd. Siquijor island is a great, off-the-beaten track destination in the Philippines, so you're missing out on this if you haven't been to the place. Please keep this a secret though until Tutubi returns there to fully explore the place.
the white sands of Alubihod beach in GuimarasThe island province of Guimaras, the home of the sweetest mangoes and once the victim of an environmental disaster in the form of an oil spill is back on its toes with steady increase of tourist arrivals. Part of Guimaras is Isla Naburot in Sinapsapan, Jordan, that takes you back to the days when there's no electricity, telephone and television for a true escape-from-civilization paradise.
The captivating Island of Camiguin , Tutubi's favorite island destination due to it's rustic and laid back atmosphere, where you can find 7 volcanoes and 5 towns, hot and cold springs, white sand beaches and sandbars, majestic waterfalls and sweet vjandep pastel and lanzones/langsat.
Samal Island, a short boat ride from bustling Davao City, hosts the Paradise Island beach resort with its mini-zoo, the famous Pearl Farm Resort, Crododile Farm, an interesting "Bat Cave" (where the world's highest concentration of fruit bats can be found) and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). Nearby is Talicud Island and the white sand beaches of Isla Reta.
Other Fantasy Islands in Tutubi's wishlist for the coming years:
Batanes Islands, the land of the hardy Ivatan people, with the largest islands Itbayat, Batan, and Sabtang. Frequented by typhoons and isolated from the rest of the Philippines, the unique culture and picturesque landscape is nominated and awaiting listing in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list (so better hurry, Tutubi, before the place is overran by tourists)
Babuyan Islands, an archipelago of five major islands: Babuyan island, Calayan, Camiguin (different one from more famous Camiguin Island of Mindanao), Dalupiri, and Fuga, between the Philippines' main island of Luzon and Batanes where the only breeding ground of humpback whales in the Philippines was found. The group of islands is politically part of Cagayan province.
If Corregidor is for Manila Bay, Grande Island is for Subic Bay with its bunkers and batteries guarding the mouth of the bay that's the former home of a US base.
Magalawa Island, Palauig, Zambales, off the coast of Masinloc town is another not so well known gem of an island with nice white beach and fish sanctuary ideal for snorkelling. Other islands hear the area is San Salvador Island, Matalvi Island, Luan Island, Pilapir Island and Little Island.
Verde Island (Isla Verde), Batalan, Caban Cove, Ligpo Island, Merriel's Rock, Sombrero Island, Bonito Island off the coast of Anilao, Batangas are popular dive spots. In a recent study conducted by marine biologists led by Kent Carpenter of the World Conservation Union, the Verde Island Passage was hailed as the "center of marine biodiversity in the world." The study put the passage at the peak of the so called "Coral Triangle" spanning an area of the Sulawesi and the Sulu Seas in the southern Philippines, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Island.
Balesin Island, an unspoilt Fantasy island in Polillo, Quezon. Four hours land travel from Manila and another three hours by boat but you'll be away from civilization while you're there.
Fortune Island off Nasugbu, Batangas, is near where the San Diego galleon, exhibited at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, was recovered.
Cagraray Island, part of Bacacay, Albay on the eastern slope of Mayon Volcano and near Sula Channel in the Bicol Region. It's home to fine white sand beach of Misibis Beachfront Resort and near the grand Misibis Resorts, Estates and Spa.
Samar, the third largest island of the Philippines, is always at the receiving end of typhoon reports due to its being the easternmost part of the country to receive incoming tropical depressions. Samar, likewise, boasts of forest reserves and other natural attractions. It's in this island where the regal Philippine eagle was first "discovered" by John Whitehead.
Olango Island in Cebu features a bird watching paradise where thousands of migratory birds escaping the cold winter of Russia and China seek refuge and food abundant in the area.
Bantayan Island fine white sand beaches without the crowd of most popular beaches. To get there from Cebu airport, flag a taxi to take you to Cebu North Bus Terminal, board a bus bound to Hagnaya. In Hagnaya, board a ferry for a 30-minute ride to Sta. Fe town on Bantayan Island.
Near Bantayan is Malapascua Island that caters to diving enthusiasts and a short boat ride from Daang-Bantayan town in Cebu Island or directly from Bantayan Island.
Camotes Islands, named after sweet potatoes, part of Cebu province and located between Cebu, Leyte and Bohol islands, consist of four islands, Pacijan Island, Poro Island, Ponson Island and the small Tulang Island. Virgin beaches await the intrepid explorer to these tiny island paradise devoid of people.
Jandayan Island off Barangay Handumon, Gedafi, Bohol boasting of a marine sanctuary of seahorses that glow in the dark (diving after sundown is recommended)
Sumilon Island, an island, whose name means "to take shelter," off the coast of Oslob a southern town in cebu. It offers spectacular diving experience once ravaged by Muro Ami fishing methods but now brought back to life.
Lakawan Island, a mere hour away from Bacolod City, means "puntahan" in Filipino, is an island getaway for tired souls of the city of smiles.
Danjugan Island in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental is showcase of Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. (PRRCFI) for its ecosystem and wildlife conservation.
Apo Island, politically part of Dauin, Negros Oriental and accessible by boat from Dumaguete City, is a popular dive site and snorkeling destination for tourists boasting of an impressive list of fish and coral species.
Nogas Island, 3 miles from the shore of Anini-y town of Antique and a government naval reservation.
Leyte, immortalized during the second world war where the surrounding played silent witness to a great naval battle in history.
San Pedro Island off Hinunangan in South Leyte offers secluded white sand beaches.
Canigao Island, seven minutes by boat from Nonok village in the town of Matalom in Leyte is a seven-hectare island with fine white sand beaches
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, in the north-eastern tip of Mindanao is a world-class surfing destination famed for its "cloud 9" waves.
Off the coast of the city of Mati, Davao Oriental lie the islands of Waniban and Pujada with their white sand beaches ideal for backpackers. Waniban Island is a 15 minute boat ride from Cinco Masau Resort where you can rent a banca going to the island.
Internationally disputed Spratly Islands, called Kalayaan, lies within Philippine area of responsibility yet claimed by neighboring countries that include China, Taiwan, Vietnam is said to have huge deposits of gas and oil besides straddling a vital sea lane in the region.
Sta. Cruz Island, fifteen minute by boat from the pier of Zamboanga City boasts of a rare pink sand beach. In order to go there, you need to coordinate with Zamboanga Tourism office near Lantaka Hotel for booking, and security escorts since it's too proximate to Basilan Island.
Basilan Island, an island province notorious as haven of terrorists, has the potential for tourism destination if not for the "sword of Damocles" perpetually hanging over intrepid visitors. Secluded beaches and lush jungles create a perfect mix for eco-tourism in the area-- if the present conflict is resolved!
Sulu, a site of the regular Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) military exercise by the US ironically is also the site of the Bud Dahu massacre of about 600 Tausug men and women, including children, were killed by US soldiers in 1906. It's also in Sulu and nearby islands where the langgal, a local meeting place and mosque featured in the P1000 bill, can be found.
On the small island of Simunul Islam was introduced Muslim missionary named Makdum in in the year 1380. The ruins of the mosque in Tubig-Indangan that he built can still be seen. People of Simunul also use and still builds boats that resemble the the ancient balangay ng Butuan up to this day
Tawi-tawi, the southernmost province of the Philippines, part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with capital town of Bongao. It shares sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province.
Turtle Islands, part of Tawi-tawi province is geographically close to Malaysia's Sabah state in the island of Borneo. It boasts of a turtle sanctuary where you can find the only living area of Green Sea Turtles (pawikan) in the world. Declared a protected area, it's also a site of international turtle protection and conservation program.
Besides these Philippine Islands, Tutubi was able to set foot on the Island of Singapore, Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Elephanta Island off the coast of Mumbai India and wishes to be able to visit Palau, Easter Island, Christmas Island, Galapagos, Komodo Island in Indonesia to see the Komodo Dragon and lots of islands more.
What can you do in these islands? lots of activities: snorkel, beach bum, surf, windsurf, jet ski, dive, parasail, kiteboard, kitesurf, yatch race, even join the annual Philippine Hobie Challenge, Paraw Regatta (Iloilo), dragon boat races and other water sports activities.
Tutubi dreams of living on a small island, away from it all where life begins and ends with the sun while days pass by lazily slumped on a hammock...but life's not a beach!
Consummatum Est. Finished his virtual island-hopping.
Question: How many islands have you been to?
you may leave a comment if you want to know "how to get to" the places mentioned here
Labels: Islands
posted by GingGoy @ 9:47 PM,
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UST: The Great Raid, Jose Rizal and The Arch of the Centuries
03 February 2008
Have you seen the Hollywood movie "The Great Raid" that co-starred Cesar Montano? It brought to life, and out of oblivion, the daring raid of a Japanese concentration camp in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija during the last world war.
Seemingly lost to history, the "Great Raid" in Cabanatuan is not the only one in the annals of history. It was followed by daring dawn raids in Old Bilibid Prison in Manila (now Manila City Jail), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) in Laguna and lastly in UST Compound in Sampaloc, Manila. All four were Japanese concentration camps where American prisoners-of-war (POW) were incarcerated.
This post serves to commemorate a forgotten event in the historic Battle of Manila in 1945 where POWs were successfully rescued from the UST campus.
On February 3, 1945, right after "Ghost Soldiers" successfully rescued prisoners in Cabanatuan, the gates of UST campus were smashed by commando forces led by a Filipino soldier Capt. Manuel Colayco (the lone casualty of the attack) that began the month long, destructive and bloody Liberation of Manila that resulted in the death of an estimated one hundred thousand innocent civilians including women and children due to reckless American bombings and Japanese inhuman acts.
University of Santo Tomas
The University of Sto. Tomas, whose complete name is Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, occupies an entire city block carved out of the huge Sulucan estate in Sampaloc district of Manila bounded by Espana Boulevard, P. Noval, Lacson (Gov. Forbes) and Dapitan streets. It was founded in 1611 as Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas, and elevated to university status in 1645.
UST Main Building
UST Main Building picture with Benavides Monument on the foreground
The University of Santo Tomas’ main building in Sampaloc, Manila, completed in 1927 is earthquake-resistant. Its design enables the building to sway without getting cracked in case of an earthquake. (Pusang Maganda has a nice picture of the magnificent facade of UST Main Building here.)
The three statues symbolizing Faith, Hope and Charity, also known as Tria Haec, (depicted above) on top of the main building were made by Italian Sculptor Francesco Monti, the same man who sculpted the three angels holding sampaguita garlands of Quezon Memorial Shrine in Quezon City.
Arch of the Centuries
Though not as grand as Paris' Arc de Triomphe, the Arch of the Centuries is the only survivor of the original UST campus in Intramuros during WW2, relocated piece by piece to its present location. It sports doric columns and baroque features. The life of Saint Thomas Aquinas is depicted on the sides of the arch while markers of Jose Rizal, Philippine national hero, and Manuel Quezon, former Philippine president, are also present. Both Rizal and Quezon are graduates of UST.
Arch-door of the old university building in Intramuros erected in the 17th century as it survived the war of 1941-1945
Replica of the Arch-door of the old university building in Intramuros as it appeared in the 17th century (This is the one facing Espana Blvd. picture edited using Photoshop's Shadow/Highlight adjustment to eliminate harsh shadows)
Arch of Centuries Gateway to history of finest breed of Filipinos 1954 AD
"Jose Rizal 1861-1896 Jose Rizal Alumno de la Real y Pontificia de Universidad de Santo Tomas de Manila, Filipinas, 1877-1882"
The marker on the Arch of Centuries pertaining to Jose Rizal who enrolled in Medicine in the university from 1877 to 1882. Rizal, however, found the Dominicans (as the Order of Preachers were called) discriminating against Indios (referring to natives by Spanish during that time, Filipinos refer to Spaniards born in the Philippines) and got grades ranging from a mere aprobado (passing), bueno (good), to sobresaliente which were very different from numerous sobresaliente grades at the Ateneo. He did not, however, graduate on top of his class like most people think. (Source: Ambeth Ocampo)
Tutubi was happily taking pictures of the serene and relaxing UST campus when he "flew" too near the security guard at the gate and was asked if he's an alumnus of UST, if not, he needed to secure a permit to take pictures. Tutubi, a graduate of a different university, just stopped taking photos just to avoid an argument yet saved these photos already taken for this post.
Did you know that UST is not the first university in the Philippines and Asia as most people know? It's only the second yet the oldest university in these islands, extant that is. More of this next time :P
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Other places of interest in UST:
UST Museum of Arts and Sciences:
Museum entrance Fee: Free for UST students and Alumni, P20 for students, P30 for non-students. Museum open from Tuesday to Friday from http://www.ustmuseum.com/
Santissimo Rosario (UST Church actually UST Chapel) was the temporary home of the Our Lady of La Naval during World War 2, when the old Santo Domingo Church was bombed. The La Naval Image was transferred later to the new Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City after the war.
Near UST, at the end of Espana Blvd is Mabuhay Rotonda (formerly Welcome Rotonda) that marks the boundary between city of Manila and Quezon City. At the opposite end of Espana is the UNESCO-cited art-deco Far Eastern University (FEU) architectural gem of a campus.
Note: España Boulevard was donated to the Philippine government where the deed of donation stipulates that the land cut by this famous avenue will be and remain public provided it is called España, thereby making it immune from stupid politicians of Manila whose accomplishments only range from changing historic street names in "honor" of unknown politicians)
How to get to UST, Manila:
Commute to UST: from Taft Avenue, board a jeep bound for Quezon city with these signboards: Cubao, Project 2&3, Project 4, Project 6, Fairview, Project 8 and you'll pass by Espana Boulevard in front of the school. From MRT Cubao, Quezon Avenue or North Avenue stations, you may board jeeps bound for Quiapo.
Commuting from Marikina, you may take LRT 2 Pureza station then walk towards Lardizabal street where the Tayuman-bound jeeps hold terminal and pass by Gov. Forbes, now Lacson St. Alternately, the Lardizabal-bound jeeps are available at LRT Tayuman station though they will pass M. de la Fuente St. (Trabajo) on their return trip.
Driving Directions to UST by car: gates are on Espana Blvd and Dapitan St. (near UST Hospital) though Dapitan is a one way street, you may take Lacson St then left turn to Dapitan to go there.
Seemingly lost to history, the "Great Raid" in Cabanatuan is not the only one in the annals of history. It was followed by daring dawn raids in Old Bilibid Prison in Manila (now Manila City Jail), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) in Laguna and lastly in UST Compound in Sampaloc, Manila. All four were Japanese concentration camps where American prisoners-of-war (POW) were incarcerated.
This post serves to commemorate a forgotten event in the historic Battle of Manila in 1945 where POWs were successfully rescued from the UST campus.
On February 3, 1945, right after "Ghost Soldiers" successfully rescued prisoners in Cabanatuan, the gates of UST campus were smashed by commando forces led by a Filipino soldier Capt. Manuel Colayco (the lone casualty of the attack) that began the month long, destructive and bloody Liberation of Manila that resulted in the death of an estimated one hundred thousand innocent civilians including women and children due to reckless American bombings and Japanese inhuman acts.
University of Santo Tomas
The University of Sto. Tomas, whose complete name is Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, occupies an entire city block carved out of the huge Sulucan estate in Sampaloc district of Manila bounded by Espana Boulevard, P. Noval, Lacson (Gov. Forbes) and Dapitan streets. It was founded in 1611 as Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas, and elevated to university status in 1645.
UST Main Building
UST Main Building picture with Benavides Monument on the foregroundThe University of Santo Tomas’ main building in Sampaloc, Manila, completed in 1927 is earthquake-resistant. Its design enables the building to sway without getting cracked in case of an earthquake. (Pusang Maganda has a nice picture of the magnificent facade of UST Main Building here.)
The three statues symbolizing Faith, Hope and Charity, also known as Tria Haec, (depicted above) on top of the main building were made by Italian Sculptor Francesco Monti, the same man who sculpted the three angels holding sampaguita garlands of Quezon Memorial Shrine in Quezon City.
Arch of the Centuries
Though not as grand as Paris' Arc de Triomphe, the Arch of the Centuries is the only survivor of the original UST campus in Intramuros during WW2, relocated piece by piece to its present location. It sports doric columns and baroque features. The life of Saint Thomas Aquinas is depicted on the sides of the arch while markers of Jose Rizal, Philippine national hero, and Manuel Quezon, former Philippine president, are also present. Both Rizal and Quezon are graduates of UST.
Arch-door of the old university building in Intramuros erected in the 17th century as it survived the war of 1941-1945
Replica of the Arch-door of the old university building in Intramuros as it appeared in the 17th century (This is the one facing Espana Blvd. picture edited using Photoshop's Shadow/Highlight adjustment to eliminate harsh shadows)
Arch of Centuries Gateway to history of finest breed of Filipinos 1954 AD
"Jose Rizal 1861-1896 Jose Rizal Alumno de la Real y Pontificia de Universidad de Santo Tomas de Manila, Filipinas, 1877-1882" The marker on the Arch of Centuries pertaining to Jose Rizal who enrolled in Medicine in the university from 1877 to 1882. Rizal, however, found the Dominicans (as the Order of Preachers were called) discriminating against Indios (referring to natives by Spanish during that time, Filipinos refer to Spaniards born in the Philippines) and got grades ranging from a mere aprobado (passing), bueno (good), to sobresaliente which were very different from numerous sobresaliente grades at the Ateneo. He did not, however, graduate on top of his class like most people think. (Source: Ambeth Ocampo)
Tutubi was happily taking pictures of the serene and relaxing UST campus when he "flew" too near the security guard at the gate and was asked if he's an alumnus of UST, if not, he needed to secure a permit to take pictures. Tutubi, a graduate of a different university, just stopped taking photos just to avoid an argument yet saved these photos already taken for this post.
Did you know that UST is not the first university in the Philippines and Asia as most people know? It's only the second yet the oldest university in these islands, extant that is. More of this next time :P
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Other places of interest in UST:
UST Museum of Arts and Sciences:
Museum entrance Fee: Free for UST students and Alumni, P20 for students, P30 for non-students. Museum open from Tuesday to Friday from http://www.ustmuseum.com/
Santissimo Rosario (UST Church actually UST Chapel) was the temporary home of the Our Lady of La Naval during World War 2, when the old Santo Domingo Church was bombed. The La Naval Image was transferred later to the new Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City after the war.
Near UST, at the end of Espana Blvd is Mabuhay Rotonda (formerly Welcome Rotonda) that marks the boundary between city of Manila and Quezon City. At the opposite end of Espana is the UNESCO-cited art-deco Far Eastern University (FEU) architectural gem of a campus.
Note: España Boulevard was donated to the Philippine government where the deed of donation stipulates that the land cut by this famous avenue will be and remain public provided it is called España, thereby making it immune from stupid politicians of Manila whose accomplishments only range from changing historic street names in "honor" of unknown politicians)
How to get to UST, Manila:
Commute to UST: from Taft Avenue, board a jeep bound for Quezon city with these signboards: Cubao, Project 2&3, Project 4, Project 6, Fairview, Project 8 and you'll pass by Espana Boulevard in front of the school. From MRT Cubao, Quezon Avenue or North Avenue stations, you may board jeeps bound for Quiapo.
Commuting from Marikina, you may take LRT 2 Pureza station then walk towards Lardizabal street where the Tayuman-bound jeeps hold terminal and pass by Gov. Forbes, now Lacson St. Alternately, the Lardizabal-bound jeeps are available at LRT Tayuman station though they will pass M. de la Fuente St. (Trabajo) on their return trip.
Driving Directions to UST by car: gates are on Espana Blvd and Dapitan St. (near UST Hospital) though Dapitan is a one way street, you may take Lacson St then left turn to Dapitan to go there.
Labels: Jose Rizal, Manila, Metro Manila, Universities, World War II
posted by GingGoy @ 3:09 AM,
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