Gumaca, Quezon - the start of my Quezon - Bicol Escapades with Cam

There was a time when I stopped exploring due to personal problems since I started in December of 2000.  For two years, 2005 – 2007, I would only go to a scheduled trip like company outing, but never a planned trip that I usually do.   In summer of 2007, when everything started going back to normal, I decided to go to Gumaca to visit my best friend Cam, who was residing in this town with his brother.

Most travellers wouldn’t stop here because most of the buses going to Bicol have a stopover in Lucena or Atimonan, and the next stopover would be in Calauag or Tagkawayan.  The major attraction of Gumaca is the Gumaca Cathedral of the Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala, one of the oldest and biggest church in the province of Quezon. (I wasn’t able to get a photo).

Gumaca lies in the middle of Quezon Province along the coastline of Lopez Bay.  We went to a nearby public beach, in which we decided to have a late afternoon talk.  And my trip in Gumaca was the start of our summer getaway in which we focused in Quezon Province and Bicol Region.  As Cam and I where both from this province, Calauag and Lucban. 

For the next posts, it would be our Quezon and Bicol escapades.

Smile Magazine Destination Guides

Coming from a workshops of Writer's Block Philippines, I was able to create manuscript.  I was able to submit articles to different magazines.  Some where published, others, I'm still waiting for the pitch to be approved.  My first write-ups was published in Smile Magazine of the Cebu Pacific Airlines, the last pages of the magazine under the Destination Guides.  I already have two, one for my Phuket Trip, published last October 2014, and the Taiwan Trip, published this February 2016.  Thank you to my mentor, Ms. Nikka.  If you want to submit a destination guides, let me know.  You'll never know, you're friends, colleagues or acquaintance might see you thru the pages of the magazine.  Just like some of my friends who were able to read my write ups and were eager to send me a picture of the the article.

Iloilo: Historical and Religious Sites

The Spanish conquest has been evident in the Western Visayas.  The Spanish influenced in Iloilo are depicted by centuries-old churches.  Here are some of the historical and religious sites:

1.  Miag-ao Church or Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church

The baroque architecture was built during 1787 to 1797 and became a fortress during the Moro pirates attacked.  The church was preserved as it was named  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2.  Tigbauan Church or Saint John of Sahagun Church

A unique church because of its Latin American churriquesque architecture that had been built in the 16th century by Augustinian friars.  Inside the church is a grotto containing the chapel of Sto. Nino.

3. Guimbal Church or St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish

The Spanish-colonial style church was built using corals and adobe.  It was also known as the iconic Iloilo's Yellow Stone Landmark because of the yellow colored limestone blocks and coral powder used. The four-storey high belfry serves as a watch tower against Moro pirates during the Spanish era.


4. Santo Nino de Arevalo Parish Church

The church possess the third oldest Sto Nino figurines in the Philippines brought by the Augustinian friars duting 1581. The church stood in one of the places that was first to be named in Spanish as La Villa Rica de Arevalo and is now known by the locals as Villa de Arevalo.

5. Molo Church  or St. Anne's Parish

A Gothic-Renaissance inspired church exudes beauty which was built by Dominicans in 1831.  A feminist church due to the presence of sixteen statues along the aisles are feminine saints.  The massive two belfries consists of 30 different sizes of bells.  

6. Jaro Cathedral or National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles

The cathedral is declared the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles and also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro.   Housed inside the church is the stone image of the miraculous Our Lady of Candles.

Separated from the church is the belfry across the national highway and situated in the Jaro Plaza.

First time in the Philippines? Where to go?

Recently, some Filipino friends abroad had been asking me to recommend places in the Philippines for their foreign friends who’s visiting our country for the first time.

Most of the time, I recommend Boracay and Cebu.

Why Boracay? Well, you haven’t really been to the Philippines, if Boracay is not included in the itinerary.  Still voted as the best beach in the world, Boracay is known for its pristine white sands, clear blue waters and a view of the magnificent sunset.  There are different water activities to engage with like island hopping, parasailing, banana boat ride, kayaking, cliff diving, snorkeling, diving, stand up paddling, helmet diving, boating and sailing.  The island also offers great massage in the beach, henna tattoos, ATV riding, and a great sense of nightlife and partying. A wide variety of food of different cuisines are found in Boracay.  What I love the most are the buffet dinner that serves fresh seafood like lobsters and shrimps.   A walk from Station 3 to Station 1 is also a must, to see the coarse sand to finer sand and the great view of the Mama Mary in Willy’s Rock.  I also love Puka Beach because of its pink and coral sands.  Resorts of different class can be easily found along the beach fronts.  Other apartment, Airbnb, backpacker lodges, villas are also available.  There are private and secluded beach around.  I suggest to book a flight and accommodation earlier since it gets crowded easily in Boracay.  And I’m not sure if the off-peak season still applies.  As for myself, I’d been there for the nth time and would still come back anytime.

Why Cebu?  This is my favorite province, if you read my blog, I’d been featuring different locations here, and still there’s a lot to explore.  I’d been to Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-lapu City, Talisay, Bantayan Island, Camotes Island, Malapascua Island, San Remigio,  Daanbantayan, Carmen, Oslob and Samboan.  For starters, tour the city first, from the famous Sinulog Festival every January, a visit to the oldest church of Basilica Minore del Sto Nino, Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro and Taoist Temple.The different islands and towns promote numerous activities.  But it depends on what you want, like diving, island tours, trekking and canyoneering falls, mountain climbing, watching whale sharks, viewing the heritage sites.  Name it Cebu has it.  It just depends on what you want to see and what to do.  The best place for Lechon, seafoods, the famous Larsian food stall and the Lantaw restaurant with a view of the city.  My favorite destination is Bantayan, my first love, but overall Cebu is worth your time, money and memories.

There’s still a lot of places to recommend, just visit my blog to know more of the Philippines.

Camiguin: Traveling under LPA

Exactly 4 years ago, when we had an early flight to Cagayan de Oro for our trip to Camiguin.  We ate our breakfast at the Agora Bus terminal and rode a bus bound for a 3 hours drive to Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental.  Earlier that evening, a low pressure area was spotted in the east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Norte.  It was not yet raining in Cagayan de Oro when we arrived, but as we get near Balingoan, it started to rain and had cloudy skies.

We arrived around 11AM at Balingoan Port, and we bought our ticket towards Benoni Port in Camiguin.  There was a parked ferry boat in Balingoan.  They told us that within thirty minutes the boat would sail to Camiguin.  As passengers flocked the port, strong winds and heavy rain were seen outside the terminal.  Locals of Camiguin assured as that there would be a ferry boat that would take us to our destination.  At 2 PM, they decided to board us to the ferry amidst the strong winds and rough waters.  While we were waiting for our boat to sail, a very huge wave struck us and the ferry went side ways towards the docks, slamming us to the side of the ferry.  I got scared but looking at the locals, they seem calm.  My friend and I decided that if ever the ferry was in its right position, we would go down and head back to Cagayan de Oro.  The crew of the ferry where vigilant that they managed to turn the boat again to its docking position.  We were about to go down but the ferry sailed to the waters toward Camiguin.

The boat ride was supposedly only 2 hours, but because of the LPA, we sailed at a very low paced.  My worries about the weather altered when somewhere in the sea, I saw dolphins swimming.  

We arrived at Benoni Port at 6PM, where we don’t have a place to stay.  It was supposedly a do-it-yourself trip, but due to unforseen event and we were already tired, we decided to ride a van and told the driver to take us to Bahay Bakasyunan, an expensive resort in Mambajao.

Bahay Bakasyunan was really a very nice and cozy place to stay.  The amenities were good and the staff were very friendly.  We had our lunch in the bar, the room was spacious in a modern Nipa hut setting.  My friend and I just laughed at what happened the whole day and decided to enjoy our stay in the resort.   

The following day, it was still raining and cloudy.  Our first stop after our breakfast was the White Island of Camiguin.   We road small boat near the famous Paras Beach Resort towards the island.   The shape of sand bar of White Island differs depending on the weather.  When we got there, the waves were rough and we weren’t able to have a glimpse of the famous Mount Hibok Hibok from the island.  

We headed to Katibawasan Falls,  where raging waters were flowing from the top.  

We had our lunch J&A Fishpen, a fishing restaurant in Barangay Benon, Mahinog.  We ordered seafoods and fishes that could be seen in Camiguin.  The driver asked us if we wanted to go to Mantigue Island, but because the coast were also from the side of Benoni Port, we decided not to try the rough waters there. 

Then we went to Santo Nino Cold Spring and the Soda Water Park. After which we went to Guiob Church Ruins and view the Sunken Cemetery. 

We stayed  in  the  Ardent Hot Spring for more than an hour to enjoy the benefits of the water in the hot spring.  Our last stop was the Vjandep bakeshop where we bought Camiguin’s famous pastel.

The next morning, the sun was up but it was time for us to head back to Cagayan de Oro, for us not to miss our flight in the evening to Manila.

For some people, it would had been a disaster trip.  But not for me, I believed that it push me to my limits, that I can brace all the storms.  I was reminded of one of the travel quotes I read somewhere..replace fear of the unknown with curiosity.  And when the time comes, I might head back to Camiguin again, to experience it with the sun, and to view the four strato volcanoes within the island..and to get the chance to explore the Mantigue Island, the one we skipped from our island tour. 

And up until now, I never stop having my adventures.

Oslob: Tumalog Falls and Heritage Site

Can't get enough of Oslob?  Done with whale sharks and Sumilon Island,  Let's try to explore the majestic falls and Spanish-era structures found in the Poblacion.

    

We went there early in the morning, just a 15-minute ride from Aaron Beach Resort to the entrance of the falls.  We transferred to another motorcycle ride going down the falls. Walking was also another option.  Nestled in the mountains of Oslob, a cascade of pouring waters with the lushes of green can be seen from the entrance. 

Because it was very early, there were no tourist yet, except for my friend, and the two tourist guide with us.  One also toured us around and took picture of us while exploring the place. 

The water was cold.  The mist from the falls and the windy surrounding also made us shiver.   We were also wet although we didn't swim in the river bed.

 After which, we went back to our main tourist guide at the entrance and went to the main town.  Along the highway, you'd get to feel the sea breeze.  It was a 30-minute ride from Tan-awan to Poblacion.   

The Heritage site of Oslob have a strong hold of Spanish history.  The first noticeable site was the restructured church called Parish Church of the Immaculate Concepcion.   Because of  the fires from 1955 and 2008, the church was completely restored in 2010  

Across the parish was a remnants of the old Cuartel for the Spanish troops, that withstand the earthquakes and typhoon that hit Oslob.  

Along the park was a Baluarte, one of the seven watchtowers built along the coastline of Oslob.  It used to be a hexagonal shaped structure and 7 meters tall, but the ruins left were only 3 side.  In front of the Baluarte, is a statue of Fr.  Julian Bermejo, who was responsible in building the 12 watchtowers from Carcar to Santander.  The watchtower was designed as a lookout stations for the coming of the Moro pirate ships.

   Oslob: a mixed of different adventure.

Why do you travel?

I’d been asked by somebody I just met on why do I travel?  I hesitated for a moment to come up with an answer.  Then it dawned to me if I have the same reasons as to what I have now, when I was only starting to explore my very own country.

  

I traveled because of work.  I’d check the common tourist spot where most people would go.  To say later that I’d been there.  I’d try the specialty food that the province has to offer.  To say later, that I’d eaten that food there.  My first trip because of work was Zamboanga City, where I tried a sumptuous meal with their famous curacha. Then I traveled more and extend my stay to venture the place.  I realized that I became a beach person when I first explored Bantayan Island when I was only 21 years old.  I love the salty water, the blindlng light of the sun when I walked on the sand bars.  I don’t mind getting sun-kissed by the sun because luckily I don’t get dark even if I stayed all day into the outdoors . I became fascinated with nature that I started to catch sunrise and chase sunset.  I’d talk to locals to understand their history and culture.   

There came a time that traveling for me had become a scapegoat.  That going to an unknown place is my way of finding myself.   When you’re into sales or maybe if you’re over fatigue with work, which most of us go through, you’d experience a lot of burnt out.  And travelling is a way for me to have a peace of mind, to realize that life is not a routine that I’m getting out of my comfort zone, learning about myself and finding my limits.  I would always look forward on my next trip, or plan a trip even two years ahead.

Everybody has a bucket list.  Mine contains all the places in the Philippines where I’d want to go.  I’d been doing it since I went to Bantayan Island.  I’d crossed the name of the place if I got the chance to see it and add more if I heard of a place worth exploring.  This time around my bucket list are countries I’d want to have my very own adventure. 

But yes, I love my country the most, I made sure that before I started globally I could say with pride to everyone that I explored the archipelago.  There were only a few places left that I’d want to go to that was still on my list: Siargao, Batanes and El Nido.  As for the rest of the Philippines, I had memories, stories and experiences I could share.  Boarding a plane, a ferry, a boat, a bus, a jeepney,  a motorcycle, or whatever means of transportation there is, had become ordinary.  Staying  in a luxurious hotel, a hostel, an ordinary house or even camping I tried it all. I had my stomach full by eating out in an expensive restaurant, meals offered by locals, food on the streets, specialty of the place (some places I couldn’t eat their specialty food though.)  Every time I’d visit a place whether it’s new or a place I’d been to, I’d always search for a church or a chapel to pray and thank my creator for giving me a wonderful life.

And now, why do  I travel?  I guess, I still have the same reasons when I was only starting:  1. To check my bucket list. 2. To explore the place; the tourist destination, the food,  and learn the history and culture.  3.  I find myself when I travel.  4. I create memories.

I think, the last reason for me traveling is the greatest of all.  To look back years from now, I could say to myself that I’d been there, done that.  

And to quote:  I haven’t  been everywhere but it’s still on my list.  So I’d keep on exploring more.

How about you, why do you travel? 

The best Vongole

I love Italian cuisine.  I'm allergic to seafood, but a little won't hurt.  My favorite pasta dish is Vongole.

Where have I tasted the best Vongole?

1. La Famiglia Little Italy in Greenhills - because I'm a bacon lover, the addition of bacon adds more flavor to the vongole.  Serving is good for 2.  It's the best on my list so far.

2. Spaghetti Factory - Ayala Center, Cebu.  They also have branches in Glorietta and Wackwack Greenhills.  

3. Amici - Located along Tomas Morato and in Ayala Techno Hub

You should try Vongole in California Pizza Kitchen, Italianni's and Old Spaghetti House.

Kalanggaman Island: Untouched, unspoiled.

It was a two hours boat ride from Malapascua Island, we decided to rent a boat towards this island.  I was already intrigued with this island but never had a chance to research about it, and upon seeing that the Blue Coral Beach Resort had an island tour in this island, we decided to stay for one more day.  Instead of heading back to Cebu City to have a city tour we decided to explore Kalanggaman since we’re very near. 

It was 8 in the morning when the boatman picked us up.  He was with his son and 1 other companion who bought our lunch.  It was a hot day and the one hour ride was rather boring because we could only hear the splashing of water to the boat.  There were islands on both sides, the main land of Cebu and Leyte but they were rather small.  But after an hour, you could almost see the island.

And inch by inch, we were getting closer to the island.   Seeing a very small island with pristine sand bar from end to end glistening to the sun, we get excited.  It was breathe taking just by looking from afar.  A long stretch of sand bars from the island where you could walk as far as you could during low tide.

When our boat approached the main island, we were really excited.  Kalanggaman is untouched, unspoiled.  We went to the other end first.  

There were no people here except us.  Then we walked through the rocky side of the island that leads to the main beach front. 

It was already high tide, and the long stretch of sand bar was disappearing.But we still walked to the sands feeling the cold water in our feet.  

We looked for a covered shade from the coconut tree and had our lunch courtesy of our boatman, and a treat of buko juice fresh from the coconut in the island.  After which we immersed to the water again, on the different sides of the beach.

It was past 2 PM when we decided to head back to Malapascua for another 2 hours boat ride.  But it didn’t matter anymore, because Kalanggaman island experience was really amazing.  A trip we that wasn't part of our itinerary.  So they say, always have room for the last minute change in your travel.  You'd never know what you'd unravel along the way.

The island is managed by the government of Palompon, Leyte.  It is not part of Cebu anymore.  They told us it was a 45-minute travel if you were from Palompon.  There was a shop in the island, but there were no place to stay except to camp.     

Malapascua Island: Premier Dive Site

Great places are harder to find, so they say.  And I could never get enough of Cebu.  And this time around, it's on the farther north tip of the province, an isolated beach paradise called Malapascua.

From the airport we hailed a taxi towards the North Terminal and rode a bus going to Daanbantayan, to reach the Maya Port.  It took us almost 6 hours to get to the port.  A boat, that leaves every hour, was waiting for us for another two hours ride to island.  After a long journey, we were excited when we finally saw the beautiful white sands.  There were no ports in the island, the boatman stopped in the main beach.  Our resort was located at the left side of the beach, called Blue Coral Beach Resort.

 The room was a non-air conditioned room, had a wide window which gave fresh air from the sea.  And because it was built on high rocks, our room gave a spectacular view of the Bounty beach.

Our resort also offered island tour in which we availed.  We started at 9 AM.  The first site was the snorkeling near Dakit Dakit Island, known for it's coral garden and coral walls and different fishes.   After which we passed by the light house, a dive site was near the light house.

We stopped at Guinbantayan, where the sand bar meets from both side of the sea.   There were children of the locals who were also enjoying the beach.

We headed to Langob, where we stayed for more than an hour before having our lunch. The lunch was also included in our tour, where our boatman freshly catch fishes where cooked in the boat while we enjoyed the water and the long sand bar.

After we had our lunch, our boatman took us the Bantigue Cove Beach Resort, a private beach resort, but we were allowed to tour the cove.  It was also a high spot, to check the other side of the Malapascua Island.  After which we went to the Coral Garden to enjoy another snorkeling activity. We were backed in Bounty Beach at 4 PM and stayed there enjoyed our sun bathing.

Malapascua is a premier dive site, in which divers has been visiting regularly.  The famous area for diving are Monad Shaol, Gato Shoal and Kemod Shoal.  Thresher sharks and manta rays were regularly sited.  There were shops for diving gears and diving lessons.  And since my friend and I were not divers, we just simply enjoyed the beauty of the whole Malaspascua Island.