Traveling Morion

Morion’s Travel:The Sugar Capital of the Philippines -Negros Occidental!

2012-01-29T13:25:00.005+08:00

The Ruins of Talisay, streets of Bacolod City, The Capitol, Bacolaodiat Festival, sugarcane plantations, rice terraces, the majestic view of Mount Kanlaon, Inasal...- The Sugar Capital of the Philippines has a lot more to offer than what I've expected!

From Cebu to Negros Occidental

January 16, 2012- 9:30 AM. Aboard MV Melrival (from Toledo Port) going to the Port of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Fare:P200 (Aircon)/ P180 (ordinary)

Arrived at Port of San Carlos @ 11:30 AM after 2 hours of sea travel.

Pedicab ride from Port of San Carlos going to the Terminal of buses bound to Bacolod City.

Leaved San Carlos City @ 12:15 via Aircon Ceres Bus (Don Salvador road- shortcut).

1:30 PM: witnessed the majestic views of sugarcane plantations, rice terraces of Codcod, Choco Hills, Waterfalls of Don Salvador, and the famous Mt. Kanlaon.

Don Salvador Rice Terraces, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

The City of Smiles:) Bacolod!

2:30 PM: arrival at Bacolod South Terminal. Hired taxi for 75pesos going to SM city Bacolod.

2:45 PM: Lunch @ Mang Inasal

3:45 PM: visited the Pope John Paul II tower

Entrance is P20 Regular/ P5 for students

Meet 2 ladies at the top of the tower- Pearl and Roxan who gave us the information on where We can find cheap but decent pension House.

The late Pope John Paul 2 seated in this chair during his visit to Bacolod City

View from the Top of Pope John Paul 11 Tower

The Ruins

4:40 pm: hired a taxi cab going to the famous The Ruins of Talisay City.

Taxi Fare: 600 pesos back and forth (buti pumayag si Manong kahit lima kami:)

We arrived at the Ruins at exactly 5:30 Pm. The structure is also known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines

Entrance: P40 for Students/60 pesos Regular

6:00 PM view of "The Ruins"

TRIVIA

The Ruins is one the grandest structures during 19th century owned by sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. Built as a gift for his Portuguese wife Maria Braga. The structure of the mansion is of Italianate Architecture with Neo-Romanesque colums.

According to Roger Lacson (tourist guide), during World War II, the US forces burned the mansion to prevent Japanese Forces from using it as headquarters.

Abandoned for 67 years until Mr. Raymund Heredia Javellana took effort to develop the place as tourist destination.

Four years since it's opening to the public, The 92 years old structure was recently ranked as number 12 in the Most Outstanding Ruins in the World and declared by the Philippine Civil Engineers Association of the Philippines as the Best Landmark in the Philippines.

Every 5:30 Pm the Ruins turned into gold because of direct rays of sunset.

We leaved Talisay City at 6:30 PM, going back to Bacolod.

7:30 PM: Check in at Tamera Plaza Inn.
#79 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Telefax: +63(034)709-0886.Tel. No.:+63(034)432-1708
e-mail:tameraplazainn@gmail.com
website:www.tameraplazainn.com
Rates:
Standard Room (single): Php 950
Standard Room (Double) 1100
Deluxe Room (Twin Sharing) 1300
Superior Room (Twin/Triple) 1500
extra matress 250
extra person 100
> with free wifi
>free breakfast for all accommodations

8:30 PM: Dinner @ Manukan Country just in front of SM Bacolod.

Tasted Bacolod’s native dish :Chicken Inato for 60pesos with free soup

PhotoWalk

After dinner (9:00PM) We decided to explore the City by walking!

San Sebastion Cathedral

Gazebo At the City's Public Plaza

Mani at Itlog- street foods common in Bacolod City at night.

The Provincial Capitol of Negros at Night

Artistic Bronze Statue of A Man with his Carabao in the Capitol Plaza

The Bacolaodiat Festival
Bacolaodiat Festival is a week-long Chinese New Year Celebration in Bacolod City. The celebration includes parade of illuminated floats, Chinese Lanterns, Lion and Dragons along the streets of Bacolod.

Chinese Lanterns display

Party, Live bands! in every corner of the Lacson Street.

Day 2: going back to San Carlos City

8:20 AM: breakfast (complimentary)

11:30 AM:checkout @ Tamera Inn

then ride in a Taxi going to South Bus Terminal (45pesos)

While waiting for the next bus to depart- going to San Carlos City , We decided to have our lunch

@ Mang Pritos just infront of the terminal.

Chinggay : 35pesos

Boneless Bangus : 40pesos

Leaved Bacolod South Bus Terminal @ 1:00pm ...

vast plantations of sugarcanes along the road

the food vendors during bus stop-over

"Salbaro" Visayas' native bread cooked in Pugon

unexpected stay at San Carlos City

Last scheduled trip of ship going to Cebu is 3:30 Pm while we arrived in San Carlos Port at exactly 3:55

“kaalis lng po”

We decided to look for the nearest pension house. To extend the gala jejeje at buti na lang holiday ng January 23...

Check in at Lola Nitang’s pension House.

(Lola Nitang's Pension House is located just in front of the City Auditorium)

5: 30 PM: After 1 hour of rest and enjoying free wi-fi, we continued the suroy suroy!

By Pedicab and Lakad we headed to the Peoples Park, Gaisano Mall, and ended up hungry at Tio Pio's Mang Inasal(Tsiken na naman, Iya:))

The City Auditorium

Entrance going to the People's Park of San Carlos City

View of the Majestic Mt. Kanlaon from the People's Park

Lamp post at The Park

Miniatures at the Park

Dinner at Tio Pio's Tsiken Inasal

Leaved Port of San Carlos City going back to Cebu@ 9:30 AM on January 23, 2012 with Sweet Smiles:)

Morion's PhotoGallery 101: Alive Sinulog Festival 2012!

2012-01-27T20:58:00.005+08:00

Photographs taken on January 15, 2012 along the streets of Cebu City during Sinulog Festival Grand Parade. This is my second time to experience Sinulog fever, the first time was on 2010, and the feeling of being part of the celebration in honor of the Senyor Santo Nino, is truly unforgettable.

These snapshots shows the different sides of the festivity taken by Traveling Morion while joining the sea of devotees in the streets of Cebu City.

Everyone, everything’s Alive!

FAITH AND SPIRIT, ALIVE!

CULTURES AND TRADITIONS, ALIVE!

local showBIZNESS and amazed fans are more ALIVE!

"all kinds of BUSINESS, ALIVE!"

Morion's Photo-Travel Diary: Food, Places, and People

2012-01-26T17:54:00.002+08:00

Still posting Unpublished Photographs from my "cheap" P and S camera. These Photographs were taken on third week of December during long holiday vacation up to the second week of January when I'm back to work.

December 17, 2011.Starbucks at SM City Cebu enjoying free wi-fi while waiting for friends who are busy shopping for exchange gifts.

Still waiting for more than one hour.After finishing regular size Starbucks cold coffee drink, I just transferred
to Gelatissimo stall and tried what they called "special ice cream?."

7:45 PM when we leaved at SM City Cebu. While on the long line in the "Taxi Lane" of the mall, I found myself taking photographs of the neighboring Radisson Blue Hotel.

December 22, 2011. Lunch at Gerry's Grill with my wife and our lovechild Nicole. Wew!

Hot Bulalo and Sisig...

December 26, 2011. Breakfast at Reyes Barbecue in SM Marikina after almost one hour travel from Alabang then visited relatives in Provident Village.Da best ang goto at barbecue plus java rice!

January 07, 2012.While roaming around SM City Cebu. Got the chance to take photos
of Christmas Village of Hope and "Una."

"UNA" is the first car in the world manufactured using indigenous materials exclusive to Cebu patterned from the 1959 Porche 356. Designed and manufactured by Clayton Tugonon, the exterior is purely made from coconut flower's stalk and rattan stripes. The dashboard comes from a blend of two-toned shells while the steering wheels and the knob are made from Shagreen. It was one of the highlights @ the 2011 famous exhibit in Manila to showcase what Cebu can do.- NORTHWING SM City Cebu

Enjoyed affordable Lutong-Bahay lunch at NEO-NEO in SM Cebu.

Dinuguan: 35 pesos

porkchop with rice: 49 pesos

fresh buko: 28 pesos

January 09, 2012. Photographs of Tambis (one of my favorite subject) while walking along the streets of Pinamungahan, Cebu after visiting one of our program member.

January 10, 2012. While waiting for the Bus' departure @ Tuburan Terminal going back to Toledo City from Unit Monitoring.

While inside the unfamous COROMINAS bus- the only bus line traveling from Cebu City

to Tuburan (vice-versa)

View from the bus' window:Flooded fields of Colonia, Asturias, Cebu

View from the bus' window: 6:00 pm @ Balamban highway - rush hour! workers from the nearby Shipyard are going home.

Morion's PhotoGallery 101: 2011 Unpublished Photographs

2012-01-03T11:05:00.001+08:00

Since I am still preparing for my (serious na jejeje) travel itinerary for 2012, this will be my first post for this year- Part 1 of the "Unpublished 2011 Photographs" from my cheap point and shoot camera.

Thanks to :promo fares (Piso fare, P12, P59, P88 atbp...) of Cebu Pacific Air and AirPhil express I was able to book my flights to/from interesting destinations in the country;

Malakanyang for advance release of List of confirmed regular and special non-working holidays; travel magazines I have/had read featuring the beauty and magic of the Philippines' 7107 Islands (pang pageant); and to ka-PTB and ka-FBW bloggers who encouraged me to be on the "road" aside from "work."

Morion welcomes "DOS MIL DOSE"

2012-01-01T00:54:00.002+08:00

Morion's PhotoGallery 101: "DapitHapon sa Marikina RiverBanks"

2011-12-31T14:42:00.000+08:00

Photographs while strolling around Marikina RiverBanks on December 27, 2011- 2 days after Christmas and 5 days before 2012.

Morion's Gala: Manila Ocean Park

2011-12-25T15:50:00.001+08:00

From NAIA 2, after one hour of smooth air travel from Cebu via PAL PR 842 - me,my wife, and daughter (who waited for my arrival at the airport for almost 20minutes) headed to Manila Ocean Park as early as 8:30 AM not knowing that the oceanarium’s opening is at 9:00 am. Thanks to the food stalls located before the entrance and 30 minutes waiting time I still have the moment to eat breakfast.

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grand Stand in front of Rizal Park Monument. The country’s first state of the art oceanarium opened its door to the public last year and said to be much larger than Sentosa Underworld of Singapore (I've already visited on August 2010).

Entrance Fee is amounting to P400 for adults and P350 for children. Discounted tour packages are also available but we decided to visit only the oceanarium since our time is limited.

The oceanarium was divided into different sections: The Agos Section, Bahura (Reef) Section, Laot (fishing ground), and the Ang Kalaliman(the Deep).

Other attractions such as Penguin Exhibit, Fish SPA, Musical fountain show, and puppet show are also interesting unfortunately we don’t have enough time to visit all since we have an engagement at 1:00 pm.

Importance Notice: Flash Photography is not allowed inside the oceanarium.

Morion's PhotoGallery 101: "Habal-Habal"

2011-12-09T23:24:00.010+08:00

Date taken: December 09, 2011
Location : Asturias, Cebu, Philippines

Habal-habal is a common mode of transportation here in Cebu especially in mountainous Barangays wherein 4 wheels public utility vehicles are not accessible. It is also called as Skylab in some places particularly in Mindanao.
These photographs were taken while I was on travel going to Tuburan (Cebu)- for my weekly Unit Monitoring.
I was amazed how the driver managed to balance the passengers seated on both sides (left and right extension wood) plus the additional weight of the other one at his back.

________________________________________

This post is Morion's entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers'

Blog Carnival for the month of December 2011.

The theme for this month's carnival is TRAVEL IS A DESTINATION

hosted by Kara Santos of TravelUP.

Wordless Sunday: In Between Money and Life

2011-11-27T19:06:00.001+08:00

no more words, they will simply send the message...

If you do believe please visit:

http://no2mininginpalawan.com

SIGN to protect PALAWAN!

Morion's Tambay: VISAYAS BLOGGING SUMMIT 2011

2011-11-16T21:06:00.000+08:00

Blog/Blogs tagged as “new electronic media” or "Social Media" plays a very potent role in shaping today’s society norms, reader’s behaviour /decision, and even politics ups and downs. From a simple to more complicated post, the World Wide Web space is much wider - broader than what we thought. Readers are not limited, self-regulated. Starting a blog is as easy as 1-2-3, just like singing A to Z alphabet. Everyone can start a simple post at his/her own blog without spending dollars for a domain name, Blogger and Wordpress offers free hosting.

This blog is just a simple diary of my journey and stories. I've created this blog not just to write an article and share photographs. Anyone can read and view what I've posted and published here thats why I must be responsible and conscious . GMA News TV campaign “Think before you Click…”was truly related.

This year, The VBS- society of Cebu Bloggers organized the 2011 Visayas Blogging Summit on November 26, 2011 at SM City Cebu with the theme “ Blogging and Beyond. I am very much interested to join in this year's one of the largest social media gathering. To learn more about the future of blogging, to further improve my blog-writing skills and to become more responsible in every post I will publish.

for more info.visit the following sites:

http://vbs2011.cebubloggers.com/

http://cebubloggers.com

A short stop at Luneta Park, Manila

2011-11-03T14:39:00.004+08:00

October 29, 2011.After visiting and spending half of the day at the Manila Zoo we headed to Luneta Park. Luneta Park (formerly known as Bagumbayan- New Town), was the place wherein National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal and the three Martyr Priests Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora executed after being accused of spearheading revolution against Spaniards.Known to many, the said events sparked the courage of Filipinos to fight for independence.

Luneta Park has been significant site of moments in Philippine History. The declaration of Philippine independence from American Rule was also held in this place. The Park truly symbolizes Filipino pride, courage, dignity and independence.

Today, Luneta Park is not just a place of monument. Dancing fountains, food stalls, a glimpse of perfect sunset at Manila Bay, grassy open field serves as pasyalan, a perfect dating venue, and family's picnic place.

Calesas or horse-drawn vehicles are available in the area for standard rate of P50.

The place for dating and picnics.

The famous landmark- Rizal monument was designed by Swiss sculpture Richard Kissling. The monument is guarded each and every moment to protect Dr. Jose Rizal’s remains inside.

6:00 pm at the Park

The Park’s Dancing fountains.

Manila Zoo Today

2011-10-30T14:21:00.007+08:00

October 29, 2011. To be exact I am now on the 3rd week of vacation, after a major operation due to acute appendicitis. I will be back to Cebu (for my work assignment) on November 16. Time to rest and great bonding moments with my wife and baby. I’ve realized that every day without work seems so long. My body wants to go back to work and travelling as soon as possible.

To end this boredom, we decided to spend this week's saturday roaming -around Manila’s known “pasyalan”.

We leave Alabang @ 9:45 AM via taxi cab instead of bus to avoid long time of waiting "sa pila". As usual the driver offered fixed rate. Offer starts at 500 pesos (masyadong mahal alabang to quirino?), after 5 minutes of tawaran, we agreed at 300 pesos.

Our first destination was the first and the oldest zoo in Asia- The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden. The famous zoo opened its door to the public on July 25, 1959 as educational center wherein viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts.

Manila zoo is now far different from what it is when I first visited (1997?). I remembered giraffe, orangotan,
lions, tigers, in well maintained cages and clean environment compared to what I’ve saw this time.

No more Giraffes, where are the lions? Where are the other animals?

The zoo aims to educate but its current situation seems unpleasant to viewing invitees.

NO MORE COMMENTS.

Some says closing the zoo and putting-back the animals to their natural habitat are the answers. Releasing the animals in the wild? How they will survive if they are not trained to hunt?Closing is an exaggerated recommendation - for a zoo that served and continuously serving since 1959. There must be done to maintain the safety and welfare of the animals to make this place more suitable for them and to avoid criticisms.

Malay Civet Cat

Palawan Bear Cat

Maali is 34 years old Sri Lankan Elepant

donated to the zoo when she was 3 years old.

Additional Information:

Kinder Zoo

Entrance Fee – P100

Free Entrance for Children below 2 years old.

Manila Zoo

Admission Fee:

Adult – P40

Children (4 ft above) – P40

Children (below 4ft) – P20

Morion's Journey to the North-western side of Cebu

2011-10-23T08:31:00.002+08:00

New area of job assignment leads me to different places of interest and discoveries.

I love this job!

Working in an NGO means service and commitment. Travelling, working in different communities, discovering beautiful places, meeting people and (mis) adventures are part of the job and were considered consolation of being away from my family.

This this time, I would like to enjoy staying here in north-western side of Cebu. Aloguinsan, Pinamungahan, Toledo, Asturias, Balamban and Tuburan are interesting places to discover. My commitment and wandering feet will always fuel my spirit to continue this journey...

Toledo City's version of Larsian (barbecue stalls) and festivals; Black sand beaches of Talavera, Pinamungahan,and Balamban; "witch craft" stories in Tuburan; bird sanctuaries and unexplored caves of Asturias- more places and interesting stories awaits!

Toledo's Pork Barbecue

Black Sands Beach of Talavera, Toledo City

One Day: featuring Marikina Shoe Gallery, Robinsons Galeria and NAIAA 2 Terminal

2011-10-20T14:11:00.004+08:00

The world's largest pair of shoes. Certified by the GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS on 2002. It measures 529 centimeters long and 237 centemeters width and was completed within 77 days. The world's largest pair of shoes is currently kept at the Shoe Gallery of Marikina Riverbanks.

Snapshots of short stop at Robinson's Galleria with my wife and baby nicole.

Moments while waiting at NAIAA2 Terminal waiting for boarding.BACK TO CEBU, BACK TO WORK.

Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo (Cebu,Philippines) PART 4: Puso', Kalye, at Basilica del Santo Nino

2011-10-15T13:40:00.008+08:00

Roaming around Cebu City is a wonderful experience. Most of the interesting places are just meters away from each other. Just prepare ur’ feet and reliable sneakers/sandals, sight-seeing and adventures along the streets of the city is an amazing experience. Food stalls (in kamayan style) and palamigan are very much available. Don’t forget to try Puso’ (rice in heart shaped – coconut leaves) and barbeques in Cebu’s Larsian (barbeque park).

PUSO'

Some of the most interesting and historical places in Cebu city are The Magellanes Cross, Fort San Pedro, The Philippines oldest Street- The Colon Street, Cebu Museum, Basilica of the Santo Nino and others…

The Magellanes Cross

The Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño or Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is a 16th century church in Cebu City(Philippines). It was built on the spot where the image of the Sto. Nino a sculpture depicting the Holy Child Jesus found by Spanish explorers in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan expedition.

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

The church of Santo Niño de Cebu was founded by an Augustinian priest, Andrés de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565. The first church structure was built out of earth, hard wood and nipa in 1566 ordered by Friar Diego de Herrera. In 1735, Fernando Valdés y Tamon, the Governor of Cebu, ordered the church to be constructed of hard stone, which was built in the same spot were the previous church stood. Construction was completed in 1739. In 1965, during the fourth centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines,Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.

A museum inside the Basilica showcases the history of Christianity in Cebu. Antique objects are on display, including century-old furniture, priestly vestments and the Santo Nino's old cloaks donated by individuals over the centuries. Religious articles such as statues and relics are also displayed and other items of daily life from the adjacent convento. Several toys may also be seen; these are said to be presents to the Child Jesus, as well as a large Santo Niño rosary composed of 15 beads.

The century old baroque style church is located at the centre of Cebu City. Meters away from the famous Magellanes cross and the Cebu City Hall. Fare from Mactan- Cebu International Airport ranges from 180-200 pesos (Taxi cabs) much lesser if thru multicabs (which have routes and are also available from Cebu airport).

Beautiful Places and People of South Cebu

2011-08-30T10:17:00.014+08:00

My wandering feet continue to discover and travel...

Never-mind of first,second, third or fourth times coming here. I would always love to go back and experience
cold and amazing spring waters of Obong Spring!

This lovely place is located @ Bo. Obong Dalaguete, Cebu. More or less Two and half hours away from Cebu City, the province's capital. The place is very accessible just be carried by Bus lines such as Ceres and Sunrays which are located at Cebu South Bus Terminal.

fisherman's catch for the Day!

"Inihaw na Samaral"

Experience will not be completed without tasting "Kinilaw na Talaba".

Sugba na Talaba

The Boulevard of Boljoon, Cebu.

The Rock formations @ the boulevard

Thinko Beach of Alcoy, Cebu

This interesting place is located @ Bo. Atabay, Alcoy, Cebu 2- 3 hours away from Cebu City .

white and fine sands, Blue water!

fine and white sands makes this place an interesting.

Leyte: A Place of Pride and History!

2011-06-28T18:50:00.000+08:00

The country's longest bridge- SAN JUANICO, connecting Samar province to Leyte.

Along the streets of Tacloban City.

The Gen. Mc Arthur Shrine. located at Palo, Leyte

"I shall return," Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur. The word of hope that ended
Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

Uniquely Samar!: A journey to the Eastern side of Visayas Region

2011-06-28T18:47:00.007+08:00

Photographs of my first journey to the province of "Warays" - Samar!

This trip was not planned since my original flight ticket is Manila to Cebu. Long story to tell... leads me to re-routing of my flight to Manila-Tacloban. Then, I've said "Why not to make this unplanned/unexpected moment a memorable one!"

After arriving at Tacloban Domestic Airport via PAL flight, Morion found himself exploring the beautiful province of Samar!

June 2011

The San Juanico Bridge

Rural living

"Kinilaw sa Gata"

Sawa Snake swallowed one whole live chicken.

bottles of local wine awaits...

Tahong fresh from the sea

jeepney ride bound to next destination... back to the province of Leyte!

7:00PM Espana St. Manila(Philippines)

2011-06-28T18:43:00.000+08:00

Suroy- suroy sa Sugbo!PART 3:History and Gold of Boljoon

2011-06-25T14:53:00.004+08:00

Snapshots of short stop-over at the National Heritage Town of Boljoon.

The Town is situated along the Southeast coast of Cebu. Located in the town is one of the Philippine's oldest Church- THE BOLJOON CHURCH. Great stories of the past lies in the walls, surroundings, and grounds of the said hundred years old church. The church also serves as Museum of artifacts and treasures unearth in the nearby ground.
Good to know that the town preserves and protects proof of Philippine's great history and "Treasure!"

Taking pictures inside the museum is strictly prohibited.Luckily, I was allowed to take photos of some artifacts, images, and wall posts with significant information.

antique decorations made from seashells and corals

century old cloth with pure gold thread

the archaeological excavations

working anthropologists from University of San Carlos and The National Museum

digital illustration of the ancient community of Boljoon, the current location of the church ,which explains why there are treasures buried on the church's grounds.

based from carbon dating, skeletal remains are between 340 and 500 years old.

list of oldest churches in the Philippines which includes Boljoon Church

The current status of excavation ground

a gold necklace

THE BOLJOON CHURCH

TABON Peak of Dalaguete, Cebu (Philippines)

2011-06-25T10:14:00.005+08:00

Tabon is upland Barangay of Dalaguete. Characterized as an agricultural barrio, its large vegetable production/farming contributes a lot to Agriculture Industry of Cebu province.
You have to spend 45 minutes -1 hour travel from the town proper of Dalaguete to reach Barangay Tabon. Habal-Habal is the only available mode of transportation going to the area. Terminal is located at the town's corner street called “eskina mantalongon” . Hiring habal-habal costs 100-150 pesos while regular fare (have to wait for 3 other passengers) ranges from 50-60 pesos. According to one of the locals, there are numbers of caves in the area, surprisingly still unexplored! Wish I could set another time and have proper preparations to explore the said caves.

Tabon’s cool weather condition and untouched nature mixes adventure and nature hopping in one!

THE ROCK FORMATIONS

UNEXPECTED BEAUTY

ADVENTURE

FOOD

CHALLENGE

RURAL LIFE

Suroy- suroy sa Sugbo!PART 2: Cebu Places and People- The Sampaguita Vendor

2011-06-22T12:45:00.002+08:00

June 02, 2011

The Cebu City Hall

Sampaguita Vendor

breakfast @ Mc Donalds Talisay City

Suroy-suroy sa Sugbo! PART 1: Cebu Places, Food, and Travel

2011-05-27T21:35:00.001+08:00

Third week of May (2011).I just found myself taking pictures of interesting subjects which catches my attention while on travel (here) in the Queen City of the South.

Monday. 6:30pm is my original flight schedule going to Cebu but due to some technical concerns, it was moved to 8:00 pm. Emote pa nga ako sa FB. May nagcomment tuloy ng “Plane Always Late.” sa status ko, referring to the airline company?? Never mind, delayed pero I’m sure para din naman sa safety ng mga pasahero—sabi din ng tol ko sa blogging na si Balance (balance31.blogspot.com)

Tuesday.morning.While I was on choosing mode on which of the 2 shoes am I going to wear that will match in my Monday uniform. “Sawa na ako sa Black shoes kaya tipong pa "cool" ang get-up ko this time”.

Wednesday. I am not feeling well. “Pakiramdam ko sinusunog ang dibdib ko at mapait ang panlasa. Naisip ko Magpatsek-up ulit, pinapahirapan na naman ako ng hyper acidity. For sure, nasobrahan na naman ako ng juice at softdrinks,” I’ve texted my wife.

Thursday. I and Zette, the Unit Manager of Carcar Unit, visited 1 of our program member. Her business is shoes and sandals making. “Sayang hindi ko nadala camera ko para naiblog ko kung paano ginagawa ang espadrille shoes na uso ngaun,” I said.

Friday. Me, Larry, Erick, Norman, Ker, Mariz, and Venus while in Metro Gaisano and SM – finding the right colors for our uniforms! Lunch @ Golden Cowrie- our favorite lutong bahay resto here in Cebu.We ended-up watching “Pirates of the Caribbean 4” @ SM cinema.

Saturday. From a meeting in Samboan (Cebu) going back to Dalaguete while waiting for the Ceres Bus to depart at Liloan Port and Bus Terminal.

Sunday. Lunch with the Bookkeepers of Visayas 2A Region then I decided to go to Chuangwa Hospital for my hyper acidity check-up unfortunately there was no schedule of OPD on Sundays. “Sayang ang pamasahe at 2 hours na byahe buti na lang may classic savory sa katapat na robinson’s cybergate nakawala ng pagkabagot,” I posted on my FB!

"Tambis" and Orchids of Oslob, Cebu (Philippines)

2011-05-25T22:12:00.001+08:00

May 07, 2011
Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

"Summer-Tambayan" in Metro Manila

2011-05-25T21:58:00.001+08:00

May 14-15, 2011
Ayala Town Center
&
Villa Constantino Resort
@ Cupang, Muntinlupa City

Fifth Summer Destination: "Real FARMville" of Socorro, Oriental Mindoro (Philippines)

2011-05-17T21:37:00.004+08:00

May 13, 2011

Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

I considered Oriental Mindoro as my second home province. Not because this is my wife’s place or my beloved Marinduque’s closest Island province. The province’s culture, nature and beautiful people are deeply close to my heart. Going back to this place is like going back to the same old place where I belong.

Oriental Mindoro is just an hour away from Port of Batangas (via Fastcraft) or 2 hours equivalent if via RORO ship. I have been already experienced travelling both. Some who what to save, RORO ticket is a wise choice yet for those who want a faster and speedy travel fastcraft is much better –considering a little bit difference in fare.

Municipality of Socorro is more or less an hour via V-hire from the province's capital, Calapan City, wherein Calapan Port is located.

Socorro is a 2nd class Municipality. Agriculture still provides the main industry with rice, fruits, and coconut products dominating. (wikipedia)

Wish I have more time to explore my second home and take pictures of Mindoro's native tribe- The Mangyans! Interesting to know that there is large Mangyan population in the more remote parts of the municipality. Their culture are still preserved and mostly untouched...

Araw ni Pacman!

2011-05-08T08:41:00.007+08:00

Araw ng Linggo, ika-8 ng Mayo, 2011. Pagkagising na pagkagising naghilamos lang ako at dumiretso ng palengke, naiplano ko na kahapon na magluto ng hipon at sinigang na isda. Walng masyadong tinda??? Kung iisipin linggo ngaun, ito ang arawa na madalas dagsa ang mamimili at paninda sa merkado ng Dalaguete. Napilitan akong maglakad papunta sa canteen, na madalas kong kainan, wala kasi ni isang Pedicab o tricycle n bumyahe , lahat abala sa panonood sa laban ng Pambansang Kamao!

Sa lahat ng kanto at tambayan ng bayan ang laban ni Pacman ang pinag-uusapan. Pag may pera ang panonood ay pay -per view o kaya’y sa SM o Robinson Cinema. Ang mga Gym ay punong- puno na at ang hindi na makapasok ay nagkakasya na lamang sa mga wide screen sa labas. Makikinig na lamang ako sa online radio o tityempo sa mga live streaming dito sa internet. Isa lang ang bida ngaun, si Pacman! Nakalimutan sumandali si Mutya at ang pang-aapi ni Clara kay Mara.

Tiyak number one na trending topic sa twitter, facebook, yahoo, google at lahat ng social networking sites ang mga pangalang Manny Pacquiao at Shane Mosley. Pati nga si Mommy Dionisia, nanay ni Pacman, nag nu-numero uno din tuwing laban ng anak. Inaabangan ang drama at reaksyon at mga prediksyon ng ina. Hindi maikakaila na ang buhay ni Pacman kasama na ang mga pangalang nakakabit sa kanya ay inaabangan at binabantayan na rin ng bawat Pilipino.

Aasahan ko na rin tiyak walang brownout ngaun!

Ito ang araw na nakakalimutan sumandali ang isyu sa pagkalam ng sikmura, pagtaas ng pamasahe at gasolina, alitan ng mga pulitiko, problema sa terorismo ... Isang araw na walang mararanasang problema sa trapiko. Isang araw na halos “itlog” ang blotter ng mga police station dahil walang masyadong krimen. Isang araw na ang bawat Pilipino ay sumandaling nakakalimot sa problema.

Ang totoong pagkakaisa ay mararamdaman mo ngaung araw na ito. Ang bawat isang Pilipino ay nagkakaisa at may dasal na si Manny Pacquiao sana ang manalo laban kay Shane Mosley.

Ang araw na ito ay magsilbi sanang inspirasyon na kaya naman palang magkaisa ng bawat Pilipino. Kayang pagdugtong-dugtungin ang hiwa-hiwalay na isla ng Pilipinas. Kayang isantabi ang pagkakaiba ng ideolohiya at relihiyon. Kayang panatilihin ang kapayapaan at mga problema ng bayan. Basta isa lng ang nakikita ko, manalo o matalo si Pacman, Kayang-kaya ng PINOY ang bawat laban basta nagkakaisa!

Sarap humigop ng mainit na sabaw...

Balanacan Port of Mogpog, Marinduque (Philippines)

2011-05-02T18:20:00.006+08:00

"Tambay, Gala, Reunion.. sa Marinduque!"

2011-05-02T17:41:00.007+08:00

2011 Fourth Summer Destination: Marinduque (my home province!)

2011-04-29T22:43:00.009+08:00

April 21-24, 2011

Malinao, Torrijos, Marinduque

Four days vacation in Marinduque (my home province) is a reminiscing experience. Reunion, meeting old time buddies (sa dating tambayan), gala, and going back to the place where I grown-up, is such an unforgettable moment in this busy days of my life… This is the place where I wrote my first literature, felt the beat of first love.

Summer is an exciting season for me when I was a child! Dry rice fields during summer serves as our playground for Patintero and Sipa; the Batis or Lalao serves as our swimming pool to freshen-up after long day of play and gala; lastly, just imagine forest and hills with bounty native fruits such as buko,duhat, bayabas and aratiles.

Truly this is not just the place where I was born, this is the place of my dreams and inspiration!…

2011 third summer destination: Hidden Beach of Bangkugon, Oslob (Cebu, Philippines)

2011-04-16T21:48:00.010+08:00

April 16, 2011

located @ Sitio Bangkugon, Mainit, Oslob, Cebu.

10-15 minutes multicab ride from the town proper...

the hidden entrance...

eye-catching view from the highway...

going down to the place is an adventure!

satisfying...

untouched...

an interesting place - hidden paradise!

calmness

beach emotions...

bonsai tree - naturally crafted!

the rock formations

nature's art

"The famous Sumilon Island - very close to the place..."

blue and clear water...

2011 second Summer Destination: Beach of Samboan (Cebu, Philippines)

2011-04-16T20:36:00.008+08:00

revisited: Marian Temple of Simala, Sibonga ,Cebu

2011-04-09T12:52:00.005+08:00

April 02, 2011 "Marian Monks Temple" Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines

2011 first summer destination: Obong Spring of Dalaguete, Cebu!

2011-04-09T12:05:00.009+08:00

March 26, 2011
...steady flow of fresh water mixed with sea water...cool and refreshing!

invigorating nature!

naturally-crafted by nature...

eye-catching moments...

fisherman's fresh catched talaba (oyster)

sukang paumbong at talaba... wew!

simple place with great stories of inspiration and joy!

Dalakit (balete) tree...

Suroy-suroy sa Sugbo: Ayala IT Park, Lahug, Cebu

2011-04-09T11:15:00.006+08:00

March 25, 2011 IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
"night life and pieces of Arts at Cebu IT Park..."

An evening of Artworks: Paintings exhibit @ SM City Cebu featuring "Carcar City way of life"

2011-04-04T10:31:00.015+08:00

March 24, 2011: Cebu City, Philippines

A 30 Minutes Visit to The National Heritage Park of Oslob, Cebu

2011-02-23T20:19:00.015+08:00

February 23, 2011

Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

I am staying here in Cebu for almost two years, as it is required in the nature of my job.
South Cebu's beauty and nature always amazed me as I always felt its my first time here.

Town of Oslob is one of South Cebu's finest! Whale and dolphin watching, first class Island resort-Sumilon Island, white sand beaches and blue water- simply defines the town's beauty and nature!

Newest place to visit in this interesting town is not a beach, not an Island Resort or a sanctuary...

The National Heritage Park. is located along the town's boulevard area and very close to Poblacion's public Beach and just in front of Oslob's Spanish Colonial Era Church. The Heritage Park serves as the location of the hundred years old watchtower ruins, Cuartel (prison building during Spanish time?), and walls surrounding by - as old as the church.

I really appreciate and love how the people and government of Oslob protects their natural resources and history.

Ruins of the Spanish Era Watchtower.

Cuartel of Oslob: Built by Spaniards on 1898 believed to be one of its kind in the country.

The National heritage church of Oslob (Built 1830-1848)

How to get there:

Travel going to the Town of Oslob from Cebu City takes 2 & 1/2 to 3 hours via Bus (Cebu South Bus Terminal) or V-Hire (Citilink).

Bus Lines - Ceres and SunRays, departs at CBST almost every 15 minutes.

Passengers can choose whether ordinary or air-conditioned, and the fare ranges from 100 to 150 pesos.

Ask the driver/conductor to drop you at Oslob's town proper or "Eskina Munisipyo/Pulis Station".

The park is walking distance - 5 minutes walk from the highway/Eskina.

Additional info:

Other Ruins of the watchtowers are also located in some Barangays of Oslob - Daan Lungsod and Lagundi, if you still have the time to visit, Go!

Dalaguete Museum of History and Culture

2011-02-23T18:45:00.012+08:00

February 21, 2011

Municipal Building, Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines

" A Short Stop at Lucena City"

2011-02-18T20:24:00.007+08:00

February 18, 2011

Quezon Province, Philippines

Revisited Lucena City with my wife. Reminisced old day’s tambayan, foods, beautiful places and people!

snapshots:

> The grand Central Terminal and pasalubong

> Binalot, tapang lucena, pansit habhab at Langonisa (Pacific Mall)

The 300 years old Church of Dalaguete and Utanon Festival

2011-02-12T18:45:00.014+08:00

February 12, 2011(5:00 pm)

Just arrived after watching Utanon Festival of Dalaguete (Cebu, Philippines)...

Utanon Festival is a yearly event here in Dalaguete honoring Patron Saint, San Guillermo.The festival is a celebration of good harvest through native dance and music. Aside from being tagged as the Music Capital of the Island, the town was also known as the Vegetable Basket of Cebu. Utanon comes from the Visayan word Utan which means Gulay(tagalog) or Vegetable (English)

Usually held every 9^th and 10^th day of February, this year’s Utanon Festival was extended up to 11^th and 12^th as the town also celebrates the 300 years founding anniversary ofDalaguete Church. Written in the history, the church was built in 1771, the year the town and parish were founded. The Church was declared as National Historical Landmark in 2004.

TRIVIA: The name of the Town (Dalaguete) was derived from a tree which grew abundantly in the area- the Balete tree, in Cebuano, “Dalakit.”

"SUTUKIL restaurant of Taloot Wharf" Argao, Cebu, Philippines

2011-02-08T19:38:00.012+08:00

February 06, 2011

Snapshots while on walk going to famous SU-TU-KIL (Sugba-Tula-Kilaw) Restaurant of Taloot Wharf in Argao, Cebu.

Almost 1 kilometer long bridge made from bamboo serves as way going to the restaurant.The place was surrounded by fish cages wherein you can choose fresh and alive varieties of fish and sea foods you want to cook.

Fish and sea foods straight from the cages are cooked in three ways… Su is for Sugba or grilled, Tu is for Tula or prepared as soup, and Kil is for Kilaw or the fish/seafood was served as raw or salad.

"The Philippine Taoist Temple" Lahug,Cebu, Philippines

2011-01-23T15:34:00.004+08:00

visited last January 20, 2011!

The Cebu Taoist Temple is located at Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines. It was built in 1972 as the center of worship for Taoism, the religion that follows the teaching of Lao Tse.

Morion's PhotoGallery 101: 2011 SINULOG FESTIVAL of Cebu

2011-01-16T21:32:00.011+08:00

TRIVIA
The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. It's the adaptation of Kalibo Sto Niño Ati-atihan festival in Aklan.The festival honors the vision of the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child),who used to be the patron Saint of the City of Cebu (since in the Catholic faith Jesus is not a saint, but God). It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people's Islamic and pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The festival features a street parade with participants in bright colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño. There is also a "Sinulog sa Kabataan" performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the parade. Recently, the festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country.

The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which is "like water current movement," which describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums. The dance is categorized into Sinulog-base, Free-Interpretation. Candle vendors at the Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in the native language.

The celebration lasts for nine days, culminating on the final day with the Sinulog Grand Parade. The day before the parade, the Fluvial Procession is held at dawn with a statue of the Santo Niño carried on a pump boat from Mandaue City to Cebu City, decked with hundreds of flowers and candles. The procession ends at the Basilica where a re-enactment of the Christianizing (that is, the acceptance of Roman Catholicism) of Cebu is performed. In the afternoon, a more solemn procession takes place along the major streets of the city, which last for hours due to large crowd participating in the event.

On the feast day at the Basilica del Santo Niño church, a Pontifical Mass is celebrated by the Cardinal with the assistance of several bishops of Cebu. Most devotees go to the Basilica to attend the mass before heading out to the streets to watch the parade.

The Sinulog dance steps were believed to originate from Rajah Humabon's adviser, Baladhay. It was during Humabon's grief when Baladhay was driven sick. He then ordered his native tribe to bring Baladhay into a chapel where the Santo Niño was enthroned. Moments later, surprisingly, Baldhay was heard shouting and was found dancing with outmost alertness. Baladhay was questioned as to whether why was he awake and was shouting. Baladhay explained that he found a small child, pointing to the image of the Santo Niño, on top of him and trying to wake him up. He, at great astonishment, scared the child away by shouting but couldn't explain why he was dancing the movements of the river. Up to this day, the two-steps forward, and the one-step backward movement dance is still used by the Santo Niño devotees believing that it was the Santo Niño's choice to have Baladhay dance.

original articles/excerpts from(copyright owner):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinulog_festival http://www.sinulog.ph

Large group of Koi Fish @ Man-made lake of NUVALI PARK , Santa Rosa City, Laguna

2011-01-06T17:43:00.014+08:00

December 26, 2010

TRIVIA:

Koi are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds or water gardens.

Scientists believed that Koi are among the longest-living vertebrates, with some animals living over 200 years.The most popular category of koi is the Gosanke, which is made up of the Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoku, and Showa Sanshoku varieties.

December 25 at Tagaytay City

2011-01-04T17:24:00.009+08:00

Tagaytay has traditionally been one of the most visited place during long holiday seasons. It is only 35-40 minutes travel from Alabang (via SLEX, Santa Rosa Exit). Tagaytay's cold weather is the main attraction. Spectacular view of Taal Volcano said to be the place's biggest tourism draw!

Top 5 things I remembered about Tagaytay:
1.Fruits and Flowers stand
2.The Zip Line and Cable Car
3.kites at Picnic groove
4.fresh Lettuce and souvenirs
5.Bulalo

Liloan Port, Santander, Cebu

2010-12-04T12:35:00.007+08:00

Sightseeing at Liloan Port ...
Santander, Cebu, Philippines

"Blue Water!" Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

2010-11-30T13:42:00.025+08:00

Dhaka, Bangladesh: "CAT in the ACT"

2010-09-14T16:52:00.007+08:00

Cats do fall in love. "sensored", "funny" moment while walking along the sidewalks of Dhaka, Bangladesh...