Save The Majestic Mount Pulag

The farms are now slowly creeping up the majestic Mount Pulag. Farmers are slowly taking over the said paradise. It is good that we have farmers who tills the land so we could have vegetable on our table. It also means an economic stability to our farmer.

I hope that we spare this mountain from the kaingin and farming to provide habitat to our trees, flowers, and animals.

HELP SAVE MOUNT PULAG! STOP EXCESSIVE FARMING!!!!!!

Visiting Salcedo Community Market

Salcedo Community Market is located at Salcedo Village Makati Philippines. So one fine weekend of June I visited this weekend flee market by the park. I tried 2 ways on how to go there.

1. Via Rufino St to LP Leviste Street then to Jaime Velasquez Park where the Salcedo Village Weekend Market is happening. So when you are at Ayala Avenue look for PBCOM Building at the side is the Rufino St then go straight to Herrera St where you will be passing by the Starbucks at the back of PBCOM tower. Then go straight till you reach KFC then turn right then just go straight till you reach destination.
2. Another option is via Ayala Triangle Park. If you are near or at the Ayala Triangle park at the left side of Ayala Corp Building where the Philippine Stock Exchange is located. Just across the park is the Paseo de Roxas street just go across the street and you should see the Paseo Center (looks like a small Mall) just go straight Sedeno st till you reach LP Leviste Street then turn right till you reach the park.

I was actually expecting a plain market at the park theme to my surprise there's a lot of things going on there.

Of course I saw the usual are shoppers buying the stuff they needs.

I also see other people walking their dogs around, jogging and also exercising on the beat of the music coming from the flee market.

It was such a nice experience at the Salcedo Weekend Market. Everyone there is so friendly and very much accommodating to their customers.

Travelling Philippines: Baguio City

When we say Northern Philippines, Baguio City is the place where one must really see. It is considered to be the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cold weather. A place where you don't basically need an air conditioning unit in establishment. You can just simply go shopping without worrying about the warm weather which is typical in most islands of the Philippines.

The best time to go there is during the whole month of February as the city is celebrating the Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival). I have seen most of the early part of the said event during my college days. That's 10 years ago? lol.

Panagbenga means “a season of blooming.” The word is a kankanaey word, a dialect mostly in some parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.

The festival highlights Floral Float parade where cars are adorn by flowers like Malaysian Mums, Antorium, Rose, orchids and the like. It also showcases the creativity of the local artist. Another highlight of the festival is the street dancing where it mesmerizes its spectators by the endowed students of Baguio City and the nearby provinces.

The festival will run for the whole month of February where each day the city government plots an activity where everyone would definitely enjoy. Other highlights include battle of the bands, local arts show, closing of Session road.

The closing of Session Road is one of my favorite since it is closed intended for shoppers. Affordable wood carves, flowers, food, clothes, and a lot more is offered on the said event.

Of course your visit to Baguio is not complete without visiting the other must see places of the summer capital of the Philippines.

First stop is the famous boat riding and other recreational activities The Burnham Park. One can enjoy, boat riding, or jogging along side the lake or one can bring their children at the children's park.

Another must see place is of course the Lourdes Grotto.

Mines View Park is also part of my must see list:

Then of course the majestic Baguio Cathedral: Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral located just above the Session road near SM Baguio.

I am also fascinated with the of course the culture and ways of living of the Igorots. Well I am one of them so I am proud. I am most proud with this next stop and a really must see place of Baguio City: The Tam-awan Village. This places focuses mostly in showcasing the Igorot's culture and the arts.

Going to Baguio is so easy. It is so accessible... Its only a 7 hour bus ride from Metro Manila. I suggest to ride a Victory Liner since they have more trips to choose from. Sometimes though they have poor ordinary airconditioned bus. Some buses don't have a reclining chair. Check out their schedules and trips.

It’s More Fun in The Philippines – Experiencing Anawangin Cove

Summer indeed is fun and exciting. For students, its time to sit back and relax and do away with school projects and activities but for working people it is time to have a little family and friends getaway during national holidays.

My first stop is a beautiful island in Zambales popularly known as the Anawangin Cove. It is very much making its name to beach goers and campers. It is also located at Pundaquit Zambales. My group had so much fun as we feel the beauty nature has given to the people of Zambales for everyone to enjoy. It is as if the place is between you and nature or should I say you and the beautiful sceneries of the volcanic white sand beach with sparkling crystal blue water and the feel of being swayed by the gentle mountain summer breeze. 

It is a perfect place to run away from the hustles and bustles of the busy metro, a perfect place to do away with your usual activity. Above all, it is a perfect place for you to just relax.

I love the fact that the place doesn’t offer the luxury of hotel and wifi and swimming pools. I think this is their advantage towards other beach destination in the Philippines.

Here's what your back pack should include:

• swiss knife with can opener
• rechargeable lamp (fully charge)
• mosquito or insect Repellent
• blanket - light blankets just for you to cover yourself
• lighter or matches
• food (also include emergency food like biscuits and canned goods)
• pajama (optional)
• camera (to catch those perfect scenes)
• speaker (battery operated)
• potable water, soda, liquor
• Swimming and hiking clothes like board shorts, sando or shirt, shades, sunvisor, extra slippers (it should be a heavy duty slippers for island hoping and mountaineering.
• personal hygienic kit (bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc)
• portable stove and cooking utensils (optional) 
• Dont forget to bring ziplok for wet clothes and camera…
• Bring your own cigarette and liqour because it prices would triple or quadruple when you are in the island.

There are many options for you to choose from if you want to visit Anawangin.

• Van for rent - this would depend depending on the Van owner. Rental would range from Php 9000 to Php 11000.
• Or thru Bus (Victory Liner) going to Zambales.

Below are the fees you need to prepare:

• TENT/GRILLING RENT-P150.00 each
• BOAT RIDE P350.00 each
• ENVIRONMENTAL FEE- P 100.00 (overnight stay in ANAWANGIN)

Pros:

• No hotel: meaning you need to rent or use your own tent. For me, it is an advantage because it gives the tourist a different feel and excitement.
• The use of Tents:
it is awesome. It gives a different experience and ads a thrill.
• Clean Comfort Rooms: So far when we visited the place they have this wide range of comfort room and shower room which is convenient enough for the
• It is also very good that the garbage bags are scattered everywhere. What I also like here is that it has labels in it so as to guide the tourist for proper garbage segregation

Activities at the Cove:

• When you say Annawangin Cove of course what runs to my mind when we were about to go there is a fantastic view of the beach. I did love it. The water is calm and tender. It gives a soothing feeling when I started swimming. The water and the depth of the beach is children and non-swimmer friendly.
• Mountaineering: is also fantastic as it gives the tourist more activities to choose from or to add it on their itinerary.
• Island Hoping: so after exhausting yourself in mountaineering and enjoying the water and flushing out your worries and stress in swimming. It is about time for you to try their island hoping. I would suggest for you to inform your boatman ahead of time that you are interested in island hoping tell them the date and time so they can fetch you up on your desired time. They would also act as a tour guide. Prices varies and negotiable.
• Before the dark night kicks in it is also advisable to go ahead and look for woods so you could use them for bonfire during the night.

Kudos for those who is managing the island for not making it commercial in the sense of having hotels or lodges near the beach. I think nowadays we need a space like the Anawangin Cove for relaxation. I would suggest though that the plastic garbage bins should have covers for a safer, cleaner and better experience. I think it would also be better if the shower rooms and comfort rooms would have a covered trash bins to have a better experience.

In general, it would still be a 2 thumbs up for Anawangin. I can't wait for my next trip to the beautiful white sand beach!

Travelling Manila: Luneta Park

After exploring the wonders of Intramuros in Manila, my friend Anton and I decided to move out and start exploring the nearby Park.

This park is again very significant in the life of the Filipino people because this was the place where Philippines National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was shot by the Spanish. Rizal was the author of the famous Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. It was believed that this book triggered the Spanish to finally seize him and sentenced him to death. The book and his death also awaken the heart desire for freedom of the Filipinos. It is also the place where GOMBURZA or the 3 priest name Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.

This has already changed. Today it is already a beautiful park in memory of the Filipino who died in this place.  So it was named after the Jose Rizal and was called Rizal Park where his shrine stands exactly where he was shot by the Spaniards. Nowadays this park is otherwise known as Luneta Park.

 Luneta Park is one of the many attractions of Manila.

At the heart of the park is the Monument of Rizal.

Near the Rizal’s Monument is the LIGHT AND SOUND Complex

Manila Ocean Park is also located in Luneta Park. It is highly recommended for those who love marine wildlife.

 Of course the newly renovated Rizal Children’s Park provides a one of a kind entertainment to kids.

Note: all pictures are taken from google images. Please click on the picture for photo credit.