Bilar Man-made Forest of Bohol

This blog post is just a short one compare with my other past entries. It might still be the shortest even if I compare it with my future work but this place really deserves a solo blog entry. First, let me take this chance to commend the person or group of people who stand and support this project and made it come true. It was really a notable and bold move to have this kind of project. Simply because Bilar Man-Made Forest was actually just a part of a bigger reforestation project which conceptualize decades ago which was initiated due to the alarming deforestation or kaingin in Bohol.

Subterranean River National Park: Puerto Princesa Underground River

When people are discussing about the Province of Palawan, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa never missed out of the topic. That is why its no wonder that Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or simply the Puerto Princesa Underground River was chosen and now officially enlisted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The great news was announced last November 11, 2011.

Other than that, Puerto Princesa Underground River is also included in the list of UNESCO, a convention concerning the protection of world cultural and natural heritage, along with other 3 cultural sites (Baroque Churches of the Philippines, Rice Terraces of the Cordillera and the Historic Town of Vigan) and another natural site (Tubbataha Reef Natural Park).

Calaguas Islands of Camarines Norte [featuring Maculabo Island]

This blog entry is a part II of my Calaguas Trip. You may refer on this link - [click here] to read the first half of my Calaguas Islands trip featuring its well known and top tourist destination island, the Tinaga Island, where the "Mahabang Buhangin" beach is located. Moving on, as for this blog post, I will be featuring another Calaguas' pride, none other than, the majestic Maculabo Island.

Maculabo Island is still part of Calaguas Islands under the municipality of Paracale in Camarines Norte. It is now considered as a prime stop-over for tourists either before or after going to Tinaga Island because of its beauty and elegance. Why it is considered good for stop-over or side trip despite its beuaty and fame? Well, I guess because the island is small and can be explored in a matter of few hours compared to Tinaga Island. According to Wikipedia, Maculabo Island is just about 4 kilometers long. Plus, I didn't see any resort in the area unlike in Tinaga. But if you'll ask me which of the two islands is more beautiful? I'll say, its Maculabo Island.

Calaguas Islands of Camarines Norte [featuring Tinaga Island]

Situated in the northern most part of the Bicol Region, lies the picturesque paradise of Calaguas. If Camarines Sur is known for Wakeboarding and Surfing, Camarines Norte is known for its unspoiled, turquoise water and white sand beaches. Calaguas is a term used to define a group of islands in the province of Camarines Norte which includes Guintinua Island, Maculabo Island, the famous Tinaga Island and other minor islands and islets.

As for this blog post, I'll be featuring the Tinaga Island also known as the "Mahabang Buhangin" which translates as long sand.

Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

If you're at White Beach, Puerto Galera and you find the beach shore to be too crowded to relax and enjoy the water then you have another choice. All you have to do is go out there and wait 'till a man approach you and offer you an island hopping tour plus a snorkeling experience. Do not worry because they were boat agents of the islands and that is just a normal scene in the beach front of White Beach.

Tamaraw Falls and Virgin Island of Oriental Mindoro

White Beach, Puerto Galera is no doubt the best destination when you asked for a tourist spot in Oriental Mindoro. However, it doesn't mean that it is the only tourist destination they have. As Oriental Mindoro houses some of the majestic moutain (one is Mt Halcon), prestine beach water, white sand, and other unspoiled natural beauty. So during our 2 days (yup, 2 days only) visit at Puerto Galera, I really compressed our itinerary so that we can be able to see some of their natural resources.

One of the natural resources Im talking here that they offer to tourists and catches my attention is the Tamaraw Falls. Why? Then read further...

White Island: The Naked Island of Camiguin

I've been to Naked Island of Britania Group of Islands in Surigao del Sur and even though I am not fond of staying (long) under the sun, I enjoyed my stay there. That's why I was very excited when I visited Camiguin and got the chance to visit its own version of the naked island, named White Island.

White Island is just like any typical naked island where there are no trees, plants or grass above its sand bar. However, Camiguin's White Island offers a 360 degree picturesque view featuring Mt Mambajao, Mt Hibok-hibok and Old Volcano. Plus, if the weather is fair, islands of Bohol and Leyte are also can be seen from White Island. A great backdrop for photo op and an ideal subject for landscape photography.

A Day at Pico de Loro Cove - Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas

Batangas homed some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in Luzon specially the Nasugbu part of it. Though it may not possess the whitest sand, the relaxation that visitors may experience due to nature that surrounds this place fairly makes it up. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place has always been on the list of Manilenos whenever they are, or should I say, whenever we are ask on where to go for an out of town trip. Having said that, we chose the town of Batangas to hold our team building/team outing!

It was pretty tough to decide where we should go. There are lots of potential resorts in Batangas and we have bosses coming from different sides of the world so we need to consider high class place but also not to risk our own pockets. Haha.

Then we came across Pico de Loro Cove of Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas. It is a private beach club owned by SM investment group. It is so private that the only way for an individual to access this place are 1) to own an apartment unit, 2) know someone that owns a unit and have an endorsement from them 3) or book a room at Pico Sands Hotel. Being tagged as private, staying at Pico de Loro is accompanied as a luxurious trip. Thank Goodness, we know someone who owns a unit and have us endorsed. That lessen our expense BIG TIME!

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine of Lucban, Quezon

Quezon Province is a popular pilgrimage destination in Luzon. Reasons are 1) it is where Mt. Banahaw is situated which is considered to be as a holy ground and 2) it is a home to "Kamay ni Hesus" which is a healing church that has been founded in the year 1998 by Rev. Fr. Joseph Ayala Faller. And as for this blog post, I will be sharing my experience in this 5-hectare garden/shrine -- Kamay ni Hesus Shrine.

How to get there?
Going to Kamay ni Hesus is easy. From LRT-Buendia Bus Terminal, take a bus bound to Lucena. Inform the bus conductor that you will be off at Lucena Grand Central Terminal. As you reach Grand Central Terminal, transfer to a jeepney bound to Lucban. Advise the driver that you are going to Kamay ni Hesus church. Nonetheless, you will easily notice the place due to the large sign on the entrance and because it is a regular stop for jeepneys because most of the passengers drop here.

Taytay Falls [or Imelda Falls] of Majayjay, Laguna

Three names yet referring to one beautiful spot in Laguna. That's how I recall this waterfall...

Taytay Falls is a two-story high waterfall which others call it as the Majayjay Falls and even the Imelda Falls. The reason why it has so many names is because of its rich background. Its famous name is actually Taytay Falls but since it is located at Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna, people has started calling it Majayjay Falls. Another story is, it got its other name (which is Imelda Falls) from the First Lady of the late Ferdinand Marcos named Imelda Marcos, as she financed the promotion of tourism in this place and because of this, there was a time where the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls. With those stories, I hope I eliminated the confusion when I use these 3 different names to refer the place for this post.

The Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Before my trip to Surigao del Sur, I searched and researched several times in the internet on different tourist spots this land can offer to its visitors. And most of my readings from different articles and blog posts are pointing and suggesting to a common and a must-see destination in Surigao. None other than, the Enchanted River of the municipality of Hinatuan.

As I Google for images of Enchanted River, my first reaction was like "Photoshopped! Photoshopped! Photoshopped!". Seeing the color of the water of this river in images were for me is unreal. It's like precious stones of jades and sapphires were melted in this river and colored the riverbed. But my initial judgement fades away as I continued reading more write-ups about this river and stands on how true and real the tint of this water is. By that, Enchanted River was immediately included in our itinerary.