Going to Guimaras is a yearly love affair.

For six years I lived on that island and hated the provinciality of it. I was a teenager then, lived in the city all my life, and reluctantly displaced on this island. I couldn’t wait to get away. When I finally got away for six years, I ached for and missed the place. The pristine white beaches, the simplicity of island life, and yes, the provinciality I loathed. So on the seventh year, after trying so hard all these years to stay away, I made a promise to visit the island at least once every year.

This is the fourth year of my love affair with the island I used to call home, and I am surprised with the thrust of development speckling the green face of this seemingly sleeping giant rat off the coast of Iloilo. I always forget when I go there that the streets and the places look much, much different than how I remember it as a girl, and I couldn’t help imagining that the place seemed to have warped from the future. The Guimarasnons have certainly welcomed progress.

Last year, not wanting to impose upon relatives, I stayed at the Hotel and Resort my high school friends and I only dreamt of affording years ago. The place itself has become a welcome surprise, being an efficiently-run business. The accommodation was good, the food better, and the beach, as always, excellent. One problem though: Just when I thought I could go incognito, people I couldn’t remember come up to me and ask things only acquaintances would know about me. They must have been people I knew, or my family did. Inefficient memory? My lingering quality.

So for the fourth year in a row, I am still hopelessly in love with the place. I still have that familiar ache and sadness as I watch the distance grow from the island and the outrigger boat that I boarded for Iloilo, and wonder when I would have the opportunity to visit again.

Staying in one place too long certainly grows on you, no matter how much you deny it. Guimaras certainly grew on me, and I will always be its prodigal lover, and I will always linger for one final visit, one final memory and one final stay. It will always be home.

early morning snorkeling for these guys

dawn at alubihod

these folks are going island hopping

here comes the sun

driving by nueva valencia

that speck of white is a ship en route to Iloilo

Here are the things I heart the most in 2009.

1. Social Media/Web 2.0

A Good Marriage?

I started with Friendster, and then came Blogger and Multiply few years ago.

This year I came to know Facebook and Twitter, and since then I got hooked!  At the same time, I have become a frequent user of apps like WordPress, Plurk, Ping.fm, Bit.ly, among many others.

Lady Gaga-personified over Google

Of course, the wonders of Google. I am currently relishing Google’s toys like Google Reader, Google Docs, Google Picasa, Google Mail, Google Talk, Google Translate, Google Code, and more. Truly, I have gone gaga over Google in 2009!

Social media is just getting even better.

2. Cool Tech Gadgets

Netbooks

High-definition TVs

Mac vs. PC: A War Saga Begins

A Sweet Return of the Smartphones

3. Food, Oh Glorious Food!

I'm an avid fan of chicken inasal.

Namit Gid! Nothing beats the food experience in Iloilo.  I really enjoyed dining at Tatoy’s Manukan, Breakthrough, and these other humble food stalls on the streets (yep, you heard me!). I also relished all kinds of soup dishes cooked with batwan (garcinia binucao choisy), a sweeter alternative of tamarind as souring agent for the likes of sinigang. I also ate a lot of inasal (of all kinds), and pantat (or catfish) inasal is the one I liked the most.

Enjoy Mediterranean at Kasbah Boracay.

Dine in ala Greek at Zuzuni.

Chillax at the Tides Boracay.

Food Tripping at Boracay. Yet despite all these uber fancy restaurants we dined in, I nonchalantly gave away my two thumbs up of approval to Andok’s when out of drunkenness I blurted out, “This is the best meal everrrr…”, while pointing at an “ordinarily” grilled chicken freshly served for us.

I love the garden lunch at Sonya's.

Tagaytay Foodies. It seems to be a must that we buy delicacies or experience dining in Tagaytay. A trip to this city is really a quick getaway from the metro.

It's a Bohemian dining experience at Fat Michael's.

Cozy up at Fat Michael’s. You wouldn’t imagine this place situated in the snubbed corners in Makati, but yeah, it is there, along with the vintage shops and antique stores that Lacuna Street in Bangkal is known for.  Let someone speak their dining experience in this quiet food place and you be the judge. Click here.

Kopi Roti Delights

It's a choco nut nut...

A few temporary addictions: Kopi Roti’s coffee bun, Choc Nut, chocolate-flavored cakes and ice cream.  These sweet delights piqued my palate specially when I was into kicking the bad habit.  Better to crave for sweets then!

4. Fashion Junkies 1: Shoes and Bags

Generally, I was in shopping hiatus in 2009. I just stuffed my cabinet with only a few new things. Believe it or not, I had spent more days outside the shopping malls.

New Running Buddy?

New Travel Friend?

Taking a break from stilettos, too!

My Shoe Store of the Year: Charles & Keith

5. Fashion Junkies 2: Clothes

Obviously with these pieces, I had gone out there for adventure. Yet my penchant for flimsy, more female style remains, and I still flaunt it when I’m in a mood.

Short-y shorts!

Beach Fashion Must-Have

Clothing Store of the Year:  Ziya

6. Songs ala Femme Fatale

Beyonce, no, Sasha Fierce?

Lady Gaga

Amy Winehouse

Britney Spears

Rihanna

7. Cinema Reels

Angels and Demons

He's Not That Into You

Julie & Julia

Up

X-Men Origins

8. Apprendre le Francais

Learning in the works!

See how I progress here, and so I hope!

9. Go Green

Yebah! (from TreeHouseJukeBox)

Electric Jeepney, Libre ito!

Get sweetened by Ilog Maria honey products.

Not Tested on Animals to Against Animal Testing: I already boycotted Body Shop products way before, but the interest got back recently...ninuninuninu.

10. Beach Escapes

Boracay. Guimaras. Hundred Islands. Concepcion Islands. What more can I ask for?

2009 was a spontaneous year for me. Discoveries, reconnection, realization, recovery, disappointments, hang-ups (and hang-downs?)… freedom and some rays of sunshine over my gloomy sky for a couple of years… so far the best year of my life despite the major bumps.

I may be alone, but lonely no more.  I have learned to let go.  I am free.  The constant travel and stress with work helped a whole lot with friends, both old and new to thank for.  Travel and work helped test my limitations, both aided in forgetting what should have been forgotten years ago.  Both taught me to love myself and open my eyes for the friends that surround me.

Valentine’s:  A visit from a long time friend…  friendship built through the years, proves that no matter how far they are, they are beside you.  Jos and I have been friends since gradeschool.  Along with her husband Dan, we visited our old alma mater.

A lot has changed,but some of our teachers are still there. The school changed a lot.  The usual orange tables are now pink, there are more classrooms and there are separate computer labs for the elementary and high School.  Almost everything was unfamiliar and cramped.  I miss the old St Bridget.  The visit though showed me change is inevitable to progress.  That I should not be living in the past and looking on ahead.

March came and I’m already feeling the stress creeping in.  I needed an escape from insanity.  Silent, quiet, slow and out of touch with technology (well sort of).  Iloilo with Leah, March 11-13. Guimaras to be exact. I met Leah through my college friends about a decade ago, and it turned out we both have the same liking in travel, adventure and photography… and being shopaholics and some other things I do not want to mention here.  It’s our own secret.
We stayed at Nagarao having the island almost to ourselves. Isolated without any TV, we got to enjoy nature as slow as we want. I went back to work recharged and hyped.  All I needed that time was a lot of sea breeze and sleep.  True enough, I don’t need noise to be distracted.

Conquering the fear of deep water… slowly, but not entirely.  March 27-29 I went to Coron in Palawan with Winda.  Da is one of my fewest college friends I am close to.  We may never spend time or talk to each other as much as I do with Rebs and Leah, but her timing is always impeccable whenever I needed to go somewhere.  She booked the pax via PALakbayan and off we went.  I fell in love with Coron.  I forgot I am afraid of the water without anything solid to step on.  I learned to let go, I learned to just trust in myself.  At first I was having a lot of hesitation, but not wanting to miss the fun of feeding the fish, I let go of that fear.  Soon enough I was floating on my own without anybody beside me…well, except for the rope I tied around me so I could go back to the boat.  I’m no swimmer yet.  I’ll eventually learn.

Reconnecting and bonding with my former team.  Puerto Galera with MDV, April 18-19.  These people finally witnessed how much I am different from the office.  Outside the walls of our office, I am who I really am.  Being a kid, but not reckless.  Alvin is more of the “mother hen” despite me being one of the oldest in the group.  I am thankful I became part of their circle.  It’s uncommon in our office environment.  Warm to the feeling that I am respected and cared for.  I am proud to be part of their lives.  Makes me sad though that in a few months we’ll be going our separate lives.  I am going to miss them… a lot.  They are one of the reasons why working for an IT company is tolerable. It takes some of the seriousness away.

Just call me Aurora Legaspi.  Last May 22-25 I went back to Coron with some college mates — Anj and Jelen.  Connected through Gummy, Anj saw my posts in FB.  I learned she’s a wanderlust like me, but much more.  She has an extra ticket and immediately I accepted it since I was so much in love with Coron.  Not used to a budget lodging, both Anj and I were starting to push some buttons to transfer to another place to stay.  Due to the peak season, we were not able to do so.  Though we eventually looked at the situation that it’s not the place that makes the stay and adventure fun and memorable, but the people you’re with that makes the experience worth keeping.  We were with a bunch of young professionals hungry for fun.  We ended up having a lot of fun and me getting envious of wanting to try scuba diving. Next in my plans.  I have other things in my list that needs to be done first.

Then came the rainy season. All travel plans for June and July were either rescheduled or canceled.  Out of boredom, I went book shopping (crazy mode) — a collection of Terry Pratchett Witch series to be exact along with Neil Gaiman’s novels for children and Full Metal Alchemist Manga series.  I even had enough receipts to avail 2 Fully Booked discount cards. If I can’t go on vacation, then I’ll let vacation (and adventure) come to me in the form of literature.  It was also during this period that I attended a travel expo (thanks to Leah who could not make it) at Cubao Ex.  Little did I know from that event I’ll be meeting future travel enthusiasts and friends.  With nothing to do on a long independence weekend, I asked Da to come along and check the event.  I was only asked to go there to buy a magazine, but I ended up making travel plans (and the magazine).  June 12 I discovered Travel Factor. I attended their presentation and loved what I have uncovered.  That there are people who organize trips having a common goal — to have fun.  I would not have discovered TF if not for this travel expo.  Booked a number of trips already through them.  Met new friends and made memories… and still going to make more.  Going to a lot of places with a lot of different people made me see things in a different perspective.  Being confined in the office doing serious work needs to be balanced with adventure to appreciate what life could offer.  Gives the reason to work more meaning.  So what if I work to travel, it’s my decision.  And I’m a travel freak!  Though I need to break this hobby at one point.  I still need a vacation from vacation.  But with the way things are happening, it’s probably going to take a long time.  I’m having too much fun.

July I got my corner with a view. Loving it and it’s sad that I need to relocate again in 2010.  I get to see the traffic in C5, the sunset, the window washers who sometimes knock on the glass and the birds that fly by every afternoon.  Whenever I need to think or just space out for awhile, all I need is turn my chair around and I have a view to clear my mind.  This is my favorite workstation so far.  I need not go far to blow off my steam.  I just need to turn around.

Finally August came.  Me and some of my Learning teammates are waiting for this month to come.  We booked ourselves in May for Penang, Malaysia.  I was supposed to go there in 2008 but plans changed.  This time, I made it there to indulge — Food Trip by literal sense.  Thanks to my secret friends (you know who you are!), I would not have known what Penang could offer.  Aug 19 – 22, off we went to Penang and KL to de-stress.

Before going to Penang, we stayed a day at KL and meet our Malaysian teammates.  They were more than happy to spend even a couple of hours with us.  It’s nice to work in a global network.  You get to save time to queue in line and eat at good restaurants not known to usual travelers. First in our list was tour the city.  Used the Hop Off Hop On bus, we were able to tour KL.  We then found ourselves at Suriya Mall. Not to shop (yet), but to go to Twin Towers.  Thanks to Hussein, our Malaysian teammate, we did not have to wait in line for the ticket.  We already had ours before we arrived Malaysia.

After that I had to search for Lecka-Lecka, recommended by a good friend.  Tried not just one but two double scoops (so that makes 4 fruit flavors in all) and even asked if I could ship a gallon or two on my way back to Manila.  Sad to say, I could not.  Lecka-Lecka is a cold treat less the guilt. Will be eating soon in Aug 2010.  (Hmmm… just realized 2010 is going to be the 3rd year I’m going to KL on the same month.)

From this experience I got to know more about my team mates, and vise versa.  Sally is the joker, Tin C is the “gala” expert, Erda is the OC and shopaholic, and me as playful as I can be. All of us are somewhat different outside the office.  Work was not even mentioned during this trip.  As if there was a silent agreement to leave work behind back in Manila.  We laughed even when it already hurts and tears already spilling.  We were having fun.  Because of this, we had another trip lined up to the envy of those who were not able to join us.

Penang is a good place for a gastronomical adventure.  Gurney Road offers a lot of food to taste and enjoy.  Pigging out — no need for an excuse!  Just be prepared to walk out in full belly.  We eventually burned the food walking and getting lost looking for the bus stop going to the Toy Museum.  Getting lost is part of the adventure when you do not know exactly where to find what you’re looking for.  Trip up to Penang hill was very “pleasant”.  Us girls agreed White Flower or Vicks should be added to our list of first aid must-bring when we travel internationally.  But what I really learned from this trip, it’s how you see and handle the situation that makes the journey worth it.

Then the unexpected happened on Sept 26.  I was supposed to go to Calaguas that weekend but it was canceled due to bad weather.  Instead of basking under the sun, I found myself chest deep in muddy water inside the first floor of my home.  Ondoy struck and a lot of people were caught by surprise.  My dad said this was the first time we got flooded that hard after 40 years. Worried that water may continue to rise, it was hard to get a night’s sleep hearing the gush of the water outside our house.  I am used to hearing waves, but this is so much different. My home was half submerged in muddy water and my family and I are stuck in the second floor.  But God was good.  Through the night the water level went down and by morning, we all woke up to a very messy home.  The important thing was we were all safe.  Even my dog who refused to come out of his dog house.  What I learned from this experience, no matter how much I fight with my parents and siblings, we came as one during this tragedy.  We got to talk more and learned to cope what has been left.  It was a challenge and a lot of adjustment to accept what has happened.  But in the end, I got to know how much we love and care for each other.  We just don’t say it.

Still recovering from Ondoy, my team nearly forgot we have another trip to go to.  This time it’s Puerto Princesa.  Oct 23-25 via PALakbayan.  We were able to make it for the afternoon schedule to do some island hopping (Luli, Starfish and Snake Island).  I even ran into my accounting teacher (Mrs. Magcalas) and her husband, along with other accounting teachers.  It so happened there was a Math convention at the same time.

The following day, it was the underground river.  As expected, we forgot the stress that we have left behind back home and had a lot of fun.  We even managed to do a little food trip at a Vietnamese food store and a lot of pearl and “daing” shopping.  The most unforgettable experience? Making bubbles. Sir NG is a swimming instructor and he taught us some basics in swimming in the pool where we stayed.  New (old?) friends added in our list.

Oct 30 and news hit that another typhoon was about to postpone my travel plans with TF.  This is the second time my booking with them is not going as planned. This time typhoon Santi only made me re-book my ticket.  Oct 31: Instead of arriving before the TF group as originally scheduled, I arrived a few hours late since I was booked in PAL and they in Cebu Pac.  Had 2 options:  stay overnight at Cebu, wait for the others arriving the following day and meet up with the rest at Bantayan, or follow the TF group already heading to Maya port going to Malapascua.  As I load my bags to the airport cab, I could not help but think of what to do while in the city. Spontaneous and not wanting to miss Malapascua which took me about 7 years to actually get there, I followed the group without much second thoughts, no matter how much it would cost me to get there (my cab fare is much expensive than my plane fare).  I’ve been meaning to go there ever since I saw a picture of the island (in a PAL calendar to be exact) while I was working in the government.  Met a bunch of crazy people and from then on, there’s no turning back for me.  I fell in love with the people of TF.

Nov 3 last day of UBBE Northern Cebu.  I thought I was going to be alone to try the Sky Experience Adventure at Crowne Regency.  Good thing OT has not yet tried it.  So the two of us went to test how much we can handle the heights.  Good thing we did it in the evening.  I was already scared and in near panic mode.  The coaster ride was short but okay.  The first tilt was terrifying, but on the next tilts it’s already normal.  Can’t help miss 6 Flags that time.  Then the Sky Walk.  I think I nearly broke the guide’s wrist after getting strapped.  It was so windy I know I was turning white out of fright.  Legs felt like steel but eventually, I began to walk. Then I realized I only have partial fear of heights.  I’m uncomfortable looking sideways, but I’m very much comfortable with the clear glass looking down directly.  Though that I have to know when I go see the Sears Sky Deck in Chicago. Hopefully by Dec 2010.

Just a couple of days from the ultimate beach (and heights) experience, I had my worst asthma attack after some years. I became a frequent patient at Borough’s trying to decipher how to manage my coughing and colds.  I was in denial that my past enemy has returned.  I still have a number of trips on my sleeves for the rest of the year and all I could think of was a fast way to recover.  Full of determination, I psyched myself never again will I let my illness hamper with my plans.  Had to go back to steroids no matter how much I hate taking them.  (Still recovering while writing this blog.  It would take another 3 months to probably have this beaten once more.)

Pinatubo, Nov 22.  Despite the coughing and colds, I went on to this day trek.  Armed with medicines, there’s no way I’m going to back out.  I enjoyed much of the bumpy 4×4 ride.  Then a 15 minutes trek going to the lake.  Huffing and puffing for breath, I head on to reach our destination.  All those grasping for air became nothing with what I saw.  The view was beautiful.  Part of the mountain looks like the Alps and the water is not what I’m used to seeing.  It’s like milk (but it does not taste like milk).

After spending half of the day at Pinatubo, we headed to Capas Shrine for some sight seeing.  List of thousands of veterans were there.  Out of curiosity, I searched for my grandfather’s name.   My dad used to tell me that Lolo Dadong was among who experienced the Death March. And I found his name among the few Guevara’s. He survived the march and I got to spend some years with him until his death in the ’80’s.

Turtle advocates coming together to help release the pawikan to the sea.  Nov. 28-30 I went to Montemar Beach Resort together with Leah, Da, Farah, Rayhil and her friend Jen.  Bonding with friends is good for the soul.  It helps release the stress from work and from home.  Each trip with them helps keep the bond and get updated on what’s new among us.  Countless pictures were taken, getting starstruck with Hans Montenegro, saying farewell to our adopted baby turtles and not to forget the Greek threesome at the beach. Our secret to keep. 

Dec 10 marked Trina’s most important day.  Her marriage to Vic.  Most of us were surprised when we first received the news she’s getting married.  Who wouldn’t be?  They met only a year because of a blind date and now we hear wedding bells.  Surprise, surprise…   Vic is very much different from the guys Trina dated.  And we know the reason why Vic won her heart.  He became her world. We saw how much Vic loves and cares for her so it’s no brainer Trina fell in love with him.  I congratulate Trina for finding Vic.

A couple of days later I found myself doing I have been dying to try for in years.  Surfing lessons at La Union, Dec 19-20 via TF.  Nearly having second thoughts when I first saw the waves at San Juan Surfing School, I can’t help feel my heart almost come out of my chest.  I was more frightened at that moment than walking at the Sky Walk.  Good thing we moved to another location, and I could not believe where that was.  It’s very much near Bacnotan cement factory.  I usually ran into that name auditing their excise taxes back when I was working as a government employee. Flashbacks from yester years doing audit came into my mind and I could not help but laugh inside. It did help pacify the tremendous beating inside me.  It took me three tries to do a long surf.  It was an accomplishment, and I fell in love again… this time with surfing.  It’s addictive and it helped me slowly overcome my fear of water.  Each time I fall off the board, and feel like I’m in a washing machine, I get to control my panic attacks.  Though I do admit it will take a lot of time before I get used to the water once more.  So therefor, surfing is in my number 1 list of must do this 2010.

Aside from the warm and friendly staff at San Juan Surf School there is their mascot.  Meet River, the 7 year old labrador. Unlike Neil Gaiman’s dog Cabal, River is a sleep all day dog like a cat.  As Sweet describes him “narcoleptic”.  We seldom catch him standing or sitting.  Always asleep without any care to the world.  He’s adorable, what can I say and he deserves a space in this blog.  But on a serious note, I envy this dog.  He does not have a care in the world around him.  He knows what he wants.

Closing the year high up in the cold mountains of Sagada with new TF friends and Leah from Dec 27-30.  Could not believe I went spelunking doing the 5 hour adventure tour instead of the normal.  I was told I never really experienced Sagada if I do the normal option.  So, mustering my guts and trust with Kuya Erwin, our guide, I head on to take the adventure option.  I was actually more concerned if I’ll fit in the openings.  But little did I know that’s the least of my worries.  It’s the sharp rocks and long drop that I should worry about.  But I made it with all smiles (and a lot of rest stop climbing the countless steps).  Good cardio and was surprised I did not feel any body ache unlike what I got from surfing.  A lot of good memories and new friends to keep from this trip.

2009 is now a thing of the past.  Can’t help but wonder if I’m living in a dream or not.  I have choices and I chose to be the way I am today.  But for sure I’ll be leaving this lifestyle soon.  When that time comes, I’m just thankful I lived my life the way I dreamed about it when I was young.  To be free, being adventurous and always so curious of what my limitations are.  I like to challenge myself.  And I will not stop challenging myself as long as I live.

We took the boat from Iloilo to the land of the World’s Sweetes Mango. We were surprised that the 15 minute boat ride only cost us 13 pesos. When we arrived in Guimaras, people gathered around us. I’m not really sure if we looked that different from them because they already knew that we are tourists.

We went to the tourists’ assistance center and the lady tourist guide gave us a very helpful map. It was a very stressful day because the people in there won’t just give up in offering their services which seemed to be overpriced! The language barrier is also that great which made all transactions very difficult to make! haaay!

wharf in iloilo going to Guimaras

reymen’s resort (they said this is the best beach there but sand is pebblish)

our hearty lunch at reymen’s YUMMY!!!

finally, after four years, i went back to boracay…yup the locals insisted that it is boracay and not bora, you’ll even see the statement on every tricycle.

i can only say that the place changed a lot. now, it has banks, clinics, etc. before it was just a white sand beach with a few hotels and bars. i was surprised that pier one did not survive in spite the need for booze and partying.

oh well, im gonna put up a my whole trip’s story (iloilo-guimaras-boracay getaway) when i have gathered my thoughts. one thing sure, i loved it in spite of some mishaps…sigh!!!

Planning My Trip To Cagayan de Oro – Camiguin

Cagayan de Oro is a part of the province of Misamis Oriental, one of the provinces in Northern Mindanao. Nature tripping is a never-ending possibility in Misamis Oriental. From watersports and fine beaches to cave exploration and ethnic settlements, the list of nature-communing endeavors to be experienced in the province is longer than enough to fill a lifetime’s itinerary.

Seas and beaches offer a limitless aqua adventure. Go scuba diving at Duka Bay and Mantangale, also a primary dolphin and whale shark watching destination. Find glorious hideaways in the white sand beaches of Midway Beach, Maputi White Beach, and Opol Beach Fronts. Go white water rafting and tubing in the rapids of Cagayan de Oro River, one of the longest rivers in Mindanao. Or simply get picture-happy at the San Isidro/Sagpolon, Palalan, and Tiklas waterfalls as well as Sapong Spring and the Cold Spring at Lagonglong.

white-water rafting at Cagayan de Oro

Moreover, it was a good thing that Cebu Pacific Air offered their Piso Rates, which I thought of Cagayan de Oro being my first choice! A multitude of choices await the nature love and adventurer. in us. The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, a cultural village in a botanical setting, is home to Region 10’s tribal communities and endemic plants and trees. Also in Cagayan de Oro is Macahambus Cave, a historical site dating back to the 1900s. Initao Cave is home to the split-nose bat and the Initao National Park is a forest reserve with a natural limestone formation and marine life. Shift into a more relaxed pace at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, situated along Lumbia Road in Cagayan de Oro. Or explore this city’s museums, from the Xavier University Museum showcasing Muslim-Bukidnon culture to the La Castilla Museum featuring household heirlooms.

We have set our travel dates as June 16-19, 2010 for the Cagayan de Oro – Camiguin leg. I have been dreaming of going to this place eversince. The only thing that hampers me is the budget. Good thing, Sheila allowed herself to be immersed with the captivating beauty of this place. And so the hunt is on for the best bargains around CdO and Camiguin.

How Do I Get To Cagayan de Oro?

There are several ways on getting to Cagayan de Oro. The most popular are as follows:

a. By Air – since we’re coming from Manila, there are only 2 airlines that I know of that can fly you daily straight from Manila to Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro. The estimated flight duration is 1 hour and 35 minutes. The regular fares are really expensive by the way, but I’ll be posting their promo rates from time to time so please take time to read.

• Philippine Airlines – PAL does not have any promo offerings at the time that I was planning to book my flight. Their regular round trip rates to CdO is Php4592.00. Wow! Very expensive!
• Cebu Pacific Air – Cebu Pac recently launched (I believe that was in November) their 2-day Piso Fare to all of their destinations and I was lucky enough to be able to book for me and Sheila. Our round trip tickets cost us only Php312.00 each. That’s a great value for money indeed! Their regular round trip fare actually costs Php 4270.56. Konti lang ang difference sa PAL.

b. By Sea – the only shipping line that I know of is the SuperFerry. The travel duration takes almost 2 days aboard SuperFerry12. Their e-ticket for a roundtrip Mega Value aircon accommodation with food costs Php2989.81. It is quite cheaper than the traveling by air but it would take almost 2 days before you reach your destination. SuperFerry has promos from time to time, like their Todo Tawad promo where fares can go as low as Php500 on one way. But at this time, no promos offerings for Cagayan de Oro destination. Moreover, they have schedules for their trips. According to their website, their trips are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.

c. By Land – The city has two bus terminals. The West Bound terminal caters to trips going to Iligan, Ozamiz, Pagadian and Zamboanga while the Agora Terminal caters to trips going to Gingoog, Butuan, Malaybalay, Valencia, Wao, Kidapawan, Davao and Camiguin Island (via Balingoan Port). Agora has a reputation among residents as being a somewhat more dangerous place than the rest of this peaceful safe city–don’t let it stop you from using the bus service, but don’t hang around Agora at night longer than you need to and keep cameras/phones tucked in.

The Itinerary For Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin Trip

This is the proposed itinerary for our Cdo-Camiguin Leg. Please note that this is subject to change depending on participants’ concerns, which is only Sheila and Me.

Day 1 Arrival at Cagayan de Oro

This is our arrival day at Cagayan de Oro City. Sheila and I will be on seperate flights, so just like what happened with me in Busuanga, I would have to wait for Sheila’s arrival. Today’s activity will definitely have to be the white-water rafting. This is actually 3 hours and most of the package that I have seen range anywhere from Php700-1000 and this does not include the lunch yet. I guess we’d have to eat lunch prior to the rafting. For this adventure, I found Rafting Adventure Philippines. This was one of the agencies showcased in the Philippine Travel Mart held last September 2009 in Megamall. Their website features all of their activities including the rates for the adventure. I chose their Group Rafting which is described as follows:

Group Rafting Trips

Get hyped and gear up your day as you go paddling the wild waters of the spectacular Cagayan de Oro River while building up amity with in your friends, officemates and colleagues in your companies. We customized your river trip by doing “Team Building” activities along the way. This trip is good for firms, big groups and company outings.

Regular Rate:

Beginners Php700/pax

Advance Php1000/pax

Packages are negotiable

Inclusion:

Free Transportation vice-versa

Safety Gears (Helmets, Buoyancy aid, Paddle) and

Dry bags for valuable things (e.g. mobile phones, wallets, wrist watches, cameras, etc.)

Schedule: Any day of the week

1st Trip: 8:00 a.m.

2nd Trip: 12:00 noon

What to wear and bring?

Beach Attire preferably quick dry clothes

Rash guards or Long sleeves

Extra Clothes and Toiletries

Personal Zip locks

Aqua Shoes, Sandals or Slippers (preferably with straps)

Sun blocks or Sun screens

SLR or Digital Camera’s (dry bag will be provided) and

Your Sense of Humor

Other options for the day which can be squeezed into our 1st day would be a trip to Macahambus Adventure Park. Adventures lined up for this park includes rappel and zip-line across trees a hundred feet above ground. If we still have time we can probably drop by the Mapawa Nature Park which is ideal for horseback riding, biking, zipline and nature trekking. After all these adventures, we can try to experience CdO’s NIGHTLIFE!

Day 02: Welcome Camiguin Island!

I was told that there are a lot of things and places to visit at Camiguin. Moreover, there are also several beautiful resorts to stay at which is really easy on the budget. Since we’ll be staying for one night in Camiguin, I will also have to look for a resort who allows one night of stay, probably one of the cheaper ones in the area. Here’s a 2-day Camiguin Island tour schedule I saw online that could fit into ours:

7:15AM, ETD Balingoan Pier Cagayan De Oro

Note: Ferry schedule 7:15am, 9:00am, 10:15am, 1:15pm, 2:50pm, 4:15pm

8:15AM, ETA Benoni Pier Camiguin

8:30AM – 8:30PM, have a day tour of these tourist spots, arranged chronologically as follows:

1. Sto Niño Cold Springs (swimming)

2. Soda Water Pool (swimming)

3. Old Guiob Church Ruins (sightseeing)

4. Sunken Cemetery (can dive here)

5. Stations of the Cross/Walkway (sightseeing)

6. Mt Hibok Hibok Volcano (sightseeing)

7. Katibawasan Falls (swimming)

8. Mambajao Market (“palengke”)

9. Vjandep Restaurant & Bakeshop (must try! Pastel)

10. Ardent Hot Springs (swimming)

11. Pabua’s Cottage (cook food that came from Mambajao Market, dinner)

The Following Day 3:

6:00AM, Wake-up call

7:00AM, off to White Island Camiguin

7:15AM, ETA White Island Camiguin

Note: Make sure to bring food and shade

11:00AM, ETD White Island Camiguin

12:00Noon, ETD hotel to Beroni Pier going to CDO

1:00PM, ETA Beroni Pier

1:15PM, ETD Beroni Pier

2:00PM, ETA Balingoan Pier CDO

2:30PM, Lunch

And the rest of the day would have to be used for exploring more of Cagayan de Oro. I heard that ukay-ukay in CdO is one of the best. So I’ll never let this ukay-ukay opp pass by!

Day 4: A Trip To Nearby Iligan City

Tinago Falls is a waterfall in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Iligan, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. Legend has it that there once lived an influential and powerful Sultan Agok and her wife. They were appointed by their people as their king and queen. But they become too proud of themselves and became selfish rulers of their kingdom. When the sultan’s wife was pregnant, an enchantress, disguised as a beggar, begged for their help but instead they exiled and rejected her. Because of this, the enchantress cursed the couple that the child will become ugly but they did not took it seriously and permanently banished the enchantress.

Tinago Falls in Iligan City

When the child was born, the child did become ugly. The couple was sad and disappointed, expecting the baby to be as lovely as her mother. They hid the child in a cave to avoid embarrassment and named the baby Tin-ag, which means “hidden face”. They visited and took care of the baby in the cave. When the child grew up, she came out of the cave and became amazed at what she saw. The enchantress, who cursed her parents, saw her and made an offer to transform her into something of great beauty and splendor. She accepted the offer and became the Tinago Falls.

Going to Iligan City takes about an estimated 1.5 hours by bus from Cagayan de Oro City. It is located in a deep ravine in Barangay Ditucalan, Iligan City. Other falls to see would be the Maria Cristina Falls along the Agus River. Both are sources of hydro-electric power for most of Mindanao.

]]> http://pulangparuparo.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/red-butterfly-travel-series-guimaras/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:34:17 +0000 Maritoni Cruz http://pulangparuparo.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/red-butterfly-travel-series-guimaras/

Guimaras. The place where you can find the sweetest mangoes on earth!

We went there for a day trip. It’s only a 15-minute boat ride from Iloilo. The fare varies, depending on how strong the waves are. Our group paid P400 (9 USD) for a private boat that took us to Guimaras port.

Before getting to the dock area, one would be able to see a large sign prohibiting anyone from bringing in mangoes from outside.

When we got there, nobody bothered to check our bags for any mango contraband (LOL) which was just fine with us, but a little disappointing.

Someone from Raymen Beach Resort picked us up at the port. We rode on a multi-cab for about 50 minutes or so and arrived at the resort around 10-10:30am. We paid an entrance fee (I forgot how much it was, but it was very cheap) and rented a hut for P400 (9 USD).

The beach was beautiful. The water’s very clear. The sand’s not as white or as fine as that of Bohol or Boracay, but it’s definitely better than Puerto Galera’s.

The group swam, took photos, swam, ate lunch, took more photos and swam some more. After eating lunch, we tried the famous Guimaras mangoes.

It wasn’t the season for mangoes when we went there so the mangoes didn’t taste as good as they should have. The locals told us that the best time to go there is during the Manggahan Festival (April).

Since we were only there for a day trip, by 1pm we already started to clean up and pack our stuff.

What I didn’t like about the resort is that they only have 3 working shower rooms which were very small. And you have to pay P10 (0.25 USD) for you to be able to use any of them.

We left around 3pm to go back to Iloilo.

If you plan to stay overnight at Raymen’s, you can get rooms for as low as 1,500 per night (then you won’t have to pay to take a shower).

Raymen Beach Resort

Alubihod, Poblacion Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Contact Persons: Annabelle Estaya / Salvacion Gentizon

Contact Nos: 033-3383177 / 09185207271

After eating our fiesta like lunch at Tatoy’s, we went to Guimaras via boat in Iloilo Pier. We landed to Jordan after 15 minutes of boat ride. We were supposed to ride a multicab going to San Joaquin then Sabang but there were no multicab available. A local told us that on Sundays, people are home early after the morning market. We just hired a multicab straight to Sabang. It was bumpy & dusty ride passing by plantation of mangoes. After an hour, we reached our destination and rent a boat. The travel time by boat from Sabang to Nagarao Island is about 45 minutes but it was doubled due to trouble. I lost count on many times our boat stopped due to water in the carburetor and few instances that our boatman can’t start the motor. It was getting dark that time; our small boat (5 pax capacity) was just floating in the middle of sea and the wind taking us to nowhere. The three us of were silent, thinking about situation. Our boat was up and running again because of the strong determination by our boatmen. Rain started to fall that make us more eager to reach the island as soon as possible (only if I could help our boat by paddling).

Island of Tree Spirits

interior of receiving hall

It rained hard when we reached Nagarao Island. No activities for us except for chatting and waiting for the rain to stop. I didn’t notice that I fell asleep in the living room until Oggie woke me up for dinner. After a eating, we agreed to play table (Ferdz is undefeated).  At around past 10pm, the rain stopped. We never wasted the opportunity for another night photography session. The whole place was really dark because of the absence of electricity at night.

night shoot galore

As expected, no sunshine for us to shoot. We explored the island and it was pure beauty. A lot of subjects for landscape photographer like rock formations, mangroves and the mini forest.

the gazebo: eerie at night but lovely in the morning

Our boatman fetched us at 10am; the water going back to Sabang was rougher than yesterday. Our boat was like a toy being tossed by big waves. I was on the front sitting in front thus all big splashes was on me. It was a 45 minutes saltwater bath. When we arrived at Sabang, our multicab was already there, all set to transport us to Jordan.

rocky shore and clear water

I would love to come back here in summer because we missed a lot of opportunities to explore and shoot the place. So if you’re visiting Guimaras, I suggest braving the waves going to Nagarao Island and you’ll rewarded by its beauty.

tree and log

Nagarao Island Wander Tips:

1. Put your valuable things like camera, lenses, cellphone, mp3 players, money and other important things in a dry bag for waterproofing. The boat ride to Nagarao Island is a like a rollercoaster ride in water.

2. Bring a headlamp / flashlight because the island is really dark at night.

3. No cellphone signal for Globe users like me, just bring a Smart SIM card to be sure.

After attending a seminar by Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), local officials of Oracon in Guimaras gathered residents and volunteers to construct their own MRF and start the implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management in the barangay. In the process, they became the first barangay in the province to be compliant to Section 32 of Republic Act 9003 which states that “There shall be established a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay or cluster of barangays.”

To further encourage the residents to participate in the project, the barangay will also implement the “Basura mo, Palit Grocery” Project , a strategy they also learned in the seminar. In this project, residents will earn points every time they bring segregated wastes to the MRF. The said points can be used to redeem basic household items like rice, sugar, sardines and soap, among others. Initial funding was provided by Add Up! Volunteers, the same group who sponsored the first seminar conducted my MEF in the province.

So what motivates them to action?

“We are very thankful to MEF for making us aware of our responsibilities as barangay officials under RA 9003,” said Brgy. Captain Soccoro Gaquit. She also added, “In the seminar, we were able to realize that we have to manage our wastes not only because it is mandated by law, but more so because we have to do it for the environment and for future generations.”

During the open forum, one participant to the seminar mentioned that though they have not heard of climate change before, they have noticed the difference between now and when they were young. They have also seen its effects, as their livelihood have suffered from more frequent and more devastating storms or prolonged droughts.

Kagawad Ninfa Grate also gave another reason. “Aside from mitigating the effects of climate change, one reason that also encourages us to push this project is the opportunity of be a pioneer in waste management in the province. Hopefully, when we have shown that it is possible, others around us will soon follow.”

“The recognition given by the municipality and the province of all our efforts is just a bonus,” she added.

April 2009.  Holy week.  Again, I’ve got the chance to visit Guimaras, this time with Cris, one of my fellow volunteer at Add-Up!

Thanks to all the friends who made this trip unforgettable.

Thanks to Jay for that rare treat at Afriques… just to enjoy such a sumptuos meal… When you are in Iloilo, Afrique’s is one place you shouldn’t miss, of course, aside from the famous, La Paz Batchoy.  Thanks also to Fr. Ricky for allowing some time despite his busy schedule just to see us and to Froi and family for being the most generous host as usual while we were in Guimaras.

It was all fun.   Just pause a while to watch this video and find out why.

Jaro, Ilo-Ilo. A place once featured in a TELECOM TV commercial, wherein a college student calls his Dad in Jaro to tell him that he’s no longer taking up medicine but instead will shift into Fine Arts. “Kung saan ka masaya, Suportahan Taka!” this line instantly became a hit and became a household line everywhere. Anyway, this line was also stuck in my head until I went to Ilo-Ilo.

A view of Ilo-Ilo City

An island tucked in the middle of the archipelago, Ilo-Ilo is a progressive community not very different from Metro Manila. With malls, establishments and a couple of high rise buildings, Ilo-Ilo City is a city on its way to becoming an urban hub in the Western Visayas region.

Inside the Ilo-Ilo Airport

With its newly opened Airport, the Ilo-Ilo serves as a gateway to neighboring islands in the region such as Bacolod, Catcilan, and Capiz. What’s remarkable about this place is that amidst its progressive economy, the Ilonggos are still able to preserve their heritage and culture. Spanish influences in architecture are apparent in houses and buildings, which are preserved up-to-date.

An Atillan house in Jaro

Old Antillan houses are still preserved and line up the streets in Jaro and other neighboring towns. In addition to this, old churches are well preserved and is flocked by devout Catholics on Sundays–a testament of the Illongos religiosity. One remarkable church in Ilo-Ilo is the San Jose Church (see Footprints) situated in front of Plaza Libertad. For architecture enthusiast this place is worth seeing because of its Spanish-inspired architecture.

A pasture in Ilo-Ilo

Daing: A salty dried fish. Common in Pinoy breakfast.

Hectares of land are kept untouched from commercialism because many of these pastures are used as rice fields and for grazing livestock and ranching. Daing (dried fish), the pungent-smelling yet tasty breakfast viand is also one of the main exports of the island.

The famous Guimaras mangoes.

An island in Guimaras

Just accross the San Pedro Port, about an hour boat ride is the Guimaras Island. Known for its sweet mangoes and white sand beaches, Guimaras is indeed a tropical paradise to those who love the sand and the sea. Indeed, Ilo-Ilo offers the best of both worlds–a booming urban metropolis where the luxury of modern living is within your reach at the same time it is a place where one can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

But what’s most remarkable about this place is its people. The Illongo’s warm smiles will make you feel that you are indeed welcomed in their place. Definitely, Ilo-Ilo is a place worth coming back to.

• FOOTPRINTS

The interiors of the San Jose Church. The church is flocked by devout Catholics every Sunday.

San Jose Church

Known to be the most historic Church in Ilo-Ilo and is popular because of its Byzantine-Neoclassic architecture similar to the Church of Valencia del Cid in Spain.

The San Pedro Port

San Pedro Port

An image of Christ with His arms outstretched facing the sea (similarto the Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro but only smaller in size) is the landmark of the port. Unfortunately, this landmark needs major rehabilitation because of its dilapidated and vandalized walls.

• FOOD TRIP

Photo from http://www.rapsa.i.ph/photo/d/1268-1/Deco_s+La+Paz+Batchoy.JPG

Deco’s La Paz Batchoy

I was told that I was not in Ilo-Ilo if I haven’t tasted their famous La Paz Batchoy. Good thing, Deco’s restaurant, known to be the original La Paz batchoy is just across our hotel. This famous noodle soup bowl is mixed with pork meat and liver called batchoy and garnished with small bits of onion stalk and chicharon. Best paired with hot pandesal. Nothing beats the original La Paz batchoy compared to its instant noodle counterpart; it’s definitely worth a try! Namit Gid!

The Biscocho Haus in Jaro

Biscocho

A famous pasalubong from Ilo-Ilo is the Biscocho (toasted bread coated with milk and sugar) and the Original Biscocho Haus in Ilo-Ilo is the place to go to buy this sweet treat. But aside from the Biscocho, other treats such as the Galletas, Barquillos, Piyaya, etc. can be bought there. Their butterscotch is also a must-try! They have stores in Jaro (the original store), SM Ilo-Ilo and near the airport.

• FAVORITES

Illongo is one of my favorite dialects in the Philippines. But I don’t know how to speak in Ilonggo. Why my favorite? Because Illongos sound sweet/soft-spoken (malambing) when they speak. Their accent is soft and makes them sound calm even if they are mad. One of my favorite Illongo word is palangga, which refers to a person you love.

Your smile will forever be remembered.

Aside from their sweet accent, I think the Illongos are naturally friendly people. This portrait (pictured above) is one of my favorite shots I’ve taken in Ilo-Ilo. It shows how a simple smile can give life to a picture. The old lady in the photo gamely smiled for the camera when I asked if I could take a photo of her. The sincerity and genuineness of her smile is felt in this photo.

Too bad, my stay in Ilo-Ilo was only for a short period of time. I am sure that there are still many places to see in this region. If you’re a culture buff and would love to know more about the history of a place, then Ilo-Ilo is the place to go. But for the more adventurous traveler, take a trip to Guimaras and enjoy its pristine white sand beaches and indulge its sweet mangoes. If given the chance to be back, I will surely spend more time touring the city and taking shots of its old Antillan houses. Till then, Ilo-Ilo.

THE Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the University of San Agustin (USA), through its Center for Research and Publications and Resource Center for Public Management and Governance, last Thursday co-organized  the “Roundtable Discussion on Disaster Response Challenges and Reform Alternatives: Learning from the Guimaras Experience.”

Experts from academic and research institutions, national government agencies, and the provincial government of Guimaras were invited to validate disaster response challenges and to give feedback on reform alternatives being proposed.  Among the experts present was Lito Coscolluela, presidential assistant for
Western Visayas.

The challenges and the reform alternatives have been identified by  CUI interns Shane D’ Souza, Chad Aboud, Sarah Robicheau and Grace Wang.  The four, senior students at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in Toronto, came over three months ago to do research aimed at “supporting the legal and policy framework for environmental rehabilitation in Guimaras.”  They have partnered with four students from the USA College of Law here.

Among the eleven challenges was in the area of communication, coordination and escalation protocols.  It has been noted that, in the case of the Guimaras oil spill, there had been some conflicts and inconsistencies in the content of information released to the public, resulting in disorientation and, sometimes panicky behavior.    In reaction to this, I shared with Francis Gentoral, CUI regional manager, my view that there might be need for those involved in dispensing public information related to disasters to undergo capacity-building exercises in risk communication.

As a graduate Communication student at the Ateneo nearly a decade ago, I had the privilege of being part of the organizing team for a national conference on risk communication, which gathered such paper presenters as the late Philvocs Director Raymundo Punongbayan, Dr. Salvador Escudero III, Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, Dr. Helen Mendoza, Dr. Mary Racelis, Howie Severino, among others.  My professor, Napoleon Juanillo Jr., a Ph.D. in Communication from Cornell University and is a specialist in health and agricultural communication, spearheaded the learning event.

The field of risk communication is not new.  Its integration in the communication discipline could be traced to the late 1960’s with the publication in the Science journal of Chauncey Starr’s paper titled “Social Benefits versus Technological Risk, in which he attempted to offer a scientific basis for thresholds of risks acceptable to the public.   It gained further interest in the 1970s when people’s concerns regarding the risks of nuclear power became more pronounced.

In 1989, the U.S. National Research Council came up with a definition of risk communication:  “an interactive process of exchange of information and opinion among individuals and institutions, which involves multiple messages about the nature of risk and other messages, not strictly about risk, that express concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages or to legal and institutional arrangements for risk management.”

The above definition makes risk communication interactive, challenging the dominant risk communication paradigm in which government regulators and industry persuade the public to accept scientific and bureaucratic judgments of risk acceptability as well as decisions on risk management.  This prevailing paradigm is built on these assumptions:  scientific and technical experts are the only legitimate sources of correct or accurate risk information; science alone can provide “objective truths”; and the public is a mere receiver of information.

More recently, there has been a movement towards interactive risk communication of which the following are essential components: mechanisms that enable government, industry, and the lay public to participate in risk identification, analysis and assessment; information exchange about risk issues among these actors; and risk information processing from various sectors through clear, understandable, and relevant risk messages, as well as appropriate use of communication channels.

This alternative risk communication model stresses the need to subject to public participation the interpretation of expert information and its application to risk management.   This was what the late Dr. Punongbayan called “bringing science down to earth,” or what former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez-Tan referred to as “people-oriented” risk communication.

As Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves, and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.” (Jigger Latoza | Notions | The Daily Guardian | August 3, 2007)

Raymen Beach Resort

        An island-province located in the western Visayan region of the Philippines, Guimaras is a hidden gem for beach enthusiasts that is yet to be discovered. The province remained as a sub-province of Iloilo until May 1992 when it was declared as a full-fledged province of the Philippines. It is composed of five municipalities namely, Buenavista, Jordan (the capital), Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag. Hiligaynon or Ilonggo is the dominant language among locals and some can also speak Tagalog which is the national language of the Philippines. The province is well-known for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world and rumor has it that it even reached the White House and the Buckingham Palace. Importantly, on August of 2006, the island was hit by the sinking of M/V Solar I (chartered by Petron oil company), at least 2.4 million liters of oil sank near the coast and the island’s ecological system was greatly affected and devastated. It took a year before the province was able to recover from the disaster, through the joint effort of the government, locals, and other private organizations.