You can find some Souvenir shop, fruit and fresh vegetable stalls, Local handicrafts, all kinds of accessories and The Large KITE shop inside the mid-section of Genting Strawberry Farm.

The Strawberry Farm open daily form 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Please get your discount voucher at our front desk

Newly open RM 2 million Strawberry leisure farm situated at Gotong Jaya Town, half way to Genting Theme Park.

Genting Strawberry farm is situated next to Genting Sport Center complex. Where you can find ample parking and walk over to the farm. The farm is close to the main road you will not miss it.

Today, we are going to cover the Strawberry farm section.

Self pick strawberry, that you can pick your own self inside the farm for RM24 per 300 gms. or pre pack for RM 18.00. There many other products made from strawberry. That I would recommend to buy is strawberry jam, very good.

Open daily from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm. Our Guest will get 10% discount of purchases at Genting Starwberry Farm

Please get your voucher at our Front Desk.

Bali is a beautiful Indonesian island situated on the western side of Lesser Sunda Islands, in between Lombak and Java lying east and west side, respectively. This indonasian island is one of the major and highly favourite tourist destinations, with its culture, beauty, beaches, music, paintings and rich art work.

Taman Ayun Temple Taman Ayun (beautiful garden) is a magnificent tourist spot built over a high table enclosed and bordered by ponds. The whole pond surrounding gives this temple a floating look, which attracts many tourist and visitors holidaying in Bali. The inside of the temple has merus, shrines and bales.

Bali Bird Park

When on a holiday in Bali with family you can always visit this tourist spot and have a great family time together. This bird park is stretched across an area of 2 hectares and has amazing variety to offer to tourist and visitors. When on a holiday in Bali, you can always check out the superb collection of over 1000 of species from across the world and some being the rarest ones.

Pura Besakih – Mother Temple

Situated high on the top of mount Agung, Pura Besakih is a collection of shrines with the core temple being the Mother temple. Spread across huge hectares of area, the temple acts as a major tourist spot and brings out the spiritual and cultural side of this Indonesian island to tourist and visitors. A must to visit place, Pura Besaikh is known to be the largest Hindu temple and witness huge amount of visitors and devotes. Ubud Monkey Forest

Rich with greenery, Ubud is a forest sanctuary which has a magnificent walking pavement surrounded by thick foliage. When holidaying in Bali, you can always enjoy this green tourist spot adding to the beauty of this Indonesian island. The forest is known for the huge presence of monkeys, Balinese macaques.

Goa Gajah

This tourist spot is an elephant cave situated in the valley on the outskirt of Ubud next to Bedulu. This 700 years old cave was revived in year 1920 and 30 years later it was unearthed completely. When holidaying in Bali you must not miss this ancient tourist spot with beautifully carved striking entrance, the place is surrounded by bathing pools like most of the Bali temples.

Beaches

Apart from various tourist spots available to cherish a holiday in Bali the major attraction comes in form of its beaches. This Indonesian island is known for it water and beach activities, resorts and fun. Some of the stunning beaches found in Bali are Sanur beach, Soka beach, Lovina beach, Medewi beach, Kuta beaches, Legian beach, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua.

Best time to visit or holiday in Bali

Known to have only two seasons, dry and wet, Bali can be visited any time of the year for a great holiday. But the best time to visit Bali is usually the months from April to September. If you are holidaying in Bali only for the beaches, then the best months to visit are June to August.

The Bahamas is a cluster of many big and small islands in the West Indies. Now an independent country, the Bahamas has breathtaking beaches and marine life to experience on an exotic holiday. From snorkelling, dolphin encounters, diving and sailing to simply sun bathing on the beaches, the Bahamas offers the one of the best holiday experiences. The Bahamian land is more than just beaches, as you can also visit the historical places, museums, take a safari, enjoy the old architectural rich forts as well as the beautiful green natural parks.

Listed below are some of the popular places you can visit when holidaying in Bahamas:

Lucayan National Park

This tourist spot in the Bahamas is home to many exciting activities such as swimming, caving and kayaking. This natural and beautiful park is known as a real treat for a great family time. You can take the cave tour, walk and trail down the mangrove lined stream, picnic with your loved ones at the Gold beach or enjoy swimming for relaxation. On a Bahamian holiday you must make it a point to visit this natural wonder on Grand Bahama Island.

Pirates of Nassau

The Nassau downtown displays a fascinating educational program that takes you through the life and tales of pirates. Tourist and visitors holidaying in Bahamas often visit this tourist spot to experience Bahamian culture.

Blue Lagoon Island

When on a holiday in Bahamas, you must not forget to visit the dolphins on the Blue Lagoon Island. This place is a famous tourist spot in the Bahamas due to its superb beaches and the experience it offers. It’s worth visiting the island, as you get to cherish the beauty of dolphins, take picture of them and even swim with them. Located in Nassau, this island is perfect way to unwind on your Bahamian holiday.

Bahamas Jeep Safari Tours

The best way to enjoy a Bahamian holiday is to take a jeep safari tour of the island. Tourist and visitors often get drawn towards the thrilling, exciting and instructive trip as it takes them to museums, beaches and other natural and historical tourist spots. The sight seeing offered in the safari adds to the scenic beauty of your holiday in Bahamas.

Fort Charlotte

This tourist spot is found to fascinate those tourist and visitors with interests in military sites and stories. Built in 18th century, the site is situated in Marcus Bethel Way and West Bay Street in Nassau. The place got its name after the name of George III’s wife. Things to experience in this fort include mysterious dungeons, a waterless moat, ramparts and a drawbridge.

Beaches

While on a Bahamian holiday, you can not afford to miss the exotic and vivid beaches of the Bahamas. The place has two very famous and known beaches to offer, which are the Paradise and Cabbage beach. The beaches act as a perfect tourist spot for those on a holiday in the Bahamas. The scenic beauty, coconut trees, water side and the casuarinas add to the whole holiday mood for all. Other great beaches in the Bahamas are Lucaya beach, Xanadu beach and the Gold Rock beach.

Best time to holiday in Bahamas

Ideal time to enjoy a Bahamian holiday is during the summer time i.e. in the months from June to August, when it’s breezy and warm.

Mexico is known for its climate, cuisine, cathedrals and colonial architecture. With some of the best tourist destinations for travelers and tourists from all over the world, Mexico dazzles all with its glittering and vivid nightlife, historical places, museums, theatres and striking cities.

The following are some of the places you must visit when holidaying in Mexico:

El Zocalo

This famous tourist spot is a plaza surrounded by a cathedral, coffee shops and has a rich historical and architectural value. The best time to enjoy the plaza is at night, when it’s surrounded with tourists and visitors, their to enjoy a band playing in the center. When on a holiday to Mexico, you can always enjoy a great evening by visiting the plaza and watching dancing and listen to music out in the open.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

This white structure of marble is another famous tourist spot in Mexico and is situated at one corner of Alameda Central. The Palacio also displays museums like Museo de la Arquitectura and Museo Del Palacio de Bellas Artes. With an art centre and a huge concert hall, the place is often surrounded by tourists and visitors waiting to experience the richness of sculptures, arts and paintings during their Mexican holiday. The museums also hold a collection of renowned artists like David Alfro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayao and Diego Rivera. The glass curtain of the theater’s stage is another major attraction that draws large number of tourist and visitors to it.

Templo Mayor

A holiday in Mexico is not complete without a visit to the major temple of Aztecs which has a rich historical value to it. Built in the year 1375, this temple was later rebuilt and enlarged in different phases. The museum also has a remarkable museum, exhibiting artifacts or objects excavated from the original site and these relic objects also provide an outline to Aztec civilization. The stone art work is also a reason for those holidaying in Mexico to visit this tourist spot.

Guanajuato

Found in 1558, this colonial gem of Mexico is a city with a rich historical background and is worth taking a trip to when on a holiday in Mexico. This city adds a touch of history and beauty to your Mexican holiday with its amazing architecture, ancient buildings, narrow valley, museums, churches, irregularly but gorgeously positioned streets and houses, hidden plazas, underground tunnels and steep stairways to reach the houses built on slopes. The city is a major tourist spot because of being it declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Zona Rosa

This downtown region is great tourist spot for tourists and visitors looking for relaxation during their Mexican holiday. The place is home to shopping, dining and dazzling nightlife with streets displaying amazing shops, bars, cafes, hotels and restaurants.

Best tome to holiday in Mexico

The ideal time for a Mexican holiday is in the months of July and August, but October and May are also the right time because of the pleasant weather.

We were at the star basketball game last Saturday, November 14 at the Astrodome – a fund raising activity of the Sacred Heart College.

The main attraction was the All Star Selection team composed of – you guessed it – national TV’s current showbiz teen stars pitted against the SHC Varsity Team.

You could hear the scream of the fans a mile away.

View the full gallery: SHC vs All Star Selection Basketball

View: CCLS at the SHC-All Star Basketball Game

Members of the Camera Club of Leyte & Samar take 5 after the game.

Joey Reyna – yes, the famed photographer of Tacloban City – last week showed us his weekend hideaway at their farm located in Brgy. Tigbao, one of the northern barangays of Tacloban City.

It’s near the approach to San Juanico Bridge on the left side of the highway with a big white signage that screams. “Fresh Buko!” A motorist wouldn’t notice it but perched high up in the hills at the back is a simple yet homey cottage offering a fantastic view of the San Juanico Strait and its famous bridge.

The occasion was the baptismal reception for Jillian Lexy – the latest addition to the budding family of Joey & Lilibeth Reyna. Naturally, members of the Camera Club of Leyte & Samar were there to welcome Jillian Lexy to the Christian world.

Like I said, the place provides one a fresh, fantastic view of San Juanico Bridge!

View the full gallery and slideshow >>> http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p753624115

Sent off the wifey at the airport this morning and on my way back, I decided to go pass by Brgy San Jose at the area by the bay.

Snapped a few too at the Sagkahan boulevard.

My photos’ exif info say the first shot was taken at 6:55AM Saturday, November 7.

6:55 AM Sat in Tacloban…
12:55 AM Sat in Cairo
1:55AM Sat in Moscow
2:55 AM Sat in Dubai
5:55 AM Sat in Bangkok
6:55 AM Sat in Hong Kong
7:55 AM Sat in Tokyo
9:55 AM Sat in Sydney

2:55 PM Fri in Tijuana, Mexico
2:55 PM Fri in Los Angeles
4:55 PM Fri in Chicago
5:55 PM Fri in Toronto & Montreal
5:55 PM Fri in New York
10:55 PM Fri London
11:55 PM Fri in Paris
12:55 PM Fri in Honolulu

Lovely day ahead!

PAZHANI
Each region in India has its own favourite god. Uttar Pradesh has Ram, Maharashtra has Ganesh, Andhra Pradesh has Balaji(Sreenivasan) and Tamilnadu has Pazhani Andavan(God), my namesake. As a name for children, both of us disliked it, without any reason. Taditionally, my son should have been given this name, being my father’s name;  instead, we called him Sudhir.
One night my wife forgot to swith off the water pump. When she woke up at midnight, she asked me to chech it. By then, mud had entered the pipe and it had stopped, though motor was still alive. Wife thought of atonement by a visit to the famous temple, on the hill to at Pazhani.
There is a metre guage train from Palakad town to Pazhani, spelt Palani in their language. We, including Sudhir and my niece Usha, got out of the railway station, when we were greeted by the tongawallah: come, I shall take you to a hotel. As I was totally a stranger to the place, we got into the horse drawn cart and, in five minutes, we reached the town.
Don’t you want to do pal abhishekam?; the fellow seemed eager to please us.
 Go to Pazhani and not wash the deity with milk ? It is like going to a barber, chitchat and come  back without hair cut. (In the village, many people do it). So he took us to a milk shop, where Rs. seventy five was paid for ten litres of milk. That evening, we went round the town; dirty, narrow streets, unclean people, children in rags and plenty of tongas. The majestic hill with lights can be seen, but not the temple.
The next morning the same tongawallah, took us to the same milk shop. A huge brass vessel, containing milk was ready. How shall we carry it up the hill? No worry; a maid was ready at hand. Give her just Rs. 25, that is all. So we followed her, climbing thousands of well concreted step, two lane, and when we reached the entrance to the temple, we saw a long que.
Do not worry; I shall take you direct to the sanctum, give only Rs. ten, so we paid it and followed her. When we reached the sanctum by a short cut, the milk can and materials for pooja, like sandal sticks, coconut etc. were handed over to the poojary, not a brahmin, some other middle caste, and we went for Darshan and prayers, as direced by the maid, who promised to see us after half an hour.
The view from the top is worth all th trouble. Beng a single rock projecting above a vast plain, we can see the country side in all directions, as from an airoplane. Kodaikanal hills, a  tourist spot with lake etc. could be seen in the horizon. In the night, the sky lit with stars is a real treat.
 The golden chariot made at that time, is small of course, but cute! There is a large crowd when it is taken out from the cage, where it is safely kept. The temple itself is just ordinary. Tamilnadu is a land of thousands of grand temples, never damaged through the course of history, as invaders had had enough in the north.
When we met the maid again, she gave us each a  mouthful of milk, the left over after pouring over the deity of Lord Subramanian, as is customary. The whole drama is to cheat the unsuspecting devotees. There was not a single drop of milk in the can!  Near the temple we saw the notice: Rs. ten for milk abhishekam.
We saw people burning a piece of camphor on each step as a tribute to the Lord. During our next visit there, with Kishan, our common nephew, he and mysef, to give him compahy, had our heads shaven and photographed. That time we used the electic trolley, to climb up and down.

We did it!

The Warays made history Sunday by breaking the Guinness World Records (GWR) on the largest wine tasting event.

The official figure: 7,187 participants.

Prior to Sunday’s event, the Guinness World Records wrote An Waray Party-List – Octubafest Tagay’s organizers:

“The current record for ‘Largest wine tasting event’ is:

The largest wine tasting event involved 5,095 participants at the Plaza de Toros in Aranda de Duero, Spain on September 15, 2006.“

That changed Sunday, October 18, 2009 when over 10,000 Waray-warays trekked to the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park at the Government Center in Pawing, Palo to participate in the world breaking attempt and also to raise relief aid for the victims of the recent typhoons that devastated Luzon.

After validating registration records, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) certified that 7,187 actually participated in the wine tasting event of our native coconut wine – tuba. There were at least 3,000 more who were there to witness the event.

Before the record can be officially changed, organizers have to submit to GWR all evidence – registration records, official certifications and documentary evidence to back up the formal claim.

Once done, we hope it would put the Warays on the world map!

Official photographic and video documentation was done by the calle Zaragosa Productions group.

Visit the full gallery: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p1060428914

Registration

Donations for typhoon victims pile up

Moving force behind Octubafest – Cong. Bem Noel of AnWaray Party-List

Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla

K Brosas works up the crowd into fits of laughter

PICPA announces its official verdict: 7,187 participants – a new world record!

Up in the hills at Brgy Rizal, at an elevation of 172 meters above sea level overlooking Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte, is a small cave which was developed by its original owners into a shrine with a quaint chapel inside it.

Over the years, the Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine has become a site for pilgrims and devotees and has become one of Maasin’s popular tourist destinations.

It’s not for those afraid of heights nor for those with weak knees…

When I first got to the site together with a group of tourism officials about 2 years ago, I faced the prospect of a laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 400 steps! Having had no sleep the previous night after a long trip from Surigao, I politely declined the challenge and handed over the camera to my wife who was up to the dare to conquer the hill.

Later, upon seeing the pictures she took, I was regretful I didn’t join the climb. Next time, I told myself.

Last Friday, we were in Maasin and my mind was made up I had to make THE climb. Upon reaching the site, I saw some improvements, notably the construction of a new concrete stairway which local folks say is more difficult to climb due to the steep design. And more steps than the old stairway. So, we took to the old, but reliable stairway, zigzagging and snaking its way up beneath a cool canopy of trees.

We were soon amply rewarded…

Climb up via the old route of zigzagging stairway of more than 300 steps…

Inside the cave at the top of the hill…

The view from atop the hill, 172 meters above sea level – Maasin City:

The new stairway… 400+ steps down…

View more photos of Maasin, Southern Leyte:

Gallery: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p121823491

Slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p121823491/slideshow

Phulpui graves are one of the most popular tourist spot in Mizoram. Similar to Taj Mahal, this tomb also have an eternal love story weaved to it. The Phulpui graves are located in the Aizawl district of Mizoram. The main attraction here is two graves and the legend surrounded by it. These two graves are placed next to each other with a story of eternal love. The legend says, the Phulpui village chief Zawlpala married the legendary beauty Talvungi of Thenzaw. During those times polygamy was part of the culture; hence Talvungi subsequently married the chief of Punthia and Rothai. However she was not able to renounce her love to Zawlpala. On hearing the news of his death, the grief stricken Talvungi returns to the village and digs a pit next to Zawlpala’s grave and asks an old lady to assist her to kill her. Today both the graves are a must see tourist spot in Mizoram. Several young couples visit the village to watch the two adjacent tombs.

The state capital Aizawl has an airport and is connected to Kolkata and Imphal. Silchar in Assam is the nearest railway station. There are several hotels and resorts in Aizawl.

I am a night person.

Been that way since way back college, and during our band’s days when playing the last set, say, at Holiday Inn was from 12:30AM-1:30AM and after having the usual nightcap meant getting to bed at 3AM at the earliest. Driving from Roxas Blvd to Cubao, QC and home in Makati. Every night for months; nay, years!

So when the wifey says she was taking the early morning flight from Manila and could I please meet her at the airport? No probs. It was a no brainer, not that it helped the fact that I also had to meet my sister who was arriving with her son from Cebu the same day at 6:30 in the morning.

So even if I have to sleep at past 1AM, I had to be up by 6AM. Geez! But, hey, if one has to be up by such an unholy hour, why not just wake up earlier and catch the sunrise for a change? Ok. Deal.

So at past 1:30AM, I reset my alarm from 6AM to 5 AM to be able to catch the sunrise.

I got in just in time!

Shots taken starting at 5:34AM, today October 04, 2009 at the Rotary Center, Astrodome compound, Cancabato Bay, Sagkahan District.

Good morning, Tacloban!!!

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p789729546/slideshow

Pinoy Big Brother House

It’s a reality TV franchise of ABS-CBN from endemol productions. The Program is popular here in the philippines, when my group of friends think of visiting it, i don’t have to think twice, i want to see of how huge was the house of big brother. How to get there? well if your from north or south of edsa, take an mrt then hop off to Quezon Ave., station, then walk your way straight at mother ignacia ave., then see the towering ELJ bldg. of ABS-CBN as a marker. At the ground floor of the building is ELJ mall it’s a mini mall where theres a store outlets and lots of restaurant and food stalls out there. Take a short cut to the mall and you’ll be surprise when you exited the other side of the mall is the Big Brother House. The house is not as big as you seen in TV, actually the house is cute, the front of the house designed like an 2 storey house but it’s not, really. The house is one of the tourist spot in the area, people stop by to pose and take a picture. I heard Pinoy Big Brother Season 3 airs soon, well pinoys are crazy of reality TV programs, so as what i’ve heard in TV, it’s a teleserye ng totoong buhay, eto na si kuya, ang bahay ni kuya, The Pinoy Big Brother.

The place is considered the tourist spot

The house is at the back of this ELJ Communication Bldg.

more pictures

Had the opportunity to take in the dusk scene at Cancabato Bay with the Astrodome in the background.

It’s a very relaxing and peaceful scene…

I first heard of Anawangin Cove from some officemates who went there last May 2009. They spoke good things about it: fine sand, crystal clear water, magnificent rock formations, pine trees by the beach etc. etc. etc. But what thrilled me the most was the idea that it is still untouched by commercialism: no electricity, no cellular phone signal and no beach houses for rent. Unfortunately, I wasn’t available to make it on the two occasions that they scheduled a trip to Anawangin Cove. They are planning another one before the year ends, but I can no longer wait until year end comes before I pay Anawangin Cove a visit. So being an adventurer that I am, I surfed the net and planned my own sojourn to Anawangin Cove on the upcoming long weekend of Aug. 28-30, 2009. With me was a former officemate who owns a tent that will serve as our dwelling place for our stay. The news that a typhoon is expected to hit the Philippines over the weekend did not stop me from traveling.

 I left Manila at exactly 11:30pm at Victory Liner terminal in Pasay City. Based from the information I got from the internet, it will take around six hours to get to the town of San Antonio, Zambales. I supposed the estimate was based on daytime travel because it took me only three hours to get to San Antonio.  My original plan was just to buy some food in San Antonio upon my arrival because I was expecting to arrive there at 5:30am. Fortunately, there was a 24-hour grocery store somewhere relatively near the town plaza. Our tricycle driver was kind enough to make a quick stop so we can shop for mineral water, beers, chips, bread and canned foods. 

At 3:00am, we are already in the baranggay of Pandaquit where I instructed our boatman to meet us up. Since we arrived earlier than expected, we needed to wait for almost an hour before the boatman arrived. He brought us to his house, where he offered a table for us to temporarily sleep while waiting for the sun to show-up a bit. According to Mang Alfring (our boatman, 09196498563), it is hard to navigate the sea without some light. At some time pass 5:00am he woke us up and told us we are ready to sail. To my great surprise, the place where we stayed was surrounded by mountains which I failed to recognize since it was pitch black when we arrived. At that point in time, I knew already that I am up for an unforgettable weekend. 

Honestly, I was a little afraid as we sail because the waves were really big. A word of advice, be sure to place your camera inside a ziplock plastic bag to ensure that it will be dry. I was so wet the whole time. My hands were completely locked to the two sides of the boat because we don’t have any life jacket during our sailing. However the sight of Capones Island , Camara Island and all other small islands were enough to overcome all my fears. In my personal opinion, the most beautiful sight to look forward to is as the boat makes its final turn towards Anawangin Cove. Awesome will be an understatement to describe how beautiful it is. Indescribable! You won’t ever think that you are still in the Philippines, I promise! 

We were warmly welcomed by Nanay Ligaya, the island’s caretaker. She gave us a table that we can use during our stay. Immediately, we searched for a good spot near the pine trees and fixed our tent. I approached Nanay Ligaya and told her we weren’t able to buy some cooked rice because we arrive so early in the morning. She offered to cook us some rice so we can have something for breakfast. She indeed is so hospitable. I shared her some adobo so she can also have something for breakfast.  At around 8:00am, we started to go around the island. We first checked the river stream at the back of the woods. The water was more than knee-high, but we braved to cross it to get a better glimpse of the other side of the island. And of course, we did not miss to take some pictures. I have not seen any place as picturesque as Anawangin. It has a very calming ambiance. All pictures taken can be mistaken as postcards.

At 10:00am, people started to arrive in the island. By late noon, we are already over 100 in the island, but there is still a lot of area to put up one’s tent. Swimming, playing freezebie, surfing, guitar-playing and drinking are some of the things that you can do in the island. I took sometime to read a book from lunch time  to around 4:30pm. After which , I headed to the beach. I took away all my inhibitions and played like a kid against the waves. Never minding the rain and the thunder. I was once more a kid. 

Unfortunately, it was raining the whole evening that is why we missed to do bonfire and stargazing. At some point, the water level started to rose up to over knee-high resulting to relocations of some tents. There were some people trapped at the other side of the island. Thank God ! through the spirit of Bayanihan , some campers joined together to get the stranded trekkers to the island. Honestly, I thought it was my end. I prayed so hard. I must live to tell my story, that was my motivation. 

All in all, it was a wonderful experience to be in Anawangin Cove. It is not everyday that you will find a great treasure in the Philippines, and Anawangin will be one of my rare find. 

I will definitely be back in Anawangin Cove.

Just as we were about to call it a day at Agas-Agas Bridge, Buko suddenly came to where we were posted and announced he was going to jump. It was like 5:15PM and light was fading fast so without much ado and fanfare, he opened his chute assisted by Jason and friends, and, well… jumped!

It was funny, at the same time frustrating, for me because seconds after he leaped, he vanished from my field of view and plummeted 75 meters down the cliff! All I managed to grab was the top of his chute!!! I couldn’t take a photo of him soaring!

And since he was on a “speed paraglide,” he hit the ground in a matter of seconds!

Sorry, no Take 2.

Here are the photos (no, am not happy with them at all)…

Photos taken at Agas-Agas Bridge – the tallest bridge in the Philippines – in Sogod, Southern Leyte on Aug 8, 2009, a day before its formal inauguration.

Also demonstrated to the viewing public during the formal inauguration of the Agas-Agas Bridge recently was the potential for the zip line thrill.

Here are photos taken during the set up and initial trials and demo by the extreme sports group Power Up and friends August 8, 2009 – a day before President Arroyo formally opened the viaduct.

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p606953476/slideshow

Cham Garrido couldn’t resist giving it a try…

I really find it so much amazing reminiscing my past voyages on this beautiful place, somewhere in Palawan Islands, Philippines. As I was looking back through the pictures I gathered in my past travels, I could not contain the feelings while backtracking the exciting experience I gained from it, that I have to post said photo which I took it by myself, so I could share my joy with you dear readers just by the mere seeing of it.

Though it was already way back 2006, I could not forget the laughter, the games and entertainment offered to us by our friends there, being the guest of a very important official of an establishment. It made us feel terrific and somewhat significant. Thanks God for the skills He has given me for it gave me the chance to be part of a group that has a challenging though somewhat delicate and dangerous job.

These places are really worth looking at.

Similar to bungee jumping, one jumps from a high structure tied to a rope set up in a way that the jumper goes on a free fall for a few seconds then goes into a pendulum swing.

Photos taken at the Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte, Philippines August 08, 2009.

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p417847174/slideshow

With the Agas-Agas Bridge now formally opened to vehicular traffic, the local government of Southern Leyte now moves to turn the P1.024-billion bridge into a haven for extreme sports enthusiasts who are into bungee jumping, rappelling, paramotor, downhill skateboarding and zip lining, among other extreme sports.

In order to showcase the bridge’s potential for these type of sports, organizers invited a group of extreme sports buffs from Manila and Cebu for an exhibition during the bridge’s formal inauguration by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last Sunday, August 9.

Joey Cuerdo and company of Power Up, together with skateboarding champions from Cebu, Jason and Cham Garrido of Bukid, as well as other extreme sports disciples were on hand to demonstrate their skills in these fast-catching, adrenaline pumping type of sports.

We were there with the team Saturday for the set up and knotting up of all the necessary ties, links and equipment.

Here are some snaps I got during the setting up and preparations, as well as the rappelling practice session from what is now the tallest bridge in the country…

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p207812569/slideshow

Up next: rope jumping!

The Agas-Agas Bridge in Brgy. Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte – the country’s newest tourism attraction – was formally inaugurated today, August 09, 2009 with Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Japanese Ambassador to Manila, Makoto Katsura, leading the affair.

The bridge, touted to be the tallest in the country at a height of 75m, was constructed at a cost of PhP1.024B funded by the national government with funding assistance from the government of Japan thru the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The bridge serves as a vital link between Luzon and Mindanao through the Liloan ferry terminal in Southern Leyte providing a safe, stable link to the landslide-prone Agas-agas area traversing the Mahaplag, Leyte to Sogod, Southern Leyte section of the Maharlika Highway. Its completion along the mountainous terrain will make the road section passable to all vehicular traffic at all times even during bad weather. The opening of the bridge cuts down travel time by one and a half hours from Tacloban to Liloan and vice versa.

Aside from motoring convenience, the modern bridge construction which straddles two mountains at a high elevation and a length of 350 meters has provided the region with good tourism potentials for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Built amidst the panoramic natural beauty of the mountains and rivers surrounding the area, plans are already afoot for the construction of facilities for extreme sports activities such as bungee jumping 30 stories down, rope jumping, rappelling, a zip line and para-gliding, among others.

Photos taken Saturday, August 08, before its formal opening to the public.

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p399891666/slideshow

The view and scenery surrounding the Agas-Agas Bridge:

The Philippines is a tourist destination in Southeast Asia which is rich in natural resources and eye-catching scenic views.  Apart from the world-famous tourist spots, you will discover the amiable traits of Filipinos wherever you go.  They are hospitable, cooperative and respectful especially to tourists.

You will never be lost on your way to the wonderful tourist spots, and anywhere you go in the Philippines because you can ask guidance from anybody.  Most citizens can speak and understand English well and even in the countryside, children can relate to tourists in a manner that can be understood. 

There are various accommodations in the Philippines available whatever you prefer, whether in a 5-star suite, a middle-class apartel, or in a lodging house.  There are 1st-class hotels in rural areas to accommodate you and even private lodging houses in most tourist spots which you can occupy for a minimal rent.  There are also lodging quarters or native huts inside the beach area with wonderful lush surroundings overlooking scenic mountains and the tranquil waters.

In the capital City of Manila, you can hire cars-for-hire right at the international airport or flag a taxi to bring you to a nearby accommodation, which takes a minimum of 30 minutes travel from the airport on a clear traffic day.  While in the city, you can visit famous tourist spots such as Spanish-designed churches, forts and modern museums where you can find ancient artifacts.

A few hours travel from the city of Manila going north, you will reach Subic, a former U.S. naval base in the Philippines which has been converted into a sprawling tourist spot with world-class facilities including a yacht club.  From there, you can hop in to Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines where you can enjoy a cool weather, which will take you only not more than 2 hours in a private car. 

From there, you can proceed to nearby Banaue Rice Terraces, known as the 8th wonder of the world, and were constructed manually by the native Ifugaos to plant rice.

In the southern part of the Philippines, the Bicol region prides itself of the world-renowned Mayon Volcano which has a perfect cone.  This tourist spot is known for the ancient church which was covered with lava when the volcano had its 1^st eruption during the 18^th century.  This is the site where thousands of local residents gathered for safety but were buried alive leaving only a small part of the church where bells rang. 

Then, take a journey to world-class Boracay beach resort which is endowed with white, fine sand beaches, located in the west Visayas region.  Enjoy its crystal-clear waters suited for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. 

Have time to visit the beautiful tourist spot of Palawan which is home to a variety of exotic flora and fauna including the famous crocodile island.  These are only some of the fantastic tourist spots in the Philippines.  You will discover a lot more when you come to visit this wonderful country of hospitable people.