Thank You!!!

2008 was a good year for traveling. I had the chance to visit places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and even went out of the country once. I got to explore some of the famous beaches in the country like Boracay, Pagudpud and Camiguin as well as feel the awesome might of our mountains and valleys in Ifugao, Benguet and Zambales. And of course, I was lucky enough to roam around some of my country's more than seven-thousand islands like Capones, Carabao and the Hundred Islands.

So this post is a look back at some of the places I have featured in this blog for 2008 and my way of thanking everyone of you who have visited this blog and who became my friends in the process. Thank You!!!

And since this is my last post of the year, let me just share this prayer coupled with wish that may you all have a prosperous 2009 ahead of you...

Thank You Lord, for All Good Things

Thank You, Lord, for all the things that make our lives so bright...
For blue skies in the morning and evening's golden light,
For the majesty of mountains and the beauty of the seas,
For animals and soaring birds and shining green-leafed trees,
For flowers of a thousand hues and gardens where they grow,
For homes where happy hours pass and the love those hours know...
And thank you Lord, for all the things we forget to name,
For you know our hearts, will know we're grateful just the same...
We ask for just one blessing more as bright as moon or star...
Give us wisdom, Lord to know how fortunate we are!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

P.S. : I also would like to thank Fishing Guy and the creators of My World for inviting me to join their weekly meme and be given a chance to show my islands to the blogging community worldwide. To view their entries this week, please click here.

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

The Municipality of Tayabas is an attractive and well-preserved town built at the base of the mountains. Approximately halfway between Lucban and Lucena City, this place is the site of an old church St. Michael Archangel Basilica and an old stone Malagunlong Bridge. The most well-known place, however, is this seafood restaurant which is located just 6 kilometers towards Lucban.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

"God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should ... have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Leaving Carabao Island

On the second part to end this Carabao Series, let me share to you another set of photos I have taken while on a boat ride around this island. As a direct contrast to my previous post, the sky in this post is clearer and sunnier and what's mystical is that this and the previous post were taken on the same day.

Carabao Island Boat Tour

This series started with a boat tour and will end in a two-part boat tour around Carabao Island. And to show you how fast the weather changed on that particular day, I will first show you shots I have taken on a bit gloomy or gray skies. Again, these are all taken while on our boat where the ride was a bit bumpy because of the waves. Hope you enjoy them.

Tagaytay Combot

Endless Christmas parties, year-end meetings and overtime work kept me out of my computer these past few days. Hope I can make it up to your blogs this coming Holiday Vacations. For now, let me share to you a video I made featuring clips and pics of my recent travel in Tagaytay Combot, Carabao Island in the Province of Romblon:

All pics were taken by me while the clips were taken by my guide Julius of Boracay. Thanks to the music Disco Duck by Rick Dees.

I also would like to thank Redlan for featuring this humble blog in his own Web of Arts's blog:



Thanks buddy, please check his blog by clicking here.

Walking Around Carabao Island

The way I see it, walking around Carabao Island is like wandering on a place where time stood still. I felt like I was in a time-period movie circa 1970s where you see nothing but wooden houses, farm animals on the roadside, and old lady folks dressed up in saya. If not for the Smart Banner in one store saying "Load Na Dito" and the occasional motorcycle that passes its narrow road, then one would really believe that it is still the seventies.

But that basically is the appeal of the place, very laid-back and yet very scenic specially if you head to Tagaytay Combot where the seascape is just so amazing. So for today, I will leave you with photos I have taken while I was walking around Carabao Island:

Inubahan Beach, Carabao Island

Our boat touched the powder white sand of Inubahan Beach in a very clear and blue sky. But just about half an hour before that, I have experienced one of the most turbulent boat ride I ever had wherein the promised 45 minute ride from Boracay to Carabao Island turned out to be a two-hour joy-ride amidst the wavy sea. I must admit, I am a bit worried specially that this trip wasn't planned at all.

Back to the Islands

While on the island of Boracay, Lawstude decided to pay a visit to the nearby Carabao Island in the Province of Romblon. On this and in the upcoming posts, I will share to you the experiences I had and the views I have taken starting with the boat tour around the Island of Boracay and ending with a similar one around Carabao Island.

Plaridel Church

The Plaridel Church more popularly known as Saint James Parish Church is a 400-year old parish church. It is the main tourist attraction of this quiet municipality located in the province of Bulacan. The Church boasts of an amazing interiors and a bell tower known as Simborio. A catholic school with the same name is also located within its vicinity.

Malolos Cathedral

Malolos City prides itself for having two of the most historic and centuries-old churches of the country. And they are located just a few minutes away from each other. I have already featured the more popular Barasoain Church in my previous post and now I will show you the Malolos Cathedral now known as Basilica Minore dela Nuestra Señora de Immaculada Concepcion (Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception)

Guiguinto's Garden City

If mother nature does not give your place a natural wonder that would make for a tourist attraction, then, you could make one. That was what semed to be on the mindset of Guiguinteños when they conceptualized the Garden City - the municipality’s main tourist attraction. This place features a cornucopia of greens and colorful flowers, huts and other organic fixtures that exemplifies Guiguinteños ingenuity with regards to gardening and both landscaping and hardscaping. It has been the dream and aim of Guiguinto to be conferred the title “The Garden Capital of the Philippines.”

Historic Barasoain Church

If there is one church that played a major part in Philippine political history, that has gotta be the Barasoain Church in Malolos Bulacan. Built in 1630 during the Spanish era, Barasoain Church has been around for decades and it has been one of the Philippines's pride and joy.

Playa La Caleta

To continue where I left off in my previous post, let me introduce you to a small cove/paradise located in Bataan. Playa La Caleta is a virgin resort sitting along the shores near Morong, Bataan. Lush green forests, amazing rock formations and pristine sand greet visitors as they set foot on the place.

I Know A Place...

Do you remember this campfire song?

I know a place where no one ever goes
There’s peace and quiet, beauty and repose

It’s hidden in a valley beside a mountain stream
And lying there beside it
I find that I can dream

Only of thing of beauty to the eyes;
Cloud-capped mountains rising to the sky.

Now I know that God made this place for me

One can imagine himself as in a dream
Climbing up a mountain or down a small ravine

The magic of the peace and quiet ever shall stay
To make this place a haven every day

Oh how I wish I never had to leave
All my life such Beauty to receive

Now I know that God had made this place for me.

Guess where this place is? I will keep you in suspense for a while. More photos and stories about the place in my next post...

Procrastinating @ Caragman Cove

Procrastinating is the art of doing nothing. WHAT? an ART? Well, let me qualify a bit. It is true that we are always told not to delay things or don't put off tomorrow what we can do today. But here in Caragman Cove, life is very simple if not slow. No one seems to be in a hurry because they have one of the most precious thing in the world - time. People here seem to have everything they need. A mini-forest to fetch for crops and a sea to haunt for their fish. There is no electricity here but folks here never seem to mind for they have the beach for their recreation. And if you happen to visit this place, you could not help yourself but also to take things easy. Just walk along the shores of the fine sand beach, taking photos of their amazing landscape, inter-acting with people and just basically do nothing. In Caragman Cove, procrastinating is an art.

Paitan Cove's Seafood Pasta

This is probably my first food post in almost three years of this blog's existence. I just could not help myself share the recipe of this snack/meal that was served to us by Kel while we were in Paitan Cove. Although, we are in this luxury-lacked cove, it does not mean that we have to deprive ourselves of sumptuous meal, so this meal really is a welcome treat to us.

Paitan Cove's Unspoiled Beauty

With more than Seven Thousand Islands and various shapes and sizes, the Islands Philippines is truly gifted with lots of beautiful coves where the sea touches the hills and mountains thru fine-textured sand. Some of the best coves in the Philippines can be found in the Gulf of Bagac in Bataan. One of them is Paitan Cove - an unspoiled place and one of the town's best kept secret.

Sunrise @ Paitan Cove

Waking-up in a world with no electricity and any trace of civilization is always a welcome change from our busy and hectic urban life. I had one of my most sound sleep in days... the sound of waves splashing on the shores, the constant cry of tree lizards and the consonance of leaves dancing in the gentle breeze all add up to a night of solace. And as I wake-up, the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen greeted me and welcoming me to a day of nurture. It's time to go back to basics.

Real de Acuzar Part 2

This is the second set of the photos I have taken in Ciudad Real de Acuzar located in Bagac, Bataan. This community of restored houses and buildings is spearheaded by Gerry Acuzar who happens to own the famous San Jose Builders. There are more than twenty houses and buildings already restored in the area with few more awaiting construction of furnishings. There are also plans of building a church there to make the community complete.

Real de Acuzar Part 1

There is a real gem that is about to emerge near the Gulf of Bagac in Bataan. A community of restored old houses are now on-going in Ciudad Real de Acuzar in Bagac. Unlike other heritage sites like the Mestizo District in Vigan or the Old Houses of Silay in Negros where the structures are preserved, in Real de Acuzar, these houses and buildings are bought from their original location and transferred piece by piece to this place. Restoration then is painstakingly done here to built it to closest to its original state possible. Lots of construction are still on-going to date including a hotel where guests can spend some time in the future. It is still close to the public but the person in-charge there kindly allowed us to take some pics of the place. And here are some shots I can share to you:

Boracay Belongs To The State

Here are photos of some of the more famous establishments in Boracay. And if you have enough time, please read also my law post about the place:

Mandarin Spa

Sports Activities in Boracay

You will never run-out of things to do in Boracay whether you are the laid-back type or the hyper kind. Island activities are truly impressive, apart from swimming and diving, water fun includes boat rides aplenty - in everything from a small banca, a paraw, to a Jet Ski , to full scale speedboat. You can windsurf, parasail, waterski, ride the banana boat or flying fish and much more.

Willy's Rock

Willy's Rock is the most photographed landmark on Boracay. This Gothic castle-like volcanic formation is located in Station One and dominates the White Beach seascape. Facing the beach is a grotto which contains a statue of the Virgin Mary. During high-tide, you can wade out in shallow waters approximately one hundred meters to Willy's Rock, but on low-tide, you can just walk right thru it and even climb on the stairs leading to the Grotto. On top, you will have a commanding view of the White Beach and also Panay Island on the distant horizon.

Boracay Night Shots

There are basically two types of people in Boracay. The first kind are those who are wanderers at day at sleeps at night and the other kind are those sleep during the day but are very much alive during the night. The latter is what is known as the Night Party People who prefer to enjoy the beauty of the place during the night. Who would blame them, Boracay never sleeps and there are as much fun activity at night such as these shown from the photos I have taken while cruisin' Bora's night life. These photos taken before your blogger got lost in the party scene.

I Just Can't Get Enough

The new Meme That's My World is on it's second week and since I still can't get enough of this place, I will share to you once again some landscape shots of my country's premier beach - BORACAY!

Paparazzi in Boracay

Boracay is undoubtedly the most crowded beach in the Philippines. Aside from its really fine features (the sand, the sea, the views) - what makes Boracay stand-out are the People who frequents or inhabits the place. As a tribute to them, I am now posting here People you will see and encounter in the place.

The BabesComes in different shapes.

Views From Mount Luho

Mount Luho is the highest peak in Boracay where a viewdeck and wealkway built mostly on bamboo is established. It is located in the upper portion of Barangay Balabag and can be reached thru walking/hiking, bicycles, ATVs or motorcycles. From there, you will have magnificent views of the Bulabog Beach on your rights and the Lapuz-Lapuz and Ilig-Iligan Beaches on your right. You will also have a bird's eye view of the ocean and the various recreational and sports activities happening therein. Here are some shots I have taken from the highest point of Boracay.

Ilig-Iligan Beach, Boracay

To continue with Boracay beach-hopping, let me now feature one of Boracay's hidden beaches - the Ilig-Iligan. This beach is on the east coast of Boracay Island and offers several coves and caves. Tourists here have the option of either exploring the land or the sea. If you prefer the sea, the shoreline in this beach is perfect for swimming with its crystal clear and warm waters for a relaxing bath. If you prefer to explore the land, this part of Boracay has an impressive jungle where giant fruit bats may be seen hanging in the trees. The Bat Cave and the Crystal Cave, which I have previously featured in this blog, is just a 15-minute trek from this beach. Here are some shots I have taken at Ilig-Iligan Beach:

Angol Rocks and Live Coral Beds

Every stretch of beach has to end somewhere and the White Beach of Boracay is no exception. I have previously featured the northern end of White Beach in my Diniwid post. This time, let me share to you its southern end made famous for amazing formations of beach rocks and live coral beds. This part of the beach has countless varieties of living coral of myriad shapes and sizes including many examples of colorful brain corals. I was informed that at low tide, most of the shelf is exposed, making it easy to explore. However, the wind was rough on both occasions I went there so I could only wander halfway and just concentrated on taking shots of the very scenic rock structures there. So here are some of the shots I have taken at that southern end of White Beach:

Bat and Crystal Caves in Boracay

Boracay boasts a number of small to medium sized caves scattered along the island and I have explored two of its more famous ones.

BAT CAVE

Bat Cave, located on the northern tip of the island is probably the most visited. As the name implies, this cave is home to bats some of which have wingspan of almost four feet. It rained in the morning I went there so I could only make it halfway the cave just enough for me to take some photos of the cave's opening as well as some photos of the the stalactite and stalagmite formations inside. Too bad, the only bats I saw were small ones.

Let there be light.

Tambisaan Beach, Boracay

One of the best things to do while in Boracay is to go beach-hopping. I have previously featured the beaches of Puka, White Beach and Diniwid. To continue, let me share to you my trip to Tambisaan Beach. This beach is a short walk away a rocky point and probably has the best view of the Crocodile Island which is one of the best place for snorkeling. The beach here is small but quite nice. A small friendly village is nearby, where the athmosphere is sleepy until the southwest moonsoon begins. Just along side the beach is a docking area for boats taking passengers from Boracay to Caticlan.

Diniwid Beach, Boracay

Diniwid Beach is a secluded, peaceful little beach that is only 200 meters long. It is just a short walk from the north end of the White Beach along the Fairways and Bluewater Road. Take the time to trek here and be rewarded with one of the best views of the island from a platform rock. Also of note, is the exclusive resort home area built on the steep, high seacliff at the end of the Diniwid Beach.

Boracay Sunset

This is my 300th post. I started this blog as an aide for me in my reviews for the bar and this blog somewhat progressed to be a travel and photo blog. Traveling has always been my passion and photography is one of my silent hobbies. However, I would never forget this blog's root so you will see an occasional law topic along the way.

World Animal Day

Today we celebrate World Animal Day. This is the time to appreciate our relationship with the animals that share our planet and the ways in which they enrich our lives. This blog is no stranger to animals. You can check out my posts with animal themes in my Kahayupan categories in the side link. One of the more popular animal characters here is Charlie – the smiling monkey. So I will bring him back in this post together with some other animals previously featured in this blog. I will also introduce you to some of my pets at home.

Who would ever forget Charlie?

This is DILBERT - My Hyper-Active Toy Dog

The Philippine National Animal - Carabao

Cute Tarsiers from Bohol

All Pretty Horses from Baguio City

Pot-pot - My Parrot Fish with other Cyclids in My Aquarium

A Slick Hawk from Davao City

Coldman - Ang Lorong Alaskador Pero Pogi

On a more serious note, it is important to speak out to ensure the humane treatment of animals and to advocate for protection of the habitats that are home to wild animals. So, this is a proper time to revisit and be aware of a Philippine Law aimed to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines – The R.A. 8485 better known as “The Animal Welfare Act of 1998”.

For better understanding of the said law, your blogger deemed it proper to present this law in a Q&A format. Hope you find this post useful and informative.

What is the Purpose of RA 8485?

The purpose of RA 8485 is to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as object of trade or as household pets.

What are the requirements before a person or business establishments can be allowed to operate animal facilities and shops?

They need to secure a certificate of registration with the Bureau of Animal Industry. Such certificate shall be issued upon proof that the facilities of such establishment for animals are adequate, clean and sanitary and will not be used for, nor cause pain and/ or suffering to the animals. This is a continuing requirement for which failure to observe these conditions may result to revocation of registration.

In cases where animals are transported, what should be observed?

No cruel confinement or restraint shall be made on animals while being transported. There should be no overcrowding, placing of animals in the trunks or under the hood trunks of the vehicles. There must be adequate, clean and sanitary facilities for the safe conveyance and delivery to their consignee at the place of consignment. Sufficient food and water for such animals while in transit for more than twelve (12) hours or whenever necessary must be provided.

What constitutes unlawful acts that are penalized by this Act?

It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.

Are there any exceptions on this act? On what circumstances may the killing of animals be allowed?

The killing of any animal may be allowed on the following instances:
(1) When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect or a ritual required by tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communities; however, leaders shall keep records in cooperation with the Committee on Animal Welfare;
(2) When the pet animal id afflicted with an incurable communicable disease as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;
(3) When the killing is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the animal as determined and certified by a duly veterinarian;
(4) When it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being; and
(5) When done for the purpose of animal population control;
(6) When the animal is killed after it has been used in authorized research or experiments; and
(7) Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified by a licensed veterinarian.

How about farm animals? Are they included in this act?

No. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, horses, deer and crocodiles are not included in this act. However, the killing of these farm animals shall be done through humane procedures at all times. Humane procedures shall mean the use of the most scientific methods available.

How about wildlife? What is our duty to their natural habitat?

It shall be the duty of every person to protect the natural habitat of the wildlife. The destruction of said habitat shall be considered as a form of cruelty to animals and its preservation is a way of protecting the animals.

What if I violate this law? What will happen to me?

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction by final judgment, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than two years or a fine or not less than One thousand pesos nor more that Five thousand pesos or both at the discretion of the Court. If the violation is committed by a juridical person, the officer responsible therefore shall serve the imprisonment when imposed. If the violation is committed by an alien, he or she shall be immediately deported after service of sentence without any further proceedings.

To all the animal-lovers and pet-owners in every corner of the world... HAPPY WORLD ANIMAL DAY TO YOU!!!

Boracay's Rural Side

This post showcases another side of Boracay and aims to have a glimpse of the less visited places but equally stunning places in its simplistic way.

Directly opposite to the famed White Beach, sojourners may want to stroll past Laguntan Road in Barangay Manoc-Manoc into the Preserved Dead Forest where some massive driftwoods lay planted on a lake. Opposite the lake, on the other side of a small bridge, a swamp can be located leading to a mangrove where the fresh water of the lake and the salt water of sea meet.

What will amuse you in this area of Boracay are rows of gumamela and other native flowers as well as butterflies and other colorful insects roaming freely around this area.

Here are some shots I have taken of Manoc-Manoc's mangrove, swamp, rural gardens and preserved dead forest:

A Colorful Butterfly

White Beach, Boracay

White Beach is Boracay's premier beach. It comprises of a whole three and a half kilometers of fine, white coral sand, in places up to 100 meters wide. This is where all the major actions and fun happens. Various sports and recreational activities (to be featured in another post soon) also abound such as windsurfing, beach volleyball, para-sailing, jet-skiing, wading, Frisbee throwing as well as local games such as harang-taga.

This beach is also famous for its laid-back vibe that includes sunbathing on a sparkling white sand, or relaxing, often having an open air massage, under the cooling shelter of the bordering palm trees. And of course, full relaxation can be achieved by having a cold drink or fruit shakes which are readily available on the many bars and stands along the landside of this main beach.

Here are few shots I have taken on probably the Philippines' best beach:

3.5 km of Pure Bliss