I Choose Philippines

I choose Philippines! Is the newly launched web based program of ABS-CBN. It promotes travel and tourism, to showcase the beautiful places in our 7,107 islands. Get to know what's happening on festival calendars, try Filipino dishes, encourage local tourism, and discover the Philippine wonders.

This will make us more proud of what we have, and realize that we really need to love our country and take care of it. I choose Philippines. God bless Philippines.

Visit http://www.choosephils.com/ichoose/

Padi's Point Antipolo

How to Get there?

Here's a quick google map link.

If you were to commute, you can ride a jeep or FX from Cubao. The FX terminal is at the Expo Centro Bldg (click for the map) in Cubao. Near the MRT Cubao Station and Farmers Market Cubao. Make sure to ask the driver if it is taking the Sumulong Highway! Some FX takes the Ortigas extension route. Or you can ride a jeep, near SM Cubao, going to Padi's Point, just make sure, AGAIN, that it is taking the Sumulong Highway.

If you have your own car, coming from Cubao > take P. Tuazon or Aurora Boulevard > drive straight to Katipunan > Marcos Highway > you'll pass by Robinsons Metro east > in Masinag intersection, right after SM Masinag, turn right > you are now in Sumulong Highway > drive approximately 6 kms > and you are there!


Enjoy! Have Fun! Take Care!

Magellan's Cross

"This cross of Tindalo wood encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on this very site on April 21 1521".. This is engraved on the sign at the bottom of the Cross. Although some historians said, that it could not possibly contain the original cross and Magellan's Cross has long been gone. The Cross brings a lot of history and influence to the Pilipinos, cause it marked the country's embrace to Christianity.

The shrine where the Cross is can be found within the compound of Basilica de Santo Niño in Cebu City.

Manjuyod White Sand Bar

The Sand Bar is a 7km stretch of white sand in the middle of the sea. You can see the sand and actually walk on it during low tides; (noticed the greenish part of the water?) This is a good spot for Dolphin watching too. You can stay overnight on the huts, they have power cells to provide electricity at least for a bulb or two. The spot is owned and maintained by the local government.

Misamis Oriental

The Nature Front of Mindanao – Misamis Oriental

Anybody who loves nature will surely love the beauty of Misamis Oriental. The province that used to be a district of Cebu and referred to as “Partido de Misamis” then and until it became one of the district of Mindanao by the 19th century.

Misamis Oriental Seaside:

Misamis Oriental is not to miss any of its festivals. Like most provinces in the Philippines, Misamis Oriental celebrates its own festive days such as the Kagay-an Festival for Cagayan de Oro during August 26, Kaliga Festival for Gingoog City in July 23, and the ever popular Hudayaka Festival.

Misamis Oriental Festival

Truly, Misamis Oriental is the one of the spots in the Philippines where nature lovers and tourists alike can enjoy again and again. A breathtaking marvelous relaxation.

Visit:
Misamis Oriental

Ifugao Rice Terraces

The Ifugao Rice Terraces was inscribed in the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST in 1995 "because of its great beauty that expresses conquered and conserved harmony between humankind and the environment."

There are five (5) major rice terraces listed which are similar yet distinct from one another:



BANAUE. This is the most famous of all the Terraces. Banaue Rice Terraces was labeled "Eight Wonder of the World". It is the artistic center of the Ifugao carvers and the Ikat weavers.

BATAD. In Banaue, it is home to the spectacular tiered, amphitheater-shaped terraces.

MAYOYAO. In Banaue. The organic Ifugao rice "Tinawon", in red and white variety, is harvested here in abundance.

HAPAO. Its stone-walled rice terraces which date back to 650 AD is located in Hungduan. Mt. Napulawan.

KIANGAN. It is home to two famous rice terraces sites known for their size and visual impact: Nagacadan and Julungan.

Visit http://www.ifugao.gov.ph/

Panagbenga Festival Baguio City

February is the month of Panagbenga or "A Season of Blooming" or "Flower Festival" for Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Every year [since 1995] it is celebrated through a month-long festivities that showcase, well, generally flowers. There will be floral float parades, landscaping, concerts, band shows, native street dancing among other activities and of course flowers everywhere!

The Panagbenga is visited by tourists, local and foreign , and has been drawing more visitors each year. Especially this 2009 as the city celebrates its Centennial Year. So if you like flowers like a bee, come and see Baguio every February.

Thanks for reading!

Taal Volcano : A sight of Tagaytay

Last Sunday August 18 2009, we went to Tagaytay to celebrate the 36th Wedding Anniversary of my Mom and Dad (In-law). The whole family was there, from the eldest of all five sisters (yes all of them are girls) down to the youngest grandson, in the car seat. It was an all day family fun bonding. And I can say a time off from the jammed city to a nice cold fresh windy place to relax and unwind.

First stop. The "Palace in the Sky". Oh yes there was a palace built there about 20 years ago, but sad to say all you can see now are ruins of it. Along side the Palace you will see this big statue of Jesus Christ over looking the horizon,as if saying "I am watching over you".


Second stop. The Souvenir Shop. Well, there are several items you can pick from the market, nice and really cheap. Seeing my daughter so excited to pick something for herself, priceless!!! hehe


Thanks for reading .. :)

Philippines Trivia

- The exotic Jeepney is a post-war creation inspired by the GI jeeps that the American soldiers brought to the country in the 1940s. Enterprising Filipinos salvaged the surplus engines and came out unique vehicles of art.

- The world’s longest underground river system accessible to man can be found at the St. Paul National Park in the province of Palawan.

- The highest mountain in the Philippines is Mt. Apo, a dormant volcano found in Mindanao, at 2,954 meters (9,689 feet). Mt. Pulog in Luzon is the second highest at 2,928 meters (9604 feet).

- Philippine National Hero and writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2. He grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French, and Chinese. What were his last words? "Consummatum est!" ("It is done!")

- The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark, locally known as Butanding, regularly swims to the Philippine waters.

- Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world. Locally known as "Butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across the oceans but nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group than in the waters of Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 35 feet in length and weigh about 20 tons.

- The world’s shortest and lightest freshwater fish is the Dwarf Pygmy Goby (Pandaka Pygmaea), a colorless and nearly transparent species found in the streams and lakes of Luzon. Males have an average length of 8.7 mm. and weigh 4-5 mg.

- Of the 500 known coral species in the world, 488 are found in the Philippines.

- Of the eight known species of giant clams in the world, seven are found in the Philippines.

- The Basilica of San Sebastian is the only steel church in Asia and was the second building to be made out of steel, next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

- The largest bell in Asia hangs at the belfry of the 221-year old Panay Church. It is 7 feet in diameter and 7 feet in height, and weighs 10.4 tons. Its tolling can be heard as far as 8 km. away. It was casted from 70 sacks of coins donated by the townspeople as a manifestation of faith and thanksgiving.

- The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is Asia's premier and the world's second oldest professional league.

- World's Smallest Hoofed Mammal - South of Palawan, lies the Balabac Island, home of the world's smallest hoofed mammal - the Philippine mouse deer. Locally known as Pilandok (Tragalus nigricans), this ruminant stands only about 40 centimeters at the shoulder level.

- The Philippine Eagle is the 2nd largest bird on the planet (next to the American Condor).

I will try to give more details of each, hopefully soon. But i hope this gives you a picture of what the Philippines have.

Boracay (Bora)

Boracay is located in one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines; the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations during the summer season.

Boracay was Voted by Yahoo as one of the best beaches in the world.

Here are some pics i googled from the net, i don't have mine... yet.







I,ve never been to the island (pity me!) but i hope one summer time i can be there. Oh maybe not even summer , just as long as i get there!! Hope you can come and visit "Bora" too. See you there!