Walking Store

Stuck in traffic? This vendor has it all, nah not really. He sells newspaper, softdrinks in can, bottled water, flavored tea drink, candies, cigarettes, and some chips. This is a normal site in the city traffic with all the Jeepneys, taxis, trucks, buses, and private cars. They earn their living out of selling in the streets. The tower at the back is the Manila City Hall which also shows the City time. Those red circles above the windows are actually a Clock .

Thanks!

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.

Graduation Day

March is the season of Graduation Days. In the Philippines, school usually starts on June and ends on March. Graduation day could be a Start or an End. For the graduates, this could be the End of many years of study to get their degree, but a Start to build a career on the profession they will choose. This could also be an End to the many years of friendship they built in school, but a Start to make anew.

For the parents, an End to a long wait in the hopes that their children will finally achieve what they have always wanted for them,, good Education. It is said that Education is the best gift that parents can give to their children,, nothing or nobody can take it away from them.

Be it and End or a Start, i salute each graduate for their hard work and perseverance. I wish them the best! For the parents,, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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/

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.