Philippine Travel Notes

Did you read everything that it says? That’s a signage over at the old Domestic Airport. You of course heard about that actor sometime ago who was not allowed to board his flight, right? He apparently said some joke about bombs. I think he was even detained, at least just at the officers' 'offices'. That sign might look like a stupid joke, but its no joke! Oh well, the signs of our times!

Still at the Aliwan Fiesta, I saw this kid from Lumad Basakanon (Cebu), and that is his ID bearing his real name! Oh well, the die-hard fans of our times… when they become parents!

Hah, Igorots, Bulakeños, Ilonggos, Warays, Cebuanos, Mindanaoans, etc all had a taste of Luneta’s reality. FLOOD! This as they waited for their respective cues to join the parade at the Aliwan Fiesta. Poor children. But they remained jolly, especially the bees from Abugyog, Leyte. This is at one end of the Quirino Grandstand, near the entrance to Harbor View restaurant. Oh well, the changing climes of our times. Or should it be ‘the deteriorating drainage systems of our times’?

My buddy said ‘this guy is too light-skinned for an igorot’. A companion joined in with ‘his physique does not seem to show he works in the farms, ang laki ng tiyan eh’! Then another said ‘baka politician yan or school supervisor’. But I was more curious about that thing in his right hand. And then… There it is, now transferred to his left, as if the plant could conceal what he is doing! Can’t that txtng wait until end of the parade? He is/was trying to represent/portray an indigenous people IN a grand parade and IN Manila – which is like or even more than a stage play. This float was one beautiful tableaux by the way (in concept that is). And all who participate in the Aliwan Fiesta are the best of the regions. Couldn’t the damn txtng have waited? Ah I went near to tell him just that hehe! Well, a friend pulled me away. I was supposed to add “you might as well also wear your rolex, your rayban, your rollerblades, and wear a baseball cap”! Oh well, when modernized folks of our times tr...

This topic started with this article Finally on same names… there are 4 plus 1 that use the name Victoria! Why the plus 1, we shall tackle at the end of this article! One is a town of Victoria in the province of Tarlac (Region 3 - Central Luzon). This is a big town just next to Tarlac City and sits with the province’s boundary with Nueva Ecija. This is more of a suburb of Tarlac City though since its just about 15kms away and residential villages have been on the rise. Then there is the town of Victoria in the province of Laguna (Region 4A - CALABARZON). This one is on the southern edge of the Laguna Lake and is undoubtedly the biggest “quack-quack” town! Yeah, duck raising and “balut” production is the biggest industry of this town that their welcome monument is an interesting sight of gigantic happy ducks! They even have the Itik Festival which means Duck Festival. Quack! Next is the town of Victoria in the province of Oriental Mindoro (Region 4B - MIMAROPA). This Victoria also...

This topic started with this article There are three in this country One is a town in Bohol, Region 7 – Central Visayas. This is a town on the southern coast where you go straight on the way to Jagna, instead of heading left to Loboc and Carmen at Loay. There is this unique beach resort with swimming pools fed by an abundant sring coming from the mountains. They have even created the water intake as a waterfall as indeed it is abundant. You will remember Lazi in this town. Why? Well the church floor is made of wood too! And tiled in alternating dark and light colored wood. And though not as large, the convent is also across the street! Another Valencia, in the very same region is a town in the province of Negros Oriental. This one is just a few kilometers up the hills from Dumaguete. It is becoming a suburb of the capital city that many of those working in Dumaguete have started putting up their residences up on this cool town. Even the bishops alace is along the way. Heard about ...

This topic started with this article Hmm, we almost missed these two towns named Calatrava. First is this town at the northern edge of Tablas island in the province of Romblon (Region 4B – MIMAROPA). This is a mainly fishing and farming community with nary a hind of urbanity. But so many things beckon. One is the intrigue about “Tinagong Dagat”. Its not a lake, its just about 10 meters from the sea, but everything in between are crags and foresty cliffs. Locals claim that the salty water that teem with abundant marine life, rises when the tide is low and ebbs when the tide is up. But how could I prove since I could never be in two separate laces at the same time! Not to mention there is a fantastic and affordable island resort nearby. The other Calatrava is a big town in the province of Negros Occidental (Region 6 - Western Visayas). It is actually some kind of a suburb as it is sandwiched by two cities – Sagay on the north and San Carlos on the south. The Tanon Strait makes for a ...

This topic started with this article There are two One Tudela is a town in the Camotes Islands Cebu (Region 7 Central Visayas) but don’t be surprised if looking at your map, it looks nearer to Leyte than Cebu. For indeed it is! This Tudela does not have the fine white beaches of Camotes, but there is a cave that no tourist to Camotes won’t like to visit. Nice going around town too as it is dotted with houses of old. Another Tudela is a town in the province of Misamis Occidental (Region 10 – Northern Mindanao) just less than 30 minutes from Ozamis City. This is where you go to visit the MOAP or Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park. Just search for the said name if you want to be in a beautiful bay with conservation offices for dolphins, turtles and other marine animals. Even the mangrove forests area delight to visit. Not to mention a bamboo bridge or walkway that’s probably one of the longest in this country. And for the adventurers, mount Malindang has an approach from this town. ...

This topic started with this article There are two such towns One is the town of Tuburan in the rovince of Cebu (Region 7 - Central Visayas). This town is almost unique amongst the Cebu towns in that it has both sea and upland attractions. Molobolo spring is like no other in the province. This is no capital town, its rural and far from Cebu City in fact. But admirable that they have a museum with an admirable collection that will but many city museums to shame (e.g., that of Roxas City or even that of Cebu City itself)! The other Tuburan is a town located in the island-province of Basilan (ARMM). If it were not for the rebel issues, this town has an admirable surf that could be as good as Siargao or Guiuan. Till then,this lace may have to remain blissfully untrodden. Why, you wanna be first? Go ahead! As for me, am looking elsewhere for the meantime! Note, somewhere in the province of Lanao Del Sur, along the highway from Marawi towards Cotabato is a town named Tubaran. This is a...

This topic started with this article In most of the Visayas and Mindanao, Tubod means a “spring” – as in water coming out from earth. There are many places that take this name, but officially there are only two towns. One Tubod is in the province of Lanao Del Norte, Region 10 (Northern Mindanao). This is the province capital and location of the expansive Mindanao Civic Center that seems to be everything from sports to conventions and events. This is a rapidly growing town and province that they call the land of beauty and bounty. Not to mention it is also touted as the motocross capital. The other Tubod is in the province of Surigao Del Norte, Region 13 (Caraga). Of course there is also a spring! That is how the town got its name too! This is just to the north of the town of Mainit and of course the famed Lake Mainit. The spring is called Songkoy but if you have time, better see the town in all its recent natural splendor. I predict it will soon become ugly due to ramant legal and ...

This topic started with this article There are also two. One of these two is the suburban town of Taytay in the province of Rizal (Regiona 4A – CALABARZON), just a few clicks away from Pasig and the Ortigas Center. This is more of a suburb, in fact more of an extension of Metro Manila. Club Manila East is in this place, along with many woodworks and garments factories. This is the northernmost tip of Laguna lage, along with the city of Taguig where both localities even share some developmental projects. Urban as the town is (already), there is a waterfall in this town. and suburban as it may be, there is an SM City Taytay hehe! The other Taytay is a town in the province of Palawan (Region 4B – MIMAROPA). This is a big town in the northern end of mainland Palawan (just below El Nido) and has many things for the tourist to see and do. I mean the nature-loving tourists. Have you hear about Irrawaddy Dolphins? That’s just part of the excitement. There are sialnds, islets, white beach, ...

This topic started with this article There are two. And that is pronounced “tan-a-wan”. If you are a native English speaker, it sounds more like “tun-uh-one” One is Tanauan City in the province of Batangas (Region 4A – (CaLaBaRZon) and is situated at the northeastern corner of Taal Lake, Therefore this city partly also ‘owns’ Taal Lake and has good view of it. Heard of Apolinario Mabini? Well he was a native of this place, so there’s a museum and replica of his abode. Also try visiting the old municipal hall of Tanauan and discover wonderful things (its now their city museum). There are ancestral houses too, like those of the Laurels and the Almedas. But there are inland resorts too, plust, the wonderful views of the lake and island especially at sunset. Remember though, this is a city and there are industrial parks and industrial estates. The other Tanauan is a town in the province of Leyte (Region 8 – (Eastern Visayas). This town just south of Tacloban and Palo is gaining popul...

This topic started with this article There are officially 4 localities named Talisay. Talisay is a town in the province of Batangas (Region 4A – CALABARZon). This is that town just below Tagaytay City. Many folks don’t know that this is the mother town of Taal Volcano and a vast area of the Taal Lake. Who cares anyway, right? Hehe! They call themselves a resort-town owing to the mushrooming of such establishments generally along the areas with a scenic view of the lake and the volcano. Then there is the town of Talisay in the province of Camraines Norte (Region 5 – Bicol). A wonderfully sleepy farming and fishing town on the pacific coast of the province. Have you heard about Puente Isabel Segovia? Go there to learn what it really is! And then, there is Talisay City! It is located in the northwestern part of Negros Occidental province (Region 6 – Western Visayas). This one is just above Bacolod City, before Silay City. Don’t be fooled by these places in Negros all called “cities”...

This topic started with this article That is pronounced “ta-go-lo-an” and there are three towns. One Tagoloan is a town in Lanao Del Norte Province (Region 10, Northern Mindanao). This is home of the Mighty Cave Park, a town that is just below Iligan City on your way down to Marawi City. Then trace your finger rightwards from Tagoloan and you find another Tagoloan – in fact just a town away from the former. Some people would call this place Tagoloan II (two) but generally referred to as just Tagoloan. Though near, this however is already in the province of Lanao Del Sur (Region 14 – ARMM). This is generally a forest town where logging (legal or illegal) is the principal business! Let’s hop back to Region 10, just a little bit above this two towns named Tagoloan, and we stumble upon another town of the same name. This time in the province of Misamis Oriental, just to the right and bit up from Cagayan De Oro City, also on the shores of Macajalar Bay. This town is more of a an indus...

This topic started with this article Well, there are just two towns sporting this name. But their proximity adds to the confusion! First is the town of Sogod in the province of Cebu (Region 7 – Central Visayas). Alegre? Borussia? Budbud Cabog? Those are terms very easily associated with this town. There are also caves, rivers, waterfalls and other beach resorts aside from Alegre. But one interesting thing in this town is the meeting of ‘black and white’! Yep, this is where the dark-sand beaches end (from south of town) and the white-sand beaches starts (towards north). Oh, at one elementary school, there is what they call “astronomical platforms” which they say was used as ‘international astronomical observatory post’ during a solar eclipse of 1929! Ah, don’t miss the Panagsogod Festival! Then there is a town also named Sogod in the province of Southern Leyte (Region 8 – Eastern Visayas). As many would know, due to its proximity, most people from Southern Leyte gravitates more tow...

This topic started with this article There are two towns too! And let us remain in Surigao Del Norte, for Socorro is a town located here. Its an island municipality actually just near the famous Siargao. In fact, tours from Siargao almost always includes this town. Have you heard about Bucas Grande Island? That’s it! Yes, that is actually the entirety of the town of Socorro! Small an island as it may be, aside from the famous Sohoton Cove/Lagons, there are waterfalls, rock islands, white beaches, caves, limestone forests, even a lake and a public swimming pool fed by springs! The other Socorro is a town in the province of Oriental Mindoro (Region 4B – MIMAROPA). That is that little inland town at the southern end of Naujan Lake. Farming and fishing (from the lake) are the main activities here. Watch out for the many citrus plantations like kalamansi, lemon, dalandan, pomelo, etc. Some of these farms even offer inland resorts. I have not seen them but some folks told me there are a...

This topic started with this article There are two towns! First, there is the town of Sison in the province of Pangsinan (Region 1). Yeah yeah, you always pass by this town on your way to the summer capital. Its that northern tip of the province in its boundary with La Union and Benguet. Aside from this being an agricultural town, watchout for the woodcraft and wood carvings on sale here and there. There is also a waterfalls! Then there is the town of Sison in the province of Surigao Del Norte (Region 13 – Caraga). This is that town just below and thus now a suburb of Surigao City. Like its namesake, this Sison also has its share of waterfalls and mountain attractions. Have you heard about the “Kuradang”? Its dance that is supposed to be of the Warays. But in this town, they have a “Kuradang Festival”. I gather that this is because many of the early settlers in this town actually came from Leyte. Hey, these two towns maybe both named Sison. But they commemorate two separate pers...

This topic started with this article Still having a hangover with Sarangani? Hold your horses for here comes Sultan Kudarat hehehe! This is the name of a town in the province of Maguindanao (Region 14 – ARMM), but it is also the name of a nearby province that is not part of ARMM but belongs to Regiona 12 – SOCCSKSARGEN. Ahehehe! Doesn’t that muddle your already hazy grasp on these names? Well, let’s attempt to expound, lest we be successful in making your nomenclatorial jumble become an astounding murky quagmire hehe. See the map? Red area is the town and at the lower edge of map is the northern portion of the province named Sultan Kudarat! Who was he anyway? Just google him! Anyway, if you say “I’m going to Sultan Kudarat”, be very sure which place you are headed to. And if you hear “there’s flooding in Sultan Kudarat”, you know the next question to ask, right?! Alright, let’s move on to other real towns with same names!

This topic started with this article Hah, you probably immediately thought of “pacman” when you read that name, right? Yep, he is congressman representing Sarangani province. But we are just talking towns and cities, right? Well yes, however, this name Sarangani (province), being more popular, is often confused with the town named Sarangani. There is only one town named Sarangani. That is a town in the province of Davao Del Sur (Region 11 – take note). And this Sarangani is awash with things to visit that is not yet trodden by many a tourist feet! This is actually a group of islands and islets at the southernmost tip of the Davao Peninsula. Try asking about Ulaniban, Balut, Sabang, Bolae, Bubo, Tuke Nunsol, Tuke Maklang or Balistik and you’ll realize what a wonderful place this is! So, let’s say that again… there is actually just one town named Sarangani but it sits at the tip of a peninsula that half Davao Del Sur province (town of Jose Abad Santos) and half Sarangani province (to...

This topic started with this article Hmm, is Santiago also a saint? We rarely think about it, right? Its because the “san” part is connected to the “tiago” part of the name. But my little research seem to point in the direction of still the saints hehe. So remember that just for your additional information! And San Tiago is actually Saint James! Whoa! Anyway, there are 3 localities named exactly Santiago! First is the town of Santiago in Ilocos Sur province (Region 1). This is on the western seaboard of Luzon just above, thus becoming a suburb of Candon City. While this little town maybe most remembered as the home of the province’s electric cooperative for which many of its residents are employed with, there are big tobacco plantations too. And just mention “Sabangan”, everyone will point you to a lovely beach you might even start thinking if Pagudpud is really better! And don’t hesitate to speak English here. Its hard to find a residence that does not have relatives in Hawaii or...

This topic started with this article Finally on the saints, there are two towns too named Sta. Rita. There is a town named Sta. Rita in the province of Pampanga (Region 3). Many folks from the metropolis who are fond of Subic should be familiar with this town as it is just beyond and almost a suburb of San Fernando City and is an alternative when there is heavy traffic along the highway in Guagua. This town boasts of its very old church. Ah, though their fiesta is in May, thi9s town is also nice to visit during the Christmas season where food really abounds by the church area. They are famous for the delicacy called suman. Then there is the other Sta. Rita, a town in the province of Samar (Region 8). This is the town that is on the other end (Samar side) of the famous San Juanico Bridge. This Santa Rita has its town center off the national highway so its still actually far from the bridge. Like anywhere in Samar, Sta. Rita is a farming/fishing community. Watch out for my “coverag...

This topic started with this article There are two such towns! The first Sta. Barbara is a town in the province of Pangasinan (Region 1). It is generally a farming community but more of a suburb since its just next to Urdaneta City. Housing villages have started to mushroom in this picturesque town where you approach it amidst big trees lining both sides of the road. The second Sta. Barbara is a town in the province of Iloilo (Region 6) and you will probably think of the new airport. Yes it is and yes it will be! But this town is supposed to be historic. Just take a look at their olden church and you’ll know this must have been a big town even in the pre-hispanic era. I think I saw something declaring that this is the town where the Philippine flag was first raised outside of Manila. Its probably at the municipal building or the museum. don’t miss that ultra big flag in front of the municipal building too!

This topic started with this article There are two also! First is the town of Santa Teresita in the province of Cagayan (Region 2). It is one of the northernmost towns in the main island of Luzon and is a farming fishing community. Then there is another town named Sta. Teresita, this time in the province of Batangas. This one touches the famous Taal lake and actually just beside the town of Taal. Farming and fishing (at the lake) are the main ‘events’ in this town but you’ll be surprised there are some folks here who grow a lot of game fowls. Yep, the cocks or roosters used in cockfights!

This topic started with this article There are two. One is the town of Santa Rosa in the province of Nueva Ecija (Region 3). This is that long town stretching east to west just below the city of Cabanatuan. So, generally suburban with more and more commercial industrial things sprouting by the day. Being in the midst of Luzon, people in this town, like nearby areas are fond of ‘inland resorts’ where pools are a must. The second is the (new) City of Sta. Rosa in Laguna. Yep, that suburban enclave just off the south superhighway. IN the past, its real full name was Santa Rosa De Lima, but like others in the country with saintly names, it has been shortened to just “Sta. Rsa”. Ah this is a city that almost rose overnight! I have been frequently passing by this town of nothing but industrial buildings factories and warehouses. Known before as the “short cut to Tagaytay”. As if in a flash, it is now a busy and lively city with just about everything urban and suburban you might need. Fr...

This topic started with this article Santa Maria Santissima! Hehehe there are 7 towns. Moreover, there is also a town named just “Maria” and even another town named just “Santa” – which we better add at the end part of this article. Our first Santa Maria is a town in Ilocos Sur. This is just a town apart (that’s Narvacan in between them) south of that other locality named just “Santa”. So take note of that. If you are coming from Manila, you should first reach Santa Maria, then Narvacan, then Santa. Gosh! Oh while there are beaches and waterfalls in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur, this town is best remembered for its church that has been listed in the United Nation’s World Heritage List. Don’t ya ever miss the views out to the south china sea (West Philippine Sea) from that church named Asunta Parish! Second in our list is the town of Santa Maria, far down in another “sur” (Davao Del Sur province, Region 11) just some four or five towns south of Digos City. Ah the beaches in this town beckon. ...