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Philippine Travel Notes

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And The “S” Went A Hiding

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If there was that extra “S” in Bicol, it has gone a missing from the 'CUSTOMER' over at the SM Food Court – in Makati, no less!

Oh well…

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THE BOULEVARD, Surigao City

Virtually everyone in Surigao City is related to this boulevard directly or indirectly! It's such a big thing , they even have a Surigao City Boulevard Development Program and a Surigao City Development Authority . I'm not joking. Those are for real. As in! Involved in it are not only their local politicians but also the chambers of commerce. What is it anyway? Foremost it's a 1.8 kilometer stretch of a highway along the seafront. The concrete pavement tells me it is still new. That is it! Walang basagan ng trip! It is an emulation (kumbaga sa Tagalog pa: gaya-gaya ) of Roxas Boulevard in Manila, or pwede rin Dumaguete’s Rizal Boulevard - and many other seafront boulevards. Aside from being a “park” for the residents, it is supposed to be an attraction in the city, showcasing whatever bla-blah-blah to attract tourists from everywhere on earth. While I was inclined to raise my eyebrows, it did attract me. I was a tourist, right?! So okay, without a speck of d

Balantak Falls

I haven't heard about this waterfall until I was already moments away from being there! And I have no regrets whatsoever. Ah, sometimes, beautiful surprises do happen to my itchy feet. Sometimes haha! For me who had seen many a waterfall, this one would seem nothing to shout to the world about. But being there was mesmerizingly refreshing enough. How tall is it? I'm not sure, but see my habal-habal driver on lower ground and compare his height to that of the waterfall. You should get a hint, at least! Discovering Balantak Falls How I found-out about Balantak Falls ! I was in Brgy. Guirang (pronounced gi-rung) in Basey Samar, for another round of "work-related work"! While walking-around by the entrance to the barangay's main residential area, I happened to see this: A fairly new hut and open on all sides, so I asked them what it is. They said it's a waiting shed. I asked further 'who would wait here' since I knew there are no commuter jeeps in t

THE Ride from Tuguegarao to Sta. Ana

Alrightee folks! I traveled from Tuguegarao to the northern-most town of Cagayan Valley, that is, Sta. Ana. And, Oh My Gee! I never expected this "mode" of transportation! It was a van, yes. The type and style that we call "UV Express" all over the country. But not the usual that I have seen, even in the more remote areas of the Visayas and Mindanao. This ride was on a piece of "flying junk" hahaha! It started like this... the night before I check-out at Hotel Roma, I asked the friendly front desk staff if there was a better way to go to Sta. Ana. than riding the bus. The very helpful suggestion was, I ride the vans instead of the bus, because, they are purportedly faster and more comfortable. Okay, I thought I would do just that. Staff even told me to remind them during check-out that I'm taking a UV Express commute to Sta. Ana. I did just that. The eager staff went out with me to front of the hotel. He hailed a trike for me and gave instructions t