Philippine Travel Notes

Its not in Nagcarlan town, Laguna! Its in MajayjayI I think there is even a town in between the two (Liliw?). But that is how the place is called and we are here to re-write history hehe! It does not even look “underground” – if you were looking from the road! Then again, They would not have called it such for nothing, right?! I/We did not know there was something like this. We just happened to have passed by the area and noticed the rather era-style compound from the fence to most every structure. So I requested that we drop by for a quick view at what might this place be. Whoa! An ancient cemetery! At least that’s what it looks! There probably is an NHI marker that we just did not see as we were in haste. And there were not so many people around for me to ask.  It was in fact just about to be closed. At least someone told me this place is called Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and it is supposed to be historic. I will not be ashamed to admit that most of the info I got (actually a...

One of a kind! An interesting festival where the spectacle is not a parade! In fact, it is us the festival spectators who must go around, something like a house-to-house visit, to fully enjoy the colorful extravaganza. So non-walkers (aka maaarte), this is not for you! We all know of course, the Pahiyas Festival is in Lucban, Quezon, some 160 kilometers from Metro Manila, and it happens every 15th of May. This is one of the most colorful festivals that had always been celebrated, even before the dawn of festival-tourism thing all over the country. Going there This is a tricky part of the experience. There is no easy commute to this town as it is a rural area with not so many people going to or coming from the far metropolis! The easiest way is to book a package with your favorite local travel and tours provider. You can just scan any local paper or browse thru the web and you’ll find many of them who offer the tour. In our case though, there were 22 of us, we thought directly hiri...

For wartime history, and American era fortifications, this island is a must-tour for both the Filipino and the foreign visitor. It played a significant role in the liberation of this country from Japanese occupation. So, worth the visit, if only for a closer look at the realities of yesteryears. Yes, even also worth a visit あなたは日本国民であっても。 There are many available references about this island and how it has been used since the 1500s where it fared historical prominence in various attempts to seize control of the country by Spanish, Dutch, British, American and Japanese colonizers. But most historic was yes, the final Japanese-American war of 1945. Everything about these are however better heard as you tour around the island – and this place has one of the best tour guides the country has ever produced! Anyway… How to go there? There is only one “real” operator that does this tour, Sun Cruises. I mean they are the company that owns the fastcraft and the Corregidor Inn, but as it is ...

“Hello ‘pre, I need your help, please” said the friend “Anytime as long as its not cash” said me, myself and I “Help me plan to propose, gusto ko nang pakasal". "Oh okay, yun lang pala", I said "And, I need your endorsement to fuego, please”. “Ha? what made you think I can do that?” said I hehe So went my conversation with a friend sometime ago. That reminded me, I haven’t yet shared a story about Punta Fuego. I really thought I have already blogged about this place. Only to find out there was none yet hehe. But as many say, “better late than never”! And here I go… It’s a wonderful place! There are not too many such places in this country. And if there is anything similar, this one, though already a bit old, still emerges one of the best. At least for me, in terms of location, amenities and nature’s endowments. I have been popping at this place many times for various reasons or purposes since the late 90s. Reason probably why some friends think I am a memb...

I am a waterborne person and I thought only the beaches, oceans and the seas attract me. But when I got to Lake Caliraya it was a similar kind of high… only there is a big difference – which I can’t quite put what it is yet. Perhaps it is the cooler air, the different kind of tranquility, different flora & fauna than along beaches, the activities? Or perhaps all of them! I have been there before to camp out by the edge of the lake (on mainland side and at night) - it was fun! But this new sojourn was just fantastic! Went to Lake Caliraya with friends to join a tree-planting activity sponsored by the Philippine government – if only to ensure that the lake’s denuding watershed is preserved. But, we booked the same weekend for a stay at one of the resorts. Going there On separate vehicles and departure times, I and some friends opted for the northern route that pass via the cities and towns of Pasig, Cainta, Antipolo, Teresa and so many other towns in the provinces of Rizal and Laguna...