Philippine Travel Notes

I thought you said “km 0” is the Rizal monument in Manila (Luneta). Then why is that ass sitting at a “km 0” that does not look to be anywhere near Luneta? Now now, calm down my dear cayvan (that means friend in Ivatan). Especially in this country, there are always exceptions to every rule! The topic we had in the previous entry is if and when you can travel by land from Luneta (e.g., to Pili, Camarines Sur). That 'ass', is sitting at the kilometer marker in front of the Batanes Provincial Capitol which, as we know, is an island way up north, right? That is one such exception. When the province, city or town is on a separate island, what becomes “kilometer zero” is usually the highest seat of government on the island. And in this particular example, it’s the provincial capitol of Batanes located in Basco. That is why you also see “B” and another “0” below the “KM” and “0” because he is sitting at zero kilometers away from Basco, Batanes. He is in the very heart ...

Suroy Suroy Sugbo 2009: Explore the Midwest – Tsuneishi June 13, Saturday, a jolly bright morning and we were all eager for a rolling tour of the Tsuneishi ship yard. Ah yes, we were still in Balamban and this was where the town recovered. Last night’s cancelled affair due to heavy rains will be relegated to secondary memory until forgotten!! Well, for one thing, Tsuneishi – big as it might be, is a very secured private entity compound that not just any tourist can visit pronto without the prior hassle of arranging things. So everyone in the tour were quite excited to see how these folks build those ships bigger than any of the biggest 20 buildings and houses in Balamban combined. Whohoo! Yes yes, though minimal, they do have work on Saturdays so we saw some activity! Upon entry of each bus, three engineers would board to act as local guides. On our bus, the one who grabbed the microphone was himself the head of training in this shipyard and he shares that the very first thing he does ...

Suroy Suroy Sugbo 2009: Explore the Midwest – Balamban Oh dear! The dark skies were not as cooperative when we entered the town of Balamban :( It was not just raining … it was raining heavily hehe! Nevertheless, the trip had to go on. I could hear the drops tap on the bus window like little stones. It was a real bummer of a downpour! The skies went crazy. Lightning was all over the place and the roaring thunders sounded like it wanted to devour our bus! At one of those loud thunder-and-lightning duets that seemed to be too near us, an electric post was hit. I saw that big transformer atop the post emit a very bright spark. Then all the houses we passed by were a total darkness. OMG! I silently prayed that my assigned hotel had a back-up generator. The bus stopped on our way to the plaza and tour guides announced we would turn back and be brought straight to our assigned hotels instead of the big big reception that the town has prepared. Damn rain! Not that I wanted to eat again… but ju...