Philippine Travel Notes

This topic started with this article San Miguel. Yes, that is St. Michael and there are 7 towns named so! Yes Miggy my friend, unlike you, none of them was named after the beer! BUT who knows what was in the minds of those who named these towns to be so hehe! Let’s start off with San Miguel in the province of Bulacan (Region 3). You should know that this town is interesting both for its past and its present. Past: this is the place of “Biak Na Bato” prominently a big part of the country’s history. Present: this is a suburban town where many a metro manila worker could be coming from. Past-and-present: go driving around town to see some old houses still preserved to this day – that’s why many call this town “the Vigan of Bulacan”; the Sibul Springs – good then, still a bit good now; Madlum River and the caves, still a bit worth it; stone craft – this place got famous for the limestone that people had to quarry the benefits from dear earth, and now the residents are clamoring that it be ...

This topic started with this article There are also three towns in this country named San Andres. 1st is San Andres in the province of Quezon (Region 4A CALABARZON). This town sits on the southeastern tip of the big province called Bondoc Peninsula and it’s right on the shores of Ragay Gulf facing Camarines Sur. You’ll be surprised to know that majority of the people in this poor fishing-and-farming town speak Bisaya (Cebuano) than Tagalog! Why? Ah go there hehe! 2nd is another town also named San Andres, and that is in the province of Romblon. This town is the upper western coast of Tablas Island. Beaches have grayish sands but there are a scattering of waterfalls and rocky cliffs plus a cave system. Our 3rd town named San Andres is in the province of Catanduanes, on its southwestern end facing Camarines Sur. This town that sits in the mouth of a big river is the biggest in terms of land area and next to the capital town of Virac in terms of infrastructure development. Beaches are fin...

This topic started with this article Yes it’s that aromatic plant, and there are two towns in this country that take on that name. Pandan is the name of a town on the northernmost tip of the island province of Catanduanes (Region 5). This town is hard to reach from Virac via a hundred kilometer journey of unpaved roads. But, if you get a chance to visit this place, go fall in love with it. White sand beaches abound, they have spectacular sunrise and sunset views and there are little islands or islets nearby. Just make sure you don’t go during the typhoon season! The other Pandan is a town in the province of Antique (Region 6) by its northern tip and border with the province of Aklan. If you noted my descriptions of Libertad town in previous blog entries, well, this Pandan is just next to Libertad. Thus, they share the same vast richness of nature at its best. Don’t miss the river adventures, the springs, caves and of course beaches! Hey, very important to note that there are only two t...

This topic started with this article There are also two towns! However, one sports the name “Jose Panganiban” while the other is just plain “Panganiban”. Jose Panganiban town in the province of Camarines Norte (Region 5 – Bicol) is that town jutting out to the Pacific Ocean. And while it is a major fishing port, it also has its share of beaches. And there is an inactive volcano called Bagacay. Now the other Panganiban is in the island province of Catanduanes also in Region 5. It is on the north-eastern tip of the island facing the Pacific Ocean. Ah yes, this town is where you’ll find the little heard-of Catanduanes Island Beach Resort. There are other white beaches, a waterfall, dam, lighthouse and even a small airport! But hey, though both towns are in Region 5, their names are in honor of two different Panganibans! The one in Camarines Norte is in honor of Jose Maria Panganiban y Enverga – the propagandist and guerilla leader during the Spanish regime, while the one in Catanduanes is...

This topic started with this article Bato. Oh stone! In Catanduanes is a town called Bato. But there are 2 other towns in this country with exactly the same name! Bato in Catanduanes is a little town to the southwest of this island-province and is just a few kilometers from the capital of Virac. But they have beaches and waterfalls – even a little island. Ironically, the other town of Bato is still in the Bicolandia – in Camarines Sur. This Bato sits just right in the province’s boundary with the province of Albay and hosts the Lake Bato. This town is near Iriga City. Facing the Ragay Gulf, this town also has white sand beaches, waterfalls, springs and caves. The 3rd town in this country also named Bato is farther away in the province of Leyte. There is a fantastic waterfall there called Dunjuban. Nearby is an island with interesting opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The reef seems still lush. Plus, this is where some of the boats and crafts take off going Cebu and Bohol. Ah yes...

This topic started with this article So, how about Baras?! There are two! First is the town of Baras in the province of Rizal – not really that far from the metropolis. It has an ancient church, it kisses part of the Laguna Lake and is well known for being the home of the mighty Arnis and Sikaran martial artists. The other Baras is a town in the southeastern seaboard of the island-province of Catanduanes. It’s about an hour and a half ride from Virac. While still very rural, this town is a future tourist attraction. Beaches abound, the Abaca industry is starting to fuel up, plus artists and artisans have come forward that they extensively use or take advantage of the interesting products from this place! Then again, above all, surfing reigns supreme in this place as the best crowd-drawer!