Philippine Travel Notes

Gumasa Beach. Most folks call it " home to the biggest and craziest beach party in all of Mindanao ". I believe it can and should be "the biggest and craziest in this whole country". Do you know about that? If you are lost as to what it is, try googling "sarbay party" or "sarbay fest". But, I did not come to this place for that. In fact, I timed my arrival to "just after the big party" to avoid the crowds. It happened while I was in Bantayan ! Not that I don't like it. I just don't like partying alone! Maybe some other time when I have company, kahit isa lang sa inyo mga bwiset kayo! Ano, tara? Let me briefly describe that "crazy party" anyway. It happens only once a year, towards the end of May. Visitors from all over Mindanao, some from the Visayas, and some even from Metro Manila, appear at this place for that big party. Of course, some foreigners who may be at nearby islands and hear about the party, also

Happy to be back in Malaybalay, the capital of Bukidnon Province! What a crowded and colorful day. This was the scene just outside the Bukidnon Business Hotel where I just checked-in. Too many happy people walking the streets! That corner at right is their Rizal Park. But I already knew that this was Kaamulan Day, so I was not complaining. In fact, I was telling my self, if I only knew that today was the festival, I should've arrived yesterday. The "ka-meeting" didn't tell me! I decided to visit the church. I knew from previous visits it's just on the other side of that plaza at right. Here! The San Isidro Cathedral of Malaybalay. But oh, too many people, and service was in progress.., I couldn't possibly squeeze myself in there just to take photos, so I said 'maybe next time na lang'. But I asked myself what could I do or where should I go. I thought maybe I should check out the festival at the capitol grounds. But from my last experience, at abou

I arrived at the beach early, and my first impression was: "OMG wow, so this is Paraw Regatta 2016! OMG because I have not seen this many boats (Paraws) about to compete in one place. In fact, I even think this is the only such competition in the country (Zamboanga Vintas are way smaller than these)! I could not even fit in one shot of my camera, the length of beach laden with paraws of different sizes! You see the paraws at both edges of the photo? They're not the ends of it. There were just too many! These were the boats (Paraws) to my left... And these were the boats (Paraws) to my right... Alright, I do not have many things to say about these Paraws as of the moment, but let me show you some of the sail "paintings" (also a contest). They somehow lend character or identity to each Paraw! Lucky for you my readers, below is like a photo album! Unlucky for me, they take too much space 😆 Those are not all of them. Just some of those I got to