A Quick Look of St. William's Cathedral

We were not actually able to step inside this cathedral for a detailed visit. Due to other trip itineraries we had in mind, we thought of just taking its photo as we stopped by on the other side of the street.

St. William's Cathedral is located in Bulanao, one of the towns in Tabuk which is like 2-3 kilometers away from Tabuk town proper (Tabuk City). It is located right along the road fronting the "white carabao"-turned waiting shed so that everyone in the area can easily see it clearly. Its architectural design is quite catchy so that someone with a camera couldn't resist taking photos on it :).

It's known for its modern architectural design obviously seen on its facade. At the back of it is the St. William's Academy, a school named after Msgr. William Brasseur, who were then the apostolic vicar of the Mountain Provinces. This is how ST. William's got its name, - for both the cathedral and the school.

Passing Pasunglao Bridge/Canao Bridge

From Tabuk town proper, 3 kilometers away is the Pasunglao Bridge. This bridge is already replaced by a new bridge called Canao Bridge, named after Antonio Canao in honor of the first Kalinga native congressman.

The Canao Bridge is considered to be the longest bridge of its kind in the Cordilleras.

Pasunglao Bridge was not replaced until lately in 2008, under the North Luzon Agriculture Quadrangle (NLAQ) program of former president Gloria Arroyo.

Canao Bridge is now a road linking Tuguegarao-Tabuk-Bontoc roads, and mainly linked to Mt. Province, Abra and Apayao from tabuk City.

The Chico River Dam Tour

It was Holy Week but we got the chance to hire a van and a driver to take us to places worth visiting. We tried our luck to contact a tour guide who could give us information as we tour around, but nobody was available since it was already Holy Thursday. So, we just went ahead and tour on our own. The actual visits with some few good photos were good enough to enjoy the trip. :)

The Chico River dam has a rich historical past. It used to be an electric power generation project in 1973 for the purpose of increasing the electrical power by 50% in Luzon.

Unfortunately, the project didn't push through and finally shelved in the 1980's because the local residents didn't approve of it, particularly the Igorots who were living in the villages. The local residents who resisted the Chico River Dam project continued fighting against it for 3 decades and finally won, causing the project to be shelved for good.

If the dam was pushed through, it would submerge villages of some local residences along the Chico river, including the terraces, their burial grounds and their sacred groves.

Basically, the dam project meant destroying all their property, - which their way of life has been based upon.

The residents who fought hard against the dam didn't find it easy. The Chico River Valley became a war zone where many casualties were involved. High-powered arms were used between the rebels and the government militaries. There were a lot of groups involved during the fight and it would be a long story to tell in detailed information.

I didn't remember much about this while growing up. I was only a 5-year old innocent kid who wanted to play and enjoy the kid's world...:)

But visiting a  place with a noted historical past is way more than enough to have a memorable trip such as this, - with the company of loved ones of course!

Villa Gregoria Terrace Resort

Being first timers to visit Nagcarlan, Laguna, we were blessed enought to be helped by my brother and my future sis-in-law to reserve 2 rooms at Villa Gregoria Terrace Resort. We thought the resort would be a great place to stay and enjoy its scenic views and amenities 3 days before my brother's wedding.

Views overlooking from our room.

The resort is located at Brgy. Buboy, Nagcarlan, Laguna, at least couple minutes away from the town of Nagcarlan via tricycle. They say that this resort is strategically built right down the base of Mt. Banahaw, - a mountain which produces cold spring waters. This is why Villa Gregoria is considered to be a cold spring resort, where its waters comes throughout the resort's swimming pools. The cleanlinees of the resort is very noticeable. Being a multi-awardee since 2006 and 2007, you wouldn't wonder why due to the fact that they have maintained their good reputation as one of the best resorts in Laguna.

Rooms are fully furnished and are mostly affordable. Aside from the swimming pools, you'll definitely enjoy the pool table (billiard) as well. Additional facilities are the function hall, KTV, and the pavilion.

You can get the real R & R with the resort's scenic views as well, surrounded by greeneries that comes with relaxing and refreshing breeze. Ahh. - you'll be smelling the scent of nature!

Interesting Historical Facts of St. Bartholomew Parish Church

Courtesy of Laguna Travel Guide

This church is so far one of the oldest churches ever made as early as in the 15th century. It's full of interesting historical facts that even made some people believed that a certain legend exists about a hidden tunnel that is still remain undiscovered inside the church, which is connected to the underground cemetery.

Rev. Tomas Miranda, then a resident priest of the church built the church with light materials in 1583. It was called "Nagcarlan Church" by then. It was then upgraded in construction with bricks and stones in 1752, but was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1781, and was then reconstructed in 1845 with the addition of a choir loft, added by Rev. Vicente Velloc - who also constructed the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan.

Interestingly, St. Bartholomew Parish Church is just across the town's municipal hall and the public market, while the Underground Cemetery is also close to the municipal hall and used to be a place for the church's funeral mass in 18th century. The Underground Cemetery is considered to be the only underground cemetery built in the Philippines.

St. Bartholomew Parish Church's architectural design is quite unique with its Baroque style design. The entrance has a facade designed with a semi-circular arch flanked with semi-circular windows as well, enhanced with tall pedestals that lift the columns on the second level, with various numbers and lengths. The church is built with 4-storey brick bell tower with a Muslim-inspired crenelations bell. This brick tower was also credited with its construction to Fr. Fernando dela Puebla.

As the years go by, many various lighting improvements and more renovations were done which is now seen as somehow modernized these days.

St, Bartholomew Church is genuinely a historical landmark, - it's worth visiting!

Underground Cemetery & The Legend of the Hidden Tunnel

Courtesy of Laguna Travel Guide

Courtesy of lakadpilipinas.com

Underground Cemetery was actually built as an exclusive burial ground for missionaries and Spanish friars as early as 18th century. It is commonly considered as the only one of its kind because it is the only underground cemetery that exists in the Philippines.

It was built and designed for funeral mass purposes by a Franciscan priest - Fr. Vicente Velloc in 1845 to be exact, - that leads to an underground graveyard construction which is 15 feet below the church.

If you're actually on the place, the first thing you see is a church entrance and as you go beyond the entrance, you will see a burial site, just like a typical cemetery with tombs piled up in storeys. so, basically, it's a church that has an underground graveyard of 15 feet, - which led to becoming known as a cemetery where more privileged missionaries that came from elite Catholic families were buried.

Other historical facts about the Underground Cemetery was that it was also used as a place for secret meetings and sanctuary by Filipino revolutionary leaders and members during the war.

The first tomb was dated 1886. The cemetery is now more than 160 years old. There are only few tombs buried in the underground crypt, so don't expect too much to see under there.

The church is no longer used and masses are no longer held there anymore, except on some special occasions such as Holy Week.

On the other hand, the legend about the existence of a hidden tunnel at the Underground Cemetery still actively exists today among the residents of Nagcarlan regarding their beliefs about the hidden tunnel that is connected to the church altar. They further believe that this tunnel ends its way up to Mt. Banahaw, - considered to be a holy mountain.

But nothing has ever proven about the hearsays and rumors until today.

Entrance going to Underground Cemetery is free. But they have donation box placed at the entrance. You can take photos inside and underground but no flash photos allowed!

Boracay Adventures (2nd Time Around)

I guess there's no need to be describing in details about Boracay island, when it comes to activities you can do when you're in the island. Of course, Boracay has been starting to become famous due to its white sand and torquoise waters. Being recognized as one of the top beaches in the world, it will be easy knowing about the island when you search it online.

One thing is for sure...that you'll never run out of activities while enjoying the island has to offer. Whether you love to surf with the waves, snorkel, parasail, boating, island hopping, or just want to enjoy food and entertainment, this is the place you should be. You can be an adventurous visitor or just somebody who would prefer quiet moments with the island's nature whispers.

I didn't even expect myself to become adventurous, but I did one activity unexpectedly...parasail! Was scared to death, but got the hang of it later on.

Me and sis-in-law! Brave gurls!

I tried sports activity as well...go karting! Oh yeah! I am not used to this, but enjoyed it even when it poured heavily. The boys had more fun, I think. 

Then, there was a newly opened museum adjacent to the go karting place, which was perfect to see after that. We were soaking wet from the rain, but we didn't mind. The museum ( Trick Arts Museum) was great and fun. It was amazing taking photos, then from your photos, you can see where and what the trick is!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Go karting

There's the trick!

Real or unreal @ the Trick Arts museum

tried the hair braiding

Bearland Paradise Resort

This resort is one of the newest destination in Iloilo, 20 minute drive from the city of Iloilo. It is exactly located at barangay Tanpael, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

One of the attractive featured amenities of the resort is the cerulean infinity pool that has a good overlooking view of the sea. They also have a jacuzzi pool if you want to relax, and a kiddie pool for smaller kids.

Kiddie pool

Jacuzzi pool

The sunken bar is also an attraction which is fronting the infinity pool. It is placed between the kiddie and infinity pool. The sunken bar is equipped with bar lounge chairs in the inside fronting the pool, and permanent  bar stools in the pool. The stools are under the water and swimmers can sit there and order their drinks without needing to get out of the pool. Customers can order alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks whichever they prefer.

By the way, in our case, we ordered our mango shake drinks and two plates of french fries...the wait was like forever! I asked what is taking them so long, and one worker told me they are short of staff workers that day.

For those that don't want to stay overnight, sun loungers with umbrellas are provided (with a minimal fee), some of them just fronting the kiddie pool, and some along and around the infinity pool. 

There are bathrooms provided for changing but they don't have showers inside if you prefer to rinse in a more private location. I noticed there are faucets on the sinks, but they were not working. There are 2 public showers located near the bathrooms but since they are public, you can't take a good rinse well, not unless you want to go nude in public...lol!

On the sides are sun loungers(white tents) fronting the kiddie pool.

Along the seaside (you have to go down shorter steps from the pool area), are cottages made of bamboo and woods. These are ideal for larger groups such as group picnics, excursions or any other big activities.

As of the last time that we were in the area, the Pavilion was still under construction. It will be a 2-storey building that would include a function room, a restaurant and a gym.

Rates of rooms, if you want to reserve for overnight purposes are just a bit pricey, so check your budget upfront before getting rooms. I haven't tried their rooms, nor saw what are the amenities inside, so I can't share about them.

One side of the jacuzzi pool are also couches, chairs and tables made of rattan/bamboos that serve as lounge area for those who want to relax or hang out with their friends. The area seems to be like an eating place, but didn't see one eating there. The resort has a free wi-fi as well but you can't get through it unless you know the password, and you won't get the password until you ask them. 

Garin Farm & Inland Resort - The Visit

The farm is no ordinary farm. As you would enter the place, you will be amazed it is beyond being a farm. It was built in such a way that you can enjoy and witness the power of nature at its best, have peace of mind, and at the same time enjoy leisure and adventure activities...all rolled into one! :) I can say it's a mini-theme park in an agricultural setting.

Garin Farm is located in San Joaquin, province of Iloilo on its southernmost part. From the city of Iloilo going to the place is a little more than an hour ride. I consider it also one place worth visiting while vacationing in the Philippines. If you're a tourist, it can be easily accessible through a map and by the help of the locals.

A little of an adventure can be done in the farm through the 300 meter zip-line that passes through over the lagoon and some trees. Other options would be to go up and down the hill. If you prefer more vigorous fun, go hiking through the route embraced by the beauty of nature. Lots of other leisure activities can also be done such as horseback riding, boating, fishing or even renting an all-terrain vehicle. You have to note though, that every activity has a charge, except for hiking...and hike at your own risk! :0

Then after a busy day's activities, you can treat yourself to a dip on the pool. All tariff rates are provided at the entrance area upon payment of your entrance fee.

Blurry, but the reality view when you are in the actual place is truly spectacular!

One of the highlight of your activity would be to experience going up the 456 steps towards the 101 ft. Divine Mercy Cross at the pilgrimage area. I recommend staying overnight to see the awesome view of the Divine Mercy Cross at night.

Rooms are available at various rates according to accommodations. Be sure to get a room that rpovides a view of the stunning scenery! All rooms are situated on the hillside area in order to get the amazing view of the town of San Joaquin and its surroundings.

There is a restaurant fronting the pilgrimage area equipped with a canteen on the adjacent side corner. At least you'll never go hungry nor thirsty after a tedious activity ;). The restaurant has a free wi-fi internet access if you want to check your emails or surf the net.

By the way, inside the restaurant is also a billiard area if you want to play pool indoors.

Don't forget to take lots of photos. There will belots of stunning views and interesting subjects to focus on. Just to be sure you complete your visit, be sure you check all the main sites - mainly, the Pilgrimage area, the Divine Mercy Cross, the agricultural area, and the Lagoon.

Add to that the picturesque views from your room windows or the private garden beside your room.

Get all the fun! It's gonna be worth it. Visit our Garin Farm Adventures for more photos!

A Valuable Feedback For Damires Hills Resort - (Reposted)

A few days ago, I shared a post regarding the place in my facebook account (Notes). But since it was only limited for some viewers, I thought of reposting it here again on my blog.
So here it goes:

It has been 5 months since my last trip going to the place with my family. I could say it was still more fun than a disaster, but who wants a fun with some disasters in between??...right? But providing a valuable feedback particularly for the employees and the management of the place would certainly be a challenge to accept and do something about it, both for the positive and negative feedback.

We hope that by now, there will be more improvements on the place including the management service, and facilities that need more attention for the security of the visitors.

I and my husband travel a lot, and we come to Philippines every year (my home birth) for a vacation for a much needed R &R (rest and relaxation). In the course of our travel to various places both Philippines and the US, plus some other countries we've been to, we are quite vocal about sharing our trip experiences to places we visit, whether for pleasure or business.

Okay, so here was our ordeal.

On the early morning of November 1, 2011, I tried calling Damires Hills Resort to ask if they were open on that day. I got the contact nos. from their Facebook page. As I dialled the first number, (it was a cellphone number) and after a few rings, I heard somebody was on the line, but she didn't say anything. So, I then proceeded to ask; - "Hello, good morning. Is this Damires Hills Resort?" ... it was a long pause then suddenly she hanged up the phone on me! I didn't mind about it, but actually if I dialled the wrong number, she should just simply answered back "wrong number"! So, I dialled the other number, (it was still a cellphone number) and I was answered by a guy this time. So I asked the same question to confirm if they were open and he confirmed they were open. I asked if the zip line was open that day and he said yes, zip line was open for business that day.

So, I and the group (there were 10 of us who went to the place), proceeded to the place and arrived there at around close to noon time. We got a family room that was on the second floor of the building close to the bar area and the pool. I couldn't recall the name of the room. I then asked the receptionists there (there were 2 ladies and 2 guys) if we can do the zip line but they quickly answered the zip line was NOT available because the one in charge was on a day off!!! So, who the heck did I call on the phone who confirmed me that zip line was open?? I felt so disgusted! Why? Because it was the main reason why I wanted to visit Damires Hills Resort in the firs place...to try the zip line! So I was thinking, does the word "collaboration" exist in the management? A good business continues to thrive when all people that work in it carry good rapport in working together to achieve goals of the business. But it was not the time for me to be so upset! I thought there are still some things to enjoy about...the pool!

Here is the good part, talking about positive feedbacks! ;)...The food was superb! We love the food, and the waiter who served us did a good job! We should have gotten his name! I think we gave him a good tip though ;). The pool was clean, the ambience was awesome! The view surrounding the pool was lush and green...very nostalgic! But the "not so good ones"...those stone slabs patch beside the pool are slippery when they get wet. I slipped couple of times and I saw some did too! These are obviously dangerous for smaller kids who would become out balance and might bang their heads on the stones! Now, that would be worst if it happens and the resort would end up answering someone's dear life.

Our room has also some lights where switches are nowhere to be found! It looked a li'l bit funny, but when we asked one of the guys there to switch on the lights of our room for us, he couldn't find it too! {sigh!}

Our room has stairs that got so wet after our bath in the pool because there were no dry stair mats provided and they are so slippery to walk on to it going up and down. My husband was so unlucky to experience stepping on one slicky step on the stairs, so that he slipped on his left leg and landed on his back couple of stairs going down! He was able to grab the stair rails to protect himself from falling down to the bottom of the stairs. However, he got some scratches on his left ankle, and red streak marks on his behind (butt area). He was fine after he regained his balance but had back pains after that.

How could you imagine if someday, one person will fall down that stairs with head down and hitting it on the pavement? Those are just BIG liabilities you could NEVER ignore!

After the incident, I demanded to speak with the manager or supervisor to report about what happened but one lady told me they are not around because they are on day offs due to the holiday! I find that unreasonable because whether it is a holiday or not there should always be one on duty!

A resort business always needs to be equipped with functional, complete and secure facilities as well as a manager or a supervisor that monitors everything else under his care...that's what you call efficiency in service! It's one of the key you need if you want your business to thrive longer.

In America, all resort businesses and public attractions are highly efficient. As a frequent traveler, I've experienced being checked by a manager or a supervisor asking if I find everything okay, and would always take time to come see me every 15-30 minutes and ask what else do I need and if I am okay. Every room is provided with feedback brochures and suggestion boxes too.

I am from Janiuay and I am always proud of promoting anything that Janiuay has something to be proud of! Don't feel bad about the negative feedbacks! I know that would be helpful for your management. I and my family are still looking forward to visit you one of these days again, hopefully with better facilities and services.

Thanks for letting us visit! We are looking forward to tell you "Job well done"! in the near future :).

El Dorado Water Park-Iloilo

This water park is great for kids, located at Smallville, a popular entertainment and dining center of Iloilo. It is popular as a daytime attraction for those who want to spend fun and refreshing moments with friends or families, and a nice spot to cool down from the sun's scorching heat.

The South American legend-inspired designs of the pool and the poolside are also attractive. When you're in Iloilo City, this is where you can see the city's premier pool resort.

El Dorado Waterpark is part of the MO2 complex, adjacent to Westown Hotel and becoming to be one of the most visited water parks in the city.

You pay a 100Php (pesos) entrance fee per head, but you can also bring your own food too if you wish. You can as well spend a night or two here with their fine poolside rooms available.
Room rates are only available when you contact them at (033) 5095678/3202225/508-1234; 0r (+63)928-502-9585 or email at: mo2westown_ilo@yahoo.com.

Our Philippine Trip

Nov. 8, 2010 - January 7, 2011

This trip is full of activities, tiring transactions and planning, but the entire trip was still fun! Although the trip priority was about our new home, - (the constructions, expenses, and the moving in), our family is still the main reason.

Every celebration is not complete without the beach and the pool, we should say ;). There are lots of fun activities there beside swimming, like food!

This was also a trip for hubby to experience his first Christmas with the family in the Philippines, and got his first taste of witnessing the New year celebration there too.
The New Year became so "noisy" for him later on when he said he couldn't sleep because of the firecracker sounds popping up in the air. He didn't realize that the noise would not stop until 5-6 in the morning. He woke up with blood-shut eyes on New Year's day, LOL!

Generally, we can say it was all a celebration full of fun with good food, the beach, the pool and the mall!

Back Home From The Philippines!

It's been a week after we arrived from our long, exhausting trip from the Philippines. Of course, it's always been a long trip, but visiting a family is all worth it after all, don't you think?

This was one of the most memorable trip I had so far with my husband, seeing all my siblings complete.

It was an all summer out activity in the beach, plus big lunch and dinners. I am looking forward to share all these once I get settled. Besides, I have to dig more of our photos, as there are so many lol!

Rainy Manila

As of this date, we are still in the Philippines. It's been a lot of rain here since we came. Many say it's too early rainy season for a summer LOL! But the good thing is we didn't experience so much heat as what we had last 2007. It was cooler and only in the 80'sF instead of in the 90'sF as what we expected.

Anyway, rainy or sunny, we are still having fun, being with our family as well as meeting some friends. Whew! We had been busy every day for our scheduled activities but mostly for fun! Ha! Isn't it cool just being busy meeting loved ones everyday? LOL!

So much activities to be shared! Later!

Exploring Boracay's Nature

Boracay Beach has been one of the most famously visited beach located in the western part of the Visayas, Philippines. Tourists swarm in during the peak season including foreigners.
For me this was my second visit after 10 years! A lot of big difference! There are many hotels in the island and we were able to get a good one at Pearl of the Pacific. We got a good room as well!

There are actually nice places to visit around the island if you're a nature seeker. We tried the butterfly garden, aside from the island hopping. Not much of them are there since they were still being hatched. There were also a group of bats that was there and hubby was able to get hold of him. Sorry, I wasn't convinced to hold the bat...I was freakingly scared! lol!...

Butterfly Garden:

Island Hopping:
It was very wavy so we only visited few spots. The crystal cove island was a bit far and there were only two of us in the boat plus 2 sailors. It was wavy and I just told them to return the boat back to the island. I don't wanna be risking our lives on that boat. Besides, it was already turning dark it was about to rain that time.Some shots:

Underground Cemetery-Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines

Together with my hubby and friends from Texas


With Josie, my friend.

My sister in law is from Nagcarlan. So, when she got married to my brother last year, it so happened that the place is just 10 minutes away from where we were staying. We met our friends there, so we visited the place. No cameras are allowed inside too, so obviously no photos. The entrance is free but donations are encouraged to help maintain the place and the watcher I guess :).

The Underground Cemetery is considered to be a tourist attraction in Nagcarlan and is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. It used to be a burial ground for Spanish priests and other people which was built around 1845. Surrounding the chapel are 248 crypts while the underground has 36.

Kamayan Restaurant

February 14, 2007 - Kamayan Restaurant, Makati - Valentine Dinner Date with friends

It was our last day in Manila and so we planned for a valentine date dinner with our new found firends, Josephine and Jeffrey. The Kamayan Restaurant was just 2 blocks away from our hotel, so we made a reservation there. The restaurant is cozy and food are home cooked like "lutong bahay" taste :). Tasty!...and they gave us a special bonus, a song from the "harana" group. That was worth cherishing!

Together with the "harana" group.

Together with Jeffrey and Josephine

World Light Expo

February 13, 2007 - World Light Expo, Paranaque, Manila - Philippines

This was actually the grand opening night of the World Light Expo sponsored by Korea. Although it was not yet fully complete and still under further construction, the lights went awesome that night.

It's me and the lights!

Hubby and me at a simulated lighted fountain.

Ayala Mall, Makati

February 3, 2007 - Ayala Mall, Makati, Philippines

We went malling with our nephew Enzo together with some more family members :). This was of course before the Ayala bombing that scares me everytime I remember our time malling inside that mall last year.

Enzo is a shy but sweet and soft spoken kid. He was still trying to familiarize new faces and he sees us as strangers, so he was still a little bit aloof to talk with. He loves french fries, and I love Burger King, so we went there for our snacks. :)

He loved his fries!...his favorite!

Fun at Enchanted Kingdom

January 31, 2007 - Our trip to Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa Laguna was very exciting for the kids. My husband and I thought of this as a special treat for them before we left back home. Unmindful of the long hours of trip (from makati to enchanted kingdom and back), everybody was bubbly and perky! :) ..and it's a nice feeling to have making our loved ones happy.

And who says she's not happy?? She really wanted to walk on her own.
(My cute niece, Martina Ysabelle)

What a whoopy ride!! Did you know that we are the only ones riding on this one? Nobody dared to or perhaps, no one was really interested in riding except us, hehe...

Goofy poses inside the 4D theater...my family and my husband.

A ride on the river wild!!