Tawi-Tawi

Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast lies the province of Sulu and to the west is Sabah in Malaysia. Tawi-Tawi also covers some islands in the Sulu Sea to the northwest, the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island and the Turtle Islands, just 20 kilometers away from Sabah.

This is I think an undiscovered beauty in our country. Due to a lot of terrorism going on the South of our country, this province I think will never be discovered. Why? Because tourist will never risk sailing going to this beautiful island. However, below are some photos to show how breath-taking this province is…

Tawi-Tawi Airport - Sanga-Sanga Airport also known as Tawi-Tawi Airport, is an airport serving the general area of Bongao, the capital of the province of Tawi-Tawi in the Philippines. The airport is classified as a secondary airport, or a minor commercial airport by the Air Transportation Office, a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports. It is not an international airport, contrary to its classification by the Tawi-Tawi provincial government.

Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol - It is built at an elevated ground at the foot of Bongao Peak facing the commercial center of the capital town of Bongao. A 270 degrees bird’s eye view of the town that extends up to the neighboring islands is just plainly awesome.

The building is of Muslim architecture with its prominent mosque dome majestically crowned atop the building like a headress.

Statue found in downtown in Tawi-Tawi

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi -Before the armed rebellion of the MNLF in the early 1970s, Bongao is merely a backwater village ruled by the prominent noble Halun family, who used to own about 3/4 of the island. The capital of the province is Bato-Bato in the mainland situated in a cove with deep waters suited for anchors of the Philippine Navy. At the height of the armmed rebellion and fearing that the provincial capitol might be overrun, the government transferred it to Bongao. The white-washed, Taj Mahal-inspired provincial capitol building is located on a hill overlooking the bay and the whole town to the North of the Island against the backdrop of Mount Kabugan and the famous Bud Bongao (Bongao Peak).

Bongao Peak -Bongao Peak is the welcoming view to those coming to Tawi-tawi as it slowly towers above upon approaching the island. The peak juts out at the center of the island giving a towering presence as if watching over you as you go around the circumferential road of the island touring the whole place.

Towering with a prominent vertical cliff on its north side, the peak is a protected monkey sanctuary in the capital town of Bongao. A natural watchtower provides a view of the expanse of sea and the string of islands of Tawi-tawi. Climbing this peak takes about 2 hours on an easy relaxing pace.

After which we went to Mapun Island. Mapun is a remote municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines.Mapun (formerly Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi and Cagayan de Sulu) is a small island in Tawi-Tawi. The people inhabiting the island are known as Jama Mapun or “people of Mapun”. Their dialect is Pullun Mapun, which means “Mapun dialect”.

The Jama Mapun are friendly, peace-loving people. Majority of them are Muslims although there are some who are Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists. However, there is no tension between them because of the difference in their religion. In fact, they have been living in harmony for many years already.

Don’t have much photos for Mapun, the travel time going there is very very tiresome. 72 hours in Jolo Strait coming from Zamboanga. And the boat there goes only once a week. Chances are of going home back to Bongao if ever is… “Pray that the sea is calm. If there is a gigantic wave, most likely, you will wait for the next nice season to sail”

Till next trip….

 

Tarlac

While we had our vacation at Clark, Pampanga, we have decided to try and see this new restaurant there. I saw this restaurant one morning while I am on my way to work.

So we headed from Pampanga to Tarlac, to see and experience this unique restaurant by ourselves. The following pictures will show you how great this restaurant is. Not just their place but as well their gimmicks, foods and their friendly crews.

Front of Isdaan Village at Gerona, Tarlac.Gerona is one of the 17 towns of the province of Tarlac. It is bounded on the north by Paniqui; on the east by the Pura; on the south by Tarlac City (the provincial capital); and on the west by Santa Ignacia. The town is 73 km. from San Fernando City, the regional center; 50 km from Clark Special Economic Zone in Angeles City; and 139 km north of Metro Manila.

The floating restaurant, like a small village at daylight.

The floating restaurant, like a small village at night.

Yes, these Coy fish swim beneath the floating restaurant. However, I was surprised that they also eat sisig. Yeah I know I shouldn’t be feeding them with pork but with their sizes, I am sure they can still digest it.

The other things you can see at Isdaan Village are these huge statues. Very tribal isn’t it.

You can wish on this hand.. They believe that it will come true.

One of their game. You have to cross this 3 inches wide bridge with a bucket of water. There are huge shells along the way and to add it up, the water that will hit you. Once you cross this bridge and will be able to go back, you will win one bucket of Fish for free.. But if you fail, you will fall in this 10 feet deep water..

They call this game Ungoy-Ungoyan.. (Monkey-Monkey). When you pass these five monkey without getting wet, you will also win I pail of fish. This is a two player game. The other one, waiting to get wet in front of those monkeys and the other one, trying to figure out which bulb is connected to those monkey and try to avoid it. There were like 20 water faucet to choose from so be very careful. Like when we played this one, my partner got wet. Ooops. Sorry!

They said when you wish here, it will be granted.. Hmm… I hope I actually wish though.

Your babies can ride with them.. I didn’t know sheep can be used as transport now

And most of all, their main attraction, the Taksiapo wall. Here you can throw plates, TV, glasses, name it they have it. Whenever you eat at their resto, depends on how much, they will give you free plates to break. Yeah, you will experience this break the plates in this place.

Until my next travel..

 

Iya dire sa Cebu!

Oh well I almost forgot to upload some pictures during 5 day trip to Cebu. It was actually a business trip but I don’t think it was a work related trip though. I remember the line for Enya’s song “Oronico flow”. It mentioned the name of this province. I wonder if she was ever been to this province.

From Bissau to Palau - in the shade of Avalon,
From Fiji to Tiree and the Isles of Ebony,
From Peru to Cebu hear the power of Babylon,
From Bali to Cali - far beneath the Coral Sea.

See in this stanza if you will listen to the video above, it mentions the name of this province. I wonder did she even visited Philippines before. Enya is one of my favorite singer. Believe it or not!Often called the “Queen City of the South” and the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is the country’s oldest city. Exploring Cebu City, one encounters a rich historic past. Cebuanos are extremely proud of their cultural and historical heritage, a legacy which has endured thru the centuries from the time the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan first planted the cross on Cebu’s shore.

On April 8, 1521 Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu and discovered the island for the Europeans thus opening a route that would be followed by sea traders until today. Magellan planted a cross in the island that would become Cebu’s most famous landmark.

Anyways, below are some pictures we took while we are in Cebu.

We arrived at Mactan Airport around 10 a.m. We are really excited to go to the hotel.

Yeah, we stayed at Waterfront Lahug. Very nice hotel.. I just simply love it.

View from my room.

The Garden.

This the painting on their ceiling. Very creative. You will also see an old globe painting there showing where is Philippines there. Before it was known as Filipinas, named after the King of Spain, King Felipe.

Our client posing outside the hotel.

Magellan’s Cross.Magellan’s Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.

This cross is housed in a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street (Magallanes being the Spanish name of Magellan), just in front of the city hall of Cebu City. A sign below the cross claims that the original cross is encased inside the wooden cross that is found in the center of this chapel. This is to protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts of the cross for sourvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. Some people, however, believe that the original cross had been destroyed or had disappeared after Magellan’s death, and the cross is a replica that was planted there by the Spaniards after they successfully colonized the Philippines.

Magellan’s Cross is a symbol of Cebu City and the chapel’s image can be found in its city seal. It is also seen as the symbol of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.

Colon Street. Known as the oldest street in the Philippines, Colon Street was built by the Spaniards during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Named after Cristobal Colon (Christopher Columbus), it is the heart of downtown Cebu, a glittering area by night lined with movie houses, restaurants, department stores, and other business establishments.

Fort San Pedro. Close to the Pier Area in Cebu City you will find the historic Fort San Pedro. It was founded by the Spaniards after they have settled in Cebu and its ancient walls have endured until today. Nowadays it hosts a museum which offers insight into the old times. You can walk through the wide attached park and have a look over to the piers to watch incoming ships like the Spaniards used to do over the centuries.

Taoist Temple. Located at Beverly Hills in Cebu City, on of the areas where the more wealthy people choose to live, the Taoist Temple overlooks the whole City Area and beyond. Even Mactan Island is clearly visible from there. As it is a bit elevated the air is fresher and you are above the city smog. This temple preserve the teachings of Lao-Tse the 600 B.C Chinese philosopher. People come from far to request a view into the future by the monks. In any case its a place to mediate and to relax.

 

Filipino Streetfoods

Last night it was a sinful night. I am supposed to stick to my “D.I.E.T” however, when my niece asked me to accompany her to 7-11 we passed by this BBQ stalls. But hey in our country, BBQ stalls they also sell unique Filipino street foods. I had these last nights.

Chicken Intestine a.k.a Isaw ng Manok

Pork Intestine a.k.a Isaw ng baboy

Pork blood a.k.a Dugo or Betamax (Yeah they call it betamax because of the rectangular shape resembling to a betamax before)

Pork’s ear a.k.a Tenga ng Baboy

Quail egg with flour a.k.a Kwek-Kwek

Fishballs (flat one), Squidballs (the one being fried) and Kikiam (the longer one)

And that’s what I had last night. But my niece added these following foods because they love it. Which I don’t eat. But I will just post it here anyway so you will have an idea what are the streetfoods we have here in the Philippines.

Balot (it has also a counterpart which is called Penoy. However, I don’t eat this, just Penoy. Penoy doesn’t have duck embryo while Balot has. And yes, the duck embryo should be eaten too. They said it is delicious but I don’t think I am ready for that)

Chicken feet a.k.a Adidas (They call it Adidas since it is a shoe and this is a feet. I eat this if it is cook in Chinese resto but I don’t like this being grilled.)

Chicken head a.k.a Helmet (Yes, they call this helmet because it is chicken’s head)

So now you see, Philippines have unique streetfoods right? But I can assure you that they all yummy..

 

My day in commuter’s life

I go to the office 5 days a week using public transportation. Why? Because it is more economical and I find it more relaxing and amusing.. I can always have an option to bring a car but I am just to lazy to drive. Given with the traffic here, ohh please…..

So I would usually leave the house at 6:30 A.M. to start my travel going to the office. On my bus going to the office, I would usually take the middle seat but that is if the front seat is no longer available. I am fond of looking those girls of my age on how they dress up and how they wear their make up. It fascinates me whenever I see some of them applied those make up well. But I find it funny whenever I see someone who will go to work as if they just got out of their bed. Common, is this the way you will start your day. I believe that whenever you go out, you need to be well dressed and you’re always at your best. Because you will never know who you will meet on your way.

Then sometimes, whenever the bus if full and I am on a hurry, I don’t have any choice but to stand. Gosh, I see a lot of guys stronger than I am sitting but they can’t even offer their seat. Why? Because their logic is that they also pay the same fare. But for God sake, why they can also bear old people and pregnant women stand as well? How ungentleman these guys..

Then, I would see couples doing a lot of Public display of affection. Hmm, it is perfectly fine to see those. In fact, sometimes I wish I have a boyfriend but I don’t think I can show too much affection in public. Holding is fine but not those torrid kissing. Well as you can see this bus will be filled with commuters even on the aisle. I think only needles can pass between spaces of standing passengers. Yes, they will try to fill every space they can to earn more. That is why, sometimes, taking a 7:00 onwards trip maybe stressful for me.

Hmm, oh well, these are the daily scene I usually encounter going to the office, sometimes it pisses me of but of the time it entertains me.

Shock with our bus stops? Hell yeah, we have blue and pink bus stops here.. Even flyover are all painted in pink and blue.. Very feminine aight?

They find it funny but of course I think MMDA chairperson chose this color since political people here use color to be able to identify them. Since pink and blue are the colors that wasn’t used yet, so maybe that is why he chose this..

Even the public toilets are painted in pink too.

I just simply love riding jeepneys. They are my high school ride and even college ride. Just imagine it’s an

open air. But sometimes, I dare not to think the traffic ahead whenever I am about to go to school. It is open air but the pollution is the one that irks me. I am not as fresh when I left home when I get to the school. But hey I should still be thankful because I manage to smell fresh.

Currently, in Makati area, they have their own version of this, the air-conditioned and the electric powered jeepneys. I wonder up to how many variations they can think of this ride.

Oh yeah, these SUV known as FX taxis are being used as well as Taxi. They would usually ask higher than those buses and jeepneys. I seldom ride this one, why? Because I find expensive and very uncomfortable. Just imagine 4 at the back and 4 at the middle and 3 in the front. How can you even sit and avoid crumpling your clothes. Hmm, lemme try to think again if I wanted to ride in this public transport.. Maybe yes, if I will have no choice.

This is a tricycle. I think Thailand also have their own version of this. But anyways, I also ride this one if there is heavy rain. Although my house is just walking distance to the bus stop, of course I will choose not to get wet because I am trying to save money for the ride.

They maybe small but some of them can even care 6 passengers just like a cab huh?! Oh well, here in my country as long as they can squeeze in, they’d do that..

They would also have these loud speakers that would bang and would take your eardrums out. *bang* bang*..

And lastly, the pedicab. Way cheaper than tricycles but way slow than them too. Of course this is a bicycle. Yeah I love riding this one, the breeze of air, I can feel it. But sometimes, if you’re in a hurry, I suggest you ride the tricycle.

This is usually scene in a middle class subdivisions or less privileged cities. But riding this fun too.

Now I have shared to you my daily rides. Now why would I want to ride those Mercedes Benz if I can afford to have my own driver right?

Hmm what are the other rides we have here in the Philippines.. Lemme see, these are the rides I took sometimes whenever I go to other places.

I always take MRT station and also LRT, faster and less traffic. The only problem is it is totally crowded. But hey it is less traffic hehe…

Taxis are common to anywhere in the world. I took this ride very seldom because i find it expensive too.

So there you go. All my rides. So until my next trip? Ciao!

 

Pampanga

Well, this is about my experience going to this Province and experience how they celebrate Holy week. I am very much curious how they really celebrate Holy week. I have heard a lot of times how they uniquely celebrate it.

I took some picture of their very own way of celebrating this sacred celebrations for Catholics. Also, this blog will include places and things we have seen in this province. Hope you will like it as much as we do..

The churches that is posted in this blog is in fact, the oldest churches in this province. Last year, we had the chance to see these churches when we had our Visita Iglesia..

 

Boracay

I am glad my mom is from this province. While everyone is going gaga booking for hotels here during Holy week, I just smiled and just book my flight going to Caticlan since our family have a place to stay here anytime of the year. Below are some of my fave spots in Bora:

The sand castle

Station 2 Beach view

Boracay Regency, one of the well-known area in Station 2

Boracay’s Nightlife

D’Mall at Station 2

 

Baguio Trip

Oh well, I’ve been in this Summer capital of the Philippines and I must admit, this place reminds me of someone who is very special to me… The place itself is very romantic and you cannot help it but feel romantic too.. Even if you’re not .. So below are the pictures when we went there…

Our room at Hotel Elizabeth

Bliss Cafe

Camp John Hay

Botanical Garden

 

Hong Kong

Oh well, Hong Kong for me is such a haven. I found this place very warm and I think this is the place I want to live… Maybe because I have Chinese blood, and that makes me more at ease staying here. One month, I’ve been here. I learned a lot from my new found friends here. I never imagined I would enjoy my stay here. My first out of the country ‘alone’. I felt this weird feeling. I was scared but at the same time, as the plane touches the ground, a part of me is saying “I am finally home”. Below are some pictures that reminds me of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong International Airport

My hotel

My room

My office at Time Square

Bowrington Road. I walk here everyday going to the office.

Red Pepper. All their food here very delicious but very spicy.

Sai Kung. I really love this place a lot.

The Hong Kong Royal Jockey Club. This can be seen in my Hotel Room.

Hong Kong Ferry terminal going to Macau

There are also other places in Hong Kong that I have visited. But these places touches my heart. Anyways, until my next trip.

Ciao!

 

San Juan Batangas

First time that I was able to see that there is still blue water in Luzon. I thought all beach here have brown waters already. It was 3 hours drive from Manila and the scenery were great. Who would have thought that this part of Batangas is still untouched and shall I conclude un-explored. I was amazed with the beach, so blue and the place is so serene. A nice getaway from busy metropolis. I wonder, why didn’t even dream of exploring our own country first before exploring other countries which I always dreamed of.

We have stayed in La Luz Resort, the food were great too. The resort don’t allow to bring food but their PHP900 per head, “sulit”. They have four viands, which consists of pork, chicken, fish, beef. They also have veggies and also dessert. Your 900 is consist of lunch upon arrival, merienda, dinner and breakfast.

Their rooms, they’re all very cozy and nice. I just love their interior, very warm and relaxing. Oh yeah, the toilet, I am very particular with that. But here in this resort, their toilets were very clean. Very well managed though.

Worth visiting this place again.. I will if I can find time again.