Summer is just around the corner. And the best way to beat the heat is to take a shower. Why not take a natural shower under the majestic waterfalls of Tinuy-An? It claimed to be the widest waterfalls in the Philippines with a width of 95 meters.
Tinuy-An Falls can be found in Brgy. Burboanan, Bislig, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines.
Trip@dora supports the campaign of the Department of Tourism: “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”
The Bakhawan Ecopark, a multi-awarded reforestation project in Kalibo, Aklan, is a living proof that the residents, the local government, and the private sector can work hand in hand for eco-tourism.
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Disclaimer: Video produced by Inquirer.net, where the author of this post once worked. The author was also involved in the report and production of this video taken in 2009.
December 31, 2011. The last day of the year brought me to memory lane. Reminiscing my travels this year made me realize how blessed I am. I thank God for letting me experience bold and daring adventures which made me learned lessons worth remembering.
Here’s a summary of my travelholic year: 14 Flights. 6,085 miles. 16 provinces. 1 international destination. Yes, I love numbers except when you add mathematical signs (“,).
Let’s take a look at how the year went:
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
AUGUST
OCTOBER
2011 has been a year of growth. It has taught me to take risks, to deal with the uncertainties, and to face the challenges. All of these made me stronger, braver, bolder–better. Thank you Lord for all the lessons that you made me learn. Thank you Lord for the people who became part of my 2011. Thank you Lord for all the blessings and for more blessings to come.
Farewell 2011! It was a roller coaster year! I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Happiness multiplies when it is divided. This adage proved to be true. Adjectives wouldn’t sufficed to describe what we felt during our Christmas Outreach in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Los Banos, Laguna last December 19.
The rains that soaked the Philippines in the past days worried us. And so we prayed. Gray clouds enveloped the sky as we were driving towards Los Banos. Mt. Makiling was hidden from sight. But God heard our prayers.
When we arrived in Bay, Laguna, the sun’s rays peeked through the clouds. Light started to illuminate the sky. The van stopped at Brgy. Kabulusan, the starting point of our hike going to the remote barangay up in the mountain.
The barangay council of Bagong Silang assisted us in carrying our goodie bags. They brought a white horse which would help us with our things. At first, I pitied the horse but his master assured me that the horse can manage to bring our things.
And so, off we go to the village, walking along the narrow, rocky, and unpaved trail. Thank God! Everyone safely arrived at Purok Uno of Brgy. Bagong Silang.
When we arrived at the Bagong Silang Elementary School, we saw early birds in the school. They were excited. After coordinating the program with their teachers, we began the party. A total of 92 kids registered. We were only expecting 72 but the pre-schoolers joined the fun.
Each class showed their talents in singing Christmas Carols. After which, we facilitated the game, Pinoy Henyo. The parents and the teachers also joined the game that made the students laugh their hearts out.
The kids actively participated in the game, Longest Line. The boys won but the girls didn’t end up empty-handed. Everyone who participated had gifts.
We then distributed the goodie bags containing rubber slip-ons, first aid kit, two notebooks, and a pen.
Candies were handed out to the pre-schoolers. They were so disciplined that they lined up in receiving their gifts.
Of course, the most-awaited part of the party–eating–followed. We prepared spaghetti, hotdogs, puto and juice for them. Special thanks to Tita Luz Enriquez, Dyan’s mom, who cooked the spaghetti sauce and baked a bunch of puto for the kids. The spaghetti noodles and hotdogs were cooked on site. Thanks to the locals of Bagong Silang who assisted Liz, Angge, Janet and J in preparing the spaghetti and the hotdogs.
We were relieved that we fed all of the guests even if we prepared for only 72. Some of the kids loved the spaghetti that they returned for another serving.
Our success won’t be possible without the help of generous souls who contributed in kind (Our parents and our relatives who supported this activity) and in cash (donors who wanted to be anonymous) via paypal.
We’re glad to share that after buying the goodies, food, and paying for the transportation, something was still left in the budget. We decided that we donate the remaining fund to the survivors of Typhoon Sendong (Typhoon Washi).
We chose the Philippine Red Cross and the One for Iligan movement of the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. Here are the screenshots:
Words were not enough to describe how grateful we were. The smiles and their “thank yous” were priceless. Mission accomplished! It really felt great to share the blessings that we received. Indeed, it’s better to give than to receive. That is the true spirit of Christmas!
Merry Christmas everyone! May we all live up to the real meaning of the season. 
If Jose Rizal were alive today, he might have spent a weekend getaway in Royale Garden Spa, a newly opened haven of wellness in his dear hometown Calamba City.
Just an hour and a half drive from Manila, weekenders would find serenity in this spa’s secluded location in Brgy. Real, the first village after the South Luzon Expressway exit.
The Asian vibe would greet visitors with the lotus fountain, which might remind them of Macau’s Golden Lotus Square, and the five Thai statues pouring water from the jars. The five Thai statues symbolized the five owners of the business.
Former Laguna Governor Ningning Lazaro and Calamba City Mayor Joaquin Chipeco graced the opening. San Vicente Ferrer parish priest Jun Olaso led the blessing of the spa.
The guests were treated to an organic buffet and shabu-shabu after the blessing.
Since there were so many guests, I skipped the spa experience for another day.
Here’s a photo slideshow of the spa.