Category Archives: Thoughts

Puerto Princesa Underground River: The Philippines’ pride

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It’s high time that the Philippines be known as one of the amazing places on Earth where wealth of wonders abound. One of which is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Screen grabbed from www.puerto-undergroundriver.com

Serenity resides at the mouth of the Subterranean River. The picture below brings back memories in 2005.

Photo by Izah Morales

It was one of the most unforgettable trip with my family. We rode a row boat and entered into darkness. The flashlight served as the only light that revealed the awesome stalactites and stalagmites formation inside the cave. Our boatman (whose name I cannot remember) jokingly called himself as Batman because of the numerous bats that lived in the cave.

Photo courtesy of www.new7wonders.com

Photo courtesy of www.new7wonders.com

I recalled him naming the formations as Sharon Stone, the Holy Family, Pechay Baguio and other vegetables which the stalactites resembled. He made the trip a lot more fun with the jokes, which I bet was a script that he tells every visitor of the river.

Here are facts about the Puerto Princesa Underground River (Source: Puerto-undergroundriver.com)

  • 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river-the longest in the world
  • A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower half portion of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influence
  • Inscribed in the UNESCO List of Natural World Heritage Sites

Filipino composer Noel Cabangon joined the campaign and even shared his music during the dinner organized by Travelbook.ph. Here’s a short video clip of his song: Puerto Princesa

The countdown has begun. 15 days, 19 hours, 57 minutes left before voting ends on 11.11.11. Vote now and support the Philippines.

How to vote: 

  • ONLINE
  1. Visit the http://www.new7wonders.com/
  2. Register. One vote per email.
  3. When your registration is successful, click on this link and VOTE: http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/puerto-princesa-underground-river
  4. You will be asked to choose six other sites to vote.
  • MOBILE

          -Text PPUR to 2861 (for all networks). One vote per text. Let’s use our texting powers and help Puerto Princesa win.

Let us all be movers of this nation and help Philippine tourism grow.


Video courtesy of VotePPUR

Trip@dora in the Metro: Entranced by the ‘Sound of Music’

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Photo courtesy of Resorts World Manila

“Doe a deer, a female deer…Ray, a drop of golden sun, Me a name, I call myself, far…a long long way to run…”

“Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes…When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.”

I guess you were singing while reading the lyrics above. Who wouldn’t sing or at least hum with Maria’s melodic music? You don’t need to fly miles away to Austria to relive the 1959 Broadway musical, “Sound of Music”, which was then popularized by Julie Andrews’ film in 1965. Resorts World Manila production brings to Manila one of the most awarded and beloved musicals of all time, “Sound of Music.”

The iPhone/iPad generation may be frowning right now. Search it on the web, listen to the music, or better yet, watch the musical and you’ll understand why it was such a hit—That is, if you love music. Before Glee, there was the Sound of Music. Here’s a scene of Julie Andrews in the film.

When the curtain opened at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, the heavenly voices of the sisters set the mood. I was in awe. Mother Abbess played by Pinky Marquez stood out among the sisters. She was fantastic!

The lead character, Maria, played by Cris Villonco (Joanna Ampil is the main character while Cris is her alternate), showed her energetic vibe matched with her powerful voice.

Pinky Amador (Baroness Elsa Schraeder) and Audie Gemora (Georg von Trapp ) also showed stellar performance. I didn’t know Ms. Amador sings.

Maria and Mother Abbess’ duet of “My Favorite Things” was hair-raising. Goosebumps. I couldn’t help but sing with them in my seat. That’s my favorite song in the musical!

But what excite me the most was when Maria finally went to the home of the von Trapp family and met the seven kids. The kids were wonderful especially the little one, Gretl.

Photo courtesy of Resorts World Manila

Gretl von Trapp

Atasha Muhlach, daughter of Aga and Charlene Muhlach, is also one of the cast as Brigitta but her alternate (forgot the name) played the role last night. Nonetheless, the assertive Brigitta was also notable in the performance.

Photo Courtesy of Resorts World Manila

The musical was not only pleasant to the ears but also, a visual feast. The set design assisted by video animation displayed on LED screen modernized the “Sound of Music.” The view of the mountains, the garden, and the streets of Austria were stunning. One couldn’t help but say, Wow!

The scene closed with the song, “Climb every mountain.” The lyrics said it all:

 Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream, 
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream. 

Curtain Call time. The whole cast directed their hands to their right and left. The curtain opened and revealed the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra who were behind the amazing music. They played it LIVE!

If you love the music and have three hours to spare, then catch the play until December 11, 2011. But sometimes, music can make you fall asleep. Just like Marky Go of Nomadicexperiences.com who slept at the middle part of the play.

“So long farewell, I hate to say goodbye…”

Schedules:

8:00pm- Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

3:00pm & 8:00pm- Saturdays

3:00pm- Sundays

Where to buy tickets: 

How to go to Resorts World: 

  • The Cheaper way via jeepney and tricycle- Fare: Php 16.00 or Php 8.00

     From Edsa MRT, exit towards the left (northbound vehicles). Beside Chowking & Sogo, there’s a terminal of jeepneys going to Nichols. Ride the jeepney & alight at the Barangay Hall across NAIA Terminal 3 and the imposing sculpture in the rotonda.

From the barangay hall (the one painted in light green), you can either walk to Resorts World (around 15-20 minutes) or ride a tricycle. We can’t find a trike last night so we just walked. It’s good for the health, after all. :)



  • The hassle-free but expensive way to go: Take a cab

From Makati, it would cost you around Php 150-200

From Edsa MRT- it would cost you around Php 100 (This is okay if you’re in a group of three or more)

Flag down rate is Php 40.00. The fare depends on the speed of the cab and the traffic that you’re going to meet along the way.

Other Notes: Picture-taking is NOT ALLOWED. All photos here are courtesy of Resorts World Manila except for the ticket photo.

***

Thanks to Possibly Pinay’s Eileen Campos invitation to watch the musical. Also, thanks to Marco of Pinoymanila.com for orienting Trip@dora and Ivan Cultura on how to go to Resorts World Manila the cheaper way possible.

The accidental solo traveler in Bacolod

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We started planning as four and I ended up alone in the airport in October 2010.


The sun was still asleep when I arrived at the Silay City Airport. Though I armed myself with research on my destinations (Bacolod and Silay), I was a bit anxious. Talk about first time jitters. But good thing, I approached the staff at the airport to ask where the vans going to Bacolod City were. (My post on How to go to Bacolod City)

The anxiety turned into excitement when the van left the airport. Most of the passengers came home just in time for the MassKara Festival. It would be my first time as well to witness and document the colorful festival in the City of Smiles. I’ve been wanting to visit this for the longest time. Thankfully, I bought my airfare six months before the festival.

It was just 6 o’clock in the morning when I arrived at Check Inn Pension. I was so early and rooms weren’t available yet. So, the staff advised me to just leave my luggage in their safekeeping. I was hesitant at first, but I can’t bring my heavy backpack around. So, I agreed and gave my trust.

I went out to find something to eat. Only Jollibee was open during that time. (haha. fastfood. I was craving for La Paz Batchoy, which I ate on my second breakfast the following day.)

I returned to Check Inn and got my room earlier than the 2pm check-in time. After resting for an hour, I got up and walked to the Tourism Office of Bacolod City. I got my Photographer’s pass and asked them about directions going to Silay for my next itinerary. They were all surprised and worried when they learned that I was traveling solo. “If you need help, just contact us,” said Sharleen, one of the Tourism officers who gave her number.

From the Tourism Office, I headed to Manokan Country for lunch. Finally, authentic inasal…here I come! Eating alone was not a problem for me.

Next stop was the Negros Museum. Thanks to my very helpful GPS. I found out that it was a bit far. So I rode a multicab and paid 7 pesos.  For 50 pesos, I got a glimpse of Negros Occidental’s history. Too bad, picture taking was not allowed in the second floor where they kept most of the interesting antique pieces. I only got a picture of the art installation in the ground floor.

Next on the itinerary was the provincial capitol, which was a few steps away.  As I was walking, I noticed that they have an eco-park across the capitol. There’s an aviary inside but nothing much to see. So I proceeded and saw the American-inspired architecture of the capitol overlooking the lagoon park. Families flock the area even in the afternoon, where they spend time resting and bonding with their kids.

The first day ended early as rain fell. I would have went out during the night but the ‘dark’ environment in downtown Bacolod (Quiapo-like environment) prevented me to do so. Yes,  I was afraid.

But the following day, fear turned into courage.  It felt liberating to commute alone going to Silay City. The locals were very friendly and assisted me enough for me to get to my destination: Balay Negrense. I didn’t expect that my solo travel would led me to meet new friends. I was not alone after all. (This needs a separate post. Long story.)

Third day in Bacolod City was the MassKara Festival itself. I learned that Karlo and Estan were there as well. I happily captured the smiles of the MassKara dancers along with Karlo and his other photographer friends. It was a tiring yet fulfilling day.

On my last day, I went to buy pasalubongs (e.g. Napoleones and souvenir shirts). I hailed a multicab and told the driver to drop me off at this certain street. I was the only passenger left when the driver realized that we’ve missed the street. Nonetheless, he still returned to the street and I alighted. I was very grateful. If it happened in Manila, the driver would probably tell me to just take another ride. There are still few good people in this world. :)

Napoleones

I didn’t regret taking the chance to pursue my trip even if I was alone.

LESSONS LEARNED:

1. Don’t be afraid. Go out of your comfort zones.

2. Don’t hesitate to ask. The locals will be willing to help you. (In this case, the Negrenses did.)

3. Traveling solo is liberating and teaches independence.

4. Traveling solo allows you to reflect and enjoy your “me-time”.

5. It is you who control your own time. You travel at your own pace.


This is Tripadora’s entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival themed Traveling Solo.

Nina Fuentes of justwandering.org hosts April’s Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival

Cheers to Trip@dora’s 1st year

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March 4, 2010—It’s been a year since I started sharing my travel adventures and misadventures to the world. Tripadora was born out of my love for travel, photography and of course, my country, the Philippines.

Traveling gave me new perspectives in life. As Mohammed puts it, “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.”

Indeed, I learned life’s lessons beyond the walls of a classroom. For others, travel is just for leisure. For me, it’s getting to know the world and its people. Every place has its own story to tell.

Last year, my itchy feet visited the Callao Caves of Penablanca, the Churches of Cagayan, the Sand dunes of Ilocos Norte, the surfing capital of the North La Union, Hot Air Balloon Festival of Clark, the organized city of Davao, the enchanting Samal and Talikud Islands, the underwater treasure of Boracay, the colorful MassKara Festival of Bacolod City, the heritage houses of Silay City, the captivating wonders of Coron, the safari of Calauit Island, and the magical Disneyland in Hong Kong.

This year, my ultimate dream destination came true—I finally set foot on the unspoiled beauty of Batanes. I also conquered Mt. Pinatubo and survived the huge waves in Palaui Island.

And as I write this piece, I’m at the Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte traveling with the Lakbay Norte group for the second time around. I feel so grateful with everything. God is great! :)

Thank you Lord for all the blessings and fruitful travels,  for the dreams that came true, and for the people who later on became my friends. Special thanks to the generous Nina Fuentes of Justwandering.org, who hosts my blog, and to the Lakbay Norte friends (Cha, Ivan, Melo, Estan, Karlo, Ida, Marge, Ella, Rhaine, Ferdz, Mishy) who influenced and ‘infected’ me with the “travel fever.”

To the readers of this blog, thank you for taking time to read, comment, and even email. I hope my travel stories inspire you guys to explore the unexplored and live your lives to the fullest.

Cheers! Happy 1st birthday Tripadora!

As I write this piece by the Blue Lagoon,

Batanes: A dream fulfilled

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I saw.

I heard.

I smelled.

I tasted.

I felt.

I experienced Batanes.

The dream has been fulfilled. South East Asian Airlines made the dream a reality. Joining the contest for the nth time paid off.

Finally, for the third try, I won their Facebook contest dubbed as the Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour.  Indeed, the saying, “Try and try until you succeed” was true.

My blog entry, Fulfilling the Dream, made me climb a Lighthouse, wear a vakul, interact with the Ivatans, taste a coconut crab, hear the whistling wind, smell nature’s breath, feel the warmth and hospitality of the Ivatans, and experience winter in Batanes along with Bless, Gay, James, Leon, Mike, and Joseph.

Winter? Yes you read it right. We have experienced winter in Batanes, which falls from December to February. Though the weather forecast recorded 23 degrees celsius, I felt my bones chilled.

Nonetheless, the welcoming smiles and greetings of the Ivatans whom I met in three days were like layers of jacket, which kept me warm.

Three days were not enough. Some of us even wished that our flight back to Manila be delayed. hahaha. Definitely, I shall return.

Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines, may be an island less traveled. But no matter how far it was from the mainland, Luzon, it was a treasure worth pursuing and protecting.

Adventure awaits those who seek for it. And so, we did find adventure in Batanes. I’ll tell more of that in my next posts.