A new leaf has turned for Philippine tourism. The Department of Tourism revealed the most awaited campaign for the Philippines.
“Finally the Philippines has a simple truthful answer to what has always been a simple question,Why should I go to the Philippines?” said DOT secretary Mon Jimenez.
“When you are asked, why the Philippines? Because, it’s more fun in the Philippines,” said Jimenez. The secretary then showed the new logo to the media.
Jimenez furthered that the new tourism campaign will be more competitive. It’s a campaign designed for the people.
“We have to challenge for attention. Tapos na po ang adjective campaigns [We're done with the adjective campaigns],” said Jimenez referring to campaigns that use adjectives such as amazing and incredible.
“It’s the Filipino people that make all the difference. The people are the differentiating factor. The Philippines is not just about beautiful sights. Tayo ang unique,” added Jimenez.
The tourism secretary also announced that starting 2012, there will be no 21-day visa restriction.
”Starting this 2012, no more 21-day visas. If our competition offers 30-day visas, that’s what we’ll offer. We’ll give visa on arrival,” said Jimenez.
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
Lingayen, Pangasinan was my first destination where I first saw this huge specie of fish Arapaima and heard about the Chinese pirate Limahong.
The last week of January was very fortunate. I became part of the Lakbay Norte for the second time around. We went up to the province of Benguet, where I met National Artist Ben Cab at his extraordinary museum in Baguio City.
After Baguio, we proceeded to Pugo, La Union, where I zipped happily up to the point of getting stranded just to get a good zipline photo.
From La Union, we went all the way to Capas, Tarlac, where we spent the night for the early climb to Mt. Pinatubo. This was the most memorable travel in January. It felt great to reach the crater of this historic active volcano. From being destructive, it has built a reputation as one of the must-see destinations in the Philippines. It claimed lives before. Now, it’s giving livelihood to the locals. I haven’t blogged it here yet.
FEBRUARY
February made me believe that dreams do come true. My dream to experience Batanes was finally fulfilled. I got the chance to get inside a lighthouse, jump in front of a lighthouse, watch the sunset at Naidi Hills, drink water from the Fountain of Youth, be blown away by the winds at Racuh-A-Payaman, meditate at Chamantad Viewpoint, wear a vakul, do cartwheels infront of Nakabuang Arc, meet inspiring Ivatans, earn great friends, and most especially, discovered “something” that made a mark in my life today.
Thank you Lord! Thank you to those who supported me to win the blogging contest of SEAIR (which I joined for the 3rd time). I’ve written a total of 7 blogs about Batanes. Yet, I have so much more to tell, which you’ll read in 2012.
MARCH
The 2nd leg of the Lakbay Norte was even more exciting. What could be more thrilling than going against 6-foot high raging waves just to set foot on the elusive Palaui Island.
In Tuguegarao, we feasted on the sumptuous pancit batil patong. We left Cagayan Valley with good memories. Cagayan Valley has the most hospitable Filipinos that you’ll ever meet.
Ilocos Norte made me see the natural wonders of Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, the gushing waters of Anuplig Falls, and the La Paz Sand Dunes. It was my second time to experience sandboarding and the 4×4 ride. Nonetheless, there’s always something new to discover.
APRIL
From Luzon, we flew to Leyte, Visayas. It’s in Leyte where MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return to the Philippines. From Tacloban, we endured a three-hour ride to Bato, Southern Leyte, the hometown of my Mama. It’s my first time in Eastern Visayas together with my family, cousins, aunt, and lola. We went swimming in Canigao Island, caving in Hindang, roadtripping in Maasin and Padre Burgos, zipping in Sogod, and plunging in Gunhuban Falls.
MAY
May was supposed to be a summer month but climate change ruined our trip to Bais City, Negros Oriental. The dolphin-watching turned out to be a bird-watching activity at Manjuyod Sandbar. The rains continued to pour in Dumaguete City. Nonetheless, the popular Sansrival and the search for Casaroro Falls in Valencia made my trip worthwhile.
JUNE-JULY
In between typhoons (last days of June and first few days of July), my friends and I traveled to the Bicol Region, home of the pili nuts, for the first time. Camsur welcomed us with open arms, up to the point of getting stretched literally and figuratively at the Camsur Watersports Complex, where we tried wakeboarding.
From the physically tiring wakeboarding, we woke up earlier than the rooster to proceed to Caramoan, home of several beautiful islands. Her majesty, the perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano showed up as we journeyed from Sabang to Guijalo Port. But, the highlight of trip was our impulsive rock-climbing at Matukad Island. It was a successful DIY trip since we traveled on a budget.
AUGUST
Travel Hiatus. We were supposed to go to El Nido, Palawan but schedule won’t permit us. From 4 confirmed buddies, we were down to two so we just decided to postpone the trip for next year. And yes, we have our tickets.Hopefully, in June, I shall see you El Nido!
SEPTEMBER
Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental–I wouldn’t have visited this place if not for an assignment. Most divers both local and international visit Galera for its rich marine life. Puerto Galera gave me a not-so-good experience. It was somehow traumatic to be stranded in the island in the middle of the typhoon. It also meant being away from the loved ones. I almost didn’t make it to my flight to Vietnam. God was so great that my flight was at 11pm of Wednesday. I was only able to return home at around 8 in the morning. I don’t know if I’ll ever return to Galera.
Who could resist buying a seat sale if it would only cost you Php 1,800 roundtrip to go to Vietnam? Of course, the travelholic in me won’t let that opportunity pass. It was in September when my folks and I left a rainy Philippines. We thought we had eluded typhoon Pedring only to find out later in the days of our trip that the typhoon went to Hanoi, Vietnam. Thank God, we were in the south of Vietnam.
We explored on foot the motorcycle-crazy Saigon and immersed in the life in the Mekong Delta.
OCTOBER
Travel Hiatus. Time to take a break and of course, gather funds.
NOVEMBER
My birthday week adventure in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Misamis Oriental was epic. Imagine, 10 hours of land travel covering 378 kilometers from Bislig to Cagayan de Oro. Hinatuan Enchanted River and Tinuy-An Falls were worth the long journey. My travel buddy J and I were fortunate to have a friend like Alfie, who welcomed us in her home in Cagayan de Oro. We’re so grateful that we also went on a roadtrip from Cagayan de Oro to Dahilayan, Bukidnon. This trip completed my goal of traveling yearly to LUZVIMIN.
DECEMBER
Travel Hiatus. Time to write and reflect. It’s also the month of giving back to the community which we did last December 17 at a remote village up in Mt. Makiling.
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).
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.
Hiking on uneven terrain and crossing a wooden bridge are considered to be leisure activities for outdoor enthusiasts. But what if these activities are part of your daily life?
In a village tucked in the forest of Mt. Makiling, the children hike everyday on their way to school in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Los Banos, Laguna. Some are lucky to have good slippers but others don’t.
With the rough terrain that they have, slippers can easily wear out. And when it rains, one can easily slip on the muddy soil. Wearing boots during the rainy days can be a great help to these kids. This was what we learned from Mrs. Treasure Millera, one of the four teachers in the elementary school, during our ocular visit for our Christmas outreach.
“Natutuwa naman ako dahil napili nyo itong barangay namin. Marami na rin namang pumupunta dito at tumutulong simula nung sinalanta kami ng Milenyo (I’m very happy that you chose our village for your outreach activity. Many people have been visiting us and extending a hand since Typhoon Milenyo in 2006),” said Brgy. Councilor Ronnie Javier.
“Pero karamihan ng mga pumupunta dito, lagi nalang sa mga bata, wala bang para sa mga matatanda? (But most of the time, people only hold outreach for the kids. I hope there’s also an outreach for us adults.),” He jokingly asked.
“Pwede naman din po kayong sumali sa games (You can also join the games),” I answered.
If you want to share your blessings, then you can either donate in cash (through Paypal. See donate button bellow) or in kind (toys, slippers, boots for the rain). For donations in kind, kindly email author for details: hello [at] tripadora [dot] com.
Barangay Profile:
Population: 146 families
Livelihood: Agriculture (Copra, Bananas)
1 Elementary school for Purok 1-3 / 4 teachers (Only 1 of the 4 lives in the same barangay. The others live far from the school)
School Children (age 7-12): 72
No clinic in the barangay
No electricity
3 sari-sari stores
Lacks good roads
Bridge is made of bamboo. Old bridge was destroyed during the typhoon in 2006. It was not repaired since then.
Mode of travel: On foot from brgy. Kabulusan/ Ride a small horse (locals use small horses to carry their crops)
These were the information that we got during our meeting with the teacher and the official of the village. My friends and I planned to hold our outreach activity this coming December 15 (tentative date) in this remote village.
We’re not an organization but just a group of friends who wanted to give back to the community through this activity. This is our way of saying “Thank you Lord for all the blessings that you have showered us.”
You don’t need to be extremely rich just to extend a hand to the needy. You can make a difference and make kids happy this Christmas season.
Travel Notes:
How to get to Bagong Silang:
1. From the public market of Bay, Laguna, ride a jeepney with the route of Bitin. Fare is Php 20.00
2. Alight at Brgy. Kabulusan. You know you’re there when you see the Geothermal Powerplant sign. / Travel time from market to Kabulusan: 30 minutes.
3. Hike for about 35 minutes on rough road. Don’t forget to breathe fresh air from the mountain.
Here are other photos of Brgy. Bagong Silang:
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Special Thanks to Ms. Darlene Pagaduan for the assistance and for Kuya Jonas Llamas for being our guide in going to Brgy. Bagong Silang.
Candies were handed out to the pre-schoolers. They were so disciplined that they lined up in receiving their gifts.
