Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Kwebang Lampas, Quezon

Puting Buhangin which literally means white sand is located in Barangay Ibabang Polo at the southwestern part of Pagbilao Grande Island in Pagbilao, Quezon. It also called Lukang Beach by some locals named after its owner, Attorney Peter Lukang, a Chinese businessman based in Lucena City. This private beach is available to the public on daytrip visits and is accessible by boat and by land. The cove is also known for its beautiful limestone rock formations that form a unique cave famously known as Kwebang Lampas

Anvaya Cove

“Anvaya” means “family” in the ancient Sanskrit language, a return to meaningful family traditions is at the core of everything at the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club. Here, we offer families with interactive experiences with nature... in both land and water, all geared towards relaxation, recreation, and reflection. The Pools of Anvaya will beguile you with its contemporary Asian design, artfully displayed rocks, and strategically positioned lounge chairs. The water fountains, playful jets and sprays in the kiddie pool area will surely bring squeals of delight from the young ones.

Beauty of CARAMOAN

Very little is known about Caramoan. Isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur, it is no surprise why Philippine's Secret Paradise remains unexploited from commercial tourism. Caramoan gives 'island hopping' a new meaning. Enjoy its beauty in many ways. Great ocean adventures for kayakers, snorkle and scuba dive to experience the diverse marine life, trek and search for the enigmatic lagoon, rock climb the limestone cliffs, explore the caves or just star gaze at night.

Butanding Encounter

Albay's neighboring province to the south, Sorsogon, is host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. These creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for generations and in 1998, the Philippine Department of Tourism declared this area an official sanctuary for the Whale Shark, thus protected this fascinating species. Although Whale Sharks, or "Butanding" as they are locally known, are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. If you are not comfortable swimming in the waters, then it is just as amazing to experience them from the boat. The Butanding swim along side the boat all the time. Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. Some basic snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins and a water vest) are just about you'll need in the water to be able to experience swimming among them. Getting there: Donsol, Sorsogon is approximately 1-hour drive away from Legazpi City. The roads all the way to Donsol are well-paved, scenic and very accessible. There are several Taxis available that make daily routes from Legazpi to Donsol, Sorsogon. What to bring: Although food is available at a number of locations in Donsol, you can bring your own if you want to enjoy a picnic there. If you plan to eat at Donsol, check with the Donsol Tourism Office for accredited eating establishments. Bring plenty of water. You can bring along your snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and water vest) but if you don't have any, these are also available for rental at the Donsol Tourism Office. Bring your swimsuits, towels, camera, some sun screen, sunglasses, a change of clothes, slippers, as well as sealable plastic bags to keep valuables. You can bring your own Life Vest, but these are also available on the boat. Arriving at Donsol, Sorsogon: Once in Donsol, proceed to the Donsol Tourism Office. If you drove in your own vehicle, there is plenty of space to safely park your vehicle there. If you took a public vehicle, make arrangements for your return trip to Legazpi. At the Tourism Office, you will be required to register and attend a brief orientation session prior to heading out to see the Whale Sharks. You will also be required to pay the fee for: Boat Rental and Crew, Registration, and snorkeling equipment rental (if needed). The maximum number of registrants per boat is 7 people. After Registration: After a brief orientation period on the rules and guidelines, you are ready to head out to sea on a 12m (40ft) boat. Your group will be accompanied by a BIO (Butanding Interaction Officer) who will serve as your guide while you're out in the water, one Spotter, on the look-out for the Butanding, and two crew members to man the boat. Out in the Water: While there are no guarantees of being able to see the Whale Sharks, you can count on it that if you are there in the right time and season, it can literally take only a few minutes after leaving shore before you come across the first Butanding! Generally, you do not need to be out in deep waters in order to interact with the Whale Sharks. Your BIO will point them out and educate you on how to spot them, as well as provide additional information you need to know during the experience. The BIO's are quite knowledgeable and friendly, and are willing to answer your questions. When the BIO feels that the situation is ideal, he will instruct the crew on the boat's approach to the whale shark, and take the lead in getting you ready for the experience. Seeing the Butanding for the first time is an extremely exciting experience. It is very important to keep the safety procedures in mind, and always follow the lead and instructions of your BIO.

Memories in Shanghai, China

Shanghai is the largest city by population of the People's Republic of China and the largest city proper by population in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities of the PRC, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010. It is a global city, with influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology, and transport. It is a major financial center and the busiest container port in the world. Located in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China, Shanghai sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River in the middle portion of the Chinese coast. The municipality borders Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces to the west, and is bounded to the east by the East China Sea. For centuries a major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The city was one of several opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the first opium war and the subsequent 1842 Treaty of Nanking which allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement. The city then flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became the undisputed financial hub of the Asia Pacific in the 1930s.However, with the Communist Party takeover of the mainland in 1949, the city's international influence declined. In the 1990s, the economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping resulted in an intense re-development of the city, aiding the return of finance and foreign investment to the city. Shanghai is a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden, as well as the extensive and growing Pudong skyline. It has been described as the "showpiece" of the booming economy of mainland China.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Dinagsa Festival, Sto. Nino Muntinlupa City

Dinagsa Festival Sto. Niño Plaza, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City A celebration in honor of the city’s patron saint Sto. Niño de Muntinlupa highlighted by a streetdancing participated in by representatives from different barangays, schools, youth sectors and groups from other cities in Metro Manila. A variety show will also be held in the evening after the streetdancing.

Bolina, Pangasinan

History of the Municipality There are three versions where the name Bolinao came from. One story claims that the name of the municipality came from the fish species "monamon" but commonly called "Bolinao" by the Tagalogs, Bicolanos and Visayans. A theory also points out that once upon a time "pamulinawen" trees grew luxuriantly along its shore, causing the Ilocano migrants who crossed the Lingayen Gulf to name it phonetically similar to the name of the tree. Legend also relates that during the first days of the Spanish era, a lovely lass nicknamed "Anao" lived at the present site of the town proper. She used to bathe leisurely for hours under the Boli-Bolinao tree where a chieftain's son who lived across the channel first saw her and wooed her. An early marriage ensued but with the condition that the seat of the chieftain's government be moved to the place where Anao lived. There they were to stay rulers, where the name Bolinao, Boli-Bolinao and Anao came about. Some claimed that the chieftain's son was named "Bolido" which means round and robust while the lady was "Malinao" or as clear as the Libsong Spring. The combination of their names created the name Bolinao, which is the name of the town Attractions Enchanted Cave Bolinao Falls St. James The Great Parish Church Cape Bolinao Lighthouse