I don’t know how to skim board but it was interesting to take photos of those who do it.

Dragon dancers

I’ve frequented Binondo (Manila Chinatown) a lot but I have never been there during the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Today was my first time. I brought some Polish friends to Binondo to let them experience celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year at the oldest Chinatown in the world. Red was the predominant color all around (red for good luck!).

We had some Kutchay (chive) dumplings at Dong Bei and some snacks at the Mezzanine (Fireman’s Cafe). Of course the Chinese New Year isn’t complete without watching the dragon dance and of course bring home some Tikoy (sweet rice cake).

Towards Kublai Millan’s Agong House

I never knew that there is another place in the Philippines aside from provinces in Northern Philippines which have colder temperatures compared to the humid Metro Manila until I have actually stepped foot on it. During the recent Davao Food Appreciation Tour, I was able to feel the cold breeze in Southern Philippines. It is located in Kapatagan Valley, Davao del Sur which is at the foot of Mount Apo which by the way is the highest mountain in the Philippines.

We visited Mount Apo Highland Resort, Kublai Millan’s Agong House and Mount Apo Civet Coffee Farm. Everything was breath-taking especially feeling the cold breeze through my skin. The place is a great for taking landscape photos. 

Man in a Scooter Under a Pine Tree – At Kublai’s Agong House

One of Kublai Millan’s Sculptures

Kublai Millan is a popular sculptor in Mindanao. He has a vast land with different sculptures that he created. You will be truly amazed with this man’s talent.

Davao Food Appreciation Tour Participants looking at Mount Apo. It was my first time to see Mount Apo a bit up close.

Lake Mirror at Mount Apo Highland Resort

Purple Flowers at Mt. Apo Highland Resort

Countryside view from the Mt. Apo Civet Coffee Farm

Civet Cat Shelters at Mt. Apo Civet Coffee Farm

For more photos, please visit my Flickr > Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2012.

Benedicto Cabrera, or more popularly known as Bencab, is one of the Philippines’ National Artist for Visual Arts. When I was recently in Baguio, I did not miss the chance of not visiting his museum.

Aside from his own art works, there were also art works that were created by different Filipino artists. While roaming around the museum, I noticed the beautiful view of mountain ranges at the veranda. Another one that caught my attention was the lady seated on the floor at the veranda and weaving plastic straws.

We had a little chitchat with her while she’s doing her thing. She told us that originated from Mindanao and was selling cigarettes on the street. During her idle moments back in Mindanao, she would weave the plastic straws that she collects from the garbage. Plastic straw weaving was just a hobby and was just doing it for her grandchildren’s school projects. According to her, Bencab saw her on the street weaving and was asked if she wanted to do it on a normal basis. Because of Bencab, she was able to go to different parts of the Philippines just to show her craft and of course accept orders. The reason that she’s in Baguio at that time because there were a couple of orders that needed to be completed.

We were curious cats and kept on asking her questions because we got fascinated with the kind of art work that she does. I remember doing this kind of project when I was young but didn’t really have the patience to do it. According to her, it takes her 3 – 4 weeks to complete an entire banig (sleeping mat).

See the mat below underneath the sculpture? That’s one of her masterpieces! Isn’t it wonderful and colorful?

The very first time I went to Bacolod, I already fell in love with the place. I liked the people, history and most especially their food! I promised to myself that I need to experience the Masskara Festival, one of the world’s best festivals. I am a Masskara virgin so I sought advice from a blogger friend Eric of Byahilo.com for some tips in watching the street dance. 

There were 2 street dances held last weekend, first was the schools category wherein elementary and secondary students showed everybody that they can be at par with the adults. This was held last October 15th, Saturday. Then the next day, the street dances were from the barangay category.

I used my partner’s Canon 500D in shooting these photos rather than my usual point and shoot camera. She decided to use her new Lumix GF2 because of its lightweight. This was now my opportunity to practice shooting using a DSLR. A lot of photographers were there and most of them have the photographer’s pass. By the way, you can avail this by shelling out PHP500. We didn’t get the photographer’s pass anymore because officials were only strict at the beginning of the parade then eventually, I was able to sneak in at the middle of the parade for more action. We were shooting at the area of Lizares and Araneta. This is where the parade begins and it’s not too crowded compared to staying in the Libertad area.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the Masskara street dances. This was my first time to witness this kind of event in my whole life and it was worth it. Actually being there on the streets made me proud to be Filipino. Witnessing Filipino ingenuity come to life is something to be proud of.

You can see my set of photos in my Flickr account here.

Let’s play a game. The bell tower is sinking, group yourselves into 54,827.19.

Haha. Just for laughs.

While we were travelling to Sta. Maria, we passed by coastal area of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Aside from its beautiful view, we can’t help but notice the grotto on top of a rock. This grotto is called Paraiso ni Juan, named after Captain Juan de Salcedo.  The captain’s fleet was shipwrecked in this area. Historians say that he named this place Narvacan because he thought that this was what the locals were saying to him while being rescued.  Apparently, the locals were only asking him “nalbakan” meaning “are you shipwrecked?”. Interesting story indeed on how Narvacan was named. 

Anyway, I wasn’t able to get a photo up close because the van that we were riding is not ours. Glad that I was able to quickly capture it. If you want to see it up close, I suggest reading this blog: http://www.ilocandiatreasures.com/2010/07/paraiso-ni-juan-in-narvacan.html

It’s very seldom that you enjoy a tourist spot with less people. I was just in Vigan last week, the storm has just passed in Ilocos (literally) and not much tourist in sight. I think we’re the only few who went there on vacation. This is when I appreciate a place when it’s not very much crowded.

Since there weren’t many tourists, there were much idle time for the souvenir sellers and calesa drivers in Calle Crisologo. Calle Crisologo is one of the most visited places in Vigan because of its cobbled streets and heritage houses. Most of them were already transformed into souvenir and antique shops.

It was my first time to see Calle Crisologo without much tourists. Most of the people we saw there were locals who were just hanging out.

If you wanna see my Vigan photoset, please visit my Flickr.

The Taoist Temple is one of the must places to visit when in Cebu City. I’ve been here in 2008  but wasn’t able to reach the temple at the top because it was already almost closing time. Nice opportunity to use the miniature effect of my Canon 1000 HS digital camera! I went there last March 2011 at around 1:00 or 2:00 pm and not much of tourists and visitors around. Perfect time to shoot!  

Are you extreme enough to try white water rafting, para sailing and scuba diving? These are some of the things you can do with the packages that Airphil Express offers. For as low as PhP 7,009 (Manila to Davao v.v, minimum of 4 pax)  for 3 days and 2 nights, you and your friends / family can enjoy Davao in an extreme way! Airphil Express made me and other travel bloggers experience one of the packages, the Highland Adventure Package (White Water Rafting in Davao River and Zip Line in Zip City) 3 weeks ago and it was super awesome! The package includes accommodations in Microtel Hotel Davao (which was awesome!). Deadline of this promo is only until June 25, 2011 so go and buy! I’ve added some details below but you can look at the Airphil Express website to know the prices. This is one of the cheapest holidays you can get with a very comfortable hotel and an awesome white water rafting adventure! 

For Travel: May 14 – June 30, 2011

Inclusive of Roundtrip Airfare;
3 Days & 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation (Double Room) at Microtel Hotel- Davao;
Daily Breakfast and Roundtrip Airport Transfers, Fuel Surcharge, Airport Service Fee, Ticket Service Charge & 12% VAT

Just an FYI, Airphil Express was formerly known as Air Philippines and PAL Express and they’re the budget airline of Philippine Airlines. Based on my experience, the landing and take off were very smooth – just as what I expected from a Philippine Airlines trained pilot.

* Compliments to Airphil Express for the all expense paid trip!