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. 

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. 

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.

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!