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!

It was only about 6 years ago when the Davao Wild Water Adventure started. This is quite young compared to the much established white rater rafting in Cagayan De Oro. I still can’t compare the two because I haven’t been to CDO yet. I’m set to go next year, will let you know how it goes .

The white water rafting adventure begins in Tamugan and ends in Purok 8. This lasts in about 3 – 4 hours. It was drizzling when we had our white water rafting adventure. Drizzling rains are ok but not during typhoons. There are still remaining holidays 2011 so go ahead and book your next white water rafting adventure?

To read my entire experience about this, please visit my other travel blog, Pinoytravelr.com/blog.

By the way, this adventure was sponsored by Airphil Express. Many thanks!

The Tribu K’ Mindanawan dancers in Davao, I think, is the best fire dance performance I’ve ever seen in my life. According to fellow blogger Vanjohnn, and I agree to this, the dancers emphasized the play of fire rather than the provocative movements of the female (and male) dancers. The whole cultural village was dimmed and you can only see the movement of fire.

I will be writing the whole details in my other travel blog, Pinoytravelr.com/blog. By the way, this visit to Tribu K’ Mindanawan Cultural Village was sponsored by Airphil Express. Compliments to them.

Sunsets give you a feeling of melancholy but at the same time gives you a peace of mind. Whenever I am feeling sad and stressed from work, I look at this photo and try to remember the exact feeling of when I actually saw it in person. I was just there last March with mom. The whole experience was very short but I knew the memory of it will last a long time. Panglao, Bohol is one place where one should visit.

February 19 was the date when Portugal and United Kingdom showcased their Pyromusical talents at the SM Mall of Asia. Thanks to Melo, I was able to snag media passes to take some photos. It’s unfortunate that the PR person for SM was very late, therefore, we didn’t have the chance to get a very good location (without any distraction from the trees, poles, etc). Anyway, it’s no biggie. What’s important is that it wasn’t raining!

In my opinion, this event is bigger than the 1st one.

The night was perfect, no rain. People were excited to see the sky flash with beautiful fireworks accompanied with music. First one to perform was Portugal. They used Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses”, which has been commonly used in previous Pyromusicals or even Pyrolympics (take note, Pyromusical Competition is different from the Pyrolympics). The first few minutes of firework presentation were ok, they were able to wow the audience with their finale.

After a few intermissions, United Kingdom performed. From the beginning, UK ‘s performance wowed the audience. Before the show began, we were having jokes on who will be playing Katy Perry’s song “Firework”. It was the song of the evening and then suddenly it was part of UK’s performance.

* by the way, all the photos here were from United Kingdom’s performance.

Here’s the schedule for the upcoming Pyromusicals. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance and go to the venue early to get a good spot. If you plan not to get the tickets with dinner, bring your own stools or mats where you can sit comfortably. Of course, expect heavy traffic and difficulty in getting a cab so better wear your most comfortable shoes!

Feb. 26
China, 7pm
France, 8pm

Mar. 5
Japan, 7pm
Canada, 8pm

Mar. 12
Australia, 7pm
Philippines, 8pm

Ticket prices are as follows:
VIP (w/ dinner) P1,500
VIP P500
GOLD P200
SILVER P100

You may get your tickets via:

SM Tickets
Tel. No.: 470-2222

TicketNet
Tel. No.: 911-5555

TicketWorld
Tel. No.: 891-9999

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