Kinabayo Festival 2008

I just came from a 3-day vacation from Dapitan City, which is also known as the Shrine City of the South. Last July 25, 2008, Dapitan celebrated its annual Kinabayo Festival as part of the Feast of Señor Santiago or St. James.

Kinabayo Festival is a colorful celebration re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, mainly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide through the miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has made this annual celebration a popular attraction which brings thousands of tourists to the Dapitan City.

The Festival was highlighted by a street dance and showdown which were participated by 3 teams. Barangay Bagting of Dapitan City bagged the grand prize.

Enjoy my pictures of the Festival Dance showdown held in Jose Rizal Memorial State College last July 25.

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Trip to Laguna

It has been a while since my last post. I was busy for the past months and had difficulty in updating this blog. But I'm back now. :) Earlier, I got a text message from my student because he liked this travel blog. I was encouraged to keep on posting here.

Last week, I went to San Pablo, Laguna to attend a strategic planning session of the Animation Council of the Philippines. It was my second time to be in Laguna. The first time was six years ago when my friend Patrick and I had a joy ride towards Los Baños.

The planning was conducted in Casa San Pablo which is a haven at the heart of San Pablo City, Laguna. I liked the place especially the interior design of the dining area. Sculptures and artworks provided it with interest. There was also a swimming pool for enjoyment. Unfortunately, we had no time to savor the stay as the planning schedule was so tight and we only had to be there for just an overnight.

Before we left San Pablo, we passed by Kusina ni Salud for a sumptuous lunch. It was my first time to try carabeef which was cooked in "gata" (coconut milk). Aside from the delicious food in Kusina ni Salud, I also enjoyed taking pictures of the sculpt works displayed in the restaurant.

For sure, I'm going to be back in Laguna in the future. Hopefully, I will have enough time to visit its beautiful scenery and enjoy what it has to offer. Read more...

New 7 Wonders of the World

Three Philippine spots are currently nominated as "New 7 Wonders of the World". Please vote at http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/.



Chocolate Hills



The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.



The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. It is featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attraction in the province. It is in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destinations in the Philippines; it has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.



Tubbataha Reef



The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 33,200 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serveing as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.



Mayon Volcano



Mayon Volcano is an active volcano in the Philippines on the island of Luzon, in the province of Albay in the Bicol Region. Its almost perfectly-shaped cone is considered by some to be the Philippine equivalent of Mount Fuji in Japan.[citation needed] The volcano is situated 15 kilometres northwest of Legazpi City.



Mayon is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (composite volcano). Its symmetric cone was formed through alternate pyroclastic and lava flows. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years.[citation needed] It is located between the Eurasian and the Philippine Plate, at a convergent plate boundary: where a continental plate meets an oceanic plate, the lighter continental plate overrides the oceanic plate, forcing it down; magma is formed where the rock melts. Like other volcanoes located around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, Mayon is a part of the "Pacific Ring of Fire".







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Hola Zamboanga Cheerdance Competition 2008

Finally, the videos of the Hola Zamboanga 2008 Cheerdance competition is here. The contest is one of the highlights during the Dia de Zamboanga celebration.

1st: Western Mindanao State University
2nd: Pilar College
3rd: Ateneo de Zamboanga University

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Spicy Satti

Satti is a spicy delicacy in Zamboanga City and its neighboring municipalities. Accordingly, this is the Filipino version of the Malaysian Satay. You can easily find this food at carenderias and restaurants in Zamboanga. Read more...

How to Cook Chicken Adobo

This is funny but informative video on how to cook chicken adobo. What makes this fun is that a white guy is is the host and he gives the instructions in Filipino language.

Sarap ng Chicken Abobow...

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Stop Coin Diving

These pictures were taken in Zamboanga Port while I was on board a ship.

If you will be traveling by boat and you see these Badjao divers, please do not throw coins in the ocean. These divers will seek for the coins underwater and they may be endangering their health. If you really want to help them, throw food or money wrapped in plastic or floater. Thanks.







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A Free Trip to Boracay. WOW!

Boracay is in my list of places that I hope to visit this year. I haven't been there, but I know that the island is so great that thousands or millions of tourists visit the place each year. But definitely, visiting the place would mean a slash on my savings. :) While visiting my favorite travel blog "Ivan About Town", I learned that Ivan and SeaAir are giving out round-trip ticket to Boracay by raffle. I thought I must join the contest and wish that I will be rewarded. To read more about the contest visit http://www.ivanhenares.com/2008/02/win-seair-ticket-to-boracay.html.

I know I have been good for a long time. I deserve a good vacation in Boracay. :)

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