tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211274962024-03-14T00:57:40.700+08:00The World According to MelchizedikThe World According to Melchizedik is a travel blog. I make journals of places I have visited and some relevant information on the world I travel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.comBlogger1341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-61939344634971971252015-09-24T12:32:00.002+08:002017-08-09T11:23:18.971+08:00Laksa Good<div style="text-align: justify;">
My first taste of the Singaporean laksa was at <a href="http://www.birdpark.com.sg/" target="_blank">Jurong Bird Park</a>. When we came in it was about lunch time so we went directly to the Hawk Cafe.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkggsgrPh7w/VgN3VhCf9nI/AAAAAAAALhQ/tFfSkfpggqY/s1600/10533852_10152220707347393_1978735073388085315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkggsgrPh7w/VgN3VhCf9nI/AAAAAAAALhQ/tFfSkfpggqY/s400/10533852_10152220707347393_1978735073388085315_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was intrigued by the laksa on the menu so I ordered one. Good choice! Leni, our host and guide, made a thumbs up sign.</div>
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<a href="http://rasamalaysia.com/laksa/" target="_blank">Laksa</a> is a spicy noodle soup popular in Malaysia and Singapore and its origin can be traced back to the Chinese and Malays combining noodles and Asian spices. It has two varieties, the coconut milk-based and the tamarind-based. I usually go for the coconut-based varieties.</div>
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Since my first spoonful, laksa became my favorite Singaporean dish so that wherever I went during my Singapore trip, I would order one to see if there was one peculiar flavor for each restaurant.</div>
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Now that my Singapore trip has become a memory, my craving for laksa has become more of a want rather than a need.</div>
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I ordered a large bowl of that soup at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298460-d969838-Reviews-Spice_Fusion-Cebu_City_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html" target="_blank">Spice Fusion</a> in SM City Cebu because they do not have individual servings. Despite its watery blandness I devoured the whole bowl.</div>
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My foodie friends told me to buy the best instant laksa in the market today- the <a href="http://www.primataste.com.sg/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Prima Taste Singapore</a> <a href="http://www.primataste.com.sg/products-detail.aspx?CID=108" target="_blank">Laksa La Mian</a>. Indeed, their laksa is very near to the fresh laksa I have tasted in Singapore. The distinctive smell of the paste would bring me to outdoor restaurants in the streets of Singapore. The fusion of chili, dried shrimps, curry and other Asian spices kicking me in every dollop of this creamy soup. Incidentally, <i>lamian</i> in the Visayan language means delicious!</div>
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<table align="justify" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TknU1vr37P4/VgNq7Mu2G-I/AAAAAAAALhA/yeERIlIUQNg/s1600/DSC_0128A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TknU1vr37P4/VgNq7Mu2G-I/AAAAAAAALhA/yeERIlIUQNg/s400/DSC_0128A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Singapore Laksa La Mian I prepared</td></tr>
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Another friend, Moni gave me Teh Tarik (milk tea) from Malaysia. Now that is a good complement to my laksa.</div>
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<b>You can now call me Captain Hook.</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-30658604736401313412015-09-07T17:11:00.002+08:002015-09-07T17:14:58.030+08:00Disturbing Siquijor<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve been to this mystical island for the nth time and every time I come here, something amazing happens to me. </div>
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When friends started planning for the visit, they told me to go with them, acting as their tour guide.</div>
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They had booked our stay in Salagdoong Beach without me knowing. They were sure of themselves on what to do, where to go. Of course, I will be the tour guide since they have laid out plans and didn’t know the way.</div>
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Okay. So be it.</div>
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We started late from Cebu. When you take a land trip to Dumaguete, the starting point for Siquijor island, you should consider the traveling time that usually takes almost four hours + ferry boat transfers. But there are princesses that need grand preparations and wanted grand entrances. In short, we were still in Cebu two hours late of our agreed time of travel and we sure were running very late.</div>
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We arrived in Dumaguete City almost ten in the evening with no hotel reservations and no dinner and someone was pissing us off because she was heartbroken and crying since we left from Cebu and like we should all be concerned with issues between her and her love of a lifetime. In short, tempers were as thin as our egos.</div>
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The night was a disaster.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DL1M_oWc6gg/Ve1TWC64mXI/AAAAAAAAKaw/6D0LGYJBNsI/s1600/WP_20150411_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DL1M_oWc6gg/Ve1TWC64mXI/AAAAAAAAKaw/6D0LGYJBNsI/s400/WP_20150411_007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy days are here to stay?</td></tr>
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The next morning, everyone was late again. The gloomy morning did not only brought rains but also bad tempers.</div>
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Jinx must have followed us everywhere because we were greeted by long lines at the Dumaguete port. It was a Saturday, people came in droves, and some shipping company cancelled its trip for the day for religious reasons.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long lines greeted us at Dumaguete port</td></tr>
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When we arrived in Larena port, we waited for multicabs that seemed not available because we were there. So we opted for a tricycle that we found outside of the port premises because my friends wanted cheaper transportation without considering the distance between Larena and Maria where Salagdoong is located. The tricycle heaved its way to Salagdoong beach overloaded with tired, nasty, broken-hearted, irritating and irritated passengers.</div>
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The view at Salagdoong was extremely spectacular. Men and women guests were interestingly in different stages of undress. The sea was calm and blue. The wind blowing constantly.</div>
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We could not be accommodated at our reserved room because we were too many and they were full. We have to climb to Hotel Agripino so we can have rooms to stay.</div>
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We have to rest to extinguish the bad vibes we brought in with us.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnwqwFzrmN0/Ve1Sl0glJ1I/AAAAAAAAKag/rAxl4H07GJc/s1600/WP_20150411_060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnwqwFzrmN0/Ve1Sl0glJ1I/AAAAAAAAKag/rAxl4H07GJc/s400/WP_20150411_060.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salagdoong was calm. Not like us.</td></tr>
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We each went our ways to discover what Salagdoong could offer to the tired soul. The men drowned several Red Horses to forget the day. The women and halfs, sensing indifference amongst them, had their cliques huddled together ignoring past friendships.</div>
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We were appeased the next morning by the presence of a male macaque that the hotel staff claimed, had not visited the hotel for so many years. This is not a good sign, the staff woefully informed us. He further told us that this alpha male caused the destruction of their WiFi and cable TV connections, several of their aircon units and even attacked some guests. Surprisingly, the alpha monkey stayed, hopping between our terraces and the women’s, eyeing at our closed glass doors as if wanting to decipher us individually. He might have sensed we have done more damages than himself, so he went out silently unnoticed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGGfgPiokUs/Ve1S6pEYMzI/AAAAAAAAKao/5ROPIFUHdAU/s1600/WP_20150412_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGGfgPiokUs/Ve1S6pEYMzI/AAAAAAAAKao/5ROPIFUHdAU/s320/WP_20150412_007.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naughty monkey</td></tr>
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We checked out tired from Salagdoong and purchased an expensive ticket for a fastcraft so we could get home fast. Like the macaque, we silently went our separate ways.</div>
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A group travel is not always an assurance that you could have an enjoyable experience.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Lessons learned</span><span style="color: #f1c232;"> from this travel:</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="color: #f1c232;">If you travel by group, </span><b><i><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">always inform everyone</span></i></b><span style="color: #f1c232;"> joining of the plans and itineraries involving the journey.</span></li>
<li><i><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Know the schedules</span></b></i><span style="color: #f1c232;"> of your bus, boats, ferries, fastcrafts, etc. and the </span><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b><i>locations of your hotel</i></b> </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">and resort before embarking on a journey.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;">Always confer with your hotel if they can accommodate extra persons especially if extra means three more persons. </span></li>
<li><i><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Be sensitive</span></b></i><span style="color: #f1c232;"> to the group. If you do not want to join the trip at the last minute, DON’T! Do not expect the group to sympathize with your whining and tantrums.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;">Bamboos don’t break because they bend with the wind.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;">The next time your group goes on an adventure trip without them informing you- it’s obvious. </span><b><i><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">You are the problem.</span></i></b></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-90814913227869525202015-09-05T12:25:00.002+08:002015-09-05T12:29:36.653+08:00Designing from Experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was commissioned to design a box for a local chocolate company with specifics including it should appeal to the international and local AB market.</div>
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And, of course, there’s the product I should try. Yes, some companies do let you taste their products so you can have the feel, the inspiration to do whatever they wanted you to do for their packaging. <b>For free!</b> While munching on their chocolate, my mind wandered around- time traveling- 34 years way back. </div>
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When I was younger, I used to spend my school breaks in a forested area way out of <i>civilization</i> in Batuan, Bohol. The place was called <i><b>Tanod</b></i>, literally, to watch, maybe because you go there to watch over your plants, ala plantation style. This was where my grandparents of my mother’s side lived, their old age no longer allowed them to go back and forth from their original house to watch their <i><a href="http://www.odi.org/publications/752-kaingin-philippines-end-forest" target="_blank">kaingin</a></i>, so they made a house there. The total population? Except for the macaques that were abundant at that time, there were only four adults living in two houses there. Four old adults.</div>
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At eight, I never felt out of place in Tanod.</div>
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I became one with the cliffs, one of the sources of inspiration. I would go there to look for fossils. I used to hang from one of the sharp promontories that protruded from the steep cliffs. I would imagine <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/leonardo-da-vinci-40396#related-video-gallery" target="_blank">Da Vinci</a> or <a href="http://wright.nasa.gov/wilbur.htm" target="_blank">Wilbur Wright</a> and their visions of flying while hanging from the promontory; but felt extremely afraid I would fall off to death. I also imagine dying and death there in Tanod.</div>
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The trees were also my friends. In fair weather or on rainy afternoons, I have a special nook in one of the biggest trees where I seek shelter by the lush foliage. No one can find me there. Amazingly, the trees were abundant in the area despite some patches of kaingin. The old folks were slashing and burning for rootcrops and corn, their main staple. Might also be the reason why the macaques, not native to the area, would do occasional raids for food. The old folks would fought back by putting up dangerous traps or shooting them macaques with slingshots. In retaliation, the wise macaques would come up to their houses and made their abode like a tornado just happened inside them. A vicious circle almost always never ending. </div>
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This might be why the macaques would bully small children who came in their way, running after them until they were in some safe place. Can you imagine? I was the only kid in that place.</div>
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Why am I telling you these?</div>
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Because during those times, having a piece of chocolate bar or a hot cup of chocolate means you have an American friend or one of your relatives is in America. In short- you are <i><b>rich</b></i>, because you only have chocolates imported from <b><i><a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/editorials/article/America-is-still-a-land-of-abundance-4057689.php" target="_blank">America</a></i></b>.</div>
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But not for me. Or us.</div>
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My grandparents had a considerable number of <a href="http://foodfacts.mercola.com/cacao.html" target="_blank">cacao</a> and <a href="http://www.ncausa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=67" target="_blank">coffee</a> trees around Tanod. During harvests, my <i>taga lungsod</i> eyes (a derogatory term for the much more <i>civilized</i> people from the town center) would pop out due to the war of reds, yellows, oranges and greens everywhere I turned.</div>
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<i>Tatay </i>Pastor, my <i>lolo</i>, would then ask me to suck and eat all the meaty parts of the cacao pods and coffee beans. This has a double purpose even if nowadays, sucking cacao seeds is discouraged because it would cause bacteria to thrive in the seeds, hence, affecting the quality and taste of chocolate. But it did not matter back then.</div>
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For one- the nutritious seed coating (called <i><a href="https://raw-pleasure.com.au/rawshop/product/362-cacao-beans-with-testa-raw-organic-vegan-1-kg" target="_blank">testa</a></i>) is good for children to eat, a better alternative to candies.</div>
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Secondly, out of poverty, sucking on the seeds would give temporary relief of hunger pangs and parents would not worry about the need to buy food.</div>
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But while the rich had their imported chocolate, ours came fresh and direct from source.</div>
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After roasting, the browned cocoa beans would then be crushed using a big shell called <i><a href="http://www.seashellsupply.com/large-indian-melo-volute-seashell-5-6-voluta-melo/" target="_blank">melo-melo</a></i> (Indian Volute). During grinding, my lolo would put muscovado in some portions and feed them to me.</div>
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No kid at that time exactly knew how it felt to be intoxicated. But at eight, I already knew. I would glow after several doleouts, my head felt like swimming in an unbeknownst stupor. The sugar-infused fresh chocolate and the hot choco would knock me sweetly down and woke me up famished.</div>
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I haven’t been to Tanod anymore. I haven’t been to that place since 1981. All the four people who loved me there gone. The place abandoned. I heard the place is now thick with trees and shrubs and already, the macaques taking hold like heirs of my grandparents. </div>
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I want to go back to see if the cacaos and coffee trees are still there, my hauntings are still there.</div>
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So while I am thinking of how should I make this chocolate box appetizing to the international market, my mind wandered off and I became sentimental. Nostalgic. I cried remembering the people and the place.</div>
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This is the only product packaging that had me crying. I should bill them more.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-4vNxcBKoU/VepstycKoSI/AAAAAAAAKX4/ir1-81zxAzM/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-4vNxcBKoU/VepstycKoSI/AAAAAAAAKX4/ir1-81zxAzM/s400/DSC_0217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first study for Mint, Coconut, Chili, Dark and Coffee chocolate boxes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0by1YhrTNA/VepswY_fOzI/AAAAAAAAKYA/Rk04hh25UuE/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0by1YhrTNA/VepswY_fOzI/AAAAAAAAKYA/Rk04hh25UuE/s400/DSC_0226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second study for Mint, Coconut, Chili, Dark and Coffee chocolate boxes</td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Can you guess which of the two studies was approved by my client?</span></i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-56592942698699144432015-07-23T10:00:00.000+08:002015-07-23T10:01:49.118+08:00Sandugo Trade Expo 2015 opens with a bang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DTI 7 director Caberte introducing the Keynote Speaker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32sM1TaYHdA/VbBEl2zqqLI/AAAAAAAAJIY/BLncJfq7w3E/s1600/DSC_0713A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32sM1TaYHdA/VbBEl2zqqLI/AAAAAAAAJIY/BLncJfq7w3E/s400/DSC_0713A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayor John Geesnell Yap welcoming the people to the Sandugo Trade Expo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbZIm3xz2Lc/VbBFFriLzGI/AAAAAAAAJIg/CovBx6Lba4w/s1600/DSC_0717A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbZIm3xz2Lc/VbBFFriLzGI/AAAAAAAAJIg/CovBx6Lba4w/s400/DSC_0717A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gov. Ed Chatto with his inspiring message, my ideal speaker</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nM_fs87a-ns/VbBFWt30kRI/AAAAAAAAJIo/OuK1q3btzPA/s1600/DSC_0724A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nM_fs87a-ns/VbBFWt30kRI/AAAAAAAAJIo/OuK1q3btzPA/s400/DSC_0724A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DTI Usec Zenaida Maglaya praising Bohol for its expanding trade expo</td></tr>
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The Sandugo Trade Expo opened yesterday, July 22 at the ICM with the presence of Usec Zenaida Maglaya of DTI, DTI Regional director Aster Caberte and Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddel along with other regional directors, local officials, buyers and exhibitors from Regions 6, 7, 8 and the Caraga region.</div>
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The Trade Expo, now on its 10th year with the leadership of Ms. Nannette Arbon, DTI-Bohol's provincial director, showcased an eclectic mix of furnishings, fixtures, wearables, food and other novelty items.</div>
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With the theme- Fun. Fabulous. Finds.- the show is an excellent venue for our SMEs to brag their products.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBing8aCihE/VbBHKpgiMOI/AAAAAAAAJI0/LeavEUMkK04/s1600/DSC_0739A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBing8aCihE/VbBHKpgiMOI/AAAAAAAAJI0/LeavEUMkK04/s400/DSC_0739A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited for Bohol for the launching of BHLi2i!</td></tr>
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Also launch during the opening is Bohol Ideas Innovation Challenge (BHLi2i) where FabLab and students are given their chance to showcase their inventions.</div>
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Visit the trade expo until July 26.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImAka8d6Atg/VbBHrwLJxtI/AAAAAAAAJI8/AAJNFDguNtI/s1600/DSC_0760A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImAka8d6Atg/VbBHrwLJxtI/AAAAAAAAJI8/AAJNFDguNtI/s400/DSC_0760A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Ambassador Tweddel visiting the booths at the Bohol Trade Expo</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-19571331212430622262015-07-22T10:31:00.001+08:002015-07-22T10:37:21.819+08:00Come to Bohol for the 2015 Sandugo Festival!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVSjlwiL_Tg/Va7-HUtuOmI/AAAAAAAAJHA/hAB2HeKSDn8/s1600/hnu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVSjlwiL_Tg/Va7-HUtuOmI/AAAAAAAAJHA/hAB2HeKSDn8/s400/hnu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's winner of the Sandugo Street Dancing (Photo grabbed from Sandugo FB)</td></tr>
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This week, Bohol is in a celebratory mood.</div>
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First, July is the Sandugo month around Bohol. But most of the activities are focused on Tagbilaran, the province’s capital.</div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandugo" target="_blank">Sandugo</a>, literally translated as blood compact, celebrates the treaty of friendship between Datu Si Katuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565. Boholanos often brag about this event since Spain was literally welcomed in Bohol while Magellan was killed when he and his men went to the nearby island of Cebu.</div>
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<a href="http://www.boholsandugofestival.com/" target="_blank">Sandugo Festival</a> since then is scheduled every July despite the fact that the blood compact happened in March. Sandugo has become a filler because there are no big events in July and Filipinos all over the world are coming in for their yearly summer vacations.</div>
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So came the <a href="http://tbtk2015.com/" target="_blank">Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK)</a>.</div>
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TBTK is the gathering of Boholanos from around the world. It is a biennial activity. It was first celebrated in Bohol and various places abroad since then. Boholanos are welcomed with cultural activities in the pageantry of Boholano fiesta.</div>
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So July is actually a month of merrymaking in Bohol.</div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">How to get to Tagbilaran</span></b></div>
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There are several flights coming in from Manila to Tagbilaran served by major airlines like <a href="https://www.cebupacificair.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw27etBRDA3-ux4p3c58EBEiQAkJzTAPsZqfQ_9K073Qx2vues9Rj9Gk3uNTcoxYETMku5T4YaAuCH8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Cebu Pacific</a>, <a href="http://www.philippineairlines.com/" target="_blank">Philipine Airlines</a> and <a href="http://www.airasia.com/ph/en/home.page" target="_blank">Air Asia</a>. The flights usually take an hour.</div>
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There are also fastcrafts coming in from Cebu, a major destination in the Philippines. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oceanjet?fref=ts" target="_blank">OceanJet</a>, <a href="https://www.weesam.ph/" target="_blank">Weesam Express</a> and <a href="http://www.supercat.com.ph/" target="_blank">SuperCat 2Go</a> have more than 2 daily trips from Cebu to Tagbilaran.</div>
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There are also boats coming from Mindanao and nearby islands.</div>
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When in Tagbilaran, the major transport is the tricycle. A word of caution though, tricycles have their own ghost tariff rates. They can dictate the fare as they please. Don’t mind if there are religious quotes on them. Some are rude. So a note of advice before riding in- HAGGLE. </div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">Important links</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://tbtk2015.com/scheduleactivities.html" target="_blank">Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.boholsandugofestival.com/" target="_blank">Sandugo Festival 2015</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHjkSndXdN8/Va7-iMy7xLI/AAAAAAAAJHI/dqI6WIFM-70/s1600/11046688_1018049011560963_3798819564276760400_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHjkSndXdN8/Va7-iMy7xLI/AAAAAAAAJHI/dqI6WIFM-70/s400/11046688_1018049011560963_3798819564276760400_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend, Chris Ramasola's winning Sandugo logo</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-21069389049866826122015-05-21T11:19:00.000+08:002015-05-21T11:19:36.917+08:00This used to be my playground<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJwEApQiAg4/VV1MiOKZNLI/AAAAAAAAI9w/PevRalEFKQk/s1600/11146619_917705628252291_4738828357879424038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJwEApQiAg4/VV1MiOKZNLI/AAAAAAAAI9w/PevRalEFKQk/s400/11146619_917705628252291_4738828357879424038_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Photo courtesy of Ms. Elizabeth Adlaon-Dolotina</span></td></tr>
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When a childhood friend shoot this picture of our land, I feel lonely while reminiscing of home. Home is where my heart is. Forever. Where is home? It's in <a href="http://www.bohol-philippines.com/batuan.html" target="_blank">Batuan</a>, Bohol.</div>
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I did not have a good life when I was in Batuan.</div>
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With my mother, I woke up early mornings to go to our neighbor's farm to harvest their corn, rice or sorghum in exchange for twenty percent of what we have gathered. I slept late nights because we were tasked to tend our gardens or ricefields, making sure there was enough water so we can eat better. </div>
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I have worked in farms, there was no <a href="http://www.gov.ph/1992/06/17/republic-act-no-7610/" target="_blank">child abuse law</a> in my time. Kids, like adults, HAVE TO WORK with the family so we all can eat.</div>
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I've walked long distance to fetch water. I walked with sole-less slippers to school. In my time, we walk. I've walked from Dagohoy, Bohol to Batuan. That's about 24 kilometers of walking.</div>
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I've stayed with my foster grandparents in the forests of Cantigdas with only monkeys as playmates and fireflies as guiding lights when I went home.</div>
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But I have never regretted I had this kind of young life. My life experience taught me to be myself. To look back to where I have grown my roots. To be me.</div>
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We will never forget home.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-52772926513906954402015-05-20T17:54:00.001+08:002015-05-21T10:47:05.510+08:00Seeking. Always seeking.<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls. - Anais Nin</span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUWpj-rT5YY/VVxV-4xZ5jI/AAAAAAAAI9A/m8vzhTJQdMQ/s1600/IMG_4833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUWpj-rT5YY/VVxV-4xZ5jI/AAAAAAAAI9A/m8vzhTJQdMQ/s400/IMG_4833.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-small;">At Cebu's highest mountain- Osmeña Peak in Mantalongon, Dalaguete</span></td></tr>
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For most of us, travel can be an ordeal, an exhausting activity only a few could afford. But for me, travel is one of the most exciting event worth noting when it happens in your life. Travel does not have to involve flying out from your place. We have of course, ideal places to dream of visiting. Batanes? Sulu? Paris? Rotterdam? It is good to dream. It's free.
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxmAcGlbHuo/VVxX10azf6I/AAAAAAAAI9M/LIY1KYV7t5c/s1600/10511340_10152220708882393_7281411520093347673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxmAcGlbHuo/VVxX10azf6I/AAAAAAAAI9M/LIY1KYV7t5c/s400/10511340_10152220708882393_7281411520093347673_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-small;">Singapore's urban skyline is a good background for good friends who love each other's company</span></td></tr>
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<span class="quote" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;"></span><br />
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<span class="quote" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;">What's travel for me? Travel is not confined only in going abroad. Or going out of your province. Travel could happen right in your backyard. When you have forgotten what's the look of your garden when you used to go outside and whisper crazy things to your plants, try revisiting them again and be lost in their world. See that snail walking out, er, crawling out so slow? It was there just like before.<br /><br />Try reading a book. Books are an exhilarating way to know other people, cultures and worlds. Remember Lilliputian? You don't? You did not read books! </span><br />
<span class="quote" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span>
<span class="quote" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;">Or view a beautiful sunset. That's truly amazing. Or explore the carenderia at the corner street. You don't know they were serving some nutritious vegan food long ago. Or, better still, forget you have a lovelife and be yourself again.</span></div>
<span class="quote" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bM4HTQbxbQI/VVxYdVBPYlI/AAAAAAAAI9U/trNZsVVobGU/s1600/WP_20131119_070%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bM4HTQbxbQI/VVxYdVBPYlI/AAAAAAAAI9U/trNZsVVobGU/s400/WP_20131119_070%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-small;">Being with ancestors at Dahilayan Forest Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon</span></td></tr>
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Travel is a transformation. Sometimes, within the confines of your inner self.<br /><br />Let's go!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-40018694624160666182015-03-28T15:02:00.001+08:002015-03-28T15:02:15.974+08:00Good morning from Moalboal, Cebu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gvt6viml_c/VRZQ97ypAhI/AAAAAAAAIwg/m3gYNNp___0/s1600/WP_20140503_747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gvt6viml_c/VRZQ97ypAhI/AAAAAAAAIwg/m3gYNNp___0/s1600/WP_20140503_727.jpg" height="540" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-69052668776968536692015-03-28T12:43:00.000+08:002015-03-28T12:50:03.149+08:00A Basket Case in Antequera<div style="text-align: justify;">
A year after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Bohol_earthquake" target="_blank">Big Quake of 2013</a>, Bohol is starting to stand on its feet again to welcome tourists to the island. </div>
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The towns painfully re-introduce their festivals so there would be a reason for visitors to come, buy and make lives whole again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gT6kiDBppHM/VRYrTNoCWHI/AAAAAAAAIv0/x-Nhe-IGh1g/s1600/WP_20150315_020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gT6kiDBppHM/VRYrTNoCWHI/AAAAAAAAIv0/x-Nhe-IGh1g/s1600/WP_20150315_020.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">The Roman Catholic Church of Antequera could no longer be used due to the massive damage brought about by the earthquake of 2013</span></td></tr>
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So is the case of <a href="http://www.antequera-bohol.lgu.ph/" target="_blank">Antequera</a>, one of those badly hit by the quake.</div>
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In an effort to bring a festive mood to its charter day celebrations, the local government held the <a href="http://basketfestival.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Basket Festival in the town</a>. Several government personalities from the province and the region were invited to grace the event. It was a three-day affair and to end on their Charter Day with a parade, competitions and fanfare. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7rvfw7QTH8/VRYuK2tTPCI/AAAAAAAAIwI/uLrYsmjUkBs/s1600/WP_20150315_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7rvfw7QTH8/VRYuK2tTPCI/AAAAAAAAIwI/uLrYsmjUkBs/s1600/WP_20150315_010.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">The first Basket Festival of Antequera opened last March 15, 2015</span></td></tr>
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The newly refurbished municipal display center that was heavily damaged by the earthquake was opened to the public, thanks to donations from local and foreign entities. There, the best of their products were displayed for prospective buyers. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFdD0kxgfv0/VRYtpEk1tmI/AAAAAAAAIwA/_agQKfADdTw/s1600/WP_20150315_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFdD0kxgfv0/VRYtpEk1tmI/AAAAAAAAIwA/_agQKfADdTw/s1600/WP_20150315_002.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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There was also a booth competition where different barangays (villages) showed their harvests and other materials worth showing and be proud of. </div>
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And then there was a basket competition. </div>
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But sadly, the baskets of Antequera have not actually improved. Some on display were old or recycled products. Some of them even got moulds and mildew. In short, there was no quality control, a sad realization that must be instilled in the minds of small entrepreneurs and SMEs. </div>
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Antequera, by the way, has long been a recipient of several programs from DTI, local and foreign funding agencies. So there is no excuse for below average products. (I would like to deduce that those were leftovers from bulk buyers who came earlier, as
if a religion, to Antequera’s market every Sunday dawn.) But still… </div>
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I hope those who are planning to make other festivals in the coming months must make sure that quality matters in all products, especially if we are inviting the public to come and buy them. </div>
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It will reflect 100% to the town. It will make or break them.
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">QUICK FACTS</span></b><br />
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Antequera is a 4th class municipality of Bohol. The town was created on March 17, 1876. It is known for cottage industries, especially basket weaving, due to the abundance of materials in the area. <a href="http://www.suroypilipinas.com/2014/02/mag-aso-falls-antequera-bohol.html" target="_blank">Mag-aso Falls</a> is also found in this town.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8BywCvscYk/VRYuty15DiI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/M2D75-zXi_w/s1600/WP_20150315_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8BywCvscYk/VRYuty15DiI/AAAAAAAAIwQ/M2D75-zXi_w/s1600/WP_20150315_011.jpg" height="620" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Products of Antequera</span></td></tr>
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Antequera is about 18 kms from Tagbilaran. Regular bus and mini buses ply the route from Tagbilaran but when time is concerned, there is no definite hour. You have to be very patient if you are taking public transport.</div>
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Most advisable is a hired van or private car. It will take you about 15 mins to get there. As most of the island of Bohol has,<a href="https://globalvoicesonline.org/2014/04/06/habal-habal-philippine-motorcycle-that-can-carry-10-passengers/" target="_blank"> </a><i><a href="https://globalvoicesonline.org/2014/04/06/habal-habal-philippine-motorcycle-that-can-carry-10-passengers/" target="_blank">habal-habal</a> </i>are available when you get to the town center. You can hire one to take you to Mag-aso Falls. Haggle for a price before hopping in.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-45259836147551927032015-03-05T21:12:00.000+08:002015-03-05T22:43:21.461+08:00What I love about Zubuchon (and it's not even lechon!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am not a fan of pork or its products. But I am a fan of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zubuchon/187045978068913" target="_blank">Zubuchon</a>! That means one thing- they are not serving pork lechon ONLY!</div>
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I love <a href="http://www.zubuchon.com/" target="_blank">Zubuchon</a> in many ways. The place is clean, very welcoming, just like another home. The staff are courteous and they know what they are doing and what they are serving. Fast and efficient.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IB4BdPo4wwY/VPhQFqFCGII/AAAAAAAAItQ/xPjD_sXaCwE/s1600/Dinoldol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IB4BdPo4wwY/VPhQFqFCGII/AAAAAAAAItQ/xPjD_sXaCwE/s1600/Dinoldol.jpg" height="670" width="389" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan;">This is how I eat my Dinoldog- on top of rice.</span></td></tr>
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Zubuchon's Dinoldog, squash and shrimps cooked in coconut milk, is my favorite of the veggies in their menu. And of course, there is Saguyon, that crispy-fried small fish from Mindanao. It goes well with an ice-cold beer.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAcNQXTFAE8/VPhR89XzbfI/AAAAAAAAItc/ygdSYqAqATk/s1600/Saguyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAcNQXTFAE8/VPhR89XzbfI/AAAAAAAAItc/ygdSYqAqATk/s1600/Saguyon.jpg" height="670" width="389" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan;">Oh, mighty Saguyon, why are you so yummy? You're even exceptional <br />when there is cold beer around. I hate threesomes!</span></td></tr>
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Lately, I learned that their Kamias Shake has evolved- Kamias Shake Margarita! And I totally have gone out of my mind!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuzRIEaaPCo/VPhSyh4fWeI/AAAAAAAAIts/ao_35Vbawbw/s1600/Margarita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuzRIEaaPCo/VPhSyh4fWeI/AAAAAAAAIts/ao_35Vbawbw/s1600/Margarita.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan;">Kamias SHake Margarita!</span></td></tr>
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<b>SAGUYON. DINOLDOG. KAMIAS SHAKE MARGARITA.</b><i><b> Life is beautiful at Zubuchon.</b></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">QUICK INFO:</span></b><br />
Zubuchon originates from ZUBU, the old name of Cebu and CHON, from lechon, that roasted pig. It was founded by the famous Marketman (Joel Binamira in real life) of <a href="http://www.marketmanila.com/" target="_blank">Market Manila</a>.<br />
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Zubuchon has branches in <b>One Mango Avenue</b> (<b><i>032-2395697</i></b>), <b>Escario Central</b> (<i><b>032-2540247</b></i>), Mactan (inside <b>Mactan Marina Mall</b> [<i><b>032-2661310</b></i>] and at the <b>Mactan airport pre-departure area</b> [<b><i>032-5110005</i></b>] and at <b>The Walk</b> (<b><i>032-2368256</i></b>) in IT Park, Lahug.</div>
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Price ranges from 50 pesos up to 550+ pesos, depending on what you order. You can even order a whole lechon and can be brought to Manila or anywhere in the Philippines you want it to be delivered. For a fee, of course. For a complete price list, you can browse their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zubuchon/187045978068913" target="_blank">Facebook account</a>.<br />
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They are introducing <b><i>ZUBUDAGAT</i></b> in two of their branches as of now- Mactan Marina and Escario. Zubudagat, (DAGAT is sea) as the name implies, offers seafood! That's the reason I can be at their Mactan and Escario branches anytime.</div>
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Zubuchon is given the Certificate of Excellence by <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298460-d2338110-Reviews-Zubuchon-Cebu_City_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>.<br />
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Zubuchon's website can be accessed <a href="http://www.zubuchon.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-31885771237621432532014-10-24T14:17:00.000+08:002014-10-24T14:17:20.578+08:00Look who is going to Mars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHQdocKC6Kg/VEnumqlI94I/AAAAAAAAIfU/mTcLa5unFCk/s1600/Edik%2BMars%2BNASA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHQdocKC6Kg/VEnumqlI94I/AAAAAAAAIfU/mTcLa5unFCk/s1600/Edik%2BMars%2BNASA.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-9245704856803911922014-10-11T12:36:00.001+08:002014-10-13T18:54:24.155+08:00BOHOL, A YEAR AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE<div style="text-align: justify;">
On October 15, 2013, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Bohol_earthquake">7.2 magnitude earthquake</a> struck the island province of Bohol and the nearby island of Cebu at 8 in the morning, sending people out of their homes in fear and panic. The epicenter of the quake was in the town of Sagbayan but almost half of the island lay shattered and devastated. The old churches, Bohol’s pride, were hugely damaged, some of them crumpled to the ground, as were the case of Loboc, Loon and Maribojoc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdPRMj-jrHk/VDivOd19dTI/AAAAAAAAIdw/dKd0bDEWhWw/s1600/bohol-earthquake-2013-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdPRMj-jrHk/VDivOd19dTI/AAAAAAAAIdw/dKd0bDEWhWw/s1600/bohol-earthquake-2013-008.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubigon was one of the towns greatly hit by the earthquake<br />
(Photo grabbed from infobohol.com)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/644377/no-place-like-a-tent-in-bohol">Bohol has never seen this much destruction</a>. The earthquake that struck in the eastern part of the island sometime in February 1990 did not brought this much calamity. The major road networks all over the island were also severely damaged. Bohol, being considered a major tourist destination in the Philippines, has just completed the concreting of most road networks around the island. Considered new, the quake toss them off. Mountains, bridges, buildings, houses and the lives of all Boholanos were never the same again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNw1-aIPSC8/VDiv8kNWudI/AAAAAAAAId4/X8xKQDsZWVg/s1600/bohol-earthquake_chochills-ht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNw1-aIPSC8/VDiv8kNWudI/AAAAAAAAId4/X8xKQDsZWVg/s1600/bohol-earthquake_chochills-ht.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohol's icon, the Chocolate Hills, looked like a kid was having tantrums here<br />
(Photo grabbed from ABS-CBN)</td></tr>
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But the Boholano spirit could never be put down. </div>
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When the earthquake struck, already the social media was unusually abuzz with lots of activities. Boholanos from all over the world started updating friends, soliciting aid,<a href="http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/news-stories/asia-pacific/philippines/bohol-earthquake-survivors-face-uphill-struggle-to-recover-three-months-on-64190/"> assisting in the deployment of manpower and equipment to the area most affected</a>, helping relatives find their loved ones. Today, social media is forming another platform among Boholanos as they find ways to boost tourism in the island.</div>
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Tourism, a major industry in the province slowed down a bit after the quake. But a few months after, the creative Boholanos took pride in what remained of the devastation. The <i>ruins</i> has become another tourist destination. Piece by piece, the coral stones that became the symbol of Boholano religiosity were gathered and cataloged, in the hope of making these historical stones a future showcase of ingenuity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG9dKmiOPuE/VDizTbqcRBI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/zo48aBRHO6M/s1600/bohol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG9dKmiOPuE/VDizTbqcRBI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/zo48aBRHO6M/s1600/bohol.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loon's Catholic church crumpled to the ground killing a parishioner or two<br />
(Photo grabbed from Cebu Daily News)</td></tr>
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To date, majority of the tourism zones have recovered. Panglao Island, although shaken and stirred, remains a favorite escape for the sun-lovers of the world. Like a good martini. People now flock to its beaches and drink their blues away.</div>
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Some new adventure sites have also opened their gates to locals and other tourists visiting the island of Bohol. New restaurants and cafes have opened and the old ones are reinventing their menu for new gustatory adventures. Some even are branching out in nearby Cebu.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqMnchuujpQ/VDiw5m-wspI/AAAAAAAAIeE/ijHPqIbcr68/s1600/bohol-relief-operations-101613-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqMnchuujpQ/VDiw5m-wspI/AAAAAAAAIeE/ijHPqIbcr68/s1600/bohol-relief-operations-101613-1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo grabbed from Rappler.com</td></tr>
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And as we commemorate this painful event in our lives, we put aside our politics, our religion, differences, even our work, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the quake. We give honor to those who dedicate their time, give financial support and extend efforts so we can recover. Boholanos are sending out our grateful hearts, forever indebted in their kindness, to all the generous donors all over the world.</div>
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And mostly to the Boholano pride that has kept us all as one big family, we salute you.</div>
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<b>MABUHI KITANG TANAN MGA ‘SANO, MGA ‘SANA!</b></div>
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Updates on the earthquake, according to the government, <a href="http://www.gov.ph/crisis-response/updates-cebu-and-bohol-earthquake/">can be accessed here</a>.</div>
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<b><i><u>What you can do</u></i></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBigwrd7jdA/VDs02hivcOI/AAAAAAAAIeg/emZhHsd06pg/s1600/bohol-earthquake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBigwrd7jdA/VDs02hivcOI/AAAAAAAAIeg/emZhHsd06pg/s1600/bohol-earthquake.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infographics provided by Sun*Star online</td></tr>
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Recovery efforts are still undergoing in Bohol. Some are still living under tents or temporary houses. Many students are still doing their classes in makeshift tents. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BatuanLightBringers">Batuan Light Bringers (BLB)</a>, a group of young people from Batuan, Bohol are still accepting donations, cash or in-kind, for the reconstruction of the houses of those affected in Batuan. Part of your donations are also given yearly to the poor elementary pupils especially in the villages of that town. BLB gives out school supplies during openings of school year and sponsor feeding programs for the malnourished children of Batuan. You can contact the author, or visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BatuanLightBringers">Batuan Light Bringers’ FB page</a> and send them a message if you want to donate.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-33563782111925911202014-01-05T08:32:00.001+08:002014-01-05T08:34:00.179+08:00Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu Tops Hot New Destinations List in 2013, According to Google, CNN<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>AMAZING HUH!</b> This resort is literally right in my backyard and I haven't been there until I read the following news. Might as well explore this exceptional hotel or be left behind by other travel bloggers, who I am pretty sure, have been going there in and out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well- until I can afford it, of course. LOL</span></div>
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CEBU, Philippines (December 26, 2013) – Filipino-owned <a href="http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/resort-cebu/overview/?gclid=COj3pd7g5bsCFUyt4godJGwAXw">Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu</a> is the <a href="http://www.google.com/trends/topcharts?hl=en&date=2013#vm=chart&cid=zg1340&geo=PH&date=2013&cat=">second most Googled destination in the Philippines, according to Google’s 2013 year-in-review search list</a>. As first reported on CNN, the Zeitgeist is Google’s year-ender report and lists the hottest travel destinations by country.</div>
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The annual Google report captures the trends and interests of people all over the world, including new favorites among Filipinos.</div>
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Sky Ranch in Tagaytay and <a href="http://www.tubbatahareef.org/home">Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Princesa</a> were ranked the first and the third respectively. Pico de Loro, Tugawe Cove Resort, Potipot Island, Amana Waterpark, Misibis Bay, Nuvali and Laiya resorts rounded up the ten spots that Filipinos were most interested in learning more about.</div>
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Manny H. Osmena, owner of the two-year old Mӧvenpick was thrilled to hear about the results. “When my General Manager told me about the great news, I was so happy. It Is a gift from God to be recognized for the complete transformation of the property, as well as the transformation of the food and beverage service. We welcome visitors who are curious about the resort and aim to give them a great experience with the unique ambience of Mӧvenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.”</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEIzXNtOfJE/UsiimMma4wI/AAAAAAAAIIo/UKteMQMTORI/s1600/3_pixs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEIzXNtOfJE/UsiimMma4wI/AAAAAAAAIIo/UKteMQMTORI/s400/3_pixs.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The three most googled destinations in the Philippines</span></td></tr>
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Interesting amenities and offers at the resort include the Ibiza Beach Club reminiscence of the club atmosphere in the Spanish island. Guests could watch gorgeous views of the sunset as they enjoy the Balearic-stye churrasco capped by the world-famous Mӧvenpick Swiss Ice cream. Guests could also order the same premium coffee served in Mӧvenpick Hotels in Paris,Zurich and Berlin. The outdoor performance venue shoes exciting Latin dance numbers, fire exhibition dancers and Las Vegas style performances four to five nights a week produced by our in-house artists under the direction of the entertainment director hailing from Majorca, Spain Paco Beltran. Meanwhile special occasions culminate in a special fireworks display over the beach from the rooms, views of the aqua colored waters and the seamlessly constructed boardwalk made from ironwood look pristine and serene. Guests pamper themselves with the finest bath sets imported from the luxury brand Chopard. To begin and end the journey is a luxury hotel car service: a Porsche Cayenne, which provides visitors a full-circle experience of excellence and elegance they won’t forget. </div>
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The above qualities of <a href="http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/resort-cebu/overview/?gclid=COj3pd7g5bsCFUyt4godJGwAXw">Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu</a> make it a place for a great and luxurious stay. The traits of this place have fueled the Filipino traveler’s interest in making Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu his destination of
choice in 2013 and beyond.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>LOCATION</b></span><br />
<br />
Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is ideally located 10 minutes away
from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Blessed with year-round
sunshine, this diver’s paradise offers every imaginable water sport. <br />
<br />
While
the city of Cebu is only 30 minutes away with shopping, entertainment,
casinos and spectacular golf courses, guests will find it difficult to
leave their private oasis of indulgence and hospitality.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>HOW TO GET THERE </b></span><br />
<br />
The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Cebu is a mere 10-minute drive away from
Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Located on a private beach with
access to the beautiful corals of Mactan, this resort is a haven for
relaxation. It takes 30 minutes to reach the city of Cebu, offering an
international congress centre, many shops, casinos, and a bustling
nightlife.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(All text, except the blue ones, were grabbed from a press release and from the official site of Mövenpick Resort)</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-45901344744483115952013-09-13T20:28:00.000+08:002013-09-13T20:50:20.591+08:00Over a cup of coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edrd_Kgy-98/UjMD2rBceXI/AAAAAAAAH_k/rbtgXjqjqkQ/s1600/Picture+461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edrd_Kgy-98/UjMD2rBceXI/AAAAAAAAH_k/rbtgXjqjqkQ/s400/Picture+461.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coffee and lovers
often mix. But each coffee shop I've been to exuded a different atmosphere, a
different love affair. I can always feel the ambiance and the pulse of the
people there. Different folks, different strokes. People converge here to talk,
to see and to be seen and sometimes to be left alone. Or to heal a broken
heart. The mocha-colored environment seemed an endless rainbow to me.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve met my lover in a
coffee shop. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And many others that followed.
Maybe they sensed my love for coffee long before they knew me, a common
denominator among us. We drank our coffee; we fell in love with each other. I
was sure then that both our cups overflowed with love and joy as we talked
about our future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And it was here, over
a cup of course, that I cried myself, over the pain of break-ups later. A
close friend shared my dissent for "that person", as we drank our cupful.
Desperation, too, seated at my side.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj--zvnE2KA/UjMEcFFiKCI/AAAAAAAAH_s/fqy-13qAFQI/s1600/Bacolod+464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj--zvnE2KA/UjMEcFFiKCI/AAAAAAAAH_s/fqy-13qAFQI/s320/Bacolod+464.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Coffee allowed me to
meet different personalities. I've discussed contrasting views, haggle like a
businessman, and carried away with the different trips of life. Over a cup, I've
traveled to distant shores in different times. I've bid my farewells and
goodbyes in coffee shops. Cup after cups of coffee have sent me to bed and
awaken me in the middle of the night. My dealings with coffee have been as
mysterious as a cappuccino or a latte, even more inexplicable than my shadowy
affairs.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was forced to stop
drinking coffee for a short while when my doctor advised me not to, but it has
not stopped me from visiting coffee shops. The scent and smell of coffee were
as tempting as the fruit of life offered by Eve to Adam, making my medical
fasting for coffee to last only for a while. With or without my doctor’s
consent I splurged myself cup after cup. As if my very life itself depended on
coffee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And I haven’t stopped
since then. When death shall have overcome me, I would still want my cup. And
like death, each cup is worth a delightful wait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">==========================================</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFROv7Uj640/UjMHzT4-w2I/AAAAAAAAH_4/j9qYAn94IjU/s1600/DSC07302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFROv7Uj640/UjMHzT4-w2I/AAAAAAAAH_4/j9qYAn94IjU/s400/DSC07302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a bias for<a href="http://www.boscoffee.com/"> Bo's Coffee</a>. They are not just owned by a Filipino but their coffee is much better than other counterparts. Bo's Coffee has branches all over the Philippines.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-64722857434852766942013-09-04T15:38:00.001+08:002013-09-12T10:36:57.359+08:00Bacolod, Always on My Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are places you want to go back. The people, the culture, their food, are more than enough reasons to return. Bacolod is one of them and has been on my places-to-visit-before-I-die-list for so long and one visit made me long to go back even if the plane has not departed yet. </div>
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<a href="http://bacolodcity.gov.ph/">Bacolod City</a> is located in the northern part of the Negros island in the Visayas part of the Philippines, and very near Cebu, the hub of central Philippines. I have always known Bacolod as the sugar capital of the Philippines because books from the elementary years taught me that Bacolod has vast plains of sugar plantations, so vast you can see sugarcane to no end.<br />
<br />
But when I went there I could hardly see plantations of sugarcane. </div>
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<i>Bacolod</i> means a hilly place, a stonehill or as the Boholanos called it,<i> bakilid</i>. But far from its original meaning, it has become a modern city in a wide and sprawling space. The City of Smiles, as the city is fondly called, is known for its <a href="http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/masskara-festival/">Masskara Festival</a> and would not only offer smiles and a masked hospitality but a real down-to-earth joviality never found elsewhere. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4C3lKXaGTY/UibGXrjUeiI/AAAAAAAAH6s/W5abxnauz6g/s1600/Bacolod+418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u4C3lKXaGTY/UibGXrjUeiI/AAAAAAAAH6s/W5abxnauz6g/s400/Bacolod+418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: orange;">FIRST TIME KO</span></u> </b></div>
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My first taste of Bacolod was at<a href="http://www.aboysrestaurant.com/about.htm"> <b><u>Aboy’s</u></b></a> (<b>Liroville Subd., Singcang, Bacolod City; Phone: +63 34 435 0760; Resto Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00
am–11:00 pm</b>), an impressive restaurant with a lot of my favorite decorative pieces- masks. I felt at home right away at Aboy’s. </div>
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From the tales of our guide, Aboy’s used to be a small eatery but with good food and good service, the eatery became a full restaurant equipped with function rooms. A bigger
place for bigger groups of hungry patrons means their business is doing well. </div>
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They offer an authentic array of Negrense cuisine combined with the fierce Ilocano
recipe giving way to a new and different Aboy’s experience. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nma_sAKLFiA/UibJWIjuf2I/AAAAAAAAH60/6AP_Kp1E7Ik/s1600/Bacolod+164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nma_sAKLFiA/UibJWIjuf2I/AAAAAAAAH60/6AP_Kp1E7Ik/s400/Bacolod+164.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Having a hard time choosing our food at Aboy's</b></span></td></tr>
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We feasted on squid fat adobo (a <b>must</b> at Aboy’s), <i>ginataang pague </i>(stingray in coconut milk), grilled <i>manumbok</i> (blue marlin), mushrooms, Bicol express and grilled squid. We capped our lunch with a complimentary tarragon tea and a little chitchat with the owner, yes, the guy called Aboy, who used to be a medical representative. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-zN0yQCQqs/UibJ-UwmycI/AAAAAAAAH68/TRmZlLoIFtg/s1600/Bacolod+165.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-zN0yQCQqs/UibJ-UwmycI/AAAAAAAAH68/TRmZlLoIFtg/s400/Bacolod+165.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_adabzD4s/UibLGD26aII/AAAAAAAAH7I/xL25FrVoMOU/s1600/Bacolod+172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_adabzD4s/UibLGD26aII/AAAAAAAAH7I/xL25FrVoMOU/s400/Bacolod+172.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The man himself, Aboy</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqXQQee9OyY/UibLmIWQMzI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/x44Du4ppmfM/s1600/Bacolod+173.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqXQQee9OyY/UibLmIWQMzI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/x44Du4ppmfM/s320/Bacolod+173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">After our lunch has settled in a more comfortable position, my host, Lee Santiago, brought us to the old capitol building to visit a non-government organization he has been helping to promote their products, a real NGO that needed assistance, that has likewise been helping SMEs in the province. We actually bought some coffee and other goodies from them. </span></div>
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We then walked around Bacolod’s <b>mini zoo</b> ending at Bacolod’s <b>Organic Market</b> and the <b>Museum Café</b> nearby. </div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8cRz8WbZPE/UibSMsRIJWI/AAAAAAAAH8U/8rPDHFYqSdQ/s1600/Bacolod+196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8cRz8WbZPE/UibSMsRIJWI/AAAAAAAAH8U/8rPDHFYqSdQ/s400/Bacolod+196.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic halo-halo at Bacolod's Organic Market</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><span style="color: orange;">GOING ITALIAN</span></u> </b></div>
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Somewhere in B.S. Aquino Drive, if I remembered it right, there is this little restaurant called <u style="font-weight: bold;">Carmine Cucina</u> that is owned by an Italian chef, Carmine Pece. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AptumP0OqQ/UibQLgBJY2I/AAAAAAAAH8I/F7cVOess_Mg/s1600/Bacolod+228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AptumP0OqQ/UibQLgBJY2I/AAAAAAAAH8I/F7cVOess_Mg/s400/Bacolod+228.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chef Carmine Pece</span></b></td></tr>
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Not minding the tacky décor for an Italian resto, the food at the Cucina was my first taste of an authentic Italian cuisine, as the owner claimed, and they were actually good! My firsts- Gnocchi, Trippa, Salsiccia Padella, Linguini Pescatora, Pizza Caprecciosa, Zuppa Inglese. <i>Godetevi il vostro cibo! Buon appetito!</i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQZRdGtfzz8/UibNK3TpvjI/AAAAAAAAH7c/0A3J1K5vruo/s1600/Bacolod+218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQZRdGtfzz8/UibNK3TpvjI/AAAAAAAAH7c/0A3J1K5vruo/s320/Bacolod+218.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pizza Caprecciosa</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">(<b><u>Update:</u></b> Carmine Cucina is now closed and I felt sad.)</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: orange;">TASTE OF NEGROS</span></u> </b></div>
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You can never really claim you have been to Bacolod if you have not tasted <i>cansi</i>. <b><i>Cansi</i></b> is actually a soup made from bony parts of beef slowly cooked with <b>batuan</b> (<i>Garcinia binucao</i>) and other spices. The prized part is the bone where the marrow is invitingly tucked inside making the <i>cansi</i> not just a heart warmer but also a heart stopper, literally. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf1BO4hH1hw/UibOG9euW5I/AAAAAAAAH7o/ttQMSf6-Vu0/s1600/Bacolod+331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf1BO4hH1hw/UibOG9euW5I/AAAAAAAAH7o/ttQMSf6-Vu0/s400/Bacolod+331.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waiting for cansi to be served</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We went to <b><u><a href="http://www.talesfromthetummy.com/sharyns-cansi-house-and-kuppa-coffee-in-bacolod/">Sharyn’s</a></u></b> (<b>Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City, Phone: +63 34 433 1374</b>), a no-nonsense restaurant that reminded me of downtown Cebu. Only this one was cleaner. The staff might have wondered who we were because we arrived late, rowdy and curiously taking pictures of the bone marrow and nobody dared smile
to us. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-sZvMb79AU/UibO6P_VaoI/AAAAAAAAH70/763W5wKmx8g/s1600/Bacolod+333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-sZvMb79AU/UibO6P_VaoI/AAAAAAAAH70/763W5wKmx8g/s400/Bacolod+333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I cansi clearly now</b></span></td></tr>
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Sharyn’s <i>cansi</i> and all other <i>cansi</i> around town is a sour bulalo version, the hours of cooking and heating the beef bones made the meat and tendons soft and easy to chew. The<i> batuan</i> may have made a difference of this stew. They seemed to have an abundant supply of <i>cansi</i> soup. </div>
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Then we made it to the <b><u>Manokan Country</u></b> in Rizal Street for our dinner. </div>
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At Manokan was where the famous <b><u>Aida’s Chicken</u></b> is located. Aida’s owner may have been a fan of Miss Bacolod since I saw pictures of the candidates in one of the walls. Intricate masks fit for beauty pageants also were displayed at their stall. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SvAIpML3G8/UibPphiGIWI/AAAAAAAAH8A/FgTW1XAFsLE/s1600/Bacolod+342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SvAIpML3G8/UibPphiGIWI/AAAAAAAAH8A/FgTW1XAFsLE/s400/Bacolod+342.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pass Aida please. Yes, the chicken.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ordered different parts of the chicken and have them grilled. I did not find them extra-ordinary though. But I admire the enthusiasm and the vivacity of the place. It was like a big market place of grilled-something waiting for guests to bite on.<i> Manokan Country</i> is a must-visit. </div>
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<b><u><span style="color: orange;">CAPPING THE EXPERIENCE</span></u></b></div>
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A day tour around Bacolod and the nearby towns made me feel like I have visited the whole of Negros Occidental. Tasting food on our way to Mambukal Springs was an experience I could not have done anywhere else in the country. </div>
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But on our last night, a royal experience in the house of Millie Kilayko set my travel to Bacolod beyond imagination and at par with the show of Anthony Bourdain. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_-kmKPE6q0/UibTXSEKseI/AAAAAAAAH8g/RpIqz6diMFU/s1600/Bacolod+424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_-kmKPE6q0/UibTXSEKseI/AAAAAAAAH8g/RpIqz6diMFU/s400/Bacolod+424.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Millie Kilayko, the lady in red</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/millie.kilayko?fref=ts&ref=br_tf">Millie Kilayko</a> is one of the most gracious hosts in the whole of Bacolod. She welcomed us to her lanai and let us have a tropical fruit punch with Negros rhum while we witness how a good <i><b>binacol</b></i> should be cooked.<i><b> Binacol</b></i> is one way of cooking soup inside young bamboo tubes that were surrounded by a generous amount of fiery charcoal. She let us opened the bamboo tubes and we were engulfed in the aromatic stew of lemon grass, spices, mushrooms, slices of chicken and smoke. </div>
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In the table upstairs, a different setting awaited for us. The fare included <b>Bangus Spanish Style</b>, <b>Mamaita's Crackling Noodles</b>, <b>Adobong Pitaw</b>,<b> Lola Sayong's
Mechado</b> and <b>Brown Rice</b>. <i>Pitaw</i>, which were actually ricefield birds, was my favorite in the menu. That, besides the binacol. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5WaWrxEjSc/UibUlEZbE1I/AAAAAAAAH8s/98Q9nNuVdk8/s1600/Bacolod+436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5WaWrxEjSc/UibUlEZbE1I/AAAAAAAAH8s/98Q9nNuVdk8/s400/Bacolod+436.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Getting the binacol out of the bamboo tube</b></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rpL62J_uPU/UibUoal1BXI/AAAAAAAAH84/CVURLJimwVg/s1600/Bacolod+443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rpL62J_uPU/UibUoal1BXI/AAAAAAAAH84/CVURLJimwVg/s400/Bacolod+443.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Millie explaining her menu of the night</b></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGQCKaqq2xo/UibUsU2mORI/AAAAAAAAH88/u2kWln2KDyU/s1600/Bacolod+447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGQCKaqq2xo/UibUsU2mORI/AAAAAAAAH88/u2kWln2KDyU/s400/Bacolod+447.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Beautiful setting at Millie's table</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Good coffee after the meal and some </span><b style="text-align: justify;">Casa Carmela <i>piayitos</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> smeared with </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Dulce Gatas sang Silay</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> made me thought I have died and gone to heaven.
It was an exhausting, filling and remarkable trip I would surely be coming back. </span><br />
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<br />
<u><b><span style="color: orange;">HULING HIRIT</span></b></u><br />
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As my ride waited for me, I rushed to <b><u><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298464-d1967951-Reviews-Calea-Bacolod_Negros_Island_Visayas.html">Calea</a></u></b>, perhaps Bacolod's most famous coffee and cake house, to taste their cakes before leaving the city. At the last minute. It was a cool morning and drizzling and the best time to gorge on sugar and coffee. I sinfully ordered their bestsellers, Blueberry Cheesecake and the specialty Chocolate Cake and a mugful of coffee.<br />
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It was like saving the best for last!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iNkL8PjqFM/Uibxk0myA_I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/K6gN35JyLnA/s1600/Bacolod+467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iNkL8PjqFM/Uibxk0myA_I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/K6gN35JyLnA/s400/Bacolod+467.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To die for- Calea's Blueberry Cheesecake</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="color: orange;">HELPFUL HINTS</span></u></b></div>
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There are a lot of affordable accommodations in Bacolod. For this travel, I stayed at<b> <u><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298464-d3509529-Reviews-Saltimboca_Tourist_Inn-Bacolod_Negros_Island_Visayas.html">Saltimboca Tourist Inn</a></u></b> along <b>15th-Lacson Sts.; Tel.No.
(034) 432-3617, 433-3179</b>. The place is clean and offers free WiFi connections. Your room accommodation has a free breakfast of your choice. Saltimboca is located in the center of Bacolod where a lot of restos and cafes are just a walking distance away.
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We hire an air-conditioned van to get us to places. A van usually costs 2,500 pesos per day. You can have your travel agency contact and reserve one for you. Or if you have friends in Bacolod, ask them to do it for you.
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The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacolod-Silay_Airport">Bacolod airport</a> is actually in Silay City, a good 30-min ride by private car. So if you are taking the public bus or jeep, be sure to estimate your travel time. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUP6Ahbx7Iw/UibVyijhclI/AAAAAAAAH9M/i0_VlR4vxg0/s1600/Bacolod+452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUP6Ahbx7Iw/UibVyijhclI/AAAAAAAAH9M/i0_VlR4vxg0/s400/Bacolod+452.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A nice combo: Piayitos and Dulce Gatas</b></span></td></tr>
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Bacolod’s <i>piaya</i> (or <i>piyaya</i>) is actually very good when eaten fresh. There are home-baked versions in Silay as compared to heavily commercialized versions in souvenir stalls in Bacolod and at Silay airport. The <b>Casa Carmela <i>piayitos</i></b>, small and crispy version of the<i> piaya</i>, is recommended. They are really good, especially the ones with mangoes in them.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cebupacificair.com/Pages/default.aspx">Cebu Pacific</a></b> flies to Bacolod from Cebu three times daily and six times from Manila.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbyPcb-4gJ8/Uib-Xox-orI/AAAAAAAAH9o/DVw9i4xkl-0/s1600/Bacolod+483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbyPcb-4gJ8/Uib-Xox-orI/AAAAAAAAH9o/DVw9i4xkl-0/s320/Bacolod+483.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-947255557535831482013-08-13T16:57:00.003+08:002013-08-13T17:32:36.548+08:00To Amay, a dear friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">There
will always be a part of you that misses her. You'll see something that
reminds you of her and want to tell her about it, only to realize she's
not there anymore. Then you'll feel her loss all over again.</span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">~
<b>Sherrilyn Kenyon</b>, <i>Dark Side of the Moon</i></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnmS8u6OeBw/Ugn0JL3O29I/AAAAAAAAH2k/51_nedmGVsc/s1600/27089_1289149989208_1426135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnmS8u6OeBw/Ugn0JL3O29I/AAAAAAAAH2k/51_nedmGVsc/s400/27089_1289149989208_1426135_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHQCygNt1XY/Ugn0M9jiyfI/AAAAAAAAH2s/i-00Sp0Ub34/s1600/18854_1255482639527_1806434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHQCygNt1XY/Ugn0M9jiyfI/AAAAAAAAH2s/i-00Sp0Ub34/s400/18854_1255482639527_1806434_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL1b8-lujcE/Ugn0SVV08DI/AAAAAAAAH20/y7dJDDHq2Pw/s1600/172222_1696149295918_6842370_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL1b8-lujcE/Ugn0SVV08DI/AAAAAAAAH20/y7dJDDHq2Pw/s400/172222_1696149295918_6842370_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tee-G5Iltt4/Ugn0WapMcfI/AAAAAAAAH28/Gvf0tLoMqd0/s1600/242087_1929703054616_1266926_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tee-G5Iltt4/Ugn0WapMcfI/AAAAAAAAH28/Gvf0tLoMqd0/s400/242087_1929703054616_1266926_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFAnA2m0VLk/Ugn0YuF4otI/AAAAAAAAH3E/PMt5tTKbtfY/s1600/278881_2081916459856_3553554_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFAnA2m0VLk/Ugn0YuF4otI/AAAAAAAAH3E/PMt5tTKbtfY/s400/278881_2081916459856_3553554_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I know you are in a better place<br />
But I miss looking at your face<br />
You were so young to die<br />
Every night I sit and cry<br />
Wondering why does it have to be this way<br />
It hurts so much because there’s nothing I can do or say<br />
That can make you come back to me<br />
There is one thing that’s plain to see<br />
That one day we will be together again<br />
And now until then you will always remain my best friend.<br />
<br />
@Tsambika AngelidakisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-60130617165130999182013-07-22T14:54:00.002+08:002013-07-22T19:08:47.944+08:00Bohol celebrates 2013 Sandugo Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to Bohol and welcome to Sandugo Festival!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IwHC22rPB4/Ue0J3xQOJFI/AAAAAAAAH1o/nayY-VtgUrg/s1600/blood-compact+by+socgarcia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IwHC22rPB4/Ue0J3xQOJFI/AAAAAAAAH1o/nayY-VtgUrg/s400/blood-compact+by+socgarcia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo grabbed from Soc Garcia</td></tr>
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Sandugo (Blood Compact) Festival is a commemoration of the friendship between chieftain Sikatuna of Bohol and conquistador Miguel Lopes de Legazpi of Spain. Both agreed to shed blood on a cup of wine and drank them to forge that friendship. This historic event made Tagbilaran City the City of Friendship.</div>
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To commemorate that event, the province celebrated Sandugo Festival, a month-long festivities of culture, heritage and arts. Sandugo started on July 1, also the Charter Day of Tagbilaran City. Main events, however, are celebrated after the Charter Day celebrations of the province of Bohol on the 22nd of July.</div>
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If you are interested to come and join in the celebrations, here are the program of activities for the 2013 Sandugo Festival.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 1</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>47th Tagbilaran City Charter Day</b>. Expect parades and musical events on this day.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 1-31</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Nightly activities at the City port</b> with different nightly sponsors. Usually bands and cultural presentations.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 13</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Swimsuit Competition</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 17</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Talent Competition</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 20</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Miss Bohol Sandugo Pageant and Coronation Night</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 22</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Bohol Day Celebrations</b> (159th Charter Day of the province)</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 24-28</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Sandugo Trade Expo 2013</b> at ICM's The Block. This year's them is Go Green, Buy Local. The Sandugo Trade Expo will feature locally made products focusing on heritage, culture and environment protection by using eco-friendly and indigenous materials. Surely, you will love to go shopping for furnishings, fashion accessories as well as fresh and processed food. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmZUqUtgFuQ/UezWBpbotZI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/z7SnIUATadg/s1600/Study8LeafProductsLowRes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmZUqUtgFuQ/UezWBpbotZI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/z7SnIUATadg/s400/Study8LeafProductsLowRes.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 26</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Sandugo 2013 Street Party</b> at Tagbilaran's main street CPG Avenue. This is going to be the fun part of the Sandugo Festival. The <b><i>Bohol Sounddugo Street Party</i></b> boasts of the biggest, baddest and loudest sound system, perhaps, a first in Bohol party scenes. I am sure you won't want to be left out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sa2rdp58Weg/UezWsGkqBBI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/WlJEufLf-OI/s1600/1006179_670017746357727_26856062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sa2rdp58Weg/UezWsGkqBBI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/WlJEufLf-OI/s320/1006179_670017746357727_26856062_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">July 28</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Sandugo 2013 Streetdancing Competition</b>. I hope there's going to be a big bunch of competitors this year. Last year was quite a disappointment among photo enthusiasts who came in to join the street dancing photo competition.</span></div>
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Don't forget to wear a smile. Boholanos are known to be hospitable and may welcome you to their homes. But be careful and be wary of scammers and other bad elements. Tagbilaran is recently experiencing major crimes done even in broad daylight and the police seems not able to solve them.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-83430063246402528672013-06-04T23:56:00.001+08:002013-06-05T11:32:39.527+08:00The greatness of GREAT Catigbian<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrlpzGKczCg/Ua6sN7YL2PI/AAAAAAAAHxY/GEKDoa1jSNA/s1600/DSC00368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrlpzGKczCg/Ua6sN7YL2PI/AAAAAAAAHxY/GEKDoa1jSNA/s400/DSC00368.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The receiving area for guests and visitors of the Park</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bohol's ecotourism vision has been greatly rewarded since its implementation way back when Bohol had younger generation of politicians leading the province. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the municipalities who ventured into ecotourism is Catigbian. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Catigbian is a 4th class municipality in the interior part of Bohol, 35 kms north of Tagbilaran City, Bohol's capital city. As an interior town, Catigbian is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and a terrain good for farming and adventure tours. Hence, the GREAT adventure tour. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: inherit;"><b>NAME-CALLING</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tYgHcOO83E/Ua6t9zRzGEI/AAAAAAAAHxo/wpT2GZi4Idc/s1600/DSC00380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tYgHcOO83E/Ua6t9zRzGEI/AAAAAAAAHxo/wpT2GZi4Idc/s320/DSC00380.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Canopy Walk</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b><a href="http://catigbian.gov.ph/about-great-catigbian/">Green Recreational Eco-Adventure Tour (GREAT)</a></b> is actually a part of the <b><a href="http://riverlife.ph/">Abatan River Community Life Tour</a></b>, a project participated in by the municipalities of Cortes, Maribojoc, Antequera, Balilihan and Catigbian and initiated by the PROCESS Foundation with the assistance of several government and international funding agencies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bohol has seen lately a lot of acronyms in the past years. There’s <b><a href="http://www.eatdanao.com/">EAT Danao</a></b>, <b><a href="http://lobocboholtourism.com/rj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=65&showall=1">Loboc’s LEAP</a></b>, and now the <b>GREAT Catigbian</b>, which is actually an attached activity to the <b>Dagook Adventure Tour Experience (DATE) Park</b>. <i>Dagook</i> is the waterfalls you can see from the Monkey Bridge. Why all these names? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: inherit;"><b>DATE WITH A PARK </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon entrance to the site, you will be fitted in with safety gadgets by eager staff- helmets, ropes, and harness, everything to make you alive from beginning to end of the tour.
I asked if it would be that challenging since I looked like a miner going to the depths of the earth sans flashlight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The staff only smiled, ignoring me, a gesture I made to understand that they want us to experience the adventure without a hint of what would happen next. This is a sort of a blind date? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: inherit;"><b>HOLDING ON </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first challenge is the<b> Canopy Walk</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I passed the test in a breeze. In my life, I have traversed rivers with hanging bridges more challenging than the canopy walk. So, my adventurous spirit was not lifted hence, I told our guides to make the canopy walk more challenging like, if all the participants are in the middle of the wooden bridge, let it swing or drop a few feet down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friends reacted and said I must be high on something. <i><b>Adik! </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We went uphill to experience the second challenge- the <b>Monkey Bridge</b>.
I don't know why they are calling it monkey bridge. I believe they were not referring to the faces of guests whose smiles would transform into an indescribable contortion upon seeing the “bridge.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or the way we would hold hard later on the wires to keep balance. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ehRYGcSRus/Ua6uV4VPuPI/AAAAAAAAHxw/N_lMX1unlKU/s1600/DSC00389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ehRYGcSRus/Ua6uV4VPuPI/AAAAAAAAHxw/N_lMX1unlKU/s400/DSC00389.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The scary Monkey Bridge</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The monkey grip we used to avoid falling off from the thin wire of a trail would be taxing as the guides would tell us- Relax. Loosen up. Don't use too much force or we would have muscle cramps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But when you are afraid you couldn't help but cling to your life or else we would be hanging like macaques of Loon. This caught me off guard. Yes, we had the precious harness with us but the rain and mud from the forest trail way down made my shoes slippery on the wire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite the beautiful waterfalls droning its power below, I think nobody minded it because everyone was busy minding where our feet should land, or else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My shirt got soaked with sweat. But still I joked to make the trail more challenging despite my nervous smile. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: inherit;"><b>SLIDE TO FINISH </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The final challenge- the <b>Mountain Slide</b>.
The zipline, here termed Mountain Slide, is the last of the exciting activities at the DATE Park. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The line is not as fearsome as Danao or Loboc but the rush towards the final stage is like a slap of fresh air after the adrenaline rush. And I thought, it was <i>bitin</i>. I was left hanging for more! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And as the staff was detaching the paraphernalia, I suddenly realized I want to go back. Again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That would be 700 pesos please. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EemT1tBK7_o/Ua6urYxUSuI/AAAAAAAAHx4/hEAntXxivkQ/s1600/DSC00402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EemT1tBK7_o/Ua6urYxUSuI/AAAAAAAAHx4/hEAntXxivkQ/s400/DSC00402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Getting ready to be zipped back to our comfort zones</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: inherit;"><b>HOW TO GO TO THE CATIGBIAN DATE PARK </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is advisable to hire a car to go to Catigbian unless you would want to wait for the unreliable bus service plying the Catigbian-Sagbayan route with no fix hours. I heard the name of the bus is the <b>Fatima Bus Line</b> but haven’t tried it yet. Their bus terminal is at Cogon District in Tagbilaran City. The fare from Tagbilaran to Catigbian is about <b>45-50 pesos one way</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Going to the DATE Park from Catigbian’s poblacion is about a kilometer or two. You can hire <i>habal-habal</i> from there or walk towards it. I think walking would be more fun. As always, haggle the price before jumping in the<i> habal-habal</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A <b>private van would usually cost 2,500 to 3,000 for a day tour</b>. Ask first and tell them your destination since this is not the usual day tour most travel agents would recommend.
You can call <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Mawe Gamit</span></b> at <b><span style="color: #38761d;">0917.999.2297</span></b> or <b><a href="http://www.boholclassifiedads.com/2011-lugod-rent-a-car.html">Lugod Rent-A-Car</a></b> at <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">0922.848.7083 or 038.501.8907</span></b> for airconditioned transportation (van or car). Lugod is accredited with the Department of Tourism (DOT) so they are a rate higher than most companies, but they are reliable and honest. Negotiate first. They might give you a discount. Just bring my name and RUN! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RAZRfFpoY/Ua6wC0DzmrI/AAAAAAAAHyU/FdfL6VAjOas/s1600/DSC00383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RAZRfFpoY/Ua6wC0DzmrI/AAAAAAAAHyU/FdfL6VAjOas/s400/DSC00383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trails are provided at DATE Park. Some easy. Some challenging.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The activities at Catigbian DATE Park cost about <b>700 pesos</b>. However, discounts for locals, students and senior citizens are available. Please ask before engaging in the activities.
They usually give you a bottle of mineral water for free after undergoing the activities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rooms are available at the site for <b>1,500 pesos a night with free breakfast</b>. But with its location, I wonder what would you be doing there during the night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unless you are on honeymoon.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5KjyidSv3k/Ua6vB-TSm2I/AAAAAAAAHyA/jmhqVFI4UXM/s1600/DSC00388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5KjyidSv3k/Ua6vB-TSm2I/AAAAAAAAHyA/jmhqVFI4UXM/s400/DSC00388.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dagook Falls from the Monkey Bridge</span></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H45x7I62h5o/Ua6vWo2K33I/AAAAAAAAHyI/qaJsbVHBpbY/s1600/DSC00370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H45x7I62h5o/Ua6vWo2K33I/AAAAAAAAHyI/qaJsbVHBpbY/s400/DSC00370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace and serenity at Catigbian's DATE Park</span></b></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-65812667389828877512013-05-21T14:35:00.001+08:002013-06-06T12:19:30.883+08:00Swimming with plastic in Liloan<br />
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I really hate to write about this but it should be known.</div>
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We were in Liloan, Cebu for a birthday celebration of two good friends. The resort we were in has this misplaced money making agenda for its clients and visitors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh42I7Ae2Wo/UZsT4kyy--I/AAAAAAAAHsY/YNBu7EWxs4A/s1600/IMG_7399%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh42I7Ae2Wo/UZsT4kyy--I/AAAAAAAAHsY/YNBu7EWxs4A/s320/IMG_7399%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>The CR looks terrible</b></span></td></tr>
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From the time you get in the premises, they would ask for 30 pesos entrance fee. Even if you would be staying in one of their rooms overnight. That's another 1,200 pesos charge for an old crumbling facility with an air-conditioning unit that snored louder than cooling the room. The walls were only good for grunge-type photoshoot. The comfort rooms not comfortable. </div>
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If you would like to use the swimming pool that looked like it was never cleaned despite of the pool strainers you see scattered around the area, you pay another 20 pesos or so.</div>
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Another pesos if you use the beach area.</div>
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And the beach area is disgusting. </div>
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It was not because the sand was brown and warm but because of the dead sea grass brought up by the waves AND plastic from people who did not even care. Yes, plastic. Even baby diapers were washed out in the beachfront.</div>
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Not a good sight.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-og2bLSKHLEs/UZsTYinXzCI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/jJMlfk-Mafw/s1600/IMG_7340%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-og2bLSKHLEs/UZsTYinXzCI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/jJMlfk-Mafw/s640/IMG_7340%5B1%5D.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Did you see the diaper?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmVPOViMBxM/UZsVBrM8RoI/AAAAAAAAHso/waAFmXgs2t4/s1600/IMG_7370%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmVPOViMBxM/UZsVBrM8RoI/AAAAAAAAHso/waAFmXgs2t4/s400/IMG_7370%5B1%5D.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>The termites are making their own design in the walls</b></span></td></tr>
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As the day prospered, the environment also deteriorated. A lot of videokes (karaokes) competed each other. I mean, who would have thought that a small resort in this part of Cebu would put up a videoke machine ten meters apart? So the singer wannabes would shout at each other to be heard. Not to be left alone, the resort we were staying in put their sound system on full blast and the disco lights crazily revolving colored lights as far as it can. I believe this area and the whole populace were on drugs.<br />
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And yes, we were given a discount after checking out. No, we will not come back.<br />
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No helpful tips either.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-80656641692906701782013-05-03T18:13:00.000+08:002013-05-06T15:21:19.960+08:00Exploring Medellin’s unknown parts<div style="text-align: justify;">
Somewhere in the northern part of Cebu, lies a town that has enjoyed pastoral peace; idyllic, as some travelers would describe it, for
so long so that the rush of tourists to the town sometimes makes people wonder why they come.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCMkOmOCHF0/UYOKKTgCESI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/KdgVsW_9k8U/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCMkOmOCHF0/UYOKKTgCESI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/KdgVsW_9k8U/s400/DSC_0449.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Tricycles are the common means of transportation in Medellin</span></b></td></tr>
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With a population of more than 50 thousand in a 73-square
kilometre area, the municipality is basically open and wide and surely not
crowded.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Medellin’s main product is sugar as evidenced by the
hectares upon hectares of sugarcane when you arrive at the place. But since the
sugar industry in the Philippines suffered a slow and devastating crunch, the
town has to make up for what has been its main industry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They opted for ecotourism, now a visible alternative that
actually propel the municipality to fame.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some fishermen also collected washed out seaweed/sea
grass to be sold to the city as a plasticware ingredient, an unorthodox way to
have extra money but very viable especially in an island like Gibitngil.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>FUNTASTIC!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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One very popular destination in Medellin is the barangay
(village) Kawit where the white sands of its beaches glaringly stare back at
you while the blue-green sea cools you down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kawit is also the starting point to the very famous
tourism-related activity in the municipality- the Funtastic Gibitngil Island,
as they call it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUgHFw-PVVM/UYOFXEEE-eI/AAAAAAAAHn4/irUNpupCavE/s1600/Gibitngil+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xUgHFw-PVVM/UYOFXEEE-eI/AAAAAAAAHn4/irUNpupCavE/s400/Gibitngil+Island.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Funtastic Gibitngil Island</b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMgFeBedqWY/UYOH_V2utNI/AAAAAAAAHoo/iiRgZJsG14I/s1600/DSC_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMgFeBedqWY/UYOH_V2utNI/AAAAAAAAHoo/iiRgZJsG14I/s400/DSC_0756.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KgAH2a1E8I/UYOJxuhu8bI/AAAAAAAAHpI/4r_gR5pQc2Y/s1600/DSC_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KgAH2a1E8I/UYOJxuhu8bI/AAAAAAAAHpI/4r_gR5pQc2Y/s400/DSC_0762.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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From Kawit, going to the nearby Gibitngil Island is never
a problem. In fact hordes of barkers would shout PANTASTIK SIR? PANTASTIK MAM? upon
your arrival. You have options for 2 persons or a group of 10. Be sure to
haggle around instead of hopping on a boat without asking. For safety reasons, I
would like to recommend the pumpboats operated by the municipality/LGU. They are
reasonably priced and have life vests for passengers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The way to a funtastic island is a bit rough even during
normal days. Normal days mean no strong winds, no monsoons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stories of shrewd tourists who chose a small craft for
lesser rentals send them swimming in the rough seas just a few meters from the
beaches of Kawit. It is an unfortunate event that should not happen to you.
Prioritize safety above a small sum of money.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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Funtastic Gibitngil is an outcrop of isles that is
connected by concrete foot bridges. The water around the area is unbelievable
blue and green with some parts several meters deep. Activities are introduced
for the tourists’ enjoyment, among them kayaking, swimming, ziplining or just
relaxing in the tiered huts around the isles that makes it a popular
destination.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Overcrowding however is a problem. If you go there to
have peace and enjoy the serenity of the srroundings, you are out of place. The
beach area is covered with tarpaulin shades to shelter tourists who would like
to sit and eat at the beach. Some irresponsible tourists have thrown a plastic
in the sea and it’s an ugly sight. The people staying at the cottages way up
were washing their fish from above and water flows along the concrete steps.
Yuck. Not counting those who are throwing a barbecue and the smoke creates an
artificial fog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With a 10-peso entrance fee, I didn’t stay for more than
30 minutes in that condition. Sayang. What a waste.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>BAR, SAND BAR</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Always ask the boat operator to bring you to the sandbar!
I did and was truly mesmerized.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For people who are used to the toxic city life, an isolated
sand bar is heaven on earth. No amenities except a few docked fishermen’s boats
and a drying area for salted fish, the sand bar give me peace and comfort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66l-367nmBE/UYOGYypoTAI/AAAAAAAAHoE/2-Ad-ytYmE0/s1600/DSC_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66l-367nmBE/UYOGYypoTAI/AAAAAAAAHoE/2-Ad-ytYmE0/s400/DSC_0891.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Sand bar all for ourselves</b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUH7TbcPuvw/UYOIOJeAhQI/AAAAAAAAHow/DckoC6yg5LQ/s1600/DSC_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUH7TbcPuvw/UYOIOJeAhQI/AAAAAAAAHow/DckoC6yg5LQ/s400/DSC_0820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We stayed there for several hours swimming and snorkelling
and remained there all to ourselves like we have claimed stake to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>NICE SUNSET WITH THE KIDS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We stayed at Manreza Beach House, an exclusive rest house
in Kawit. Built to cater to the owner’s guests, the whole resort came out cheap
and cheerful and as if we own the place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The beachfront is an amazing presentation of life in the
seaside towns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3bDWZ5OAQA/UYOHWi9rZmI/AAAAAAAAHoY/-tw38JKlqxg/s1600/DSC_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3bDWZ5OAQA/UYOHWi9rZmI/AAAAAAAAHoY/-tw38JKlqxg/s400/DSC_1032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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During sundown, the village folks, especially children,
come to converge at the beach and play. Several families also came and had
their snacks, and perhaps, dinner there, waiting for the setting of the sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a joyful confusion of children shrieking with joy
and drunken laughs of men and women sitting by the beach. Lovely!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would surely come back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eRMpaYlUFU/UYOHrBL9InI/AAAAAAAAHog/vSai30OHLQw/s1600/DSC_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eRMpaYlUFU/UYOHrBL9InI/AAAAAAAAHog/vSai30OHLQw/s400/DSC_1097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>HELPFUL TIPS:</b></div>
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Hitch a <b>Ceres Liner at Cebu North Bus Terminal</b> when you
want to go to Medellin. It’s about 130 kilometres from Cebu City and would take
about 3 hours in going there. But don’t worry if it will take that long. A
stopover at Carmen town gives you time to stretch, go to the comfort rooms and
eat a good barbecue. The fare is about <b>150 pesos going straight to Kawit</b>, or
<b>130 pesos if you stop in the poblacion</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Resorts in Kawit tend to be full during the month of
April due to the approaching fiesta of the town. Price ranges from 1,500 to
5,000 pesos depending on the choice of room and location of the resort.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWvQRTpI88w/UYOJFBP1oxI/AAAAAAAAHo8/iiX3a3b_RCA/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWvQRTpI88w/UYOJFBP1oxI/AAAAAAAAHo8/iiX3a3b_RCA/s400/DSC_0542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We stayed at <b>Manreza Beach House</b>, known in the area as
<i>Ligaya Beach Resort</i> (unbelievably just a 1,000 pesos a night) with four of us
sharing an airconditioned room with a bathroom that occupied almost one-third
of the room space. This is a private rest house so pray they do not have guests
when you are going there. We actually send one of us to the poblacion to
request for rooms (the gates of the beach house are always closed). If the
owner trusts you, you are asked to pay in advance at the Manreza Store. And stay
trusted in return.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We brought our own food and drinks and let the caretaker
cook for us for just a reasonable pay. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-86040357065726698152013-04-23T16:55:00.001+08:002013-04-24T19:32:49.450+08:00When in Cebu: Basic Etiquette for Jeepney Passengers<span style="text-align: justify;">Whether you like it or not, the most common transport is still the old reliable <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney">jeepney</a> here in Cebu. They are inexpensive, readily available
and exciting means to move around the city.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you are the squeamish type and would always ask for
personal space, <b><i>go hail a cab</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But when you are in a jeepney (jeep, for short), there are still basic etiquette to follow. Especially in <a href="http://www.cebucity.gov.ph/">Cebu</a>! I believe that if you follow these rules
you would not encounter some problems with Cebuanos.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">1.</span></b> Waving to a passing jeep to signal the driver that you
want to board is okay. Shouting for it to stop is basically rude but not when
you are running to catch up.<br />
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jet1z4NanuA/UXZFCuC2OeI/AAAAAAAAHl8/JYI6pvFKB5g/s1600/4328_1095947130675_5971149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jet1z4NanuA/UXZFCuC2OeI/AAAAAAAAHl8/JYI6pvFKB5g/s400/4328_1095947130675_5971149_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Ary's first jeepney ride in Cebu</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">2.</span></b> Sit properly. Be seated properly means you are
perpendicular to the seat and not awkwardly facing the driver’s seat. Sitting
this way will guarantee just enough space when the barkers will call for more
passengers. This will also eliminate embarrassment when the barkers/conductors will
bang your backseat and tell you to move closer to others. Sitting perpendicular
to the seat will also give others the chance to sit properly.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3.</span></b> Always pay your fare 5-10 minutes after boarding and
<i>NEVER</i> when you are about to disembark. Cebuanos (or worst, criminals) would
know you are not familiar with the city if you are paying when you are already
disembarking. Some would refer you as coming from the province (probinsyano).
But actually, this will ensure smooth transactions especially if your payment
needs change.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">4.</span></b> Say <b>PALIHOG</b> (Please) or <b>BAYAD PALIHOG</b> (My fare please)
when you pay. And always with a <b>SALAMAT</b> (Thank you) when someone receives and
pass your fare to the driver.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">5.</span></b> If you happen to board last and you are near the
driver, it is understood that you will be acting as the jeepney conductor.
Unless there is a designated conductor in the jeep, which is rare, you accept
that fact without fanfare. That means you should have the patience to receive
and pass all fares to the driver and give their change to the passengers. Some
would even pass their fares without saying a word. Don’t get mad.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">6.</span></b> Almost always, jeepney drivers will move their jeep
even if you are not yet seated properly. That’s normal in a city that moves fast. Don’t
be angry at the driver. Just maintain your composure and hold on tight. That's what grab bars are for.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">7.</span></b> If you are with your lover/wife/husband/partner/querida
it is almost always frowned at when you show public displays of affection. Wait
until you are in a private place before smooching with your partner.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">8.</span></b> If you do not want people staring at you, dress
decently. But if you really feel that miniskirts and short shorts are the <b><i>in</i></b>
thing, don’t pull them down every second to cover your legs. Being modest will
not invite bad elements.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">9.</span></b> Keep your valuables at home when you are planning to
go around the city and ride a jeepney. If it is necessary to wear your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiara">tiara</a>,
go ride a taxi. But keeping your wallets and cellphones in your front pockets
and your bags safely on your lap will not catch the attention of snatchers and
swindlers. <i><b>Be wary.</b></i></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">10.</span></b> Jeepney drivers are law abiding citizens especially
when a traffic enforcer (CITOM) is present. So disembark on designated jeepney
stops. If you are not certain which one is, just say <b>LUGAR LANG NYA 'NOY</b> (Pullover
please), or <b>PWEDE MANAUG?</b> (Can I disembark here?), or <b>PARA</b> (Stop please). Whatever
you say, say it in a nice way. Banging the grab bar with a piso or make whistling/kissing sounds are also acceptable.<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bn2l04GLD_s/UXZEmUjhVgI/AAAAAAAAHl0/K0OMpvaFRWY/s1600/227990_1060978136472_7984426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bn2l04GLD_s/UXZEmUjhVgI/AAAAAAAAHl0/K0OMpvaFRWY/s320/227990_1060978136472_7984426_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Don't be the crazy passenger that you are</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">11.</span></b> So the driver will know you are about to disembark,
say nicely, <b>MO-NAUG KO 'NONG HA</b> (I will disembark now Sir Driver), or if you
have children or baggage, say, <b>NAAY BATA HA</b>/ <b>NAA KOY BITBIT HA</b>. This will ensure
that the driver will move his jeepney only <b><i>after</i></b> you have fully landed on the
sidewalk with your feet and not with your face.</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">12.</span></b> It is overacting to say goodbye to the driver or fellow
passengers.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b><i>Otherwise, the following instructional video applies even in Cebu.</i></b><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tuIQHiAHExg" width="420"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-73472674008299079802013-03-29T14:50:00.001+08:002013-03-29T17:15:32.545+08:00Even the whale sharks stay in Oslob<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The whale sharks have stayed in the shallow waters of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslob,_Cebu">Oslob</a>, a sleepy municipality in the southern tip of Cebu province. The warm hospitality of the people combined with their generosity and change of heart to feed instead of hunt these sharks, in contrast to the snobbish people of the city, have forced them to stay. So I think.</div>
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Oslob came into the limelight when they started<a href="http://www.oslobwhalesharks.com/"> feeding whale sharks</a> (or <span style="color: yellow;"><i>butanding</i>s</span> by the Tagalogs and <i><span style="color: yellow;">tuki</span></i> by the locals). People have different views (sometimes violent reactions) to their practice of feeding them that even caught international headlines.</div>
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So <a href="http://www.philstar.com/lifestyle-features/2013/01/10/895371/oslob-butanding-featured-fashion-shoot-intl-models">publicity has been done</a>. And tourists come and go to the place.</div>
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But I did not go to Oslob for the whale sharks. I went there to relax and chill out. Just like the whale sharks. Everyone is welcome anywhere here. Just behave, the tricycle driver told us. The difference between me and the whale sharks is I paid to be fed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKzliIu2xOo/UVUyfkWVOJI/AAAAAAAAHk0/JZ0xWwtcP98/s1600/733999_10200297983324006_444052235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKzliIu2xOo/UVUyfkWVOJI/AAAAAAAAHk0/JZ0xWwtcP98/s400/733999_10200297983324006_444052235_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A beach in Lagunde, Oslob. Empty even on a Sunday.</i></td></tr>
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The municipality of Oslob is a good 3-hour drive from Cebu City going to the south or approximately 135 kilometers from the city proper. With less than 30,000 population, the place is quiet even during holidays. One can obviously notice the cleanliness of the place, a good sight to behold when you are from Cebu City. </div>
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The beaches in Oslob are white but the sand is visibly not fine but smooth white stones. It feels good to sleep on them and dream of long lost loves. But if you want the heavenly touch of fine white sand, you should hire a pumboat (around 2,500 pesos roundtrip) to Sumilon Island, a nearby island that is part of the municipality. There is an expensive resort there, the <a href="http://www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph/">Sumilon Bluewater Resort</a>. But only if you have more money to spend or else just pay the entrance fee of 20 (or 40?) pesos to enjoy that special spot there where the waters are so clean and so clear you think it is just knee-deep.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aer3B-lP6Vs/UVUyxvdadLI/AAAAAAAAHk8/H-wQnqw7kyc/s1600/483829_10200297905082050_358743908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aer3B-lP6Vs/UVUyxvdadLI/AAAAAAAAHk8/H-wQnqw7kyc/s400/483829_10200297905082050_358743908_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The watchtower made out of coral stones</i></td></tr>
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Must visit also are the remnants of the Spanish colonization in the town- buildings and watchtowers made of blocks of coral stones. You can actually find them in their plaza which has been improved and beautified with the eGwen project of the suspended governor of Cebu province- Gwen Garcia. The cuartel, the baluarte and the Immaculate Conception church are all photo-worthy especially during sunset.</div>
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And then there's the Tumalog Falls. But you have to hire a habal-habal (motorcycles that can carry more than 5 passengers at a time) to get to the falls. According to the drivers, the falls used to have a heavy volume of water coming down but the municipality diverted some of the fresh water for the water supply of the town. What you see at the site are the extra water from their reservoir, creating a rain-like deluge from above several meters up.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ20jsbo46s/UVU2E_v0QPI/AAAAAAAAHlY/o-t7XWuMab4/s1600/243782_452923038060558_1639538153_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ20jsbo46s/UVU2E_v0QPI/AAAAAAAAHlY/o-t7XWuMab4/s320/243782_452923038060558_1639538153_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tumalog Falls featuring several drops</i></td></tr>
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Kudos to the municipal officials who have a good tourism foresight. The falls is very accessible, roads going there are cemented. But all vehicles are not allowed inside the area. You have to make a 15-minute hike to the falls. That's after paying the entrance fee of 20 pesos.</div>
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Most local government units mistook the word "development" to concreting everything in sight. The Tumalog Falls retains its original surroundings with improvements that do not clash with nature. Trails were made out of stones and bamboo.</div>
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But one of the reasons why I kept coming back to Oslob is the people. Warm, helpful and always smiling. They are the epitome of the real Filipino hospitality. Maybe the whale sharks like them, too.</div>
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<b>HELPFUL TIPS:</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceres_Liner">Ceres Liner</a> </b> has an hourly trip from Cebu City to Santander passing through the town of Oslob. Go to the South Bus Terminal near Elizabeth Mall (Natalio Bacalso Avenue) and take the Ceres from there. Airconditioned buses and non-aircon trips are available. The fare from the city to Tan-awan, Oslob is about 155 pesos (aircon) and less for non-aircon. The travel is about 3 hours. Other bus companies also ply the route.</div>
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Accommodation abound the area catering from the "social" types to backpackers' delight.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U13a_COwuI/UVU1BOtW5qI/AAAAAAAAHlM/jXFh9Oiqq2c/s1600/541415_3881583329839_1032050965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U13a_COwuI/UVU1BOtW5qI/AAAAAAAAHlM/jXFh9Oiqq2c/s320/541415_3881583329839_1032050965_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Basking in the sun at South Sea Breeze.<br />In the background is Sumilon Island.</i></td></tr>
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I recommend<b> <span style="color: yellow;">South Sea Breeze</span> in Tanawan, Oslob</b> (Telephones: <b>[032] 415-5313; 09129-252-4046</b>) because it is just a few meters from the whale sharks, if you like watching them. But the place is simple and homey. An airconditioned nipa hut costs 1,500 a day. You can bring your own food and let their kitchen staff cook them for you. They usually charge 200 pesos a day.</div>
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Also the <b><span style="color: yellow;">Oslob Garden Stay</span> in Lagunde, Oslob</b> (Telephones: <b>[032] 481-8072; 0922-811-1575</b>) offers the whole house with 2 airconditioned rooms that can accommodate 3-4 pax. Towels, hot and cold shower are part of the package. Privacy is their mantra. They also charge 200 pesos if you let their staff cook for you. Or if you are feeling like <a href="http://www.anthonybourdain.net/">Anthony Bourdain</a>, you can do your own cooking.</div>
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Habal-habal fares range from 20 pesos to a hundred depending on where you want them to go. But they are the easiest way to move around. Haggle first before hopping in.</div>
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Go to the town's public market to see the whole town unfolding before you. Fresh produce are cheap and affordable, of course. The people there are extra helpful.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-34995067263845149712013-01-31T12:14:00.002+08:002013-01-31T12:18:31.416+08:00We all get lost once in a while<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="quote" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="goog_1281009037"></span><span id="goog_1281009038"></span><br /></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nCXxZ-spGA/UQnvQkglKfI/AAAAAAAAHgo/cFtyYpqxdAg/s1600/361731676998660501_10415187.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nCXxZ-spGA/UQnvQkglKfI/AAAAAAAAHgo/cFtyYpqxdAg/s400/361731676998660501_10415187.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Somewhere in the municipality of Batuan in Bohol, Philippines</i></td></tr>
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<b>We all get lost once in a while, sometimes by choice, sometimes due to forces beyond our control. When we learn what it is our soul needs to learn, the path presents itself. Sometimes we see the way out but wander further and deeper despite ourselves; the fear, the anger or the sadness preventing us returning. Sometimes we prefer to be lost and wandering, sometimes it’s easier. Sometimes we find our own way out. But regardless, always, we are found.</b> - Cecelia Ahern,<i> Thanks For The Memories</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-57814441491640855582013-01-07T11:51:00.001+08:002013-01-07T12:06:08.644+08:00Snapshots of Silay City (Instagram)<div style="text-align: justify;">
All pictures were processed via the photo app <a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a> for iPhones. You can follow me at my Instagram account: <a href="http://instagram.com/edikdolotina">edikdolotina</a>. I would be more than happy to share with you my favorite shots there.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739100457755998777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21127496.post-75860937248157717582013-01-04T16:09:00.002+08:002013-01-05T13:11:12.009+08:00FIRST TIME TO VISIT: SILAY AND ITS SECRETS<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Negros
Occidental is like an enchanted place. So near yet so far. I heard so
many stories about the place. Some tall tales. Some, grandpa promised, real and true. Grandpa would tell us of sugarcane views as far
as one can see and haciendas and <i>hacienderos</i> and the joke, I would like to believe, about uncut men of Negros. These childhood
stories made me long to visit that place and kept a promised to myself to kiss the ground when I go there like it’s the holiest of places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That dream
was realized just recently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>First stop- Silay</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything
has a story in Silay. Stories of lovelorn couples. Stories of forbidden love
because of social disparity. Stories of why that house was built, or that
cafe. Some were whispered, some were whispered loudly and some remained an
open secret. From the decrepit house in a corner to the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>dulce gatas</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>being stirred in the kitchen, Silay
never ran out of stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My
story will become a part of the huge library Silay already has.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Silay City is
like an old, quaint town in Negros Occidental. Despite the addition of a new airport (the
old one is located in Bacolod, Negros Occidental’s capital), the city’s
aura of progressive development was drowned by the old houses and buildings. The heritage houses were actually a contrast to a new city life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike most cities, Silay has kept its culture (including her heritage) intact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Kapehan sa Silay </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our tour
organizers-cum-hosts <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lee.santiago.372?fref=ts">Lee Santiago</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hchie?ref=ts&fref=ts">Lynell Gaston</a> brought us to this old
building to have coffee and some breakfast goodies, my first taste of Negros.
The <i>Kapehan sa Silay</i> was a good example of well-kept heritage site and reminded me of Cuban movies where folks while the time away, drinking dark coffee,
talking about cockfights. The old musty smell of the place combined with good
coffee wanted me to linger and know the place more. Personally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But there were so many things to discover in Silay that lounging in the Kapehan is not a
good start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9l2aUfrmbC8/UOaMuLt92wI/AAAAAAAAHb4/ed9czKWQQhM/s1600/Silay-+Kapehan+by+Lynell+Gaston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9l2aUfrmbC8/UOaMuLt92wI/AAAAAAAAHb4/ed9czKWQQhM/s400/Silay-+Kapehan+by+Lynell+Gaston.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo by Lynell Gaston</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Next stop- 1925 Cafe</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1AiN5cATUY/UOaNDAlaHTI/AAAAAAAAHcA/Zii63cQcYIU/s1600/Silay-+Mayor+Montelibano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1AiN5cATUY/UOaNDAlaHTI/AAAAAAAAHcA/Zii63cQcYIU/s200/Silay-+Mayor+Montelibano.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mayor Montelibano of Silay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The smell
at 1925 was intoxicating! Whatever the kitchen was cooking wafted back inside
with a delicious guess of what the next plate would be when it comes in. No! I was not in the year 1925!
The aroma of food was never this old but I believed all that has been cooked here
stayed in the tiniest crevices of the walls of 1925, the café.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
smallness of the place made dining there really intimate and personalized. We
chanced on the mayor of Silay, Mayor Montelibano, eating there and we were introduced like we used
to be friends with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: #bf9000;">The Locsin ancestral home</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Locsin house was a home, that I am very sure. Despite its antiquity, the Locsin Home was still
functional and without doubt being lived upon. The special edition literature pieces
written in Spanish were intact. So were the gynaecology books, still in Spanish, in
good condition. The old-style toilet, the handed-down china, kitchen paraphernalia,
the lamps, the well-polished floors, the luggage bags in the attic, everything
in the Lacson household were well-preserved and well-kept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was
where I tasted my first <i><a href="http://saborbacolod.blogspot.com/2010/06/dulce-gatas.html">Dulce Gatas sang Silay</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lN1p4nvx0AQ/UOaNQcqVnTI/AAAAAAAAHcI/xuDysNpC4OE/s1600/Silay-+Locsin+House+by+Lynell+Gaston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lN1p4nvx0AQ/UOaNQcqVnTI/AAAAAAAAHcI/xuDysNpC4OE/s400/Silay-+Locsin+House+by+Lynell+Gaston.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo by Lynell Gaston</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Emma Lacson’s</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Emma Lacson’s
house was like a fortress to those who were not familiar with Silay. But if you were privileged enough to get in the premises early in the morning, a gustatory wealth awaited for every welcomed visitor upstairs. Lacson makes the best of Silay’s
delicacies involving pili nuts, the rest being lumpia and hopia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was
here I saw a real <a href="http://pilinuts.org/">pili</a> individually pounded by hand just to get the nut. Sure it was nuts
cracking them like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Mambag-id, Silay</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the
most exciting part of my Silay travel was the trip to Mambag-id. This place used
to be a big sugarcane plantation with special railroads for transporting
harvested sugarcane to waiting ships at the Mambag-id dock. Nowadays, with the
decline of the sugar industry in the country and the imposition of the Agrarian
Reform Law, the railroads have become obsolete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But some enterprising
residents made innovative ways of transportation to make use of the tracks. It was then that the <i>Bagoneta</i> came (some called it <i>Karito</i>), an improvised version of a<i> kariton</i>, pedal-powered
ride using train wheels and slabs of wood formed like a platform where
commuters 10 persons up hopped in and ride towards the now non-existent docks.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jodhSq6tZng/UOaNqltsFfI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/S8rVZoVvNrM/s1600/Sila-+Bagoneta+by+Lynell+Gaston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jodhSq6tZng/UOaNqltsFfI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/S8rVZoVvNrM/s400/Sila-+Bagoneta+by+Lynell+Gaston.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo by Lynell Gaston</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end
of the ride where a community lived there, we were treated to a confusing
array of Silay’s favorite <i>kakanin</i>: <i>baye-baye</i>, <i>puto lanson</i>,<i> ibos mais</i>, <i>lumpia</i>, <i>siomai</i>, and
fresh<i> piaya</i> of Silay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I dozed
off in an airy nipa hut beside the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>Balaring, Silay</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if the gustatory
offering in Mambag-id were not enough, our hosts brought us to barangay Balaring and stuffed us again with fresh seafood the city can offer. It was at Ken’s, a cozy nipa hut close to the sea where the lapping waves would remind you that you were in the territory of the things you were eating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being
a person born in the hinterlands of Bohol, I am ignorant of the names of the seafood
species. But my host said we were eating:<i> tinola nga lison</i>, fried tilapia,
grilled pork chops, grilled squid, <i>alimusan </i>with <i>gata</i>, <i>kinilaw nga tangigue</i>,
<i>talaba</i>, with ripe mango slices as dessert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>THE Charlie Co</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My stay in
Silay was made complete when we were invited by Ann Legaspi-Co to taste her
frozen brazos and sans rival in their residence. The brazos and sans rival were
honestly without rival until we met Ann’s husband, my idol artist from Negros - <a href="http://www.charlieco.net/">Charlie Co</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ltwaiCGI7M/UOaN6sYwrBI/AAAAAAAAHcY/QtcDxgYDf5U/s1600/Ann+Co+by+Lee+Santiago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ltwaiCGI7M/UOaN6sYwrBI/AAAAAAAAHcY/QtcDxgYDf5U/s400/Ann+Co+by+Lee+Santiago.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo by Lee Santiago</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><u>The Negrense’s way of saying goodbye</u></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each
moment of my stay in Silay was worth the trip. Our goodbyes were made more memorable
when one of our hosts, Lynell Gaston, made a sendoff lunch for all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe this was the Negrense way of saying goodbye - stuffing guests until they could
no longer move with ecstatic joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How about
coffee to top it off?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEMxZcfuOqk/UOaOGCYGfII/AAAAAAAAHcg/K_KubYB2Ick/s1600/Lynell+Gaston+Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEMxZcfuOqk/UOaOGCYGfII/AAAAAAAAHcg/K_KubYB2Ick/s400/Lynell+Gaston+Lunch.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo by Lynell Gaston</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i><b>Addendum</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were
actually the guinea pigs of Lee Santiago when he thought of a Negros Food Tour.
With the help of Lynell Gaston, they cooked up an interesting combo of food
tasting and having a beautiful experience in Silay, Bacolod and nearby towns of Negros
Occidental.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are
no specific rates to the tour. Wherever we go, we share the van rentals. Whatever
we decide to eat, we share them with the group and divide the payments per
person. We pay our own accommodation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since Lee
is outside of the country as of this time, I could not be sure if this kind of
trip is still going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I fly in
and out of Silay City with free tickets courtesy of my sister who works for
<a href="http://www.cebupacificair.com/Pages/default.aspx">Cebu Pacific</a>. Cebu Pacific flies from Cebu to Silay City/Bacolod twice a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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