Old Churches in Bicol - a Must Visit

Naga City is famous in terms of religious fluvial procession that usually starts and ends to a church. Speaking of which, did you know that Bicol region also has their own historical and heritage churches? Let’s start with the San Francisco Church in Naga City. I wasn’t able to touch or enter this old structure because we literally passed by this church. Good thing that my shutter was quick and was able to capture this gorgeous church. I did a research online and found out that this church was erected in 1578. Same as with the other old church in the Philippines, it was made up of bamboo, wood then reconstructed into a brick in 17th century. The structure that we are seeing today was constructed in 1957, after  the Second World War. Historically speaking, the church’s parish served as the interrogration and persecution site during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.

Waiting for the Supermoon

Two days ago when I noticed that the moon has an extraordinary brilliance and just today, I accidentally saw Supermoon article online. So I searched and here's what I found on Wikipedia. A Supermoon is the coincidence of a full moon or a new moon with the closest approach the Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth. According to NASA: "When a full moon makes its closest pass to Earth in its orbit it appears up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter, making it a supermoon." The next Beaver Supermoon that's this close and full will be on Nov. 25, 2034.

Thanks for the Greetings and Support

November 7, 2015, same day as today, I celebrated my birthday on the summit of the highest mountain in the Philippines – Mount Apo. It was the most unforgettable adventure in my twenty something years of  existence. I am still aiming for more! More travel for the next few years. Sa lahat ng mga bumati ngayong araw ng aking kapanganak, sa aking pamilya, sa aking mga kaibigan, sa mga taong walang humpay ang pagsuporta – MARAMING SALAMAT PO! Pipilitin kong magampanan ang mga tungkuling nakaatang sa aking mga balikat para sa ikauunlad ng ating sambayanan.

Digging the History of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Today, I can feel the Halloween season; at the office we're already preparing for an amazing costume party with the touch of Disney characters and while searching for a stunning outfit, I encountered a photo of the oldest cemeteries in the Philippines - the reason why I am now posting these photos taken at Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, in 2014.

On the Summit of Mount Apo | Day 3

It was the longest night I ever had. When I woke up at around 1AM I did not fall asleep for some reason. The wind was strong and as it penetrates inside the tent and hits my skin, it was like a knife that cuts and makes a wound because of its temperature and we were also bothered by the bad weather that might affect our ascend to the summit.

Mt. Apo and the Sulfur Vents

This photo was captured at Mount Apo's sulfur vents. This spot is stunningly gorgeous because of the huge white boulders and the patches of yellow sulfur on the surface. Mt. Apo is one of mountains in the Philippines with such kind of feature. More photos? Click here.

Mt. Apo and the Wealth on the Trail

If you’re into hiking and mountaineering, Mount Apo must be part of your bucket list. Apo is the tallest mountain in the Philippines lying on few provinces in Mindanao.This photo was captured on November 6, 2015 during our three day Mt. Apo expedition. On the background is a wide carrot plantation with a thick fog formation. More photos? Click here.

Street Style Originals Promotes the Philippines

Aside from mountains, historical and heritage sites are also part of my blog post. I believe that we can’t reach our stage today without the richness of the past. This modern generation, it’s hard to promote history and how we can preserve them; but simple things can make a difference. When I saw Supremo cap online, distributed by Street Style Originals, I was thinking that it can create a huge impact to the youth.

Oh My Vans!

My original plan was to buy a pair of Merrell sneakers but due to unavailability of the item at Robinson's Metro East department store , I chose Vans classic shoes. Looks great right?

Ready to Drink Cocktails in a Pouch

The new style of drinking a cocktail

At the supermarket, I was walking by the Liquor section when something got my attention - it’s GAZ Ready to Drink Cocktails in a pouch, it’s like Zesto juice drink. It’s a mix of Apple, Honey dew, melon and Vodka; 14 Proof and 7% Alcohol by Volume. I'm curious about it so I purchased one. The taste is really good and it's like the real cocktails that you order in the bar.

81 Provinces ng Pilipinas Muna Bago Pag-aasawa

Photo taken on boulders of Mt. Apo

Tumawag ako sa aking Minamahal na Nanay na kasalukuyang nasa Romblon. Napag-usapan namin ang iba’t-ibang mga bagay tungkol sa aming pamilya ngunit bago matapos ang aming usapan at mag-goodbye, isang tanong ang kanyang nabitawan para sa akin: “kailan ka mag-aasawa? Dapat mag-asawa kana!” Pagkarinig ko sa kanyang tanong, agad akong natahimik at napa-isip, “oo nga naman, malapit na akong lumagpas sa numero ng isang buwan sa kalendaryo, dapat mag-isip na ako to settle.”

Change The Way You See Happiness

Most of the parents taught their children to study well to get a brighter future, agree? To make them happy, I studied well resulting to excellent grades. The time I accepted my diploma and medals, I witnessed how my parents became emotional on stage. May Mom was smiling but there are tears on her eyes. I don’t have children yet but I know that for parent’s perspective, seeing their children on a graduation is such a rewarding moment that gives them real happiness.

Photobomer sa Likod ng Quezon City Circle

Habang naglalakad sa Quezon City Circle kahapon, sa unang pagkakataon nakita ko ang napakagandang arkitektura ng bantayog sa parkeng ito, ngunit nalungkot ako sa aking nakita. Kung natatandaan natin, naging isang malaking issue ang pag develop ng isang higanteng gusali na tinawag pang dakilang photobomber sa likod ng bantayog ni Rizal sa Luneta Park. Ang larawan sa itaas ang magpapatunay na hindi lang pala ang Luneta Park ang may ganitong suliranin gayudin ang promenenteng bantayog ng Siyudad ng Quezon.

Change The Way You See Beauty

photo taken 3 years ago

The Philippines is colonized by different countries, having said that, most of us would think that the definition of beauty is showcasing a pointed nose, gorgeous smile, tantalizing eyes, amazing cheek bone,  fair complexion, wide shoulder, has vital statistics of 36-24-36, and at least five feet and seven inches tall. If you’re aiming for a Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Bb. Pilipinas and other modelling titles then you need those qualities. But remember, beauty never ends with those titles!

Mt. Pico de Loro and the Parrot's Peak

Mount Pico de Loro is also known as Mount  Palay-palay; its name was given by the Spanish  sea-fairer because it resembles the appearance  of a ‘parrot’s beak’ from afar. This mountain bears a lot in terms of natural  beauty and richness. While on the trail, I saw  different flora and fauna; from the colorful  ornamental plants to hard trees. I also heard birds  singing lullaby while I was walking in emo.

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Buchiron | A Must Try Deli in Bulacan

It’s very seldom that I feature and include foods here on my blog; very obvious and self explanatory – SIRANG LENTE referring to a camera lens, this blog showcases gorgeous and amazing photos captured everywhere.  But one thing that I consider is: “why not capture the moments while eating, isn’t it gorgeous? Seeing people loving and enjoying while eating is such a remarkable moment.” This is my second post for food; first one was the Best Lechon Kawali in Cainta, Rizal.

Antarctic Expedition | A Filipino Dream

I was walking in the mall when I passed by a book sale shop. As always, I would go inside and look for something to read and buy. Reading is another thing that I practice as it nourishes my brain cells and makes me intelligent, especially writing articles for my travels. I’ve been looking for something that interests me; I am not into reading novel. What I want is about authors experience from an adventure and I found one.

Sun Broadband | The Reason why I am Leaving

I am a Globe Telecom user since then, but I transferred to Sun Cellular for their cheapest Sun Broadband deal because I need an internet connection for social media, blogging and research works. Did my own research and I even went to Sun shop in Robinsons Metro East and tested their signal strength. It’s not the best but it’s also not fair, to make my story short – I signed up for their mobile Sun broadband.

Bakun Trio: Mt. Lobo and its Misty Summit

For our Bakun Trio, our first destination was Mt. Lobo, others call it Lubo but its local name is Patullok which means “pointed.” The trail is easy to moderate passing on the road and by the resident’s houses. Majority of the trails are well established and very open to the sun’s UV rays. Its terrain is composed of virgin forest, farmlands, and woodlands. Photos below were taken while I was walking on the trail.

I Fell in Love with Tekip Falls

Tekip Falls is just one of the amazing waterfalls in Bakun, Benguet. It’s a 75-80 feet waterfalls situated in one of the hidden sides of Bakun ranges. It’s a 30-45 minutes’ walk from the old municipal hall, passing on the pilapil. Tekip has crystal clear, cold and fresh waters free flowing from different parts of the mountains. Its water pressure is also perfect for the soared muscles.

The Amazing Race Asia | Casting Call

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia brings back The Amazing Race Asia for a fifth season. Hosted by Allan Wu, the Amazing Race Asia Season 5 is looking for couples or pairs (with pre-existing relationships) who are ready to face different challenges as they race around the world.

Pinoy Big Brother | I Finally Got the Sticker

PBB House (photo above) or Bahay ni Kuya is one of the famous houses in the Philippines. I was in 2^nd year college when met and saw Nene Tamayo in person, after winning the very first PBB title; she was raised in Sta. Fe and I came from Odiongan, both municipalities in Romblon. Seeing a Romblomanon on national TV, for the first time, is such an honor and I want to be the next one.

Reasons to Visit Romblon

It’s been 9 years when I left my home town, Odiongan, Romblon. It a year or two before I can go back due to workload. Of course, there’s no other place like home, right? Sharing a short Romblon travel guide and itinerary.

Bulacan Provincial Capitol

This is the place where the government institutions/offices can be found.  It is also the place where you can find the office of the most powerful man in the government of the province of Bulacan.  It is also where the compound of the leading university in the province. Look at this statue in Bulacan Capitol Compound, looks amazing and the design? Look at the that.

Miss ROMBLON for Miss Tourism Philippines

Another Romblomanon beauty will compete for one of the biggest beauty titles in the country – the Miss Tourism Philippines 2016. She is Donna Maestro, 25 years old and a descent of Romblon, Romblon, but recently moved to Calatrava, Tablas Island, Province of Romblon.

Live with the King

I am just new in blogging world, but I know what I need to sustain this tough job. Maintaining this travel blog is not easy as eating peanuts, because promoting the beautiful places across the country needs a new generation technology with superb camera quality, fast and latest processor, stunningly clear screen, battery that can last longer than the other brands, universal ports for media transfer,  and has a sleek and gorgeous design. Let's proceed to the 5 Best Features of Huawei Nexus 6P:

Miss Philippines Earth Romblon 2016

I found love with nature and I found happiness with beauty pageants, combining these two and it's Miss Earth. Meeting Kattline Joy Eranes, from Looc, Romblon, the reigning Miss Philippines Earth Romblon 2016 and Jun Cortez Fradejas, owner of RCF Productions was an unexpected, after seven years. Initially, it was a long chit chat and in the end, I was invited to join them for a shoot For a Cause. Photos below will describe Kattline's advocacy in the society. By the way, Kattline is now one of the Official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2016.

Kanidugan Festival 2016 | Romblon

Kanidugan Festival (Coconut Festival derived from a word “Nidog” or Niyog in Filipino or Coconut in English) it’s an annual festival celebrated in the month of April, foundation day of Odiongan and to honour Saint Vincent Ferrer (the patron saint of Odiongan, Romblon.) Photos below were taken during the parade and ground demonstration in OSCES open ground.

REVIEW: 2020 BEST SUNBLOCK/SUNSCREEN

The temperature is getting hotter and hotter and hotter. According to studies, Global Warming is the reason why we are experiencing the sudden climate change. UV rays are harmful to our skin, as it damages your skin or can be prone to skin cancer. Having said that, a lot of products are out in the market to protect us from the damaging UV rays. It is a MUST to use sun protection, especially for the people, like me, who’s always outside. I tried six different brands in the market and now, I will be sharing three of the best sun blocks.

Aeta | Tribes in the Philippines

Aeta Tribes are the indigenous people spread in the  mountainous areas of Luzon, Philippines. According to  Wikipedia.com: "These people are considered to be Negritos,  whose skin ranges from dark to very dark brown, and  possessing features such as a small stature and frame; hair  of a curly to kinky texture and a higher frequency of naturally  lighter color (blondism) relative to the general population;  small nose; and dark brown eyes. They are thought to be  among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, preceding  the Austronesian migrations.

Mission | To Be the Best Travel Blogger

Boracay Island

I am not a pro in photography, my memory is not enough for the wide history, and I don’t have money to travel around the world. But, I will do everything to learn and to be one of the best travel bloggers in the world. I learned a lot when I was still developing TravellingCup, my very first travel blog published on the web. This knowledge will be used for developing Sirang Lente to provide to the readers everything about travel, as a relaxation. I will not stop learning, because I do believe that learning is constant.

Tau't Batu | Tribe in the Philippines

Tau't Batu

Tau’t Batu (people of the rock) are indigenous people located in some high lying areas on Mt. Mantalingajan. As of right now, most of them are still using the ancient mode of living, like hunting and farming. They also use caves as their home but some already have houses made of light and sturdy materials like nipa, coconut leaves and woods.  During our visit, I noticed that most of the women use cloth to cover their bodies while shirts and G-strings for the men. Our itinerary here: Mt. Mantalingajan

The Venice | Fort Bonifacio, Global City

The Venice in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig

The Venice (photo above) I saw a friend posting a photo, in facebook, that is so familiar. Out of my curiosity, I asked my friend if where was that photo taken. And she told me the details. I told my travel buddies about this place but I was sad, they already knew it. Without any plan, we visited The Venice and here's what we found:

Best Lechon Kawali | Cainta

Best Lechon Kawali

Eating pork is not a priority for me, due to health and religious purposes; I still prefer fish, chicken and beef deli. But almost a year ago, I and my friends discovered a restaurant at the back side of a wet market in Cainta, Rizal, who serves lechon kawali that we can’t resist.  As in, we’re here daily!

San Diego Church | Silay City

San Diego Pro-cathedral formerly known as San Diego Parish Church or St. Didacus Parish Church before, it was declared as a pro-cathedral in 1994. It is the only church in Silay City that features a dome which is like St. Peters in Vatican City. 

What to Visit in Ilocos

Tourist Spots and Destinations in Ilocos Sur and Norte:

Since I am an avid fan of the Marcos'es, traveling to their hometown, Ilocos, is one of my bucket list. This province has everything to offer, from its history, politics, and tourist attractions. What to visit and what to do? Check our photos below: