Places to Visit in Zambales

Just recently, the province of Zambales became more popular because of the issue about the West Philippine Sea arbitration case with China. The long stretch of shoreline, facing the West Philippine Sea, has fine white sand, the water is crystal clear, the ambiance is absolutely refreshing, and more to offer. Having said that, since it is already considered as tourist destinations, beach resorts created variety of water activities like scuba diving. Here are just some of the famous beaches in Zambales:

Places to Visit in Tarlac

 The province of Tarlac is situated in Central Luzon, surrounded by the provinces of Zambales, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija; a 2 to 3 hours travel from Metro Manila. Tarlac is also one of the provinces that hold a huge part in Philippine history. When I visited part of this province, the wide rice fields and mountainous areas are very noticeable. The entire area, even the city, is surrounded by the relaxing green colors. Photo above is the St. Michael The Archangel Parish Church or the Camiling Parish Church.

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.

Aim For 81 Project

Aim for 81 is my personal agenda for the next few years. Its main purpose is to Save money to be used for visiting and discovering the hidden treasures that can be found in the 81 Provinces in the Philippines. I totally understand that it will not be as easy as with my previous backpacking but, I will give the entire 2017 for my preparation.

Best Bicolano Delicacies

When we visited Caramoan islands in Camarines Sur, Bicol region, tasting their very own and unique delicacies was part of our itinerary. I am not chef or a cook but according to some friends, I have good and active taste buds. So for the first time I will be a food critic. First is the famous Laing. This is a spicy dish with dried taro leaves, siling labuyo, and coconut milk as the main ingredients.There's a linamanam factor and the texture is smooth inside my mouth.

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.

Ilo-Ilo and the Wealth from the Past

Miag-Ao Church

Miag-Ao Church - the construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on  was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against Muslim Raiders. In 1898, during the revolution, this church was destroyed but then it was rebuilt. In 1910, it was damaged by fine, and then it was badly damaged by earthquake in 1948. Restoration work began in 1960 and was completed in 1962. During the term of office of the Most Rev. Dr. Jose Ma. Cuenco, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Jaro, of Msgr. Fernando S. Javillo, D.P., Parish Priest of this town and Dioscoro Mueda, Municipal Mayor. More photos, click here.

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.

Tourist Spots in Silay City

Balay Negrense

Balay Negrense is one of the century old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. Balay Negrense is a Hiligaynon phrase which means: Balay or a house and Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros. It is a century old house in Silay City owned by Victor Fernandez Gaston, the eldest son of a prominent sugar baron Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. It was built between 1897 to 1901, then abandoned in the mid-1970’s, repaired by the government and was inaugurated on October 6, 1990. More photos, click here.

Boracay Island: Travel Guide

The Philippines is composed of thousands of islands and surrounded by waters but one island stand out among the others - that's Boracay Island. This island is really one of the prides of the Philippines in terms of outstanding beaches across the globe. Just recently, I received inquiries from foreign readers of Sirang Lente on how to get to Boracay, what are the activities that can be tried, and asking for recommendations for hotels in this gorgeous island. Now, I am re-posting these amazing photos captured from the worlds finest island – Boracay Island.

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?

Changing BIR RDO

February 24, 2014 – I processed my employment documents that include Pag-Ibig or HDMF and my tax updates (RDO and Tax Exemp.) I am working for more than five years now and it was my first time to process these documents and it wasn’t a good experience, so I want to share it with you.  Since I previously worked for a BPO in Mandaluyong City  with RDO: 041, I proceeded to BIR Office in Boni to have my BIR Form 1905 Stamped. But, upon submitting it to the clerk, he informed me that my record was already with RDO: 43A in Shaw (near SSS and Pag-Ibig). So I rode on MRT from Boni to MRT Shaw, then on Shaw boulevard, I rode in a jeepney with “Pasig, Palengke” signage. Get off in front of Pag-Ibig Bldg. (second Stop Light). Crossed the footbridge where BIR is located. Got queue number from the guard and waited for my turn. 

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.”

Processing my NBI Clearance

I processed my  NBI Clearance yesterday and change just came! My original plan yesterday was just to make payment at LBC in Robinsons Metro East. But since NBI transaction was OFFLINE, I proceeded to the NBI at the 4th Floor and ask if what are the other payment channels that I can choose for payment and the polite guards said that I can make a payment at the NBI Counter - Step 1, which I did.

27th Philippine Travel Mart

Just got home from a biggest Travel Mart at SM Mall of Asia Convention Center. I brought everything, like water and food, because already expected that this event will be a challenging one. I saw thousand of attendees at this travel convention because it will only last for three days (September 2-4, 2016).

The Taste of a Korean Ramyun

Today is the first day of September 2016. It’s already BER months, meaning holiday is coming to town. Since it's holiday, I will be now posting foods in Sirang Lente, starting with the famous Ramyun. It started when Korean drama got my interest, from Descendants of the Sun, Doctors, W, Cinderella and the Four Knights and many more. Kimchi, Korean noodles and Soju are always part of their eating and drinking scenes, so I tried these. On the first try I easily thought that the taste is unique and really good.

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.

Five Mountains for Beginners near Manila

Here are Five of the mountains near Manila recommended for beginners: first, Mt. Batulao is one of the famous destinations for the hikers and adventurer seekers. This mountain lies on Southern Luzon and 2-3 hours travel from the Manila and very accessible to both private and public vehicles.  Batulao has a gorgeous ranges and slopes; its amazing shape is covered with luscious green grasses and trees making it so relaxing in the eyes. Its  trail is simple to moderate. More gorgeous photos and useful information here: Mount Batulao.

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.

Father's Day | Sa Photo Collage Lang Nakasama si Tatay

Lingid sa kaalaman ng karamihan, nagmula ako sa isang pamilya na puno na pag-mamahal na binubuo ng anim na magkakapatid at mga magulang. Ang aming pamilya ay may malakas na pundasyon na sa kahit anung aspeto ng buhay ay napag-tatagumpayan sa pamamagitan nang pag-tutulungan. Ang aming tahanan bagamat hindi marangya, ang pundasyon nito ay ginawa, pinanday, at hinulma ng taong tatawagin kong Tatay – ang Haligi  ng aming Tahanan at isang Karpentero.

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.

Mindanao | Discovering its Paradise

Mindanao is second largest island, composed of 27 provinces, and situated in the southern part of the Philippine Archipelago. Since I was a young boy, if I hear Mindanao, my mind automatically gives negative description: such as fear, battle, chaos, abduction, NPA, MILF, MNLF, political problem and etc. No one taught me those but news coverage is a huge factor.

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.

Island Hopping in Quezon for 1500 pesos

The Province of Quezon is one of my favorite provinces in the Philippines because of its gorgeous and stunning beaches that can be considered as on of the top tourist attractions and destinations in the region. Aside from that, they also have the colorful Pahiyas Festival and sumptuous pancit hab-hab. A few of the gems can also be found on higher altitude of Mt. Banahaw – the Holy Mountain and Mt. Cristobal – the Devils Mountain. Now, for the third time, I am visiting the three of the fine-looking islets of Padre Burgos, Quezon.

Donating my Crowning Glory to a Progeria Patient

Almost 1 year ago, one of the remarkable events in my life was cutting my long and beautiful hair. I donated my hair to a young and beautiful lady turning 18. She is Rochelle.

National Museum of the Philippines Offers FREE Admission

This wooden coffin was discovered in Banton, Romblon

National Museum of the Philippines Offers FREE Admission for the whole month of May 2016, as part of the Heritage Month celebration, that's what I saw from the National Museum Facebook Page. The National Museum has the collection of relics, artifacts, and antiques discovered in the Philippines and abroad, combined for the Filipino viewing. Some of these are the following:

Orchids Resort | Cheapest Resort in Boracay

At first, when I booked my flight, with the promo sale, I was hesitant for this trip because I am not sure yet for my schedule and my budget.  But, just a week before my trip, I used my facebook account and asked my friends for the cheapest resort in Boracay Island. My original plan was to walk along the streets of Kalibo, Aklan, but when a friend gave me her friend's number who works in a resort at Boracay, I changed my original plan, it became backpacking to Boracay.

Commute to NAIA Terminal

Our airplanes are the flag carrier of the Philippines and the airports serve as the main gate where locals and tourists checks in and out. These places should have extensive security protocols to protect thousands of people. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is one of the famous gates in the country. For few months now, NAIA staffs have been facing different issues. Let’s not talk about it!

How can we get to this airport? No worries, I will share to you on how I reached this airport (NAIA Terminal 3 & 4) by commuting. It will be applicable only to those people without check-in baggage or luggage. Read my story here why:

ROMBLON | Revisiting my Hometown

Mountain Spring Resort is located in Brgy. Rizal, Odiongan, Tablas Island, Province of Romblon, Philippines. It is one of the top resorts in the town of Odiongan that has an amazing ambiance. Covered with green flowering plants and trees that is really refreshing to everyone’s eyes. The cool wind that blows the branches and leaves creates relaxing sounds.

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 | Best Sunblock

Night and day, we can easily feel that summer season just started. The temperature is getting hotter and hotter while approaching the month of April. According to studies, Global Warming is the reason why we are experiencing the sudden change with our climate. But anyways, since it’s summer and majority of us will be having our vacation, it is very important that we know the basics to protecting ourselves from different factors – one of which is the harmful sun’s Ultra Violet rays.

Mt. Tarak | Bataan

Mt. Tarak is one of the mountains in the Philippines which is in debate if it’s a major or a minor climb; major because of its long trail and altitude and minor because of its trail class. Tarak is situated in Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, three hours travel from Manila. This mountain has an amazing and cool ambiance because of its rich forest areas.