My Solo-Backpacking in Negros Occidental and Iloilo

After my successful Cebu solo backpacking, another solo backpacking trip to the Visayas was planned - this is it: a solo backpacking trip in Western Visayas. The language barrier wasn't a problem because Hiligaynon has similarities to our native language in Romblon. During my travel, I learned that the Negrenses are accommodating and have a good sense of direction. For simple questions like, "Where is it located?" they provided me with detailed instructions. In general, Negros Occidental and the province of Ilo-Ilo are Must Visit provinces in the Philippines. Sorted according to my itinerary, historical, heritage, and tourist spots below were my destinations.

Antique Tourist Spot

1. Mararison Island

Mararison, or Malalison, is a gorgeous island. Before it became prominent and captured the eyes of travelers and tourists worldwide, it started as a fisherman's island, where the locals lived using their boats and nets as their primary livelihood. Today, this island is open to everyone discovering and experiencing what it can offer.

Explore Intramuros (History, Guide, Itinerary)

I visited Intramuros and Binondo several times but I thinking am missing something in and outside The Walled City in Manila. Inspired by the question: “Hanggang saan aabot ang isan daang piso mo?” Our journey today explains that budget is not a problem to see the gorgeous artifacts erected centuries ago. Without a formal itinerary, we walked on the streets in Intramuros Manila.

Sombrero Island

Sombrero Island is one of the islets of Burias Group of Islets. Crossing the waters of Burias Passage from Tinalisayan to Sombrero was a heart-pounding experience. Not only that, as we were getting nearer to the shoreline,  coral ecosystems and underwater flora and fauna were visible because of its clear waters. I took off my pink sando while on the boat because my skin hurt, a sign that, for sure, I would have sun-kissed skin due to sunburn but it's fine, am positive that my skin will still recover after a week. Instead of covering myself or applying Belo sunblock before jumping off the boat to the shallow water, we just grabbed our cameras and proceeded walking by the shore.

Cordillera Tourist Spot

1. Tappiya Falls

Feel the water pressure of the Tappiya Falls (photo above). It is situated in Batad, Ifugao. Like what I saw online, it truly describes nature's beauty designed by time and natural occurrences. Surrounded by mountains with trees and plants, making a more calm ambiance in the area. The pressure of the water falling creates a circular pool on the ground with crystal clear and relaxing cold waters. The river is abundant with boulders and towering limestone, adding excellent shapes to the frames.

Azure Urban Resort Residences, Parañaque City

Azure Urban Resort Residences is one of the newly developed vertical residential structures in Parañaque City. It got the attention of social media and Filipinos because it was designed by Paris Hilton, a world-famous socialite, and a hotel heiress. She has a great sense of art and class, as appears in the outcome of Azure Urban Resort Residences, from its details, facilities, poolside, residential units, and the white sand beach by the pool. Through an invite from one of the unit owners, I had a chance to enter and enjoy what's inside Azure Urban Resort Residences; the photos below will be described.

Butuan National Museum

Butuan National Museum is one of the historical structures in Butuan City that houses and protects the relics discovered in the region. It also holds several objects used by the locals for their daily lives, such as jars, ceramic and earthenware, hand-woven clothes, and many more. Photos below are just some of the items inside the museum:

Balangay Shrine, Butuan City

In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte | The Filipino word Baranggay came from the word: Balangay or Balanghai which is watercraft used by the ancient people in the Philippines for transportation and for barter and trade. If I am not mistaken, it was discussed when I was in the fifth grade, in HEKASI. I am happy that today, it’s time to see the actual relics of Balangay, discovered in Butuan. Since the guard did not allow me to use my DSLR or even my digital camera, photos below were captured using my mobile camera:

Agusan del Norte Itinerary, Backpacking in Mindanao

Butuan City is the capital of Agusan del Norte and it is highly urbanized with large establishments; with that in mind, backpacking in this city is easy because all the historical sites are located just within the vicinity, accessible using the local public utility vehicles such as jeepneys and tricycles. During our visit to Butuan, at the intersection of Narra Road (where Jollibee, McDonalds and KFC are located), we chartered a tricycle to visit two museums in the city.

International Doll House (Museum), Surigao

The International Doll House was mentioned by John, our guide. Somehow familiar because we already saw it on TV. John encouraged us to visit this this amazing place by giving us details of what are displayed inside. According to him, there are dolls with gold on the head, there’s a toy motorcycle with a value of 2.5 million pesos and many more. So we thought, it's worth to visit. 

Libuacan Cold Spring

Tourists enjoying the relaxing view at Libuacan Cold Spring.

Libuacan is a river system with cold, crystalline water that flows freely and is surrounded by relaxing greens. Since the area is surrounded by trees, the ambience is really cool and relaxing; everything seems to be fresh. It was our second option because the famous Enchanted River was closed due to renovations, but that's fine; there will always be a perfect time for us. 

MANLAWI SANDBAR, Caramoan - 2023 Travel Guide

Manlawi Sandbar is one of the “must visit” in Caramoan group of islands. This sandbar has an amazing shape, sometimes forming a heart, that captures most of the eyes of the tourists worldwide. However, visiting Manlawi sandbar is very crucial because it disappears during high-tide. Our bangkero knows the accurate time (12NN), so we experienced its beauty for thirty minutes.

MINALAHOS ISLAND, Caramoan

Minalahos Island is a small islet in Caramoan group of islands. It has a limited space for visitors due to its undersized shore line but the shape and rock formations are stunningly gorgeous. The plants and hanging on the rocks also added a beautiful landscape. If you’re fond of rock scrambling, I highly suggest to bring outdoor sandals for the sharp edges of the boulders.

Sabitang Laya Island

The island of Sabitang Laya is one of the Caramoan Group of Islands in Camarines Sur. It is almost the same as the other islets, with crystal clear waters, and amazing rock formations, but the only difference is that it has a longer stretch of fine white sand. Aside from that, there’s a wide and long stretch of trees and grasses by the shoreline. Of course, the wind is cool and fresh.

LAHOS ISLAND, Caramoan

The Lahos island is one of the prominent islet among the Caramoan Group of Islands because of its amazing rock formation, fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. On the top view, it appears like two boulders on the waters linked by the white sand. Don't mind the dried sea weeds because we visited this island after or while the typhoon Marce is still inside Philippine Area of Responsibility, so the water wasn't calm but we owned the island during our visit.

Matukad Island, Caramoan

Matukad Island is special among the other islands of the Caramoan group of islets because it is guarded by a majestic creature. It also has a long stretch of fine white sand, crystalline water, and greenery, and the wind is delicate, cool, and fresh. Instead of renting an air-conditioned room at Brgy. Paniman, we camped by the beach and stayed here for about twelve hours, enjoying its goodness.

Tanay Adventure Camp

If you're looking for a remarkable activity, Tanay Adventure Camp is a perfect place you can visit, just two to three hours from Manila. In 2014, I was invited to join the TAC Attack, an annual anniversary celebration held at the camp. And this year, they have added a lot of activities such as the ultra-marathon and outdoor cook fest. Since we a had problem with our availability, we opted to travel by 7 in the evening and arrived at the camp around midnight. Upon arrival, we met and greeted a few people at the event, feeling superstar kami eeh, then, set our camp and had our dinner. By 2AM we proceeded to the Maharlika Hall and witnessed the start of the 1st Conquer Ultramarathon.

Berlin Wall at Philippine National Museum

After seeing on Facebook that the National Museum of the Philippines has FREE admission for the whole month of May 2016, we chose to spend the whole day inside the museum rather than watching TV, with the hot election in the mainstream. It is better to be in front of historical artifacts than listen to some people for their political agenda.

National Museum of Fine Arts

A few days after my solo backpacking at the Museum of the Filipino People, it is the second part of Oktubre ang Buwan ng mga Museo. These two buildings of the National Museum of the Philippines are just a few steps away from each other. Also, they both have historical values in the country and played a huge part in preserving and restoring the ancient and modern artifacts of the Philippines.

Marikina Shoe Museum

Photo of the old Shoe Museum in Marikina.

History:

The Marikina Shoe Museum was conceived in 1998 under Mayor Bayani F. Fernando on the assumption that the City, being the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, can be a significant venue for nurturing the historical and cultural values of its shoe industry. It was opened on February 16, 2001, and was initially called the Footwear Museum of Marikina. Information courtesy: Marikina City Website

Boracay Island, Backpacking and Commuting Tips

From the NAIA International Airport, take a flight bound for Kalibo International Airport, the travel time is about an hour. Beside Kalibo International Airport, there are different modes of transportation that you can choose to go to Boracay Island via Jetty Port. Instead of booking private transport, I asked the guards or sales ladies at the airport about the public utility vehicles to Jetty Port. As instructed, I rode in a van bound for Jetty Port for 200 pesos and the travel time is about 2 hours. On the other hand, another option is via Batangas Port where you can board with 2Go Ferry to Caticlan, travel time is within 7-9 hours.

The Sound of Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

If I am not mistaken, the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ was our topic when I was in grade four in Sibika at Kultura. The subject was interesting, so the history of the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ remains fresh in my memory, even with the long name of the man who created this majestic organ. Fray Diego Cera Dela Vergin del Carmen was a Spanish missionary born on July 26, 1762, and was the first parish priest in Las Piñas during the Spanish era. He is the man behind this national treasure - Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. He actually came from Graus, now Huesca, a town in Spain, but still, his heart loves the Philippines. F. Diego Cera is also a man of titles; he is a Musician, Architect, Organ Builder, Botanist, Physician, Painter and Geologist.

Fort San Pedro, Cebu City

The History of Fort San Pedro

The Fort San Pedro, also known as Fuerza de San Pedro, is situated inside the Plaza Independencia, Cebu City. It is a military defense structure built by the Spaniards and the locals of Cebu under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador r. The date of its construction wasn't sure, but there are claims that Jesuit Antonio Campioni built the fort in 1600. Like the other century-old churches in the Philippines, there were a lot of major renovations in the 19th century for the structural improvements of Cebu.

Casa Gorordo Museum

The Casa Gorordo Museum, also a residential house, shows how a prominent family lived during their generations. From the floor, artistic walls, windows, rooftop, toilets, etc. - all parts are really gorgeous. At the main entrance of this house, its historical background was written and here's what it says: "This house was built in the mid-19th century by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales and was bought by Juan Isidro de Gorordo, a Spanish merchant, in 1863. Four generations of the family lived in this house, including the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, 1910-1932.

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

Photo: Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House.

The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House was initially owned by Chinese merchants Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido. It is one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines. It was built between 1675 and 1700 and was made from coral stones; egg whites were used as glue, and "Tigas" or clay was used for the roof. The wooden parts of the house were made of "balayong" and "tugas" or molave, the hardest woods in the country.

Cebu Cathedral Museum

Cebu Cathedral Museum is an ecclesiastical museum of the Archdiocese of Cebu. The building itself doesn't have exact information about when it was constructed because the archdiocesan archives were burned along with the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace during the trial bombing of the U.S. forces in September 1944. However, some historians believe it was built by Bishop Santos Gomez Marañon during the mid-1800s. Bishop Marañon was known as a church builder. He designed the Metropolitan Cathedral and other religious structures in the province of Cebu.

Rajah Humabon, a brave leader of Cebu

Rajah Humabon, also known as Sri Hamabar, was a leader of Zubu (now Cebu) and was regarded as the wisest and bravest man on the island. While backpacking in the city, I found a monument near the Cathedral Museum stating that he was the first Filipino chieftain to embrace Christianity.  When Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu on Sunday, April 7, 1521, he made a blood compact with the Portuguese-born Spanish explorer as a symbol of their newfound friendship. Captivated by its noble teachings, on Sunday Morning, April 14, 1521, he and his wife, Humamai, and about 800 locals were baptized. This monument is just a few meters away from Cebu Cathedral.

READ: Location, How to Get Here, My Solo-Backpacking in Cebu

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Featuring Zamboanga Sibugay - Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao

My first destination in Region 9 was the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, 3.5 hours by land travel from Zamboanga City. Ipil, its capital, is the usual stopover for buses heading to the cities of Dipolog, Pagadian, and even Cagayan de Oro. Like other municipalities, it's a center with big business establishments and busy streets. However, as a busy area, it hides something unique and is an Instagram-worthy tourist spot and attraction.

Solo Backpacking in ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, Misamis Occidental

What is ZamBaSulTa

ZamBaSulta is an acronym given to Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. That's the usual route; however, on this journey, I made a twist and created ZamTaSulBa. I even made it more extreme by including Region 9: Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Occidental, which is part of Region 10. Details below are my actual itinerary for 9 days, covering 7 Provinces and the independent City of Zamboanga.