PAMPANGA: TOURIST SPOTS (2020 TRAVEL GUIDE)

Bacolor Church or the San Guillermo Church in Pampanga is considered as the Cagsawa of the North. More then twenty years ago, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and many municipalities were left devastated, including Bacolor, Pampanga. This church was built in 1576 and was named after Bacolor's patron saint San Guillermo Ermitaño. Destroyed by earthquakes and fire then was rebuilt in 1886. READ: BACOLOR CHURCH

We were heading back to Manila when we passed by the Angeles Church, Pampanga. It was evening and we thought that this church is stunningly beautiful. So, we parked and explored the area. According to history, the first chapel of Angeles Church was established in 1812, however, the current Renaissance-style structure was built through "polos y servicios" or forced and unpaid labor under the supervision of the Spanish government from 1877 to 1896. Dubbed as "Pisamban Maragul," kapampangan phrase for "big church" because it was the tallest church in Pampanga during that time. READ: ANGELES CHURCH

The first Giant Lantern festival was held to honor President Manuel L. Quezon. At that time, Quezon made Arayat his rest area and converted Mount Arayat into a tourist resort. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family. Quezon himself donated the prize for his lantern contest, which was personally awarded to the winner by First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon -WikiPedia.org

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BULACAN (Tourist Spots, DIY Travel Guide, Things you need to know)

In Philippine history, Bulacan is one of those provinces with a lot of happenings and until today, the historical sites are still standing. Let's start with Barasoain Church, also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, a Roman Catholic church built in 1630 in Malolos City, Bulacan. From Bulacan Provincial Capitol, we rode in a tricycle to and alighted in front of the church. It was early in the morning so we had time taking photos without people on the background. Disadvantage? The church was open but the museum was closed. I was stunned by its structure, thus, standing in front of the facade was remarkable. READ: BARASOAIN CHURCH

NEGROS ORIENTAL (Tourist Spots, Travel Guide, Things you need to know)

Creating a travel itinerary for Negros Oriental is not complicated and this province has a lot of gorgeous and stunning tourist destinations. Dumaguete City, its capital, is highly urbanized and it is the center of commerce and transportation to the different parts of the province. Also, finding a high class hotel or a cheap backpackers lodge online or Google Map is also easy. The province of Negros Oriental was my first destination of my recent solo-backpacking in Region 7.

PROJECT 81 PH: ALL PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Aim for 81 is my personal agenda for the next few years; other's call it Project81 or Project81PH. Its main purpose is to save money to be used for visiting and discovering the hidden treasures in 81 Provinces in the Philippines. I totally understand that it will not be as easy as my previous backpacking but, I know, I CAN DO IT! As of August 2020, I have 6 remaining in Luzon, done with all the provinces in the Visayas and one remaining in Mindanao.

2020 BEST DISHES IN BICOL (MUST TRIED)

When we visited Caramoan islands in Camarines Sur, tasting their very own and authentic dishes as part of our itinerary. I am not a chef or a cook but according to some friends, I have good and active taste buds. Taray diba??? 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.

SILAY CITY: TOURIST SPOTS AND TRAVEL GUIDE (2020)

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. CONTINUE READING

BIR: CHANGING/UPDATING RDO

I processed my employment documents that include Pag-Ibig and my tax updates (RDO and Tax Exemp). I am working for more than five years now and it's my first time to process these documents and it's not a good experience.Since I previously worked for a BPO in Mandaluyong City (RDO: 041,) I headed to BIR Office in Boni to have my BIR Form 1905 stamped. Upon submitting 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” signboard. 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. 

2020 NBI CLEARANCE RENEWAL GUIDE (Updated)

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.

PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART (SMX Convention Center)

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).

2020 BEST KOREAN RAMYUN

BER months are almost here, meaning holiday is coming to town. Since it's holiday, I will be now posting foods on Sirang Lente, starting with the famous Ramyun. I was influenced by the Korean dramas I've watched, 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 this.

2020 FATHER'S DAY CELEBRATION: 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.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES Offers FREE Admission

National Museum of the Philippines Offers FREE Admission on selected month as part of the Heritage Month celebration. For update, please check 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:

MY HAIR TO A PROGERIA PATIENT (Philippines)

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.

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MINDANAO 2020: TRAVEL GUIDE AND LIST OF TOURIST SPOTS

Mindanao is second largest island in Philippine Archipelago, composed of 27 provinces, and situated in the southern part of the country. Since I was a young, 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.

2020 ISLAND HOPPING: DAMPALITAN, BORAWAN AND PUTING BUHANGIN (Quezon)

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.

Hiking Mount Tarak (Bataan) with Couch Surfing

Mount 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.

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.

BACPACKING 2020: How to Get to NAIA Terminal 3

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. MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT or NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NAIA) is one of the famous gates in the country. But, how to get to the airport?

I am living in Cainta, Rizal; since my destination is NAIA which is located in Pasay City, if I travel via taxi, it will cost me more than 500 pesos and for me that amount is too high. NOTE: This is the fastest vehicle to the airport. Please note of your luggage during rush hours. Here’s what I always do:

If you are from Manila, Valenzuela, Quezon City and other places near MRT 3 or LRT 1, here’s what you need to do: Take MRT/LRT and alight at EDSA-Taft station. Then, cross EDSA using the footbridge. Below the North bound station, ride in a jeepney with "Airport" signboard. Get off at the parking gate of Terminal 3. Or, take a taxi to NAIA terminals (tried and test to Terminal 4, I only spent 110 pesos).

FROM NAIA TERMINAL 3 TO EDSA: At the exit, there are buses bound for different parts of Metro Manila, Clark Airport and inter terminals (1,2,3,4) but for a limited time. If you're heading to EDSA, from Terminal 3 parking, take the exit gate and cross the highway.

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RELATED POSTS:

READ: BACKPACKING TO BORACAY ISLAND

READ: TOURIST SPOTS IN CEBU

READ: TOURIST SPOTS IN DAVAO CITY

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ORCHIDS RESORT: Cheapest Resort/Hotel in Boracay

At first, when I booked my flight for Boracay Island on a Piso sale, I was hesitant because am not sure about my schedule and had no idea about the budget. As part of that nerve-wracking feeling, a week before my trip, I posted on Facebook and asked my friends about the cheapest resort in Boracay Island and the result was positive. A friend of mine referred her friend who works in Orchids Resort. And there, my mind was at peace!

MT. GULUGOD BABOY (Hiking Guide, Itinerary, Things you need to know)

After Batulao, I consider Mt. Gulugod Baboy as one of the mountains in Southern Luzon that possess gorgeous slopes and a relaxing ambiance on the summit. Situated in Mabini, Batangas, a 2-3 hours land travel from Manila, it became famous because of its proximity and beauty. The name "Gulugod Baboy," or pig's spine English, was given because of its slopes and shapes that are similar to the pigs' spine. If you’re starting to explore the richness of the Philippines at a higher altitude, then this mountain is your perfect start.

 

2020 HIKING GUIDE: Mt. Pundaquit, Zambales

Hiking Mt. Pundaquit is the perfect way to visit Anawangin Cove, well for  trekking enthusiasts. While walking on the flat surface at the entrance of the mountain, you can see its gorgeous scenery that awaits to be discovered. The mountain's entrance is just ten minutes from the shoreline of Brgy. Pundaquit and its trail starts by passing across the grass and shrub lands.