Best Travel Blog in the Philippines

Mission: Sirang Lente, one of the Best Travel Blogs in the Philippines

Meym Dharzie, thirty-ish, Romblon! Previous part-time movie extra and full-time in BPO. I love historical sites, nature and outdoor activities like hiking and camping. At home, watching documentaries and Korean Dramas are my interests.

Why Sirang Lente?

Sirang Lente is a Filipino word which means “a defective lens,” pertaining to my camera lens. I know you’re thinking why I'm writing and proud having such a defective lens, correct? Here’s the reason: it was in 2012 when I started hiking and backpacking. That time, I don’t have anything expensive, like DSLR cameras, to capture high quality photos or even a knowledge in photo editing. What I have were old 5 megapixel Digital camera and a smart phone with 3.2 megapixel camera. They both have cracks on the LCD so I was thinking that they have defective lenses, but upon transferring the photographs to my laptop, images were beautiful. That's when I realized that there could be beauty in defects, it all depends in perspective.

 

I created this blog to list down the beautiful tourist attractions, tourist spots, tourist destinations in all the provinces I visited, upload great photos (must be raw and may not be in high quality) and tell my stories. I may not have perfect grammar but I do believe that: “learning is constant and practice makes permanent!”

For travelers, like me, Social Media is now considered as one of the must haves. Social media platforms, such as twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google Plus and many other social media sites and apps are best and simplest way to share your stories, travel itinerary and gorgeous photos to others. They are also being used to promote and inspire others to do the same.

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World's Most Unique Jose Rizal Statue

The most unique Jose Rizal Statue in the world. 

READ: My Solo-Backpacking in Samar Province

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ABOUT ME: SIRANGLENTE

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave

Its name was derived from their local dialect "Hoyop-hoyopan," which translates to "blow or blowing." The wind enters the cave opening, blows through the cave's cavern, and exits to the other side. That blowing wind is the reason why the ambiance inside the is cool and relaxing. Aside from that, there are a lot of artistic stalactites, stalagmites, and columns inside the cave. What's different than the other cave? There's a round concrete dance floor inside this cave. According to our guide, the locals created the dance floor to hide their party and gimmicks, which were not allowed before. After Cagsawa Ruins, Kuya Lijong brought us to this gorgeous cave. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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ABOUT ME: SIRANGLENTE

Mt. Samat

It is a historical mountain in Bataan where the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on its summit. This shrine has a huge cross with a memorial shrine and museum built to honor the gallantry of the Filipino American soldiers who fought during World War 2. The shrine complex on Mount Samat includes a war museum with different memorabilia, paintings, and weapons used by the Filipino, American, and Japanese forces during the Battle of Bataan. These structures were commissioned by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1966 for the 25th Anniversary of the Second World War. Also, please note that the province holds the record of the Battle of Bataan, including the controversial Death March.

Sunken Cemetery

Sunken Cemetery is a historical landmark and the top tourist spots in Camiguin. Before, it was a resting place and today, it is a tourist attraction that gives money to the government and jobs to the locals. This spot has a huge cross perched into the water. Tourists can cross and step on the base of the cross using boats, of course NOT for free. Souvenir shops and stores are available by the entrance. READ: Backpacking in Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin.

Rizal Park and Shrine, Dapitan

The Rizal Shrine in Dapitan (José Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape) was the place where our National Hero was exiled by the Spaniards in 1892. Today, this historical place shows his life while working as a doctor, sculptor, farmer, teacher and many others. He purchased this land after winning a lottery in 1892. Later, his mother, sisters and relatives transferred here from Calamba, Laguna. However, on January 15, 1897, the Spanish authorities confiscated all of his property. These were converted into a park and were declared a National Park in 1940 by President Manuel L. Quezon.

Backpacking in Guimaras (9 Stunning Tourist Spots)

The Province of Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic when we talk about mangoes because they are said to have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” With that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. Aside from that, the residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning tourist destinations, such as beaches, historical sites, and other activities. They also have the Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank them for their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day, but it can offer a lot to visitors.

PROJECT 81 PH: ALL PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Aim for 81 is my personal goal for the next few years; others call it Project81 or Project81PH. Its main purpose is to save money to be used for visiting and discovering the hidden treasures in All 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.

Silay City - Tourist Spots and Attractions

1. 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-1970s, repaired by the government, and was inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

Intramuros, Manila - Important Details You Need To Know

I visited Intramuros and Binondo several times, but I think 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 of Intramuros, Manila.

Cinco de Noviembre (Silay City Travel Guide)

Cinco de Noviembre served as the drugstore and a hideout where Negrense Revolutionaries secretly helped plan the revolution against the Spanish Colonial Forces on November 5, 1898. Today, it is a small landmark in Silay City, but before, it played a huge part during the revolution. This is the perfect location where Negros Republic was created.

Marcos Ancestral House, Ilocos Norte

When I entered the Marcos Ancestral House, the first thing that caught my attention was an old wooden staircase, right side of the ground floor, because it was covered with a red carpet. On the left side is the presidential table, with three armchairs. The management then provided monoblock chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Then, the whole second floor was divided into different panels.

Apo Whang-Od Tattoo Design

A lady named Apo Whang Od (locals pronounced it as Fang Od) is 103 years old and she's the oldest mambabatok from the Butbut tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga, Philippines. The tattoos on her skin prove how powerful she was during her time.

Lazi Church and Convent

The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, commonly known as the Lazi Church, is one of the main tourist destinations in Siquijor. I was stunned by the appearance of this Church and its convent. The parish became independent in 1857, but the current stone structure, which is neoclassical art, was completed in 1884. It was built using seashells, coral, and wood. In 1972, it was declared a national cultural heritage. Today, it is newly renovated, with the walls covered in white.

Century Old Balete Tree, Siquijor

The Century Old Balete Tree is one of the faces of Siquijor and must be visited in the province. It is a fig tree family, or the "stranger tree", because it grows beside other trees and sometimes kills the host tree by strangling it. In Philippine folklore, balete is the house of the tikbalang (horse demon), dwende (elves) and diwata (fairies). This old tree, according to stories, is mythical.

Pinagrealan Cave

Ang Kweba ng Pinagrealan ay unang tinawag na "Kweba ng Minuyan" na matatagpuan sa paanan ng bundok ng Sierra Madre sakop ng Bayan ng Norzagaray. Ito ay ginawang kampamento ng mga rebolusyonaryong Pilipino sa pangunguna ni Heneral Sinforoso del Cruz. Ito ay naging pangunahing kuta at tanggulan ng mga manghihimagsik nang taong 1896-1897.

Guiguinto Old Trail Station, Bulacan

Built in 1661, the Estacion de Guiguinto (Guiguinto Train Station) is the towns most acclaimed historical landmark and heritage site.  It was upon this that the Katipuneros (Filipino guerillas during the Spanish Regime) ambushed a train from Dagupan, killing six friars, including the parish friar of Guiguinto, Fr. Leocadio Sanchez, and the Spanish doctor. The incident inspired Severino Reyes to author the novel "Opera Walang Sugar" which was later made into a movie entitled "Walang Sugat." - source: www.bulacan.gov.ph 

Jose Cojuanco Mansion

This is the old and original house of Jose Chichioco Cojuangco (July 3, 1896-August, 1976). He was the former Representative of the 1st district of the province of Tarlac from 1934 to 1946.  He is one of the roots of the Cojuangco clan, and he is the father of the late President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino, and grandfather of the late President Benigno Aquino III. This historical landmark is situated on Paseo del Congreso Street, just a few meters from Barasoain Church and Casa Real Shrine.

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Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House

A stunning color of Magsaysay's ancestral house.

Another attraction in Zambales is the ancestral house of former President Ramon Magsaysay in the Municipality of Castillejos. After celebrating Batang Hamog Mountaineers' 7th Anniversary at Silanguin Cove, this ancestral house was our side trip. While heading back to Manila, we decided to stop by because it looked unique, and it was the house of the Seventh President of the Philippine Republic. It was Lucky 7; we were in the 7th Year and visited the house of the 7th President of the Philippines. Ma-connect lang talaga no?? This ancestral house houses furniture, photos, medallions, and other memorabilia.

Featuring Cebu (Tourist Spots + Guide)

1. Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross is a historical landmark and the most visited tourist spot in Cebu City. It is a Christian Cross made of wood erected by Ferdinand Magellan (a Portuguese explorer) during his exploration in Cebu, Philippines, on April 21, 1521. This Cross can be found inside an octagonal chapel in front of Cebu City Hall and beside Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. This is one of the most prominent tourist spots in Cebu. But, the current Cross is a tindalo wood where the splinters of the original Cross were encased. The wood of the original Cross deteriorated because the people were chipping some parts and making it as a souvenir in the belief that it was miraculous.