Claveria, the Coastal Paradise of Northern Cagayan

History has it that the municipality of Claveria was named after the Spanish Governor General, Narciso Claveria, who drove the raiding pirates away from the then village called Kabikungan. Kabikungan was renamed Claveria in honor of Governor General Claveria as soon as the place was converted into a town.
The town of Claveria in the province of Cagayan is a modest and peaceful place, about 600 kilometers away from Manila, a favourable place for people looking for solitude, away from the tiring metropolis. Branded as one of the cleanest municipality in the country, Claveria, Cagayan can be reached by enduring the approximately 15 hours of land travel, or (5 hours) about less than an hour by air to either Tuguegarao or Laoag and an additional 3 to 4 hours of land journey.

The town of Claveria is represented with such fantastic milieu. The air is fresh and always breezy due to its proximity to the ocean. Existing not just in dream, Claveria is an incomparable place at the north tip of mainland Luzon in the Philippines because of its unfussiness. A really admirable location for non-luxury looking individuals. Its populace, just like the rest of the Filipino, are welcoming and are approachable. The foods are all right, a very Ilocano approach in living life. The town offers a comforting and perhaps one of the finest places suitable for retiring, whether of old age or just withdrawing from active life, seeking retreat, far and away from the noise of the urban living. Life is indeed simple but the convenience of living modern are presented. Everything seems uncomplicated in this town, the waterfalls and the beach is just there somewhere.

The village of Taggat is where the lagoon can be found, situated at the right area of the inlet, a favoured swimming destination especially for the children. The place is shielded from the immense waves by natural boulders of rock, trapping the composed sea water in a basin-like enclosure, calling it a lagoon. During the dry months, this particular spot on the coast of Taggat are filled with people immersing themselves in the lagoon to beat the summer heat. With adults supervision, the kids can play safely in the lagoon without worrying to a great extent that they might be carried by the waves away in the open sea. On the pebbly side of the beach, opposite the lagoon, is the waterfalls.

Aside from the lagoon, Taggat is where the renowned rock formations can be witnessed and was even made distinct and illustrious by its legend, the Lakay-Lakay and Baket-Baket. “Lakay” and “Baket” is a term of endearment in Ilocano language. Lakay means “an old man” or “a husband”, and literally intended only for the grown ups of male gender while Baket is the feminine equivalent of such expression. Moving on, the legend says that once upon a time, a well-to-do family who made fortune by fishing, was asked by an elderly tramp for food, but Lakay-Lakay acted high and mighty and so is his wife, Baket-Baket, they pay no attention to the lament of the pitiful, old beggar. Swollen with greed the couple were, the strange, old tramp foredoomed their family. As the elderly tramp vanished into thin air, the couple became uneasy and hurriedly looked for their child who happened to be playing on the other side of the coast. Little by little, their child turned to rock, Baket-Baket gradually turned to rock as well, and before Lakay-Lakay realized he’s sorry, he
himself was turned. This is why Lakay-Lakay and Baket-Baket stood beside each other at Taggat, while their progeny, Ubing-Ubing, was on Sentinela Cove in Camalaggoan / D. Leano.

Another cloaked paradise in the town of Claveria is the Sentinela Cove, home to the Ubing-Ubing. Ubing means “ a child” in the Ilocano language. Sentinela Cove is enthroned with fine sand and the current is more tender compared to Claveria beach at the boulevard, near the “ili”or the town proper. Rubing-Ubing as told

 in the legend is the offspring of Lakay-Lakay and Baket-Baket, who in their greediness was turned to rocks. On dazzling account, the Cove is perfect for beach bumming and swimming. A cave for a shade and a hill for the bird’s eye view of the bay completed the representation of this piece of paradise. By day’s end, the cove is a spectacle to stare at. Gazing at the sun going down on the horizon as the blue breaks open in beautiful hues, was more than the seeing of sights.

Those natural rock stunners of Claveria are dubbed as the sentinel of the fisherfolks of the town. Try to connect with the story of Lakay-Lakay and Baket-Baket, though given an insensitive anecdote, their tale stands for the great morals of sharing and compassion. It is not how the story ended, but how the story inspired one’s self to do unpretentious and encouraging act that in some way brought gladness to the underprivileged members of the society and consequently making the world better.
The rock formations in the town of Claveria are wonders of the natural world. They must be safeguarded too from harebrained individual. Dreaming that those rock creations would be marvellously standing on the shore until the waves got weary of humming their melody, awaiting the ultimate twilight, for those legendary rock formations kept their silence for hundreds of years, they’re an eyewitness to the transformation of the environment, survivor all along these years. Those rock formations- monuments shaped by nature, fashioned and made perfect by time.


Written by Miguel Voyager: 
I am identified in the travel blogging world as “Palos”. My friends call me Miguel, and I have a burning passion in traveling and landscape photography. An occasional travel blogger, a bartender and a narrator for ads, who makes real living in the field of public service.Read my short articles on http://biyahengpalos.blogspot.com as I walk around the picturesque Philippines.
This article was published in HKLife Newspaper for the month of May 2014

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Countryside Escape ...Villa Escudero, Laguna

If you want to experience tranquility and excitement come to Villa Escudero
Plantations and Resort in San Pablo City, Laguna. The “Hacienda” style resort
offers a countryside experience of lush coconut vegetation and the famous Lake Labasin complete the scenic ambience and not to forget the warm hospitality of the village folks. It’s a vacation everyone deserve.

                          

                                   

Whether staying for a day (day-tour only) or planning for a longer vacation, Villa Escudero offers a variety of accommodation options that will make your stay more enjoyable and memorable. Some of the activities offered are :
The Villa Escudero Memorial Museum
This houses some of the well preserved collection of delicate antique artifacts, religious icons and colonial arts. The intricate carving of woods, stones and ivory most dating from Spanish colonial time that reflects the dedication and devotion of the Filipinos. Antique oriental ceramics, murals, paintings, costumes, natural history and many other though taking photos are not allowed.


                                                           


                                                                    Escudero Ancestral House
Next to the Memorial Museum was the Escudero Ancestral Residence which is exclusive only for family and friends, but guest could have a glimpse of the mansion surrounded by the lush paradise-like garden and fountains.









Water Buffalo ride
Also known as the “Kalabaw” in Pilipino , one will be able to experience and appreciate the alluring scene of the surroundings while village folk musicians serenade the guest with traditional Filipino love songs known as the “Kundiman” as it slowly pulls the carriage on stony road. These carabaos even have their names like Sexy, Djanggo, Pogi and Madonna. Jeepneys and golf cars are also available upon request.



Lake Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant
This is what everyone is waiting for! A rich true Filipino authentic cuisine served buffet style on a native bamboo dining tables while clear, cool spring water running over your feet with the waterfalls and lush green vegetation as a background is a truly memorable experience one can have only in Villa Escudero.

The Philippines Experience Show
Villa Escudero’s very own musician and performers rendering Filipino music, songs and dances with rondalla ensemble.







Bamboo Rafting

Lake Labasin is a narrow lake which serves also as a reservoir for the Hydroelectric power plant, it has the allure for bamboo rafting and fishing. Paddle around the lake while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, birds chirping and sometime fish jumping as if they were welcoming the guest with acrobatic stunts to show there warm acceptance.



Other amenities and attraction

Explore the bird species of at least 95 recorded residence of the Hacienda. Take a dip at the cool water of the pool or take a tour of the rural village and have a glimpse of the daily life of the village folks. There are endless ways to spend your day with family and friends at Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort where true Filipino hospitality is at its best!

Article written by Bhoy Rebleza Floresca, Dubai based in Media Services. An avid photographer and nature lover. WAFP’s Rookie of the Month for January 2014

This article was published in HKLife Newspaper for the month of April 2014 

Calaguas: A Paradise Waiting to Unfold

 

 

Calaguas dubbed as “concealed white beach of Bicol” emerged as Philippines’ top tourism gem for 2013 in an online nationwide poll of 175 tourist destinations. It is a group of twelve islands in the province of Camarines Norte, Philippines. It includes the major islands of Tinaga Island, Guintinua Island, the minor Maculabo Island, as well as other minor islands. Most of the islands are under the administrative jurisdiction of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, while the minor island of Maculabo is under the administrative jurisdiction of the municipality of Paracale, Camarines Norte. Mahabang Buhangin or Halabang Baybay (local dialect) is a long stretch of powdery white sand beach enclosed by a cove in Tinaga Island in Camarines Norte.

The pristine beach and turquoise sea are the reasons why this island is frequented by tourists. There are no accommodations or establishments in Calaguas. Staying in Mahabang Buhangin is like joining the Survivor TV series. Tourists have to bring their own food/drinking water, tents/hammocks and other supplies and camp out in the long stretch of the beach. There is barely any mobile network connection in the island. So if you are planning for that perfect getaway with your loved one without any interruptions, Calaguas would be your ideal destination. It is a peaceful place to unplug and de-stress from life’s worries.

Swim and snorkel all morning. It would be a sin not to even dip in the inviting and clear water. Start your afternoon by hiking to the top for a breath taking panoramic view of the island and end it with a wonderful sunset. Make your bonfire and relax in the evening while stargazing and lying on the beach until you fall to sleep. You can even go skinny dipping if there's no one around and wake up to the scorching heat of the sun beaming on your face while the clear crystal water hush into the shore.

The Calaguas group of islands offers so much more than just a place to relax. Its tranquillity and serenity along with its crystal clear water and unspoiled natural resources makes it an haven for tourists who want to escape the urban jungle. Spend another day to explore the nearby islands or relax and enjoy the charm of this unspoiled beach.

 

It is an eight-hour ride from Manila and another two-hour boat ride going here. Naga City has the nearest airport and is two hours away from Daet, which is the jump-off point to this beautiful island.

The Calaguas group of island is isolated and lies off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The best time to come here is between February to May, which is considered the summer months of the Philippines. The waves are also calmer during this time. There are several operators offering packaged tours for Calaguas during weekends but if you have the time and adventurous, a do-it-yourself is feasible as there are regular trips going to Paracale and Vinzons. Boats are available at the port and this is where your haggling skills will come into play.

http://www.mikelaagan.com/

 

If you are looking for a place to unwind, relax or clear your head, then Calaguas is your destination.


Article written by Mike Laagan, an engineer, a traveller, a mountaineer, an avid photographer and a travel blogger. You can read more of his travels and tips in this link http://www.mikelaagan.com/

This article was featured in HKLIFE Newspaper for March 2014 Issue

 

The Feast of Sto. Nino

The religious population in the Philippines is one of the most unique in Asia, as the country is predominantly Christian. A majority of them are Roman Catholics, whose beliefs range not only from simple prayers and worship, but also devotion to different icons including the saints, the church and it’s leaders.
This month the whole of the Philippines celebrates the feast of Santo Niño, which celebrates a Christ child-like statue. The statue of the Christ Child image started in the 17^th Century in Prague, where it was presented as a wedding gift to a Spanish woman who wedded a Czech nobleman in the 17th century. The statue was handed down to the Carmelite sisters and from there the statue was associated with miraculous healings and protection of the Church during wars.

Among the places where Santo Niño festivals being celebrated around the country are Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, Binanog Festival in Lambunao, Iloilo, Sinulog Festival in Kabankalan City, NegrosOccidental, Makato Sto. Nino Festival in Makato, Aklan, Kinaradto Festival, Buenavista, Guimaras, Batan Ati-Ati MalakaraFestivalin Batan, Aklan, Atlavas Sto. NinoFestivalin Atlavas, Aklan, Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City, Ibajay Ati-Ati Municipaland Devotional Festival in Ibajay, Aklan, Dinagsa Ati-AtihanFestivalin Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, Hinirugyaw Festivalin Calinog, Iloilo, Sto. Nino de LakbayawFestivalinTondo, Manila, Buling Buling Festivalin Pandacan, Manila,Pajotan de Sto. Nino Festival in CaloocanCity, Biniray Festival in Romblon, Romblon, Bambino Festival in Pasig City.photos by Nelson Gonzales, Earla Arnibal, Raymond Avergonzado, Roberto Labaniego
article featured in HK LIFE Newspaper for February 2014 issue

For more photos  click here

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WAFP Outreach Maragondon

Apart from WAFP's advocacy in boosting Philippine tourism, we also take part in other activities beyond our dedication in promoting tourists spots in the country. As part of the group's social responsibility we organized an outreach program for the benefit of the 400 students in Sta. Mercedez Elementary School in Maragondon,Cavite. It took months of planning and organizing on how to provide the needs of the 400 students and we don't have any idea where to get funds for it. Until the overwhelming donations in cash and in kind came from WAFPs  kind-hearted members, at the time we announced about the project and with that, we were able to get more than enough of what we are expecting!

The day came and all 400 students arrived earlier than the scheduled time of the event, all wearing their school uniforms neatly, behaving on their seats while quietly waiting and smiling even though they've been waiting for a while. And as the event started they gathered together holding their food containers and eagerly expecting what's in store for them!

The children got even more surprised as they saw the volume of food and gifts as it was being brought in the school that seems to be endless and that they couldn't count them anymore!

Party hats, games, ice cream, prizes and the clowns made their adrenaline burst with excitement as they attentively participated in the activities and it was wonderful to see these children enjoyed the merriment at that moment.

An on-the-spot drawing contest was also held dedicated to the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

The reward of falling in line for a long time...ICE CREAM! And they really love it!

The Swimming Team of the Sta. Mercedez were also recognized during the event for winning in ten different swimming events and the overall third placer in the West Cluster Sports Unit in Cavite. Some of the swimming gears were also provided by the WAFP and the school principal was elated with this recognition and of course...that would also make us proud!

The Rotary Club, our partner in Outreach Programs donated medicines to the school clinic and did lectures to students about the awareness in cleft palate which was delivered by our very own and Rotary Club envoy Nito San Luis.

Oh well, it was a long day for WAFP! November 16, 2013, was a big day for us! We knew that it wouldn't be like the usual thing we do during our past FUNlakwatsas, it wouldn't be like just walking on streets and take pictures and get entertained with the beauty of nature, and eat when we get hungry. But this time we have a sincere commitment to these children and we're not going to fail them. As they bid farewell to each of us while clutching their take-home goodies, we know this would be their one of the most memorable Christmas treat they ever had. And for us, seeing them very happy is one of our meaningful celebration of life, an invaluable food for the soul.

WE ARE FUNTASTIC PHILIPPINES!
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HKLIFE News January 2014 Issue 

1st Sugbuan Festival, Nasugbu Batangas 
WAFP Outreach Program in Maragondon, Cavite 

THE STAR OF HOPE, Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival

The season of Christmas begins early in the Philippines. As soon as the first day of September commences, you can already hear yuletide songs being played on many radio stations. People also begin to decorate their houses with elaborate Christmas ornaments. Shopping malls display a wide array of different Christmas decorations. Colorful Christmas lights light up the streets all over. Christmas carolers, the Noche Buena (the dinner taken by the whole family on the eve of Christmas) and lanterns hanging on most of the houses. These make the Philippines the home of many Christmas traditions.

But above all these traditions, there is one thing that many people from all walks of life wait for during this yuletide season, the famous Giant Lantern Festival, also known locally as “Ligligan Parul” of San Fernando, in the province of Pampanga. It is a celebration showcasing the popular Christmas product of Pampanga – the parol, or lighted star, that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem that led the Wise men to the baby Jesus. It originated from a classic five-pointed star that resembles the star of Bethlehem. Several others made their own parol creating it with innovative designs according to their liking.

The tradition only began as a simple lantern festival held by the people of San Fernando honoring the then President of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon. The primitive lanterns were made of bamboos and were only about two feet in diameter. They were held in procession during a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas, and brought to the town church before midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This religious activity was known as “lubenas.”

Nowadays, everything has changed. A more elaborate competition is being held. Parols have evolved from simple bamboos to giant lanterns measuring up to 40 feet in diameter; from simple lighted candles to magnificent blinking lights and from star-shaped to different floral pattern designs. At the start of the year, artists begin the designing for the parol. When everything is ready, artisans start creating the parol. The best parol-makers are hired to guarantee that the best parol would be made. The work itself is very taxing. Making one would mean several hours spent just to create a magnificent work of art. Add to that the cost which can rise to several thousands of dollars. Then on December, few days before Christmas, these Giant Lanterns will be displayed before a large crowd, lighting up the dark night, all vying to emerge as the best among the best parols. And winning is not only about bagging the trophy, but more than that, it’s a matter of pride for the winning barangay and reputation for the parol-makers.

The Giant Lantern Festival is truly a remarkable tradition. But beyond the beauty of the parols is the message of hope that these parols bring. Just like the hpe that the star of Bethlehem brought when the savior was born. That amid the trials and struggles that the people are experiencing, beyond the problems and difficulties, there is still hope.
That’s the Lantern of Pampanga – the star of hope.
article written by Allan D. Miranda, Highschool teacher of Colegio de San Lorenzo in Pampanga and a hobbyist photographer
photos by Nelson Gonzales
article featured in HK LIFE Newspaper for December 2013 issue

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HKLIFE News December 2013 Issue 
The Star of Hope
Written by: Allan D. Miranda 
Photos by: Nelson Gonzales 

Hiking/Trekking in the Philippines.

My first hiking experience was during my scouting years in the late 70’s.   Los Baños Laguna was the center of all scouting activities during that time.  I was so excited to look at the lush greeneries of sugarcane plantations along the stretch of old SLEX that leads to Laguna.  Even more excited to learn that we will hike up on the mystique mountain of Mt. Makiling.  After the Makiling experience I never cease to dream of climbing a mountain.   

It is during my high school days in the early 80’s that I experienced the real hiking or trekking experience.   We are on a summer break when we planned to scale what I believe to be the blue mountain that I saw across the lake.  Just for me to find out that it was Mt. Irid a part of Sierra mountain ranges from the eastern side of Rizal. 

Sierra Madre Mountains

Crossing rivers and lakes
Rare Rafflesia Flower

 One of my trekking experience in the 80’s is climbing the mountains in Tanay Rizal. We boarded an old dilapidated jeep bound to Daraitan.  The trip was so exciting  we are on top of a jeep and  as I remember we crossed the river for more than 10 times before we reach sitio Daraitan, a Dumagat sitio. Our guide passed us to a Dumagat (local guide) wearing a G string,  a 3 feet hollow bamboo tube (buho) tucked in his behind and his native bow and arrow. It was a survival kit for drinking.  After locating a moist clay at the edge of a cliff he stucked his buho to a clay and a chocolate brown water runs.  In less than two minutes it becomes a clear water and he invited us to drink (or die without water while trekking).  After less than an hour of walking on a dense jungle we emerged on a miniature falls (spring) on a knee deep water.   We don’t have cameras then but the sight of a natural pool landscaped and encircled with variety of water plants is so enchanting.  Indeed, the Dumagat warned us that the place was enchanted so we move on until we reach our base camp at the foot of a limestone wall facing the mighty Agos river of Tanay. After several attempts, I finally scaled Mt. Irid last 2010.  Last March 2013 was my last visit to this place and I am at a lost due to its changing landscape.
Hiking/Climbing today are made easy with the advent of the technology and information. 
There are places that can be promoted as an Eco Tourism destination but there are some that is better left untouched with nature.   Mountains have their own capacity.  The most frequently visited mountain are the most vulnerable.   Mt. Pulag for example is accepting 25000 tourist a year (this info was based on 2010 data. Mt. Pulag is home to a diversity of a unique flora and fauna.  An indigenous dwarf bamboo and a cloud rat, slightly bigger than your average house cat, is a home on this mountain revered by the locals as the home of their ancestral gods.

Article Written by : Roberto Labaniego – A Mountaineer and an Admin of “We are FUNtastic Philippines”

Mt. Pulag by Raymond Medina

The most climbed mountains in the Philippines are Mt. Apo, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Halco, Mt. Mantalingahan, Mt. Hamiguitan, Mt. Guiting guiting, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang dulang, Mt. Pulag and Mt. Kanlaon.
Article was published in HK LIFE News for November 2013 issue
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HKLIFE News November 2013 Issue
Written by: Roberto Labaniego