Pinoy Festivals : Bacolod Masskara Festival 2012 Schedule of Activities

With this year's theme "Life’s Good in Bacolod", the "City of Smiles", Bacolod, will once again celebrate its world renowned Masskara Festival. Mass, which means "many", and Kara, a Spanish word for "face", Masskara Festival is the most anticipated festival in the country held every 3rd week of October in Bacolod City. The festival's highlights are happening on October 20-21, 2012 with the street dancing competitons for schools and barangay categories.

WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU: The Center Suites in Cebu City is "Where Budget Meets Luxury"

When I was planning for this trip in Cebu City, I really don't have any accommodation in mind. Like what I usually do, I just roam around to check on different hotels/pension houses and decide from what I see. Good thing that while browsing the net, I stumbled upon this new hotel in the heart of the city - The Center Suites. I was enticed by the photos I saw and wanted to try it for myself.

CATANDUANES TOURIST SPOTS: The Marvelous Cascades of Maribina Falls

After visiting Bato Church, we proceeded to our next destination - Maribina Falls. Also located in the municipality of Bato, it is one of the most popular and most accessible waterfalls in the province. The falls is about 5 meters high with marvelous gushing rapids of crystal-clear waters.

Pinoy Food : Iligan City's Halang-halang

"Halang-halang", literally means anghang-anghang (spicy-spicy) is where chilis are the primary ingredient of this spicy soup dish. It has small bits of beef, served as a soup. You can add more chopped chillis and spring onions to sooth one's taste and preference. It is best enjoyed with a cup of rice and consumed while it's hot!

Pinoy Holidays : August 27, 2012 is a Holiday in the Philippines - National Heroes Day!

Another long weekend in the Philippines is coming up! August 27, 2012 (Monday) was declared a regular (non-working) holiday in observance of National Heroes Day - celebrated every last Monday of August. The said declaration was issued late last year by Malacanang Palace under Proclamation 295, s. 2011.

Pinoy Festivals : Peñafrancia Festival 2012 Schedule of Activities

The month of September would not be complete without the celebration of Bicol region's Peñafrancia Festival. Celebrated every 3rd Saturday of September in honor of Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia, thousands of devotees flock to Naga City, Camarines Sur to join the festivities.

THINGS TO DO IN CATANDUANES: Visiting Bato's Charming Century-old Church

Bato is a small, quaint town located on the southwest part of the island of Catanduanes. It is probably well-known for its century old church built on a small hill facing Bato River and greets everyone upon entrance to the town. It took 53 years and six different parish administrations, from 1830 to 1883, to build.

Pinoy Festivals : Kadayawan Festival 2012 Schedule of Activities

Ten Tribes. One Vibe. "Kadayawan sa Dabaw" is Davao City’s most anticipated festival in celebration of its bountiful harvest and culture. Dubbed as "The King of Festivals", Kadayawan is a month long festivity happening this August with the highlights happening this weekend (August 18-19, 2012) with Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing) and Pamulak sa Kadalanan (Floral Float Parade).

Pinoy Holidays : It's Official! August 20, 2012 is a Holiday in the Philippines!

Today, President Benigno Aquino signed Proclamation No. 455, s. 2012, DECLARING MONDAY, 20 AUGUST 2012, AS A REGULAR HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN OBSERVANCE OF EID’L FITR (FEAST OF RAMADHAN)

WHAT TO DO IN CATANDUANES: A Quick Stopover at the Newly-built PAGASA-DOST Weather Radar Station

Inagurated by President Noynoy Aquino last May 2, 2012, the PAGASA-DOST Weather Radar Station in Barangay Buenavista, Municipality of Bato, Catanduanes is considered as one of the most advanced radar station in the world. It is the eighth radar station installed in the country at an estimated cost of 500 million pesos with fundings from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Pinoy Holidays : Is August 20, 2012 a Holiday in the Philippines?

According to Proclamation 295, series of 2011, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday for the celebration of Eid’l Fitr shall fall. Furthermore, as posted on NCMF's website "moon-sighting activity will be conducted on the 29th day of Ramadhan to determine the end of Ramadhan Fasting and observance of Eid’l Fitr", which started July 21, 2012.

Surfing in Catanduanes - Riding the Waves of Puraran, my 4th Surfing Experience

Considered as one of the top surfing locations in the Philippines, Puraran Beach in Baras, Catanduanes came into fame because of its majestic waves produced by the deep rumbling Pacific Ocean. It became a favorite among international and local surfers for having one of the fastest, most hollow, right-handed barrels in the world.

Catanduanes Tourist Spots - Puraran Beach, the Surfing Capital of Catanduanes

On our 2nd day in Virac, we were fetched in our hotel by Kuya Chris, the owner/driver of the car we rented for a whole day tour around the island. Our first destination is Puraran beach, a "world renowned surfing site" located in the town of Baras in Catanduanes. Facing the pacific ocean it is home to the so-called Majestic waves.

Where to Eat in Virac Catanduanes - Sea Breeze Restaurant

After exploring Caramoan Islands and seeing the Survivors, we went back to Virac, Catanduanes and checked-in at Catanduanes Midtown Hotel. After fixing ourselves it's time for us to have dinner. As per suggestion from the hotel staff, we walked towards the port area and dined at Sea Breeze Restaurant located along Virac's seaside boulevard.

Camarines Sur - Caramoan Island Hopping Adventure and Seeing the Survivors

Popular among local and international tourists, Caramoan is a favorite location of the hit reality TV show "Survivor". The islands has been featured in several seasons which was shown in Serbia, Israel, Bulgaria, Sweden and France. Just recently, the 25th season of the US version of the show finished filming and is set to premiere on September 2012 entitled "Survivor Philippines".