Davao City - White Water Rafting, "an Exhilarating Ride of my Life"

It was a long time dream for me to experience white water rafting. So, when me and my friends planned to visit Davao City and Davao del Norte, I excitedly suggested that we should experience the white water rafting on this trip.

Upon reaching Davao City, we took a cab going to Davao Crocodile Park. This is where the Davao Wildwater Adventure Inc. (DWAI) is stationed. Since it was still early morning when we arrived, we had to wait for the organizers to start the orientation. While waiting, we changed into our swimming clothes as we expect to get really wet when we do the rafting. We also secured our belongings in the lockers they have provided us.

At around 8:30 AM, we fitted our gears - helmet and life vests. Then we had the initial rafting orientation which includes discussion of safety reminders and a video of things to expect during the rafting activity. At first we were all scared as we see rafts cap-sizing on the very "wild" Davao river. Hahaha!!! Pero syempre, kasubuan na ito... Bahala na! Go! Hahaha!!!

Bulacan - Spelunking at Bayukbok Cave in San Miguel Bulacan

Bayukbok Cave is located within the territory of the Biak na Bato National Park. It has an important role in our history as according to our guide, this is where the Katipuneros used to meet during the revolutionary times.

The exploration starts with a short, uphill trek to the cave. The rocks here are sharp, rough, and some are unstable. Utmost care is needed in hiking up the trail as laxity may lead to accidents.


The start of it all is a narrow passageway that leads to a cliff where you have go down through a rope. Wahhhhh! start pa lang, pahirapan na! Hahaha!!! It was kinda hard because you need to have a good grip at the rope so as not to fall off. Thank God, all of us made it through. Hehehe!

Bulacan - Traversing through the Monkey Bridge over Madlum River

The monkey bridge over the Madlum River was built not as an attraction for tourists, rather it is a bridge used by the locals to cross the river especially when they are chasing time. It is composed of two cable wires stretched out on both sides, one used as a handle and the other is where you walk to move yourself to the other end.


Traversing through the width of the river hanging several feet above it while carefully balancing yourself between the two unsteady wires is extremely difficult. Consider also other factors such as the gustiness of the wind and the wobbling wires, crossing the bridge is really frightening! Hahaha!

Bulacan - Madlum River Swimming, a Refreshing Break from Mt. Manalmon Climb

The scenic Madlum River

Swimming at the Madlum river is one activity you shouldn't miss before or after climbing Mt. Manalmon. This charming river offers clear cold water and stunning views of massive rock formations and beautiful landscapes.

view from afar

The river stream

We, the Sosyal Klaymers, couldn't resist the compelling view of this river. Its inviting water makes a refreshing break on our way back to the jump-off point - a perfect place to relax and kill some time before our trip back to the city.

Climbing Tip : Bulacan - Mt. Manalmon - How To Get There, Travel Expenses, Climbing Fees and Contact Details

As part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park, Mt. Manalmon is a great outdoor destination that is very near Metro Manila. Here, one can spend a day of hiking, swimming and spelunking and you'll definitely have an exceptional weekend adventure.

Getting there

1. Take any Cabanatuan-bound bus from Cubao or Pasay (Baliwag Transit, ES Transport, and Five Star Transport). SCTEX buses don't pass by San Miguel. Be sure to ask if it will pass by San Miguel, Bulacan.
2. Get off at Brgy. Kamias Junction in San Miguel Bulacan. Travel time from Manila is around 2.5 hours.
3. Go to the tricycle terminal and hire a tricycle going to the jumpoff point - Brgy. Madlum. Travel time is about 45 minutes.

Bulacan - Mt. Manalmon Climb - San Miguel Bulacan

Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon is located in the town of San Miguel, province of Bulacan. Not only it is known for its historical background as part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park, it has always been a favorite destination of outdoor enthusiasts seeking for a thrilling experience.

As part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, this hidden paradise offers a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming at the Madlum River, crossing the Monkey Bridge, river rafting, spelunking, diving, rappelling, rock climbing, and more! This place is a haven for “Adventuristas” like us.

Metro Manila - Acquatica Musical Fountain Show at Manila Ocean Park

One of Manila Ocean Park's main attraction is the Acquatica Fountain Show, the Philippines' first and only musical fountain. The show features live casts, high-tech computer imaging, impressive pyrotechnics, and sky-high water effects.

Be captivated by the magical water screen and the amazing display of music, fire, and laser lights, coupled with animated marine characters at Acquatica - the country's first and grandest musical fountain that is par with the world's best.

Pinoy Festivals : Magayon Festival 2011 in Legazpi City

Bicol region’s grandest and longest cultural festivity, the Magayon Festival will take place on April 1-30 in Legazpi City, Albay. This year's festivities include street parades, musical events, trade fairs, fashion shows, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more.

The highlight of the festival is on April 29 with the "Magayon Festival of Festivals" that will showcase the local festivities of Albay’s 15 towns and three cities.

Metro Manila - Japan! Japan! @ The 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, Mall of Asia Pasay City

We waited for hours and it was raining that evening. But Japan's performance at the Pyro Olympics last weekend at Mall of Asia did not disappoint us. Expectators are all glued to the skies as Japan showcases exceptional lights coupled with catchy music. Breath-taking, superb, awesome! That's how I would describe their performance.

Pinoy Food : Pancit Cabagan of Isabela

Originated from the town of Cabagan in Isabela, Pancit Cabagan is a delectable medley of stir-fried, fresh miki noodles mixed with cabbage, chicharo, carrots, Baguio beans, spring onions and topped with crispy lechon de carajay. It also comes with a thick soy sauce-based soup which makes it different from other pancit versions.

Pinoy Festivals : Bangus Festival 2011 in Dagupan City

Bangus Festival is one of Pangasinan's most anticipated festivals. It is a yearly event that highlights the local bangus industry in the City of Dagupan. A major tourist attraction that promotes the city as the "Bangus Capital of the World".


Schedule of Events
Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011

April 8, 2011
Motorcade
Opening/Mass
START of PHOTO CONTEST
Auto Electronic Show1
Home and Appliance Trade Fair
BANGUS ED CAROSA

Metro Manila - Paco Park and Cemetery

Paco Park was once Manila’s municipal cemetery during the Spanish colonial period. Most of the wealthy families during that time interred the remains of their loved ones here. Tough it was originally planned as a municipal cemetery for the well-off and established upper-class Spanish families who resided in the old Manila, it was also used to bury victims of a cholera epidemic that swept across the city during that time.

Rizal - Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Folk Art Museum in Angono

Last January 29, 2011, we went on a quick trip to Angono, Rizal. We checked out Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant, one of the most well-known specialty restaurants in the province. The town of Angono is known as the Art Capital of the Philippines. When you visit this town, you shouldn't miss dining at Balaw Balaw. They offer not just good food, but an experience worth remembering.

Batangas - The Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine and Sacred Well of Sta. Lucia in Taal

Aside from the Taal Basilica found at the heart of Taal Town, another church worth visiting is the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine. Located in barrio Caysasay, it is our last stop before to head back to Manila.


Pilgrims have the chance to touch the image of the Virgin Mary by going to the stairs behind the shrine. We went up and took some time to offer prayers for our families and loved ones.

HOTELS IN TAAL, BATANGAS: Casa Punzalan, A Blast from the Past!

Casa Punzalan
If you're looking for an authentic feel of a house during the Spanish colonial times, Casa Punzalan is the perfect place to spend a night in Taal, Batangas.

Font desk
Casa Punzalan is the first tourist inn in the centuries-old town of Taal. It is an 18th-century house converted into a small hotel under the auspices of the Taal Heritage Foundation. It has 3-fan rooms and 2 air-conditioned rooms, named after the children of the owners of the house.