Luneta Park: A Walking Tour

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Pit Señor! The Tondo Way!

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Revisiting the Walled City of Intramuros

After joining a 5K Marathon weekend in Hagonoy, Bulacan, JC and I decided to have a side trip to Manila before going back to Cabanatuan City the next day. 

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My DREAM Philippine Destinations

“Ayaw kong maging dayuhan sa aking sariling bayan.”

Since when I was a kid I dreamed of travelling the world. But as time goes by, I want to shorten my sight and just travel the whole Philippines first. From that realization I made a promise to myself that I will experience pearl of the orient more than the usual thing.

I listed wonderful (to me) places in the Philippines which I will visit in the future.

Topped my list was BATANES, I read several articles from Pinoy travel bloggers and backpackers about this majestic group of islands. I want to experience the “Marlboro Country” of the Philippines. Of course, will try buying at the Honesty Store and wear the famous Ivatan Headgear. I also dream to sleep under the concrete roof of their houses. Moreover, I want to taste the tranquil environment and have a date with Mother Nature in a romantic and picturesque backdrop of the ocean.

Next is PALAWAN, I can’t explain the magnet of this vast island to wanderers like me. Dubbed as the greenest city (Puerto Princesa City) of the Philippines and home of the UNESCO World Heritage Underground River, truly, Palawan has enough reasons to boast as an ultimate travel destination. 

BANAUE, not the one associated with the vast selection of automobile parts, just kiddingJ. For quite some time, visiting the Cordilleras and experience its rich cultural heritage is one of my biggest cravings in life.

I wonder why people smile. Then let’s visit BACOLOD – Philippines’ City of Smiles. From its steep cultural value to a street raving party during Maskara Festival, definitely a must visit site for those who wishes to wander and try food tripping in the south.

I choose ILOILO because of a very special reason (secret J). Aside from its gastronomic La Paz Batchoy, another UNESCO World Heritage Miag-ao Church and the mystical feelings of Spanish colonization era. The lovely and sweet Ilonggos compensate the longing for a wonderful vacation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO and DAVAO is my ultimate spots in Mindanao. I want to see before my eyes the beauty and splendid flora and fauna of the land.

So far, these are my dream destinations in my beloved country. I will not stop until I conquer all 81 provinces in 17 regions all over. Join me as I traverse the road less travelled – of being a Biyaherong Pinoy via LakbayNoypi travel journal. J

Travel Nostalgia Snapshot: Panglao Beach, Bohol

 My first Panglao Adventure with friends from Cebu, Manila and Nueva Ecija

Travel Nostalgia Series: Tagaytay in 2008

Young Parliamentarians: 

Bernard (Naga), Aian (Camarines Sur), Dindo (Makati) and Me (Cabanatuan)

In 2008, I was one of the hundreds young parliamentarians who gathered for the 7th National Youth Parliament. The said parliament was a biennial government mandated activity under the charter of the National Youth Commission (NYC) to formulate crucial youth policy and agenda. In 2008, it was held in Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) where the picture grove was located just across the street. There I met friends from all over the Philippines including those in pictures above. 

The famous Tagaytay Picture Grove. But the place looks deteriorating, I hope the City government will find time to restore the magnificent charm of the site.

After a week-long parliament thingy, my friends and I decided to stroll and feel the cold breeze of Tagaytay. We decided to visit "People's Park in the Sky" due to our curiosity. From DAP (7th NYP venue) we rode a tricycle to our next destination - The Park in Sky. Tricycle Fare: Php 40.00

 Welcome to People's Park in the Sky. 

People's Park in the Sky - An artful blending of natural and man-made attractions, poised on the highest point of Tagaytay City. It stands on a 4,516 sq, meters solid ground and overlooks four bodies of water – Taal Lake, Balayan Bay, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. It is located at Dapdap West and Dapdap East, approximately 6 to 7 km away from Silang Crossing. Tragically (and wastefully), however, in the past 12 years, this prize destination has deteriorated into a dirty, smelly, and ugly kind of place. The construction of a building of a weather station violates Proclamation no. 740 (s-1996) which states to preserve the ecological balance within one-kilometer-radius area around the People's Park in the Sky. (www.wikipedia.com)

 The picturesque landscape awaits traveler and backpackers who will 

visit the People's Park.

To me, Tagaytay is not an ultimate travel destination. But the place is for those who wishes a serene and  reflective atmosphere. If you want to have a date with nature in a cool environment, then, Tagaytay is the best place for you. 

my LakBayan Grade

A Grade of C from Lakbayan is not bad for a student-traveler like me. I am from Central Luzon so I frequently travel within the region. I'm looking forward to my graduation come April 2011, because after that I will embark on a back-packing adventure alone or with someone who's willing to taste the Filipino culture in the south. I don't want to be a foreigner in my own country so I made promise to myself that I will travel and explore the Philippines, taste its food, experience the hospitality of its people, capture the picturesque of its landscape and preserve its heritage by blogging its beauty and magnificence. I was saddened by many young Filipinos who doesn't know simple Pinas Geography. Nakakabadtrip lang na hindi nila alam ang mga lugar sa Pilipinas!.