Discovering Heritage in Bagac

August 28, 2011
Bagac, Bataan

We set out early on Sunday morning for an adventure to explore Bagac, Bataan. This little trip that we had rekindled my interest for Philippine history and our rich cultural heritage. Scroll on down and have a glimpse of the things I've discovered in Bagac.

Welcome marker to Bagac. This also landmarks the Battle of Tuol Pockets
Heavy fighting took place between Japanese and Filipino/American Forces
in an attempt to pocket the Tuol River Valley area

Reading a bit of the history of Bagac
Bagac was the location of the last stand of the Battle of Bataan

Philippine - Japan Friendship Tower
As a symbol of friendship and peace

the KM 0 of the infamous Bataan Death March


A large private area in Bagac housed Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
A resort site of architectural reconstruction of old Philippine buildings


The reception area - Casa Mexico
A reconstructed house originally from Mexico, Pampanga
Restored based on pictures and house parts sold to a junk shop


Las Casas is a relocation site of restoration projects of
old dilapidated house and building structures
The place looked like a small town from 19th century Philippines



Las Casas provides a short tour of the structures
My favorite buildings include: Casa Binondo III


Casa Tondo (Front), Casa Hidalgo (Back)
Observe that old houses had the 'Silong' beneath the house
And the actual house itself is situated on the 2nd floor


Casa Hidalgo was the first Campus of the UP school of Fine Arts
Originally located in Quiapo, Manila
Inside the building were two painting by the late Joey Velasco
Last I saw an exhibit of his work was in DLSU library


Casa Luna, a typical Ilocana bahay na Bato


Sculptures of children playing donned some of the areas
Remember the days when we used to go outside and play?
Luksong baka, patintero, Ciucok (agawan base)?


We also explored Bagac Bay. The wind and waves were crazy!
... might as well enjoy the sea breeze :)

Some other notes:
> Bagac is 2.5 - 3 hours drive away from Manila (via NLEX, SCTEX, Roman Highway)
> The day tour in Las Casas is a bit pricey but is inclusive of lunch and snacks
> The guided tour of the compound did not elaborate much about Bataan, but ask the staff around they are sure to give you tips on places to stay and see (We were not able to pass by the memorial shrine in Mt. Samat)
> Do not bother to go to Montemar Beach Resort. They have the worst reception service ever! They did not allow us to enter the resort to inquire because they were at 96% capacity. I wrote a review on tripadvisor
> Photos courtesies of: Lance, Marion and Emil

The Elusive Zambales Weekend

July 16-17, 2011
San Antonio, Zambales
(Camara, Capones, Anawangin)

I had been postponing writing this blog for some time now. For various reasons: (1) I had to reserve this post for August, I have no destinations for August as of yet, (2) I had to wait to get the picks of pictures from friends, (3) etc... As much as I have been eluding to write this post, this trip to Zambales was the more elusive one.

Me and my HS Amigas have been contemplating to go out of town for some time now (as far back as 2010). We would have wanted to go on an excursion early this year, but we did not push through. I planned the outing for June but storms prevented us from traveling. We were able to arrange for this trip in July (finally!).

This is our first trip as a group ever! :) Mi Amigas, thanks for sharing this great trip with me

I coordinated with Explore Island to provide us travel services
My review: very accommodating, even providing for special requests.
Downside, there are quite handful of additional payments required

We stayed at Canoe Beach Resort
Clean rooms, small pool, beach front. All-in-all a good place

Cafe Pundakit (Restaurant in Canoe)
The food was amazing! No exaggeration.
The food is simple Filipino, but taste great.

We explored Camara island
I love the strong waves crashing to the sand bar

Nature trail to Capones Lighthouse
The trail we used was shorter but less used.

Capones Lighthouse

Anawangin Cove - I'm amazed at the picturesque pine trees

Anwangin Cove - exploring the fresh water streams

Anwangin Cove - fun playing in the waves

On our way home, we had a Sumptuous meal at Xtremely Xpresso.

Great Pizza and Pasta (Truffle pasta - a must try), desserts not as good

Photos courtesy of: Bea, Mas, Kat

Sights of Bohol

July 8, 2011
Tagbilaran - Carmen, Bohol

After our hectic day in Cebu we set out to our main destination... Bohol. :) We availed of a tour package by kuya Levi, the package he gave us was a real bargain. It included hotel transfers, Bohol tour, Panglao tour, and two nights accommodation at the Panda Tea Garden. Upon our arrival at Tagbilaran, we just left our luggage in the hotel and started out immediately to enjoy the sights of Bohol.

First stop: Sandugo Blood compact monument

symbolizing the first treaty of friendship between the Filipinos and the Spaniards


Famished that we were, kuya Levi took us next to Rio Verde floating restaurant
We had our lunch and enjoyed a peaceful Loboc River Cruise


After a kilometer or so of cruising we were greeted by the Ati Tribe
We went down to take pictures with them and gave a few pesos donation to the tribe


A unique primate (Just to be clear I'm referring to the Tarsier)


The famous Chocolate Hills. Although they look like dirt mounds,
they are actually limestone formations covered with grass


A close encounter with butterflies at the Butterfly Garden
Take away: butterflies don't cause blindness


We passed by the magnificent man made mahogany forest


Then we experienced crossing a hanging bridge
After crossing I rewarded myself with a coal cooked saba (yummy!)
Travelers tips: souvenirs here are cheaper (except for peanut kisses)


Finally our last stop: Baclayon Church
This is the 2nd oldest church in the Philippines

* Photos courtesy of Alden, Eds and Nikki

Exploring Panglao Island

July 9, 2011
Panglao, Bohol

Our second day in Bohol we went on exploring Panglao. Panglao is an island southwest to the main island of Bohol. Tourists frequent the fine white sands of Alona Beach and the water activities nearby such as dolphin watching, snorkeling and diving. We set out to start our day dolphin watching, but to our dismay the waves were quite rough (and we did start abit late) so no dolphins showed up. Oh well... we just went on to Balicasag to witness its wondrous reef. After half a day on the sea, we spent the rest of the day in land exploring Panglao.

The new and old lighthouses of the small island of Balicasag
Balicasag has a rich coral reef which is a hot spot for snorkeling and diving
(unfortunately I have no snorkeling pictures)

Virgin Island - I really enjoyed exploring this isolated island/sand bar
We saw a lot of sea creatures - sea urchins, star fish, sea cucumber, crabs, etc...

After lunch at Alona beach, we went of to the bee farm
Aside from the bees, the bee farm grows its own organic vegetables and
provide resources for cottage industries to thrive.
They also provide accommodation, and I think I wouldn't mind to avail


Panglao Church Bell Tower doubled as a watch tower
The tallest of its kind in the Philippines


Hinagdanan Cave, a relatively small cave (in comparison to CDO and Sagada)


Shopping for Souvenirs - the Hinagdanan cave site housed a lot of souvenir merchants
Souvenirs here are cheap too


Dauis Church - here I got a bottle of Miracle Water :)
legend has it that a water well formed near the altar
at the time of need of Dauis towns people

*Photos courtesy of Eds and Alden

Cebu City by Foot and Jeep

July 7, 2011
Cebu City, Cebu

Cebu was the first destination of the 4 day Cebu-Bohol vacation. We had one day to explore Cebu! Being wise spenders (or "kuripot") we opted to get around Cebu mostly by foot and by jeepney rides. (Click to see jeepney routes in Cebu). I've been to Cebu a lot of times before, but taking it on by foot and jeep made this trip truly a unique experience.

We stayed at JY crown palace at only Php 300 per head. It was a bargain, and the place was pretty decent. So after after checking in, we started out on our tour of Cebu City.

We started off at the Philippine Toaist Temple (~1 km from JY)
We walked 700 m to Gordon Ave then we took the 17B jeep to Fuente Osmena



We had lunch at Larsian BBQ near Fuente Osmena


From Fuente Osmena we took the 21B jeep to see Magellan's cross


then off to the Basillica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu

A little prayer to the Sto. Nino


After which we walked across to fort San Pedro

We lounged for a bit inside the triangular fort

Then we walked! first to Pier 1 to check Bohol fare rates of Ocean Jet,

then to Pier 4 to book our tickets with Supercat
We decided to take a short jeep ride (12 G) from pier 4 to SM for some snacks


In the evening we set out to enjoy the view of the City at Crown Regency
We did the sky walk and had dinner buffet

We took a taxi to Crossroads for K1 family KTV


Then finally walked to 'The Walk' of Asiatown IT park
to signify the end of our Walk in Cebu

*photos courtesy of Alden and Eds