I'm Still Traveling

Traveling solo is still my passion. That solitary endeavor will always be my elixir for happiness. And to experience the sense of freedom it gives makes me long to endure, explore, and discover the real me.

Uniquely CAMIGUIN

Located off the coast of Northern Mindanao about ten kilometers from Cagayan De Oro is the tiny island paradise of Camiguin. For the second time, I was able to recall countless facts I have learned during my first visit in this tiny pear-shaped island which locals also called "An Island Born Of Fire".

Here you can find Mt. Hibok Hibok and six other volcanoes which make the island known to have the most number of volcanoes per square kilometer than any place on earth. Camiguin is so small that one day is enough to see all the scenic spots all over the island. The soil is so fertile that anything you plant here will grow abundantly. Both hot and cold springs can be found in the island. The White Island is mysteriously located offshore ten-minutes away from the main island by boat, amazingly the only beach in the island with fine white sand.


Other must-see attractions are Katibawasan Falls, Old Catarman Ruins, Sunken Cemetery, Walkway To Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross. On top of everything, never miss the experience of being with fun-loving, deeply religious, friendly, hospitable and very hardworking Camiguingnons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Unforgettable MOUNT PINATUBO Trek

Though I may have traveled the entire Philippines already, one thing I haven't done is to climb any our mountains - meaning - to endure long hours and days of walking and climbing to the top.
One weekend I decided to take an easier and shorter and the more popular Mt. Pinatubo trek, just to have a sneak preview of a mountain climb experience. The day tour I booked for P1,988.00 already includes round-trip bus fare to/from Cubao-Tarlac, 4x4 rental and tour guide fee. For this cheap price, the trip is worth a thousand times just looking at the magnificent rock and sand formation created by the most catastrophic volcanic eruption of all times. The two hours of of walking to reach the famous crater may be exhausting, but I realized it was worth the sweat and thirst after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surprisingly Amazing TAGUM CITY

For a peculiar tourist like me, the Overland Transport Terminal, most popular as Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City is a haven for an unplanned tour to anywhere around Mindanao. Tourists will be delighted with the tight security and updated list of destinations plus travel time table posted on the board upon entering the terminal. Among the list of destinations, I opted to take the bus going to Tagum City and see what I can find. Tagum City is the capital of Davao Del Norte.

It took me just an hour to get there via Rural Bus and I was very surprised to discover how beautiful the city is. And one will never get lost.

Signage here and there, monuments and landmarks, and the awesome kilometers-long lineup of palm trees along the national highway greet everyone as you approach the city proper. I haven't seen anything like this in the entire country. I was not able to take pictures along the highway but I promise to take some next time.

Tagum is a peaceful city in a provincial setting with almost everything - hotels, malls, cozy restaurants, organized transport, wide cemented roads. There are a number of attractions in Tagum waiting for me to conquer in my second visit.

Jack's Ridge - For That Fun and Filling Davao Experience

What do I love most about Davao City?

Aaahhh...the food - delicious, fresh, affordable, and different ways of serving dishes almost everywhere. What could be more delightful than a fine dining experience with fresh surrounding air, great food, warm ambiance, beautiful songs to listen to and historical value? Jack's Ridge is the place. It is indeed a must-vist place in Davao City.

Located within Shrine Hills at Matina in Davao City, Jack's Ridge Resort offers a perfect spot wth the view of the entire Davao City. Right now, many people frequently go to this place to enjoy first-class accommodations and its delectable and mouthwatering dishes like sinigang, kinilaw, and grilled tuna.

My Version of The T-Shirt Project

I came across my old stuff and these are what I found - all the T-shirts I kept as keepsake from my trips all over the country.

The Breathtaking ILIGAN CITY Sunset

Iligan City is most famous for its waterfalls. But I strongly recommend visiting the Iligan City Hall which is located at the top of Buhangihan Hills. This a " Must See " for visitors and tourists. Experience the romantic sunset with a breathtaking view of the city and the Iligan Bay that can be seen from the park at the top of the hill.

A Taste of Freshness, A Taste of BUKIDNON

Talk about Bukidnon and there's only one thing that would come into our minds - Del Monte pineapples! Indeed it is the major attraction of the province and no one would come to Bukidnon without visiting Del Monte Plantation for a taste of the freshest, the sweetest and the most delicious pineapple in the Philippines.

The plantation is located in Camp Phillips,  a community in the town of Manolo Fortich. It is an hour drive to from Cagayan De Oro City by taking either a bus to Manolo Fortich or a van that goes directly to Camp Phillips. But take a short stopover and don't miss to take a souvenir photo at the Bukidnon Welcome sign in Barangay Alae rotunda.

 Greeting you as you reach Camp Phillips is a big pineapple statue, and is labeled "Ready To Eat" - another perfect spot for picture taking. From there you can look around the vast area without seeking any permission from Del Monte as it is open to the public. There are American style housing project built by the previous American owners of Del Monte for the employees. Flowering plants are grown by the present owners and beautiful blooms abound the community.

Going farther, you will see the vast field of pineapples covering around 9000 hectares of land. There are also areas planted with bananas, tomatoes, bell pepper among other produce that I am sure where they get the ingredients for all Del Monte products we can find in the supermarkets.