Travel: Batanes #breathtakingbatanes

Last week, my friends and I travelled to Batanes! When I posted photos on my social media, friends began messaging me for tips. So here goes:

#batanes day 1 which was Last Sunday With @cafeula and @anna.carmella #latepost is what I get when I go to a place that has no wifi nor data

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 18, 2017 at 6:41pm PDT

Accommodations:

We stayed at Marfel Lodge (airport transfers included). However, since there are more than one Marfel Lodge in Basco, please note which branch you will be at, as people who you will ask for directions and tricycle drivers will tell you, madaming Marfel Lodge.

We stayed at Marfel Lodge Main, which was very near the airport (isang tumbling lang). The Main Branch has two houses, and me and my friends actually stayed in the back house. It has two rooms (room 6 and 7). Lucky for us, we were the only ones staying there.

Even luckier was that it felt like our house for the days to follow. There was a stove and gas, with pots, pans, cooking utensils, plates, silverware and more. There was also a water dispenser, so no need to worry about getting a bottle of mineral water.

Tour:

At the airport, you will be asked to pay PhP350 as environmental fee. You will be given a ticket and a map of Batanes, which I really found helpful. The map also has a grid map of Basco with street names. Don't worry it's not as big as it looks, you can walk or bike around, if it pleases you.

The owner of Marfel Lodge, Ma'am Fe is also the owner of Chanpan Tours.

Sorry mr. #frost, but I obviously took the #roadmosttraveled even #dabbing on the way. #rollinghills #amazingbatanes

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:32am PDT

Regular rate for North Batan Tour is Php1,200 per person.
Regular rate for Sabang Tour is Php2,000 per person.
Regular rate for South Batan Tour is Php1,800 per person.

So, if you are going for that three day tour of Batanes, better prepare PhP5,000. You can try to haggle for that three day tour of Batanes, she gave us the tour for Php4,500. But, we only paid Php3,000 as we only took the the North Batan tour and Sabang tour. We had the option to take the South Batan tour or not na.

North Batan Tour

If you want to go biking, I suggest that you take this trail. Unfortunately for us, I don't know how to bike, plus it was a rainy Sunday.

Tour begins at around 12noon, so I still had time to wander around Basco (use that trusty map if you don't want to go running around in circles).

Chanpan tour first took us to have lunch (which is included). Then after to Fundacion de Pacita (it is also a resort with a resto, Cafe de Tukon). Then after we went to the Japanese Tunnel then Boulder Beach. We weren't able to go to the Rolling Hills and Lighthouse as it was raining. We went here the next day, after the Sabtang Tour.

Could feel my heart racing as we went deeper on the Japanese tunnel at #bascobatanes We had nothing but the flashlights from our phone and a great guide to show us the end of the tunnel

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 18, 2017 at 6:45pm PDT

If you want to explore the Japanese Tunnel, I suggest you go with the tour, as there is a guide. He will show you other ingresses, where of course we exited. It's total darkness in here (except of course for the entrances), so best to have your phone fully charged for flashlight and pictures.

Sabtang Tour

To go here, you will need to ride a boat. I suggest that you take the tour, as there are no tricycles here (as far as I saw) plus, the tour covers the boat ride, environmental fee, plus of course lunch.

This is the island where you will get to wear a vakul, the Ivatan headdress. It was at Barrio Chavayan, where we stopped and posed for pictures. May I suggest that you buy some of your souvenirs at the Weavers Association (also at this barrio).

Wearing the #ivatan women's headdress #vakul whilst loitering around their Barrio, Chavayan in #sabtangisland last pic is one of the weavers #amazingbatanes

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 19, 2017 at 8:48pm PDT

You can also go swimming at Morong Beach (Ahao Arch is here). Morong Beach was where we had lunch.

#lighthouse abound on the tip of our country. But this one was the only one I got a picture with and even got a chance to have one next to the big bulb. #breathtakingbatanes #itsmorefuninthephilippines

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 20, 2017 at 6:09am PDT

South Batan Tour

We choose to just DIY the South Batan tour. We didn't have to wake up early for the tour, although we did. The original plan was we go biking to the Honesty Store and other locations on South Batan. Unfortunately, my sense of balance failed me, plus the sun was so happy to be finally given some air time, that it was so freaking hot. We instead opted to take a tricycle.

We could have had it all! #rollinginthehills was trying to get that #soundofmusic feel, kaya nga lang nahilo na.

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 20, 2017 at 6:39am PDT

From Basco to Honesty store, it's worth PhP220. However, we subcontracted our tricycle driver for a whole (or half as we began 11am and ended at around 4 to 5pm) day tour. We paid him PhP1,000. It was worth it. Not only because of the locations we wanted to go, we went, but also because most of the path was uphill (and downhill), and not flat which will make it a lot harder for a beginner biker like me, and would probably have taken us more time.

The Honesty store is good for snacks as there is coke Php20 each bottle, cookies and chips ranging from Php25 to PhP50. You can also buy some pasalubong from here, as there were many cookies that  were not available in the souvenir shop where Chanpan Tours took us.

We also stopped by the Song-song ruins, a couple of churches, a hillside view of the beach with goats (which obviously I forgot what its called), and Marlboro Country. You can also go to the viewing deck, but we didn't want to tire ourselves out and the viewing deck according to the map is good for sunset.

Food

There are a few restaurants and carinderia in Basco. However, if you are on a budget and you'll be staying At Marfel's, better to bring canned goods or buy from the local stores (there are many) or from Marfel which also sells some plus rice. You can cook at Marfel's as I said earlier. We cooked our breakfast. We even bought eggs (PhP8 each), garlic, tomatoes (PhP20 for three to four pieces) on the General Merchandise store.

You can also try to buy some blue crab (I forgot what it's called, Coconut Crab?). My friend bought a small one for less than Php300. If you are going to buy some crab, best to cook and eat it at Batanes, as you will need to pay a penalty fee if you bring it to the airport.

This rich chocolate cake tastes like a billionaire, sabi ni chuchie. Sarap din tubhon iced tea.

A post shared by Ana Valenzuela (@ana_valenz) on Jul 19, 2017 at 7:37pm PDT

One of the restos we tried was Cafe de Tukon (we went here two days straight). It has good food and an awesome view. Must tries include Dulce de Leche, Corned Beef Panini,  Rich Chocolate Cake, plus of course local dishes (Lunis, worth about PhP330, was yummy).

Another was Casa Napoli, one of two pizzerias in Batanes. Apparently this one is older and it made good pizza. Promise! We planned on taking home some of the pizza (margherita and pepperoni), but our tastebuds wouldn't allow it, as it wanted more. Pizzas here are 16 inches big and priced quite reasonably. Our bill was less than PhP1,000 for two pizzas, nachos, and iced tea.

The food in Batanes, I have to say, was satisfying and yummy!

Overall, Batanes provided me with a different view of the country (not just beaches and mountains) but also hillside views with goats on them (hahah!). The wonderful work of nature will certainly inspire you to do more and be more than you can be. Even better, is that Breathtaking Batanes is a perfect place to find yourself, as even though the signal was very good, there was no mobile data nor even wi-fi. So, better be senti and labas na lahat ng #hugot.

The pictures here do not do justice to the scenic view that your eyes will lay upon up at Batanes. Whenever you will decide to go to Batanes, make sure to bring your sense of adventure and sense of pride for our country.

Ten good things to do for the long weekend break

ANILA, Philippines - Flowers? Check. Candles? Check. Now that you're all set for the annual ritual of honoring your dearly departed, but are still opting to stay in the city over the long holiday, you could still have that relaxing, fun weekend break anyway. Here are some ideas to keep you going.

1. Get shokot to the max. Can’t get enough of the hit film Zombadings? Now, enter the Zombadings Shokot House at Eastwood City Walk. This house of horror will either scare you so much that you would race for the exit or make you laugh like the movie did. Open until October 31, from 5PM to 11PM. Entrance fee is P100. Midnight screenings are also scheduled at the Eastwood Mall Cinema on October 28 to 30, go if you haven’t seen it yet or go and watch it again and again! For more information, call 709-0888.

2. Much ado about Resorts World. What? You haven’t been to Resorts World Manila? Well, this weekend is the time to satisfy your curiosity to find out what’s all the fuss about Resorts World Manila. Check out its high-end bars, casinos and luxury malls, and while you’re at it, visit the Newport Mall for its Halloween Cocktail, held daily until November 15, and Grand Masquerade on October 30.

Talk about responsible drinking, in Halloween Cocktails,11 participating restaurants have concocted drinks---and a portion of each sale will go to Alay sa mga may Kapansanan Association Inc. Feeling thirsty now? Get the gang together for drinks tonight and go resto-hopping for drink like Johnny Chow's Bloodfire, Crisostomo's Sisa's Ghost, New Orleans Diablo Mojito, and UCC Cafe Terrace's Vampire's Kiss, to name a few. Resorts World is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Cybertourism Zone, Pasay City.

3. Hide in style. Stop worrying about household stuff (yes, washing dishes or making up your bed for a change!) and pamper your family with a stay at a luxury hotel like Acacia Hotel. The newest five-star hotel in Alabang comes with all the deluxe amenities you’ll ever need; reviews have raved about its efficient and warm service. The swimming pool, gym, and spa areas, however, are still non-operational. Till end of October, the hotel’s deluxe rooms are at P4,888 nett or 55 percent off the published rates. On October 30, the hotel has planned its Creep-tacular Forest Halloween Party at its new Samanae activity center. Acacia Hotel is at 5400 Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinglupa. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 720-2000 and (632) 588-5888.

4. Get lost in space. Explore outer space at the Hotel InterContinental Manila’s Grand Ballroom and party with extra-terrestrials and space heroes. The hotel provides a lot of games, activities---trick or treats to arts and crafts--and of course, good food. The hotel is located at 1 Ayala Avenue, Edsa. For information call (632) 793-7000.

5. Sit back, relax, watch a movie. Scare each other’s wits out, and go see the horror and suspense flick that topped the US Box office weekend (and toppled Hugh Jackman’s latest starrer, Real Steel) Paranormal Activity 3. Although it is the third movie from the franchise, it is actually a prequel as it is set 18 years before the first two films. Paranormal Activity 3 is sure to be a spine-tingling treat for the Halloween. If a scary movie is too much, then the Three Musketeers would fill your weekend. The movie stars Orlando Bloom, Mila Jovovich, Luke Evans, and Logan Lerman.

6. Watch The Sound of Music. The Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) at Resorts World Manila is alive with the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, as it stages the well-loved and award wining Broadway musical. Joana Ampil and Cris Villonco star as Maria, while Audie Gemora alternates with Ed Feist as Captain Georg von Trapp. The show will run until December 11, 2011. Show times are 8 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 3 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays and 3 PM on Sundays. For ticket reservations and inquiries, visit any Ticketworld outlet or the Resorts World Manila Box Office.

7. See Peter Pan fly. Catch some fairy dust at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas as Repertory Philippines and Stages presents Peter Pan. In the lead role is Sam Concepcion, who plays the boy who never grows up. He shares the stage with Menchu Lauchengco, Jaime Del Mundo, Tippy Dos Santos and Cara Barredo, among others. Show time is on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM, with a matinee show on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30PM. The play runs till October 30. For more information call Repertory Philippines at (632) 571-6926 or (632) 571-4941.

8. See a concert. Spend the night of October30 listening to the relaxing music of international superstar, Jason Mraz. The singer-songwriter will have a one-night show at the Araneta Colisuem where he will perform hits like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky”. Tickets are priced at P800 to P3,500. For more information call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

9. Listen to orchestra music. The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents Greenilda versus the Litterbugs: A Halloween Family Concert on October 30, 2:30 PM at the CCP Little Theater. The concert features the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra led by Josefino Chino Toledo. Let your kids learn about orchestra music and environmental conservation. For more information and ticket reservations, call the CCP Marketing Office at 8321125. Students can enjoy a 50-percent discount while seniors get 20 percent off. Ticket prices range from P500 to P800.

10. Can’t beat ‘em, then party! But, of course, if you enjoy the thrill of seeing people in their scariest costumes and just having a good time, then join the parties scattered all over the metro. One big gig to go to is Black Party Manila 2011 at Orosa corner Nakpil Streets in Malate, Manila. Fun starts at 10 PM.

Travel and taste

by Ana Valenzuela

Published Manila Standard Today

July 27, 2011

The Philippines has a rich culture, and this is reflected in our cuisine.

“The international media has long been saying Philippine cuisine is Asia’s best kept secret, so it’s time to discover the taste of Philippine flavor,” says Ryan Sebastian, project coordinator of the Department of Tourism during a recent tie-up of the DoT with the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) in promoting Pinoy culinary delicacies.

With 7,107 islands, the Philippines is rich not only in marine and natural resources and seas but also in recipes. DoT is encouraging people not only to visit the sites and see the attractions, but to taste the food as well to really enjoy the Philippines.

“We have a lot of recipes including cooked or barbecued innards (like small intestines, heart and gizzard of chiken) which are popular treats among Pinoys and is also gaining popularity among foreign tourists. In cooking, we usually season it with the usual herbs and spices that we use at home (like onions, garlic, laurel leaves and black pepper),” says CCA instructor, Chef Ojie Reloj of Filipino food.

"Foreigners enjoy these treats because for them, it's like like being in a Fear Factor challenge that is taste--rewarding. These aren’t the only gastronomical fare that we can be proud of. There is also our popular Adobo and Lechon, which are doing really well in the international market,” adds Chef Reloj.

What also makes Filipino recipes special is that it doesn’t have only one interpretation. This is evident in the different variations of adobos, sinigangs, pancit, and other dishes that we have grown to love. Chef Ojie even related that he would go as far as Cebu just so he could eat their lechon, even if there are numerous lechon outlets in metro Manila. What's more a dish may be interpreted in several different ways depending on the region.

For example, Chef Ojie shares, the La Paz Batchoy he grew up with in Manila is quite different from the original one. “I grew up with a family of food lovers and cooks. I grew up eating a version of La Paz Batchoy that does not have any noodles. But, when I went to Bacolod, Iloilo, that’s where I realized that they put noodles in it, the miswa. It is an entirely different-clear soup. They just put certain veggies, like kutchay. Per region, they have their own interpretation,” he says.

For foreigners or balikbayans wanting to learn to cook the dishes that have left them in awe, CCA offers a half day course. “One thing nice about the CCA is their facility is within the market. So that tourist would familiarize themselves with the ingredients needed on how to cook as they have already seen for themselves the available ingredients,” notes Ryan.

“Ten to 15 years ago, what was being served to foreigners were continental dishes.Now they when there is awareness, they now serve the likes of danggit, tinapa in a buffet breakfast. Now everybody is aware, that what they should serve is unique,“ says Ryan.

Seems like, more and more people are uncovering the secret that is Philippine cuisine. They have not only seen the sights, strolled in the beaches, swam in the seas, gained new friends, but also savoured a unique Pinoy travel experience as they’ve tasted our local dishes.

Bolinao’s Prime Destination

By ANA VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2011



BOLINAO, the farthest town in Pangasinan, boasts of one of the country’s premiere resort destinations: Puerto del Sol.
A four to five-hour drive away from Manila, Puerto del Sol is one of the town’s premiere resort destinations for foreigners and out-of-towners.






“Our guests are 50% foreigners and 50% locals or balikbayans,” says Puerto del Sol manager Raymond Malapitan.
The place is a solitary hideaway. A secret garden. Here, you would find yourself walking to and from your room and the pool to admire the resort’s garden flowers and the majestic view of the beach.




“This is the only place where we have a natural breakwater,” says Malapitan. “It is 250 to 300 meters away from the shoreline. So it is not dangerous for guests, especially the kids, to enjoy the activities by the sea because you can be sure, even at high tide, that the area is safe. It is a natural pool, where you are secure.”

Puerto del Sol is not just a place to relax but a place for adventure. “The resort offers activities outside the breakwater because of the water’s ‘biglaang lalim.’ If you are fond of diving and surfing, you can do it there outside the breakwater,” Malapitan recommends.
The resort also offers adventure trips around the island as well as tours around Bolinao and Hundred Islands with a Department of Tourism-accredited tour guide.

“Here on the other side of the road, leading to the mountains, we have the Tara Falls and the Bolinao Falls,” says Malapitan. “If you go farther, there is a natural cave that is big enough to accommodate big groups. You may even take a dip at one of the natural cool springs.”



The area also has a natural rock formation that serves as a natural barrier of Bolinao against the strong current. It is not coral, but it grows through time. “The structure of the stones depends on how the waves crash through the rocks. It is the ocean that builds the rock. This is where the tip of the natural breakwater ends,” Malapitan explains.

Puerto del Sol is located at Barangay Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan. Call 6378963, 6352547, or 09178937157, or telefax 6312861. You may also email info@puertodelsol.com.ph or log on to www.puertodelsol.com.ph.

Cafe Breton

On their La delice

On their Cafe Mocha



Khay and Mela: Masarap, it has more whipped creme than other cafe mocha,

On their Poseidon Crepe(not photographed)

Khay: has been craving for this because of the pink salmon, am guessing, but she detests the maasin at maalat capers

Where we ate: Cafe Breton Tagaytay
Ambience: We stayed out doors and with the cool Tagaytay Breeze, Cafe Breton is the perfect place to relax, talk and
Service: Fast
Rating: ****and a half / 5 stars

Antonio's Grill

Two hours drive from Quezon City (My friends Cy, Khay, Mela, Tin and I came from SM Sta. Mesa) is Antonio's Grill in Tagaytay. My friends were craving for Bulalo, and so,...


On their Bulalo:


Khay: Malabas
My Take: Am not really a Bulalo eater, but the meat was good, it was tender, plus it was tasty,.


On their Liempo:


On their Tawilis:



My take: It was my first time to eat tawilis. So I didn't really know how to, should I dip it in soy sauce? eat it with bulalo? after all Khay was giddy when she ordered this dish right after bulalo. So i deboned the fish and dunked the white meat in toyo. That was when I was told that it should be eaten as a whole. But hey, whether it be dipped in soy scuce, or eaten with bulalo, it just tastes good although not the same. Try it! :)

On their Laing:
Tin: Maasim
Khay: baka sira na yung gata

But no it was no the gata, it was just made that way, made to be maasim, so if you like suka (although it does not taste that way, ha?) on your laing, maybe this is just for you.

Drinks
Mango Slush:
Mela: Mas masarap yung watermelon slush, maasim yung Mango Slush. Kulang ng asukal, at gusto ko kasi yung may gatas.


Antonio's Grill: Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Tagaytay City

Ambience: Relaxing sounds compliment Tagayatay's cool winds
How to get there: Take SLEX, exit to Santa Rosa, then turn right after paying the toll. Drive straight on until you get to the Tagaytay City,...

Win a Free Boracay Package from WOW Philippines Travel Agency

Want to win a trip to boracay? its easy, read on!

Win a Free Boracay Package from WOW Philippines Travel Agency


WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is one of the most respected and trusted names in Philippines Travel, arranging short trips and family vacations to any of the 7,100 Philippines Islands. We have been specializing in all inclusive packages since 2005 to top destinations like, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Baguio, Tagaytay, and Manila as-well-as other island destinations.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is the 1st travel agency in the Philippines to offer FREE VACATION PACKAGES to BORACAY ISLAND, the number #1 Philippines Tourist Destination. Now everyone has a chance to WIN a FREE all expenses paid vacation to Boracay, and all you have to do is to enter the contest is to CREATE a BLOG and paste this info into it, that’s it, it’s just that easy.


Enter our Free Boracay Vacation Package Giveaway at – www.boracay-packages.com


3 Days / 2 Nights - Bamboo Boracay Beach Resort

Enjoy this beachfront resort in Boracay located in station 3, set just a few meter from the beautiful Boracay beach, where you will enjoy beautiful Boracay sunsets and music. The Bamboo Boracay Beach Resort specializing in pampering their guest with beautiful rooms, delicious food, and excellent service from their professional staff.


Flights to Boracay - Manila to Kalibo Airport via Philippine Airlines

No true vacation package is complete without having the air-fare included. WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. will be including ROUNDTRIP AIR-FARE from Manila to Kalibo and back to Manila. Once you arrive at the Kalibo airport you will be greeted by SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours, and transported to Boracay Island via a tour bus.


Boracay Island Transfers - Kalibo Airport to Boracay (roundtrip)

SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours is the OFFICIAL transport company of WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. SouthWest Travel & Tours has been in business for over 15 years, and is considered one of the safest carriers in the Philippines.


Daily Breakfast – Buffet Style

The winners to this Free Boracay Package will also have included a daily breakfast, a set breakfast will be served at the Bamboo Boracay Restaurant.


Boracay Activities - Island Hopping Tour

For one full day our winners will enjoy a tour around Boracay Island that includes snorkeling, as-well as visiting surrounding beaches. (does not include entrance fee into Crystal Cove)

Holy week vacation

Had a long weekend,. and I spent my saturday with a friend swimming in a resort in Calamba, Laguna: 88 KOREA For an entrance fee of PhP500 bucks, I have to say it was well worth it. I had my own locker where I can place my things. Plus I got to bring in some chips.

The only thing that I didn't like about the resort was that the Ladies room did not allow much privacy. Like the shower room which was not divided into the usual cubicles. I guess Koreans are just like that. You'll often see Korean women in their birthday suit just to blowdry their hair.

I don't know whether this is a plus, but there were weird um:























OTHER AMENITIES: horseback riding fishing boat riding

How to get there: Ride a GREEN STAR BUS from the Buendia-Gil Puyat Terminal (the one near the LRT STATION). Tell the Conductor to drop you off at 88 Korea. Fare costs about Php 80+++ Rating: ***/ 5 stars



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What's your take on:

Adam Carolla starts off his vulgar tirade by bashing Manny for not giving blood before a fight. He then proceeds to say that Manny is off “praying to chicken bones” and that you don’t have to respect him because he’s a “fu**ing idiot”. “Someone has to tell him that it doesn’t make a difference.”[/i]“Here’s how you know when your country doesn’t have a lot going for it: When everything is about Manny Pacquiao.”

“Get a fu**in life as a country”

“All you fu**in got is just an illiterate guy who happens to smash other guys in the head better than other people”

“Really, you want some guy with brain damage running your country? Why don’t you get your sh*t together?”

“All they have over there is Manny Pacquiao and sex stores.”

“What happens when Floyd Mayweather beats him? Does your country go into depression?”

Camaya Coast

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Finally, Your Own Private Island

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

published MOD MArch 2010

IMAGINE owning your own summer villa with an amazing view of the South China Sea, and next door are not your usual neighbors but the sun, sea, flora and fauna, all easily within reach.

This is now possible via Camaya Coast, an ecotourism development destination complemented by commercial establishments and residential enclaves. It is 173 kilometers north of Manila and less than three hours from Manila by land.

Manuel Ilagan, president of Earth and Shore Leisure Communities Corporation, the developers of Camaya Coast, says, “The merger of the commercialism with nature is distinctly Camaya. We are going to redevelop the properties on the beach. In Camaya, we aim for continuous adaptation of environment.”

What Ilagan is presenting in Camaya Coast are villas and condos in modern tropical look developed by Philippine GeoAnalytics Group of Companies. “We are proposing a Mediterenan look, thin clean lines that are able to mesh well with seaside development, for the lot owners who we will allow to build after they submit their designs,” Ilagan says. The first clusters of the condominium and villa are expected to be delivered by first quarter of 2011.

Apart from the residential units, Earth and Shore is also developing a hotel in the area that it expects to be finished by 2011. Ilagan says the hotel has about 75 to 100 rooms, and Earth and Shore partnered with Club Leisure, operator of Camp John Hay, for the success of the hotel.

Earth and Shore is also putting up a nature park in a 40-hectare space, setting aside about 15 to 20 hectares for the expansion of the nature park that has mountains and springs that lot owners can treat as their own backyard. Ilagan says, “It would be more fun for the buyers if there would be an abundance of mountains. If we develop it this way, the children will have an idea of an environment integrated with community that they are in. So, with that in mind, we’re also protecting the future generations in understanding the environment, not just develop for profit. We have three waterfalls and natural springs that merge with the sea. Actually, they are developable, but we are going to leave them as is.”

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With all these, you’d think Camaya Coast is as it is. But no, it offers more, like endless possibilities for leisure activities. Ilagan shares, “The romance of the sea is timeless, so that is definitely something that we will bank on in Camaya. The swimming pools, chill-out bar, and karaoke room are something for people to enjoy in the day.”

Ilagan looks forward to building a sports mall where speedboats, banana boats, kayaking, biking, zip-ling, and various interests groups can bank on. He says, “We’d let various interests groups come in, tying up with the group that already exists. We do not have a limit on what can be done.”

Camaya Coast premium beach resort and residential community highlights the best of coastal living with a variety of water sports, resort clubs, and commercial facilities. Ilagan shares, “Our main focus is to enjoy life now and not later on, at the same time not hurt your budget.”

For more about Camaya Coast, visit its showroom at the ground floor of Prudential Building., Annex No. 31 EDSA Mandaluyong City, or check out www.camayacoast.com <http://www.camayacoast.com>.

Simple Joys

I again realized the simple joys of Life via a trip to Camaya Coast beach. This isn't about the usual trip to the beach though.

It was about 7 in the morning and our coaster (care of work) was roaring through a near empty Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway. I was sleepy, like most of the media people in the van, having to get up early so as not to to be embarrassed by our 5.30 call time. However I chose to defy the gravity that were calling on my eyes to sleep some more. So as to look at in awe what nature still has left. Mountains(don't know what) and rivers and plains of ricefields lovingly pictured by my seat window.

It was about 7 in the morning and yet people were already tending to their fields. Farmers ordering their pet to probably pick up the phase. Children laughing, from afar, probably to go to school. The carabaos, still a form of transportation, pulling some things.

I wondered if my brother can still remember the days back when we would go swimming in our province in knee deep water where we would often be joined by tadpoles (hahah,. totoo!)

'A sense of progress', this phrase struck me the most when another writer noticed a jollibee in Bataan and commented that the place has a sense of progress. I only got to talk to the writer for a few minutes and I really haven't delved into his views as to what progress is and to how is a place ready for tourism. All I know is that he doesn't like Boracay now because of the social pressure. Which i agreed to, it defeats the purpose of vacationing. (but that's another topic)

I mean how would you know if a place is indeed civilized of in progress. Does a fastfodd chain serve as a marker? Or probably a high technology of defense system? When the Spaniards came they easily made a fool out of us because they had guns? Can a gun compare to an arrow?

Can you say that you are more civilized even though the people had already a method of doing things their own way. I'm not saying no to progress. I'm not saying that a tractor shouldn't replace a carabao (give the carabao a break). I'm not saying that i should be writing this in hand or typing in a typewriter instead of a keyboard with the joy of a backspace key.
All I'm saying is---don't fix what isn't broken.

-----I think one reason why our Filipino culture and the Filipino indigenous tribes are slowly fading is because of our acceptance of the Western way of life.

How I, would someday love to live in a nipa hut, just somewhere near a sea coast without a block of cement nearby.