Panagbenga 2014 Schedule of Activities

Bryan Rapadas via flickr B2Y4N

Panagbenga is annually celebrated in Baguio City whereas the opening is always the 1st of February and closing is the 3rd of March 2014, though normally it closes on the Sunday of the first week of March.

Darius Pimentel via Flickr

It will be all up to you if you'd like to stay that long, but I'd prefer seeing the main events since I can't really be out of office that long...

Baguio + Flowers = Panagbenga Festival 2014

One of the grandest festivals held during February in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. The festival includes street dancing with performers clad in flower-inspired costumes and floats decorated with flowers of different shapes and sizes. This event also helps the younger generation of indigenous people to rediscover their culture and tradition. It also serves as a tribute to the ever beautiful flowers of Baguio City and as a way of rising to the 1990 Luzon earthquake devastation.


Glenn.Carlo.Arocha Photo

Panagbenga Festival will start February 1, 2014 (Saturday) and ends March 3, 2014 (Monday) which makes it a 5-week long celebration. This year marks their

Boracay by Akcent ft. Sandra...?

Now, I don't know If you've seen the music video or even heard the song. I dont even know if the song is really about the party island "BORACAY". Have yet to confirm that. Though, what are your thoughts on this?

Akcent - Boracay on Vimeo.

SOLE ESCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Click the Places/Events you wish to view below (:

by Kristoff de Villa

Coron, Palawan

Lucban, Quezon - Pahiyas Festival

Lucban, Quezon - Pahiyas Festival II

Boracay

Sand Bar Island, Iloilo

Dinagyang Festival 2013, Iloilo

Daranak Falls, Rizal

Food Photography

Check me out on Flickr

Snapshots - Boracay Through the Years

Photography Post... (6 photos)

Snapshots - I Just Miss Coron, Palawan

Photography Post... (10 Photos)

Where should I stay: "Cheapy" or a "Pricey" Hotel?

Philippines Hotel Reservation

Destination

Check-in

Check-out

Rooms :

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Adult(s)

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Question 1: Why go for a hotel that's super uber expensive when you'll be spending most of your time outdoors exploring the place?

Question 2: Why do I have to stay in a budget hotel when they lack the services that I want for my relaxation?

The idea of relaxation is every bit different for every person. Traveling maybe the idea of some, while others can recharge their tired bodies with simple activities like a leisure walk or trip, a spa getaway, or staying in a luxurious hotel for the weekend.

Typhoon Haiyan Victims: They Need OUR Help

I spoke too soon I guess... I didn't expect to see really horrifying things unfold. But I still know in my heart that Filipinos are true strong survivors.


Credits to: CNVS

#YolandaPH #HaiyanPH has only begun to reveal itself. The havoc it has wreaked on a lot of the affected cities is unbelievable and very depressing. So if there is a way for us all to help in every possible way we can,

Typhoon Haiyan aka Yolanda...

All I can say right now is ...

from shielavertudazo's instagram 

Damn right we are! Stay Strong. :)

Go to Iloilo and Explore the Dinagyang Festival 2014!!!

I know, I know... I was way bigger back then... ha ha. Anyway!!!

Super Fat (Jan.2013!) and one of the Tribu Panayanon Warrior dancers



You want to attend the Dinagyang Festival too? Haven't been to Iloilo? Philippines? No worries. It's easy!

http://www.trevi.com.ph

Book your flight you little lazy! Flights from

Easy Getaway: Daranak Falls, Tanay

This was like a "spur of the moment" trip that we didn't even think of preparing an itinerary since the trip won't be consuming more than 5 hours of our whole day. Just packed and went there!

Well, Daranak is a park/resort open to public and is nestled quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains. Complemented with lots of flora and other small falls and ponds. As per locals, this refreshing site is 14 meters high and a short walk to the top of the falls is Batlag Falls.

Getting there was quite easy. Since my place is just along [...]

All Set for Dinagyang 2014

Airline Tickets... Check!

Hotel... Check!
Itinerary... Check!

I'm pretty much ready for the 46th Dinagyang Festival with my side trips (Guimaras and Isla Gigantes). This is going to be my 3rd consecutive year of attending the festival... Yes! I fell in love with the festival!

 And this year's theme,

RiB all about it! My penchant for Brian!

If you've been to Cebu, you probably know what I'm talking about...

My Brian's Baby Back Ribs @ The Terraces Cebu.

Yep yep! It's Casa Verde and they're finally here... in Manila! Situated conveniently within the metro. And they open THIS AFTERNOON... if my reckoning's not mistaken. LOL

Aside from the famed Cebu Lechon (CNT), I just simply can't pass the opportunity of visiting the resto whenever I'm in Cebu. Definitely my comfort food in the city.

A good friends' homegrown restaurant which all started in Cebu is

Stimulating Mornings in Coron: Dad's Coronzy

For 3 mornings in Coron, I went to this cute coffee and tea shop named Dad's Coronzy. And I wasn't disappointed, they have like the tastiest and most fragrant hazelnut latte in Coron for P110, not bad for coffee in a clean and nice ceramic cup.

 This is a great stop to sit, have a smoke, coffee and people watch. Located on the busiest street in Coron Town and

What's all the fuss? What's in Coron, Palawan?

And the answer to this is....

Great work Kristoff! ha ha! Anyway!

uhm...

Ultimate Taste Test Tickets 2013: Life Would Have Less Flavor if You Don't Let Your Taste Buds Travel!

I hope Mr.Anton Diaz of ourawesomeplanet.com won't mind my sharing/re-posting of this. So to all foodies out there, let's go!!! :)

Photo Courtesy: Our Awesome Planet

Finally, we are now selling tickets to Ultimate Taste Test 2013!

What: Rockwell's Ultimate Taste Test -- Be a Food Critic for a Day!

When: September 14, 2013, Saturday, 11.00 am - 9.00 pm.
Where: Rockwell Tent

Ultimate Taste Test Fee: P585/head. Inclusive of:

My First "AWESOME" in Coron, Palawan

Where will I be staying in Coron, Palawan... hotel, guesthouse, inn? Do I want an A/C room or a fan room? How long will I be staying there? Do I want a private bathroom? What are the house rules about noise levels during the day/night? Do I need room service?



Questions I normally ask myself before I make that deal and book it. In this case, I was looking for a place to stay in Coron. It will be my first time there, so I definitely want to make the most out of my 3 days and 2 nights stay.

 As for the saying, "Don't Judge a Book by its Cover". True enough, you'll see some flashy hotels with all that fancy stuff but then you'll end up singing the blues because of disappointment...

Palawan's "CORON-ing" Glory

I can't seem to figure out the shape I want to match Coron, Palawan... so I googled! And it's a wedge-shaped limestone island! Wee

Me at Banol Beach... lunch time!

Alright, so just a little more info on the island, few of its coastal areas are being covered by mangrove forests. Coron has several lakes, famous of which is the nationally-acclaimed cleanest lake in the country, the Kayangan Lake. I so fell crazily in love with the place and the #Kayangan Lake to be the highlight of my birthday trip (July 17th... I'm still accepting gifts... LOL).

It's got a number of white-sand beaches and clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and also famous for shipwreck diving...

Must-Eats in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

You may have been fully satisfied with the things you've seen in the area, but though shall not forget that you've got a belly famished by your itchy feet. You need to reload for your next adventure.

So, I've got you guys a list of places I've been to. Places to satiate yourselves and a chance to take on exotic delicacies! These, are "for me" not to miss restaurants and food places in Puerto Princesa. You ready? This can become uh little... nasty. ha ha

Palawan: Puerto Princesa's Grandeur

Legend attributes the name of this city to a princess-like maiden who in early days is said to have roamed and took guard in certain nights of the year. That was again, during the early days, this time it's way different. I see it more as a royal haven and sanctuary for the people in Palawan and the tourists.

http://en.wikipedia.org

Red carpet, blowing of trumpets and a grand entourage?! Think you're that lucky?! I don't think so! No royal treatment will be provided upon your arrival there! But the good people of Puerto Princesa will

Snapshots - Pahiyas Festival, May 15, 2013 Part 2

More snaps of my Pahiyas Festival experience.

Snapshots - Pahiyas Festival May 15, 2013 Part 1

The Pahiyas Festival was just recently held and it's one of those festivals in the Philippines that you shouldn't miss.
Aside from discovering the artistry and creativeness of the people in Lucban with the adornments, it'll also reveal how courteous and accommodating they are. They will let you in their homes, let you take photos and would even invite you to join their banquet. Who am I to refuse such invitation?!


Pancit Hab-hab on banana leaf... Not a real Lucban-Pahiyas experience if you don't do it like the locals.


Nibble?! I don't think so.. This looks more like  an onslaught on the hab-hab!

But I had to hold back because since I arrived, I've been having my own feast. Lucban Longganisa, Pancit Hab-hab and Casava cakes just on the side of the road... Basically everywhere you look, there's food! Gorge yourself on Lucban delicacies.

The Art of Packing: Go Smart! Pack Light!

How do you fit a whole trip's worth of luggage into a backpack or suitcase? The answer is simple: Bring very little and only the things that you will USE.

When you travel, it’s worth taking the time to pack light. There is no reason to be weighed down at the airport, as you make your way to your accommodation, on the train… anywhere… due to bulky heavy and large bags. The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, it's for your own good. You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: "Every year I pack heavier." The measure of a good traveler is how light he or she travels. Travel light and happy!

The Beach Boy look... That you should already know!

With this warm season, it's obvious and understandable that we have Summer in our minds. Whether you're planning to vacation in Bali or to a local beach town for the weekend, it's never too early and never too late to gather beach boy must-haves. This is more of like a random post, since I don't have any trips to post yet.

My Voyage of Self-Discovery: Traveling "Sole-oh" Solo

Traveling on your own? You’re more likely to be on a voyage of self-discovery!

I've been deliberately traveling solo because I want to experience the wonders that our country has without the influence of a friend or partner’s tastes, prejudices, or preferences. The independence gained by going to places alone allows me to experience my destination exactly the way I want. No compromises. Some may find this post boring or it may feel like I'm singing the blues... but here it goes anyway. :)

Boracay Chow!

Oh Yes! Boracay offers a gastronomical feast! You'll find a host of restaurants and eateries that offer a variety of dishes—from simple grilled island fare to fusion dishes. All of Boracay’s restaurants are sure to be serving some of the best food you have ever had the pleasure to eat.

Bottom line: Your taste buds definitely won't get "marooned" on this island.

"Boracay-tion" was a hit!

If you'd notice, I've been writing really long pages for this blog. I'm just having a hard time breaking them up into smaller posts. But since this is about my "Boracay-tion", I guess I could start with just a "quick" overview. Ready?! Here goes!  : p

The island of Boracay is beautiful, as always.

Boracay!!! Pubcrawl!!! Summer 2013!

Who the heck came up with this?!

It's Awesome!!! You're an Ultimate Geniusss!!!

This is like my 9th time in Boracay and I must say, I've had the most amazing beach party evah!!! I never "partied" that hard in my life... or in my Boracay life. This is really a must-do on the island (well of course, for those of legal age). And I'm still raving about this experience!

Amazing people in one amazing place!

Snapshots - Daranak Falls, Rizal

Photography Post... (4 photos)

More Color, More Fun in Lucban, Quezon, Pahiyas Festival 2013

Hordes of people will flock to Lucban to witness the annual farmer's Pahiyas festival on May 15, 2013. Considered as one of the most awaited festivals in the country, in honor of the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador.
 

 It showcases the town's abundant harvest with a grand display of fruits, vegetables and handicrafts adorning every house participating in the festival. Houses will also be designed with rice wafers "kiping" which gives more flambouyance to the festival.

Holy Week 2013 in Puerto Galera

Honestly, there's nothing much to say... I've been to this place for like 6 times now. I was just invited by some of my friends at work to join them for the weekend. Since it's just an easy ride from Manila... I told myself... "Why not!? Go go go!"

Puerto Galera crowd...

Puerto Galera has always been a hot summer spot for both foreign and many local tourists.. especially during lent. Lots of activities for everyone, there's scuba diving, snorkeling, jungle trekking, jet skiing, banana boat, kayaking, and their newest water ride... the UFO.

My Hometown, Dagupan City, Pangasinan: Bangus Festival 2013

I have always been invited by my relatives in Pangasinan to see the Bangus "Milkfish" festival. They all know that I'm a big fan of the Bangus belly and would always use that as bait just to get me and my family to visit. True enough, they make me drool whenever they tell me that they've got some fresh catch and it's overflowing with big bellied milkfish.

Grrr... now I can't focus! I want Bangus belly!:@:!"># Waaah!!":{!'

Oh dear....

Going back though. They never...