Maytinis (Kawit, Cavite)

One of the events that I look forward to during the Christmas holidays is watching the yearly Maytinis parade held in my home town of Kawit, Cavite. There is no clear background on when and how the tradition started but the Maytinis parade showcases several scenes from the Bible. The parade normally happens on the eve of Christmas. The parade starts in the evening that passes several baranggays in Kawit and ends in the church where a mass is held afterwards.

Maytinis consists of several floats, wherein each float is assigned to a Baranggay in Kawit and usually a contest is held to choose the best float.

The floats consists of:

Eba't Adan (Adam and Eve)
This is the first float on the parade and shows Adam and Eve after eating the fruit of the forbidden tree.

La Purisima Concepcion

This is the second, and this is from our baranggay. This portrays the Virgin Mary on top of the world while the announcement of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin.

Si Noe at Ang Baha (Noah and the Flood)
The rainbow signifies God's promise that there will be a better day after the flood.

Pagligtas Kay Moises (The Saving of Moses).

The float shows the people that adopted Moses when he was sent up the river.

Haring David (King David)
King David's rise to power after defeating Goliath.

Ruth at Noemi

Ruth coming back to her mother-in-law after his husband, son of Noemi dies. She decides to stay with her mother-in-law.

Samson

Samson, whose strength comes from the length of his hair, together with Delilah who in the end cuts his hair.

Infanta Judith
Shows Judith as she asked John the Baptist to be beheaded.

Reyna Ester (Queen Ester)
A heroine in the bible, having a Book in the Bible named after her.

Zacharias

The angel announces to Zacharias that he would be a father soon to John the Baptist.

Pagbati (The Annunciation)

The angel shows up to Mary to announce her pregnancy to Jesus.

Pagdalaw (Mary Vists her Sister Elizabeth)
Mary visits her sister Elizabeth as she gives birth to John the Baptist.

Panunuluyan (Mary and Joseph's travel to find a place to give birth)

Mary and Joseph's journeys to Bethlehem to find a place to give birth to our saviour Jesus. The float stops by many houses during the parade and performs "panunuluyan" where they sing in front of the houses and they get pushed away until they reach the church.

Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Angels shows up to the shepherds announce the birth of Christ.

Inang Pilipinas
The Last float showing a woman portraying the image of the Philippines.

From Maytinis 2009

Finding Time..

It has been a while since I have updated this blog. Now that there is time, I can update it again.

The Philippines has undergone a lot of calamities during this year, hopefully the new year would be more calm. Hopefully no more storms and heavy flooding. I don't want to see EDSA under water again.

Amidst all the challenges, we Filipinos were able to stand tall and go through it all, in fact, almost everyone has the holiday spirit, preparing for Christmas, excited to spend Christmas together with family members and friends, but may we not forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is the time of giving, or sharing, forgiving, being thankful for all the blessings.

As we enter the new year, may we forget the hurt that this year has brought us, but let us not forget the lessons of everything that has happened to us, let us not let history repeat itself.

Review: Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, Cebu

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is located in Sumilon Island, Cebu. It is an island resort that could be reached from their port at Oslob, Cebu. The day tour is about Php 2000 inclusive of boat transfer, use of kayaks, snorkling gears, the pool and jacuzzi, a lunch buffet and a snack. If you plan to stay overnight, it would take about Php 7500 for two people and Php 1500 additional per head.

The Island is 3 hours south of Cebu City, you just need to follow the main road. On your way to the island, you could see many site and drop by many places such as the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Simala, were thousands of devotees visit everyday to ask for their wishes. You could also stop by the Municiplaity or Carcar that specializes on chicharon (deep fried pig skin). Once you reach Oslob, take Bluewater's boat to Sumilon Island.

The people are welcoming and accomodating, although I did not enjoy the food that much since some of them were hard to chew, but still was tasty. Lunch included about 4 viands, rice, noodles, fresh fruits and dessert. The buffet is set in the beachfront, just between the beach and the lagoon.

The island has basically two beachfronts that you could swim in, however, the white sandbar, which has the finer sand, is only accessible during low tides and the water is deeper compared to the eatern beach which is very rocky.

The inifinity pool is nice located just near the pavillion overlooking the ocean, the water falls in the bottom where jacuzzis are located. But during the time we visited, the motor was down so the jacuzzis were not running.

There are many other activies in the island that you could do, such as kayaking or canoeing, snorkling, trecking and many more. You could go to the lighthouse, visit caves and grottos when trekking.

Accomodation/Room: 8/10
Food Choices: 7/10
Food Taste: 7/10
Customer Service: 10/10
Overall: 8/10

(Sumilon Island from afar)

(Infinity Pool)

(Infinity Pool)

(Lagoon for Canoeing and Kayaking)

(Lagoon for Canoeing and Kayaking)

(Eastern Dock)

(Shifting White Sandbar)

(Eastern Beach)

(Sumilon Island Map)

MANILA SALES OFFICE				CEBU SALES OFFICE
	MS. MARGIE MUNSAYAC  Director of Sales				For Reservations call us at: Maribago Bluewater Resort
Address:				Address:
	Room 1120 Cityland/Herrara Towers 98 Herera Corner Valero Streets Salcedo Village, Makati City				Maribago, Buyong Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines
Telephone:				Telephone:
	(63-32) 817-5751				(63-32) 492-0100 (63-32) 232-5411 (63-32) 232-5412 to 14
Fax:				Fax:
	(63-2) 845-0680				(63-32) 492-0128 (63-32) 492-0129 (63-32) 231-0437
Email:				Email:
	margie@bluewater.com.ph				sumilon@bluewater.com.ph
Resort Address:
	Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Sumilon Island, Oslob Cebu 6025  Philippines Telefax No. (63) (32) 481-0801 Email Address: sumilonreservations@bluewater.com.ph URL: www.bluewater.com.ph

Rizal Park, Manila

It is the month of June, the month of Philippine Independence. One of the heroes of the Philippines that paved the way for the country's independence is Dr. Jose Rizal. Dr. Rizal died on the 30th of December, 1896 in Bagumbayan which is now called Rizal Park in memory of the Revolutionary hero.

A monument of Rizal stands in the park that could be easily seen when passing by Roxas Boulevard. The monument, which is guarded 24/7, is considered one of the famous landmarks of the country and most tourists stop by and take souvenir pictures in front of the monument.

(Rizal Monument)

The Park has several mini parks that includes a Chinese and Japanese Garden and a park that showcases the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal.

(The Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal)

You could also find kilometer zero in the park that measures the road distances in Luzon and the whole country.

(Kilometer Zero)

Review: Malapascua Island Exotic Dive Resort

Malapascua Island Exotic Dive Resort is located in Malapascua Island, Cebu. It is one of the many reosrt s you could choose from when you are going to the island. The resort itself is secluded from the main resorts in the island, giving you a more private time. The resort is proud to be the first and complete dive facility in the area having its own accomodation and restaurant.

The place is owned by a Dutch who married a local resident. They, according to the staff, are friendly and treat their staff members as family. The resort is more than 10 years old and mostly is visited by foreigners.

The rooms rates are reasonable, ranging from Php 1000 (electric fan) to Php 5000 (super deluxe). Click here for complete price list. The rooms are spacious although most of them are located behind the restaurant giving you minimal view of the ocean, but you could always stay on the hammocks that are placed on the shoreline of the place, shaded by the big coconut tress.

The food is great, not really outstanding but tastes good. There are lots of varieties you could choose from (from local delicacies around the country, to international cuisines). You could eat at the bar which is just infront on the ocean so you would be able to see a wonderful view while you eat.

The resort does have complete facilities for diving and if you are not yet certified, you could take their open water course that cost Php 17,000. There are many dive spots around the whole island and the resort takes you to the best dive spots, some spots are only available during certain times. But if you are not into diving, you could tour around the island via boat (for around Php 1350) and go snorkling (snorkling googles rented separately) where you could see sea urchins, starfishes and various types of fishes.

Customer service is outstanding. The staff are very accomodating and friendly. No complaints about their service, they are prompt and takes good care of you from beginning to end.

Accomodation/Room: 8/10
Food Choices: 10/10
Food Taste: 8/10
Customer Service: 10/10
Overall: 9/10

(Exotic Beachfront)

(The Bar/Restaurant)

(Rooms)

Malapascua Exotic Island Dive & Beach Resort
P.O. Box 1200
6000 Cebu City
Philippines

Website: http://www.malapascua.net/
Email: info@malapascua.net
Phone: (+63) 32-4370983
Fax: (+63) 32-4370984
Mobile: (+63) 917-3276689

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Malapascua Island is located on the northern part of Cebu. The island is famous for its dive spots where you could see various kinds of fishes and some sunken vehicles. Some of the fishes only come out on certain times of the day, so if you want to see them, you can wait. Each spot around the island has its own different types of sights to see. The waters are really high during high tides and really low during low tides, and you would be able to spot starfishes and sea urchins. It is more enjoyable to swim during the high tides because the water is deeper and there is not a lot of sea urchins that you can step on, although the water is a bit wavy.

(Malapascua beachfront)

If you're not into diving, or not certified to do so, one of the activities you could do in the island is to tour the island via motorcycles or locally called habal-habals. The residents of the island are honest, friendly and welcoming people. The habal-habals would go through the neighborhood and you get to see how the residents of the island live. One site to go to is the island's solar powered lighthouse that operates automatically, no one mans the place and is rarely guarded by people thus the path to the top is mostly covered by plants but still passable. Other sights include a place the locals call small beach, Pilar Pilapil's beach house, and Bantigue Cove.

(Malapascua Lighthouse)

(Other beachfronts in the island)

(Sunset at Malapascua)

Malapascua is approximately 4 hours from Cebu City, give or take.  From Cebu city, you could hire a van/car (Php 2500-3500) to take you to Maya port in Daang Bantayan, or you could also take the public bus from Cebu city that costs about Php 100. Once you get to Maya Port, you would need to take a boat ride to Malapascua, that would normally cost Php 50 each, or Php 1200 on a special trip. There are many resorts i the island that you could stay in. Below are links of some of the resorts you could choose from.

Malapascua Island Exotic Dive Resort

http://www.malapascua.net/

Blue Water Malapascua Beach Resort

http://www.malapascuabeachresort.com/

Hippocampus Beach Resort 

http://www.hippocampus-online.com/

Cocobana Beach Resort

http://www.cocobana.ch/

Bantigue Cove Malapascua Beach Resort & Dive Shop

http://www.bantiguecove.com/

Foodtrip - Isdaan (Gerona, Tarlac)

One of the restaurants that you would notice when heading north of Luzon is the Isdaan Floating Restaurant Park. It is just along the main road and easy to spot, located in Gerona, Tarlac.

Isdaan features a wide variety of food that you could choose from, be it from the normal lechon kawali to different types of food from different parts of the Philippines that you would not be able to taste easily from any place like their Tacsiyapo. It is my personal favorite because it is spicy and has a sour taste. I have been in the place twice, and I have enjoyed eating there. 

Besides food, you could also check out some of the amenities of the place. There is the Tacsiyapo Wall where you could trow sand break some things on the wall, Tacsiyapo is a kapampangan curse word. Kids could also ride a goat drawn carriage or ride bikes. There is also a narrow bridge that you could cross and win a kilo of fish when you don't fall in the 6-feet deep water. There is also the Spitting Urinating Monkeys in Unggoy Ungguyan.

There are also many entertaining presentations like the music men roaming around, and sometimes, there are also musical plays that you could watch.

Contact Isdaan via there phone number 045-9312196.

(Pinaputukang Manok)

(Tacsiyapong Hipon, a sour-spicy taste, a little like pakbet, consists of some vegetables like tomatoes, beans and turnips plus a choice of your own meat that varies from beef to seafood)

(Lechong kawali with fried eggplant)

(Tacsiyapo Wall)

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Bolinao consists of 30 baranggays, the best beach is located in Patar. Patar is located in the further part of Bolinao and the travel time from Manila is about 5 to 6 hours. There are two routes that you could take, you could either take the Tarlac way wherein you pass by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) or via Zambales. You could also take a bus from Manila to Bolinao via 5 Star Bus Line.

Patar has one of the nicest beaches in the place and at the end part of the Baranggay is the white sand beach which is the finer beach front in the area. The water is wavey and mostly is shallow especially during the low tides. Most of the resorts are lcoated in the threshold of the place. Some of the known hotels and resorts their are Puerto del Sol and Treasures of Bolinao, however there are less costly options you could choose, mostly the ones not posted in the internet.


There is a small rock formation in the middle of the ocean that you could go to (picture is seen below). Bolinao is also known for sea urchins and if you are careful, you would be able to see them in the beach.

Bolinao, Pangasinan - What to see!

There are many things to see in Bolinao aside from the beaches and caves. You could also stop by the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Built by the Americans in 1903 on a 300 feet (91 m) high promontory at the western part of Cape Bolinao, the lighthouse still sends signals to vessels passing by the area. Within the area of the lighthouse is a view deck wherein you would be able to see the blue ocean. The lighthouse is open for th epublic to visit but visitors are not allowed to enter inside the lighthouse. There is also an abandoned beside the foot of the lighthouse.

(Cape Bolinao Lighthouse)

You could also visit the falls in Bolinao, there are namely two falls, Tara Falls and Bolinao Falls. The two falls are near each other. Bolinao Falls are actually two falls, the people in the area calls them Bolinao Falls 1 and 2, the second being a more shallower water wherein kids could swim on. Bolinao Falls 2 is also better than Bolinao 1. The road to the area is rough and you would see mostly trees and mountains. Tara Falls is also a nice place to go to.

(Bolinao Falls 1)

The Saint James the Great Foitress Church in Bolinao is located in the main town of Bolinao, it celebrates it's 400th year on July 25, 2009.

(St. James Church)

One of the local delicacies in the place in Dinungoy which is rice cake cooked in bamboo mixed with coconut milk and salt. It tastes like suman, only is a bit sweeter and tastes good when eaten freshly cooked and still hot.

(Dinungoy)

Bolinao, Pangasinan - Caves in Bolinao

Bolinao, aside from the beautiful beach front, also has many caves. Patar actually has three caves that people could visit namely Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave and Cindy's Cave. Enchanted cave is the most famous among the three and the most commercialized. The cave has been modified. It is the deepest and the biggest of the three. Wonderful cave is newly discovered and has a more natural effect to it compared to the three caves. It is also the cleanest and the water is really nice although the steps down to the water is a bit steep. Last is Cindy's Cave, it is the shallowest of the three, there is a grotto placed in the area and a shower was also placed in the middle of the water and the water is not as clear as Wonderful Cave.

(Wonderful Cave)

(Way to Wonderful Cave, many trees are planted)

(Cindy's Cave)

(Entrance to Cindy's Cave)