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The old church of Camalig, Albay | Photo by Monsi

The old Camalig Churc (http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/camaligchurch.htm)h, hewn from volcanic rock, holds the relics of ancient burial jars, beadwork and Chinese porcelains excavated from the Hoyop-hoyopan Caves.

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Camalig Church Altar | Photo by tonitanch100 (http://community.webshots.com/user/tonitanch100)

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Omg Jbkayaker! 23 consecutive posts! that must be a new record for SCC!!!

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Can someone post pictures of Batanes and Camiguin? Those islands are really awesome and magnificent.

Credits: lehboy of Flickr

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Batanes Boulder Beach

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Beach in Batanes

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Beach in Batanes

My pictures of Tambuli Beach Resort, Mactan Island, Cebu:

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Amazing pics of Batanes courtesy of dennistanay of Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dennistanay/sets/72157594256362448/

Pics from the Batanes thread. Simply amazing!

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Above photo by mediamomma

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Above photos by estan

from flickr

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Basco Provincial Capitol, Basco, Batan island, Batanes | Photo by Farl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/)

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Sto. Domingo Church, Basco, Batanes | Photo by Farl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/)

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Church of San Jose de Ivana, island of Batan, Batanes | Photo by Farl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/)

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Naidi Hills, Basco, Batanes | Photo by Farl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/)

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Hills of Chadpidan, Basco, Batanes | Photo by Farl

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Nakabuang beach, Sabtang island, Batanes | Photo by Farl

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Dacay House, Ivana town, Batan island, Batanes: The oldest stone house in Batanes | Photo by Farl

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About to land in Batanes | Photo by bingbing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bingramos/)

Beautiful Boracay

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INQUIRER.net
Last updated 05:49pm (Mla time) 04/30/2007


MANILA, Philippines – The rest of 2007 is packed with celebrations and festivals for those contemplating a visit to the Philippines.

A great number of festivals take place in May, among them the annual Pahiyas Festival from May 8-16 in Lucban at the foot of Quezon Province's Mount Banahaw, with house decorated with fruits, vegetables and colored rice paper sculptured in a myriad shapes. There will also be dancing and a beauty contest, not to mention a procession of water buffaloes dressed in outlandish costumes Dates of the festival this year are.

Water buffaloes are a central interest on May 3 in Pavia, north of Iloilo City on the triangular island of Panay, where these strong animals pull impressively decorated bamboo carts in a 400-meter race. This is great fun if you can pull yourself away from the island's superb beaches.

Then there’s the fascinating three-day Obando Festival from May 17 to 19 in Bulacan province north of Manila, where fishermen pray for a good catch, farmers pray for good harvest and childless couples dance in the streets in the hope Santa Clara will grant them babies (single men and women dance on different days in the hope of finding their soul mate).

From June 15 to 22, a Pineapple Festival draws both interest and taste buds to the town of Daet in the province of Camarines Norte, where the "Formosa" variety grows abundantly. On June 24 is something completely different in Balayan, Batangas Province - the Parada ng mga Lechon (Parade of Roast Pigs), with the animals attired in wigs, jackets, jewels, flowers, sunglasses, and whatever strikes their decorators’ fancy.

Following that is the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival on June 29 in Leyte, where General Douglas MacArthur finally arrived to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese in WWII. This month's festivities are highlighted by the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, the Pintados Festival Ritual Dance Presentation, and a "Pagrayhak" Grand Parade, all showcasing local culture and history.

In July people from around the Philippines and the world meet up in the month-long Sandugo Celebration in Tagbilaran, Bohol, with street parades, church services, fireworks, beauty pageants and more. This new annual festival commemorates the treaty of friendship signed in blood on March 16, 1565 between Spanish Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and native chief Datu Sikatuna.

Back on Luzon Island in July, of note is the Pagoda Festival held every first Sunday of the month in the town of Bocaue, Bulacan for the folk commemoration of the rescue of a Holy Cross cross afloat on the Bocaue River 200 years ago. A replica of this cross is paraded on a pagoda with magnificent trimmings, as celebrants hail it from the water and riverbanks. Hundreds attend the procession, after which feasting and prayers celebrate a legendary rescue of the cross.

August takes the traveler back to Lucban, Quezon, where residents parade a 14-foot high papier-mâché representation of a farmer, his wife and two children in a Gigantes (Giants) Festival on August 19. This full-blown fiesta, with an enormous bright red papier-mâché bull rigged with firecrackers paraded around the town plaza as part of the celebrations, is quite a thrill.

Off to Mindanao by the third week of August, we find the Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival in Davao at the foot of Mt. Apo (the Philippines' highest peak. It’s one of the most popular and world renowned Filipino festivals, with jaw-dropping displays of fruits and flowers, costumed street parades and cultural performances.

The second Friday of September is when the city of Naga in southeast Luzon begins a nine-day celebration of the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia with parades, pageants, street parties, singing contests, exhibits, concerts, and other activities.

Later in the month, from the 25th to 30th, Siargao - the surfing capital of the Philippines - takes it turn with 2007’s International Surfing Cup competition. Siargao boasts a "Cloud Nine" experience regarded by enthusiasts as nirvana for the surfing world's best.

- Philippine Department of Tourism, San Francisco (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=63303)

Canopy of fruit bearing mango trees on the island.
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What a refreshing sight! I'd love to take a stroll under these mango trees (and perhaps pluck a ripe, golden, sweet mango within reach) hehe

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PzGMHnbAtoM

A photographic feast of some if not the best collection of Philippine scenic photos online. Chick Corea's "Spain" provided the musical background with Stanley Clarke and Joe Farrell. I hope you enjoy this piece.

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Photos by Annalyn Jusay (http://www.flickr.com/people/annalyn/)

Golden Heritage (http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=55&a=19880)
Source: asianjournal.com

MANILA, Philippines - Camarines Norte has billed itself as the "Land of Gold and Golden Opportunities," perhaps winking at its reputation for having gold resources. But the gold could lie elsewhere. It could lie, for example, in the natural and cultural riches of the province.

The province's potential is seen on Calaguas Island, which has a beach that's boasted as better than Boracay's. Artist Joaquin Palencia, who hails from Camarines Norte, pointed to the fine white sand of Calaguas. It is a rare virgin island worth the two-hour boat ride from the capital city of Daet.

Calaguas may look surreal at first glimpse. The main beach is called "Mahabang Buhangin," referring to the island ís extremely long beach length.

The crystal-clear water stretches offshore and the waves are perfect for surfing. There are no resorts to be found but there are a few friendly locals willing to help guests set up camp.

A day is obviously not enough to enjoy Calaguas, but it is not the only attraction offered by Camarines Norte.

Tourists can visit Vinzons Catholic Church, said to be one of the oldest in the country. It contains a replica of the Black Nazarene, which is honored during the Capalonga fiesta.

For those who don't like the idea of going on a two-hour boat ride to Calaguas, there is the Bagasbas beach, about five kilometers from downtown Daet. The white-sand beach passed the international surfing standard of the Department of Tourism. It is an exceptional place for swimming and picnic.

Camarines Norte also produces some of the sweetest queen pineapples in the country. This must have been the inspiration behind the Pineapple Island resort, a one-of-a-kind waterpark in Bicol suited to family getaways.

During a courtesy call of the media, Gov. Jesus Typoco and Rep. Renato Unico Jr. expressed their optimism about the potential of Camarines Norte to become a top tourist destination in the country.

Considered as the gateway to the Bicol region, the province has a lot to offer especially to those who are looking for something new and are seeking adventure, tired of the overcrowded summer beach destinations.

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Old and New Mactan bridges | Photo by Isgg811 (http://www.panoramio.com/user/102014)

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Old and New Mactan bridges | Photo by Isgg811 (http://www.panoramio.com/user/102014)

^^^Local officials should preserve the natural beauty of this island, nice!

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^^^Local officials should preserve the natural beauty of this island, nice!

Yes, the island is virtually unspoiled as it is still quite inaccessible. I hope it will stay that way - clean, pristine and not crowded. :) Otherwise, before the throng of tourists start invading the island, the Gov't should put the necessary infrastructure in place like sewage and wastewater treatment facilities, etc.

That hotel looks awesome, btw :okay:

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Photos by Mike Williams

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Photo by Third Gonzalez

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Photos by Michael Kimmig
(http://www.flickr.com/people/kimmig/)
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Photo by archgerardo

The natural wonders of Ticao
By Ephraim Aguilar
Southern Luzon Bureau

Being in the news for intense political rivalries and armed conflicts, one would think Masbate is nothing but a land of chaos. But who would think that it has a serene side waiting to be discovered? Ticao Island, one of the three major islands, is home to natural wonders. Monreal, one of the four towns considered the Manta Ray Capital of the Philippines, has a good number of potential tourist destinations. Lying in the southeastern extremity of Luzon, it can be reached by motorized pump boat in two hours from the port of Pilar in Sorsogon. Pilar is a 45-minute ride from Legazpi City. An alternative route is from the port of Bulan in Sorsogon, which takes less than an hour of sea travel. From mainland Masbate, it takes two and a half hours to reach Monreal.

Untouched beauty

Monreal is bounded northeast by the Ticao Pass, southeast by the Samar Sea, northwest by the Burias Pass, and southwest by the Masbate Pass. Not many resorts and tourist facilities are found, but the natural beauty of the place could just as well be its greatest asset. Aside from its manta bowl and coral gardens that are perfect for diving, it has mangroves, white-sand coastlines, clear waters, caves, fish and bird sanctuaries, falls and huge rock formations. It has the Baladingan coastline, a five-kilometer stretch of white sand with mostly virgin green terrain in the background in Barangay Famosa. It extends up to the boundary of the neighboring town of San Jacinto, where Ticao Island Resort is located. Baladingan cradles stones and shells and shallow coral reefs near the coast.

No resort has been put up in it. Silence covers the untouched and uncommercialized beach. The Guinlatayan Rock at Barangay Sto. Niño is a bird sanctuary. It is one of the huge rock formations along the Masbate Pass that has shrubs and trees on top serving as havens for different species of migratory birds. The Bojo Cave at Barangay Togoron is another attraction. It takes a 45-minute hike to reach this cathedral-like cave, which village chief Pal Duano estimates to be 200 meters long. It serves as home to many bats, stalactites and stalagmites that glitter when lighted upon. Duano said other newly discovered caves in Togoron were still unnamed.

Luba Islet in Barangay Guinhadap has a small beachfront of powdery white sand with sprinkles of reddish sand. The three-hectare Burabangkaso Islet and Halea Island Resort in Guinhadap also have white coral sand and magnificent rock formations. The waters are so clear one could actually see corals on shallow portions of the sea. A century-old lighthouse can be found at Guinhadap, accessible by a 300-step stairway. The parola, which is on top of a terrain, is said to have been built during the American period in 1901 and served as guidepost for sea vessels. Shipwrecks are found around the parola’s terrain.

Some artifacts have been recovered by residents of Monreal. The Gueta family of Barangay Poblacion has showed the Inquirer their collection of ancient jars and utensils which, they said, they had recovered from the wreckage. Coral and shell particles have stuck to one jar’s surface, indicating that it was under the sea for many years. Duano said tourists could also enjoy wall diving at St. Jerome’s Rock near Togoron or wind surfing in the waters of the Masbate Pass from September to March, when the northeast winds are strong.

Read Full Article Here (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=62579)

The body of water within the area of Burias island in Sorsogon, and Ticao island in Masbate is known as Ticao pass. Like Donsol's waters, it has a dense concentration of plankton, krill, and small fish, making it ideal as a feeding ground for mantas.

Ticao, one of the three major islands of Masbate, has received scant attention from tourists. Then news of manta sightings in the area that would later on be called the Manta Bowl reached local and foreign divers - mostly Japanese - who started visiting the area to get a glimpse of the friendly creatures close to their hearts.

Unlike sightings in dive sites elsewhere, the mantas of Ticao are big. They are also almost a guarantee, aside from the fact that they are known to linger for a while and sometimes even get near adventure-seeking divers. It is estimated that an average of three manta rays are being killed in Ticao every week. This is equivalent to 144 mantas killed each year but the number could even be higher.

Source: The Manta Network (http://www.mantas.org/index.php?name=News&catid=4)

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Photo by aldask

The manta ray, or giant manta (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having been nearly 7.6 meters (25 ft) across its pectoral fins (or "wings") and weighed in at 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). It ranges throughout the tropical seas of the world, typically around coral reefs. Mantas are most commonly black above and white below, but some are blue on their backs. A giant manta's eyes are located at the base of the cephalic lobes on each side of the head, and unlike other rays the mouth is found at the anterior edge of its head. To breathe, like other rays, the manta has five pairs of gills on the underside.

Source: Wikipedia

More Albay churches from Shubert Ciencia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigberto/) :okay:

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Bacacay, Albay

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Malilipot, Albay

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Malinao, Albay

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Tiwi, Albay

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Joroan, Tiwi, Albay

^^ Congratulations guys! This thread is up and running for more than a year now! Great job!

BTW, I apologize for deleting my previous posts. i got in trouble with some photographers. :lol: I miss my entries, i was like doing an assignment everyday last year. oh well.. Post ways guys!

Mabuhay!

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By Natassia Laforteza

Summer isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, which is why the most popular beaches in the Philippines, such as Boracay and Puerto Galera, are swarming with people at this time of the year. Being a beach enthusiast myself, I look forward to this annual summer trip, but after being in Boracay for the nth time; I became tired of the hustle and bustle of its partying lifestyle.

But there must be more to the Philippines than Boracay. So when the invitation to spend three days in the province of Camarines Norte to visit the Calaguas Island and tour the historical sites of the province, with some media personnel, came, I didn’t hesitate. Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte, recently hosted the 5th Asian University Basketball Championships and the trip to Calaguas Island, a cluster of islands found off the Pacific Coast of Vinzons in Camarines Norte, was a side trip that served as respite for the staff and the delegates of the event.

Camarines Norte is located in the northern coast of the Bicol peninsula and is characterized by rolling hills, rugged mountains, and small coastal plains. It is approximately 350 km. south of Manila and a seven-hour drive, but since we rode a passenger bus, it took us almost 10 hours of travel because of the numerous pickups and bathroom breaks.

After eating our dinner of pork barbecue and chicken afritada at the canteen of Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation, we were brought to the Bagasbas Viewpoint Inn, which is a 10-minute drive from the Daet town proper. It is also just right across Bagasbas beach. As soon as I got off the van, I immediately got a whiff of the distinct smell of the sea and felt the cool sea breeze. It was a welcome relief from the heat that would come the next day.
Another advantage of living in a seaside inn is having the perfect view of the sunrise by the beach. As soon as I woke up the next day, I was greeted by the swirling colors of pink and purple in the sky and the sparkling waters of Bagasbas beach caused by the rays of the early-morning sun. It was simply beautiful beyond words and worthy of numerous photographs.

Our first agenda for the day was to answer the courtesy call on the governor of Camarines Norte, Gov. Jesus Typoco Jr. along with Rep. Renato Unico Jr., the governor answered a few questions regarding pursuing the tourism of Camarines Norte. With the exposure gained from the coverage of the 5th AUBC, he hoped to entice tourists and gain more public interest to the historical spots and breathtaking beaches of Camarines Norte.

A picturesque detour

We decided to detour to a secluded property to get a panoramic view of the Bagasbas beach and other offshore islands. Bagasbas beach is the most popular beach in Camarines Norte, with its wide expanse of fine gray sand and its cool waters. Quite dangerous to swim in because of the powerful undertow, Bagasbas beach remains a paradise for surfing beginners and aficionados because its swells reach 3 to 6 ft. perfect for neophytes. During clear but windy days, its big waves rolling from the Pacific Ocean reaches up to 8 ft. The Department of Tourism has already recognized Bagasbas beach as one of the surfing paradises in the Philippines.

We soon separated into groups to start our tour of the historical sites in the province. Our first stop was the ancestral house of the former governor and congressman of Camarines Norte, Wenceslao Vinzons, located in the town proper that bares his name, Vinzons. His residence has been converted into a shrine and public library that showcases his memorabilia, from photographs of his family to newspaper clippings.

We later drove to the oldest church in Bicol, the church of St. Peter the Apostle, more commonly known as the Vinzons Catholic church, named after its hometown hero. What was unusual about the church was the altar, where the statue of St. Peter sitting in a throne can be found, instead of the usual large crucifix.

The town of Daet holds the distinction of having the First Rizal Monument built in 1898 throughout the Philippines. Standing on the corner of Magallanes and Justo Lukban streets, the three-tiered stone plyon is located across the old Daet municipal hall. Its foundation was believed to be made of the mortars from the demolished old Spanish jail in Daet were many patriots died, making it culturally and historically significant.

Virgin islands

The coordinators of the event definitely saved the best for last as the much-awaited Calaguas Island trip was scheduled for the last day. The travel to Calaguas Island is about two-and-a-half hours by motorboat in Vinzons. Since we were a big group, we rode one of the bigger fishing vessels in the Mercedes port area to accommodate all of the staff, delegates, and media personnel that wanted to join the trip.

After the two-hour travel, which caused sea sickness to some of the Indonesian basketball players, we finally sighted the virgin islands of the Calaguas group. It was definitely paradise on Earth. The pristine white-sand beaches, sparkling blue-green waters, and luscious green mountains were virtually untouched by commercialization and pollution. There were no restrooms in sight, nor where there any tourist infrastructures such as hotels or restaurants. If someone wanted to do a number two, he/she must ride a boat to a nearby island. Tents must be put up for shade or if you want to camp out. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for someone accustomed to urban conveniences like me.

After swimming in the cool waters of Calaguas Island and eating lunch in hollow bamboo shoots, we decided to take a tour around the cluster of islands. Riding a fishing boat, we first stop into a small island called Pinagcastillohan. Characterized by giant rocks and crystal-clear waters, Pinagcastillohan is home to numerous corals and sea creatures. If one was lucky, he can find dried-up starfishes or sand dollars. Numerous crows can also be seen flying overhead.

Since the tide was low, we were unable to tour around the whole cluster of islands, so we went to an island called Balagbag Malaki, where one can snorkel and look at the numerous coral reefs or collect seashells to take home as souvenirs. But because it was already growing dark and there was no snorkeling apparel available, we decided to head back to the mainland, cherishing the memories of the beauty we had just seen. The Philippines boasts having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte has made us believe that paradise really exists here.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife1_may10_2007

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SM Mall of Asia | Photo by micah r.c (http://www.flickr.com/people/16096537@N00/)

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SM Mall of Asia | Photo by micah r.c (http://www.flickr.com/people/16096537@N00/)

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Sorsogon on Flickr

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Dawn in Bulan | Photo by frencelt

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Sorsogon Bay | Photo by winwel

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Ibos!! | Photo by Litratista

Masbate on flickr

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Cattle at Burias Island

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Burias Island

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Rodeo!

All Photos by xtyhnne

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everybody is ignoring this thread :bash:

oki, pilipin geography...

m3G5FlwSd6o&mode=related&search=

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Donsol Town Hall | Photo by Oliver Gianan

The cannon looks funny, nakatutok sa munisipyo :lol:

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naiingit?
no i meant nobody is posting here except you...
so anyways, good job... keep it up

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^^ all right fine whatever...
you dont want to agree that's fine with me

Nice pictures! These pictures make me feel proud of my country.:okay:

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Kasanggayahan Festival
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Pili Festival
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Farther ahead of Bacon beach resorts, and past the remote districts of Bacon, your trip ends in a beautiful and extremely serene village of Sawanga- the home of the unknown Paguriran Island. It is a little island where its little lagoon in the middle gets filled with sea water flowing from the sea at high tide, while powdery white sand connects the little island to the shore during low tide.

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Photos by Dre Mendoza (http://www.flickr.com/people/supafunkydre/)

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I'll try to add a few pics of my own after my trip this weekend to Vigan and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. I'm pretty psyched about it :banana: Now, I just need to learn how to use my new digicam lol

Great pics by the way @jbkayaker

Bulusan Lake lies at the heart of the Bulusan LakeNational Park which covers an area of 3,672 hectares. The serene and cool lake has a circumference of 2,006 meters at an elevation of 2,084 feet above sea level with a geological age of about 374 years.

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Photos by Litratista (http://www.flickr.com/photos/litratista/)

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Photos by Debbie-sion (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55628046@N00/)

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Metro Manila Aerial Photos @ flickr

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Intramuros

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Manila

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NAIA

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Manila

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Metro Manila

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Manila

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UP Diliman

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Quezon City

All Photos by Storm Crypt (http://www.flickr.com/people/storm-crypt/)

Metro Manila Aerial Photos @ flickr

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/523429683_5f22539513_o.jpg
Intramuros

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Manila

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NAIA

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Manila

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Metro Manila

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Manila

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UP Diliman

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Quezon City

All Photos by Storm Crypt (http://www.flickr.com/people/storm-crypt/)

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Col. Lyman Kennon

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:D so cute :lol:

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too bad it was past strawberry season

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rows of lettuce

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fresh crisp lettuce

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more lettuce

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strawberry-flavored taho

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broccoli

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fuhh Tiring isn't it ;)?

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Beautiful islands...I love Phillippines

Yo amo Filipinas, me gsuta ese pais ( en español - in spanish :okay:)

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...now if it only didn't cost up to a few thousand and more than 3 transfer flights to get there. :) Still saving up!

Thanks for all the wonderful pictures, makes me work harder to get there. Been convince to stay for the kadayawan sa dabaw. At least us in Chicago can always hit the Wild Reef in the aquarium and pretend we are there. Well keep up the posting, especially of pictures that are not Metro Manila.

These pictures are so nice!:okay: Great job!

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Saud Beach, Pagudpud at dusk.

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Tikling Island and Mt. Bulusan | Photo by Peter Nick Schneider (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2867463)

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Somewhere in Ilocos (?)

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~o~VIGAN~o~
"Local and foreign experts describe Vigan as a "place like no other". Its uniqueness lies in its historic townscape which is an architectural blend of Asian, European and Latin American influences. Being the only surviving colonial town in the country, Vigan has more strung along the narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known in the olden days as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters).

Located in the Northern part of the Philippines, Vigan is 408 kilometers northwest of Manila and includes area of the China Sea as a buffer zone on the western side of the town.

Vigan, earlier known as " Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu. How and why it has survived the wrath of war is a fascinating story on its own.

Vigan brings images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets, calesas and friendly faces peering out of large windows; a place where "time stood still". Yet, despite all the romantic images this place provokes, much is still unfamiliar about Vigan.

The name came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" abounds. Biga is a tuberous plant (alocadia indica) that once grew along the banks of its rivers.

Vigan was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. It is situated at the delta of the Abra River (now the Mestizo and Govantes Rivers) going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river most probably afooded its existence as it was a fluvial harbor connected to the China Sea, making trade possible with other islands and with China.

Today, Vigan was recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1999 and converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. In partnership with the government of Spain, the Vigan Master Plan is in the process for the revitalization of the historic Vigan."

-www.geocities.com/vigansite/

Vigan Cathedral, from Plaza Salcedo
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Calle Crisologo / Heritage Park, Vigan City

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nice pics .. i think im goin to that resort at canyon woods next year

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Magcaraguit Island, Uson Bay | Photo by ulrick (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/990769)
Uson, Masbate

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^ Nice photos jb! I may not post in this thread but I frequently view it and everytime I do, I am always stunned to see some spots that I did not expect to exist in the archipelago and I appreciate your enthusiasm in posting these photos. Good job with the photo postings :okay:

WOW!! I'm so impressed by the pictures jb! Some of the places posted here are totally unknown to me. Sobrang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas. I admire your enthusiasm in posting all these pics. I'll post some videos I found on youtube, a little contribution of mine.

Drift Diving- Flying Under the Sea Apo Island

Yx2Gbwv9dwA&mode=related&search=

Verde Island Passage- The Center of Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World

zBKZH_4JaF4&mode=related&search=

Diving at Puerto Galera

cZuXpNmdm0c&mode=related&search=

Barracudas galore!! :colgate:

J2Wi8E7CPVw&mode=related&search=

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Mother nature's beauty!
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Mayon Volcano, Bicol

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Photo by lsgg811

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Photo by julmercado

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Photo by vamessedup

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Photo by xpcasambre

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Find Mayon
Photo by Storm Crypt

Wow Philippines talaga!

The beauty of Philippine volcanoes, Taal volcano as seen from Tagaytay ridge. The smallest active volcano in the world. Scanned film print.
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/2007PI/Taal1.jpg

Taal Volcano

We almost have the same picture @jbkayaker. Wala lang. =)

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Wreck diving, for those who like history.- Subic
KwlAz2SfBF0&mode=related&search=

Dive with thresher sharks- Malapascua Island, Cebu
47aW9XnV6yE&mode=related&search=

6wKFS379Nms&mode=related&search=

The largest concentration of whale sharks in the world. Swim with these gentle giants of the sea- Donsol, Sorsogon
Ip-jQr-c8Y4&mode=related&search=

7v0EJ8qFNY8&mode=related&search=
Whale sharks are the largest fish specie.

The beauty of the Philippines, under the sea! More diving videos all around PI.
LoPJRdGhcS4&mode=related&search=

ZnLeZuxNxZg&mode=related&search=

FEaaKyEuwHQ&mode=related&search=

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Philippines: The Fiesta Islands of Asia
Sinulog Festival. The Sinulog festival is one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. The main festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus, who used to be the patron saint of the whole province of Cebu (since in the Catholic faith Jesus is not a saint, but God). It is essentially a dance ritual which remembers the Filipino people's pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity.
Enjoy! Pit Señor!
ZKZqm98jss0&mode=related&search=
^^ Rhythm in Unison 1st Place Video Doucumentary

j7RG-SuYdrI&mode=related&search=
^^ Lumad Basakanon of Brgy. Basak, San Nicolas

SIW4z6CNPHE&mode=related&search=
^^ Contingent from Panglao, Bohol

-hb0Gf5xIfc&mode=related&search=
^^ Pintaflores of San Carlos City, Negros Occ.

tF6Q0Gwrb_E&mode=related&search=
^^ Camiguin, Island of your Imagination contingent

GHxHqL7SfA4&mode=related&search=
^^ Sinanduloy Cultural Dance Troupe, Tangub City

l6NbsIjHajo&mode=related&search=
^^ I like this group. Note the war-inspired dance. Contingent from Compostela.

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Nice.

Interesting, I've never gone diving only snorkelling, thanks for posting that.

You're welcome, btw your pics are awesome!:bow: :okay:

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Oh God this place is gorgeous!

Dreamy islands on the South China Sea.
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Islomaniac

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http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/07/09/span_cebu.jpg
Chinese pilgrims climb the 99 steps to the Taoist Temple in Cebu, Phillippines.

BY MIKE QUANE

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/07/09/asm_lapulapu.jpg
Lapu-Lapu Monument recalls Magellan's last stand.

The voyage of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose 16th-century mission for Spain was the first to circumnavigate the globe, took a tragic turn in 1521 when he was killed during a Custerlike attack on the local populace in Cebu, Philippines.

Today's explorers will find a more friendly welcome in Cebu than that received by Magellan, and they can walk in the steps of the great navigator without trepidation.

Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines and the second in size to Manila, is a thriving metropolis of more than 3 million people. Yet unlike Manila, Cebu - called the Queen City of the South - retains a provincial, less frenetic quality than its northern counterpart.

History buffs will be well-rewarded, with glimpses of what life was like when the Philippines was a Spanish colony. Fans of sunbathing and water sports will find a marine paradise in Cebu's Mactan Island resorts, and gourmets will relish Cebu's delectable dishes - a combination of Spanish, Chinese and Polynesian cuisine, with some of the world's most exotic fruits mixed in.

A little more than an hour's flight from Manila via Philippine Airlines, Cebu's international airport on Mactan Island is close to an array of top beach resorts. These include the Maribago Resort, a stunning property with beautiful beaches and ample opportunities for canoeing, windsurfing, snorkeling and other aquatic pursuits.

Cebu attractions for day tours

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- Magellan's Cross Located downtown outside the Santo Niño Basilica (itself a historic landmark), the wooden cross, now enshrined in a protective casing, was instrumental in bringing Christianity to the Philippines.

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- Fort San Pedro Also downtown, this well-preserved fort was the bastion of Spanish power during the colonial period. You can see artifacts from sunken galleons and walk the walls much as the garrison did centuries ago. Interestingly, the corner towers mirror fortifications in Puerto Rico and other former Spanish colonies in Latin America.

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- Casa Gorodo Another vestige of Cebu's Spanish colonial past, this palatial residence, once the home of the Catholic bishop, gives a glimpse of the lifestyle of the wealthy during that era. The house is worth visiting for its wood carvings alone.

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- Lapu-Lapu Monument Commemorates the battle of Mactan, in which Magellan met his demise attacking a vastly superior force led by Lapu-Lapu, the Philippine chieftain. A heroic statue of the chief on the battle site and a mural depicting the attack make this a memorable attraction.

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- Magellan Marker Located near the Lapu-Lapu Monument on Mactan Island, this structure was erected by the Spanish as a memorial to the navigator, whose body was never recovered.

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- Heritage of Cebu Monument Located on Colon St. (the oldest street in the city), this huge sculpture, dedicated in 2000, depicts the history of Cebu from its pre-Christian trading days through the Spanish colonization, the American commonwealth period, World War II, independence and the modern era.

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- Taoist Temple Located in Cebu's upscale Beverly Hills section, this beautiful temple is a place of pilgrimage for the city's large Chinese population. The view of the city from atop the temple's 99 steps is spectacular.

- There is night life aplenty in Cebu, as befits a thriving metropolis. Many of the nightclubs, bars and discos are concentrated around the Ayala Entertainment Center, adjacent to the huge Ayala Mall. There are also two government-operated casinos at the Waterfront Insular Hotels in the city proper and on Mactan Island.

For more information, go to www.wowphilippines.com.ph or call the Philippine Tourism Office in New York at (212) 575-7915.


http://www.nydailynews.com/travel/2007/07/09/2007-07-09_rediscovering_cebu.html?ref=rss

Keep it up, Anime and jbkayaker12! Wonderful pictures!

Cebu is not only booming with constructions, it looks very rich culturally.

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Mt. Bulusan | Photo by Mike 68 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike68/)

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PHILIPPINES.. Sparkling!:lol:


It's my Philippines, Make it yours too!:lol:

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