"vacation at LA UNION"

Funny how can life be so surprising.
I love my province, La Union.
It's been 2 years when I enjoyed my summer.
The special memories are still present in me.
The waves of alluring ocean was good to hear.
The blow of the wind covers my gentle ears and it softens my heart when I hear it.
The setting of the sun touches my skin.
The huge cracked stones are catching the waves that it could not pass before me.
My tiny black umbrella protects me from the heat of the sun.
When i sit over the stones, I look at the extent beauty of the sea.
I missed everything.
This awesome place is like a home to me.

posted by: marjorie medina

Roxas City, a paradise from Panay

By: Nathaniel Silvano

Roxas City is the capital of Capiz in Panay Island. Aside from it is where former President Manuel Roxas was born, nothing's known about this city.

Roxas City is a medium-sized city. It has a 39.4sq mi land area where many tourist attractions can be found.

A cultural attraction can be visited from this city namely Ang Panublion or the Roxas City Museum which was built in 1910. It has a collection of religious icons, artifacts and artworks from Roxas City.

There are also caves located at the very heart of this city including Quipot Cave which consisted of many chambers that a huge as a hotel ballroom, Pilar Cave where corpse of pre-Spanish Filipinos were found, Suhot Cave which is a series of interconnected caverns, Suhotan Cave where you can see a stalagmite formation of a giant repose; and Igaang Maayon, a limestone cave.

There are also beaches present in the city namely Baybay Beach and Buntod Beach which are very nice spots to swim.

There are also churches in the city if you are religious-typed. They are Pan-ay Church and Dumalag Chruch which were built during Hispanic era.

Mussel Farm, a farm of dark greem mussels can also be found here.

Roxas City is nothing but full of gems that are waiting for the tourist to discover.

Booming Anilao

By: Nathaniel Silvano

Anilao Beach is one of the best beaches in the country. Its blue water looks like not a reflection from the sky, but its real color though it's really colorless. The water from Anilao is clearer than a typical drinking water but its taste is of course salty.

Anilao can be compared to other beaches in the Philippines like Boracay in Aklan and Puerto Galera in Mindoro because of its almost white and refined sand.

When you experience swimming from this beach, you will say that you are in a paradise.

Anilao is also a spot visited my numerous tourists, foreign or local.

This beach is popularly known for its clean and cool water; but this is not just for swimmers, but also for divers.

This place also boomed for marine activities like diving and snorkling.

At present the water condition of Anilao is good for beginner up to expert.

Concentration on marine life in Batangas starts in Anilao as many corals and rare kind of small fishes can be found under the sea.

by: marjorie medina

Mel Cortez

"My Second Family"

Being part of Decisivemoments is one of the most important thing that I treasure in life.
My mentor, Mr. Mel Cortez is like a father to me. On my first day here, I was amazed by sir Mel's achievements as a photojournalist on Business World.

Sir Mel is the countries first digital photographer in year 1996. Year 2001 when he decided to establish Decisivemoments Photography. Today, he is one of the most excellent wedding photojournalist in the country.
For me, he's one of my best mentor and I admire him for his unmeasurable fear in God.

I can't get away on this fulfilling journey I had.
To travel a long while on this reality of life.

to visit our multiply, please log on to:

http://melcortez.multiply.com

Pink Lake

By:Nathaniel Silvano

If you are already bored from visiting the beautiful spots in the Philippines and you opt to visit other destination outside the country, a very unique lake from Africa is waiting for you.

Lake Retba is a not so famous lake located at Dakar, Senegal in Africa but when you go there to see what's with this lake, you will discover the hidden beauty of it.

This lake is very unusual and uncommon because of its pinkish water. Retba is always visited by some tourists who are amazed by the attractive color of its water. the pink color of the lake is because of the cyanobacteria in water.

As you go along the Retba, you will notice other people aside from tourists. These people are are not tourists but collectors of salt produced from the salty water of this lake.

Retba is also known for its salty water because it allows the people who will swim from it to float easily.

Lake Retba is being compared to Dead Sea but Retba has its incomparable and exceptional characteristics.

by: marjorie medina

Every time that Tagaytay will be the location of our work on "wedding", I can't stop to heed an excitement deep inside.
Aside from it's cool place, I'll forget that I'm on the job.
It is the most pleasant city in Asia especially the people here will welcome you with their sweet smile and kindness!
I enjoyed everything including the company of my co- workers and our clients.
I didn't expect that I could come to a place like this.
I'm just an ordinary person and a student.
Before my only goal is to make my days simple as I was contented with everything.
But life would be more of surprise.
I can say that Filipino's should feel that our country has plenty of gifts that's why we should love and treasure it.


Like place that we can be more proud of.

A place like Tagaytay.

my co- workers

These are my favorite shots on my working field....

Love of Dove

Two doves meeting in the sky
Two loves hand in hand eye to eye
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul
Two stars shining big and bright
Two fires bringing warmth and light
Two songs played in perfect tune
Two flowers growing into bloom
Two Doves gliding in the air
Two loves free without a care
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul

http://www.bestlovepoems.net
posted by: marjorie medina

Mouth-watering world of Ambos Mundos

By: Nathaniel Silvano

Filipinos, whether impoverished or rich, are known for being food lover. Almost every minutes of their lives, they crave for food that will surely satisfy their appetite.

They never care wherever they can get this as long as it is worth their constant craving. Some of them just stay at home and cook delicious food by mixing common ingredients or by experimentation. While others, especially those who can't cook opt to go to some great eateries and restaurants.

Many restaurants nowadays are hitting the taste of every Filipinos because of different yummy meals they offer plus the ambiance that invites the customers to always visit the place. One of these restaurants is Ambos Mundos.

Ambos Mundos is said to be the oldest restaurant in the Philippines which was built in late 1880's during the Hispanic Period. It is just located at the very heart of Manila near the corner of Claro M. Recto and Florentino Torres St., don't need to go outside the Metro Manila.

As you go inside the restaurant, you will be fascinated by old-style decoration applied in the restaurant. It has simple wooden chairs with dark varnish and tables covered in aqua and red tablecloths.

The Tiffany Lamps look very artistic as it was placed at the entrance of the place. The walls will add twinkle in your eyes as you see the old Spanish bullfight posters, Armosolo-esque paintings and framed newspaper articles highlighting the elegance of the restaurant posted on them.

You will also feel the ambiance of a zoo or a park inside the venue due to the snake, boars and fishes dislayed in Ambos Mundos.

But of course, the most remarkable stuff in this place is its food that showcases both the taste of Spanish and Filipinos.

The specialty of the house is the Paella Ambos Mundos, which is served in a hot cast-iron pan with great toppings such as crabs, shrimps, mussels, chunks of fried pork, slices of hard-boiled eggs and clams. The feeling when you eat this Paella is unexpected because the spicy taste of tomato sauce will be left in your tongue.

Other cuisines offered by the restaurant are Lengua Estofada, a stew of beef or ox tongue popular for its distinctive taste and texture and flavorful sauce; and Callos, a stew of ox tripe
and legs, chorizo, and chickpeas also cooked with delicious sauce.

Ambos Mundos is maybe the oldest but for your tongue and stomach, this might be the newest eating place you will never miss-out.

by marjorie medina

"the beauty of lamesa ecopark"

One of the greatest experiences in my life is when i discovered a place none other than "Lamesa Eco Park."
It is only located at Quezon City.
Eco park is just a small paradise which is very easy to find. From it's wonderful ambiance, it helps the people to learn that we have to preserve our nature and keep improving our God given riches. Lamesa Ecopark is 2700 hectares, 700 hectares of this is the reservoir and the left 2,000 hectares which covers the forest.


Every time I visit here, I always forget circumstances around me .
The nature reminds me of how beauty the LIFE will be if I am going to appreciate everything that is good.
That my life is worth living for...

water... trees... forest... paradise...

.......................................................................................................................

DESPERATE TRAVELLER: ALL THE WAY FROM MANILA TO BORA...........by Nea Mirizma P. Gaspar

You just never know what to expect. Sure you have read brochures, asked questions of travel agents, but the true reward or disappointment, is when you first sight the destination of your hard earned holiday, in this case Boracay Island.You always seem to have doubts.How long will it take to get there?How much Is it going to cost me?Should I go somewhere closer?I don’t have much time, is too far away?

All these questions and probably more, flash through your mind at some stage. Well let me tell you right now exactly what is involved in travel to Boracay.

There are two main types of transport that will get you to Boracay, in fact you really need a combination of the two.

You can either fly or take a ferry.

You cannot fly directly to Boracay, Boracay does not have an airport.The quickest way to travel to Boracay Island, is to take a plane from Manila domestic terminal and fly to the island of Panay in the Visayas. The two flight options you have, is to fly directly to either the cities of Kalibo or Caticlan on Panay Island.The flight time to either city is 1 hour.

The airlines that travel to either Kalibo or Caticlan are Philippine Airlines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific or Air Philippines.

Travel to Boracay can also be made by ferry.For those on a budget and with a bit of time to spare the Manila to Dumaguit voyage is ideal. Dumaguit is on the north side of Panay Island just south of Kalibo. The voyage is an overnight trip from Manila.

The Ferries depart Manila at North Harbour. From Dumaguit you will have to get yourself to Caticlan. You do this by air-conditioned bus or the extremely budget conscious or adventurous try taking a jeepney.

Another way to get from Manila to Boracay is to take an air conditioned bus from Manila to Batangas in Calarbazon .

well, enjoy your trip and have fun..

NATURAL GREEN By: Anne Bernadette Villeza

Summer doesn't revolved only in the same spot: beach! beach and beach!
It also count to hitting fun places just around the city. A place maybe you haven't been to and just there, waiting for you to explore.

There's no better greener place in the city like of La Mesa Ecopark,located right in East Fairview,Quezon City. A true haven for people who wants to get connected with the nature. La Mesa Ecopark has different activities to choose from. Try and enjoy paddle boat ride at the Superferry Boating Lagoon, picnic at Lopez Picnic Grounds, get sweaty by running up the 117 steps of the Shell Flower Terraces or see the beauty of the Butterfly Trail and Hatchery. You can also be Janey-ish by trying to step up from every Tarzan in the friendly games of paintball,wall-climbing,or ziplining at their Global Gutz stations.

So what are you waiting for? Commune with Environment in La Mesa Ecopark.

Intramuros: Old Manila, New Approach

By Maria Criselda Pamela A. Galindez

We had our photo shoot at Intramuros, Manila last January 26 this year, in preparation for Le Vogue 2010, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Communication’s (PUP-COC) own version of runway fashion show.

Intramuros is the perfect location for it showcases the historical value that we needed, given the time frame from Philippines under 1800’s to 1890’s fashion.

Intramuros once quoted in Jose P. Rizal’s famous novel “Noli Me Tangere” as Old Manila. It is known for its huge walls (resemblance to the Great Wall of China) and churches built by friars of Spanish occupation. By the time of 1945, some buildings were destroyed due to Japan-American war.

From wikipedia, intramuros literally means "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats.

The churches mentioned still stood and preserved by the government of Manila. Famous churches are San Agustin church and the Manila Cathedral.

Old Manila or now known as Intramuros, was built by the Spaniards in 16th century. Features of it were old gunpowder rooms used as recently as World War II, seminaries and chapels, the Manila cathedral and museums.

It is a cultural heritage and should be revived forever. Our heroes fought to save the country from Spanish, Japanese and American occupations. Intramuros witnesses these events and symbolizes the country’s courage above all.

WEEKEND BEACH CAMP BY: Anne Bernadette Villeza

Saturdays and Sundays are the best days for workaholic chick or dedicated student like you. The days were you can spend on either rolling over your bed or cleaning up your week-old mess the whole day. Though, that sounds productive to some but we have to remember that weekends are made for you take a break to your oh-so-fast paced lifestyle. Don't let your must do's prevent you from having fun. This is the right time to check your usual weekend routine. Instead of playing a perfect homebody, why dont you try something you haven't tried before but dying to experience like beach camping? You will surely love the relaxing mood of the beach and the adventure of your little camping getaway.
Philippines are surrounded by fabulous beaches so try to check these places for your beach campings with your pals.

The likes of the Anawangin Cove,Pundanquit in Zambales, Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte,Hundred Islands in Pangasinan,Saud Beach, Pagudpud,Ilocos Norte and Apo Reef,Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro
that im sure you can't help but fall inlove to. The tropical gems that will make you beg for another weekend beach camp break.

Dinagat Island, undiscovered paradise

By: Nathaniel Silvano

Dinagat Island was declared as a province of Mindanao in December 2, 2006 after the approval of Republic Act No. 9355, the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands, in a plebiscite.

But the declaration was retracted because of the decision of the Supreme Court on February 11, 2010, saying that the declaration of Dinagat Island as a province was null and void due to the insufficient land area and population as stipulated by the Local Government Code for the creation of provinces.

Dinagat Island was returned to Surigao Del Norte.

Dinagat Island is one hour by motorboat from Surigao City. It is an undiscovered paradise.

It has many unexplored sites for divers and spelunkers which is very distinctive from other sites.

Dinagat, though not so popular spot in the Philippines, has a historical background. During World War II , US Gen. Douglas MacArthur was quoted as saying that Dinagat was one of "three island-sentinels guarding the (southern) Philippines from the enemies in the Pacific."

It also has beautiful islets just waiting for the tourist to visit. Two of its islets are Unib Islet and Hagakhak Islet.

Unib Islet is an islet just ten minutes by pump boat from Basilisa. It has the unspoiled Bitaug beach with almost crystal clear water. It is surrounded by so far mostly undestroyed coral reefs in between interesting underwater rock formations.

It also has several unexplored caves, just the other caves, used as shelter by many bats.

Hagakhak Islet is an islet with one of a kind above-water and underwater rock formations.It also has unexplored dive sites for those who love diving.

Magsaysay Group of Islets, which consist of wonderful islets and Suy-ang Cave can also be found here and waiting for the tourist to explore.

Dinagat Island has almost no infrastructure but since it has a great quality to be called as a tourist spot, many investors will surely invest after they find out the virgin glamour of the island.

Popsicle making made easy: Mango Watermelon Popsicle Ice Candy

By Maria Criselda Pamela A. Galindez

The Philippines is known for its abundant natural resources, wherein pearl of the orient sun is rich in life giving foods. As a smart entrepreneur, why not use these resources to start a business and at the same time healthy for summer? This also enables you to relax while beating the sun.

Craving for cold desserts this summer is expected. Haluhalo, sorbets and other shaved iced foods are everywhere. But if you are not on a vendor-like type of person outside the house, why not try our easy-made popsicle ice candy and sell it while relaxing at home?

Putting up a small business at home is a practical thing to do this summer. It doesn’t need extra effort for this kind of business; all you need is a refrigerator for cooling this yummy treat, introducing the Mango Watermelon Popsicle Ice Candy, an ice candy with a twist. It’s a combination of mango and watermelon flavor in a popsicle sticks that suits not just for the kids but for everyone since it’s summer time. Mango and watermelon are tropical fruits and in demand during sunny season.

This dessert is a healthy food this season while fighting the hot weather conditions. All you need are popsicle sticks and molder, the rest can be found in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 cup mango puree

¼ cup water

½ cup cream

1 piece mango, diced

1 cup watermelon

¾ cup sugar

1/3 cup water

The procedures are easy. Simply mix together mango puree, ¼ cup water and cream in a bowl and pour the mixture over the popsicle molder. Put the diced mango also into the molder for a mango kick taste and freeze for 30 minutes.

While waiting for the popsicle to freeze, mix together watermelon puree with ¼ cup water and cream, the same procedure did to mango puree. Cook the syrup using sugar and water in pan. Once it’s done, cool it first before adding to the watermelon puree. (If you don’t have mango and watermelon puree at home, you can make your own by using the blender).

Insert the popsicle sticks to the frozen mango puree and pour watermelon puree in the same molder up to 2/3 of the mixture. Then, let it freeze again until it is ready to serve.

It’s a quick income-generating business while chilling at home. You can help others to chill as well with this Mango Watermelon Popsicle Ice Candy while enjoying it yourself!

San Juan, Batangas exploration

By Maria Criselda Pamela A. Galindez

I’m heading to San Juan, Batangas tomorrow for a three-day work. Previously, I had a one week work at the Meralco Building, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. My work being the sales personnel in the exhibit made me practice the communication skills Bachelor in Journalism offers. It is a job that enables anyone to socialize with different types of people, especially in an exhibit of paintings, high profile people are spotted.

Before visiting Batangas, I research some destinations to explore while on a boundary of San Juan, Batangas. Here are some: the Laiya Cocogrove Beach Resort, Palm Beach Resort (La Frondosa) and Sabangan Beach Resort.

The Laiya Cocogrove Beach Resort is located in San Juan, Batangas that offers a class “A” resort. It has clubhouse, swimming pool and golf driving range that suits from children to old age.

The Palm Beach Resort (La Frondosa) is built for family purposes, a family friendly resort.

Accomodations

Bedroom Level

2 — Bedrooms with

a/c and ceiling fan

Covered Wooden Deck

2 — Bathrooms

Furnishing (Bedroom Level)

2 — King size beds

2 — Day beds w/ roll out

4 — Folding mattresses

2 — Deck lounging chairs

2 — Coffee tables

2 — Floor fans

2 — TV w/ DVD Player

Upper Level

Game/Living Area

1 — Bathroom

Family/Sleeping Area

Covered Wooden Deck

Furnishing (Upper Level)

12 cu. Ft Fridge

Water Dispenser

2 — Day beds

2 — Deck lounging chairs

Living Room Set

Table and Chairs

From: http://batangas-resort.com

The Sabangan Beach Resort has its logo “A relaxing getaway from the city”. It is a three-hour drive from Manila to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. Long white sand awaits tourists that lie along the crystal blue water and gentle waves of Sigayan Bay and the Verde Island Passage. Behind the resort erected the scenic and grandiose peak of Mt. Daguldol.

The only thing I noticed was the white sand San Juan, Batangas offer. This is a smart way if you are hungry to board for Boracay, why not try Batangas first?

Cool Way to Camp John Hay

BY: Nathaniel Silvano



This summer, it is very good to go to a place where the weather is definitely cool and you can really relax and unwind. You can never enjoy the summer vacation just staying on your place, enduring the extreme heat of the sun and the unending sweat. You don’t need to travel outside the Philippines just to get relief from the deadly hotness you experience everyday. There are a lot of choices waiting for you to choose and Baguio City is one of those.

Baguio is the most famous city in Benguet. It is popularly known as the City of Pines because of beautiful pine trees located in the city, and the Summer Capital of the Philippines for it has the perfect weather contrary to the hotness of the sun being encountered in Metropolis. Baguio is also prominent due to its places and spots including the parks namely Mines View Park , Wright Park , and Burnham Park . But, there is another place in the Baguio that is rarely visited and not being mentioned frequently among the residents of this city……. the Camp John Hay.

Camp John Hay also known as the John Hay Air Station is a station built for rest and recreation of United States Armed Forces in the country and Department of Defense personnels, employees and dependents.

It was established on October 25, 1903 after President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order setting aside land in Benguet for a military reservation under the United States Army.

This beautiful place was named after John Milton Hay, Theodore Roosevelt’s Secretary of State that time.

During the World War II, Japanese civilians used this as their internment camp and concentration camp. Also that era, many establishments had been built including US Army Hospital and The Residence, where the Governor General of the Philippines lived at.

Camp John Hay has 290 fully-furnished rooms in the different cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges, which are scattered about the complex. Some of these billeting units were equipped with colored television sets, refrigerators, and cooking facilities.

The camp is also surrounded by major attractions namely Par-69 golf course, The Manor, The Suites, and various shops and restaurants that stimulate the people to visit the place.

At present, Camp John Hay is considered as one of the best tourist spot in Baguio not just because of its natural beauty, but also because of its meaningful history.

GO EXTREME THIS SUMMER! BY: ANNE BERNADETTE VILLEZA

Summer is the perfect time to be adventurous. One should not miss the chance to relax and have fun. You should also maximize the opportunity of spending this long vacation with your family. And the other way to enjoy is by trying different things together. For once, it’s never too late to be exploratory.
Extreme sports are really famous nowadays. In the Philippines, extreme sports like rock climbing, wake boarding, white water rafting and sky diving are among the few that being patronized by most Pinoys.


Paintball
Paintball is one of the fastest growing extreme sports in the Philippines. Enthusiasts see it as a sport fit for Filipinos because it does not require height as much as other sports do. Relying on stealth, speed, and targeting, smaller players usually have the upper hand in paintball games because they are quicker and harder to spot. In fact, the Philippine paintball team won top honors in the 2004 Asian Cup and the 2005 Asian Pacific Paintball Amateur Championship. Also, many of the top paintball players in the United States are Filipinos.
The most popular paintball venues in the country are Antipolo, Clark Field Pampanga, and Corregidor. The paintball facility in Boomcamp near Boom na Boom, Pasay City is said to be frequented by competing amateur teams like the Philippine paintball team.

Rock climbing

Broadly speaking, is the act of ascending steep rock formations. Normally, climbers use gear and safety equipment specifically designed for the purpose. Strength, endurance, and mental control are required to cope with tough, dangerous physical challenges, and knowledge of climbing techniques and the use of essential pieces of gear and equipment are crucial. Although rock climbing is an outdoor activity, many cities are home to indoor rock climbing gyms which can be formatted to match the physical (but not necessarily mental or technical) skill level needed for outdoor climbing.


Major rock climbing sites in Philippines are Atimonan, Quezon, Apo Island, El Nido, Palawan, Putting Bato, Climbing Areas in the Philippines, Montalban.



White Water Rafting

The Cagayan de Oro River being very mighty and beautiful offers the full glory of white water rafting. People of all ages and athletic abilities, with no previous experience raft the rivers can challenge the rapids and enjoy the wilderness fun. The Chico River is for those seeking untamed white water thrills offering potentially terrifying drops, ledges, rapids and the most exciting sightseeing trip.

Philippines is now prime destination for whitewater enthusiasts. June to early march is the ideal period for rafting, while July to January is peak white water rafting months. You can go to Chico River, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, Antique or Quezon Province.


Sky Diving

Parachuting, also known as skydiving, is the action of performing acrobatics during freefall, followed by pulling the ripcord of a parachute, Although, if you JUMP from said surface, you are technically finishing a jump, You must FALL for it to be considered skydiving, it can be performed from any object as long as you Fall and pull the ripcord before landing.

The Philippines has affordable skydiving packages that allow you to fulfill your dream of hurtling through the sky while marveling at the majestic views. The Skydiving Center in Tanauan, Batangas presents one of the most spectacular skydiving scenery in the world, with a drop zone between Mount Makiling and Taal Volcano.



Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a water sport which involves riding a wakeboard while being towed by a moving boat. Other vehicles like watercrafts and all-terrain vehicles are also used in wakeboarding. The sport was developed by surfers and snowboarders in the US in the 1980s, combining techniques used in water skiing, snow boarding, and surfing to create an alternative water sport.

A six-hectare cable wake-boarding park inside the provincial capitol complex officially opened last May 2006 during the celebration of the Kaogma Festival which marks Camarines Sur’s foundation day. It’s now considered as the most modern in the world, with a six-point cable ski system. Visit Camsur Water Sports Complex official web site for more details.