Friday, August 31, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
PARADISE RANCH: The Hidden Gem of Clark Pampanga! A Fun Affordable Getaway Place for the Family!
PARADISE RANCH: The Hidden Gem of Clark Pampanga
Our special feature this week may not be as luxurious as the usual places which we feature but we assure you that this is truly worth visiting! We feel very honoured and blessed in finding such a humble place, felt more like finding a hidden treasure or a precious gem. We’d like to introduce to you PARADISE RANCH – The Hidden Gem of Clark Pampanga!
Paradise Ranch is a humble place dedicated in promoting environmental conservation through tree planting and animal conservation. The place is just teeming with life with its lush greens, tall standing trees and quite a huge number of animals which inhabit the place… a paradise indeed!
They may not have luxurious amenities or silver platters to dine on, but the place is abundant with natural wonders and people carry in them hearts of gold, for Paradise Ranchalso provides employment to the less fortunate as well as to our fellow aeta brothers living around the ranch.
Allow us to show you the photos from our trip….
We stayed at one of their family villas. It was a very decent family room with 2 double beds. Nothing really fancy here but quite comfortable!
As you can see, the place is all about caring for the environment. Take note of the plastic bottles providing shade to this walk way.
lush greens, colorful blooms… I enjoyed another relaxing photowalk!
Frank jumping for joy in front for the Christmas house!
Paradise Ranch is surrounded by lots of gardens each one having its own theme
This place is just teeming with life!
a perfect place to relax! Agree?
The biggest Butterfy Garden is located here at Paradise Ranch!
here at Paradise Ranch you’ll get to see and get close to these fantastic creatures!
if you’re lucky enough, you will even get the chance to see this….
I love animals! Paradise Ranch houses a mix of farm and exotic creatures. Highly recommended for educational trips and family outings!
We were surprised to see this very enchanting bird called the Golden Pheasant which is believed to be the inspiration behind IBONG ADARNA!
for only 20 pesos, you get the chance to meet and feed these ostriches! They’re harmless I swear!
Right at the peak is a place which they call Little Baguio due to the cool breeze and pine trees which surround the place… really worth the hike!
me and Frank on normal mode. lols!
kidding aside, this place looks really like paradise!
Ifugao huts for that real Baguio “feel”
here at Paradise Ranch, you can totally be yourself! Having fun while saving the earth!Sounds like a great idea don’t you think so?
Badeth making her wish…
Now we take you to one of our favorite spots here at Paradise Ranch called Toon Town! It’s basically a garden filled with life sized replicas of famous cartoon characters! A sure treat for kids and kids-at-heart (like us!).
welcome to Toon Town!
we love doing silly stuff together!
lols!
woah… they even got a replica of the Statue of Liberty here!
They also have a Zip Line here at Paradise Ranch! Yey!
the people here at the ranch are very warm and down to earth! It’s always a blessing to meet nice people!
weeeeeee!!!!
I want more! more! more!!
Frank! hahahahaha!
being at the Paradise Ranch felt like a dream! I always wanted to see a tee pee! I felt like a kid again!
I remember having loads of fun when we had our night swimming there! Very ideal for family trips!
Paradise Ranch is also the home of Zoocobia – another sanctuary for our furry and feathered friends! This is a great place to take your kids in order to educate them about caring and respecting animals!
The baby animals were so sweet! This baby goat here kept following me around the barn that I just had to have a photo with it!
meanwhile… my partner Frank is having a heart to heart talk with this donkey….. lols
meet Victoria the llama! I met her during my birthday last May on my 1st visit! It’s really great to see her again! She’s “suplada” by the way! hihihi
Another thing I love about Zoocobia is their Zooc Ride!
The food served here at Paradise Ranch are very simple decent meals composed of local favorites which we often eat at home. Nothing very fancy so don’t expect extravagantly plated dishes etc. Paradise Ranch, it’s all about simplicity. If you’re a fan of simple Pinoy food, you’ll appreciate this very much!
There is something in this place which enchants me….. I feel very much at home here….. very much safe…..
I know in my heart that I will surely come back for there are more things to appreciate in this place =)
If there is one important lesson which I learned from this trip, I believe it would be the beauty of simplicity.
…That having fun doesn’t really have to be expensive…it only has to be shared with the people who matter.
The appreciation of natural beauty, the importance of planting trees, helping the less fortunate earn a decent living and caring for animals are just a few of the many things which you will learn here at Paradise Ranch. I have so much high regard for people who choose to help others and devote their time not for profit, but for preserving the earth, caring for creatures as well as helping our brothers live better lives. Paradise Ranch is such a nice and inspiring place to be in so I believe the public should know more about this place!
At first, I thought this was just another park….. I never thought this trip would be so meaningful and I’m really thankful that the universe has led us to this place….
…..perhaps so we could share with you all that paradise here on earth is very much possible if we all act responsibly and do our role in preserving and beatifying the world! So remember, when in Manila, experience a slice of paradise… be sure to come and bring your whole family here at Paradise Ranch! You won’t regret it!
another day in paradise
We encourage you to come here, bring your whole family, plant a tree or two and join the cause in saving mother earth! They offer super affordable tour packages to enjoy!
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com.
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com.
The Essential Backpacking Checklist: What You Really Need to Bring
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Backpacking in a foreign and exotic part of the world is a dream not many get the chance to materialize in their life. For the few lucky, brave, and determined people that are able to go on their own adventure, their checklist and what they are bringing become a significant choice. I plan to offer some personal advice that lifts some weight of this heavy choice and help to show you what you really need to bring.
First, I want to get rid of the fear you have about what to bring as well as the doubts you may have about packing "light." No matter what you think you need, and how much you think you need it, half the things you plan on packing are not necessary. If you are traveling as a true-natured backpacking, you will only need the essentials. I decided from the beginning to travel light and once I had my stuff packed, I could not help but feel a bit scared I did not pack enough "stuff." I soon realized into my trip that all this "stuff" you expect to need are part of the old lifestyle you were living back home, not the adventurous one.
Now that we have outlined the reason why to pack light, I would like to provide you with a concrete list of what to bring with you. Some of these items and quantities will be elaborated on after the list.
-4 pairs of underwear
-3 pairs of socks
-1 or 2 shirts to wear out at night: I chose a flannel because it doesn't show the wrinkles when stuck in your bag.
-1 long sleeve shirt: Anything long-sleeved that keeps you warm.
-3 T-shirts: Keep them light and mesh material.
-1 windbreaker/rain-jacket: Preferably something that can also retain heat. Adidas has some nice options in this department.
-3 pairs of shorts: Make sure they are mesh material. That makes them incredibly light, easy to clean, and quick to dry. I choose this material also because it was easy for me to do a quick was of them in the sink at the hostel I was staying. Same goes for the shirts.
-1 pair of jeans: I recommend a dark wash because they may get stained and you won't be able to wash your jeans every time you wear them
-1 belt: I only recommend this because you might lose weight on your trip because of the constant walking... or because of your budget.
-1 pair of hiking shoes: Make sure they are comfortable, sturdy, and broken in for at least a couple days before you leave.
-1 pair of shoes to wear out for nightlife: This choice is completely up to you and your swag
-1 pair of flip flops: Do not buy an expensive pair, only get cheap ones and replace when they break. Many people recommend Moccasins but I felt a combination of durable hiking shoes and cheap flip flops for the beach days much more favorable.
-1 outlet converter: Yes, they really do have different types of plugs throughout the world! Walmart sells a handy converter that covers all types around the globe for a cheap price.
-1 pocket knife: Everybody strongly recommended I bring one but I forgot to pack it and did fine without it. However, if you plan on camping then I would definitely bring one.
-1 can of mace: I recommend this for females as this is an unfortunate reality of traveling as a girl, especially solo. Although you do not have to worry much in western Europe, I have met people who have had quite uncomfortable experiences in the eastern bloc. Not saying all of the people in the east are bad but just to bring as a precautionary measure.
-Hygiene: Deodorant, small bottle of cologne/perfume, 3 in 1 hair and body wash (this stuff is ideal and saves space!), nail clippers, Q-tips, toothbrush and toothpaste, and the very important female "necessities"
-1 Money Belt: This is really an essential when traveling. First off, you will be have to be carrying more cash than you're probably use to carrying around back in the states since credit cards are not accepted like they are in Amuurica. That means you will have to withdraw money which also means international exchange, conversion, and ATM fees. You can escape with less damage by withdrawing larger amounts and avoiding frequent trips to the ATM. With this bundle of cash, it will be safe in the money belt and you will not have to spend any time worrying.
-1 Compact Guidebook: If your travel is short and focused, then you can just purchase the latest Lonely Planet or Rick Steeve's for that city/country. However, if you are traveling across many countries or more than one continent then I recommend a broad guidebook that covers the major sights. When you get to the major sights, ask the people from the are where they would travel in the surrounding area if they had the time. I found that this strategy gets you to the places that the tourists aren't frequenting as much and have a much stronger reflection of the real ethnic traditions of the country. Ideally, you can purchase guidebooks on your smartphone, Lonely Planet offers many, and not have to worry about the bulk.
-A Novel: This part is completely up to what you think you would enjoy but I would like to offer a bit of advice here. I recommend bring a book that is a bit abstract in the sense that each sentence, or even word, can be meditated on. I realized how beneficial this could be from personal experience. A Brazilian I met in Germany ended up becoming a very good friend of mine. One day when we were talking, he gave me a book he said he would like me to have. It was Richard Alpert's novel Be Here Now. Although some people think this type of novel is a crock of s**t, I really enjoyed the ambiguity of it because I could spend all of my train ride going over just a couple pages, seeing how it related to my life, as well as the present moment. I am not some New Age freak but these type of novels are perfect for traveling. Another example would be Confucius' Analects. In the end you are going to bring whatever book you want but I recommend something that will let your mind wander a bit.
-A Journal: This one to me is more obvious than socks. When you travel, the constraints on your mind get broken as the routine of daily life back home turns to spontaneity and the ideal moments where free will can be exercised. You're brain will be "turned on" in the most natural way possible and new observations will come flying at you. With all this new exposure to the wonders of the world, you will want to record some of the things you see, think, and feel. You can use a note application on your smartphone. I did this and unfortunately had it mugged off me one night in Prague. I lost all the observations, information, and music I had encountered on my trip. You have been warned!
With this list, you will be ready for any adventure that comes your way. I'll admit, there were a couple times where I was not completely prepared but I improvised and am here to tell the story. This should serve as a reminder to never underestimate your resourcefulness when the situation arises. In the end, I hope you remain brave and travel light! I am incredibly happy I did :)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_N_Cappos
When in Cebu City, Philippines, please visit gregmelep.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_N_Cappos
When in Cebu City, Philippines, please visit gregmelep.com
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Why Thailand has more tourists
I HAVE had the chance to go to Thailand on a number of occasions over a period of many years and most recently just a few days ago. I could not help but wonder why it seems that they have more tourists than we do and just to be sure, I checked out the statistics. Yes, indeed. Thailand has a much more significant number of tourists than the Philippines.
Based on the statistics, there were 3.52 million tourist arrivals in the Philippines in 2010 and 3.9 million in 2011, posting a growth rate of 10.8 percent. Thailand had 15.91 million tourist arrivals in 2010 and 18.89 million in 2011 for a growth rate of 18.73 percent. Not only does Thailand have significantly more tourists than the Philippines, but they have also managed to grow at a much faster rate than we have, indicating that the tourism gap will get even much wider.
There must be a number of reasons why visitors prefer Thailand over the Philippines but I am certainly not in a position to tell you what all those reasons are. However, there are a number of things that I noticed particularly in Bangkok that is quite different from Metro Manila which may cause this preference.
One of the things I immediately noticed as I go inside any office building, department store, shopping mall or other facility, was that there were no security guards frisking you, checking on your bags and no vehicle trunk inspection. This certainly is a much more pleasant experience than having to stand in line and have a stranger touch you. Of course, one might argue that the screening process you go through at airports is much more exhaustive, but then again, you really have no choice on the matter.
Perhaps, this constant unpleasant experience is taking its toll and tourists are voting with their wallets. I noticed that other famous tourist destination spots like Hong Kong or Singapore also do not frisk or check people going into public places, much like in the US or other European countries. Having myself frisked and my belongings checked all the time is not something that I like and I am sure other tourists feel the same way. Tourists who come from the more developed countries probably think that this is an invasion of their privacy and may certainly be cause for worry that the Philippines is a riskier place that would necessitate these checks.
Seeing how the security guards do their rather superficial inspection, we should question how effective this really is. Are we doing more harm than good by turning off tourists with all this checking and giving the negative impression about all these checks that we have to do this because if we didn’t, something bad will happen? The government should make a study and look if all of these checkings are indeed effective and also see what is the number of violent incidents that occur in buildings in other countries where the practice of frisking and walking through metal detectors is not common practice. How is it possible other countries are able to get away with all these inspections and yet there are no mass bombings and violence in all these places?
Another glaring difference that I noticed is the more efficient public transport system that they have that everyone including the tourists and other visitors use all the time. Over here, the only real mass transport system we have is the LRT and the MRT, and even then they need to be drastically improved. During rush hour, the line is so long that you literally have to stand in line outside of the station, sometimes even in the rain. The routes and connections are also limited and very difficult for the use by most tourists.
In Bangkok, they have the overhead trains called the BTS and the underground trains called the MTR. They can handle the rush-hour traffic and even during off-peak times, you only need to wait for a few minutes to get a ride. You can go to literally any place of interest in Bangkok using their mass transport system at a reasonable cost, in comfort and speed. While the road traffic situation in Bangkok is not much better than in the Metro Manila, their mass transportation system is certainly much better in all aspects.
Let us start on working on these issues so that our tourists can truly say that it’s more fun in the Philippines. Actually, it will also be more fun for us people living here.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
It’s more fun in the water in Cam Norte
By: Kara Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
As the summer heat sizzles in Manila, everyone’s thoughts turn to waterscapes—beaches, rivers, waterfalls, streams, swimming pools, and just about any body of water to cool down.
The province of Camarines Norte in the Bicol region, roughly eight to nine hours by land from Manila, is rising as one of the hip new destinations for beach-goers and weekend warriors. If you’re heading that way, here are a few water-based activities that you can jump right into this summer.
1. Camp out on Calaguas Islands.
With its beaches of powdery white sand, azure blue waters and postcard-perfect surroundings, few leave Calaguas without being captivated. If you want a real island escape, head to Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach). It’s reachable by a two-hour boat ride from the port of Paracale or Vinzons, and the thrill is in the back-to-basics
adventure, camping out overnight under the stars in tents, and dining on freshly caught seafood. The ideal time to visit is between the months of February and September, when the waves are not too rough.
2. Get stoked on Bagasbas Beach.
Bagasbas Beach has a long and wide expanse of gray sand and soft sandy seabed, generally uncrowded shores, and consistent waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal surfing spot for beginners and experts alike. The province hosts an annual Summer Surf Festival, where visitors can take lessons during a surfing clinic and enjoy other activities like beach volleyball, wall climbing, frisbee and dodgeball along Bagasbas Beach in Daet. Head to Bagasbas Lighthouse for a hearty meal after your surfing session.
3. Go fly a kite on the water.
Kiteboarding or kitesurfing is a surface watersport that harnesses the power of the wind
to propel a rider across the
water on a small surfboard or kiteboard (similar to a wakeboard). Establishments along Bagasbas Beach offer kiteboarding lessons and rent out gear. However, because of its extreme nature, this sport is best left to expert surfers or wakeboarders. Extreme kiteboarders prefer the northeast monsoon season from November to March, when the waves are rough, though novice kiteboarders can still be seen flying on the water during summer.
Rivers and creeks
4. Take a dip in Malatap Waterfalls.
Camarines Norte has a number of waterfalls, clear rivers and creeks that offer soothing spots to cool down in. Nature lovers can enjoy adventure-filled hikes to several waterfalls in the province. One of the most accessible is Malatap Wateralls in the town of Labo, a short hike roughly 100 meters away from the main road and Malatap Bridge. The multitiered cascades have provided locals and students with a natural swimming spot. On any given weekend, you can join locals picnicking and cooling down at the basin of the falls and watch the kids jumping off the rocks into the deeper parts of the water.
5. Kayak against the waves in Baybay Beach.
While normal kayaking on calm rivers and oceans can be
relaxing, surfing against the waves offers a more thrilling
experience. Kayak surfing (also known as surf kayaking) is surfing the ocean waves aboard kayaks while using paddles to maneuver the watercraft. Because of its shallow and soft seabed, good wind conditions and strong currents, Baybay Beach in the Mercedes group of islands in Camarines Norte is ideal for this water sport. Kayakers will have to paddle straight out to sea against the oncoming waves, turn the kayak around, and then try to catch a big wave to ride all the way to the shore. Kayak surfing lessons and kayak rental costs P200 per hour.
6. Get a hydromassage in Mampurog River.
Located in the town of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the rocky riverbed and clean waters of Mampurog River offer a relaxing alternative to beaches and pools. The river is a popular spot for picnics and summer outings. Locals bring packed food or meals and chow down at the nipa huts for rent on the shores of the riverbed before cooling down for a dip in the river amidst lush, natural surroundings. For an entrance fee of only P2 per person and a parking fee of P15 (no time limit), visitors can enjoy a natural hydromassage from the river’s cascades.
7. Relax at Pineapple Island Resort.
For those looking for a fun water experience with all the creature comforts and amenities close by, Pineapple Island Resort in the town of Calasagan, Daet, is the ideal spot. The resort has a huge 720- square meter swimming pool with water slides and a 200- square meter kiddie pool with a turtle slide and play station for kids. The resort also has a greenhouse, butterfly garden, bamboo huts, various fishing and boating lagoons, and villas for rent for those who want to stay overnight. The resort’s in-house restaurant Chef Mama serves delicious dishes including ginataang bilo-bilo, crispy ube turon, and delicious chocolate cake—a perfect snack after an afternoon of splashing around in the pool.
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com
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