Albay agog over visit of Hollywood star DiCaprio

By Rey M. Nasol

LEGAZPI CITY—THE PROVINCIAL GOVernment of Albay is abuzz with the expected arrival next month of Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio who is to launch environmental promotion and protection activities in the province. 

DiCaprio, twice nominated for an Oscar and best known for his role in the movie Titanic, will be here for one week. 

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has instructed Albay tourism officials to line up activities that would highlight DiCaprio’s talent and appeal, particularly with regard to adventure tourism. 

Joyce Ramirez, director for international publicity at PR Asia Worldwide, confirmed that DiCaprio was arriving in Albay on the first week of August. She said he was coming on a private jet.

“We are excited that he wants to promote environmental protection in Albay. So we are preparing environmental options for his one-week stay here,” Salceda told the Inquirer on Saturday. 

DiCaprio is expected to visit Albay’s tourist spots, particularly 4,642-meter high Mayon Volcano and the white-sand beaches of Misibis Resort in Bacacay town.

Jose Briones, Albay tourism officer, said his office was preparing activities for DiCaprio on the Albay Gulf where he could jet ski, sailboard and scuba dive.

Salceda said having a Hollywood star as a role model for environmental protection and disaster preparedness would double the efficacy of the province’s efforts against the effects of calamities. Albay is visited by 15-20 typhoons each year. 

DiCaprio turned environmentalist after filming the movie “The Beach” in Thailand several years ago and the production was criticized for causing some ecological damage, according to his biography on Answers.com on the Web.

Memories of summer

How E.A.T. Danao ate me alive

By ROWENA BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ

August 7, 2010, 10:13am

Out in the wild. A basic jungle task consists of creating a hut, making fire, and cooking an egg in a coconut husk.

Now that the rains have come and there aren’t too many outdoor activities to indulge in, we can only look back at the memories of the previous summer when the sun was hot and adventures were aplenty.

For four years now, members of the media gather every summer for an adventure of a lifetime. This year, the destination of choice was the beautiful island of Bohol.

As the 10th largest island in the country, Bohol is nestled securely in the heart of the Visayas - southeast of Cebu and southwest of Leyte. Today, the province is not only known for its famous Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, century-old churches, and the iconic tarsier, but also home to E.A.T. Danao, an ecotourism project conceptualized by its local government unit and has been frequented by local and foreign thrill-seekers – and this time, by brave print and broadcast journalists.

And so, with Acer Group Philippines, a multi-brand organization that targets different customer needs in the global PC market as our host, the trip to Bohol begins, and not without trepidation and excitement.

Destination: Adventure

Weeks before the actual challenge, invitations that read “Survival of the Explorers” with the seemingly cautionary inscription that said “This time we mean real EXTREME” and “Will you survive?” were sent out. The venue was not indicated, only the instruction that all participants should be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at exactly 1 p.m.

In the previous Acer Media Challenges, participants had a taste of military life at Camp Capinpin, explored Cagayan de Oro’s city and countryside ala amazing race style, and flew high via ultra-light in Pampanga.

The destination was only made known to us at the airport prior to departure. Upon reaching Bohol, we were billeted at the Peacock Garden in Laya, Baclayon, which is about 30 minutes away from the Tagbilaran airport.

Peacock Garden is a luxury East meets West resort and spa and is hailed as one of Bohol’s crown jewels. Luxuriating in the spa’s serene and relaxing atmosphere, everybody momentarily forgot about the next day’s challenge. Well, almost.

Game face on!

All five teams with nine pre-selected members were gathered at 5:30 in the morning. Though it was very early and everybody felt sleepy, no one dared show it. 

The race kicked-off with a five-minute visual challenge. After which, each team was provided with transport service that would take them to Danao Adventure Park, a two-hour drive from the resort.

My group, the Blue Team, was the first to arrive and had chosen Route C. Each team followed different challenge sequences as revealed by the local guide which the team members themselves had selected. 

The challenge had six control points or stations with different kinds of challenges following different point systems. Our first challenge was Jungle Basic where we had to build a hut, make a fire, and cook eggs in a coconut husk. Luckily, nobody was able to make a fire, ergo, not a single egg was cooked.

Next was the Plunge, a canyon swing adventure attraction mounted over a 200-meter high and 300-meter wide gorge. Each participant had to do a 45-meter free fall before being launched on a pendulum swing measuring to a hundred meters in diameter. 

This particular challenge was sort of anti-climactic for our team since the following challenges were no longer as fearsome.

Nevertheless, it was a ‘wicked’ experience, as how most people who have tried it described it. And I must say, after jumping off a helicopter, this was the next scariest thing I’ve ever done with head first dangling from a platform. 

As the operators let me loose on a 70-meter rope after their signature “Bombs Away” signal, I felt my heart skip numberless beats. It was as if my spirit was yanked off my fragile body. 

There was total silence. All I could hear was the wind rushing through my ears and the warmth of the morning sun touching my face. It was surreal!

Moving on, we tried Danao’s other exhilarating activities such as: Suislide, a local version of zip-line; Rock Rapelling down a six-meter drop; Sky Ride which was more like a cable ride with a gorgeous view of the Wahig river and the gorge; and Root Climbing a Balete tree. It was almost mid-afternoon when we finished all the challenges and headed back to the hotel.

Despite our aching muscles and limbs, the exchange of stories and easy banter after our adventure more than helped ease the pain of testing our endurance to the max. Our group finished second and we returned to Manila with a new sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Published in Manila Bulletin August 7, 2010

Bohol: Paradise of views divine

By Henrylito D. Tacio

BOHOL got its name from the early village of Bool near what is now known as Tagbilaran.

"After (Ferdinand) Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu ion Mactan in 1521, his ships sailed across from Cebu to Bohol," wrote Condrado M. Lancion in his book, Fast Facts About Philippine Provinces.

In 1565, (Miguel Lopez de) Legaspi entered into a blood compact with Datu Sikatuna, bringing Bohol under Spanish rule, administered from Cebu.

For trivia fanatics: In barrio Bohol, three kilometers from Tagbilaran, is a marker on the site of the Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact. Every June, Boholanos re-enact the signing of the treaty in the Philippines during the Sandugo (meaning "one blood") Festival.

In 1917, Bohol became a province under Act 2711. Today, Bohol is one of the country's tourist top destinations. A travel writer notes: "Beneath the rustic charms of Bohol lies a thousand and one adventures just waiting to unfold."

That was what we were expecting when we visited the province. Actually, we were there to attend the wedding of one of our friends. I went along with four American missionaries (Ben Wolf and his wife, Pam, Steve Musen, and Twyla Eivens) and Dr. Warlito A. Laquihon.

Our first stop-over was (yes, you're right!) the world-famous Chocolate Hills. It is a series of 1,268 perfectly symmetrical, haycock-shaped hills (each hill rises 30 to 120 meters above the surrounding plateau).

A national geologic monument, the hills which are spread out in the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan never fails to amaze visitors.

Legend has it that the hills came into existence when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight that lasted for days. When they were finally exhausted, they made friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. More romantic is the tale of Arogo, a young and very strong giant who fell in love with an ordinary mortal girl called Aloya. After she died, the giant Arogo cried bitterly. His tears then turned into hills, as a lasting proof of his grief.

The hills are so-called because they resemble chocolate bonbons when their grass cover turns to brown at the onset of summer.

"The Chocolate Hills are best observed at dawn or dusk," maintains Jun Binamira, who has written an extensive tour guide on Bohol. "At these times, the sun is low and throws dramatic highlights and shadows onto the hills, making them leap out of the background in bold relief. Dawn is especially breathtaking. Usually, there is a thick white mist which lingers around the base of each hill. This magical moment lasts only seconds."

Boholanos are a deeply religious people, and the island has eight fine churches, including Baclayon, seven kilometers southeast of the capital Tagbilaran.

Baclayon Church is the best preserved Jesuit-built church in the region, although its facade and most of the stone structures surrounding it were built by the Augustininan Recollects in the late 19th century.

In 1995, the National Historical Institute declared the church as a historical landmark.

Other mission churches of architectural distinction include Dauis Church with its beautiful frescoes, Loboc Church with its three-story convent, Panglao Church with its ornate antiquities and ceiling murals, Loon Church, the most stunning church built by the Recollect Friars, and the 19th century Maribojoc Church.

Perhaps not too many knew that Steven Spielberg used tarsier as the inspiration for the Oscar-winning E.T. Although found also in Mindanao, the Philippine Tarsier was a common sight in the southern part of Bohol until the 1960's. Once protected by the humid rainforests and mist-shrouded hills, these mysterious primates struggle to survive as their home is cleared for crop growing and poaching.

To see tarsier in their natural habitat, visit the Tarsier Research and Development Center in New Corella, where a spacious net enclosure keeps a number of tarsiers for feeding, captive breeding and display. Here, you can watch the tiny animal, measuring about 85 to 160 millimeters in height. The small size makes it difficult to spot. The average adult is about the size of a human fist and will fit very comfortably in the human hand.

There are four main rivers that run through Bohol with Loboc River being the most famous for its river cruises, running from the center of the island to the southeastern coast. The largest, Inabanga River, runs in the northwestern part of the province. The two other rivers are Abatan in the southwest and Ipil in the north.

Bohol is touted to be a cave country. Hinagdanan, the most well-known cave, is only two and a half kilometers from Dauis on the island of Panglao. The cavern got its name from a wooden stairway (hagdanan), which was built at the entrance leading to the underground pool. The cave is lighted by two openings at the ceiling.

Like most islands in the Philippines, Bohol is also noted for its fine beaches. Some of the more well-known beaches are found on Panglao Island. The Alona Beach, named after the popular film star of the 1970s (Alona Alegre), has the greatest variety of beach front accommodations anywhere in the province.

You can escape from the madding crowd if you head towards the clean white sands of Virgin Island. Technically speaking, Virgin Island is only a sandbar. Even during low tide, the center part of this crescent moon shaped islet is submerged under six inches of water.

Bohol may not be as famous Boracay, but is well-known locally as a paradise for divers. The dive sites are noted for their deep, steep walls, the creation of continental shifts during prehistoric times. Just over the causeway from Tagbilaran is Panglao Island with its spectacular drop-offs.

The crab-shaped Balicasag Island has long established itself as a dive resort. Pamilacan Island is yet another popular diving destination. Pamilacan, which means "resting place of the mantas," is also noted for its big whales called balilan. Pantudlan in Cabilao Island is frequented by many foreign diving enthusiast.

Getting around Bohol is easy as it is accessible by busses, private cars, taxis and rental cars. Many of the towns in Bohol have a bus terminal where one can get a ride to other towns. Most bus lines operate follows daily schedules.

But do you get there? There are many different means of transportation available when trying to get to Bohol. Since it is promoted as a major tourist destination, you can find a variety of travel options. Flights are scheduled daily with more than one airline flying to Bohol. However, for those who would love an ocean voyage, there are two options open -- fast ferry and regular ferry.

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Remarkable Coron..........Palawan

By JULIUS P. VICENTE

The author having Diving 101 lesson (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG )

When it comes to scuba diving and snorkeling, the waters of Coron must be one of the best places to explore in the Philippines. 

With a magnificent vista and share of the Sulu Sea, Coron has marvelous collections of shipwreck formations and coral reefs teeming with myriads of colorful fishes. No wonder, the waters of Coron is one of the best dive sites in the country today.

Located at the southeast island of Busuanga in Palawan, the municipality of Coron is a quaint fishing town with limited infrastructure and is home to Tagbanua natives. 

However, its rural backdrop adds to the appeal as it plays an important role in tourism growth.

The quiet little town of Coron is replete with history. Because it was once a zone of conflict during World War II, natives succinctly remember how the whole stretch of Coron sea was engulfed in flames when a fleet of Japanese ships began to sink during a raid by US navy ships in 1944.

Coron/Tagumpay, Philippines: A socio-economic study and development proposal (Working paper - South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordinating Programme)

Dive master Arni Pabelonio said the sunken ships are still intact and visible until today. They are located within the depths of 10-30 feet and only hours away from the town proper via a boat ride.

“The shipwrecks became home to hundreds of marine species through the years and these have added to the charm and allure of Coron. That’s why many tourists and even honeymooners are captivated after snorkeling or diving in the site,” he said.

Aside from the shipwreck, Coron is also famous for its underwater rock formations. Arni suggests the Siyete Picados, the lakes of Barracuda and Kayangan, beaches of Banol and Malcapuya, and Twin lagoon while island hopping.

A trip to Coron, Palawan will never be complete without going to the Maquinit hot spring. Just a tricycle ride from the town proper, the natural hot spring provides natural healing and relaxation after long hours on the sand and sea.

Coron also offers a myriad of resorts and accommodations, one of which is the Coron Hilltop View Resort. Only 40 minutes away from the Busuanga Airport, the resort offers all the amenities needed for a relaxing vacation.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly to Busuanga from Manila via Cebu Pacific, Zest Air and Seair and rent a van to the town proper or to any lodge for R150 per person.

WHERE TO STAY: Coron Hilltop View Resort - Manila office: (+632) 682-48-76/ 645-28-18; +63917-5229873/ 0921-9836023. 

Website:www.coronhilltopview.com

Published in Manila Bulletin August 7, 2010

Travelling A-Z: Ifugao

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

August 4, 2010, 2:32pm

Aerial view of the Banaue Rice Terraces (George Tapan)

Located at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges, the province of Ifugao is home to the world renowned Banaue Rice Terraces. The man-made rice terraces, touted as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and the rich cultures of its native inhabitants – the Ifugaos, make Ifugao province an interesting destination for mountain climbers and intrepid travelers in search of unique experiences.

The name Ifugao is derived from the word ‘ipugo’ which means ‘people of the hill.’ The Spaniards changed the word to Ifugaw and the Americans modified the word to its current name Ifugao. Ifugao was formerly a part of the Mountain Province. It was created as an independent province on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, also known as the Division Law of Mountain Province.

The existing tourist attractions in the province are classified under four categories, namely: man-made, historical, cultural, and natural spots. Ifugao province is generally classified as having a Type III climate under the Corona’s system of classification. This climate type is characterized as not having pronounced seasons but relatively dry from January to April, and wet during the period from May to December. Cool temperature predominates throughout the year with the coolest month of December to early part of March.

The Ifugaos are one of the different tribes that inhabit the old Mountain Province. Their culture and tradition, being unique and striking, have made them the subject of many studies by foreign scholars. These people prefer to be called Ifugaos as opposed to the more generic and less accurate ‘Igorot’ which includes all the peoples of the Cordillera Region, that specifically refers to some of the inhabitants of Benguet.

Fast facts

Local Dialect: Ifugao locals speak various Ifugao dialects, such as Tuwali and Ayangan. They can also speak Filipino vernacular dialects like Ilokano and Tagalog. Many Ifugaos, especially in Lagawe, Kiangan, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo and Banaue, are fluent in English.

Places of Interest:

Historical

Philippine War Memorial Shrine – Gigantic memorial shrine that commemorates the end of World War II.

Million Dollar Hill – It got its name from the last war when the allied armies spent millions of dollars worth of bombs and ammunitions to annihilate the enemies in the area.

Cultural

National Museum – This museum displays Ifugao artifacts and is under the supervision of the National Museum of the Philippines.

Tam-an Village – A typical village situated 240 steps down from the Banaue Hotel’s swimming pool. Here, woodcarving and hand-woven products are produced and sold to travelers.

Natural

Bintakan Cave – The mouth of the cave is overlooking the Ibunao river. It is a three-room cave with dripping water that forms stalactites and stalagmites of different beautiful shapes.

Guihob Natural Swimming Pool – One has to hop and jump over huge boulders to reach the crystal clear waters of Guihob. It is a perfect place for those who prefer a cool and refreshing swim.

Tappiya Waterfalls – About 30 minutes from Batad Village is a cascading waterfall with its enormous natural pool for swimming. A visit to Batad would be incomplete without seeing these beautiful waterfalls.

Mount Amuyao – Its summits provide climbers with a breath-taking panorama of the Mountain Province, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya and Ifugao.

Mount Anapawon – Centrally located in Ifugao, this mountain peak is considered the best camping site in the province.

How to get there:

Ifugao is less than 350 kilometers from Manila. Travelers can catch a plane to the province of Nueva Viscaya, the land portion of the trip will only take about 45 minutes to Ifugao. Buses from Manila will take about 10 hours.

Traveling A-Z: Negros Occidental

By VINCE G. LOPEZ

August 14, 2010

Guintubdan Waterfalls

Known for its enigmatic Masskara Festival or Mask Festival, the western side of Negros Island is also known as the “Sugar bowl of the Philippines.” 

The nickname of the province is given as it produces more than half of the sugar output of the country. Negros Occidental is the second biggest province in the Philippines next to Cebu. The province contains 13 cities and 19 municipalities.

The province’s capital is Bacolod, known for the warmth and graciousness of its people, hence the name “City of Smiles”. The capital is also one of the oldest cities in the Philippines and contains numerous old churches of Spanish influence.

Negros Occidental is located within Negros Island which is situated in the Visayas Region. The island is home to 50 inland beaches which the province shares with its Eastern counterpart - Negros Oriental.

Negros Occidental is described as a “a happy blend of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle” by tourists who have been to this wonderful destination. The province boasts of a number of adventure trails and the local’s fondness for culture and traditions. The destination is exceptionally packed with local and foreign tourists every October to witness the famous Masskara Festival.

Fast facts

Local Dialects: Ilonggo, Hiligaynon

Festivals:

Masskara Festival – A tribute to Bacolod’s reputation as the City of Smiles, the Masskara Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the country. The celebration is marked with cheerful performers and parades with participants wearing large colorful masks with the trademark wide smiles.

Panaad Festival – Negros Occidental’s festival held every April of each year which combines the feasts of the 13 provinces including the famous Masskara Festival.

Heritage Sites:

Talisay Church - Built sometime during the American Occupation in the late 1800s, the shrine is frequented by devotees as well as tourists.

San Sebastian Cathedral – The coral-made cathedral is rich in history and one of the most famous churches in Negros Occidental.

Natural Wonders:

Mt. Kanlaon – The highest peak in Central Luzon with an elevation of 2,465 meters above sea level.

Guintubdan Waterfalls – One of the most famous scenic sites in the province.

Patag Valley Trekking - Situated between Mount Marapara and Mount Silay, the 640-feet Patag Valley is considered as “the ultimate trekker’s delight”.

Scenic Beaches:

Campomanes Bay - A favorite dive site for divers for its beautiful coral gardens and sunken warships. The bay also boasts of pristine waters and white sands.

Punta Ballo Beach -This area is blessed with white sands and cool blue waters and is also an ideal place for easy diving

Sipaway Island - A favorite rendezvous point for local and foreign guests. It has a beautiful century-old Balete tree, white sand beach resorts and natural reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Other interests:

Christmas Village - A unique and attractive display of different houses, ski resort, parks, and candy factories that depict the Filipino’s fondness for Christmas celebration. It is open for the entire year.

Must Try: Bacolod Chicken – The province’s version of the Chicken barbecue.

HOW TO GET THERE: Negros Occidental can be reached through its capital, Bacolod City, which is 55 minutes from Manila by air on a daily basis. In the province’s capital, the usual modes of transportation such as buses, jeepneys and private shuttles are readily available to take you around.

Published in Manila Bulletin April 14, 2010.

‘Survivor’ won’t desert Caramoan

By Juan Escandor Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

AGAIN, “SURVIVOR ISRAEL” will rent the whole Gota Village Resort, which is owned and operated by the local government, in Ilawod, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, to film two editions of “Hisardot (Survivor).”

Jimmy Binyamini, production manager, cited “best place, good people and unique sites” as reasons for the comeback and filming three straight times.

Last year, one edition of “Hisardot” was shot and shown until last month on Israeli national television Channel 10.

This time, the shooting will start on Feb. 28, while filming will end in late May or early June.

The no-celebrity shoot will last 40 days and the celebrity edition, 30 days, excluding the 45-day pre-production to prepare equipment, props and sites, according to Binyamini.

Adventure site

Aside from promoting the adventure appeal of the Caramoan Islands throughout Israel, “Hisardot” will employ some 200 Filipino workers to assist the 120 production members, Binyamini said. “Caramoan is a great adventure site ideal to our show,” he said.

“Hisardot” has two parts—the “reality” and games to test the participants’ wits and survivor instincts. Like castaways on an island, they will be exposed to the cameras under very primitive conditions round-the-clock for 40 days.

“Hisardot” is actually the second media outfit of “Survivor” to film their editions on small islands strewn northeast of Caramoan, facing the island-province of Catanduanes.

The French Survivor, “Koh-Lanta Caramoan,” filmed its edition in 2008, followed by media outfits from Israel, Bulgaria and Serbia in 2009. “Koh-Lanta” was shown in Europe to an estimated 12 million viewers.

A top executive of the provincial government, who asked not to be named because negotiation was still ongoing, revealed that “Survivor USA” would also be filmed here next year until 2012. Its production crew searched many areas in the Philippines and found Caramoan the most ideal place for filming because of its unique geographical features and available facilities that meet production standards.

Ning Villanueva, provincial tourism officer, said Camarines Sur’s hosting of “Survivor” had brought in droves of foreign tourists, making it the most visited destination in the Philippines last year.

Records from the Department of Tourism office in Bicol showed that in the first nine months last year, 1,022,092 visitors came to the province, 206,937 of them foreigners. Americans comprised the biggest number of arrivals, followed by Israelis, British, Australians and Japanese.

Tourism revenues in the region reached more than P1 billion, of which P700 million came from Camarines Sur.

Protected area

Caramoan’s variety of sceneries and unique sites cater to the adventurous spirit, said Jovi Villareal, recreational officer of Gota Village. The resort is inside a 4,000-hectare national park being managed by the provincial government as agreed upon with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Half of the area is protected and being developed for ecotourism, Villareal said.

The park has many unexplored sites, such as small tiny lakes, subterranean water passages and underwater caves in the small limestone islands. Islets are scattered sporadically and swept by plants and weed trees, and offer narrow beaches and coves accessible by boat or kayak, he said.

On the fringes are towering limestone walls suitable for rock climbing.

Geologic configuration

The primary attraction is the scenic view of a unique geologic configuration in the middle of a wide coastal marine environment.

Caramoan exhibits the so-called karst topography, according to a 1981 study of the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences. This means a landscape defined by a varied formation of limestone cliffs created through geologic processes.

“As for the “Survivor” production coming back, they must be profiting from the sceneries here that draw television viewers to their show,” said Euphi Peñano, the resort manager.