Welcome 2013 and Thanks 2012

I'am continuing my travel plans for next year 2013 and I wish I had more time and money to travel more provinces around the Philippines. It has been an enjoyable 2012 for me, I had received more blessings, new friendship and opportunities this year and has amazing year of solo traveling. I got a chance to travel alone and make myself being proud and contented. As I ended my year 2012, We supposed to travel Borawan Island in Quezon Province, but due to weather condition and many reason in my mind, we can't pursue our trip. But still, traveling is my great true love and addiction. For next year I would probably looking forward to my bucket list.

• Panagbenga Festival 2013 Baguio, Sagada, Kalinga & Banue
• Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark & Mount Pinatubo
• Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Quirino & Baler
• Palawan or Coron
• Iligan-CDO-Camaguin-Bukidnon
• Legaspi to Sorsogon to Masbate
• Singapore to Malaysia
• La Union-Abra-Apayao
• Cagbalete Island or Borawan Island plus Kwebang Lagpas in Quezon
• Caramoan & Catanduanes
• Dumaguete and Siquijor
• Apo Reef in Mindoro
• Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam
• Bolinao Pangasinan & Hundred Island
• Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte
• Caraga Region plus Siargao

The Liwanag Park 2012 & Light Show in Meralco Complex

Christmas is more fun in the Philippines! I have the opportunity to take some photos after the Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night at Meralco Theater last December 27, 2012. It's became the tourist destination of Filipino particularly the Lopez Building show of lights dancing to the tune of "Silent Night".I truly feel the holiday spirit in the whole area and this park is opened to public. There is no entrance fee and all you need to do is to register at their gate lobby entrance. It is usually open to the public every day, until January 6, 2013 from 6 to 10 p.m. I was amazed with their church replica and small houses with colorful lights and decors. The Liwanag Park and the partnership with the DOT are just part of the larger “Maliwanag ang Pasko” program of Meralco. Celebration of the Christmas Season in the Philippines is a lots of related stories to tell, but right now, just sharing how Filipino celebrates holiday season as it unfolded through my camera.

38th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night 2012

Here are some of "The 38th MMFF Awards Night 2012 Photos" last night event and I was part of it at Meralco Theater, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. The event started at 7:00pm and the crowd is so amazing.  The complete list of winners:  For Major Awards: Best Supporting Actor: CESAR MONTANO FOR "EL PRESIDENTE". Best Supporting Actress: WILMA DOESNT FOR "SISTERAKAS". Best Original Story: HENRY BURGOS FOR "THY WOMB". Best Screenplay: "ONE MORE TRY". Best Director: BRILLANTE MENDOZA FOR "THY WOMB". Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award: "THY WOMB". 3RD Best Picture: "SISTERAKAS". 2ND Best Picture: "EL PRESIDENTE". Best Picture: "ONE MORE TRY". Best Actor: DINGDONG DANTES FOR "ONE MORE TRY”. Best Actress: NORA AUNOR FOR "THY WOMB". Best Child Performer: MIGUEL VERGARA FOR "ONE MORE TRY" Thanks to Erase-UK Derm especially to Ms. Eden & Jackie.

MOA Giant Christmas Tree 2012

Did you know that this Christmas Tree at SM Mall of Asia by the Bay is using LED lights? Apart from this switching on the specially created giant Christmas Tree beautifully surrounded by boxes of big gifts with different lights and colors. Every year, there is a lot of surprise, new theme and colorful decor design. I like watching big Christmas Tree and for me, this Christmas every year is truly the coolest and happiest time of my year 2012 with lots of love, friendship, gift-giving and memorable moments with my friends and family. Enjoy the holidays!

 

Red Horse Beer Muziklaban Semi Finals 2012 at SM MOA

I Survived Doomsday! It's Decemeber 22, 2012 at Coral Way Open Parking Area, SM Mall of Asia Arena with some other of rock band in the Philippines like Slapshock, Wilabaliw, Even, Kjwan, Razorback, Tanya Markova and many more. This event is brought to you by Red Horse Beer and Rakista.com. There are 5 semi-finalist competed that night and one band give the chance to make in the Grand Finals of Red Horse Beer Muziklaban 2012 on February 2, 2013 at Edsa Extension corner Roxas Blvd Pasay City. Please check out my upcoming post for the details. www.redhorsebeer.com.

UP Lantern Parade 2012 in Diliman Quezon City

UP Lantern Parade 2012 in Diliman Quezon City last December 14, 2012 at around 5:00pm to 9:00pm, one of the much-awaited annual event of student of UP-Diliman. This event symbolizes how UP constituents, residents, alumni, and friends gather together to present the best they have to offer while celebrating the holidays as one community. Iba't ibang college at student nagpasiklaban sa Lantern Parade 2012. One of the performances of UP Pep Squad during this year's lantern parade is the best. Eventually, the fireworks display at the end of the annual Lantern Parade at the UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City has become a mini tradition that the community looks forward to almost as much as the parade itself. See you next year!

 

UP Diliman Oblation Run 2012

Last December 14,2012 my friends and I decided to catched UP Oblation Run 2012 in Diliman Quezon City in noontime then after that we supposed to watched the annual event in University of the Philippines-Diliman before the Christmas vacation started that week, the 2012 Lantern Parade. Members of APO Fraternity go naked and about 25-30 frat men joining this year. In Palma hall in UP Diliman it was filled of students, media and some outsider visitor to take some picture. The Oblation Run is also known as the “Ritual Dance of the Brave,” considered by the fraternity as its most sacred practice. For this year’s Oblation Run 2012 in UP-Diliman, members of the fraternity called for a free, fair and clean for next year national elections.” KABATAAN BUMUTO PARA SA KINABUKASAN”. Mabuhay ang Kapatirang APO sa U.P.

 

Ayala Triangle Lights and Sounds Show 2012 Spectacular

Every year there is a new highlight and design during the Christmas Lights and Sounds Show at Ayala Trinagle Makati City. This tradition started by Ayala land to give more Christmas spark for Makati residents, workers and visitors. So happy while watching this Christmas show with Jingky. This is a perfect spot to forget the things that make us gloomy.This symphony of Lights and Sounds show everyday and every hour and lately became every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 9 pm until December 30,2012 and a big Christmas tree with full of lights can also be found inside the garden. In the photos below wish I hope you'd get to feel a glimpse of what I have experienced Christmas in the Philippines and in my second home that is Makati City and may you remember the joy of Christmas everytime.

 

Higantes Festival 2012 Photos

One of the colorful highlight of the year is " Higantes Festival 2012". I'm so excited for this annual event in Rizal Province so I decided to get my offset leave and pack my things one day before the festival. The highlight of the event is started from November 17 to November 23. This photos was taken before the start of the Higantes Festival 2012 last November 23 (Friday). Taken at the compound of St. Clement Church Angono, Rizal, the patron saint of fishermen. During the event, there are a lot of activities in the plaza like plaground demostration parade, concerts and many more. Some of the higantes still used the traditional Bamboo strips or yantok, while the modern higantes used aluminum as the skeleton frame for the body. As of now, this colorful festivity of Angono attracts local and even foreign tourist! Rizal these are paper mâché giants measuring 10-12 feet in height and 4-5 feet in diameter. I love their props and their energetic way of dancing. The higantes has many design, sizes and decoration. This giant comes out dances on the streets party during night time.

 

 

 

Goodbye Mindanao: Aerial Shots of Makati and Taguig

There are a lot of high buildings and condominiums in Taguig,The Fort and Makati City. It was an awesome aerial shots of streets, express road, houses and buildings. A 2-hours flight from Davao City that turned to 2 hours and a half one. The pilot announced that there is something happening at the airport runway were on the top portion of Taguig and Makati due to airport traffic below of NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.  I love it when I arrive and hate it when I leave the place where I enjoy and people the most unforgetable experience when you are traveling alone. Hoping for a more travel this coming year 2013.  Please check out my other blog post soon. Thanks you

I'm A Solo Traveler: End of Mindanao Trip

I much love taking up picture of the clouds and blue skies. Traveling alone can be scary and dangerous. Ive traveled solo all the way of my life and I love it. I would preffered not to travel with friends because we've made plans before and they all have restrictions. When traveling solo I can do whatever I want and plus I'm always making new friends where ever I go.  I love it and I'm always amazed the incredible people I meet along the way. I take an early flight bound to Manila. It was a 2 hours trip from Davao City. In the pictures below you can see the island of Camiguin and Cagayan De Oro City. A breathtaking view of the island at an altitude of 5000 feet above sea level. It was a great experience and accomplished my solo traveling from Davao City, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao Del Sur , Davao Del Norte, Sarangani, South Cotabato and General Santos City.

Jack's Ridge Resort in Davao City by Night

This place was on my bucket list about 3 months ago when my friends and I traveled the island of samal but we can't able to drop by at Jack's Ridge Davao City that time because of some other reason and lack of time as well. When I finally booked flight last October 2012. I prefer to go during night time because it is situated on a hill overlooking and provides great view of Davao City downtown. Some other estaurant is very popular to Davao residents and tourists, the Taklobo Restaurant offers good foods and service. It has one of the best restaurants and is a favorite venue for weddings and other occasions. Its other amenities include a swimming pool, a playground for the kids, and also a billiard hall. There is a some other native restaurant, where every table overlooks the city of Davao and the atmosphere is very festive,calm and casual. You can find a lot of people taking pictures, eating with their friends and family.

I Love General Santos City

Fly to GenSan now! I really enjoyed and experienced the beauty, people and foods as well  and is a quiet yet developing city in Mindanao. This place was the modern touch that made us fall in love. I thought General Santos City was to be as boring as some of the other cities i’ve visited, but i discovered how wrong I was. I probably visit this place again and try other activities to offer. The best time to travel General Santos City is during their Tuna Festival Celebration from August to September. The festival highlight includes: Fishtahan sa Fishport, Tuna Float Parade, Tuna Float Display, Tuna Congress, Tuna Village. This activities is started during thier grand opening during their FunFare and FunEast. Maybe next year I can booked and go to GenSan for this activities. Happy Trip!

Roaming Around SM City Gensan

As part of my itinerary trip, I included the SM City General Santos for my last place to visit, unwind and shopping as well and buy souviner items like keychain and I love GenSan shirt. From lions beach resort I immediately went to SM Gensan at around 4:00pm. Then from there I took some photos at the back of the mall where you can find a very unique interior design of the mall. This mall is the 44th branch of SM Supermalls and the third biggest mall in Mindanao. There are a lot of restaurant, coffee shops, electronic appliance shops and clothing accesories. They have also a wide parking space for all customers and visitors. I like the fountain at the back of the mall, the wall is painted with a colored green apple and a blue highlight. The mall has a high ceiling and has five floor.

Lions Beach Resort in General Santos City

From General Santos City Fish Port, I took a motorcycle (habal-habal) about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic mode. I think this area need for rehabilitation and beautification. Located just at the downtown area, the park is pretty accessible for beach bums everywhere. This area is open for public and known to be the Queen Tuna Park of GenSan,close to their public market and attracts a lot of locals  and travelers who like to enjoy the waves to do their surfing and water ski-adventure.  Note: the tricycles and jeepneys are available on your way out to the city and this cost you about P10-15 pesos per passenger.

Queen Tuna Park in General Santos City

This esplanade or mini park in downtown of General Santos is serve as a baywalk boulevard in the city which is located at Barangay Dadiangas South, General Santos City. As you enter the gate park you'll see this two giant tuna ark which is known this city to be the " Tuna Capital of the Philippines ". There are a lot of establishments around the area like public market, restaurants, malls and some resorts. The place is quite and relaxing. You can see nothing but the beach within this area. But maybe it needs to have some improvement and investment to make this place more enjoyable to other visitors. For those who want to visit this place the park is usually open for the public from 5:00am to 10:00pm only. Inside the park the following are to be observed: no bathing of pets, no selling, bringing, drinking alcoholic beverage, no gambling, no smoking and cooking should be done at designated areas. Cleanliness is a must. The used of the cottages is free.

How to get to Durian Garden Atbp in Polomolok South Cotabato

Going to Durian Garden Atbp in Polomolok South Cotabato from General Santos City: At Gaisano City GenSan take a van bound to Polomolok via National Highway. Travel time is about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic hour. One way fare going to Polomolok in South Cotabato is about P25.00 per passenger. You'll see sign board as you enter the mall terminal. Then you'll passing Polomolok town proper and city plaza. From there take a bus bound to Koronadal City, bus fare is P25.00 but if you want accesible transportation take a special tricyle trip rate for P100.00 pesos per way! Ang mahal! So I prefer to take bus instead of tricycle and then on the way to another town named Tupi you will immediately see the logo of a big Durian Graden Atbp signage. Located at National Highway, Barangay Sulit, Municipality of Polomolok, South Cotabato. For other inquires contact them at this numbers:

Mobile Number- 639298299894 or Phone Number - (083)-2256319. 

Website: http://myduriangarden.blogspot.com/

Swimming Pool at Durian Garden Atbp in South Cotabato

First I saw a big function hall near the swimming pool area of the resort. This swimming pool is one of their amenities in the resort. There is one small pool for children and the other one is for adult from 6 feet in height and above. Durian Graden Atbp is not just offering foods and fresh fruits but they also offers a fantastic vacation getaways for everyone who wants to go somewhere out of the ordinary day in life and would like to combine foods, nature, and relaxation. 

Durian Garden Atbp in Polomolok South Cotabato

Welcome to Durian Garden Atbp located at National Highway, Barangay Sulit Polomolok South Cotabato. About 15-20 minutes away from the town plaza of Polomolok. Try their fresh and tasty durian meat also some of their products made of durian such as durian ice cream and candy. This local resort in Polomolok and one of the main tourism attraction and destination for family and traveler like me. It is well known for the best durian fruit in many different varieties in South Cotabato and a place where nature lovers can enjoy the scenic view of mountains and land fields full of pineapple plantation. Its a nice place as stop over, has very tasty food. Check out my next blog post on how to get to Durian Garden Atbp by commuter and traveler like me. Happy Trip Again! 

Durian Tree Plantation & Resort in South Cotabato

It was a lazy day and I rather take a rest under this durian tree at Durian Garden Atb which is located at National Highway Barangay Sulit, Polomolok South Cotabato. There are a lot of durian trees within the area. The garden is also abundant with rambutan and lanzones and has many beautiful exotic flowers that can only be found there. Along the tour I saw a sign board saying that " watch out for falling durian". hahaha!  It's not often that you'll see this such usual warning signage in the area because they are harvesting a lot of durian in a day. As per Ms. Emily every hour daw kung malaglag ang mga bunga nito. For all who wants to visit the place, there is no entrance fee at the Durian Garden. 

Dole Philippines Plantation in South Cotabato

This pineapple plantation in Polomolok, South Cotabato is one of the top producer and exporter in the Philippines which located at the foot of the majestic Mt. Matutum, where thousands of hectares of pineapple plantation is situated. Maybe because of the cultivated soils from this active volcanic mountain. The town of Tupi which located in between the town of Polomolok and the center of the pineapple industry. There is a lot of private land fields located near the pineapple fields of Polomolok, has a potential to become a city because of their fast growing economy. Dole Philippines is now producing fresh fruits to other country. 

Majestic View of Mount Matutum in South Cotabato

Majestic Mount Matutum in South Cotabato: I have visited this wide range pineapple plantation over the scenic view backdrop of Mount Matutum and known to be an active volcano mountain in South Cotabato. It has 2 hot springs which is called Akjmoan and Linan.  It is bounded on the north by Tupi, on the west by T'boli, on the east by Malungon (Sarangani) and on the south by Gen. Santos City.  One of the most interesting places in the Mindanao and a unique challenge to mountaineers and backpackers. Overlooking the beautiful cone of Mount Matutum is a must try activity when visiting South Cotabato with the highlight of beautiful clouds in silhouette of blue skies and this beautiful memories of my trip last month. 

Colorful Children's Playground of Polomolok in South Cotabato

I like this place and very unique because of their colorful walkway at the center of their plaza. This playground is free to the public and open to all ages like me."hehehe" . While walking around this area I noticed a lot of children playing and bonding with their families and also friends.  Children's activities are 8 feet high slide, see saw, small houses, candy factory, a small gasoline station and a lot more. All of this design is very unique and colorful.  

Polomolok Public Market in South Cotabato

This public market is very easy to access by public transportation. Where you can find affordable goods, fruits and different root crops. This building is currently improved with the local government.  Located at French Street  Polomolok, South Cotabato. Telephone Number: 083 225 2483.  Drop by to their fruit stand to get a taste of local fruits. There are a lot of thing to do in Polomolok South Cotabato, all you need to do is to enjoy the town for their rich culture and attraction as well.  In front of the public market, you will see this amazing and colorful view of their playground. This is on my next blog post! 

Municipal Hall of Polomolok in South Cotabato

General Santos City is the nearest airport when your travelling at the Municipality of Polomolok in South Cotabato. This municipal hall has a wide open space in front and the building is now have a modernized facilities. I took a lot of photos and touring inside the building . Polomolok is also the fastest growing municipality leading for the home to Dole Philippines, the biggest pineapple plantation in the world which is one of their main industry.  The town's name was derived from the B'laan term flomlok which means "hunting grounds."  For more information and travel plans. You may contact this numbers: Regional Coordinator Bai Dido Samama/+63 9157935734 Provincial Coordinator Eddie M. Non +63 9213965429 Municipal Coordinator Anecita N. Balanay +63-64 225-2067. Happy Trip!

My South Cotabato Experience

It was a cloudy weather at Polomolok in South Cotabato. I take a van bound to Polomolok from Gaisano GenSan at around 1:00pm. Fare is about P25.00 per passenger and 30-40 minutes travel time. I don't have any idea about this place in the Mindanao, I will be enjoy this trip.  Yes, there are places in Mindanao that are quite dangerous, but the majority of the people here is friendly and accommodating. Polomolok public plaza is so clean and has a wide playground field which the government used this area for some of their activities like concerts, fiesta, public gatherings, sports events and many more. In the picture below you can find this volcano shaped-fountain at the center of the plaza. During the night this fountain will give you a scenic view of colorful light and fountain display.

Bryan Termulo & Rox Puno Concert at Riverbanks, Marikina City

FREE CONCERT TICKET : FOR EVERY PURCHASE OF ERASE, JIAOMING & UK PRODUCTS.

It's Bryan Termulo Concert 2012 at Riverbanks Amphitheater, Marikina City on December 15, 2012 (Saturday), 7:00 pm with special guest Nadine Lustre, Aki Torio and many more! This would be a one night concert only! Don't miss it. 

All about Bryan Termulo: He is the runner up in GMA 7 Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 3 and known for singing the theme song of Filipino TV series Walang Hanggan entitled "Dadalhin and 100 Days to Heaven's Bihag.

For ticket inquires you may contact them at this numbers: Eden -0915-4728665/0939-4136016/ 0942-3068994 and Jackie -0922-8754843 .Telephone Number: (02) 410-1824/ 410-6374