The Pinoy Gypsy

Surfing in San Juan

2012-02-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

It may not be as high-profile as Siargao, but San Juan in La Union is steadily becoming a surfer's paradise.

The rates are pretty reasonable and the surfing instructors are very friendly. The waves are about 4- to 5-foot high and the swells are relatively mild. Funny though is that I was not even able to surf the San Juan surf.

It was a family trip, and the very first time that I'll be introducing my 14-year-old son to surfing. The plan was for me to encourage him to try something new, beyond video games and basketball.

I was beside him while the surfing instructor gave him the basics. And yes, being a doting dad, I was pretty nervous. Can he handle the waves? Can he stay upright and not crash? WIll he enjoy the experience?

After a few minutes, my son was ready to go. I saw excitement in the eyes of my boy as he started making his way to beach, with the surfing instructor tagging along. His deceptively reed-thin frame look even more frail as he wore the rash guard, a kind of surfer's garment meant to protect his torso from the surfboard.

I always knew my son is athletic, despite his seemingly frail frame. But seeing him go and ride the wave--at his very first try--made his old man proud.

The hour whizzed by and before I knew it, the surfing was over. But for my son, it was just the beginning.

Tranquility at the Tanawan in Sta. Rosa

2011-10-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

About thirty minutes away from the town proper of Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija is Tanawan, a favorite destination of locals and visitors.

"Tanawan" may mean "viewing area" and the place is rightfully named because it offers visitors a panoramic view of the rolling hills and carpets of green surroundings. Getting there is an adventure in itself. There are no public transports and most locals go there on a motorbike and in groups. The long, winding, and hilly roads give visitors a glimpse of the life of people living in the many communities that you will pass by before reaching Tanawan.

The roads are paved and relatively new. Passing through, one can see numerous orchards, green rice fields, massive trees with equally massive canopies, farms, and quaint houses. You will also pass by a military reserve, which can give you a feeling of security, considering that Tanawan is still fairly remote.

Reaching, Tanawan, there are a few carinderias that can offer anything from food to beer. For a modest rent, you can use the nipa huts scattered around in which to enjoy your cold drinks or your food.

Once you're settled in the nipa hut, you can enjoy the view and the cool breeze. From afar, the horizon looks untouched, dotted only by a few small houses. It is tranquil and the silence is often disturbed by the occasional motorbike revving up to a hilly climb up the road.

My Saudi sojourn (Part 3)

2011-07-26T04:19:00.000-07:00

They say the last few months will be the hardest, when you’re about to end your stay in a foreign land and go back home. Overall, my stay in Saudi Arabia was uneventful. Sure, I’ve been to a number of interesting places, met a few interesting people, gained some friends, and immersed in a foreign culture.

I really felt I belonged to this close circle of friends I learned to trust. In return, I have been a loyal and helping friend to them. In the grand scheme of things, it is my hope that I will remembered as a good friend to those I’ll be leaving behind.

A few weeks before I decided to approach the office manager to give my resignation letter, I harbored mixed feelings. I am happy to be just a few weeks away from going back home to family and friends. At the same time, I felt a bit nostalgic knowing that many Filipinos in Saudi Arabia do not have the luxury of making decisions or choices given me. Many Filipinos do not have the luxury of choosing jobs, and many still are literally stuck in a foreign country to toil until better days come for them. And many of these Filipinos are my friends.

The economics are really simple. A Filipino worker is better off working in a foreign land where there are many job choices, if one is not too picky. And this does not apply only to Filipinos with menial jobs. Professionals in Saudi Arabia will have a difficult time leaving their jobs, knowing fully-well that high-paying jobs are too few in their homeland.

Some even had to bring their families to Saudi Arabia, resigned to the fact that they will be staying there for a really long time. As for me, I guess I am fortunate to have friends and colleagues who are eager to work with me again. I do not call it luck, but rather choice. I chose to work back in my home country knowing that I will be leaving behind a lucrative job.

The night I was about to leave, I bid a happy, but sad, goodbye to my friends. It will be an image that I will remember for the rest of my life. There they were, waving, some shaking my hand, some heckling, some laughing, as I boarded the company car to take me to the airport.

After a few more hours of anxiety, I boarded the plane to take me back to Manila. Unlike the first time, the hours whizzed past and before I know it, the plane was touching down. I was back in the Philippines, back home, at last.

The river under the bridge

2011-07-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dupinga River is located in Gabaldon, one of the more remote towns in the vast province of Nueva Ecija.

According to accounts, the river was merely a source of water from the scattered communities around Gabaldon. Traditionally, locals, most often penitents during Holy Week troop to the river after traversing the numerous churches and chapels along the way.

But the river, with its clear and clean water, begun attracting a slew of visitors.
Soon after, locals eventually erected a few nipa huts and started renting them out to visitors. A sari-sari store followed, and more nipa huts eventually mushroomed around the edges of the river.

Today, Dupinga River is a favored location of picnic goers, mostly out-of-town visitors.

For a modest fee, one can rent a hut near the edge of the river and take a dip in the cold water.

The river is still one of the best kept secrets of Gabaldon town. Seeing its rugged beauty, one can’t help but wish that it remains a secret.

My Saudi Arabia sojourn (Part II)

2011-05-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

It was the onset of the summer season of 2009 when I got to Saudi Arabia to work for a year. I immediately felt the suffocating heat whenever I went outdoors.

Thankfully, I did most of my work from my computer in a moderately large office cubicle I share with a few other Filipinos. The first few weeks allowed me to adjust to the working conditions and office culture.

The company employs many Filipinos, as well as Saudi Arabs, Palestines, a Venezuelan, a Nigerian, and quite a number of Indians, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani, among others.
To my relief, the company is a bit lax when it comes to office formalities. There is no bundy clock, but office workers do follow a more or less 7am to 5pm schedule. Employees, especially when not busy on a project, are free to mill around.

I soon found out that the “work cycle” involves a lot of free time, but when work does come in, everyone would be busy. It is also good to note that the company is output oriented.

I am not good at ranting about work, but I found it fascinating how some office employees, particularly those in the lower rung, tend to emphasize their perceived importance in the company, which I think is only natural.

The weekend starts on a Wednesday, when work is only half-day, until Thursday and Friday where there is no work at all. Interestingly, the work week starts on a Saturday.

Most foreign workers have to make this adjustment because as a Muslim country, Saudi Arabia observes Thursday and Friday as its rest days.

My work week was mostly uneventful, and for a good half of 2009, my routine is mostly ordinary and regular.

A second home

2011-05-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

About five years ago, we left our hometown in San Miguel, Tarlac City, to live in Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija.

My fondest memories of childhood will always be in San Miguel in that small compound where I grew up with my uncles and aunts, and cousins.

But I slowly learned to love Sta. Rosa with its wide rice fields, open roads, and rural beauty. I consider myself lucky because the modest lot my parents were able to buy is literally standing in the middle of rice paddies with a backdrop of mountains and hills.

The house my parents now live in is still a work in progress, but visiting Sta. Rosa will always be like getting a breath of fresh air for someone like me who works in Manila.

In my parents’ small lawn are a few mango trees, some guava trees, and a rather colorful fruiting macopa tree, among others. My mother has a small area for her gumamela, euphorbia, and orchids, all flowering at the same time. My parents also have a few chickens and ducks, all with chicks and ducklings.

A small pond with tilapia and the uninvited mudfish and catfish welcomes the few neighbors that often come to chat. My mother would often invite them for breakfast or coffee as the early morning sun begins to shine.

My father loves to trim the grass along the small lawn so that his grandkids can run around and play, while Blacky, our dog, ever loyal to his masters, stands guard.
The rice fields are a sight to behold, at least for me. I often stay under the shade of a mango tree, stretched upon a hammock just enjoying the calm, soothing breeze, as I watch the chickens and ducks run around searching for food.

In the afternoon, nothing beats having coffee and some light snacks with my old folks as the sun begins to set.

It said that happiness and contentment are always subjective. I could not agree more.

My Saudi Arabia sojourn

2011-02-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

I decided to work in Saudi Arabia thinking it would be a quite a learning experience for me. I have been in many countries, but never have I stayed more than a few days away from family and friends.

To me, the chance to work abroad is an opportunity that does not come too often. I also see the opportunity to test my resolve and go through what millions of Filipinos all over the world have gone through.

So one clear day in July, toting my trolley bag and a backpack, I was heading toward the airport off to a foreign land to live and earn a living for a year.

My younger brother and my parents accompanied me to the airport. It was an uneasy feeling as I bid farewell to my family.

The flight was quite long and sleep was too difficult.

After eight hours, I finally arrived in Saudi Arabia, trying very hard to remember all the things I needed to do and preparing in haste all of the documents I needed to show.

A Saudi immigration officer passively browsed through my papers, and in a few minutes, I was off to the airport terminal.

Waiting for me was a jolly Indian fellow, who quickly grabbed my trolley and tossed it at the back of the car.

I was brought to my hotel, where I will be billeted for the rest of my one-year stay.

I was tired and spent, but it took a while for sleep to come to me. My mind was too occupied thinking what tomorrow might bring, my first day of work.

A visit to quaint Pundaquit

2011-01-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

The coastal barrio of Pundaquit is becoming a popular destination in Zambales.
Located some 7 to 8 kilometers away from San Antonio town, the village typifies a small, quaint community where fishing is the main source of livelihood for residents.

It will take almost 4 hours to reach Pundaquit from Manila. The roads leading to Subic and other Zambales towns are generally well-maintained. It was a nice surprise to see the smooth and very straight tree-lined road leading to Pundaquit after we arrived in San Antonio.

For both sides of the road we saw rice fields resembling a massive chessboard of light brown squares.

Boracay it is not, but Pundaquit is slowly embracing tourism. It has become the take-off point for island-hopping to nearby Anawangin Cove and Capones Islands, to name a few.

But the beach in Pundaquit is truly scenic, with cottages and huts and colorful boats lined up along the sea shore. The view is more picturesque with mountains and faraway islands serving as a backdrop.

The sea itself can sometimes be quite rough, with at least six-foot waves regularly crashing in on the dark sand beach and retreating back to the ocean.

Surfers have found a haven in these waters, and when the waves are too rough for the boats, one can see a few brave souls, both local and out-of-towners, toting their surfboards to hit the massive waves.

Revisiting Potipot Island in Zambales

2010-08-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

I first visited Potipot Island in the late 1990s, back when the small island was yet to be developed and transformed into a major tourist attraction of this province.

Potipot Island lies off the coast of Candelaria, Zambales, and is a part of Barangay Uacon.

Back then, there were only a handful of people, mostly locals, who knew about Potipot. A distant relative told us about the island, which was said to be a favorite picnic spot for locals.

I distinctly remember that the island was not yet "commercialized" and that to get there, we had to find and bargain with a local fisherman hoping to hire his small banca to take us on a 15-minute trip to the island.

We secured the banca, a small, cramped motorized outrigger. The bangkero had to scout for a good place to dock his small boat. There were a few pitched tents when we landed. We brought along our supply of packed lunch and water.

Potipot Island back then was a backpacker's paradise. There were no lights, no electricity, no houses, and no comfort rooms. Coconut trees abound, as well as wild bushes. A few fruit trees are scattered along the beach with overhanging branches providing shade.

It was easy finding a good spot along the beach since only a handful of beachgoers were there. We swam in the crystal blue water and walked along the white sand beach, after pitching our tent.

Potipot Island is small but unique. One can actually walk and explore the whole island in about 20 minutes.

What is unique is that on one side of Potipot is a stretch of white sand beach, while the other side is "rocky," where corals and massive drift woods are often seen lining the shore, particularly during low tide.

This rocky side of Potipot Island also provides a nice view of the sun at it sets on the horizon.

After almost 10 years, I was able to visit Potipot Island again.

By now, the island has been made into a full-pledged tourist destination, thanks to ample "exposure" from mainstream media, and most recently from the Internet, via numerous blogs.

From afar, the island is still a beauty to behold.

But the signs of commercialization are already there. A portion of the island has been made into a small dock, where colorful boats ferry local and foreign tourists.

The traffic is brisk as boat after boat "unload" tourists to and from the mainland.
According to locals, numerous hotels have sprouted around Candelaria town, and a day trip to Potipot Island has been a staple fare for hotel guests.

As soon as you land, somebody will approach you and ask for a 50-peso entrance fee per person for a day trip, or a 100-peso fee if you plan to stay overnight.

There is now a clearing at the center of the island, where a huge tree house and a few cottages stand. Potipot Island as well as the massive tree house are said to be owned by a prominent individual.

There is a comfort room for men and women and numerous nipa hut-type cottages along the beach that are for rent. There is a cooking area and a large grill that beachgoers can use. And if you happen to forget to bring some supplies, there is a sari-sari store nearby.

Finding a spot on the beach is now a bit of a struggle as numerous families and groups often had to compete for space.

The beach often buzzes with activity, as jetskis and ferry boats often whizz past.

Thankfully, the island local government seem to know the value of Potipot Island.
Despite the onslaught of commercialization, caretakers are able to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.

One can only hope that Potipot Island retain its beauty for years to come and for more visitors to enjoy.

Skimming Boracay’s waves in a paraw

2010-08-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

Heavy commercialization and the continuous flow of tourists may make some frown on what Boracay has become.

But when it comes to water sports, Boracay is still the prime destination for snorkeling, diving, kite boarding, parasailing, and skim boarding.

For the more laidback type, nothing beats coral walking and of course, sailboating with a paraw, a native outrigger with huge colorful sails.

I was with my family on a long-awaited vacation in Boracay and after a few haggling with a local paraw operator we don our life jackets and got on board a blue and white paraw.

It was supposed to be an off peak season in Boracay a few months after the summer months. But it was ideal, as an overcast sky, and a frisky breeze powered the sailboat around the island.

To a jaded traveler, this seems not at all exciting.

But feeling the waves beneath you and the wind blowing the sailboat to skim at decent speeds is still exhilarating. An added bonus is seeing your kids experience the thrills and spills as the paraw sails catch the whistling wind.

You can feel the power of wind tugging the sailboat as we take a circular route to Boracay. The trip took less than 2 hours, although our captain, a seasoned paraw operator, said the trip could have taken longer if not for the wind.

At the onset, one can feel the turquoise seawater and the corals beneath one’s feet.

As the sailboat go further to the open sea, one can have a nice vista of the surrounding islands, the other sailboats and a lone fisherman with a quaint banca.

It was touristy, but it was an adventure.

The ridge at Tagaytay

2010-06-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

It has been raining for the past few days and the rains have been drenching the city.

But a nice ray of sunshine peeking through gray clouds and the prospect of cool weather prompted us to drive to Tagaytay one weekend.

It was bonding time for the kids and for the grandparents. So off we went, traversing the famous Edsa, not very early, but early enough to dodge the equally famous traffic associated with this historic thoroughfare.

At the back of the van, the grandparents and the kids chatted merrily.

We reached one of the exits of the South Luzon Expressway in less than an hour, deliberately traveling at a lazy pace.

We were soon traversing the road to Tagaytay, passing by ritzy subdivisions, malls, restaurants, and roadside stores.

After sometime, we were soon passing by quaint houses, improvised fruits stands, souvenir centers, and craftsmen’s shops, as we got nearer our destination.

You know that you’re almost there when you see the modest resthouses, small hotels, and inns, all surrounding the ridge.

We passed by the famous Rotonda as we enjoyed the early morning view. We doubled-back, as we headed to go the popular Picnic Grove.

Unfortunately, the place was still drenched by the rains of the past few days.

What we found however was a simpler, nicer place.

It was a roadside eatery, just beginning to open. The owner graciously allowed us to take one of huts and our packed lunch. We ordered con gee to go with our lunch.

We talked as we ate, as cars loaded with weekend travelers, like us, passed by the road.

We were soon on our way to a nice spot to view the world-famous Taal Volcano.

No matter how many times you have seen the volcano, you do not get tired of its ethereal beauty.

We spotted the volcano, nestled in Taal Lake.

But the view took a drastic transformation, as fog begun blanketing the surroundings, carrying with it chilly air.

We linger for a sometime and took pictures.

As the afternoon rolled by, we headed to a famous burger house for snacks.

We were soon heading home, but not after taking some more pictures at some isolated spots along the ridge, against the backdrop of the Taal Volcano.

The roadtrip to Real

2010-06-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

It was a typical day one summer when the convoy rolled off.

The idea came from my brother, who happened to know a very good, although not very “commercialized” beach resort in Real, Quezon.

We were going to the beach with several cousins and nieces and nephews who were all excited.

The road trip saw our modest convoy of a car and a van head toward the South.
We left very early in the morning, intending to enjoy the cool weather in the morning and to avoid the traffic rush in the city.

We also intend to enjoy the scenic route, because we will be passing by Antipolo, Tanay, and some towns in Laguna, including Pililla and Siniloan.

We will then head to Real, Quezon and proceed directly to one of the “rural” beach resorts.

From the metropolis, the road begun to transform as we reached Laguna.
We had packed our breakfast and planning to just eat along the way.

The scene took a gentle transformation, as an urban setting gave way to a more rural appearance.

We passed by quaint houses, farmlands, and a carpet of green from both sides of the road.

After passing by Rizal, we negotiated a nice zigzag road heading to Famy, Laguna.

The travel time to the zigzag road was about 45 minutes, but we had to make quick stops. Some of the kids actually got dizzy and well, there goes the breakfast.
Thankfully, our itinerary included a sort of a pit stop in Famy where my brother’s father in-law will be waiting for us.

We reached Famy and stayed there for some snacks. We got a nice “tour” courtesy of my brother’s father in-law who graciously showed us around.
The kids played for a while, before we finally got ready to go on the road again.

The scene was even simpler, but more beautiful going to Infanta, Quezon.
The road, while still long and unwinding, was gentler. There were hills, and trees from both sides. We passed by a few bikers, and a few cars.

After a few hours, we finally reached Real.

The resort was along the highway and very near a small public market.

After settling in and exchanging pleasantries with the caretaker of the resort, the kids eventually headed off to the beach.

Against a backdrop of a green mountain, the beach is actually a small fishing town. Simple, nipa hut cottages dot the coastline. Fishermen’s nets are hanged from the simple houses found alongside the simple cottages.

While the kids frolicked, the grown-ups made a short trip to the market and got large squids, prawns, and some fish for dinner.

We had a nice time just letting the time pass by, sitting on the cottage with a view of the sea as we watched the kids play along the beach.

Shooting the rapids at CDO

2010-06-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

There were about 6 of us, one on each side of the rubber dinghy, paddle on hand while our guide barked orders.

What started out as a tranquil trip soon became a roller-coaster ride, as the rapids became even more violent. We were told not to open our mouths lest the river decides to shove several liters of river water down our throats.

But forcibly drinking the not-so-pleasant river water was the least of our problems.

The dinghy was swaying uncontrollably on the left side, as we tried our damn best to keep the course straight. Our dinghy, and its occupants, was being thrown like a rag doll from side to side, and we were getting soaked to the skin.

The rapids seemed hell-bent on testing the group's resolve.

The rapids raged on, as we saw one large vortex after another, with white foam brewing at the center of each vortex.

We tried to steer clear of the vortex, remembering that falling off the dinghy and getting trapped in the middle of the vortex is a high possibility.

We grit our teeth and tried to listen to the orders of our guide, who seem uncannily calm and composed.

We were shooting the rapids in a white-water rafting adventure in Cagayan De Oro.

We braced ourselves, knowing that the worst was yet to come.

From two-foot high swells, the rapids soon rose to about 4 to 5 feet.
Some of us were shouting, in joy and in terror.

We caught a glimpse of other groups struggling as we were.

The calm water up ahead seemed too distant.
Muscles started to ache, and the repeated rowing became an effort.

After a few hours, we were soon home-free, with a long stretch of flat, calm water up ahead.

The water stood calm and for the first time, we had the chance to enjoy the scenery.
The river bank was carpeted with grass and shrubs, and tall coconut trees.
The river seemed unspoiled.
And the ride was soon over.

We were tired and spent.

But we still raised our paddles in unison, a tradition for those who endured, and survived, the rapids of Cagayan de Oro.

Race to the Chocolate Hills

2010-06-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

I was at an Amazing Race-type of team-building in an out-of-town junket for journalists recently.

There were four teams and my team was in the middle of a hotly-contested race against another team.

Only a few seconds separated the two teams and the tension was quite thick.

The next leg of the race required the teams to choose an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and ride in tandem.

The ATVs were lined-up and ready. About ten ATVs will accommodate ten riders and their tandems.

There were 6 of us in the team, and it would be a huge advantage if all of us can have a go at the ATVs ahead of the other teams. We would be riding in tandem, which means we would need 3 ATVs.

The first wave of riders, including myself, did not have the pleasure of choosing the color of the ATV that we need to ride and race with.

The race had an interesting twist: instead of racing on sand or unpaved roads, we had to ride the ATV all the way up the viewing platform of the scenic Chocolate Hills in Bohol.

After donning my safety helmet, I did a nice short leap to mount the ATV.
The race guides quickly gave the basic control scheme of the ATV.
Press the throttle to go, release to slow down.

There was no time to plan for the ATV race, and a teammate instinctively leaped behind me, because we were supposed to ride in tandem.

The opposing team, our closest rival, was also gearing up and doing the same.
The roar of the ATVs meant the race was on.

The paved road was long and winding, very similar to the famed Kennon Road in Baguio City, although a bit easier to negotiate.

The road was on the side of a mountain, with a cliff on the other side. The hills were also on the other side.

But at that moment, I was not entertaining any thoughts of enjoying the view, as the ATV roared.

From time to time, I kept on looking back and checking on the position of my teammates and of our opponents.

As the angle of the road got sharper, the ATV engine seemed to roar in louder and louder in agony.

Thankfully, me and my teammates reached the platform first.

It was a grueling race, but for a few minutes, I finally got to admire the beauty of the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

The hills can be seen standing from afar like quiet, rotund sentinels, towering above green plains.

The view from the top is simply breathtaking.

The thrill of a negative G

2010-06-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

If you have a fear of flying, and you want to overcome this fear, try flying in an ultra-light.

At first glance, you will see that the ultra-light is nothing more than a glider with a small motor and huge propeller attached to it.

So there I was lining up to wait for my turn to ride in one of these ultralights. I was with colleagues and we were at the Angeles City Flying Club, participating in an Amazing Race-like challenge where one of the legs of the race requires us to ride an ultralight.

I thought I was lucky that my designated pilot was one of the founders of the club.
Before it was my turn, I watched this pilot execute funky maneuvers such as shooting straight up, and dropping straight down in midair.

The jolly fellow gave me a reassuring smile as I strap on my seat belt and put on a headset. The headset does two things; block the noise and allow me to talk to the pilot.

The takeoff was very short. And soon, we were airborne.

I did not take out my cellular phone, remembering that it had no strap on. It would be disastrous if somehow the device would slam into the propeller.

At 300 feet, I saw the small silhouette of the ultralight casting its shadow to the fields below.

The surrounding area is mostly flat terrain. Farms, plantations, and picket fences can be seen.

It was serene, although the noise of the motor can still be heard, as we ascended higher.

At around 600 feet, the jolly pilot asked me if I was “ready.”

I said yes, without really knowing what he meant.

Then it happened. First, he pulled the throttle up.

I felt the G force for a few seconds as the ultralight went straight up.

The gauge read 800 feet. The pilot then leveled the ultralight.

After leveling, the unthinkable happened; the propeller and engine became dead silent!

Sensing my apprehension, the pilot said he was just putting the engine on “neutral.”

I haven’t really recovered from the G force experience yet when the pilot suddenly revved up the engine, and jerked the throttle downward.

The ultralight immediately nosedived.

Terrified and excited at the same time, I was actually facing down at the ground below. I saw the ground below rushing towards me alarmingly and I felt the adrenaline rush.

The pilot then quickly moved the throttle to "correct" the ultralight.

I took a quick glance at the gauge and saw that from 800 feet, the ultralight went down to 400 feet in a matter of seconds.

From G to negative G in a few seconds. It was unlike any roller-coaster ride.

I thought I’d spill my guts out and throw up, but it was over soon.

The ultralight landed smoothly and taxied for a few seconds along the short, grassy runway.

Fortunately, my legs did not turn to jelly as I disembarked from the ultralight.

And I had to try it again.

Rider of the waverunner at Alegre

2010-05-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

The control is very simple and in reverse, when you compare it to the conventional controls found in a motorbike.

You press the throttle with your index finger to speed up, and you let it go to slowdown.

The engine is quiet reactive, not at a breakneck pace, but it will still jerk your body pretty good if you are not careful.

The sensations are vastly different from what you would experience when you’re driving on land.

If you reach a certain speed, it would seem like you’re skimming through the surface but feeling every bit of the trough and apex of the surface.

I was ‘driving’ a jet ski and circling around the designated ‘track’ at the Alegre Resort in Cebu a couple of years ago with friends.

It was a fascinating experience.

Although it was not my first time to mount a jet ski, or more accurately a waverunner, nothing beats speeding through water, catching the splash of seawater on your face, and creating a rooster tail behind you as you gain speed.

It was nice being airborne for a few seconds, if you happen to catch the right wave.

You do not need to worry because the waverunner is pretty squat and stable and it is highly unlikely that you will flip over. You just have to tighten your grip.

The waverunner maybe built for speed and stability, but the ride was fairly comfortable.

I had fun riding alone and imagining myself a wanderer or an adventurer. I was in the middle of the sea with my trusty waverunner, and I felt invincible, as I stood up to scout the destination ahead.

It was fun speeding up and slowing down, just to test yourself and your nerves. It was nice speeding up while standing up, your legs serving as your very own shock absorbers.

I also had fun riding in tandem with friends, and racing around with another tandem, until we tired out or until the adrenaline rush emptied.

At the end of the day, it was fun resting in one of the hammocks scattered at Alegre Resort lazily waiting for time to pass you by.

The floating restaurant and the green river

2010-05-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

There was a heavy downpour the day before, we were told.

But instead of a muddy brown tinge, the rain made the color of the water turn light green.

We were at Loboc River in Bohol, and we were about to have lunch in one of the ‘floating’ restaurants.

The floating restaurant is actually a modified platform, large and wide, decorated with pennants Filipiniana style. A nice buffet of native food is spread at the center of the restaurant. A singer garbed in a native costume serenaded diners.
The platform is tethered to a rather small motorized banca.

The small boat pushes the floating restaurant gently around the Loboc River.

Residents take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the river, and it showed.
The river bank is lined by lush vegetation and coconut trees towering above.

A few, very small fish cages are can be seen and a few small boats tied to makeshift bridges and walkways made of bamboo. There were a few bamboo huts.

At the end of the river was a small waterfalls.

The floating restaurant and river cruise was definitely ‘touristy’ but if you are in Bohol, trying it is a must.

The huts on stilts at Pearl Farm

2010-05-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

The picturesque resort of Pearl Farm is one of the most visited tourist spots in Davao.

You can say the resort is ‘touristy,’ but even a jaded traveler will be impressed with that the resort offers.

A small port leading directly to a nice cabana jutting out of the sea.

An infinity pool with a view.

A white sand beach for sunbathing, kayaking and snorkeling.

Adrenaline junkies are not left out.

There is a separate beach area that can accommodate your cravings for beach volleyball, water cycling, windsurfing, and many other water sports.

Throw in a training pool for scuba diving for good measure.

But what I fondly remember are the huts/cottages on the side of a mountain standing on dainty stilts touching the water.

A small veranda offers a nice vista of the ocean.

The view below the hut is equally amazing. Blue crystal clear water, fish darting from all directions, corals, the odd sea slug.

I was fighting off the temptation to dive from my veranda to the blue water below.

One can stay in the hut for a whole day and not miss a thing.

It is easy to picture yourself sitting on the veranda, sipping an ice-cold Pepsi, a book in hand, as a calm sea breeze gently whispers.

New meaning to the word ‘relax.’

The sandbar of Bantayan Island

2010-05-17T22:41:00.001-07:00

A short ferry ride from Cebu City took us to Bantayan Island.

I have heard and read so much about the place, and seeing it for the first time, it was breath-taking.

The beach with white sand remains unspoiled. Coconut trees dot the island. There were no luxurious hotels, or impressive infrastructures, but all the roads are paved and smooth.

At the center of the island is a quaint little town where we made our lodgings.
We stayed in a resort fronting the beach in simple cottages.

After doing away with our daily chores (a bit of work), we walked along the beach to enjoy the fresh sea breeze. We watched the tide turn, and as it turned, we saw a sandbar emerged that is quite far from shore.

The sandbar with white, light brown sand glistened under the sun and looked like it is floating above the azure water.We gave in to the urge and don our board shorts and ran to the sandbars to while away the afternoon.

A lone fishing boat passed us by as we lay on the sandbar.

The sandbar seemed to be a magical divide separating the beach from the open sea.

A few hours passed and the changing tide meant we had to say goodbye to the sandbar, albeit temporarily, knowing it will be there waiting for us the next day.

Bonding in Boracay

2010-05-15T23:39:00.001-07:00

A festive atmosphere greeted us after we disembarked from a motorized boat to the shores of Boracay after a short flight from Manila.

Boracay looked every bit the postcard photo I often see on travel magazines and websites.

I was with some friends and the day we got there, the place was teeming with people, which is not at all unusual.

Boracay is after all often touted as one of the best party islands you will ever see.

Some compare it to Ibiza, or the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or the Maldives, or the Seychelles. Some even say Boracay is all these wonderful islands put together.

It was nice strolling along the narrow path fronting the beach lined with numerous bars and restaurants. It was nice looking at sand carvings lighted by candles at night.

It was nice doing the customary bar-hopping and trying out the immensely popular shooter challenge in one of the bars.

It was nice remembering who among friends remained standing after the shooter challenge, and it was nice remembering who got hammered and who got heckled endlessly.

It was nice to do a bit of people-watching, or more like ogling, as celebrities, travelers and tourists, passed by doing their own bar-hopping thing.

It was nice to soak and relax on a nice isolated spot in the island, where we have the beach all to ourselves, a nice non-alcoholic drink (buko juice) to sooth away the hangover.

But most of all, it was nice bonding with friends.

Postcripts: Batanes flights

Good news for those who have yet to visit enchanting Batanes. Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR), the Philippine’s premiere leisure airline, has announced it just increased flights to Batanes.
Batanes is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Due to its proximity to Taiwan, it experiences four seasons: summer, fall, winter and spring.
It is rich in natural landscapes and seascapes with green pastures overlooking the sea, windmills on sprawling countryside, and lighthouses guarding immaculate shorelines. This northernmost island treasure is most often likened to European countries like Ireland and Scotland.
So pack your bags, get a SEAIR ticket and visit Batanes.

A stroll in downtown Burlington

2010-05-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

My first trip to the United States was about five years ago.

I was excited about the trip not just because it was my first time to cover an event outside Asia, but also because I have planned a nice little side-trip to visit a cousin and stay in his house for a few days.

I decided to extend my stay in the US, after completing my coverage assignment in Seattle, Washington. I also had a nice, but rather brief time in downtown Seattle, but that would be another story.

I was going to visit my cousin and his family who lived in Burlington, Vermont, a good 8 to 9 hours away from Seattle.

At the first chance, I took the first flight out of Seattle.

My dear cousin, who graciously shouldered my ticket and co-planned my itinerary, would be meeting me at the airport.

It was always part of my plan to do a bit of checking on the place I would be going to. I was able to do a quick check on Seattle, but I never really had the chance to check Burlington.

I really did not know what to expect about Burlington, considering that the city is not as high-profile as, say, Las Vegas or New York.

The airport in Burlington is not as sprawling or as expansive as JFK or LAX, but there is a 'homey,' uncrowded vibe about the place.

My cousin's house was just a few minutes away from the airport and we were soon driving along a wide highway to a tree-lined neighborhood going to his house.

My cousin and his family were gracious enough to take me in downtown Burlington one sunny day.

Burlington is mostly sub-urban with nice, clean roads, tree-lined city streets, a picturesque neighborhood of houses, a small downtown area, and a sea port.

We passed by university buildings with interesting architectural styles blending seamlessly with the surrounding trees, which have begun shedding their leaves as autumn was coming.

We visited a nice plaza in front of a church with a simple steeple. We took a stroll along some the cobblestone alleys and streets, passing by stores and shops.
We stayed for a while in the small port in a nice harbor viewing the surrounding 'islands.'

And to top it all off, we had a nice quiet time at Ben & Jerry's, the iconic ice cream house. My then four-year old nephew was gleaming with delight as we entered Ben & Jerry's.

I felt like a four-year old too, as I excitedly waited for my 'chunkey monkey' to arrive.

During the night, me and my cousin had a nice barbecue, and a few beers to cap off that interesting and memorable day.

The pizzeria at the street corner

2010-05-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

It was the middle of the day but the barometer atop the city street flickered between 10 degrees Celsius to a relatively warm 20 degrees.

All around, trees have just begun shedding their autumn leaves, giving a brown tinge to black paved roads. The leaves rustled under the feet of a throng of commuters.

I was in Milan, Italy on assignment. It was lunchtime and the group I was with briskly walked looking for a place to eat. We were not looking for anything fancy, and what we had in mind was a place where we can taste the local flavors.

We finally found one. At first glance, the place is nothing special. There were no fancy signs, and the entrance is a gate made with wrought iron. The two-storey house typifies a ‘townhouse.’

We smiled and said the customary ‘bon journo’ to a young lady who appeared to be one of the waitresses.
This was a pizzeria which was already buzzing with activities as throngs of people go in and out.

We took our place and ordered the house specialty. Pizza, of course.
The pizzas were home-made, with very thin crust, and even thinner toppings. The appearance of the pizza was far simpler than the usual pizza I often see.

The waiter slash chef was quick on his feet delivering the pizzas, which were often stacked high up. I immediately noticed that a single customer often orders one or two of the very thin, but very wide pizza, often gulping down and finishing one in just a few mouthfuls.

‘Do as the Romans do,’ they say, and we ordered our pizza.

But we gave in to the Filipino way, and we had not so few curious glances as we began sharing the pizzas.

The pies tasted great. I gave in to temptation and ordered a mug of a nice dark brew to wash down the pizza. I was actually mimicking a customer I saw.

It was quite a gustatory experience. Home-made pizza and a home-made brew.
I would have wanted to stay longer, but after finishing the pizzas and my Italian brew, we said ‘grazie’ to the young lady and left satisfied.

Tattooed images of India

2010-05-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Coming from Manila, the first layover was in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

For a few hours, we waited at the elegant business lounge of the KL International Airport before boarding the flight to Chennai Madras, the next point to our final destination in Bangalore, India.

The airport at Chennai Madras was a bit disorganized, disheveled even, and airport security was lax. The queue to the x-ray machine was so unsystematic, that some passengers were able to skip the x-ray altogether and simply proceeded to the boarding gates. Some massive bags and luggage are moved haphazardly after being tugged away from the conveyor belt.

I even spotted a huge trolley bag reeking with some fluid on its side, probably liquor. Adding to the chaos is the incessant chatter of security officers and airport personnel, passengers, and porters.

I was not squeamish at all, but I distinctly remember comparing the airport to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the KL International Airport and making mental notes.

We spent a night in simple hotel Chennai Madras, before taking a short flight to Bangalore early the next morning.

Me and some colleagues were there on assignment.

We were visiting Bangalore, touted as the next Silicon Valley of Asia. If it was not for the lack of time and resources, I would have wanted to visit the Taj Majal.

The roads in Bangalore are not very different from any other found in developing countries. The most glaring differences you will see are the cows freely roaming the streets and main thoroughfares and the tuk tuk or rickshaws buzzing around urban centers like noisy gnats.The massive billboards of India’s famed Bollywood movies dot every major road.

The number of people on the streets, commercial and tourist spots and downtown areas is also an intriguing sight. For me, the sight was a small reminder of India’s more than 900 million people.The population of the Philippines and other Asian countries stand puny next to India.

It is not very often that one can taste real Indian food, get a henna tattoo done by a real Indian artist, and watch a real, live Indian folk dance.

I got myself a henna tattoo of a cobra which the nice Indian lady doing the tattoo said was nice design. It was a symbol of strength, she said.

Overall, the stay was pleasant, save for a few hiccups.

We visited India in 1998 and much have probably changed, but the experience I won’t probably forget for a very long time.

The streets of Shinjuku

2010-05-08T00:32:00.000-07:00

I saw the city lights of Tokyo as the airplane began its final descent to Narita Airport.

Me and a colleague were invited to a press conference in Japan arriving very late on a balmy night. We were told that our hotel is in the Shinjuku district in downtown Tokyo, and is about half-an-hour away from the airport.

I had the chance to doze off a bit, after a boarding a chartered coaster to take us directly to the hotel.

Arriving in the hotel, the first thing I noticed are the neon lights, exactly as they appear on postcards and pictures. These neon lights are probably one of the most recognized and most iconic symbols of Japan.

After the press conference, there was very little time to go around downtown.

At the first opportunity, me and my colleague headed out of the hotel to try to enjoy the street sights, deciding to find our way to the nearest bookstore. It was a bit of a struggle though, because most street signs and road directions are written in Japanese.

We had to go to a convenience store to ask for directions.
A smiling store saleslady tried to help, and after a few exchanges through improvised sign language, we finally got our bearing.

The streets of Shinjuku display a mix of vibrant and lively colors, as people go about their business. It was a thrill to see first-hand the world-famous, and quite unique fashion sense that the Japanese have.

During the night, we had the good fortune of having a Japanese executive bring us to some nice restaurant slash bar in Shinjuku.

It was a five-minute walk to a rather lively street where rows and rows of restaurants are found.We finally found one. Our gracious Japanese host told us that he frequents the place.

The elevator opens directly to the modest restaurant. The interior was rather simple, with wooden tables and wooden chairs. But the place is bustling with activity, and was almost full of mostly Japanese office workers.

My hunch was these are the so-called Japanese ‘salary men’ enjoying an after-office drink or two, their white sleeves rolled up and their neckties untied.

We had peas in a pod for starters, and some deep-fried eel as appetizers.

As customary in Japan, we shared a few rounds of the famous Asahi beer and an accompanying bottle of warm sake.

One lesson I learned is that it is not polite to nurse your beer or chug it directly, because beer served on the table is meant to be shared.

From time to time, our gracious Japanese host had to check his laptop and use a Japanese-English translator as continued our nice chat about Japan and a bit about the Philippines.

It was only a very small ‘taste’ of Japan because my visit was very short, but Shinjuku will be always be one of the most memorable places I have ever been to.

A weekend drive and a barbecue at Pranjetto Hills

2010-05-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

You don’t need to go far if you need to recharge your batteries after a long week of working. You can hie off to nearby Tanay, Rizal and go to Pranjetto Hills.

A mere one hour away from bustling Metro Manila, Tanay is becoming a favorite weekend getaway for denizens of the city.The trip is well-worth it.

We went there early one morning for an overnight stay. We were in a convoy of three vehicles.

After passing by the Antipolo Road, the landscape began to change from cityscape to rolling hills and winding roads.

We had a nice view of mountains and Laguna de Bay, as we passed by quaint houses and small farms along the way.

Nestled on the hills of Tanay is Pranjetto Hills.

The place is unpretentious. The courteous caretakers led us to a few bungalow-type rooms, arranged neatly into rows. There is a swimming pool, and a playground.

From our room, it took us about five minutes to reach the azure pool glistening under the sun. One good thing is that the pool was not crowded.

Developers followed the natural contours of the land, thus, we literally had to go up and down to reach the pool or explore the nearby lush greens surrounding Pranjetto Hills.

The bungalows have ample space for an outdoor barbecue. After soaking all day long in the pool, we had dinner outdoors against a backdrop of hills and trees as the sun sets. Perfect.

A trampoline in the middle of a lagoon

2010-05-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

A few years back, I was with members of the local media invited to Grande Island.

Grande Islands is one of a few islands located along the mouth of Subic Bay.

Grande Island, we were told, has a colorful history. It was previously an outpost for American soldiers during the time that Subic is still a major US base. Later on, Grande Island became a retreat for high-ranking officers.

The island was eventually turned over to private developers and was developed to complement Subic Bay as a major tourist spot.

Getting to Grande Island itself is a nice, but rather short adventure.

After getting to Subic Bay by land, we boarded a yacht (yes, a real one) to bring us to Grande Island. We had a blast and made most of the 20 minutes or so ferry, exploring the yacht.

Grande Island is a nice, picturesque resort hotel and the rooms have a view of the sea.

At the center of island is a man-made lagoon, complete with an artificial wave-maker. What is interesting is that the water from the lagoon is sourced directly from the sea making sure that visitors will get have a genuine experience of dipping in seawater, within the confines and safety of the lagoon.

The wide lagoon has ample space for kayaking.

What I distinctly remember however were the two trampolines in the middle of the lagoon.

The trampolines are quite huge, and can accommodate a few adults.

By accommodate, I mean adults can go back to their childhood and jump, prance, and play on the trampoline like kids.

It was quite a unique experience.

Enjoying the waves at 8 Waves

2010-05-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

The summer is time when families and friends troop to the beach or to some favorite hideaway.

The choices for vacationers have become much wider with vacation packages now becoming more popular than ever.

But if you are pressed for time, and you do not want to burn a big hole in your pocket, then a trip by car might be your best option.

There is a nice place in nearby Bulacan that we had the chance to visit a few summers ago.

Called 8 Waves, it is a family-oriented resort hotel and is a little more than a 1-hour drive from Manila.

8 Waves has water slides, numerous swimming pools, water fountains and a huge wave pool at the center of the sprawling complex.

The kids had a blast, and one day was not enough for them to enjoy the wave pool, the slides, and the wading pools. The kids spent an hour in one pool, another hour in the wading pool, another hour playing the fountains, and finally a few hours on the wave pool.

Good thing there is a nice hotel inside the resort as well as a restaurant.

Located in San Rafael, Bulacan the trip to 8 Waves was a cinch, because we left early and took the North Luzon Expressway.

The only downside of the resort that I can remember is its proximity to farms.
I am not talking about a few meters, but a few kilometers. There was a few seconds that the air became funky smelling.

It was not at all bothersome, and overall, 8 Waves is a place worthy of a return visit.

The sari-sari store in the middle of an island

2010-04-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

We boarded the RO-RO (roll on, roll off) ferry to Camiguin from Cebu. It was my first time to ride the so-called nautical highway.

I distinctly remember being a bit anxious that day though, because I needed to access my email and do a bit of work. Despite the assurance that there is an internet café somewhere on the island, I was a bit bothered.

Thinking back, I probably could have enjoyed the trip more have I not preoccupied myself thinking about the daily chores I needed to do.

The RO-RO trip was pretty amazing, although it was a bit long. It took us 3 hours from the jump-off point to reach the small port in Camiguin.

‘Enchanting’ would be an apt word to describe Camiguin. The island typifies rural living. I would not call the island ‘unspoiled,’ as the island is steadily becoming another destination of choice for local and foreign tourists.

The quaint port is near a market, and the resort we stayed in was a good 20 minutes away.

We stayed in a nice bahay kubo inspired cottage with a nice veranda.

I consider the island hopping the next day as the highlight of the trip. We went to a nice island, which looked more like a sandbar. After a few hours wading in the crystal-clear blue water, we had a few rounds of ice-cold beer which we got from a nice makeshift sari-sari store standing in the sandbar.

You can say the store was misplaced, but hey, nobody complained.

We talked and had a few rounds until dusk enjoying the breeze and the picturesque sunset.

I clearly remember though that despite the gaily atmosphere, there was this nagging thought that I might not be able to access my email, file my stories, and do my website editing chores.

The next day, my worries all but disappeared because, yes, there was indeed an internet café and everything worked out just fine.

Postscripts: Interesting facts

A dear friend told me that SEAIR, one of the most popular airline carriers for local tourists, has just celebrated its 15th year in service. Here are a few interesting facts about SEAIR.

• South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) was set up in 1995 with two nine-seater airplanes. Aside from flying passengers then, the airline also transported light cargo such as chicken and fish.
• SEAIR remains committed to Mindanao (whereas other airlines have abandoned operations in that region), offering flights to remote Tawi-Tawi, Jolo and Zamboanga to help boost commerce and trade operations.
• SEAIR has invested over six years in its Mindanao operations and deployment of planes -- with or without full passenger load.
• In 2004, SEAIR reached the 1 million passenger mark.
• In 2005, SEAIR introduced the state-of-the-art Dornier 328.The Dornier 328 can fly to Caticlan (Boracay) in 35 minutes.
• SEAIR is still headquartered in Clark and is the only airline to do so. It is the second oldest airline in the Philippines.
• SEAIR offered flights to the most destinations in Palawan: Busuanga, El Nido, Taytay, Puerto Princesa and Cuyo.
• SEAIR currently flies to 12 local destinations -- Clark, Caticlan (Boracay), Cebu, Manila, Basco (Batanes), El Nido, Tablas (Romblon), Marinduque, San Fernando (La Union), Zamboanga, Jolo and Tawi-tawi.

The cabana at the Shangri-la

2010-04-29T02:54:00.003-07:00

Back in 1996, I was with a group of journalists attending an event in Shangri-la Mactan in Cebu. It was my first time to visit the high-end resort hotel and nothing really fascinating caught my eye.

It did not help that the resort was still being developed during that year. I clearly remember that one wing of the hotel was still being constructed.

My second time to visit, after a few years, however totally changed my view of Shangri-la. The resort has become picture-perfect, with a really huge swimming pool, a sprawling grass-covered lawn, and a white-sand beach that is very similar to Boracay. Rumor has it that the sand came directly from Boracay, shipped to the island by the tons.

The rooms all have a view. The resort has a world-class spa, and numerous restaurants. Entertainment facilities abound, and children have several activities to choose from.

What I like the most however is the small cabana located far out from from one of the restaurants. The cabana is a few minutes walk, and is perfect for a nice night cap.

The walk way leading up to the cabana is made of gleaming and polished logs, with short lamp posts from each side.

The small group I was had a nice time exchanging stories amid a background of city lights from afar and the soothing sound of ocean waves.

It is pretty easy for me to dig from memory some of the most unforgettable and beautiful places all across the Philippines. Shangri-la Mactan is one of these places.

The high-end resort, which may seem to cater to affluent local tourists and foreigners, continues to be on my top list of places to visit with my family.

And I hope we can make that visit very soon.

An oasis in the middle of the city

2010-04-28T02:02:00.001-07:00

It was in 2006 when my family and relatives made our first visit to the La Mesa Dam Eco Park one weekend.

I read about the place from newspaper clippings and I thought we could check it out. Besides, the park was located in Fairview, QC which was also fairly close to our apartment.

Quezon City typifies urban sprawl and frankly, I was not expecting too much from the weekend trip. The plan was to let the kids swim in the pool for a few hours, have a quiet picnic then go home in the afternoon.

We were pleasantly surprised though because the park has so much more to offer. There were massive, decade-old trees, carefully manicured gardens, flower terraces, orchidariums, pathways, bike trails, a nice large pond, and lots of open spaces for picnics.

It was a pleasant discovery for us, and it seems that the government was serious in maintaining the so-called nature preserve. The parking area is a bit far from the grounds, and vehicles are not allowed inside the 33-hectare ‘forest.’

While the kids enjoyed swimming at the pool, the grownups relaxed in a nice picnic spot shaded by the massive canopies of trees.

I was told that the park was previously a watershed site and a mere backdrop for the majestic La Mesa Dam.

But the city government and a foundation by broadcasting giant ABS-CBN decided to draw up plans to officially declare the area a nature preserve or an oasis within the city.

The popularity of the La Mesa Eco-Park may have multiplied ten-fold by now, and the last time we went there, a zip line, a paintball arena and other team-building facilities, boating, and rod and reel fishing have been added to the growing list of activities that the park offers.

A fascinating story

2010-04-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Philippines is an archipelago and one of the challenges or thrills that travelers could face is how to get to places that seem to be too isolated.

The more than 7,000 islands pose a mighty challenge to companies who made it their business to transport people to and from these places.

Yes, people can now easily go to Boracay, Batanes, or Palawan, but not so long ago, these places too were difficult to reach.

And with an archipelago like the Philippines, it will not be too long until the next Boracay, Palawan or Batanes, emerges. There are simply just too many beautiful islands and places that the archipelago has, which is always a good thing, and that these places are just waiting to be ‘discovered.’

It is fascinating to note that SEAIR actually had to face and overcome these challenges before the airline company eventually became the airliner of choice for many travelers when it comes to these destinations.

The story goes that fifteen years ago in El Nido, Palawan, German pilot Iren Dornier dreamed he would make travel to all the beautiful islands of the Philippines easy and accessible.

But such a wish actually first took shape in a country several thousands of miles away, across the Pacific Ocean, during a cross-country flight to Mexico.

“We discovered a breathtaking area near Manzanillo in western Mexico,” said Nikos Gitsis, SEAIR director and co-founder, and Dornier’s longtime friend and business partner. “It was in a rural area and was very difficult to get to. We thought a small air service was necessary.”

A fateful holiday trip to Palawan in December 1994 convinced Dornier that the Philippines is the perfect home for their future airline.

“I came to this country by accident. I initially planned to go to Phuket, Thailand but all the flights were booked. I ended up in El Nido instead,” Dornier said.

In 1995, Iren Dornier, Nikos Gitsis and Tomas Lopez, then president of Club Noah, founded SEAIR with an investment of a few million and two nine-seater airplanes. They set up their headquarters in the Clark Special Economic Zone, the first domestic airline to do so.

SEAIR started flying from Manila to Caticlan and Manila to Rodriguez and Busuanga, Palawan.

In 1996, SEAIR brought its first LET410 aircraft, a 19-seater plane that performs Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL). The LET was ideal for the small runways of Palawan and Caticlan.

In 1998, the airline expanded its operations and began pioneering missionary routes. It opened regional hubs in Cebu and Zamboanga to offer routes in far-flung areas such as Camiguin, Siargao, Cotabato, Jolo and Tawi-tawi, as well as interconnecting flights in Palawan: Manila-Busuanga-El Nido-Puerto Princesa and vice versa.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Baguio City memories

2010-04-27T02:15:00.000-07:00

I first went to Baguio City in June 1989. I was going there to study. To ease my anxiety, my dear mother accompanied me during that trip.

We took a bus and the trip was pretty amazing. It was my first time to experience Kennon Road. It was my first time to experience the marvelous zigzag road. On one side of the road are mountains adorned with thin, cascading waterfalls. On another side, is a mighty river.

Arriving at the city, it was my first time to see rows and rows of pine trees, heavy with pine cones. It was my first time to see houses on the side of hills. It was my first tim to see and feel fog in the middle of the day.

It was my first time to walk along Session Road, and to see a few taxi cabs and passenger jeepneys darting back and forth the uncrowded road.

It was my first time to see the flowers blooming in Burnham Park.

I remember having a throbbing headache perhaps because of the zigzag road and the 5-hour trip. But breathing Baguio’s cool, soothing air helped ease the headaches.

Fast-forward to the present. I can no longer remember how many times I have traveled to Baguio. I have been there with friends, I have driven my family there on vacation, and have gone back to my beloved UP Baguio on a reunion.

Things might have changed, and the traffic might have gotten from bad to worse along Session Road.

But my fascination with the City of Pines will not fade and I am hoping to return to Baguio soon.

***

Postscripts: To the North via SEAIR

Good to know that just this April, Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has launched direct round-trip flights between Manila and San Fernando, La Union. SEAIR thus has become the first leisure airline to serve the route from Manila to San Fernando through the newly upgraded San Fernando Airport .

The one-hour flights are scheduled Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. SEAIR passengers can also avail of complimentary land transfers from San Fernando to Baguio City and back. Baguio is the economic and tourism center of the Cordilleras and is popular for its vibrant city, beautiful mountain sceneries and cool weather all year round.

This is definitely good news for travelers not wanting to take the 5-hour land trip from Manila to Baguio.

Siargao wipeouts

2010-04-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Siargao earned its place as one of the surfing hotspots in the Philippines and in the world not only because of the awesome waves found on the island, but also because of the laid-back lifestyle that the 'surfing town' is known for.

I had the opportunity to visit the island, and try out the world-famous waves at Cloud Nine, which, we were told, are comparable to some of the swells found in Hawaii.

And yes, I had my fair share of wipe-outs, before I got the hang of keeping my balance and staying on the surf board for a grand total of 5 seconds. Not enough time for me to do a Hang Ten. Maybe next time.

The resort we stayed in was as laid-back as you can imagine. The number of the rooms was just enough for a small group, and the restaurant/lobby area offers a nice vista of the sea.

If surfing is not your thing, you can always take a stroll on the beach and do a bit of beach-combing, when the tide is low, particularly early in the morning.

The jackfish of Miniloc Island

2010-04-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

My previous post was about my very first trip to El Nido in Palawan.
Owing to the success of that first trip (and yes, to the clamor from attendees), organizers made El Nido the destination for the next 2 or 3 Synergies. You do not get tired of Lagen Island. The event set the bar so high, that other out-of-town trips have suddenly become so ordinary.

For one particular year, Synergy organizers have decided to add a little spice to the event and decided to hold it still in El Nido but this time in nearby Miniloc Island.

It was an easy choice because the group running Lagen Island is also same group behind Miniloc.

But the similarity ends there. If I can describe Lagen Island as a honeymooners enchanting getaway, Miniloc Island is partly opposite. Miniloc visitors are actually encouraged to go out and enjoy more activities that the island offers. There is a basketball court, a table tennis table, and billiards/pool to complement the water sports facilities. Miniloc is also in a cove, but has more open spaces than Lagen Island.

For me, two activities stood out. Fish feeding and snorkeling.

You do not need to venture far, because there is an area in Miniloc where you can feed the fish and snorkel to your heart’s content. You can do the typical fish-feeding routine. Get a piece of bread, shred it into pieces, throw it into the water and watch throng of colorful few fish go to you. Or, you can take fish feeding into another level. You can don a set of snorkels, dive in, bread in hand, and watch as the fish feed right before your eyes.

You have to hold your nerves though because some of the fish you are going to feed are big. Really big. Jackfish about the size of a small child, are often found swimming on the fringes of Miniloc Island’s dock. The fish are actually an attraction, and have seem developed an affinity to the wide-eyed tourist wanting to swim alongside them. These fish are huge, even more so underwater.

They move torpedo like, and if by chance they swim by and brush you with their elegant bodies, you will feel it. The surrounding waters off El Nido are protected areas, and the jackfish have found a small sanctuary in Miniloc. And the wide-eyed tourist will be waiting bread and snorkel set in hand.

Lagen Island: Paradise in a cove

2010-04-24T05:11:00.001-07:00

I do not mean to brag, but I have been to the wonderful islands of El Nido in Palawan many times now. As a journalist covering the information technology (IT) beat in the Philippines, I consider myself fortunate to become part of a yearly ‘tradition’ initiated by technology companies Intel and Hewlett-Packard, particularly the Philippine offices of the two firms.

The year 1997 it was, when someone came up with the idea of whisking away a bunch of technology journalists, fly them to some exotic location outside Manila, have them sit down for a few hours in a press conference/ technology showcase and then give them ample time for R&R.

The idea is appealing from the onset because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The idea is not at all new or novel.

But the clincher was the location, and to a large extent, the well-planned ‘program’ for the duration of the usually 3-day, two-night stay.

Thus, ‘Synergy’ was born and the maiden destination was Lagen Island in El Nido. Lagen Island is just one of the few islands dotting El Nido.

From the dock to the spacious, yet homey receiving area, the beach-front cottages, the forest rooms, the almost supernatural forest altar, everything seems to be in place in Lagen.

A non-travel writer like me is hard-put to really describe the place, and frankly, the first time I saw it, I was at a loss for words.

Located in a cove, Lagen Island is one of those places that you cannot easily describe. Words such as ‘ethereal’ ‘beautiful’ ‘breathtaking,’ ‘paradise-like,’ ‘tranquil,’ ‘fragile’ all seem inadequate.

In a few words, Lagen Island is a piece of paradise nestled amid tall and imposing cliffs.

On several occasions, rare hornbill birds are seen roosting on these majestic cliffs.

An eternity pool serves as a centerpiece. There is a large dining area near the pool. There is also a large cabana which serves as a bar with a perfect view of the ocean.

The surrounding waters are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, and for the more adventurous, Scuba dives can be organized. You can also explore nearby islands.

If you are of the more laid-back type, perhaps bottom fishing is your thing.

Or, you can simply laze around the beachfront to get a nice tan, while sipping that cold drink.

Ten times I’ve been in El Nido and I cannot wait to make the return trip.

The family excursion

2010-04-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

My fondest memory of travel are the 'excursions' and out-of-town trips that my family and relatives used to take when I was growing up in the province.

My family, as well as my uncles and aunts, and my cousins, lived in a compound with several houses.

It has been a family tradition that at least once a year, the family and some family friends go on a one out-of-town trip usually in the summer.

The routine was always the same: The kids are told to sleep early the night before the trip, while the grownups prepare the baon. Family members would usually pool their resources to hire a vehicle or two, usually a passenger Sarao jeepney, or a borrowed second-hand private jeepney to take us to the beach.

The matriarch of the family, our beloved grandmother (we call her Ima) was usually the first to wake up and sound off the rest of the family before the break of dawn.
She would walk briskly from house to house in the compound in her worn out but still elegant baro't saya to wake up the rest of the family.

By the time we wake up, the compound will be a like a beehive of activity, with last-minute preparations in the midst of revving sound of the engine of the rented Sarao.

We knew it was time to go once the driver puts a simple plastic 'Private Use Only' sign board on his jeepney. By the time the jeepney rolls along the highway, it would be full to the bream, with mostly plastic bags and the bayong where the food is kept.

We lived in Tarlac and the usual destination will be the beaches of Pangasinan up in the north. The trip can last hours, but it was always worth it.

Coming from a family with modest means, those out-of-town trips will always be a thrill and will always be unforgettable.

The travel diary

2010-04-21T23:57:00.000-07:00

As a journalist, I consider myself to be fortunate to be able to go to different places in the Philippines and abroad.

These travels are mostly work-related, but they are nonetheless very memorable.
I would have wanted to photograph every trip that I have ever had, but due to financial and schedule constraints, I was not able to do so.

I will thus try to dig up from memory some of the personal highlights of these travels and chronicle them.

I have visited some of the most interesting and beautiful places in the Philippines and I have been to some assignments abroad including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Outside Asia, I have also been fortunate to be able to travel to the US and Europe.

I am quick to tell friends and family however that the bulk of the travel itself is attending seminars, sitting down on press conferences, and interviewing people.

I am not complaining, but the time spent for the usual travel fares such as sightseeing and shopping were almost always limited.

It was in 1997 that I first got hold of a passport. It was that year that I was able to go out of the country for the first time.

I was Singapore bound, and to this day, I've never been as excited as that very first trip compared to the other trips that I would embark on soon after.

It was also that year when blogging was just beginning to become popular.

It was in 1998 or 1999 that I seriously thought of writing my own blog, thinking that my occasional travels will provide me sufficient materials to keep the blog going.

I do not fancy myself as a travel writer, and back then, my mindset was to keep an online journal of my travels in the hopes of one day showing them to my kids, and hopefully to my grandchildren.

A blog is after all a diary.

But I never quite made that first step.

Now, after some ten-odd years, I'm going for it.