Pinoy Heritage

Heritage Trips featuring Cultures, Traditions, Nature Trekks

Sunrise And Sunsets

Photography captures of Beautiful Sunrises or Breathtaking Sunsets over varied locations.

Nature Trekking

Mountains, Falls, Terraces, Caves, Rock Formations.. Everything About Outdoor Adventures.

Food Trip

Food Reviews, Foodie Post, Food Photography

Islands Adventure

Island hopping trips, Underwater adventures and Exploring Peninsulas and Island Groups

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Food Trip | Turf Lounge Bar


FOOD TRIP | Turf Lounge Bar
Baguio Food Tour 2013




A Turf for everyone else to enjoy has come to the night scene of Baguio City, a new watering hole in a seemingly unexpected joint along Laubach Road. Hopeless with a map on hand, I wouldn't be able to pin point this place even if a landmark stares right back at me, good thing Baguio's Taxi service is superb and you really would not miss "Turf" if the driver knows where Laubach Road is located.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Food Trip | Le Chef @ The Manor


FOOD TRIP | Le Chef @ The Manor
Baguio Food Trip 2013



It was pleasant, it was serene, though The Manor is suited for posh crowd, I'd never imagine stepping inside after being invited to an afternoon siesta in their in house restaurant Le Chef. From the entrance, you'll see polished wood basking in warm light, of huge chandeliers and hanging Christmas decoration lights, the liveries and attendants dressed to kill, of big luggage's towed in the lobby, it was all too formal.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Food Trip | Hill Station @ Casa Vallejo

FOOD TRIP | Hill Station @ Casa Vallejo
Baguio Food Trip 2013



Perhaps one of the most romantic dining place in Baguio I've ever experienced. Stepping into the uppermost floors of Casa Vallejo and descending into a circular staircase, you can experience the intimate set up of Hill Station, with wide windows and clear glasses overlooking a valley on the side of a hill. The site of numerous pine trees is sure to be rejuvenating though in huge contrast to the busy street just outside.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Food Trip | Te Quiero Tapas Bar And Restaurant


FOOD TRIP | Te Quiero Tapas Bar And Restaurant
Baguio Food Tour 2013



Te Quiero paved our way for a fun night, good food, good music, warm welcome, cold highland weather and a window view of the sprawling night time metropolis of Baguio City.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Food Trip | Starbucks @ Camp John Hay and Divine Sweet Delights


FOOD TRIP | Starbucks @ Camp John Hay and Divine Sweet Delights
Baguio Food Tour 2013



A cloudy afternoon cast in Baguio, we found a great place for downtime in Starbucks at Camp John Hay. This place brings back memories from my previous visits to Baguio because of the seemingly quite atmosphere that the sprawling golf course and the scattering of pines invoke.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Food Trip | Zen'z Restaurant At Mines View Park And Hotel


FOOD TRIP | Zen'z Restaurant at Mines View Park Hotel
Baguio Food Trip 2013




When we say Mines View Park, we envision the stunning view point that which this place was named after. It isn't my favorite place in Baguio but I do visit here regularly for the souvenir shops, and some photo session. Don't blame me if I never heard of Mines View Park Hotel until they sponsored the Baguio Food Tour 2013. An amazing gastronomic experience awaited us at Zenz Bar and Restaurant.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Kalinga | The Harsh Road To Lubo


KALINGA | The Harsh Road To Lubo
Keeping The Camaraderie Alive


"Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen"
- Benjamin Disraeli


I am sharing some of the landscape photos taken along the road, hand held photos shot with the noontime sky rendering the landscape flat. Cramped as we were with our conditions in the truck, and getting the trip held up as it is every hour as the truck hits the bumps along the road, the scenery kept us happy and the presence of comrades holding on makes us want to move forward in making this trip remarkable.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Food Trip | Choco-Late de Batirol


FOOD TRIP | Choco-Late de Batirol
Baguio Food Trip 2013


 
It was like stepping into the threshold of a witches lair. The low thatched roof is hidden behind the thick brambles and bushes, over hanging tree branches and moss laden surrounding trees. I've pass by this corner in Igorot park before, but never paid attention to where the gravel pathway leads to, such is the humble abode of Choco-Late de Batirol.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Food Trip | ZOLA Resto \ Cafe


FOOD TRIP | ZOLA Resto \ Cafe
Baguio Food Tour 2013



Like in every celebrated city in the Philippines; there is always that one Street, an Avenue, a Highway Road perhaps that seemed to be the center of activity that defines the place. The Session Road is that place in Baguio, the beating Heart of The Summer Capital of The Philippines, the humdrum of activity of people going to and fro with the enclave of establishments welcoming everyone. Prominently raising its banners is the must try "Zest Of Life's Abundance" ZOLA Resto and Cafe in of Session Roads corners.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Food Trip | Sentro 1771


FOOD TRIP | Sentro 1771
The Best Of Modern Filipino Cuisine



Over a week ago, I received an invitation from a friend to join them in sampling the newest menu to grace the tables of Sentro 1771. While I am always on the lookout for a great place to dine, I agreed without hesitation, and as always my attitude in dining, I don't check out the place beforehand to keep the surprise fator a delight. I was not disappointed.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Kalinga | A Day Spent At Lubo Part I


KALINGA | A Day Spent At Lubo Part I
A Sykes Outdoor Tsinelas Ni Juan Outreach


Overlooking a valley with a pristine river running in between. Lubo village is that cluster of houses in the rice terraces.

It was easily the longest weekend of my life, well one if those anyway considering the number of hours spent traveling to reach this place, not only that, what we went through can be spelled in epic proportions that a simple blog post may not be enough.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

El Nido | The Paradise Of Inagbuyutan Island


EL NIDO | The Paradise Of Inagbuyutan Island
The Bacuit Archipelago



If I get myself stranded and marooned in a certain island for an indefinite time, I'd imagine it to be the Inagbuyutan Island. To be honest, The Bacuit Archipelago is scattered with many beautiful islands that its a heartbreak to discard even just one of them. Painfully beautiful, that's what I'd think of Inagbuyutan Island, as the last island we hopped into for the Tour B, it looked to be a fitting finale.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

El Nido | The Snaking Sandbar Snake Island


El Nido | The Snaking Sandbar Of Snake Island
The Bacuit Archipelago


Bacuit Archipelago is easily at the top of my list as the best location for beach and island hopping, having been to some of the best must explore group of islands in the Philippines, even bested that of El Nido's closest counterpart, Coron also that in Palawan.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Food Trip | Kainan Au Gusto


FOOD TRIP | Kainan Au Gusto, Kapitolyo, Pasig
Good Food, Good Carinderia



The glorified carinderia of Brgy Kapitolyo, Pasig. First time I heard of the name of this place, I imagined a posh restaurant, one of the many along the metro so it came as a surprise that it was entirely different.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Guest Post | 3 Ways Boracay Differs From Other Beaches

 
3 Ways Boracay Differs From Other Beaches 
 

Boracay remains a highly regarded vacation spot in the world—a condition that is sure to remain for many years to come. It is a nature-endowed island that is made available for humans to relish—but the question is, what sets this island apart from others, and why is it so renowned? Below are three important characteristics that are uniquely Boracay.


Monday, September 16, 2013

Food Trip | Stacy's, BGC


FOOD TRIP | Stacy's, Bonifacio Global City
Pink And Dainty



It was an after shift rave on a weekend. Like every regular corporate junkie, I look forward to weekends so I could let loose some of the stress that had accumulated over the course of the week. As for me, it's mostly the lack of sleep for working night shift. Good food is a good comfort everywhere, and certainly my team (Team Gwapo) knows how to appreciate good food and great ambiance.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Laguna | Nagcarlan's Historic Underground Cemetery


LAGUNA | Nagcarlan's Historic Underground Cemetery
Creepy Underground Crypt


The customary walk to reach the church with a burial site beneath it.

Curiosity got the better of me, but I wouldn't miss seeing this crypt if it were the last thing I had to do in this day. I've got a fair share of visiting graves, cemetery's and creepy crypts, but this underground cemetery in Nagcarlan proved to be one of the creepiest old edifice I've seen. Mind you, I didn't discern any bad vibes or restless haunts in its corners.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Aurora | Town Photowalk


AURORA | The Baler Town Photowalk
Town Exploration


A new landmark, placed on a corner block near the Municipal Hall.

Known as one of the top spot for surfing destinations in the Philippines, a place of some spectacular geographic formations and one of those Capital Towns that has a huge contribution to the Annals of Philippine history.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Batangas | Galleria de Taal


BATANGAS | Galleria de Taal
The Country's First Camera Museum


The Philippines First camera museum, a Bahay na Bato neglected ancestral house that became a gallery to showcase rare vintage Camera's.

By this time, after looking inside some of the Old Ancestral Houses in the Heritage town of Taal Batangas, we had our fill of them. Galleria de Taal proved to be different, because it doesn't enshrine people who are long dead. We didn't choke on historic information that we will soon forget, instead we feasted our eyes on some of the rarest camera's, restored and glorified in their pedestal. We even had a glimpse of the most expensive camera this gallery had, which is in the first photo shown above, cast out from a body of 24K pure gold. Makes me glad I had Nikon Camera slung on my neck.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Falls | Bunga (Twin) Falls Of Nagcarlan


FALLS | Bunga (Twin) Falls Of Nagcarlan
A Side Trip to Climbing Mt Mabilog



A refreshing side trip after climbing a mountain. The visit to Bunga Falls of Nagcarlan in Laguna was mainly for us who just trek the muddy trails of Mt Mabilog to freshen up before going back to Metro Manila.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Mountain | Mt Mabilog, The 5th Mountain


MOUNTAIN | Mt Mabilog, The 5th Mountain
Post Climb - Fun Weekend With Chasing Adventures Club

The 5Th mountain, sounds like a title of a novel but not much significance really, this is just how I track the Mountains I climbed this year, it only means that Mt Mabilog was my 5th Mountain. By doing so, I can easily mark them, not minding if I might try climbing the same mountain. As compared to other outdoor enthusiast, the frequency of my climbs are very slow, maybe because of certain preference that I have to consider before I say go or pass on an invitation. Mt Mabilog for me was a huge go when I received an invitation to join a weekend climb by JPMC adventure club called Chasing Adventure.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Batangas | Our Lady Of Caysasay



Batangas | Our Lady Of Caysasay
A Venerated Church And The Girls Who Chased After Us


After visiting a lot of "Bahay na Bato" in the Heritage town of Taal and the Minor Basilica, I thought were done with churches. It's the time of the afternoon where you can go out; the sun's heat has already subsided. Thought we would already have much about the history of Taal in a day, but it's not enough really. Seeing that the whole town itself is littered with old heritage houses, the new ones obviously built from the old foundations. I have to say that visiting the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay is my least favorite, but still it's a venerated church for a good reason.

The church of Our Lady of Caysasay as viewed from the outside.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Cagayan de Oro | White Water Rafting with Bugsay


CAGAYAN DE ORO | White Water Rafting with Bugsay
The World Class Water Rafting Adventure Of CDO


Paddle as if your life depends on it. An apt phrase for the foremost adventure of White Water Rafting that can be experienced in Cagayan de Oro. Though other places have already sprouted offering the same kind of thrill and adventure, Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro remains to be the country's forefront in this kind of eco-tourism.

NOTE: These photos are from Bugsay, one of the few Water Rafting Tour group in CDO. We've paid for this photos as part of our souvenirs, and I enhance them using Picasa.


Before a wall of rock that is hidden in the shadows, we were struggling just to steer the boat forward.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Islas de Gigantes | Restless in Islas de Gigantes


Restless in Islas de Gigantes
A Morning Photowalk In The Mangroves


Standing at the edge of a cliff, in a sweeping panorama of rolling hills with rocky beaches, Sayuri looks out of place in her grey plain kimono dress, her locks of jet black hair is swaying in the wind, her blue eyes lost in unreadable thoughts. Certainly one of the unforgettable scenes I know in the movie adaptation of Memoirs of a Geisha, more so because this part of the movie where Sayuri lets go of the handkerchief the Captain gave to her as a child looks so unlike Japan. Muir Beach to be exact, in Northern California was the location of this beautiful landscape, but what strikes me, is not the awful storyline of this adaptation, but of being lost in a beautiful place, of being there but not looking with your own eyes. This mirrors the emotions I was harboring during my visit to Islas de Gigantes, I see the place but I don’t feel like I’m actually there. I wasn’t standing on a cliff, heartbroken and trying to let go of a dream, but I’m lost in my own thoughts as I walk alone in the coastline.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

TRAVEL FEATURE | Tiger Airways Offers The Freedom To Fly With The Free Airfare Promo




Tiger Airways offers the freedom to fly with the free airfare promo

Filipino flyers get a chance to fly to their favourite destinations (local or international) for FREE as part of the launching of Tiger Airways Philippines.

“We at Tiger Airways Philippines embrace the simple belief that travel is about bringing people closer to their desires and experiences. One way of making air travel more accessible is through offerings such as the free fare promo,” says Olive Ramos, President and CEO of Tiger Airways Philippines.

Flights booked on www. www.tigerairways.com from June 1 until June 30, 2013 and with travel dates from July 1 to September 30, 2013 can be availed with for free. Among the destinations that Tiger Airways Philippines flies to are Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and local destinations such as Clark, Laoag, Bacolod, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Puerto Princesa. It has also increased its flight frequency between Manila and Bacolod, and Cebu and Kalibo. A Singapore to Kalibo route will also be launched on July 18, making the carrier the only one to directly fly this route.

“Travellers now have more freedom to choose an airline that is safe, reliable and seamless. We are offering this free fare promo for everyone to get a chance to experience the joy of finding a travel partner that understands their needs and truly cares for them.” Ramos adds.

Tiger Airways Philippines carries a distinguished regional brand that gives importance to safety and reliability, while offering the best value fare to travellers. The airline operates Airbus A320 and A319, with wider leg rooms to give added comfort to its passengers.

For more details, log on to www.tigerairways.com or like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/flyseair

Sometimes, the best things in life, are still, FREE.


Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted
No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.

Monday, June 17, 2013

TRAVEL FEATURE | A New Tiger Has Arrived


Flights operated by Tiger Airways Philippines
 
A new Tiger has arrived - and it brings with it a promise of a great adventure, memorable experiences, and the excitement of a new journey.

Known as the leading and most trusted value-for-money carrier in Southesast Asia, Tiger Airways Philippines will make its formal debut in the skies beginning July 10.

“Tiger Airways is the leading airline and travel partner connecting people across Asia Pacific. It is a distinguished regional brand that differentiates itself in terms of safety and reliability,” says newly-appointed president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ms. Olive Ramos.

Committed to bringing its customers its brand of friendly, high-quality service, and excellent standards of security, Tiger Airways Philippines promises to make travel around Asia more enjoyable.

With the Philippines poised to become Asia’s next tiger economy, Tiger Airways anticipates more flights connecting the country to its Asian neighbors – and even beyond, in the coming years. “It’s a niche we are eager and equipped to serve,” adds Tiger Airways’ chief.

Currently, Tiger Airways flies to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong from Manila and Clark. Locally, it serves travelers going to Laoag, Bacolod, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo Tacloban and Puerto Princesa.

Next month, Tiger Airways will add another feather to its cap when it marks a milestone - the Kalibo and Singapore route, the first and only airline to offer such route.

“We embrace the simple belief that travel is about bringing people closer to their dreams and about enabling great experiences, and memories,” adds Ramos.

The new Tiger Airways Philippines will offer great value and seamless experience. Together with the Filipino personnel’s warm and hospitable traits, the airline will be “the one to beat” in the coming years, she adds.

The birth of Tiger Airways Philippines brings along with it the technology and business savvy of Tiger Airways as it offers travelers greater accessibility to the rest of Southeast Asia. It does not only commit to high performance standards and innovation, it also confident about keeping its venture more sustainable for stakeholders.

Tiger Air embodies a ‘can-do’ and respectful spirit, according to Ramos. “We will continuously pursue for roaring excellence. We are going to be the airline of choice!”

For more details log on to www.tigerairways.com


Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

Follow Me


All Rights Reserved
Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted
No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

TRAVEL GUIDE | Islas de Gigantes


TRAVEL GUIDE | Islas de Gigantes
The Gem of Iloilo Province





Named as it was rumored to have been a home of giants, the Gigantes Group of islands off the coast of Carles Iloilo, located Northeast of the Panay Island, is a place of un-spoilt Islands and Islets with towering Karst rocks, stretches of twin white beaches, hidden natural pools with rich floras and faunas, not to mention that this is a rich fishing ground supplying seafoods of export quality. Almost all of Municipality of Carles’s esteemed notable beaches are actually from Isla de Gigantes, all eight of them as listed in Wikipedia. There are more beaches to be explored and discovered due to its remote location. 

Monday, June 3, 2013

Islas de Gigantes | Gigantes Norte Lighthouse


ISLAS DE GIGANTES | North Gigantes Medium Lighthouse
Gigantes Group Of Islands In Photos Virtual Tour




A set of four stairs before coming out in the hatch at the top and see the sweeping panorama of the Visayan Sea and the hills of Gigante Norte Island. The stairs aren't much of a challenge but once you stand in the viewing deck and realize the height of the tower plus the rocky cliffs you'll know it is gut wrenching.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Islas de Gigantes | Gigantes Norte Lighthouse Part II


ISLAS DE GIGANTES | North Gigantes Medium Lighthouse
Gigantes Group Of Islands In Photos Virtual Tour
Part II - On Sunrise




Just as I predicted the day before, The North Gigante Lighthouse would be an amazing sight during Sunrise. My early morning alarm paid off, I'm still fresh from yesterdays Island hopping adventure and feeling a little sad that I'll be leaving this amazing islands paradise today. But with the determination that I could still capture some good photographs of Isla de Gigantes, I relented to catch the Golden hours of Isla Gigante Norte, only that the timing was hampered by Cumulonimbus (rain clouds).

Friday, May 31, 2013

Islas de Gigantes | Antonia Island


ISLAS DE GIGANTES | Antonia Island
Gigantes Group Of Islands In Photos Virtual Tour




Yet another Twin Beach to explore, adjacent to the bigger Gigante Sur Island. As per our guide, Antonia (An-to-ni-ya) Island is actually private, whose local ownership has been passed on from generation to generation. We paid entrance for Php 20.00 per head, though without any resort or large imposing edifice, there is a small house place just before the rocky hill and a little hut (kubo) for Sari-Sari store. Like the main islands of Gigante Norte and Gigante Sur, electricity is somewhat a challenge, but the Sari-Sari store sells all sorts of refreshments including beer to visitors as they are kept cool with ice. Yet another realization, as there were mounds of Scallops shells along the beach, this can be a perfect Island to camp.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Islas de Gigantes | Tangke Natural Pool


ISLAS DE GIGANTES | Tangke Natural Pool
Gigantes Group Of Islands In Photos Virtual Tour
  


A secluded area along the Southern end of Gigante Sur Island in jagged Karst Rock Wall, Tangke Natural pool is a must visit attraction in Isla de Gigantes if you prefer a serene location surrounded by towering rocks. Aptly named as Tangke which by Hiligaynon language a Tank that holds a body of water, water tank per say. Tangke is actually a Natural Saltwater Lagoon bounded on all sides by rocks, giving it the look of a nicely done pool.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Isla de Gigantes | Cabugao Gamay Island


ISLA DE GIGANTES | Cabugao Gamay Island
 Gigantes Group Of Islands In Photos Virtual Tour




The photo above is perhaps the most photographed and Social Media posted location in Gigantes Group of Islands. Cabugao Gamay is a Hiligaynon term Cabugao for Pomelo, and Gamay for Small, but translates literally as a phrase "The smaller Cabugao Island." Adorned by a twin beach both of fine white sand, rocky hills on both ends that is subject for a little rock climbing with a scattering of Coconut trees lining inland and dividing the beaches on both sides.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Islas de Gigantes | Bantique Island Sandbar


ISLAS DE GIGANTES | Bantique Island Sandbar
Gigantes Group Of Islands In Photos Virtual Tour




Bantigue Island Sandbar is a first stop for island hopping if you coming from Gigante Norte Island. Some 15 to 20 minutes boat ride from Asluman's make shift pier. On initial approach, the distinguishable stretch of white sand is remarkable; I immediately I could imagine this place from above and would have loved to take an aerial view of the island.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Philippines Top Travel Blogs for 2013


Philippines Top Travel Blogs For 2013



I'd like to say that my blog is better and that is just me considering the hours I spent toiling with it. As a blogger we always have to start with something, as a Travel Blogger then, we change that something into a lot more, clearly by being able to take better travel photographs, writing engaging blogpost and travel more often. The latter is very important; a travel blogger would not be believable without personally experiencing the places and adventures that they are featuring. Hence, my hats off to a select number of travel bloggers that I personally follow well before I became one of them. While I can say I've been to a lot of places in the last couple of years, taking photographs and embracing culture, my efforts are easily dwarfed by these guys who are the personas behind some of the best travel blogs in the country today. Without much delay, here they are.

The Visual Entertainers
My travels are moored with the purpose of taking good photographs. As a photography enthusiast looking at these links always gives me the realization that I still have miles to waddle through my own brand of photography, but still, I look up to these guys for sheer awesomeness in travel photography.

Marcus Caratao | http://www.ambot-ah.com/
Christian Lucas Sangoyo | http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/
Ferdz Decena | http://www.ironwulf.net/
Oman Serapio | http://www.lawstude.net/
Allan Barredo | http://www.lantaw.com/


The Introspective and Most Sassy Writers
Now these next set of blogs are the ones that I read and enjoy thoroughly. It's not about photographs or travel guides, but for their undeniable talent that makes me want to read more. They're either poetic or just plain kick ass writer, now if you think these guys are hiding behind wide rimmed glasses, take their links and welcome a surprise. It's just a few among the many, but I'll give a little premise why I love them.

The Transcendental Tourist. Now this guy is a natural born poet. I've commented on his blogpost one's that his words make love with his photographs, and I meant it. What's more endearing is that he brings his Mom to his own travels and makes her the a central figure to his travel stories, now that's something I'd like to do knowing that my own Mom has given me so much and less for herself.

Here's a ray of light to the young mothers out there who wants to travel. Cool narratives, funny thought bubbles and the beautiful little princess she has in tow with her travel. You'd think it's easy to travel with a precocious child, but apparently she makes it happen, and not just on some quick weekend getaway but on a globetrotting level. 

I am a fan of this one, and you'll probably know why when you start to read her many blog posts. Honestly, most are very long narratives in Taglish, Kura claims it to be a personal niche that just morphed into a travel blog. I couldn't agree more, but I'm glad she does put into account her experiences, her side comments can sometimes bring me to tears because of laughing alone. Grammar Nazi's would have a field day with her writings, but who cares when you have the natural talent to make people laugh with your words.

I was a start up blogger when this lady made some headlines about her traumatic experience as an alleged drug trafficker in Bali Indonesia. She blogged extensively about the horrible experience which put into light the plight of Pinoy Travelers abroad. Bloggers can be nothing if they can't make some noise, but Chyng certainly made things clamour. I'm a follower and a fan since then.

Rogelio Gabiano Jr | http://www.pinoytravelfreak.com/
Short post, awesome photography and crisp writing skill, not to mention that Gabz is my regular travel buddy, I have hands down when it comes to his skill in writing, it's not really surprising if one is aware of his writing background, and he does copyrighting way better than I can. As always, all those travel tips and guides that he is posting are for real. I'm the daredevil who likes it spontaneous while he is the careful planner and strategists who make things happen. You'll certainly love his (mis)adventures, solo travels, travel photo Fridays and travel guides.


The Travel Guides And Daredevils
Now this next set are what you may consider as the ultimate backpackers who had contributed a lot to the places they've set foot, boosting tourism through their friendly travel guides and honest account of their adventures. May it be backpacking, hiking a mountain, island hopping's, cave spelunking, cliff jumping, diving or just plain headstand stunts in a beautiful beach, these guys are as daring as they come, not to mention that their travel guides are a must visit when planning itineraries and trips. You may have already come across these blogs if you have at one point tried to look up a place or target location in google. Check these out.


While I still insist that my blog is better, that is because it is mine. Knowing the rigors of maintaining a travel blog and keeping followers up to date, I fall behind these links. Surely there are more out there, if I could add more to a Top 15, so I've got it more than saturated. Certainly for my dear readers, these bloggers are some of those that are inspiring and entertaining at the same time. As I keep myself abreast with this time and age, with people needing to stretch their legs and widen their horizon, to fill their life with colorful travels, one will realize that it's not just about the aesthetics that you can enrich, but that this world is hopeful and adventures can be spelled with every twist of faith you can find along the road.


Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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All Rights Reserved
Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted
No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Mountain | Mt Manabu Travel Guide


MOUNTAIN |  Mt Manabu Travel Guide
Overnight Camp


 

Like a monarch standing proudly, Mt Manabu is part of the Malipunyo Mountain Range as one of its three major peaks. The trails are well established, easy and marked by up to 9 stations circling the mountain. Charming and friendly locals that helps keep climbers hydrated by their offerings of Buko juice along the way, even get a sample taste of kape Lowak or Alamid Coffee brewed by Mang Pirying and his brother Mang Pino while they offer a bargain of their own local coffee produce.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Mountain | Mt Manabu Fun Climb


MOUNTAIN | Mt Manabu
A Sykes Outdoor Spontaneous Fun Climb



A fun climb for beginners, hence this unpretentious mountain is perfect for my goal. It was Friday, April 19, 2013 last day for a workweek and I was preparing for what can be an uneventful weekend alone. I lent my camera to my travel buddy so he could cover his explorations of some amazing islands and beaches in Mindoro, I just couldn't come, not without going AWOL from work, so I scrounge it up hoping that this uneventful week would pass. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bulacan | Outdoor Adventures In Madlum



BULACAN | Outdoor Adventures In Madlum
Adventure Trek With Sykes Outdoor




The sun on our backs, our shadows pooled in our feet, it was hot, and it was humid, steep trails, thick bushes, high cliffs, cherry blossoms, bamboo shoots and silent river springs, all in a day’s trek to Mt Manalmon. Lugging our day packs with packed lunches of takeout meals from Jollibee and a happy disposition, it was yet another day of adventure and learning about the outdoors.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Batangas | Apacible House


BATANGAS | Apacible House
Taal Heritage Town Photowalk


Yet another must visit house in Taal, Batangas. The house of Leon Apacible is a 19th Century bahay na Bato marked by National Historical Institute (NHI) as a place where Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce and other Filipino National Heroes would gather. Leon Apacible himself was an Officer of the Revolutionary Government, a lawyer, a judge and a Lepanto delegate to the Malolos Convention.

The house is well preserved, as it was donated by the descendants of Leon Apacible to the government due to its Historical value, the house itself felt like its had lived through times. Certainly it is old, with the displays of Caruaje on the entrance, the showroom of old photographs, anterooms and marbles floors, muebles and antique figures, unlike any other heritage houses I visited today where what is left are impressions of an era long gone, this house feels like it has blended in this day and age with people actually living in it. I say probably, kudos to NHI for the restoration and how this house is being presented to the public.




What looks like an in house garage where the restored Caruaje is what greeted us upon our entrance. This was one of the last houses that we visited for this day. I was already tired and yearning for a cold bath since I took this trip right after my night shift work. Not even being with some of the bubbliest travel bloggers I am with could perk me up. Still I trudged on knowing that this house is special, and it was with its own charming appeal. 

Mirrors, a lot of them, antiquities with shiny surfaces, glass pedestals, even the shiny gloss of portraits hung in the walls. The wooden floorboards, intricate stairs lined with iron rails, and the colors or mahogany varnishes all over. I've never been to a house shinier than this. The rooms, bath in filtered light from glass paneled windows provide gloomy atmosphere to the auras around. I've always been one to feel auras, gift of discernment I got from my mother, but I don't think I'm otherworldly or supernatural or a physic if you believe in one. I just know when a place has a presence, discerning good and evil in ways I can't explain. The Apacible house left me feeling uneasy but that we are welcomed. I guess we should feel more grateful for the rich heritage we have, and this heritage of Taal is worth exploring.















Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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