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

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...

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.

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...

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.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Calaguas | The Rustic Paradise


CALAGUAS | The Rustic Paradise

Of Clear Skies And Pristine Waters

“It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. 
Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy...Beach Therapy.”
- Amy Dykens


 Its mid afternoon with light pouing rain. I couldn't pass up the chance to enjoy the gentle waves.
Calaguas or the Happy Beach as some netizens call it is a back to basics rustic paradise off the coast of Daet Camarines Norte.