Traveling Morion | Travel + Photography

A more or less 30-minute ride from the capital city, Pagadian, will lead you to a must visit or a should say a “worthy stopover spot”, just along the national highway covered by Barangay Upper Pulacan in the municipality of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Yep, I’m talking about the simply majestic Pulacan Falls!

The waterfall is one of the interesting spots in Zamboanga del Sur I’ve been longing to explore since I was assigned in Northern Mindanao and in Zamboanga Peninsula. I’ve been tempted so many times to drop in the area to have its closer look, but (oftentimes) my schedule doesn’t permit. Yep, at last, after almost 2 years, I had the chance to witness and took photographs of this simply majestic waterfall.

Pulacan Falls

Pulacan Falls has its own brand of beauty – simple yet scenic, ordinary but unique. Going to the actual location of the waterfall, from the national highway, you’ll be passing in a walkway surrounded by tall trees. It's not too high, around 30-35 feet, but its picturesque beauty is totally amazing and enough reason to captivate visitors. An easy trek, fresh air and tall tress, the refreshing sound of cascades, and the scenic white water spreading to its beautiful rocks – what a wonderful memory of our short stopover in Labangan!

The vicinity of the waterfalls is actually a forest of tall trees. By the way, I appreciate the effort of the local government in preserving the waterfall’s natural beauty despite of the developments in the area.

Trivia

The waterfall is the water source of Labangan Irrigation System - supporting the wide rice plantations in the province.

Travel Notes:

Pulacan Falls is located in Barangay Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur, more or less 30-minute travel from Pagadian City, the capital city of the province.

The location of Pulacan Falls is very close to the 1st Infantry "Tabak Division" in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan. The waterfall is very accessible and just a short trek from the national highway – I mean a few walks. Actually, it can easily be found as you can hear the sound of its falling waters from the national highway.

Reminders :

Bring water, or food (if you're planning to stay long) – there are no sari-sari store or food stalls in the area
Don’t litter!
Don't forget to bring your camera and take your best selfies with Pulacan Falls as your background. Enjoy!

How to Get There

Cebu Pacific Air flies directly from Manila to Pagadian daily.

From Pagadian City : Ride in a bus bound to Ozamis or Iligan or multicab/jeepney bound to Aurora or Kapatagan. Travel time is more or less 30-45 minutes.

Ask the driver to drop you in the highway close to Military Camp in Labangan. From the national highway, follow the pathway going to the location of the waterfall- an easy trek.

From Iligan City or Cagayan de Oro City : Ride in a bus bound to Pagadian City. 4-5 hours travel from Iligan City and 8-9 hours travel from Cagayan de Oro City. (Follow Directions above)

From Ozamis City : Ride in a bus bound to Pagadian City. Travel time is more or less 1 and half hours. (Follow Directions above)

From Dipolog or Dapitan: Ride in a bus bound to Pagadian City. Travel time is 4-5 hours. (Follow Directions above)

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The city of Manila and its adjacent cities known as Metro Manila have always been popular tourist spots. But did you know that Manila is quickly becoming a gambling hotspot? Casino gaming has become one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing industries. The introduction of the integrated resort, or mega-hotel-casino property, has helped boost tourism. Many of these integrated resorts contain entertainment venues, shopping malls, and spas. Stock prices in various Filipino casino companies skyrocketed over the summer of 2015.

The Philippines is comprised of over 7,000 islands, but the main gaming hub is Manila. The greater metropolitan area of Manila (including the airport) boasts over 20 casinos and VIP slot clubs. There are also three major billion-dollar integrated mega-resorts under construction.

Image source: gr8traveltips.com

The majority of the casinos in the Philippines are operated by Casino Filipino, which is run by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Some of the most popular casinos in the Philippines are Casino Filipino Pavilion, City of Dreams, Solaire Resort & Casino, and Resorts World Manila. Most of them are located near Metro Manila.

POPULAR ASIAN GAMES: PAI GOW, SIC BO, PONTOON, AND SABONG CARDS

Casinos throughout the Philippines capitalized on the recent surge in poker after the boom swept into Southeast Asia. In addition to the usual casino pit games like craps, roulette, and blackjack, Filipino casinos also spread popular local favorites like Pai Gow, Pontoon, Baccarat, Sabong Cards, and Sic Bo. Pontoon is a game similar to Blackjack. Sic Bo is a dice game played with three dice instead of two. Sabong Cards is a highly popular game that is available exclusively at the Solaire Casino.

SLOT MACHINES FROM ELVIS TO GAME OF THRONES

Slot machines are extremely popular in the Philippines, and they are not just for grandmas and other retirees anymore! Slots have come a very long way. It’s not just trying to match up cherries and bells on an old-fashioned machine in which you pull the lever and watch three wheels spin. Modern slot machine software developers utilize innovative technology to produce high-resolution slots that are more like video games. The new generation of slot machines cater to the growing numbers of gamers who also enjoy gambling. At the same time, many slot machine companies are integrating new game ideas with well-established entertainment brands from popular American and British television shows, game shows, and movies. There are slot machines featuring The Godfather, 24, South Park, Mad Men, and Game of Thrones. Even individual celebrities are featured on slot machines like Elvis, Elton John and Britney Spears.

Image Source: waterfrontpavilionmanila.com

THE PAVILION

The Pavilion is the oldest standing casino in Manila, which first opened its doors almost 30 years ago. It was formerly known as the Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion and it is now known as Casino Filipino Pavilion. The property is one of the oldest luxury hotels constructed in Manila and located on United Nations Avenue, scattered among numerous embassies. The area caters to many international dignitaries and is a popular spot in central Manila.

The Pavilion is conveniently located in Emrita, which is the heart of the business and tourist district. The actual casino is located inside the 5-star Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and spread out over three of its 22 floors.

Image Source: worldcasinodirectory.com

SOLAIRE

Solaire Resort and Casino is a 5-star property that opened its doors in 2013 in the heart of Entertainment City, which the Philippines are hoping will becoming a major international gaming hub much like Las Vegas or Macau. In fact, Solaire has a Vegas-like feel to its casino, especially with a spacious gaming floor boasting over 1,700 slot machines.

Solaire offers many Asian table games including Sic Bo and Sabong Cards. Solaire also spreads Baccarat Super Six, which is an exciting derivative of Baccarat. They also have a popular game called Blackjack Squeeze. Sabong Cards is an exciting game that you can only play at Solaire.

The Solaire compound has spectacular vistas of Rizal Park and the Grand Bay. Solaire is conveniently located next door to the SMX Convention Center, and it is in close proximity to the Cuneta Astrodome and the World Trade Center.

Image Source: cityofdreams.com

CITY OF DREAMS

Also located in the heart of Entertainment City is the City of Dreams Manila, which opened its doors in early 2015. City of Dreams looking to put itself on the global gaming map with a majestic mega-resort. They have six hotel towers including the signature Crown Towers hotel along with Asia’s first Nobu Hotel, named after famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa from Japan and co-owned by actor Robert De Niro. The Fortune Egg is a ginormous dome that also houses Chaos and Pangea, a pair of nightclubs designed by renowned club owner Michael Van Cleef Ault. City of Dreams also includes a large mall and a theme park built by DreamWorks Animation.

The gaming floor at City of Dreams is tremendous with almost 1,700 slot machines and 350 gaming tables. City of Dreams has embraced the future of gaming and also spreads over 1,700 electronic table games.

Image Source: Wikiwand.com

RESORTS WORLD MANILA

Resorts World Manila is located in Newport City next to Ninoy Aquino Airport. It used to be an old military base and was converted into a luxury gaming resort. Resorts World Manila is strategically located near the airport, which makes it an extremely popular destination for avid international gamblers, especially from Japan and China.

Resorts World Mania includes four major hotels (Maxims, Marriot, Remington, and Belmont). Resorts World Manila has five floors filled with shops, bars, restaurants, theatres, and other amenities. Gizadon is a popular spot for foodies. The world-renowned restaurant features a fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Resorts World Manila caters to slot machine enthusiasts. They have a VIP slots club and also run special tournaments.

Resorts World Manila even recently sponsored a stop on the Asian Golf Tour called the Resorts World Masters that featured a $1 million purse. Resorts World also has sister resorts in Singapore and Malaysia.

PHILIPPINES GAMING BIZ IS THE NEW RISING STAR

The casino industry in the Philippines is one of the fastest growing sectors in the gaming world. The Philippines are a rising star as they attempt to become major player on the international gambling scene. In an attempt to rival Las Vegas and Macau, a lot of investment has been put into building up Entertainment City, which everyone hopes will become the Philippines’ version of the Las Vegas Strip with multiple mega-casinos and resorts. Next time you are in the Philippines on holiday, take some time to visit one of the major casinos: The Pavilion, Solaire, City of Dreams, and Resorts World Manila.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this guest post are those of the guest author/advertising partner and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of www.travelingmorion.com as a whole.

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When you visit Manila, the Philippines' capital, with its diversity,irrepressible vitality and a large collection of architectural and cultural landmarks, you will never pass even a single day without having something to do or somewhere to go! In addition, you will definitely love Manila’s all-heady and rich cultural mix of traditional Filipino, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American and even Arabic influences. First of all, though, remember to take care of your budget by using coupons for Hotels.comto get attractive discounts on the flights and accommodation. And when planning the itinerary, look at our guide below on what to do in Manila and in its adjacent cities as you tour:

1. Enjoy a Tour of the Dynastic Museums

Visit the two museums, Ayala and Yuchengco, located just one block away from each other and get all the insights you would like to know about the way of life, traditions and family structures characteristic of the Filipino people. The various conglomerates filling the city of Manila are owned by powerful and influential clans whose ancient histories are inseparable from that of the city itself. The Ayala Museum was founded by the Zóbel de Ayala family while the Yuchengco Museum was established by a former U.N. ambassador.

2. Visit the Intramuros

This is a 64-hectare stone citadel built by the Spanish in the late 16th century. The architectural masterpiece has endured numerous natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, wars and successive droves of colonial invaders to stand tall as the modern metaphor for the city of Manila. You can best explore it during the early morning hours before temperatures outside it have reached unbearable levels, and then pass by the colonial-style villa Ilustrado for some heavy breakfast of buttery ensaymadaand Spanish-style hot chocolate.

3. Shop at the Divisoria Market

While visiting the Philippines, and more so when you are in Manila, the Divisoria Market is one place you can’t afford to skip. This is a market where you can purchase everything from fresh produce to artifacts. The market is popular for its super bargains and you can almost get whatever you want to buy in the Philippines here at the most affordable prices. Only beware of pickpockets, especially on crowded market days!

4. Tour the Manila Contemporary

TheManila Contemporary is a slicing edge of the city of Manila's art scene and is found along Chino Roces Avenue. It consistently hosts top world-class exhibitions from both inside the Philippines and around Asia and the world. The Silverlens Exhibition Center is also located nearby and exhibits some of the most splendid photography, video and installation work that you can find anywhere in Asia.

5. Worship at the Magnificent Greenbelt Chapel

The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country (reflecting another legacy of the long Spanish colonization). Attending mass at the splendid Greenbelt Chapel in Makati will definitely be a fantastic tour for Catholic visitors. However, the prominent domed chapel also incorporates a luxury shopping complex that intriguingly brings to bed Christianity and the commercialism of modern capitalism. As you attend Mass and atone for your sins, you can also do a lot of shopping, including for various art items.

6. Finally, the Marikina Shoe Museum!

This is another place that fascinates Westerners a lot. At the Marikina Shoe Museum, you will find the footwear of the former dictator of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos’ wife and highly controversial First Lady, Imelda Marcos. The museum is located in the heart of the shoemaking district of Metro Manila, Marikina City, and is a good area to finish your tour by visiting and beholding her size-81/2 collection for yourself!

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Beautiful things don’t seek attention. This is perhaps why the most scenic waterfalls in the Philippines are deeply hidden in its interiors. One such waterfall is the Merloquet Falls down south. Located in the northeastern part of Zamboanga City, this captivating waterfall is the face of Zamboanga’s eco-tourism program, having been featured in Philpost’s 2014 Philippine Stamps, Waterfall Series.

Some 78 kilometers from the city proper and roughly two hours of travel time away, is the town of Vitali where this stamp-worthy waterfall is located. From there, wanderers will have to travel another 14 kilometers to reach Barangay Sibulao where the eco-trek commences. The trek to the waterfall consists of some 370 steps downhill. Don't worry, the way is already paved and developed.You will soon be rewarded by the quiet beauty that is Merloquet Falls as it slowly unravels before you at the end of the trail.

Unlike many other waterfalls in the country which is rich in history, legend and even folklore, very little is known about Merloquet Falls. There is no legend to explain how it came about, no folklore to shroud it with mystery and drama. The name itself, Merloquet, intriguing as it is, has no interesting folklore behind it. What is known about the name though is that it probably came from the term “de omerloket,” which in Chavacano roughly translates to “from the place of omerloket.” To be referred to as “omerloket” in the native tongue of Zamboanga means that you are ignorant, uncouth or just downright dumb. How this derogatory term could give rise to the name of this majestic falls is beyond me, but it’s the closest explanation available so far.

Practically every site you would come across featuring this place would describe it as a “white curtain in the midst of lush canopy trees.” It’s all that and more. Much, much more. You will not be in awe by the powerful descent of the waters from the mountains nor will you feel dizzy by its staggering height, for the charm of Merloquet Falls, in all its quiet beauty, lies not in its raging waters, but in its steady and calm cascades. There is really something unexplainable about the calming effect of witnessing water cascade steadily and peacefully down interesting rock formations.

A visit in this scenic spot would require one to allot an entire day just for the privilege of standing in its presence. Once you reach the location, you can explore the two-tiered falls with varying characteristics. The lower tier is the bigger part of the falls and the main cascade which is very accessible to all the visitors. It is the more dramatic, the more #instagrammable spot of the waterfall. It has a height of 10 meters and is 13 meters in width. This is also the part of the waterfall which most bloggers/ visitors describe as the perfect place to get some hydrotherapy as the gentle cascade of the water gently massages and soothes your tired body. The lower tier is not really for swimming but mostly for wading in the cold yet shallow waters and for allowing yourself to be wrapped in its enchanting view that can do wonders for the soul.

The higher tier on the other hand is a treat for the more adventurous and daring of travelers. One can reach the second tier with the help of some thick ropes and really sturdy tree roots (think, Tarzan). It is 5 meters in height and 8 meters in width, considerably smaller than the lower tier. It features interesting rock formations and slopes diagonally making it extra tricky for daredevils to reach. The climb is worth the effort though, as this part gives you an awesome vantage point of the entire falls, including the lower tier. Also, this part of the falls has a catch basin where visitors can swim. The deepest part of the pool is said to be at 10 feet. The locals however warn the tourists to be careful of a “mysterious hole” in the left corner of the upper tier as they claim it is deeper and has a strong current that can seemingly pull down even the strongest of swimmers. Little is known about the mysterious hole as it remains unexplored although many believe it connects to a cave as it is attached to the walls of the mountain.

How to get to Merloquet Falls

As with any tour, the best way for a large group to get there is to hire a private van or rent a jeep for the day to take you all the way there.

From Zamboanga City, if travelling by bus from the town center, make your way to Sevilla Street where you can find jeepneys or tricycles going to Guiwan Terminal. At the terminal, ride a bus bound for Pagadian City, Dipolog or Ipil. Both air conditioned buses and ordinary buses are available. Travel time may vary from 1 hour to 2 hours. The usual bus fare is around P200.00.

From, Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, and Cagayan de Oro Bus Terminals, ride on a bus bound to Zamboanga City. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you in Barangay Vitali or crossing going to Merloquit Falls. Travel time: from Dipolog City estimated 6-7 hours;from Dapitan City, estimated 5-6 hours; from Pagadian, estimated 5-6 hours; and from CDO, estimated 14-15 hours (including stop-overs).

Ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Barangay Vitali. Alight in Vitali, with a PNP Station as its landmark. From there, you will see a lot of Habal-habal on the street which can take you directly to Merloquet Falls.

Hire a habal-habal to take you to the falls, but you must be a skilled negotiator in order to haggle for a reasonable fare with the drivers. Fares may range from P50-P70/ head one way, depending mostly on your skills.

The habal- habal will then bring you to the location but there is still a 500-meter downhill hike to the falls which will take about 10-15 minutes.

Travel Notes

Entrance Fees: P5.00 per person.
Parking Fees: P10/per motorcycle and P20/for cars and other vehicles.
Cottage Rent: 100 pesos (right by the waterfalls)
Hiking shoes are highly recommended.
Bring extra clothes because you will not be able to resist bathing in its pristine waters.
Bring your own baon as there are no stores yet selling food.
Be mindful of your own trash and leave nothing behind.
If you want a less crowded tour, schedule your visit on a weekday.
Don't forget your camera/smartphone, take selfies, enjoy!

READ: 8 Things to do in Zamboanga City, Asia's Latin City
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Zamboanga City is one of the most underrated cities in the Philippines. Concerns about peace and order situation in the south is mainly the reason for this. But as soon as you set foot in this city, you will quickly realize how undeserving it is of the negative impression it has.

Aptly titled as “Asia’s LatinCity,” Zamboanga City is the third oldest city in the country, having served as the main stronghold of the Spaniards in the South during the colonial period. As such, it is a city rich in history and culture. Arguably the one province which has the most enduring of all the Spanish influences, the people of Zamboanga’s native dialect is Chabacano, the only Spanish-based Creole language still in use in Asia. Zamboanga is also known as the “Sardines Capital of the Philippines” where 9 out of 12 sardines company in the country is currently operating. In terms of land area, Zamboanga City ranks as the third largest city in the country which means that one will simply never run out of things to see and explore.

The city of Zamboanga is a perfect fit for any kind of traveller as it has much to offer in terms of culture, adventure, religion, or even just for relaxation. Here are 7 things that one can do while exploring the city.

1. Have a Blast from the Past

Being one of the earliest cities established dating back to the Spanish colonial times, any history buff will have a grand time here. As for those who aren’t so much into history, this city just might convince you otherwise. The following historic spots will make you realize that the Spanish influences are not only evident in Intramuros and Vigan.

Fortaleza Del Pilar/ Fort Pilar. Established in 1635, this served as a Spanish garrison and fortress. It is the city’s major landmark and a symbol of its rich and colourful history. It now houses the National Museum, a century old City Hall, a plaza and a shrine to La Nuestra Seňora La Virgen del Pilar

La Nuestra Seňora La Virgen Del Pilar. On top of the eastern wall of Fort Pilar is a bas relief of the Virgin Mary, dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar, the patroness of the city. This is now an outdoor Marian Shrine where people who visit the Fort can also come and pray.

Pettit Barracks. Another historical landmark in the city which served as a Spanish headquarters and later, as an American headquarters, hence the name.

Plaza Pershing. This plaza which is a two- minute walk from the city hall, is a typical Spanish ayuntamiento which was renamed in memory of Gen. John Pershing when the Americans came. Surrounding both the barracks and the plaza are century-old acacia trees that are silent witnesses to the city’s colourful history. A visit during the night time would give you a delightful treat courtesy of the dancing fountain.

2. Witness a sunset that can rival the Manila Bay Sunset

Not far from Fort Pilar is the Paseo del Mar which is a leisure park and a favourite hang-out of the locals. Fronting the sea, the Paseo offers the best spot to watch that stunning sunset in the city. The Sta. Cruz Island and even the province of Basilan are pretty visible in this area as well.

photograph by: Glen Santillan|EscapeManila.com

3. Sail on a Vinta

If a view of the sunset doesn’t quite do it for you, you may find a ride at a vinta more rewarding. The vintas are Zamboanga’s most famous icons. Remember the pictures from you elementary history books? There’s nothing more dramatic than watching the sunset while sailing in a vinta and this experience is available at Paseo del Mar every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00- 6:00 pm, at very affordable prices. The ride usually lasts for about 15 minutes and is definitely a must- try experience.

photograph by: Glen Santillan|EscapeManila.com

4. Discover why pink is more fun than white

Beach-wise, that is. Just how many places in the world can claim to have pink sand for their beaches? While powdery white sand is always a delight to be in, pinks sand beaches are so rare they are interesting by default. One such beach can be found in Santa Cruz Island. Just a 15-minute boat ride away from the city, this is the ONLY pink beach in the country. That’s reason enough for a visit.

photograph by: Glen Santillan | EscapeManila.com

5. Visit the beautiful Merloquet Falls!

More or less 78 kilometers away from the city proper, is Zamboanga Peninsula's most scenic and most popular waterfall - the Merloquet falls. Read more about Merloquet Falls.

Beautiful things don’t seek attention. This is perhaps why the most scenic waterfalls in the Philippines are deeply hidden in its interiors. One such waterfall is the Merloquet Falls down south. Located in the northeastern part of Zamboanga City, this captivating waterfall is the face of Zamboanga’s eco-tourism program, having been featured in Philpost’s 2014 Philippine Stamps, Waterfall Series. visit:www.travelingmorion.com #travelblog #travelingmorion #merloquetfalls #zamboangacity #explorephilippines #amazingphilippines #beautifulphilippines #thephilippines #waterfalls #biodiversity #warrenjc #matadornetwork #travel #blog #photography #visitphl2016 #choosephilippines

6. Feast on local cuisine

The best way to get to know a place’s culture is by partaking of its food. More than sardines, Zamboanga is a definite seafood heaven with so many restaurants to choose from. The favourite among the locals (read: highly recommended) is Alavar Seafood Restaurant which serves the famous Curacha. If a crab and lobster got drunk and got together, the Curacha will probably be their lovechild. Also known as the spanner crab, this unique- looking crustacean is commonly found in the waters of Sulu and nowhere else, in the country at least. That’s why you should try it at Alavar’s as you might not come across this crab-looking lobster (or lobster-looking crab) elsewhere. Best to try the Alavar Sauce while you’re at it too.

Another famous local treat and must-try is the knickerbocker. Available at Palmeras at Paseo Del Mar, the knickerbocker is like halo-halo in that it has many ingredients. It is a combination of different fruits like mango, pineapple, melon, banana, watermelon and apple. Add gelatin, shaved ice, milk and a scoop of ice cream and you get a healthier, more refreshing version of the usual halo-halo.

7. Hone your haggling skills

There are four barter markets in the city but if you have time for only one, the Canelar Barter Trade is highly recommended. It has the cheapest and most varied choices of colorful sarongs, batiks, bags, and even imported chocolates and other goods from Malaysia and Indonesia. Perfect for all your pasalubong needs for officemates and friends. Just remember, haggling is key.

8. Learn about their Indigenous Culture

Get acquainted with the Yakan Tribe, one of the oldest and most creative tribes in Mindanao and famous for their weaving. Apart from shopping at Canelar, travellers can also purchase pasalubongs at the Yakan Weaving Village where you can witness these skillful weavers and buy intricately- designed hand-woven yakan fabrics. The Yakan weavers make use of pineapple and abaca fibers to make these strong and intricate patterns and produce various products like bags, table cloths, shirts and may others. Every penny spent here is definitely worth it as anything made by hand is definitely made with love.

photograph by: Glen Santillan|EscapeManila.com

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If you’re into chasing waterfalls as the song goes, the Philippines is a perfect place for your wandering heart. There is always a new one yet to be explored especially in the island of Mindanao.

Just 31 kilometres east of Cagayan de Oro City is Barangay San Isidro, Jasaan which houses a virgin forest, virtually untouched by man. Carefully nestled in this forest is the magnificent Sagpulon Falls. This falls has roughly a 350-meter waterfall drop, which translates to water powerfully cascading down, creating an icy cold basin below for travellers to enjoy. Unlike other tourist destinations in CDO however, this scenic spot only gets a handful of tourists as it is not as well advertised as the water-rafting activities that CDO is very famous for. The Sagpulon Falls is similar to Camiguin’s Katibawasan Falls but it’s a bit wider and has plenty of rivulets in its green walls.

As this is relatively a newly discovered waterfall, no story or folklore surrounds the Sagpulon Falls. Travellers will have to be satisfied just by gazing at its towering beauty and refreshing waters. The water is deep enough to be a natural swimming pool for visitors, but given the height of the drop, visitors cannot easily reach the topmost part of the falls. The best thing about a visit in Sagpulon Falls is that it is not as crowded as the other waterfalls in the country.

Sagpulon Falls in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

Although it is easily a 45-minute to an hour ride away from the city proper, the trip involves moderate trekking going inside. It used to be quite a challenge to reach Jasaan’s treasure especially the trekking part. After it was ravaged by the typhoon Pablo, the hanging bridge 50 meters away from the falls which connects it to the road, was destroyed making it very difficult to get to the falls. Travellers need to cross huge boulders and climb through rocks. Fortunately, the municipality has improved and is continuously improving the area and it is way easier now to reach the falls. The roads are paved and visitors will no longer have to go through the boulders.

The newly-constructed hanging bridge, visitors will no longer have to go through the boulders.

As of this writing, this tourist spot is currently not operational as a resort, as the municipality of Jasaan recently began a P10 million development project to improve the roads as well as the facilities in the area. This is definitely a welcome news for future travellers (maybe not for travellers planning to visit soon) as this project promises to make the Sagpulon Falls more accessible. No worries though for those planning to visit soon as the waterfalls never stops and can still offer a beautiful backdrop for your groupfies and selfies. A picnic with friends and family is still possible although no swimming is allowed as of the moment.

TRAVEL NOTES

Bring your own baon as there are no stores currently operating in the area.
Overnight stay is not allowed, so come early and leave before 5 pm.
No swimming allowed for the time being. Taking pictures however, are a great alternative.

HOW TO GET THERE

From CDO, proceed to the Agora Terminal and ride a bus or a jeepney heading to Jasaan. Jeepney fare is about Php25.00 while bus fare is around Php30.00 plus a Php3.00 terminal fee. Ask the driver or the conductor to drop you off at Spring View Resort as it is the landmark nearest the trailhead going to the falls. From Spring View you can hire a habal-habal (haggle hard) to take you there or you can hike your way in on a dusty (sometimes muddy) 6 kilometer stretch.

Coordinates: 8°37'24"N 124°48'46"E

Other things to do in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental?

READ: I Love You Naked Agutayan
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The Philippines has many natural attractions that draw local and foreign tourists alike. Some are more famous than others, but all are equally wonderful. With 7,107 islands, it is not surprising to discover yet another hidden attraction in some far-flung area with very few inhabitants. However, to find one in the Luisiana, a municipality in Laguna with a population of more than 20,000 and just a couple of hours away from Manila is a little bit unusual.

That is precisely what happened, though. Someone stumbled on what is now known as Hulugan Falls about an hour’s worth of trekking from Barangay San Salvador in Luisiana and posted it online a mere six months ago (September 2015). The posted images were breathtaking, and predictably triggered a sensation. Since then, the online community has been busy posting evidence of their own ephemeral experience with the cool cascades of Hulugan Falls.

Catching a glimpse of the new natural sensation is certainly trending. However, Hulugan Falls is not easy to get to despite being a destination which is very close to Metro Manila. The area is still under development so expect trekking (not for fainthearted).

The fun starts after travelling a harrowing 67 miles through terrific traffic to Barangay San Salvador, which is the jump off point for Hulugan Falls. Well, perhaps “trudge” is a better term than “jump.” This is when you have to put on your best outdoor slash safari gear and get into a tricycle with your designated guide to where you register and pay to use the road to Hulugan. It is about a 45 minute walk on a rough road, and 15 minutes on a muddy track before you have to struggle up the steep and slippery stair-cased main trail to Hulugan Falls itself. For non-hikers, getting there is like forever “trekking”; however, experienced backpackers call it an “easy” trail. Sheesh!

After such a struggle, you would expect to be amply rewarded, and you would be right. Hulugan Falls is definitely a worthwhile place to visit. There is a steep climb down from the top of the falls to the basin, at the end of which you can choose to swim in a natural swimming pool that formed at the base of the falls. Wild and unspoiled, the whole place from top to bottom is a lush, mossy green, and the softly falling water from 70 meters shrouds everything in a soft mist.

It is not ideal for picnics with the family, perhaps, but with the mist and the rainbows, it is perhaps the best spot for marriage proposals? It is certainly romantic enough, provided you are both enthusiastic nature lovers and you can get rid of the throngs of people that visit the place!

We’ve seen different species of orchids and ferns along the way! According to our guide, bayawak, sawa, and several species of local birds can be seen/encountered during trekking- yep, a sign of good wildlife condition of the area.

Orchids in their natural habitat

Nature at its finest!

Hulugan Falls is a great place to visit for backpackers and hardy tourists, but you need to set off very early, because it takes a while to get there. If you time it right, you might also be able to detour to the equally beautiful two-tiered Talay Falls, another of the beautiful attractions in that part of Laguna. It is just a little out of the way back to the town. There is nothing like trekking down two waterfalls with one trip!

The lower tier of Talay Falls

The upper tier of Talay Falls

*** A separate feature about Talay Falls will be published.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz (Laguna) from Cubao, Buendia, Alabang, Calamba, or anywhere on EDSA. It will cost you P140 (from Metro Manila), lesser if from Alabang and Calamba (waltermart). From there you ride a Lucena jeep/minibus from the terminal and pay P30 to get off at crossing Barangay San Salvador or simply ask the driver to drop you in “Hulugan Falls”. The tricycle to the registration (Barangay Captain’s house) will cost you P15, and registration is P20. From there, you just pay for the rest of the trip with muscle fatigue. The guide fee to Hulugan Falls alone is usually P300, P600 if you also want to go to Talay Falls, no matter how many you are, so make it a group trip. The return trip is simply a reverse. The whole thing will cost you about P690 alone, about P520 per person for two (Hulugan Falls only).

If you have private transport, take the SLEX and exit at Calamba. The toll fee is P214. Hang a left after you pass the bridge and stay on that road (National Highway). You will pass Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, and Cavinti before you reach Barangay San Salvador. Look for the Hulugan Falls sign and turn right.

TRAVEL NOTES

It is required to get a tour/trekking guide. The area is a vast forest and still under development - we might get lost if Manong Simeon Mergino wasn’t there. There are more than 100 accredited guides once you reached the registration area – no worries all of them are very accommodating and caring.

Get an early start as you can only stay there until 3-4 pm only.

If you’re planning to visit the 2 waterfalls, better to visit Talay first before Hulugan. Why? Trekking from Talay Falls going to Hulugan is a way easier (more of going down) compared with Hulugan to Talay route which is steeper and mainly going up.

BTW, staying overnight in the area is possible. There is a designated camping area, more or less 2 kilometers away from Talay Falls and more or less 5 kilometers away from Hulugan Falls.

As of this writing, the roads going to the waterfalls are still under development so expect not so easy trekking specially during rainy days.

Bring food and water in a waterproof bag, and make sure you bring a trash bag along to keep the place clean. BTW, food stalls are available only in the area close to registration center; vendors are selling their famous local delicacies – “silogs”, bibingka and pasit habhab.

A rainbow appears in Hulugan Falls around 3:00 PM.

If you want to take a bath before going home, you have to pay P20 (per person) - there are comfort/shower rooms for rent at the jump off point.

If you still have time, you can also visit Aliw Falls in the neighboring barangay, San Jose.

Don't forget to bring your camera and take your best selfies with the newest tourism sensation, the Hulugan Falls.

Enjoy!

READ ALSO : Pagsanjan Falls of Laguna

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Kaulayanan, Sugbungcogon, Misamis Oriental

" If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you're laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body..."

- Miranda Kerr

"Rolling Hills of Barangay Kaulayanan "
The blue sky, the greens, the rolling hills! These awesome views in Barangay Kaulayanan, an upland Barangay of the municipality of Sugbongcogon in Misamis Oriental Province, are indeed "postcard worthy".

12:30 PM February 09, 2016

Barangay Kaulayanan, Sugbongcogon Misamis Oriental PHILIPPINES

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES – April 2016 – Innovative and user-friendly, superior in quality and performance, elegance in design, and great value for money– these are the pillars that best define the latest smartphones from the fast-growing Chinese smartphone manufacturer Elephone (HK Elephone Communication Tech Co., Limited). Elephone has been committed to developing high-end smartphones and making it affordable to global customers. With years of development and innovation, Elephone now has gained a very strong market traction in Europe and Southeast Asia.

Elephone’s exclusive partnership with Lazada Philippines will provide both superior product quality in tandem with best-in-class shopping experience to many Filipinos.

“The strategic partnership between Lazada and Elephone gives us great confidence to enter the Southeast Asian market, and offer Filipinos new and exciting products. Lazada is the leading one-stop shopping and selling destination in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia and we are confident that their wide geographical reach, vast cash-on-delivery network, and dedicated customer service will surely add value to our product offerings. We are launching three models which we feel could strongly change how Filipinos appreciate smartphones. This is just the first step as we are poised to offer more exciting products in the coming months,” says Jingui Ji, Chief Executive Officer of HK Elephone Communication Tech Co. Limited.

“We are very excited for our partnership with Elephone. Elephone’s impressive portfolio—with sleek designs and cutting-edge features -- is the perfect addition to Lazada's range of smartphone brands. Together we can continue to delight our customers with more variety and greater value for their money. Combining Lazada’s Effortless Shopping with Elephone’s effortless user experience promises a new and fruitful partnership, which we look forward to building here in the Philippines,” says Inanc Balci, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Philippines.

The Elephone P9000, P8000, and S1 will be available in the Philippines exclusively through Lazada starting April 18, 12:00 NN.

The P9000 boasts exquisite craftsmanship and superior performance at an affordable price. Armed with a 1.6mm narrow bezel vision and 5.5-inch OGS screen of 1920 X 1080 resolution and 85% color saturation, the P9000 elevates the everyone’s smartphone experience by providing a better grip and viewing delight as you see images from your screen to real-life likeness.

With micro arc carved surface sophisticatedly built with metal frame, the P9000 is architecturally designed to perfection to make a bold statement. It is also packed with a 4GB RAM in its Helio P10 64-bit Octacore SoC and operating in Android 6.0 Marshmallow which allows unparalleled optimization to enhance the user experience.

Whether you are indoors or on-the-go, the P9000 will surely keep up to your lifestyle demands with its large capacity battery with PE+ quick charge technology allowing you to enjoy your smartphone experience for hours. It also has a built-in secure fingerprint touch ID which controls app permissions and unlocking the device – no need to type long passwords especially if you are busy.

The NFC-enabled P9000 offers the exchange of data between devices within the 10.00 cm range. Lastly, the P9000 is built with a Sony IMX258 13 Megapixel CMOS sensor, F/2.0 large aperture and laser-aided auto focus feature as well as a speedy shutter to always let you capture those special moments vividly.

With 5.5” Full HD display at 1080 P Screen, the P8000 is built to inspire. Packed with 3GB RAM,16GB ROM and running with Android 5.1 OS (it will be upgraded to Android 6 by mid-May 2016), you can easily multitask and store enough files and apps seamlessly with the P8000, so whether you are a gaming fanatic, a photo aficionado, a music-lover or leading a busy lifestyle on-the-go, the P8000 is perfectly the product for you. The P8000 also has 64-bit Octa Core SOC integrated with A53 structure technology, which enables the device to provide high-performance at lower CPU consumption.

Battery life is often the clincher for most phones nowadays, everyone wants to minimize the lull time of charging the phones. The P8000 offers 21 hours of talk time as well as 2-4 days standby time (at regular use) owing to its MT6753 and 4165mAh battery which keeps the power consumption of the P8000 at a low level. Charging is also not a problem with the P8000, its unique smart 2A input allows the phone to be quickly charged from 0% to 10% in 10 minutes.

Armed with a press-touch ID, the P8000 secures the device with the most advanced fingerprint ID which allows its owner to access the device in one easy stroke.

Lastly, imaging is certainly not a problem with the P8000, with its 13MP Samsung primary camera performing in low-light condition with anti-reflection technology, images taken with the P8000 are certainly at par with those taken using DSLR cameras. Its 5MP front camera also makes the P8000 a perfect selfie companion, whenever and wherever.

Designed to minimalist perfection, the S1 races on a league of its own as the most premium amongst all budget phones. The S1 is simply an engineering delight packed in double-sided glass and metal framing, allowing its owner to better enjoy the unit both visually and ergonomically. With its 5.0” HD Screen display and adopted on-cell lamination, IPS technology, and a 720P HD display, you will never enjoy viewing photos and videos like before with the S1.

Equipped with MT6580 Quadcore CPU, Built-in Hexagon DSP Core, and Running on Freeme OS, the 142.3 gram and 6.7 mm slim Elephone S1 offers fast and all around android updates to make sure you’re well equipped anytime and anywhere. Capturing life’s precious moments are not a problem with the S1 as it is built with a 13MP Sony IMX149 rear camera which allows 1080P shooting and supports various effects such as black and white, embossing, neon glow, etc. Its sapphire lens also protects the camera from any chips and breakage due to falling or scratching.

About Lazada

Lazada(www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

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Note: When content falls under "Press Release," this means that the article/material is fully and directly from the company issuing the Press Release/Statement. This also means that Traveling Morion is not the author of the Post/Article being read and simply providing the information for readers who may be interested.

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Do you know why the main road of Tagaytay City is called Aguinaldo Highway? It is said that back in the 1920s, General Emilio Aguinaldo often rode horseback on that route. Of course, back in the day, there wasn’t anything there, not even Taal Vista Hotel, which was built in 1939. The credit for that indirectly goes to President Manual Quezon, who wanted to develop the area as a tourist spot, and suggested it to the management of Manila Hotel at that time. The site of Taal Vista Hotel now was then known as “ilong Kastila,” (Spanish nose) referring to the shape of the land, which locals said, resembled a nose. Nowadays, Tagaytay City is definitely a thriving tourist spot, as evidence by the terrific traffic jams that clog the aforementioned Aguinaldo Highway every weekend. If you are planning to visit Tagaytay anytime soon, you should head there late Friday night or early morning Saturday to avoid the rush. Plan to leave before lunch on Sunday to do the same. Here are some of the top things to do in Tagaytay.

Sky Ranch

SM Prime Holding’s answer to Enchanted Kingdom, this is a more compact leisure park spread over 5 hectares, directly opposite Tagaytay International Convention Center on the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. The entrance fee is PhP80 on weekdays, PhP100 on weekends per person, and you only pay for the rides you like. You have many options for food and drinks, and of course the usual attractions. Make sure you try the Sky eye, the biggest Ferris wheel in the Philippines with a top height of 63 meters. It will give you an excellent view of Taal Volcano, Tagaytay and surrounding areas. Sky eye will set you back PhP150 per person per ride.

People’s Park in the Sky

The ill-conceived Palace in the Sky of the Marcoses, slated to be the vacation retreat for the former dictator and his family, was converted into a public park after the Marcoses were ousted from power. Anyone with PhP30 can walk in and check out the incomplete mansion, and reflect on how much money had been wasted on the project. The good thing is the roads built to accommodate the delivery of construction supplies make the place easily accessible by car or jeep. You will also see the Doppler weather radar of PAGASA, and visit with the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love established in 1974, which workers failed to blast away when construction began on the mansion in 1981. It offers a spectacular view of Taal Volcano from the view deck, which you can rent for half a day at RhP500. You can also rent huts (PhP100) to eat your picnic lunch and just enjoy the peace and cold air.

Picnic Grove

If you want a better park experience, Picnic Grove is your best bet. It has a fantastic view of Taal Volacano, clean, and there are more things to do. It is ideal for picnics (hence the name), and you can choose to buy food there or bring your own. You can go horseback riding or go for a ride on the cable car or zipline (PhP200 to 300 one way, 300 to 400 roundtrip). Take a walk along the Eco trail if that is more your speed. Entrance fee is PhP50, and cottage rentals range from PhP100 to 500.

Dining

Bulalo (bone marrow soup with vegetables) is a very popular dish in Tagaytay, especially paired with crispy fried tawilis (freshwater sardine). You can choose any of the roadside restaurants for your soupy pleasure, but Viewpoint Inn is popular for its great view of Taal Volcano and reasonable prices. You can also visit Leslie’s if you want truly delicious bulalo. You can choose from a variety of preparations, from original bulalo soup to bulalo steak. The soup is refillable, perfect for enjoying with bottles of beer.

Where to Stay

If you plan more than a day visit, I highly recommend Annie's Vacation House in Tagaytay Country Homes 1. It's "a home away from home"! The house is conveniently located within walking distance from Ayala Mall Serin and Lourdes Church. This 4-bedroom vacation house is perfect for family and barkada bonding. It has a spacious living and dining room, fully-equipped kitchen, and relaxing garden, all you need for a perfect family get-away.

Be sure to book in advance by calling or texting Ms. Florlyn Delloson (+639182572310).

clean and comfy rooms - yep, it's a home away from home!

spacious living room area- for a perfect family vacation in Tagaytay

How to Get There (from Metro Manila)

By Car

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or Skyway and choose one of two exits:

Santa Rosa Exit (Exit 38) - Travel along the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. Take the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road at Silang Junction
Carmona Exit (Exit 33) 0 Travel along Governor’s Drive and take Kaong to get to Aguinaldo Highway. Turn left at Silang Junction to get on the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway

By Bus
When commuting to Tagaytay, you can simply hail any provincial bus along the southbound lane of EDSA headed for Batangas. This includes JAM, BLTB, and Tritran buses. You can also go to the nearest terminals (many are also along EDSA). If you are on Ayala Avenue, look for the Erjohn & Almark buses headed for EDSA. They have buses going through every 30 minutes, bound for Nasugbu via Tagaytay.

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Tasmanian residents often say that they live on an "island of inspiration." Simply because national parks and reserves occupy as much as 45 percents of the territory. Such numbers really mean something and suggest that in Tasmania you will always find what to do. For those who are not in the mood of flip through travel guides, today Travel Ticker team from the website where you can find the best hotel deals will tell about the best six things you should definitely do in Tasmania.

Capture South Aurora Borealis

Those who yearn to see the Aurora do not have to go to Norway, Greenland or cold or harsh Russia. This breathtaking spectacle is actually also perfectly visible in Tasmania. If you do not want to be just a passive observer, definitely participate in photography courses intended to teach you to capture the Aurora. This way you will get back home not only with unforgettable memories, but breathtaking pictures as well!

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Inspect the bay from the bird’s eye viewpoint

Wineglass Bay falls into the world's most beautiful beaches top ten lists for many years. Although the loose white sand, surrounded by clear blue water, allows moving away from civilization, travelers in this natural oasis can still enjoy free Wi-Fi so that you can share the best pictures from the beach on Facebook right away. To be fair, the beauty of this bay is best seen from the bird’s eye view - a helicopter can help to do that, or you can climb on near perched pink granite mountains.

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Take a selfie with blooming tulips in the background

Forget about Holland’s tulip festivals - the real tulip festival takes place in Tasmania! To be honest, the vast area is covered with thousands of flowers not on April, as we are used to, but on October. This festival is not only an excellent opportunity to take a picture nearby colored carpet of flowers in the background, but also to gaze upon the endless spectacle: animal-dressed actors walking on stilts, goods sellers making their products on a spot, and spectacular night fireworks.

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Inspect the magic pole

The so-called Totem pole which you can find in Tasmania is a challenge even for experienced mountaineers. This 65 meters tall pole's diameter is just 4 meters, and it has very steep slopes, but even that does not scare adrenaline-thirsty mountaineers. Scientists say that the fact that this pillar still stands despite natural erosion can be regarded as a miracle. However, it is believed that the future of this nature’s miracle is morose - cone may collapse at any time.

travelingmorioncom-totempole1-574827a308f99

Check out returning penguins

Penguin city was named because of the fact, that in most of the surrounding beaches around the city, you can find hundred of penguins‘ babies. And if you would like to check them, the best time to observe them is in the evening, when they return to shore and slowly go into their caves.

If you visit this place at day, and you can‘t see those adorable birds anywhere, don‘t go far away and take a few pictures nearby another city celebrity - a 3-meter-high sculpture of a penguin.

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Hike the island‘s "neck."

Tasmanian owned Bruny Island is without any doubt an oasis of peace, gifting its visitors the most enchanting sceneries. One of them - "neck" called isthmus connects the northern and southern parts of the island. Once you are walking down this a narrow path, which is washed by the ocean from both sides, you will have one of the best indescribable feelings in your life – trust us!

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Bukidnon is known as both the watershed of Mindanao (six major rivers run through it) and the food basket of Mindanao (major rice and corn producer). Taste the sweetest pineapples and freshly-harvested fruits such as dragon fruits. You can get a beautiful view of the Del Monte pineapple plantations from Manolo Fortich (formerly Maluko).

It’s also where you can find a bunch of mountains, including the second highest in the country, Mount Dulang-dulang, which explains the name. Bukidnon means “mountain dweller” or “highlander.” While they do not live forever, they have managed to keep quite a lot of their traditions in intact over the years.

The weather up there is mostly cool and humid, depending on what part of Bukidnon you visit. If you go above 1,600 feet, you get the cool weather and dry feet. With an average rainfall of 110 inches a year, you can imagine that it is always a little wet, especially in the lowlands. It is particularly rainy from June to August. The best time to go to Bukidnon is November to May, unless you plan to stay indoors the whole time.

There are seven indigenous tribes in Bukidnon: the Talaandig, Manobo, Umayamnon, Matigsalug, Tigwahonon, Higaonon, and Bukidnon. The latter is mostly acculturated Cebuanos and Hiligaynons as well as a smattering of Ilocanos and Tagalogs that moved to the area over the years, and ironically, live in the lowlands. All seven tribes congregate once a year during the Kaamulan Festival.

Most people understand English, and the lingua franca is Cebuano instead of the more local Binukid. However, many people still speak the local dialects, much like in any other major city in the Philippines.

Here are some of the top things to do in Bukidnon Province:

Witness Kaamulan Festival

If you want to see ethnic action, you really should not miss the Kaamulan Festival. The festival is a massive month-long celebration held in Malaybalay (the original name for the entire province of Bukidnon) City. The “amul” in Kaamulanmeans to gather in Binukid, so the Kaamulan Festival is literally The Gathering Festival. The only ethnic festival in the country, it is a chance for all seven tribes of Bukidnon to display their cultural heritage with dances, rituals, and competitions. The first Kaamulan was held on May 15, 1974, and it was not a festival then. It was just one part of the program for the Malaybalay fiesta. It received such an enthusiastic response that it became a regional festival. The celebration schedule changes from year to year. In 2016, the celebration was from March 1 to April 2. Make sure you make your plans to see it way before the 2017 schedule.

Kaamulan Festival - photograph by (c) Bonzenti Panganiban | http://www.contourblog.com

Waterfalling!

With a multitude of mountains and rivers, you can expect waterfalls. Gantungan Falls Natigbasan Falls and Dila Falls are all within shouting distance in The Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR)" in Impalutao. There is also Balisbisan Falls in Kibangan and Alalum Falls in Sumilao.

Alalum Falls - photograph by Tupe Diaz | trekero.blogspot.com

Philippine Hanging Parrot, widely known as kulasisi, is still abundant in the forests of Bukidnon

Visit the Monastery of Transfiguration

AKA Bukidnon Monastery, its pyramid structure is certainly striking. The design is the brainchild of national artist Architect Leandro Locsin, and is one of the most visited religious building in the country. You should attend at least one mass to take in the air of peace and serenity if you can manage it.

Lake Apo

Head on over to Valencia City and check out Lake Apo, a lake within a volcano crater. It is the cleanest lake in the region. Ride the floating cottage or go kayaking with peace of mind!

Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park

You should also try the Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park in Manolo Fortich if you are traveling as a family or large group. The park offers an array of exciting outdoor adventures, including the longest dual zip line in Asia. You can have a picnic, marvel at the animals, explore the lagoon, practice your putts, ride a zorb, or go through the Treetop Adventure (ideal for teambuilding). You might also want to try riding a luge down a slippery slope!

Overview Nature and Culture Park

If you want a fantastic view of the mountain ranges, go to Overview Park in Palacapao. The aim is to see, not to do, so prepare for serenity. You will get some breathtaking photos of nature’s beauty at its grandest.

Spelunking

A little know fact about Bukidnon is it has a lot of caves, so spelunking is definitely a good idea. You can try Paiyak Cave, Basag Cave, Sumalsag Cave and Lagundang Cave, all in Sumilao. Other possibilities are the Salawaw Cave and Kasanayan Cave (Valencia City), the White Mountains and Caves and Rock Walls (Quezon), Blue Water, Sagongsong Caves, Minsulahog Cave (Baungon), Kabyaw, Quarry Cave (Kitaotao), Bogsok Cave (Libona), Liroan Cave (Malitbog), Borantawan Cave (Talakag), and Spiring, Kisolop and the Linking Caves (Kibawe).

TRAVEL NOTES

Go there between November and May when it is relatively dry
Don’t expect beaches, it’s landlocked
Be ready with cash, ATMs are not in great supply outside the main cities
Try the steaks at the Del Month Golf Club House
Almost no night life

HOW TO GET THERE

The nearest airport is Laguindingan International Airport - more or less 3-hour travel to/from Malaybalay, the province’s capital city. From Laguindingan Airport, take a van, taxi or coaster ride going to Cagayan de Oro City, and then ride in a bus, jeep, or van going to Bukidnon. The bus fare is about Php160 via Agora Bus, and takes about 1½ hours to get to Malaybalay City. From there, you can get public transportation to any area you want to visit.

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With winter behind us and the days of spring dwindling in number, more and more people are looking to the future and making travel plans for summer. While the choices are endless, here are five of the top holiday destinations.

Macau

For any gambler whether a pro, novice or have only played on mobile casino such as those available at mobilecasinoaustralia.com.au, Macau offers some of the world’s best casinos. Casinos range from classic venues like the Casino Lisboa or newer locations like the Wynn. Games vary slightly between places and some even offer local favourites. Celebrities not only perform here but are known to enjoy gambling as well. You never know who you may encounter on a night out in Macau.

Iberá Wetlands, Argentina

The world’s second largest wetlands are a possible destination this summer. Its native wildlife popular has been growing in numbers and provides spectacular sightseeing opportunities. The area can be explored by different methods including horseback and kayak.

Placencia, Belize

For those who want to enjoy nature, Belize is a great location for backpacking. New to the country this year is 2016 Itz’ana, a farm retreat located within close proximity to the second largest coral reef in the world. Not only does the reef provide an aesthetic view but it has important ecological purposes to the area.

Taipei, Taiwan

In recent years, Taipei has emerged as a well visited location. Taipei is easy to travel around with the cleanest and most efficient public transportation system in Asia. Enjoy the arts and scrumptious cuisine as you explore the city.

Emerald Coast, Ecuador

This location in South America provides a glimpse into the gorgeous landscape at the Mindo Cloudforest Reserve. With its coastal location, fishermen will find some terrific fishing spots. Dolphins are also active here are a sight to behold.

Of course, there are even more options available when selecting a destination for your summer vacation.

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For many people travelling Europe and visiting places is the dream of a lifetime. So in case you have any plans to visit the land of historic beauty, here is a list of places you must visit on your trip.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a cosmopolitan city which has something new and exciting every time for a traveler. If you are the kind of the person interested to know about the French culture, this is an ideal place to visit. You will be able to enjoy the wine as well as French lifestyle. The place has been listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2007.

The city is located on the banks of River Garonne and has thickest pine forest in Europe. You can even get to visit the Arcachon Bay which is situated at a distance of 45 minutes. Here you will be able to enjoy a good time on the beach, while savouring on seafood. You can make use of promo codes from Dealslandsto find better deals on accommodation and transportation at Bordeaux.

Lisbon

Lisbon enjoys a long summer season for almost six months. It is a Portuguese capital and is a beautiful city with stunning architecture. If you are the kind of the person who loves night life, it is ideal place for you. There are a number of cafes where you can hang out and meet locals. If you are looking for a calm vacation, just enjoy the food and spend a good time at the spa pampering yourself.

Athens

When we talk about the western civilization, Athens is the oldest city of Greece. A number of rulers have come and gone here leaving behind their footprints in the form of a number of historic monuments for the people. If you happen to visit the city you will feel to be in a city with a mixture of ancient and modern architecture.

Malta

The city can be called as an ideal place for scenic locations. The deep blue Mediterranean sea along with honey-coloured stone buildings altogether makes an amazing backdrop. It is the right place for the travellers looking for the beauty of Europe. If you are planning to visit the place, you can easily plan your trip bymaking use of travel related stores at Dealslands. You are sure to find budget-friendly deals here.

Riga

When we say ‘Riga’ the first thing that comes to the mind is majestic architectural buildings with the backdrop of clear blue sky. You will nowhere else find such beautiful ornate buildings on the earth. No doubt with all this heritage, it is a modern city and a traveller will find lot to do at this place.

Zagreb

It is a beautiful land with a lot in store for travellers. Here you can visit museums, theatres, music shows, art exhibitions, sports events, and much more. The city has a number of parks and the pedestrian area mainly composes of a number of cafes. So you can always indulge in a cup of hot coffee when you are tired of walking around.

These are the places which you can start with. The rest is up to you. If you are planning a long trip, you can keep on adding the places to your list or just spend some more days in these amazing lands. So pack your bags and have a happy holiday in Europe.

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"It was one of my dreams as a child, growing up in my little village with my cousins. We used to walk together, and I used to say, when you look at the world map, 'This town is there, that town is there, that river is there.' I used to say, 'One day, I'm going to travel these places..."

- Jimmy Cliff

"Bacalan River "
The calmness, the view and the boats.
3:30 PM March 18, 2016

Barangay Bacalan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay PHILIPPINES

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Zamboanga is a highly urbanized city dubbed by some as “Asia’s Latin City” because of the obvious Spanish influences, not the least of which is the wide use of Chabacano, a bastardized form of Spanish. While there are lots of fun things and educational to do in Zamboanga City itself, for a truly unique travel experience and a rare glimpse of an indigenous people, you should make a point of going to the Yakan Weaving Village, situated in Upper Calarian, about 7 km west of the city itself.

The Yakan People

The Yakans are actually indigenous to Basilan Island, not Zamboanga, and they are one of the 13 Moro groups. They are Muslim Filipinos, and managed to resist the incursion of the Spaniards into the Philippines. The Spanish considered them hostile, and to this day, they speak Bahasa Yakan instead of Chabacano.

The Yakans are also distinct from most indigenous Filipino groups in appearance, being relatively tall with high-bridged noses. They used to wear traditional dress made of cloth woven from plant fibers such as pineapple and abaca. Both sexes wore well-fitting woven pants, but while the women also wore a tight fitting blouse and wrap around, the men opted for a sash for holding weapons. Nowadays, the Yakans anywhere don Western clothing for ordinary days, reserving the traditional dress for festivals and special occasions.

The majority of the Yakans remained in Basilan until the 1970s, when many were forced to flee the escalating violence between militant Muslim groups and the military. They scattered to different places in the region, and some settled in Zamboanga. They brought the traditional art of weaving with them when they settled in an area in Upper Calarian, now the Yakan Weaving Village.

The Village

Despite is popularity with local and foreign tourists, the village is still pretty much that: a village. The “commercial” area is merely a few stall that exclusively sell products made from hand-woven fabric. They used natural dyes extracted from tree bark, roots, and leaves to make their intricate and colorful designs.

Weaving used to be just for traditional dress (Semmek), but demand from local and foreign visitors led them to produce wall coverings, runners, placemats, belts, scarves, bags, and purses. They follow certain nature-inspired patterns such as palipattang (rainbow), bunga-sama (python), kenna-kenna (fish), and daen-dawen (vine). However, since each product is made by hand, and each weaver has a distinctive style, each one is unique. You can watch them at work, and go on a pasalubong shopping spree after.

The Yakan Weaving Village is not just a place to buy beautiful and unique products. It is a testament to a hardy and hardworking people. They have managed to keep to the traditional ways despite the incursion of the modern world. It is to be hoped that the younger generation will carry on these traditions.

How to Get There

Major airlines have direct flights from Cebu, Davao City and Manila going to Asia's Latin City. By land (bus ride), from Cagayan de Oro City:more or less 15 hours; from Dipolog City:more or less 8 hours; and from Pagadian City:more or less 8 hours.

Once you're in Zamboanga City, it is easy enough to get to Upper Calarian. All you have to do is go to Volderosa Street near the public market and snag a jeep headed for Upper Calarian. Look for one that passes Gate 2 (ask the driver), which passes right by the village. The trip takes about 45 minutes in heavy traffic, and you will see the La Vista del Mar resort right across from it. Finding the village itself is not easy, because there is not a lot of fanfare leading up to it from the public road, and only a small tarp marking the place. Make sure the driver remembers to drop you off or you’ll miss the path to it altogether.

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The Philippines is home to the best and the most breathtaking places that will definitely be worth of your visit. Places like Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and many more would definitely make you want to go back more once you see them. Iligan City is one of the places and it is where some of the most mysterious and gorgeous sceneries reside; waterfalls, rivers, you name it!

Dodiongan Falls is located in Brgy. Digkilaan, Iligan City; in estimation, it is somewhere between 14-15km from the city proper. It is a 20-meter high water splitting beauty that will surely take your breath away. It contains a large pool of cold (I should say refreshing) water that is perfect for swimming and it has diving spots where travelers can try without having the fear of bumping into rocks. We’re not that too lucky during our visit because the basin’s water is not as clear as what we’ve expected due to heavy rains the past few days.

The falls is somewhat peculiar, but magnificent because the flow of water is interrupted by an irregular oddly shaped rock which separates the flow of water; making it look like it has two (2) sources of water from above. Yep, the waterfall’s shape resembles to the angel’s wings! Visiting this beauty would definitely make your vacation worthwhile and you will surely come back and visit it again.

It is a common misconception that the Dodiongan Falls is under the ordinance of Brgy. Bonbonon. The magnificent “Angel-Winged Falls” is under Brgy. Digkilaan, not Brgy. Bonbonon. According to one of the locals we’ve met, the waterfall is politically-covered by Digkilaan it’s just so happening that the easiest jump-off point is at Barangay Bonbonon. Do not get confused, just follow the how to get there guide and you should be fine.

This falls is probably one of the most beautiful falls you will see in our country. The amazing shape, its magnificent waters, and peaceful environment will make you want to move to Iligan City. Visit this wonder now and be astounded by what our country can offer!

FYI
Barangay Digkilaan is also called by the locals as Dingkila-an or Digkila-an.

TRAVEL NOTES

Bring food, water, and anything you want to bring because there are no nearby stores
Your feet will get wet because you will have to cross the stream twice
No littering PLEASE!
Check your camera's battery(ies) because the scenery you are about to see will leave you stunned and dumbfounded
Bring swimming attire or comfortable clothes for (short) trekking and (of course) swimming

HOW TO GET THERE

Iligan City is more or less 3-hour bus ride from Cagayan de Oro City; and more or less 2-hour coaster/bus ride from Laguindingan Airport (the nearest airport).

If you're coming from Ozamis City, ride in a bus bound to Iligan City or Cagayan de Oro City - travel time is more or less 3 hours (including the Ozamis-Mukas 15-minute roro trip).

Travel time from Pagadian City is more or less 6 hours (bus).

From: Iligan City to Dodiongan Falls

OPTION 1 : From the city proper, ride in a jeepney or multicab with the route going to Acmac or Dalipuga or Sta. Felomena. Tell the driver to drop you in Barinaut Terminal. FARE is Php7.00 and travel time is more or less 10 minutes. From Barinaut, you take habal-habal going to the jump-off point in Barangay Bonbonon. FARE is Php35.00/head (minimum of 2 passengers) and travel time is 20-30 minutes.

OPTION 2 : There are passenger jeepneys at the Public Market with direct route from the city proper to Barangay Digkilaan. FARE is Php30.00 – Php45.00 and travel time is more or less 30 minutes. Tell the driver to drop you off at the crossing going to Dodiongan Falls (sign: the newly-constructed bridge). Sorry, but I don’t have the exact information on fare, but, it’s more or less Php40.00. From the crossing/bridge, ride in habal-habal going to the starting point of the trek in Barangay Bonbonon.

From the starting point in Barangay Bonbonon, Dodiongan Falls is more or less 15-minute walk (includes crossing the stream twice). Don’t worry, it’s an easy trek! Ask any locals to guide you going to the location of the waterfall.

Our guide on this trip is James, a local kid we meet in Barangay Bonbonon. If you’re planning to visit Dodiongan Falls, you can contact him as a guide. BTW, his mobile number: +639093642363.

I would like to say thank you to these wonderful dabarkads in Iligan for joining me in this adventure: Janette, Luige, Lala, Jam, Jayson, Norben, Arnie, Princess, Joan, Liza, Emyat, Demie, and Mitch! You guys are indeed great adventure buddies!

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Beautiful day with the ostriches of Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farms, Inc. One of the largest in the country, the farm is located in Barangay Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental #travelph #ostrichfarm #traveldiaries #travelingmorion #photogram #beautifulPhilippines #followforfollow #followmeto #instalike #instapic #exploreMisamisOriental
A photo posted by Jeffrey Rilles (@travelingmorion) on Jul 23, 2016 at 11:16pm PDT

I had the chance to visit The Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City early this year. This unplanned and quick visit helped me understand the real situation of the country’s mightiest bird (or I should say “one of the most vulnerable species”), the Haribonor simply called the Philippine Eagle.

It may be a bit far from the City Proper of Davao, which travel time is about an hour or more, but being able to look straight into the eye of a critically endangered species is truly worth a person’s precious time. No one knows, maybe one day, we will just see the majestic Philippine Eagles in print. But of course, everyone hopes for their preservation. That’s why visiting this center is helpful to raise awareness and for a concern in a person’s heart to be triggered.

The center is not only a home to a number of our country’s pride but also to other kind of birds, mammals and reptiles. The facility is primarily intended for the conservation breeding of some of the endangered birds and also to conduct further studies about those species.

ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTER

Entrance Fee

Adult - P150.00

Kids (18 years old and below) - P100.00

Schedule: 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Daily)

If you want to simply observe and immerse yourself with the splendor of flora and fauna, you can just stroll around and enjoy the presence of endemic species, old but beautiful large trees, and magnificent tropical foliage.

But if you also long to have an educational experience, they offer below activities:

Guided Tours

The tour guides here, who are like walking encyclopedia, are the ones who will walk you through the center. Guided tours are free of charge but you may give tips, which will be a great encouragement for the volunteers to continue on what they do.

Keeper Talk

This is where you can hear from a bird’s caretaker all the things that you want to know about birds. But there is only a specific time for this activity, so be sure to verify its schedule for the day once you arrive at the center.

Open Classroom Project

This activity is dedicated to students from Pre-school to High School. The students will definitely enjoy this because there are games that have been prepared for the learning experience to be memorable.

Aside from the educational activities above, you may also want to be part of a benevolent activity that will help the center.

Wild Trail

For P500.00, you can be part of the center’s “walk of fame”, where your name will be engraved in its cemented paths. More importantly, you will be extending help in saving the species in the center.

Tree of Hope

You may also donate P100.00 as a support to the growth of one seedling under the Arakan Forest Corridor Development Project.

Gift Shop

By purchasing a souvenir item, you are helping the maintenance of the facility and in funding their different programs.

TRAVEL NOTES

Don’t forget to wear your most comfortable shoes for you to enjoy the stroll around the center.

Be sure to bring an insect repellant since there are mosquitoes around the area. It is also advisable to wear comfortable pants instead of shorts to avoid insects from nibbling your precious legs.

Though it gets cold in the morning at the center, which is at the foothills of Mt. Apo, your sweats could still escape because of the long walks. So it’s better if you will also pack some sweat towels.

Just always be ready to beat the heat by carrying with you an umbrella, a fan, a hat and bottled water.

It is important to keep in mind to keep your voice down to not disturb the animals, most especially during the breeding season for the Philippine Eagles which is from July to February.

Contact a staff from Philippine Eagle Center office before visiting to ensure the availability of tour guides.

WHERE TO EAT

More or less 30-minute drive/ride from the center, Golden Egg Restaurant is conveniently located along Kilometer 19 Highway of Davao-Bukidnon Road in Tugbok (Los Amigos), Davao City. They serve the best Pinoy dishes like pritong hito and tinolangnative chicken! I can assure you – I’ve been there twice. For reservations, you can reach them on this Tel. No.+63 82 271 9332.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Bus: At Annil Terminal, located at corner Quirino and San Pedro Extension, take a bus ride to Calinan. Buses depart every 15 minutes. From Calinan, take a motorcycle ride to the Philippine Eagle Center which is P20.00 per person.

By Jeepney: From Bankerohan Market, ride a jeepney going to Calinan. Fare is PhP45.00. Then take a motorcycle ride to the center.

By Taxi: Though this is the most convenient way, I would not recommend this since it will be too costly because of the distance from the City Proper to the center.

CONTACT DETAILS

THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE CENTER

Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City
Telephone number: (082) 324 1860
Mobile number: 09178627146
For reservations, you may email them at reservations@philippineeaglefoundation.org

or fill-out the form at the end of this page: http://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/philippine-eagle-center.
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Philippines – known for our surreal beaches and our joyous and magnificent festivities. A lot of people are aware of what our country can offer in terms of fun, sceneries, and serene surroundings but some still doubt and some are still in the sphere of wonder of what the Pearl of the Orient Sea can give them.

photograph courtesy of my photographer friend Rob of Palibut.com

Bacolod City is one of the most famous cities that are yet to be known by foreigners. All of the places that most foreigners know are the common places and the places that the natives and the Filipinos consider out-of-the-trend or boring. To let other people know, let us glorify and spread what Bacolod City can offer and we will first start with the MassKara Festival.

The festival started a little around 30 years ago in the early 1980s when the prices for sugar rapidly dropped. Bacolod City is known to be the country’s sugar capital and having this agenda worldwide caused them to undergo a major crisis. Aside from that crisis, the city was also mourning its heavy loss of around 700 lives from the MV Don Juan tragedy. Natives from the province conspired to lift the people’s spirits up and it was when the MassKara festival was born.

The word MassKara was coined by the late AAB (Art of Association of Bacolod) President, Ely Santiago which was derived from the two words Mass which means “a multitude of people” and Kara which is “face” in Spanish terminologies. The masks that are worn by participants are always smiling which means that even though the hard times hit their city, they’ll still smile and go through – this also implies the meaning that “MassKara” is a multitude of smiling people.

The festival is celebrated during the 3rd weekend of October or on the closest weekend to touch the 19th of October. Posted below is the expected schedule of the festival for this year:

Oct 1 – Opening Salvo: MassKara, Kari na!

Oct 9 – MassKara Queen Pageant and Coronation Night

Oct 10-12 – ExtremeMassKara

Oct 11 – MassKara by the Sea

Oct 15-19 – MassKaraLand

Oct 15 – MassKaravan

Oct 16 – Arena and Street Dancing Competition

Oct 17 – Electric MassKara (Elimination)

Oct 18 – Electric MassKara, Charter Day Countdown & Grand Fireworks

Oct 19 – MassKaraRaffle Draw

Oct 19 – Bacolod City 77th Charter Day Celebration

Note: The schedule above was based from previous year’s timeline of activities. The actual schedule will be updated once released by the festival organizers.

HOW TO GET THERE

In getting there, you have two (2) options:

You can ride a plane

You can take the ferry

The first option which is taking the plane, is by far the fastest and the most convenient way of travel if you plan on going to Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Taking the plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will take you a little more or less 45 minutes. Cut that down to 30 minutes if you will be coming from Mactan-Cebu (air). After landing from the airport in Silay City, you will then travel for approximately 20 minutes in land to get to Bacolod City.

There are daily ferry trips to take you to Iloilo City. Taking it by water or by ferry is far from the travel time and for the convenience as well from taking it via plane. By boat, it will take you approximately 18 hours from the Port of Manila and 45 minutes from the Port of Iloilo. If you decide to bring a car and latch it onto the Roro then it will take you approximately 3 hours from Iloilo City to Bacolod City via Dumangas route.

Aside from the MassKara festival, there also are other things to do in Bacolod City like museums, cathedrals, and a lot more. Here are some of those:

1. You can visit the Negros Museum which is located at Gatuslao Street (the former building of the Agricultural center). Standard entrance fee is Php50 whilst students and senior citizens only have a rate of Php20.

2. San Sebastian Cathedral which is located along the Rizal Street. To get there, ride a Bata-Libertad Jeepney. It is a 19th century-style cathedral which survived even the harshest of times and it was only officially declared a cathedral in the early 1900s.

3. The Ruins in Talisay, City is known to be the Taj Mahal of the Philippines because of the great ambience and feeling it gives its visitors. It is not inside Bacolod City but it is just a nearby town from it.

4. Bacolod City New Government Center (NGC) is dubbed as the White House of the Philippines because of its Neo-Classical Renaissance style. To get to the NGC, you must ride a Homesite-Central Market jeepneys from Bacolod City.

5. Ever heard of the sulfur hot springs and numerous waterfalls near Bacolod City? Well then that’s probably because you already have heard of the Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia where people would celebrate the Mudpack Festival every 3rd week of June. In order to get there, you need to ride a jeepney from the city proper to Libertad. From Libertad, take another jeepney or tricycle that will take you to the resort.

These are just five (5) of the other things and activities you can do near Bacolod City. What a treat, right? After celebrating the MassKara festival, you and your friends can enjoy other activities and view great sceneries that Negros Occidental can offer.

What are you waiting for? Come and visit Bacolod City now!

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