“Hope”
“Keep holding on”
By Janissa Jaril Pateño
“Guide in a right way”
“Busy people”
“Blurred surroundings”
Helps to the hardworking people”
The Daranak Falls in Tanay is one of the most popular summer getaway for locals and tourists in and out of the country.
The name Daranak came from the word, “Dumaranak” meaning flow which pertains to the clear water that is flowing from the falls. Other locals said that this name is also derived from the Filipino phrase “Dadanak ang dugo” because of the significance of the falls during the war.
For more informations, you can like their page: https://www.facebook.com/DaranakFallsinfocenter/
You can also watch our vlog on Youtube: https://youtu.be/D9NG9Fls4Y0
by: Arvie Jezwell O. Bermejo
Rugged and largely undiscovered, Samar Island is a destination that will appeal to those who love the great outdoors. It’s the third largest island in the Philippines composed of three provinces: Samar (Western Samar), Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.
From caves, waterfalls, and rock formations, there’s a lot to see and discover in these three provinces. If you’re planning a trip to the Eastern Visayas Region, here are five natural attractions you may want to include in your itinerary.
Lulugayan Falls in Calbiga, Samar is neither the widest nor the highest waterfall in the Philippines. It is also not the most famous. But it is certainly one of the prettiest cascades you wouldn’t want to miss in your travels around the country.
Biri Rock Formation
Aside from Biri Island, you can also marvel at impressive rock formations in other coastal areas of Samar Island. In Marabut near the boundary of Western and Eastern Samar, rock formations jut out of the ocean like tall towers on the sea.
Mapanas on the Eastern coast of Samar facing the Pacific Ocean also boasts of its own stunning rock formations. It’s here where you can find Pinusilan Natural Lagoon, a natural swimming hole where seawater is drawn in.2
One of the most popular eco-tourism cave attractions that’s been developed for tourists is the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park (SNBNP) located in the town of Basey. The park gets its name for the local term “sohot” which means to pass through because guests ride a boat along a stream that flows under a natural stone bridge connecting two mountains. The site takes visitors to several cathedral-like caves, rivers and waterfalls with clear waters.
Calbiga Cave Samar
Those who want to experience a more extreme caving adventure should head to the town of Calbiga and explore Langun-Gobingob Caves, said to be the largest cave system in the Philippines. The cave is located within the Samar Island National Park or SINP, a 333,000-hectare protected natural eco-tourism system spanning the whole island of Samar.
With massive chambers as large as coliseums and spectacular karst formations, exploring all the chambers of Langun-Gobingob Cave can take several days. For hassle-free spelunking trips (including day hikes and multi-day tours with cave camping), get in touch with tour operator Trexplore from Catbalogan City. Read more about Langun-Gobingob Cave in Calbiga, Samar
Ulot River in Samar
The Ulot River Torpedo Extreme Boat Adventure picks up guests from the jump-off point in Barangay Tenani in Paranas and takes them through a 10-kilometer long winding route along the river’s whitewater rapids. In a rocky area known as Deni’s Point, guests can jump into the water and get swept along by the current until they reach the point where the water is calmer.
The Torpedo boat (which is actually an acronym that stands for Tour Guides & Boat Operators for River Protection & Environmental Development Organization) is a six-seater wooden boat without outriggers that is maneuvered by guides using wooden oars. On the way back, there are shallow portions where boatmen need to get down and push the boat on the rocky riverbed against the current and rapids
Baybay Beach, Borongan, Eastern Samar
The town of Guiuan located at the southernmost tip of Samar Island is surrounded by numerous islands and islets such as Manicani, Calicoan Island, and the historical island of Homonhon which also have their own secluded beaches worth visiting. The whole area is protected as part of the marine reserve known as the Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape.
by: Arvie Jezwell O. Bermejo
By: Leoanne Beltran
“Let’s go first walk at the stairs”
“See the world through playground eyes”
“Play is the royal road to childhood happiness and adult brilliance.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce
“Favorite place of all children.”
“Play is the work of children.” – Bob Keeshan
“Allow children to be happy in their own way, for what better way will they find?.” – Samuel Johnson
By: Leoanne Beltran
Aklan is a mountainous province with over one-third of its land area sloping at 30 percent on the average. It is still one of the few provinces in the country to maintain a total of some 709 hectares of virgin forest. Nature’s bounty of the scenic attractions are found in Aklan. Boracay island, the province’s top tourist destination, is known throughout the world for its fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas.
Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Aklan:
#5 – Hacienda Maria
The main attractions of the site includes a waterfall, caves and Hot Pot Jacuzzi. Visitors can enjoy swimming and cliff jumping on the 10 feet deep plunge pool of the waterfall. Then go spelunking on the 2 caves which are filled with glistening stalactite and stalagmite formations worth exploring. Afterwards, a relaxing thing to do would be to soak on the Hot Pot Jacuzzi (“kawa“) filled with lukewarm waters and herbal leaves while fire woods are lit underneath.
Hacienda Maria is a 14-hectare of unspoiled beauty of nature that serves as an ecotourism destination of the province of Aklan frequented by many local and foreign tourists.
#4 – Pagatpat Mangrove Park
Pagatpat Mangrove Park is a famed destination in Aklan for its serene and tranquil environment. It is a fish sanctuary and a mangrove forest facing the Sibuyan Sea. Similar to Bakawan Eco Park, the Pagatpat Mangrove Park also has connecting bamboo trail where tourist can walk along and explore the area. Visitors can unwind at one of the several kiosks and enjoy the serene ambiance of the park.
Sunset is best viewed here.
#3 – Nabas Wind Farm
Nabas Wind Farm is one of the remarkable tourist spots in Aklan. Lined up along a mountain ridge of the province are the strategically positioned 18 gigantic wind turbines that supplies clean and renewable energy to the Western Visayas grid. This site has been a frequented sightseeing destination that offers amazing scenery of the green mountains of Aklan and the vast ocean. The beautiful views and wind breeze surely captures the hearts of many visitors.
#2 – Hurom-Hurom Cold Spring
Hurom-Hurom Cold Spring is considered as the best summer destination in the province of Aklan. It is the premier, biggest and most popular cold spring source in the province where the fresh waters are coming out of the rocks. It was developed into a cold spring resort privately owned by a family which later on became a favorite destination among local and foreign tourists. There is a wide cold spring pool everybody can enjoy swimming. The entire area is surrounded by lush greens and foliage.
#1 – Boracay Island
Boracay is not just one of the best tourist spots in Aklan but also consecutively being on the list of “World’s Best Islands” by international travel magazines and agencies. It is a small island at the northwest tip of Panay Island continually being visited by millions of tourists all year round. The most famous beach in the island is the White Beach which stretches 4 kilometers lined up with budget to high-end resorts and hotels, restaurants and dive shops among the rest. Dubbed as the “Island of Bliss“, visitors can have fun with wide array of things to do during the day such as parasailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding and fly fish riding. Then during the night, tourists can enjoy the fire dance and party all night. There are total of 13 recognized beaches around Boracay Island.
Martessem Mountain Resort in Tanay, Rizal is one of the most relaxing places in the province of Rizal.
This resort offers a 360° view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, the longest mountain range in the Philippines. Martessem Mountain Resort is the perfect getaway place if you want to take a break from the noise and pollution in the city.
If you want to experience the cold temperature like Baguio, say no more! The temperature in Tanay is as cold as Baguio specially during the Ber-months. Make sure to bring your jackets!
What we really love about this place is its rates, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain range for only PHP 50.00. Other rates are also very budget friendly and perfect for broke students like us!
The place offers a clean and refreshing amenities, the staffs are very friendly and approachable, too!
For inquiries, you can like their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MartessemResort/
You can also check out our vlog in Youtube:
By: Angela Valerie G. Gallardo
They say that, “You should not allow your comfort zone to prevent you from adapting the change or from trying new ventures.” This is my mindset when I was choosing a school for college; stepping out of my comfort zone to chase my dreams.
I consider my hometown as my comfort zone. I studied there for about 15 years and I rarely travel outside my hometown. I felt like there won’t be much growth if I studied for another 4 years within my comfort zone, that’s why I made a risky decision of studying in a school which is approximately 44 km away from my home.
The University of Rizal System Antipolo Campus is about 1 hour and 10 minutes away from Tanay.
When I found out that there is an Antipolo Campus of URS, it really caught my attention. I heard and read good feedbacks about the school that’s why I took the risk.
Travelling for an hour everyday is not easy, you need to wake up and prepare 2 hours before your class. Yes, it’s tiring, but I kept in mind that when I am already working, I will experience the same thing.
Going home is not easy too, there will be times that you have to wait for a long time just to get a ride.
But if I will be asked if I have any regrets, I will say ‘no’. I am glad that I took the risk. Yes, the struggle is real, but in life you have to constantly push yourself out of your comfort zone and be brave enough to face your fears. It is hard, it is tiring, but the number of situations that make us feel uncomfortable will make us keep growing.
We should always keep in mind that life begins at the end of our comfort zones
by Janissa Jaril Pateño
Batanes is one of the provinces that has the smallest population and land area. It is located in the northern part of the Philippines. Its capital is Basco which is located in the island of Batan.
It takes 2 and a half hour to get there from Manila using air transportation.
This province has one of the best tourist destinations in Luzon. If you explore this province, you will discover how beautiful Batanes have, even if it’s too far.
Here are my top 5 tourist destination that you must to Visit in Batanes.
1 Basco Lighthouse
Bascos Lighthouse was constructed on 2003, proposed by the former Congressman Florecio Abad.
Inside the Lighthouse, there is a spiral staircase for the tourist if they want to climb and to witness the 360 degree view of surroundings.
2. Morong Beach
Morong beach is one the favorite destination in Batanes. There is a large rock formation, the Nakabuang Arch. It is called the Nakabuang Arch because it forms an arch.
The waves in beach is so calm so it is not dangerous for the tourist.
3. Vayang Rolling Hills
Vayang Rolling Hills is located in Basco, Batan Island, Batanes. The surrounding of this hill is covered with color green, because of the grass, and hills.
If you want a peaceful place, this is the best place for you.
The air is fresh, coming from the sea. The environment of this hill is so relaxing. This is the perfect paradise.
4. Dakay House ( The Oldest Stone House of Dakay)
When we say “Batanes” this is the first thing that comes into our mind. It is popular in Batanes because of the unique structure. It is made up of stone and lime, while the roofs is made up of cogons.
The structure of Sakay House is for the strong wind and typhoon.
The Dakay House is recognized as a world heritage building by UNESCO.
5. Valugan Boulder Beach
Valugan means “east” in Ivatan language. This beach is different from other beaches. Instead of white sand, the seashore is full of rocks that is created by the eruption of Mt Iraya. You can hear is the whistling sound of wind and the waves slapping the rocks.
www.thewanderlist.travel.com 