Manila and Beyond

They called me Leonor.

It was a long way back home. What was once a happy life turned into a life of misery and misfortune. I was brought to Corregidor. I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to be where I belong, where I am myself, where I am able to live life the way I want it to be. But perhaps, God has a different path for me.

Topside Barracks

And so, in these barracks, I began to live my journey. You see, I was a nurse. I wanted to serve the people, I wanted to cure the sick. But I didn’t realize that it would have to be this way.

Now, remnants of what was once one of the greatest battles our country has ever fought remains — unshattered, unharmed, preserved.

Topside Barracks

Old Spanish Lighthouse

Corregidor.

Ps.
I have to admit. I’m no good in history. But I’ve always wondered how life was in Corregidor during those days. Having been there for 4 times, this place always brings a sense of dignity in me that despite everything that happened, we were able to bring our country the freedom and peace it deserves. This story may not be close enough to what really transpired then, but I hope this fictional story of mine has inspired you to explore Corregidor on your own. My thanks to Ivan Henares for inviting me to this historical place.

Last Saturday, I was lucky enough to be invited by fellow travel blogger Melo Villareal of http://outoftownblog.com/ to attend and watch the 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition. Together with Cedric of GalaPinoyRedux, Gael of The Pinay Solo Backpacker, Marky of Nomadic Experiences and Angel of Lakwatsero, we witnessed the brightest show on earth held at SM Mall of Asia.

I love watching fireworks. As a matter of fact, everytime I am at SM Mall of Asia on a Saturday, I wait for their fireworks display at 7 pm. I never take photos because I want to enjoy watching the lights as they shoot up the sky. So when I was invited to this event, I simply had to say yes.

Our call time was 5:30 pm. We arrived earlier because we were planning to go to Quiapo first to check out cameras. But because of traffic, it was a Saturday after all, we didn’t go to Quiapo and instead, just waited for the call time.

Since we were early, Cedric, Marky, Angel and I were all able to catch the beautiful sunset.

What a view!

This night was a series of firsts as it was my first time to watch the pyromusical competition, my first time to take photos of fireworks and my first time to use my mom’s Lumix DMC-TZ7. I knew taking photos of fireworks would be better with a DSLR but I’m glad Lumix didn’t fail.

Here are my favorite shots:

I know, I know. I didn’t do much justice to these photos. This gives me more reason to watch the next series of pyromusical competition so that I can practice taking photos of fireworks!

Before heading home, we bonded over coffee and several SMILE Magazines at Bo’s Coffee. That day was the highlight of the week, as I got to see the spectacular fireworks display from Korea and Spain, and I was also able to spend time with my fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers!

with fellow PTB: Cedric, Angel, Gael and Marky

Did you miss the fireworks display from Korea and Spain? Don’t worry! Watch the other shows on:

February 19 – Portugal vs UK
February 26 – China vs France
March 5 – Japan vs Canada
March 12 – Australia vs Philippines

Ticket prices are P1,500 (VIP with dinner), P500 (VIP), P200 (GOLD), and P100 (SILVER). Tickets are available at SM Ticketnet and at various ticket stations at SM Mall of Asia.

For more information, please visit www.pyrophilippines.com.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets and head on to SM Mall of Asia tomorrow to catch the fireworks display from Portugal and UK.

(PS. This is a sponsored event. TY.)

Coming home at 2 am from a drinking session made me ask myself if we’ll ever make it to the 15th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. We were staying at a friend’s house in Pampanga and we’d have to arrive at Clark before 5 am to get a good spot.

Fortunately, the travel from Pampanga to Clark was easy breezy save from the massive amounts of cars that lined up the venue. We had to park at a farther end and walk all the way towards the entrance. We were lugging around all our stuff as we were meeting my brother who will then drive us back to Manila. And since they weren’t able to park near the venue, we had no choice but to carry our stuff while we wait for the program to start.

It was Valentine’s Day and it was Chinese New Year! And it was the last day of the Hot Air Balloon, too! So, despite not having enough sleep, that didn’t stop my excitement from finally seeing all these hot air balloons up in the air.

I have been wanting to watch the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta for quite some time now and I was glad that finally, that day has come. After waiting for an hour, the hot air balloons, one by one, started to light up and before I knew it, they were all up in the air. Oh, what a beautiful sight!

They’re just incredibly beautiful to look at!

I want to ride one of these, too!

And they’re up!

I wonder how much it would cost to have my own hot air balloon!

As soon as the balloons were all up and far away, we decided to go ahead and leave since we still had plans of going to Subic. But that’s another story.

Do you want to watch, too? The 16th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be from February 10-13, 2011. Visit http://www.philballoonfest.net for more details! Enjoy!

I have often been asked if I am Chinese. Not because I look like one, but because of my surname. As far as I know, my dad’s great grandfather is the one who’s pure Chinese. So, that means I only have about 1/8 (probably even less) Chinese blood.

Despite not being a true blue Chinese, there are certain traditions that our family follows. As a starter, my mom is a fan of Feng Shui. Every New Year, she buys Lillian Too’s books to find out what’s in store for her for the coming year. We also go to this Feng Shui store in Alabang to buy all those lucky charms for the house and for us to wear or bring wherever we go.

I, on the other hand, have all these charm bracelets to protect me from all kinds of bad things. I also have these money coins which I put inside my wallet to keep the money flowing. I also buy a Chinese wishing paper where I would list down all my wishes for the coming year. Last night, I already wrote down my list and at 12 midnight, I burned the paper. I then light an incense and go around the house. I don’t remember where I got this tradition (or if it even counts as one) but I’ve been doing this every year.

I would have wanted to go to Binondo to celebrate Chinese New Year if only I didn’t have work. Too bad that today wasn’t proclaimed as a holiday. But, luckily, my mom was able to go to Binondo a few days ago and she was able to get me a wishing paper, a charm bracelet, and of course, our favorites Tikoy and Hopia from Eng Bee Tin.

Let me share with you a few photos my mom took during her Binondo trip.

Welcome to Binondo!

The famous Binondo Church

Several Feng Shui stores line up the streets of Binondo

They sell Charm Bracelets, too!

Tikoy, anyone?

On a sidenote, Binondo is not only known for its history, but for its great food. Last year, Cedric of Galapinoyredux.com and I went on a DIY food tour of Binondo. We were originally meeting up with wanderboy and lantaw but they weren’t able to make it. Since I was a little familiar with the place, having been there several times, Cedie and I both explored Binondo on our own.

Of course, a Binondo trip wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t visit Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz or what is most commonly known as Binondo Church. I also recommend checking out these places: Eng Bee Tin on Ongpin Street, Ang Tunay Beef House along Gandara Street and Dong Bei Dumplings along Yuchengco Street (formerly Nueva). While you’re at it, drop by my relative’s bakery at Po Chuan Tin along Salazar Street. (Read more about our Binondo Food trip at www.galapinoyredux.com)

In the meantime, I hope you are all having a great Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone!

I bet you didn’t know that there’s a city in the province of Negros Occidental that is surrounded by spectacular beaches, caves and magnificent diving spots. I bet you didn’t even know that this city existed until this post.

Well, I might be over-exaggerating at this point, but if you have heard and have seen the beauty of Sipalay, good for you!

Sipalay is about 200 km if you’re coming from either Bacolod or Dumaguete. With Bacolod as my mom’s hometown, I was lucky enough to discover this sanctuary.

Several years ago during one of our visits to Bacolod, we decided to go and check out Sipalay. We rented a van and travelled from the city of Bacolod to Sipalay for about 4 ½ hours. From Sipalay, we took a 15-minute boat ride to Langub Beach or what is also known as the Sugar Beach. If I remember it right, there are only a few boats that travel to Langub. So if you’re a big group, you’d have to go to Langub by batches.

Langub Beach during the day

If you love Boracay for its powdery, white sand beach and nightlife, the Sugar Beach is not for you. The beach has brown sand, not as powdery as the one in Boracay, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and laidback. There are no restaurants or bars on the island. However, there are several accommodations on the island to choose from.

We stayed at Langub Beach Resort. We had the whole house to ourselves. There are also no convenience stores in the island so be prepared to bring enough food for your stay.

The beauty of Sipalay as the sun was setting

The Sugar Beach is an ideal place for swimming and various water sports activities. For divers, you can choose from about 30 dive spots, including three wrecks (MS Jojo, SS Panay and Juliens Wreck). Beach lovers can also explore the surrounding islands like Anhawan which is what we did the next day.

Anhawan Island

I fell in love with Anhawan Island. The beach is white sand, and its waters pristine. It’s also not yet commercialized so its beauty is still preserved. Plus, the only people in the island would be your group and the caretakers.
Sipalay is a perfect retreat if you’re looking for a relaxed vacation. If you are in Bacolod or Dumaguete, do make sure to visit this gem.

PS.
Langub Beach Resort’s website is no longer functioning. For more information on Sipalay, please visit www.sipalaycity.gov.ph.