Ni hao! From Philippines to Hong iong.It is my first time to travel overseas. It is exciting if you haven’t experienced it yet. A lot of things to discover and to explore. There are two famous tourists spot here Disneyland and Ocean park. There are lot’s of dazzling nature view while you are in the plane. My excitement is increasing when i first stepped on Hong Kong. There is a lot of things in here different from the Philippines, traditions, way of living and of course their language.

-Central Park Hong Kong

Our first denstination Ocean Park!

It is a long way travel from our place were we lived in Hong kong. We stayed on a hotel in Cause way bay from there we traveled about 30-50 mins to Wong Chuk hang where Ocean Park’s location. Riding mtr is the fastest way to get there. There are lot’s of things to do in Ocean Park. Gigantic aquariums, exhibitions, and more. I’ve encountered sea creatures that i haven’t seened before, gigantic sea creatures, zoo animals like panda. So much experience and things i have explored. Unlimited happiness and so much fun!

-Hong Kong Ocean Park

Our last destination! The famous theme park Disneyland!

The most of the best experience and happiest and tiring part of our tour.

One day isn’t enough to explore the whole Disneyland it is a huge place but it is worth it. Everything is beautiful in there you can’t say nothing about it. Everything and every time is worht it.

Mt. Arayat is a twin-peak dormant volcano mountain located about 95 kilometers north of Manila. The polular Peak 1 (986 meters above sea level) can be accessed through a trail from Arayat. while Peak 2 (1026 meters above sea level) can be reached from Magalang, Pampanga. The mountain is considered a mystic home of diwata (goddess) Mariang Sinucuan, the archrival of Namalyari of Mount Pinatubo.

Located 95 kilometers north of Manila in Barangay San Juan Bano, Arayat, Pampanga, the national park is a major tourist destination in Central Luzon that can attract 5,000 persons in single day.

The new features and amenities of the national park are five swimming pools including a mega one, cottages, villas, picnic areas, children’s playground, hiking, biking, and camping sites for vacationers. They called it “Banyo” means take a bath.

In my life, i have been on few memorable trips. Why? Because i don’t travel much out of town or even out of the country but when i have the chance, i’m really having fun. So there you go! Last May 21, 2016 we went to Mt. Arayat Resort Park with my family since its just 5 kilometers away from candaba. It was actually my summer routine to spend my vacation with my grandparents and cousins there. since its my original hometown and i feel like my heart really belongs in that place. We rode a trycicle up on our way there. Its not an easy road plus the traffic. but once you get there it will be all worth it!

The entrance fee is cheaper than i thought. Its only 50 pesos per head you can swim all you want. very affordable and the water is being supplied by pristine spring water direct from the mountain.

We tried their famous one hundred steps stairs that goes directly to the tree house. Its kind of a tiring adventure but really fun. They also have fishponds where you can feed the native fishes on your own and buy them. If you are a nature lover i guarantee that you will love the place! The water is a bit cold and the sound of the falls is very relaxing. What i love about the place is that first, its a stress-free environment. Second, its far from the city so you get to appreciate the mountain view and the nature. And lastly, our indigenous people (aetas) are very accomodating and heartwarming. You can actually see that they are happy with the way they live on the mountain side. There’s a saying “unplanned moments are the best” and yes! Proven! The experience was extremely fun! It was really a great experience for me not just because of the beautiful place, but because of the people i am with. They made my vacation extra special. Truly that there is nothing more precious than spending time with your loved ones.

Ciudad de Victoria is a combination of tourism and enterprise zone in the town of Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines. A site of farmland and converted into a massive mixed-use area with residencial, entertainment, leisure, business and sport action. It is owned by the fast-moving Christian
religion, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). Ciudad de Victoria is operated by Maligaya Development Corporation.

Inside this massive area, you will see the world’s largest indoor arena, The Philippine Arena. It can handle 55,000 people, an earthquake resistant arena, to last longer. It is named Philippine Arena because to become a multipurpose indoor arena, not only for INC activities, but for public activities also like, entartainment and formal events. You will see also the Philippine Sport Stadium and Philippine Sport center good for sport action, events and activities. Philippine Sport Center has an Olympic-size swimming pool and a multipurpose gymnasium. The Philippine Sport Stadium right beside the Philippine Arena is the largest football stadium in the entire country, it has a football field and sprint track. It can maximized a 25,000 viewers and supporters. A perfect place for sports events. Last but not the least, The Garden. Open for public and a place must be visit! A tourist attraction place you were can find the most stunning place in the Philippines. The Garden is a huge park with a gorgeous and lovely landscape surrounded by flowers burst in colorfulness. There are also exotic animals and you will hear the birds loudly chattering. Inside The Garden there is a Animal World, a mini zoo. But do not judge it for being mini, you can find the animals you would not see in any local zoos here in the Philippines. They have Alpaca, White Tiger, Lioness and more! But the happiness would not stop there. Inside The Garden Free Rides are waiting for you! Animal House where you can feed monkeys, birds and etc. There is Mini Planetarium also and for those who love international flowers, they have a Mini Japanese Garden. If you are a candy lover, a sweet maniac, Candy Land is for you. Tons of Candies, Pastries and sweet products you can bring to your home. This kind of place, a place for family bonding, friends gatherings and more events are perfect here in the Ciudad De Victoria. An Accessible place and soon, for better convenience, A Three Phase Interchange will rise, to become more accessible and hassle-free to visit

Ciudad de Victoria is a must visit place where in you will be able to see the largest indoor arena that holds the title from World records which is Philippine Arena along with its massive sports stadium and The garden. This new and stunning attraction will surely increase our tourism in the country.
This is what I saw in the Ciudad de Victoria, not a normal place, a magical place, full of happiness, excitement and more is yet to come. I recommend this place, a place must be visit because
I never failed to amazed at Ciudad De Victoria, because I know this is The City of Victory, where the triumph live!

Located several kilometers away from the town of Pundaquit, San Antonio in the province of Zambales, Anawangin Cove is one of the tourist destinations of the province. Anawangin Cove can be reached via half an hour boat ride from barangay Pundaquit or a 4-6 hours trek of Mt. Pundaquit but we chose to ride a boat for a faster travel. Before going to this beautiful island, we stayed at the Megan Resort to eat and sleep for a night.

We woke up early and ate our breakfast to get ready for our Island hopping. We packed some cooked foods and bring them with us because we will be out in the Megan’s Resort until afternoon. We rented a boat near the Megan’s Resort for our ride going to three islands named Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa Island. Fortunately, the driver of our boat is also a member of the Church of Christ that’s why we felt safer and more comfortable in our ride.

The ride is quite long but we didn’t felt it because of the different amazing rock formations and mountains surrounding the ocean that we saw in our way to the Anawangin Cove.

When we are getting nearer to Anawangin Cove, we can’t help our excitement because we saw the water getting clearer and less deeper. When we arrived, we went inside the Destinare Resort to rent cottage. We were amazed by the clear water and the pure nature view of the Anawangin Cove. The cove is surrounded by pine trees and mountains. When my family saw this Cove, they decided to stay there and cancelled our Island hopping. We took pictures first before we took our first dip in the cold water of the Island.

We also tried riding the banana boat. That boat made me scream so loud because it is so fast and I got scared because we might fall out of it. After that, we took a quick rest and ate our lunch. We also played volleyball that could be rented inside the resort. We also swan in the swimming pool of the resort. When it’s near sunset, we caught fishes and crabs but freed them afterwards. At exactly 5 P.M., the boat arrived to fetch us back in the Megan’s Resort.

Our summer 2018 was well spent because of our amazing last destination. we enjoyed the Anawangin Cove that much that we came back there last month and decided to stay there for a night. Anawangin Cove is a place where you can take a rest from the usual city life. It is a great back-to-basic and peaceful living experience where there is no electricity and mobile signal. Just enjoying the moment and making memories with your family.

It was our first time to visit Hundred Islands Alaminos City Pangasinan with mylove and his family and we were awed by the beauty of nature. Before we travel to the islands, we need to register in the tourism office close to the pier where the boats are docked. Cost 2000 pesos for a medium sized boat with rigs. They provided for plastic bags where you must store your trash and charged 200 pesos. The 200 pesos was refunded after the trip when you brought back the trash. This is a good practice to teach tourists to not throw garbage anywhere. It also helps to keep the sea clean. To see the cleanliness of our seas, and to make it work in different places. You see here how discipline people are.

There are several islands that you can explore, Governor Island, Quezon Island and Marcos island . On these Islands you can rent cottages,water sports equipment and other fun activities and some cost money. If your a small group of a big family. Bring a lot of food and water plus hygiene products. You can buy food and drinks on the islands but they just snack and cold drinks but they are expensive. So you have to bring food to save your money you also have to rent Life Vests and Snorkeling gear, some activities like the jumping in the Imelda cave at Marcos Island you have to wear a life vest to stay safe when you jump. But I did not try it, because I was afraid to jump because its too deep. But I repented because I did not try it. But I enjoy the climb especially when it comes to the top. You will find very nice view and very cool air.

The Governor’s Island has a hundred steps to see the view of whole islands from the mountain top. This is my favorite island. The island that has the longest climb, on paved steps. This is where one can have an almost bird’s eye view of the whole park. Governor’s Island has a wonderful viewing deck where you could take a selfie with the island as your background. very nice scenery you can see here, and very strong wind. The water was azure and clean and the temperature was perfect for a nice swim. I had the best experience from the Hundred Islands! Great scenery, friendly people and it’s just fantastic that you can move from one island to another in just minutes. All in all I really enjoy here because it is very nice, especially when you are here in the deck of governors island. You will definitely see the beauty of the islands.

Jayrish Liangco

White Rock Beach Hotel and water park is one of the best known resorts in subic for getaway. Last June year 2015 we went to white rock with my family members and friends we traveled four to six hours on a not so late summer day. That time it was a perfect time to talk about anything under the sun while sightseeing the panoramic view of the beach. I’m excited to have fun with my family and friends away from the city for the first time, being with them will always be different.

12noon past when we ate our lunch we had a boodle fight were everyone is excited to eat especially when using hands. Afterwards, we rushed to the change room, and ultimately to the swimming pools . The resort has five well maintained swimming pools, a beach front and two enormous wave pools. We experienced them all, of course we wouldn’t miss an exciting part of a summer adventure – The Waterslides. Each pool has an attendant the management ensures customer safety. I did try all the extreme slides which is Big bowl, See-saw and Rampage which put my adrenaline rush over to the top i could not help but shout as sliding through all the slides. As the times goes by, we are all got tired. they grabbed the chance to recharge while sitting under the palm tree overlooking the refreshing view of the sea. My family are sleeping while me and my friends having a lil chitchat while eating our favorite snacks. Ofcourse one of the best part of the trip is when you having a deep talk with your love ones while sightseeing the panoramic view of the beach.

After how many hours we decided to go to the floating slide to try it and take a nap under the slide of it. As we hear the sound of waves and feelin the fresh air from the sea the floating slide was a very calming and refreshing it is a perfect time to meditate.

When the time has come we decided to go back to villa and change our clothes. I guess its 7pm in the evening when we’re done packing our things but before we go home we ate at the restaurant inside the resort for the last time. While eating we talk about our whole trip and share some jokes, For me that was the saddest part of our getaway but i had a great and genuine experience throughout the day it was fun to try something new with my love ones . This getaway was a truly moment to treasure.

Shaina Pauline M. Gayanilo

So it started just because they want to feel the blazing sun, smell the fresh air, and have fun in the sea. Well, also because they want to take a break on the happenings of this city and little brother’s birthday. Before this day, we have prepared somethings we can eat on rode since we’re going very far anyways. Before the sun have started to rise we already woken up by the factor of the strictness of our parents to be early as possible, so that we can harbor the enjoyment of the surroundings near the vicinity. At first we we’re clueless which specific area we’re going to but our parents, together with relatives, told us that we’re going on a beach. I’m not a beach type of person because of the burning sun, like yuck I don’t wanna have a tanned skin, besides I have stayed enough in our house not have a tanned skin. Anyway, as we have decided to take the rode, its filled with endless banter, stupid sing-along, and laughs, that kept us wide awake on the rode. But as we saw the beach I thought the destination was near, because we thought that the beach resort was public, but then as we ask the owner it was private. Feeling down, we left the place, but still we we’re determined to seek a place for enjoyment that’s affordable. With that state of mind we first took a break the Bataan Market Place to eat a macaroni soup with vegetables and shredded chicken to fill our tummies with proper nourishment.

As we hit the rode again, we ask some locals in Bataan which place here in Bataan that can accommodate people to a public beach resort. Because there’s no public beach resorts in Bataan, as we’re in quest of searching of a local that might give us which place, we stumbled a local then she gave us a tip “You can ask some people that are living near the sea, they might accommodate your family, so that they can gain some extra income” she said. Delighted by her answer, we ask which direction we should go luckily she happens to know some people living near the sea shore, so she gave us the direction and we go the given direction. With that in mind we ask some locals which is nearby the sea, and we found a local that could accommodate us. At that moment we were so lucky that a local offered us an accommodation, also we were fortunate that we only paid the cottage. Sounds shocking, but we really paid the cottage. So after paying we ask where we can take clean ourselves with clean water, then the local said that we need to fetch water from an artesian well. So after we voiced our concerns we thank the local by giving an additional payment for them to use, after that our parents prepared food for our lunch, then the young ones started to take a dip. And as for me I didn’t take a dip first because I’m so lazy and I don’t want to get tanned or have a sunburn, so I stayed with my family to help with eating some macaroni soup with shredded chicken with vegetables. After some time I answered the call of the sea, so I’ve decided to take a dip.

But before I’ve decided to take a dip, I put some lotion with SPF so that I don’t get sunburned easily. When I decided to take a dip, when I look at the sea somewhere deep I asked my cousin and little brother if the part where they are swimming is deep. Then they replied that it’s not even that deep. When I stepped in the very shallow part of the sea the water is freezing, but it didn’t stopped me to go forward where the my collarbones and waves meet. After a minute I’ve reach where my brother and my cousins are swimming, I’m actually surprise that at this distance it relatively shallow so at some point so I’ve decided to swim because of the coldness of the water. At some point we know that the time has come where we need to go home. So I was the first to stop swimming because I don’t want to get tanned. Then later on my family and our relatives stopped and washed themselves, after sometime where we, me and my cousins, thought that we’re going home, we actually did not. Because we still went to Mt.Samat to visit the Damabana ng Kagitingan. There we took some photos and a little historical visit. After that we went home, but I still won’t forget the majestic dancing lights of the sunset as it deflects to the sea, still this adventure is new and I am sure that I won’t forget it, by the way I didn’t get tanned nor sunburned.

Edryan B. Fabroa

Angelica Genuino

January 30 was the date of our educational trip and was held in different places one of those is “The Garden” which is located in Bocaue,  Bulacan. That place is a beauty itself the concept of the place is very eye catchy and the designs were very attractive. “The garden” is a place where you can visit and relax at the same time, this place can help you breath because of its simple yet elegant beauty. As i roam around the place i saw the different plant structures even the Japanese garden replica it is simply amazing and very comfy place to stay and take more photographs. And because of that i suddenly wanted to share my first time visiting “The Garden”. That place was indeed a spot for me who can enjoy a perfect scenery surrounded with lots of flowers and art formations. Now i can recall when is the first time i went to see the beauty of this garden it was the ‘new year’s eve’ together with my Lolo and Lola we all stayed on their designated banker house located at the back of the arena, he then take us all to witness to first look of “the garden” at that time it wasn’t fully finished but it was really magnificent! I love it when i saw my Lola’s reaction to all the bonsai display because my Lolo loves to collect bonsai since he was in college. And then i went to see the different animals there and i was really stunned seeing different kind of species including the once that I’m scared of the snakes, pigs, horses and even ostrich were there, not mentioning the lions and tigers because i love them. After side seeing we then visited the so called restaurant cafe inside the garden, the place is very wide and there is a lot of souvenirs inside as well containing such mugs, shirts, bags, even key chains were theirs and ready for us to take home. Then my Lolo suggested to stay there a little longer telling us to see the place at night and he’s not wrong that was the very first time i saw the garden at night time and i must say it was worth the wait. There’s a lot of lights everywhere and lots of arts being highlighted because of too much color on them. that was very memorable for me Because that is the first new year i spent not staying at home and waiting for some fireworks because not too long after our garden tour the Fireworks display started and last for like 30 minutes and everything is very fascinating! After that recap let’s go back to when i roam around this place once again during our field trip. And continuing on our walk we came across the extended version of the garden where we can find more garden arts and the Candy Factory as well. Everything is well structured. Until I saw this garden maze once again. I stare at its sides while smiling, it brings back some vivid scenarios to me. somehow a dream i guess? even though that dream is supposed to be beautiful or was beautiful to tell in a story form adding the twisted part of it, it is one of my happiest dream to tell but for now let’s just say that the story is in between happiness and tragedy and in that very maze is where my dream takes place. Considering it as a very special place and did own a very special spot in my heart.

Considering it nostalgic at some point…… considering it as a place for me……..

Ilocos Sur is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Vigan City, located on the mouth of the Mestizo River is the provincial capital. The story of Ilocos Sur can be told in the same historical events and episodes which fill the pages of our country’s past. It is similar narrative of conquest, exploitation, persecution, revolution and emancipation as the Philippines. The great men and women of Ilocos Sur who sailed forth from her native bosom into the limelight of history wrote with their immortal deeds of bravery, courage, and heroism the records and chronicles of the times. Indeed, the Ilocos Sur story reads like excerpts of the Philippine history, chapters of the Filipino saga made unforgettable by the exploits and achievements of Ilocos Sur’s sons and daughters through the long march of our country and the progress of our people from the era of colonialism to the sunlight of liberty and freedom. Today, history lives in Ilocos Sur. In Vigan, the famed Villa Fernandina founded in1574 by Juan de Salcedo, grandson of the Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the hand of history is everywhere, in the imposing monuments and statues standing as permanent tributes to the memory of illustrious dead, on the markers of stone and the memorial tablets upon the hollowed grounds where long ago a martyr was born, where a famous poetess lived, where a President taught as a humble barrio teacher. These markers and inscriptions are veritable readings a history, citing here and there “A chapel of wood and thatch erected on this site, 1574,” “An earthquake in 1619’,” “A fire in 1739”, recording the seizure by revolutionists under Col. Juan Villamor, and the detention by American forces as a political leader, Mena Crisologo 1899. Villa Fernandina became the capital of the whole Ilocos which then embraced the present territories of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, and portion of Mountain Province. The other important pueblos in this vast and area where the present towns of Laoag, in Ilocos Norte and Aringay, in La Union. The Ilocos was then the only area known and explored north of Manila as indicated in an early map of the Philippines.

Ilocos is a bastion of heritage preservation in the Philippines, where visitors can enjoy Vigan, a well-preserved Spanish-Filipino village, and a true showcase for Spanish influence in the islands. Other attractions include the ancestral homes, now museums, of the colorful characters of Philippine history. The body of the region’s most infamous son, former president Ferdinand Marcos, lies preserved in a glass case in the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte. The Ilocanos are hardworking, determined, simple and as well appreciative, but the are also known for being stingy, “kuripot” in their tounge. Yet, for them being called this is just a joke among all Filipinos, not as a negative description of their kind. It is their characteristics that that our nationality have grown to understand. In 1999, Vigan was listed by UNESCO as the best preserved example of Spanish colonial towns in Asia. Its architecture is the conglomeration of cultural elements from the Philippines, China, and Spain, making it unique in the world. Aside from this remarkable sociological trait of the Philippines, she is well-endowed with provinces which are not only enigmatically beautiful and splendid; but also culturally enriched. On the northern side of the Philippines, the province of Vigan is something that millions of local and foreign tourists must see. Let this article take you to this relaxing part of the North and discover for yourselves why it is a world-class tourist destination. Vigan is said to be a fifth class city in the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. Most importantly, it is a marvelous place which has been included in the roster of heavenly and alluring sites; with endearing and worth knowing historical significance. Baluarte Zoo is a zoological park in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The Baluarte Zoo was established by local politician and businessman, Chavit Singson. Singson, who cites his hunting hobby as his motive in setting up Baluarte only considered opening a zoo when his hunting trophy collection grew too big. He thought that a zoo would serve to edify it patrons aside from promoting conservation and protection of endangered species. Described as a interactive wildlife sanctuary, the facility was designed and developed by Singson himself. The Safari Gallery is a trophy room which features the preserved remains of animals Chavit Singson hunted in various parts of the world. Singson intended the gallery for people of Ilocos so they could see exotic animals without going to Manila or outside the country. Nature, on its own, has the ability to create amazing masterpiece over time. One in the likes of Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, a delicately made natural art, beautiful yet fragile, a jewel of Ilocos Norte. Standing beautifully in the coast of the town of Burgos, fronting the roaring waves of Bangui Bay, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation was formed thousands (or even millions) of years ago by accumulation of particles deposited to the shore by the forces of sea waves and wind, with the aid of gravity and time. It is a very long process known in science as sedimentation. The term Kapurpurawan is from Ilocano word “puraw“, which means white, obviously because of its color specially on broad daylight when the sun touches the natural sculpture. It is an icon of Ilocos Norte, a source of pride, one of the must visited sites of the province. The best time to visit the Kapurpurawan is on early morning to avoid the harsh sun and the crowd. The rock formation is approximately three kilometers from the main highway, which means that one needs to trek along a ragged trail or go horse back riding for only P50 to see it up close.

Ilocos sits in the northwestern part of the Philippines and is said to have one of the country’s strong culinary traditions. Ilocos’ food is surprising, delicious and exotic all at the same time. Some of the regional specialities, like pinakbet and dinuguan (savory pig’s blood) are now part of the national cuisine. While the list of Ilocano regional specialities is extensive, here are five(5) unique llocos food not to miss on your travels to the north of the Philippines. Longganisa is an emblematic Ilocos food. These pork sausages are the star at any Ilocano table. The sausages from Vigan are the most famous and they are distinctly small and plump. Batac Empanadas are deep fried and stuffed with green papaya, chopped up longganisa sausages and hard boiled eggs. The orange colored dough is made of rice flour and the color comes from the use of annatto seeds. Ilocano Bagnet is also known as Chicharon Baboy or deep-fried pork meat. It is pork belly deep-fried in its own fat. Once fried, it is air dried up to drain the fat. The process is repeated over and over until the pork reached is maximum crispiness. This simple Ilocano dish will please any vegetarian. In a country, where pork is a daily staple, it is hard to find any dish that is not served with meat or fish. However, you will find eggs battered in Poqui-Poqui. Poqui-poqui is made of grilled eggplants sauteed with onions, garlic and tomatoes. Eggs are added and stirred with the other ingredients. All the ingredients are cooked together making this Ilocos delicacy slightly soupy. Dudol is a traditional dessert you will find in Ilocos, Dudol is made of rice flour, coconut milk, sugarcane juice and anise. The secret to making a good dudol is to patiently and continuously stir the ingredients under a slow fire. Ilocos is blooming with festivals that celebrate more than just life. Traditions, customs, delicacies, harvests from the bounty – these are just a few elements that could be found in our festivities. Come and groove with the rhythms as we dance along the streets and end up feasting all-day and all-night. Here are some examples of festivals in Ilocos Region, Sinait Garlic Festival-It happens during the 1st to 3rd of May that showcase the talent, ingenuity and hard work trait of Ilocano Farmers in various competition form. It is also known as the Sinait Bawang Festival. Binatbatan Festival-The “Heritage City,” as Vigan is known, bursts into merry colors through its Binatbatan Festival, luring hordes of local and foreign tourists to its streets lined up with ancestral houses. Viva Vigan Festival-Every first week of May, Vigan plays host to visitors for this festival featuring painting and product exhibits, a Calesa parade, and other cultural activities.

To sum it all, I had fun touring and experiencing the beauty of the whole ilocos. I was able to know their culture and traditions, I also enjoyed eating with my family, It was a great speculation. I believe this blog is not enough to show you the beauty of ilocos, I recommend this province to you because it reminds us the history of our country.

KEEVE LAQUIAN

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton