Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Summer Break at Puerto Princessa and El Nido, Palawan



Figuring the best way to spend our summer vacation and celebrate my birthday, Chill my wife, and I decided to go on a tour to have our fill of sea foods and enjoy the amazing sights off the islands of El Nido, Palawan.

After arriving at Puerto we headed to the streets right away to have a taste of the famous Vietnamese soup "Chao Long" which was introduced in the region by refugees from Vietnam. After that we went on a butt aching (I mean it) 6 hour ride to El Nido and stayed at Biolina Guest House whom the owner, kuya Ronnie is also from Cebu and was very game in helping us cook our food the Sutukil way to make us feel at home.


The next day was the start of our tours with kuya Alvin which introduced us to a lot of amazing sights such as: Tour A- Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach. Tour C- Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Colosa Beach, Secret Beach and Cadlao lagoon. We also got a treat when our boat was visited by a family of playful dolphins who jumped and toyed with us until docking.

The trip was really worth the miles for we experienced all that is El Nido, great sights, pristine waters, amazing reefs teeming with life, loads of seafood reeled in from the town market and of course, met new friends along the way.

We capped our trip by spending the whole afternoon by the white sand beach of Los Cabanas and had a glimpse of their famous sunset minus the annoying crowd.


The rest of the story is told in these amazing shots. If you're rooting for the best and unforgettable trip for the summer season I'd say El Nido, Palawan should be TOP on your list. 


@ The Puerto Princessa Airport, Palawan

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral- Puerto Princessa Palawan.


The Palawan Provincial Capitol.

If you're planning to stay in El Nido, then Biolina Guesthouse is the right place to go. Certainly first class accommodations, friendly people and above all- an affordable price!







Always have a snorkel and underwater camera in hand to get the best views underwater.


























The Matinloc Shrine







Sunset at Los Cabanas, El Nido Palawan







Saturday, April 27, 2013

Spending Lent at the Ramon Durano Foundation in Danao City




As part of our lenten trip to some of the most interesting holy sites in Cebu, Me and Chilly figured to drop by one afternoon and spend lent at the famous Ramon Durano Foundation (located in the outskirts of Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu) for a quick look and take some shots with the new cam that we've tagged along.

I've known this place from one of family trips in my childhood years and it feels so good to visit it again after quite a long time. The foundation notably has holy scenes of the 14 stations of the cross, the last supper, the nativity and other depictions for you to appreciate and marvel.

The place still hasn't lost its beauty despite of paints fading, weather damage and  some of the statues missing an arm or leg.

What saddened me is that vandals have managed to write graffiti on the walls and wrecked this beautiful place. It seems like no one is guarding or attending to the welfare of the place which I believe used to be the landmark that comes to mind whenever Lenten season approaches in the north.

Given that the owners or the civic minded people of Danao City will restore this place back to its former glory would make it a great addition to the pilgrimage and tourism sites, this side of the province.

Here are the other great photo sorties that we took from the place:



If you're planning to visit this wonderful place, all you have to do is take an hour+ ride from Cebu City via bus, mini-bus or Jeepney (fares range from 30- 40 php depending on the type of vehicle you're riding) at the North Bus Terminal or at the Carmen- Sogod PUJ Terminal in White Gold Club.

You can easily spot the foundation as it is just sitting beside the highway at Guinsay, Danao near the border of the town of Carmen. 




     









A promise to bring change for Cebu- Hilario Junjun Davide III and Agnes Magpale

The author is one with the Cebuano community in wishing all the best for Governor and Vice Governor hopefuls Hilario Junjun P. Davide III and Agnes Magpale

Looking forward to Cebu's bright future with both of you driving the wheel to fulfill your promise of good governance, transparency, accountability and above all bring change that we've all been hoping for in our officials. More power always!


 Hop in and join the bandwagon. Visit the official website @    www.davidemagpale2013.com and sign up today!