Saturday, June 9, 2012

Bicol Festival and Events


SARUNG BANGGI FESTIVAL 
(STO. DOMINGO, ALBAY)

An annual fun-filled summer festivity every May, immortalizing the timeless love song, Sarung Banggi, and a tribute to its composer, POTENCIANO V. GREGORIO. The entire colorful performance is shown at nighttime when the street parade routes are brightly lighted with large torches. The whole town become a true picture of rural life with the multitude of people occupying the streets to watch and join the night time merriment. 
--Sarung Banggi Festival
Street Parade










Photos Taken from: Pullout Production

Monday, June 4, 2012

Bicol Festivals and Events


Magayon Festival


LEGAZPI CITY — Magayon Festival, Albay’s foremost festivity that overwhelms and excites tourists and visitors to explore the magic and mystery of the province’s mythical past with a fresh outlook.

It is a month-long celebration that includes close to 150 events that feature culture and the arts, trade and industry, tourism spectacles, culinary food trips, sports and special interests. Its aim is not only to showcase the artistry and beauty of spirit of the Albayanos, and provide fun and excitement, but will also offer opportunities to promote and enhance trade and tourism designed to advance Albay’s drive towards the fulfillment of its socio-economic development goals.





With its world renowned tourist spots such as the Mayon Volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins. Magayon Festival showcases the beautiful myths of Albay's origin.









Highlights of Events
Sayaw kan Tulong Bulod
(Dance of the Three Mountains)
Newest event of Magayon Festival 2012, it is a play that tells the story of the three sister mountains – Magayon, Masaraga, and Malinao which is actually the legend of Mayon Volcano, written by multi-awarded Albayano writer Abdon Balde in the vernacular. 





 Mutya ng Magayon Festival

A pageant which has already produced world-class beauty titlists.



Naimah Abdirazack, Mutya ng Magayon 2012


 Ginoo ng Magayon Festival

Jasper Lemuel Velarde, Ginoo ng Magayon 2012



Mr. and Ms. Magayon Bikini Open



Higantes
(Parade of Giants)

a parade of giant effigies which are all Albay mythological characters.




I'll be adding more photos and Info.,..(@,~)..,

Saturday, June 2, 2012

WOW!! Sto. Domingo Albay...

Sto. Domingo Map
Map of Sto. Domingo Albay

Sto. Domingo is a 4th class in the municipality of the province of Albay. Sto. Domingo was a former barrio of Ibalon, then the Municipality of Albay, now Legazpi City. It became a separate Municipality in 1749 through the uproar of its inhabitants and under the leadership of Don Diego Castellanos who took the matter first to the authorities in Manila, and to the Bishop of Ambos Camarines.

HISTORY:
The town of Sto. Domingo was originally named Libog. Albay historians say that there were a number of stories on the origin of the name Libog. One version is that libog was derived from the Bikol word “labog” meaning unclear water for there was a time when there was no potable water anywhere in the locality. Another has it that the town might have been called after “labog” (jellyfish), which abound in its coastal water. “Libod” (behind) is another version because the town’s position is behind the straight road from Legazpi to Tabaco across Basud to Sta. Misericordia. Another version is the corrupted form of the word “libot” which means round about or winding way. In the early days of Spanish invasion, there were two routes passing through this place to Tabaco: one trail was straight or a short cut and the other was a round about (libot) way passing through the center of the town (via Poblacion).Hence, this town was named “El Pueblo de Liboug”, by the Spanish conquerors.


Sto. Domingo, Ruins

In 1816, one hundred fifty-nine (159 Moro pirates and six (6) vintas attacked the town, taking them one captive, Juan De la Conception, who was able to return after 30 years. The attack prompted the people to construct watchtowers and walls along the shores, which served as their shelter from attacks. Ruins of there walls are still existing.

 Sto. Domingo Church

Sto. Domingo, Albay Church
Saint Dominic of Guzman Church
Built in 1820, the Sto. Domingo Church has two dome-shaped belfries, framing the main structure, which is the reason why it’s sometimes referred to as the Twin Belfry Church. It is built from solid squared stone walls unsupported by pillars, held together by a mixture of lime, “tangguli” (molasses) and egg albumin. This is the same binder used in other old churches like the Baclayon Church in Bohol.

St. Dominic of Guzman Church, Sto. Domingo, ALbay
St. Dominic of Guzman Church, Sto. Domingo, ALbay
The first church was made of wood and basag (bamboo split). Here the statue of the patron saint Sto. Domingo (St. Dominic de Guzman), whose feast is observed every August 4, was placed. When the church was burned in 1882, the Spanish priests built a new one the present artistic church with “piedras ladradas” chiseled balustrades and twin domes.


Resorts and Beaches




Sto. Domingo, Beaches

Sto. Domingo, Beaches
Sto. Domingo, Beaches
The beaches in this area are best for viewing. Resorts along the Sto Domingo coastline offer a wonderful view of the black beach, the Albay Gulf and a part of the Legazpi City area. Some resorts offer entertainment facilities. Some have private pools.

Sto. Domingo, Black Sand Beaches
Sto. Domingo, Black Sand Beaches
 Sto. Domingo,Albay-- One need not travel to Hawaii or Maui, where some of the top black-sand beaches are, to see one of the most beautiful pure black-sand beaches in existence. The Sto. Domingo beach in Albay, here in the Philippines is one of the purest, finest and most authentic black-sand beaches in the world.


Manhattan Beach Resort

(Calayukai, Sto. Domingo, Albay)


Manhattan, Sto. Domingo Albay

Manhattan, Sto. Domingo Albay


Puerto Vista Resort
(Sto. Domingo Albay)

Puerto Vista, Sto. Domingo Albay

Puerto Vista, Sto. Domingo Albay


Barrios Kid's Pool
(Sto. Domingo Albay)

Barrios Kid's Pool (Sto. Domingo Albay)

Barrios Kid's Pool (Sto. Domingo Albay)Barrios Kid's Pool (Sto. Domingo Albay)





Jungle Beach Resort
(Sto Domingo Albay)

Jungle Beach Resort (Sto Domingo Albay)

Jungle Beach Resort (Sto Domingo Albay)

Jungle Beach Resort (Sto Domingo Albay)



--I'll be adding more pictures of awesome beaches and info. about Sto. Domingo, Albay. ,..(@,~)..,



Saturday, May 19, 2012

MAONON Invasion, A Hidden Sanctuary

        Maonon, a coastal barangay, is Ligao City's largest,occupying 10.12% of the City's land area or 2,493.57. Dubbed as the City's Summer Capital, it has a long stretch of almost 6km clean coastline and unexplored beaches..

       At present, a large portion of Maonon Bay was declared Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve; and is a good venue for diving activities because of its growing population of fish and corals. Many tourist attractions are yet to be developed like the pristine fine beaches from Sitio sabang to sitio tambac;and the Busay Falls (1km from Brgy Proper). Maonon is almost 51 kms from Ligao City Proper or a 1.5hr drive in a private vehicle. It can be reached by land and sea. Its barangay proper lies along the West Coast National Road 13km from Pioduran,the nearest urban area. The Bacong-Abella-Maonon Road, which is at present, under construction will cut the travel time going to and from the place. 





 I've heard a lot of testimonies about how beautiful Maonon is, from a roller-coaster road which traverse from the peak of a Mountain range, Inviting Blue Sea and Clean Shore,White Sand, Amazing Rock Formation, Crystal clear water, Mangroves, beautiful water creatures and Perfect Sunrise and Sunset view in Maonon Bay. 



I was encouraged to go visit and see the beauty of Maonon for myself. Together with my friends we explored the fascinating Maonon with the company of a friend who resides there. I was really amazed, one thing that I can describe "Paradise". I am fascinated to the place and amazed how the people preserved and take good care of the place. The people are good very hospitable and friendly.




 
Perfect time to visit Maonon is during their Fiesta Celebration, Last week of March, lots of activities provided by the Barangay Officers. It is  a must to bring important things to maximize the fun. The long travel was a bit tiring but its worthy. Walking along the shore, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Sunset viewing, Camp Fire and Boating are some of the activities that we've tried and there's a lot more to do. It is really a place where we can unwind and escape from the noise and pollution of the city. 


It was an unforgettable experience, I have proved myself how beautiful the place was. It was indeed a place were  I will surely be back for.




(I'll be adding more photos,. (~,*),..)

Sunday, May 13, 2012

5 Important Things to bring (Travelling, Outing, Camping, Swimming, etc.))

1. Extra Clothes ( shirts, pants, undies, etc.)
2. Toiletries        ( tooth brush, soap, facial or genital wash, towels, etc.)
3. Easy pack foods ( Canned Goods, bottled water, Chips, etc.)
4. Pocket Money ( Bring any amount that will suffice your needs and wants)
5. First Aid Kit    ( Safetyness is a must )


Important things to be packed
*** These stuffs is a must whether going on a long-term or short term travel, well-off or budgeted.
There are other things that you will also be  needing, like knife(be sure you kept it safe), fashionable clothes that are needed, appropriate attire, Camera for photos, Music Stuff, Playing Cards, Sun Blocks or  Lotion, Sleeping Bag or sheets, and Separate bag or plastic bag for wet or used stuffs and also for the mess or the trash that we used.


My Important Advisory: Prepare all things that you will be using the Day Before the travel to avoid cramming on preparing your important things to bring and to enjoy your adventure to the fullest. ..(@,@)..


Saturday, May 12, 2012

Why am I Passionate about Travels and Adventures

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover..” – Mark Twain


"You Travel not only to escape the demanding world of reality, but also to explore, reflect, seek, enjoy, discover and unleash the hidden YOU.. - J.L"


walking along the shore
We don't remember Time, we do remember Memories, As I lay down my bed at night I felt like I am a painter inspired by the awesome views and beautiful people that surrounds me, with the huge canvas at the back of my mind, I paint my subject with the smile in their face and a dramatic background that are not taken from my imaginary world.


I am passionate about travelling and adventures not only to witness the beautiful creation of God but also to create a memory out of it that I myself can treasure for a lifetime. I'm well aware that everything is changing, the people that we used to hang-out with, the places that we used to go, the jokes that we used to throw and the profound wounds that heal due time. What remains are the memories we've made and the lessons learned as we travel and go along. That's why I travel and explore wider. A truth that me, my family and friends shared. I am not rich but that won't stop me to discover new things and to meet new people.


“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu