[Vigan] ▬ Bigueños Café: A Cozy Place to Chillax and Eat in Vigan

October 22, 2015, 10:47 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ The Macro World Around Our House on Typhoon Lando's 1st Day

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ Bigueños Home-Made Burger: Nalaka Lang ngem Makab'sog

"Its trade name, Bigueños cafe.net, came from 'Bigueño', a term used to refer to the people of Vigan."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ Vigan is a city that is densely saturated with restaurants and cafés that are usually homegrown. In the city poblacion (Barangays I to IX), restobars, coffee shops, fastfood chains, pizza houses, oriental-themed diners, al fresco and fine dining spots are everywhere. These places for food are scattered around the city every few hundred meters in average. Sometimes they occupy one block and/or a street standing side by side. The rise of industries related to food and dining in Vigan started about 5 years ago. This reflects the love of Bigueños in dining out. The huge number of tourists visiting this small city is also a factor. One of the restaurants I've tried in Vigan is the Bigueños cafe.net which is I'm going to feature here.

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Clik here to view. BIGUEÑOS CAFE, VIGAN

[VIGAN] ▬ INTERIOR OF BIGUEÑOS CAFE.NET

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▬ On 18 October 2015 ▬

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THIS DAY TYPHOON LANDO IS HITTING NORTHERN Luzon. I stayed inside the house to keep dry and safe. Boredom took over. My cousin came over to invite me to dine outside. Vigan is affected by the typhoon but the rain and wind outside were not too strong to consider unsafe. I gave in. We pushed the plan and we landed to Bigueños Cafe.

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[VIGAN] ▬THE FAÇADE ON A RAINY NIGHT

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[VIGAN] ▬ BIGUEÑOS CAFE.NET

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▬ What to Expect Here? ▬

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THIS CAFÉ IS GOOD FOR PEOPLE WHO are looking for a place to relax or kill time. Its concept is 'getting connected' while dining. This is a café and an internet shop in one. If you want to dine here wanting to get connected online but you forgot your devices, this café has computer units that you can rent.

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[VIGAN] ▬ GETTING CONNECTED

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOME TALL CHAIRS, IF YOU PREFER

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[VIGAN] ▬ GOOD FOR A GROUP OF FOUR

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[VIGAN] ▬ CHOOSE YOUR PLACE

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[VIGAN] ▬ COMFORTABLE AND RELAXING INTERIOR, I WOULD SAY

This café is best for merienda hours. They don't serve rice meals. The wi-fi connection, based on my experience, is quite seamless. The staff is easy to get along with. They don't go away from their station so you can notify them anytime you need something.

They have comfortable soft couches and tables where you can place your laptop. It's fully air-conditioned and clean.

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▬ Food I've Tried Here ▬

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THE FOLLOWING FOOD I'M GOING TO FEATURE are those that I've tried in this café. I will post more soon whenever I'll have the chance to try another food from them.

[1]► This is their best seller. Whenever I visit this café, I usually order this burger. It costs 75 pesos per piece. It's big enough, as good as lunch. Included in the serving is a platter of potato chips.

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[VIGAN] ▬ [1] BIGUEÑOS HOME-MADE BURGER

[2] French Fries ► French fries is everywhere. But just in case you're craving for it and so happened that you dined here, this café serves a platter for 40 pesos. Available flavors are barbecue, cheese and sweet & sour.

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[VIGAN] ▬ [2] A PLATTER OF FRENCH FRIES

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▬ Beverages I've Tried Here ▬

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THIS CAFÉ OFFERS BEVERAGES OF ALL SORTS. You can have a hot cup of coffee, a latté, glass of fruit shake and many more. I've tried several beverages here but I only managed to take one photo from among those that I've tried. I will update this post whenever I have the chance to try another beverage and make it sure to take a photo.

[1] Strawberry and Cream Frapuccino ► If you love cream-based sweet dessert-like beverage, they have several frapuccino varieties. I've tried the strawberry and cream frap. Its milky and creamy taste was loved by my taste buds. It has a strawberry aftertaste. 12 oz costs 70 pesos while the 16 oz is 80 pesos.

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[VIGAN] ▬ [1] STRAWBERRY AND CREAM FRAPUCCINO

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▬ Opening/Closing Time, Location and Other Info ▬

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THIS CAFÉ IS OPEN FROM 8AM UP to 9PM. It is located at the corner of Rizal Street and Salcedo Street. When commuting, just ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at Bigueños café. If the driver doesn't know where is this, tell him it is beside Rabara Clinic and Hospital. That's it!

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS WAS TAKEN AT NIGHT DURING THE VISIT OF TYPHOON LANDO.

Check out the photo above so that you'll become familiar on how the building where the café is located looks like. The café is located at the second floor and it is beside a fitness gym.

Its trade name, Bigueños cafe.net, came from 'Bigueño', a term used to refer to the people of Vigan.▬ end

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[VIGAN] ▬ HAPPY TIME IN BIGUEÑOS CAFE.NET

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Restaurants". To read more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from the Category Restaurants" section below.

[2] The photos here were taken on 18 October 2015 while typhoon Lando is hitting Vigan. Me and my cousin decided to kill the boredom being stuck inside the house so we spent some time in this restaurant. The descriptions I posted here are based on the food that was given to me the time of my visit. All reviews are subjective and personal.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

CLICK TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING ILOCOS SUR. Map © Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING ILOCOS SUR.

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[Vigan] ▬ The Macro World Around Our House on Typhoon Lando's 1st Day

October 24, 2015, 12:59 pm

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ Musings from Typhoon Lando

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ Bigueños Café: A Cozy Place to Chillax and Eat in Vigan

"It has been my habit to capture photos of the macro world everytime there is rain."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ The first day I felt the presence of typhoon Lando in Vigan, it was a nice weather for me. The thing is, there was no heavy rain, no devastating strong wind and no severe flooding more than what we are used to. So it was a cool day. After some rain poured out, I roamed around our house to see what's going on in the macro world on the first day of typhoon Lando.

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON GINIBBAAN LEAVES

It has been my habit to capture photos of the macro world everytime there is rain. I usually do it around our house where shrubs, trees, bamboos and other plants are present. Small mushrooms, algae from green to yellow to orange in color and raindrops on green leaves appear during rainy days and I find them interesting. Here are some of the photos I took on 19 October 2015 as I got bored just staying inside the house while waiting for the typhoon to leave.

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON KARISKIS LEAVES

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[VIGAN] ▬ SNAIL EGGS

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOME WILDFLOWERS AROUND

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[VIGAN] ▬ RUSTY IRON

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS AT ROOT TIPS

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON SCARLET LEAVES

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON PIAS LEAVES

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[VIGAN] ▬ FLOWERS OF A YELLOW FIRE TREE

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[VIGAN] ▬ MY DIRTY FEET ON A WET GROUND

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[VIGAN] ▬ APATOT FRUITS

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON A BARUT

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON A GUMAMELA BUD

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[VIGAN] ▬ AMPALAYA FLOWER

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[VIGAN] ▬ UNTIL THE LAST DROP

These are the photos I captured featuring the macro world in my immediate environment during the first day of typhoon Lando in Vigan. ▬ end

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[VIGAN] ▬ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! HELLO FROM OUR BACKYARD!

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Macro Photography". To read more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from the Category Macro Photography" section below.

[2] The photos here were taken on 19 October 2015 while typhoon Lando is hitting Vigan.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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[Vigan] ▬ Musings from Typhoon Lando

October 25, 2015, 8:56 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ Unveiling of Christmas Tree, an Annual Bigueño Tradition

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ The Macro World Around Our House on Typhoon Lando's 1st Day

"Whether it's a good or bad memory, still, they work together to teach us a lesson and make everyone a resilient, better person."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ Typhoon Lando's force is not enough to vanquish our strong faith. The nature may have its dangers but the nature also has its ways to recover itself and make it better.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WET FRONT YARD, BARRIO STYLE

I was in my hometown when typhoon Lando had its toll. I remember, when Yolanda ravaged most of the Visayas 2 years ago, I was in Davao and I had to wait for the typhoon to leave before I can board on a plane and go home. Just about 5 days ago, typhoon Lando extended its force to my homecity Vigan. I was here during its onslaught.

This is not the strongest typhoon I experienced. Suddenly, this idea popped out from nowhere to document the things I'm doing and I encounter during a typhoon. We are lucky we were not devastated. Electricity was present although the internet connection was intermittent. I just stayed home until boredom struck. The weather was not too harsh to consider roaming around unsafe so I took some photos around, had food tripping home and dined out in a restaurant.

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[VIGAN] ▬ AS SEEN FROM OUR BACKYARD, MISTY GINIBBAAN SHRUB

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[VIGAN] ▬ WET GREEN LEAVES, I LOVE SEEING THEM

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[VIGAN] ▬ PALE GREY SKY

The first thing I did is to take while they are wet. Ever since I owned a camera, I've always loved capturing photos of algae, snails, wet leaves and rain drops and just anything else up close while they are naturally wet. Seeing them while doing it just exudes nostalgia and I love that feeling.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS JETMATIC PUMP IS SO GENEROUS WITH FRESHWATER TODAY

So I documented what's happening around this day and the rainy day has a different charm. Still, boredom struck, I went to the city center to spend the rainy day inside a cafe. I landed to .

Well, another typhoon has passed and here, I'm sharing the memories. I'm writing about this because I would like to read this back in the future and look back for the things that have happened. Whether it's a good or bad memory, still, they work together to teach us a lesson and make everyone a resilient, better person.▬ end

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE RICE FIELD AT THE BACK OF OUR HOUSE ON THE FIRST DAY OF TYPHOON LANDO

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Insights". To read more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from the Category Insights" section below.

[2] The photos here were taken on 19 October 2015 while typhoon Lando is hitting Vigan.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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MORE TOWNS IN 'ILOCOS' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Vigan] ▬ Unveiling of Christmas Tree, an Annual Bigueño Tradition

October 27, 2015, 10:42 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ 34 Photos from Raniag Twilight Festival 2015 Street Dancing

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ Musings from Typhoon Lando

"Our Bigueño culture is so rich that it is not enough to express it in words—we need to express them in festivities and manifest it in our intangible good traditions for other people to understand."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ Filipinos are indeed the world's most Christmas-oriented people. We start recognizing the Christmas season as early as September with radio stations playing Christmas songs on the first day of September. In every city or town in the Philippines, each has its own way to celebrate the season. In the World Heritage City of Vigan, its citizens gather as crowd to participate in the unveiling of the Christmas tree, a yearly tradition.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE VIGAN CROWD WAITING FOR THE UNVEILING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

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▬ An Annual Bigueño Tradition ▬

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EVERY YEAR, THE HERITAGE CITY OF VIGAN unveils a new Christmas tree. It has a different theme yearly. For the year 2015, the unveiling of the Vigan Christmas Tree was held on 26 October 2015 in front of the Vigan City Hall. A huge white curtain concealed the body of the Christmas tree. Bigueños gathered in number to participate in this annual tradition. The event is one of the kick starters of the week-long Raniag Twilight Festival that also happens yearly. Below are some of the photos I took during the event.

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Clik here to view. [VIGAN] ▬ THE VIGAN CHRISTMAS TREE 2015

[VIGAN] ▬ THE CROWD WAITING IN FRONT OF THE CITY HALL AND BESIDE THE CHRISTMAS TREE VEILED WITH WHITE CURTAIN

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[VIGAN] ▬ A POWERFUL LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE TOP OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

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[VIGAN] ▬ FINALLY UNVEILED

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE, 6 LAYERS

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[VIGAN] ▬ MANY MANNEQUINS DECORATED EACH LAYER

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOARING HIGH

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE TRAPPINGS

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[VIGAN] ▬ MORE MANNEQUINS IN ARTISTIC COSTUMES

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[VIGAN] ▬ WOMAN MANNEQUIN WITH INTRICATELY DESIGNED HEAD DRESS

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[VIGAN] ▬ ONE OF THE LIGHTS ATTACHED TO THE CHRISTMAS TREE

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOME DETAILS

The Vigan Christmas tree for 2015 has 6 layers. This is the first Christmas tree to stand behind the New7Wonder City Marker of Vigan.

The Christmas tree was designed with mannequins dressed with colorful and very detailed (up close) costumes from head to foot. The unveiling happened after the Raniag Street Dancing showdown, also held in front of the city hall.

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▬ Ending Thoughts ▬

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THE MANY TRADITIONS AND RICH CULTURE OF Vigan is part of the Bigueños' social well-being. We get sad when we don't find people dancing on the streets to the tune of our culture and heritage. We get mad when our plazas don't stage events and shows. Indeed, we make it sure that these events will happen.

Six (6) festivals happen in Vigan yearly and each festival is jam-packed with distinct events that are different from the other Vigan festivals. Aside from the festivals, we also have other cultural activities that are as grandiose as our festivals. However, we don't consider them festivals—just plain traditions. Our Bigueño culture is so rich that it is not enough to express it in words—we need to express them in festivities and manifest it in our intangible good traditions for other people to understand. ▬ to be continued...

THINGS/PLACES INCLUDED IN THIS BLOG SERIES

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[UP NEXT] ▬ EPISODE 02: THE STREETS ARE DARK, BUT IT WAS MADE BRIGHT BY...

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► BLOG SERIES: RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL 2015 COVERAGE

Episode 01 | | |

This is the Episode 01 of this blog series. Watch out for the later episodes to follow the flow of the event.

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Customs and Traditions." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Customs and Traditions" section below.

[2] Photos here were taken on 26 October 2015.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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[Vigan] ▬ 34 Photos from Raniag Twilight Festival 2015 Street Dancing

October 28, 2015, 12:56 pm

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ The Streets of Vigan Look Like This During Halloween/All Souls' Day

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ Unveiling of Christmas Tree, an Annual Bigueño Tradition

"The Raniag Twilight Festival basically preludes the All Souls' Day in Vigan where a mass homecoming and reunion of the Ilocanos happen as a tradition"

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ 26 October 2015 is the date. The street lights of Quezon Avenue, Liberation Boulevard and Calle Crisologo were all turned off. This entails a dark, spooky Vigan night. But that's not the case. In fact, the little city with big culture turned very bright and lively in spite of the turned off lights.

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[VIGAN] ▬ FLASHLIGHTS AND LIGHT-EMITTING ELECTRONICS MADE THE STREETS ALIVE AND LIGHTED.

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▬ Overview: Raniag Twilight Street Dancing 2015 ▬

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THE RANIAG TWILIGHT STREET DANCING IS ONE of the features of the week-long Raniag Twilight Festival in Vigan. Quezon Avenue (Vigan's main street), Liberation Boulevard and Calle Crisologo become devoid of street lights.

The turning off of the street lights in these streets is actually intentional to give way for street dancers who will make these streets bright and alive. This year's version was held on 26 OCtober 2015, Monday.

This is actually a competition. Participants should have at least 20 members. Twenty percent (20%) of the group should be a resident of Vigan. Each group should wear something that produces light, especially, electronic devices that can do so. Candles and other materials that are combustible are allowed but the group shall be liable for any accident or unwanted circumstances that may arise. Fire crackers are not allowed.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THESE BARANGAY TANODS LEAD THE STREET DANCE PARADE.

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▬ Prior to the Street Dancing ▬

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PRIOR TO THE STREET DANCING, A DANCE showdown was first held in front of the Vigan City Hall followed by the . The street dancing started at around 9:30 in the evening. I've chosen the south end of Quezon Avenue in front of the Simbaan a Bassit as my location to take photos this time because it is less crowded here compared to the crowd of the much narrower Calle Crisologo.

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[VIGAN] ▬ A CROWD IN FRONT OF THE SIMBAAN-A-BASSIT WAITS FOR THE STREET DANCING PARADE WHILE TRAFFIC ENFORCERS HELP MAINTAIN PUBLIC SAFETY AND ORDER.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS CROWD, MOSTLY CHILDREN, ARE WAITING AT THE CORNER OF QUEZON AVENUE AND LIBERATION BOULEVARD AT AROUND 08:00 IN THE EVENING.

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[VIGAN] ▬ TRAFFIC ENFORCERS BLOCK ANY VEHICLE THAT MAY ENTER QUEZON AVENUE.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS CROWD OF TRAFFIC ENFORCERS AND SPECTATORS EXCITEDLY LOOKED TO THE APPROACHING STREET DANCERS FROM AFAR.

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[VIGAN] ▬ A MOTORBIKE CAME AHEAD OF THE STREET DANCERS.

Traffic enforcers stationed in front of the Simbaan-a Bassit helped maintain public order and blocked any vehicle that may enter Quezon Avenue. As early as 7 PM, watchers of the street dancing were already waiting. They came early to secure the best spot to watch.

Vigan Public Safety motorbikes manned by Vigan cops came ahead of the street dancers to clear the way.

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▬ The Parade Route ▬

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THE TRADITIONAL PARADE ROUTE IN VIGAN STARTS from the city hall then continues to Quezon Avenue, turns left to Liberation Boulevard then to Calle Crisologo. The parade usually terminates in Plaza Burgos. For more photos of the street dancing parade, check the following:

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL STREET DANCING 2015

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▬ 'Di Kanto Malipatan: An Ilocano Song for the Dead ▬

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THE RANIAG STREET DANCING USED ONLY ONE (1) beat based on the song 'Di Kanto Malipatan which means 'I will never forget you."

The latter song is usually sung during wake services of Ilocanos and as a background music during punpon or panangipunpon—a Bigueño tradition of parading a karro/carro/carroza with the dead in a coffin. Loved ones and acquaintances follow the karro. Usually the parade leads to the church then terminates to the cemetery. This is usually done by Roman Catholic followers in Vigan.

For the Raniag street dancing, each group brought with them their own sound system. Usually, a tricycle carries the speakers and follow or stay ahead of the dancers to provide sound.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS TRICYCLE CARRIES THE SOUND SYSTEM OF ONE OF THE GROUPS.

The Raniag Twilight Festival basically preludes the All Souls' Day in Vigan where a mass homecoming and reunion of the Ilocanos happen as a tradition. Reunions with relatives usually happen in the cemetery (in Vigan, the core of the mass reunion happens in panpantot, an Ilocano term for a range of hills—where the public cemetery is located) their loved ones are laid to rest. This festival was born to highlight the Bigueño culture during the said holiday. ▬ to be continued...

THINGS/PLACES INCLUDED IN THIS BLOG SERIES

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[UP NEXT] ▬ EPISODE 03: GIANT ELECTRIC FLOATS IS THE HIGHLIGHT

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► BLOG SERIES: RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL 2015 COVERAGE

| Episode 02 |

This is the Episode 02 of this blog series. Check the earlier episode and watch out for the later episodes to follow the flow of the event.

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Festivals." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Festivals" section below.

[2] Photos here were taken on 26 October 2015.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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[Vigan] ▬ The Streets of Vigan Look Like This During Halloween/All Souls' Day

November 1, 2015, 11:07 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ The Public Cemetery aka Campo Santo or Panpantoc

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ 34 Photos from Raniag Twilight Festival 2015 Street Dancing

"Make it sure that the traffic congestion won't ruin your visit to your departed loved ones."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ Like some other cities in the Philippines, mass homecoming happens in Vigan during All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day contributing to the traffic jam and overcrowding in public areas especially in the Vigan public cemetery. On this post, I visited some major streets in Vigan that usually become congested during this season because of their proximity to the major cemeteries in Vigan. Through the photos I posted here, I would like to show you how the city streets look like during Halloween, All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day.

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOUTH ALCANTARA STREET

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▬ Traffic Congestion in Major Streets Near the Cemeteries ▬

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WELL, NOT ALL STREETS IN VIGAN BECOME congested, so on this post, I am referring to the roads in Vigan near the cemeteries. Anyway, there are 4 major cemeteries in Vigan. Three of them are located inside the poblacion district—(1) Jardin de Caridad and the (2) Vigan public cemetery are both located near the boundary of Brgy Tamag, Brgy VII and Brgy VIII while the other one is the (3) Vigan Memorial Park located at the back of the Simbaan-a-Bassit near the boundary of Brgy VIII and Brgy III. The (4) other cemetery is located in Brgy Ayusan Sur near the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary just outside the city proper.

I am posting these photos to at least give you an idea how the city streets look like during November 1 and 2 including Halloween to help you in your travel plans whenever you're planning to visit Vigan during these days.

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[VIGAN] ▬ LIBERATION BOULEVARD WITH SIMBAAN-A-BASSIT AS THE BACKDROP

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[VIGAN] ▬ JOSE SINGSON STREET CORNER SOUTH ALCANTARA STREET

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOUTH ALCANTARA STREET

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[VIGAN] ▬ GREGORIO DEL PILAR STREET EXTENSION

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[VIGAN] ▬ GREGORIO DEL PILAR STREET EXTENSION

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▬ Street Guide for Travelers During All Souls/Saints' Day and Halloween ▬

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THERE ARE FIVE (5) STREETS IN VIGAN THAT will lead you to the three cemeteries located inside the city proper. They are Liberation Boulevard, Rizal Street, Jose Singson Street, Gregorio del Pilar Street Extension and the Alcantara Street.

If you are a tourist in Vigan who is not familiar of the traffic situation during undas, I will rank the streets based on the gravity of traffic congestion. Rank one (1) will be the worst.

[1] ▬ Rizal Street ► This street is one of the major arteries in Vigan that links the city to the national highway in Bantay. What makes this street worst during holidays is its width. It is a two-lane road (traffic flow: two-way) with almost no shoulders at all. Some parts of the lane become a parking space for business establishments adding agony to commuters and road users alike. This street leads you to the Vigan public cemetery and the Jardin de Caridad.

[2] ▬ Alcantara Street ► Alcantara Street might have short length but just because it is near the public market, it is a busy one. During undas, this street serves as an alternative to those who want to go to the cemetery. Although it is relatively wider, the customers of the busy public market and the big supermarkets around contribute to the traffic congestion. This street is connected to Rizal Street via a narrower outlet.

[3] ▬ Gregorio del Pilar Street Extension ► This street, around 400 meters in length connects the Vigan Public Market and Liberation Boulevard. Although this road is equipped with sidewalks, both sides of this road become a parking area of cars and motorcycles because it is just located beside the Vigan Memorial Park.

[4] ▬ Liberation Boulevard ► This street connects the east and west barangays of Vigan. A portion of the road in front of the Simbaan-a-Bassit is usually closed so you have to make a detour to Jose Singson Street (if you're coming from the east) and Gregorio del Pilar Street Extension (if you're coming from the west) so it's a hassle.

[5] ▬ Jose Singson Street ► This road is parallel to Gregorio del Pilar Street Extension but it is way less congested because it is a one-way road and usually serves as an exit route from the Vigan Memorial Park. Usually, this road is not congested with traffic. The rerouting done by LGU Vigan spares this street from heavy traffic.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS IS THE BENIGN MIRA HILLS BYPASS ROAD. ITS END IS CONNECTED TO RIZAL STREET (PERPENDICULAR). CAN YOU SEE THE THICK CROWD THERE?

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▬ Travel Tips ▬

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I RECOMMEND YOU SHOULD AVOID THE STREETS I've mentioned. You have to park your vehicle somewhere else but not on the streets I've mentioned. From where you've parked, I encourage you to walk to reach your destination or the cemetery if you don't want to get stuck in the crowd and traffic.

I also recommend to use motorcycle when using these roads during undas to make squeezing in between cars easier. To avoid a heavier traffic, go to the cemetery in the morning. The afternoon has the worst traffic (starting at 4 PM).

This is how the streets of Vigan look like on these days. Make it sure that the traffic congestion won't ruin your visit to your departed loved ones. Have a peaceful and happy day with your family! ▬ end

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[VIGAN] ▬ GUIDE MAP

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Roads and Routes." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Roads and Routes" section below.

[2] Photos here were taken on 01 November 2015.

[3] The situation as described on this post is based on the observation of this blogger on the time he visited these streets.

[4] All maps I used on this post are the works of Google, Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 | 3

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[Vigan] ▬ The Public Cemetery aka Campo Santo or Panpantoc

November 3, 2015, 5:51 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ What to See and Expect on Halloween, All Saints/Souls' Day?

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ The Streets of Vigan Look Like This During Halloween/All Souls' Day

"There is a grand homecoming. A mass reunion of Ilocano families happens in the cemetery."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ Situated on a hill, thousands of departed Ilocanos have found their place in the constantly shrinking space of the Vigan Public Cemetery. There's a big old acacia tree on one corner while the cemetery chapel soars very noticeably on the highest part of the hill.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE PUBLIC CEMETERY AT NIGHT

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▬ The Location and Its Names ▬

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THE VIGAN PUBLIC CEMETERY IS LOCATED NEAR the boundary of Brgy Tamag (south), Brgy VIII (east), Brgy VII (north) and Brgy Paoa (west). North of the public cemetery is bounded by the Mira Hills, south by the wide expanse of land and rolling hills in Tamag owned by the Crisologos (political clan in the province), east by the Jardin de Caridad (a privately-developed cemetery) and to the west by the industrial lots of the PMFTC (formerly NTRCI, used to be owned by Lucio Tan). The cemetery occupies at least three (3) hills.

In Vigan, this public cemetery is popular for the name Campo Santo (literally, camp of the saints) and panpantoc (pronounced as pan-pan-tô in the stereotype Vigan Ilocano accent). The term panpantoc is derived from pantoc which means "hill". The prefix pan- is added to refer to a group of hills (which actually describes the physical features of the cemetery being composed of several hills).

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▬ A Bad Reputation from the Past and How It was Corrected▬

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THE VIGAN PUBLIC CEMETERY USED TO HAVE a bad reputation. The notoriety stems from the dump site near it. This dump site used to be open, smoky and has this repulsive smell. Everyone needs to endure the agony of passing through the piles of garbage before reaching the cemetery. So during those times, when they say panpantoc, they are merely referring to the hideous dumpsite.

Eventually, the dump site was closed and the former garbage land was privately developed—now the posh Jardin de Caridad is born, a private memorial park.

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▬ The Bigueño Reunion ▬

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EVERY NOVEMBER 1 AND 2, THE CEMETERIES become a busy place until midnight. There is a grand homecoming. A mass reunion of Ilocano families happens in the cemetery. People reunite for one purpose—to visit the grave of their departed loved ones. This tradition is common to Roman Catholic followers although some members of different denominations also practice this tradition. The cemetery stays bright with candles the whole night.

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▬ The Grave of Floro Crisologo, a Prominent Ilocano ▬

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ON 01 NOVEMBER 2015, I VISITED THE public cemetery. I was looking for a good vantage point so that I can capture a good photo of the cemetery. I saw a hill and I climbed up to the top giving me a good view of the cemetery. I wasn't aware at first that the hill I just climbed is where the grave of Hon Floro Crisologo is located.

It is my first time to see his grave. I even saw her wife Hon Carmeling Crisologo together with her family and important guests. Floro Crisologo is the assassinated congressman in 1970 while her wife, Carmeling, was the governor of Ilocos Sur that time. The Crisologos ruled the province before the Singsons took over. ▬ end

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE PUBLIC CEMETERY AT NIGHT

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Landmarks and Structures." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Landmarks and Structures" section below.

[2] Photos here were taken on 01 November 2015.

[3] The information posted on this article is based on a first-hand knowledge I've learned through the more than 20 years of my residency in this city, that is since birth. I am very familiar of the culture and traditions of Vigan and I grew up practicing many of these traditions.

[4] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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[Vigan] ▬ What to See and Expect on Halloween, All Saints/Souls' Day?

November 5, 2015, 10:01 am

≫ Next: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ Chao Long Beef Stew: My First Taste of Vietnam, But I Tried It in Palawan

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ The Public Cemetery aka Campo Santo or Panpantoc

"...this is just the surface of what you should know and for you to understand the details of the tradition, you need to become a Bigueño and practice it with us—the intangible heritage is for us to keep."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ My childhood is years of fantasies, dreams and dreams in the guise of a fantasy. It was sustained until adulthood. Why this? How's related to Halloween? Duh.

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[VIGAN] ▬ FILE PHOTO: VIGAN CITY, CIRCA NOVEMBER 2011

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▬ Flashback: Of Being a Kid and These Seasons ▬

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I WAS SEVEN (7) OR EIGHT (8) YEARS OLD when I acquired my own personal map. It was actually a notebook with a world map divided into several pages. I persuaded my parents to buy that notebook for me. It was for the world map, after all. That was the start of daydreaming—on how will I visit those places printed on the map (when I grow up) in different seasons: Christmas, New Year's Day, Halloween, winter, spring, summer, fall, National I-Love-You Day, Kidney Disease Awareness Month, Linggo ng Wika, International Women's Day, December solstice and any day the encyclopedia could provide.

It's Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in Vigan and I realized the little childhood fantasies that are slowly coming true give me life, like, a nostalgia that exudes motivation to continue dreaming and make it all come true in time. I think it's good to start where the heart is; where the dreams are made of; where I was born.

Ok, the result of these childhood goals is this travel blog you're reading now. I've always wanted to document how every town looks like during holidays and special days like this. I had this childhood curiosity what to see in these places (on the first ever map I acquired) on these days. So now, I want to start the goal where it was made. I know I'm not the only kid in the world who might have thought about that. So, if you are the man who used to be the kid that I was, this is for you because this post is all about the things that happen in my hometown Vigan during Halloween, All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day.

I realized I have to start writing about the hometown because there are kids out there who might have been curious about what happens in Vigan during these seasons. Since I know how you feel kid, I'll take charge of the task of bringing you the face of this city on the screen of your computer or device. So here it is kid. Satisfy your curiosity. I'll bring you in Vigan before, during and after Halloween. I'll give you the details because as I said, I know how you feel. I know how this unsatisfied curiosity turns you insomniac. You're lucky, I'm from Vigan and I know a lot! Hah!

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▬ Before Halloween: Defeating the Darkness ▬

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THE CITY OF VIGAN IS FULL OF colors due to its very rich culture and heritage. Somehow, the American pop culture has its room in the heart of every Bigueño. They believe that Halloween is for ghosts and darkness, hence, the trick and treat. On the other hand, to defeat the darkness, the people of Vigan has made a way to turn the city bright before, during and after the Halloween. Come, .

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[VIGAN] ▬ FILE PHOTO: LIGHTING OF GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE, 2015

[VIGAN] ▬ PEOPLE FLOCKED HERE TO JOIN THE UNVEILING OF CHRISTMAS TREE

Every year, there is a giant Christmas tree in Vigan and it has been a tradition to unveil it before the crowd. This event also marks the start of the annual Raniag Twilight Festival!

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▬ The Raniag Twilight Festival ▬

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THIS FESTIVAL CAME INTO EXISTENCE BECAUSE OF Halloween, All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day. Since these days are important part of the life of many Bigueños, it was born to turn the intangible culture into a festival.

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[VIGAN] ▬ FILE PHOTO: RANIAG STREET DANCING, 2015

[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG STREET DANCERS DRESSED LIKE ARCHANGELS

Among the must-see features of this festivals are the Flight of Sky Lantern, , candle floaters offering at the Mestizo River and the Electric Float Parade.

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▬ At the Public Market ▬

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IN THE PUBLIC MARKET, FLOWER VENDORS SPROUT everywhere. This kind of business during this season is very lucrative so it is not surprising if you go to the public market and see flowers everywhere, anywhere.

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[VIGAN] ▬ VIGAN PUBLIC MARKET FLOWER SHOPS

[VIGAN] ▬ FLOWER VENDORS IN THE VIGAN PUBLIC MARKET

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[VIGAN] ▬ PREARRANGED FLOWERS

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▬ The Traffic Situation ▬

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IN VIGAN, THE ROADS THAT LEAD YOU to the major cemeteries can give you headache. The traffic jam is severe. To give you an idea about the traffic situation, .

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[VIGAN] ▬ TRAFFIC SITUATION IN VIGAN: NOVEMBER 01, 2015

[VIGAN] ▬ THE VERY BUSY ALCANTARA STREET

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▬ The Cemetery ▬

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THE FOUR (4) MAJOR CEMETERIES IN VIGAN IS were most of the populace are. The people of Vigan love staying on the grave of their departed love ones overnight. The cemetery also serves as the rendezvous of long lost relatives, hence, there is a great grand family reunion. So why go home early if you have the reason to stay there until midnight? The answer: It's grand family day in the cemetery. Ooops, the dead relatives included maybe. To learn more about this tradition, .

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▬ Ending Words ▬

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HEY KID! I HOPE I SATISFIED YOUR curiosity. Yes, this is the face of Vigan during Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls' Day. In fact, this is just the surface of what you should know and for you to understand the details of the tradition, you need to become a Bigueño and practice it with us—the intangible heritage is for us to keep.

How about you? How does your town look like during seasons like these? ▬ end

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Clik here to view. VIGAN PUBLIC CEMETERY

[VIGAN] ▬ THE PUBLIC CEMETERY AT NIGHT

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Overview and Perspectives." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Overview and Perspectives" section below.

[2] The information posted on this article is based on a first-hand knowledge I've learned through the more than 20 years of my residency in this city, that is since birth. I am very familiar of the culture and traditions of Vigan and I grew up practicing many of these traditions.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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[Puerto Princesa] ▬ Chao Long Beef Stew: My First Taste of Vietnam, But I Tried It in Palawan

November 7, 2015, 7:58 pm

≫ Next: [San Vicente] ▬ Port Barton Aerial View: 'Coz I'm Like a Bird, Alright!

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ What to See and Expect on Halloween, All Saints/Souls' Day?

"The noodles taste unfamiliar. Deymn! Bagnet-loving tongue, you need to learn more food and grow up!"

[PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES]▬ It was a rainy morning when I arrived in Palawan for the first time via Puerto Princesa International Airport. The urge to eat was subtly eminent. I spent my first hour in Palawan searching for breakfast. What happened next was a personal history.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ FIRST TIME TO SEE (AND EAT) CHAO LONG

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▬ Chao Long Beef Stew: My First Meal in Palawan ▬

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AFTER CHECKING-IN AT THE HOTEL, I IMMEDIATELY looked for a place to eat. The hotel owner helped me find the direction to a certain toro-toro. I found the latter but it looked unattractive. The lugaw and arroz caldo they serve weren't appetizing for me. So I made a left turn to Burgos Street and found a restaurant that looks neater than the others I've seen.

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Clik here to view. GRACE CHAO LONG

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ GRACE CHAO LONG MENU

I asked their best seller and the lady who is assisting me pointed the bone noodles and beef stew. The two are also the most expensive. I picked the latter. It was served hot. On a tray, I was given two separate servings: a bowl of noodle soup and a plate of weird ingredients (for me) that's so unfamiliar.

The soup was dark orange so I thought this might taste like bulalo or the local miki noodle soup of and . Uh! I sipped the first spoonful of soup and it was deliciously unfamiliar. It tasted like a sweet tomato paste mixed with other spices then served hot.

The noodle strands also look and taste so unfamiliar to me. I can not figure out what it was made of.

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▬ The Add-Ons are Foreign and Weird to My Pinakbet and Bagnet-Loving Palate▬

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I NOTICED SOME INGREDIENTS SEPARATED IN A single platter. I honestly didn't know what to do to those extra ingredients. I was well aware that what I ordered was food so I concluded that the extra ingredients on the plate are edible and it doesn't kill.

I picked one piece of that white thingy and tasted it. It tasted raw. I just mixed it with my chao long beef stew. But the other green thingy made me feel I am a goat grazing in hunger at the grass fields. So I didn't mix it although I smelled it many times. Aromatic!

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Clik here to view. CHAO LONG

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ WEIRD ADD-ONS FOR MY ILOCANO TONGUE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE NOODLES TASTE UNFAMILIAR. DEYMN! BAGNET-LOVING TONGUE, YOU NEED TO LEARN MORE FOOD AND GROW UP! LICK MORE FOOD!

Because I was so curious, I asked the lady what are the 'extra thingies' she gave me. She explained everything. I learned that the white thingy is a monggo sprout she referred as togue (she pronounced it 'to-ge') and the leaves are 'mint leaves(?)/ment levs(?)—not 100% sure if it was mint leaves because she pronounced it 'ment-levs', like, seriously, yes it was.

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▬ A Vietnamese Influence▬

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THE OWNER WAS KIND ENOUGH TO EXPLAIN to me the history of the chao long in Puerto Princesa. He asked me if it is my first time to eat. I said yes then he started telling stories.

According to him, Palawan used to be a home to many Vietnamese refugees (well, I was aware of that but I didn't know the Vietnamese left some legacy on food here).

He told me that most of the chaolongan[s]—a place to eat chao long or where chao long is served—in city were put up by the Vietnamese people then inherited by the Filipinos. Now, Filipinos in Palawan can cook Chao Long! ▬ end

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ GRACE CHAO LONG ALONG BURGOS STREET

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Food and Cuisines." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Food and Cuisines" section below.

[2] The information posted on this article is based on a first-hand personal experience. The descriptions and my reviews may vary from your experience.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #PuertoPrincesa

CLICK TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING PALAWAN. Map © Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING PALAWAN.

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[San Vicente] ▬ Port Barton Aerial View: 'Coz I'm Like a Bird, Alright!

November 8, 2015, 8:38 am

≫ Next: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ A Perfect Example of a Community-Based Sustainable Tourism

≪ Previous: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ Chao Long Beef Stew: My First Taste of Vietnam, But I Tried It in Palawan

"From my 17-A seat (window seat) in the airplane, I had the opportunity to capture aerial shots of Palawan Island from the window."

[SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN, PHILIPINES]▬ Come on baby! This is the joy of flying. I feel like I'm a detective or a spy intruding from the air. If being on the road has this road trip magic, flying has some great advantages that road-tripping can not give.

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[SAN VICENTE] ▬ CAGSALAY ISLAND AERIAL SHOT IN THE MIDDLE OF PORT BARTON BAY: OFF THE COST OF PORT BARTON, SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN

On board AirAsia flight Z2 426, I departed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (from Pasay City, Metro Manila) at around 6 AM (5:55 AM according to the printed travel itinerary). After almost an hour, I'm starting to see the island of Palawan from the air.

It's my first time in Palawan and you know, I have this compulsion of documenting every 'first-time' that I experience. They seem to be sentimental for me.

From my 17-A seat (window seat) in the airplane, I had the opportunity to capture aerial shots of Palawan Island from the window.

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[SAN VICENTE] ▬ DINISONAN ISLAND AERIAL SHOT IN THE MIDDLE OF PORT BARTON BAY

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[SAN VICENTE] ▬ PORT BARTON FROM THE AIR. ORAYT! RAKENROL!

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[SAN VICENTE] ▬ PORT BARTON FROM THE AIR WITH DINISONAN ISLAND. ORAYT! RAKENROL!

This is what I am talking about. I used to ditch traveling via air before because it's so conveniently fast. You know, I love long bus rides with a lot of effort and waiting because it allows me to encounter new experiences that could teach me a lesson. But as I said, the magic from air is different. Both are good choices to travel though based on your preference.

Anyway, the clouds cleared and luckily, I was able to witness the beauty of Port Barton from the air and made myself believe that I am the living Google Earth viewing live from the air. Orayt! ▬ end

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[SAN VICENTE] ▬ SCREENSHOT: PORT BARTON MAP BY GOOGLE

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Stories from the Air." This is my first post for the said category so watch out for more related stories in the future.

[2] The maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar, Mike Gonzalez (published on Wikipedia) and Google. Source: 1 | 2 | 3

Map Showing the Location of #SanVicente

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[Puerto Princesa] ▬ A Perfect Example of a Community-Based Sustainable Tourism

November 11, 2015, 3:26 pm

≫ Next: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ One Manalo Place: Posh Botique Hotel Near PPS Airport

≪ Previous: [San Vicente] ▬ Port Barton Aerial View: 'Coz I'm Like a Bird, Alright!

"They live with the glory of their natural heritage—sustainable tourism at its finest."

[PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES]▬ Tourism is good, but problems arise when it's mismanaged. The concept of sustainable tourism with community participation is not new but in most places I've visited, I would say this is the missing ingredient.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UNDERGROUND RIVER

I felt the very soul of the concept of community-based sustainable tourism when I visited the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) for the first time. For a tourist-laden destination like Puerto Princesa, it's inspiring to personally witness first hand how a certain natural wonder is preserved in spite of the tourist crowd that visit the place longing to experience the beauty of nature.

Tourism is a major industry in Puerto Princesa City and in Palawan province as a whole. The effect of this industry is very heartfelt. The moment you arrive to your destination, you'll see that the community is very dynamic and well-organized. Tour guides and employees of tourism-based enterprises are residents of the community themselves. You'll see them in their uniform to aid tourists identify whom they should ask for help or information. They are amazingly well-trained and witty. Most importantly, they are very tourist-friendly.

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▬ The PPUR Tour ▬

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From the bucolic Sabang beach in the northwest coast of Palawan, boats abound. But these boats are not all for fishing. Most of them are used for tourism purposes. Sabang beach is your gateway to the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

The start of the PPUR experience is 15-30 minutes of smooth sailing in the summery waters off the coast of Sitio Sabang accentuated by lush verdant mountains with teeming biodiversity. A landscape underlain by limestones carved by nature for million years awaits the visitors in the docking area.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ BOATMAN FETCHING THE GUESTS

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ARRIVING AT THE BEACH NEAR PPUR

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ LIMESTONE KARSTS NEAR THE UNDERGROUND RIVER

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ A BEAUTIFUL BEACH

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE FOREST TRAIL

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ TOURISTS' OBLIGATORY SIGNAGE PHOTO

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ LOVELY SETTING

A forest trail leads the way to the entrance of the underground river where jungle monkeys, monitor lizards, colorful birds and many other species of plants and animals dwell.

Well-trained boatmen serve as tour guides in the world famous subterranean river. The underground river is 8 kilometers long, the longest underground river in the world.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UNDERGROUND RIVER

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UNDERGROUND RIVER

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UNDERGROUND RIVER

The witty boatman shows to the tourists the different rock formation formed inside the cave designed by nature for million years. The highlight of the underground river tour is a section they call as 'the cathedral' where a cave ceiling with a whooping 200 meters height is located. Bats, tarantulas and birds locally called balinsasayaw inhabit the cave.

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▬ Ugong Rock Adventure ▬

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The Ugong Rock is an outcrop in the middle of farming fields surrounded by the thickly-forested mountains of Brgy Tagabinet. Tour guides and employees related to Ugong Rock tourist activities are all community-based. The vibrant tourism industry of Puerto Princesa has helped the community here find livelihood through tourism-related services and enterprises spearheaded by the LGU.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ PRE-ADVENTURE BRIEFING

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE (SORRY FOR THE WRONG PHOTO WATERMARK)

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ROCK CLIMBING AND SPELUNKING (SORRY FOR THE WRONG PHOTO WATERMARK)

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ NARROW CAVE PASSAGEWAY

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ JUST ANOTHER LOVELY SETTING

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE FOREST TRAIL

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

In a gazebo, tourists were given an introduction on what to expect in Ugong Rock while the women of the community serve a locally-produced kakanin called biko to tourists. Ugong Rock is jam-packed with activities like spelunking, rock climbing and ziplining.

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▬ A Sustainable Tourism ▬

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The activities I experienced in Puerto Princesa I mentioned above made me fully-understood how a community-based sustainable tourism works. In this concept, the people living near or within the tourist destination has this awareness that sustaining and preserving their natural wonders is the name of the game. They are fully aware that the tourist destinations near them serve as their lifeblood. Losing them means losing their livelihood, hence, the motivation to take good care of their immediate environment and natural wonders.

Indeed, Puerto Princesa is a perfect model of a city which can mix development and conservation of nature. They live with the glory of their natural heritage—sustainable tourism at its finest. See it for yourself and be amazed like I did. ▬ end

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ HELLO! GREETINGS FROM PUERTRO PRINCESA!

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Overview and Perspectives." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Overview and Perspectives" section below.

[2] This is just a preview post of my Palawan trip from November 10-13. More posts are coming soon!

[3] This trip was made possible through the Puerto Princesa LGU through its City Tourism Office. This is part of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Day celebration. Special thanks to Heather Tejada, Sir Rix and their team!

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #PuertoPrincesa

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[Puerto Princesa] ▬ One Manalo Place: Posh Botique Hotel Near PPS Airport

November 16, 2015, 3:55 am

≫ Next: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ Blog Coverage: PPUR Day's Bonggang Bakasyon

≪ Previous: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ A Perfect Example of a Community-Based Sustainable Tourism

"One Manalo Place is just around 2 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa (PPS) International Airport."

[PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES]▬ The island of Palawan hosts many of the most stunning destinations and one of the richest biodiversity not just in the Philippines but in the world. In light of the stunning destinations it has to offer, the attractions usually are adrenaline-packed so everyone deserves a relaxing and pampering accommodation in this naturally-blessed place tagged as the "World's Best Island."

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Clik here to view. ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ROOM 112: MY ROOM IN ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

One Manalo Place knows the drill. Palawan's exhilarating activities like spelunking, island hopping, forest trekking, kayaking and scuba diving would always compel everyone to end the day with facilities/amenities relaxing enough to restore homeostasis. One Manalo Place is excellent for this.

Each room is equipped with cold and warm shower. For the tired traveler, taking a warm bath dilates the blood vessels thus helping lower down blood pressure. A warm bath also helps relax muscles which is just appropriate for the adventurous guest. To those who want to cool down, its blue pool is the best place to chill.

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Clik here to view. ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ RELAXING POOL AMBIANCE AT NIGHT

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Clik here to view. ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ TAKE A DIP. CHILL DOWN.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO FAÇADE AT NIGHT

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO GUESTS GOING TO THEIR ROOMS

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ELEGANT HOTEL LOBBY

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Clik here to view. ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ STYLISH FURNITURE MIXING THE OLD AND THE CONTEMPORARY

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Clik here to view. ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IT'S A GREEN SPACE INSIDE, PERFECT FOR CONVERSATIONS OVER COFFEE/TEA.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE WAY TO THE ROOMS

Take a break from the energy-depleting activities and recharge in their Aplaya Restaurant. Mouthwatering dishes, especially seafood, are served buffet style. To those who have allergy in seafood, don't frown. There are other choices to try that are equally sumptuous.

Its warm staff are very accommodating. They even contacted the concerned person when they noticed that I'm already waiting in the reception area for several minutes for my tour activity that day. They care for their guests and they make it sure to satisfy them.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ ONE MANALO PLACE - PALAWAN

For fitness-buff guests, the hotel is equipped with a gym to work those muscles out and/or burn some fats.

One Manalo Place is just around 2 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa (PPS) International Airport. Tricycles are available inside the airport compound to bring you to the hotel. It's located along Manalo Extension, Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. ▬ end

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ HELLO! GREETINGS FROM ONE MANALO!

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Resorts and Accommodations." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Resorts and Accommodations" section below.

[2] This hotel stay was made possible through the Puerto Princesa LGU through its City Tourism Office. One Manalo hosted me for three (3) days and two (2) nights for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Day celebration. Special thanks to Heather Tejada, Rix Rafols and their team! For bookings and more related info, check out their website: onemanaloplace.com

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #PuertoPrincesa

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[Puerto Princesa] ▬ Blog Coverage: PPUR Day's Bonggang Bakasyon

November 19, 2015, 6:54 am

≫ Next: [Vigan] ▬ Blog Coverage: 133 Photos from Raniag Electric FLoat Parade 2015 + Insights

≪ Previous: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ One Manalo Place: Posh Botique Hotel Near PPS Airport

"...for us to appreciate the conservation efforts we are doing, we must first become knowledgeable and aware of the reason why we are doing such effort."

[PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES]▬ The city of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan province, makes every moment a generous space of time. The city exudes love and endless excitement pampering its residents with overflowing blessings of nature. Beautiful beaches are plenty. Watersheds don't run dry. See? Nature is so generous for Puerto Princesa—a city in the forest. But the blessings were not limited to the people within its jurisdiction, hence, Bonggang Bakasyon is born for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Day (PPUR Day) to share the blessing to other people.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ PPUR DAY GRAND PARADE

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▬ A Bonggang Bakasyon: From Awareness to Conservation ▬

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BONGGANG BAKASYON IS A GIFT OF THE city of Puerto Princesa to those who want to explore and experience its wonders, culture and heritage—both natural and cultural. Ten (10) lucky winners from different parts of the country were chosen to have a vacation in Puerto Princesa City (PPC) for three (3) days and two (2) nights—all expenses paid plus a cash prize of 10,000 pesos!

This Bonggang Bakasyon would mean that the rich natural wonders and biodiversity of the city don't deserve to hide. They are meant to be seen, discovered and appreciated.

Conservation extremists don't frown when I said they are meant to be seen. Yes, wildlife is meant to be wild. But the thing is, the city of Puerto Princesa has proven that tourist arrival doesn't endanger the habitat and the survival of different species living in its thick forests. What happened was the reverse. The arrival of tourists has paved the way for public awareness that we need to take good care and conserve our environment; and for us to appreciate the conservation efforts we are doing, we must first become knowledgeable and aware of the reason why we are doing such effort.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ PALAWAN BEARCAT: A SPECIES ENDEMIC IN PALAWAN.

Discovering the hidden natural wonders and wildlife bioderversity of Puerto Princesa through tours is I think one of the best ways to learn and appreciate the reason why we need to take care of our environment. Seeing the beauty of Puerto Princesa would give you the feeling of regret when you lost it, hence, the motivation to take part in conservation. —sustainable tourism at its best.

Together with the Bonggang Bakasyon winners, I am one of the four (4) bloggers (outside Palawan) invited to cover the event and to experience what the city has to offer. The other bloggers were Edgar Alan Zeta Yap (EAZY Traveler), Kira Ramirez (Elegantly Wasted) and Lilliane Cobiao (Wanderlass).

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ EDA AND JOJO: THIS COUPLE, BASED IN CEBU, IS ONE OF THE WINNERS OF THE BONGGANG BAKASYON SA PUERTO PRINCESA.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ OFFICIAL BLOGGERS FOR PPUR DAY

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IWAHIG PRISON AND PENAL FARM

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ OFFICIAL BLOGGERS FOR PPUR DAY: EDMAR, LILLIANE, EDGAR AND KIRA

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▬ First Things First ▬

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THE PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER (PPUR) IS the main reason why the event called PPUR Day came into existence. In the Bonggang Bakasyon itinerary, first things should come first; because when we talk about PPC, the first thing that comes out our mind is probably the PPUR. So the winners paid homage to the pride of Palawan and of the Philippines—the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River technically known as the St Paul Subterranean River National Park.

The winners, guests and the bloggers started the 3-day Bonggang Bakasyon itinerary in Sitio Sabang, home of the PPUR. Participants of the PPUR tour wore their life vests then sailed the blue waters off the coast of Sitio Sabang. The tall lush mountains of PPC served as beautiful backdrop.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UNDERGROUND RIVER

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▬ Jam-Packed Adventures to Remember ▬

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WHEN PARTICIPANTS LEARNED THAT THEY ARE GOING to slide from the hill down to the beach using a zipline, many were hesitant. But they need to do it to proceed to the next destination. Since many are their first time to slide with a zipline, this became their memorable first time. The Sabang X Zipline initiated the adrenaline release.

This first time definitely did not become the last. Another zipline waited the participants in Ugong Rock Adventure Zone, a community-based tourist attraction in Brgy Tagabinet. This area is packaged with activities that are truly adrenaline-releasing. Spelunking and rock climbing preludes that zipline experience.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ GETTING READY FOR SABANG X ZIPLINE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK SPELUNKING

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ UGONG ROCK CLIMBING

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ GETTING READY FOR UGONG ROCK ZIPLINE

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IWAHIG RIVER CRUISE AND FIREFLY WATCHING

The physically-demanding, adventure-packed day ended with a relaxing night cruise at the Iwahig River while fireflies defeated the darkness by emitting their natural light.

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▬ Wildlife and Cultural Conservation + The City Tour ▬

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THE SECOND DAY WAS A GOOD INTRODUCTION to the wildlife and cultural conservation programs of Palawan led by both government and private sectors. After a quick stop at the Iwahig Penal Farm, a place where prisoners are given the freedom to become productive and earn for a living, the group proceeded to the Butterfly Garden and Crocodile Farm.

The Palawan Butterfly Garden is more than just the butterflies. It is also where a Palaw'an (the apostrophe isn't a typo) tribal village is located. Members of the tribe shared their culture by playing their musical instruments and showing their hunting and survival skills.

The crocodile farm, likewise, is more than just the crocodiles. This institution also takes good care of some Palawan endemic species like the katala (Philippine cockatoo) and Palawan bearcat.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IWAHIG PENAL FARM

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ CROCODILE FARM

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ PALAW'AN TRIBE CULTURAL ENCOUNTER

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ BUTTERFLY GARDEN

A tour around the city came after. It was an activity that allowed everyone to understand the history of PPC and its significant role in the past. The group visited the Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Following the city tour is a stress-free stay in Bong Villanueva Saloon where participants received free saloon services. In the afternoon, the group joined the PPUR grand parade. There was a street dancing highlighting the rich natural heritage and wildlife of PPC.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ PPUR DAY STREET DANCING

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ STREET CROWD VS STREET PERFORMERS

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE CATHEDRAL OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE CATHEDRAL OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE TOUR GROUP IN PLAZA CUARTEL

At night, the group joined an event in the PPC Baywalk where the presence of the Bonggang Bakasyon winners and the bloggers was recognized. An astonishing firework display culminated the event while a grand dinner in a floating restaurant in Puerto Princesa Bay (operated by Dolphin and Whales Travel and Tours, more on this on my upcoming posts) was waiting for the group. Aside from the sumptuous dinner, mainly seafood (oh, the sea grape is my fave), a cultural troupe konek-tibo performed while everyone is enjoying the dinner reminding us the rich culture and talent pool of Palawan and of the Philippines as a whole.

The dinner was followed by another night river cruise, this time in Sicsican river.

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ FIREWORK DISPLAY IN PPC BAYWALK

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ KONEK-TIBO CULTURAL TROUPE

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▬ Honda Bay Island Hopping ▬

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EVERYBODY SEEMED LIKE VERY WILLING TO BECOME tanned when the third day came. This day is all about the islands, the beach and the water activities—all in the charming Honda Bay!

The destinations: Pambato Reef, Luli Island and Cowrie Island! (Inset: I have prepared a separate post for each destination that will be published in the future soon.)

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ MY SNORKELING EXPERIENCE IN PAMBATO REEF

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ LULI ISLAND, HONDA BAY

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ COWRIE ISLAND OF HONDA BAY

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THE ISLAND LUNCH: THANKS RIX RAFOLS!

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ KAYAKING IN COWRIE ISLAND

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ THIS IS MY FIRST KAYAK EXPERIENCE, I SWEAR IT'S COOL!

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ MORE OF COWRIE ISLAND!

These are the things we did for that jam-packed span of 3 days. In fact, I was hooked so much with Palawan that leaving the island, its people and the new friends I've met was a hard reality to accept. But I cannot have everything at once. So the debut vacation in Palawan deserves a sophomore version. Love is sweeter the second time around. I know!!! I'll definitely be back!

I heart you Palawan! ▬ end

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ HELLO! GREETINGS FROM PUERTO PRINCESA!

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This 3-day vacation in Puerto Princesa City was made possible through the City LGU and the City Tourism Office. I was one of the invited official bloggers to cover this event. I would also like to extend my gratitude to those who worked for us first hand: Heather Tejada, Arles Orias, Oce Roy Galario and Rix Rafols. More power guys!

[2] Thank you to for hosting me during my stay in Puerto Princesa. For bookings, check out their site: onemanaloplace.com.

[3] This post is filed under the category "Special Features." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Special Features" section below.

[4] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 | - Thanks geeks! You're making the blogosphere cool!

Map Showing the Location of #PuertoPrincesa

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[Vigan] ▬ Blog Coverage: 133 Photos from Raniag Electric FLoat Parade 2015 + Insights

November 20, 2015, 11:18 am

≫ Next: [Tanay] ▬ El Shaddai Hills: Regina RICA's 'Breast of God'

≪ Previous: [Puerto Princesa] ▬ Blog Coverage: PPUR Day's Bonggang Bakasyon

"Festival dancers dressed themselves with both luminescence and heat-based light. They have to stand out in the dark—that is the very essence of this artful cultural event."

[VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES]▬ The Bigueño creativity was released from its old home—naïvity. The clamor of the people to see cultural events in the city is something that is very powerful, then the Raniag Festival is born. Pop culture mixed with local elements was well-received by the Bigueños. The result became so epic my imagination didn't even achieve.

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG FESTIVAL'S ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE

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▬ Raniag Twilight Festival and Pop Culture ▬

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THIS EVENT IS IN LIGHT OF POP culture's Halloween. When we say Halloween, usually we think of darkness and what's in the dark. We tend to think about ghouls and ghosts, right? In Vigan, although this notion is still present, this has been gradually replaced by the festive colors and the blasting artistry of Raniag Twilight Festival participants and performers.

The street lights were intentionally turned off allowing these electric floats and street performers to take the challenge of becoming stellar in the darkness. The light they produce will determine their fate. The goal is to be the most beautiful piece in the midst of the dark.

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[VIGAN] ▬ OH, THAT GOLDEN HEADWEAR

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE SPHINX FLOAT

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[VIGAN] ▬ UMBRELLA COLLECTION

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[VIGAN] ▬ CLEOPATRA-INSPIRED

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[VIGAN] ▬ EGYPTIAN-INSPIRED FLOAT

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[VIGAN] ▬ PARADE PARTICIPANTS DRESSED SO POP

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[VIGAN] ▬ TALL FAIRY-LIKE WHITE FLOAT

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE HUGE MASK STOOD OUT

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[VIGAN] ▬ INSPIRED BY THE MOVIE 'FROZEN' - HELLO ELSA!

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE CLASSIC 'KAMATAYAN' FICTIONAL CHARACTER FOR HALLOWEEN

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WHITE 'KAMATAYAN' UNDER THE MOONLIGHT

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[VIGAN] ▬ A GREEN BUTTERFLY, MAYBE?

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[VIGAN] ▬ ANOTHER GREEN FICTITIOUS HUMAN CHARACTER

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE SUPERHEROES

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[VIGAN] ▬ IN FRONT OF THE CITY HALL OF VIGAN

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE TALL GREEN ELECTRIC FLOAT

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WALIS TAMBO KING

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[VIGAN] ▬ A ZOMBIE CHARACTER RISING FROM THE GRAVE

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[VIGAN] ▬ FICTION: JUST RISEN FROM HIS GRAVE

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE GREAT GOLDEN GIRL WITH SHIMMERING CROWN

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[VIGAN] ▬ SHE HAS AN INTRICATELY-DESIGNED DRESS TOO.

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[VIGAN] ▬ ANGEL CHARACTER

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WINGS ARE SO COOL!

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS ONE OPTED TO BECOME FLORAL

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[VIGAN] ▬ UH, THE LEFT EYE!

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[VIGAN] ▬ HER BLACK GOWN IS ELEGANT THOUGH.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE ANGEL OF RANIAG FESTIVAL

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[VIGAN] ▬ LOOK AT THAT GIANT SKIRT! SO FAB!

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[VIGAN] ▬ UNDER THE MOONLIGHT

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[VIGAN] ▬ A MOONLIT NIGHT

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[VIGAN] ▬ BLACK FAIRIES OR WITCHES?

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[VIGAN] ▬ SO BLOODY RED! I FIND THIS CREEPY.

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[VIGAN] ▬ REMINDING ME OF THE MOVIE SCREAM.

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[VIGAN] ▬ EMITTING AN ELEGANT ULTRAVIOLET RADIANCE

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[VIGAN] ▬ A GIANT FAIRY

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WHOLE FAIRY PACKAGE

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[VIGAN] ▬ SO THEY TRIED TO LOOK SERIOUS.

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[VIGAN] ▬ AN ELECTRIC FLOAT MADE OF EGG TRAYS

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[VIGAN] ▬ AN ANGEL OF THE EGG TRAYS

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[VIGAN] ▬ THAT CROWN IS IMMENSELY BEAUTIFUL!

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE SKIRT MUST HAVE BEEN VERY HEAVY.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WITCH PUMPKIN

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[VIGAN] ▬THE WITCH VS THE JOLLIBEE

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[VIGAN] ▬ PROBABLY A WHITE LADY

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[VIGAN] ▬ I LIKE THE HEADWEAR. THE BEADS ARE GREAT!

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[VIGAN] ▬ HEY THERE ELSA!

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[VIGAN] ▬ RISING AT FULL MOON

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE GRAVE DEFIED

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[VIGAN] ▬ PILES OF GRAVES

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOME SPECTATORS FROM THE CITY HALL'S HUGE WINDOW

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[VIGAN] ▬ AMERICAN INDIAN-INSPIRED (THEIR HEAD AT LEAST, FORGET THE PAIR OF PANTS)

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[VIGAN] ▬ PROBABLY AMERICAN INDIANS

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE ONE AT RIGHT IS ACTUALLY MY ELEMENTARY CLASSMATE NAMED PEDRO.

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[VIGAN] ▬ LEFT: ILOCOS SUR CONGRESSMAN RONALD SINGSON, RIGHT: MAYOR EVA MARIE SINGSON-MEDINA

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE PHARAOH HAS REAPPEARED AT LIBERATION BOULEVARD.

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[VIGAN] ▬ PASSING IN FRONT OF THE SIMBAAN A BASSIT.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THAT KID IS ON THE GAME!

I actually followed the parade route so that I can take photos from different locations. I started taking photos in front of the city hall of Vigan where the floats gathered before the parade.

They started the parade at Quezon Avenue then had a turn at Liberation Boulevard upon reaching the Simbaan-a-Bassit. The last part of the parade route is the Calle Crisologo.

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▬ Entering Calle Crisologo ▬

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THE COBBLESTONE STREET WAS CROWDED WITH LIGHT-emitting giants, electric floats, a mob of Ilocanos in creative costumes and a piece of American pop culture. This is how I describe the Raniag Electric Float Parade in Calle Crisologo.

The electric floats became more stunning when they entered this historic street because of the good lighting and the old-world ambiance.

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[VIGAN] ▬ ENTERING CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE PHARAOH FLOAT LOOKS BETTER THIS TIME DUE TO THE BEAUTIFUL ANCESTRAL HOUSES BACKDROP.

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[VIGAN] ▬ MARDIGRAS

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS IS MORE THAN A PARADE, IT'S A SHOW!

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[VIGAN] ▬ BOOK OF LIFE

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE GOLDEN PRISCILLA PARADING ALONG CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ PRISCILLA, CLOSER LOOK

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE AMERICAN INDIAN-INSPIRED TROUPE IS BACK!

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE EGYPTIAN-INSPIRED FLOAT AND TROUPE IS ALSO HERE TO STAY.

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[VIGAN] ▬ STILL, THE EGYPTIAN CONCEPT

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE SPHINX FLOAT HAS REACHED CALLE CRISOLOGO.

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[VIGAN] ▬ THIS ROBOT IS ROAMING AROUND CALLE CRISOLOGO.

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[VIGAN] ▬ BEAUTIFUL STRIPES

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[VIGAN] ▬ SOME KINDA OLD-SCHOOL ROCK?

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE IN CALLE CRISOLOGO

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[VIGAN] ▬ HELLO FROM RANIAG ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE 2015!

Above are the 133 photos I took during the 2015 version of the Raniag Festival Electric Float parade.

The streets of Vigan became alive as the electric floats gracefully promenaded the parade route. Festival dancers dressed themselves with both luminescence and heat-based light. They have to stand out in the dark—that is the very essence of this artful cultural event.

It was a mixture of just anything else resulting close to abstractionism yielding an entertaining and beautiful effect. The event was so inanimate, so unnatural. There were floats to spook but some were here to bring laughter. Some are just sarcastic. Some are just creatively beautiful. So far, I consider this event as the highlight and must-watch feature of this festival. ▬ to be continued...

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More: Check out the other years I've covered► | 2015 | |

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THINGS/PLACES INCLUDED ON THIS BLOG SERIES

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[UP NEXT] ▬ EPISODE 04

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► BLOG SERIES: RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL 2015 COVERAGE

UP NEXT: The Raniag Twilight Festival continues, this time in Mestizo River. So what event happened in that river? Stories will be revealed on Episode 04.

| | Episode 03 |

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Festivals." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and look for the "More Posts from this Category Festivals" section below.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

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MORE TOWNS IN 'ILOCOS' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Tanay] ▬ El Shaddai Hills: Regina RICA's 'Breast of God'

November 23, 2015, 12:59 pm

≫ Next: [Baguio] ▬ Tam-awan Village: Old-School Igorot Living of Today

≪ Previous: [Vigan] ▬ Blog Coverage: 133 Photos from Raniag Electric FLoat Parade 2015 + Insights

"Blessings are meant to be worked on to. If God sees your sincerity and effort by living a life for His glory, then undoubtedly, you are the most deserving person to receive His abundant blessings."

[TANAY, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES]▬ The world is made up of a complex system with interesting facts, figures and wonders. However, sometimes it is also shrouded with mystery and symbolism. Symbols have been here since the prehistoric age to represent the belief, allegiance or the faith of the people, a culture and/or a social group. In Tanay's Regina RICA, there are two (2) hills they consider as the 'Breast of God."

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[TANAY] ▬ SITTING ON TOP OF ONE OF THE EL SHADDAI HILLS

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▬ A Symbol of Abundance ▬

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FOR REGINA RICA, A POPULAR PILGRIMAGE SITE in Tanay, Rizal where a giant Virgin Mary statue is located, El Shaddai Hills are synonymous to abundance. These two hills are located within the pilgrimage site's perimeter in Sitio Aguho of Barangay Sampaloc.

The official logo of Regina RICA also used these hills to represent them. For this religious institution, they consider these two hills as the breasts of God which they believe a source of abundant blessings. On the other hand, "El Shaddai" is a Hebrew name which means "God Almighty."

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[TANAY] ▬ THE OFFICIAL LOGO OF REGINA RICA IS COMPOSED OF TWO HILLS.

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Clik here to view. REGINA RICA, TANAY, RIZAL/></imageanchor></div><h1 style=

[TANAY] ▬ A BRIEF EXPLANATION FOR EL SHADDAI HILLS

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▬ Climbing the El Shaddai Hills ▬

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THESE TWO HILLS ARE NOT HIGH ENOUGH to be difficult to climb. There are concrete stairs especially made to make climbing easier. It's like a walk in the park. No vigorous effort is needed for a healthy indivudual.

Its slopes are planted with citruses and sunflowers but mostly grassy. One of the hills is where the is located and this hill is where the pilgrim crowd is.

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[TANAY] ▬ EL SHADDAI HILL HOLDS THE GIANT VIRGIN MARY STATUE

The El Shaddai Hill where the statue is located has an established trail complete with railings to secure and aid the climbing pilgrims.

The other hill has no statue but it is a less crowded and a more peaceful place to reflect and enjoy the surrounding view.

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[TANAY] ▬ VIEW FROM THE EL SHADDAI HILLS

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[TANAY] ▬ ENJOYING A REFRESHING GREEN EXPANSE AS SEEN FROM THE HILLTOP

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[TANAY] ▬ SEEING THE CHAPEL BELOW

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[TANAY] ▬ HELLO! GREETINGS FROM EL SHADDAI HILLS!

For Regina RICA, these are sacred hills since they represent God's breast—according to them—and visitors are expected to respect the place.

Regina RICA encourages everyone to pause on this hill and say a pray for blessings to come. However, for pilgrims wanting to come here for the purpose of expecting abundance by climbing the hill, do not expect an instant answer to your prayers because blessings don't come instantly by just visiting this place of abundance. Blessings are meant to be worked on to. If God sees your sincerity and effort by living a life for His glory, then undoubtedly, you are the most deserving person to receive His abundant blessings. Do not just rely on El Shaddai Hills because the real source of abundance is the God Almighty who reigns in heaven. ▬ to becontinued...

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► BLOG SERIES: "FACES OF PILGRIMAGE SITES - TANAY AND QUIAPO"

| | Episode 03 |

This is the third episode (Episode 03) of this travel drama blog series (travel blogserye) entitled "Faces of Pilgrimage Sites - Tanay and Quiapo". To follow the flow of the story, you may read the earlier published episode and watch out for the upcoming episodes. You can also follow our social media accounts for the latest updates.

INDEX: INSIDE THIS BLOGSERYE - STORIES/TOPICS INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES

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[UP NEXT] ▬ WATCH OUT FOR THE NEXT EPISODE (EPISODE 04).

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Hills". More stories filed under this category are seen below this post. (Note: This is the first post for this category, watch out for more related posts in the future)

[2] The stories here happened on 14 March 2015 in Tanay and Quiapo.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Tanay

CLICK TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING RIZAL. Map © Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING RIZAL.

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MORE TOWNS IN 'CALABARZON' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Baguio] ▬ Tam-awan Village: Old-School Igorot Living of Today

November 27, 2015, 10:42 am

≫ Next: [Baguio] ▬ Superman Zipline Ride Over the Pine Trees

≪ Previous: [Tanay] ▬ El Shaddai Hills: Regina RICA's 'Breast of God'

"The present has almost erased all the things of the past but some individuals have always been interested in bringing the old back to present. "

[BAGUIO, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES]▬ The modern world is selfish. It reinvented itself vanquishing the power of the distant past. Modern individuals have lived a life the contemporary age wanted them to be. The old is gone. The new has come. Remains of the past struggle to squeeze in the shrinking space dominated by the present; some are reserved for the future.

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Clik here to view. TAM-AWAN VILLAGE, BAGUIO

[BAGUIO] ▬ TAM-AWAN VILLAGE: GARDEN IN THE SKY

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▬ Tam-Awan Village: A Link to the Past ▬

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THE PRESENT HAS ALMOST ERASED ALL THE things of the past but some individuals have always been interested in bringing the old back to present. Tam-awan village is a nice example for this endeavor founded in 1998 by Chanum Foundation, Incorporated—led by national artist Benedicto Cabrera, also the founder of .

Tam-awan village allows everyone to experience the past especially the Cordilleran way of life. To be able to appreciate how the Igorots used to live in the mountains of , you need to be interested of their culture, otherwise, it is a plain village with huts.

So if you're wondering how does a prehistoric Igorot village look like, Tam-Awan village would at least show you the basic. This village is a replica of an old Igorot village.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ TAM-AWAN VILLAGE: GARDEN IN THE SKY

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▬ The Entrance ▬

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THE ENTRANCE OF TAM-AWAN VILLAGE DOES NOT give a hint that you are going to see a replica of an old Igorot village. Instead, this enclosed village welcomes you with Cordillera-inspired sculpture-on-the-wall and other art forms.

A first time visitor may think this is an art village. Well, it is. This destination was made to be a home for artists, especially from Baguio. But what lies inside is more than the arts, it's the Igorot culture and heritage that's waiting.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ ENTRANCE TO TAM-AWAN VILLAGE

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[BAGUIO] ▬ VISITORS CLIMBED THE WALL FOR THIS PHOTO OPP.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SCULPTURE CARVED ON THE WALL

Two (2) bulol sculpture are placed beside the entrance gate made of heaps of bamboos with signage that is prominently yellow.

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▬ Entrance Fee, Opening/Closing Hours ▬

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LIKE ANY OTHER PRIVATELY-RUN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, TAM-AWAN village also needs to become self-sufficient, hence, the entrance fee. For the entrance fee, see the photo below.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ ENTRANCE FEE RATE

This village opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM.

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▬ What to Expect Inside + a Little History/Background ▬

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A CONTINUOUSLY ASCENDING CONCRETE STAIR WILL LEAD you to the heart of the village where authentic Ifugao and huts are located.

The word tam-awan is a local term for "vantage point or a place for seeing a view from a higher location." It sounds very close to the Ilocano word tang-awan which means the same.

The name of the village reflects its physical feature wherein every visitor can enjoy the view of the West Philippine Sea in a clear day as well as the plains of province.

This village is the best relief Chanum Foundation could provide to people who want to see an authentic and traditional Cordillera village but cannot travel far to the remote Cordillera villages. Chanum Foundation initially started the reconstruction of three (3) Ifugao huts that were transported all the way from Bangaan, Ifugao.

The village also has two (2) huts from the province of Kalinga, particularly from and Loccong—tribal villages located in the town of . Tam-awan uses the word "Luccong" in one of their Kalinga huts. The village of Loccong though is spelled with the 'O". The Luccong hut is the most unique among all the huts because it is octagonal in shape. Tam-awan's Luccong hut is one of the three remaining of its in the Philippines today. It is also called binayon.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ A WOMAN GOES DOWN FROM THE LUCCONG HUT (BINAYON)

The huts were reconstructed using the original materials like pinewood. The cogon roofing is a recent addition. The original Cordilleran huts were constructed using materials from their environment that they can utilize, hence, the huts have no nails and the wood hand-hewn.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ GONGS HANGING UNDER THE COGON ROOFING

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[BAGUIO] ▬ A BUNCH OF RICE HUNG UPSIDE DOWN

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[BAGUIO] ▬ BUGNAY HUT FROM KALINGA SERVES AS AN ART GALLERY.

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▬ Home for Artists, Art-Lovers and Artworks ▬

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ONE OF THE REASONS WHY TAM-AWAN VILLAGE was founded is to give the Cordilleran artists and art-lovers a place they can call home.

This village has a huge collection of artworks from indigenous to contemporary. Bulol sculpture, an icon of the Cordilleran mountain culture is very present. Modern artworks are also displayed in Bugnay Hut that serves as an art gallery.

Art exhibits are often done in this village featuring the most promising artists of their generation. Tam-awan also holds the Tam-awan International Arts Festival.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ A ROW OF ARTWORKS

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[BAGUIO] ▬ ARTWORKS AT MY BACK

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[BAGUIO] ▬ BULLHEAD AND A PAINTING

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▬ On Mainstream Media ▬

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MAINSTREAM MEDIA HAS ALSO NOTICED THIS MAN-MADE tourist attraction. It was featured on ABS-CBN's summer station ID for 2014 called PINASmile where some personalities played the traditional instruments with the tribe.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SCREEN GRAB FROM YOUTUBE

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▬ Location, Contact Number, Lodging and Other Info ▬

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TAM-AWAN VILLAGE IS LOCATED IN 366-C PINSAO Proper, Baguio City. For other inquiries, You can contact them at (074) 446-5553; email address: tamawanvillage@gmail.com.

You can actually stay overnight in their huts (bedding and towels included, toiletries are not provided) with the following daily rate:

P500/pax
P1000/2pax
P300 extra bed
P350/pax for a group of 10 or more

If you want Tam-awan to be the venue of your activities or retreat, the following rates apply:

P200/pax for a group of 10 - Picnic Fee (9 AM to 6 PM), entrance excluded
P120/pax for a group of 10 - Bonfire Fee (6 PM to 11 PM), entrance excluded
P500/hut - rent of hut without bedding
P8000/day - Function Fee for a maximum of 40 pax
P5000 - Cultural Show (requires prior booking)

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▬ Tam-awan Café ▬

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THERE ARE NO PLACES TO BUY FOOD nearby, so whenever hunger strikes, there is a café inside. Food starts at 30 up to 280 pesos depending on your order.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ INSIDE THE RESTAURANT IN TAM-AWAN

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[BAGUIO] ▬ STRAWBERRY TAHO SYRUP

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[BAGUIO] ▬ A CUP OF STRAWBERRY TAHO

For strawberry taho lovers, I found out that there are vendors inside the village premises so I bought one. The taho vendors aren't part of the café though.

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▬ Ending Thoughts ▬

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I loved the setting. Their advocacy to preserve their cultural heritage and promote their arts in a village concept is I think a clever idea. I've learned new things here and I hope more visitors shall appreciate the Cordilleran culture and arts whenever they get here. For Chanum Foundation, Inc., they've started a great job! ▬ to be continued...

INDEX: INSIDE THIS BLOG SERIES

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[UP NEXT] ▬ TREE TOP ADVENTURE.

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► BLOG SERIES: AZALEA SUMMER GETAWAY

Up Next: This is the start of real adrenaline-releasing activities. I hiked. I even had the chance to fly, all in Tree Top Adventure.

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Parks/Plazas." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and check the "More Posts From This Category" below.

[2] This experience was made possible through Azalea Residences Hotel in Baguio City. I was invited to experience the Azalea hospitality.

[3] The following links were helpful to me while writing this article. References: 1 | 2 |

[4] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

Map Showing the Location of #Baguio

CLICK TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING BENGUET. Map © Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY LATEST ENTRIES COVERING BENGUET.

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MORE TOWNS IN 'THE PHILIPPINES' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Baguio] ▬ Superman Zipline Ride Over the Pine Trees

December 1, 2015, 7:57 am

≫ Next: [Baguio] ▬ Trekking Camp John Hay: Seeing the City's Old, True Face

≪ Previous: [Baguio] ▬ Tam-awan Village: Old-School Igorot Living of Today

"... the feeling of getting amazed is more powerful than fear. For this emotional battle, fear is defeated. The amazing feeling wins."

[BAGUIO, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES]▬ The Philippines' summer capital city of Baguio reigning in Luzon's Cordillera mountains doesn't want to be left behind in this new age. Gone are the days when Baguio is synonymous to Burnham Park, the winding Kennon Road and the Ibaloi people. The past decades, changes are significant. Today, it's about the SM Mall, the ukay-ukay, the night life and party for some. The Ibaloi land is now multi-cultural and multi-lingual. Its populace speaks at least 10 languages due to the influx of migrants from all over the world (Hello Korea!). Of course, this city is not spared from the new trends of pop culture. Zipline? Yes, Baguio has it and here's my first zipline experience in Baguio.

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Clik here to view. BAGUIO TREE TOP ADVENTURE ZIPLINE

[BAGUIO] ▬ SUPERMAN RIDE IN CAMP JOHN HAY // PHOTO TAKEN BY MARINETTE PANGANIBAN

This is my first zipline experience in Baguio. You see? When zipline became mainstream popping out anywhere in the country, the City of Pines made it sure to join the trend. In Camp John Hay, a Superman zipline ride is offered by . This ride costs P300/pax.

Well, not everyone is allowed to ride this zipline. Basic requirement is that you should at least 4 feet in height. And if you are pregnant, acrophobic, has serious health problems, has motion sickness, vulnerable for injury and/or under the influence of regulated drugs or alcohol, back off because you are prohibited to do the Superman ride. However, you can still watch Superman movies if you wish.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ MY TICKET TO THE SUPERMAN RIDE

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[BAGUIO] ▬ GETTING READY TO FLY // PHOTO TAKEN BY MARINETTE PANGANIBAN

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[BAGUIO] ▬ FLYING OVER THE PINE TREES // PHOTO TAKEN BY MARINETTE PANGANIBAN

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THE SIGN

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THE SUPERMAN RIDE FACILITY

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[BAGUIO] ▬ A TOURIST TAKING A PHOTO OF HER FRIENDS WHILE HANGING ON AIR

It's not my first time to ride a zipline but still, a dose of courage is needed. I have a fear for height, so technically, I should have not been allowed to do this but I did not disclose my case because I want to conquer the fear by doing the act repeatedly until it becomes normal to me.

Comparing with the other ziplines I tried, this version is different because you will be mechanically pulled up to the other side. Upon reaching the highest part, you will be released. Gravity will do its work. However, I noticed that the drop is mechanically controlled unlike the other ziplines wherein you just drop continuously by gravity.

A harness is wrapped around the waist to prevent you from falling then you'll be placed on a prone position. Your feet will rest on a cushioned steel bar while the other bar shall hold your upper body. This kind of zipline, I must say, is a bit dangerous. You have to sign a waiver by the way before doing this. One of the possible dangers I noticed here is that the harness wrapped around the waist is too narrow. So if you lost contact with either of the two bars, you will not fall but you will turn upside down on air since the harness only supports the waist. So, this is not for the fainthearted. As I said, this is different from the regular superman ziplines I've tried. But if you love the thrill, this zipline ride is a must-try.

While hung on air, the chilly Baguio air serves as a refreshing experience and it's much different to feel it up there. In my case, the beautiful view of pine trees below helped me mitigate the phobia for height. I think the feeling of getting amazed is more powerful than fear. For this emotional battle, fear is defeated. The amazing feeling wins. ▬ end

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[BAGUIO] ▬ HELLO! GREETINGS FROM TREE TOP ADVENTURE SUPERMAN RIDE!

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Ziplines." This is the first post for this category. Expect more zipline posts in the future.

[2] This experience was made possible through Azalea Residences Hotel in Baguio City. I was invited to experience the Azalea hospitality.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #Baguio

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MORE TOWNS IN 'THE PHILIPPINES' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Baguio] ▬ Trekking Camp John Hay: Seeing the City's Old, True Face

December 4, 2015, 5:09 am

≫ Next: [Baguio] ▬ Tree Top Adventure: What to Expect? + Things You Must Know

≪ Previous: [Baguio] ▬ Superman Zipline Ride Over the Pine Trees

"...this is the real image of Baguio its ancestors wanted her to be known. It is the City of Pines after all—and I felt the very essence of her tag when I trekked into its pine forest."

[BAGUIO, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES]▬ During the precolonial ages, Baguio used to be made of villages rich in natural resources, watersheds and pine forests. I'm trying to picture it out in my mind and I am seeing a bucolic dream wonderland everyone wishes to see. When the Americans came, they developed Baguio into a modern town with government buildings and a military base. Remnants of the American period are very much present.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THE PINE TREES ARE HERE TO STAY.

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▬ Camp John Hay's Soft Side ▬

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THE CAMP JOHN HAY (JOHN HAY BASE) in Baguio is a strong living reminder of the American occupation. Whenever I hear about Camp John Hay, the first thing that comes out my mind are expensive hotels and a golf course. I usually think of luxury; not until I trekked into its heart.

The prior occupants of what is known today as Camp John Hay are the pine trees. It would be nice to really enjoy this place seeing its old face. Luckily, I did.

My thought of Camp John Hay as a destination for luxury was changed when I trekked into its pine forest for the first time. I must say I have seen a piece of the original ambiance of the former military camp.

Baguio owns the City of Pines tag. However, Baguio's most popular crowded destinations like the Session Road, SM Mall, Mines View Park, Burnham Park, The Mansion and others don't give you the real "City of Pines' experience.

While trekking in between tall pine trees seeing both old and young trunks, my sarcasm suddenly realized that the busy life in Session road, the traffic in Harrison and the shoppers crowd in SM Baguio are ridiculous.

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Clik here to view. CAMP JOHN HAY BAGUIO

[BAGUIO] ▬ THE PINE TREES OF CAMP JOHN HAY

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Clik here to view. CAMP JOHN HAY BAGUIO

[BAGUIO] ▬ SO YES, SOME PARTS OF CAMP JOHN HAY ARE DENSELY VEGETATED WITH PINE TREES.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ YOUNG PINE TREES GROWING.

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▬ Tree Top Adventure ▬

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A PRIVATELY-RUN ADVENTURE PARK LOCATED IN CAMP John Hay has developed this lush part of Baguio to bring visitors into the old face of Baguio. Mixed with exhilarating activities, you can enjoy the quiet, green and often overlooked part of the City of Pines.

is the name of the adventure-and-tour operator. For an individual rate of 100 pesos, you can trek into its pine woodland and view the area 100 feet above the ground through the Skywalk.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THE TREK STARTS.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ TREKKING IN CAMP JOHN HAY

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[BAGUIO] ▬ IT'S A MAGICAL VIEW WHILE ON TRACK.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ BEAUTIFUL WINDING TRAIL

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[BAGUIO] ▬ VIEW OF NEIGHBORING ITOGON TOWN

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▬ Ending Thoughts ▬

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I MUST SAY, THIS IS THE REAL image of Baguio its ancestors wanted her to be known. It is the City of Pines after all—and I felt the very essence of her tag when I trekked into its pine forest.

It may have lost some of its trees prior to the American occupation and reforestation might have restored its old glory but I still found the answer why its early inhabitants and visitors called it as the City of Pines.

I never thought I would ever experience this in Camp John Hay. Finally, my self believed I'm in the City of Pines and this place should and must be the real Baguio image of the past and today! ▬ end

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THE TRAIL

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Trekking." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and check the "More Posts From This Category" below.

[2] This experience was made possible through Azalea Residences Hotel in Baguio City. I was invited to experience the Azalea hospitality.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #Baguio

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MORE TOWNS IN 'THE PHILIPPINES' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Baguio] ▬ Tree Top Adventure: What to Expect? + Things You Must Know

December 4, 2015, 5:35 am

≫ Next: [Philippines] ▬ 2015 Travel Summary: Where Did the #TownExplorer Go?

≪ Previous: [Baguio] ▬ Trekking Camp John Hay: Seeing the City's Old, True Face

"The facilities are well-engineered—truly a work of the experts. Pine trees are part of the activities and they claim that no tree was harmed."

[BAGUIO, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES]▬ Baguio constantly reinvents itself. In fact, the reinvention is inevitable because of its promising business climate. Stakeholders need to go with the flow of what's hip and popular. To stand out in the sea of tourism-related enterprises, you must be unique and innovative, hence, there are constant changes in Baguio and we cannot stop this. Its tourism is a big deal so related investments are making its tourism industry dynamic. One of the unique activities to do in Baguio that is reinventing Baguio as an adventure destination is the Tree Top Adventure located in Camp John Hay.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THIS IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES TO DO IN TREE TOP ADVENTURE.

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▬ What's Tree Top Adventure All About? ▬

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THE TREE TOP ADVENTURE PARK IN BAGUIO was established in 2010. My experience in this adventure park introduced me to the idea of mixing extreme adventures with nature—in this case, it's the pine forests of Baguio.

This adventure destination amazed me. The idea of putting up adventure facilities within a pine forest and in between pine trees is I think so clever and creative. I personally felt the strong presence of mother nature while enjoying the adventure activities.

The facilities are well-engineered—truly a work of the experts. Pine trees are part of the activities and they claim that no tree was harmed.

Tour guides and operators of the facilities are all well-trained to give first aid and basic rope access rescue.

So if you are seeking for thrilling and quite extreme man-designed adventures in Baguio, Tree Top Adventure Park is for you.

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▬ How to Begin? ▬

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THE FIRST STEP TO DO IS TO buy a ticket depending on the package you availed. There are 5 activities offered by this park as of this post that can be availed individually should you wish. However, if you want to try more than one activity, availing the adventure packages helps save a penny. To give you an idea what are these packages, see the enumeration below.

► Individual Rates

Canopy and Funicular Ride ▬ 350 pesos
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[BAGUIO] ▬ Superman Zipline Ride Over the Pine Trees

TEASER► ... the feeling of getting amazed is more powerful than fear. For this emotional battle, fear is defeated. The amazing feeling wins.

▬ 300 pesos
Silver Surfer Ride ▬ 200 pesos
Tree Drop Adventure ▬ 150 pesos
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[BAGUIO] ▬ Trekking Camp John Hay: Seeing the City's Old, True Face

TEASER► ...this is the real image of Baguio its ancestors wanted her to be known. It is the City of Pines after all—and I felt the very essence of her tag when I trekked into its pine forest.

and Sky Walk ▬ 100 pesos

► Package Rates

Package A - 400 pesos: Canopy and Funicular Rides with Trekking and Skywalk
Package B - 500 pesos: Silver Surfer Ride with Canopy and Funicular Rides
Package C - 550 pesos: Superman Ride, Canopy and Funicular Rides, Trekking and Skywalk
Package D - 600 pesos: Superman Ride, Canopy and Funicular Rides
Package E - 650 pesos: Superman Ride, Silver Surfer Ride, Tree Drop, Trekking and Skywalk
Package F - 800 pesos: Superman Ride, Silver Surfer Ride, Canopy and Funicular Rides
Package G - 950 pesos: Superman Ride, Silver Surfer Ride, Canopy and Funicular Rides, Tree Drop
Package H - 1000 pesos: All activities

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▬ Canopy Adventure and Funicular Ride ▬

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THIS ACTIVITY ALLOWS YOU TO EXPLORE THE pine forests of Camp John Hay as you travel through trees using a network of four motorized cable cars. At an elevation of 100 feet above the ground, I would say this is not for the fainthearted.

For the Funicular Ride, eight motorized cable rides connecting one tower to another will bring you on air—also 100 feet above the ground. The individual rate for this activity is 350 pesos.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ CANOPY RIDE IN BETWEEN THE TALL PINE TREES

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[BAGUIO] ▬ CANOPY RIDE 100 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND

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[BAGUIO] ▬ EXPLORING THE PINE FOREST FROM THE AIR

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SITTING AND ENJOYING THE VIEW WHILE HUNG ON AIR

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[BAGUIO] ▬ THE FACE OF FUN

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[BAGUIO] ▬ FUNICULAR RIDE // PHOTO FROM WWW.TREETOPADVENTUREPH.COM

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▬ Trekking and Skywalk ▬

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IF YOU ARE NOT INTO RIDES LIKE the foregoing or you're just afraid of height yet you still want a dose of adventure, do the trekking and skywalk.

Trekking in this naturally beautiful place allows you to commune with nature; and be with nature. Exploring the place on foot at your own pace has its own magic. Take time and feel the touch of nature.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ BEAUTIFUL WINDING TRAIL

The Skywalk gives every adventurer the chance to see the mountain ranges around in a calming atmosphere. No sudden adrenaline rush. Walk through the pine trees also 100 feet above the ground with peace. The choice is yours.

The individual rate for trekking and skywalk is 100 pesos. For the official introduction of all their rides, check their website here.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SKYWALK FACILITY

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SKYWALK PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.TREETOPADVENTUREPH.COM

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▬ Superman Ride ▬

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SUPERMAN RIDE, AS THE NAME IMPLIES, SHALL allow you to fly like the fiction world's superhero called Superman. Through a mechanical manipulation, you can simulate flying while on prone position. Extending one of your arms to complete the signature Superman flying pose is optional. But if you have the balls, maximize the fun!

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SUPERMAN RIDE

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▬ Starting the Adventure ▬

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NOW I HAVE AT LEAST GIVEN YOU an idea what to expect here and what are the activities to be done. Now our next concern is how to start the adventure after you've decided to try it. Follow these three steps:

Step 1: Attend the Briefing ► In every extreme activity that you do, you may not want to die or get injured in ignorance right? Whether you are a newbie or an ace of these activities, you are required to attend the pre-adventure briefing. A staff of the adventure park will explain everything you should know. Ask a question and make it sure you understood everything before the adventure.

Step 2: Sign the Waiver ► Of course, this adventure park wants the best adventure for you but sometimes, accidents come unpredictably. This serves as their protection from legal sues. You want to take the risk? Think wisely and sign that waiver.
Step 3: Present the following to the cashier area ► briefing format with waiver, admission stubs, payment (or receipt if you have paid prior).

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[BAGUIO] ▬ STEP 1: ATTEND THE BRIEFING.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ SHE IS BRIEFING THE ADVENTURE PARTICIPANTS.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ STEP 2: SIGN THE WAIVER

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[BAGUIO] ▬ STEP 3

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▬ Ending Words ▬

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MORE AND MORE ACTIVITIES ARE POPPING OUT in Baguio from nowhere. Indeed, these are signs that this city is unstoppable.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ ENTRANCE TO THE ADVENTURE PARK

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[BAGUIO] ▬ GEAR AREA

These serve as proof that Baguio continues to be the reigning queen tourist city in Northern Luzon. ▬ to be continued...

INDEX: INSIDE THIS BLOG SERIES

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[UP NEXT] ▬ LET'S EXPLORE THE ROOMS OF POSH AZALEA RESIDENCES HOTEL.

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► BLOG SERIES: AZALEA SUMMER GETAWAY

Up Next: Let's give way to the hotel that made these adventures happen. Through this blog, let's explore the great rooms of Azalea Residences Hotel and drop your jaws!

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Parks/Plazas." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and check the "More Posts From This Category" below.

[2] This experience was made possible through Azalea Residences Hotel in Baguio City. I was invited to experience the Azalea hospitality.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |

Map Showing the Location of #Baguio

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MORE TOWNS IN 'THE PHILIPPINES' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[Philippines] ▬ 2015 Travel Summary: Where Did the #TownExplorer Go?

January 3, 2016, 1:40 am

≫ Next: [Luna] ▬ La Union: First Town Exploration This 2016 / Via edmarationTV

≪ Previous: [Baguio] ▬ Tree Top Adventure: What to Expect? + Things You Must Know

"Travel-wise, I would say my 2015 is blessed. Most of my travels in 2015 is unplanned. They just came unexpectedly and ignoring these travel opportunities is a sin I must say."

When 2015 came, I never said "2015 be good to me." I didn't have to say those words for this year to be good to me. It became good even without asking for it.

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[PHILIPPINES] ▬ 2015 TRAVEL SUMMARY

I've started to love traveling since high school but it was in 2010 when I consider to have started it formally. As of now, 2013 is still the best and my most epic travel year but 2015 comes close to it. Career-wise (in blogging), 2013 opened the doors for me to a major book writing and photography gig while 2015 paved the way for mainstream media exposures (both local and national televisions). On this post, I will summarize my travel-filled 2015 including some milestones in my travel blogger persona.

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▬ January ▬

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[BAGUIO] ▬ BURNHAM PARK: THE CITY OF PINES offered me the first travel-related memories to be stored in my neural database. It's a cold beginning but definitely was taken over by warm people whom I met on the road like this masseur, a Nueva Ecija native who emigrated to Baguio to find a job. I was one of his customers and he gave me the first public massage I have ever experienced.

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[BAGUIO] ▬ BURNHAM PARK Photo taken on January 2015 First uploaded on 29 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BAGUIO] ▬ BURNHAM PARK (JANUARY 02)

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▬ February ▬

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[CAPAS] ▬ THIS TOWN IN TARLAC SPICED THE heart month for me. Dang! How about a Valentine's Day 4X4 ride in Capas Eco-trail with the stunning view of the lava floodway?

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[CAPAS] ▬ CAPAS ECO-TRAIL Photo taken by: Journey Joyce Yamyamin on 14 February 2015 First uploaded on 29 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

Y[CAPAS] ▬ THE CAPAS ECO-TRAIL (FEBRUARY 14)

[BOTOLAN]▬ The Capas Eco-trail won't be perfect without crossing the border to Zambales for the Mount Pinatubo crater lake as part of the adventure package.

Valentines Day volcano trekking has never been this lovely. It's so "Crazy-Beautiful-You-ish."

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[BOTOLAN] ▬ MOUNT PINATUBO CRATER LAKE Photo taken on 14 February 2015 First uploaded on 29 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[CAPAS] ▬ THE CAPAS ECO-TRAIL (FEBRUARY 14)

I didn't expect Mount Pinatubo could be this chilly. Photos of it look like a hot place perfect for summer. So I left my sweater. I shivered but I swear I liked it.

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▬ March ▬

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MY MARCH WAS FILLED WITH ADVENTURES, HARDCORE adventures. With the help of the present Vice Governor of Abra (Hon Chari Bersamin) this time, I (together with fellow travel blogger Estan Cabigas) joined Abra's Kawayan Festival celebration with hardcore adventure side trips.

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[BANGUED] ▬ THE PADAYA TRADE FAIR OF ABRA Photo taken on 06 March 2015 First uploaded on 07 March 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BANGUED] ▬ TRIBAL ACCESSORIES IN ABRA'S PADAYA TRADE FAIR IN BANGUED (MARCH 06)

[BANGUED]▬ The town of Bangued served as our home base for 1 week and we stayed at the Oval Era Hotel. Having visited Abra more than 10x in 2 years time, I thought I've already known the province well. Last March was an eye-opener. I was exposed to many cultural stuff that made me realize that the knowledge I earned from my previous travels in Abra is just a grain of sand. I swear, Abra gives that killer surprise. More:

Estan and I visited the and we both loved what we saw and learned. We even purchased an original decades-old traditionally woven Itneg (Tinguian) fabric because we were just so fascinated on the stories behind those fabrics. For me, the fabric I purchased is priceless (museum-worthy) and I was a lucky lad to have acquired one.

We also joined their , , in the break of dawn, watched the and the iconic . We also tried the mouthwatering prepared no other than the Vice Governor herself.

[LA PAZ]▬ The heart and soul of Abra's loom weaving industry resides in the town of La Paz. So we had the chance to visit the main weaving center this March. It's great to witness this cultural treasure seeing the weavers face to face and in action.

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[BANGUED] ▬ ABRA PROVINCIAL CAPITOL Photo taken on 06 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BANGUED] ▬ SELFIE-ING IN FRONT OF THE ABRA CAPITOL (MARCH 06)

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[BANGUED] ▬ ABRENIO KAWAYAN FESTIVAL Photo taken on 06 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BANGUED] ▬ BECAUSE THEY DARED ME TO SHOW THE TUMMY - HAPPY KAWAYAN FESTIVAL FOLKS! (MARCH 06)

[TINEG]▬ The very rare opportunity to revisit the remote town of Tineg came and we grabbed it immediately. We explored the virgin forests of the town and tasted its exotic dishes. We also mingled with the amazing tribesmen from Adasen tribe (a sub-group of the Itneg tribal people).

I had so many unforgettable experiences here that are hard to express in words. I'm afraid I may not justify the experiences in words. Right now, I'll just keep it with me and hopefully soon I'll have the balls to blog about those.

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[TINEG] ▬ GUITUP FALLS Photo taken on 07 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TINEG] ▬ GUITUP FALLS IN AGSIMAO, TINEG (MARCH 07)

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[TINEG] ▬ BACKRIDING ON OUR WAY TO TINEG. I SWEAR IT'S COOLER THAN THE TEMPERATURE! Photo taken on 07 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TINEG] ▬ BACKRIDING ALL THE WAY TO AGSIMAO (MARCH 07)

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[TINEG] ▬ MOUNT LAYA TRAVERSE Photo taken on 07 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TINEG] ▬ MOUNT LAYA TRAVERSE, I WAS LOST HERE, SERIOUSLY. (MARCH 07)

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[TINEG] ▬ MANAMBOR FALLS Photo taken on 07 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TINEG] ▬ MANAMBOR FALLS - PLAYS A ROLE IN TINEG'S LOCAL FOLKLORE (MARCH 07)

[BAGUIO]▬ For the second time this year, I went back to Baguio to watch the float parade of the Panagbenga Festival and it's my first time to witness this Festival in person.

[TANAY]▬ About a week after my Abra adventures, I went back to the highlands again—this time in Tanay, Rizal—to visit a popular pilgrimage site of 13.5-hectare expanse of rolling hills, a and ten thousand mahogany trees.

[SAN FERNANDO]▬ For some reasons, also a week after my trip in Tanay (and Manila), I visited La Union and I had fun!

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[BAGUIO] ▬ PANAGBENGA FLOAT PARADE Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on March 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BAGUIO] ▬ PANAGBENGA FLOAT PARADE (MARCH 2015)

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[TANAY] ▬ REGINA RICA Photo taken on 14 March 2015 First uploaded on 24 November 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TANAY] ▬ VISITED REGINA RICA FOR THE FIRST TIME (MARCH 14)

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[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ SEA AND SKY HOTEL Photo taken on 21 March 2015 First uploaded on 20 October 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TANAY] ▬ SEA AND SKY HOTEL IN LA UNION (MARCH 21)

[VIGAN]▬ On 27 March 2015, I stayed in Vigan for a shoot with celebrity chef Sandy Daza of Lifestyle Network (under the helm of ABS-CBN). This is my first ever exposure in mainstream national television. I was a guest blogger in the show! Whew! It was an honor to represent Vigan in a show!

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[VIGAN] ▬ SHOOTING FOR LIFESTYLE NETWORK'S FOODPRINTS Photo taken by: Tina Tan on 27 March 2015 First uploaded on 30 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[VIGAN] ▬ WITH SANDY DAZA, A CELEBRITY CHEF AND TV HOST (MARCH 27)

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▬ April ▬

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APRIL IS ANOTHER GREAT MONTH AND FOR the third time, I went back to Baguio to tour my relatives from Manila and Mindanao. What we did is to hire a cab and the driver knew the drill. Finally I had the chance to visit some of the destinations in Baguio I haven't seen yet prior to this.

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[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ STRAWBERRY FARM Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 17 April 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ STRAWBERRY FARM (APRIL 17)

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[BAGUIO] ▬ LAPERAL HOUSE Photo taken by Donna Peralta on 17 April 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BAGUIO] ▬ LAPERAL HOUSE (APRIL 17)

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[BAGUIO] ▬ PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY Photo taken on 17 April 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BAGUIO] ▬ PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY (APRIL 17)

[BAGUIO]▬ Baguio city is timeless. I wouldn't mind going back here frequently. My relatives from Manila and Mindanao visited the north and they requested me to tour them in Baguio. So we visited the Philippine Military Academy, Mines View Park, Botanical Garden, Lion's Head, Kennon road view deck, the Laperal house, Burnham Park and more!

[LA TRINIDAD]▬ Of course, I didn't let them leave Benguet without showing them the touristy strawberry farm in La Trinidad town.

[SANTA MARIA]▬ I also revisited Pinsal Falls in Baballasioan, Santa Maria town in Ilocos Sur two (2) days after Baguio.

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[SANTA MARIA] ▬ PINSAL FALLS BOULDERS Photo taken by: Donna Peralta on 19 April 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[SANTA MARIA] ▬ PINSAL FALLS BOULDERS (APRIL 19)

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▬ May ▬

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MY MAY IS ALSO JAM-PACKED! WHETHER YOU like it or not, I visited Baguio for the fourth time this year. I also watched a festival in Abra and stayed overnight within the premises of Mt Pulag National Park. Pangasinan also gave me beautiful memories and to wrap-up this month, I was interviewed by a local TV station for their news. They even made a documentary clip about me and my life as a blogger. Below is just one of the 3 clips that was aired on Teledyaryo Ylocos, a local news channel. For the English translation, you could

[BAGUIO]▬ This is the best Baguio vacation I had this year and hosted me (together with some other bloggers). We visited the and dined in . We played an and visited Cam John Hay for the and . We also had a great night in as well as an awesome day in , the garden in the sky. It was so fun!

[LA TRINIDAD]▬ This May, I gotta appreciate this town even more when we visited the —a breath of fresh air from the Strawberry Farm cliché. We also dined in and saw for myself the .

[TUBA]▬ Tuba is another town near Baguio which hosts the popular museum for contemporary art—the BenCab Museum!

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[BAGUIO] ▬ AZALEA RESIDENCES HOTEL Photo taken on 15 May 2015 First uploaded on 20 June 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BAGUIO] ▬ MY ROOM IN AZALEA BAGUIO (MAY 15)

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[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ BAHONG FLOWER FARM Photo taken on 16 May 2015 First uploaded on 19 June 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ BAHONG FLOWER FARM/ROSE FARM (MAY 16)

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[BAGUIO] ▬ CAMP JOHN HAY Photo taken by: Marinette Panganiban on 17 May 2015 First uploaded on 04 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BAGUIO] ▬ SUPERMAN RIDE IN CAMP JOHN HAY'S TREETOP ADVENTURE (MAY 17)

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[TUBA] ▬ BENCAB MUSEUM Photo taken on 17 May 2015 First uploaded on 03 October 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TUBA] ▬ THE BENCAB MUSEUM GARDEN (MAY 17)

[DOLORES] ▬ Sakuting Festival gained fame when it hit Aliwan Festival by storm in Manila. Because of the deserved hype, I was curious to witness the festival by myself right where it came from—Dolores, Abra.

[DAGUPAN] ▬ Four (4) days after my summer vacation in Benguet, I visited the province of Pangasinan. I visited the night market in Dagupan City's AB Fernandez avenue and Zamora street.

[MANAOAG]▬ I also visited the famous Manaoag Basilica frequented by pilgrims and hopped to Binalonan for a crazy weird solo night walking tour.

[BINALONAN] ▬ Explored this town at night. I swear there is beauty in the night. I realized a night tour is a totally different experience from day tour. I walked around the town, solo.

[KABAYAN]▬ After my Pangasinan adventures, I allotted one (day) to rest my body. The next day I (together with my childhood friends) went back to Benguet to climb Mount Pulag, Luzon's highest peak. Due to unfavorable weather condition, we ended exploring the , Two (2) hiking hours away to the peak of Mount Pulag.

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[DOLORES] ▬ SAKUTING FESTIVAL Photo taken on 03 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[DOLORES] ▬ SAKUTING FESTIVAL (MAY 03)

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[DAGUPAN] ▬ NIGHT MARKET, AB FERNANDEZ AVENUE Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 23 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[DAGUPAN] ▬ NIGHT MARKET, AB FERNANDEZ AVENUE (MAY 23)

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[DAGUPAN] ▬ KICACO COFFEE SHOP Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 23 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[DAGUPAN] ▬ CHILLIN' IN A DAGUPAN COFFEE SHOP (MAY 23)

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[MANAOAG] ▬ BASILICA OF MANAOAG Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 23 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[MANAOAG] ▬ MANAOAG BASILICA (MAY 23)

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[BINALONAN] ▬ BINALONAN CHURCH Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 23 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BINALONAN] ▬ BINALONAN CHURCH (MAY 23)

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[BOKOD] ▬ AMBUKLAO LAKE VIEW DECK Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 25 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BOKOD] ▬ AMBUKLAO LAKE VIEW DECK (MAY 25)

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[KABAYAN] ▬ MOUNT PULAG NATIONAL PARK Photo taken on 26 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[KABAYAN] ▬ MOUNT PULAG NATIONAL PARK (MAY 26)

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[KABAYAN] ▬ SITIO BABALAC Photo taken on 26 May 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[KABAYAN] ▬ SITIO BABALAK (MAY 26)

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▬ June ▬

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THE MONTH OF JUNE, THOUGH RAINY, DIDN'T want to be left behind. For this month, I visited Pagudpud even though it was raining that time. However, the weather became friendly when I reached the Callao Caves in Cagayan Province.

[PAGUDPUD]▬ Rainy June didn't hinder me to continue traveling. I visited the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud and I swear it's beautiful whatever the season is.

[PEÑABLANCA]▬ The famous Callao Caves are never elusive. It is said that the artifacts taken from this cave is even older than those from Tabon Caves in Palawan.

[PIAT] ▬ The town of Piat pulled a surprise and I loved it. It's more than the Lady of Piat visited by pilgrims. Its culture is immensely inspiring. This town is a cultural paradise for my taste.

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[PAGUDPUD] ▬ THE BLUE LAGOON ON A RAINY DAY Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 27 June 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[PAGUDPUD] ▬ BLUE LAGOON IN MAYRA-IRA POINT (JUNE 27)

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[PIAT] ▬ OUR LADY OF PIAT CHURCH Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 27 June 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[PIAT] ▬ OUR LADY OF PIAT CHURCH (JUNE 27)

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[PEÑABLANCA] ▬ CALLAO CAVES Photo taken on 28 June 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[PEÑABLANCA] ▬ CALLAO CAVES (JUNE 28)

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▬ July ▬

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JULY IS A MONTH TO REMINISCE AS I went back to Tanay and revisited the Regina Rica. I also visited Antipolo City for the first time and rode on the Pampanga Eye of Pampanga Skyranch solo.

I also visited the province of Cebu for the first time doing a 5-day solobackpacking there. I snorkeled and swam with the whale sharks, climbed the highest mountain of Cebu and did a lot of walking tour from Carcar, Cebu City to Mandaue.

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[CEBU] ▬ FORT SAN PEDRO Photo taken on 03 July 2015 First ploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[CEBU] ▬ FORT SAN PEDRO (JULY 03)

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[CARCAR] ▬ OLD HOUSE IN CARCAR CITY Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 04 July 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[CARCAR] ▬ OLD HOUSE IN CARCAR CITY (JULY 04)

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[BOLJOON] ▬ BOLJOON HERITAGE PARK Photo taken on 04 July 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[BOLJOON] ▬ BOLJOON HERITAGE PARK (JULY 04)

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[DALAGUETE] ▬ OSMEÑA PEAK Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 04 July 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[DALAGUETE] ▬ OSMEÑA PEAK (JULY 04)

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[CEBU] ▬ SWIMMING WITH THE WHALE SHARK Photo taken on 04 July 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[OSLOB] ▬ SWIMMING WITH THE WHALE SHARKS (JULY 04)

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[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ PAMPANGA SKYRANCH Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 25 July 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ PAMPANGA SKYRANCH (JULY 25)

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[ANTIPOLO] ▬ ANTIPOLO CHURCH Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 25 July 2015 First ploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[ANTIPOLO] ▬ ANTIPOLO CHURCH (JULY 25)

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▬ August ▬

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MY FRIEND EDGAR ALAN ZETA-YAP AND I planned to visit Whang-od in Kalinga when we met in Cebu last July. My August should be in the mountains but due to the strong typhoon that hit our province, I have to cancel this trip. It should have been my third time to visit Whang-od and might have been inked again if I made it. Below is a photo of my previous visit to Whang-od's abode.

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[TINGLAYAN] ▬ BUSCALAN VILLAGE Photo taken by: Varian Andino and Edmar Guquib on November 2014 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[TINGLAYAN] ▬ BUSCALAN VILLAGE WITH WHANG-OD

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▬ September ▬

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SEPTEMBER WAS LIKE A STAYCATION. I WAS invited by the owner of when it was officially opened and I was one of the first people to see it.

I just stayed in Vigan the whole month and explored some places nearby and it was nice to discover new restaurants, fusion dishes and more history in our place.

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[VIGAN] ▬ AIRPORT VIEW HOTEL Photo taken by: Edmar Guquib on 20 September 2015 First uploaded on 31 December 2015 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[VIGAN] ▬ AIRPORT VIEW HOTEL (SEPTEMBER 20)

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▬ October ▬

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OCTOBER WAS A TYPHOON MONTH IN OUR province so planning a trip is so awful and uneasy. I've chosen to stay with my family during hard times like this.

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[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL 2015 Photo taken by: Kamille Jovette Salvatierra on 27 October 2015 First uploaded on 01 January 2016 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[VIGAN] ▬ RANIAG TWILIGHT FESTIVAL 2015 (OCTOBER 27)

However, this didn't stop me to tour my own city. I checked some restaurants, witnessed the and covered the Raniag Festival and happening every last week of October.

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▬ November ▬

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THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER WAS A BLAST! I visited the World's Best Island called Palawan! I went down south of the island the see for myself the place considered as the cradle of Filipino civilization—the Tabon Caves Complex in Lipuun Point, Quezon.

From Quezon, I went to the city of Puerto Princesa to explore the place with fellow travel bloggers Edgar Alan-Zeta Yap, Kira Ramirez and Lilliane Cobiao.

[QUEZON]▬ This town has always been on my bucketlist due to its cultural value. I visited the Tabon Caves Complex solo and hired a whole boat for me.

[PUERTO PRINCESA]▬ The city tourism office of Puerto Princesa arranged this trip for us bloggers to cover the . For a span of three days, we experienced the best things this beautiful city has to offer. I tasted and was amazed by the they use for their tourism industry.

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[QUEZON] ▬ TABON CAVES COMPLEX Photo taken on 09 November 2015 First uploaded on 01 January 2016 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[QUEZON] ▬ TABON CAVES COMPLEX (NOVEMBER 09)

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IWAHIG PENAL FARM Photo taken on 10 November 2015 First uploaded on 01 January 2016 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ IWAHIG PENAL FARM (NOVEMBER 12)

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ PAMBATO REEF Photo taken on 10 November 2015 First uploaded on 01 January 2016 Added on this page on 02 January 2016

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ SNORKELING PAMBATO REEF (NOVEMBER 12)

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[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ COWRIE ISLAND Photo taken on 10 November 2015 First uploaded on 01 January 2016 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[PUERTO PRINCESA] ▬ COWRIE ISLAND (NOVEMBER 12)

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▬ December ▬

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FOR ME, THE BEST WAY TO END the year and to spend the Christmas season is with my family but Ilocos Norte is calling me. I revisited many places in Laoag but the highlight of that visit is when I explored the town of Sarrat for the first time. This town is the birthplace of former Philippine president Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.

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[SARRAT] ▬ SARRAT CHURCH RUINS Photo taken on 10 December 2015 First uploaded on 02 January 2016 Added on this page on 03 January 2016

[SARRAT] ▬ SARRAT CHURCH RUINS (DECEMBER 10)

Travel-wise, I would say my 2015 is blessed. Most of my travels in 2015 is unplanned. They just came unexpectedly and ignoring these travel opportunities is a sin I must say.

I haven't blogged most of my 2015 travels yet so it seems like I have a lot of fun things to write this 2016.

I'm greeting everyone a prosperous 2016! In my language, Kablaawan kay amin iti naprogreso nga 2016! Thank you for following my blog since 2011!▬ end

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► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Special Features." To see more posts from this category, scroll down and check the "More Posts From This Category" below.

[2] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia.

Map Showing the Location of the Philippines

CLICK HERE TO DISPLAY THE LATEST ENTRIES COVERING THE PHILIPPINES. Map © Wikipedia by user ASDFGHJ — CLICK MAP TO DISPLAY THE LATEST ENTRIES COVERING THE PHILIPPINES.

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MORE TOWNS IN 'THE PHILIPPINES' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE

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[VIGAN] ▬ INTERIOR OF BIGUEÑOS CAFE.NET

#VIGAN

[VIGAN] ▬THE FAÇADE ON A RAINY NIGHT

[VIGAN] ▬ BIGUEÑOS CAFE.NET

[VIGAN] ▬ GETTING CONNECTED

[VIGAN] ▬ SOME TALL CHAIRS, IF YOU PREFER

[VIGAN] ▬ GOOD FOR A GROUP OF FOUR

[VIGAN] ▬ CHOOSE YOUR PLACE

[VIGAN] ▬ COMFORTABLE AND RELAXING INTERIOR, I WOULD SAY

[VIGAN] ▬ Bigueños Home-Made Burger: Nalaka Lang ngem Makab'sog

[VIGAN] ▬ [1] BIGUEÑOS HOME-MADE BURGER

[VIGAN] ▬ [2] A PLATTER OF FRENCH FRIES

[VIGAN] ▬ [1] STRAWBERRY AND CREAM FRAPUCCINO

[VIGAN] ▬ THIS WAS TAKEN AT NIGHT DURING THE VISIT OF TYPHOON LANDO.

[VIGAN] ▬ HAPPY TIME IN BIGUEÑOS CAFE.NET

More Stories from #Vigan

Map Showing the Location of #Vigan

YOU MIGHT LIKE: MORE TOWN EXPLORATIONS COVERING ILOCOS SUR

MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: *RESTAURANTS*

[SAN FERNANDO] ▬ Flashback Stories: Sea and Sky Hotel's the Bay Grill and Cafe

[VIGAN] ▬ Lilong and Lilang Restaurant: Optimum Ilocano Dining

[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ Jewel Igorot Restaurant: Non-Igorots Should Eat Here!

[BAGUIO] ▬ Ilocano Food Reigns at Kalapaw Restaurant

[VIGAN] ▬ Chula Saloon Bar: a Museum-Feel Restaurant Bar

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[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON GINIBBAAN LEAVES

#VIGAN

[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON KARISKIS LEAVES

[VIGAN] ▬ SNAIL EGGS

[VIGAN] ▬ SOME WILDFLOWERS AROUND

[VIGAN] ▬ RUSTY IRON

[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS AT ROOT TIPS

[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON SCARLET LEAVES

[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON PIAS LEAVES

[VIGAN] ▬ FLOWERS OF A YELLOW FIRE TREE

[VIGAN] ▬ MY DIRTY FEET ON A WET GROUND

[VIGAN] ▬ APATOT FRUITS

[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON A BARUT

[VIGAN] ▬ RAINDROPS ON A GUMAMELA BUD

[VIGAN] ▬ AMPALAYA FLOWER

[VIGAN] ▬ UNTIL THE LAST DROP

[VIGAN] ▬ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! HELLO FROM OUR BACKYARD!

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE WET FRONT YARD, BARRIO STYLE

#VIGAN

[VIGAN] ▬ AS SEEN FROM OUR BACKYARD, MISTY GINIBBAAN SHRUB

[VIGAN] ▬ WET GREEN LEAVES, I LOVE SEEING THEM

[VIGAN] ▬ PALE GREY SKY

[VIGAN] ▬ The Macro World Around Our House on Typhoon Lando's 1st Day

[VIGAN] ▬ THIS JETMATIC PUMP IS SO GENEROUS WITH FRESHWATER TODAY

[VIGAN] ▬ Bigueños Café: A Cozy Place to Chillax and Eat in Vigan

[VIGAN] ▬ THE RICE FIELD AT THE BACK OF OUR HOUSE ON THE FIRST DAY OF TYPHOON LANDO

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[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ 5 Interdependent Worlds in Strawberry Farm

[TACLOBAN] ▬ San Juanico Bridge and the Philippines' Long Battle Against Corruption

[LA TRINIDAD] ▬ Benguet: Impressions to the Strawberry Capital

[INSIGHTS] ▬ Reasons Why I love Traveling with a Motorbike

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[VIGAN] ▬ THE VIGAN CROWD WAITING FOR THE UNVEILING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

#VIGAN

[VIGAN] ▬ THE CROWD WAITING IN FRONT OF THE CITY HALL AND BESIDE THE CHRISTMAS TREE VEILED WITH WHITE CURTAIN

[VIGAN] ▬ A POWERFUL LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE TOP OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

[VIGAN] ▬ FINALLY UNVEILED

[VIGAN] ▬ THE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE, 6 LAYERS

[VIGAN] ▬ MANY MANNEQUINS DECORATED EACH LAYER

[VIGAN] ▬ SOARING HIGH

[VIGAN] ▬ THE TRAPPINGS

MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: RESTAURANTS

MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: INSIGHTS

MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: FESTIVALS