ALBAY and Around: Where to Go and What to Do

Weekend Getaway: Marvelous Marinduque

Marinduque, an island tucked in the geographic center of the Philippines, was a fascinating discovery for me. I didn't do much research before going there so I was awestruck to see old and charming Spanish houses lined in its laid-back town and posed against a backdrop of its flawless sea and mountain views. Secured, undisturbed, untamed, raw. This island province is promising, indeed. 

After spending a beautiful weekend there, I can say that there are more than enough reasons to visit this heart-shaped island besides attending the Moriones Festival, which it is known for. There's no need to wait for the Lenten season since this province offers year-round attractions that are often left out in the tourist trail. 

A boat parked on a silent beach at Gaspar Island

Anchi and I arrived in Marinduque on a crisp February morning. It was Valentine’s weekend and instead of heading to the lovers-filled mega malls in Manila, we opted to go off-beat and somewhere near Manila. We were the only tourists when we got there, exactly the kind of place that I was hoping to see -- peaceful and quiet.

Sweet and Short Dumaguete Stopover

"So hindi kayo married?"
"Hindi po. Pero friends kami."
"Nasa policy kasi namin na hindi mag-accept ng hindi mag-asawa sa dorm."
"Ahhh, ok. Let's go."

*Exited the Alumni Hall -- stupefied, tired.*

They found themselves sitting on a concrete bench infront Siliman Hall near the Anthropology Museum. The early afternoon sun was tickling their skin, but the freshly mowed verdant grass offer some sort of comfort to their exhausted feet.

Siliman Hall

They couldn't get over the fact that they've just been booted out of a dorm, thinking how two legit travelling friends could not be allowed in. But after giving it some thought, they caved in to the idea that a policy is a policy. And that has to be respected.

Finding a place to stay in Dumaguete City was the least of their worries. They were on the look out for anything affordable and comfortable; a roof and a bed to settle their restless bones.

He was the stranger who joined her supposed solo sojourn.  They ended up in Siquijor, and this overnight stay in Dumaguete was the final leg of that surreal weekend in Visayas.

Top Museums in Metro Manila for Kids

My nine-year old sister, Carina, had to forgo her summer classes so she could visit us here in Manila. And while staying with me, I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to let her explore what the city could offer. Since she loves both History and Science, I thought of bringing her to some of the best museums around the metro. Along with Angel, we spent two Saturday afternoons digging on the wealth of information at The Mind Museum, Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum), and the National Museum. 

Besides  the National Museum, it was my first time visiting the other two so I was as excited as she was.  I've always wanted to do museum-hopping, and there was no better way to do it than tagging along my ever-inquisitive little sister.  It turned out to be a good bonding time for us!

The Mind Museum

Carina raved over the many science-based exhibits inside the museum - from the hair-raising static ball,  the large table of elements, the planets and constellations shown on 3D movies, the giant T-Rex, human evolution, and  even the outdoor playground.  

We had full three hours exploring the museum. Upon entrance, we were welcomed by a robot named Aedi. I wasn't quite impressed at first, but he was good. The museum has almost 250 interactive exhibits in their five galleries: Life, Atom, Earth, Universe, and Technology, and we spent a good deal of time in each. I especially liked the 3D film shown in the Space Shell, a dome where the story of the universe is shown and the film was narrated by no less than Robert Redford! Also in the Earth Gallery and a must-see is the “Ang Simula,” a Filipino-made film depicting the history of the universe and relating it to our own Filipino history.

What I liked most about this museum is that it’s very interactive and cool. We got to touch and even got our hands “dirty” trying out some of the exhibits. Angel got his taste of the first printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg (1440). He placed a piece of paper, pressed it in the wooden form, and rolled an ink over the block of letters. And wooooop, we got our own Gutenberg print! 

We also enjoyed the educational outdoor playground called Science in the Park. It has the usual playground facilities, just with the touch of science in it.

Although the entrance fees come in hefty price, overall the experience inside this world-class science museum was worth it. 

Just a heads up to all children going, don’t leave your school IDs, otherwise you will have to pay the full price (just like what we did for Carina).

Museum Hours:

Tuesdays- Sundays (closed Mondays)

9am-12nn/12nn-3pm/3pm-6pm

Additional time slots on Saturdays 6pm-9pm

Entrance Fees:

Adults -P600

*Children and Students (up to college)-P450

Public School students (up to college) -P150

Teachers -P150

All Day Pass (Enter any time, no three-hour maximum)- P750

*2Feet and below are free

Location/Contact Information:

JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

909 –MIND (6463)

Website: 

http://www.themindmuseum.org/

Giant Butanding

T-Rex 

My monster-like pre-historic image. hehe

The Gutenberg Press

Summer Series: How to Spend a Day in Cebu

Cha and I boarded the first Cebu-bound ferry from Tagbilaran City in Bohol. Despite time constraints, we were up to the challenge to explore the Queen City of the South for a day.

After two-hour ferry ride, we reached the port in Cebu. We wasted no time and went straight to the Tourism Office near the port to get a map of the province. Because we were pressed for time, we decided to just rent a cab (P1,500) to tour us around. With just a map in hand, we went on to tour Metro Cebu - one of the most visited provinces in the country - from 11am to 5pm.

The first thing that struck me while going around Cebu is its certain semblance to Manila. And like its counterpart in Luzon, it gives an impression that it is just a place with the accumulation of buildings and people. But at the end of our day tour, I learned that Cebu is not called Queen City of the South for nothing. Suffice it to say, a day is not enough to roam around its many historical sights. But I think Cha and I covered some of the most important ones.

Cebu lies at the very heart of the Philippines. Located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands, Cebu Island is stretching 225 kilometers from north to south and surrounded by 167 smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands.

Its capital Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines. It is part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighboring cities including Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City and eight other municipalities.

Cebu is also one of the most developed provinces in the country. Its main industries include furniture making, tourism, business processing services and heavy industry. Most of the population are Roman Catholic and the main languages spoken there are Cebuano, Tagalog and English.

Here are some of the places we've visited during our six-hour stay in this metropolis.

Basilica Minore del Sto Nino (Cebu City)- Our first stop is the Basilica del Sto. Nino. This beautiful basilica houses the image of the Sto. Nino, considered the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. This relic is said to be the same image that Magellan gave to Queen Juana as a gift during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on April 14, 1521.

 

80 Before 30: Featured on GMA7's 24Oras

It's not everyday that I get to wake up to a call for an interview to be featured on TV. I'll figure in a national primetime newscast for the very first time! Ok, as you can imagine, I was very ecstatic!

Although still unsure what the storyline is, I immediately said yes to Toni, a producer for GMA 7's 24 Oras.  The date, time and place where we would meet was set.

Along with my sister Carina, we met Toni and the crew at UP Diliman last Friday morning, April 12th. The shady Acacia trees at the Academic Oval provided a perfect backdrop for the interview. I thought what could be any more better than being filmed in one of my favorite spots on earth? It was a double yey! 

Backpacking Pilipinas goes to UP Diliman

The interview was about my backpacking Pilipinas stories, mostly about the 80 before 30 challenge and the BookSail project.  The interview was quick, fun and relaxed. I was very giddy answering the questions which apparently reflected on the final report, but I think I got my message across. :)

On Chasing Dreams and Impacting My World

There's something about the 20s that I find both bitter and sweet. There are contrasts, conflicts between the real and ideal. I had to deal with days filled with disquiet, restlessness, and rage. But on some fine days, my thoughts blossom with a kaleidoscope of dreams, hopes and wishes. 

Nearly 8 years ago, I finished my college degree with honors and with this I thought I was more than ready to face the world of media. I was filled with enthusiasm to be the change that I hope to see in everything and everyone around me. I dreamt of seeing my "by-line" on a major broadsheet, to cover an important "beat", and to be able to travel around the country in search for exciting stories to publish. 

But as life rolls in this tragicomic world, my dreams started crumbling in a slow crescendo. I had duties in my family that I need to fulfill and I had big shoes to fill in. Right after graduation, I found myself applying for a post in a place I least expected to be in -- call center. I became a nocturnal employee braving the dangers of EDSA commute and working for American clients. The by-lines, beats and travels were soon locked in the recesses of my mind like a faded memory. 

But the dream kept hunting me, the restlessness kept growing. I didn't get to pursue Journalism, but I found myself chasing a dream that I feel so drawn to. I challenged myself to pursue travelling, to continue sharing my stories, and to make an impact in any way that I could. 

I am currently on the road to completing 80 before 30 in which I am challenging myself to visit all 80 provinces of the Philippines before I turn 30 years old. As of today, I've visited 61 provinces already. It's a long way to go but I'm too fired up to not push through.