BILIRAN PORT

Biliran is the oldest municipal town of Biliran province and divided by 11 Barangays such as Bato, Burabod, Busali, Hugpa, Julita, Canila, Pangumhan, San Isidro (Pob.), San Roque (Pob.), Saggalang and Villa Enage (Baras). Located at the northern part of Leyte, A century old municipal is a remnant of pre-Hispanic era in the Philippines it has been told that the original settlers were the Moros which have had waged several war from the Spaniards.

Lot of hidden gems of natures to be found here in Biliran, it is truly blessed with natural resources and eco-tourism and still unexplored areas awaiting to discover. Clean environment, clean air abundant fresh foods and crystal clear sea waters. It is a must to visit place where you can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil vacation.

THINGS TO KNOW

• Language
• English
• Can able to understand and speak since most of schools and local offices use it as medium language.
• Tagalog 
• Can do speak and understand
• Waray
• Local dialect use
• Good Morning - Maopay na aga
• Good Afternoon - Maopay naudto
• Good Evening - Gab-i
• Let's eat - Mangaon kita
• How much - Tagpira
• Transportation
• Sea
• You can do access by boat but the nearest port is in Naval municipality, biliran and take a jeep or a van to biliran municipal.
• Air
• There is no airport serves the area the nearest airport is in Tacloban. Access it by riding a car or a van from tacloban.
• Land-Tricycle-habal-habal
• P8.00 in short distances from the terminal to any point.
• Foods
• Short orders restuarant are available here, known fastfoods is in Naval, Biliran.
• Where to stay
• M and M Hotel is the nearest you can stay with contact Ms. Marichu Opao for reservation CP # 09497175182
• Financial Establishments
• Banks at the town proper of naval

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WAWA PORT

Wawa port is located at Brgy. wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas. This place is very familiar to some photographers who loves landscape for its grandeur view during sunrise and sunset of ever well known Payong-payong point. A crust of stone carved by the nature due smashing waves, an off shore stone formation during high tide and noticeable during low tide. Mostly the landscape photographers took advantage during sunset for its vantage point.

Going to payong-payong point must have to ride a banca (small boat) to take you to the other side of it, from wawa port it might cost P10.00 per person. Right and there you can have your rest or you can leave your belongings to the interlink beach resort. They called it interlink because some times long ago the owner of the cottages along the shoreline have connected with a cable and an Internet link that serves the area, it was named after the company who brought fort for their connection and it was an Interlink. Cottages are own by Nanay Precy Morales a well accommodating owner with her family leaving near the Payong-payong point. 

Barangay Wawa beach shorelines have offered a brownish sand, an irresistible to dip into its crystal clear sea water, where you can also over see the fortune island. Most of the beach goers often stayed at the Interlink, a mini sari-sari store that have offered a groceries and small products for a quick relief of a hungry stomach. The place is familiar since it has been a venue before of one of the most prestigious fantateleserye Mutya.

LOMI

Noticeable delectable foods have found here on the nearby place where we stayed during our shoot. This small short orders restaurant is simply decorated with a canopy and umbrella with a table serves as a dinning area. The place is not that huge like restaurant, but the foods are great tasting, we only have noticed it while we were on rest, looking for a place to stay for awhile. At first we ordered an 11 cups of Halo-halo to chill down our exhausted bodies after having a very tiring but enjoyable photo walk in Nasugbu. I forgot to take a picture of Halo-halo, but I will try to describe as good as we have tried the best halo-halo in town, comparable to some fast food's halo-halo? The sweetness is not just sweetened by a sugar, a mouth watering tasty is a well balance made just right for our taste, from a secret sweetened ingredients made specially for this merienda food. Well this is something special just hidden in the inner most community of Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbu. A not so well known fastfood but some customers where coming from the other side of town just went here to order, in fact some have a cars. Great are foods and budget is good.

We tried also their Lomi, the special taste of this food is not what you get from its appearance or how it has been offered but it is how they have prepared and can call it a master piece of every dishes they have made. The taste itself can do make you more than satisfied for an affordable cost you might spend. A single order of this one have been tried by a more than 10 photographers and convinced enough for what they have tested. Look for Lomihan sa Kanto by Mr. Willie Sarasa located at Malasugi St. Brgy. Wawa Nasugbu, Batangas, just right beside the grocery store of Tita Helen, who dearly welcomed us into their home a very well accommodating person as well as her family.

We would like also to acknowledge the effort of our friend Kanayon Caloy Iblasin through his initiative to make this trip possible. 

See more Seascape photos >>>Here


THINGS TO KNOW

• Language
• English
• Can able to understand and speak since most of schools and local offices use it as medium language.
• Tagalog or batangas tagalog(Batangueneo) also known as "Ala eh"
• Transportation
• Sea
• You can do access by boat but it is practical to take a landtrip and park your car at the wawa port and take a small boat to the Interlink resort.
• Air
• There is no airport serves the area the nearest airport is in Manila. Access it by riding a car or a bus.
• Land-Tricycle
• P8.00 in short distances from the terminal to wawa port.
• Land-Bus
• P150.00 Pasay to Nasugbu, Vice versa and then take a tricycle to the wawa port.
• Foods
• There are plenty of restaurant you can find it here, favorite fastfoods can be found in the town proper, but for the budget travelers take our recommendation to look for a short orders cafeterias, foods is very good.
• Where to stay
• check hotels here http://www.maplandia.com
• Financial Establishments
• Banks at the town proper as well as ATM
• Remitance centers are also available here

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LINAMON

Is a Municipal of Lanao Del Norte province located in Northern Mindanao. Its boundiries are divided by  Lanao Del Sur province in the south, Bukidnon in the east and Iligan City in the north. Five Municipalities of this province are Kauswagan, Maigo, Kulambugan, Bacolod and Linamon a boundery of bridge that links to Iligan City.

The province of Lanao was divided into Lanao Del Sur and Lanao Del Norte on July 04, 1959 with the passage of Republic Act 2228. Iligan City was once served as the capital of Lanao Del Norte until June 24, 1982. The capital of the province was moved to the municipality of Tubod in pursuance to the Batas Pambansa 181. Text from Province of Lanao Del Norte blog

Lanao provinces is rich in cultural diversity, where Christians and Muslims lives harmoniously. Unlike from what we have heard in the news, not all parts of Mindanao were affected of the arm conflicts. This part of municipalities of the province is peaceful and crimes were just an isolated incidents.

FRUITS

This is usually seen in some part of Mindanao, they called it "MARANG" it is similar to a jackfruit. It is juicy and sweet with a small seeds inside rich with protein and minerals, this is familiar to all parts of Mindanao, it is a must to try fruit if you are to visit Mindanao. Durian, Jackfruit, Pomelo and Mangostain are also can be found here in Lanao.

How to get there, from Cagayan De Oro you can take a bus to Iligan City or Marawi, look for Bulua terminal in CDO. There are two buses company serves the route going to Lanao Del Norte. There is no taxi available in Lanao Del Norte, you can go from point to point by commuting through a jeepney or you can get a ride by single type passenger motorcycle.

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MARIA CRISTINA FALLS

The last waterfalls I have visited for that day. A gigantic beauty, that's how I described this Majestic waterfalls. Visitors are highly prohibited near the falls as I planned also to ask for permission to take photos near the falls but the authorities didn't allowed me, as they explained that some how when the dam releases, water gets bigger in volume and deeper. The area is now under development, a plan to put more tourist attractions in the area. Both ecological diversity and development have already on its plan on how to make it a protected.

HYDROELECTRIC PLANT

Powered and flows by Agus river and potentially can produce 200 megawatts of electric, supplied by 130 cubic meter per second of water. This is the main source of the City's electrification and other neighboring provinces. 

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TINAGO WATERFALLS

It was my second time to visit Cagayan De Oro when I decided to take tour in Iligan City. The plan has been made with the help of social media and friends who have been in this place before. When I was in college Iligan City has been one of the favorite destination most of my friends and other travel enthusiasts, for its renowned number of waterfalls in the area. One of those is the most well known Maria Cristina Falls for its gigantic beauty, not only that but a source of electrification majority in Mindanao. That's why Iligan acclaimed its name as a City of Majestic Waterfalls, most of its location are easy to access.

An early rise from bed is one of the most difficult time of my life, but the eagerness made always boost my adrenalin to have another travel and adventure. Very tiring travel from CDO to Iligan City, early morning I have to transact Habal-habal a single motorcycle ride to take me to the South bus terminal, sounds adventure for the start of the day when I ride for this kind of transportation (truth is you can actually save time and money for habal-habal) that if you are tough enough and risk taker without worries. An other option is you can actually find taxis in the City, but I prefer to save money. An expected one and a half hour travel time made me bored when it was became more than two hours drive due to redevelopment of national highway. Bus has to stop to let the other vehicles to pass one by one in a one way a located road while the highway was on its progress of rectification. Upon approaching the City I have met this generous woman working in a Non-government unit civic group, who helped me to made my Itinerary be possible in just one day. She introduced me to her cousin who are a Habal-habal driver and took me to the places of waterfalls.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tinago waterfalls were always a part of Iligan City and this is what most of us known. The fact is majority and the big portion of this waterfalls is a part located among the province of Lanao Del Norte. Why? Tinago waterfalls is located along the boundary of Iligan City and the Province of Lanao Del Norte. The big cascading waterfalls is a big portion of its province. It was under one of Lanao Del Norte's Municipality before the Iligan City has separated from its province.

MAJESTIC WATERFALLS

Majestic as it is! Yes it is... Did you know that why it has been to be called as TINAGO? well, there was a legend and Etymology stories from a local residents. Legend has it that there once lived an influential and powerful Sultan Agok and his wife. They were appointed by their people as their king and queen. But they became too proud of themselves and became selfish rulers of their kingdom. When the sultan's wife was pregnant, an enchantress, disguised as a beggar, begged for their help but instead they exiled and rejected her. Because of this, the enchantress cursed the couple that the child will become ugly but they did not take it seriously and permanently banished the enchantress.

The child did become ugly. The couple was sad and disappointed, expecting the baby to be as lovely as her mother. They hid the child in a cave to avoid embarrassment and named the baby Tin-ag, which means "hidden face". They visited and took care of the baby in the cave.

When the child grew up, she came out of the cave and became amazed at what she saw. The enchantress, who cursed her parents, saw her and made an offer to transform her into something of great beauty and splendor. She accepted the offer and became the Tinago Falls. Wikipedia

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EL KABAYO 2

As i mentioned in my earlier post, El kabayo have two cascading waterfalls, this is the second falls 30 meters away from the first waterfalls and for about 5 meters in height.

It is really inviting to take a dip on its cold water, where the water source is coming from the thick forest and preserved mountain areas of Subic, Zambales.

This waterfalls were usually did several events of pictorials and movies within the area, mostly explored by foreigners who love nature.

Inside the Subic there are plenty of waterfalls awaits to explore. Somewhere, somehow if i have another opportunity to come back here, i will spend more time to challenge the adventure of the beautiful nature of Subic. Also i would like to acknowledge and thank my friend Oscar Gador, who accompany me 'til the last minute of this another great travel... First waterfalls Here

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EL KABAYO

After my visit from the work assignment, I was able to take this side trip into El kabayo waterfalls located inside the Subic. It was 4:00 pm I went there, a good time and enough light to take pictures.When i saw this waterfalls i can't help myself but to dip right away to the water and set my tripod, can't wait  to have a shoots. The nature is very inviting...

So far this is one of the most convenient and accessible waterfalls I've visited, it is easy to go here, just a 10 to 15 minutes hike from the jump off or a parking area.

El kabayo have two cascading waterfalls, this is the first falls in about 3 meters high, where you can dip on its shallow dip water.

This waterfalls lays within the heart of forested area of Subic, where u can go anytime of the day. As per the care taker, in order to preserve the area it was converted as picnic ground, entrance fees collected from the visitors is used for maintenance purposes.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila you can take a bus in Cubao, Victory Liner serves the Olongapo route via SCTEX, this is fastest way to go Subic it has one stop only via Dau, Pampanga, fare is just P 235.00. As well as Genesis and Saulog bus, but most of it via service road and may take you longer travel time, make sure to ask for via SCTEX route. Within Subic area you can take a cab to El kabayo waterfalls. If you bring your own car, you can safely leave your car into there parking area there's a kubo there, it is just located near the main road, actually it is the entrance where you have to hike for about less than a 15 minutes.

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A HIDDEN NATURE OF GENSAN

I was able to visit the secluded Barangay Conel of General Santos City during my vacation to my hometown... I tried to reach this Barangay using our Honda 100cc motorcycle vehicle. Barangay Conel is located 15 kilometers from the town proper. During my stay in Gensan my wife called me and must try to visit the place that have falls and cave to explore... Instead of going to Maitum in Sarangani, I decided to packed my things and grabbed my camera then start to travel to Brgy. Conel under the scorching heat of the sun on that day... 

We under estimated the location, i thought the fore said falls and caves is just a minute distance away from our jump off point... What had happened to us were really an amazing adventure, we met our tour guide Toto Galngan a native of Gensan (Bla-an tribe) who leaves on that area, his father is one of the remaining chieftain MOKAM GALNGAN lumad datu of the Bla-an tribe, they are very accommodating people with his cousin Darwin San whom we rented his motorcycle going to the Klaja Cave and Masikong or 7 Falls. They told me that it's a 2 hours travel if we are to use motorcycle or 4 hours if we travel by foot... To make the story short, we use motorcycle traversing the moderate to heavy rocky road going to the area.

Klaja Eco-tourism Destination

This is situated 15 km to the northeast of General Santos City, at Barangay Conel. The Kalaja Karsts Land’s name is derived from “Kalaha” or frying pot because of the surrounding towers of  the karsts formation made millions of years ago. These karsts produce waterfalls and caves. Across this place is a camping ground. The place offers a wide view of Gensan, Sarangani Bay and some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province. It is a large natural reserve that is a camper’s delight. One can also go climbing and hiking in this rugged environment. A day trip from Gensan is enough to see all that this beautiful place has to offer. World66

Overview:

"Safety Soundness"- Brgy. Conel is a peaceful Barangay, most of their tour guides are Brgy. workers and tanods and a very well trained in tour guiding. This eco-tourism destinations tour guiding is a livelihood program supported and spare headed by the local government tourism of Gensan City to support eco-tourism destinations of the said place...

Road going to Klaja cave and Masikong or 7 falls, by foot you can hike for about 4hrs. Up there you can go spelunking to the cave of Klaja or go bath to the cold and clear water of Masikong falls. You can pitch a tent on the camp site and spend for an over night adventure. Make sure you have to register in the Baragay hall and get a tour guide, there's a lot of trail going there and you might get lost.

Make sure to bring plenty of water during your hiking adventure, it is also advisable to wear sandals with strap, shoes won't work it might get wet and make's you uncomfortable to walk... Always follow what the guides tell you, natives (Bla-an tribe) are very knowledgeable to the trails, be a responsible adventurer to keep away from any danger.

THE ENTRANCE

This is how they discribed the entry point going to the Masikong (7 Falls), the opening is about 4 meters in width and a 10 meters height cliff walls on both sides that naturally carved by nature... It's about 5pm we reached this area, but we decided not to push through with our plan to continue going to Masikong Falls for fear that we can't be able to go back to the jump off point before dark, it was night fall already... I am so very Unfortunate I wasn't be able to see the pride of Brgy. Conel. 

Took some pictures of the entrance before going back, at first I thought this is a part of Masikong falls, this is just a welcome scene, it says WELCOME and there's a lot MORE! Some other time I will surely go back to this place.

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