October 2011

 If you love the feeling of being secluded and isolated, then Nagsasa Cove could be the perfect getaway for you. The place is virtually off-the-radar so you can't be bothered by calls or messages while you're there. The downside with this kind of set-up is that, if something bad happens, no one will know apart from the people you're with. That being said, it's not a good idea to travel there alone. But that's what makes this place interesting. It promises too much adventure.

A once hidden cove in the Western coast of Zambales, Nagsasa slowly becomes popular like its neighbor, Anawangin. With its beautiful landscape, lovely beach, grassy mountains and its mere simplicity, it's impossible not to fall in love with this place. This is a short travel guide in getting to Nagsasa Cove.

Getting There:

Take a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Antonio then take a trike to Pundaquit where you can rent boats to take you to Nagsasa. Boat ride to Nagsasa is approximately 2 hours. Waves can be nasty even during summer months. Place your belongings inside a plastic bag so they won't get wet.

What to Bring:
Food and camping necessities. There are no hotels in Nagsasa but they have small stores near the beach. Small huts line the beach front and can be rented but it's more fun to sleep inside the tent.

Prepare 100.00 for the camping fee, which includes the use of comfort/shower rooms and fresh water.

Flashlights or electric lamps. Nagsasa has no electricity. Bonfire woods are sold nearby for 100 pesos per bundle.

What to Do:

Enjoy the simple life. Have a short trek to the small lake near the beach.

Watch the sunset.

Share stories with friends while having a bonfire.

Lie on the beach, see the stars. Make a wish.

Hire a local guide and trek to the waterfalls in the morning.

Sometimes, taking photographs can be frustrating especially if you can't get the right focus. Worry no more because there's a new and revolutionary camera that allows you to change the focal point after you have shot the photo.

It's called Lytro - a light, funky looking camera that has a unique 'focus' function. If the predictions are right, then this new camera technology will change photography forever. For backpackers and travelers, this gadget will come in handy especially for those who are always on-the-go. Landscape, sports or any action photography for that matter, can be now be shot effectively without giving a ton of thought about how it will turn out.



But how does this camera set apart from other cameras available on the market nowadays?  For starters, Lytro can capture all of the light in a scene more than a regular camera can. In a regular camera, you need a bunch of cameras tethered to a supercomputer to capture all the light needed. Lytro has a light field sensor that collects color, intensity and direction, capturing all the light rays in the scene.

Design-wise, it's weird looking but in a cool way. It's the camera’s 8x optical zoom lens that inspired the design.  The body is made of anodized aluminum that makes it pretty light but sturdy allowing users to take it anywhere for capturing important and interesting moments. With its instant shutter, no time will be wasted anymore on focusing to achieve a perfect shot. What's more, the picture-taking process is incredibly quick because of its instant power on.

Lytro features a software responsible for developing 'living pictures' - you just need to plug your Lytro light field camera into your Mac then you can manipulate them and share online and via social media. Lytro uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery, which you can connect via a USB port.

The drawback is right now, the software only works in Mac. Windows application is not available until 2012.

Price ranges from $399 (8G) to $499 (16G).

 It is almost the end of summer and I am home again. To get to Looc, a semi-quaint town south of Tablas where I spent my childhood and teenage years, I still need to take a jeepney from Odiongan. For the past 10 years I have found myself traveling regularly to Tablas, the largest island in Romblon nearly 200 miles south of Manila, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and to simply enjoy a laid-back life even for a few days. I left Romblon in 2001 to pursue my college education in Manila but I have been coming back ever since - the island has given me sanctuary in a difficult and often volatile city life, allowing me to gain physical and emotional strength while putting myself back together.

While I enjoy the respite that Looc provides from the churning pace of Manila, I always hate all the inconveniences associated with traveling to this town. The constant threat of waves, the danger of ferry travel, and the long ship ride make getting here almost a nightmare.
The truth is, I am almost unconsciously in a constant lover's quarrel with Romblon : there's no doubt that I have mad love for it but at times, I do not like it. Progress happens here in a depressingly glacial pace. The economy is primitive. And the most depressing truth of all - a lot of people are brutally poor. Romblon is one of the poorest provinces in the country and whether its current standing has worsened or improved, I've no idea. Various politicians have promised change. Sadly, broken promises are the only things they can offer. In this poverty-stricken place, people leave to find better jobs away from home. Some have come back with few money while others have chosen to live some place else where life is much better.
But home for me is where the heart is and that small village in Looc where I get to sleep early at night and wake late during the day, eat to my heart's content and just while the time away by listening to mundane conversations of neighbors, I won't trade it for any place in the world. For what it's worth, I can honestly say that one of the critical things I have always liked about Tablas and Looc in particular remains as true as ever - that in more ways than one it offers me a sense of definitive purpose and quiet, rustic life, which the city rarely can. It's the texture and feeling reminiscent of Thornton Wilder's  “Our Town" that ultimately draws me in.

My favorite merienda.

TWO LOCAL AIRLINES (SEAIR AND ZESTAIR) have weekly flights to and from Romblon but ticket prices are always steep so direct ship routes from Batangas still remain as the best transportation option for most Romblomanons. Because I don't want to spend much on travel, I prefer to take the cheaper route. And since I'm already used to experiencing all the hassles of going home, I didn't have to prepare myself for this journey. After all, it's just one of those ordinary sojourns.

Fellow passengers from the same ship I boarded start hauling their stuff and head to the crowded parking area where various jeepneys are lined up. Drivers loudly call out for passengers, their shouts discordant amid the cacophony of horns and vendors roaming around offering hot coffee. Before I can decide which jeepney to ride on, one of the drivers snatch my bag and throw it carelessly atop the rusty vehicle. Fortunately, there is nothing fragile inside my bulky backpack. After every space inside and outside the vehicle has been maximized (luggage is placed on the roof, the rear part is occupied by the konduktor who cling and hold on to the bars effortlessly during the entire trip ), we're off for an hour ride to Looc.
With the kind of roads we have, it's impossible to sleep during the trip. There's no use watching the view outside either because it's still dark. Day trips can be much more exciting. It's fun to watch people stare from their houses, their arms draped over window sills and balconies. Kids wave at the passing vehicles; they sometimes try to chase them, running alongside as hard as they can, only to be covered in dust and smoke, their laughter trail off and overpowered by the roaring of the engine. The roads are one-laner, which is risky for overtaking vehicles. There had been a few incidents of road accidents, mostly a result of reckless driving rather than poor highway construction.
Many of our rural roads are paths more than roads, and it is regarded common courtesy and precautionary measure, when you're driving down a rural road narrow enough to accommodate more than one vehicle and you see a car or jeepney coming your way, that you pull over and let the other go by. With bad road conditions (dusty when dry and slick when wet, pocked with craters) in most municipalities around the island, butt sore as a result of long jeepney ride is inevitable. It can be a butt-whacking ride especially for newcomers. But the road improvement program from Looc to Odiongan has been completed just recently which means travelling to and from the two towns will no longer be an unpleasant experience as it was once.

Common scenery

IT IS A HOPEFUL SIGN.

The sun peeks in the mountains. We are about to reach our destination. I check the time - it's 30 minutes past 6 in the morning. I welcome the cold breeze as it hits my face rather forcefully. Outside, we pass by electric-green rice fields and carabaos pulling wooden carts. In the distance, there is smoke emanating from a small hut, possibly breakfast is being prepared. The thought of freshly cooked fish and smoking hot rice makes my stomach grumble. Few minutes later, the jeepney turns left ready to roll up the slope into a much narrower road. Fishermen on their way home from the sea turn to gawk as we pass. I collect a few curious stares as I rub my face vigorously with a handkerchief  to remove the stickiness and the dust off my face.

I smile. It's great to be finally home again.

An all-expense paid 30-day food trip. 101 restaurants.

Unilever Food Solution is looking for a blogger for their Sooo Pinoy campaign which aims to promote awareness and appreciation of Filipino cuisine. Winner will be having a once-in-a-lifetime food trip – an all-expense paid journey to ten beautiful Philippine destinations to dine in more than 101 different Filipino restaurants.

The contest will be composed of three rounds, each round will measure the bloggers’ writing skills and their ability to engage readers. Entries mush show the bloggers’ creativity and passion for the advocacy. Ultimately, the winning blogger should be able to encourage Pinoys to discover our cultural identity through Filipino cuisine with articles that will leave readers hungry for more.

The mechanics:

Round 1

1. Post an article about Why Should You Be the Ultimate Sooo Pinoy Blogger. The blog post must have a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 500 words, with at least 3 food shots and a photo of you dining in the restaurant. These are just the minimum – there is no limit as to how much you want to express creativity!
2. Take a screenshot of the blog entry and email it to Sooo_Pinoy@yahoo.com. The email must also contain the blog post URL, the contestant’s name andmobile number, and the blog article itself (preferably in .doc or .docx format)
3. The blog post must not be altered or deleted until the end of the Search (until December 15).
4. Deadline of submission of entries is on October 24
5. Announcement of those who will advance to the next round is on November 7

Round 2

1. Each blogger will be given a list of restaurants to choose from. They will have to choose a restaurant and set a meeting with the owner/manager.
2. Each blogger is tasked to research about the chosen restaurant and share with his readers how it became an integral part of the Sooo  Pinoy advocacy. The blogger can explore the key dishes that made the restaurant known for, the restaurant’s history and culture, what makes it unique, etc.
3. The blog post must have a minimum of 300 words with at least 3 photos of yourself and the chef you interviewed. These are just the minimum – there is no limit as to how much you want to express creativity!
4. Take a screenshot of the blog entry and email it to Sooo_Pinoy@yahoo.com. The email must also contain the blog post URL, the contestant’s name andmobile number, and the blog article itself (preferably in .doc or .docx format)
5. The blog post must not be altered or deleted until the end of the Search (until December 15).
6. Deadline of submission of entries is on November 20
7. Announcement of those who will advance to the next round is on November 29

Round 3

1. One question to be answered by all the remaining contestants. Question to be revealed on November 29.

For more information, www.facebook.com/SoooPinoy

Tips from Calvinhubs website.

Romblon on My Mind

Trying my luck on Bulakbolero's photo upload contest.

I'm sure you've heard the news, but in case you haven't, here's what the buzz is all about. A few important notes:

1. You can't sign in yet because the website is still under construction (http://jen.jiji.com/). Well, it's technically working already but there's no mention about the deal on the website yet.

2. The funding hasn't been given a greenlight yet.

3. But if the funding gets approved, the applications may be available around April, so just keep checking for updates.

 If you’ve ever wanted to visit Japan, this may be your chance.

In a desperate attempt to lure tourists back to a country plagued by radiation fears and constant earthquakes, the Japan Tourism Agency’s proposed an unprecedented campaign – 10,000 free roundtrip tickets.

The catch is, you need to publicize your trip on blogs and social media sites.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan has dropped drastically, since a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Power plant in March. Nearly 20,000 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 80,000 remain displaced because of radiation concerns. In the first three months following the triple disasters, the number of foreign visitors to Japan was cut in half, compared with the same time in 2010. The strong Japanese currency has made matters worse.

The tourism agency says it plans to open a website to solicit applicants interested in the free tickets. Would- be visitors will have to detail in writing their travel plans in Japan, and explain what they hope to get out of the trip. Successful applicants would pay for their own accommodation and meals. They would also be required to write a review their travel experiences, and post it online.

“We are hoping to get highly influential blogger-types, and others who can spread the word that Japan is a safe place to visit,” said Kazuyoshi Sato, with the agency.

The agency has requested more than a billion yen to pay for the tourism blitz. If lawmakers approve the funding, Sato says visitors could begin signing up as early as next April. (ABC News)

Surfing is increasingly becoming popular locally, and you really need not be a rocket scientist to figure out why most people find this outdoor activity addicting, not to mention exciting. In a fast-paced, busy and sometimes crazy world, going for a surf is surely a breath of fresh air - both literally and figuratively - and it's a perfect opportunity to become one with nature, challenge yourself with a new adventure, have waves of fun (no pun intended) and get some exercise in an exciting way.

Visit a new destination. Reconnect with an old friend. Or simply get away from the city and enjoy a nice trip down South or up Noth. These are few of the things we look forward to when travelling. Travelling is indeed fun but packing isn't and can be a huge hassle. Unfortunately, packing is part of travelling. You need backpacks and suitcases for your clothes and other essential belongings.

Some people find it hard to travel light. I'm actually one of those people. I always end up having a hard time carrying my heavy luggage. When you have a bulky bag on your back, you'll find it hard to maneuver through a crowded terminal. Packing light is a technique that you'll eventually master over time. It's also an essential habit that will prevent you from experiencing stress and inconvenience on your next trip. Having a taut, light suitcase or backpack can save you a few bucks in airfare because you don't need to pay to have it checked-in.

Here are a few tips that can help you in packing efficiently:

1. When deciding on which clothes you need on your trip, it's important to consider the weather you're likely to experience. There are websites that let you determine the weather conditions for the number of days you'll be spending on your trip. You should be able to figure out how many and what kinds of clothes you need to pack based on weather predictions and the types of activities you plan to do.

For example, if you're going to the beach, you know you'll need more than one pair of swim suit. You don't really need your boots if you're going to Boracay, and you need a jacket or two if you have Baguio or Sagada for a destination.

2. Review your selections by taking into account the duration of your trip. Bring important items as much as possible and eliminate duplicate stuff. Having a few clothing options is good but unnecessary. Pick your favorite one and move on.

3. Once you have all your selections ready, you can start packing. Tightly fold all of the bulky items like jackets and jeans and place them on the very bottom. The idea is to allow the items on top of them to weight them down, thereby deflating them and providing more space.

4. Undershirts, boxers, socks or tank tops can be folded several times and can be placed between the various stacks of clothing in your suitcase. They can act as buffers between other folded items and the material of the suitcase.

5. Don't bring an extra pair of shoes if you don't really need one. Slippers are a much ideal choice for a footwear when travelling. But if you really need an extra pair, you can place them on top of one another and make sure that you alternate the heel to toe.

6. Bring a small bag for your toiletries. It's a good idea to buy travel or mini versions of your favorite toiletries. Liquid items are allowed in carry-on as long as they don't exceed the required weight.

I admire people who hit the road with barely enough bread and money for the trip. Travelling on a shoestring isn’t for everyone but there are a bunch of Jesuses and Kerouacs out there who have the guts to hop on a bus, boat or plane with nothing in their pockets but enough confidence and a sense of adventure.

Travelling has become much more affordable because of seat sales.

Truth is, it’s really possible to travel around the country (let’s save the ‘world’ for another article) without any money. Just don’t expect your adventure to be all roses and fun. At the very least, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere because you have no money for transportation. Worse, you’ll find yourself starving. Granted, Filipinos in general are accommodating and hospitable so the chances of being taken care of by a family in a far-flung province in the North or an isolated island in the South are pretty much high.

If there’s one thing that hitting rock bottom can teach you as a traveler, it’s that certain comfort in knowing that things can’t get any much worse. Once you’ve hurdled your first ‘adventure on a budget,’ you’ll be proud and confident to try another one and the succeeding trips will be a breeze because by then you will have overcome the fear that keeps most backpackers from hitting the road.

But travelling on a budget, or without money is a humility trip.

You will be missing the point of the journey if you end up feeling cocky and superior about the fact that you have become a hardcore traveler. Keep in mind that travelling is about giving and taking in return. I know it sounds mushy but the trick in receiving help and kindness from strangers and local people is keeping a good attitude and positive energy.

Good luck on your adventure.

Those who are seeking thrill and adventure in their trip will probably skip Cebu from their must-go-and-see list due to a common but nonetheless miscontrued notion that it's 'a city just like Manila.' While the two cities indeed share a few glaring similarities - urban setting and lifestyle, among others - Cebu has lots to offer than meets the eye.  For starters, Cebu is ringed by more than a hundred smaller islands and is home to several white sand beaches. Beaches that you can actually enjoy are non-existent in Manila.

If you're planning on spending a vacation in the paradise-island of Cebu but are still undecided, don't be dissuaded by those naysayers. For what it's worth, Cebu is a must-see destination for every traveller.

Here are some of the things you can do in Cebu:

1. Hit the Beaches

Camotes Island

You won't be disappointed with what Cebu offers in terms of beaches and dive spots. Bantayan for one is a famous beach destination with its pristine white coast that will definitely amaze every beach lover. If you prefer beaches that are off the radar, you can go North and try Malapascua, Alegre and Camotes; Olango, Mactan, and Sulpa in the East; and Moalboal, Badian, and Sumilon in the South.

2. Experience the Sinulog Festival

Sinulog is Cebu's infamous festival that also defines its culture. Best to plan your trip on the third week of January when the festival culminates with its annual mardi gras, happening every third Sunday of the first month of the year.  Feel the festive air and watch the city explode into a vibrant sea of dancers and extravagant floats taking over the street.

3. Travel Back in Time by Visiting Old Churches

Magellan's Cross

Cebu is a historical city that hosts several old churches which date back to the Spanish era. The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in the old downtown is definitely worth a visit as it's the country’s oldest church. It was constructed by the Spaniards in 1566 on the very spot where the image of the Santo Niño, left behind by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in 1521, was found preserved in a burned wooden box. Carcar, a three-hour drive to the south, is also home to a lot of old churches.

4. Go Downtown or Go Up High the Mountain Top

The oldest street in the Philippines can be found in Cebu. Built by the Spaniards in 1565, Colon St. has been the center of Cebu’s commerce. Although it has lost its glitz, you can still feel its old world charm with its old building facades and historic markers. Dine in one of the restaurants in the stretch and check out affordable finds in the flea markets. Don't forget your camera as you can take good photos of the beautiful houses that used to define the district. At the end of Colon St., just ahead the Gaisano Main department store, you can find a small obelisk (one of the many historical markers) in the middle of the road.

Mountain View

Don't miss out one of the attractions in the city - the nature park situated in the mountain which can give you a new kind of experience slightly away from the hustle of the city. It's a 15-20 minute ride from downtown Cebu and can be reached through a cab or a motorcycle which they call 'habal-habal.' If you're travelling in a big group, you can hire Mountain View Nature’s Park's van that would pick you up and drive you home. Entrance Fee is Php 50 per person for unlimited use of the park until midnight.

5. Indulge in Native Cuisine

You won't completely enjoy your Cebu trip without trying out their roasted pig, arguably the best tasting lechon in the Philippines.  Most recommended is the one cooked and prepared in Talisay City. Why? Because they say the Talisay inasal tastes best. Some say it is the herbs they place inside the pig, others say it is the way they cook it, still others say it’s the sauce they use for basting.

You won't miss out 'puso,' a staple rice wrapped in coconut leaves, because many establishments serve this instead of the regularly served rice to go with your meals. Puso rice pieces are strung together and servers just cut them off and slice them in half for serving, hence the term “hanging rice.”

Puso

Kinilaw - a must-try