This was learned from Mayor Faustino Aquisio who said that the celebration of the town’s 111th anniversary on November 25 will signal the season of the increased tourists in the area.

Being one of oldest attractions in the Cordilleras, foreign tourists are among those who take interest in visiting the mummy caves which have guarded secrets of how the natives were able to mummify their dead similar to that of ancient Egypt.

Besides, adventurers who were able to climb Mount Pulag were able to see for themselves the unusual presence of two mountain lakes and mossy forests which are habitats to unique fishes and animals like the clouded rat.

Atop the mountain are the shortest bamboo-like grasses covered for some hours with frost in the early mornings of December, January and February.

Aquisio said the improved local tourism of Benguet encourages entrepreneurs to invest on tourism-related industries which include the production of souvenir items and delicacies. (PNA)

Masskara Festival 2011 High School Category Champion: Luisa Medel High School

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Masskara Festival 2011 Elementary Category Champion: Sum-ag Elementary School

- Domingo Lacson High School

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Crowd and dancers after the Masskara Barangay Category arena dance competition, waiting for the results.

Electric Masskara. Efficascent Oil joined Bacolod Masskara Festival, or should I say IPI – Pharma

Big mask decor at Balay Quince

The masks making competition was held last Oct.2 at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s place and I was supposed to cover it but due to some important things I wasn’t able to go their or during the opening of the Village last Monday. But I’m happy to say that I was able to visit the Masskara Village yesterday and for 4 straight years out of 5.

Anyways, if you haven’t visited the MassKara Village yet don’t fret! As you still have until October 21, 2011 before the exhibit ends.

*****

ABS-CBN MASSKARA VILLAGE 2011

2nd Flr Robinson’s Place Bacolod

MakaBAYAN Masks

More photos later….

Artem Collacion of the DENR regional office 6, said that the PPUR is the longest underground river in the world with a length of 8.2 kilometers formed 30 million years ago. Because of its unique and outstanding scientific, biological, and geological features, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in December 1999 and declared as a National Geological Monument in December 2003.

The PPUR is the lone finalist from the Philippines for the search for the new Seven Wonders of the World and now counts among the top 14 of the 28 official finalists selected via the first round of international voting.

Collacion further said that the DENR Region 6, in order to help campaign, has now distributed advocacy materials and video clips to the key officials all over Western Visayas and has fielded personnel to intensify the campaign for voting.

If the PPUR will be chosen as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, it is expected to tremendously boost the country’s social, economic, and tourism status.

To vote for the PPUR, just text PPUR15 and send it to 2861 for Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular subscribers. Voting can be made daily. The deadline for voting will be on Nov. 11, 2011. (PNA)

Well, it was really hot during our visit to the gate so we were not able to check the whole area. We saw a bamboo house/hut at the back but no one was there so we were not able to get more details on the structure and of the house. Well, there’s also a small marine cemetery behind the old west gate.

Old West Gate

This gate was the entrance to the original Spanish Naval station established in Subic Bay in 1885. The principal Spanish construction lay to the east along what is now Rivera Point and consisted of an arsenal, several warehouses, and number of shop buildings.

Old West Gate Marker

The Base at Subic – Olongapo was used by the Spanish Navy to provide repair, supply, ammunition and medical support for ships. The post was commanded by the second commandancia of the base at Cavite and was considered a subsidiary of that command.

The Spanish garrison remained in possession of the Subic – Olongapo base until June of 1898 at which time they were driven out by FIlipino forces. The area was formally occupied by the U.S. Navy in September of 1899.

Last month, we went to Subic Tree Top Adventure for an extreme one-of-a-kind experience to end the summer vacation. The park really lives up to it hands down. And the best part, it is nestled at the lush, virgin forest of Subic.

Tree Top Adventure offers 9 different exciting outdoor activities such as Tree Top Adventure, Canopy Walk, Trekking, Jungle Survival demo, Aeta Tribal Presentation, Superman Ride, Interactive Free Fall, Silver Surfer and the ultimate of them all, the TREE DROP. The park is well-equipped with safety lines, harnesses, safety helmets and well-trained guides/instructors. The crew of Tree Top are really friendly, helpful and funny especially those in the Tree Drop area. Well, you don’t need to worry about safety in the park as this is their top priority.

Anyways, the first activity we tried was the Interactive Free Fall. Well, we want to try the Tree-Drop or the Silver Surfer first but unfortunately there was a long line and it was already late so the guides decided to close the lines, so we decided to go back first thing the next morning. Interactive Free Fall is a machine operated carries that can lift 3 persons. All you have to do is stand on a bar and it will shot up about 100feet high, then you’ll fall half way. This will be done repeatedly for 3-5minutes. It’s not as thrilling as the other rides, but it will make do especially if you’re not into extreme sports.

Next day…

It’s Tree Drop Adventure time! Yes, we were one of the first people in the Tree Drop area. We were that brave While other visitors were having a hard time deciding what to try we were doing the tree-drop. Aaahhh! Brave girls! But truth be told, we were scared but didn‘t want to show it. It was scary knowing you’ll be drop 60 feet high in just 2 seconds ala Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. It was suicide but I did it. I survived!

Well, at first I wasn’t so keen to do any activities as I was not feeling well that morning but after seeing my niece Em and cousin J doing it, I was so jealous that I decided to try it and forgot feeling nauseous. At least I have a reason if ever I vomit, right? Of course, I made sure that it was safe so I chatted with the crew. The guy told me “Ma’am, safe na safe po yan. Don’t worry! As long as hindi ka more than 360lbs”. Well, since I only weigh less than half of the 360 he told me “Hakang-haka yan ma’am. Yan nga hu mga 230lbs ata yan kayang kaya, ikaw pa! Sisiw ka lang ma’am”. After that he flexed his biceps and laughed as it was not that big. Anyways, we bought our tickets, signed the waiver, put on our safety gears, checked our weight and waited for the drop. The waiting was more frightening than the actual drop, as it was only a 2sec drop and before I knew it I was already on the ground. I didn’t have time to feel anything during the drop or to even scream my heart out, unlike Em who was really noisy as she banters with the crew and she even punched the guy before the drop while J had a hard time with the harness. It was a bit tight in the stomach so they had to adjust it again before they drop her. It was one heck of an experience and I highly recommend it. After the Tree Drop the rest of the activities were just so-so.

Superman Ride is like a zipline only you ride it in superman position, arms stretch on the bar in front of you while your legs are spread at the back. Then you’ll be whisked 500meters on the other tree then back for around 30seconds.

Silver Surfer is just like Superman Ride but instead of the flying position, you’ll be standing on one end of the metal swing while your friend stand on the other side like you’re surfing. The metal swing will then glide 500meters on the other tree, then back again repeatedly.

All-in-all Tree Top Adventure Subic is a great place for an extreme adventure with friends and family (not suitable for toddlers). Well, it was a unique way of communing with nature while doing extreme adventure. The crews are friendly, helpful and well-trained hands down. The rides are exciting. The place is perfect! The price not bad for an ultimate extreme experience.

TREE TOP ADVENTURE
JEST Area, Cubi Point, SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales

http://www.treetopadventure.com

Phone: (047) 252-9427

Five Simple Steps…

Walking at Ayala Triangle Gardens reading the stories behind the Philippine Flag

Ayala Triangle showcases Colors of Freedom: Stories behind the Philippine Flag

A Flag to be PROUD of

Happy Independence Day Philippines!!!

Sunset after the rain. Taken 2minutes ago.

Listening: Photographs by Nickleback (I miss this)
Reading: Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief

Palitaw is a small sweet flat rice cake eaten in the Philippines. It is made from sticky rice (malagkit) washed, soaked, grounded and molded. Then it is dropped into boiling water until it floats. After that it is dipped in grated coconut and viola! You have this yummy kakanin.

Well, most Filipino would say that they love palitaw or to some they have tasted it but sad to say it was my first time to taste the palitaw. I know it doesn’t show but I’m a little picky when it comes to food, especially the ones in violet. Urg! I so hate it! Yea, I know it’s all in the mind but I can’t seem to get over it. I’m also not that adventurous when it comes to food as I always order the food that I’m familiar with like pork chop, chicken, steak and the likes.

I’ve seen palitaw already but I don’t like the plain white color so I don’t even try to taste it. But last month I got really curious as everyone were raving about how yummy the palitaw is, so I tried eating one and they were right it was delicious and so yummy, especially if you put mascubado sugar with lots of toasted sesame seeds on top. I’m just happy that I’ve tried this sweet rice cake. Atleast I’m not a noob with it. Yummy!!

Click here for our Don Salvador Picnic

My cousin Nang D called us around 7:00AM to inform that they’ll fetch us around 8AM or earlier instead of my nephew. So my aunt told my nieces to pack and have breakfast first. They were all getting ready while I was still in bed deciding if I’ll go with them or not for I’m not feeling well that time and I still have lots of tasks needed to finish. But when I heard Nang D’s voice I jumped out of bed and put all my things in the bag in less than 2 minutes while shouting that I’ll go with them. Since we can’t fit inside the car, we decided to seat at the back of the pick-up and brave the scorching sun. But luckily it was a little cloudy that morning so we did enjoy the cold fresh air and the view along the way.

My trekking buddies, woot! wooh!

Don Salvador Benedicto is an hour drive from Bacolod City. One could ride the Ceres Liner going to San Carlos City via Don Salvador for Php70 more or less. One could say that this mountainous Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto is the little Baguio of Negros. But as I said in my previous post, unlike Baguio, Don Salvador Benedicto is really a laid back town – no night life, no buildings, no crowded places and most of all no tourist traps. Yes! It’s a hidden gem of Negros where one could relax and unwind without the hustle of the city life.

Bonfire & Picnic Area

When we arrived at the Nursery we setup our things for the picnic near the bonfire site. Then my nieces, nephews and grandchildren tour the place. hey! I’m not that old but because my cousins are way older than me, more or less twice my age, so I got 4 apos already. We also learned that the pool was under repair so we don’t have a choice but go to the falls if we want to swim. But the kids were able to swim at the knee dip area of the stream while the adults were arranging the picnic area and cooking the food.

They so love each other

Anyways, after taking a few minutes rest we decided to go to the small falls with the kids. It was really funny as the kids were really excited and giddy to go see the falls but along the way when they saw the trail and a lot of snake stories they were like leeches sticking to your body. Cassey was almost crying from the fear of snakes and the unknown but I’m proud to say that she made it to the falls. The trail is really easy but imagine 2, 3, 5, 8 and 11 year-old kids trekking it you’ll really be proud of them. They were the ones walking and climbing the rocks but of course with our help and except with Yummy who’s only 2. Arky who’s 3 years-old doesn’t want us to carry her even if it’s a little hard. She’s a risk taker like her Mom and she’s very adventure even in that age. Well, we just stayed for 10 to 15 minutes at the falls as the water was so cold that the kids’ teeth were chattering after swimming for less than 5 minutes. Well, the trek back was really smooth as everyone were already kind of familiar with the trail and the kids were not afraid any more.

Picture, Picture

On our way back, our tummy were grumbling since we didn’t follow what my aunt said earlier. So when we arrived at the picnic area, thank God everything was already set so we had our lunch right away. After a hearty lunch we just relaxed and chatted to catch-up with the latest tid bits under the tree. And all of a sudden MM, who’s on the main cottage shouted my name and asked me if I could take her picture. I was like “uhmm… what’s with her? She must have something that she doesn’t want us to see like a snake. hmm… “So I told her “sure, just come a little closer.” And guess what? I was right. She was holding a snake and she wants me to take her photo. Well, I’m not afraid of snake but my niece has a phobia with it. So I didn’t tell anyone. I just took MM’s photo but all of a sudden somebody shouted “snake” and my niece Inna jumped, screamed and cried her heart out. To some, she may look OA ‘coz of her screaming and shouting but I understand her as its a phobia and she told me that she’s trying hard to over come it but she can’t seem to stop her self from screaming. Well, everyone had a good laugh. The kids were so curious that they kept on touching the snake, especially Arky who squeezed it. Then after the kids had their photo op with the snake they went to see the very grumpy monkey who hates anything female. Then we decided to go back to Bacolod to have halo-halo at chowking.

Well, all-in-all the trip was really relaxing and so worth it. Don Salvador Benedicto has everything for everyone from fresh cool air, yummy fruits to coffee lovers and trekkers just name it they got it. So if you want to have a great getaway from the hassle and bustle of the city life go to Don Salvador Benedicto. It is also a great way to bond with your family.

* 1st & 3rd photos were grabbed from lagawan’s previous post.