Bukilat Cave - say that again?!

From the port in Camotes Islands, it was easy getting a ride to Bukilat Cave. But the only choice we had then was the habal-habal (a motorcycle that can accommodate one or two paying passengers). Then, off we went to Bukilat Cave!

And here's the spolier! --- you have to click this link that will lead to my official travel site - http://www.mytravelphilippines.com/blog/2010/10/24/bukilat-cave-say-that-again/

Birdwatching in Sagada

For those who have been to the rustic town of Sagada in the northern part of the Philippines (Mountain Province), many would agree that it is a frontier destination. With cool climate, really dramatic mountain views, impressive and adventure-filled caves, and a proud Cordillera culture, Sagada has become an ultimate destination for many travellers seeking an adventure experience only a place like this could offer.

Then here comes birdwatching! In only one day, a birder could be gifted with a chance to spot a good number of endemic species.

Here's the complete blog and photos of the birds I saw in Sagada -
http://www.mytravelphilippines.com/blog/2010/10/16/birdwatching-in-sagada/

Pasig River - A Gem Covered with Muck

Two days from now (Oct 10) ABS-CBN Foundation will attempt to make a world record on running, the primary purpose of which is to bring awareness to the plight of Pasig River.

Its actually not that difficult to clean up the river..... yes... Money is always there (it just gets diverted elsewhere), there are enough people who can help. Its really about the national leadership and mayors of Metro Manila willing to step up to clean up the river. They've done it in so many other countries, there's no stupid reason why we cannot do it here.

Although tourism will benefit from a clean Pasig River, at the end of the day, it is really not about that industry. Its about the people living in a cleaner and more pleasant environment. A cleaner environment that attracts more investment and growth, a cleaner environment that improves the quality of life of the population, and yes, a cleaner environment that will define who the Filipino really is.

This is quite difficult to believe - despite its present condition, Pasig River holds some charm for those willing to discover it. I've got some level of confidence that I actually included the Pasig River as a tourist attraction in Manila through our travel website and iPhone app -

http://mytravelphilippines.com/pois/102878-Pasig-River.

If you don't believe me, lets set a date to discover the hidden beauty of Pasig River :D

Pedada Mangroves - An Artists' Delight

Honestly, i had grave misgivings about this place one day before I visited the mangrove forest in Brgy. Pedada in the town of Ajuy in Ilo-ilo. There were no facilities yet, except for a boardwalk that was in the initial stage of construction by the local people's organization (with technical assistance and funding from the Zoological Society of London and the local government unit). There were still rough portions of the road leading to the site, and the community was simply not yet ready to accommodate tourists (which was my role in the first place - to help them in this community-based tourism initiative).

On the night before our trip to the site (and in the middle of a power interruption which added to dampening my spirit, I was ready for a major dissapointment.

But I was greeted by a nice surprise (this part is getting to be predictable in my many posts! ha ha!..).

Yup, the centuries-old mangrove forest is not for the usual tourists (but hey, couple this with the islands, beaches and reef areas, then the story will be a lot different!).

The Pedada Mangrove is for the artists and photographers. And it is also for the students of nature. You have to be there to absorb its visual treat. And you have to be armed with a canvass or a camera to prove your presence.

It will take some more months before the Pedada Mangrove forest would be able to accommodate visitors. At present, the local community is happy allowing students, artists and photographers to the site. More will have to be done to develop tourist attractions and facilities for the typical tourist to enjoy the area.

The town of Ajuy is about two hours from Ilo-ilo City and Pedada (which is located 15 kilometers before the town proper) is about three kilometers from the main road.

Something Refreshing

Nope, this is not about watermelon shake, halo-halo or ice-cold beer. Its a simple note posted in the municipal hall of Tudela in Camotes Islands in Cebu. It made me believe that there should be many good things in store for the Philippines, tourism or otherwise. :D