Los Baños Protects Bikers!

oK, I know you might think I'm quite promoting Los Baños that much. But yes, I do! I am from that small town, obviously! Hahaha!

Now, I'm posting this one because this is another law our town is implementing. This is, I think, already running about more than a year now. I mentioned before that many years ago, cigarettes were banned inside the public utility vehicles such as jeepneys as a sign of respect for other passengers. Then we had paper bags all over the town replacing plastic bags for our people to be more environment-friendly. And now, the helmet thing.

Maybe I just forgot to post this since I don't drive at all. But last Sunday, as Aian and I went somewhere in Los Baños' town proper, I was obliged to wear one since the policemen will surely give us ticket for not wearing helmet. Helmets may be uncomfortable for many people, but I find it interesting since this will protect your head from being hurt if an accident happen. People might think it's another way for policemen to earn extra income but for me, it's the municipality's another way of showing concern to individuals.

I hope, even if you are not visiting or passing by Los Baños via motorcycle, you'll still wear your helmet, it's for you and your passenger's protection from accidents - and, oh well, from policemen's tickets also. Hahaha! Drive safely, people!

Bañamos 2009!

(Photos below courtesy of http://scarereyes.blogspot.com/)

"We bathe! We bathe! We bathe!" That's the English translation for the term Bañamos! Very appropriate since this town of Laguna called "Los Baños" literally means "The Baths" and the name speaks for itself - the town have lots of natural springs, especially the hot springs. But you should also know, the town's not only offering natural springs but a lot of surprises from it's natural and human resources.

Every September of the year, Bañamos is being celebrated by the people of this humble town where lots of activities are being held in a week-long celebration: street dancing wherein most of the local's schools are participating, beauty pageant with candidates from all fourteen (14) barangays (villages), games like Buko-Pie-eating contest, battle of the bands, and more. And since Los Baños is not only known for the buco products and hot springs as well, it also showcases exhibits and Science-related displays as it is the only Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines declared on August 7, 2000 under the Presidential Proclamation 349.

This year, it will be held on September 16th-20th. We all look forward to see you there as we all bathe under another year of good festivities like Bañamos!

Bohol...

As I write this one, I am also watching Trip Na Trip at ABS-CBN. Their episode? Bohol. They just reminded me of my trip to Bohol way back January 2006, more than three years now. I've visited Bohol for the first time and it was also my first plane ride! Also, my first trip to the Visayas Region. My friends know me as the traveler from our group and I've been to almost every part of Luzon (the Philippines' largest island) but never been down south until this trip. My first stop was at Panglao Island (yes, straight from the airport! Hahaha!). I cannot also believe that I first traveled to Panglao Island before visiting Boracay Island, and remind you guys, these beaches are, not just here in the Philippines, just two of the few finest beaches in the world! I enjoyed the water so much, it was very calm. In fact, I have some pictures with my camera almost touching the water. A few hours of swimming, then sunset came and dinner as well.

I woke up early for day two. Headed straight to the Chocolate Hills where you can see numerous hills naturally made from limestones in which trees do not grow but just grass and moss. During summer, these green view actually turns into brownish humps that's why it is called "Chocolate Hills." It's an awesome view especially if you visit the place first thing in the morning. Headed lunch at Loboc River, can you imagine dining on a boat serenaded by some local folk singers while the boat is sailing towards a small waterfalls? Ahh, yes! As I was taking pictures and njoying the sight, I really prayed and thanked God for giving me such an opportunity of visiting this place. Then a few steps from Loboc River's boat terminals, you can practically see some trees with the world's smalles primates called the tarsiers. Aside from being small, another thing why these creatures amazed me is that they can practically rotate their heads 360º. I also had the chance to see the country's oldest church (Baclayon Church), the blood compact site, the man-made mangrove forest, some caves, and museums. Spent dinner at Bohol Tropics while being entertained by some local bands from Tagbilaran, the province's capital.

Day three, my last day, still got some surprises for me. Visited the mall for some souvenirs and pasalubongs. I did this first thing in the morning because I don't wanna be rushed before I leave the place. My last stop was at Mag-Aso Falls. It was named after the term "aso" which means smoke because the waterfalls produces a lot of smoke. Brought some packed lunch there so I will also enjoy my last stop with some food and mangoes.

It was really a privilege for me to visit Bohol. Like I always say from all other places I've been, I know someday, I'll be back to that place. I hope you can also visit Bohol and enjoy it just the way I did.

Ugu Bigyan

A few minutes from Villa Escudero, you might wanna try visiting Ugu Bigyan's place in Lusacan, Tiaong Quezon Province, one true artist when it comes to pottery... oh, I'm not talking about ordinary pottery here but very unique clay arts! Not just clay pots but he also produces dinning sets such as plates, mugs, and drinking glasses, accent pieces for walls and floorings and decorative tiles. I was really amazed when I had the chance to visit his place. Why? I am considering visiting his place is such a privilege. You can have a rest at one of his nipa huts within his garden, hearing some chimes being blown by the soft wind, with some ponds and fountains where you will also be serenaded by some Filipino classical/instrumental music played all over the place.

His works are can be seen in some well-known places around the country such as in El Nido, Amanpulo, Campo Travieza, Casa Patricia, Hidden Valley, and to its neighboring tourist destination, Villa Escudero. He also hold trainings for those people who want to learn more about the art of pottery and clay crafts. Just inquire first before visiting the place so you would know the schedules of his classes. You also need to reserve a day in advance for lunch or snacks for a minumum of five (5) person. This is one part I really like about this place, Ugu is the one who prepares your food.

If you are buying a lot of his works, you might wanna visit him on his sale seasons: [1] during the Pahiyas in Quezon Province, that's every May 15th of the year, [2] on his birthday, August 14th and the discount depends on his age (43% discount this year, I think), and lastly [3] during the first Sunday of October.

Villa Escudero

I may be living for many years here in Laguna but it was just recently that I had the chance to visit one of the tourist destiantions here in our place, Villa Escudero. It is located within the boundary of Laguna and Quezon Province. About less than three hours drive from Manila. It is a working coconut plantation since 1872 and was just open to public year 1980.

Visitors can just walk around the villa but they provide "paragos" a unique hut-like jeepney powered by a carabao pulling it while you observe the place. You will also be serenaded by some folk songs to feel the Filipino ambiance.

You'll enjoy your visit at Villa Escudero especially while having lunch at the Waterfalls Restaurant located at Labasin Falls where you can have some Filipino dishes and fruits such as green mangoes and some ripe bananas.

If you are visiting on a weekend, you will surely enjoy their cltural show. You can also try rafting at Lake Labasin for a few minutes and enjoy nature. Villa Escudero also offers their riverside cottages, Long House Garden units and the Long House Garden Suites if you are eyeing for an overnight stay and visit Coconut Pavilion and enjoy their nightly entertainment while having dinner.

Villa Escudero is also a good place if your office is planning for a company outing or even for some special events such as wedding reception or family reunion. Their main hall can accomodate 200 people but it can also be divided into two smaller places for lesser participants.

I was actually waiting for a call last Sunday cause I've been told we're having some guests last weekend but it didn't push through. Oh well, I know I'll be seeing Villa Escudero again and again.

Paper Bags!

Haven't been writing for a few weeks now or shall I say months? Hmmm... I guess I've been enjoying summer that much that I somehow set blogging aside for the mean time. But now, I'm back! And I hope I'll continue this thing on and on.

Anyways, I'm gonna start by writing something about my hometown, Los Baños. As I attend my niece's graduation day last month, I saw our mayor giving his speech for our people. I know it will be our national election next year and my friends know I'm not into politics so I'm not talking here cause I am campaigning someone. Now why am I writing this? It's all because of paper bags. Yes, paper bags. Paper bags got something to do with our mayor? Well, Los Baños is now banning plastic bags. I find it good since I've seen paper bags most of the times in movies and TV series being used abroad. A lot of us here were really surprised and felt it was really hard but I know it's for our environment. Come to think of it, a few years back I remembered our local governemnt banning smoking inside public vehicles and I find it very very reasonable and just. I don't smoke but some of the people I know who smoke said it was quite hard at first but now since it's being implemented for years now, they don't have any objection and they totally understand the situation... and I am one those people who are very thankful for this law!

Now plastic bags. Banned. Of course if you are buying something from the wet market, obviously it is allowed to use plastic bags. But dry goods or anything dry from the market, owners of the establishments are obliged to provide paper bags to their customers, no plastic bags now. My mom even brought home some meals from a fast-food chain inside some paper bags. I feel happy seeing paper bags around me, I know our environment is now being the focus lately in our hometown. People may find it hard carrying their things with paper bags (boxes if you have heavier things to carry), but for sure after a few years now, we'll get used to it.

My First Swim This Summer!

I'm still having this summer hangover even if the summer has just began. Hahaha! I can't believe I've been swimming three times already within two weeks only. I will definitely enjoy summer this year as last year's was really pure work for me!

After the hike we had last March 2, 2009, it was a hot summer day when Lester said it was really hot, then Aian just excalimed it could be fun if we go out and swim! Immediately, Aian drove his motorcycle straight to our house and woke me up that day and said we'll go swimming on the spot! So I grabbed my bag, a shirt, a pair of shorts, underware, toiletries, and some bread and spreads for our snacks and then we're off to the resort in just a few.

We were just four (4) then - Aian, Lester, Adith, and me. We went to this old hot spring resot in Los Baños, Laguna which is like 5-minute drive from Crossing Los Baños. It's name is "Libis Ng Nayon" which means "Valley of the Town," explains why it was called by its name. It was actually my first time also to visit the place even if I was born and raised in Los Baños, Laguna cause during my childhood days, we are always swimming at the Jamboree site in Mt. Makiling. I was so impressed with the resort since most of the resorts here are full of cemented pathways, floors, etc. This one's good cause it has a lot of trees, plants, and flowers. It has also a man-made pond. Me and my friends were so eager to grab our cameras and take some shots of the things within the resort.

Here are some images you might wanna check. I used a Sony Cybershot digital camera here.

It's Summer Time!

After the Philippines experienced cold weather last November 2008 to January 2009. February heats up the country by giving the Filipinos an early summer kick-off of 2009. Now, why am I making this as my first blog? It's simply because I love summer! Sun, sand, seashore, fields, mountains, and so many things to enjoy under the mighty sun!

I am really this excited for summer of 2009 because last year's summer wasn't really that much for me. I remember I only had a team-building in Tagaytay City, Cavite but things we did wasn't really a summer's fun. Like a friend and former officemate of mine said, "These things can also be done at home and I'd be much enjoying it at home." Hahaha! It's not that we were bored there, but it's like as we were all informed, it was a team-building. So we're expecting some programs or things that we might be sharing in order for us to improve each individual's and group's office performances more - but, yeah, it was fine. I also recalled, I only got to get wet on a pool enjoying the water last December when me and some of my friends in Laguna had this unplanned overnight swimming! Whoah! How I missed the water! Hahaha!

That is why this year, I planned my summer to be somewhat different. I could be visiting some far places in the country, but I also thought of giving much attention ti simpler things (which is very Y. Hehehe!).

Haven't been to Mt. Makiling for years now, so me four (4) other of my friends went up to climb Makiling... even on a rainy Monday. So we decided not to trek Peak 2 nor Mud Spring, but opted to walk up to The National Arts Center of the Philippines. I was informed that hikers are not allowed during weekdays because classes are being held and the administration doesn't want them to be distracted by outsiders. But, I insisted and ask permission from a teacher up there which is also a friend of mine. So we were allowed then and made it to the place's covered court after an hour or so. We just had biscuits and tuna for lunch, took pictures, and rest for a while. Then we went down after a few hours as I promised my friend that we won't be bothering people up there. It was really fun. It had been a good feeling that I am finally looking back again to where I grew up - Los Baños.

Now, since I've said this is gonna be the best summer ever of my life (currently, perhaps), I'm thinking of other plans just to enjoy summer even if I'm just spending it here in my home town with my old friends.