At the old Manila Domestic Terminal while awaiting to board my flight back to Tacloban recently, I was annoyed to hear the public announcement of our 4:30PM flight being delayed by about an hour or so.

Shucks! That meant I won’t be able to do some errands later upon arrival.

In moments like this, one can only do so much as to update others waiting for you about the delay, then you wait and kill time.

Cautiously.

Things could get worse. Like your flight being cancelled.

Boarding time came sooner than the announced one-hour delay, and we were up above the clouds in no time.

It was after I dozed off for a couple of minutes when I awoke and took stock of my bearings that I instinctively peeked out of the plane’s window. And lo and behold: I was met with a spectacular visual feast!

Plane delays do have some redeeming moments!

Some times ;)

 

 

 

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Over the years since it opened to the public, the Caluwayan Palm Island Resort has steadily improved its facilities.

Located at Brgy Caluwayan, Marabut, Samar – about an hour’s drive from Tacloban via the San Juanico Bridge – the resort added a beautiful swimming pool and refurbished their cottages and villas.

Last Sunday, March 11, 2012, the resort had the blessing and inauguration of their main hotel wing – a three-storey, beautifully designed building with 15 rooms and a function room at the top floor.

Here’s the official tariff of Caluwayan Palm Island Resort:

Rooms Rates
Open Cottage PhP1,600
Single Superior PhP2,300
Single Deluxe PhP2,500
Superior PhP2,900
Deluxe PhP3,200
Deluxe Suite PhP3,500
Family Room PhP4,500
Beach Villa PhP5,200 (high season); PhP4,200 (off season)
Beach Villa Suite PhP5,900 (high season); PhP4,800 (off season)

Extra person PhP600

High season: Jan 1-12; March 15 – May 31; Oct 1 – Nov 9; Dec 15-31
Breakfast for 2 pax inclusive
All Hotel Rooms are good for 2 pax

For details, contact Leyte Gulf Travel & Tours: (053) 523.7966; 321.7966
email: leytegulf@callezaragosa.com

It’s a great option for vacationers and local residents out for a quick getaway from the city…

Continue reading »

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Motoring across the heart of Mindanao from Cagayan de Oro City to Davao City basically involves crossing over one big province – the Province of Bukidnon.

Thanks to modern satellite technology and the internet, the straight line distance between Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City has been computed at about 186 kilometers. The actual road distance, however,  is anywhere between 240 to 320 kilometers. And that takes about 4 hours driving by private car or 5 -6 hours by bus.

Though Bukidnon is oftentimes described as an extensive plateau, the southern and eastern boundaries are mountainous areas. You are driving through areas with an average elevation of 915 meters above sea level.

Halfway through the road trip, about 160 km from Cagayan de Oro (140 km more to go to reach Davao City), is the traveler’s pit stop -  the Ver Overview Nature & Culture Park located at an elevated point at Kipolot, Brgy Palaopao of the Municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon.

The Ver Overview Nature & Culture Park has a viewing deck which provides travelers with an elevated, panoramic view of Bukidnon’s beautiful rolling hills and mountains.

It’s a great stop over for motorists needing to stretch out while taking in the vast and scenic surroundings.

Here are a couple of shots taken one late afternoon…

[source: wikipedia, google earth]

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It’s definitely MORE fun in the Philippines!

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. has been quoted as saying, ”What differentiates the Philippines from every other place in the world… is the Filipino. It’s his special gift for transforming what is already a beautiful place into an unforgettable special place.”

“You take two identical islands, put FILIPINOS in one, and it’s going to be more fun in there where they are!”

High five to that.

Well, here are my initial takes to the new DOT tourism slogan which has triggered an avalanche of memes in the internet…

Communing with nature at Hagimit Falls, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Norte

Taking care of Lola at the airport, Tacloban City, Leyte

Fishing at the rock formations, Biri Islands, Northern Samar

Power napping at San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

Tacloban Port Area, Tacloban City, Leyte

Tacloban City, Leyte

Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

Birdwatching at Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), Paranas, Samar

Zip Southern Leyte – the longest (1km) zipline ride over the tallest bridge in the country today, Agas-Agas Bridge in Sogod, Southern Leyte

Stargazing at Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

Calle Mena Crisologo in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur – dubbed as the Heritage Lane

Tubing at Ulot Rapids Torpedo Boat Adventure, Ulot River, Paranas, Samar

Bitukang Manok, Atimonan Natural Forest Park, Atimonan, Quezon

The music scene at 6500, Tacloban City

Calayucay, Sto. Domingo, Albay

 

 

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© 2013 gerryruiz photoblog mark II Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha