Tourist destinations » gerryruiz photoblog mark II

Caluwayan resort’s hotel wing opens

nature, photography, resorts, Tourist destinations, Travel 4 Responses »

Mar 152012

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…

Motoring: Pit stop at the heart of Mindanao

nature, photography, Tourist destinations, Travel 6 Responses »

Feb 032012

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]

Palo Cathedral undergoes major renovation

Churches, photography, Tourist destinations, Travel No Responses »

Jan 282012

It’s the archdiocese’s dream of restoring grandeur to the landmark of the Catholic faith in the Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte.

The Lord’s Transfiguration Cathedral – better known as the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral – has been undergoing major renovation work since August of 2010.

Last reconstructed in the early 1960’s, the historic structure has badly needed repair of its roof and ceiling, electrical and communication systems, and major renovation of its sanctuary and belfry.

The renovation project costs over 25 million pesos under the commission of Filipino architect Gervacio Amistoso.

The major facelifting comes in time when the Archdiocese celebrates its Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) as a diocese on November 28, 2012.

Photos taken on January 25, 2012: