The following day, we were up early to start a 7-island hopping adventure. Along the way, our guide Rocky (who Ate Anette fondly called Papa Rocky, obviously inspired by Lady Gaga’s hit song) showed us interesting sights such as the Helicopter Island (called as such because of its shape), and caves where Balinsasayaw birds’ nests…
Tag: Nature
Palawan (still) in my mind — the first day
Ten months…that was how long I waited for this trip to finally happen, and it was well worth the long wait! Seven days after that five-day vacation, I still have vivid images of Palawan in my mind. Arriving at the Puerto Princesa airport around 1pm, we went for a quick lunch in Balinsasayaw Restaurant. The…
Back to Pandan Hills, Bay-Ang, Aklan
I was in high school when I first went up Pandan Hill. The only memory I had then was the wide horizon and passenger ships that line it. I never thought that I would go back there again. Twenty-six years later, I went back and was surprised that nothing much has changed from how I…
The Santo Niño in a pagan ritual
I was planning on going back to Kalibo for this year’s Ati-atihan festival, but I had to go somewhere else for work. I’m reposting this old blog entry instead. Kalibo’s ati-atihan festival has got to be the wildest fiesta celebration honoring the Santo Niño. I caught the last three days of the celebration, which…
Puka Beach: the untamed side of Boracay
Most people would think of only one place when they hear the name “Boracay” — the White Beach. But there’s more to Boracay than the commercially abused White Beach side. There is also the untamed side called Puka Beach — home of the popular Puka shells. Escaping from the crowded White Beach, we set out…