Back to Pandan Hill, Bay-Ang

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 remembered it. The beaten path showed that people had been … Continue reading Back to Pandan Hill, Bay-Ang

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 was the highlight of the festival. On Friday, various groups … Continue reading The Santo Niño in a pagan ritual

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 on an island hopping trip and chose Puka Beach as … Continue reading Puka Beach: the untamed side of Boracay

It’s called Boracay, not Bora

I came across this advocacy group on Facebook called “Boracay Please, Not Bora”. I joined without thinking twice. The name of the group says it all, and I fully support it. I have since been extending this advocacy to friends who have gotten used to saying “Bora” (some even annoyingly say it as if they have a lollipop stuck in their mouths). In doing so, … Continue reading It’s called Boracay, not Bora