Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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Beloved island has many names
How to get there
Just take one of the free yellow shuttle boats near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.
60 s video clip
Everything is for free but small donations are welcomed
There are also kayaks you can borrow and explore the waters around the island. Or why not just grab a regular Filipino snack near the entrance and relax in the shadow, listen to the doves... there are for some reason many doves here. I guess they have found a quiet refuge here in this peaceful environment. And yes, everything is for free here... boat ride, sea urchins, kayaks and snacks but of course small donations are always welcomed.
Related links:
The Hills Where to eat in Tagbilaran? Find a house for rent in Panglao Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines) Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines) Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines) The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common? Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa (Panglao, Philippines) Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines) Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines) Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines) Day trip to Chocolate Hills in CarmenThe Pier in Baclayon
Man-made forest
Carmen and Chocolate Hills
Urduja and Vinta
The typhon Urduja which had hit Philippines a bit more than a week ago and also just the other day, it was the Severe Tropical Storm Vinta which struck in the Northern Mindanao. We here in Bohol were lucky, we had just a couple of days with rain. Today, the day after the storm Vinta, it was sunny, clear and very hot weather here in Bohol. Our thoughts are with those who suffered so hard from these disasters.
Our conclusion
We did this tour in a relaxed pace but expect to allow a whole day for doing this depending on how many of the attractions you like to experience.
A 60 s video clip showing the Chocolate Hills
Related links:
Where to eat in Tagbilaran? Find a house for rent in Panglao Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines) Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines) Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines) The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common? Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa (Panglao, Philippines) Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines) Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines) Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines) Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines) Dr. Rico Absin, the master of Christmas decorations
We are all used to Christmas decorations before Christmas, right? But at this house in Dumaguete, they take the Christmas decorations to the extreme. I have never seen anything like it, except maybe on movies. This house is just 5-10 minutes walk from the Silliman University and the entrance fee is 25 PHP / person.
A passion for art and decoration
This is the Dr. Rico Absin’s house, a former anesthesiologist in his late 50s. He has created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. This is actually his private residence and it’s well known as the Christmas House in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. In December his house will be the brightest and merriest, illuminating the quaint old house which he has dwelled in most of his life and in which he now occupies alone after inheriting it from his parents.
A little bit surreal
For me it’s a little bit surreal to see all this and it raises some questions. Who is Dr. Absin? And why is he doing this year after year. Inside the big house which of course was full of Christmas decorations in every room and corner, there were also many personal things which like proved that someone actually was living there. For example there were lot’s of old photos from different episodes of his life, from his younger days until now.
For a good cause
It has become an annual custom for this Doctor to share his blessings during the season to some 300 less fortunate children in the city which he throws a party for their benefit. He never forgets to wrap up gifts to be given away and makes sure that not one child leaves without getting any. Also a member of the City Tourism Council, Dr. Absin holds benefits and fund raisers for this particular cause.
Related links:
Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City
Rizal Boulevard or more commonly known as just the Boulevard is the heart of Dumaguete. It's here everything happens. I love to stroll here specially in the evenings when the air is cooler and you can feel the ocean breeze. Many they are doing their exercises here as well, jogging and walking back and forth the boulevard. Some days of the week they arrange Zumba open for everybody brave enough to participate.
The boulevard’s stretch is immediately visible when coming into the Dumaguete port via any sea vessel. From the white lamp posts lining up the stretch to the stately trees swaying with the sea breeze, Rizal Boulevard holds a big part in the city’s provincial charm and has become a very popular landmark.
A lazy afternoon at the boulevard. (60 s video clip)
Named after the great Philippine national hero
Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City was named after the great Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, marking it as one of the historical sites found in the city. It has been said that he had made a brief visit and took a stroll here before departing to the neighboring island of Dapitan, Dipolog City where he was exiled for four years.
A venue for leisure and recreation.
Rizal Boulevard is definitely one of the city’s best loved places. It has become a landmark as well as a venue for leisure and recreation.
Related links:
Tarbush, a story of love Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Calayan Island, Philippines
Luang Prabang, LaosVisit the Manila Chinese Cemetery!The Millionaire's Row
I was overwhelmed!
Who needs a guide?
Normally I used to deny the services of a guide. Who needs a guide when you have a smartphone and Google? But sometimes however, I have to admit that hiring a guide can be really useful. The Manila Chinese Cemetery is roughly 5.4 hectare. So it's a big area and it's like a maze in there so in order to find the highlights you might need some help. I was lucky to meet a guide who was nice and knowledgable and told me many good anecdotes about the cemetery. He charged me 600 PHP for one-hour walking tour. As an option you can also hire a bicycle (per hour P100) to get around the area.
The creator of mami and siopa
The squatters climbed the fences...
Before the squatters climbed the fences to get in. Until the 1960:s, many families employed grave watchmen to stay at the mausoleums around the clock. But when the guards started bringing their families to live on the grounds, the practice was banned. Although the squatters no longer spend the nights at the cemetery, the caretakers and their families find it a nice place for a picnic, and even a nap. They stretch out on the cool marble floors or even on top of the crypts.
Weird anecdotes
According to my guide, if the children died before their parents, they were not going to be buried together with the parents but separately at another place in the cemetery. But there were some cases of married men who happened to have had a mistress who was buried together with him and his wife in the same mausoleum! My guide showed me an even weirder example, where a married man and his mistress were dead and consequently they had been buried together. But the husband's wife was still alive and the wife had already got her designated resting place set up beside her husband and his mistress when the time was ready for her!
Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila Where to eat the fiery style in Manila? Visit Intramuros in Manila Manila American Cemetery & Memorial Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay Video clips Manila Ocean Park To rent an apartment in Toril, a suburb to Davao city
The apartment was fully furnished
I was the first renter in the apartment so everything was very fresh. All the furnitures and the kitchen utensils were included. The owner was helpful and keen on that everything would be ok. If you are interested to rent you can contact the owner yourself. The location in Toril might be a little bit odd since it's a bit far from Davao city. But for me it was perfect, relatively quiet compared to the bustling city centre of Davao. It's close to Eden Nature Park, a wonderful place where you can do many activities such as hiking, fishing and of course eat at the beautifully located buffet restaurant. For me it was also interesting with the relative proximity to Mt Apo since I had plans to hike there.
Inside the apartment
A tour inside the apartment. But I have an excuse to my English speaking viewers since I am talking Swedish in the video clip. But at least I added some English subtitles.
View from balcony
View over Andaya st which could be a very noisy specially in the mornings and evenings.
The other view
My other view from the apartment was overlooking a squatter area. The owner told me it was her land but for the time being she let squatters stay there. On the other side of the street was this little puppy which most of the time was tied up. The poor puppy was all alone there and crying all the time. But then suddenly the street kids decided to try to sell it to me. I felt sorry for the puppy but I denied of course.
Going to Toril city centre
The video clip shows the first 2 km stretch from Daliao to Toril city centre. Most of the days I traveled in to Ecoland just near Davao city. I usually went to Starbucks to enjoy a delicious cafe latte and use their excellent WiFi. It's a perfect way to do some work on the computer. To get there I took the tricycle from Daliao to the city centre of Toril. Next I went with the Uso-Uso jeepneys or to the Hop On Hop Off Terminal for the 30 minutes stretch to Ecoland. Actually I usually went by the Hop On Hop Off jeepneys, they felt more safe to ride with.
The cooking
One good thing I like with renting a place is that you can cook your own food.
Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao The jumping kids of Talikud Island Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines) Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines) Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines) Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines) Try the Malatapay market on Wednesdays
The scenery is chaotic
The scenery inside the market is chaotic. The selling and buying takes place under lively and loud forms. Specially the pigs were protesting wildly when they were transfered to their new owners or maybe to the slaughter house. Screaming like a pig got a new meaning here. By the way who wouldn't (?) if you were in their situation.
Not only livestock
It's not only livestock for sale here, there are also assorted meats, vegetables and fruit stands and ukay-ukay stores which sell used clothing imported from foreign countries. You can also find dry goods, like handmade bolo machetes, clothes, shoes, toys, etc. Then last but not least, deliciously barbecued meat, like for example lechon baboy (pork meat). But remember, like all markets here in the Philippines, the Malatapay market opens very early already around 5 AM and if you are not there by 10 AM or so, you won’t be getting the good BBQ! There are some places along the seaside where you can get the fish or meat you have purchased cooked to a nice meal at the cool, breezy beach.
How to get there
Malatapay Market is located in Zamboangita, Negros Oriental, around 30 kilometers south of Dumaguete. For those taking the public transport, you can find jeepneys to Zamboangita at the bell tower in Dumaguete City or near the Robinson's Mall. If you are going to Apo island you will pass Malatapay market on your way down to the shore.
Yeah, the scenery is chaotic as this video clip will show
Scream like a pig gets a whole new meaning here
Related links:
Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia Dumaguete Going to La Verna with the girls Happy birthday Jas Sexy mama The Japanese Shrine Shopping spree Apo island the pearl of the Visayas Outing with the girls Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love The boulevard in Dumaguete Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Jeepneys are popular in the Philippines
Uso-Uso jeepneys in Davao
The Uso-Uso jeepneys which you only will find in Davao are customized jeepneys which are known for their fast speed driving and playing music in high volume. According to the drivers, it will only take 20-30 minutes of travel from Toril to downtown Davao. And because of that many of the Uso-Uso jeepneys are popular among the students and workers who don't want to be late. If you mention the Uso-Uso experience in Davao everybody will know the meaning of it.
The Uso-Uso experience
The Uso-Uso experience, fast and furious with the music on the highest volume! The music in the clip is authentic from the actual trips and no editing was made whatsoever regarding the sound. 1.20 minutes video clip.
Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines My rental apartment in Toril The jumping kids of Talikud Island Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines) Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines) Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines) Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines) |
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