Enchanted River - A Photo Essay

It has been raining on and off the past few days but we've agreed that no matter what, rain or shine, we're going. So at around 5 in the morning, with the sky all dark, moonless and starless, we set out to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Hinatuan, on the northeastern part of Mindanao, is a second class municipality with about 40,000 people. It's divided into 24 barangays and includes barangay Talisay where this amazingly awesome wonder of nature is located.

The Enchanted River.

Cebu in a day!

Dakbayan sa Sugbu! 

That's how you say it in Cebuano. Christened as the Queen City of the South, it is the second most significant metropolitan city in the Philippines and is an important center for trade, commerce and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao areas. It is the capital city of the metropolitan area of Metro Cebu... and is famous for the Sinulog Festival.

In my less-than-48-hours stay in the big city, I played tourist and revisited attractions I've been to before and places I've seen as a first-timer.

Magellan's Cross

Koreans! Lots of 'em. It was like more than half of the people in that tiny building were chinky-eyed Koreans. Oh, well.. K-Invasion of the Philippines, remember? Haha.. So much for that. This Christian cross above, was planted by Ferdinand Magellan when he first set foot in the country, Cebu being the oldest Spanish settlement. It is right beside Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. The one displayed is not the original cross and a sign just below it says that the real one is encased inside to protect it from wear and tear... most specially from tourists/visitors who take a bit of the cross for souvenirs.

And of course, I din't attempt to chip off some souvenir. ☻

Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

The first church was constructed in 1565 and was made of nipa and wood on the spot where the image of the Sto. Niño (the Holy Child Jesus), kept in a wooden box, was said to be left by the Magellan group and was later found by Spanish explorers who came after him. Lots of people all over the country flock to this minor basilica located just across the City Hall, as the Sto. Niño is believed to be miraculous, healing diseases and such. 

So, expect long queues if you wanna come face to face with the Sto. Niño!

A Day of Red, Plump Hearts.

February 14, 2012 

Here once again. 

It's the same day as last year. People all over - couples to be exact, are busy prepping for this long-awaited day... with flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, dinner dates, etc. And single people... wear this:

Haha.. A lot of single people I know make a big deal out of being dateless on this day. But.. 

What is the big deal?!

It's just Valentine's day. Not a very special day. The sun rises in the morning. The sky brightens. It either remains clear and blue. Or turn grey one minute and rain the entire day. You eat breakfast. Go to work. Then lunch. Back to work again. Have dinner. Or totally skip it. You watch some tv. Or socialize on Facebook. Then hit the sack. Typical day. ~a typically-normal-but-slightly-bitter single

It is Valentine's day. Not any ordinary day. It's the perfect day to spend with your honey. May it be just watching a movie together and eating out. A stroll along the beach or along Manila bay. A romantic dinner on board a yacht with sweet music filling the air and flutes overflowing w/ champagne (or something else bubbly). Whatever little thing you spend doing as long as you're together.. makes this day specially special! ~a head-over-heels-in-love-with-you honeybunny who's definitely got a date

It actually depends on how you look at it. How you see life and this day. Some say it's a day of love. Give  and receive some. But despite what the naysayers say about this being just any day or what the romantics say about this being a very special day.. let's all keep in mind that loving and being loved is and should be an everyday thing. We don't love our parents or children or siblings or sweethearts just for this day. We love them everyday! 

So, let's spread the love. :) 

"Give love because you can."

Happy red, plump Heart's day! :)

A walk to the ECP – Singapore

Thank God it’s Friday.

But then, I was on holiday so it really didn’t matter. Started my day really early. Shower at 4 am. Breakfast at 5 (or should I say very late dinner). Mails. Small talk. I din’t actually have any definite plans for the day..where to go..what to do. Good thing I spent some quality talk with the hostel guy who suggested I visit East Coast Park, which was actually on my list! I just happened to bunk at the right location. Wonderful!

A quick run upstairs for my camera and off I went.  The outside world was calling me…waiting to be explored!

In Pictures.

photo courtesy of definitelyfilipino.com

The last year was wonderful. 

GOD had been so good to me and there were so many things I was and am thankful for. Backpacked my way to places. Culture and things I got to experience. Couchsurfed. People I met and the Friends I 've made. The lessons I've learned... So in thanks, Year twenty eleven. In pictures. Some of it anyway. :)




Went to see the Banaue Rice Terraces sometime in January. Huge thanks to Sky!

What a magnificent view... right?

Jeep-mates from all over! ☺