Panaad Festival (Pa-naad)

The province of Negros celebrate a lot of festivals but the one which unites and is participated by all the towns is called the Panaad Festival. It is a festival held annually during the month of April in Bacolod at the Panaad Park.

This year, by stroke of luck, I was able to witness the last day of the festival.

It is a festival of thanksgiving. It is participated by the 13 cities and 19 towns of the province. It is dubbed as the mother of all festivals in Negros.

The festival was first celebrated year 1993 and was transferred to the present location in 1997.

I roamed around the park and visited some of the different booths of each towns/cities.

It was a good thing that I dropped by at this festival!

But the number one festival in Negros is still Bacolod's Maskara Festival!

Top Beaches in Visayas (A Review)

It's Summer! And as always, a trip to the beach is simply inevitable! Well, these are the best beaches in Visayas only. This is a simple review of the beaches that I have visited. I hope this will help you pick the right beach for your vacation.. =)

My personal rating 
1 - highest/best
5 - worst

Antulang Beach, Negros Oriental

Travel Time from Manila - 55 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Dumaguete, tricycle to Ceres bus station in Dumaguete, bus ride to Antulang, habal-habal ride (motorcycle) to the beach
Proximity from Manila - #3
Accommodation - #2
Expenses - #3
Food - #1
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - only at the resort
Multitude of People - #3 (usually foreigners)
Adventure - nature photography, breathtaking view, walking along the trail
Serenity/Paradise - #1 (best reason)

Primary Reason - the view and the atmosphere are simply world-class

Related link -

http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/exploring-negros-oriental-and-negros.html

Camotes Island, Cebu

Santiago Bay Resort

Travel Time from Manila - 1 hour and 12 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Cebu, taxi to North Bus Terminal, Bus to Danao Port, Ro-Ro to Camotes, habal-habal to resort 
Proximity from Manila - #4
Accommodation - #2
Expenses - #3
Food - #2
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - resort only
Multitude of People - #2
Adventure - lake, falls, spelunking (best reason)
Serenity/Paradise - #2 (best reason)

Primary Reason - going to Santiago Bay is the best reason to enjoy your vacation

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/camotes-island-white-sand-beach-and.html

Bantayan Island, Cebu
best choice!

Anika Beach Resort

Travel Time from Manila - 1 hour and 12 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Cebu, taxi to North Bus Terminal, Bus to Hagnaya, Ro-Ro to Bantayan, tricycle to the resort 
Proximity from Manila - #3
Accommodation - #1 (best reason)
Expenses - #1
Food - #1 (best reason)
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - YES, at the town proper
Drinking spree - YES, at the town proper
Multitude of People - #4
Adventure - #2 scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports
Serenity/Paradise - #1

Primary Reason - best white sand in Cebu!

Related link -

http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/bantayan-island-in-cebu.html


Biliran (Naval)

Travel Time from Manila - travel by air to Tacloban City, 55 minutes
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Tacloban, tricycle to van station, van to Biliran, motorcycle or tricycle to the resort
Proximity from Manila - #3
Accommodation - #4
Expenses - #4
Food - #3
White Sand - minimal (almost brown sand)
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - none
Multitude of People - #2
Adventure - falls, trekking, hiking, island hopping
Serenity/Paradise - #3

Primary Reason - it has great falls (Ulan-Ulan Falls)

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/biliran-paradise-undiscovered.html
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/eastern-visayas-tour.html


Boracay (Station 1)

Travel Time - (varies) you can reach Boracay either by air, land or sea
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - 
  if your flight is Kalibo - plane to Kalibo, van to Caticlan, pumpboat to Boracay
  if your flight is Caticlan - plane to Caticlan, tricycle to the pier, pumpboat to Boracay
  if you opted 2GO - ferry ride to Caticlan, pumpboat to Boracay 
Proximity from Manila - #2
Accommodation - 
    Station 1 - high end (10,000 - up)
    Station 2 - average  (5,000 - 9,000)
    Station 3 - 1,000 - 4,000
Expenses - #4-5
Food - #1 (best reason)
White Sand - #1(best reason)
Nightlife  - #1 (best reason) 
Multitude of People - #5
Adventure - #1 (best reason)
Serenity/Paradise - #4 
Drinking spree - #1 (best reason)
Sunset or Sunrise -  sunset (best reason)
Primary reason - best white sand in the Philippines

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/boracay.html


Guimaras (Alubijod Beach)

Travel Time from Manila - travel by plane to Iloilo, 50 minutes
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Iloilo, taxi to Pantalan (pier), pumpboat to Guimaras, motorcycle or tricycle to the resort
Proximity from Manila - #2
Accommodation - #3
Expenses - #3
Food - #2 (you have to taste the mangoes)
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none 
Drinking spree - only at the resort
Multitude of People - #3
Adventure - island hopping, spelunking, trekking
Serenity/Paradise - #2

Primary Reason - Mangoes!

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/guimaras-paradise.html


Malapascua Island, Cebu

Travel Time from Manila - 1 hour and 12 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Cebu, taxi to North Bus Terminal, Bus to Maya, pumpboat to Malapascua, walk to the resort =)
Proximity from Manila - #3
Accommodation - #2
Expenses - #3
Food - #2
White Sand - YES (best reason)
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - only at the resort
Multitude of People - #1 (usually foreigners sunbathing)
Adventure - #2 Thresher shark diving
Serenity/Paradise - #1 (best reason)

Primary Reason - One of the best diving spots in the Philippines

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/malapascua-island-best-island-in-cebu.html

Moalboal, Cebu

Travel Time from Manila - 1 hour and 12 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Cebu, taxi to South Bus Terminal or Librando Bus Terminal, Bus to Moalboal, tricycle or motorcycle to the beach 
Proximity from Manila - #3
Accommodation - #3
Expenses - #3
Food - #3
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - moderate
Drinking spree - only at the resort
Multitude of People - #4
Adventure - diving, boat racing
Serenity/Paradise - #3

Primary Reason - One of the best diving spots in the Philippines

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/passing-in-moalboal.html


Panglao, Bohol

Travel Time from Manila - 47 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Tagbilaran, Bohol, van to Panglao Beach
Proximity from Manila - #2
Accommodation - #2
Expenses - #2
Food - #2
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - moderate
Drinking spree - moderate
Multitude of People - #4
Adventure - island hopping, scuba diving
Serenity/Paradise - #3

Primary Reason - best spot in Bohol

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/experience-bohol.html

Siquijor

Travel Time from Manila - 50 minutes by plane
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Dumaguete, tricycle to pantalan (port), Ro-Ro to Siquijor, motorcycle ride to the resort  
Proximity from Manila - #4
Accommodation - #3
Expenses - #3
Food - #5 (be very cautious on what you eat or drink)
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - none
Multitude of People - #2
Adventure - falls, visiting old churches, spelunking
Serenity/Paradise - #1

Primary Reason - the entire island is white sand =)

Related link -

http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/siquijor-adventure-in-three-hours.html



Related links:
Traveling in Cebu - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/traveling-in-cebu.html
Top Beaches in Mindanao - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-beaches-in-mindanao-review.html
Top Beaches in Luzon - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/ro-ro-travel-from-allen-to-matnog-ort.html
Islands of Cebu - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/islands-of-cebu.html
Eastern Visayas Tour - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/eastern-visayas-tour.html

Dumaguete City Tour

I have visited Dumaguete City twice already. But the beauty of the city still captures my attention whenever I go to this city. 

Among the tourist spots in the city are:

Silliman University

 The university was founded in 1901 and was named after its founder, Dr. Horace B. Silliman. 

It is the first Protestant university in the Philippines.  

Dumaguete City Cathedral

It is the oldest stone church in Negros. Originally built in 1754 and reconstructed n 1885.

Beside the church is the Dumaguete Belfry which was erected in 1811 which served also as the watchtower against invading pirates or marauders. 

Restored in 1985, the belfry has become the city's most popular architectural landmark.

Freedom Park

The two important ports are -

Dumaguete Port

For those going to Mindanao and Siquijor

                                                                           Sibulan Port

                                                                            For those going to Cebu

The Neophyte Trekker

I have to admit that I am not a professional mountaineer! 

In fact, I have never had the opportunity of doing a 2-3 day trekked in the mountain. 

I even hate ascending in the mountain because of my weight. I have difficulty holding on to the rocks using my left hand due to a shoulder injury. 

And I easily get tired trekking...

But these shortcomings never stopped me from still enjoying some of the mountains in the Philippines.

   

    The first mountain that I trekked was way back when I was still a teenager. During the holy week. My friends and I were in the habit of going to Dolores, Quezon and spend our holy week in Dolores. During those days, there were thousands of pilgrims spending their time in the so-called "holy place."

     After so many years, I ended up climbing mountains anew but for a different purpose. I want to climb Mt. Pulag and Mt. Apo. These are the spots I want to trek!

    Here follows the mountains I have trekked -

         Mt. Banahaw (2,109 meters) has many 
      features like waterfalls, caves, and springs.  
     
     The jump-off point is at Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores, Quezon and other jump-off points
     are Lucban and Tayabas, Quezon.
     
     The actual climb can be classified  from moderate to strenuous. 

     It will take you   2-3 days to reach the summit. 

     I climbed  it three times when I was still young.

     Banaue Rice Terraces (2,702 meters) is known as the 8th wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

          
     The jump-off point is in Ifugao Province. The hike is easy and the duration varies depending on the trekker's pace.

     I climbed it once.

    

    
    Mt. Kanlaon (2,438 meters)

     
     The jump-off point is in Kanlaon City, 102 km from Bacolod, Negros Occidental and 167 km from Dumaguete. It has twin craters, one active and the other extinct.

       
     I made only a partial ascent.

Mt. Samat in Bataan

     Heroic place where the last stand was made during World War II.

     I climbed it once only.

Mt. Maculot (947 meters) is located in Cuenca, Batangas and can be trekked in one day.

The climb was made last August, 2012.

Mt. Makiling (1,147 meters) in   Los Banos, Laguna. The climb is    easy to moderate.

-          
        I climbed it three times already.

Mt. Pinatubo (1,740 meters before eruption) is trekked using the Capas, Tarlac trail. You need only one day to reach the crater.

I climbed it once and I want to trek it again.

Taal Volcano (311 meters) in  Talisay, Batangas. The trek is easy and can be done in one day.

It is the lowest active volcano in the world. 

But first you to ride a boat to reach the jump-off point. 

Then, reaching the jump-off point, you can either trek it by foot or ride a horse.

I tried to ride horse this time.

Then, after the 20-30 minute horse ride, you will reach the crater.

Mt. Tapias Viewdeck, Coron, Palawan

Climbing a mountain has its memorable moments. 

When you are at the top of the mountain, the sight is simply breathtaking.. =)

Sagada, Mountain Province






Related links -
Adventure

Trekking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-neophyte-trekker.html

Spelunking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/caves-in-philippines-spelunkers-dream.html

Skywalk/Edge Coaster - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/adventures-in-cebu-city.html

Trekking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/two-mountains-in-one-day-mt-maculot-and.html

Mt. Pinatubo - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-pinatubo-trek-capas-tarlac-trail.html

Top Ten adventures - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-of-my-best-adventures-in-philippines.html

River Rafting - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/white-river-rafting-in-davao.html

Sagada - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-adventures-in-sagada-plus-itinerary.html

Mt. Makiling - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-makiling-trek-and-itinerary.html

Pagsanjan - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-thrill-of-rapids-in-pagsanjan-and.html

Beach

Boracay - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/boracay.html

Coron - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/enchanting-coron.html

El Nido - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-nido-adventure-of-lifetime.html

Others –

Batanes - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-captivating-and-stunning-beauty-of.html

Bukidnon - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/exploring-bukidnon-twice.html

Bohol - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/experience-bohol.html

Top Ten Places - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-ten-places-in-philippines-i-visited.html

32 Ecotourism spots - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/32-ecotourism-spots-in-philippines.html

Top 10 summer pics 2011 - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-10-of-my-pictures-for-summer-2011.html