My Take: It's More Fun in the Philippines

Okay, I admit.  This one's not an original idea.  This blog post was inspired by the latest ad campaign from the Department of Tourism.  Thanks to the internet, people from all over our 7,107 islands are coming up with all sorts of their versions of It's More Fun in the Philippines.  And yes, I too, have been bitten by the bug.

I'm far from being a professional photographer, but I just want to share with you, my dear readers, some pictures I've taken in my travels and some photos my big bro took using my camera (point and shoot type ha, not DSLR!).  So I searched through my hard drive and here are what I found.  All pics, by the way, were not photoshopped or edited by any means.  I took all pics, except for Pictures #1 and #11 which were taken by my brother.

Can't get enough?  Let me give you some more.

And for my finale....

You may repost these images but please remember to trace back the link to this blog.


How about you?  Can you share some photos that show how it really is more fun in this country?


Use the Harbara Font and learn how to make your own It's More Fun in the Philippines photo. 
Once you're done, you can generate your meme here.
To see others' works, you can click here.  Chuvaness already did a banner too.


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Pictures 1 and 2 were taken on our family vacation to Boracay last April 2010.   
Picture 3 was on a recent DepEd Pasig outreach program to the Bicol region.
Pictures 4, 5, 6 and 7 were on our church's small group's 2009 Holy Week escapade in Occidental Mindoro.  
Pictures 8 and 9 were from our family's Ilocos Christmas vacation for 2010.
And finally, Pictures 10 and 11 were taken in Sun Valley Estates in Antipolo City. 

Bicol: Circa 2007 and 2011

I've always wanted to travel and tour around our entire country.  Of course, it's a privilege to see other nations in the future, but I'd like to explore our own first whenever I have the opportunity to do so.  After all, I haven't seen the rest that has made the Philippines a popular destination for foreigners once again.  Seeing the countryside and significant landmarks, mingling with the locals, sampling famous food from a particular region, and getting to know a province's history and culture never fails to refresh, recharge and re-energize me.  But aside from the benefits I get out of traveling, I feel that I need to do this every now and then as a citizen of this country to keep my passion for PHL burning.  How can I be passionate about something I do not know that much, right?

For today's blog post, allow me to talk about a province I had the chance to visit three times :  Bicol.  The first time I set foot in this province was in 2007.  It was a short stay -- only two nights -- and it was because I gave a short talk on technology and how to use a book which I co-wrote with some friends.  It broke my heart to see school children not having enough materials to learn.  It's really a heart-tugging scene seeing all the dilapidated classrooms, thatched roofs, nearly empty libraries, and teachers desperate and wanting for more training and professional enrichment.  I think that experience forever changed the way I looked at education, learning and teaching.  In Manila, we hem and complain to no end.  In Bicol, they were thankful for anything they were given and offered.  Their land was beautiful and the soil was rich --- yet people were impoverished and under-educated.  Here in the city, nothing is ever good enough in our eyes.    

My first trip to Bicol was so short that I only got to tour Legazpi and Naga.  Half the time we spent sleeping in the bus.  The trip took 12 hours before we reached our destination via Peñafrancia Bus Line.  When our team got there, I immediately buckled down to business.  I talked for the entire day, thankful to have an audience that deeply appreciated our coming.  After the day-long seminar-workshop, we retreated to the Gaisano mall for a quick dinner, and laid down to rest, tired and spent from the many hours we were on the road.  The following day we spent it touring the place, scrambling to buy all the pili nuts I could lay my hands on, grabbing all the native bags I could afford, and capturing some photos of the Mayon volcano.  Before I could even learn a few Bicolano greetings, we were already packing our bags for Manila.  As shadows of Mayon volcano slowly faded from my side of the window, I silently prayed for a chance to visit this wonderful province again.  God answered my prayer; six months later, I got to visit the province second time around, albeit shorter --- a mere overnight stay, again for a business-related reason.    

I took this picture of my first time to catch a glimpse of Mayon volcano.

The ever-elusive volcano wasn't in the mood to be photographed, apparently.

Glorious background in mid-day.  After many unsuccessful attempts, I finally had my first souvenir photo of Mayon in all its perfect cone behind me.  This was the grounds of that school we visited in 2007.

The team and the school directress

Care for small talk?

This is the famous cafe that serves the best that this land has to offer: pasta cooked the Bicolano way.  Take your pick from their sauces (not your usual Pinoy or Italian style):  Bicol express or laing!

Yes, it's so affordable. I wish they would set up a branch here in Manila!

Parting shot before I boarded our bus 

Last December 8, I went to Bicol for the third time.  This trip meant much more because this time, I was a participant in an outreach program to the schools in that region.  I'm so thankful to my supervisor who offered me the chance to take part in this outreach cum leisure trip.  We spent a total of four days and three nights, and for this trip, I was able to see not only Legazpi and Naga, but also Camsur and Sorsogon, where we spent the nights.  We distributed shoes and books to about three different schools from all over the region as representatives of our beloved city, Pasig.  The trip was long and tiring; but seeing the smiles of the people and the happiness they felt made it all so worth it.

Every day that we were there, we always had an agenda and a schedule to follow.  I didn't mind as structure can be good many times.  Otherwise, I would have missed out on a lot of good things if I went to this trip DIY style.  In the mornings we'd go visit a particular school.  Have lunch back in Sorsogon, then tour in the early evenings.  I visited the Cagsawa ruins, the Peñafrancia Church, Naga, Legazpi, Buluran hot springs and lake, and took a lot of pictures for posterity.  My only regret is not seeing the famed butanding.  December supposedly is the best time to go and see the whale sharks in Donsol; however, it was raining like crazy when we got there, so we had to cancel our whale shark-sight-seeing trip.  Di bale.  On our next trip to that island, I'd definitely not pass up the chance to say high to those amazing sea creatures. 


Bicol may be rich in terms of natural resources, but the region is also almost in tatters from all the typhoons, floods and other natural disasters from recent months. There's so much to rebuild and rework, but I believe with its charming beauty, resilient people, high-quality products and vast potential, Bicol can turn into a very promising, and soon, more developed region.

This is us on Day 2.  Day 1 was practically spent on the road driving from Manila to Sorsogon.

On our second day, we donated books and shoes to Palanas National High School in Sorsogon.

This is the 4th year high school class from that school.

After the day's outreach, we spent some time dipping in the Buluran hot springs. 

Bagong ligo!  Hahahaha!

This is Day 3 of the outreach. See those plastic bags on the right side of the pic?  Those were the shoes we gave the people from this school.

This is another resettlement school we visited on Day 3.

Yes, I heart Pasig. :-)

We went crazy over the pili nut products and woven bags!

Hoarders!  Hahaha :-)

Fun shot at Cagsawa ruins.

Mayon volcano was supposed to be behind us but it was foggy. Boo.

Another fun shot

It started to drizzle, hence, the rain drops on our photo. 

Mayon, however, started to become more visible.

Beautiful and breath-taking.

Yay for this photo

...and another one :-)

at CamSur

Agenda #1 on my next return to Bicol

Definitely, this won't be the last time I'll see Bicol.  I have reported back to work, and in fact, the new year is almost here, but I still miss the cool, misty air in Sorsogon, and the truly delectable dishes we feasted on --- laing, pinangat, santol sa gata, and so on.  The other day I told Mr. M about all the wonderful things we experienced while being there, and I told him of my desire to go back.  I'm so lucky blessed to be engaged to a guy who shares my wanderlust!  Haha!

This coming 2012, I'd make time to sit down, read my Philippine history books again, and make a list of all the amazing provinces I'd like to visit someday, and by God's grace, with Mr. M as travel companion.  That's what Bicol did to me.  This trip has got me all fired up with nationalism and patriotism.  I won't even attempt to criticize those who are in the government agencies now, and who are responsible for caring for their own spheres of authority and jurisdiction --- that's not up for me to do.  But I do hope and pray they do a good job taking good care of our lands and developing our people.  These are our national treasures.  

Boracay Diaries

 I enjoyed staying out in the sun, snorkelling and just appreciating all that nature had to offer in Mindoro.  

But my arms had to pay a high price for overexposure to the summer heat.

 Pandan Island is quite undiscovered, as compared to Boracay and Puerto Gallera, which are becoming more and more commercialized.  Only 50 people can be accomodated in Pandan on a daily basis.  Reservations sometimes should be done six months in advance.  But the trip is worth it.  And I must say, Pandan Island's sand and beaches can rival Bora's anytime!

Remember Sablayan from my last year's holy week escapade?  Walking on powdery white sand and swimming in crystal-clear, blue-green waters of the beaches in that part of Mindoro have instantly become my favorite vacation activities, that since then I vowed to visit that part of our country as often as I could.

Or better yet, hop on to other islands of the Philippines and sunbathe in other white sand beaches of our glorious territories.  :-)  Hey, you have to blame Mindoro for this.  Sablayan and Pandan Island spoiled me that much, to the point that I benchmark all beach destinations to the magnificent experience I had with Summer 2009.

So when mama asked if I wanted to dip through the famous waters of Boracay islands, my answer was a loud and resounding YES! 

Last March 3, I booked my older brother, myself and Mom roundtrip flights to Kalibo via Zest Air.  

We set the vacation on April 2-4, 2010.  I initially thought one month's advance booking was enough.  

I was wrong.  All flights with Cebu Pacific, PAL and Seair were sold out.  The remaining ones were way too expensive for our budget.  So Zest Air it is.  We didn't regret the decision.

 The flight, however, was 30 minutes delayed.  As usual, Mom read her papers.

 Yay!  This has got to be the second time I'm riding a plane in my whole lifetime.

 Just got to have that Zest Air logo on the pic.  Hehehe

 I just couldn't resist the cute formation of the clouds.

 ...and a few minutes later we were already 17,000 feet above ground.  

Suddenly, everything looked so small and insignificant. 

 We're here:  the flight was only 1 hour.  What took longer was the bus ride from Kalibo 

which brought us to the ship ports of Caticlan.

 A picture in Caticlan:  we're standing in front of the Fairways and Bluewater welcome center in Caticlan.

To our back is the ocean, and about 10 minutes of boat ride after that is the gorgeous island of Boracay!

Bora was disappointing at first.  As you can see, the water's a bit murky.  

The green stuff behind uswas the lumot which, surprisingly, people just ignored.

Pandan Island was way way better than this side of Bora's public beach.

When we got to the island, the place was just brimming full of people.  You could literally step on

someone else's feet, or be stepped on!  It was hardly my idea of a perfect and quiet vacation.

I tried not to let my dampened spirit show.  I pre-judged Bora too early, and my verdict was that it's just slightly better than your ordinary swimming pool:  loud music everywhere, overpopulated and crowded places, and ultra commercialized surroundings that makes you wonder whether you flew out of Metro Manila.  But when we got to our resort, boy oh boy, I love Bora!  Now I'm a believer hahahahahah

FB golf resort was almost at the extreme side of the island, which was good because we were away from the maddening crowd.  The public beach doesn't really knock the socks off my feet.  Our resort occupies about 1/10 of the whole Boracay island.  It has about ten hotels, a golf course, an athletic field, a private beach resort, a horseback riding field, ATV facilities, an open-air amphitheater, a spa, zipline facilities, an infinity pool and a large freshwater swimming pool.  If those amenities aren't even enough, then I know what is.

Talk about relaxation.  Would you care for a massage?

The infinity pool was just too inviting...

...and this Korean family couldn't resist!

This is one half of the private beach of FB resort.  Now that's my kind of beach --- private, quiet and tranquil.

Morning pose:  Mama and me pose before the beach overlooking the keyhole.

This is the chapel within the resort.

Closer shot of the chapel.

This is Mulligan Hotel where we stayed for two nights.

Did you know that we paid only 60% of the room rate?  

Best bargain ever!

Sleep your stress away.

Contemporary yet classic furniture

Luxurious bathroom amenities

Ah, this is what I call THE L-I-F-E!!! hehe

You can snorkel and swim in the beach...

...or stay afloat in the pool...

...or just enjoy the cool breeze and nice view...

...and yes, don't forget the photo ops...

We also visited Puka beach, at the far right end of the island.  It's the cleanest public beach I know in Bora.

When will I probably have the guts to wear a two-piece?  hehe

Puka shells for souvenir

Instead of the usual island-hopping of which my mom is not a fan, we opted to climb up Mt. Luho, the highest point in Bora.  For only Php 50, you can have unlimited views of the best spots in the island.  Awesome experience.

Cute slippers and sandals being sold at the foot of Mt. Luho

Foreigners and Pinoys alike love to ride the ATV.

Too bad time wasn't enough for me to try it.

This is one of the magnificent views of Bora from Mt. Luho.  Did you know that all the strips of white sand on the photo belongs to our resort?  It's that HUGE.

This is the opposite side of the picture earlier.  Beautiful and breathtaking, isn't it?

 Mom and I enjoying the views.  More, more, more!!!

 We flew back to Manila very early on the morning of the 4th, when only a handful were willing to travel back to the city.  But if I had it my way, with the beautiful surroundings and great food, I'd rather stay for a few more days.

 Back to the Urban Zone.  Manila as caught in my cam from my side of the plane.

It has been one week since I returned to the Urban Jungle.  After a long weekend, I have resumed working, and since then my mind was once again consumed with thoughts related to my job.  But at night, I still dream of the foamy, clear water, white sand and the gentle breeze of Boracay Island.  Now I know why this part of the Philippines has become a world-class destination.

My verdict?  I want to go back!!!!!  Every peso was so worth it.  

Now I know what to save for in 2011  :-)