Vote NOW for PPUR

Only few days left before that judging on November 11, 2001 (that is 11/11/11 to you) and NOW is the time you vote!

Please vote for Palawan Underground River to be one of the new 7 wonders of nature at www.new7wonders.com, or by texting PPUR to 2861.

HELP for Pedring

From Sidney's blog: Last September 27, 2011 a powerful typhoon (Pedring, international name - Nesat) has struck the Philippines. Witnesses said flooding in parts of Manila was the worst in decades. In the shanty village of Ulingan in Tondo (click here) which is facing the sea, most of the homes were destroyed leaving many families homeless. All those families are already living below the poverty line. Project Pearls and Photo Kalye are organizing relief operations. They need your help more than ever.

traditional filipino folk dance - tinikling

Tinikling - Tinikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.

traditional filipino folk dance - sayaw sa bangko

Sayaw sa Bangko - ("dance on a bench") is a folk dance from the Pangasinan province of the Philippines. Performers dance on top of a bench that is normally six inches wide.

traditional filipino folk dance - pandango sa ilaw

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance “fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

traditional filipino folk dance - binasuan

Binasuan - Originated in Pangasinan Province “meaning with the use of drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand carefully maneuvered with graceful movements. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

traditional filipino folk dance

Most Philippine dances were originally patterned after European dances during the Spanish regime. Pandango Sa Ilaw, Cariñosa, Rigodon and Balitao are examples of these dances Filipinos are known for. Aside from these western-influenced dances, ethnic-created dances such as Tinikling made its way to nationwide recognition. Despite its apparent adaptation to western dances, still Filipinos pay tribute to their cultural roots. Every district in the islands has its own folk dance, interpreted attractively in festivals and local shows, which have added to the country’s reputed contribution to world’s illustration of traditional arts.

The following are examples of popular Philippine folk dances :

Binasuan - Binasuan originated in Pangasinan Province “meaning with the use of drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand carefully maneuvered with graceful movements. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

Rigodon - Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed at formal affairs like inaugural balls where prominent members of the government participate and enjoy.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance “fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

Tinikling - Tinnikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.

Maglalatik - Originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to pay tribute to the town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the palipasan and the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the reconciliation. Moro dancers wear read trousers while the Christian dancers show up in blue. All dancers are male ; with harnesses of coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.

Cariñosa - Cariñosa is a word that describes an affectionate, friendly and lovable woman. This dance is performed in flirtatious manner with fans and handkerchiefs to assist the dancers’ hide-and-seek movements.

La Jota Manileña - It is a dance named after the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, where an adaptation of Castilian Jota afloats with the clacking of bamboo castanets played by the dancers themselves. The costume and the graceful movements of the performers noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture.

Source: http://www.camperspoint.com

barbara's intramuros

Barbara's at Intramuros. Started out as a small cafe in Malate in the 1970s, the business soon expanded its operations to catering as well as canteen management. Today, Barbara's is located at the Plaza San Luis complex in Intramuros, Manila. (Just across the San Agustin church.) They serve authentic Filipino cuisine inspired by the colonial time, it feels like dining during the Spanish era.

what i like about this restaurant aside from the fact that it is within the walled city is its cultural show. after dinner they have a cultural show of traditional filipino folk dances, i didnt realised i missed watching folk dance which i took for granted when i was still at school. i guess old age? heheheh but seriously, you should visit this place and get to watch the traditional dance :)


The Dinner Buffet and Cultural Dance Show takes place every day from Tuesdays to Saturdays evening at around 7pm.  Buffet dinner is at PHP 550 per head.

Barbara's Restaurant
Address: Plaza San Luis Complex, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros
Phone: 788-3356 / 527-4083 / 527-3893 / 527-4086
Website: http://www.barbarasrestaurantandcatering.com

cool sunset

Please VOTE for Palawan Underground River

Please vote for Palawan Underground River to be one of the new 7 wonders of nature 
at www.new7wonders.com, or by texting PPUR to 2861.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

no to mining in palawan

i've already posted this in my personal account via facebook but i am reposting it here in this blog to to help spread the word and let you guys help to save the Philippines' last frontier. i am about to visit this beautiful place again this weekend and i would like our future generation to see this place as it is now.

Please log in to www.no2mininginpalawan.com and sign the petition.

=======
My dear friends,

On January 24 a very dear friend and colleague Gerry Ortega was shot in the head dead. I was just with him that weekend – and a few minutes before he died what we were discussing over the phone was an anti-mining campaign in Palawan – given that on December two huge mining applications were railroaded – and they were to be near protected sites.

Gerry is dead but we will not let go of his dreams – and mine – and probably yours too.

Palawan has 17 key biodiversity sites - which means it is part of the 70% biodiversity sites which are essential for sustaining life in the planet. It has 2 world heritage sites, 8 protected sites. Yet if you see Palawan on the map you will note that it is a very thin island – which is 82% mountain. It means that if the forest gets denuded and the minerals excavated – the tailings seep directly into the sea affecting the coral reefs. The top soil is thin – and the island eco system is fragile.

Mining is not the way to go for Palawan . I have five eco tourism sites wherein the communities involved can now send their children to school, can dream bigger dreams. Mayor Hagedorn in Puerto Princesa has banned mining and logging – and focused on tourism and agriculture. From 2 flights a week, Puerto Princesa now boasts 10 flights a day. His revenues have gone up from several million to several billion.
Mining as an economic path in a magnificent “Last Frontier” is based on a paradigm of economic growth that is myopic and archaic . In this age of climate change and global warming any economic development that does not recognize and revere the web of life should be thrown in the dustbin.

Please please support the ten million signature campaign to Stop Mining in Palawan . The richness of Palawan is the wealth and pride of the country, it is the wealth of the world. Log in to www.no2mininginpalawan.com .. register your vote and please please send it to thousands others. You can also include your household by downloading the form printing it – and faxing it t 4152227 or you can scan it and send it to signatures@no2mininginpalawan.com. Questions can be sent to signatures@no2mininginpalawan.com.

GINA LOPEZ
Managing Director
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

ILOCOS: bangui windmills

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. I think i've counted 20 windmills there, if i still know how to count that is :)

ILOCOS: La Paz Sand Dunes

The La Paz Sand Dunes or Bantay Bimmaboy consists of an area of approximately 85 square kilometers (52 square miles) of protected sandy coastal desert and beach close to Laoag City, the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. The area is known locally by the name Bantay Bimmaboy, a name which refers to the common perception that the dunes resemble pigs in shape.

The height of the dunes ranges from 10 to 30 meters. The dunes themselves are scenic but a panoramic view of the South China Sea can also be seen from them.

With its dramatic landscape, the La Paz Sand Dunes is a popular site for shooting local and foreign films. It was used as a location for the Philippine movies Himala and Panday and for segments of the Hollywood films Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. A few people inhabit the area, as can be seen from the nipa huts that dot the dunes.

Source: http://en.wikipilipinas.org

ILOCOS: paoay church

Paoay Church (also known as the St. Augustine Church in Paoay) is a historical church located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. During the Philippine Revolution in 1898, its coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros as an observation post. Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It currently is a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Construction of Paoay Church was started by the Augustinian friars in 1694. It was completed in 1894 led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo and was re-dedicated in 1894.

A three-storey coral stone bell tower stands a few meters away from the church. The bell tower served as an observation post in 1896 for the Katipuneros during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards, and again by the Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan than it would during the wedding of the poor.

Portions of the church was damaged during the earthquakes in 1865 and 1885. During an excavation inside the church in 2000, a prehistoric human skeleton and fragmented ceramics were discovered and are now in display at the National Museum. Former president Ferdinand Marcos declared Paoay Church as a national treasure and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

Known as the “Earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines, Paoay church was built of baked bricks, coral rocks, salbot (tree sap) and lumber, and has 24 carved massive buttresses for support. It is an architectural solution to the area's challenging, natural setting. Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick made of the same materials. Its bell tower, which is detached from its main building, is made of coral stone. It stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse. Originally, the church roof was thatched; and it is conjectured so that buttresses not only support walls but give roof access during fire and typhoon.

The rectangular facade of the church is supported by four pillasters which extend from the first to the second level outlining the arched doorway. Huge volutes or buttresses and low-relief lines are found on each side of the facade.

In Fr. Pedro Galende's book, he described the massiveness of the structure is balanced by its grace and fluidity. The church adapts the pyramidal design of the baroque style. Its details are inspired from by seal of Saint Agustine, the emblem of the king of Spain, the logo of the Pope, the “init-tao” or the sun god, and stylized Chinese clouds.

Source: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Paoay_Church

ILOCOS: storebucks

 found this storebucks near the marcos museum and where former presidents marcos' "waxy" remains is lying in the mausoleum.

ILOCOS: Bell Tower of St. Agustine Church in Bantay

ILOCOS: Vigan - Baluarte love birds

so cute! so sweet! so adorable! <3 <3 <3

ILOCOS: Vigan - Butterfly Garden at Baluarte

butterfly garden at baluarte, vigan city, ilocos sur

hatching room

i dunno why these butterflies are so snob! LOL! cause its the first time i entered a butterfly garden where the butterflies dont 'entertain' their guests. they just hover over your head, fleetingly caress your shoulders and one single move and they shy away and fly as fast as they can. sigh, so i was really really careful not to make sudden movements when i was taking the pictures cause they are flighty? i dunno the word, but that's it. at least this one looks like enjoying my camera :)

ILOCOS: Vigan - Baluarte ni Singson

the mouth of one of the life-sized statues of dinosaur at baluarte ni singson in vigan city, ilocos sur.  one thing i can say is that this place is really big (about 80- hectares) and it is a mini zoo, a butterfly garden, with man-made falls, and they even have a live animal show for free. wow! chavit singson must be really really rich to afford to open this to the public for free. yup free to anyone and you can have picnic inside and the rest rooms are clean! to be able to find a nice c.r. at a free public place is very rare specially in the province so big kudos to the owner. :0

ILOCOS: Vigan - St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral

cathedral of vigan also known as st. paul's metropolitan cathedral 

bell tower of the cathedral of vigan

the cathedral's main door

just wondering if this is a coat of arms of something? just above the main door of the cathedral. anyone enlighten me please, thanks.

Cathedral of Vigan.  Like most stories of centuries old churches in the Philippines, this cathedral was first build on wood, has been on fire and toppled by earthquake but erected again on the same spot, and has been occupied by the american forces during the war.

so i guess, you could say that our churches are stubborn and strong eh? no matter how many times it goes down... it will always rise.

ILOCOS: Vigan - people watching