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My life and travels in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Buriram, Tak ... Thailand

Legazpi City (Bicol Region), Philippines

December 1998, christmas carols, seeing beautiful lights everywhere in the street and busy shoppers preparing for the holiday. As I’m about to calculate what sort of gifts should I buy to my godchildren, a friend suddenly tapped me on my shoulder telling me to put those bags in the compartment area of the bus as we’re about to take an overnight trip to her hometown…Legazpi City! Ok fine so what is this city and what’s in it anyway? Legazpi City is the capital of the province of Albay in Bicol region located in the southern Luzon of Philippines. In this place you will see the country’s perfect cone volcano, the Mount Mayon.

Awakened by my friend’s loud talk with her sister on her mobile using their local dialect, I realized the travel time wasn’t really that long or maybe because I was so tired from all the Christmas parties I attended before taking that trip and fell completely unconscious in the bus on our way. My friend is always bragging about this place and telling me that this popular Mt. Mayon volcano is just planted on her sister’s backyard. Ok let’s see if she’s telling the truth and I might check the roots as well to validate her claim.

As we arrived in the bus terminal, we took a Jeepney ride going to her house and there I met her mom and her youngest sister. My friend has a lot of married siblings in their family and it was only her mom and sister stays in that family house, and of course my friend is in Manila most of the time working. Before I forgot, this Bicol region is the “Thailand” of Philippines, I mean hot and spicy food anywhere! The popular delicacy in this province is what they call the “Bicol Express”, a spicy dish of meat or chicken simmered in coconut milk, yummy! That time my tolerance to chilies wasn’t that strong yet so I only enjoy the mildly prepared. The next day, we visited her sister’s house and there I really saw the perfect view of Mt. Mayon…around 4 to 4.30 pm I think. The distance between the house and the Mount could still be measured to around 30-40 kilometers. In the morning and early afternoon, the volcano is still covered with clouds … you really have to wait late in the afternoon to see its complete beauty. But I wasn’t that easy to please! I asked my friend to visit the place instead. So we went.

While my eyes are enjoying the closer view of the sleepy volcano, my friend whispered saying I was standing on a ground of a buried church with many people died several hundred years ago. Egad! Oh there it is … the bell tower is just few meters away from me, the only thing survived and visible from that buried church they called “Cagsawa”. A story was told to me that during that time, this volcano angrily erupted and the town people went to the church and prayed so hard to calm this violent nature activity. Unfortunately, the volcano spewed tons and tons of lava and covered the entire town including the church. Their prayers weren’t answered, and they were delivered earlier in the next world. I guess they should have packed their things off and squatted on any nearby town like a picnic and watch the beauty of eruption just like what the present people are doing nowadays. Ok I won’t go further. I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Legazpi, but I also enjoyed the shopping malls they have and of course the food. I went back to Manila 2 days before Christmas by a train to spend the holiday with my family. I can say I really enjoyed this very short trip learning and knowing wonderful people in my country, aside from the Manila populace like me.

(image link: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/Pnong_pino/5.jpg)

Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro Philippines

It wasn’t really a leisure trip, but a plant visit to consider as part of the work I’m involved in the office. We were invited by a steel industry client to check their facilities to help them defend their position on a case they filed against imported products particularly from Russia, Korea and … wait, I’m done with all these research and investigation stuff, ok we just checked if we can help them win or lose the case that’s all.

We traveled by plane because the province is located in the northern part of Mindanao. You take bus or you’ll suffer almost 3 days traveling and no way to that. Mindanao is one of the 3 main islands of Philippines situated in the south and I can say most people here are Muslims. I really have nothing against these people but the moment we left the company mansion and visit the plant, we were already body guarded by 3 armed men. Our client said that they usually protect their visitors as there are no guarantee of security, knowing all the abductions happening in that place, most people suddenly went missing. That was very sweet of them actually! But I’m not comfortable though, I was just trying to buy roasted nuts as a present and these tall men are all behind me!

As we finally checked the plantation, we were taken to glimpse one of the highlights of the province … the famous Maria Cristina Falls. I was pretty surprised when I saw it, where is the water falling?! I only witnessed some few drips and they explained that there are some mechanical devices assembled on top of the falls to control the flow of the water as they use it as an additional power source in the region. We were asked if we want to see the real flow of the falls and of course we said yes. After granting our wish we did see nothing but mist. The water gushed down with too much current and created a mist surrounding the nearby area. Splendid it was. After that we were also brought to another waterfall they called “Tinago”. Tinago is a tagalog word meaning “Hidden”, and you really have to trail down a mountain just to see it, literally it was hidden! It’s just a small waterfall, some people are enjoying and bathing and the journey back to the top was a hell trail I believe.

Cagayan de Oro that time was just starting to become highly industrialized as investors came in and set-up their plants particularly cement and iron and steel. Another clean and disciplined place I’ve experienced but I have no idea if the issue of abductions is still rampant nowadays, maybe not anymore.

I will never EVER, EVER trade the wonders my country has to offer!

(image link: http://www.issavalles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/maria-christina-falls-sm.jpg)

Cebu, Philippines

Whoa! Summer of 1997 and we went off to this beautiful place located in the Visayas region and guess what? We cruised via Super Ferry 12 (inter-island ship) and this I can say one of the best trips I’ve ever had in my life…really! It’s a company planning session actually, spiced with leisure and a travel-time of 16 hours isn’t enough. There are so many things to enjoy in the ship while battling the motion sickness; the swimming pool, karaoke bar, discotheque, arcade games and mostly, the Jacuzzi.

This was the time I realized I was so blessed of many things in life when I saw those passengers in the lower deck of the ship. The big difference is like heaven and earth to compare…and I can say I was one of those lucky in heaven. We left the city at 8 pm and arrived Cebu at 4 in the afternoon the next day. We were transported to our hotel and then we prepared ourselves for the usual stuff we do as we visit places … bar hopping! We went to a discotheque named Balls and most of us got drunk. The next day people were separated to explore places. The others went to the beach and the other group decided to visit historical places like shrines, churches and food shops. I went with the latter one.

Chicken barbeque! They perfectly marinated these fowls after being slaughtered I think, and it goes well with rice wrapped in banana leaves as they call it “puso”. We marveled the street foods and then later we went to the shrine called Magellan’s Cross. As the history tells itself, this Portuguese guy discovered the Philippines as he landed in Cebu year 1521, erected a cross as I imagined him uttering “Eureka! We found ignorant dudes who will perfectly believe we are heaven sent!” We also visited some famous church and places and bought some souvenirs as present to our friends and families in Manila. Here you can enjoy products like dried mangoes, dried squid, dried fish, guitars and good singers as well. Sorry but the last one isn’t for sale, they’re for hire.

We also visited some newly developed shopping malls and there was this time we found ourselves standing in awe watching and observing the locals…damn they’re all beautiful! Since we all believed that this is where the Spaniards settled first during their occupation, we also concluded that they made a good blood distribution to the people that made this quite an ugly-free city. Ok I maybe exaggerating or missed the odd-looking citizens but to be honest, even the barbecue girls and boys are gorgeous to consider! (trust me on this). Cebu is a very clean and friendly city in the Philippines and worth visiting. They have fantastic beaches and so as the angelic-looking people!


(image link: http://www.geocities.com/eclorenzo1/images/cebu_magellans_cross.jpg)
(image link: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/542492265_8a5832bf21.jpg?v=0)

Baguio City, Philippines

The summer capital of the Philippines, this is how we call this mountain province. There are many possible ways to get here; by plane or bus. That time we took the cheaper one and it was company sponsored. The summer of 1996.

Going up in a mountainous zigzag road is nauseating, and reading a book on the way is definitely not recommended. When we arrived at the hotel, it was late evening already so most of us decided to sleep but the others still went off to hang-out in some bars and this popular ghost-infested Spirit discotheque. The next morning we were served by a typical Filipino but cold breakfast. This place is kinda freezing even in summer, and the time gap between cooking and serving any dish should not exceed 2 minutes or else it is not enjoyable anymore to eat. Well of course I’m pertaining to breakfast meals.

After the meal and company meeting, me and my 4 girl friends relaxed a bit in our rooms as we prepare ourselves to go out in the evening because we’re all getting jiggy already. As we walked along the small street going to the disco, we passed into a small liquor store and caught a glimpse of Jack Daniels whisky…our eyes sparkled that very same moment and we all decided to buy it and went back in our hotel room. The next day we visited some historical places like the Mines View Park (on the picture), Teacher’s Camp, Burnham Park, strawberry plantation and Camp John Hay. We all decided not to visit this very popular Sagada caves as we still feel the “Jack” in us, deadening each and every thinnest vein in our body from the last night drinking galore. We emptied that bottle with no mixers or sodas…believe me.

Baguio city is a mountain province with so many things to try and shop. From silver products, peanut snacks, warm sweaters and coco jams being sold by a the witch-looking old woman from the central market’s corner (near the broccoli kiosk), this place is always recommended for all tourists who hates the heat of the city and passions mountain views and caves.

(image link: http://www.pbase.com/uteh/image/35318932)

Ilocos Sur, Santa (Philippines)

That was late 1994 when I was invited by a close friend to see her place in the northern part of the Philippines (again) and believe me…they live in an island, just a small island indeed. It took 8 hours of bus trip from Manila to the province, and I can say this is my first island trip. Once you arrived in the bus station, you have to walk few meters to the pier-like shore to transport you to this place. The boats are actually fishing boats, not ferry-like (I have no idea if they upgraded it now). So if the weather is not ok, windy and the water is kinda surf-like, you have to wait until it calms again so you can be delivered to your destination safe and sound, and of course, breathing.

When we arrived at the place, there were two dogs waiting for us at the shore. They are my friend’s pets actually, and these dogs walked with us until we reached the house and there I was introduced to my friend’s grandma, her aunts, uncles and few more dogs at the backyard. What a doggy family! Dinner … and I can’t believe what my friend showed me in a casserole, a squirming 1.5 cm squid! And then later a kind neighbor came and gave us fresh fish, yes they’re fresh because they’re still moving. In few minutes the power went-off. Ok it was called electric shutdown in that island but I was fortunate enough my friend’s house is supported by a generator and we are the only glowing house that night. We sliced the squid, sautéed it, fried the fish and the dinner went well. Cup of tea afterwards and then off to sleep. The next morning, it’s beach time!

I was carrying stuffs and the dogs were walking ahead of us. Then suddenly we reached and saw them standing still and not moving. Why? Ok, there is this bigger dog blocking our way and it seems like our two dogs are too scared to dare pass through. There ain’t no commotion between them, but I can see even my friend is not moving at all. So, I picked a stick and shoo the bigger dog so we can pass unharmed and peacefully …but then this bigger dog showed me his teeth. Suddenly I found myself alone already. Ah no, my friend and her 2 dogs are behind me.

There was an old stupid myth that was told to me by a drunken neighbor before saying that if you’ve been approached by an angry dog, you should do the same thing, gnarl and show him your teeth as well. I took the risk. Though I looked stupid but it did work, the dog sped off! Really! After that incident my friend’s pets became so close to me during my stay. They swam and played with me on the beach like I’m their new owner. A myth that worked when tried, with no scientific proof but I won’t dare to risk again next time.

Until now If I’m walking with my friends and passing thru some houses, and there are these dogs barking at us and yet they’re inside the gate, I still do the same thing. I growl back to them that made them annoy and angry and scares my friends even more. Just for fun!

(image link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eugedaman/3103882229/)

Ilocos Norte, Laoag (Philippines)

My first long trip with my mother late 1991 I guess… ah yes, and it was blessed. We just got our yearly bonus! We took the early bus trip going to my grandma’s hometown, the northern part of the Philippines, and we’re too excited. It’s my first time and my mom hasn’t visited her relatives there for more than 10 years. When we arrived at the central city, oh man that was the cleanest and most disciplined place I’ve ever seen in my life (during that time). I grew-up in a loud and disorganized town in Manila, where people believed that a river is a garbage dump area, playing on the flood on rainy season and talking to people face-to-face with a 4.29 decibel loudness rate is so ordinary and common. So when I first stepped into this place, paradise-like!

Laoag Ilocos Norte is a very ideal place to live in. Aside from seeing those old preserved houses and churches during the Spanish era, taking a ride with those calezas (wagon pulled by a horse) on the street, you will enjoy seeing kind people talking in different dialect (not tagalog), and soon you’ll find yourself lost in translation and might settle on speaking Spanish better. Ok, my mom is good on both, the local dialect and Spanish, but still we found ourselves lost locating the best rice cake store in town. This city has been occupied primarily by Spaniards during that what-the-f*** of 300+ years colonization. Filipinos always believe that if you’re from this part of the country, you are too smart to spend your money and very meticulous in the house or I can say, immaculately clean. There are many (seriously) exciting places to visit in the Philippines and I highly recommend this one.

This is where I bought a fresh tobacco as a present to my friend but then I curiously smoked one stick and encouraged my cousins ages 14 and 15 to try as well. My mom got really mad at me. We went to a resort near the airport and it was my first horse ride. I also met a lot of Taiwanese who visited the resort and along with them are water jugs, 3-4 each person. They bought a lot of this coconut water before boarding the plane and they left the meat untouched. I can’t believe this coconut water is not so valued by us locals but these foreigners consider them so precious, they believe it’s a medicine. It is actually.

You can’t see much in Manila, but here you will find Museum and Mausoleum of the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos … and much more. And oh I forgot … the fantastic beaches!

(image link: http://www.worldtourist.us/ilocosnorte/laoag11.jpg)