HOW TO GET THERE

If you’ve got time, you may want to take a six hour drive from Manila to Daet, Camarines Norte’s capital. The stopover for Lucena’s famous chami and Candelaria’s  crispy pata will make this a road trip for foodies. But if driving doesn’t appeal to you, the improved road conditions and the extra comfy “Lazy boy” seats should make the eight hour bus trip to Naga, Camarines Sur a good choice. Bicol-bound buses take off from the Cubao bus terminal and costs a reasonable P700. But, a 45-minute plane ride to Pili, Camarines Sur (via Air Philippines or Cebu Pacific) or to Legazpi city, Albay (via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines) can get you there in a jiffy.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Start your road trip from Bicol’s northernmost province of Camarines Norte, known to locals for the surfing hotspot Bagasbas. Then minutes from Daet, bagasbas has beginner-friendly waves, a pool and helpful surfing instructors. An hour surf session and board rental will cost you P400. For a quiet retreat, take a trip to the untouched Calaguas Islands where powdery while sand and crystal clear waters await you. To get there take a 45-minute jeep or van ride to the town of Mercedes and then a two hour ride by pump boat to Calaguas Islands.

For an adrenalin fix, jump off to Pili in Camarines Sur where you will find the world-class cable wakeboard park, CWC. Get that rush as you go on the kickers or even as you watch thrill seeking riders do their raleys and 360s. Surely your muscles will be sore after, so go chill and relax at the Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur’s hidden paradise. From the Naga City terminal, take a 45-minute van or jeepney ride to Sagnay port where you jump off to Caramoan Island via a two-hour pump boat ride. Explore these white sand islands surrounded by limestone cliffs and endless sea.

Cap off your trip with a truly breathtaking experience as you swim with the whalesharks in Donsol, Sorsogon (best between February and May). Swimming an arm’s length away from these friendly giants is probably as close as it gets to being on the Discovery Channel!

DINING SPECIALTIES

What better way to satisfy those cravings than a food trip to Albay, home of the breathtaking Mayon Volcano and the best of Bicolano cooking. First stop is Let’s in Camalig, home of Bicol’s famous pinangat (or laing). To get a taste of the real Bicol Express and set your mouth (and your appetite) on fire, drop by Gemma’s in Legazpi City. And for modern Bicolano cooking and unforgettable thin crust pizza, check our Small Talk Café’ near Rizal Street in Legazpi City.

WHERE TO STAY

Reasonably priced accommodations dot the region, like Bagasbas’ seaside surfer accommodations where aircon rooms for two cost only P600. Similarly, a comfortable single room stay in Naga Land Hotel in Naga city will fit a P750 budget, while a cabana for two in CWC costs P1250. In Caramoan, Rex Hotel should suit backpackers’s budget with a room for six (P1200); while those seeking resort comforts can head to Gota Beach. In Legazpi, luxury seekers can head to Pepperland Hotel while those happy with the basics can stay in Neuhaus Hotel near the airport. In Donsol, the Woodland Resort should be a good stopover.

So what are you waiting for? Stop wishing for that perfect vacation and go on a trip guaranteed to be legendary!

You don’t need to spend more than you should during holiday!

WHEN TO TRAVEL.

The price of airfare and hotels is dictated by seasons, so it’s wise to travel off-season whenever possible. If you have a job that confines your free time only to the usual weekends and notional holidays, considering cutting a deal with your boss so you work on holidays and weekends but take your leaves on regular days. This way, you can travel at off-peak prices. Flight tickets are usually cheapest for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures. Plan ahead and make your dates flexible! Last-minute rushing limits your options and can lead to surcharges when processing travel documents.

THE LOW DOWN ON AIRFARE

Airfare is usually the biggest expense in a traveler’s budget. While rock-bottom promo fares have become available, be cautious that these can end up becoming more expensive if you suddenly need to change you schedule or route. “Discounted or promo fares are based on a ‘book and buy’ policy. If you miss your flight,[say] goodbye [to your] cash.Smart travelers often obtain tickets with a validity of three months, six months, or one year. They can re-book, re-route, or upgrade to a higher class, or have tickets refunded for a minimal fee.” Go for non-refundable and non-reroutable promo fares only when you schedule is absolutely fixed.

CHEAPERS AND SLEEPS

Staying in a hotel room that has a kitchenette (or shared kitchen facilities) can bring major savings even if prices are higher than rooms with no kitchen. If the price difference between the two rooms is less than what you would be spending daily eating out, the more expensive room with the kitchen may prove to be the better deal. While traveling, prepare regular meals on your own so you splurge on lunches and dinners only at truly memorable restaurants. If you can’t find affordable accommodations near the top tourist destinations, choose a hotel that’s further out but cheaper and has good access to public transportation. Tour packages that combine airfare and hotels usually bring good savings, but if you want to book a hotel that’s not part of any  package, the cheapest rates will most likely be found in that hotel’s own website.

SMART SIGHTSEEING

Route planning is the key to cost-effective sightseeing. Do your research way before your trip., so you can list down all the places you want to see and group them into zones. Take note of transportation options and arm yourself with a good map so you don’ t waste time and money getting lost. Study the opening and closing schedules of establishments you want to visit, and see if tickets or entrance fees are cheaper on some days compared to others.

PACK RIGHT AND LIGHT

“Smart travelers ask about the weather in their destination, to avoid paying for excess luggage [from packing to much because of uncertainty], or spending on coats, jackets, or other clothes [that they forgot to bring]. Go through your itinerary and plan what to wear for each day of your trip, based on the places you’ll be visiting and activities you’ll be doing. Figure out how to look good and be comfortable each day with the least amount of clothing items possible.

Why not kick off the new year with a handful of fabulous fiestas across the Philippines and enjoy a month of partying, Pinoy style!

The fake pine trees are packed away, the carols have died down and all the gifts have been unwrapped. Yes, Christmas is over, but don’t stop the merry-making just yet. In case you’ve forgotten, the Philippines is the nation of fun-loving people with a constant yearning for good times. While others lament and wallow in post-holiday blues, Filipinos are already planning a new calendar of non-stop festivities.

In fact, it all starts with a bang on the first month of the year. January is a host to truly spectacular events worth ample dose of good cheer. They range from the somewhat solemn to the downright insane; occasions that bear deep cultural significance (not to mention plenty of simple joys) for those who celebrate them. There’s one of these happening everyday, somewhere in the Philippines‘s 7,100 islands. Indeed, the party never stops — from the grassy plains up north to the islands down south, we show you five exciting fiestas to look forward to in the month of January.

Bring On the Buling

In the district of Pandacan, the year’s first fiesta is called Buling-buling. The Buling-buling honors the Child Christ – the beloved Santo Nino, a popular and pervasive image. On the 15th, Pandacan residents take their Santo Nino statues onto the streets. Hundreds of men, women and children make their appearance dressed in colorful Spanish-era costumes. They groove to the jumpy notes of a marching band, stepping left and right, in faithful adherence to the moves of the classic Buling-buling dance. This gracefully waving parade starts at one end of town, makes its way past the bandarita-strewn main avenues and into the area just past the old church. The people recite a series of prayers which is then followed by a mass blessing of the Santo Nino images. this fiesta may  last only a few hours, but what it lacks in duration, it makes up for in good-natured gaiety. This is a slice of the rural in a thoroughly urban district — and a pocket-sized fiesta that’s literally at your doorstep.

Saintly Dance

While the Quiapo festivity is ongoing, another age-old tradition is in full swing up north. This one boasts a somewhat bouncier disposition. From January 6-10, the town of Sasmuan, in the province of Pampanga, celebrates the Kuraldal. Part prayer and part revelry, it is for Saint Lucy, who is said to have loved dancing. Lucy, who is said to have loved dancing. On the eve of the feast, pilgrims from all over arrive, and for the next five days, the brass bands let loose on the streets, their music playing amid shouts of “Viva Apung Lucia!” from the dancing devotees. It’s a good bet you’ll be invited into a local home for Pampangueno fare like tamales, tibok-tibok, and pancit palabok. On the last day, the holy image has a final procession, the music is at its loudest, the crowd at its merriest, and the dancing at its best.

Downtown’s Biggest Feast

In Manila, the first big fiesta is the Feast of the Black Nazarene. On the ninth of this month, the streets in downtown Quiapo will be chock-full of smiling, barefoot folks making their way to the venerable old Quiapo Church, all the while bearing religious statues and blaring brass bands. There’s also a strange assortment of fortune tellers, anting-anting (talisman)hawkers, and vendors selling all sorts of knick-knacks and street food to add interest. Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo is the 400-year old, wooden statue of the Suffering Christ. Witness the people’s devotion to it in the tranlacion — a mammoth procession. Touch the statue for good luck in the new year, and everyone takes this to heart. Watch the proceedings from above (the Plaza Miranda side of Quezon Bridge offers a good view). The chaotic yet unusually peaceful parade starts midday at the Luneta and ends around midnight at the Quiapo Church.

Viva Santo Nino!

Elsewhere in the Philippines, more parties await, and they are louder, rowdier, and flashier in the Visayas, down south. The Santo Nino is again, the object of devotion; the fiestas are usually associated with a single image — that of the soot-blackened, lavishly costumed Ati-ati warrior. The Ati-atihan tradition is the classic symbol of this fiesta-crazy country of the Philippines. Aklan is where it all started, since the time the dark-skinned started Ati tribespeople were converted to Christianity and Christian settlers were so elated, they dressed themselves like their newfound brothers. Celebrated all over Aklan, the biggest revelry is in the capital of Kalibo. On January 14, dozens of Ati-ati “tribes” take to the streets, alongside Aklanons bearing the status of the Child Christ. Through ear-splitting drumbeats, hear the cries of “Hala bira! Pwera pasma! Viva Santo Nino!” (“Go gettum! Nobody gets tired! Long live Santo Nino!”). The townspeople dance on till Monday’s dawn. But there’s more. The nearby towns of Ibajay and Altavas hold their own Ati-atihan. And in Iloilo City, four hours away, they have the Ati-styled, Dinagyang celebration

Bullfight Festival

Four galloping hooves, 300 pounds of bone and beef plus a pair of horns hurtling towards you, eyes blazing, nostrils flaring, totally hell-bent on a bone-crunching collision. Enjoy the thrill of the Pasungay!

Held annually on the second Saturday of January, in the rural town of San Joaquin, Iloilo where farming dates back to the 1800s, the Pasungay offers a different take on the fiesta. There are no matadors here. This is one of the few places in the world where a bullfight is actually between bulls. Around 40 to 50 of these creatures make their appearance during this event, competing for the grand prize in a morning derby. Later in the day, a series of paaway, or horsefights are also held.

The soltadas (matches) take place at the San Joaquin Sports Stadium which is easy to get to from the town plaza — just follow the moos. Then watch the bulls in their fuming, raging glory and place your bets. The really fun part is after the match when the bulls chase each other throughout the area, plowing through everything in their way.

Animal lovers need not despair, for the Pasungay isn’t a reckless misuse of bovine brawn. It’s a timeless celebration of the San Joaquin way of life — one that reaffirms the age-old partnership of man and beast, and one that will surely remain for many more years.

The Beach

Pagudpud is usually first in the Ilocos Norte Itinerary. From Laoag Airport, it’s a smooth two-hour ride that gives you a peek of what Ilocos Norte is like. Unlike in Manila, where you have to endure every minute of your trip. Pagudpud gives me the best view that will have you relishing every minute you have in the bus. Pagudpud, the last town in Ilocos Norte (coming from Manila at least), is one of the most visited parts of the region, being frequented by foreign and local tourists all-year round. Located at the northernmost trip of Ilocos Norte, this quiet town is gifted with beautiful beaches reminiscent of famous Boracay — minus the crowd and the noise. In Pagudpud, the most famous resorts are in Saud Beach. Oftentimes called the Boracay of the North, Saud Beach boasts powdery white sands, the picture-perfect palm tree-lined coastline, and the calm waters that are very popular among tourists. On rainy months, the sand is golden yellow, but at summer’s peak, it shows its powdery white charm that’s an absolute foot spa for anyone who loves walking along the shores. Sans the party music, bars, and restos, and shopping stalls, Pagudpud is purely a place of relaxation and commuting with nature. While there are inns that are wifi-capable, and there are high-end hotels complete with luxurious amenities, it cannot be denied that Pagudpud still is very provincial and relatively untouched. If you wake up early enough like at 6:00am you can even buy fresh fish straight from the fishermen’s boats all lined up at the shore. For only P50.00 to P60.00 a kilo, you can have your catch of the day and have it cooked for you by the locals.There’s no extra charge, but it’s always nice to give the folks generous tip.

A local chat with a fisherman reveals that Pagudpud’s beach coastline used to be a forest with canopies of coconut and other fruit-bearing trees. The local government had it developed to attract tourists, but certain regulations were made to preserve its rustic, non-commercial appeal. If you’re in a shopping mood, the least that you can stash are accessories — pearl necklace and earrings, beaded bangles, shell bracelets, cell phone danglers, and some locally-made home decors worth P20 to P30 each.

The Windmills

The famous windmills (15, to be exact) found in the town of Bangui beckon you from afar, even when you’re still kilometers away from these magnificent steel giants. The Bangui windmills, which have been in existence for three years now, serve as sources of electricity for most of Ilocos Norte. The gigantic high fans stand majestically beside the Bangui Bay, where wind exaggeratedly huffs and puffs. Exactly how strong is the wind? You have to tie your hair with a scrunchie and wear pants or shorts (instead of billowy skirts) if you want to get a “decent” picture beside the windmills. The sight is inexplicably amazing, as it gives you a different feel. The windmills, purely steel and mechanical as they are, astonishingly stand like fortresses of charm and beauty, as they all evoke a feeling of stepping into another land. Seeing them only in travel magazines and on WOW Philippines’ “Byahe Tayo” TV commercial, you won’t expect them to be that huge and tall. Standing beside one of the windmills, a person of average height would positively look like a miniature. It is every inch a photographer’s delight, as you can have your photos taken either from the Bangui Bay where you can have more close-up shots, or at the Bangui viewdeck where you can have a nice landscape capturing all of 15 windmills. Going there, you need to hire a tricycle because the wind farm is located in the innermost parts of Barangay Baruyen and Barangay Utol which are far from the main road.

The Lighthouse

The historical, more-than-a-century old Cape Bojeador Lighthouse which sits from Vigia de Napartian hill in Barangay Bayug, towering the whole of Burgos town, Ilocos Norte, speaks of a national treasure that is as priceless as its timeless beauty. Considered a cultural treasure since its declaration by the National Museum in 2005, this lonely beacon stood witness to all sea vessels passing through the northern part of South China Sea since the Spanish era. Weathering the tests of time, from Spanish to Japanese to American occupations, the lighthouse, which was built in 1892 works up to this day, guarding local fishermen and ships from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. It servers as a station point for sea vessels steering towards the Pacific Coast, going towards the Babuyan Channel. Cape Bojeador is the highest lighthouse in the country, towering as high as 160 meters above sea level. Get into a little chitchat with the lighthouse keeper and if you’re charming enough, he’ll let you in at the octagonal tower where the original lantern is. Once you’re there, don’t leave without getting a nice photo from its overhanging balcony. or the romantics, this is an alternative for watching the magnificent sunset of the north. Made purely of locally-made bricks that have stood tall for hundreds of years, Cape Bojeador is visited by foreign and local tourists not only because of its view of the jagged coastline of South China Sea, but because of its history that evokes time-tested strength and power. How to get there? Thirty-five kilometers from Laoag, there’s a sign on your right along the national highway in Burgos leading to the magnificent Spanish lighthouse.

The Falls

Agua Grande, mainly a water source for a hydro power plant, is a perfect backdrop for, what else, pictures, pictures, and more pictures! Locals mention that a few local films have actually been shot there, because of its picturesque brook cascading on big boulders that connect to the South China Sea. Although it isn’t actually one for swimming as the waves are kind of cruel, this is also frequented by visitors and shutterbugs because of its postcard appeal. Want to have lunch al fresco? Grab your picnic basket and enjoy a fabulous meal in one of Agua Grande’s kiosks. Romantics will also find it perfect for late-afternoon rendezvous. If you have enough time, the Maira-ira Beach (also known as Blue Lagoon) is another place worth visiting.

The Bridge

In the mood to take more pictures? Make sure you get a leisurely trip to the famous Patapat Bridge. This kilometer-long viaduct that connects Ilocos to Cagayan and other neighboring Luzon provinces like Isabela and Aparri is, to me, more imposing than the famous Bridge of Madison County. There isn’t much about the elevated concrete bridge, but what makes Patapat a natural charmer is the scenic view it paints — winding along the curves of the lush green mountain that connects to the blue-green beauty of Pasaleng Bay. Add to that the orange-y streaks of the afternoon sun and you a get a real-life hallmark backdrop.

When people ask what Filipino food is, the answer is it is the best fusion cuisine in the world. It’s the sum total of our cultural influences: Chinese, Malay, Arabian, Spanish and Japanese. The cuisine also boasts extreme flavors: sour, sweet, salty, spicy, but not chili spicy. But adjectives don’t do the food justice. To know Filipino food you have to taste it. Here are some of the Philippines’ most exciting dishes:

Bagnet

Hometown: Ilocos Norte

Also known as chicharon or deep-fried pork meat, bagnet is a mouthwatering homegrown delicacy juicy crunch as well as its sky-high cholesterol content. Choice cuts of pork belly are submerged in oil inside a large iron pot or sinublan. When the oil starts boiling, the skin becomes crisp yet moist — this process is repeated until the perfect texture is achieved, and the result is a fabulously tasty friend treat. Laoag is one of the biggest producers of bagnet in Ilocos Norte, but do take a leisurely ride to the seaside resorts of Pagudpud: you can have your fill of bagnet is places such as Saud Beach Resort and Kapuluan Vista Resort. Bagnet makes a great pasalubong. And when stored in the fridge, it lasts up to a week.

Sardines

Hometown: Dipolog

Dipolog, on the western edge of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, is known for two things: beautiful orchids and bottled sardines. It is the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines” thanks to this growing industry. Sardines are pressure-cooked for an hour so the bones are soft enough to eat. They are then cooked in olive oil and tomatoes. Enjoy them with yesterday’s rice, cooked in a pan with oil, garlic and a bit of salt. To try to replicate this tasty experience, why not take home a few bottles of Montano sardines.

KBL

Hometown: Bacolod

It may be the acronym for the now defunct political party, but KBL actually stands for kadyos (pidgeon peas), baboy (pork), langka (jackfruit). It’s comfort food — a hearty broth that’s a complete meal in itself. Just add rice. The recipe had been in Ilonggo cookbooks dating back to the pre-war era. It’s iconic of this city in Negros because kadyos are only found in this area. Some variations of the recipe use chili or lemon grass. Corn can also substitute langka when the latter is not available.

Tuna

Hometown: General Santos

General Santos is the tuna capital of the country due to the fishing grounds in Sarangani Bay. And you can have tuna in so many ways here: raw as sashimi or grilled as tuna jaw or panga. You can also have kinilaw, tuna pickled in vinegar, red onions and chilies. The acids in the vinegar “cook” the tuna and you have a spicy-sour salad that goes well with beer. In certain restaurants in General Santos, Davao and Cebu, as for sinuglaw — the dish serves tuna kinilaw with a side order of grilled pork belly.

Lechon

Hometown: Cebu

The roasted suckling pig or lechon is the piece de resistance for every big event. Its lure is its crispy skin, achieved by slowly roasting the pig in its own oil over a charcoal fire. Anthony Bourdain calls it the best he has ever had. Time declared it to be the best in Asia. Now Cebu lays claim to the top lechon in the country. In Cebu, go to CnT lechon or you can order it online at http://lechoncebu.com to have it delivered to any airport in any city in the Philippines — just pick it up!

Laing

Hometown: Bicol

Take a trip to the Bicol region to taste the Pinoy brand of spice. Using a cooking style borrowed from Indonesia and Malaysia, Bicolanos make liberal use of coconut milk and chilies. Be sure to try laing — taro leaves, fresh shrimp, pork, coconut milk, and chili pepper boiled together to a lusciously creamy consistency. It also works as a salsa over tanigue fish. Take small bites — it’s spicy!

Binakol

Hometown: Iloilo

In Iloilo, binakol is chicken tinola with a twist. Over an open fire, the chicken is stewed in an aromatic broth of coconut water while sealed in a young bamboo tube. Iloilo locals stand by binakol as their iconic dish. Hotel del Rio serves a mean version.

Satti

Hometown: Zamboanga

Zamboanga’s proximity to Malaysia, has resulted in a Pinoy version of stay — satti pieces of beef, pork or lamb on small bamboo sticks that are popular roadside fare. Have satti for breakfast, with sticky rice slathered with a spicy sauce. Locals swear by Jimmi’s Satti.

Sisig

Hometown: Pampanga

A dish of sow’s ears boiled, chopped to bits, and then fried in chicken liver, sisig was a way to make use of the unwanted pork “bits” that came out of Clark US Air Base kitchens. There are many versions but a true sisig connoisseur will always return to the dish’s source in Pampanga. A good choice is Mely’s in San Fernando.

What are you waiting for? Look for these Pinoy food specials at the nearest Filipino restaurant!