What To Do in Bohol

from the travel blogs of Liliram, a dear friend and supporter of OUR MELTING POT. photo credits - Joel Riola

My niece Suzette teased me about my blogging only about my foreign travels, never on my local trips. Gave that a thought, and decided I should have really done some. Not so much for myself, but more for those who may wish to check out some of our local sites. Frankly, I enjoyed these trips around our islands just as much as I enjoyed my foreign travels. Perhaps I only felt compelled to write about my travel adventures when they last longer than 4 nights, never for shorter adventures. But I am changing all that now. So here goes...........I actually meant to bring my other niece Mayette for this trip, but she's busy. So, Suzette got lucky. Started our adventure with a mid-morning flight via Philippine Air Lines from Manila to Tagbilaran, Bohol. An uneventful flight of an hour and a half or so. The small Tagbilaran airport certainly demands improvement since the province attracted more tourists to check out the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Baclayon Church, a few colonial houses, and the beaches of Panglao. Small and seemingly chaotic, we actually did not have any problem retrieving our bags and driving out of the small airport for our next destination - Panglao Island Nature Hotel.

Our resort hotel welcomed us with a refreshing juice from squeezed dalandan (local oranges) and a couple of guitar-strumming singers. As soon as we checked in, we glimpsed a very beautiful beach beyond the swimming pools surrounding the reception hut/lounge. The infinity pool promised to provide a relaxing afternoon under the sun. It was exciting to find a small man-made island just beyond the beach area where some dinners are served. We were told we will enjoy one of our dinners in that tiny island.

After a walk around the resort, we headed for one of the 3 restaurants in the resort. We strongly recommend Bohol's famous yam soup. It has the texture of a pumpkin soup, but this local version won't disappoint. My first time to try it. They don't serve this back in Manila. Yummy yam! The other dishes served are fairly standard hotel food. I will not rave about it. You'd have your standard barbecue, breaded fish, green salad, etc. It fills up , but won't sate, if you know what I mean.


We spent the next day the best way any tourist can. Started off the day with breakfast in Bohol Bee Farm. We were served organic Chef's salad, homemade jams and marmalades, pates and cheese spread, home-baked pumpkin bread and other pastries. They even have their own coffee made from corn! Eggs, local sausages called longganizas, meat loaf, various fruits, etc. After that hearty breakfast, a guide gave us a short tour cum lecture on how bees make honey, what plants went to our breakfast salad, the different flowers and plants around the area. There was even a small store where one can buy their homemade jams , cheese spreads, honey, local biscuits, and native bags. I got a couple of bags.

From the Bee Farm, we drove towards Baclayon Church and Museum. I have seen this church some years back when the province has yet to make a mark on the tourism map. There have been some improvements, but my heart tells me the local government can do a lot more. Tourism in the area has vastly improved. Perhaps ten fold if not more. It's easy to guess that. My niece Suzette is making her first visit and I can tell she is impressed with our colonial history. Having grown up in the city, she has had not much exposure to vestiges of our Spanish heritage. The churches she goes to are all of modern architecture, unless she goes to Intramuros or a few other selected churches whenever she's invited to weddings. But our everyday church is a modern church. Baclayon gives us a glimpse of how it was in olden times. It helped that our guide prepared us by citing the story of the Spanish Expedition led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna's Blood Compact in the island of Bohol.

Now, let me explain a few things here. Datu Sikatuna is a local chieftain in Bohol. The Blood Compact is a ritual where both leaders seal their friendship by shedding a few drops of blood from their arms (i suppose they have to make neat cuts first...) , mix in some wine, and drink them. Sounds very primitive to me, but that is what history books tell us. Mind you, that "friendship" allowed the Spaniards to overstay by a good 400 years. Must be one effective Treaty of Friendship if you ask me.

Back to Baclayon Church and Museum. This ancient church claims to be the oldest church in the whole of the Philippines. Some may argue and say that the oldest church is San Agustin Church in Intramuros. Well, that is the oldest STONE church in the country. From the looks of it, there are still some renovations going on within the church compound. Let us hope the complex will have more improvements by my next visit.

From the Church, we had a

short drive to the Loboc Museum which sits right by the Loboc River, exactly where the terminal is for the Loboc River Cruise. The wide wide seaworthy vessel looks more like a big nipa hut with bamboo flooring floating down this green river. Lunch was served while cruising Loboc River, complete with a singing duo who would gladly oblige guests with their favorite songs.

Again, I did not find the food all that impressive but I like the idea of having lunch while river cruising. Along the river, one gets a glimpse of provincial life. Native huts, children playing and swimming by the river edge, wooden outposts that serve as hangouts for idle men and women enjoying a good chat. The whole concept is just so relaxing. At river's end, there was even a band of young girls singing kundimans (local songs of old) to the delight of foreign tourists. Their songs brought cheer to our hearts.

Having enjoyed a Loboc River Cruise relaxing cruise down the river , we then proceeded to check out the tarsiers. Big eyed mini-monkeys with eyes bigger than their brains. The smallest monkey in the world is an attraction here in Bohol. Many foreign and local tourists took snapshots of these cuties who must have been stressed out with all those flash photography (despite the signage) and noisy crowd. Suzette had a couple of shots to show off to her son and daughter. From here, we then trooped to the Chocolate Hills.

We were told that there are better views of the hills in a farther town in Carmen, Bohol. Tired that we were, we settled for the nearest viewpoint. This view though can be had only after climbing a hundred steps . But the vista did not disappoint. Rolling down the landscape were the Chocolate Hills, now not so chocolate-ty but more greenish. I recall having climbed the same steps the last time I visited Bohol. Was it age creeping up on me, or did they actually add more steps to the stairs? Kidding aside, it was not a steep and long climb. Very manageable, really.

The following morning could have been another adventure but the weather did not cooperate. Our dolphin watching boat adventure was cancelled at the last minute because of stormy weather. Balicasag island promised a lot, but I guess we can't have it all. We spent the whole day in the resort. My niece checked out some of the caves around with newfound friends. By nightfall, we had a simple dinner before deciding to seek adventure. This time, we ventured out for yet another boat ride along Loboc river to check out the fireflies! We were along the river for a good hour, no fireflies. Just mosquitoes, and so much darkness. We almost gave up by the time the fireflies decided to make an appearance. So beautiful. One tree looked like a lighted Christmas tree in mid-summer. How magical! And that's the second time I used that word here.

The following day is the day we take our flight back to Manila. There was enough time to hear mass at the
nearby Dauis Church, another ancient church. After mass, we had a chance to check out the plaza behind the church. Then back to Panglao Island Nature Resort to pack our bags and get ready for our flight. It was a weekend well spent.

Where To Go in the Philippines?

(photo credits: Ben Beiske of travelblog.org)

Where to go in the Philippines? This country happens to have 7,108 islands when it's low tide; 7,107 when high tide. Choose your pick. Manila is the Philippine capital but it does not atply represent the Philippines. Whatever impression you have of Manila, good or bad, the country's 7,107 island-pearls are mostly phenomenal. They are a sight to behold. Finding one island would sometimes generate a feeling that you would no longer wanna leave. But there are 7,106 more to visit. After some time, it will dawn on you that unfortunately the beauty of the Philippines is impossible to cover in one lifetime. That being said, there's one place in this Archipelago that strikes me differently -- Palawan. Many say, it's the gods' own country. I've never been able to personally write about it because back then I thought it was so very difficult to put into words my own experience.

Yesterday, my friend Liliram (as she is fondly called) sent me an email. I thought the email was a blessing because finally from the writings of a foreigner, the essence of how I felt about Palawan had the most beautiful, touching words to match it. The name of this wonderful traveler is Ben, who is a friend of my friend Lili. So, I'm leading you to the link below if at this point, you still wonder WHERE TO GO IN THE PHILIPPINES?

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Palawan/El-Nido/blog-440947.html

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Palawan/Puerto-Princesa/blog-439099.html

Masskara Festival

I never quite understood why my friend would move heaven and earth to leave Manila every 3rd weekend of October and be with his family in celebrating the Masskara festival in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental until I experienced myself what this festivity is about. After that, I realized that Bacolod City will never be called the City of Smiles without any reason at all.

When Bacolod City celebrates its Charter day, the event actually spans the whole month of October. Street dancing, unbelievably delicious food and a charged atmosphere of fun would greet you culminating with the MassKara Festival, a street dancing parade through the main thoroughfares of Bacolod by locals and tourists wearing colorful and elaborate masks and costumes.

MassKara, for those who wish to know a bit of its etymology, comes from two words: Kara which means face, and Mass which in English denotes "a lot"! It's a festival borne out of crisis and adversity, calling forth the resiliency and fun-loving nature of the Filipinos, proven especially true when times are difficult and not as you would rather wish them to be.

Anyway, watch this video, get into the beat and be transported to a whole new world.

What Our Guests Say About Us

So after all it's not just about offering cheap accommodation in Manila that makes us the preferred backpacking corner in the Philppines at the moment! To all our guests who have stayed with us, thank you for all the support!


 Bex Davis (New Zealand), 23 Sept 2009

I felt totally spoiled by Our Melting Pot. For a young woman traveling by herself in a foreign country it was safe, clean and the staff simply amazed me with there warm welcome and generous spirit. While I was there, there was only one other guest, I think if the shared room was full it

would be a bit on the cosy side, but still worth it for the help and advice of the staff, they really took care of me. I hope to stay there again when I'm next in Manila.

Anja Jetter (Germany), 28 August 2009

Clean quiet hostel, firm bed, fresh sheets, great water pressure, close to 2 major shopping centers with food places for $4-8. Hostel is a condo unit so security is great. Breakfast is basic (noodles, soft rolls, coffee). No reading lamp per bed, but loved that each bed had quaint little curtains w/c gave me an excellent sense of privacy. Very helpful staff - Ronald, Joel, Macy, Lani - if you need any info abt where to go, what to eat =) Way better than my US hostels, so i\'d totally recommend it

Jason Willock, 11 July 2009

Johnel and Jason Willock

I had one night in Manila so I decided to try the Makati area. It's the heart of the city, where the business section is, and where there is also some nightlife. I stayed in a new hostel Our Melting Pot. It had been a while since I had been in a hostel, and this one was great. It was brand new, I was one of there first guests, the owners were very friendly, and it had a great location. While the air in Manila is still polluted, and it is not the cleanest of cities, there is a certain charm to it, and I quite enjoyed it. There were all sorts of restaurants and bars on the same street as the hostel, which was just a loft apartment converted into a hostel. Short walk to shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. There is a seedy area in Makati as well, which was interesting to see, it's just a bar street with bar girls, and unlike Thailand, where the majority of the visitors are European, most here where American. Although there are also tons of Korean bars as well. I didn't stay out very late, as I was tired from the long day of travel, and exploring the city, so I didn't get to see the street in full action, but I am sure it was colorful!I had a great dinner at a Biker Bar / Restaurant (across the hostel) that had a huge BBQ outside, and I think the owners were Canadian, as there were some Canadian Flags around and about. It was called The Handlebar I recommend it!

Charlene Diane Albert, 25th July 2009

Joel, Dianne, Liza

Prior to Our Melting Pot, I had never stayed at hostels before, so I was quite anxious about how my first experience was going to be. Lots of what-ifs ran through my mind - what if this, what if that. But as soon as I checked into OMP, my mind was put at ease! Not only did I find the hostel's atmosphere clean and cosy, the big plus was getting to know the owners of OMP themselves. Everyone (Ronald, Joel, Liza, Kidz & Lani) were so friendly, so helpful and never hesitated to lend a helping hand when I needed one!The hostel is also in very close proximity to convenience stores, ATM machines, 24-hr fast food outlets, shopping malls and bars, so for someone who would rather walk and not take the public transportation like me, it was a huge bonus. For P750/night, I think the OMP is definitely a steal! I hope to come back again in the near future on my trips back to the Philippines....

 Mikhal, Poland, 12th August 2009

Excellent hostel just in the heart of Makati. If you're looking for a good night sleep (and not a loud party-hostel) in a decent price this is your destination. Really nice breakfast included. Staff is very helpful. Just the opposite you have a BBQ bar and few affordable Korean restaurants. Would certianly recommend it!

by Vivien Palles, Canada, 12th July 2009

Clean, modern hostel, accented with impressive local interior. In a safe, quiet section of the village that is close to everything, especially the night life, fine dining restos and the Power Plant Mall. Right across Handle Bar-- a clear hit among tourists. Minus factor: I'm not comfy sharing rooms with strangers(guys) coz they ain't got exclusive dorm for women. Cheap place by Makati standard. Helpful staff.

by rhalos1098, Australia 09th July 2009
This hostel came as a surprise to me. I needed an affordable, decent bed & breakfast in Makati yet all I could find were 2 or 3-star hotels which cost US$30 per person. I stumbled upon a local promo about the hostel's opening week & risked being the guinea pig. The young owners are unbelievably helpful. I tell you: get this place if you wanna maximize your stay in Manila. And yes, breakfast is modest.

Ailsa, Philippines, 24th July 2009

Who would have thought you would find a gem of a place in an area where everybody knows accommodation is expensive. These young enterprenuers have stumbled upon a bright idea. I had no idea what a hostel would look like since I badly needed a place to stay.... The pictures you see give no justice to the ambiance this hostel has... warm and comfortable... you ought to try this place... you'd be surprised... you would end up having the urge to come back... I SURE DID....!

Steven Sokol (Center) Nobu Redona (Sweden)

Steve Sokol, Australia, 1st February 2011
You wouldn't believe your in a hostel. First time in manila, Amazingly clean. Very secure and safe. Close to food, and right in the heart of the nightlife. And only a 15min walk to restaurants and the malls. Staff are super helpful with any questions you have. Nice job OMP. I will be back.


Nobu Redona, Sweden, 17th January 2011

One of my top hostel..enjoyed staying there. Really is the best hostel in Asia. Clean fun and very helpful personnels. We felt really welcome and felt like home!

(Left) Thomas Berge (Middle) Mike Valley

Mike Valley,USA,3rd January 2011
I love this hostel so much. The people who stayed there were very friendly and the staff was awesome. One of the staff (Ella) went out of her way to help the guests with their day plans and gave great suggestions for what to do around Manila. Next time I'm in Manila I definitely will stay at Our Melting Pot!


Thomas Berge, Norway, 3rd March 2011


I was lost in this big city when it turned out that my hotel was in the middle of the slum.
But i had a bacup plan OMP. Even do the internett said it was full i went there and they open their arms and tok me in. They are werry friendly and help travelers whit everything.
Where can you live at a hostel in a hotel whit a gym and swimming pool elsewhere in the world?? I stayed at OMP fore 5days before i moved on to boracay then i went back to OMP fore 3days on my way back home. OMP is the best;)

Nicole (Center)

Nicole, Switzerland, 7th December 2010
I`ve stayed at Our Melting Pot 4 times during my 5 week stay on the Philippines! It was always like coming home as they make you feel so welcome there. They show you around, help you organise your trips, are always up for a talk or joke. It`s definitely a place to hang out and relax. It`s on the 18th floor and has a great view of the city. You can also use the gym and the swimming pool there. Location is also great. Very safe. So just go there and see for yourself - enjoy! 

(Dustin Smith-right side

Dustin Smith, USA 31st December 2011

All I can say is wow. the most helpful group i have ever met in my life. truly took care of me and everyone else i saw walk through the door. they helped me plan my itinerary, call airlines, call hotels, call bus companies, and anything else i had questions about. I honestly felt like they were my family. they cooked dinner on christmas for the guests and on new years too. i can recommend this place to anyone and everyone who appreciates good natured people and respect. thank you so much OMP!

Monica, USA 14th February 2011
Awesome hostel. Stayed in a 4 bedroom mixed dorm room. Both room and bathroom were extremely clean. Staff very friendly and helpful. Hostel is in a really upscale condo building/hotel with an infinity pool, restaurant, gym, and 24 hour security and front desk. Was pretty surprised of the hostel's location. Would def stay there again!!

Sungjoon (left side)

Sungjoon South Korea 1st January 2011

I did have great time here @ melting pot. it was clean, quiet and just awesome. Staffs were so kind and always ready to help you as you need. will definitely come visit again as I have another chance to. thanks to all staffs. 

Jan Lin

Jan Lin, Singapore 22nd February 2011
 Perfect home away from home, especially in a chaotic city like Manila. It was the tranquillity I needed, incredibly clean, comfortable beds, warm shower, etc. The 'host' was very personal in her approach with each guest. We had 3 girls in an ensuite bunk room so it was perfect and easy to mingle with each other. The common area is rather tight (just imagine the living room of an apartment!) so if space is a concern for you then just retreat to the dorm rooms no dramas. The host also prepares breakfast for every guest, I skipped it because I wasn't hungry, but I must say it's an awfully nice gesture

Northern Philippines: A Spanish Heritage

from the blogs of OMP supporter Lili Ramirez, grabbed from www.travelblog.org

An hour or so away by plane from NAIA, all of 8 to 9 hours travel by road. Take your pick.

We chose to fly, then rent a car from our base which is Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort. The hotel is a good base for many day trips to various parts of the Ilocos Region. Top of the list is a visit to Vigan, the only surviving colonial town in the country. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, it is a must see for all visitors who want to catch a glimpse of how it was in the 18th and early 19th century. Time stood still in this part of Northern Philippines. It helped too that Vigan , unlike Cebu and Manila, was spared of the bombing last World War II. Do not forget that Manila is the second most bombed city during that war. By God's mercy, Vigan survived and preserved its antiquated houses, cobbled pathways, even the calesas or horse-drawn carts. The township with all its narrow streets speak of an architecture which blends Spanish, Asian and Mexican influences. At the time, it was called Ciudad Fernandina before it became Vigan which comes from the word "kabiga-an" where a tuberous plant called "biga" abounds. Then famous as a commercial and trading post, it attracted Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea. Some of these Chinese seafarers married natives and settled in Vigan. This was long before King Philip II of Spain sent Captain Juan de Salcedo who then "founded" the town in 1572 and called it Ciudad Fernandina in honor of the King's son Ferdinand who died at an early age. Since then, Augustinian missionaries visited Vigan and the rest of Ilocos Region and initiated the evangelization of the area. Many churches and monuments still stand today, spared from the bombings of World War II.

Back in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, we spent the next day visiting Paoay Church, another UNESCO Heritage Site. I have not seen a church compound anywhere in the Philippines as grand as this one. Paoay Church stands proud. It is by no means as grand as the churches you'd find in Europe, but the colonial heritage and the Spanish legacy give it its well-deserved grandeur. Built of bricks and coral blocks, the architecture combines Gothic, Baroque and Oriental. Built over a period of nearly 200 years, the church belltower is a fitting reminder of the Christianization of the Philippines as ell as its role in the Philippine Revolution when it was used as an observation post by the local rebels called Katipuneros. Another church , the St. William's Church, was built by the Augustinian frailes or priests in 1612 in the Italian Renaissance design. Right next to it is a sunken belltower leaning slightly to the North. This is our local though much scaled-down version of the Pisa tower. A 3rd church we visited was Sta. Monica Church , a century old church of neo-classical and baroque architecture.

Of more recent history is the fact that ex-President and strongman Ferdinand Marcos hails from Batac, not too far from Laoag. The ancestral house of the Marcoses is now the Marcos Museum and Mausoleoum where the late President's body lies like a wax statue. During his 20 year reign, Marcos built a Malacanang of the North (Malacanang in Manila is the official residence of the President, much like the White House in Washington DC). The mansion is an expression of opulence and overlooks the lovely Paoay Lake. Now a museum, visitors can tour the mansion for a minimal fee.

These days, the Ilocos Region is still considered Marcos land despite the fact that the dictator has passed on many years ago. His only son, Ferdinand Junior, Bongbong to most, is the current congressman representing the Ilocos Region. Bongbong earlier served as governor of the province, during which time the Bangui Windmills were established. This wind farm lies nearly next to Pagudpud and now has 15 wind turbines. It has since attracted many visitors to the area just to view the 70 meters tall wind turbines. And not too far from here is the Cape Bojeador , a lighthouse built in 1892 north of Laoag City. It is the highest, and I think the oldest, lighthouse in the country.

Many Ilocanos to this day idolize the late President Marcos. Without dwelling on politics, I will venture to suggest that the more prominent and admirable Ilocanos should be Juan Luna , Diego Silang and his equally brave widow, Gabriela. All three are martyrs and heroes of the land. They have done far more for our country than any other Ilocano. That said, let me invite everyone to visit our land!

Boracay on a Budget

photo credits-Charlene Diane Albert

Certainly, a traveler can't get enough of this paradise and enthralling get-away called Boracay. Some of the reasons why include the talcum-fine white sands, crystal-clear calm waters, the culture and the people.

But if you are on a budget, please consider the following breakdown of anticipated expenses:

Now, how do you actually get to and enjoy this paradise island?

1. First, on your arrival in Manila, book a decent budget accommodation in the heart of the City but close to the airport. Then, take The RORO system to Boracay which is fast becoming the preferred mode of transpo for people who would like to explore the different islands of the Philippines, Boracay included. The Nautical "Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring vehicle to Panay Island and visit key cities like Kalibo. However, one cannot ferry a car to Boracay Island.

For the more structured individuals, the short cut of the long process is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators such as Angel Star (02 783-0886 c/o Abner) and Gope (02 732-6891 c/o Cesar). This option provides you a straight trip from Manila to Caticlan at the cost of P930.00, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers. The Van leaves at 9PM daily from Manila-Batangas-Calapan-Roxas (arrives Roxas at 5am or 6am) to catch the 8am or 10am ferry/boat to Caticlan, where you are expected to arrive between 12nn to 2pm. Before proceeding to Boracay Island though, be sure to get your return ticket (Roxas-Manila) at the Caticlan Ferry Terminal (inquire about the updated schedule from the staff of the van operators). Take an early dinner before boarding the van and bring water and something to eat while on travel. Riding a van gives you a more relaxed pace to Caticlan because you wouldn't have to stop in many sub-destinations which lengthen your trip and therefore can be truly tiresome. Noted that the fee of P910.00 already includes two RORO fares.

The RoRo system even as it entails extended travel time is easier on the pocket and therefore more ideal for budget travellers. But if you only have a few days to spend in the Philippines, by all means book a flight early (at least two months in advance) within the range of $50-100, one-way. Budget fares are available thru Cebu Pacific Airways or the Philippine Airlines (select the "econolight" fare type in the drop-down selection menu of the booking section in their website).

2. Contact us (OUR MELTING POT backpackers) - 0917*8328539; we can arrange for you the cheapest accommodation in the island which can range from P500-800 pesos, on a twin-sharing arrangement.

3. Explore the wet market and request specific stall vendors to cook your food according to your own taste or preference.

4. Be open to making new friends while in the Island, among local tourists or foreigners. Your new-found acquaintances may be willing to sharing boat rides with you during your island hopping adventure or other fun activities like banana boat ride, kayaking and many more. On an individual basis, the price for popular services or rides can be prohibitive. But when you divide the cost among three or four other travelers, your exploration of the island truly becomes affordable.

When you are already in the island, remember the following . . .

During the dry season (Nov-Apr), White Beach, which is located at the western stretch of the island, is calm and utterly suitable for swimming. Here, you can simply while away time. In fact, the best thing to do when you are in Boracay is not to do anything. Let nature charm, calm and mesmerize you while sitting on the beach, enjoying the powdery white sands, feeling the cool air breeze, watching people pass by.

But if you can’t resist the water, soak in it by all means because the beach is an unbelievable, magnificent, expansive natural swimming pool. The whole beach front extends for several kilometers. The water stays quite shallow for several meters out. When it’s low tide, 30 meters off the frontage, you only have the water up to your waistline. Underneath, the softest, gentlest, finest cushion of sand gives you the best natural foot spa for free.

Boracay sunset is both awesome and captivating. On a lucky day, you get all the colors in the sky which make you momentarily forget the particular time and space you’re in. That’s why it’s called paradise. You wouldn’t wanna leave the place.

In contrast to other popular beaches in Southeast Asia, Boracay does not yet (and will probably not) have the amenities of BIG shopping malls or theaters and multi-purpose stadiums that somehow put pressure on the traveler TO DO something. But you can also get the pleasure from a lazy afternoon by building castle in the sand, playing board or card games with your companion or joining an unknown group of locals or foreigners in a fun beach volleyball game. Yes, you may only have to flash your wide smiles without need of introducing yourself. Presto, you can be in the game with people whom you have only met for the first time.

The eastern side of the island has strong winds and big waves making it enjoyable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy or typhoon season (Jun-Oct), it’s the White Beach which gets the larger share of winds and somehow angry waves that make it unsuitable for swimming. Take note that there are no lifeguards on White Beach. Even as there are dive shops every few meters on this paradise island, the operators or the crew are not there to watch over people who swim in the inviting waters of Boracay.

During the night, however, Boracay is transformed. The place is lavish with plenty of bars staging different kinds of shows every night. You can enjoy a reggae ambiance or listen to country music played by local bands who are amazingly good at it. A traveler simply has to know that the Philippines is the leading exporter of talents in the entertainment field, virtually unaffected by the ups and down of the global economy.

You Never Grow Tired of TAGAYTAY

from the travel blogs of Liliram, newest supporter of OMP, as originally posted from travelblog.org

It took this long for me to think of blogging about one of my favorite places in my own country. Perhaps because I visit it too often, or I took its beauty so much for granted. Tagaytay holds many happy childhood memories for me and my family. Both my parents are from Cavite where Tagaytay is. And many weekends were spent here, in a neighboring town called Silang, Cavite where my grandmother used to live, long before it became a favorite tourist destination. From Manila, it would take about an hour and a half traveling south for 60 km to reach Tagaytay to view the "volcano island" inside a lake called Taal Lake, or Lake Taal.

As a child, my ears got so used to many old folks' stories about Taal Volcano where one finds a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. Yeah, I know, it sounds redundant. Can you imagine me listening to all these stories and this line which has now become an adjective to describe Taal Volcano back when I was still of pre-school age? It appears Taal Volcano made up for its size by always threatening to erupt, as if drawing attention all the time. Records show it is the smallest active volcano in the world. And for good measure, the old folks back in the province recount to this day all their experiences with Taal Volcano's mini-eruptions in the past until it was no longer news.

The story goes that Tagaytay Ridge where one gets a perfect view of Taal Lake and Volcano was actually part of a bigger volcano until a major eruption hundreds or thousands of years ago. Originally a huge volcano towering 18,000 feet, many people don't realize that it used to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Tagaytay Ridge is the rim of the volcano! Before it was "reduced" to its present size, Tagaytay ridge would have been only about a sixth of the way to the top of the volcano!! This caldera is now fringed with many tourist inns, hotels, restaurants and picnic groves. A major golf course (Tagaytay Highlands) and a casino (near Taal Vista Lodge Hotel) can also be found along this ridge. Most tourists make day trips from Manila to this place, missing out on an unhurried day of adventure which may include a boat journey through the lake to reach the volcano island (about 1,500 pesos or US $30 for the entire boat so you can split it among the 3 or 4 of you), a trek to the top of the volcano on a donkey (most recommended, unless you are very very fit but be ready to shed another US$20 per person), as well as trying out the many fine-dining and local restaurants in the area.
Many years back when Tagaytay only had picnic huts available for rent to locals bringing in their own picnic baskets, the place was famous for its many retreat houses and prayer centers. The cool climate and the now-lost "rustic innocence" of the place made for a very meaningful weekend of prayers and meditation. The retreat houses are still there. And many retreat weekends are still held there. The popularity of the place has also resulted in many foreigners deciding to stay permanently and setting up their own restaurants and shops there. These days, one can make trips to Tagaytay to try out this new Vietnamese restaurant (Bawai), or this Austrian-German bistro called Chateau Hestia, a greek taverna, or a lovely garden restaurant called Moon Garden run by a Belgian. Taal Vista Lodge Hotel is a newly renovated hotel complex , Josephine's Restaurant with its seafood delicacies still stands attracting both local and foreign patrons, the Discovery chain of serviced apartments run Country Suites and I must say, serves the best lamb chops, and of course there is Sonya's Garden and Antonio's - 2 of the fine dining establishments in the area. My personal favorite is Antonio's though that will set you back a good US$30 to $50 per pax. For local food, one can try Josephine's (their buffet is a steal at only US$7) and Leslie's (try their "bulalo" which is beef stew). As for the kids, there is Residence Inn and Zoo where you can spend an entire afternoon with small children. Lunch is also served in this place, a good way to spend an hour or two after checking out the zoo. Restless kids can go to a nearby playground while the adults enjoy their coffee after lunch, or simply wait out for the sunset while viewing the volcano.

There is always something to do in Tagaytay other than just taking in the view. The more adventurous go for the boat ride and donkey trek. The prayerful spend their

retreat weekends there and head back to Manila with emptied minds, restful spirits and re-energized bodies. The hedonists spend time in their favorite spas while their husbands play a round of golf in Tagaytay Highlands. The foodies try out the many food establishments, where the variety caters to every pocket range. The kids can check out the tigers, crocs, gorillas, etc in the zoo. Or simply rent out bikes or go horseback riding in the park.

I live in Makati, the financial center of Manila. This urban jungle has its advantages and disadvantages. Thank God for Tagaytay. In under 2 hours, we can enjoy its breeze and open spaces. There is just no way we will ever grow tired of Tagaytay!