Enchanting El Nido

    El Nido is a magical place. Here you can find beautiful lagoons, caves that need to be explored and a very diverse variety of wildlife. From its towering marble cliffs to its white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, it is truly the Philippine’s last frontier.

Alona Beach in Panglao

   Alona Beach is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is a beautiful, well developed one and a half kilometer stretch of fine, white sand. Surrounded by tall, swaying palm trees and the azure waters, it is truly a tropical paradise!

WHAT TO DO IN ALONA BEACH

1. Diving – Bohol is a haven for diving enthusiasts. The diving spots here are mostly coral rich sites flourishing with various marine life. Notable dive spots are the Black Forest in Balicasag and Diver’s Heaven, southwest of Panglao

Boracay! You Sexy Beach!

Boracay is considered as the world's second best beach. A lot of tourists from different countries visit Boracay not only for it's world renowned white beach but also for the leisure activities one can do in this island paradise.

WHAT TO DO IN BORACAY

1. Island Hopping – when you’re in Boracay you should know that it is not the only island you can visit. Nearby islands such as Crocodile island, Puka Beach and Panoly Beach are similarly rich in sights and wonders that will take you closer to nature

A New Wave in Waterparks

     With the hot and humid weather in the Philippines, one can conclude that there are only two seasons in the country: hot and hotter. But don’t worry, there are a lot of water parks and resorts nearby offering not just only lap pools but pools producing different kinds of waves, a feature increasing in popularity in water parks and resorts. So you will feel the fun in the beach in the comfort of a swimming pool.

8 WAVES WATERPARK

Amusement and Theme Parks Near the Metro

     If you don't want to go to the beach this summer, you may opt to visit amusement parks or museums. It's still a great way of having fun with family and friends. Here's a list of theme parks to choose from just a few hours drive from the Metro.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Location:   Is a theme park at San Lorenzo South, Balibago, Sta Rosa Laguna, a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Attractions:  Grand Carousel, Jungle Log Jam, Space Shuttle Max, Rialto Theater, Flying Fiesta, Rio Grande Rapids, Anchor’s Away, EKstreme Tower Ride, etc.

Contact Information:         new.enchantedkingdom.ph

This is it! Pansit!

     Pansit is a popular stir fried noodle dish in the Philippines. Noodles were introduced by the Chinese and have been adopted into our local cuisine. The term pansit is derived from the Hokkien word pian i sit which literally means something conveniently cooked fast. It is very popular in the Philippines that it is always served during birthdays because according to tradition noodles represent long life and good health. There are as many variations of pansit as there are provinces in the Philippines. Here are some of them:

Atay Con Misua (Binondo)

Chami (Binondo)

Chamisua (Binondo)

La Paz Batchoy (Iloilo) – a noodle soup made with pork organs, crushed chicharon, chicken stock and round noodles

Lobihon (Binondo)

Lomi (Batangas) - made of egg noodles in soupy sauce, topped with sliced fish balls, crab meat, shrimp balls, green peas, carrots and cabbage

Funny Pinoy Signs

   Filipinos are one of the happiest people in the world according to the 2009 Happy Planet Index. We can find happiness in almost every situation, even in simple things around us. If you are a balikbayan, you know you are already here in the Philippines if you spot a bakery named Bread Pitt or a Barber shop named Felix the Cut.  Here are more funny photos and sign boards that have spread viral in the internet compiled in a slideshow. Hope you enjoy watching!

  

This Day in History: Araw ng Kagitingan

          Araw ng Kagitingan is a national holiday in the Philippines which fall annually on April 9. It commemorates the heroism of Filipino soldiers during the World War II. At the dawn of April 9, 1942, after a month of defending against the Japanese invaders, exhausted and lacking in food and medicine, Major General Edward King Jr, head of the commanding force in Luzon surrendered more than 76,000 Filipino, Chinese and American soldiers to Lieutenant Masaharu Homma. This was known as the Fall of Bataan. The soldiers were forced to take a 90-mile march to Camp ‘O Donnell. Thousands of soldiers died during the hike (also known as the Bataan Death March) due to starvation, dehydration, exhaustion and diseases before they could reach the camp.

Observing the Lenten Season Pinoy Way

     Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, as such, the observance of Holy Week or Mahal na Araw is an important religious event. Here are some of the practices of Filipinos during the Lenten Season.

     

Ash Wednesday – it marks the first day of Lent which begins 40 days prior to Easter. Masses are held and the priest marks the forehead of the faithful with black ashes in the sign of the cross, while saying “Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return”

Moriones Festival

  

   Moriones Festival is an annual religious festival held during Holy Week in the Island of Marinduque. Morion means “mask”, a part of the medieval roman armor which covers the face. Moriones on the other hand refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus. This week long celebration starts on Holy Monday and culminates on Easter Sunday when the story of Longinus is re-enacted in pantomime.