Biyernes, Agosto 22, 2014

Top 10 Accommodations in Camarines Norte: A home away from home.

       In the northern coast of Bicol Peninsula lies a pristine province that creating its name to the tourism industry of the Philippines because of its untouched islands, rolling hills and mountainous terrain, and if you have already mastered surfing, kite boarding, and kayaking level up and try the mile long stretch of Bagasbas Beach, Baybay Beach, and other beaches in the Province.

      Since Camarines Norte is considered to be as one of the emerging provinces in the country. I decided to give you the top ten accommodations that I can recommend while your staying here in the province.

Daet. 

1. Hotel Formosa (DOT Accredited)
2. Prime Suite
3. Villa Mila Garden Resort and Conference Center
4. Francesco Inn and Restaurant
5. Pink Diamond Hotel
6. Calaguas Gateway
7. Jocelle's Garden Resort
8. AsiaNovotel
9. Canimog Hotel and Restaurant
10.Zenaida's Palace.

 Municipality of Vinzons
 There are no accommodation establishment in the town proper, but when you reach Calaguas Island there are lots of accommodation such as : Waling -Waling Eco Village and  If ever you booked in a Travel Agency such as Northlink  Events and Travel Services, Calaguas Hullabaloo, Calaguas Tribe Tours, and others travel and tour agency.

 In the tour package that you avail, some of the travel agency include tent accommodation,meals, and free use of kayaking, skimboards and other island action sports.

Municipality of Mercedes

1. Palms Farm Resort
2. Khrystal Beach Resort

Municipality of Paracale
1. Paliza del Rio Tourist Inn (DOT Accredited )
2. Malayan Tourist Inn and Resto Building




Huwebes, Hulyo 24, 2014

Jose Maria Panganiban: The Avenger of Filipino Honor

     
       Earlier known as Mambulao, the town of Jose Panganiban,Camarines Norte, earned it's sublime reputation in national history not only as one of the most abundant sources of gold in the islands but also as the birthplace of one of the most brilliant members of Propaganda Movement in Spain. As a tribute to their most heroic son, the town thus was renamed Jose Panganiban. 



Jose Maria Panganiban y Enverga (1 February 1863- August 19,1890) 
a Bicolano Propagandist, linguist, and essayist  whose life was a tragically cut short. An event that caused great mourning for Bicolanos and in the Filipino community living in Spain.  He is one of the main writer and contributor of La Solidaridad, writing under the pen names "JoMaPa" and "J.M.P."

He was born in Bangkal Phase II, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. He was the eldest of the three boys of Don Vicente Panganiban, a native Hagonoy Bulacan and Doña  Juana Vicente Enverga of Mauban, Tayabas (now Quezon). 

    Oral accounts claimed that Pepe, as Jose was fondly referred to by his acquaintances, was but  a lad of four when his mother recognized his genius. Spending her evenings often as late as 9 o'clock teaching him the alphabet, Juana was surprised to learn that the precocious boy,after a month's tutoring, cloud read such materials as the Cartilla and Catesismo. Often times Pepe was found ransacking his father's books for additional reading materials.One time he was found by his mother sleeping under a tree with Cervantes' Don Quixote in his hand.

    When he reached the age of eight, Father  Francisco Fernandez brought him to Labo where he learned the Spanish language. The following year he transferred to Daet (capital town of Camarines Norte) to study under a certain Teodoro Avila. It was during this time that he painted the picture of San Antonio de Padua which earned the admiration of both Bicolanos and Spaniards. 

     In 1873, Panganiban went to Nueva Caceres and enrolled in the seminary college where, he excelled as a student, receiving grades of straight sobresalientes (excellent). As an eminent orator, the seminary chose him to deliver a speech in honor of their distinguished guest, Governor General Moriones. The Governor General was so pleased and impressed but his eloquence that he pinned a medal on Pepe.

     His inclination to medicine was discovered early by his teachers who appointed him as assistant in College of Physicians  when he is fifteen years old.  He was tasked to treat his fellow students with minor ailments. Having a complete his secondary education in the seminary, Panganiban left Nueva Caceres in 1882 and went to Manila where he enrolled in University of Santo Tomas, completing his preparatory medicine with honors. Two years later he enrolled in the College of Medicine.

      In May 1888, he sailed to Spain to continue his studies in University of Barcelona but abandoned them  because the Filipino cause caught his interest. Joining the illustrious staff of the La Solidaridad, Panganiban was appointed as  essayist and translator and wrote under the pen name "JOMAPA"  or "J.M.P." He was also an activist member of the Association Hispano-Filipino in Madrid.

        Admired by his colleagues as a talented speaker even by no less than the eminent national hero, Jose Rizal, this spoke with pride of this eloquence. "He took advantage of all occasions to speak... at banquets, and meetings, he lets his voice ring, delivering eloquent speeches that were listened to with enthusiasm and general approval. Panganiban was a true orator, of easy and energetic words, vigorous concepts, and practical transcendental ideas." 

       




       Panganiban's patriotism remained unshaken by difficulties and sickness which continually haunted him in Spain. In his sickbed  he wrote to Jose Rizal, "I regret I cannot be with you in your patriotic labor for the redemption of our fatherland...If only I have the strength I had before, I will work with you unto the bitter end."  He had contracted a pulmonary ailment  while in Spain, and died on August 19, 1890.

       A serious blow to the nationalist crusade being waged by the propaganda movement in the Spanish soil. Rizal wrote a eulogy summarizing JOMAPA's immense contribution which his demise brought to sudden end: 

      " A hope vanished, a talent wasted, an entire youth consecrated to study for a useful and fruitful maturity-- all this the Philippines lament and those of us who know you. But what Panganiban should cry about even in the confines of the grave is that he died without accomplishing the lofty mission to which his exceptional qualities destined him for; the thought he died without being ale to give beforehand his blood and  thoughts-- all to the noble cause he had begun to undertake. We who are left behind can only honor his memory by filling the vacuum he had left. His great satisfaction will not be tears but deeds; not for him, but for his country."



Martes, Hulyo 15, 2014

Daet's Delight: Kinalas


    One of the famous dish in Bicol Region that everyone shouldn't missed to try while they are staying here in Camarines Norte is KINALAS.

so what is KINALAS?

Kinalas derived its name to the meat which is removed (kalas/ to fall off which usually happens in the lengthy process of cooking this delicious soup dish.) from the skinned and boiled pork's head cut in half.  It is laman ( meat) stripped from that part. It has a typical noodles used in mami ( a popular dish that can be found in different parts of the country and you can also add this in your must try food in the Philippines). 


   This Bicolano dish is composed of skinned pig or cow's head that is boiled for hours until the meat falls off, creating a delicious broth (the broth is made from pig's bones and shoulder meat with scallions and then added into the bowl). Prepare the mami noodles , chicharon (crispy pork rind) and boiled egg in a bowl then pour the steaming soup into it. 
This dish is great when served piping hot with an egg, sprinkled with garlic and you can also add different varieties of condiments  like soy sauce, fish sauce, lemon , pepper and chili). It up to you to decide  which suits your taste. But if your looking for authentic Bicolano experience we suggest to put a lot of siling labuyo or chili ( can be fresh or sauteed. above is a example of hot sizzling kinalas that I ate. I love super spicy foods) to perspire and achieve the one of a kind Daet Kinalas experience.

Eating Kinalas is usually paired with a bottle of soda drinks, puto (steamed rice cake), maruya (fried bananas), banana / camote cue, turon, and toasted siopao.

Kinalas is usually served in local eatery in Daet. But I recommend four kinalas that I tried.
Locations:
1. Kinalas at Paksiw ni Arnel located infront of Iglesia ni Cristo Bldg. near AVON
2. Mang Bok's Kinalas has two branches :
     a) located in diversion road infront of Superlines Bus Terminal and Beside of DLTB Bus Co. ; 
     b ) can be found near ICL School in Barangay Lag-on.
3. Yundrei's Kinalas  located near Cocina ni Fiscal Turingan
4.  Pioquinto Kinalas/Eatery - located infront of Camarines Norte State College.

Martes, Hunyo 17, 2014

Are you craving for adventure?

In the western portion of Daet lies a uncovered majestic beauty of Camarines Norte that  everyone should explore while they are here in Camarines Norte. The majestic beauty i'm referring to is the San Vicente's Pride-- Mananap Falls.



Mananap Falls is situated in San Jose, San Vicente, Camarines Norte.  roughly 18 kilometers west of the capital town. This waterfalls is considered to be one of the hidden beauty of the Province. As one will have to do a lot of hiking first before reaching the destination. If you're a amateur hikers you will find the trek ezy, and breezy because of the bamboo guardrails that will assist you in the ascend or descent of the trek going to the falls.  I would like to applaud the Local Government of San Vicente led by Mayor Francis Ong for developing the trails to make Mananap Falls more accessible and therefore, enjoyable. Keep up the Good work!



As you walk into the vast forest you will be fascinated with diverse number of flora and fauna dwelling in the area. Some of it are endemic in the place and others  can be found in different parts of the country



After one hour of hiking you will be rewarded by its extra-ordinary beauty, its cascading crystal clear water and its breathtaking panoramic view can hold spellbound  tourist enthusiasts.



The Mananap Falls is composed of 7 magnificent falls. The first level of Mananap falls is about 60 feet high with deep water ideal for swimming, canyoning, water,tubing, camping, nature watching and adventure. It also offeres opportunity for backpackers and trekking.


How to get there:
The only way to reach the waterfalls is through hiking a midst the dense forests and along river areas. It takes between one hour to reach the waterfalls area.

For Local and Foreign Tourist:
1. From Daet Terminal- Ride a jeep going to San Vicente.
      Note:  Daet Terminal is located in Central Plaza Compound near Central Plaza Restaurant, and Daet Municipal Bureau of Fire Protections Office.
  •              The jeepney fare cost: 17 pesos (regular fare). Travel Period: 10-15 minutes
 2. From San Vicente: Ask/ inquire permission from the Municipal Hall and they will also provide trail guide. Look for Mr. Eduardo Quierra (San Vicente Municipal Tourism Officer). then, Rent a tricycle going to Barangay Fabrica.

3.) From Barangay Fabrica-Walk and Hike going to Mananap Falls. 

4.) Have fun and enjoy the nature's beauty.

Distance- Approximately: more or less 3.8 kilometers from Barangay Fabrica to Mananap Falls.
Hiking Time: 1 hour. More or less it depends on the trail/ weather condition, number of hikers and etc. (one way)

Sabado, Hunyo 14, 2014

About the Blogger

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to my travel blog.

I started travelling around the Philippines in the year 2009 and began my exploration in Luzon since I came from Camarines Norte. 

In the same year, I was a tourism management freshmen in Far Eastern University Manila. Usually, I travel alone during long weekends exploring the wilderness and wonders of my country (Philippines). For this reason, travelling became my way of living life to the fullest.

Currently (June,2014), I am working as a tourism staff in Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Office. As a tourism staff our main responsibility are 1) to do some ocular inspections in both existing and potential tourist attraction in the province, and; 2) Creating Itinerary plus giving them assistance in the places that they will visit. 

While I'm away from work,  I do some backpacking trip alone.Travelling around different provinces in the Philippines, mingling with the locals and documenting all the beautiful things that can be found in the place.  I can truly say that it is indeed-It's More Fun in the Philippines.

Like many Filipino bloggers, I want to share my cherished moments, promoting our country and try to change the way people see the magnificent beauty of the Philippines in my own simple way, one step at a time without harming its natural beauty.

Dios Mabalos!

-Raiza