Blog « Valerie Caulin – freelance writer

Mambukal Resort, Negros Occidental

March 10th, 2010

This year, summer seemed to have come early with the occurrence of the El Niño that left many places in the country not just with a very hot temperature but shortage in water. And it was a relief when we decided to spend some family time in Mambukal Resort a day after my brother’s wedding in Negros.

Mambukal's relaxing Lagoon

This government-run resort in the town of Murcia was literally our oasis as it was filled with water with lush and virgin forest. Frankly speaking, this resort doesn’t seem like a government-run resort as it is well maintained and clean (sorry but I’m just being honest ). And as a freelance writer, this is a great place to feature in this blog. This place is something that we should be proud of even to international tourists; we saw some American family who can be on their family holidays packages enjoying the scenic beauty of this resort.

My boys having fun in the Dipping Pool

The resort has many pools like the children’s pool but my favorite was the dipping pool filled with its relaxing hot water from one of its hot springs. The water was hotter than the ones in Camiguin and it was sad that I can’t dip my whole body due to my pregnancy. I just have to settle dipping my legs and watching my boys having fun in the pool.

Pool Entrance fee- 50 for adults and 20 for kids...

The dipping pool reminds of the Japanese onsen or hot baths as it is placed in a natural setting of tall tress with bats flying above. Yes, Mambukal resort is home to some endangered species of Philippine bats also known as the flying foxes.

they are not fruits but bats hanging...

Not far from the dipping pool is the sulfur spring which we failed to visit since we arrived a little bit late. But my sister who came early said it was really hot with some parts of the pool boiling and sulfur was a little bit pungent. Too bad, it could have been a chance to naturally treat some skin problems of mine.lol!

I still need to visit Mambukal Resort again to fully visit and experience this lovely natural attraction in Negros. I wish to fully dip in that hot dipping pool, check out the sulfur spring and climb all the way to the waterfalls. So for your summer destination, travel to Bacolod which is the gateway to Mambukal Resort.

Here are some photos from our Mambukal trip:

Ishiwata Bath House. Newly renovated but first built in 1920s

Don't know if there are really butterflies in there..

Massage, facial, pedicure and manicure...

so relaxing

Tags: Mambukal, Mambukal Resort, Negros
Posted in Negros Occidental | No Comments »

My Vigan Travel Article Published

February 12th, 2010

It’s been a long time since I wrote my last blog post here. Sorry, I have to prioritize some writing assignments. Sometimes, life as a freelance writer can be as busy as that of a CEO..

But today I’m thrilled to share something here in my blog..another article published!

Any freelance writer dreams of seeing and reading their works published. Though I’ve been eyeing on writing in local magazines, to be published in an online travel magazine is an accomplishment for me.

My article about Crisologo Street in Vigan just published in The Circumference which features unique travel experiences. I love this site and their team! And my recently-published Vigan article is my fourth article featured in their site. I have written about Hanami ( the Sakura Viewing of Japan), Guisi Beach of Guimaras Island and the Ati-atihan Festival of Aklan.

Call me idealistic but I truly feel very proud of sharing Philippines to the rest of the world through my works. I still have to write more travel articles for them but I guess, my hands are still full with other assignments as a freelance writer that I can’t finish them all yet.

If you love to travel, you should read the experiences featured in TheCircumference. I love their unique approach to travel writing.To read my article, click here!

Tags: freelance writer, Vigan
Posted in Ilocos Sur | No Comments »

3 days/2 nights Itinerary for Guimaras Island

February 3rd, 2010

Readers of this blog often ask me about room rates for some resorts I have featured here while some asks for sample itinerary.

This post is for one reader who emailed me asking if I can help her craft their itinerary in Guimaras Island. True to my promise and to promote this island as a freelance writer, here it is. Take note that this IT is for those bound for Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

Day 1

* arrival in Iloilo City

*transport from Iloilo Airport to Ortiz port ( where you can take a boat to Guimaras; travel time is 45 minutes -1 hour)

* arrival in Jordan port then proceed to the resort of your choice ( you can take some photos along the way which will make the trip a little bit longer)

*swimming

* after lunch..boating ( visit Bat Caves and SEAFDEC fish sanctuary, Turtle Island)

Day 2

* rent a motorcycle to Guisi (about 400php back and forth; driver will wait for 5 hours)

*Guisi Beach and Lighthouse

Day 3

* Trappist Monastery for pasalubong

* if you still have time, you can explore the city of Iloilo

For accommodation, I suggest Villa Igang Resort.

I hope this helps..just follow the link to the posts I wrote for more information..and forgive me if this is not as good or organized as those prepared by travel agents, I’m quite in a rush to finish some tasks as a freelance writer..enjoy!

Tags: Guimaras Island, Guimaras itinerary, things to do in Guimaras
Posted in Guimaras, beaches, things to do | 1 Comment »

Nigi Nigi Too Resort Boracay

January 31st, 2010

What I love about working as a freelance writer is that I can easily ” book” a short trip without thinking twice. And one of our nearest holiday spot is the island of Boracay. It may take 6 hours of driving from our place but roadtrip is part of the adventure.

Been in the island countless times and starting to lose my interest with its mass commercialization and mass tourism. There are many hotels in Boracay to stay but I was looking for a place that can still give me Boracay as a paradise island without the high rates of luxurious resorts in Boracay.

The answer is Nigi Nigi Too Resort…the best place and I had a good bargain with their room rates.

The traditional cottages of Nigi Nigi Too

Instead of going to bars and pubs, we opted to lounge here at night..

First, as a freelance writer, I do everything online. By booking online and directly, I had a 10% discount on the cottage that we chose. And most of all, the savings that I reaped is from the accommodation that we chose. I personally prefer to stay in traditional cottages when on a beach which you will seldom see in most resorts in Boracay with majority of them built as hotels in Boracay. The traditional cottages in Nigi Nigi Too have the most affordable rates and it really gave us genuine beach life while in Boracay.

It's nice to own the beach...

Willy's Rock greeting me a good morning..

Nigi Nigi Too is located in Station 1 and one of the resorts in Boracay that lies close to one of the most famous landmarks and most photographed scene in the island- Willy’s Rock. Station 1 is practically the quieter side of the island as there most of the expensive hotels in Boracay are located in this part. Its sister resort, Nigi Nigi Nous is located in Station 2.

Aside from its location, I love the service in Nigi Nigi Too Resort. I’m not paid to blog this resort as a freelance writer but I really love their customer service. From their quick response to my online booking to my specific instruction on our meal as I have a little child in tow. And when we came home, they sent as an email of thanks..how I wish all Philippine business were like them!

Don't miss this artistic piece!

Balinese sculptures in their garden

Best location, excellent customer service and value- stay in Nigi Nigi Too Resort while in Boracay. I feel in love with Boracay because of them. Till next time!

For room rates, click here!

Parasailing in Boracay

Sampaguita Gardens

Museum it Aklan

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Religious Sad-Sad: Tracing the Origin of the Dinagyang Festival

January 25th, 2010

The city of Iloilo’s Dinagyang 2010 finally came to a successful end yesterday. Like any other Visayan festival, this celebration is marked with street dancing with elaborate costumes. But amidst those merry-making activities is the religious affiliation of these festivals – the devotion to the Infant Child Jesus, Senyor Santo Niño.

The history of Dinagyang can be traced way back in 1969 when the image of the Santo Niño ( Holy Child) of Cebu was brought to Iloilo in San Jose Parish Church, which is located very close to the center of Iloilo City. As they welcomed the Holy Child in their city, merry making started and as years go by, they have added their own tribal history of how the Malays settled in the island with the Aetas. The result is the present-day Dingayang of tribal dancing while giving homage to the Santo Niño.

The highlight of the festival is the street dancing and tribe competition but we preferred to witness and participate in the religious sad-sad last Saturday, January 23. The religious sad-sad is more solemn as you cannot expect any rowdy tourist or dancer in this event. After all, as a freelance writer, I am more interested in the real essence of Dinagyang. The word “sad-sad” is a Hiligaynon word for “street dancing” and with the term “religious” added to ther activity, it is obviously a dance with a religious purpose.

Though it was hard to reach San Jose Parish Church from our place in Jaro when many roads closed for the main event the day later, we finally arrived in the church. There were TV crews and some writers from local newspapers covering the event and as a humble freelance writer, I was thrilled to share the event in this blog. The sad-sad reminds me of Sinulog, prior to the mass commercialization -how people dance their petitions as well as their loved ones’ to the Holy Child. From good health to a boyfriend or girlfriend, devotees danced, praised and asked for their sincere intentions to the Holy Child Jesus.

It was nostalgic for me as the crowd shouted the familiar phrases like “Pit Senyor, kang Mama kini” ( Pit Senyor, this is for Mama) and the likes which was the same when I was growing up in Cebu. And how little children were carried in their father’s shoulders as they danced for health and prosperity. With some music in Hiligaynon even the most classic Sinulog music was played to accompany the dancing. And no Cebuano can’t recall that music or help but to jive to that joyous beat.

Here is the video of the Religious Sad-sad. Enjoy!

Related Article

Miag-ao Church, Iloilo

Tags: freelance writer, Iloilo, Iloilo Dingayang, Religious dancing
Posted in Iloilo, philippine festivals | No Comments »

Miag-ao Church: Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church

January 21st, 2010

Miag-ao Church or Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is one of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Along with the baroque churches of Intramuros, Paoay (Ilocos Norte) and Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur), Miag-ao Church is something that we should be proud of.

I first learned about this “yellowish” church ( due to its silt and clay material) when I was processing my college admission for University of the Philippines that has a campus in Miag-ao. And for four years, this church has been my place of worship as I stayed and studied in Miag-ao for my four-year college education. And through my class in Humanities, I learned more about how brilliant its designs and architecture are as European Baroque elements were impressively interpreted by local craftsmen.

Well decorated facade of Miag-ao Church

One of the striking feature of Miag-ao Church is its facade of a man carrying a child in the middle of a forest. As explained to me and to the rest of my classmate, it was St. Christopher carrying the Infant Jesus in the midst of local trees like papaya, coconut and guava.

Statue of the Spanish King

Pope's Statue

There are also three statues in its facade, namely that of St. Thomas de Villanueva, the Pope and a Spanish king who was then the ruling monarch of Spain during its construction in the 18th century.

Left tower showing its buttresses

Like Paoay Church, it also has buttresses which defends the church from earthquakes, making these type of churches as “Earthquake baroques”. Also if you are keen enough, its two towers are not of the same proportion.

Four-storey right tower

three-storey left tower

Its right tower has four storeys while the left only has three. The towers were built under two different parish priests with the other having his own preference on how many storeys the tower should have. Before, visitors can climb its belltower but lately it is now prohibited when one Korean tourist rang the bell and caused a commotion in the whole town. Keep in mind that ringing the church’s bell still means something from mourning, weddings even to alert the people of a disaster like fire, earthquake or flood.

Church's interior

Miag-ao Church is not plainly a place of worship but served military purpose as a fortress. It sits on a hill, and you can see a nice angle of this church as you cross the bridge going Miag-ao. The church served as a watchtower against raiding Muslims or Moros who attacked coastal towns in Panay and make the captured people as slaves. Hence, the Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao.

How to get there

You can take a jeepney going to Miag-ao from the Super Market in Iloilo City ( close to Robinson’s Place) or in Mohon Terminal in Villa.

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Tags: Baroque churches, Iloilo, Miag-ao, Miag-ao Church, Miag-ao Parish Church, Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church
Posted in Churches, Iloilo, landmarks | 3 Comments »

El Dorado Water Park

January 18th, 2010

For those who wish to stay in a hotel in Iloilo that has a decent pool or a weekend swimming with your kids, El Dorado Water Park is the best choice. It is located in Smallville, a district that is more synonymous for parties, clubbing and dining. But a little bit inside Smallville adjacent to Westown Hotel is this haven for families tagging their kids along during a short stop in Iloilo City.

El Dorado Water Park is part of the MO2 Complex which is consist of their hotel (Westown Hotel) and a club MO2. And it is suprising that this waterpark caters to kids. I say, it is really a kiddie place particularly in terms of the depth of the water which is safe for children even for the little ones.

What I love best about El Dorado Water Park is that they have a shaded pool that is only 2 feet deep. It was great for me who has a little kid who still wants to swim at 2pm when the sun shines the brightest. Its shaded, saving your child from the harmful rays of the sun and the depth is very safe for little kids.

Entrance fee is 100 per person and you can surely bring your own food. There also have their own restaurant to serve affordable and sumptuous dishes. If you are staying in Westown Hotel, entrance is free.

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Tags: El Dorado Water Park, hotels in Iloilo, Hotels with swimming pool in Iloilo, pools in Iloilo
Posted in Iloilo, resorts | No Comments »

Baluarte: Chavit’s Animalandia

January 15th, 2010

The word “baluarte” means “fortress” and for a country with distinct political culture, the word connotes political control over a territory. And in Vigan City, Baluarte is a popular tourist destination which houses various animals. And it may not be a surprise that is is owned by Luis “Chavit” Crisologo Singson, the incumbent governor of Ilocos Sur and one of Philippine’s controversial politicians (remember his role in Erap’s downfall and his live-in partner accusing him of almost killing her and her new lover).

Anyway, Baluarte is just ten minutes fro Calle Crisologo and you can’t leave this place out when you’re in the city. Situated on hills, it offers a nice view of Vigan City. As a whole I love Baluarte and it somehow changed my perspective about Chavit…he really loves animals and they say people who love animals are kind (lol).

I have been to many zoos and private zoos- big or small but what I like about Baluarte is how they treat animals. I noticed how the animals have plenty of space to roam around in their fences..while some are really uncaged..take these pics for example.

Likewise the whole property is very clean and a nice place to take some rest after some walking in Calle Crisologo. Some of my favorite animals in Baluarte:

An alpaca, differs with the llama in terms of their ears ( the llama's are standing)

For a decent price, you can take a souvenir shot riding this camel

She looks tamed and friendly, but I wouldn't dare to pose with her..

She looked tamed and friendly, but I didn't dare to pose with her..

There are many animals like his orangutans, ostriches, bird, snakes and other animals. You can also take a free pilomino ride ( small horse) around the zoo but we even skipped the kalesa in Calle Crisologo..we pity the poor horses! haha..

Baluarte is open from 7am till 6 pm and it is free. Chavit has many employees in his zoo to assist you and they were genuinely friendly. Outside, there are many stalls selling souvenir items.

For more information, visit their website..Baluarte

Related Article

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Tags: Baluarte, Chavit's Baluarte, Vigan City, zoos
Posted in Ilocos Sur, landmarks | No Comments »

The Visayan Festival Month of January

January 12th, 2010

photo by: Rio Calle

After the festive month of December, the central part of the Philippines roars more with their festivals. The Visayas celebrates many festivals during January and there are three famous festivals during this month from different provinces namely the Sinulog of Cebu, the Ati Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan and the Dinagyang of Iloilo.

photo by: roybuloy

Sinulog of Cebu

Among the three festivals, the Sinulog is perhaps the most colorful and most famous topped with massive commercialization. Celebrated every third Sunday of January, this festival is held in honor of the Child Jesus or the Santo Nino and how the natives then were baptism as Christians by Magellan himself. Millions of people flock Cebu for the Sinulog from tourists, devotees and even photographers with all those picturesque costumes during the street dancing.

For this year, Sinulog 2010 is celebrated officially from January 8th till 17th which is the highlight with all those street dancing. The third Sunday of the January is all the fiesta of the Queen City of the South but Sinulog -related activities like trade fairs, opening salvo, photo exhibits and even beauty pageants have been held earlier some as early as December.

photo by: Flipped Out

Ati-Atihan of Aklan

If you want a less commercialized and more solemn festival, then opt to experience the Ati- Atihan festival. Known as the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals”, the people of Aklan have been celebrating the Ati Atihan for hundreds of years. The main distiction of the Ati Atihan is how the dancers were covered in soot and dark pigment to mimic the Atis which are the original settlers of Panay island before the Malays came.

The first Ati Atihan festival is tribal in nature and just in a few centuries that Christianity spread, they have incorporated the Child Jesus in the Ati Atihan. Like the Sinulog, it is also celebrated every third Sunday of January and for Ati Atihan 2010, the celebration is from January 11-17, 2010.

I have written a more in depth article about the Ati Atihan festival in an online travel magazine. To read my article about the Ati Atihan, click here.

First Iloilo Eyeball during Dinagyang last January 2006...

photo by: Visayas 6 Online Community

Dinagyang of Iloilo

The word Dinagyang comes from the Hiligaynon word, “dagyang” which means “to be happy” and it is celebrated every fourth Sunday of January, a week after the Sinulog and the Ati- Atihan. Among the three festivals, the Dinagyang of Iloilo is the youngest and its origin can be traced back in 1969 when the image of the Santo Nino of Cebu was welcomed in the city.

The Dingayang is more the same of the Ati Atihan if you based it on the prominence of the “artificial” black colored skintone of the dancers. Like the other festivals, it has combined both tribal and religious aspects of the celebrations in honor of the Child Jesus and the coming of the Malay settlers to the island of Panay.

For this year, the Dinagyang is from January 22-24 with activities like street dancing, concerts, food festivals and many more.

Tags: Ati Atihan, Dinagyang, philippine festivals, Sinulog
Posted in Aklan, Cebu, Iloilo, philippine festivals | 1 Comment »

Where have you been in 2009?

December 30th, 2009

Revamping this site to feature destinations and travel in general as much as possible, I looked back for this year in terms of where I have set foot in. Turns out that I have traveled so much this year! Yipee! Take the fact that my son has become older that I can leave him for a night or two for some “me time” traveling. Likewise, he is bigger to bring along to further destinations.

I excluded Roxas City and the rest of Capiz province as well as Kalibo and Aklan since we always go there. So here are the places that I have been too this year:

1. Zamboanga del Norte

Dakak

I have been to Mindanao a thousand times ( my mom is from Lanao del Norte), it is still a path unknown to me. And to visit and explore the peaceful Zamboanga del Norte was amazing. We’ve been to Dakak ( I just love it), Dipolog and Dapitan. I love the unspoiled scenery of Zamboanga.

2. Misamis Occidental

Aki having fun with the monkey in Cotta

My husband hails from Ozamiz City and we visited their place during the Holy Week. I have been to Ozamiz City before I even met him and last Holy Week, we went to different places in the province like Jimenez with their old church and passed different municipalities along the way.

It was my first time to see real dolphins..haha!

For my baby who loves the water so much ( just like me), we visited the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) in the town of Sinabacan which is just 25 minutes away from Ozamiz City. I found this blog which has complete information about MOAP. Click here!

3. Guimaras

Alubijod, Guimaras

Oh, the romantic and tranquil island of Guimaras. I visited the island once again this year with my high school barkadas last June. And an interesting fact that one of the women I admire, Daphne Osena-Paez worked and lived in Guimaras for a year. We stayed in Villa Igang Resort and visited Guisi Beach, Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins, Trappist Monastery, etc..

4. Cebu

Aki swimming with his cousin, Boodie in Shangrila Mactan

Should I include this? I’m from Cebu and of course, Iloilo is just an hour away by plane. But this year is different since I came home many times, 4 times to be exact. Even as a local of Cebu it was my first time to visit Shangrila Mactan, the Parola in Lilo-an and the Museum of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu.

5. Manila

"Can I feed them Ma?"

Manila as the capital city serves as the stoppver for many our trips and sometimes we stay for one night to check out this vibrant city. When we went to Mindanao last Holy Week, we treated our son to the Manila Ocean Park but it was not as impressive since we came from MOAP where we really touched sea animals in their own habitant.

When my husband went to Ilocos, we stayed for one night in Manila before going home. And a creepy thing happened, my husband saw a vision of a child burning in pain while we slept in our hotel room. Creepy! I won’t share what hotel it was..I don’t want to ruin their business..haha!

6. Ilocos Norte and Sur

Where is Simon Ibarra?

Our Ilocos trip was the best for this year. I have been dreaming of Ilocos in years and if I remember it right, I once said that I will marry the man that will take me to Ilocos. haha!

There was a storm, Santi hitting Luzon when we went there with some flights cancelled but we conquered them all and had a wonderful time in Ilocos. When we were in Vigan, we missed our son so much that we didn’t have much fun as we should have.

7. Boracay

ahh..unwind and relax..

I have been to Boracay six times and I shouldn’t put this on my list since I can always go here if I wanted to. But nevertheless, I include this since we spent our special Christmas day in Boracay and it turned out to be the best Boracay trip I ever had. Lessons learned- stay in Station 1 and avoid avoid the peak season during summer.

There is my list. How about you? Where were you in 2009?

Tags: Cebu, Guimaras, Ilocos, manila, philippine destinations, zamboange
Posted in Cebu, Churches, Guimaras, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboange del Norte, beaches | No Comments »

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Valerie Caulin