My Top 11 for 2011

This list is the top destinations and events I’ve been to for the past 12 months. A lot of firsts here for me! Here we go...

February 2011

Batulao Forest Trek, Nasugbu, Batangas – February 19, 2011 - My first time here and wanted to go back this 2012. Thanks to Sandari Batulao for organizing such a meaningful and wonderful activity. It's a must for those who wanted a side-trip before going swimming down town and for those camping and hiking at Mt. Batulao. It's only a two hour trek so it will not be that difficult to do...;-)

Corregidor Island, Cavite – February 20, 2011 - My 3rd and 4th time this year (another one was last August 2011) but it never ceases to amaze me especially this mile long barracks. Very beautiful ruins. I wish to explore this at night someday...;-)

March 2011

Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas – March 12, 2011 - I've been to some famous mountains of the Philippines but it's my first time to climb the highest peak of Nasugbu. Again thanks to some serious effort of  Sandari Batulao for organizing this event. I climb this same mountain after a month as organized again by Sandari Batulao.

April 2011

Twin Islands, Nasugbu, Batangas – April 24, 2011 - Another first for me to stay in one of the twins. Very cool place to go to when you go swimming in Nasugbu. It's only 30-minute boat ride from one of the beach resorts along the famous Nasugbu coast line. Rent a motorized banca for as low as 700-2000 (depends on the season).

July 2011

Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City– July 24, 2011 - Kobe Bryant. Need I say more?

August 2011

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 27, 2011 - First stop on the twin city tour. All I can say is there are so many businesses (small or medium). The local government here is doing a great job for employment and tourism. Need to go back here and explore their tourist attraction someday...;-)

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 28, 2011 - The main destination of our twin city tour. This is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail. The city was clean and the foods were great. Only had one bad experience and dunno if I ever go back to Dakak.

September 2011

Rock Rizal Concert, Mall of Asia, Pasay City – Sept. 16, 2011 - The best and the brightest rock bands in one FREE concert. Totally epic night! Thanks Rock Ed Philippines.

October 2011

Taal, Batangas – Oct. 15, 2011 - The heritage town of Batangas. My first time to explore the town up to its hidden Spanish cemetery. But the best part, I was so amazed at the collection of Mr. Manny Inumerable, the owner of Galleria Taal aka Camera Museum. From the oldest to the rarest camera he has it. Ever seen a gold Nikon FA camera? Visit Galleria Taal...;-)

November 2011

San Jose, Batangas – Nov. 20, 2011 - The poultry capital of Batangas. One small town so rich in history. Also home to one of the best organic restaurant in the province - the Casa Rap. That's why I'm surely coming back for more - food....;-)

December 2011

PEBA 2011, Trinoma, Quezon City – Dec. 09, 2011 - My first time to be nominated as a blogger. Even though that I have a slim chance of winning I still attended the event for experience purposes. Luckily for me, Mr. Jim Paredes was there to give an inspirational talk. Been wanting to see him for the longest time. And as a bonus for attending, I won a gift card worth 1000 from Ayala Malls... Merry Christmas to me...;-)

And. That. Is. All... Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail: Rizal's Execution Site, Rizal Park

             My second stop of my Lakbay Jose Rizal’s Heritage trail. This is the exact location of Rizal’s execution on December 30, 1896. If you’re facing the Rizal Monument, the execution site is located at the left side of the park. 

NHCP's Historical Marker near the entrance of the execution site

             There's a black granite wall at the entrance inscribed with Rizal's Mi Ultimo Adios and inside are eight tableaux of life-size bronze statues that recreate Rizal's last moment. I only have 4 of the said eight tableaux because there are so many park goers when I visited the execution site. Here are the 4: 

            At exactly 7:03 AM, Rizal was shot at the back by a squad of Filipino Soldiers of the Spanish Army. 

His last words were those of Jesus Christ: "consummatum est",--it is finished. Thanks to Diario De Filipinas on Twitter for bringing us the blow-by-blow event of Rizal's execution as it unfolded 115 years ago.

              He was buried secretly at Paco Cemetery in Manila with no identification of his grave. In the afternoon, her sister Narcisa discovered a newly dug grave at Paco Cemetery (scheduled for another blog post) after touring all possible grave sites. She marks it in marble plaque with Rizal's initials in reverse.          

             I've got my 2nd stamp, still a long way to go. For those who missed the first one, it's here: Rizal Park .

Merry Christmas Pilipinas!!!

         
                From the admins of Nasugbu.ph facebook page, we all wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. Give love and be a blessing to someone.. Have a happy holidays, don't forget to visit Nasugbu and travel the Philippines.;-)

2nd Travel Philippines Show

           Experience the wonder of the Philippines at the 2nd Travel Philippines Expo from December 09-11, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall.

           For more information, please contact Ex Link Events through info@exlinkevents.com or 0920-9242532 / 0920-9814376.

2012 Philippine Holidays!!!

By virtue of Proclamation No. 295, signed last November 24 in the city of Manila, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. and President Benigno S. Aquino III declared the regular holidays, special (non-working) days, and special holiday (for all schools) for the year 2012.

Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day ------------------- January 1 (Sunday)
Maundy Thursday ---------------- April 5
Good Friday ----------------------- April 6
Araw ng Kagitingan -------------- April 9 (Monday)

Labor Day ------------------------- May 1 (Tuesday)

Independence Day -------------- June 12 (Tuesday)

National Heroes Day ------------ August 27 (Last Monday of August)

Bonifacio Day --------------------- November 30 (Friday)

Christmas Day -------------------- December 25 (Tuesday)

Rizal Day -------------------------- December 30 (Sunday)

Special Non-working Days

Chinese New Year ---------------- January 23 (Monday)

Ninoy Aquino Day ---------------- August 21 (Tuesday)

All Saints Day --------------------- November 1 (Thursday)

Additional Special (Non-Working) day – November 2 (Friday)

Last Day of the Year ------------- December 31 (Monday)

Special Holiday (for all schools)

EDSA Revolution Anniversary ---- February 25 (Saturday)

                As for Section 2 of the proclamtion, the proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall hereafter be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient. To this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday shall fall.

                You will notice that there are 6 long weekends for 2012, two of them are four days or more (April 5-9 and November 1-4) thus more reasons to travel around the country. Plan your holidays and save for your getaways. Pilipinas, Tara Na!


source : Official Gazette

Fiesta De Los Toros 2011 Schedule of Activities

Nov. 30, 2011 (Wednesday)
        11:00 AM - Pinangat Festival (Plaza De Roxas)
        7:00 PM - Harana (Plaza De Roxas outdoor stage)

Dec. 01, 2011 (Thursday)

        7:00 AM - Mini Band Competition (Plaza De Roxas open grounds)

         Participating Schools

• Adelaido A. Bayot Memorial School
• Balaytigue Elementary School
• Bilaran Elementary School
• Bulihan Elementary School
• Calayo Elementary School
• Catandaan Elementary School
• Looc Elementary School
• Mataas na Pulo Elementary School
• Nasugbu Christian Faith Academy
• Nasugbu East Central School
• Nasugbu West Central School
• Natipuan Elementary School
• Nicolites Montessori School
• Pantalan Elementary School
• Papaya Elementary School

        7:00 PM - Sing-Galing Barangay Official (Plaza De Roxas)

Dec. 02, 2011 (Friday)
        7:00 AM - Bailar ala Toro (Street Dancing and 5-minute Dance presentation) (Plaza De Roxas open grounds)

         Participating Schools (Elementary)

• Balaytigue Elementary School
• Bucana Elementary School
• Bulihan Elementary School
• Bunducan Elementary School
• Cogonan Elementary School
• Nasugbu West Central School
• Papaya Elementary School
• Wawa Elementary School

         Participating Schools (Secondary)

• Batangas State University - ARASOF
• Dr. Crisogono B. Ermita Sr. National High School
• Dr. Francisco L. Calingasan Memorial Colleges Foundation, Inc.
• Nasugbu Institute

        2:00 PM - Band Exhibition and showdown  (Plaza De Roxas open grounds)
        6:00 PM - Concelebrated Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        7:00 PM - Nasugbu Got Talent (Season 2) (Plaza De Roxas outdoor stage)

Dec. 03, 2011 (Saturday)
        5:30 AM - 1st Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        6:15 AM - 2nd Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        7:30 AM - 3rd Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        7:30 AM - Grand Parade of Marching Bands (Poblacion, Nasugbu)
        9:00 AM - Concelebrated Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        11:30 AM - Mass Christening (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        2:00 PM - Amateur Boxing Tournament (Plaza De Roxas basketball court)
        5:30 PM - Anticipated Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        8:00 PM - Fireworks Display (Plaza De Roxas)
        8:30 PM onwards - Live Band (Plaza De Roxas outdoor stage)

The Nasugbu Fiesta that was last year!

It’s this time again of the year that everyone here in town are busy preparing, decorating and of course practicing not for Christmas but for the annual Nasugbu Fiesta aka Fiesta De Los Toros. The first Fiesta de los Toros, highlighting bull runs was conceptualized to pay tribute to our town’s patron, St. Francis Xavier, a native of Navarre, Spain.  Started last 2006 and celebrated during the 2^nd and 3^rd of December, some of its activities are the Parada de los Torros which features cows and carromatas in a colorful parade, each with distinct theme representing Filipino creativity; Blessing of the cows, through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier  the community prays that the male and female cows will be blessed by God and that good quality Batangas beef may be produced in the future; the Bailar ala Toro, a dance competition participated by various schools in Nasugbu; the Suwagan ng Toros, where paper mache cows ran after spectators of the parade and the Fireworks Display, which is the festival’s last official act.

Here are some of the highlights of last year’s Nasugbu Fiesta De Los Toros:

Students portraying Nuestra Senora Virgen de la Escalera (feast day Dec. 02) and St. Francis Xavier  (feast day Dec.03)

Students from Balaytigue Elementary School dancing on the street

Participants from BSU-ARASOF

Students of Panuca Elementary School during the 5 minute presentation

Spectators at the Old CADP locomotive at Plaza De Roxas

The drums and bugle of Calayo Elementary School 

Opening salvo of Brgy. Papaya Elementary School Mini Band

Lyre exhibition of Brgy. Pantalan elementary School Mini Band

Natipuan Elementary School Mini Band getting ready to perform

Street Dancer of I.B. Calingasan Memorial Institution

This year the Nasugbu Fiesta De Los Toros will start on Dec. 01 (Thursday) until Dec. 03 (Saturday). Almost the same program as last year but i'm still looking forward to it. Hopefully you could visit our town next week and enjoy the beach, the sun and a free festival!

Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail: Rizal Monument, Rizal Park

                Hello readers. This is it – the start of my Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Travel. This post has long been overdue. But because of the recent controversy regarding the “no shoot policy” in Rizal Park and Fort Santiago I think I have to share this now.

                I have this once in a lifetime chance of going near the Rizal Monument at Rizal Park in Manila 5 months ago. Not just touch the mausoleum, but actually photograph it point blank. Incidentally, this was during the 150th Birthday celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal last June 19, 2011.

            The Rizal Monument was planned and constructed during the American colonial period of the Philippines in the early 20th century.

             Built by virtue of the United States Philippine Commission  Act No. 243, dated September 28, 1901, the Rizal monument was approved by no less than United States President Theodore Roosevelt. The act stipulated the allocation of land in the Luneta to build the memorial, near where Rizal fell when he was executed by the Spaniards on December 30, 1896. It also specified that the monument bear the statue of Rizal, as well as serve as the final resting place of his remains. To fund the project, a Rizal committee was set up to raise funds from public solicitations. The committee—whose members included Paciano Rizal (Rizal’s brother), and Tagalog novelist Pascual Poblete–was also tasked to hold a design contest for the future monument.

             Famous Italian Carlo Nicoli of Carrara, Italy won the design  competition with bozeto no.21  entitled “Al Martir de Bagumbayan”. However, for some reason the contract went instead to second-prize winner Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling, for his bozeto No. 9 entitled “Motto Stella.

             On the sixteenth death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 1912, as the monument was nearing completion, the remains of the national hero was transferred through a solemn procession from the Ayuntamiento to the Rizal monument. A year later, on December 30, 1913, the monument was unveiled to the public.

              Now going back to the issue about the “no shoot policy”, the  Department of Tourism (DOT) together with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and Intramuros Administration (IA) released an official statement last Nov. 16, 2011 that there is no “no shoot policy” implemented at the two historical parks within the City of Manila. The NPDC and IA together with DOT administered the Rizal Monument as well as the whole Rizal Park.

              The issue about the “No shoot policy” I believe has been overblown. I’ve been to Rizal Park many times and there are regular photographers (with professional cameras) in site. The security guards/tourism police don’t actually allow photographers go beyond the perimeter “fence” – about 20 meters from the mausoleum. But that’s just it, we can shoot anytime but not for commercial purposes, which is understandable. Even though it’s a public park, there are still processes to follow.

            Now going back to the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail, this is just  my first post of the actual places on the passport. No better way to start the trail than to the Philippines’ “zero” kilometer mark.

             I was supposed to go to Calamba, Laguna that day for the unveiling of the tallest Rizal Monument in the world, but due to very bad weather I decided to just go to the Rizal Park instead. Good choice for me, because they let people go beyond the "fence" to offer flowers and to take pictures. I was able to go around the monument and took a shot of every side of it.

                A rare opportunity indeed and I wasted no time. Fortunately the rain stopped a bit and I was able to go around Rizal Park(my first actually). And the most important thing, I got this:

                  One down, 26 places to go....;-)

sources: My Rizal 150, Wikipedia, Official Gazette

Pic of the Week! (No more)

          Every end is a new beginning. And I'll be ending my Pic of the Week section to introduce my newest photo blog: (click picture to redirect you to my newest blog)

     
          Be inspired with quotes and sayings of famous personalities, authors, and newsmakers combined with 3 sets of pictures. From natural wonders to man-made things, and even events, this will be the showroom of the world in my eyes! Follow it as you followed this blog. Thanks and happy blogging to all...;-)

Wandering Juan Music Video Contest

          Calling all jetsetters and filmmakers: The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) begins its search for the best travel video, and plans to give away amazing travel packages through the Wandering Juan Music Video Contest. With the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), as CEB’s major partner, the contest is aimed at boosting domestic tourism, as the airline currently has the most extensive route network in the country.
          Starting December 1, 2011 until January 31, 2012 Wandering Juans can share their fun travels and adventures around the country by submitting a music video to CEB’s YouTube Channel.
          “We all have reasons why we love a certain place here in the Philippines, and this is the chance to showcase that. With the help of video and music, more people can get to appreciate the undiscovered, the fun and the exciting places the Philippines has to offer,” says Candice Iyog, CEB Vice President for Marketing and Distribution.

          By the end of two months, CEB and TPB will select three winners to receive amazing travel prizes. The winner for the best music video will get six domestic airline tickets along with a 3 days /2 nights stay in Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa in Boracay for six.

          The second place winner gets four domestic airline tickets and a 3 days/ 2 nights stay in Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan for four. The third placer will win four airline tickets and a 3 days /2 nights stay in Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao for four.

           The video with the most number of “likes” on CEB’s Youtube Channel will emerge as the Wandering Juan Voter’s Choice winning two airline tickets to any domestic destination.

          To join, interested contestants can submit their music video entries (in mpeg4/mp4 format) by visiting Cebu Pacific’s YouTube Channel, (http://www.youtube.com/user/cebupacificair). Look for the official Wandering Juan Invitation to Join video, go to comments and click on “Create a Video Response.” Starting December 1, 2011, contestants can upload their video entry with a short description of the video with their complete name, contact number and email address. A contestant may submit as many entries as they want. However, a contestant may only win once.

          “Tourism is everyone’s business, and this is our chance to boast of what our hometown or favorite Philippine city can offer. By creating videos, taking photos and going online, we are welcoming domestic and foreign tourists to the Philippines,” said DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

          “Together, we can help share the beauty of the Philippines to more people. We invite everyone to join Cebu Pacific’s Wandering Juan Music Video Contest, and be our partner in showcasing the wonders of the country,” says Domingo Ramon Enerio III, officer-in-charge of the Tourism Promotions Board.

          To qualify, videos must show CEB airplane/s in the music video.  The 2 to 4 minute video entry must be made in 2011 and must not have been previously shown or awarded in public. Before appearing on the CEB YouTube Channel, all video entries and comments will be screened by CEB representatives.

          Any travel-loving Filipino resident can join the Wandering Juan Music Video Contest. If the contestant is below 18 years old, he/she must submit a signed letter of consent from the parents or legal guardians.

          Music video entries will be judged based on creativity (25%), travel message/ story (25%), promotion of destination (25%), technical execution (10%), and overall impact (15%).

Reblog from Cebu Pacific Air

Pilipinas, Tara Na! v.3.2

               After the debut of the 3rd version of Pilipinas, Tara Na! music video last October, the Pilipinas, Tara Na! Facebook fan page received some negative commentaries. One reason, the editor of the video mistakenly put photos/videos of the places described in the lyrics differently not just once, but four times. The four are the following as mentioned by Mr. Ivan Henares in the comments:

• Mansion ng Silay but Siliman University in Dumaguete is shown
• Lumang simbahan ng Paoay but Laoag's sinking belfry is shown
• Vinta ng Zamboanga but you have the images of the paraws of Boracay
• Boating sa Loboc but you show shooting the rapids in Pagsanjan

               It was nice that the following mistakes was edited. Now the more accurate 3rd version of the MTV.

PILIPINAS, TARA NA! v.3

Words by: Rene Nieva

Composed by: Mike Villegas and Rico Blanco

Arranged by: Angelo Villegas

Ikaw ba'y nalulungkot

Naiinip, nababagot

Ikaw ba'y napapagod

Araw gabi’y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba'y walang saysay

Walang sigla, walang kulay?

Bawa't araw ba'y pareho

Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Kasama ang pamilya

Barkada at buong grupo

Para mag-enjoy ng todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakita mo na ba

Ang mga windmills ng Bangui

Lumang simbahan ng Paoay

At mga mansyon sa Silay?

Namasdan mo na ba

Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga

Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon

Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Nang ating malaman

Ang kahalagahan

Ng pagbibigayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

RAP:

Mula puno’t dulo

Ng archipelago

Ang sasalubong sa ‘yo

Mga ngiti ng bawat tao

Pagtanggap sa bisita at pagpapasaya

Sa Pinoy ay wala nang tatalo pa!

Naranasan mo na ba

Ang mag-wakeboarding sa Camsur

Ang mag-boating sa Loboc at sa

Underground River ng Puerto Princesa?

Natikman mo na ba

Ang Sisig ng Pampanga

Duriang Davao, Bangus Dagupan

Bicol Express at Lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Ang Maykapal ay pasalamatan

Sa lahat ng biyayang 

Natanggap ng ating bayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating Makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nalibot mo na ba

Ang puno’t dulo ng Luzon

Aparri thru Calabarzon

All the way to Sorsogon?

Naki-parada ka na ba

Sa Higantes sa Angono

Bulaklak sa Panagbengga

At Parol sa San Fernando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Lumingon sa pinanggalingan

Nang tayo’y makarating

Sa ating paroroonan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Upang ating matamo

Ligaya at pagkakaibigan

Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Spirits at Corregidor

                Paranormal activities (not the movie) aren’t new to me. In fact I have an open “third eye” since I was 3. My first experience, I saw a striped (black and white) lady in our cousin’s house here in Nasugbu. Since then it never closes, but I got used to it as years passed by.  Seen a lot from lost spirits to some enchanted creatures. But I never capture any “thing” on film not until August, 2005.

                It was our educational trip to Corregidor, and I’ve heard a lot about the place. Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II.

(Clockwise) Spanish Lighthouse, Malinta Tunnel,
Cine Corregidor, Eternal Flame,
Mile Long Barracks,  Battery Way

Today, the big guns of Corregidor are now silent and the ruins of buildings, structures, and tunnels in the island tell a very moving story of a war that has claimed so many lives.

So many lives indeed! And that’s the reason why it is one of the favorite places for adventure seekers and ghost hunters. It has been featured to a lot of Halloween TV specials in the Philippines. Many even captured some lost spirits on film. And here's one:

Just ignore the white silhouette, it's just me..;-) This was taken in front of the Mile-Long Barracks. Anyway I only noticed something strange in that photograph when I uploaded it to my computer. I don't know if it's just a product of my imagination or lighting or whatever it was but I can see a running soldier on that picture. Here's another one:

This one was from the Malinta Tunnel during the Lights and sounds show of what happened during World War II at Corregidor. It's optional for Corregidor trip packages but it's a must see. It’s called the “Malinta Experience.” Scripted by national artist and film director Lamberto Avellana and sculptures made by national artist Napoleon Abueva. Anyway I saw a standing "head-less" (Japanese?) soldier near the center of the picture. Imagination? Illusion? I don't know. But personally I saw a lot of bloodied soldiers inside the Malinta Tunnel. The most number of "spirits" I saw in one place. The good thing, we were about 50 students inside the tunnel so it felt less scary. Though I wanted to experience the Night Tour of Malinta Tunnel. It's not included in a regular day tour and can only be availed if you stayed overnight at Corregidor. It's much creepy since you will have the chance to explore some blown-up laterals of the tunnels where many Japanese soldiers committed suicide just prior to the recapture of the island by the American Forces.

Someday, I will experience that night tour, especially now that they're offering a lot more activities. They've opened up some more Japanese tunnels to be explored by visitors. And maybe some more new spirits of the dead? Happy Halloween everyone...;-)

Pic of the Week!

            Title: Bones

Location: Taal, Batangas

Photo Taken: October, 2011

The Story: Halloween Special! We recently had a meeting at Taal for our heritage group, the Heritage Conservation Society-Batangas. The 2nd meeting I attended and the first time I brought my camera. We met at Galleria Taal (which has a very good collection of old and working cameras-recommended for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts) or the Ilagan-Barrion Ancestral House by the invitation of Mr. Manny Inumerable (fellow HCS-Batangas member). After the meeting, we were asked by our head if we would like to visit the Spanish Cemetery (which the group visited when they met with the Taal Active Alliance Legion).  Of course I said yes! We arrived at the cemetery, well it's not really an open cemetery, it's more of like a lost cemetery. It's privately owned by one of Taal's Municipal Councilor and requested to have this cemetery be dug up by professional archaeologist. While roaming around the site I found this part of the skull and a thigh bone I think and a broken gravestone which has an 1890 inscription. Now I'm excited to "join" the digging when it happens.

I'm a PEBA Nominee!!!

        Yesterday I received this email (well, actually I received it last Thursday and only seen it yesterday) from Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards,(PEBA) Inc.

        It almost got expired because yesterday was the fourth day. I sent them a reply minutes after and received my official nominee badge today. (Also on my sidebar starting now...)

      My first nomination as a blogger. Thank you to whoever nominated me. Thank you to my readers. Thank you to my followers. Thank you everyone...;-)