Dec 31, 2011

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!!!


Dec 30, 2011

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 .


Dec 25, 2011

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.;-)


Dec 8, 2011

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.

Dec 7, 2011

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