MARINDUQUE: Come & Visit this Peacefull Place and Discover Humble Heritage.

Now I am trying to visit an unknown place to me. Far more from the hustling and bustling cosmopolitan ambiance of Manila. This is what Marinduque can offer you:

Moriones Festival

Annually, during the observance of Holy Week, a biblical character in the person of the Roman centurion, Longinus, comes alive as the towns of Boac, Mogpog, and Gasan celebrate the Moriones Festival. It is a religious festival, which links the story of Longinus with Christ’s Passion and Death.

Putong

This is Marinduque’s indigenous custom of welcoming and honoring friends and visitors. The ceremony starts with the procession of the “mamumutong,” a group of men and women, chanting greetings before the visitors whom they regard as deities.

Bathala Cave

The Bathala caves are said to be mystical and a repository of psychic power emanating from various points of the universe. There are believed to be seven caves composing the complex.

Boac Cathedral

This cathedral is a mere 10-minute walk from Boac town proper. It was built in 1756 in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Biglang Awa (Immediate Succor). It was here where Filipinos and Spaniards took refuge from pirate attacks. The architecture is Filipino-Hispanic Gothic with much of the original structure – the façade the main body, the belfry, and the altar – faithfully preserved. Stained glass windows, though a later addition, adorn the walls and enhance the age-old beauty of the church.

MARINDUQUE: A Serene Location for Reflection.

Known as the smallest province in the Southern Tagalog region, Marinduque has the shape of a human heart floating on a clear blue sea.

The island province is characterized by undulating hills, picturesque valleys, sheer seaside cliffs, interspersed with patches of flatland on different parts of the island. The soil is fertile but marked in certain spots by large stony areas, making wide continuous farming difficult. Deposits of iron, copper, and lead are found and mined in the province.

During the yearly Lenten season, a myriad of tourists, from the ardent devotee to a mere observer, flock to Marinduque to witness the very popular Moriones Festival. A biblical character in the person of the Roman centurion, Longinus, comes alive as the towns of Boac, Mogpog, and Gasan celebrate Moriones. It is a religious festival, which links the story of Longinus with Christ’s Passion and Death. It is celebrated during the observance of Holy Week, or the week before Easter, which also happens to be in the middle of the Philippine summer.

The heart-shaped island of Marinduque rests on the Sibuyan Sea and is located south of Manila between the Bondoc Peninsula at the southeastern portion of Luzon and Mindoro Island. It is bounded on the north-northeast by Quezon, south by the island of Romblon, west-southwest by Oriental Mindoro, and west by Batangas. The island province has an aggregate land area of 95,920 hectares, including four major islets and eight minor ones.

Things You Should Know In WANDERING CARAMOAN.

Since there are no telephones available for the local establishments, you can only get your accommodation only upon reaching Centro - the local term for the Poblacion of the Town Proper. Following are information to guide you in wandering at CARAMOAN, CAMARINES SUR.

Tourist Inn / Pension Houses

• Rex Tourist Inn (up) - Located in Real St. Brgy Tawog. There are 6 room available, rates for fan room is Php300.00 while regular room to executive room rates are ranging from Php500.00 to 2,500.00

• Roa Pension House - Located in Sirangan St. Brgy Tawog - air-conditioned room rates are ranging from Php1,000.00 to 1,400.00

Homestay Programs

• Mrs. Imelda Versoza Residence - Located in Centro, Caramoan - Country style, fully furnished, well maintained and cozy, with beddings, water, air-conditioned rooms, spacious living room, and foods are available upon request. Two big aircon rooms are available for rent, rates starts from Php500.00.

• Mr. David Plopinio Residence - Located in Centro, Caramoan - A three storey concrete house, fully furnished, with beddings, water, air-conditioned rooms, spacious living room, veranda, food / meals can be ordered / served. With two spacious air-conditioned rooms with separate toilet and bathroom. Rates are starting from Php500.00
  

Unlike other famous beach destinations, Caramoan doesn't offer international cuisines such as Italian, Spanish, Chinese and other famous dishes but instead, experience the delightful taste of truly bicolandia food such as:

Laing or Pinangat (left)- has known for its main ingredients taro (gabi) leaves and stalks slowly cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with ginger and sili (Philippine hot pepper),

Bicol Express (right) - is a mixture of chili pepper, with bits of tasty meat or fish and other spices simmered in coconut cream (gata) and fresh seafoods.

The island doesn't have fine dining restaurants but you will definitely enjoy the fresh dishes in various homegrown "turo-turo" existing in various main points of the island. All delicacies are guaranteed fresh and affordable, ranging from Php30 - 70 per meal. Finding your food to eat will add spice to your never ending island escapade.

B Y AIR
The Manila-Naga route is served by the Philippine Airlines. PAL's 141-seater (Boeing 737) flies daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Estimated Travel Time (ETT): 1 hour

BY LAND
From Manila

Manila to Naga - Bus ( Pasay or Cubao) Php425.00 - 600.00
Naga to Sabang or Talisay Port - Jeep or Van (Naga Central terminal) Php40.00 - 50.00
Port to Caramoan Port - motorboat (Sabang/Talisay Port) Php80.00 - 100.00
Caramoan Port - Centro - Jeep ( Caramoan Port ) Php10.00

From Legaspi

Legaspi to Anayan Pili, Camarines Sur - Bus or Van ( Legaspi Terminal) Php80.00
Anayan - Sabang or Talisay Port - Jeep ( Anayan Jeep Terminal ) Php30.00
Port to Caramoan - motorboat ( Sabang or Talisay port ) Php80.00 - 100.00
Caramoan Port - Centro - Jeep ( Caramoan Port ) Php10.00

If you have a private vehicle, it is advisable that you look for a barangay official in Sabang or Talisay port for your safe car parking. Sabang port and Talisay Port have daily regular trips to Caramoan every 6:00Am, 8:00Am and 11:00Am. If you missed the regular schedule, special trips are available at daytime, boat rental are ranging from Php500.00 to Php700.00 depending on the size of boat available.

Tricycle is the most common means of transportation within the Poblacion and its sitios, rates starts from Php5.00 depending on the desired destination while motorcycle rental per day is ranging from Php200.00 to 300.00. Island-hopping boat rental is only Php1,500.00 per day with maximum of ten passengers per boat. Don't hesitate to haggle for the price, remember that you are in the Philippines, where almost everything is in its best bargain.

TIPS IN TRAVELLING IN CARAMOAN

• There are no resorts near the beach so you have to bring camping gears if you plan to stay overnight.

• Bring first aid kits, hospitals and clinics are not accessible

• Public Market is located at the Caramoan Centro where you can buy your food and other necessities.

• Buy enough bottled drinking water, there is no available drinking water in the location.

• It would be nice if you can visit the Barangay Captain first and introduce yourselves.

• You may also visit the Municipal Planning Office located in the Municipal Building, they may have other information's you need for your stay in Caramoan.

• Always bring a sunscreen protection

• Bring a camera and take your memorable photos from this fantastic island

CARAMOAN PENINSULA: A Hidden Paradise You Need To Discovered Here In The PHILIPPINES.

Philippines is blessed with marvelous and beautiful places. We Filipinos enjoy great scenery from our mountains down to our to seas. We must help protect these bountiful grace we have. One of this is the CARAMOAN PENINSULA in Camarines Sur here in the Philippines.

A visit to the Caramoan Islands will get anyone as close to nature as possible with its pristine beaches, Limestone formations, white fine sand, turquoise waters, majestic caves and diverse marine wildlife. Hence, one must be fully prepared to experience an adventure of a lifetime. Very little is known about Caramoan. Isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur, it is no surprise why Philippine's Secret Paradise remains unexploited from commercial tourism.

Caramoan gives 'island hopping' a new meaning. Enjoy its beauty in many ways. Great ocean adventures for kayakers, snorkle and scuba dive to experience the diverse marine life, trek and search for the enigmatic lagoon, rock climb the limestone cliffs, explore the caves or just star gaze at night.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: (Prices may Change)

Caramoan can also be reached via the southern Luzon expressway to CBD(Central Business District) in Naga City . There are also direct flights from Manila to Pili Airport, the Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific fly regularly from the Manila domestic airports to Pili airport.

I believe that Caramoan will undoubtedly be one of the best tourist destinations in the country. The island is blessed with rich, Virgin Islands, limestones, amazing rock formations and white, fine sands that local and foreign tourists would love to explore. The development of the Caramoan Island is embodied in Republic Act 9445 declaring the islands of Lahuy, Cotivas, Guinahuan, Luksuhin, Malibagon and Masay located in the northern coast of the Caramoan town as national tourism zones.

JALAN PETALING: The CHINATOWN of MALAYSIA.

JALAN PETALING or Petaling Street is one of the most crowded locations here in Kulala Lumpur, Malaysia. The China town is located in here. It is infamous for a lot of shops and stools that sells pirated products. You would always see a lot of pirated clothes and accessories along with bootleg DVDs and CDs. Petaling Street however does not exclusively offer pirated products. Haggling is a common sight here and the place is usually crowded with locals as well as tourists.

The area has dozens of restaurants and food stalls, serving local favourites such as Hokkien Mee, Ikan Bakar (barbecued fish), Asam Laksa and Curry Noodles. Most of the traders here are Chinese but there are also Indians, Malay and Bangladeshi.

The nice thing about its location is for its accessibility. There are a lot of stuff and items you will find here. There are also a lot of LOW BUDGET HOTELS here perfectly for backpackers. Located inside Petaling Street is a 3-star Business Class and Hostel like: Hotel Malaya and Swiss Inn Hotel, and no frills hotel,Stayorange Hotel. Also near there is a Chinese bookshop and a few stalls selling Hainanese Chicken Rice and Noodles. A small LONGAN stall is also located there.

Nearby is Masjid Jamek, an old mosque of Moorish architecture while a tourist spot known as Central Market is within walking distance. Also nearby are the Pasar Seni LRT Station of the Kelana Jaya Line and the Maharajalela Monorail Station. One of the most famous landmarks, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur, is located along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee is KL's Chinatown. It is one of KL's oldest and richest Hindu temples. It receives many devotees and tourists daily. Its easy to get to, endlessly fascinating and very easy to explore, every visitor to Kuala Lumpur should make it a point to see Chinatown. Shoppers will lose themselves (and maybe their mates as well?) going through the endless row of tables that serve as shop fronts on Jln. Petaling's night market. And for true Chinese cuisine this is the place to sit down and dig in.

HOTELS in NAGA CITY: A GUIDE to CAMSUR GETAWAY.

AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL

It is the newest hotel in Naga City Philippines with a 6,000 sq meter full facilities that offers world-class accommodation. You can expect 1st class service and warm Filipino hospitality from the Avenue Plaza staff. The hotel is located on Magsaysay Avenue, Naga Philippines - central community near the fast growing business district surrounded by educational institutions. There is a gym, La piazza ballrooms, high Internet speed, 24 hr coffee shop, 2 level infinity pool, and many more. Including transportation service to and from the Naga Airport, which is about 15 min away. Avenue Plaza is one of the nicer luxury hotels in the Central Philippines.

Telephone: (63 54) 473-9999 / 811-7888
Fax No. (63 54) 473-9993
Email: info@theavenueplazahotel.com

VILLA CACERES HOTEL

Villa Caceres Hotel is located at Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City Philippines. It is one of the finest and luxurious hotel and restaurant. The hotels offers reasonably priced accommodations in the city and the room rates vary depending on size and season. Villa Caceres is a standard hotel and has the complete facilities and services such as In-room movies, Laundry Service, Valet-parking Space, Bar, Shuttle Service, Cocktail Lounge, Swimming Pool, and Piped-in Music. All hotel rooms have Air Con, Color Televisions, and High Speed Internet. Staying Villa Caceres gives you the best satisfaction.

Tel. Nos. (054) 811-60-83 to 89
Mobile No. 0918-9342285
Fax No. (054) 473-93-27
Toll Free No. 250-8118
Email: villacacereshotel@yahoo.com
If you are in manila just call toll free line 250-8118

Naga City Villa Caceres Hotel is owned by Mr. Robert Le e Obiedo & Family.

STARVIEW HOTEL

If you are a star lover, go for Starview Hotel for which it has a place for stargazing and it is one of the decent hotels in the Naga City. The hotel stands at the middle of Jollibee and Cabis Cabana that is in front of the 13 Martires Plaza at #76 Elias Angeles St., City and Quezon Plaza of Naga Philippines. Since the hotel is at the core of the City, it is easy to go to all malls that is just few min away from the hotel. Check in Starview Hotel and enjoy the joyful and beautiful City of Naga.

Telephone No. 472-68-92 / 811-71-71
Address: #76 Elias Angeles St, Naga City Philippines
Website: www.starviewhotel.com

SAMPAGUITA TOURIST INN HOTEL

If you are in a budget and looking for affordable hotel to check in, try Sampaguita Tourist Inn Hotel. This is one of the few hotels in Naga City. It sits along the Naga River at the Panganiban Drive, Naga City Philippines. The hotel offers fine services and better accommodation such as Wifi ready, excellent rooms, and so. Visit and try Sampaguita and enjoy its affordable rate of rooms, but great services and facilities.

Telephone No. (63)(54) 473-2158

NAGA CITY REGENT HOTEL

Regent Hotel is Located downtown in the heart of Naga City Philippines. It is one of the nicest hotels in the metropolitan section of the city. If you are looking for a better shoppping area on discounted items (Ukay - Ukay), then this is the best accomodation in Naga. The regent Hotel is just walking distance of many walking distance of the City. This hotel is noted for with 10 luxurious function rooms and convention center.

(6354) 472 2626 or (6354) 473-8890
email: reservation@nagaregenthotel.com

NAGA MORAVILLE HOTEL

Consider staying in the newly Renovated hotel and restaurant located near the downtown area of Naga City Philippines. They offer a wide range of rooms from Luxury to Economy to suit your lodging needs while visiting Naga. They have one of the better in hotel restaurants that can be used for wedding receptions. There are many Moraville Hotels in the Camarines Sur and Naga area and they have been serving they are for over 20 years.

SUNNY VIEW HOTEL

Sunny View Hotel is located at Panganiban Drive, Naga City Philippines. The hotel is directly faced on the east where you can enjoy watching the sunrise early in the morning. Sunny View Hotel offers affordable room rates with AC, cable TV, telephone, bathtub with water heater, and whole lot more. You can also enjoy the free Internet at the lobby and its restaurant and if you are a coffee lover go to the Bean Bag Coffee just beside the hotel. For reservation just contact this number (054) 473-98-48 | 473-87-71.

Green Earth Cafe: Answer for HEALTH CONSCIOUS PEOPLE here in NAGA CITY, Philippines.

For a change, Me and my friend tried this restaurant here in Naga City. We try a vegetarian restaurant to satisfy our appetite. The development of VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT is a manifestation of individuals to be more conscious of what they intake.

We went to Green Earth Cafe. This is for the health conscious people and also to those who love good food. It is located at 3rd Street Corner Soriano Avenue, Villa Sorabella Subdivision (4400) (at Concepcion Grande) Naga City. For inquiries and delivery please call them at their local number at 054-4755018.

They serve salad, burritos, pad thai, pizza, nachos and a lot more. There are outdoor seating available also. Wheelchair accessible,for our impaired fellows. The ambience is okay but unfortunately they only accept cash only. They are open daily from 10:00 AM untill 9:00 PM and sometimes late night by weekends.

(This is aTofu Dish)

(A Veggie dish to satisfy you)

(A Thai noodles for an asian twist)

(Spicy Homemade Nachos)

(And my Favorite Healthy Veggie Pizza)

View Larger Map

CAMARINES SUR: The NEXT BIG THING Down South of LUZON.

I am privileged to be invited by a friend to visit NAGA CITY. Traveling down south of Luzon has been quite a while where I went to Marinduque, IN THIS CASE, I have visited Camarines Sur. This beautiful Province in BICOL AREA was very astonishing and surprising for me.

I stayed in AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL in Magsaysay Avenue in Naga City. I was informed that it is one of the newly opened hotel in the area. It was cleaned and have a very good services. It offers 24 hr coffee shop, 2 level infinity pool, and many more. It includes transportation services to and from the Naga Airport, which is about 15 min away. But I am not recommending this to back packer traveller or those who need a low budget accommodation although for me it is a good place to stay in.

I always have a fun day here. A lot of things to do and places to discover. THINGS YOU MUST SEE IN CARARINES SUR:

1. Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church.It is famous and Miraculous for the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

2. Lake Buhi, wherein you can found the world's smallest fish. It is also surrounded by some lake villas where you can stay in.

3. Beaches of Caramoan and Sagñay which is good for Diving and Snorkeling for its beautiful underwater corals. It is also famous for its white and black sand beaches.

4. The famous CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX a water sports park designed for wake boarding, wake skating and water skiing and ECO VILLAGE which is also located within the Provincial Capitol Complex in CADLAN, PILI, Canmarines Sur.

From this four site I told you , Naga City and the rest of Camarines Sur offers a lot of interesting destinations. From Natures wonders, scenic beauty as well as night life and metropolitan needs it can offer. From Good accommodations, Hotels, Resorts and Restaurant that varies from First Class Cuisine, Vegetarian Organic, Oriental, Local Delicacies and Ihaw-ihaw in the streets will satisfy your cravings and give you pleasure.