Philippines! Do you know how to spell D-E-V-E-L-O-P-M-E-N-T?

It consists of 7107 islands, a home of true-blooded “Beauty Queens” and well-known singers – who can afford to ignore this Republic of the Philippines.  Philippine is a sovereign island country located in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. Approximately, 99,887,500 Filipinos are residing this country and identified as nation’s precious gems due to its resiliency despite of calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes – no wonder why innumerable Foreigners invest (e.g. Business Process Outsourcing).

Aside from the smiling people, Philippine is famous for its various world class tourist destination. Tourism Industry grew and gained 2,061,135 arrivals of foreign tourists just this January to May 2014 as the impact of Department of Tourism’s promotional campaign titled “It’s More Fun in The Philippines” – forecasted to give employment of 7.4 million people by 2016.

“Tourism is a major contributor to the nation’s economy, contributing 5.9% to the GDP in 2011” says National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Indeed, tourism has a huge social impact to the country. The growths of local businesses like loom weaving, sculpturing and locally made-products are now distributed worldwide that opened the door to all Filipinos into international trading. There are now a lot of beach resorts, restaurants, bars, malls and other recreational spots established around the country. Hotels and transportations (via air, land and sea) are available to all local and foreign tourists just to assure their convenience.

……

I’ve been to two of the best beaches in the country named Puerto Galera and Calaguas Island. Not surprisingly, when I compared the two spots, I witnessed the real meaning of Development – the environment.  Puerto Galera is a commercialized beach which gave the community’s stable medium of living. “I traveled here all the way from the opposite island during peak season just to sell our goods to the tourists” the vendor of shell bracelet said. However, environmentally, the effect isn’t quite good due to the unlimited visitors during summer and it shows in the surroundings.

Meanwhile, Calaguas Island is totally an immaculate beach which is perfect for soul-searching. It is a place for campers and backpackers who spend more sweat just to reach this paradise. The coast is very astounding – priceless. There is only small local community in the island which inhibits and protects the purity of the place. Their simple way of living is inspiring – they don’t even allow anybody to leave single garbage on the ground. “We can’t avoid the reality that sooner this Island can be developed also. It might give a stable livelihood to all the inhabitants here. And hopefully this development will not affect negatively to the environment.” The local said.

Truly, development in tourism in the Philippines provides positive outcome towards the society. But we also need to be more responsible on the maintenance of the environment. This is not just an accountability of the government but all of the stakeholders – including you. Because progress of tourism is worthless if this will leads to nature's distraction.

Calaguas Island: Yoga for Soul.

I became an Instant Yogi in Calaguas Island when James Betia, shares his expertise about yoga during the travel. Eight in the morning, after we went back from the sunset watching, we just quickly grabbed our breakfast – coffee with kakanin prepared by chief Arvin. When everyone was ok - after the meal, James gathered us for a Yoga session. At first I was hesitant to join because I can’t really get the point of that activity- corny. So, what I did, I just joined them for picture taking only. Until when I started to stretch my arms, synchronized my core and expanded my legs – I felt something strange.

James taught us the proper breathing -With those few inhales and exhales, I felt eased deep within. Unconsciously, I enjoyed now the activity and I continued joining them when I felt the sweat from my body. “Sige na nga , tuloy ko nalang to”, I said. It was my first time to practice it and it gives me the impression that Yoga is fun (but on the beginning, I thought it’s a kinda corny stuff).

In Yoga, you should harmonize your physical, mental and spiritual being to reach your aim – that is body and mind transformation. Meditation is one way, but sometimes it is necessary to prepare the body for meditation by stretching and building strength. As Yoga becomes increasingly diffuse, diverse and popular, there are now innumerable establishments (e.g. fitness gym) that offer YOGA class.

The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It is a derivation of the word yuj, which means yoking, as in a team of oxen.

The chanting at the beginning was a great way to get into the mindset of what the next 90 minutes will require of you.  There was a solid warm up and then some fast paced flows to get you sweating, and then it slows down for some balancing and more challenging poses which always satisfied my explorative and playful side.  At the end, before Shavasana, they sometimes do a brief guided meditation which is really nice.

What I love the most of all those poses was the tree pose – because it taught me how to balance. Just like how we need to balance in our life to avoid failures. We need to balance the pros and cons in decision making. Moreover, a tree-pose can be executed with partner. And I noticed that the tree-pose with a partner is easier compared in doing it alone – just like in real life – it is easier in a journey with a partner in life.

More Yoga .. More learnings . More fun in the Ph.

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Ultimate Frisbee: Catching the flying disc and the beauty of Calaguas Island

In nature, I am a sporty-type of person. I love various sports despite of my asthma.  One of the ultimate sports that gave me a hard time of breathing is Frisbee. In the first place; I know that Frisbee is not that easy upon knowing some sports icon that plays such game eg. Derik Ramsey and Marc Nelson.  I am curious about it because since I love beach it seems that sport is perfect during my beach bumming. (Well, I don’t have guts to play it, to be honest)

During my Calaguas Travel, I had a chance to play Frisbee with some of sporty travelers.  They taught me how to play properly in accordance to the rule. Ultimate (aka Frisbee) is played between two teams of seven players on a large rectangular pitch so Calaguas shoreline is very large – that was perfect for it. A line drawn across the pitch at either end creates two "endzones" (like in American Football) but we just drew it imaginary. These are the goal-scoring areas. A goal is scored when a team completes a pass to a player standing (or more likely running) in the end zone they are attacking.

Ultimate in 10 simple rules as per Steve Courlang

The Field -- A rectangular shape with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 64m by 37m, with end zones 18m deep.

Initiate Play -- Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective end zone line. The defense throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense. A regulation game has seven players per team.

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Scoring -- Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense's end zone, the offense scores a point. Play is initiated after each score.

Movement of the Disc -- The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.

Change of possession -- When a pass in not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.

Substitutions -- Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.

Non-contact -- No physical contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also prohibited. A foul occurs when contact is made.

Fouls -- When a player initiates contact on another player a foul occurs. When a foul disrupts possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.

Self-Refereeing -- Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.

Spirit of the Game -- Ultimate stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.

A flying disc is a disc-shaped gliding toy or sporting item that is generally plastic and roughly 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 in) in diameter with a lip, used recreationally and competitively for throwing and catching, for example, in flying disc games.

I really enjoyed the sport because it takes total stamina, alertness and endurance to perform infinite run.  It was my first time and if given a chance, I’ll play it over and over.

Pros and Cons: Virgin Beach or Commercialized Beach

As part of month-long celebration for my First Year Anniversary of Travel Blogging, I will be featuring these two kinds of beaches – Virgin and Commercialized Beach. I will be posting the real image and true meaning of “DEVELOPMENT”. I will be sharing my thoughts on how change affect in our nature by comparing the beach of Puerto Galera versus Calaguas Island.

 

Virgin Beach

April 10, 2014 was my Calaguas Island escapade. The coast is very astounding. It is like a paradise that hides in the middle of the ocean (since you need to surpass those large waves from Pacific Ocean just to reach the Island). It is totally virgin and clean.

 Advantages:

SOUL SEARCHING. In Virgin Beach you can easily evaluate your feelings and purposes - related to an internal search for deep meaning in your life. Many solo-travelers chose a place wherein they can easily meditate and Virgin Beach is perfect for that. Just like in Calaguas Island, you can go ahead and sit all day long at the beach without any disturbances- noise and pollution. It is only between you and the nature.

FRESH and STRESS-FREE. In beaches like in Calaguas Island; since it is not that accessible, there are only few visitors in a day. So you can really experience the Island in Authenticity just like a Castaway- no establishments and facilities. With that kind of surrounding, you can easily feel the tranquility. All the foods are fresh and the environment itself –New experience and you will learn to value the meaning of life because of the Rapid change of your ambiance (esp. if you are escaping urban living)

SOLO and LOVERS’ TOP CHOICE. Virgin Beach is advisable for solo traveler who wants to escape from heartache esp if you are heart-broken. Visiting this placid place is one way for you to reflect and express deep consideration to yourself. It fits also to those who want to write a poem, blogs, and etc because you can easily create your thoughts accordingly due to the amazing ambiance. Moreover, it is also suitable for couples who want to spend their time to each other.

Disadvantages:

But no matter how impeccable the Virgin Beach is, there are also disadvantages and Cons why travelers don’t want to include it in their bucket list.

EASE OF ACCESS. Going to a remote island is not easy. You also have to consider the transportation and the time you need to travel. Why Virgin Beach remain clean and immaculate visually? -Because not everybody is capable to visit that place that result to slow pacing of developing tourism.  Most of virgin beaches of the Philippines are situated in isolated places. So it is not convenience for anybody.

ACCOMMODITIONS and FACILITIES. Imagine sleeping in a hammock or tent is exciting part of going in a remote virgin beach. This is because no establishments will offer you a room for your entire stay. But, what if the “Call of Nature Happened”? Well, that will be the time that you need to be more tactful. But what if “My Camera needs to be recharge”, Well, that will be the time in which you need to prepare power banks or use solar energy gadgets. But what if “I need to check my Facebook or Check my phone”? Well, that will be the time wherein you need to separate yourself outside world because remote places usually had low signal or NO- WIFI at all.

Commercialized Beach

April 18, 2014 was my Puerto Galera Adventure. The beach is also remarkable due to the number of the tourists. It is like a nirvana of innumerable sexy bodies in the stretch of the white beach. The place is very well-developed and it is very saturated with various establishments

Advantages:

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND. Undeniably, man is a social being that cannot exist without his fellows. No one is self-sufficient and everyone relies on another for survival. And in Commercialized Beaches; it is very impossible to experience loneliness. Just like in Puerto Galera or even in Boracay, regardless if you are travelling alone, you can easily meet random people at that place - People that when you meet as acquaintances would end as a friend.

INSTANT. Instant foods are available in many restaurants that suit your taste. You can book your accommodation once you arrived. Bars are open 24 hours that cater the innumerable tourist. There are stores that sell goodies. There are developed amenities. Barangay police roved around to secure the vicinity.

EASY TO VISIT. Most of the families who are planning for summer getaway opted to go the accessible beaches –And majority of commercialized resorts are situated near metro. Indeed, beaches which are located near metro offer 24 hours transportation. So the number of tourist increases that leads into an abundant tourism.

Disadvantages

IGNORING THE BEAUTY. If the place is too commercialized and you are an itinerant, you will no longer appreciate the beauty of the nature because your attention is centering now on the amenities, accommodation, and facilities. It’s like you are now indulging the urban living yet in a beach set up.

OVERPOPULATED. Overpopulation may also results into a saturated place. You can no longer experience the relaxation yet noise will imbued thoroughly. In accordance to the number of visitors, the number of crime rate may also increases – robbery. Moreover, every time that you will saunter, you will not experience privacy.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNIST. Prices can be luxurious, especially peak season, when the business owners there become opportunists. They will increase the price since the demand of the place is also growing.

WANNA PLAY DIRTY. Aside from Dirty activities happened (Rave Culture) .Try to look at those various tarpaulins posted around the area; it is visually unpleasant; its looks like you are in the middle of the junkyard. Imagine those innumerable advertisements using different media. Notice those garbage scattered and empty bottles after the night long party. Isn’t it disappointing?

 

Not surprisingly, each one of us has a preference in choosing our summer destination. We have our own reason why we handpick that place and include it in our bucket list.

When we say development, it has something to do with change – total transformation. But let me ask you, is “Development” gives us  benefits, in what way and how?  It is not an easy road for me to compare these two beaches; because each beach has its own gems (weakness and strength) why tourists visit and why others don’t.

It doesn’t matter to me, either virgin or commercialized beach, as long as the place is worth traveling for and there is FUN waiting ahead.

Calaguas Island; Paradise that hides behind large waves.

We departed 10AM with a motored Banca in Paracale.



Meanwhile, The Calaguas is a group of islands in the Philippine province of Camarines Norte. It consists of the major islands of Tinaga Island and Guintinua Island, the minor Maculabo Island, as well as several other minor islands.

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We have to clash with Pacific Ocean for 2 hours to reach the place. I thought our boat will not gonna make it because of the very large waves ahead of us. That was really scary since I don’t know how to swim (Yes! Im a beach bummer, surfer and traveler, hence I’m not a swimmer). But when we arrived at the island, it was totally a big wow. It was cool and very picturesque view. The color of the water was like painted in a canvass. It was very saturated aqua blue clear water. Unlike when we were at the middle of the ocean, the water was very placid. The fine sand was very exquisite and you can’t even find dirt, seaweeds or algae floating – so immaculate. There were no other tourists in sight due to its remote geographical location. It was as if we rented the whole island for ourselves.



Moreover, there are only few small stores available around, the stretch of the shoreline is very peaceful and perfect for relaxation- far away from the stressful life in Manilla. The time runs to slow, so slow pacing. I’ve been to Bohol (Panglao) and Boracay but Calaguas is the best for me. Due to the thought that the island haven’t yet commercialized is the factor why I considered it as the best gem – very clean.



This Island that I described is Tinaga where the famous long beach called Mahabang Buhangin is located. Campers and backpackers are coming and going daily to experience its powdery white sands.

Getting here: (Another Option)



Take a Daet-bound bus; from Daet you have two options either get a boat from Vinzons or Paracale. If via vinzons, short tricycle ride to the port, boat rate is around 5k travel time is 3-4hrs. If via paracale where cheaper boats are found, one needs to take a van to daet town - paracale (30-45mins) then boat hire is around 3k. Travel time paracale-calaguas 2-3hrs.

There also daily passenger boats from Vinzons to the island.

Travel is to die for : A start of Friendship

I want to write today , thats  it!

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I am very emotional today so i decided to write from my heart.

I dont know why i felt emptiness today? I just got from Travel in Calaguas Island April 4-6, 2014 and supposedly  i am refreshed. Maybe it just a post travel syndrome. 

I can still remember those happy moments with random people I've met during the travel in Camarines Norte. Sharing thought from those people even though we barely knew each other.

Jennifer Valencia Ignacio"I already 

experienced bar hopping, night party, 

drinks and smoke.. name it.. but for me travel

 is the best thing i ever had." says J

ennifer Valencia Ignacio. She works in 

a BPO Industry in Makati. " You should travel but you 

have also to save for your self. We have also

 to be prepared like the preparation 

you did in every travel. Invest your money

 like how you invest memories" She added."In travel , you will learned how to value every centavo"

" I rather save my money for my travel rather than spending it in Starbucks"

" Travel is more fun. "

Bernard Medrano

" Im planning to file a loan in SSS in preparation for my travel this August to Palawan" Bernard Medrano says. He is a site engineer in Taguig. " I always allocate my income for my travel. Travel is one way for me to continue working. Because it motivates me to be more productive , to be focus and to be efficient because i know to myself that i have something to look forward." He shared. 

Marinette Atuel Galo and  Julieto Espra

I also had a chance to talk this couple maded Marinette Atuel Galo and  Julieto Espra who always travel. " We travel because its our way to bond the two of us. We spend less but we make sure that we enjoy in every escapades. We shared every misadventures that made the two of us stronger. " they said. The two of  them  are working under the Department of Justice.

Truly, everyone of us have monthly bills to pay. But we also have consider that life is too short to get stressed from all those payments. Scarcity is a hindrance. But as long as you make travel happens that is very important.

By doing a short talk to these people, I was really happy that sometimes travel is not just all bout the place but the people also. Undeniably, ‘We meet People maybe because we are either meant to change their lives or ours.

From then, our friendship started. We keep in touch using Facebook.. alerting each one of us ,if there is an affordable travel.

Watch : Poi Dancing in Calaguas Island.

Thank you Rei Gallardo for capturing this

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The first time I was able to watch and got amazed  of this super entertaining Poi dancing was in Boracay . It was performed by Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers. I truly admired on how they executed the dance using the fire. The production was visually pleasant.

By then, I started to study it on my own by watching videos in youtube. ..

Luckily, last year while i traveled in Puerto Princesa  City ( in Pristine Beach to be specific ). I met this local who taught me some techniques. It was very challenging in my part.

But April 5,2014 was the day that I met Eca in Calaguas Island , she is a Poi dancer and she taught me how to dance . "You just feel the music and create your own choreography , you just let go your feeling."she said. " If you let your feeling controlled the dance, the Poi will automatically follows "she added.

So I started to dance with music,

Thank you Vin Bruts for this image

First... I reminisced the gracefulness of Boracay Fire Dancer
  Second... I applied the techniques that i learned  from Puerto Princesa local
     and Finaly...  I danced from my heart like Miss Eca Taught me..

Vin Bruts is on gray shirt and Rei Gallardo on green sando, its me behind Vin

Hope you like it...  

📹 Experience the Sunrise On the Top the Hill at Calaguas Island.

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