tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:10:25 +0000Filipino FoodHong Kong DisneylandZamboangaSydneySamut-sariTarlac RestaurantsTo Infinity and BeyondFilipino-American WarMakati RestaurantHoly WeekSpanish FortsQuezon City RestaurantsPo Lin MonasteryLiving in the PhilippinesNoli Me TangereHolyweekCaviteZamboanga AccommodationsPhotobloggingMabuhay MilesLa UnionFiestaTourist TrapsTheme ParksRizalSuperstitionsBulacan ResortsViaje del SolCatanduanesSamarDavao RegionChristmasSlumdog MillionaireZamboanga del NorteGolfPasig RiverLakesGregorio del PilarMisamis OrientalBridgesChinese New YearCagayan de OroImmigrationPasay CityRewardsBirdwatchingBulacan DirectionsBagasbasFilipino CuisinePAL ExpressSurfingRoads and HighwaysWater SportsPampanga RestaurantPaeteParksTarlac CityPublic TransportationFerriesBukidnonSeairSuperFerryFood TripSan PabloMadame TussaudsLink ExchangeButterfliesHalalIndiaCubaoAntiqueNew Years DayRoutesMonumentsPhotojournalismBank NotesRizal RestaurantsAngonoTagaytay RestaurantsRiversCasinosMisamis OccidentalCebu AccommodationsSurigao del SurIsabela RestaurantsRizal ResortsMandaue CityPilgrimage SitesQuezon CityCamarines SurPhilippine HolidaysPhilippine GamesPasalubongUNESCODavao Del SurBenguetAuroraNational Capital RegionPangasinanResortsZoosVictoria HarbourOceanariumsNueva EcijaThailandPersonalSierra MadreQuiapoLobocPhotographing the PhotographerPhilippine HistoryMalaybalay CityIfugaoNueva VizcayaLeyte RestaurantsVisita IglesiaWildlifeDamsNorth KoreaAustraliaPhilippine AirlinesBoracay ResortsAdvocaciesMercedesBatanesCamilingWatchtowersGiant BuddhaCaptivating CapizMuseumsBoracayWisdom PathDagupanButterfly GardenNCRJoseSouthern TagalogVigan AccommodationsCebu PacificNorthern MindanaoMountainsMalaysiaDapitanDavao CityUniversitiesSex TourismFlowersIlocos SurAndres BonifacioIloiloButterfly WatchingDragonfliesCentral LuzonWestern VisayasPalawan ResortsFlora and FaunaAntonio LunaBeyond AsiaParanaque CityArchitecture1000 Places To See Before You DieHong KongSouthern LeyteTraveloguesAngeles CityCagayan ValleyEastern VisayasPhilippine VisaCavesNational Holidays in the PhilippinesBackpacking PhilippinesHistorical ShrinesAirAsiaDive SitesCebu CityShoppingWaterfallsStatue SquareCebuTacloban CityJose RizalMalabonSpelunkingPampangaAlaminos CityBataan ResortsWalking TourBloggingRivers and LakesChurchesSeafoodRestaurantsSpasBusesLegendsCabanatuan CityTravel BloggingFolkloreFilipino TraditionsPipe OrgansCalasiaoVigan RestaurantsPhilippine RevolutionMetro ManilaLagunaBoardsportsExotic FoodDavao Del NorteMosquesNational Cultural TreasuresTravel InformationBeachesMarine ParksTravel WarningTravel TipsOrchidsIlocos RegionSan JuanZooDelicaciesPasig CityMumbaiCharityLaguna Food TripHalloweenButuan CityPhilippine-American WarSignspottingEventsOrphanagesHolidaysJeepneysBicol CuisinePuka BeachLighthousesBatangas RestaurantsBataanPhotographyBinondoVolcanoesCalabarzonBuddhismMakatiAdvisoriesEmilio AguinaldoPuerto GaleraTawi-tawiNegros OrientalFloobydustLiteratureCebu RestaurantsStreet FoodBangkokCamarines NortePancitRegion IIITagaytay CityTourism NewsSpanish-American WarZestAirIce CarvingZamboanga CityPromo FaresLaguna RestaurantsCentral VisayasGovernment OfficesManila BaySantiago CityAccommodationsFiestasIsabelaSingaporeWorld War IIZamboanga PeninsulaAdventure TourismRailwaysLuzonLinksLucena CityOriental MindoroCuisinePuka ShellsWax MuseumMandaluyong CityPhilippine PassportsAirlinesCarlos "Botong" FranciscoNational ArtistsBackpacking Hong KongSpidersDaetIloilo CityPalawan RestaurantsSurigao del NorteTravel WarningsPhilippine CuisineDumagueteCemeteriesBacolod CityGolf CoursesBulacanKalayaanTemplesBicolLandmarksWalking ToursLapu-Lapu CityPalawanOzamiz CityCordillera Administrative RegionAirportsTrekkingIlocosPagsanjanCaragaIndonesiaSports TourismNgong Ping 360Vegetarian FoodLipa CityMountain ProvinceHistoryTravel GearNewsPre-Hispanic PhilippinesSiquijorIsland-HoppingGapanAlbayZambalesKatipunanQuezon RestaurantsMoney MattersCaramoanCordilleraBasilicasLakbayanBaguio CityCaloocan CityIlocos NorteDavao ResortsEmilio JacintoMapsRantsDipologBaliMetro CebuFestivalsCory AquinoTalisayEcotourismAklanPhilippinesSan Lorenzo RuizDivisoriaCelebritiesBicol RegionBirdsAntipolo CityTarlacBatangasSorsogonManilaHotels and ResortsIslandsGuimarasCamiguinHotelsTyphoonsLeyteBoholFruitsMetro TagaytayBoracay RestaurantsSagadaSubicFloraNegros OccidentalNational ParksViganLeyte AccommodationsOFWIslamTravel GuidesSpecialtiesTian Tan BuddhaAgusan Del NorteRants and RavesEmbassiesCultureMallsMarikinaFrugal Food FindPundaquitArtSurigao del Sur ResortsLegazpi CityOrmocLaguna ResortsGuitarPaterosMimaropaFaunaPuerto PrincesaIntramurosSurvivorEastern SamarCorregidorLas PinasLifestyleQuezonNational HeroesDonsolFlight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures, travel guides, destination, tour information and tips on tourism, backpacking, adventure travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/noreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)Blogger840125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8212003165164043355Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +00002012-01-29T23:10:25.630+08:00BatangasCalabarzonVisita IglesiaChurchesAfter a day's work in Batangas City just in front of SM City Batangas, Tutubi asked for interesting places to visit in the capital city of Batangas province and was lead to Batangas Cathedral, formally known as Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conceptionhere are just two pictures of Tutubi's very brief visit to Batangas Cathedral (taken with an Iphone 4) before going home to Quezon City.the bell http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/batangas-cathedral-minor-basilica-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8311887169418217194Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:06:00 +00002012-01-19T18:16:20.497+08:00Cagayan ValleyNueva VizcayaVisita IglesiaChurchesReputedly the best preserved old stone church of Nueva Vizcaya can be found in the town of Dupax del Sur that Tutubi tried to pass by just to take a pitcure of the really impressive facade with red bricks for the old belfry.San Vicente de Ferrer Church Dupax del Sur, Nueva VizcayaSt. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church with newly-painted facade but still sporting the red bricks of the bell towerDupax http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/visita-iglesia-nueva-vizcaya-old-church.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5746179656937279541Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:42:00 +00002012-01-19T18:00:19.336+08:00PangasinanVisita IglesiaChurchesIlocos RegionJust some sort of drive-by Visita Iglesia in Pangasinan on the way to Bolinao town, you can see two old churches along the wayThese are just two drive-by photos, you can see the effect of the car tint plus some slight blur and poor composition :(St. Raymund the Peñafort Church, Mangatarem, Pangasinan (Mangatarem Church)Mangatarem church features a large green dome, technically called the apse, http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/visita-iglesia-pangasinan-churches-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-963431417602817587Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:14:00 +00002012-01-19T17:18:43.660+08:00EventsChinese New YearFor those planning to see and shoot Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown in Binondo for a possible photo-opp of Chinese New Year, Sunlife's longest Dragon Dance will snake through Binondo starting from Lawton to Jones Bridge.January 20, 2012 (Friday) 10:00 – 11:30 MotorcadeSequence of Motorcade: 1,000 ft Dragon, Rabbit Float, Elf Trucks, vehicles of SunLife employeesDragon Dance Route:Start: http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/sunlife-dragon-dance-chinese-new-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8597647123189047019Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +00002012-01-11T17:50:16.286+08:00Travel TipsAirportsThis is a bit of good news at least for international travelers from Manila, five year implementation of aviation security fee at NAIA, costing PhP200.00 per outgoing foreign travel, will lapse on January 31, 2012. the Starting February 1, 2012, NAIA Terminal Fee will be pegged at PhP550.00/person. Domestic travelers will still be charged local terminal fee of PhP200.00 per passenger.Comforting? http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/manila-airport-naia-terminal.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2850982201306020791Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:03:00 +00002012-01-11T14:11:49.560+08:00FloobydustHollywood movie "Bourne Legacy" lead actor Jeremy Renner, lead actress Rachel Weisz, director and crew of the movie series are in town to shoot the latest installment of the movie franchise.herewith are tips, shoot locations, schedules and traffic re-routing information for you, provided by MMDABourne Legacy shoot locations:Ayala Avenue (Makati), Intramuros (Manila), at Jones Bridge (Manila), http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/bourne-legacy-manila-shoot-locations.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8206973883070754418Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:49:00 +00002012-01-11T14:02:53.914+08:00EcotourismCebuCentral VisayasOver the holiday break, there have been reported sightings of whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, or tuki as called by locals. These gentle giants are called Butanding in Donsol, Sorsogon that turned the sleepy town at the mouth of Donsol River into an eco-tourism attraction famous around the world.This same attraction can be achieved by Oslob, Cebu, being nearer to the tourists of Cebu City but one http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/butanding-tuki-oslob-cebu-whale-sharks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-6714804707259624534Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:02:00 +00002012-01-08T17:53:16.760+08:00BeachesPangasinanIlocos RegionA hidden gem of Bolinao, Pangasinan unknown to ordinary people is the presence of a long fine white sand beach in barangay Patar, less than a kilometer from Cape Bolinao Lighthouse that is a perfect spot for backpackers and travelers with a shoestring budget.Patar Shite Beach's stretch of fine white sand, with Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort on the backgroundfine white sand, clear waters, no http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/patar-white-beach-bolinao-pangasinan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-6112096896297647602Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +00002012-01-06T23:54:58.079+08:00The latest slogan of the Department of tourism was just released and it simply says: It's more fun the Philippines!Tutubi doesn't care if the new slogan is an alleged copycat of an old 1961 slogan of Switzerland, it probably may be just a coincidence and not intentional similarity due to the use of simple phrase.It's really more fun in the Philippines, reason why Tutubi chose to stay rather than http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/its-more-fun-in-philippines-new-dot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8574979135347482493Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +00002012-01-02T15:01:31.621+08:00Pilgrimage SitesSouthern TagalogCalabarzonRizalAn unplanned trip to the upland hills of Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, on the prodding of Tutubi's sister who hitched along on his way to Quezon City turned out into another "joy of discovery" adventure with a place, heard of by Tutubi in 2010 yet forgot to check it out, that features a 71-feet giant statue of Mother Mary, that's been drawing a steadily increasing hordes of pilgrims (and tourists) to http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/01/mary-pilgrimage-regina-rica-tanay-rizal.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2470509365955081012Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:01:00 +00002011-12-30T00:01:00.721+08:00Cagayan ValleyNueva VizcayaMonumentsJose RizalIt's unusual for Tutubi to come a place unprepared i.e. without his usual list of interesting places or noteworthy restaurants featuring local specialties and delicacies since he found out that the still promoted yet already extinct Salinas Salt Springs is not worth a visit. In a recent visit to Solano, Nueva vizcaya, he was taken to this place, called Jordanian by the locals, that turned out to http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/jordanians-jose-rizal-shrine-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2852673044460069372Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:10:00 +00002011-12-29T00:24:50.131+08:00PangasinanIlocos RegionLighthousesStanding 101 feet high, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, next only to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Located in Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, it guides sailors and fishermen from the coast of Cape Bolinao. It was built by the Americans some time in 1903 (thus it's not really an old Spanish Lighthouse)Like most lighthouses in the Philippines, it's operated by http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/parola-cape-bolinao-lighthouse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2909664507444707140Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:10:00 +00002011-12-28T23:58:23.840+08:00CavesPangasinanIlocos RegionA few hundred meters from Puerto del Sol Beach Resort and Spa, along the road going to Cape Bolinao Lighthouse and Patar white beach, are several underground caves with natural swimming pools where tourists go to after beach bumming on the white sand beach of Patar. One of the more popular, and promoted by Bolinao Tourism people, is the so called Enchanted Cave, a privately-owned resort/park withhttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/origin-enchanted-cave-bolinao.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5312673458326266754Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:23:00 +00002011-12-26T13:30:39.913+08:00For those who'll be "stuck" in Metro Manila on New Years eve, herewith is information found by Tutubi in an underpass in Makati with the countdown party schedule, location, with live entertainment for the New Year 2012 countdown in Makati.Makati New Year Countdown 2012:The Magical, Musical Makati:Schedule:December 31, 2011 at 5:30pm onwardsLive Bands: Antimano, Bloom Brothers, Silk, The Company, http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/makati-new-year-countdown-2012-party.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-728302453802415148Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:26:00 +00002011-12-23T11:30:46.462+08:00FloobydustFor those thinking of watching live the Grand parade of floats for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 on Roxas Boulevard, herewith is the MMFF Parade Route and Schedule.MMFF filfest parade of Stars to start at 2pm on December 24, 2011.Parade aroute: start at the back of SM Mall of Asia, EDSA, left to Roxas Boulevard and into Quirino Grandstandat the Luneta (Rizal Park)Guest which among the http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/metro-manila-film-festival-mmff-2011.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5472578429537499957Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:48:00 +00002011-12-20T22:14:34.726+08:00SpecialtiesBatangasCalabarzonPasalubongLocals, when asked about their own place, can only be of two types-- informative or the clueless. Tutubi asked his officemate about the famous Tanauan bibingka, some kind of cheese bibingka of Tanauan famous pasalubong sough after by tourists and visitors but was rather clueless. He asked another friend from Tanauan recently and pointed him to the place with pinpoint accuracy.Tita's Delight http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/titas-delight-bibingka-tanauan-batangas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7071023855255994994Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:13:00 +00002011-12-19T21:28:29.651+08:00PasalubongPangasinanIlocos RegionA visit to the local market is always recommended by Tutubi for first time visitors to a place. There you can see various delicacies and local specialties unknown to Manila denizens that locals are not aware are sought after by "intrepid" explorers like Tutubi always on the lookout for something fresh and new. In front of Bolinao town hall and Bolinao church, there are several stalls chanced uponhttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/binungey-rice-in-bamboo-of-bolinao.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5424621649064289274Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:14:00 +00002011-12-19T21:30:11.364+08:00PangasinanChurchesIlocos RegionJust two drive-by pictures of two landmarks in Bolinao, Pangasinan: The old stone church of Bolinao, formally called St. James the Great Parish (same with Paete, Laguna making July 25 the date of Bolinao town fiesta) and the red brick Bolinao town hall.The Bolinao Church was built by the Augustinians in 1609 and still stands to this day. Behind the church is Bolinao Public Market where you can http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/pangasinan-bolinao-church-town-hall.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1308163338813386796Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +00002012-01-08T17:54:19.810+08:00PangasinanIlocos RegionResortsWith his family in tow, comfortably seated in a shiny, new red Toyota Innova, which he christened Scarlett, Tutubi went to visit the tip of Pangasinan peninsula north of Manila on a roadtrip to celebrate his nth birthday. His destination, one of the three high-end resorts in Bolinao, Pangasinan: Puerto del Sol, Punta Riviera and Treasures of Bolinao. He chose Puerto del Sol (meaning: "gate of http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/puerto-del-sol-beach-resort-bolinao.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8334153137213639948Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:48:00 +00002011-12-17T22:06:17.822+08:00PalawanWorld War IIPuerto PrincesaJust beside Palawan Cathedral (Immaculate Conception Cathedral) in Puerto Princesa is a walled park where grim history of American prisoners of war (POW) haunts every visitor curious about the past great war.The history of Plaza Cuartel is a must for students of history and every Filipino who wish to know the heroism of many who died and suffered for our freedom.entrance to historic Plaza Cuartelhttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/palawan-massacre-plaza-cuartel-puerto_14.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-523413177345390612Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:23:00 +00002011-12-10T21:45:41.631+08:00Filipino FoodFilipino CuisineDelicaciesLocally called tajom in Surigao, Tutubi's friends brought a plastic bag full of the sea urchin for just PhP20.00 at Cantilan market and was served, what else, but kinilaw style.These sea creatures are considered delicacies in many cultures, called uni in Japan (expensive or as the Japanese say it in Nihongo: takai!), ricci di mare in Italy. If you're unfamiliar what are sea urchins, they're the http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/eat-sea-urchintajomtayomuniricci-di.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-6223791440264996210Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:17:00 +00002011-12-10T21:09:51.351+08:00Surigao del SurCaragaFilipino FoodFilipino CuisineFood historians said that the truly Filipino food devoid of any foreign influences is the kilawin (kilaw or kinilaw) where the food is not actually cooked but soaked in vinegar and spices. It's also the local food particularly liked by Tutubi's friends from France that they intend to duplicate at home later.Nope, this is not the actual Kinilaw Festival celebrated annually on October 2 in Surigao http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/surigao-kinilaw-festival-and-kilawin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7486290271935419040Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:18:00 +00002011-12-10T20:35:34.586+08:00RantsJust a few days when the "catalysts of progress" NPAs swooped down on the mining companies of Claver, Surigao del Norte, Tutubi visited Cantilan, Surigao del Sur and passed by the still smoking dump trucks and heavy equipment of several mining companies burned by the "beneveloent" bandits pretending to be friends of the masses. Of course, when Tutubi got there, military men were already there http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/npa-claver-surigao-del-norte.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1606709671933020311Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +00002011-12-06T21:11:34.360+08:00SignspottingWhile cruising along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City on his way home as the professional passenger, not the driver, he noticed the sign of a small food cart advertising this authentic "pekeng" duck and authentic Persian cuisine. He took out his iPhone to take a drive-by picture.are they advertising authentic peking duck or a fake (peke) one? how about the authentic Persian food?btw, Tutubi http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/signspotting-authentic-peking-duck-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7542906541366701660Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:56:00 +00002011-12-04T23:20:17.605+08:00Island-HoppingSurigao del SurCaragaA small island off the coast of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur is gifted with a short yet stunning stretch of fine white sand beach visited by Tutubi on the way back to Cantilan town proper from Inijakan on General Island. In fact, Tutubi was so mesmerized by the beauty of the place that he took an unplanned dip for an hour in the water just to enjoy the place rather than be content with merely takinghttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/11/huyamao-casarica-island-cantilan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3