tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426Mon, 28 May 2012 01:00:32 +0000Filipino FoodHong Kong DisneylandZamboangaSydneySamut-sariTarlac RestaurantsTo Infinity and BeyondFilipino-American WarMakati RestaurantHoly WeekSpanish FortsQuezon City RestaurantsPo Lin MonasteryLiving in the PhilippinesNoli Me TangereCaviteZamboanga AccommodationsPhotobloggingMabuhay MilesLa UnionFiestaTourist TrapsTheme ParksRizalSuperstitionsBulacan ResortsViaje del SolCatanduanesSamarDavao RegionChristmasSlumdog MillionaireZamboanga del NorteGolfPasig RiverLakesGregorio del PilarMisamis OrientalBridgesChinese New YearCagayan de OroImmigrationPasay CityRewardsBirdwatchingBulacan DirectionsBagasbasFood TripsFilipino CuisinePAL ExpressSurfingRoads and HighwaysWater SportsPampanga RestaurantPaeteParksTarlac CityPublic TransportationFerriesBukidnonSeairSuperFerryFood TripSan PabloMadame TussaudsLink ExchangeButterfliesHalalIndiaCubaoAntiqueNew Years DayRoutesMonumentsPhotojournalismRizal RestaurantsBank NotesAngonoTagaytay RestaurantsRiversCasinosMisamis OccidentalCebu AccommodationsSurigao del SurIsabela RestaurantsRizal ResortsMandaue CityPilgrimage SitesCamarines SurQuezon CityPhilippine HolidaysPhilippine GamesPasalubongUNESCODavao Del SurBenguetAuroraNational Capital RegionPangasinanResortsZoosVictoria HarbourOceanariumsNueva EcijaThailandPersonalSierra MadreQuiapoLobocPhotographing the PhotographerPhilippine HistoryMalaybalay CityIfugaoNueva VizcayaLeyte RestaurantsVisita IglesiaNightlifeWildlifeDamsNorth 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 SitesShoppingCebu CityWaterfallsStatue SquareCebuTacloban CityJose RizalMalabonSpelunkingPampangaAlaminos CityBataan ResortsWalking TourBloggingRivers and LakesChurchesSeafoodRestaurantsSpasBusesLegendsCabanatuan CityTravel BloggingFolkloreFilipino TraditionsPipe OrgansCalasiaoVigan RestaurantsPhilippine RevolutionMetro ManilaLagunaBoardsportsQuezon ResortsExotic FoodDavao Del NorteMosquesNational Cultural TreasuresTravel InformationBeachesMarine ParksTravel WarningTravel TipsOrchidsIlocos RegionSan JuanZooDelicaciesPasig CityMumbaiCharityLaguna Food TripHalloweenButuan CityMetro Manila ResortsPhilippine-American WarSignspottingEventsOrphanagesHolidaysJeepneysBicol CuisinePuka BeachLighthousesBatangas 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AccommodationsSports 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 RestaurantsSagadaSubicFloraSeaportsNegros OccidentalNational ParksViganLeyte AccommodationsOFWIslamSpecialtiesTravel GuidesTian 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)Blogger880125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1344841842938763273Sat, 26 May 2012 13:55:00 +00002012-05-27T21:57:16.186+08:00BloggingThere are many articles on the net about Facebook having millions of users and yet the Facebook advertising is not as mature as Google's. I've browsed many blogs with thousands of likes for Facebook pages and Twitter followers much more than mine but I noticed something by studying this blog's web analytics: that Facebook fans simply "like" Facebook page posts but not actually visit the blog posthttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/number-games-twitter-followers-facebook.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-6519984529320939323Sat, 19 May 2012 13:45:00 +00002012-05-27T21:48:32.864+08:00Flora and FaunaCentral VisayasBohol(This is the first part of the Lamanoc Island Mystic Island Adventure Tour) A place heard first by Tutubi from his French friend who went to visit him after 7 year (whom he met in India on a ferry to Elephanta Island) and acted on a tip by Lonely Planet (hmmm, Lonely Planet Philippines Travel Guide has some nice tips though many are quite dated). He mentioned something about caves, ancient http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/bakhawan-magrove-forest-of-badiang-anda.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-4416183455498805823Sun, 13 May 2012 14:54:00 +00002012-05-24T22:54:53.167+08:00Central VisayasBoholOne of Tutubi's tip for other travelers and bloggers looking for something new is to always visit local markets to ask around and search for unknown delicacies, specialties and other "what have you" of locals that have not been known to outisders. Though this small town of guildulman may have been made (almost) famous for Guindulman grave sites where ancient burial practices put the dead in http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/stopover-public-market-and-fishport-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-4874618154595274396Sat, 12 May 2012 13:01:00 +00002012-05-24T22:35:42.877+08:00Central VisayasFerriesBoholSeaportsThe town of Jagna in Bohol, besides being the home of Bohol Kalamay, also hosts the Port of Jagna where you catch daily ferry trips to Camiguin. The gates of Port of Jagna, nearby are stalls selling Bohol Kalamay GPS Coordinates: N9 38 57.8 E124 22 00.6 Schedule of Ferry to Jagna, Bohol: (Bohol to Camiguin) daily ferry trips on Ocean Ferry (OceanJet) to Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Dumaguete, http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/port-of-jagna-bohol-ferry-trips-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7386692060707303391Thu, 10 May 2012 15:11:00 +00002012-05-15T23:14:56.705+08:00QuezonSouthern TagalogHotels and ResortsCalabarzonQuezon ResortsA very popular resort and resort in Quezon Province that prides itself with eating lunch with wet feet in near a waterfall, Villa Escudero was visited by Tutubi for less than 4 hours, yet paid the whole day tour package rate, in order to catch up with his elementary class reunion. Villa Escudero is a coconut plantation hacienda turned into a resort that caters to local and foreign tourists to http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/half-day-tour-of-villa-escudero-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5724598114814093284Wed, 02 May 2012 13:22:00 +00002012-05-06T22:03:12.014+08:00La UnionHotels and ResortsIlocos Regionla Union ResortsThe location shoot venue of the popular movie "No Other Woman" starring Derek Ramsey, Anne Curtis and Christine Reyes sporting blue and white motif set on the beachfront of Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union. Tutubi was able to briefly visit this luxurious resort with pricey rates to "inquire" and order clubhouse sandwich, green mango shake and just enjoy the view of one of the playgrounds of http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/la-union-thunderbird-resorts-poro-point.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1301483777158628769Tue, 01 May 2012 15:22:00 +00002012-05-01T23:22:49.256+08:00Camarines SurFilipino FoodBicol CuisineBicol RegionAre you sure you've been to Bicol? Sure, you've seen the really beautiful Mayon Volcano in Albay, swam with the butanding in Donsol, Sorsogon, stayed at CamSur, visited Caramoan and other now usual part of Bicol tour itinerary but probably you've missed other lesser known Bicol culinary treasures due to pre-occupation with Bicol "sightseeing tours." Besides the pili nut, have you sampled http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/05/bicol-pancit-bato-of-camarines-sur-is.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-6673289174822241334Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:22:00 +00002012-04-18T13:30:11.794+08:00BeachesIslandsBicol RegionCamarines NorteAn unexpected Calaguas Island redux, and reluctantly too!Tutubi was able to visit again his favorite backpacker beach during his trip to Paracale, Camarines Norte. Due to his friends insistence to have lunch on Maculabo Island by hiring a boat at Paracale port These are what Tutubi saw on Tinaga Island the second time around:the big boat that ferried Tutubi to calaguas island for the 2nd time (http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/04/mahabang-buhangin-beach-tinaga-island.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8093612280061688545Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:23:00 +00002012-04-05T23:21:13.596+08:00BeachesIslandsBicol RegionCamarines NorteAn attempt to visit Paracale's Pulang Daga Beach, named after the red colored sand beach (daga means soil in Bicolano), did not materialized due to Tutubi's friend's insistence to have lunch in an island that's so near the "gold rush" town of Paracale. It turned out it's on the list of Tutubi's islands he wanted to visit: Maculabo Island, just to verify claims of some people (and bloggers) that http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/04/bicol-beach-maculabo-island-paracale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5971634714346028932Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:51:00 +00002012-04-05T22:14:08.558+08:00NightlifeMetro ManilaMandaluyong CityTutubi's friend from France last year tried to watch the dazzling show of combined transvestites and girls ala Las vegas show girls style, on a tip from Lonely Planet guide book, yet failed due to ticket reservation problem and that the performers were booked for an exclusive show at a birth party.Now, here are pictures and directions for others wishing to visit the placePictures of Club Mwah's http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/04/mandaluyong-how-to-get-to-club-mwah.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-453222390925611785Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:35:00 +00002012-04-04T21:49:54.865+08:00Pilgrimage SitesQuezonSouthern TagalogCalabarzonRizalHoly WeekLagunaStuck in Metro Manila in Holy Week, like Tutubi and also allergic to malls and usual trips? Herewith is a suggested itinerary for a day or two around the so called Laguna Loop route:Old Churches of Rizal (Visita Iglesia)Baras ChurchMorong ChurchTanay Churchafter visiting Tanay Church, you can proceed to the giant Mother Mary shrine in Rizal in Sampaloc, Tanay near Camp Capinpin and Marcos Highwayhttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/04/holy-week-road-trip-itineraryroute-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7564229896273142625Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:45:00 +00002012-04-02T14:31:47.621+08:00Visita IglesiaBicol RegionChurchesCamarines NorteIn the "gold rush" town of Paracale that sits on gold (whose gold was alleged to be by an ex-president), stands the old stone Church of Our Lady of Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), which is celebrating its 400th anniversary. the Drive-by photo of Paracale Church's facade:the facade of Paracale Church, made of adobe blocks and facing towards the sea, as always, i.e. east guarding the town from http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/04/old-stone-church-of-paracale-camarines.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7621926615742690546Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:45:00 +00002012-03-31T21:08:12.509+08:00Bicol RegionCamarines NorteA trip to the "gold rush" town of Paracale, camarines Norte is incomplete without a visit to a gold mine with rails and mine tunnel full of gold orejavascript:void(0)Tutubi asked a friend how to get to an abandoned mine on the hills of Paracale but, due to the usual lack of time, with a trip on a habal-habal up the mountains, and the danger of encounter with the "pogi," he deferred the gold mine http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/camarines-norte-mining-gold-mines-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-930702693016254474Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:07:00 +00002012-03-31T17:39:48.812+08:00Holy WeekTutubi lives just 5 minutes away from SM City North EDSA and Trinoma. He's also about to spend his second Holy Week in QC in a span of 5 years where Metro Manila used to look like a deserted city until recentlyherewith is Trinoma Mall hours on Holy WeekApril 5, 2012: Holy Thursday -- CLOSEDApril 6, 2012: Good Friday -- CLOSEDApril 7, 2012: Black Saturday-- OPEN 10am to 10pmApril 8, 2012: Easterhttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/trinoma-holy-week-mall-hours-closed-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7048617348083283314Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:59:00 +00002012-03-31T17:37:32.497+08:00Holy WeekTutubi has friends going to Baguio this Holy Week while he's anticipating his second Holy Week in Manila. A look at SM Schedules for Holy Week 2012 reveals the same mall hours as previous years with only SM Baguio operating to cater to tourists influx in the summer capital.SM Mall Hours on Holy Week (except SM City Baguio which is open on regular schedule)April 5, 2012: Holy Thursday -- http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/sm-holy-week-mall-hours-only-sm-baguio.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5135379773436444504Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:12:00 +00002012-03-24T23:41:08.930+08:00BatangasCalabarzonVolcanoesBatangas ResortsLakesThe venue of his company's planning session was held at this premier resort club located in Talisay, Batangas that's a very good jump-off point to Taal Volcano Crater TrekClub Balai Isabel: Resort in Talisay, Batangas:a typical balai at club balai isabel named after national heroes, particularly those from Batangas provincethe hotel room where Tutubi stayed at is in Balai Malvar, with two double http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/taal-volcano-club-balai-isabel-resort.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2018158416765790494Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:26:00 +00002012-03-24T22:48:53.967+08:00Philippine VisaThe Department of Tourism recently announced new policies on visa-free stay in the Philippines for a list of 166 countries plus amended the rules for visitors from China and India.Chinese Nationals are now allowed to stay for 30 days visa-free provided they join a group tour arranged by a Department of tourism-accredited travel agency.For visitors from India, a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/tourist-visa-for-indian-nationals-visa.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-9212900227606563477Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:01:00 +00002012-03-24T14:31:29.530+08:00Filipino FoodPampanga RestaurantDue to the searing summer heat unusually interrupted with summer rain, common in Paete yet unusual in Metro Manila, Tutubi will "escape the heat" by sneaking in at the recently-opened Teresita's Halo-halo and Pancit Palabok of San Fernando Pampanga at Waltermart North EDSA just beside Munoz Market.Teresita's halo-halo, priced at PhP85.00/order (ordinary) has similar ingredients and recipe with http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/teresitas-halo-halo-pancit-palabok-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5384339787731555569Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:06:00 +00002012-03-18T21:49:28.753+08:00Pilgrimage SitesSouthern TagalogCalabarzonPaeteTrekkingLagunaBecoming quite popular these last few years due to development and the improvement of both the trail and service road leading to the park, Tatlong Krus of Paete are three crosses on Bundok ng Humarap, similar to the biblical Calvary Hill's Three Crosses.It's history is tied with the neighboring town of Pakil, once part of Paete, and where stands a single cross on top of the hill. When Pakil http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/trek-to-tatlong-krus-of-paete-laguna.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1393282085715264153Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:02:00 +00002012-03-18T14:43:52.183+08:00FruitsA fruit tree that's so reminiscent of Tutubi's childhood (besides the lanzones, santol, aratilis and guava) for his creek-side, childhood home has one tall chico-mamei tree that grew beside a caimito (star apple), indian mango, guyabano, guava and putat trees.Locally called mami in Paete, the mami tree of Tutubi's childood is no longer there but Tutubi still finds the fruits being sold at Paete http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/paete-mami-fruit-chico-mamei.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8274390713738352328Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:07:00 +00002012-03-16T17:55:47.330+08:00Rizal RestaurantsWhenever Tutubi drives by Manila East Road to and from his hometown Paete, he takes the chance to look around "forest and the trees" for interesting places and restaurants along the way. One of these is the large Paseo Rizal sign in Morong town just before you reach the junction of the road that leads to Teresa, Rizal.On one occasion, he had the sudden urge to turn to the service road leading to http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/paseo-rizal-morong-restaurant-art.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2850304054622817020Tue, 13 Mar 2012 07:58:00 +00002012-03-16T17:48:27.187+08:00Rizal RestaurantsCalabarzonRizalIn his regular drive home from Quezon City to Paete, laguna, Tutubi's on the lookout for nice and cozy restaurants, not the usual fastfood places but sometimes gives in if he needs a quick drive-through at Jollibee or McDonalds. herewith is his personal list of recommended restaurants in Rizal province.This list is by no means complete, updates, comments and recommendations from readers are http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/stopovers-where-to-eat-in-rizal.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7152389985401396529Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:49:00 +00002012-03-15T18:14:46.460+08:00Metro ManilaQuezon CityTheme ParksQuezon Memorial Circle, in Tutubi's home city, is cool these last few months! In addition to the regular jogs around the Quezon Monument and Museum, the dance classes, Sunday mass at 7am, stalls selling clothes, rows of restaurants, Muslim worship during Islamic holidays (e.g. Eid Al-Fitr, end of Ramadan), Circle of Joy children's playground, Pedal and Paddle boat rides, bicycle rentals and bike http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/quezon-city-circle-of-fun-entrance-fee.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-3881106173653263522Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +00002012-03-15T18:13:13.645+08:00Food TripsLaguna RestaurantsAt a time when Tutubi's favorite halo-halo joint in Paete closed shop, he instead drove to a halo-halo joint frequented by locals of Pakil and those from neighboring Pangil and Paete towns serving simple yet creamy version of halo-halo in Pakil, featuring typical halo-halo in the fourth district of Laguna featuring well-done beans as ingredients of the basic halo-halo recipe.Lerma's Halo-halo http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/trip-to-lermas-halo-halo-pakil-laguna.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-910401130373124973Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:45:00 +00002012-03-13T19:59:12.962+08:00Hotels and ResortsNueva Vizcaya AccommodationsIn a quite recent visit to Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Tutubi was billeted at this small yet cozy lodge for merely PhP500.00 night with amenties your get from bigger and more expensive hotelsam | pl Lodge has:free wi-fi Internet connectiona safe to store all your belongings (such a small place yet they have this)cable tvhot and cold showercozy bed (Tutubi's basic requirement)key-card activated power (http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2012/03/am-pm-lodge-cheap-hotel-in-solano-nueva.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2