The Untouched Paradise of Jomalig Island

The beaches of Jomalig Island are stunning and many have a hint of pinkness to them, especially at sunset

 

 

Jomalig Island lies in the Lamon Bay off the coast of Quezon Province. The island is the last in a series of islands which jut out into the Pacific Ocean. The island is a haven for those who love nature, the beauty of silence and the prospect of pure solitude. 

The word Jomalig is pronounced “humalig” for the Visayan word “to kiss”. Legend to the naming of this island is that the ancient leader of the island had a beautiful daughter. A young man from a neighboring island wanted to marry the girl but her father commanded the boy to a challenge. The boy was to spear 3 fish from all the ponds on the entire land mass. The young man took the challenge in defeat. Hopeless, he requested the beautiful girl to kiss him. The people of the island shouted “humalig” and the beautiful girl kissed the young man. This historic event is still noted today by many elders who call Jomalig Island their home. The variation of the name is due to the American variation of the word that is known today. 

Jomalig Island is located 180 kilometers east of Manila but getting there creates a bit of a challenge. Accessible by air and sea the main port and airport are in close proximity of one another near the northwestern edge of the island. The airport is meant for small private crafts and as the strip is small and short. It has only been since the 1950’s that Jomalig has been developed into plots for development. This action however did not spur any real development and the island retains no actual resorts or modern structures. 

A ferry trip to Jomalig takes a few hours as everyone must take the boat to Patnanongan Island first. From Patnanongan the connecting ferry will put you on the island of Jomalig. In all, the entire trip by boat takes around 5 hours if nothing delays you. Once on the island you can easily see why so many nature lovers come to this quaint and peaceful land. There are less than 10,000 inhabitants on Jomalig and those that come there are greeted with big smiles and friendly service. 

The beaches of Jomalig Island are stunning and many have a hint of pinkness to them, especially at sunset. Two beaches are noted as popular destinations, Kanaway and Salibungot. The pinkness on these beaches is due to a stunning corals that hug the sea floors around Jomalig and are special to this island. Those that love their time on the beach will also love snorkeling, diving and even surfing. This hidden little treasure of an island is fun for all and unique in ways that are untold to the world. Many photographs have been taken on Kanaway beach as the sands are naturally sculpted in ripples which make for a beautiful photo opportunity for anyone. 

The island of Jomalig is not for everyone as most will have to sleep in tents along the shorelines as there are very few places to stay. Those that come to the island should find a local guide to take them to the stunning waters of Bigwangan Lake. Electric is only available from 5pm to 1am as it is generated by diesel power

Talisoy is the most populated of towns throughout the island. Here a wet market selling fresh fish and vegetables will give anyone a good supply on their stay in Jomalig Island. Those camping out on Jomalig beaches should speak with the local government before doing so. This island is very friendly and no issues are noted other than those by juveniles. 

Fine your way to Jomalig Island and venture throughout the entire archipelago to see the beauty of a land that is barely touched. This experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone vacationing in the Philippine Islands.

The stunning beauty of Bantayan Islands

The stunning beauty of Bantayan Islands does not stop at just one land mass as theislands that surround the larger island of Bantayan are just as majestic. Several of the islands are accessible by foot during low tide and the many others make for an enjoyable island hopping adventure.

The islands of Bantayan rest in the Visayan Sea at the very northern tip of Cebu Island. It is located just 137 kilometers from Cebu City and 39 kilometers west of Bogo City. Accessible by sea and air the nearest small airport is on the main island of Bantayan in the area of Santa Fe. The largest airport which supports larger aircraft is in the Mactan International Airport in Cebu City, though the ride from Mactan to the port is 3 hours long. Ferry boat service is attainable at Hagnaya which is the port area just west of Bogo City and takes approximately 2 hours to reach the main island.  

The Bantayan Islands got their name from the 18 fortress towers which were built to protect the region from Moro pirate attacks. These towers had been installed during the 16^th and 17^th centuries and today little remains of their original construction. The early inhabitants of Bantayan Island call the towering fortresses “Bantayan sa Hari” meaning “Watchtowers of the King”. In later times the outcry for incoming attacks was to yell “Bantayan, Bantayan” meaning “Keep Watch, Keep Watch”. Over centuries this outcry became the very reason how these islands got their name today.

A total of three municipalities make up the main island of Bantayan, they are Santa Fe, Bantayan and Madrilejos. The main attraction to the island consists of the resorts and stop over’s of Santa Fe. Santa Fe holds all the main white sand resorts and most of the upscale places that make up this stunning little area. Because of Santa Fe the people often call this region and the entire island “The Tranquil Version of Boracay”. This unique and fitting title is given due to the beauty of the beaches and the crystal clear open ocean but without all the influx of tourists and party going people. 

The west side of Bantayan Island holds the stunning mangroves where the beauty of bird watching and the up close look at nature is at hand. Find your way to Sulangan where you not only can see the great Striated Heron but also the Chinese Egret and the Pied Harrier among many other rare and exotic birds. Sulangan is also a good spot to venture to other islands during low tide as anyone can just simply walk across the sand bars and venture through the beauty of other islets that rest just offshore. 

Bantayan Island and the outer islands make for a stunning place for snorkeling. From the exotic marine animals to the beauty of the corals the aquatic life here is abundant. For those not into diving into the waters only need to scout the outer rims of the sea to find the unique starfish that call home to this area. The starfish that live here are a multitude of colors and the rare blue starfish can be seen along with yellow, red and orange as other unique examples that call home to Bantayan.

On your next vacation get away put Bantayan Island on your ‘must see’ destination. These islands hold a beauty like no other and the calm, tranquil setting that lures so many here will be the main reason why you come back here time and time again.

Pagudpud a Philippines Sanctuary For Fun In The Sun

Pagudpud is a coastal resort town in the province of Illocos del Norte. Pagudpud lies in the northern most part of the Philippines and on a clear day one can see the famous Batanes Islands. Located 560 kilometers north of Manila it is the northernmost settlement in all of Luzon. Accessible by bus or car from Manila can easily take 10 to 12 hours. Taking a flight from Manila to Laoang City in Illocos takes only 45 minutes and is an hour ride to Pagudpud.

The beaches of Pagudpud are famous throughout the lands. The Blue Lagoon is a hot spot and a must see for this secluded beach which is located in the Maria-Ira Point just before entering the viaduct. Try also the Saud Beach which is the most popular beach in the area. Saud Beach is a long beach with many resorts, cabanas and palms to shade the sunny days away.

The Patapat National Park is located along the sheer coastal mountains in Pagudpud. Consisting of 3,800 hectares with an additional buffer zone of 1,937 hectares this national park is a protected area for future generations to visit. With hiking and climbing the park is a paradise for those looking to enjoy the wild side of life.

The Patapat viaduct is an extension of the Pan-Philippines Highway system which travels along the sheer cliffs of the region. The 4^th longest bridge in all of the Philippines it is the pathway to the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Pasaleng Bay near the viaduct is the beginning of wide pristine beaches as well as outstanding waterfalls. While in this area north of Pagupud visit the Kabigan Falls which is encased by thick heavy forests. The 30 minute trek to the falls along with a 20 peso entrance fee it is worth the trip with its scenic area and large concaved basin. While within Kabigan Falls area visit one of many cool springs within the dense forest.

Pagupud is a top destination for kite-surfing. Those that like to watch kite-surfing are always welcome and those that want to learn can do so in the many shops along the water's edge. For anyone wanting to take a motorized tour of the area 4 wheelers are available to rent at Hannah's Beach Resort. Though many beach resorts are part of this region, Pagupud is a place known for the locals to take in vacationers for a nominal fee (often only 250 to 500 peso). For those into zip lines the Philippines longest open air zip line is in Pagupud. No matter what you have in mind, somewhere in, on or around Pagupud it can be done.

From serene beauty, to the endless mountain ranges of Pagupud this region is a place to take a much needed break from the norm. During the high summer season this area explodes with vacationers alike. Come see why so many return to Pagupud as this region of the Philippines is a land touched by the heaven's above. 

I Just Love The Philippines

The Filipino

The Philippine Culture is a mixture based on ancient aboriginal tribes, 500 years of Spanish colonisation, 50's America and the 80’s disco era. If this sounds interesting then read on.. Spain brought the Catholic faith to the Philippines in the 1500's. Today traditional conservative families retain a high regard for the sanctity of marriage and believe the relationship between husband and wife to be the foundation of society. Divorce, premarital sex, birth control and abortion are frowned upon. Like the Spanish the Filipinos are extremely romantic and passionate in love, have a high regard for honour, shame and vengeance. Language, food and enjoyment of singing and dancing also reflect a strong Latin influence. In the 1950's the Americans brought the English language which is now widely spoken. They also influenced the form of Government, the constitution and human rights and further instilled a familiarity with the Western way of life. Filipino Social Life Life in Hong Kong is a mixture of good and bad for Filipino maids. Hong Kong is a big city full of new experiences. There is also the freedom, privacy, and anonymity of living in Hong Kong. At home in the Philippines, everyone knows what you are doing and strict social codes can make life claustrophobic. Many domestic helpers in Hong Kong go through a period when they take full advantage of being able to do as they please, going to discos, smoking and drinking, and wearing short skirts or tops with ‘spaghetti straps’ which are considered very risqué in the Philippines. The opportunity to dance and flirt with men, without marriage in mind, is also something not common in the Philippines, where just being seen holding hands with a man can have serious implications. However this fascination with new experiences wanes after time, and interests return to the more basic life of family and friends. Not all women like discos. Many are very religious and spend their limited free time on church-oriented activities. For all, there is a network of friends made over time, combined with a secure and adequate income. Relationships between Filipino women and Western men We hope we have given you an insight into the Filipino race and life in Hong Kong, but what about relationships and why would one of our Filipino ladies suit you? In this section we make some generalisations. So please remember that our ladies are women first and foremost, including all the variety of types of personality that that encompasses. No woman is the same as another and her thoughts and feelings are her own.  Perhaps you wonder why a Filipino lady here in Hong Kong would put her profile on this site to find a man. There are many reasons. First, they are strangers here in Hong Kong. The terms of employment for domestic helpers requires them to live in a small room in their employer’s house, to be working and on call from Monday through Saturday every week. Only on Sundays are they allowed to leave the employer’s house. Thus they get very little opportunity to meet men. On Sundays there is only one place where it is both easy and affordable to meet men – at the disco. Unfortunately, even if a woman wants to go to these places, most of the men she will meet there neither want nor are suitable for a long term stable relationship. The women on this site want more. Why don’t they choose a man from their own country? There are not many men from the Philippines in Hong Kong, compared with the number of women. Many Filipino men work on ships at sea or on projects throughout the world, but the number in Hong Kong is not proportionate to the number of women. In addition, Western men are perceived as being very loving, and more modern than Filipinos. This means the woman can look forward to more freedom and a more equal relationship with a Western man. Finally, just as many Westerners are attracted to women of different races, many Filipino find the physical appearance of Westerners to be attractive.

Loving Tagum City

For those that have not yet travelled to Mindanao in the Philippines. Do it! There is so much natural beauty that it is outstanding. The people of Mindanao are so friendly. One of the up and coming cities is Tagum City, which is about two hours away from Davao City.

The city has a new city hall. It inspires business and is very clean and over the last few years the mayor has followed te lead of the Davao City and cleaned up the pockets of crime that caused Tagum City so many problems.

There are some great natural places to see too.

 

Tancuan in Bincungan, Tagum City seems like to be so elusive from the public. Not until recently when the Local Government of Tagum had embarked on a noble project of establishing a wetland reserve in this progressive southern city known for its best governance practices, palms and grand festivals. The once elusive Tancuan as well as the gentle waters of Nabintad River is now Tagum City's newest attraction.

 

The Tagum City River Cruise was formally launched in 2011 with high hopes of revitalizing the people's interest in safeguarding the mangroves and showcasing nature inside the wetlands of the city. Staring at Punong Restaurant which is the official jump-off point for the 8.8-kilometer river cruise that will run for almost two hours. Along the way, be amazed with the wide varieties of mangrove trees as well of its unique roots. The sight of fisherfolks and children swimming along the way is also a sight to behold.  Stop by at the Kagan Village, a Muslim community in Barangay Liboganon that is brimming with culture and history. There, you can buy Muslim Handicrafts and taste its yummy delicacies. In Maningo Farm,  one of the stopovers of the 8-kilometer cruise, your group can savor sumptuous lunch with its famous soft-shelled crabs.

A floating tiange is the place to look forward to by souvenir-hunters. There, one can buy packed goodies which include tropical fruits in season, tasty delicacies and handicrafts. The River Cruise experience would not be complete without preserving the memory in your digital cameras or in mobile phones which are important so that you can upload it right away in facebook or perhaps print a postcard and encourage your friends to experience the river cruise, Tagumeño style. Under the shades of the century-old mangroves, a boardwalk was constructed for people to have a closer look at those trees and be relaxed by the warmth it gives.

To try the Tagum City River Cruise, contact the City Information Office of Tagum or the City Tourism Office or visit www.tagumcity.gov.ph for more information

Wanting to fly to CDO?

If you want to fly to Cayagan or De Oro use the new airport I have spoken about before. The airport is called Laguindingan International Airport and is between both Cayagan De Oro and Iligan City. Although most reports so far are not that favourable as the traffic to get into CDO is taking longer and as for Iligan it takes an hour plus by Taxi. If you can get a taxi.

How do you get to the airport?

From Manila you travel via Cebu Pacific from the new terminal that carries all Cebu Pacific flights.

Here are the flight details at the time of writing.

Don’t forget that the Manila airport terminal fee is included in the ticket cost, but the Laguingan is a p200 cost payable at the terminal.

You can also get to Laguindingan from Davao City which is also on the Island of Mindanao. Further down the Island you can fly into Laguindingan from Zamboanga