Balabac Island; the Western Most Island of the Philippines

The island of Balabac is a stunning region filled full of history and a hoard of untouched places to adventure through. Known in the Philippines for its rare plants and animal species, Balabac Island is a unique vacationer’s haven for anyone looking to find those out of the way places in the Philippines.

Located 792 kilometers west of Cebu City and 291 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa the island is accessible by sea only. The nearest airport to Balabac is in Kudat, Malaysia. For those inside the Philippines without accessing another country then the airport in Puerto Princesa would be the best to use. Those who island hop and would enjoy an additional adventure in the Sulu Sea often fly into the island of Cagayan (often referred to as the Cagayan Sulu Island). 

Those going to Balabec by way of Palawan can catch a ferry at Riotuba which ends at the wharf in the town known as Balabec in the northern side of the island.

An iconic destination and the pride of Balabac Island is the Cape Mellville lighthouse. This towering octagonal beauty has withstood the test of time and helped ships light the way to their destinations. First lit in 1892 the lighthouse was built by the Spanish Government to assist those who sailed through the Balabac Straight, a treacherous body of water between Palawan and Malaysia. The Lighthouse has been declared a National Historical Landmark and stands tall and proud over the beautiful waters that it keeps watch over.

Though parts of Balabec Island have mountains which rise almost 2,000 feet high the northwestern coast is bogged in swamps. This same swamp region is a stunning area for divers to explore the coral reefs and the aquatic wonderland that calls home to the open sea.  Those that love shells can find what is known as the glory-of-the-sea cone shells which are home to the entire island of Balabec. 

Balabec Island is not your normal vacation spot due in part to the locality nearing the surrounding Muslim islands. Those that love true adventure and unique untouched regions around the Philippines need to see this entire archipelago in southern Palawan. The stunning white sand beaches on many of the islands and islets are worth a trip to see and adventure through. Some tribes on these islands have never left or have never seen modern civilization. These tribes live off the land and offer assistance to outsiders and are very friendly in nature.

Finding your way to Balabec Island is an adventure in itself. From Puerto Princesa the bus trip will take an entire day but the ride itself will be sightseeing tour all its own.  Since tourism is not a major thing in the southern end of Palawan the prices for rooms are very minimal.

Balabec Island and the southern tip of Palawan are transforming in the 21^st century. Find your way to these islands and see for yourself why so many who have been here still talk about them years after. Balabec Island is without a doubt a unique and a once in a lifetime adventure in the Philippines.  

Buckingham Palace and the Island of Guimaras

Guimaras Island is known and one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines. Located in the Gulf of Panay the island rests between Panay Island and Negros. Situated 622 kilometers south of Manila and 137 kilometers west of Cebu the island is easy to access. Getting there is easy as the city of Iliolo is just across the waters and retains a large airport to fly into. Upon landing find your way to the Ortiz Wharf where the ferry will take you to Jordan, the largest town in Guimaras Island.

Guimaras Island is famous for having the sweetest mangos in the entire world. They are so good in fact that Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom and the White House in the United States serves them to their highest leaders. Guimaras has over 8,500 hectares of mango groves so the supplies are endless. Visit the Trappist Monastery where the monks make their living off of mango products. Stop by their store located on the grounds of the monastery and purchase jams, syrups, dried and even fresh mangos of the day.

Guimaras Island is a perfect spot for those into relaxing the days away on the white sand beaches of the Philippine. The waters around Guimaras are crystal clear with stunning lagoons and beautiful bays hugging the coastline around the shores. Many spots are excellent for snorkeling and there are several spots for diving as well.

Make your way to Guisi Point where a century old lighthouse and early keepers house lie in ruins. The stone structures are a beautiful setting with an overview that will take your breath away. While here be sure to bring along a camera as the picture opportunities are endless. After your lighthouse tour make way to the Guisi Clearwater Resort. This beautiful seaside resort has unique rock formations that jut from the water’s edge. This picturesque region is a haven for kayakers as the area has hidden coves and spaces between the cliffs.

From Turtle Island to the Ave Maria Islet the island hopping tours are endless. Get a ride to the famous Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center where fish are studied and not farmed. Find your way to Natago Beach, an isolated white sand wonder with a stunning cove that is amazing. Natago is a Tagalog word meaning “hidden” and this hidden wonder is simply breathtaking. Other unique destinations include Baras Beach and Cave. This unique craven is small but the boats can maneuver inside for a great photo op for your vacation.

Guimaras Island has so much to offer on your next trip to the Philippines that there is no way you could possibly pass this island up. From little hidden gems to stunning beaches that mimic that of Boracay the island of Guimaras is here waiting for you. 

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. 

Iglesia ni Cristo

Iglesia ni Cristo is an indigenous religious organization that originated from the Philippines. The church was founded by Felix Manalo when he officially registered the church with the Philippine Government with him as executive minister on July 27, 1914 and because of this, most publications refer to him as the founder of the church. Felix Manalo claims that he is restoring the church of Christ that was lost for 2,000 years. The Iglesia ni Cristo is widely regarded as very influential due to their ability to deliver votes through block voting during .

Today, religious sects are flourishing in the Philippines. Some of these have been brought in by missionaries, but others are indigenous having sprouted and grown in the Philippine soil without being introduced or supported from other countries. One of the best known of the latter type is the Iglesia ni Cristo, which came into being in 1914 through the preaching of Felix Manalo. Its more or less distinctive chapels have become familiar landmarks in many cities and towns of the Philippines. Its membership appears to be increasing yearly; and it exercise a measure of influences in the political life of the nation. "

Fruity Philippines

When traveling the world it is always a problem understanding what is good to eat and what is not. Some of the fruits of Asia are so different that it takes a brave man to taste everything.

The tropical climate of the Philippines makes it possible for the soil to grow some delicious exotic fruits. Most of these exotic fruits are of South American origin and brought here by the West Indies, Spanish or the Americans. These heavenly fruits can be found fresh in the local market for cheap prices. 

1. Philippine Mangoes
- undeniably Philippine mangoes are the sweetest and juiciest in the world. Recorded in the 1995 World Guinness Book of Records as the sweetest fruit. The sweetest mangoes come from the province of Zambales and Guimaras in IloIlo.





2. Rambutan - sweet and juicy when fresh. Rambutan literally means hairy caused by the 'hair' that covers this fruit.
   
   
   
   
3. Avocado - very refreshing as fruit shake. Try if you can find avocado flavored ice-cream in the local groceries. Arceis a good brand of local ice cream. They use local fruits as flavor. Avocado is cheap in the Philippines.
   
   
   
   
4. Lanzones - sweet and succulent little round fruits. The sweetest lanzones come from the province of Camiguin, where they hold an annual festival celebrating the lanzones fruit.
   
   


5. Durian - the king of Tropical fruits found it's way in the Philippines through our neighboring countries. Known for its large size and unique aroma. Some people regard the durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive.
6. Have to tell you that you either love it or hate it. I hate it.
7. 
   
8. Langka (Jackfruit) - when ripe this fruit is very sweet and has a very aromatic flavor. It also widely used as cooking ingredient for local desserts such as ginataan and turon.
   
   
   
9. Atis (Sugar Apple) - very sweet and creamy. It's a little bit of effort to eat this fruit as they have a lot of seeds. The fruit flesh is sweet, white to light yellow, and resembles and tastes like custard. The edible portion coats the seeds generously; a bit like the gooey portion of a tomato seed. Sugar-apple has a very distinct, sweet-smelling fragrance
   
   
   
10. Chico (Sapodilla) - It's aroma can be compared to beer but don't let it fool you for it is tasty. The flavor is exceptionally sweet with what can be described as a malty flavor.
    
    
    
11. Watermelon (Pakwan) - though widely available in many parts of the world nothing beats the refreshing taste of a succulent, sweet and juicy watermelon in the summer months.
    
    
    
12. Santol (Wild Mangosteen) - available during the summer season. The taste is sweet and sour. The bigger variety called "Bangkok" is sweeter, the smaller variety is on the sour end.

MORE EXOTIC FRUITS FROM THE PHILIPPINES....


Kaimito (Star Apple)



Duhat (Java Plum)



Guyabano (Soursop)



Balimbing (Star Fruit)



Chesa (Lucuma) It has the texture of squash or the yolk of a boiled egg.



Aratiles (Jamaica Cherry, Muntingia) These cherries are very sweet. The sweetness brings with it an excellent taste, because it has a lovely fragrance that makes people keep on eating them. These cherries are often eaten by children because they taste quite like cotton candy.

Citizen of the Philippines

Being married to a Philippine Citizen does not entitle anyone to be a Citizen of the Philippines. 

Normally, if somebody wants to apply for Naturalization in the Philippines, they must live in the Philippines for 10 years before applying.  However, if you to apply for citizenship here, the wait is only five years.

Under Philippine law, if you want to become naturalized in the Philippines, and be a citizen of the country, you may have to renounce your own citizenship. This is the situation for the Americans.    The good thing for a wife is that under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law, she can re-acquire her Philippine Citizen and be a citizen of both countries.  The US does not offer such a procedure.

Falling in Love With a Filipina

Try to think of yourself as a forty something guy from Australia and that at the age of twenty you decided to marry a Filipina sweetheart after a great vacation in the Philippines. Your friends and perhaps even family members tell you that you are too young to marry and it will not last.

Ten years later the kids are taking over the home and your duties switch from lover to dad, and you work every day and every hour possible to keep the children safe and the house safe. Marriage is now a full time job, on top of your full time job. The job takes all, and the love of your partner is sliding down the scale. You have affection for her, but the love  and passion is going.

When the kids are grown up enough and they do not need you as much you are faced at shairng a home with a wife, who is not the person you married. And she has to do the very same thing. She watches TV and you potter around in the garden, the conversations are short and you realise that you may have fallen out of love with this woman and she may feel the same about you. The bliss of the early years are over.

You can get a divorce and after the messy finance settlements you go find another lucky woman and are free to start all over again.  Divorce is an option.

There no divorce in the Philippines. Imagine no divorce and being stuck in an unloving marriage, and maybe a very unpleasant marriage? What would you do then? If you are living with your new wife out of the Philippines ten a divorce is much easier to come by, of course paying for it is another story.

There is  divorce in the Philippine. Check further into the regional and national laws and there is divorce. There has been since 1967. Like anything hidden away there will be hurdles to jump through, but is that not better than staying for life in a prison with an unfulfilled marriage. 

So the moral of the story is to fall in love with the person and NOT what you think they can do for you to make life easier. Love is the only reason to marry- honest.

Article sponsered by Jeff Harvie of Down Under Visa

Trusting a Friend

It’s not that often that I have to have a moan about things in this country but recently I have been bombarded by so many examples of the lack of “trust” in people agreeing to pay what they owe, even if it’s totally clear.

One of my friends recently as given a job for two months on a weekly pay as a waiter. Remember he has NO money and this job allowed him to eat!!

After four weeks of working he was not paid and despite asking he was given many false promises of payments and many excuses. After asking for the eighth time he was asked to leave and he would be paid later that week.  He never was!!  Have you seen a man cry out of frustration and hurt, no money, no food?

This was a large national organisation here in the Philippines, and after SEVEN weeks still no payment at all, but many more promises. He was so desperate, and yet so polite to these people I asked if I could help?

He very reluctantly agreed and I made one very polite but VERY FIRM call and within five hours they made a payment , as I told them I would sit in the restaurant tonight and have a strong conversation with them until they paid, even if it was all night and even if customers overheard. They paid for sure but are still holding a deposit of p500!!!

I have from time to time been begged by friends here to assist with financial hardships and most times I say no, but I will assist with things that can make a long term difference like schooling or job help and advice, but sometimes when you see tears running down the face you give in and pay with their solemn promise of getting your money back. Needless to say you very rarely do and these people disappear.

Over the last few weeks I have been assisting a company with small consultation work and several times the money does not get paid or the person in charge does not turn up for an appointment. Yesterday after waiting two weeks for the overdue payment I returned to the office at an agreed time to discuss the plans and get the outstanding payments.

You guessed yet again NO SHOW; no answer to e mails no answer to text and no answer to missed calls.

The thing that is becoming very apparent is that this is not just a problem for the ex-pat, its ingrained into life here and thus employees are treated bad and they then have contempt for the employer. The circle continues, and continues to the point it is sometimes expected that you will not get a payment based on a promise, so the payment is taken in other means from an employer…THEFT.

Sponsored by Jeff Harvie,Australian Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0959797) with Down Under Visa, which specialises in Australian partner visas.

Resilency of the Philippines

Resiliency

The Philippines is a hotspot for disasters, natural and otherwise. Couple that with poverty, and one would think that Filipinos have the most reason for being a depressed people. However, we have demonstrated time and again that Filipinos can bounce back from a tragedy, emerging stronger and better than before. In the middle of a disaster, Filipinos can still manage to smile and be hopeful that the next morning brings new hope.

We have shown the world that by working together as a nation, we have what it takes to recover from a bad situation. This is something that all of us should be proud of, no matter where in the world we are.

With all of these good traits (and more!), one would really be proud to say, “I am a Filipino.”

Filipinos have shown the world that by working together, we have what it takes to recover from a bad situation—and this is a trait that we should all be proud of.

Strong Family Ties in the Philippines

Strong family ties

In the country the people put family ties and relations as one of their top priorities. Filipinos would do all they could to provide and sustain their respective families. This is present in Filipino festivals where they invite the whole family and in Sundays where they would make time to use it to spend the whole day for their families.

You will find that it is common in the country to include the extended members not just the normal nuclear family. It is not unusual that in a single household it would reach up to ten members of a family living under the same roof. They value each other’s company, and everyone strives to provide for the whole and not just for them.

Even grandparents still have an active role in the family. It is now the norm in the society that both parents are out working, leaving the care of their children to the lolos and lolas, especially if the family cannot afford to hire a nanny. Grandparents therefore become responsible for instilling into their grandchildren the values and morals they taught to their own children, further increasing the importance of the elderly in our society.