Bicol: Camarines Sur - Caramoan

View from the cove on our island number 2

Caramoan is one of the country's emerging favorite destinations with its very exotic beauty. Its name has been taking prestige not only locally but internationally having been the set for 3 survivor series.

View en route to Caramoan

Travel will still be a little inconvenient since there are no major roads going to Caramoan's town proper. The easiest way to Caramoan is by a 2 hour boat from Sabang Port. The transfers will be worth the hours of painfull sitting when you see the beauty of the changing colors of the sea and the very scenic view, an appetizer for what's next to come.

At the town proper. Some stores were closed since

there was a power outtage when we visited.

When you reach Caramoan, you'll be greeted by a very warm and simple town. At the islands, expect pristine water, lush vegetation and white sand - Perfect setting to relax in.

Manila: Intramuros

Like any historic landmark, Intramuros is a must see for the tourists. The scapes aren't as majestic as Taj Mahal or as tranquil as ancient Buddhist temples but its rustic charms will work it's way to your heart. It's an enigma. But, this may only hold true to Filipinos or the Filipinos by heart.

Because it's past is a part of the major forces that has molded this country, visiting Intramuros is like reliving it's tragic history. Visiting is like being one with the past (a bit cheezy but true) and will make you wonder how it would've been like during those times.

Also, very tragic is its past that there have been rumors of ghostly encounters within its walls. And the sights aren't very helpful (at all) in negating these thoughts. It can be a little scary at daylight that I can already imagine how much scarier it might be during the late hours of the night. Those who want an alternative approach to visiting Intramuros (or those that are very adventurous) might want to mark it as the next venue for ghost hunting.

The must see are:

1. Fort Santiago - It's been the "home" for many prisoners (including Rizal) during the Hispanic Era. You can still see the cells although much of it has been the result of war (thanks to the Japanese). You might still see the very playful puppets sold everywhere inside the fort (those furry two-legged, ostrich-like puppets who dance like they have no limbs). It's been there since I was in gradeschool and is still alive and kicking (literally).

2. Manila Cathedral - Very popular for its long aisles (perfect for brides who like parading in their gowns), Manila Cathedral has been the venue of choice for most weddings.

(at the gates of the Manila Cathedral)

3. San Agustin Church - Same as Manila Cathedral, this church is also a favorite for weddings. It houses a variety of early Catholic mementos.

4. Casa Manila - A replica of the Ilustrado home during the Hispanic era, much of the early Filipino culture is revealed and will make you wonder how far our culture has changed. A tip though, picture taking is not allowed inside. I've never been inside since my last field trip (not sure when this was... maybe during the early 1990s) but it's memory still facinates me. I'll try going in one time and try to sneak in my cam. ;-)

(Inside the Compound of Casa Manila are cafés)

Manila: Luneta Park

(Bulova Clock and it works!)

(Rizal Monument)

Not all people may know but Luneta is officially the point where each place in the Philippines begins (hence kilometer 0) though I'm not sure why it is so. But, this national landmark has been witness to the most revered history of the Philippines that has been the identity of Filipinos.

(Quirino Grandstand - in front of the Rizal Monument)

There is really nothing much that you can do when you're in Luneta. One thing amazing about this place is the change from the bustling Manila streets to the relatively more serene scenes. Surrounded by parklands and the whipping sea, the Luneta area has been frequented by people who like spending lazy afternoons enjoying the fresh grass, the sea breeze, and the magnificent sunset.

The must sees:

1. The Rizal Monument - One advise, if you're planning on visiting this place to get a closer look of the monument then don't keep your hopes up. Frustratingly, you're only allowed a upto few meters near it. I'm not sure though if they will reprimand if you cross the border but there aren't anyone who can (aside from the still guards who won't budge). So really, you can risk it. (But I didn't. I'm too good to be naughty in front of the national hero's grave. :D)

2. Kilometer Zero Mark - It's really not a big deal if you miss it but it's just nice being at the center of the country (sorta'). You've got nothing to lose anyway. It's just right in front of the Rizal Monument, across the road.

Manila: Binondo

Fountain at Plaza Ruiz in front of the Binondo Church;

and Tea at Ying Ying restaurant

The famous violet fire trucks of Binondo

Inside Eng Bee Tin (makers of Binondo's Ube Hopia)

If there's a list of places you can easily get lost in, on the list should be Binondo. I went there last Saturday and I had a map with me but I still got lost (mostly because I didn't really read the map because I was too busy worrying where the heck we were and too busy taking pictures). If you visit and you have a car, then good for you because it will spare you the inconvenience of tiring feet and the heat. Too bad though, the streets are no less the hassle as the one way streets make driving (as I would imagine it) confusing and mentally draining than compared to the stress of walking (not to mention heavy traffic---but in some parts only).

Heedless to say, the place is still worth seeing: Chinatown, Basilica de San Lorenzo Ruiz, restaurants, specialty shops and many more.

Here are some reminders to remember when you visit:

1. If you go there to eat, remember to keep your mind open to the authentic & traditional and the overly exotic.

2. If you go there to shop for new finds, be sure to ask what you're buying before you pay: you don't want eating something unhumanly spicy or use charms you don't know what it's for.

3. You don't have to learn chinese to get by touring Binondo or Chinatown!

4. Horses in Kalesa can just pop out of nowhere.

5. If you ask a pedicab driver how far your destination is and says " 'Dun pa.", he really means "5 minute walk away."

6. Beware of consecutive weddings at the Binondo church during Saturdays.

7. Binondo and Chinatown are good places to do food trips.

Carvajal street


Mcdonald's in English and Chinese (honestly, I wouldn't know if it really is McDonald's in chinese but it's safe to assume that it is). They also have Starbucks in Chinese.