LUMBAN, LAGUNA –  If you’re into water sports, the man-made Caliraya Lake should be a perfect getaway this summer.

Caliraya Lake was created in late 1930 by a US Army engineer by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre to generate hydroelectric power for Manila.

In the early 1990s, commercial development took place. Water from Laguna De Bay is carried by big pipes to the valley. The area of the valley was dug some 50 meters deep and layered with industrial plastic to hold most of the water.

Large bass were introduced into the waters, which make the lake ideal for game fishing.

Then, pine trees and other local trees were planted to replace the coconut trees that once dominated the harsh environment atop the valley. The pines now consist most of the lush greens of the rolling verdant hills of the mountain. Also, numerous islands of various shapes and sizes have been formed during the creation of the dam lake.

The strong mountain breeze comes from the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and distant Mount Banahaw. On a windy day, you could smell the pines that would remind of how Baguio used to smell before the small city became highly urbanized.

The Caliraya Resort Club offers a variety of water sports in the area. There’s  boating, wind surfing, game fishing and water skiing.

Aside from water sports, an exotic restaurant that serves meat from snakes, lizards and even frogs is also a must-try for tourists coming here.

In her blog “SexyNomad’, Jen Juan wrote of her windsurfing experience in Lake Caliraya and how the surrounding environment reminded her of summer days during her childhood.

“I tried windsurfing for the first time at Surf Kamp in Lake Caliraya. Many times I have fallen into the murky lake water and the effort of lifting the sail and maintaining balance on the board has really stretched my muscles and joints to their limits. After those first few  of attempting to learn how to windsurf, I’ve always wanted more,” she wrote.

“With it numerous coconut trees standing lean and tall, its green grass, the strong breeze and the beautiful Caliraya Lake from a distance, it makes me feel like I’m a child once again.”

A word of caution for swimmers: make sure not to go far from the shore because the water gets deeper at the center. Just last year, three girls drowned in the lake when they slipped into the deeper part with waters as deep as 30 feet.

Better yet, always wear a life jacket and tell your group where you are headed.

(Photos from http://www.caliraya.net)

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BUENAVISTA, MARINDUQUE–This humble town is known not just for its tourist attractions and savory delicacies but also for a tradition that has long since established the hospitable nature of the Marinduqueños.

Putong is a ceremonial welcoming of guests which seeks to give thanks for having arrived to the shores of this heart-shaped island safely.

According to Joseph Sosa of Barangay Tres, this unique custom has been passed on to them by their ancestors, making it an integral part of their culture.

The gesture starts with the local well-wishers singing and dancing to a particular melody. Visitors will then be showered with flower petals and coins for good luck and long life.

This will be followed by the main highlight of the tradition–crowning each guest with a headdress made from flowers or nito vines, which are abundant in the province.

A man or a woman, meanwhile, stands from each end of the group while holding a candle. They represent the “guardians” who will safely guard guests during their stay at the province and their journey back home.

The putong comes to a close with a cheer of “Mabuhay!” and everyone gathers to feast on native treats like kakanin, arrowroot cookies and other delights made from coconut milk.

“There are also instances where a short play is performed besides the customary singing. This is also our means of thanksgiving for someone who has recovered from illness and during fiestas,” Nora Sadiwa of Barangay Dos explains.

Each town has their own version of pag-pu-putong. For instance, the people of Mugpog express greetings in a gentle, slow pace while those in the capital of Boac have a more upbeat rhythm in its song.

“The putong is an important part of our being Marinduqueños as it is one cultural heritage we can proudly claim as ours. This is why we preserve the practice and ensure that the next generation values it as well,” Nora adds

However it is done, being part of a putong is one experience that every local or foreign tourist alike visiting Marinduque should not miss.

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BUENAVISTA, MARINDUQUE— From afar, the dreamy landscape of Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa is like a painting of Santorini Island in Greece that came to life.

And stepping into that painting, I had to pinch myself with the child-like awe that such a piece of heaven is here in the Philippines.

“Bellarocca,” which literally means “beautiful rock,” is an island resort run by Genesis Hotels and Resorts, and employs 150 Marinduque locals, who are famous for their warm hospitality and putong tradition.

The resort is built on Isla Elefante, a part of the quiet town of Buenavista in Marinduque. The island was named as such because it looked like an elephant swimming in the sea, according to town councilor Florentino “Tony” Pinaroc.

The island looks like a giant elephant submerged in water and adorned by the white-wash structures of the resort complex. It took three years to finish the taverns and villas on the island that seem to float above the lush greenery of the mountain when viewed from the shore.

And traveling to this destination is one of those rare occasions when you found joy in both the adventures of the journey and in reaching the destination. For one, going to the island is an adventure that will require travel by air, land, and sea – lest you opt to get a private chopper to land straight at the resort’s helipad.

Do enjoy the scenery of the country-side during the 45-minute land travel from the airport. Once you reach the small seaport, take some time to take snapshots of the island resort from the boardwalk made of thick bamboo poles.

Up next is a five-minute ride by rubber boat. Although short, the boat ride is special on its own because it intensifies the excitement of getting closer to the destination island as the buildings slowly loom large before your eyes. The island (and its details) looks simply fantastic in contrast to the azure sky and the aquamarine waters.

Once the boat docked, we rode golf cars to reach the receiving area. Passing by the iconic white houses, open flower gardens and cobble stone-inspired road evokes a feel of entering a Mediterranean village. Only the towering peak of Mount Malindig in the background serves as a reminder that this is the Philippines, not Greece.

At the building, a zen pool at the entrance helps relax your mood after travel. The resort offers Filipino and fusion dishes and you can opt to eat al fresco to better enjoy your food alongside the breath-taking view of Mount Malindig, a once active volcano.

The hot springs that locals and tourists enjoy in Malbog is testament to the activity of the gentle mountain centuries ago.

Here’s an insider’s tip from the locals: If you want a good photo of Buenavista’s Mount Malindig, take it from the veranda of the reception’s dining hall on a bright afternoon. The colors of the 1,157-meter high mountain come to life and are highlighted by the bluest skies of Marinduque and the shimmering waters of the sea.

The building with the reception area also sits atop the other taverns so you could get a bird’s eye view of the domed and angular white structures.

The establishment of the resort complex on the island has gained the attention of more foreign and local tourists to visit the area more often, not only during the iconic Moriones festival during the Lenten season, according top Mang Tony.

More needs to be done, however, in terms of securing more low-cost flights to the province from Manila because the usual travel route by bus and ferry takes about 12 hours. Mang Tony is optimistic that in time, the city council would be able to lay the groundwork for this and create a long-term tourism master plan for the town and province.

Looking at the softly colorful hued mountain and the crystal clear waters surrounding Isla Elefante, one can see the big potential of Marinduque to be a top tourist destination.

Our short trip to Bellarocca highlighted that more than the modern-day amenities provided at the resort, the best part of our stay is summed up by the sight of the majestic natural attractions and hospitable hosts, who are very open to share their simple life, culture and heritage to travelers like us.

Get more information about Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa

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Contact number: (0918) 850-0025, (032) 418-8888

E-mail address: sales&marketing@crownregency.com, reservations@crownregency.com


Short description of business: Hotel and adventure

Short description of products and services: Zipline, Sky Walk, Edge Coaster

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA -  Popular travel website Tripadvisor named Boracay Islands as the second most beautiful beach in the world and the first among its counterparts across Asia.

“At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you — you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from,” the website said.

Tripadvisor also cited the island’s Yapak, White and Bailinghai Beaches for its “beautiful white shells, picture-perfect sunsets and the perfect spot for honeymooners.”

Providenciales Island in Turks and Caicos remains the world’s best beach destination. Ranked next to Boracay are Palm/Eagle Beach in Aruba, Negril in Jamaica and Tulum in Mexico.

Boracay was also named best beach in Asia for the second year in a row, outlasting the thousand islets of Maldives and Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Khao Lak all in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Baguio, dubbed the summer capital of the Philippines, ranked 22nd this year in the travel guide’s list of Best Destinations in Asia.

Baguio was dubbed “a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands” and recommended the world-class golf course of Camp John Hay along with the great finds at the city market.

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Contact number: (+0632) 637 7027

E-mail address: reservations.crc@stfrancissquare.com.ph

Short description of business: Resort

Short description of products and services: Resort facilities, accommodation,water sports

CEBU CITY, CEBU – Cebu’s programs to promote itself as a tourist destination has resulted in the creation of two e-books, the “Guide to Sinulog 2012” and “A Guide to Cebu 2012.”

Both e-books are available in .epub and .mobi format allowing them to be read by most e-book-ready devices, including Apple IOS and Google Android smartphones and tablet PCs.

The freely downloadable e-books were developed in collaboration between MyCebu.ph and mobile services provider Smart Communications, with the purposes of showcasing tourism and heritage sites in Cebu.

While the e-book versions are for free, the partner institutions intend sell the printed versions of Guide to Sinulog 2012 and A Gude to Cebu 2012 on various online bookstores such as Amazon.com.

Likewise, the printed versions will also be distributed for free in Cebu locations with high tourism traffic.

The Sinulog 2012 e-book, launched in late 2011, highlighted the city’s plans for the 2012 celebration, including the week-long schedule of activities, routes, and some tips for visitors.

Meanwhile the Cebu guidebook, written by Max and Marlen Limpag, highlights the economy of Cebu, its government, historical data, and tips on how to go around the city.

The recently held Sinulog Festival is one of the oldest and largest traditional festivals in the Visayas region and commemorates the migration of Cebuanos from their pagan religion to Catholicism.

As part of the 2012 festivities, Smart also integrated digital content for tourists using QR (quick response) codes, which are more complex barcode-like images.

Visitors to the tourism sites can scan the QR codes using a device with camera functions, which will then send relevant, historical information to the device regarding the particular location.

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Contact number: (02) 817-7290, 310-9931

E-mail address: info@bellaroccaresorts.com

Short description of business: Resort

Short description of products and services: Resort, Spa

Contact Number: (910) 632-5924

Website: www. marinduquehotsprings.co.cc

Short description of business: Hotels and Resorts

Short description of products and services: Marinduque Hotsprings Resort offers visitors a spa-like experience with its supply of natural hot spring waters.

BOLJOON, CEBU – Cebu is generally considered the seat of Christianity in the Philippines. Roughly three hours away from the city is the oldest stone church in the province, a testament to the country’s colonial past.

Established by the Augustinian friars in the 18th century, the church of Patrocinio de Maria, or simply known as the Boljoon Church, is one of the valued heritage gems of this town.

Boljoon alone has 40 heritage sites, with the church as the most important stop if you’re taking a heritage tour of this town.

If you’ve been to Ilocos or went on a visita iglesia in provinces near Manila like Batangas or Laguna, at first glance, you’ll probably wonder what’s so special about Boljoon’s small and austere church.

The wonders of this church start at its vast front complex, where pre-Hispanic archeological artifacts like pottery and jewelry were excavated.

In fact the church’s ground is so wide that five excavations where conducted and more 16th century artifacts where recovered by the Boljoon Heritage Foundation.

The church is also why the town is hailed the only “Postcard Town in the entire Province of Cebu”, nestled in a plateau facing the wide river in the south,  which highlights the vast Bohol Strait and bordered in the east by thick foliage – the towering background of greenery accentuates the church’s quaint, picturesque and natural composition.

The structure itself reflects the early influence of pseudo-Baroque rococo style with solid stone walls that are believed to be made of mortar, lime and the foundation of it’s entirety with albumin or egg white.

Paintwork inside the church is said to have been made by local artists and is retained until after it was declared by the National Historical Institute a National Historical Landmark in 1999 and as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in the succeeding year.

Equally astonishing is a blockhouse located right beside the church. According to the Heritage Conservation Society, the structure was once used to shelf artillery and that the entire complex fronting the church was designed with defense in mind as slave raids where commonplace at the time. The blockhouse is now converted into a museum.

Just when you think this is all that Boljoon Church has to offer, behind it lies the town cemetery. Unlike other eerie looking cemeteries, though, this one features a symmetrical stone gateway with an arch opening and three-layer pediment.

The stone relief of a human skeleton on top gave it away but it somehow looked more like an immaculate garden than a graveyard.

The church likewise operates differently; it’s closed to the public on certain days, especially on weekdays. This often limits guests the opportunity to take some snapshots of the church’s interiors.

Boljoon Church’s charm, after all, isn’t limited to the fact that it’s centuries old.; it’s the endless series of revelations about its heritage that heightens people’s interest, compelling enough to discover it for themselves.

(How to get there: From the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, Ceres buses pass by Boljoon. The church is right in front of the municipal hall.)

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