The Floating Houses of Agusan Marsh

In the Philippines, there are two types of weather we typically encounter, the sunny and the rainy seasons. It seems that sunny season is nearing its end and the rainy season is now knocking in the whole archipelago. In the past few years we encountered different kind of calamities. One of the recent calamities was the attack of typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban that caused heavy rains and floods, wrecked houses and still undetermined number of casualties.

The havoc of Haiyan was one of the devastating stories that the whole world witnessed. It gives Filipino citizens a sense of dread that every time light rain pours in a drizzle we get nervous immediately and worried what will happen next, if another heart-wrenching calamity is on its way.

Because of this, is there a possibility we could change the kind of house that we build in the Philippines? In year 2005, one of the strongest hurricane attacks New Orleans, Pelicans. By the help of Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt, the floating house came into the scene. It can float when the flood starts to rise.

Picture source: phys.org
According to the Bible, God ordered Noah to build an ark that can withstand the force of nature. In the present, there are people who built their houses that boat looks like Noah’s ark. In Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur, Mindanao, the people there are staying in houses that are floating and become as their permanent home. The houses are placed above a plank of wood or bamboo stem. And their learning center is floating in the water as well.

So, that’s one way on how we can adapt to the kind of weather that we encountered here in the Philippines.

Top Theme Songs in the Philippines

Wedding is the very special day to everyone. It takes a year in preparing the requirements and organizing the wedding. We start in choosing the place for the ceremony and reception, then picking the beautiful invitations, souvenir, cakes, gowns, shoes, flowers and other more. After finalizing those stuffs, is there anything else needed? The wedding song, preparing the wedding songs sometimes not in the priorities, which is not bad, but it adds color and sense.

Philippine Wedding Videographers_themesongs

Every song has its own meaning and it’s a reflection of life. Some of the well-known songs make us cry when we heard it and because of the memories behind it. Also, it makes us to remember the precious person and the moment that we had. For wedding, music helps to enhance the atmosphere, tell the story of the couple and adds the sweetness, especially if it is the couple’s theme song. Your favorite songs or music may play as the bride entrance or at the reception. Since this is your day, you are free to list down all your favorite songs. Here are the top wedding songs in the Philippines;

1. Your Love (Alamid)
2. Sa’yo Lamang (Joey Albert)
3. With a Smile (Eraserhead)
4. Kahit maputi na ang Buhok (APO Hiking Society)
5. The Promise (Martin Nievera)
6. Ikaw (Regine Velasquez)
7. Now that I have you (The Company)
8. How did you know (Chiqui Pineda)
9. Forevermore (Side A)
10. Forever (Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera)
11. I’ll be there (Martin Nievera)
12. The gift (Jim Brickman)
13. Two word (Lea Salonga)
14. Ikaw ang aking pangarap (Martin Nievera)
15. Ikaw lamang (Gary Valencio)

Best Historical Places in the Philippines Part II

The Philippines is really full of history and structures that remain as a stain of many historical revolutions. As we see those structures that were constructed by our house contractors ancestors, we reminisce the sacrifice of all Filipinos to aim the freedom we had now. These structures really play a very big role in our history and in the present time, it shows as the evidences of all the struggles that our Filipino heroes have gone through. That's why many Filipinos, preserved these structures to remain the memory of sacrifices done till to the next generation of the Filipinos. Here are the 5 historic structures;

house contractors Philippines

Corregidor
Corregidor is a small rock island located near at the entrance of Manila Bay, Philippines. It serves as the headquarters of the brave, heroism Filipinos and American who battled against to the forces of Japanese during World War II. The Island becomes one of the popular destinations in the Philippines because of the images left from the War such as the big guns, cannon, ruin buildings and many more memorabilia of the brave people who fight for the freedom and justice of the Philippines.

Barasoain Church
Barasoain Church is a historical church where the first Philippine Republic was declared. There are three events are happened in this church: the assembling of the “First Philippines Congress”, recruiting the “Malolos Constitution”, and inauguration of the “First Philippine Republic”. This church gets attractive because of the architectural design and lots of history of it.

Leyte Landing Memorial Park
Leyte Landing Memorial Park or McArthur Park is well-visit in the city of Tacloban. It was built to remember the heroic promised of Gen. Douglas McArthur in aiming the freedom of the Filipino against Japanese colonies. It became an important event in Philippines history, especially when Gen. MacArthur said “I shall return”, as a promised to the Filipino citizens.

Magellan’s Cross
Magellan is a Portuguese explorer, the first person who crosses the Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean. He is a servant of King Charles for searching of westward route going to “Spice Island”. His navigation was not accomplished successfully because he was killed during the “Battle of Mactan”. The Cross was planted by Magellan to spread the importance of Roman Catholic. And this Magellan’s cross that can be found in a small chapel was built to give Magellan honor in bringing the Roman Catholics in the city of Cebu.

Lapu-lapu monument
Lapu-lapu’s monument is built to honor Rajah Lapu-lapu, the ruler of Mactan who conquered the battle to Magellan to aim the freedom of his people. Lapu-lapu is the first Filipino or Cebuano hero. His statue in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu is 20 meters bronze.

Best Historical Places in the Philippines

The Philippines are known for having lots of tourist destination. Beside that, the Philippines is rich with history and culture and it is reflected in the architectural heritage of the country. It became part of Filipinos life, to reminisce the sacrifice and heroic deed of all Filipino heroes. It is not just the historical places, but it also attracts the tourists to visit the country. Through the years, some of the structures undergo maintenance, through construction services and house construction. Here are the 5 leading structures that are famous for the tourist.


Rizal Park
Luneta park or Rizal Park is also known as Bagumbayan, where Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero executed by the Spaniards. It was built to give honor and salute the national hero who fights through literature against the Spaniards. It became the one of the major attractions in the City of Manila. Nowadays, it became one of the favorite hangout places for refreshments, socializing and bonding with friends and family.



Vigan
Vigan is one of the wonderful heritage place that in the Philippines is located in the northern part of the country. It got famous because of the preserved architectural village. The houses were built during the Spaniards period and this place is listed in the UNESCO world heritage.



Rizal Shrine
Rizal Shrine was built as a dedication to Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. The shrine is the home of Rizal memorabilia such as books, artworks, manuscripts, and his shells collected in Dapitan. This shrine has an important role in the history because Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last night here and found by his family, his famous and last poem titled “Mi ultimo adios” or “My last Farewell”.



Fort Santiago Fort Santiago was built in 1571 in the Spaniard period. It is the prison cell of Jose Rizal before he was executed. These days, the Fort Santiago has preserved the history behind of it and also used as a tourist destination.



Intramuros
Intramuros is known as “Walled City”, the oldest district in the Philippines and a historical palace. It is used as the fort of the Spanish government. Today, it has become a tourist destination in the city of Manila, because of the historical events that took place in that walled city.
The list is not yet finished, join me to get know better the history of famous structures in the Philippines until the next post.
See: Best Historical Places in the Philippines Part II

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part III

It rivals Boracay’s fine white sand beaches. In the islands of Mindoro, there is a gem called Puerto Galera. Another credential attached to Puerto Galera is being one of the premiere diving destinations in the Philippines. Like its powdery white sand beaches, Puerto Galera has crystalline blue waters full of wonderful surprises under its currents.

More than 30 dive sites, if this number is not enough to quench your thrill for an underwater adventure. A Puerto Galera dive will test your limits. You’ll encounter at least three types of dive: recreational, wreck, and drift diving. We cited a few of these awesome dive spots below:

Sabang Triple Delight
We only made this up for the purpose of highlighting the three Sabang plunges: Sabang Reef, Sabang Bay and Sabang Point. You’ll also be delighted to know it only requires a recreational or beginner level to experience Sabang.

Hole in the Wall
This one is coined as it is, a coral wall with a hole (2m wide) right at it. Although a beginner could try this one, a diver must watch his buoyancy to avoid bumping at the soft and hard corals as he goes thru the hole. Don’t forget to take pictures to relish the moment.

The Canyons
The exhilarating part starts here. Take note that this dive is for advance levels. The Canyons hit the 45th place on CNN Travel best diving site in the world. Definitely, this dive site is worth the try and the risk.

Fish Bowl
We need to remind you first the Fish Bowl is not for the faint heart. When we say you’re going to be sucked in, we’re not exaggerating. Upon descending, a strong current will push you in to the deep blue. Be ready because the sight at the bottom can astound you for the second time. This was not named the Fish Bowl for nothing. Expect a trench shaped-bowl where schools of Barracuda, White Tip Reef Sharks, Tuna and other marine life swirl inside it. Behold a kaleidoscopic scene right before eyes, but make sure to hold on tight – with all your strength.

Japanese, Sabang, and Alma Jane Wrecks
When you see a wreck in land, it is often referred as a junk. Put a wreck under the depths of the sea or ocean it will be a masterpiece – turning into vibrant wreckage adorning the sea floor. Over time, coral communities will populate it. Eventually, school of fishes and other marine life will take over this wreckage and turn it to a habitat.
Colorful, mysterious, and beautiful are the proper descriptions for shipwrecks turn into artificial habitats for underwater flora and fauna. The perfect spots are the Japanese, Sabang, and Alma Jane shipwrecks. Capture the past using your underwater camera.

Kilimar Drift
Do you want to take a drift? Then try the Kilimar Drift. Avoid this one if you’re not an expert drift diver. You’ll not only be injured, it will not be a fun and memorable experience.

Did we somehow convince you to enroll in a crash course, just to take a dive and witness Philippines’ exotic marine life? Remember this is only some of Luzon’s best dive sites, namely, Romblon, Palawan, and Puerto Galera. A country being a part of the famous Coral Triangle has many benefits such as automatically listing the Philippines one of the best diving destinations in the world.

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part II

As we promised, let us continue jotting down the most-visited dive spots in the Philippines. This entry will guarantee you to be an underwater photographer. In a single destination, you can have a chance to see a fleet of shipwrecks; one of the CNN Travel’s top picks; and one of the New Seven Wonder of Nature. The island is a large narrow strip with several islets around it located near the western part of Luzon, the island of Palawan.

The diving hotspots in the province are plentiful. Considered as the “Diving Mecca of the Philippines”, it adds to the difficulty level on where to start the plunge. Once again, will lend a helping hand and already prepared a list below:

Coron Bay – The Chuuk Lagoon of the Philippines

It is comparable to the Chook Lagoon of Micronesia. Famous for its sunken ships, Coron is the best shipwreck diving destination in the country. It is one of the remnants of World War II. On September 24, 1944, 11 Japanese ships took refuge in the waters of Coron Bay and near Busuanga manned by the Japanese Imperial Navy. However, the U.S. naval forces detected the anchored Japanese war and supply ships at Coron. Taking this opportunity, Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey planned the assault. Led by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, the U.S. naval aircraft launched a surprise aerial attack to take down the enemy. Catch a glimpse of history several meters below sea level of Coron Bay, Palawan. The once formidable warships turned into a safe haven for various marine flora and fauna.


Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – A CNN Travel Top Pick

Do you want to go to the center of marine biodiversity? Palawan has the largest Marine Protected Area in the country, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Nestled at the heart of Coral Triangle, it is an important buoy for the preservation of marine life not just in the country but the entire planet as well.

One of the Philippines’ oldest ecosystems, Tubbataha consists of two large atolls (North and South) and a smaller one called Jessie Beazley Reef. This world-renowned coral reef structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and enlisted by RAMSAR as one of Wetlands of International Importance.

Tubbataha hits the 8th place of CNN Travel’s best dive sites in the world. It seems overrated, but Tubbataha is indeed a diver’s paradise. Bird enthusiasts may want also to flock around the two islets of Tubbataha that were frequented by migratory birds. Some of the fowl visitors are internationally threatened and endangered.


Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – A New Seven Wonder of Nature

Another Palawan’s pride, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park formed 20 million years ago with two main parts. The limestone/karst mountain landscape and an 8.2 km underground river that flows through a cave then out in the sea. The two of the world’s largest are inside Tubbataha. The underground river called Cabayugan River is the world’s longest river (8.2 km) and the Italian Chamber, the largest cave in the planet.

Because of its pristine environment and its unique abundant biodiversity, it garnered several worth-mentioning international recognitions:

• World Heritage Site
• Ramsar Site or Wetlands of International Importance
• Important Bird Areas
• A National Geographic Monument

One of the prestigious awards it bagged is being hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature on Nov. 11, 2011. The park’s management only allows one kilometer of the park lasts for about an hour.

This is the island of Palawan for you. A world-class tourist destination packed with internationally known attractions. One last to go and we will complete our three-part Luzon Plunge.

Philippines’ Best Diving Sites – the Luzon Plunge Part I

Do you want a kind of underwater experience in a kaleidoscopic level? You don’t need to travel abroad because you’re already at the right place. Diving in the Philippines sites sprouted left and right because of the archipelagic structure and interlinked water systems that contributed to the rich marine biodiversity of the country.

The Philippines is a surplus of dive spots and some are not even yet subject for exploration. One worth mentioning is the Marble Capital of the Philippines, the province of Romblon located almost at the center of the Philippines. Due to its remoteness, Romblon retains its aura of mystery and pristine nature. One of the overlooked tourist destinations in the country, yet it has a way to charm travelers both land and sea.

In the dry regions, lies Spanish-era churches and you can find here one of the challenging peaks in the Philippines, the Mt. Guiting Guiting. Under the land mass, under the depths of its seas, is a diverse marine life. We suggest that before you go there bring a handful of extra batteries, memory cards, and a charger as well.

Romblon boasts thirty dive spots in and around the area. Definitely, a one-day trip would not be enough. Quality beats quantity, so we pick out a few dive hotspots ready for you to discover in no particular order.

Giant Clam Sanctuary
As its name suggests, it serves as a sanctuary for giant clams that lies beneath the sandy surface of the sea. Situated near Tiamban beach, this protected area is open for viewing all year round.

Cobrador Sunken Island (CSI)
Do you want to see an island covered with corals? Sunken Island or Takot Reef Is a submerged island is might be the right dive for you. Starting at a ten-meter mark and going down a slope for about thirty meters. A plethora of photo subjects is within a click such as different fish species, nudibranchs, and cuttlefish. You can visit the Sunken Island any time of the year.

Carmen’s Cliff
If you’re tired of the typical horizontal view you can switch to portrait mode at Carmen’s Cliff. Near the shores of Tablas Island, its vertical wall is akin to a painter’s canvass or graffiti wall. Prepare to be amaze at a wall decorated with vivid coral communities. At a close inspection, you may spot swarm fishes, sharks, mantas, and eagle rays swimming around the area.

Blue Hole
From above the skies, a blue hole is like a black blot on the blue landscape of a sea or an ocean. It is not Mother Nature’s imperfection. Conversely, a blue hole is one of her wonders she used to fuel the curiosity of men. By chance, our country has one and it is located in the waters of Tablas Island, Romblon. You may want to instantly enroll in the nearest Philippine diving course school because only expert divers can manage a more or less 32m in deep descent. It cradles rays, tuna, snapper, surrounded with a coral wall and garden. Small white tip reef sharks mingle at the bottom.

Time Square
Another Tablas Island dive spot. Contrary to its popular name, expect a remote dive in this area. Time Square is an isolated area great for snorkeling. Ready for a non-stop lens capture as you meet wondrous sea creatures like fusilier fishes, surgeonfishes, breathtaking coral formations, nudibranchs, and moray eels.

Still can’t get enough of Philippines’ spectacular diving sites? The list is not yet finished and by the end of this, you can plot your own diving saga.

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