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Flight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures/photos/videos, travel guides, independent and honest reviews, affordable, recommended resorts and hotels (including inns, guesthouses, pension houses, lodges, hostels, condotels, bed and breakfast and other cheap accommodations), commuting guides, routes (sometimes street maps and GPS coordinates/waypoints) and driving directions to answer "how to get there" questions, information and tips on tourism, budget travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!

Backpacking, independent travel, and flashpacking are cheaper than the "cheapest package tours" and promotional offers around but you can also use travel information for family vacations, even romantic honeymoon destinations.

More than the usual tourist spots and "places to see," this blog advocates heritage conservation, environmental protection, and history awareness for Filipinos, foreigners, and ex-pats wishing to explore Paradise Philippines and Exotic Asia!
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    Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi)

    This day, December 30, 2007, is the 111th death anniversary of the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, who was condemned to die by musketry by the abusive Spanish friars of his day.

    The Philippines lost a genius that fateful morning, but the very same day 111 years ago, one of the largest eagles in the world, found only in the Philippines, was baptized and given a name: Pithecophaga Jefferyi. This was published officially by the British Ornithologists Club in London on December 30, 1896.

    That eagle, then called monkey eating eagle, is now known as the great Philippine Eagle...

    Picture of Philippine eagle taken during the 2006 Philippine Birdfest using a crappy camera phone

    Philippine Eagle Trivia:

    John Whitehead discovered the large raptor in the island of Samar in 1896.

    Pithecophaga means "monkey eater," while Jefferyi was named after the father of British naturalist explorer John Whitehead: Jeffery Whitehead.

    In a country where no tigers, lions or leopards roam as predators, the mighty raptor rules as king that's why it's called Haribon, short for Haring Ibon (Bird King) and looks down on the world with its unique blue-gray colored eyes, while soaring with an awe-inspiring wingspan of two meters.

    The Philippine Eagle can only be found in rainforests of four major Philippine islands: Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.

    The Philippine Eagle was featured in the Flora and Fauna series coins of then Central Bank of the Philippines on the reverse side of the 50 centavo coin.

    Similar to the fairly recent printing error of the P100 bill Arrovo instead of Arroyo (Tutubi has a specimen of this), in 1983, the scientific name of the Philippine eagle was erroneously minted as Pithecobhaga jefferyi instead of Pithecophaga jefferyi. Coins and bills like these are instant collectibles by numismatists!

    The Philippine eagle is one of the world’s three largest eagles besides the harpy eagle of South America and Steller’s sea eagle.

    Charles Lindberg, most famous as the first aviator to cross the Atlantic in 1927, as a representative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), visited the country in the 1960s and called the Philippine eagle as "the world's noblest of fliers."

    It's estimated that only 600 pairs remain in the wild.

    Philippine Eagle Center in Davao, operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), is trying to save the endangered Philippine Eagle where in 1992, the first eagle hatched using artificial insemination gave birth to eaglets named Pagasa (Hope) and Pagkakaisa (Unity).

    The 21st PEF-bred eagle was adopted by paint manufacturer Boysen and christened Pin-Pin, short for Pinturang Pinoy (Filipino paint). Boysen also replaced the American bald eagle with the Philippine eagle on its logo.

    In April 2005, Kabayan, an eagle adopted by Philippine Vice-President "Kabayan" Noli de Castro, the first captive-bred eagle released in Asia, was electrocuted and died in Mount Apo Natural Park after nine months in the wild.

    Formerly called monkey-eating eagle, since it thought to eat only monkeys, it was later named Philippine Eagle and designated as the national bird of the Philippines to promote awareness of its importance and sad plight.

    The most recently-hatched eagle, the 22nd PEF-bred, still has no foster parents. (Are you to the challenge? To adopt it, inquire at the official website of PEF here)

    How to go to Philippine Eagle Center, Davao:

    According to PEF official website, "The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is about an hour drive from the city and can be reached either by private or public transport. Buses going to Calinan depart every 15 minutes from the Annil Terminal located at corner Quirino and San Pedro Extension. Bus fare is at P30. From Calinan, take a pedicab going to the PEC. The ride is about 10 minutes and will cost you P6. Before entering the PEC premises, the Davao City Water District will collect an entrance fee of P5 for adults and P3 for kids. PEC entrance costs P50 for adults and P30 for youth, 18 years old and below. Tour guiding and the use of kiosks are free of charge."



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    posted by GingGoy @ 12:00 PM, ,

    Bagac Morong Bataan Beach Resorts: Room Rates, Contact Number

    List of Beach Resorts in Bataan are mostly in the towns of Morong and Bagac. Herewith is a list of resorts in the area with telephone numbers. Reviews and photos to follow once available. Please call the telephone number posted and/or visit the official websotes for room rates and other details

    Most resorts there have either white sand or gray sand but not too crowded like other famous beaches

    Morong Beach Resorts:

    Anvaya Cove

    Aplaya del Amor

    Aspire Beach Resort

    Astea Beach Resort 0917.517.7541

    Bataan White Coral

    Bustamante Beach Resort

    Coralview Beach Resort

    Crystal Water

    Dar Star Beach Resort 0919.646.3237

    Delia’s Beach Resort 0920.821.3139

    Dorothy Beach Resort 0916.732.5568

    East & West Beach Resort 0919.644.0870

    Fine Sand Beach Resort 0918.902.3936

    Gold Coast Resort +63.47.237.3170

    Isabela Beach Resort

    J & E De Leon Beach Resort 0919.200.6009

    Jemacar Beach Resort

    Joelyn Payumo Beach Resort

    Morong Bay Beach Resort 0927.439.9244

    Morong Star Beach Resort

    Panibatuhan 0916.202.0466

    Oro Grande Beach Resort 0916.352.8889

    Paul’s Beach Resort 0920.586.6632

    Sipwak Beach Resort

    Summer Sea Beach Resort +63.02.714.6087

    Sunshine Beach Resort +63.47.237.3124

    Villa Milagrosa Beach Resort 0919-7696259

    Waterfront Beach Resort 0918.508.6977


    Bagac Beach Resorts

    Bagac Bay Beach Resort
    Barangay Pag-Asa, Bagac, Bataan
    bagacbaybeachresort.multiply.com

    Fajardo’s Beach Resort Bagac
    0920.226.0342

    Floen Beach Resort Bagac
    0919.264.8382

    Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

    Montemar Beach Club
    Tel. No.: +63.2.892.6498

    Morning Breeze Beach Resort
    Bagac, Bataan
    Contact Number: 0918.903.7016

    Sun Moon Beach Resort
    0918.372.0561

    UPDATED: April 2013

    Please call the beach resorts contact numbers or visit their official website for inquiries, room rates, reservations Swimming entrance fee, day tour rate, and other questions. A short telephone call to their published telephone numbers will get you answers rather than leaving a comment here :P

    How to get to Bataan:

    Buses to Bataan are via Genesis or Bataan Transit with terminals in Cubao, QC, Sta. Cruz Manila and Pasay City. Travel time is around 3 hours.

    El Greco Jerry Fery serves the Manila to Bataan ferry route, it begins from CCP Complex and ends in Mariveles, Bataan. Ferry Fare starts at PhP195.00 to PhP350.00 (VIP)

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    posted by GingGoy @ 11:52 PM, ,

    On Jose Rizal's Retraction: The Great Debate

    Learning about Jose Rizal's life and works as part of college curriculum is mandated by Republic Act 1425 (RA1425), otherwise known as Rizal Law of 1956, sponsored by the nationalist senator Claro M. Recto. The law also required reading Rizal's scathing novels Noli me Tangere and El Flibusterismo in high school years.

    At the end of the history lesson on Rizal, professors will always emphasize that after writing his two novels which are obviously attacks against "men in robes," Jose Rizal returned to the fold of the Catholic Church by signing a retraction on the eve of his execution on December 29, 1896 (similar to Voltaire again by the Jesuits).

    The retraction text was published on the friar-controlled newspapers La Voz Española and Diaro de Manila on the day of execution, and on El Imparcial, the morrow.

    The retraction document was never shown to curious people not even family of Rizal and was supposedly lost.

    Almost forty years later, the supposed "original" retraction document was discovered by Fr. Manuel Garcia, C.M. in 1935, that states (in full text):

    "Me declaro catolica y en esta Religion en que naci y me eduque quiero vivir y morir.

    Me retracto de todo corazon de cuanto en mis palabras, escritos, inpresos y conducta ha habido contrario a mi cualidad de hijo de la Iglesia Catolica. Creo y profeso cuanto ella enseña y me somento a cuanto ella manda. Abomino de la Masonaria, como enigma que es de la Iglesia, y como Sociedad prohibida por la Iglesia. Puede el Prelado Diocesano, como Autoridad Superior Eclesiastica hacer publica esta manifastacion espontanea mia para reparar el escandalo que mis actos hayan podido causar y para que Dios y los hombers me perdonen.

    Manila 29 de Deciembre de 1896

    Jose Rizal

    Jefe del Piquete
    Juan del Fresno

    Ayudante de Plaza
    Eloy Moure"

    Translated in English:

    "I declare myself a Catholic and in this Religion in which I was born and educated I wish to live and die.

    I retract with all my heart whatever in my words, writings, publications and conduct has been contrary to my character as son of the Catholic Church. I believe and I confess whatever she teaches and I submit to whatever she demands. I abominate Masonry, as the enemy which is of the Church, and as a Society prohibited by the Church. The Diocesan Prelate may, as the Superior Ecclesiastical Authority, make public this spontaneous manifestation of mine in order to repair the scandal which my acts may have caused and so that God and people may pardon me.

    Manila 29 of December of 1896

    Jose Rizal"


    Analysis et al...

    The contents of the document "found" in 1935 differed from the ones published by newspapers, La Voz Española and Diaro de Manila, and at the time of Rizal's death and El Imparcial, the day after the execution.

    Fr. Balaguer, a priest allegedly present at Rizal's cell when Rizal wrote and signed the retraction document in front of him, Fr. Villaclara and another Jesuit priest, didn't report the presence of the retraction document to his higher-ups immediately but waited until Rizal is dead.

    The "retracted" Jose Rizal was buried in an unmarked grave inside what is now Paco cemetery, and not in a Catholic cemetery where he should belong. Rizal's remains were later transferred to the present Rizal Monument in Rizal Park (Luneta) in 1911.

    There no records of marriage between Rizal and Josephine Bracken as a reward if Rizal did retract. The love birds earlier sought this while Rizal was exiled in Dapitan (FYI, there's also a version of an earlier Dapitan retraction that Rizal signed but withdrawn at the right time. some sort of retraction retracted)

    The "original" retraction document was never submitted to an independent testing body for authentication.

    The blown-up picture of Rizal's execution, now displayed at the Manila City Hall, shows Rizal without a rosary in his hand like what Fr. Balaguer and biographers Guerrero and Cavanna have written.

    All these arguments and counter-arguments continue to fuel one of the greatest debates on history and possibly the greatest hoax in history.

    On Jose Rizal Retraction, did he or did he not?


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    posted by GingGoy @ 11:30 PM, ,

    2008 Bamboo Organ Festival Las Pinas

    Posting for your information the upcoming 2008 Bamboo Organ Festival schedules, details and programme.

    33rd International Bamboo Organ Festival Las Pinas City, Metro Manila, Philippines

    Festival Schedule and Programme:

    Thursday, February 21, 2008 - GALA
    Solo organ music - Ghislain Leroy (France)
    Misa de Sales (1826), from Iglesia de Baclayon, Bohol - Las Pinas Boys Choir with Bamboo organ
    Bach Cantata no. 82 – Noel Azcona, solo baritone, with Festival Ensemble conducted by Chino Toledo

    Friday, February 22 - AN EVENING OF ORGAN MUSIC
    Full program of organ music on Bamboo organ and Auditorium organ by Ghislain Leroy (France)

    Saturday, February 23 - CONCERT UNDER THE TREES
    Popular music performed in the church patio

    Sunday, February 24 - Las Piñas Boys Choir In Concert

    Monday, February 25 - ORGAN AND VOICES
    Repeat of Gala concert

    Wednesday and Friday, February 27 and 29 MESSA DI GLORIA
    Celebration of the 150th birthday of Giacomo Puccini with a performance of his Messa di Gloria. Noel Azcona and Randy Gilongo, soloists, with Festival Orchestra conducted by Chino Toledo, and a mixed choir. The Concerto for Two Organs BWV 1061 will also be performed by Armando Salarza and Dr. Johann Trummer (Austria).

    Ticket prices: P600.00, P400.00, P200.00

    For inquiries, please call +63.2.510.3839.


    How to get to St. Joseph's Church (Bamboo Organ), Las Pinas City, Metro Manila,

    Driving Directions to Las Pinas Church: From Roxas Blvd going to Cavite, take the road going to Las Pinas at the end of Coastal Road. Turn left to the road just below the flyover then go straight till you see the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ Church on your left.

    How to commute to Las Pinas Church: From Lawton and Taft Avenue, there are Zapote-bound buses that will take you to Las Pinas.

    Other festival in Las Pinas is the erroneously called "water lily" festival.

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    posted by GingGoy @ 11:00 PM, ,

    Sorsogon Accommodations: Donsol Beach Resorts

    Updated 2013 list of beach resorts and accommodations in Donsol, Sorsogon for your whale shark tours and firefly encounters

    Donsol Accommodation: Beach Resorts and Homestay information:

    Where to Stay in Donsol, Sorsogon

    Amor Beach Resort
    Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
    Telephone No.: +63.921.245.2028

    Apuyan Residential Inn
    Tres Maria, Donsol, Sorsogon

    Hernandez Guest and Pension House
    Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

    Inday Tourist Inn and Lodge
    Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

    Santiago Tourist Inn
    Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

    Vitton Beach Resort
    Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
    Telephone No.: +63.927.912.6313

    Woodland Beach Resort
    Pangpang, Donsol, Sorsogon
    Telephone No.: +63.920.863.0191

    The cheapest accommodations in Donsol are homestays, houses who open their homes to tourists and transients. To look for Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited homestays, you may get in touch with Donsol Inn-Keepers Association (DIKA) at telephone number +63.906.762.5955.

    Source: Donsol tourism brochure (given by Tutubi's friends who were there recently)

    please visit the donsol resort's official website, or call published contact numbers for inquiries, promos, day tour rates, sample restaurant menu prices, room rates, entrance fees, admission, swimming pool rates et al

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    posted by GingGoy @ 9:32 PM, ,

    La Union Beach Resorts: Bauang, San Fernando, San Juan

    Whether going to La Union to beach bum, surfing lessons or a veteran surfer yourself, La Union offers fine white sand beaches with surf breaks from the South China Sea.

    herewith is a list of beach resorts in La Union for your information on your next vacation or company outing:

    Beach Resorts in Aringay, La Union

    Marimar Beach
    Email: samara@dagupan.com
    Official Website: http://www.dagupan.com/samara/

    Beach Resorts in Bauang, La Union

    Bali Hai Beach Resort,
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. 63-72-2425679

    Bali Hai East
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. +63.72.242.0531
    Fax: +63.72.242.0528
    Official Website: http://www.balihai.com.ph

    Blue Nile Beach Resort & Beach Club
    (Formerly Southern Palms Beach Resort and Stiletto's Nightclub)
    Pagdalagan Sur, Bauang
    Tel. No.:+63.72.888.5384
    Fax: +63.72.888.5529
    Official Website: http://www.southernpalms.com.ph

    Cabaña Beach Resort
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. No.: +63.72.242.5585
    Fax: +63.72.242.3107

    Cesmin Beach Cottages
    Pagdalagan Sur, Bauang
    Tel. No.:+63.72.888.2884

    China Sea Beach Resort
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. +63.72.242.6101
    Fax: +63.72.242.0822

    Coconut Grove Beach Resort (Coco Grove)
    Km 263 National Highway, Paringao, Bauang
    Email address: resort@coco.com.ph
    Telephone Number: +63.72.607.6604
    Fax: +63.72.607.6621
    Official Website: http://www.coco.com.ph

    Long Beach Resort Hotel
    Address: Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. nos.: +63.72.242.0609; +63.72.705.0904
    Official Website: http://www.longbeachresorthotel.com

    North Pals Beach Resort
    Paringao, Bauang, La Union

    Ocean Breeze Resort Hotel
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. No.:+63.72.888.3530

    Schweizergarten Resort
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. No.:+63.72.705.2300

    Villa Estrella Beach Resort
    Paringao, Bauang
    Tel. No.:+63.72.2425644
    Fax: +63.72.242.0652

    Beach Resorts in Caba, la Union

    EL CASERON Beach Resort
    Santiago Norte, Caba, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.708.0078; +63.2.715.7146
    Fax: +63.2.713.4705

    Beach Resorts in San Fernando, La Union

    Acapulco Beach Resort
    Telephone: +63.72.242.5696

    Blue Lagoon Resort
    Canaoay, San Fernando City, La Union
    Telephone: +63.72.888.2531

    California Beach Resort
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.700.1375; +63.72.700.4950

    Clarissa Jade Village Resort
    Barangay Parian, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.242.7550

    Green Palm Beach Apartelle
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union

    La Mer Resort
    Barangay Carlatan, San Fernando City, La Union

    Meridian Beach Cottages
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.: +6372.888.5401
    Tel. No.: +63.72.242.0962

    Miramonte Beach Resort
    Navy Road, Barangay Poro, San Fernando City, La Union

    Naps Resort Hotel
    Pennsylvania Avenue, Barangay Poro, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.700.0053; +63.72.888.0053

    Oasis Country Resort
    National Highway, Barangay Sevilla, San Fernando City
    Tel. No.: +63.72.242.5631; +63.72.242.5621; +63.72.242.5610

    Ramon & Delfina Beach Resort
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City
    Tel. No.: +63.72.700.0589

    Salangas Beach Cottages
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.888.3802

    Sea Park Beach Resort & Restaurant
    Barangay San Francisco, San Fernando City, La Union
    Telephone: +63.72.888.2369
    Official website: http://www.shipsideinc.com/seapark.html
    Email: ssi_sflu@digitelone.com

    Sunset Bay Beach Resort
    Tel. No.: +63.72.607.5970
    Official Website: http://sunsetbayphilippines.com
    Email: sunsetbayresort@yahoo.com
    Official Website: http://www.sunsetbayphilippines.com
    Remarks: with infinity pool

    West Meridian Beach
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.:+63.72.242.6438

    Wil Jam Beach Cottages
    Barangay Pagudpud, San Fernando City, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.700.0671

    Beach Resorts in San Juan, La Union


    Monaliza Resort
    Urbiztondo, San Juan

    San Juan Surf Resort
    Urbiztondo, San Juan
    Email: admin@sanjuansurfresort.com
    Phone +63.72.720.0340
    Official Website: http://www.sanjuansurfresort.com

    Sebay Surf Resort & Entertainment Center
    Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.888.4075
    Fax. +63.72.700.0849
    Email: sebayresort@yahoo.com.ph
    Official Website: http://www.sflu.com/yabes/sebay/sebay.htm

    Las Villas Resort
    Montemar Village, Ili Norte, San Juan
    Tel. No.:+63.72.242.3770
    Fax: +63.72.242.3769

    Little Surf Maid Resort
    70 Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
    Tel. No.: +63.72.888.5528; +63.72.888.5538

    Sunset German Beach Resort
    Montemar Village, Ili Norte, San Juan
    TeleFax: +63.72.888.4719

    Puerto de San Juan Resort Hotel,
    Ili sur, San Juan
    Tel No.:+63.72.607.4328; +63.72.607.4355; +63.72.607.4377; +63.72.242.5471; +63.72.720.0185; +63.72.720.0255 to 56
    TeleFax: +63.72.720.0184
    Email: psj@puertodesanjuan.com
    Official Website: http://www.puertodesanjuan.com

    Note: Please contact the resort directly using official websites or published contact numbers for cheapest rates, inquiries, room rates and cheap accommodations.


    How to get to La Union:


    Directions to La Union from Manila:
    La Union via SCTEx is about 5 hours with NLEX Dau exit then entering SCTEx then Tarlac, Pangasinan via MacArthur Highway. In Rosario, La Union, turn left on a fork (where the right fork leads to Baguio via Kennon Road)

    La Union from Baguio is just an hour via Naguillian Road

    How to commute to La Union by bus:

    From Manila, board bus bound for Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Vigan (Ilocos sur), Abra, La Union, Benguet, or Ilocos Sur and drop off in La Union (request the conductor to drop you off near the town or resort). Bus lines operating bus routes passing by La Union are Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit, Partas Transit, Maria De Leon, Viron Transit, and Panther. No updated information on bus fares to La Union.

    UPDATED: April 5, 2009

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    posted by GingGoy @ 10:52 PM, ,

    Sorsogon: Donsol Whale Shark Tours Rates/Boat Rental

    Looking for cheap whale shark tours in the Philippines? The cheapest of the cheap is the backpacking way. You can go there using public transportation while at the Donsol Visitor Center, everything is so easy for DIY budget travel enthusiast like Tutubi:

    Tutubi was able to visit Donsol, in a spur-of-the-moment unplanned trip, and got to interact with the gentle butanding (local name for whale sharks, Scientific name: Rhincodon Typus), in April 2002 (Holy Week) and swears his Donsol butanding interaction Adventure is his most memorable experience so far.


    Swim with the largest fish in the world in Donsol, a place frequented by locals, foreigners for the giant whale sharks, locally called butanding

    Updated Information herewith (as of April 2013):

    When to Visit Donsol:


    Recommended visit to Donsol for the butanding is from January to May when the abundance of plankton, whale shark's main food, make those gentle filter-feeders stay in Donsol Bay. There's also the Butanding Festival in April so be prepared for competition with tourists and higher rates.

    Whale Shark Interaction Adventure Tour:


    Upon reaching Donsol, register first at the Visitor Center located in Barangay Dancalan where you'll be shown a short video about the whale shark interaction then hire a tricycle to take you to the boat station.

    Registration fee per tourist:
    Local PhP 100.00
    Foreigner PhP 300.00

    (at least here, they provide discounts to locals unlike in most places where prices only cater to foreign tourists)

    Donsol Visitor Center Opens at 6:00am (even in Holy Week)

    Whale shark interaction PhP 3,500.00 (per boat. price includes the three persons:
    Skipper: who steers the boat for the tour
    Butanding Spotter: standing at the bow always on the lookout for whale sharks
    Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO): directs the whale shark interaction


    Firefly watching/river cruising
    PhP 1,250.00 (cost per boat)

    If you're a solo backpacker, you can pay PhP500.00 Butanding interaction fee and share the boat with six others

    Do take note of the rules and policies posted on the walls of the Visitor Center and reiterated during the video presentation:

    1. No touching/riding on the butanding
    2. Do not restrict the movement of the shark or block its natural path
    3. Recommended distance from the whale shark is 3 meters from the head and body and 4 meters from the tail
    4. No flash photography allowed (tip: you may buy inexpensive disposable and waterproof cameras for this, not sharp but passable for bragging rights)
    5. No scuba, scooters, jet-ski or any motorized underwater propulsion
    6. Strictly one boat per whale shark policy with a maximum of six (6) swimmers per whale shark

    Things to do in Donsol other than Butanting Interaction:

    Other activities: Donsol River Cruise and Firefly Watching in the mangrove forest (optional but requires an overnight stay unlike the Butanding Interaction tours)

    Whale shark picture and video here

    Cheap hotels/resorts/accommodations and Where to Stay In Donsol Information:
    Donsol Inn-keeper Association (DIKA): +63.906.762.5955

    How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon for the whale shark tours (butanding adventure)

    Donsol, Sorsogon can be reached via Legazpi City in Albay. Flights from Manila to Legazpi City and Cebu City to Legazpi City are available. Vans bound for Donsol are available at the Satellite Market for another one-hour ride. A short tricycle ride from the Visitor Center to the boat station is required.

    Philippine Airlines, ZestAir and Cebu Pacific flies daily to Legazpi City daily. Donsol-bound vans are available at the Satellite Market for another one-hour ride.

    For land travel (commute) to Donsol from Manila, buses are available in Cubao, Quezon City for a 12-hour ride to Legazpi City. These buses drop passengers at Satellite Market where one can get a van bound for Donsol.

    Philtranco, with terminal in Cubao, has buses to Donsol. Inquire at their office or website for updated fares and trip schedules.

    You may also hire vans in your area to drive you directly to Donsol then arrange the tour yourself to save on costs.

    For your return trip, you may hire a tricycle (better to commission one in advance to fetch you at an appointed time to avoid waiting) to take you back to Brgy. Dancalan or the FX/Van terminal where vans going to Legazpi are available.

    Note: other places where you can avail of whale shark tours are Puerto Bay in Palawan (where they're called tiki-tiki), in Bohol Island and in the waters of Calatagan, Batangas. Donsol is the most famous due to the high concentration of the butanding and already laid claim to the title "whale shark capital of the world."

    Fare guide to Donsol, Sorsogon:
    Tricycle from Legazpi Airport: PhP50.00/trip (good for 5 persons)
    Van from Legazpi City terminal to Donsol: PhP60.00
    Tricycle in Donsol to resort: P20.00/person

    Besides Whale Sharks, sightings of rare megamouth sharks were recorded in Donsol bay while the nearby Ticao Pass is teeming with giant manta rays for sure sighting.

    please leave comments for more tips or fore updates on the cheapest donsol butanding package tours, rates and cost chnages
    UPDATED: April 2013

    Related Posts:

    Donsol Beach resorts

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    posted by GingGoy @ 9:58 PM, ,

    Pangasinan: Bolinao Beach Resorts

    The Cape Bolinao Beach, a long stretch of white beach in Barangay Patar is now a famous tourist destination. The surf is said to be ideal for board surfing. Bolinao offers more than beaches for there are caves, cheap food at the public market and also some hotels in Bolinao town proper.

    List of Resorts in Bolinao, Pangasinan

    Patar Beach Resorts (where fine white sand beaches are)

    Arguero Beach Resort

    Bing's Beach Resort
    Telephone Number: +63.912.856.1585; +63.912.691.0082

    Bolinao Treasures Beach Resort
    Dutch Beach Resort
    Kuroshark Beach Resort
    Patar White Beach Resort
    Polly's Beach Resort
    Tropical Hut Beach Resort

    Treasures of Bolinao
    official website: http://www.treasuresofbolinao.com
    Manila Office Tel. No. : +632.375.8884; +632.413.4914
    Bolinao Office Tel. No.: +63.916.372-1979; +63.916.372.5365; +63.919.669.2390

    Germinal Beach Resorts:


    El Pescador Village Inn
    Telephone Number: +63.75.554.2559

    Celeste Seabreeze Inn & Restaurant
    Telephone Number: +63.75.554.2035

    A & E Garden

    Rock Garden Resort & Rest.
    Arnedo, Bolinao
    Telephone Number: +63.75.554.2876; +63.912.313.9553

    Balingasay Beach Resorts:

    Balingasay Perpetual Beach Resort
    Lady Irish Beach Resort

    Estanza Beach Resorts


    Verling Beach Resort
    Ramos Villareal Beach Resort
    Chiling And Balmer Beach Resort
    Villa Soledad Beach Resort
    Coco Beach Resort

    Ilog-Malino Beach Resorts:

    Garden Paradise Resort Ilog-Malino
    Ilog Malino Hotel and Resort (http://sunrisebolinao.com)
    Puerto del Sol Beach Hotel and Resort Club (most expensive)
    Villa Vicente Leisure & Beach Resort Ilog-Malino

    Luciente Beach Resorts:

    Stefania Beach Resort

    White Beach Resort 'Dutch Beach
    Telephone number: +63.75.554.2292
    Email: dutch.beach.nl@wxs.nl

    Note: Call the resorts' contact numbers for updated room rates, cheap accommodations and other stuff. No information yet on the cheapest one. Pictures/photos and resort reviews to follow.


    Interesting Places to See in Bolinao (Tourist Spots)
    :


    Cape Bolinao Light house

    Bolinao Museum
    Located at Rizal Street across the Cape Bolinao High School, open from Monday to Saturday.

    Church Of St. James Fortress (The Bolinao Church)

    Agutayan Marine Sanctuary:
    5 kilometers from the Poblacion, is the white island that dots Macajalar Bay and home to giant clams of U.P. Marine Science Institute

    Santiago Island off the northeast coast of Bolinao teeming with corals and marine life is great for scuba diving

    Enchanted Cave, Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
    entrance fee P50 per head plus a P20 parking fee

    Cindy's Cave, Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan
    entrance fee P75 for 1-5 persons or P20 each for groups with 6 persons or more


    How to get to Bolinao, Pangasinan:


    Driving Directions to Bolinao: Drive to SLEX then exit at Dau. Take road going to Tarlac then take the road going to Camiling/Bugallon. At the junction of Bugallon, turn left going to Sual, Alaminos then Bani. In Bani town proper, turn right going straight to Bolinao.

    Commute: Buses to Bolinao are available at Victory Liner, Five Star, Dagupan Transit, with terminals on EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City or Pasay City and Philippine Rabbit (Avenida near LRT Recto). Fare is around P300 and travel time around 4 hours.

    please get in tocuh with resort owners, visit official website, call telephone contact numbers for promos, room rates, day tour rates, entrance fee, swimming rates, sample menu prices and map locations

    UPDATED: April 2013

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:18 PM, ,

    Muslim Restaurants Halal Food in Manila

    If you're looking for restaurants serving authentic halal food in Manila (Metro Manila that is), Makati has lots of them hidden in the cosmopolitan city's nooks and crannies as well as in tourist centers of Malate and Ermita in Manila and Islamic neighborhood of Quiapo, also in Manila, and Greehills Shopping Center in San Juan where many Muslim traders sell their wares like cheap pearls and jeweleries.


    UPDATED June 2016

    Halal, Arabic word for "permissible," is the term used to describe food permitted to be eaten by Muslims, opposed to haram, meaning not permitted or bawal in Filipino. It involves a ban on certain animal meat particularly pork, blood and others. Animals should also be butchered by a Muslim who utter the name of Allah.

    Halal Certification Authority is still unestablished in the Philippines but there are certain bodies doing this is Muslim Mindanao verifying halal authenticity of the food served in some establishments.

    Makati Halal Restaurants

    Hosseins Persian Kebab
    Type: Middle Eastern
    Phone: +63(2) 890-6137
    7857 Makati Avenue, Makati, The Phillipines 1103
    authenticity: known Muslim restaurant
    How to go there: walk towards Mandaluyong from Makati Avenue corner Gil Puyat (Buendia)

    Jerusalem Restaurant
    Type: Middle Eastern
    Tel. No.: +63.2.897.2105
    7880 Traveller's Inn Condominium, Makati Avenue, Makati City

    Kashmir
    Phone: +63.2.844.4924; +63.2.844.4977
    Festejo Building, 816 Pasay Road, Makati City

    Swagat Indian Restaurant
    Phone: +63.2.752.5669
    119 FCC Building, Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City

    Queen's Restaurant
    Jupiter Street, Makati City

    Mediterranean Café
    Green Belt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City, Phillippines

    Pasha
    Type: Mediterranean
    Green Belt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City

    Ziggurat Cuisine
    Email: info@zigguratcuisine.com
    Type: Mediterranean
    Phone: +63.2.897.5179
    G/F Sunette Tower Building, Durban Street, Makati City, Phillippines

    Manila Halal Restaurants

    Near the Golden Mosque (Masjid al Dahab) in Quiapo can be found numerous eateries serving halal food for the Muslim community, mostly Maranao

    Bialetti Caffe
    Globo de Oro Street, Quiapo, Manila, Philippines

    Ghazal Restaurant
    Type: Mediterranean
    Tel. No.: +63.2.521.1996
    1551 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
    Commute: Jeepneys in Quiapo with Mabini signboard pass by the place

    Moud's Chicken Halal
    Tel. No.: +63.2.488.5006
    827 Globo de Oro Street, Quiapo, Manila, Philippines
    Comments: Owners are known Muslims
    How to go there: From Quiapo Church, walk towards Quezon Bridge then turn left towards the Golden Mosque. Moud's is on the left side of Globo de Oro St.


    Shawarma Snack Center
    Type: Lebanese/Middle Eastern/Mediterranean
    485B R. Salas Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

    June-Nairah Halal Food Restaurant
    Phone: +63.928.703.4843
    826 Globo De Oro Street, Manila, The Phillipines
    Halal authenticity: Owners are known Muslims
    How to go there: From Quiapo Church, walk towards Quezon Bridge then turn left towards the Golden Mosque.

    New Delhi
    End of Osmena Highway, exit near the Petron Station, Manila

    Pamanganan House of Malaysia
    Elizondo St, Quiapo, Manila

    The Curry Leaf
    Tel.No.: +63.2.776.3084
    City Centre, Manila
    Comments: Halal certificate on display

    Assad's Café
    Type: Halal Meat & Grocery
    Phone: +63.2.526.1349
    UN Avenue (opposite Unilever), Paco, Manila, Philippines
    Directions: a short cab ride away from LRT UN Avenue station


    Quezon City Halal Restaurants:

    Hassan Kabab and Steak
    Katipunan Avenue, Blue Ridge
    Remarks: near Quirino Medical center, Eastwood Libis, Ateneo De Manila and
    UP Diliman area

    Persian Kabab
    Quezon Avenue near corner West Avenue, Quezon City
    How to go there: From MRT Quezon Avenue station, board any Quiapo-bound jeepney
    or bus on Quezon Avenue. Alight in front of Persian Kabab just after the corner of West Avenue. (From Manila, the best way is via the jeeps plying Project 6 route)

    Millenium Halal Cuisine
    Phone: +63.917.523.9629
    Foodcourt, Alimall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
    How to go there: walking distance from MRT Araneta-Cubao station

    San Juan Halal Restaurant

    Tasty Fresh Halal
    Email: tastyfreshhalal@yahoo.com
    Phone: +63.2.419.4979
    Greenlanes Building 2nd Floor, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City, Philippines
    How to go there: (commute) From MRT Ortigas Station, walk towards Ortigas Avenue then take San Juan-bound jeepneys (or Quiapo-bound buses of RRCG/G Liner) get off in front of Greenhills Shopping Center.

    Halal Southern Deli Restaurant
    Email: halal_southerndeli@yahoo.com.ph
    Type: Seafood, Maranao cuisine. Specialties are
    Phone: +63.2.494.3413
    Car Park 2, Annapolis Street, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
    How to go there: from MRT Ortigas station walk towards Robinsons Galleria and Ortigas Avenue. Board San Juan-bound jeepneys or Quiapo-bound buses of G Liner/RRCG then drop off in front of Greenhills Shopping Center.

    Ranao Halal Food
    Annapolis Carpark
    Greenhills Shopping Center
    Contact Number: 0915-2471667

    Sitti's Halal Foods
    Great Eats Food Court
    3/F Virra Mall,
    Greenhills
    Contact Numbers 0915-783 2005 / 0923- 4854569
    Remarks: Tausug cusine of Sulu

    Taguig City Halal Restaurants

    Prince of Jaipur
    Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Phillippines
    Commute to Fort Bonifacio: From MRT Guadalupe station, walk towards Jollibee to for the jeepney terminal of Fort Bonifacio-bound jeeps to Gate 3 (other jeeps there go to Market! Market!, Pateros, and LRT-Taft)

    Hossein
    Type: Middle Eastern
    Phone: 856-0632
    Mc Kinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig City
    Directions: On McKinley near MRT Ayala Station

    Halal Food Restaurants outside Metro Manila:

    Mabini Market Halal Canteen
    Type: South Asian
    Mabini Market, Mabini Street, Baguio City, Philippines
    Halal authenticity: Owners are known Muslims

    Certain Muslim-dominated areas and cities like Zamboanga City and ARMM.

    If you know of other restaurants and food stalls in the Philippines, please drop a comment for Tutubi to update this list of halal restaurants including location/address and sample menu prices for budget purposes :P

    Related Post:

    Is McDonalds Halal?
    Muslim Restaurants, Halal Food in Boracay
    Mosques in Manila
    Indian Restaurants in the Philippines
    Halal Food in Tagaytay


    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:55 PM, ,

    Christmas in the Philippines

    Filipinos' Christmas celebration is reputedly the longest in the world when, come the first day of September the "ber" months of the calendar starts, some radio stations start playing Christmas carols. This will continue until a few days before November when Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day triumvirate will rule but immediately revert to Christmas-themed decorations.

    As early as October, shoppers already looking for gift ideas to avoid the Christmas rush. Come December, malls, of which the Philippines has so many of, will be filled up with people that locals describe as "di mahulugan ng karayom (can't drop a needle)."

    In Metro Manila, traffic will change from bad to worst particularly areas near shopping malls, bazaars and "tiangge," Divisoria with the stretch of Recto from Avenida transformed into pedestrian-only street swarmed with thousands of shoppers looking for big bargains, off-line ATMs will be commonplace due to low supply of cash particularly on the 15th of December (payday) and release of the mandatory 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses. Taxis will be very hard to flag down due to heavy traffic and volume of passengers.

    Many parol, the Filipino version of Christmas lanterns, start to light up places while Christmas trees start to be visible including the traditional large one in Araneta Center, Cubao plus the mechatronic show at COD Cubao now transferred to Greenhills Shopping Center. Buildings in Makati start to display the belen (nativity scene) while Ayala Avenue will sparkle with Christmas lights like stars a-twinkling.

    the belen a typical nativity scene displayed in houses and buidlings

    Company activities include doing some sort of charity work by visiting orphanages, home for the aged then the company Christmas party will ensue with the ubiquitous raffle prizes awaited by attendees. Employees start receiving gifts from officemates, vendors, suppliers and other contacts.

    At night, children and people will start caroling with children singing a capella or accompanied with improvised drums and maracas made from soda and beer crowns. Older people usually bring a guitar or a portable keyboard. (Tutubi during childhood brought an accordion played by his musically-gifted cousins). Street children would be oblivious to the danger of passing cars and jeepneys and serenade commuters and drivers trapped in traffic for loose change.

    On December 16 up to the 24th, a unique Filipino tradition called "simbang gabi" will start with dawn masses for nine days before Christmas day. Churchgoers, still sleepy after mass, will eat or buy food at eateries (turo-turo or carinderia) selling puto bumbong, bibingka, goto/lugaw/arroz caldo (porridge) and other kakanin (sweet delicacies) associated with the holidays.

    On Christmas eve, people will flock again to church for the midnight mass, usually 11pm where short plays narrating the flight of Joseph and Mary will be re-enacted. A sumptuous feast, called noche buena, the traditional Christmas eve dinner of Filipinos, will follow and won't be complete without the traditional queso de bola (cheese ball wrapped in red wax) and ham (any will do from cheap ones from the supermarket to popular Adelina's ham (kalentong) or Majestic)

    On Christmas day, people begin the day with a mass before visiting relatives, friends, neighbors, family members especially their ninong (godfather) and ninang (godmother) either during binyag (baptism), kumpil (confirmation), kasal (wedding) sometimes even sponsors of boy scouts and girl scouts investitures.

    New Year's eve in the Philippines is celebrated with a midnight mass then a traditional dinner called media noche amidst the noise and spectacle of firecrackers and fireworks to welcome the new year.

    The Christmas spirit doesn't end there, the usual shopping and traffic will continue up to New Years Day when visits not performed on Christmas will be made on New Years day.

    The end of Christmas celebration is now tagged at the feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany) on January 6 though some mark the day on the Sunday after the first Saturday of January.

    Filipinos celebrating Christmas is long and unique though Tutubi prefers to go back to the true spirit of Christmas sans commercialization and lavish spending on "bago sa pasko (new for Christmas)."



    There won't be updates here for a few days for Tutubi will celebrate with family in his hometown.


    Kurisumas Omedeto Gozaimasu!
    Joyeux Noel!
    Feliz Navidad
    Zalig Kerstfeest!
    Gledelig Jul!
    Merry Christmas!
    Selamat Hari Natal!
    Maligayang Pasko!


    Related Post:
    Thanksgiving in the Philippines

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 12:01 AM, ,

    Gift-Giving: Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, Pangarap Foundation and Bahay Maria Redux

    Just a two after Tutubi shared his time with the kids of Damas Filipinas orphanage in Manila, he again got up early on a Saturday morning to join officemates in giving gifts and cheer to underprivileged children of three orphanages and foundations the fist of which is Asilo de San Vicente de Paul in Manila, Pangarap Foundation in Pasay City and lastly Bahay Maria in Makati. He met up with the group at Starbucks, Pearl Plaza on Valero St, Salcedo Village before hying off to Asilo.


    children of Asilo de San Vicente de Paul performing for their perennial guests

    From Asilo the group drove on U.N. avenue passed by WPD headquarters, WHO office, Manila Pavilion then turned left at the corner of Roxas Boulevard, saw American Embassy, the new devoid-of-people Baywalk, CCP Complex, HK Sun Plaza, then left again at Libertad Street. A right turn Taft Avenue with the street filled with people buying or hawkers selling their wares on the busy street and newly-constructed Pasay Mall and Public Market.

    The next stop was Pangarap Foundation where former street children are also housed. The children of Pangarap (Dream) performed a heartrending play as if to dramatize their plight before the foundation took them under its foster care.

    two child actors of Pangarap



    One of the skills taught the children at Pangarap is making art pieces made of candle. This coffee-scented candles can provide a different ambiance to your room or make it smell like starbucks. (You can actually visit the place to buy cheap candle works for giveaway or just helping the foundation and the kids.)



    After the brief visit, headed back to Makati via rockwell where the skyscrapers of Rockwell Center welcomed the group to Bahay Maria, an orphanage at the heart of Bel-air 3 village just across Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

    facade of Bahay Maria

    Children of Bahay Maria's version of Panunuluyan, the plight of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem

    After the tiring but worthwhile "joyride," headed to Somerset Olympia near The Peninsula Manila for a well-deserved lunch.

    Care to give to the needy? Directions and information on places mentioned

    How to go to Bahay Maria:
    Bahay Maria. Address:
    95 Amapola Str. Bel-Air 3, Makati City

    By car: from EDSA Ayala take the Estrella flyover going to Rockwell. You'll pass by Colegio de Sta. Rosa. On reaching the interserction of Rockwell drivewith Ateneo de Manila as landmark, turn left, enter the gate of Bel-air 3 then right at the first street. Bahay Maria is on your left just opposite Ateneo de Manila.

    How to go to Pangarap Foundation, Pasay City

    The place is just on Taft Ave. near Libertad market. From Makati via EDSA, turn right at the corner of Taft Avenue then make a U-turn. a blue gate plus the foundation's name is prominently displayed at the entrance. Commuting there is easiest via the LRT or a jeepney going to Pasay/Taft/Rotonda from Manila.

    How to go to Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, Manila:

    Asilo is on U.N. Ave in Manila just opposite Pope Pius XXII center. It's walking distance from LRT UN Avenue station where you'll pass by headquarters of Western Police District.

    Related Posts:

    Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, Bahay Maria, Pangarap Foundation and Missionaries of Charity 2006 edition
    Damas Filipinas orphanage

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    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:27 PM, ,

    Tutubi Meets Jollibee at Damas Filipinas in Manila

    A trip to an orphanage is one of Tutubi's "passion" so when he found the chance to tag along with a group doing a gift-giving activity at the Settlement House of Asociacion De Damas Filipinas (formerly Fundacion de Damas Filipinas) in Manila, he volunteered to join in the activity where an encounter with orphans, the iconic Jollibee and Tutubi took place:


    Damas Filipinas is an orphanage in Manila that provides temporary shelter to street urchins and abandoned children, a part of Manila's cityscape.

    Picture of facade of the Settlement House. This is a reconstruction of an original structure gutted by fire in 1998. The pres Erap funded the new building earning him a big media mileage or "pogi points." :P
    Damas children enjoy their meal of Jollibee spaghetti and "Chicken Joy," a luxury for these less-fortunate children in Manila.

    the iconic Jollibee dancing Papaya, the flavor of the airwaves that is making Tutubi's ears suffer from tinitus
    a child joisn Jollibee dance
    a group picture with the red bug in front

    The children performed a number of song and dances after a street magician entertained them of his slight of hand tricks.

    The marker on the facade of the building of Damas Filipinas reads:

    "Settlement House

    This building was first established in 1919 by the Association de Damas de Filipinas to extend temporary shelter, as well as foster service to disadvantaged children, who are either neglected, abandoned or orphaned at an early age, until it was razed by fire on the third day of December, 1998 killing twenty three children with five house parents.

    Through the benevolence of hi excellency president Joseph Ejercito Estrada and as an expression of his sympathy and committed support to social development program this building was immediately restored.

    This serves as a monument for the continuous care and development of needy children to afford a normal and meaningful existence.

    This office is in memory of those who perished in the fire as a guiding light in the true essence of humanity in developing social welfare.

    Inaugurated this fourteenth day of february,in the year of our Lord 1999."

    How to get to Damas Filipinas, Paco, Manila

    Commute:the place is near Philippine Columbian, Plaza Dilao, the old Paco train station on Quirino Avenue. The Sta. Ana (tulay) jeepney on Pedro Gil/Taft Avenue/LRT pass by the place.

    By car: from Nagtahan bridge coming from Sampaloc, drive directly on Quirino avenue then turn right at Plaza Dilao/Philippine Columbian (Quirino Avenue extension). The orphanage is just on the left side so you need to make a U-turn at the nearest U-turn slot.

    Coming from Makati via Osmena Highway, turn right Quirino Avenue then left at Plaza Dilao/Philippine Columbian when you see the old Paco train station.

    Details:

    Asociacion De Damas Filipinas
    Quirino Avenue, Paco, Manila
    Tel. No.: +63.2. 563.2309

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    posted by GingGoy @ 9:03 PM, ,

    Picture of Tutubi: The Philippine Dragonfly

    Tutubi has been tagged several times by the meme "the face behind the blog" but he turned it down each time since he doesn't do memes unless it's related to the theme of this blog, besides his preference to make this blog a "faceless" one.

    This time, however, he's going to show you his photos...


    ...of his cousin Dragonflies: the colorful helicopters of the insect world! :P

    dragonfly tutubia green butterfly. photo taken at Mt. Romelo, Siniloan/Famy, Laguna near Sampaloc Falls (Canon Ixus 30 digital macro mode)

    dragonfly tutubiBrown dragonfly at The Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila (Canon Ixus 30 digital macro mode)

    dragonfly tutubiorange dragonfly at The Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila(Canon Ixus 30 macro mode)

    dragonfly tutubiSame Orange dragonfly asabove as close as Tutubi can get to it. Photo taken at The Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila(Canon Ixus 30 digital macro mode)

    dragonfly tutubia red dragonfly at Wawa Park, Paete, Laguna (Canon EOS 300D, EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6, cropped)

    Dragonfly Trivia:

    It's probable that tutubing karayom is the Filipino word for damselfly.

    Damselflies and dragonflies, according to ecologists, are nature's best predator of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

    The main difference between a dragonfly (Suborder: Anisoptera) and damselfly (Suborder: Zygoptera) is that a dragonfly at rest holds its wings away from its body, while a damselfly holds its wings close to its body.

    Dragonflies are generally stronger and more robust than damselflies. They are also fast and agile fliers while damselflies have slender bodies and a weak, hovering flight. Damselflies' eyes are well separated unlike those of dragonflies.

    An adult dragonfly has 28,000 eyes (Tutubi has two, myopic eyes)

    Dragonfly in different languages: Tutubi in Filipino (now you know what Tutubi means), 蜻蜓 in Chinese, Libelle in German, libellule in French, 잠자리 in Korean, libélula in Spanish, トンボ in Japanese/Nihongo, and libel in Dutch.

    They have been known to exist for over 300 million years, spend only a very short part of their life span as actual dragonflies, living as nymphs for up to four years, shed their skin up to 15 times, and survive only for a few months as mature adult dragonflies.

    Scientific names of the above species to follow since Tutubi doesn't have reference materials to identify the dragonfly species' featured here.

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:59 PM, ,

    Manila Orphanages, Charitable Institutions and Foundations

    Tutubi, in his various travels in the metro also visited several orphanages and home for the aged, sick and abandoned children. Some others he was able to visit was the National Center for Mental Health (Mental Hospital) in Mandaluyong, the Correctional also in Mandaluyong, Missionaries of Charity in Manila (the most depressing, actually), Damas Filipinas in Manila, Pangarap Foundation in Pasay, Asilo de San Vicente de Paul in Manila and Bahay Maria in Makati.

    Metro Manila Orphanages, NGOs and Charitable Institutions

    Alay Pag-asa Christian Life Foundation
    32 Arayat Street corner Road 1, Barangay Malamig,
    Mandaluyong City 1550, Philippines
    +63.2.532-6433; +63.2.532.3250
    Website: http://alaypagasa.org

    Asilo de San Vicente de Paul
    UN Avenue, Manila
    +63.2.523.3829; +63.2.523-1460; +63.2.523.5264

    Asian Social Institute/ Senden Home
    Manila
    +63.2.523.8266

    Asociacion De Damas Filipinas
    Quirino Avenue, Paco, Manila
    Tel.No.:+63.2.563.2309
    (formerly Fundacion de Damas de Filipinas Settlement House, near Plaza Dilao)

    Childhope Asia Philippines
    1210 Peñafrancia Street
    Paco 1007 Manila
    Tel. No.: +63.2.563.4647
    Fax. +63.2.563.2242
    Email. chap@childhope.org.ph
    website: http://www.childhope.org.ph/

    Christian Light Foundation
    Quezon City
    Telephone Numbers: +63.2.924.1622; +63.2.373-0469

    Concordia Children Services
    Sta. Mesa, Manila
    Telephone Number: +63.2.716.0031; +63.2.713.3462

    Create Responsive Infants by Sharing, Phils. (CRIBS, Phils.)
    Marikina City
    Telephone Number: +63.2. 681-5921/681-8078

    DSWD Nayon ng Kabataan
    Pasay City
    Telephone Number: +63.2.832.2681

    DSWD Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC)
    Quezon City
    Telephone Number: +63.2. 927.4244

    DSWD Sanctuary Center
    Mandaluyong City
    Telephone Number: +63.2.532.1164

    Friendship Home of Fr. Luis Amigo
    Makati City
    Telephone Number: +63.2.844-5754

    Hospicio de San Jose
    Ayala Bridge, Manila
    Telephone Number: +63.2. 527.1547 (to 48)
    Founded in 1810, the oldest charitable institution in the Philippines

    House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. (Bahay-Kanlungan)
    Quezon City
    Telephone Number: +63.2.947.3726

    International Alliance for Children
    Quezon City
    Telephone Number: +63.2.924.1920

    Kabalikat ng Pamilyang Pilipino Foundation
    Makati City
    Telephone Numbers: +63.2.893.9534; +63.2.813.0478; +63.2.813.6476

    Kaibigan Ermita Outreach Program
    Manila
    Telephone Number: +63.2.563.9022

    Leto Christian Center
    Pasig City
    Telephone Number: +63.2.633.6879; +63.2.633.6911

    Mabuhay Deseret Foundation
    Cubao, Quezon City

    Missionaries of Charity
    Tayuman St., Tondo, Manila

    NORFIL Foundation
    Quezon City
    +63.2.372.3577; +63.2.372.7879

    Pangarap Fondation
    Taft Avenue, Pasay City
    Telephone Numbers: +63.2. 551.3733; +63.2.831.0700; +63.2.834.1061

    Paraciete Foundation
    Manila
    Telephone Number: +63.2.711.4766

    Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Home
    Quezon City
    +63.2. 438-5295

    Tuloy Foundation, Inc.
    Makati City (now in Alabang, Muntinlupa)
    Telephone Numbers: +63.2.892.4788 (to 89)

    White Cross
    San Juan, Metro Manila
    Telephone Number: +63.2.724.2145

    Outside Metro Manila:

    Child and Family Service
    Baguio City
    Telephone Number: +63.74.442.6156

    Christian Praise Children’s Home
    San Fernando, La Union

    Gethsemane Children’s Home
    Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet
    +63.74.442.5118

    Jewels of Yahweh Children’s Home
    San Carlos Heights, Irisan
    Baguio City

    Miracle Home for Children
    P.O. Box 100, Pagdaraoan
    San Fernando, La Union
    Telephone Numbers: +63.72.413-031; +63.72.414.265

    Noah’s Ark Home for Children
    Portay, Banawe, 3601 Ifugao

    DSWD Lingap Center
    San Felipe, Ilagan, Isabela


    Helgamosey Children’s Home
    Divisoria, 311 Santiago City

    Childhood for Children Preda Foundation
    Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City
    Telephone Numbers: +63.47.222.4994; +63.47.222.5572

    DSWD RSCC
    Pandan, Angeles City
    Telephone Number: +63.45.602.3306

    King’s Garden Children’s Home
    Palonatin Road, Sabatan
    Orion, Bataan

    Munting Tahanan Apostolate Foundation
    Sitio Mathay, Tugo
    Balanga, Bataan

    Shepherd of the Hills
    San Antonio, Zambales

    DSWD Lingap Center
    Jacob Ext. Liboton, Naga City

    DSWD RSCC
    Bitano, Legaspi City
    Telephone Number: +63.52.243.343

    DSWD Lingap Center
    Bo. Obrero, Lapuz
    Lapaz, IloIlo City
    Telephone Number: +63.33.73785

    DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth
    Brgy. Concordia, Nueva Valencia
    Guimaras

    Children of Cebu Foundation Parian Drop-in Center
    Cebu City
    +63.32.93823

    David Livingston Ministry Foundation
    Jubay, Cebu City
    Telephone Number: +63.32.62498

    Rainbow Orphanage of Dumaguete
    Hibbardd Ave., Bantayan
    Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
    Telephone Number: +63.35.225.0888

    Sunshine Corner Ministry of Encouragement
    Door 2, Southland Bldg.
    Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City

    Balay sa Gugma Foundation
    22nd St. Nazareth
    Cagayan de Oro City

    DSWD Lingap Center
    Zamboanga City
    Telephone Number: +63.62.991.6056; +63.62.991.6030

    DSWD Lingap Center
    Mintal, Davao City
    Telephone Number: +63.82.221.2922

    Foundation of Balay Pagsilungan
    815 Datu St., Bankerohan
    8000 Davao City

    Note: Telephone numbers and contact information may be outdated. please leave a comment for any error. Thank You
    Please leave a comment if you have new information.

    Labels:

    posted by GingGoy @ 8:44 PM, ,

    Baguio City's Famous Pasalubong, Good Shepherd Ube Halaya/Dimples, Now Available in Tagaytay

    A visit to Baguio City, north of Manila, won't be complete without a brief stop at Good Shepherd Sister's place to buy ube jam (purple yam), peanut brittle, strawberry jam and other goodies as pasalubong to loved ones back home.

    Some time ago, the sisters opened a "sister" store in the mountain city of Tagaytay, closer to Manila, and made available the famous pasalubong of the former hill station of the Americans to Metro Manilans who frequent the city overlooking Taal Volcano.

    After the golf tournament at Splendido Taal Golf Course, Tutubi and friends passed by Good Shepherd Sisters in Maryridge, Tagaytay City to buy ube jam (ube halaya), ube dimples, and tawilis in olive oil. (Tawilis is a freshwater sardine, endemic to the Philippines, found only in Taal lake)

    The interiors of the small store
    Ube halaya on display, nice to have a fridge full of those sweet purple yam
    photo of sugar-coated ube dimples up close
    Pictures of Ube Dimples, Ube Jam and Tawilis in olive oil

    After the sidetrip, the tired "slaves" had dinner of crispy tawilis, grilled maliputo, bulalo etc at Kaye Ryan Grill restaurant near the new Tagaytay Econo Inn.

    Prices and Details of Good Shepherd Sisters, Tagaytay City:

    Ube Jam: P160
    Ube Dimples: P70
    Tawilis in olive oil: P80

    Bahay Pastulan (Good Shepherd Sisters)
    Telephone Number: +63.46.413.3590

    How to get to Good Shepherd:

    Bahay Pastulan is on a narrow alley very near kilometer 61 of the highway about a kilometer away from Picnic Grove. A sign that says Maryridge will point the way to the single-lane street.

    The original Good Shepherd Convent in Baguio is located on Gibraltar Road, Mines View Barangay (walking distance from the souvenir shops of Mines View Park). They also sell fruit preserves, strawberry jam, cashew and peanut brittle, and coco jam.


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    posted by GingGoy @ 9:32 PM, ,

    Healing Priest Father Fernando Suarez and Montemaria Shrine Batangas City

    IF you've been glued to the tv lately, chances are you've already seen the hordes of people lining up everywhere the healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez holds his healing ministry.

    On tv, thousands of devotees and sick people attend his masses while some bishops denounce him for not coordinating with them or selling items with supposedly healing powers that bishops liken to money-making.

    What caught Tutubi's attention to the media frenzy over Fr. Suarez is his foundation, Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation, which Father Suarez heads, and which is reportedly building a shrine in Montemaria shrine planned to be finished in September this year, and where the funds earned from healing were diverted.

    Montemaria in Matuko Point, Batangas City will become the center of Father Suarez’s healing ministry and other spiritual activities. Set on a hill on, the center of the Oratory of the Blessed Virgin will have chapels, prayer gardens, Stations of the Cross, retreat houses, campsites, lodging houses, a center for the poor and even a replica of Mary’s house in Ephesus. The place is sure to be a pilgrimage center similar to Fr. Faller, another healing priest, Lucban's Kamay ni Hesus. The centerpiece is the 33-story-high statue of Mary Mother of the Poor.

    Click here for Fr. Fernando Suarez's official website, telephone numbers, schedules and other ways to contact him and invite to your place.


    Tags: , , , , , , , ,

    posted by GingGoy @ 9:04 PM, ,

    Tee Off at Splendido Taal Golf Course, Tagaytay

    A rare chance to be part of a corporate golf tournament, privilege to travel for free and opportunity to take picture of the spanking Splendido Taal Residential, Golf, and Country Club in Alfonso, Cavite in the vicinity of Tagaytay City found itself in Tutubi even for a short notice of the engagement of just two days.

    Packing his bag and getting ready with his camera, Tutubi traveled on a Friday evening to Tagaytay City, checking in at the swanky Taal Vista Hotel for a couple of hours sleep before waking up early, much too early actually for a weary corporate slave, for the golf tournament that usually begins at daybreak when the heat of the sun is still bearable.

    With the tee off starting after a hearty breakfast, Tutubi took pictures of the vast estate and playground of the rich and famous that is Splendido Taal Golf Course.

    Splendido Taal Golf Course, an 18-hole Par 72 signature championship golf course by Greg Norman, comes with a golf clubhouse, country clubhouse and residential community for those who got money to burn. Future Developments in the pipeline include a town center, hotel and resort, townhouses, condotels.

    Let these pictures show you around the place:

    Splendido Taal's Golf Clubhouse

    The opening remarks before the official tee-off

    The golf cart used by Tutubi

    A huge crater, called a bunker, in golf courses

    seeing green is the in thing!


    All the caddies of the golf course are girls wearing white long sleeve shirts

    Didn't Tutubi tell you that the food at Splendido Taal are also splendid particularly their paella and beef salpicao the the Golf Clubhouse?

    The only problem with Splendido Taal was the absence of a system of fast counting/ tallying of scores so much like the Comelec. You know what that is.

    How to get to Splendido Taal, Alfonso, Cavite:

    The entrance to Splendido Taal is about 13 kilometers from the Tagaytay city rotunda (roundabout) and near the Tagaytay City-Alfonso boundary (remember Sonya's Garden?). If you want to take a peek, suggest you inform the guard that you're making an inquiry about the place for possible wedding or other events venue.


    Related Posts:
    Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club
    Tagaytay Highlands Golf & Country Club
    Philippine Golf Courses

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    posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM, ,

    Golf in the Philippines: Golf Courses, Driving Ranges and Country Clubs

    History of Golf in the Philippines and Golf Trivia
    Irish engineers building the Panay railroad introduced the game in the country.

    Santa Barbara Golf Course, established in 1908, in Iloilo was the first golf club in the Philippines (not the golf course around Intramuros).

    According to pop historian Ambeth Ocampo, "Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club was founded by William Shaw because his wife and 'mestizo' child were not welcome in the Manila Golf Club then in Caloocan" back in those days when Filipinos were separated from the Americans due to segregation (and you thought the Americans treated Filipinos fairly, huh?)

    Since then the Philippines became a golfing paradise and mecca!

    List of Golf Courses in the Philippines

    Golf Courses in Metro Manila

    Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club
    Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
    Tel. Nos.: +63.2.723.0665 to 72
    Fax: +63.2.723.­8558
    Philippine Open and the World Cup of 1977 (East Course)

    Manila Golf and Country Club
    private club
    Harvard Road, Forbes Park, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Tel. Nos.: +63.2815.2641; +63.2.817.4948
    Fax: +63.2.816.0162.

    Club Intramuros Golf Course
    public club
    Bonifacio Drive cor. Aduana Street, Port Area, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
    Tel. No.: +63.2.527.2887; +63.2.527.6612
    par 60
    (walking distance from Manila Hotel)

    Veterans Golf Club
    public club
    Gate 2 Mindanao Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Tel. No.: +63.2.927.64276

    Villamor Golf Club
    public club
    Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Tel. Nos.: +63.2.833.8630; +63.2.832.0987
    Fax: +63.2.833.8631
    Email: vgcgm@skyinet.net
    18 hole par 72
    Home of the Philippine Masters and located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Manila Domestic Airport

    Philippine Navy Golf Club
    Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    par 69

    Fort Bonifacio Golf Club
    Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

    Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club
    Brgy. Capitol Hills, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Telephone: 931-3050
    private club
    Par: 72

    Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club
    public club
    Camp Aguinaldo, EDSA, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Quezon City, Metro Manila
    Phone: +63.2.911.6536; +63.2.911.8142
    Website: http://www.aguinaldogolf.com
    par 68

    Valley Golf Club
    Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Telephone: +63.2.665.8565
    Semi-private


    Alabang Country Club
    Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines
    Telephone: 842-3530 or 842-3531
    Design: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
    private club
    par 72


    Canlubang Golf & Country Club
    Canlubang Sugar Estate, Canlubang, Laguna, Philippines
    Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
    Tel. Nos.: +63.49.549.1362; +63.49.549.1363; +63.2.890.9321; +63.2.897.6887;
    Par: 72, 36 holes

    FAT Filipinas Golf Club
    Address: Narra Road, San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
    Telephone: +63.2.846.0694
    Fax: +63.2.846.1601
    Par 72
    Formerly Holiday Hills Golf and Country Club

    Ayala Greenfield Estates Golf & Leisure Club
    Calamba, Laguna, Philippines

    Sta. Elena Golf Club
    Barrio Malitlit, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
    Tel. No.: +63.49.549.1277; +63.49.549.1278
    Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

    Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club
    Address: Cabilang Baybay, Carmona, Cavite, Philippines
    Designer: Jack Nicklaus
    Telephone: +63.46.430.0262; +63.46.430.0268
    Website: http://www.manilasouthwoods.com
    Par 72
    Venue of the World Amateur Golf Championship 1996

    Splendido Taal Golf Club
    private club
    Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines
    Designer: Greg Norman

    Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club
    General Trias, Cavite

    The Orchard Golf & Country Club
    Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmarinas, Cavite
    Tel. No.: +63.2.842.8344; +63.2.842.8355
    Venue of the 1995 Johnnie walker classic
    Two 18-hole courses: Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.

    Riviera Golf & Country Club
    Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite
    Tel. No.: +632.807.7061; +632.807.7076; +63.46.414.2821; +63.46.414.2838; +63.46.414.2839

    Royale Tagaytay Country Club
    Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite

    Sherwood Hills
    Trece Martirez City, Cavite
    Tel. No.: +63.46.419.2841; +63.46.419.2855; +63.46.419.2843
    Designed by Jack Nicklaus

    Eastridge Golf Club
    private club
    Bilibiran, Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines
    Tel. No.: +63.2.651.2298; +63.2.648.7777; +63.2.651.2240
    Telefax: +63.2.651.2270
    Email: eastridge@manila-online.net
    nice location near Angono, Rizal and Fiesta Resort Casino and Angono Petroglyphs


    Forest Hills Golf & Country Club
    Cogeo, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines


    Valley Golf & Country Club
    Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines
    Tel. No. +63.2.658.4901

    Royal Northwoods Golf Club
    Coral Na Bato, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines
    Tel. No. +63.2.443.1656; +63.44.766.0278
    Designer: Graham Marsh

    Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club
    Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
    private club
    Telephone: +63.2.815.8026; +63.2.815.8470; +63.46.413.0888
    Fax: +63.2.815.8024


    Riviera Golf and Country Club
    Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite, near Tagaytay.
    Tel. Nos.: +63.46.414.2838; +63.46.414.2839
    Designer: Fred Couples

    Ponderosa Golf Club
    9 hole golf club

    Puerto Azul Beach & Country Club
    Barangay Sapang, Ternate, Cavite, Philippines
    Telephone: +63.2.525.9248 loc.7643; +63.2.521.0004
    Designed by Gary Player
    One of the most scenic in the country with the largest water hazard

    The Orchard Golf & Country Club
    Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines
    Telephone Number: +63.2.843.8344
    Website: http://www.theorchardgolf.com

    Calatagan Golf Club
    Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines
    Design: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
    Telephone: 813-2636
    Near Punta Baluarte Beach Resort
    Semi-private

    Evercrest Golf Club and Resort
    Address: Km. 72, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
    Telephone No.: +63.2.712.9293, +63.2.712.9298, +63.2.712.9299
    Private
    Designer: Arnold Palmer

    Club Punta Fuego
    Nasugbu, Batangas
    Remarks: Private, 9 hole golf course

    Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club
    Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines
    Design: J. Michael Poellet Design Group
    Website: http://www.malarayat.com

    Summit Point Golf & Country Club
    Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines

    Camp John Hay Golf Course
    Club John Hay, Loakan Road, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines
    Telephone: +63.74.442.2101; +63.74.442.2102; +63.74.442.7902;
    Fax: +63.74.442.6798
    Designer: Jack Nicklaus
    par 69
    Home of Men's Fil-Am International Golf Tournament.

    Cliffs Golf and Beach Club
    Poro Point Freeport Zone
    La Union

    Baguio Country Club
    South Drive, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines
    Par: 61
    Telephone: Tel. No. +63.74.442.5060; +63.74.442.5069
    one of the oldest in the country

    Mimosa Golf and Country Club
    Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga
    Formerly Clark Golf Club

    Air Force Golf Course
    Address: Clark Air Base, Pampanga, Philippines
    Holes: 9
    Formerly Mekeni

    Subic Bay Golf and Country Club
    Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines
    Telephone: +63.47.222.5453

    The Luisita Golf and Country Club
    Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac
    Designer: Robert Trent Jones
    Tel. No.: +63.2.817.9309;
    18 hole, par 72 championship course.
    considered to be the toughest in the Philippines

    Fort Ilocandia Golf Club
    Address: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
    Private

    Apuao Grande Island Golf Course
    Mercedes, Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines
    formerly Swagman Golf Club
    \

    Golf Courses in Palawan are all in the exclusive Amanpulo Island:
    Blue Canyon country Club
    Phuket Country Club
    Laguna Golf Club
    Tai Muang Golf Course


    Golf Courses in the Visayas:


    Iloilo Golf and Country Club
    Iloilo City, Panay, Philippines
    formerly Sta. Barbara Golf Course, the first golf course in the Philippines

    Cebu International Golf and Resort
    Address: Barangay Lambug, Badian, Cebu, Philippines
    Par 72
    Tel. No: +63.32.345.3339
    Semi-private.

    Cebu Country Club
    Private club
    Address: Gov. M Cuenco, Banilad, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
    Tel. No.: +63.32.231.0345
    Email: cebucountryclub@yahoo.com

    Alta Vista Golf and Country Club
    Private club
    Address: Aznar Road, Pardo Hills, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
    Tel. No.: +63.32.272.7971 (to 75)
    Par 72

    Verdemar Golf & Dive Resort, Bogo, Cebu
    Address: 203 GCA Bldg., 13 Banilad Rd, Banilad, San Remigio, Cebu, Philippines
    Telephone: +63.32.344.6181
    Email Address: info@verdemar-golf.com
    Web Site: http://www.verdemar-golf.com
    Par 71

    Mercedes Plantation Golf Club
    Bogo, Cebu

    Mactan Island Golf Club

    Dumaguete Golf and Country Club
    Address: Sibulan, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines
    Semi-Private

    Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club
    Newcoast, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
    Tel. No.: +63.36.288.5437
    Designer: Graham V. Marsh
    Par 72 World-Class Golf Course
    Semi-private.

    Bacolod Golf and Country Club, Inc.
    Address: Hacienda Binitin, Murcia, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Philippines
    Email: bacgolf@bacolod.worldtelphil.com
    Private

    Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club
    Bata Subdivision, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines


    Golf Courses in Mindanao:


    Del Monte Golf Club
    Cawayanon, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Philippines
    par 72

    Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club
    Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

    Lanang Country Club
    Km. 6, Lanang, Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Philippines

    Apo Golf and Country Club
    Bago, Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Philippines
    Par: 72

    Zamboanga Golf and Country Club
    Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.
    (near Arcillas Beach Resort and Vista del Mar Beach Resort)
    Tel. Nos.: 991.­1796; 991.3817.
    Fax No.: 991.1796

    Rancho Palos Verdes
    Davao

    Driving Ranges:

    South Point Driving Range
    Address: Parkway cor Spectrum Midway, Alabang
    Phone: + 63 2 850 5952
    Directions: Neighboring Festival Mall and The Palms Country Club


    Golf Associations and Federations:

    National Golf Association of the Philippines
    Rm. 209, 2F, PSC Administration Bldg.,
    Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,
    Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. (Vito Cruz near Taft Avenue)
    Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004
    Tel. Nos.: +63.2.525.6987; +63.2.524.5160

    Federation of Golf Clubs of the Philippines
    4/F Makati Golf Club,
    7232 Malugay St., Brgy. Bel-Air, Makati City, Philippines
    Tel. Nos.: +63.2.840.3951

    Use the search bar to look for photos/pictures of golf courses, fees, memberships, green fees, caddies, How to go there, information, et al.
    This page will receive updates from time to time.

    Last Update: March 4, 2009



    Tags: Golf in the Philippines, Golf Courses in the Philippines, 高尔夫球, ゴルフ, 골프

    Labels: ,

    posted by GingGoy @ 6:40 PM, ,