Vigan

A street lighted by small lanterns (parol), a few minutes before daybreak

Vigan, according to the UNESCO, is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Established in the early 16th century, it is also among the most preserved vestiges of early European city planning. The structures--scenic and well-preserved--reflect an architecture that fuses cultural elements from indigenous Philippines, China and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that, according to UNESCO, have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

Postcard pretty, black and white rendition of a street corner

In black and white, fountain fronting the municipal hall

The buildings are not only well-preserved, they are habitable. In fact, some residents actually live and do business in these very houses.

Bolinao Part 1

Bolinao is a third class municipality in Pangasinan, located about 80 kilometers away from Lingayen. The municipality boasts of powder white beaches, such as that in the photos. Bolinao is also home to one of the UP Marine Science Institute's research laboratories--and, I think, a marine sanctuary.

Some years ago, Bolinao was at the center of a historical controversy when some people claimed that it actually was the site of the first Christian mass in the Philippines, and not Limasawa as history books have long held. As to the veracity of this claim, no one can tell for sure. Perhaps only time (and scholarship) can shed light on the issue.

Nevertheless, enjoy the photos.

A great euphonious in every box

Bohol part 3

Bohol (part 2)

No Bohol trip is complete without having one's picture taken beside the wide-eyed tarsier (the world's smallest primate. Unfortunately for these creatures, some visitors are not satisfied with just taking their pictures. Strictly speaking though, even the supposedly harmless act of taking their photos is stressful for these poor creatures. Tarsiers are supposed to be nocturnal animals. Say you work at night and sleep by day, would you want to be disturbed just to have your photo taken? Poor creatures.


















The so-called man-made forest started as a tree-planting project initiated by students in a nearby school somewhere in the thicket. Eventually, the project became an annual event until the students were able to repopulate the area with trees.



















In Dauis, stories were told about a natural fresh-water spring that just popped out of nowhere. Dauis is located in Panglao Island. The story grew into a folk legend, bolstered by the fact that even dug up freshwater resources in the island can taste a little salty.




































The Baclayon Church is the oldest church in the province and possibly among the oldest vestiges of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Too bad my camera's battery got drained and all it could spare was this single shot.

Bohol (part 1)

The Loboc Church of San Pedro is the second oldest Church in this part of the Philippines. It was supposedly built in 1602 but much of the original was reduced to ashes (the present structure is purportedly a reconstruction made in 1638).

Loboc River runs just behind the famous church. The Loboc River cruise, of course, is popular for its floating restaurants (the cruise takes about an hour or so). The food, frankly speaking, is not that impressive but the view is great. Plus, there are song and dance performances, courtesy of the locals.

Japan: Kamakura

Kamakura is a small coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, about an hour and a half from Tokyo by train.

Kamakura’s Daibatsu or great buddha is among this ancient capital’s main tourist attractions

The serenity of the sitting bronze buddha has mesmerized thousands, including the so-called Lady of Nijo, and English poet Sir Rudyard Kipling.


One of Japan’s favorite hiking spots, Kamakura is small and may be covered by foot in less than a day. In the olden days, however, it served as the de facto capital of Japan as the seat of the Shogunate (Bakufu). I think this was during the reign of Minamoto Yoritomo in 1192. In fact, by 1250 AD, Kamakura became the 4th largest city in the world, a thriving community of 200,000 people.

Dining places near the pier

Kamakura is often referred to as the Kyoto of eastern Japan because of its well-preserved shrines, temples and monuments. It has also become a favorite surfing site among Tokyo residents.

Kamakura’s dark sands and wavy shores for some reasons are becoming a come-on for Tokyo’s surfing enthusiasts

More of those quaint dining places near the pier

Looking down, it is as if this red torii was built to invoke the gods’ protection from giant waves. The temple where the daibatsu was said to be housed originally was purportedly swept away by a tsunami. With the temple this close from the shore, there is practically no need for explanation.

More Cebu Photos

Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro is probably the Philippines' oldest and smallest fort. Named after one of Miguel Legazpi's ships (San Pedro) it was purportedly built to repel attacks from natives yet to be subjugated, Muslim pirates and other hostile elements. As the Spaniards consolidated their territorial presence in Cebu, the fort assumed various uses other than being a stronghold. It even served as a prison camp for Filipino insurgents waging a revolt against Spain. Of course, the fort had long been decommissioned for military purposes and has now become one of Cebu's popular historical landmarks.

More photos of Cebu Beach Club