Kung dati ka ng napadpad dito, malamang nakita mo na ang ibang litratong ito sa dati kong mga post. Naisipan ko lang na ang magiging misyon ng blog page ko ay ang mailarawan ang ganda at mayamang kultura ng Pilipinas. Kung isa kang Pinoy, nais kong magiging no. 1 fan ka ng Pilipinas at ipagmamalaki mong Filipino ka. At kahit maraming problema dito, sana hindi mo ipagsawalang-bahala ang mga kapuri-puring bagay sa bayan mo.
Kung dayuhan ka naman, gusto kong makita mo sa blogsite na 'to ang iba pang mukha ng Pilipinas---hindi lang kahirapan, katiwalian, at krimen ang makikita mo dito. Puno ng yaman ang buong kapuluan. Hindi man ginto o langis, kundi yaman ng pagkamalikhain, taos-pusong pagkakaibigan at tunay na kagandahang-loob. Gusto ko rin makilala mo ang marangal naming lahi, at kung ano man ang pagkakaiba ng ating kultura, kaugalian at paniniwala, imbes na pag-awayan, pintasan o batikusin, sana matuto tayong ipagdiwang ang ating kaibhan.
Navy cadets in Corregidor
World War II memorial---Brothers in Arms
If you’ve been to this blog before, you have probably seen these photos in my previous posts.I thought of re-posting them and make it this blog’s mission to show the beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.If you are a Filipino, I’d like you to be proud of who you are and become the Philippines’ no. 1 fan.Our challenges seem to be never-ending but don’t let it blind you to the commendable milestones we have achieved as a people.
If you're a foreigner, I'd like this blogsite to show you another facet of my country. Philippines is not all about poverty, corruption and crime. This archipelago is a treasure-trove, not of gold or oil, but of creativity and talent, of sincere friendships and genuine hospitality. I would like you to get to know of our proud and honorable race. We may differ in culture, tradition and religion, but instead of nurturing conflict, let us celebrate our differences.
beach in Camotes Island
Silliman Hall at Silliman University
tranquil Balinsasayao Lake in Negros Oriental
serene Lake Kabalin-an
raging Dumacaa River in Tayabas
a friendly encounter with a cowboy in Tayabas forest
remembering Dr. Jose Rizal's heroism in Fort Santiago
The purpose of our delightfully grueling habal-habal ride to the rain forests of Sibulan was to see the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao. The rain forest surrounding the lakes is a national park and home to various species of trees, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. From Lake Kabalin-an, the twin lakes are about half kilometer away. And making a short descent to the lake by way of flat stones was a welcome change from the challenging riding terrain and brain-numbing habal-habal adventure.
The tranquil Lake Balinsasayao welcomed us with its sparkling waters and majestic mountains. We took a short boat ride across the lake to see its twin, the equally breathtaking Lake Danao (boat ride is 250 pesos for an hour). The lakes are two small but deep crater freshwater lakes rising 1000 feet above sea level and separated by a narrow mountain ridge. The twin lakes are nestled in a hollow between four mountains---Mount Mahungot to the south, Mount Kalbasan to the north, Mount Balinsasayao to the east and Mount Guidabon to the west. Lake Balinsasayao lies on the northwest of the ridge and Lake Danao to the southeast.
On the ridge, there’s a 3-storey tower---a great viewpoint to see the lakes. From the tower, we watched the fog descend from the mountains to the lake---it was an amazing sight. There are cottages at the banks, you can also fish tilapia and other freshwater fish, kayak and trek around the lakes. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed because of the lakes’ depth of 90 meters. A trail around the lake is for those who love to walk. I actually wanted to walk on our way back to Lake Balinsasayao's banks but my knees were like jelly after our habal-habal ride.
The narrow, rocky, winding road took us back to town. The blind curves and slopes still made me nervous but I savored the captivating scenery, the glimpse of the rural, simple lifestyle, the wind and sun on my face, and the craziness of our adventure. At the end of the day, we were exhausted but I marveled at the feeling that I have conquered something.
our blue banca Franzia paddles, April poses for the camera Lake Balinsasayao from the tower trail to the tower
Lake Danao fog coming down from the mountains smoke on the water my stressed, old feet Sibulan highway
click on images to enlarge
paddling the the twin lakes
Navy cadets in Corregidor
World War II memorial---Brothers in Arms
beach in Camotes Island
Silliman Hall at Silliman University
tranquil Balinsasayao Lake in Negros Oriental
serene Lake Kabalin-an
raging Dumacaa River in Tayabas 
a friendly encounter with a cowboy in Tayabas forest
remembering Dr. Jose Rizal's heroism in Fort Santiago
Lake Balinsasayao
our blue banca
Franzia paddles, April poses for the camera
Lake Balinsasayao from the tower
trail to the tower
Lake Danao
fog coming down from the mountains
smoke on the water
my stressed, old feet
Sibulan highway
