Giant Lantern Festival, A Must-See Event This 2023

 If you are looking for a festive way to celebrate the Christmas season in the Philippines, you might want to check out the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga. This annual event showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of the local lantern makers, who compete to create the most dazzling and intricate parols (lanterns) that light up the night sky.

History of Giant Lantern Festival

The Giant Lantern Festival has a long history that dates back to 1904, when the first lantern contest was held to honor President Manuel L. Quezon, who made Arayat his rest area. The lanterns were originally made of bamboo and paper and measured only two feet in diameter. They were used to illuminate the religious processions during the nine-day novena before Christmas. Over time, the lanterns became bigger and more elaborate, incorporating electricity, steel frames, and thousands of light bulbs. Today, the giant lanterns measure about 20 feet tall and can have up to 10,000 bulbs each. They are controlled by individual switches that are turned on and off following the beat of the music.

Giant Lantern Festival Yearly Competition

The Giant Lantern Festival is held every year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve at the Robinsons Starmills Pampanga. Twelve teams from different villages in San Fernando participate in the competition, which is judged based on originality, design, and overall impact. The winning lantern is awarded a cash prize and a trophy, as well as the prestige of being the best lantern maker in the city. The lanterns are then displayed in various public places around San Fernando until New Year's Day, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country and abroad.

The Giant Lantern Festival is a unique cultural spectacle that showcases the Filipino spirit of bayanihan (cooperation) and malasakit (compassion). It is also a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the San Fernando lantern makers, who continue to innovate and improve their craft despite the challenges and limitations they face. The giant lanterns are not only beautiful decorations, but also symbols of hope, faith, and joy for the Filipino people.

A Tour Package for Tourists

If you want to witness this amazing festival, you can book a tour package that includes transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, and a guided tour of the lantern exhibition. You can also visit the city's website for more information on the festival schedule, rules, and history. You can also browse online for some photos and videos of the previous festivals to get a glimpse of what to expect.

A Must-See Event This Holiday Season

The Giant Lantern Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves Christmas and wants to experience a different kind of holiday celebration. It is a great way to learn more about the Filipino culture and traditions, as well as to support the local economy and community. Don't miss this chance to see the world's biggest and brightest lanterns in action!

Best Tourist Attractions in Coron Palawan, What to Expect in Your Next Trip

Coron, Palawan, Philippines

If you are looking for a tropical paradise with stunning scenery, diverse marine life, and rich culture, Coron, Palawan is the perfect destination for you. Coron is part of the Calamianes, a group of islands in northern Palawan that offer a wide array of tourist spots and activities. From lustrous lagoons to beautiful beaches to unforgettable dive sites, Coron has something for everyone.

In this blog post, I will share with you some of the latest tourist attractions in Coron Palawan, how to get there, and how to make the most of your trip. I will also give you an estimate of how much money you should prepare for two persons, including travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses.

Latest Tourist Attractions in Coron Palawan

Coron is constantly evolving as a tourist destination, with new attractions being discovered or developed every year. Here are some of the latest tourist attractions in Coron Palawan that you should not miss:

- Calauit Safari: If you want to see exotic animals in their natural habitat, you can visit the Calauit Safari, a wildlife sanctuary that houses African animals such as giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks. You can also see endemic species such as Calamian deer, Palawan bearcat, and Palawan peacock-pheasant. The safari is located on Calauit Island, which is about 2 hours away from Coron town by boat. The entrance fee is P250 per person.

- Black Island: If you are looking for a secluded and pristine beach, you can head to Black Island, which is named after its dark limestone cliffs. The island has white sand, turquoise water, and a cave with a natural pool. You can also snorkel or dive around the island and see colorful corals and fish. Black Island is part of the Calauit Safari tour package, or you can rent a private boat for P5000-P7000 per day.

- Pamalican Island: If you are looking for a luxury getaway, you can stay at Pamalican Island, which is home to the exclusive Amanpulo resort. The island has a 5.5-kilometer stretch of powdery sand, crystal clear water, and a coral reef that surrounds it. You can enjoy various activities such as kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, tennis, golf, and spa treatments. You can also explore the nearby islands by helicopter or speedboat. The resort rates start from $1500 per night for a casita.

- Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat: If you are looking for an amazing snorkeling or diving spot, you can visit the Lusong Coral Garden & Gun Boat, which is part of the Lusong Island tour package. The coral garden is a shallow reef that is teeming with marine life such as turtles, clownfish, angelfish, and giant clams. The gun boat is a Japanese shipwreck from World War II that lies at 10 meters deep and is covered with corals and sponges. You can see the outline of the boat from the surface and swim around it. The tour fee is P1500 per person.

Other Tourist Spots in Coron that You Shouldn't Miss

Kayangan Lake: A scenic lake accessible after a 15-minute uphill trek. The view from the lookout point halfway is breathtaking. The lake itself is one of the “cleanest lakes in the Philippines” and maintained by the local Tagbanua tribe.

Barracuda Lake: Another stunning lake on Coron Island, known for its unique thermocline phenomenon where warm and cold water layers meet.

Twin Lagoon: Two interconnected lagoons with crystal-clear waters. You can swim through a small crevice to reach the inner lagoon1.

Banul Beach: A serene beach with fine white sand and turquoise waters.

CYC Beach: A secluded beach perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.

Siete Pecados: A marine park with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Mount Tapyas: Climb the steps to the summit for panoramic views of Coron Town and the surrounding islands.

Maquinit Hot Springs: Soak in natural saltwater hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to Coron Palawan is by air. There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido to Busuanga Airport (also known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport), which is about 40 minutes away from Coron town by van or tricycle. The flight duration ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on your origin. The airfare varies depending on the season and the airline but you can expect to pay around P3000-P5000 per person for a round-trip ticket.

You can also get to Coron Palawan by sea. There are ferries from Manila (2Go Travel), El Nido (Montenegro Lines), Puerto Princesa (Milagrosa Shipping), and San Jose (Bunso Transport) that dock at Coron Port in Coron town. The ferry duration ranges from 3 hours to 15 hours depending on your origin. The ferry fare varies depending on the season and the class but you can expect to pay around P1000-P3000 per person for a one-way ticket.

How to Maximize Your Stay in Coron

To maximize your stay in Coron Palawan, you should plan your itinerary well and book your tours and accommodations in advance. You should also consider the weather, the tide level, and the crowd when choosing your activities and destinations.

Here are some tips on how to maximize your stay in Coron:

- Stay for at least 4 days and 3 nights to cover the main attractions and have some downtime.

- Choose a hotel or hostel that is near the town center or the port for easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators. You can also opt for a beach resort or an island resort if you want more privacy and comfort. The accommodation rates range from P500 to P10000 per night depending on the type and the season.

- Join a group tour or rent a private boat to explore the islands and lagoons around Coron. You can choose from various tour packages that cater to different preferences and budgets. The tour rates range from P1000 to P3000 per person depending on the package and the season. The boat rental rates range from P3000 to P10000 per day depending on the size and the destination.

- Hire a guide or a driver to visit the inland attractions such as Mt Tapyas, Maquinit Hot Springs, and Calauit Safari. You can also rent a motorcycle or a bicycle to explore the town and the nearby villages. The guide or driver fee ranges from P500 to P1500 per day depending on the service and the destination. The motorcycle or bicycle rental fee ranges from P300 to P500 per day depending on the type and the condition.

- Try the local cuisine and specialties such as seafood, cashew nuts, coconut wine, and calamansi muffins. You can also sample the international dishes and drinks that are available in some restaurants and bars. The food and beverage prices range from P50 to P500 per item depending on the type and the place.

How Much Money to Prepare

The amount of money you should prepare for your trip to Coron Palawan depends on your travel style, your itinerary, and your duration. You should also factor in some extra money for tips, souvenirs, emergencies, and contingencies.

Here is a sample breakdown of how much money you should prepare for two persons for a 4-day and 3-night trip to Coron Palawan:

- Airfare: P10000 (round-trip tickets from Manila)

- Accommodation: P6000 (P2000 per night for a mid-range hotel)

- Tours: P12000 (P3000 per person per day for group tours)

- Transportation: P2000 (P500 per day for van or tricycle transfers)

- Food: P6000 (P500 per person per meal)

- Miscellaneous: P2000 (tips, souvenirs, etc.)

Total: P36000

Of course, you can adjust this budget according to your preferences and needs. You can save money by traveling during off-peak season, staying in cheaper accommodations, joining cheaper tours, eating in cheaper places, or skipping some attractions. You can also splurge money by traveling during peak season, staying in luxury resorts, renting private boats, eating in fancy restaurants, or adding more attractions.

I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on how to plan your trip to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Coron is truly a beautiful and diverse destination that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories. Have fun and enjoy your trip!

Why Sorsogon is Now a Top Tourist Destination?

Subic "Pink" Beach Matnog Sorsogon

When visiting Bicol, one should never forget setting foot at Sorsogon. This province has so many natural wonders to offer to its tourists. The unspoiled beaches, picture-perfect landscape, and the famous whale shark interaction are just some of the things you can find in this magnificent place. 

Discover the Pristine Beaches of Sorsogon

Why go anywhere else when you can also feast your eyes on the beautiful beaches of Sorsogon? Unlike the commercialized beaches of Boracay, the beaches of the province give you deep blue waters and unspoiled surroundings. Nature at its very best is the main reason why Sorsogon is one of the top Bicol destinations today. There is no better way to spend your summer than by heading to the famous beaches of the province. Among the top 10 places that are worth your visit include the Dancalan Beach, Rizal Beach, Paguriran Island, Tolong-Gapo Beach, and the Libanon Beach. All these take pride in their unspoiled beaches and world-class beauty. Luxurious accommodation can’t be found here but your basic needs such as accommodation are catered. 

These beaches are the very reason why tourist arrivals continue to rise in the province. So if you are already fed up with your usual beach destination, you should put Sorsogon on your top destination.  The province has awesome places to visit and offers wonderful experiences for local and foreign tourists. 

Apart from its enthralling beaches, Sorsogon has other destinations and adventures to offer. The Mt. Bulusan Natural Park is perfect for your eco-tourism getaway. The nature park has adventure walks that allow you to appreciate the green and lush landscape of the forests. This also paves way to you feasting on the mountain lake in the midst of the forested volcano slopes.  This is definitely the ultimate dream of every nature lover once they behold the wondrous nature of the province.

Other top destinations in Sorsogon:

•Lola Sayong’s Surf Camp in Gubat

•Tropical Hot Spring Paradise in Irosin 

•Subic “Pink” Beach in Matnog

•Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary in Matnog

Complete Adventure for Tourists

Since Sorsogon is rich in beaches, exciting adventures and activities are also offered. Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, island-hopping, and swimming are the activities that will make your vacation a lot worthwhile. Island-hopping to the different islands of Matnog features pink sand beaches and underwater caves. And of course, the world-renowned Whale Shark Interaction in Donsol is still the number one hit when visiting the province. After all, Sorsogon is dubbed as the Whale Shark Capital of the World so this adventure is one thing you should never forget. 

Visiting Sorsogon also includes taking a glimpse of its rich culture and heritage. You can pay a visit to its century-old Spanish churches, old houses, monuments, shipyard ports and other historical places. 

Enjoy Local Festivals and Sumptuous Cuisine

When visiting during the month of October, you can also take part in the Kasanggayahan Festival of Sorsogon City. This features the famous Pantomina sa Tinampo or the love-dance in the streets. Meanwhile, the Pili Festival is held every month of June that pays homage to the many uses of the pili tree. 

Sorsoganons are also proud of their sumptuous cuisine like the very famous Bicol Express. Other Sorsogon specialties also include boiled crabs and lobsters, raw fish fillets soaked in vinegar and chili and a lot more. 

Are these enough to entice your interest? Pack your bags now and head to Sorsogon to have the most wonderful vacation. The top 10 tourist spot in Sorsogon will surely give you a unique but exciting and memorable experience.

:credits:
picture: @seesorsogon
video: GMA News TV

Camarines Norte’s Tourist Spots: Beautiful Beaches, Historical Sites and Festivals

Are you still planning your next adventure? If yes, why not include Camarines Norte in your itinerary?

Calaguas Island credit: flickr.com/photos/allan_the_colorblind

Quick Facts About Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte is the very first province of the Bicol region after passing Quezon province when going south. It boasts of mountains, hills, lush and fertile fields, and is considered to have the richest coastlines in the country. The province is blessed with all the wonders of nature hence becoming it a favorite tourist destination of people who love to commune with the God-given creation. Due to its rich natural resources, the province serves as the habitat of natural wildlife such as the endangered Philippine Eagle. 

The rich soil of the province has produced large quantities of agricultural products such as rice, coconut, vegetables, pineapple, abaca and a whole lot more. Camarines Norte is not only rich in crops and agricultural products as it also produces first-class seafood and marine products that are brought to Manila and other neighboring provinces. Apart from these, there is also a large volume of mineral deposits like gold, limestone, silver, lead, iron and a lot more. The economy and trade is concentrated at Daet, the province’s capital. 

Gold mining and pineapple plantation serves as the major livelihood of the people. During the Spanish colonization, the Spaniards have explored the rich gold mining potential of the province. Up to now, Mambulao and Paracale still showcase great gold deposit hence making it the province’s signature industry. 

Pineapple Festival and More…

Camarines Norte through its fertile soils is blessed to have a huge pineapple plantation. To pay tribute to the big contribution of pineapples to the province’s economy, Camarines Norte holds a yearly celebration of the Pineapple Festival. A week-long celebration during the month of May showcases street dancers coming from the 12 towns in the province in their pineapple-inspired costumes. Stalls of sweet pineapples abound the province hence making it easy for tourists to buy the famous Camarines Norte fruit. 

Historical Sites to Visit in Cam Norte

Historical sites are the main attraction among locals and tourists. Near the Provincial Capitol of Daet, you will find the very first monument of the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal. The monument was unveiled Dec. 30, 1898 through the contributions of the people led by two revolutionary armies, Ildefonso Alegre and Antonio Sanz. A few steps away from the monument is another shrine that pays tribute to the martyrs of the April 14-18, 1898 Spanish revolution. During those times, many Filipinos were tortured, killed and imprisoned.  Other shrines that can be found at Camarines Norte are The Rufino Pabico Ancestral Shrine, The Wenceslao q. Vinzons Shrine, The Jose Panganiban Shrine, and Capalonga Shrine, to name a few. 

Wander in the Pristine and Beautiful Beaches of Cam Norte

Foreign travelers and locals swarm the beach come summer season. A few kilometers away from Daet is the renowned Bagasbas Beach. Surfers from all parts of the country and the world are enthralled with its huge waves, clean water, and hospitable people. The beach has a long strip of restaurants and resorts in order to accommodate the growing number of tourists. The Mangcamagong Beach is perfect for family outings for its unspoiled beaches and peaceful ambiance. 

Meanwhile, the Calaguas Group of Islands prides of its white beaches and coral reefs. The long stretch of powdery white sand in Mahabang Buhangin is one of the favorite destinations of tourists in the island. You can go swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature by setting your tent along the shore.

Mystical waterfalls are also present in the province. The Colasi, Mananap, Malatap and Binnauaang Falls offer panoramic views that are also ideal for picnics and outings. 

With Camarines Norte’s natural wonders, historical places, and pristine beaches, you should not forget to include it in your top tourist spots to visit in the Philippines. 

Vigan's New 7 Wonder Cities of the World Title Makes It an Interesting Tourist Destination

Tourist spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan's inclusion in the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World opens more opportunity for the city.  As an World Heritage site, it deserve to have this new title. It will attract more foreign and local tourists and make the city a more interesting place to visit.

Aside from its rich and strong cultural heritage, the city boasts of  other great sites and places that are exciting to explore. Here are some of them:

Calle Crisologo.  Explore the cobble-stoned street of Calle Crisologo with its Spanish period ancestral houses. You can also ride a calesa (horse-drawn carriage)  to wander around the area.



Calle Quirino. Visit the Syquia Mansion where President Elpidio Quirino, the 6th President of the Philippines, lived. The mansion is a must-see if you visit Vigan. It's high ceiling rooms, wood carvings, country lasses, oriental porcelain, and antique wooden furniture will not only bring you to the past but also let you wonder on its timeless beauty.


Mestizo River tour. Take a cruise at the Mestizo river where Vigan natives traded with the Chinese during the pre-colonial times. The cruise will take you to important spots where life-sized dioramas are built. You can also see Vigan's rich biodiversity through the river tour.

Century-old Churches. Another landmark in the city is the Vigan Cathedral (Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral). It was built on April 30, 1575 by Augustinians in honor of Saint Paul. You should also include in your itinerary the St. Augustine Parish Church in Bantay. It has a stunning bell tower that stands on a hill and houses the oldest Marian image in the province.

There are other great tourists spots in Vigan that you can explore. The next time you visit Ilocos Sur, don't  forget Vigan in your itinerary.