Visit to Our Lady Of Mananoag

After visiting the amusing Tacsiyapo Wall in Tarlac, we headed to our next destination...the church of Our Lady of Manaoag. I'm always hoping to visit this place ever since and I'm really glad to had it finally granted. Visiting the church with my familly was indeed a blessing for me and will be kept as one of my most treasured and memorable experience. We may not be that religous, but introducing to Sam at an early time the importance of being a good servant of God and thanking him for all the blessing she received is really important. Still looking forward to visit the church again in the future ni matter how far it is.

Manaoag Pangasinan is one of the Philippines pilgrimage centers, thanks to the presence of the Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine, home to the image of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario (i.e., Our Lady of the Rosary), which is believed to have miraculous powers. Non-Catholics may scoff at such idolatrous devotion, but that has not deterred millions of Filipino Catholics from visiting the shrine and venerating this representation of the Virgin Mary.

The image of Mary itself is said to have been brought to the Philippine Islands by way of Acapulco, Mexico by Padre Juan de San Jacinto around 400 years ago. Folk history even declares that it was the Virgin herself that designated where the church to house her image was to be built. Nowadays, pilgrims visit the church all year round but it is especially busy during the summer months of April and May. Many leave their homes before daybreak just to reach the morning masses in the shrine and to be the first in line to touch the image's robes through a small hole at the back of the altar.

Trivia:The church of Our Lady of Manaoag was established 400 years ago. Ten years after which, The ivory image was brought to the Philippines by Padre Juan de San Jacinto from Spain via Acapulco. Folk tradition has it that the Blessed Mother mary Herself designated the place where the church would be built. The church and Our Lady passed through unnumbered historical events, and remain unmoved by them.

Tacsiyapo, Tarlac

On our journey going to Baguio. we took the chance to drop by at Isdaan Restaurant and Tacsiyapo Wall at Tarlac. The first thing that will surely steal your attention are the Mayan/Aztec-themed, and some giant fish sculptures outside the restaurant. This floating resto is located along the hi-way at Gerona, Tarlac. There are giant fish too hanging from fishing-rods.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll find floating bahay kubos for dining. There’s a lot to see around the place. There are some giant urinating/spitting monkeys. It’s a multi-player game where the players try their luck staying dry. The winner (the one who stay dry until the end) gets 1 kilo of fish cooked any way the winner wants.

The Tacsiyapo Wall was featured many times on TV and on print. Guests buy a mug or plate (P8-15) or even a functioning TV (P1,500). Once you’ve chosen your “weapon”, take a deep breath, then throw your it unto the wall, break it into pieces and release your tension along shouting Tacsiyapo as loud as you can. Isn't that an effective stress therapy!. Try to drop by here to experience this unique way to release your anger...hehe

Trivia:'Tacsiyapo' is a kapangpangan term which means "Shame on you!" Quite appropriate actually, since the wall where you get to smash your wares is labelled with different issues over which Filipinos usually get frustrated. Favorite targets on the wall are "5-6!," "Boss / Managers / Supervisors, etc. !" and "Mother / Father in Law!" It is comforting to know that you are not the only one suffering from the same problem.

Mayan/Aztec-themed huge sculptures

Next destination...Our Lady of Manaoag :p

Our Caleruega Experience

After our tiring expediton to the Eco-Adventure Trail in Tagaytay, and since we are already near to Batanggas...we decided to take a stop-over to this well-known place along Nasugbu Batanggas, the Caleruega. The Caleruega is a spiritual center located in the hilly part of Batulao, Batangas owned by the Dominican Province of the Philippines. Journey to a place of spiritual healing and reflection.

The Caleruega grounds in Tagaytay is a sanctuary for the soul and the spirit. The sprawling flora and lush environs makes Caleruega the perfect place for retreats, weddings, or simply an afternoon away from the metro. It was primarily constructed to serve as a venue for spiritual activities like retreats primarily for Dominican schools. At present it is open to the public for seminars, trainings, and private weddings.

Its facilities include a chapel, two session halls, two dormitories, more than 20 medieval-type cottages, a refectory, an adoration room, and a campsite. Its rugged landscape and serene environment is perfect for meditations that make visitors feel relaxed and comfortable. Caleruega was named and patterned after the medieval town in Spain, which is the birthplace of the founder of the Dominican Order, St. Dominic de Guzman. Also, you can’t go there and miss the 150-seater Transfiguration Chapel, which has been seen in many movies (if you watched Sukob where Kris & Wendell got married). This rustic church surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers is the perennial Batangas-wedding venue favorite. Its charm and beauty attracts couples and ordinary sightseers from all over the country. This church is perfect for small and intimate weddings

Trip to Ec0-Adventure Trail, Tagaytay

If you want to experience the cool breeze of the mountains (without having to take a long trip going to Baguio) and see the panoramic view of Taal Lake and its volcano while enjoying the facilities and ambiance of the special interest resort at a very reasonable price, check out the 500-meter Eco-Adventure Trail just located inside the 13.5-hectare hillside resort of Tagaytay Picinic Grove. It was constructed amid a natural park overlooking the famous Taal Volcano. The scenic walkway, which hugs the rugged terrain of the picnic grove, gives Tagaytay visitors a number of spectacular views of the island-volcano of Taal. Its winding and rolling pathways provide tourists a challenging stroll or a leisurely walk.

Sitting on a landscaped area, the Eco-Trail is a long boardwalk that would serve as an alternative view deck for tourists and is highlighted by a miniature forest complete with a hanging bridge. Newly built picnic sheds strategically dot the area. The grove also offers various amenities such as a restaurant, cottage accommodations, function halls, picnic areas and view decks.The view was fantastic even though it rained and the sky was a bit dark. This is second time that I went to see the place after almost a decade, I think t'was during my college years. The trip was really fun even if it was really tiring. Sam really enjoys walking with matching non-stop talking and singing pa! Hays...so ever hyper kid!..haha! My in-laws on the other hand almost gives-up finishing the trail and they really catches breath after the trip. Long trail with stairs just made them really tired. But at least we've lost lots of calories in return...hehehe :p And not to mention, a really great place for your photo ops as well.

An Island Called Boracay

Here are some of our pics from the white beach of Boracay. I just grabbed some of these from my multiply account. All I can say is...oh wow!!! Bora is really a paradise. No wonder why it is known as one of the finest beaches in the world. Number one tourist destination. The powdery white sand and the crystal clear sea water were simply amazing! The best summer destination in the Phils., well, aside from Baguio of course..hehe. Been here for the first time and we'll surely try to come back :)

La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel

Enjoy your dream vacation in one of the world's finest beaches. Stay in a place at the beachfront in the heart of Boracay. La Carmela de Boracay, one of the newest resort hotels in the island, offers you all these at affordable rates. All rooms are fully air-conditioned, with mini-refrigerator, hot & cold shower,and cable TV. Upper levels are accessible via senic elevator. Standby generators and security personnel are maintained 24 hours a day to ensure guests' comfort and safety

Amenities
*Air-conditioned rooms, Cable TV, PABX system
*Mini-refrigerator
*private bath with hot & cold shower (with bathtub in Penthouse Suite, *Honeymoon Suite, Family, VIP & Deluxe Rooms)
*Upper levels accessible via scenic elevator
*Swimming pool with waterfalls & jacuzzi
*Air-conditioned function rooms w/multimedia equipment (150-700 persons)
*Poolside bar and mini-stage for outdoor parties
*Business center with internet access, printing, copying & faxing services
*24-hour restaurant (La Carmela Cafe
*25-meter beachfront party place with live band
*Safety deposit boxes for safekeeping of valuables
*Workout gym and health spa within hotel premises (will open in 2008)
*24-hour standby generator
*24-hour security personnel
*Friendly, courteous and efficient staff
*Airline reservation assistance
*Island hopping and boat trip arrangement
*Transfer to/from mainland upon request


How To Get There

Air travel time from Manila to Caticlan Airport by reliable scheduled commuter aircraft, Asian Spirit (6K) and SEAir(DG), is about one (1) hour. From the airport to the Caticlan jetty port is a short hop of one-half (1/2) kilometer by the resort van or mini-bus. A native motorized outrigger boat or 'banca' servicing the resort exclusively takes you from the jetty port to the resort in about twenty (20) minutes. Air charters from Manila and other points can be arranged. The principal domestice airlines, Philippine Airline (PR), Cebu Pacific (5J), operate several flights daily from Manila to the capital town of Kalibo, from where you can take an air-conditioned tour bus to Caticlan jetty port. The road trip from Kalibo is about two (2) hours over excellent roads. During peak travel season, Philippine Airlines operates shuttle flights from Cebu City-Mactan International Airport. The resort front office staff will be glad to reconfirm your domestic and international flight bookings for you.

Visit them @:

Address: Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island,Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Telephone: +63.36.288.5423 /+63.36.288.5921 /+63.36.288.4376

Mobile: +63.918.937.6573 /+63.920.951.3665/+63.917.719.9970 /+63.922.844.4521

Telefax: +63.36.288.6974 /+63.36.288.5572 /+63.36.288.4377

Email: info@lacarmeladeboracay.com/lcdboracay@gmail.com

Website: http://www.lacarmeladeboracay.com/

Expectations Met

We stayed at the La Carmela de Boracay from January 27th-29th, 2008. The hotel is quite good, with decent size rooms, we found it roomy and comfortable for a family of four. There are no views of the beach (unless you get the penthouse suite) and the main pool area is a little bit small, but the hotel is located in a great place - pretty much central along the beach. It bothered me when i read all the negative feedbacks about la carmela but it was too late for us. The agency already booked us and my tita already had everything paid off so nothing for us to do but to just give it a shot, preparing ourselves for the worse! But everything that was written was the exact opposite. The rooms and bathrooms are clean, daily housekeeping is being done, the staff are all courteous and polite, the lobby and reception area has good ambiance..not too elegant but really cozy and comfortable, great location which was found at the middle portion of the white beach, and everybody was happy and contented, especially Sam & my Tita. The hotel was near everything (D'Mall is a few minutes' walk, and the tourist center is right there beside the hotel), and vendors don't really come in unless you call them.

We think we got what we paid for...coz we didn't expect a 5 star out of a 3 star hotel that we opted for. If you're picky about the star rating of your hotel then maybe this place isn't for you. But you are afterall there for the beach & the nightlife, not the hotel. =)