And because some people have nothing to do except to bring their own country down by posting negativity, I hope this helps flood that. Clouding, anyone?

New sports – It’s more fun in the Philippines. Football fans may be new at this, but we embrace it like we’ve been at it for a long time

Concerts – It’s more fun in the Philippines. Because we’re one heckuva concert crowd. Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman asked the crowd to light up the dome by taking photos all at the same time. Musicians and artists just love coming to Manila.

I know, this one is too serious. But it’s the truth, learning the history of this country is fun.

At The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Baclayon, Bohol), on of the oldest heritage churches in the Philippines and the oldest in Bohol. A great place to visit for religion, culture, and photo shoots

  When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?

Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority— the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Psalms 8:3-9, NLT

We may all have forgotten the Source of this universe, but His masterpieces never will.

—-

Recycled photo | Club Paradise, Dimakya Island, Coron, Palawan| 2010 | It’s More Fun in the Philippines

Many would say that when you surrender your life to God you give up all rights and privileges to yourself. In a way that could be the truth, but I strongly believe that it is quite the other way around.

I’ve acknowledged that I am not the master of my soul nor the captain of this ship, and in so doing I’ve relinquished the wisdom of knowing what is best for me. And that’s not a bad thing because I barely do know what is best for me.

So how do you swallow your pride and accept the answer to your prayer? How do you deal when the answer is “No”?

One 'flighty' day when I arrived too early

I want to see the world. My heart beats for adventures and unknowns. For things that are different, bordering on the crazy. Unfortunately that hasn’t happened as soon as I would have wanted, and maybe not anytime soon either. I’ve tragically shut the door to my heart’s desire because I have not seen a go signal anywhere on the horizon.

So how do you deal when the answer is “No”?

You wait and pray. Maybe, for all you know, His answer is “Not yet”.

1 go island hopping

Honda Bay is accessed via pump boats, the wharf about 30 minutes away from the city proper of Puerto Princessa.

Best to contract a tour guide for the trip since they say all rates are pretty much standard anyway. Less hassle for you when signing up for a boat. P1,100/person; includes fees and packed lunch.

Itinerary usually includes Snake Island, Pandan Island, and Pambato (a coral reef ‘sanctuary’, which I think, unfortunately, does not rival that of Balicasag in Bohol).

At Pandan Island, one of the major hops of the tour, we came across a group of starfishes that were exposed because of the low tide in the afternoon.

Maybe because it’s not everyday people see starfishes or maybe because out of sheer idiocy, some people took them completely out of the water and took pictures with them. Some of the starfishes were already curling their tips because of the heat (which said people did not know) and had to be put back into the water.

So people, please. Have some respect for sea animals. If you don’t know how to deal with them, leave them alone.

2 go spelunking at Ugong Rock

Ugong Rock spelunking + zipline

Stop by Ugong Rock in the morning on your way to the Undergound River tour (which happens in the afternoon).

Then zip your way down. P200/person – Ugong Rock spelunking; P250/person – zip line.

3 of course, go underground

My only complaint is that the underground river tour isn’t as long as it used to be (in 2009 when I went there) because they left out the “Highway” section of the tunnel. I was particularly awed by that section because of the sheer vastness of it and the walls are just perfectly smooth and forms like a box tunnel.

Now the tour stops at the point where the 65-meter ceiling is at. Sayang.

3 go for the exotic

Croc meat - adobo style or bicol express?

Food, that is. I’ve tried the crocodile meat and it’s pretty tasty, depending on how it’s prepared. Consistency is like that of beef. Around P150/dish, serves 2-3 people.

I’d recommend eating at Bilao at Palayok or Ka Lui though. Both are along the main street, Rizal Avenue. Kinabuchs is a bit overrated, with not much ambiance. Service is also very slow (and snobbish) when the restaurant gets full, which is right around dinner time.

We also had lunch at Chicken Inato where the prices are pretty reasonable. P85 – P150 / meal/person.

4 go public

Pristine Beach - a public beach near our hotel

Make sure to book a hotel that’s walking-distance from a public beach. Well, the entrance fee in some actually ruins the concept of ‘public’, but well, this is how most Palawans make their living — tourism.

Our hotel, or lodge — Kookaburra Lodge — is one of those near the beach. In about 5-7 minutes’ walk, it’s not that bad. The water is just not as crystal clear as in Honda Bay and the shore only appears during low tide. (Water goes down as far as the wood sticking out in the photo above).

5 go treasure hunting

Sari-saring stuff sa Tiangge-tiangge

You can find interesting things at Tiangge-tiangge, a stopover with stalls selling crafts, souvenir stuff, and other things. And the prices are pretty reasonable.

Beside the stalls is another souvenir shop where they sell Palawan’s trade (cashew, honey, and pearls) and you can haggle.

–

That’s about it. If you want to know more about Puerto Princesa, leave me a note on the comment box.

I must admit though, that Puerto Princesa is not as laid back as it used to be. It’s only been 2 years, but I feel like the city has taken the huge leap in ecotourism, the lifestyle going along with it.

It’s not always a bad thing, but it’s also a threat to our natural wonders. I hope Palawan’s local government will do a better job maintaining these resources because we all know what happens to beautiful coasts when exploited.

Via Flickr: pandan island, honda bay, sabang, palawan05.03.11

—-

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:

Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.

Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

- Isaiah 40:26 (New International Version, ©2011)