Intruding Intramuros

Even before going to Manila to attend the 34th Philippine Business Conference, I already have the list of itinerary just in case I find the luxury of time. I got 5 in my list but was able to visit only three… Mall of Asia, Intramuros, and the Manila Ocean Park.

MOA did not capture much of my interest, maybe because it appears barren to me, so I skip this post in favor of the historic Intramuros.

Since it was just a block away from Manila Hotel, the conference venue, we managed to breakout from the slightly mind-numbing affair. Aided with a sketch saved in my mind, we searched the way to the entrance of Intramuros. Walking the pathway along Roxas Boulevard was our first hint. Good thing we saw a calesa heading north so we followed it.

The calesa stopped in not so distant with the foreign couple unloading from it. We posed with the calesa but the female guest offered to take us a photo so out of her generosity we made her the photographer at her best. And here goes…

She cut the horse’s head. Lol

While searching for the entry point to Intramuros, I noticed a neat landscape of golf course fenced in just beside the highway. Later I found out it was the outer parcel of our quest. And a little later we were able to find the entrance. We memorized the spots of interest posted at the entrance and moved our way in.

Too early to appreciate the place but I was mesmerized by the antiquities of the fortress. And because it’s too huge to conquer for just an hour, we opted to ride the calesa not minding how much it costs. P250.00 for one ride around Intramuros is already too much for me but that time what matters to me is the lifetime opportunity. (Like I don’t have the chance to visit it anymore. Hehe)

Here are my finds in our merry-go-round calesa ride:

The Puerta de Santa Lucia

Walls of Puerta Real

Carranza
Also called Baluarte de San Andres or Baluarte de San Nicolas, built in 1603 designed to protect the old Real Gate and reinforce the southeastern part of Intramuros. It was reconstructed in 1733 with the addition of a bomb-proof arsenal for gun powder storage, a watchtower (garita), and barracks. This was destroyed during the British siege of Manila in 1762 and rebuilt after its occupation. Damaged during the battle of Manila in 1945 and was restored in 1987.

Antediluvian-designed McDonalds branch suiting its style in the place

The remnants of the former Central Bank

The sidewalk refreshment stalls

The Governor's Palace
the former official home of the Spanish Viceroyalties to the Philippines

The Manila Cathedral

The CPCP House

Casa Manila

The San Agustin Church
undergoes renovation during our visit

The Islander riding the ill-fated Pegasus now drawing wooden carriages. Lol

And I also found out, Intramuros is home to some prestigious universities like Mapua, Lyceum, Letran, and Pamantasan ng Maynila… and that it houses the Manila Bulletin publishings.

Up next... Intramuros by feet.

2008 MOCHA Awardee for Mindanao

Im back from Manila and to the blogworld. And above all else that i am about to post from my Manila trip, i would like to dedicate this come back post to my ever beloved organization to which i devote my entire career life.

The Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) just won the 2008 Most Outstanding Chamber Award for Mindanao, a prestigious award for business organizations conferred by no less than the Philippines' business giants and handed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Working with other chambers nationwide, especially to the ones who have won it, i used to dream that someday we will have the recognition too. And last week i grabbed in my hands the plaque that engraved our organization as one of the best in the country. Finally. Though it appears in blue glass, i looked at it as gold. Lol.

Thanks to our very dynamic and innovative president who in 1-term time have made a remarkable difference since SCCI's debut in 1985 with his father, Dr. Josefino Miranda, as charter president. For my 6 years stay and for the 3 past presidents that i have gone, it just took a Johann Jake Miranda to bring recognition to the organization. Getting him to the SCCI brought him to various positions and capacities that stretches his knowledge as an advocate of change. He truly can move mountains. And in moving mountains, my helping hands should be engaged too. That's why for the past months and days, i seldom post entries.. my helping hands are off to implement projects and activities. Lol.

Acknowledgment also goes to our partner LGU (Surigao City) and our Civil Society Organization counterpart REACH Foundation. Also to the Mindanao Business Council, the Chambers of Commerce in Caraga, GEM-USAID, The Asia Foundation, and some others who have contributed to what SCCI is now.

I was just right to love the organization which even though unpopular to many but i never disown. If i was proud before, now nobody can be more prouder than i am.. the cog of the wheel.

And the 34th Philippines Business Conference that we have attended last week deserves our red carpet walk.. and pose...

Spelunking Silop Cave

Equipped with a paraffin lamp commonly known as petromax, one of the barangay councilor accompanied us in our spelunking (FYI, for only Php150 for his service since they have not organized their Tour Guiding Team yet). The beginning of our hike from the barangay proper was adventure-filled. The weather was rainy so we have to traverse the muddy and sticky path going to the cave, trek the slippery woods and stepped on sharp limestone rocks barefooted.

Along the way huge limestone rocks greeted us; signifying that we have approached the cave site consists of 4 chambers with 12 different entrances. We skipped the first cave which was inhabited by flocks of fruit bats and proceeded to the second one just in its nearby. The way down was so steep. Nevertheless, the harder the thing to do, the hyper it gets.


The cave retained its raw features that for me made it amazing. I found my expectations for a cave there. Not overdeveloped, no grafittis. And everything seems to progress the work of nature. Witness to it the presence of the non-attacking type of cave snakes around and feeling at home in the cave. While there were dead calcites around, there were also some that are about to grow. And though there was no fantastic formations that developed, looking at what appears to be curtains of thin stalactites walling the chambers and some serving as chandeliers was an amazing sight.


From the chain of columns in the cave, we went next to the Bat Room. No, it wasn’t misspelled. It really is a bat room –a dome shaped hollow chamber with a cylindrical ceiling with fruit bats hanging on it and tons of its guano filling the ground. Adventure would not be complete if I didn’t do something crazy. So I stepped on the guano and I found out it was sticky. Tasting it would be the last craziest thing that I'm gonna do, though.

And of course, the photo ops isn't crazy... so there, strike!

Silop Cave is located and named after its host place, Barangay Silop, 9.7 kilometers from the City of Surigao (some 15 minutes ride). Their local mode of transportation is through a tricycle faring at P10.00. Habal-habal is also available at a negotiated rate.

Mabua Pebble Beach

Mabua Pebble Beach is the home to the infamous multi-sized pebbles, fresh squids, and delicious ground-rice cakes or bibingka.

Just about a 30 minutes drive westward from the downtown, this pebble beach is the local's favorite place to unwind and is frequented during weekends and holidays by avid picnic-goers.

You can see them seating on the rocks under the shades of the scenic coconut trees located at the mountain top which has the coolest vista...

..grouped on the other edge of the beach bordered by rock formations,

..or simply settled above the huge rocks along the shoreline.

While some groups prefer to be secluded from the crowd and have their moment cherished among them, others want the experience lively with the presence of many beach goers plunging and splashing in the water.

..Others wanted their piece of solitude, too.

But no matter how everyone performs their drama, Mabua Pebble Beach surely is a place for bonding and chilling.

And a perfect site for a dramatic sight of sunset too. Mabua Pebble Beach is the paradise of photographers who are captivated by sunsets.

The shore is laid with cottages made of indigenous materials. But if one prefers a more private space, well equipped accommodations and facilities are readily available with the presence of the Mt. Bagarabon Mountain Resort with its Hajahay Suites located closer and facing the shore.

I did mention about the rice cakes, but sticky rice cones are also available in the nearby.


P.S.: Photos are taken on the afternoon, perfect time to experience the beauty of sundown.

Capalayan Falls

This has been one of my escapes during summer time when i need some place to cool down. Although beach is a good option, i just cant stand the salty feeling of the seas under the sun. Thus, taking refuge in the free-flowing water of the mountains.

Capalayan Falls is located in Barangay Capalayan some 12.75 kilometers off the city of Surigao. A very far estimate if you'll look at the numerical figure of the distance. But once you're on the road traveling the coastal strip with so much vistas along the way, you will just hope you're not any closer for a stop in Capalayan.

Getting to the falls. There were no signs installed as of the moment that provides direction to the location of the falls. An inquiry from some of the locals who will amiably entertain and assist you with the landmark leading to the area will do. And that landmark, a field with a deep cut like the photo below, is not even recognizable by a glance. Again, you can carry one local for a guide.

Taking the trail after this 7 feet cut in the ground will lead you to a drained irrigation canal which you have to follow in proceeding to the falls.

Once you reached the drained mini dam, a cute display of little stages of waterflows channeling in the sediment bedrocks is a sign that you're closer to the spot.

A cross in dam and a little climb in the mountain following the trail will finally lead you to the 20+ feet Capalayan Falls.

...just like what everybody usually do.. a pictorial will follow.

...then the most soothing experience, feeling the rush of the water over you. A wonderful feeling beyond the usual bathe.

Reminder: Bring some light snacks but do not leave the trashes there. No one maintained the place.