Thank You! from TravellingCup

Last week of June 2012 when I decided to create a new blog inspired by so many Traveling Blogs across the country and abroad.  July 2012, when I finally created the concept of my new travel blog.  The same month when I started to post Kanidugan Festival fresh from Odiongan, Romblon.  Of course, I created that post to share what's with my hometown. 

Before the end of 2012 (probably 5 months), I actually reached more than 10,400 page views from different part of the world.  Here are my top five visitors.  Top Country who visited my blog came from my own country - Philippines with 4048 Pageviews; Second: United States with 658 Pageviews; Third: Canada with 219 Pageviews; Fourth: Russia with 187 Pageviews and Fifth: France and United Kingdom with 79 Pageviews.  So, you now do the math if how many countries and pageviews are remaining.  But again THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support!

Air Pollution this New Year

 I am not an environmentalist, I am not a forester, I am not from any NGO's who are protecting the nature.  I love nature, I love everything that mother Earth created in this world in natural ways.

In this post, nobody influenced to do it, nobody sent me an e-mail to promote anyone.  I created this post because it's a good topic that anyone should know especially for this season.

Last year, I was alone in the house celebrating my New Year's Eve.  At 8PM, I was already on my bed while watching TV, updating my Facebook and twitter for my friends.  30 minutes before 12 midnight, I woke up because of the noise and explosions created by the fire crackers and some other ways.  I have no choice but to go out and look on those gorgeous lights in the sky forming different patterns. 

Merry Christmas!

  

Christmas and New Year can be considered as one of the most important dates in a year.  Like those people working in other countries and even here in Manila, they assure to be with their family in these dates.  But me? 

Christmas and New Year are just an ordinary days,  I don't know why.  But, since I worked here in Manila, and my family are in Romblon, I already stopped celebrating those special days with them.

Take note: For me Christmas Celebration - should be done everyday, so everyday we need to practice giving and be thankful for all those blessings we have.  Giving is the essence of Christmas, so it's not about the date, it's not about the celebration.  I always share what are those blessings I received, even in the smallest things, because I do believe that " what we share is what we will receive in double or even triple " - so that's I am waiting - the return, hahaha.  So again, Happy Holiday!

Quezon City Circle

December 23, 2012 - two days before Christmas, I decided to do a half-day shift in the office, I need to be in Quezon City and attend the Christmas Party of our church and meet all the visitors.  At 12NN, I was able to reach the location in Krus Na Ligas.  After the program, activities and gift giving in the Church, with the youth, we went to Quezon City Circle to have a short bonding.

The sumptuous Pancit is the main course that we enjoyed.  Ooppss of course Pancit is the only food we had and the tinapay I can't forget because of something that happened.  From 4PM, I saw the sky from a sunny ambiance at that time, until time that the sky has its orange background.  Look at the photo above, the tower really adds a gorgeous shadow effect in the orange sky.  I felt that I was in the mountain that moment because of that amazing sunset.

TravellingCup at Extra Challenge

"Extra Challenge" is GMA Network's original reality game show featuring celebrity challengers battling it out to become the week's Extra Challenge Champion!  If you're looking for a show that: can increase your energy level, a show that can change your lifestyle, a show that can define what's the difference between an Elegant and Exotic cuisine?

Get your planner, set an alarm in your phone and take note it's new time slot: 5:45PM every Saturday and 6:00PM every Sunday.  For more information and the latest update about this show, you can visit this facebook link: Extra Challenge follow them on www.twitter.com/ExtraChallenge. 

I am so happy that I was chosen and the the lucky one to visit the whole set of this amazing show.  My TravellingCup will be going to meet the three hosts?  What will be my reactions? I don't know!  But, night before the meet up date, I really can't sleep, I was thinking of what will happen on the set.  Who will be the challengers that I will be going to meet and greet, right? So, I have nothing to do that night, but to sleep tight but it wasn't a good night - pressure!

Olympus Tough-320

The new 2012 model in the bestselling entry-level Olympus Tough range, the lightweight yet rugged TG-320 captures high quality photos and HD movies of all your adventures. Waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, it is the perfect care-free camera for a family vacation or just an afternoon by the pool. 

A revolutionary system of waterproof seals and gaskets keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 3 metres underwater. A durable body with an innovative shock-absorbing technology protects it from drops of up to 1.5 metres. It's Freezeproof down to -10°C. Perfect for snowboarding, skiing and other winter fun, this camera is made to perform at below freezing temperatures!

An amazing 14 million pixels in the high-resolution CCD for superior image quality. Create poster-sized prints without losing any detail.

You'll never leave anyone out. With its 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28mm) you can get close to the action, and capture everyone and everything in sight.

TravellingCup at Amazing Race Philippines

December 13, 2012 - 9AM Studio B at TV5 Novaliches; I received that invitation from The Amazing Race Philippines facebook page.  The time that I received that update, I was so happy and and twitted that to my friends.  Of course, this show is one of the shows that I really love, maybe because it deals with travel and challenges - which I love most. 

Last year, I actually planned and decided to send an audition video with my friend, but due to some problems with the requirements, we didn't pursue that decision.   But, I am so greatful that I wasn't passed the video, you know why?? of course, you don't!  If ever that I passed our video and be one of the contestants, I pretty sure that I will not be engaged with blogging.  But the interest which is to travel is still inside my heart and I will not loose it!  That day, I met all the contestants, of course with the First Season Winners and my favorite Team - Team Magbayaw.

Now, I am hearing that their will be Season 2, so I will make sure and focus on the audition and of course with my friend.

My Merrell does Caving

My Mt. Manalmon day hike and caving was an amazing experience.  Although, it's not that exciting since it's just 196+ meters above sea level, but the whole adventure was unforgetable. 

It's more than a year now when I bought my Merrell.  I've been using this shoes in going to the office and some of my out of town adventure, but not NOT caving and trekking.  Actually I bought the shoes because of it's color and design not for trekking or any other outdoor activity.  But, I need to measure the durability of this brand.  I prepared myself for three weeks for that plan (wearing my Merrell) for Mt. Manalmon and Madlum Cave.  I have my trekking sandals that I always wear of course for trekking, but for this time, I'll try my Merrell and measure what it's worth.

At first, I felt hesitant everytime I step on the muddy trail, but after few minutes I didn't care anymore.  Second challenge; Madlum river with a lot of pebbles, and the sharp stones (look at the photo above)  and see how the stones can kill your soles.  Third Challenge: Caving with muddy trail and sharp stones, my Merrell did it's job in protecting my feet.

The whole adventure with my Merrell  was perfect, and wait for more photos for the entire trip.

Bahay Bakasyunan and my TravellingCup

December 10, 2012 was plotted to my TravellingCup's planner.  My TravellingCup loves the ambiance of Bahay Bakasyunan located in Sitio Balimbing Plaza Aldea, 1910 Tanay, Rizal.  That was the first time that Travelling Cup experienced a team building with Team Gihon in this gorgeous place.  The people here was really great, they were so kind to every visitors.  They provided us a great and remarkable experience in our lives.  

Bahay Bakasyunan is the perfect place to those people who loves physical challenges good for family outing and company team buildings.  We were able to experience different activities, such as tag of war, mud slide and many more.  Look at the photo on upper left of this post, that is the perfect view of the pool located at the peak of the mountain with the mountain views inside the Bahay Bakasyunan.

On my next post, I will be going to post some photos of the activities that we've tried on the special day.  So, guys, be ready and keep on checking my updates at www.twitter.com/travellingcup or www.facebook.com/travellingcup.

Boobay meets TravellingCup

December 4, 2012 is one of the unforgettable day of my TravellingCup.  Why? The main reason: I was invited to visit the set of Extra Challenge - one of the best challenge show in the Philippines.  TravellingCup met the hosts of this amazing Show, Richard Gutierrez, Marian Rivera and Boobay.

And look at the picture at the side, Boobay enjoyed a lot posing with TravellingCup.  Boobay is the first Philippine star who had a pose with TravellingCup.  And now TravelingCup is preparing for the next stars who will be posing with TravellingCup.  Of course, this is just the beginning of everything that will happen in the future and I can smell the success, hahaha.  Anyways, thanks a lot for your support!!

Time is Gold

Time is gold, I do really believe that, everytime that I have meetings or I need to do something else, my watch plays a great role on it.  I like waiting, but I don't like that others will wait for me.

August 15, 2011, I bought my Speedo watch in the mall in Quezon City.  I can say, this is the most precious and the most expensive watch that I bought.  Of course, this watch is for underwater activity, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to use it to any scuba lessons.  I was able to use it for some of my swimming parties.

Among of my six watches, this is the only watch that I always wear for my out of town travel, jogging and everything.  The cute and sporty design, the color and the appearance of it every time I wear, is the reason why I love it.

I really love watches, I don't care about the brand, the color, as long as it fits my hand and I can handle it.  But, after one year and 3 months, after the Higantes Festival 2012, when I removed it from my wrist, I noticed that their was a small cut on the strap.  I felt so sad that time, it is really precious,  and I will do my best to replace the strap. 

I am Not a Professional Photographer

In every travel blogs that you can find online, photos can make a travel blog more attractive.  In every blogs, their are some styles that the writers uses to make each article looks great and appears good to the readers. 

But, how can I please my readers to keep visiting my blogs?  I really have no idea why I got minimum of 200 visitors per day.  I can't say that I have great photos in each articles because honestly, I don't have a proper training in photography, plus the fact that I am just using my 3.2 MP cellphone camera, but still I am receiving positive feedback from my readers about some of the photos that I've used in my blog articles.  Some of my readers asked me if what camera do I use in some photos, so, I answered honestly.

Now, in my opinion, I can say that getting beautiful photos will depend on how you emphasize the meaning of what's in the photos.  The size of the image itself will be a great help during the editing process, but it will NOT affect the meaning of the photo, at all!

Now, I am planning to buy a water proof digital camera, at least now, I can take some photos even it's raining or even I am attending some festivals that water involve, like the Higantes Festival 2012.

Travel Guidelines

 

Before traveling to a certain location, I always go to the book store, in traveling magazine section, and reading all the maps, history and other information of my next destination.  For me, it's very important that before I left the house, everything is okay.  From geographical maps, economical  status, mode of transportations, the nearest hotel and restaurant, the cultures and some other aspects that I should know about the place while in travelling. 

Why I am not doing it online, instead of going to the book store?  I don't have aircon in my apartment, that's the first one; secondly, I am only using limited hours in web browsing.  But, I am not poor, hahaha,  I really love reading books and magazines in the book store, because I can find peace in there while taking some notes about what's I am reading.

Look at the picture above, that is the smallest , but the most expensive Travel Booklet that I saw in the Book Store.  I don't know what's inside it, because I didn't buy it, but based on the title itself, I think we may think something about Travel Tips.

Why do I travel Alone?

Travelling alone? that sounds weird, am I right?  Maybe some people will not appreciate it, but I am truly happy in doing it.  I can't consider myself as Backpacker, because I always travel alone or together with just one friend and the fact that I travel 24 Hours.  The longest travel that I had was 30 Hours including my night sleep for 7 hours.  For eight months, I was able to travel some provinces, but some of them were together with Batang Hamog Mountaineers.

Travelling in some places, eating some local and exotic delicacies, taking remarkable photos and encountering many people - those are just some part of my travel experiences. 

Since I was young, I really love travelling and that time, I don't have digital camera yet, I have no idea about blogging; there was no facebook, no twitter, no anything that I can do to spread some of my beautiful memories to other people around the world who have the same passion in life, and that's - Travelling.

" 2007, from Romblon going to Manila to seek greener pasture," that's my statement everytime that someone asked me why I am working here in Manila instead of working in Romblon.  Well, that time I was just 18 years old turning 19, and I already knew what I want in the future.  For more than three years, I focused on my chosen career - Call Center Industry because that time, I thought I will be going to find the real happiness in receiving my salary every two weeks, but I doesn't work,  I am still looking for something that could make me happy - the happiness that I could share to other people in simple ways; the happiness that I could to share to my friends and love ones; the happiness that I could say: " Lord, thank You so much for everything! " 

The Pagoda

I just want to share this shot screen capture from a video that I also got from the Pagoda.  I really love it, I don't know what's in there, but I really love it.

Anyways, I've used my cellphone to get this photo.  Taken in Angono, Rizal, Philippines few hours before the start of the fluvial parade for the Higantes Festival 2012. That was an amazing experience, next year I'll be prepared for this event. hahaha, I don't need to take a bath in more than 5 times.

I forgot the exact location of where I shot this, but one thing I remember was, the cemented road was being filled with water from the river. Look at the bicycle, I think that the cemented road, but looks like a part of the river.  So, the air smells like I don't know, I wasn't a nice smell, but the people, especially the Brgy. Tanod of that area were really good and kind.  They were talking to us about the history of their Festival and how they celebrate it, but that time we already knew the origin.

30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan

Sibika at Kultura and HEKASI tought us about the history of the Philippines, am I right?  Since reading history lessons were my hobbies during my elementary and high school, I didn't dream to become a historian or even becoming a history teacher.  I am curious and wandering if how people of the15th century live in our country and how they give a large impact in today's civilizations - that's the main reason why I decided to explore some of the Bulacan historical places.  The theme for my Bulacan adventure is: " 30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan " For more information about the destinations, click the yellow phrases.

Merry Christmas

I got this photo in Tiendesitas, I really want to buy it, but due to some financial deficit in the US and some other European countries, I wasn't able to buy it, in short, I don't have money.

My bag that was really small, so I wasn't able to steal it from the store, hahaha.

Anyways, this lantern is made up of the capiz or the shells from the shore.  I don't have idea on how they transformed it into this gorgeous lantern.

I think it's good to put in our wide backyard near our swimming pool - well that's in my dream.  If you have time to visit Pasig City, have time to check Tiendesitas on their boutiques.  And just to give you an idea, I work just beside it, that building within the corner of Frontera Verde.

Plaridel Municipal Hall

It was lunch time when I've reached the Plaridel Catholic Church, The first thing I did was I took photos outside the church since it was close.  Then I entered the convent, inside I saw different paintings and wooden sculptures in every corners.  It was hot outside the church, but inside this old structure? the air is cool maybe because the stone walls are really huge and thick. 

The photo on the left is the Plaridel Municipal Hall, just few meters away from the famous 410 year old church.  In front of this hall is an open plaza dedicated for those people who gave their lives for the nation's independence.  Expect for different people in this area and it is busy because it is the center of the town.

The open area also serves as the playground and canteen of the children who always take their lunch here. It also serves the home of the unfortunate street children. 

Cruz na Daan Church



This is the second church that I visited, I am not Roman Catholic but I really appreciated the ambiance inside this church.  The structure is gorgeous, from inside and out.  It contains doric design collumns and the design is like century old.  Finding this church wasn't easy, you know why? I just want to share this story: while going to San Miguel, Bulacan, I always capture photos using my cellphone camera, so that if I still have time before going back to Manila, I just need to browse the photos then ask the bus drivers or the those guys who issue tickets, I know that they know everything on the road. 

So, after the Bahay Paniki Cave, I took a bus going to San Ildefonso Church, since it was the first church that my camera captured.  So, when I was done with San Ildefonso, I took a jeep going to the next church that my phone capture and this is the Cruz na Daan Church.  I don't know the name of this church so I showed it to the driver, but he didn't recognize it.  So what I did was, since I was sitting on the front, I was looking at the window the whole time, until I saw this old but artistic church, so at last here it is!

Bulacan Provincial Capitol

My Bulacan Historical Adventure will not be completed without the center of it's province.  It is the house of the most powerful man in the province.  It also the place in where people of the government is taking their office.  The structure itself is covered with pearly white color which is really glamorous.  The ground is covered with well-maintained green bermuda grass.  And the trees added a great impact in the compound.

This is also the place where the other government institutions/offices can be found.  It is also the place where you can find the office of the most powerful man in the government of the province.  This compound is the location of the leading university in the province so expect for students studying in park located here.    Look at this statue in Bulacan Capitol Compound, this was my first time to be in this location.  The weather was perfect that time in capturing photos using my mobile.  The mode of transportation here is the small jeep which is really cute, unlike the jeepney here in Manila.

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Cave

After crossing the river with cold and clear water, then walked few meters while the shirtless people were taking a bath along the river, our goal was to visit the most important cave in this park.

The Aguinaldo Cave is the most notable among other caves of Biak na Bato National Shrine.  It is the cave where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, once took refuge while leading the resistance movement against the Spanish and American colonizers.  It is believed that this cave was the La Mesa de Aguinaldo, the table which Aguinaldo signed the historic Peace Treaty. 

This is a long narrow cave which contains different secret chambers.  According to history, the enemy has to literally crawl through the low portal and would ran smack against the waiting defenses of Aguinaldo's men. 

Today, tourists can enjoy the cool and fresh water flowing from this historical cave.  The stalactites and stalagmites formed different hues, sizes and even images. 

This is few meters away from the Bahay Paniki Cave.  No need to worry on the trail, it is very simple and you're like walking the street.  But you need to be careful on those shirtless people, they might caught you staring at them, like what happened to me, that's not cool.

San Ildefonso Church

From my first location in my Bulacan Historical Adventure, which is the Bahay Paniki Cave, next will be this church which captivated my sight while our bus was running fast.  It was the first church that my phone captured.  It is just one ride from San Miguel, Bulacan.  You can take bus or jeepney that passes by.  You just need to tell the ticketing agent to drop you off here.

I tried to conduct a research about its history when I've reached the church, but unfortunately I wasn't successful on that plan.  I need to follow a certain rules to this kind of structure.  Here's what I've got online: this is one of the oldest church in the province of Bulacan.  As the population grow, a chapel was constructed under the parochial jurisdiction of San Rafael.  In 1809 up to 1911, Father Juan dela Rosa was named as the first Filipino priest of the town.

Baliuag Clock Tower

After invading the old churches in the northern part of Bulacan, I entered the mall first to take a rest and have a break time.  It was already 4PM, and since I still have time, and I was already in SM Baliaug, so I took a tricycle going to this amazing landmark. If you don't know the exact address, no need to worry, just tell the tricycle driver to bring you there.

I was few meters away from this landmark, but I saw a dome, which means something is there that I need to discover, maybe it is one of what's in my list and I am correct, that's the dome of Baliaug Church.

Baliuag Clock Tower is one of the popular Heritage attractions in the town.  Located in front of the centuries-old Baliuag Church.  Its red colored bricks changes in color depending on the sky color during sun set and on the reflection of the headlights of the vehicles that passes in the area, since it's erected in the middle of the street crossing.

This landmark is just twenty-minutes tricycle ride from SM Baliuag for 30 pesos.  The area is encircled by commercial establishments like drugstore, department stores, banks, cooperatives and some other boutiques.  The police station is also 6 meters away from this tower to maintain peace in the location.

Travelling Cup the Explorer

You are familiar with Dora the Explorer, am I right? I absolutely love that character and one of the most important thing inside her backpack is her "Map" and my story will start from there.  I bought a map yesterday, the Map of Cebu City, which will be a part of my 24 hours tour in the Province of Cebu.  February 2013 was already marked in my calendar - my " 24 Hours Cebu City tour,"  so far, that will be my first time to ride in an airplane. 2009 I booked a flight for bohol, but due to some health problems, it wasn't successful.  Right now, I am praying that by next year, everything will be ok.

For only 199 pesos, I bought this map in a Book Store.  I think I will be needing this map because I don't have a GPS, I don't have a budget for that gadget yet.  Anyways, this map will be helpful for anyone who loves travelling especially me, I always travel alone in some provinces plus the fact that I have a limited time in doing it.  It can make my travelling experiences easier.

Pakbet - bet na bet!!

The country's favorite vegetable delicacy is now here.  The Pakbet or Pinakbet in some areas.  This delicacy is actually rich in different vitamins and minerals which are really good for everyone.  This is the combination of squash, amplaya, eggplant, string beans or sitaw, okra, ground pork and the famous bagoong isda.

I think everyone in the Philippines knew and tasted this local food, correct?  But, for those tourists from other countries need to taste it, if you'll be visiting our gorgeous archeapelago.  You can find this food anywhere in 7,107 islands.  And take note, the taste of these food depends on the way of cooking in different locations.

Bahay Paniki Cave

The Bahay Paniki Cave (House of Bats) is located 300 meters south of the Aguinaldo Cave.  This par of the National Park is not easy to penetrate due to some sharp and slippery stones.  Since the area is composed of plants, it serves as the home of some poisonous snakes, scorpions and insects.   Look at the photo on the left, that's how the entrance looks like.  The opening is really enormous and surrounded by huge boulders.  The trees and some plants already created their own group in the mouth of the cave.  I was standing few meters from the mouth, but I actually smell something I couldn't recognize and the guide told me that it's the bats poops.  I also heard the noise comming from the cave and I am pretty sure that it's from the bats.

The boulders are really huge, I think it's like a two storey building tall.  Then beside the cave is the flowing water comming from the rocks inside the cave.  The color wasn't great, I don't know why, but it's so cold.  Inside this cave is an open space which stretches 30 meters up forming a colorful, gorgeous and spacious dome.

Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion

Right after the Barasoain Church, Jose Conjuanco Mansion and in front of Maloos City Hall, you can see this lovely place.  The whole Malolos City is a simple town in terms of road plan, you just ride a jeepney from Bulacan Capital Building or the best thing you can do is to ask he people around if where is your destinations, they can actually help you.  So, now here the history of this historical convent:

PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

In this convent, General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy as President of the First Philippine Republic, held his office from September 10, 1898 to March 29, 1899.   It is now the seat of the Diocese of Malolos, and has been the bastion of faith for the past centuries and beside this old church is the tree planted by Pres. Aguinaldo.

The predominant feature of the Cathedral-Basilica is the semi-circular arch in its lower part. The facade is divided by single and coupled Doric columns in three segments, and is dominated by large semi-circular arches of the openings in the first level, and the smaller ones superimposed on the second level which are alternately semicircular and segmented. source: www.wikipedia.org

The Kalayaan Tree (Tree of Freedom)

This centuries-old tree has been a living witness to many historic events that transpired on this hollowed plaza.  It was planted by Pres. Aguinaldo during a lull in the historic Malolos Convention.

When General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy used the nearby convent as Palacio Presidencial from September 10, 1898 to March 29, 1899.  He transacted many affairs of states under the shade of this tree. Beside the bell tower of this historical structure is the tower of bells.  The bells that attracts attention of the tourist because of the position, the number of bells and the brilliant gold color of it.  This historical landmark and the foundation of faith of Roman Catholic is just 30 minutes jeepney ride from Bulacan Capitol for nine pesos.  Almost in front of Malolos City Hall and just few meters from Barasoain Church and Casa Real Shrine.

Casa Real Shrine

The photo on the left is the Historical Casa Real Shrine

After Barasoain Church and the Jose Cojuanco Mansion, just few steps you can reach this old house.  Actually in the whole area, it's not the only old house which you can see.  There are several of them which can enjoy.  From Malolos City, you can actually walk few meters to reach this place, from Bulacan Provincial Capital, you can take a jeep for 8 pesos.  Based on what I've heard, this mansion has a cleaning schedule every Monday.  That's the main reason why I didn't took a photos inside.

This house was built in 1580, became the town’s Casa Tribunal, Ayuntamiento, and Casa Presidencia Municipal and was the residence and Office of the Gobernadorcillo during the Spanish time.  It was the site of the Imprenta Nacional of the First Republic, where the revolutionary organs La Independencia, El Heraldo de la Revolucion, Kalayaan and Kaibigan ng Bayan were printed., the printing press of the 1896 Constitution and the Heraldo de Revolucion.

This is the Balete tree on the backyard of the house.  As you can see, the tree is like an old plant that witnessed everything happened few years ago.

This is the rear view of the house - A printing press during the Malolos Republic, the Casa Real was restored in 1852 and converted into a municipal library. 

At the garden inside the residence.

This Cannon is maybe century old. . . .

The Front view - It became the seat of the American military government, then turned into a hospital in 1923, an annex to the Bulacan High School in 1941 and was the Japanese Chamber of Commerce headquarters during the Japanese Occupation.

Taken at the bridge beside the compound. It is now a museum under the management of the National Historical Institute and serves as the final repository of still existing memorabilia. This structure played a gigantic role in Philippine Republic.  One of the permanent exhibits of Casa Real Shrine are relics of the Brave Women of Malolos of whom Rizal wrote a poem to honor their courage of setting up a school against objections from the towns friars.

This preserved historical house is 30 minutes ride from Bulacan Capitol, few meters away from Barasoain Church, Malolos City Hall and the Basilica Minore de Immaculada Conception.

Ambush Cave

This  is the first place that we  visited for my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan", together with Cath and our guide.  At first, I was afraid to enter this place, of course, I can't explain that feeling.  The area is really dark, and given the fact that there are some organisms that can bite me which can result to an infections, I am just thinking of an incident I saw from a movie.

This ambush cave or the Yungib 1 has a narrow and long cavern inside. There were several battles happened in this cave; this was the place where the Katipuneros brought the Spaniards and killed them. But instead of killing the Spanish soldier, the Katipuneros killed the other Katipuneros and the Spaniards killed the Spaniards, because the place was really dark and they didn't recognize that they were killing their own group members.

This is the long and narrow space inside the Ambush Cave.  The mud inside is reddish and the walls have its own art and shapes formed by the nature as the time goes by.

This is the exit in the rear part of the Ambush Cave.  The stalactites formed a great shapes and looks like it will fall because its hanging like the bats.  This is just a one of the Caves in Biak na Bato National Shrine that General Emilio Aguinaldo used to hide from the Spaniards and at the same time fought against them.

This historical place is under the management of the Department of Tourism with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of San Miguel, Bulacan in cooperation with the local government and Guides.

Hospital Cave

 This is part of my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan"

This cave is just few meters from Yungib I and Yungib II, no need to worry about the trail, this time, the trail was quite muddy, but if you are planning to visit this place on summer, everything will be fine.  While going to this cave, you can enjoy the environment, the fresh air and the gorgeous scenes.

This Cave serves as the Hospital during the Katipuneros.  This was the dwelling of those people who got shoot or got ill during the battle against the Spaniards. Together with the my two guides, we had a short prayer (in Portuguese or latin) in a form of a Pasyon (a native song)  for those people who sacrificed their lives just for our Freedom against the Spaniards. Below are the photos taken in the cave:

Inside this cave are gorgeous rock formation, some stalactites and stalagmites already met and formed a new image.  In this cave, there are rock formation which is like a part of a human anatomy.  That big mountain like stalagmite is actually there for few centuries and it is still alive, so I suggest if you will be going to this historical place, DO NOT HOLD OR TOUCH this elegant rock to preserve them.

 WHY DONNOT TOUCH THE STONE? since the rock buildup is formed by minerals precipitating out of the water solution onto the old surface; skin oils can alter the surface where the mineral water will cling, thus affecting the growth of the formation.  Oils and dirt from human contact can also stain the formation and change its color pernanently. - source: www.wikipedia.org

Imbakan Cave

This is part of my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan"

Another cave which played a great part during the period of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was this cute cave, just few meters from Yungib I and Yungib II.  Among the three caves in this area, this is the smallest in terms of space.While inside this cave, the guides explained the history of it and how it gave a huge impact to our country.

This Yungib III or the Imbakan Cave played a big role during the fight against the Spaniards.  This was the place where the Katipuneros (Filipino Revolutionaries) stored their foods, medicines, bullets, ammunition and other things that they were using during the fight.

It was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's headquarters in Talisay, Batangas that were surrounded by Spanish forces, that made him to pick 500 men and proceeded to this area (Biak na Bato.)

This Cave is just few meters from Yungib II or the Hospital Cave because this is the place where they stored their medicines, this cave is guarded by large column stalagmites joined by same size stalactites and formed an amazing architectural structure.