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Little Boracay's Secret Escape

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  Little Boracay (Floating Cottage) We had a full package of activities that included snorkeling, swimming, renting a kayak, and going on a banana boat ride. There were four destinations on our itinerary: Little Boracay, Starfish Island, the snorkeling area, and the Sand Bar. Little Boracay is located in Calatagan, Batangas. It was my first time going there with my family and cousins last May, which was perfect because it was the summer season. We had a lot of fun and made great memories. When we arrived, we rented two floating cottages that were already waiting for us to take us to our destinations. There were lifeguards and boatmen who gave us instructions about what to do and what not to do throughout the day. Our first stop was at Little Boracay, where we had lunch and enjoyed swimming. We rented kayaks, and sadly, not the banana boat, but we will try it next time we go.To our second destination, Starfish Island, we went to look for starfish and take pictures with them. Althoug...

Bicol's Pride: Pinangat's Authentic Dish

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  Image Source:  Pinangat      Pinangat, also known as Tinuktuk, is a traditional Filipino dish that originated in the province of Camalig, Albay. It is a spicy delicacy that is commonly prepared with coconut milk, crab meat, red chili peppers, fish or ground pork, and taro leaves that are used to wrap and serve it. This recipe is well-known among Bicolanos because of its unique flavor and easy preparation method. All you have to do is combine all the ingredients and cook them together over low heat until the taro leaves become soft. It is typically served with rice and a variety of toppings. In Manila, it is referred to as "laing," and the version used there includes pork or sardines with chili. The use of coconuts and taro leaves in the area has led to the growth of an important coconut milk (known as gata), which is mostly used in the local cuisine. It is not surprising that the main ingredients in many Bicolano dishes are taro leaves and coconut milk, locall...

Mayon Majesty: Exploring Albay's Iconic Landscape

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Albay is known for its stunning  volcanic landscapes, sun-kissed beaches, and spicy cuisines. But what makes Albay truly warm is its people . Welcoming visitors with the best accomodations they can offer is a trademark of Albayanos.   For years Albay has been synonymous to Mayon Volcano   , the famous landmark shortlisted in UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Now, the province is perceptibly shining as a hidden tourism gem offering innumerable activities for leisure, fun, relaxation, and travel. Day 1: Arrival in Legazpi City     Image Source:    Legazpi City                           Boulevard                                                Embarcadero de Legazpi Morning Arrival in Legazpi: Arrive at Legazpi City, the capital of Albay. You can reach Legazpi City via plane fro...

Delicacies of Bicol Cuisine

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  Pansit bato                                                                             Pansit bato, also known as “Pansit guisado."  Just like the other places here in the Philippines, we have our own pansit dish that makes it unique in Bicol. Pansit bato is different because its noodles are ticker and have a little firmer bite. It’s cooked like most pansit dishes, with vegetables like cabbage, beans, carrots, pork, liver, and sayote. It can also be eaten in different styles with a pair of dinuguan for extra flavor and uniqueness. We sell this pansit bato here in Batangas, and this is the most popular order. Bicol Express        This kind of cuisine is instantly recognizable from the word "Bicol.” It is a popular Filipino dish, known originally in Bicol as Sinili...

Discovering Ilocos' Hidden Treasures

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Last year, in 2023, our department in Tourism and Hospitality Management went on an educational tour to the Ilocos Region. As a tourism student, I was excited to visit the famous heritage sites in Ilocos, especially the Heritage City of Vigan.      Our first stop was the Santa Maria Church, followed by breakfast at Hidden Garden, where I had Vigan longganisa, eggs, rice, and Milo. After eating, we headed to Baluarte ni Chavit, which is home to a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, deer, peacocks, and more. For lunch, we went to the Ancieto Mansion, a buffet restaurant where we enjoyed delicious Filipino-style dishes.   During my tour, the most exciting activity was the 4x4 ride at the Laog Sand Dunes. It was my first time trying this kind of activity and it was so much fun and a great experience. We were lucky to see the beautiful sunset while riding the 4x4 vehicle. There was also sandboarding available, but I chose not to try it since it was already dark and ...