SURO-SUROY MGA HIGALA (Wandering)
WANDERINGS
Text & Photos by Henry Libo-on
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It all started as a hobby. Yes, I travel to take pictures of places I love to see and experience. But then, I discovered it to be more useful when I share my adventures with other people. So, I decided to write my story and publish it in the local travel magazine.
It was, for me, a hobby since I enjoyed travel and writing although the latter does not earn me anything except publicity and popularity. Sounds weird but I do not know how to say it in another way, haha.
* * * * * * * *
Then one day, I found myself retired from my job and to make myself busy I travel and blog my adventures. This started my wanderings. The song of Frank Sinatra entitled "Wandering" closely resembles my life as a retiree and as a storyteller or a blogger.
Kadayawan Festival, Davao City is one of the best festivals I have attended. It was organized and peaceful because the people went to the street with a purpose to watch the dance parade and enjoy the festival. Don't worry about this tank. The people enjoy having their pictures taken here and that included me.
The Church of the Angry Christ at Victorias City can make you wonder whether this is really how Christ would look like at the time of Final Judgement - Angry?
* * * * * * * * *
To read further, the story of the Angry Christ, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * * *
On board the Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my wanderings.
For more stories about my Bermuda Islands adventure on board the Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * *
There are moments when I sometimes wonder why I derived so much satisfaction from going to different places, exploring their natural wonders, historical sites, beaches, caves, mountains, museum, savoring their local cuisine and interacting with the local residents, among others. Until now, there are so many reasons that I can enumerate to justify why I enjoy my solo backpacking adventure so much. But the most important one for me is - travel educates me about life.
Famous Tinapay Bread of Siquijor Island.
For more stories about my Siquijor Island Adventure, please go to this link:
For more stories about my Siquijor Island Adventure, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * * *
Every place that I have been to is a different experience for me when compared to the other place or places that I previously explored. No two places are the same. The difference lies on what these places have to offer to the travelers. My personal experience taught me to consider the following: the tourist spots, the facilities and accommodations, the transportation system, the road networks, the local residents, the local cuisine, the unique culture, traditions and festivals of that place among others.
Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor Island and below is Willy's Rock, Boracay Island.
Boracay Island is one of the best islands and travel destinations in the world.
For more stories about my Boracay adventure, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * *
When these places can make my travel adventure a memorable experience, then those things that I have mentioned contributed to my enjoyment of that place. Then, I will make another list of places to visit and explore. As a start, I just prepare myself for this travel and get myself ready to experience whatever might happen. This element of surprise makes the whole travel adventure a very exciting experience.
Wildwoods, New Jersey is considered as the "birthplace" of Rock and Roll. For more stories about Wildwoods, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * * *
The more places I went to, the greater is my level of awareness of people, their way of life, and learn from them. Maybe, I find more meanings in life when I discover places and people and understand their culture. The uniqueness of every place and the way the people live, is a valuable lesson that may take me many, many years to study when I just stay at home.
The 7 Commandos Beach, El Nido, Palawan. I like to be in this beach because at that time, there were very few of us here. It gave me a feeling of owning the beach. It was my piece of paradise. The happiness I felt was incomparable. This feeling is one of those joys you get when traveling to unexpected places. There are so many islets in El Nido that you never expected are existing in this part of the country and you can only appreciate once you are there.
Here's my story about El Nido, Palawan. This link:
El Nido is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world. In fact, the big lagoon, (top photo) has been the setting of the film Borne Legacy. The production had to rent the whole island near this Lagoon.
The Underground River is one of my favorite destinations in Palawan. It is considered as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012 and was inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. To know more about the Underground River, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * *
There were places that I love to stay for a long time because I just find it serenely beautiful. There were people that I met on the road that were total strangers and yet they were so humane, helpful, honest and were never afraid to tell me who they were, how they lived and how much they were proud of their community. I experience this in Palawan.
Boljoon Century old Church, Southern Cebu. I love this place. It gave me a glimpse to what rural life was like during the Spanish Colonial Period. Other than centuries old church, Boljoon is a neighbor to world-class tourist destinations like Oslob where you can find the Whale Watching Activity and the nearby Malapascua Diving Resort and many other tourist spots. Boljoon is located in South of Cebu Island. To read more about this Spanish Heritage Church, please go to this link:
Mount Lam Lam and Statue of Liberty, Guam Island, U.S.A.
The sincerity and hospitality of the locals I met in the few places that I have been to are the things that I value most in my human interaction. These remained in my heart and in my mind as part of a cherished memory. The lessons that I learned from my travels, although few compared to other travelers, opened my eyes to the greater meanings of life. Guam Island is a territory of the United States, and it is popularly known as the island "Where America's Day Begins". I enjoyed my wanderings in the island of Guam where so many activities await the adventurers - scuba divers, photographers, film makers, backpackers, lovers, and tourists among others. The most visited tourist spot on Guam is the Two Lovers Point. For more stories about this spot, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * * * *
Taytay Town, Palawan with its famous Fuerza de Santa Isabel built in 1667. I truly love this place that I was hoping to live there one day. The place is so peaceful, and the locals are very friendly. Perhaps it is no wonder why it was once the capital of the island of Palawan. It is having a nice port that connects to other islands and islets with world-class tourism facilities. For more information and travel guide to Taytay Town, please go to this link:
* * * * * * * * *
All photos in this Blog are by Henry Libo-on of Touristang Pobre.
Fuerza de Sta. Isabel, 1667.
For as long as I have the means to go on a solo backpacking adventure, I will continue to travel and explore places I have never seen before.
Nogas Island in Anini-y, Antique is one of the few islands that are less visited by tourists. It was not even popular if our basis is Boracay, Guimaras, Bantayan or Islas de Gigantes, among other popular islands. But I broke a leg, so to speak, to get there and see for myself what Nogas Island is like. I have no regrets because it so beautiful and I want to go back. When I visited the island, I was the only visitor there (minus the boatman of course because he lives in Anini-y). I toured the island and I had mixed emotions of joy and sadness. Joy because it was such a beautiful island with good beach and clear water that I will really enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing but I was alone with no one to share this moment of adventure with God's beautiful creations. One day, I will go back to Nogas Island. For your travel guide, here is the link for my blog on Nogas Island:
* * * * * * * * *
Malapascua Island, specifically its Bounty Beach where I stayed for a day is really a nice place to spend a vacation. Such a lovely island with so many dive spots that attracted scuba divers from all over the world. For your travel guide to Malapascua Island, please go to this link:
MALAPASCUA ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE FOR A ONE-DAY TOUR - Touristang Pobre
MALAPASCUA ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE FOR A ONE-DAY TOUR - Touristang Pobre
* * * * * * * * *
Malapascua Island, Cebu.
The Twin Peaks, San Francisco, California. Below is the La Tonalteca Mexican Restaurant at Dover, Delaware. I once lived at Daly City, a 15-minute drive to downtown San Francisco, so I am more familiar with the place and its tourist attractions. It was my first time, however, to be at the Twin Peaks. I visited it together with my children and grandchildren last year during our Thanksgiving Day visit to my family there. Here is the link of my story about the Twin Peaks:
* * * * * * * * * *
La Tonalteca Mexican Restaurant at Dover, Delaware.
* * * * * * * * * *
Camotes Islands.
As Touristang Pobre, or a poor traveler, I do not entertain the idea that financial resources will inhibit me from increasing the frequency of my travel adventure. I just leave it all to what will come my way, of course, after I have done my share to eke out the almighty dollar. Camotes Islands is composed of three (3) islands. Two islands are connected by a bridge and the other is separated from the two islands but accessible through a motorized boat.
Camotes Islands is rich in history. I visited the Mactang Beach where the Battle of Mactan allegedly happened on April 29, 1521 between Ferdinand Magellan and Chieftain Lapu-Lapu. Magellan died in this battle and his body was never returned to the Spaniards accompanying Magellan in this voyage. Lapu-Lapu allegedly kept it as a price for winning the battle. For your travel guide to Camotes Islands, here is the link:
CAMOTES ISLAND - Touristang Pobre
CAMOTES ISLAND - Touristang Pobre
* * * * * * * * *
Mactang Beach, Camotes Islands.
On this part of Mactang Beach is where the alleged excavation happened circa 1970 where bones of Caucasian humans with longer bones were found with some war implements like swords, lance, armor and man others. An excavation that strengthened the belief of the locals that indeed, the possibility that the Battle of Mactan(g) happened here.
These gentlemen told me the story of the Battle of Mactan(g) which they believed happened here on the beach of Mactang on Camotes Islands.
Look at the sign. Welcome to Historic Mactang Beach.
* * * * * * * *
Philadelphia is a historical place in the U.S. because that is where the Declaration of Independence happened. It has beautiful places that are considered as heritage sites. I roamed the streets and places of Philly and I love to stay here.
This is my story about my visit to Philadelphia. This link:
* * * * * * * * * *
A roadside waterfall, others would call it waterfalls, on the way to Balicaocao Highland Resort and Eco-Park at Kabankalan, Philippines. Balicaocao HR is nestled on the side of the mountain, and it overlooks the city of Kabankalan. It is a nice place for relaxation, meditation, hiking and for training and seminar. Here's the link about Balicaocao.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.
The Manila Cathedral.
Here's the link about my "suroy-suroy" of the Intramuros area. Just click this link.
A doable solo adventure to a few islands, historical places, caves, beaches, mountains, natural parks, communities and others are already in my bucket list.
* * * * * * * * *
Riding the water buffalo called the Carabao at Umatac Township, Guam Island, U.S.A. I was sad to know that "Big John" died a few years after we met here at Umatac. Here's my story about this visit to Umatac Bay (Yumatak). Just click the link:
* * * * * * * * *
The port of Sibulan, Negros Oriental. This fastcraft is going to the port of Liloan, Santander, Cebu.
Apo Island have several boarding houses, beach resort hotels, and homestays, among others.
Chinese Buffet can be found in most parts of the cities in the U.S. This one is at Orlando, Florida.
Cooking your own meals, the Apo Island way.
For more about Apo Island, just click this link:
For as long as there are places to visit, my wandering will continue. I was standing on top of this rock which the locals call as viewing area. It offers a good view of the beach and the sea.
Wandering by Frank Sinatra
Source: youtube
Sometimes I think that I'm on the right track,
But I keep coming back to the same place,
The same place where I started.
Sometimes you'll think there's a smile on my face,
But it can't take the place of a free-heart, a me-heart that I've read of.
I can hear mem'ries singing through night and through day,
But what good are mem'ries, they just seem to get in the way.
They get in the way.
When it's November, I'll think of July,
Where the sunshine will fly through a warm sky,
A warm sky where I'll wander.
When it's November, I'll think of July,
Where the sunshine will fly through a warm sky,
A warm sky where I'll wander.
Suyac Island. You can click this link to read my story about Suyac Island. Here: TRAVEL GUIDE: SUYAC ISLAND PHILIPPINES - Touristang Pobre
The Shrine of Our Lady of Immaculada Concepcion at Simala, Cebu. There are "give aways" on the way to Simala because we passed by several historic towns like Carcar which is famous for its heritage houses and chicharon. However, every time that I remember this trip to Simala, I recall my "nerves" looking at the driver who was about to fall asleep while driving the van. It was good, our friend who was seated in the front seat beside the driver, asked him to pull over to rest or have coffee. Safety is a word that is number one in my list every time that I travel in the country.
Basilia Beach, Sipaway Island.
Yulo-Parana Beach Resort, Sipaway Island. Earlier that day I also visited the Tugas Beach Resort. Here's my Blog about his spot. Just click the link:
Edgewater at New Jersey with the Hudson River and New York skyline at a distance. Here's the story of my visit to Weehawken Park. Just click this link: THE MYSTERIOUS TEDDY BEAR ON THE EDGE OF THE HUDSON RIVER - Touristang Pobre
* * * * * * * * * * *
Cruising with Norwegian Breakaway at Bermuda.
Please click this link to read my story: SUROY-SUROY SA BERMUDA ISLAND - Touristang Pobre
Below is the famous Royal Cove or Babies Cove, Bermuda Island.
Horseshoe Bay Beach and its famous pink sand, Bermuda Island.
Sunrise at Adirondack, Lake George, New York.
The Ruins, Talisay, Philippines.
Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. The Surfing Capital of the Philippines and home to International Surfing Competition. I spotted two Portuguese surfers on my way to Cloud 9. You can click the link to read my story about Siargao Island:
At Samal Island with members of the Davao Eagle Motorcycle Club.
Here's a short story about Caliclic Beach Resort on Samal Island. Just click the link: SAMAL ISLAND: EL PARIL CALICLIC BEACH RESORT - Touristang Pobre
My new tattoo done by this tattoo artist at Samal Island. She just arrived from Siargao Island and was happy to have me as her first client.
Red Coconut Beach Resort Hotel, Boracay.
Here's the link about Boracay Island - RED COCONUT BEACH HOTEL BORACAY - Touristang Pobre
* * * * * * * * * *
This photo was taken many, many years ago when my grandchildren were very young.
My grandchildren climbing the stairs on our way to Sandy Hook Beach, New Jersey.
Below is the Statue of Liberty as we leave New York City on our way to Bermuda Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
The view of Kanla-on Volcano (top) and the Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park, New Jersey, my home state in the U.S.
Here's my Blog about Patag. The top photo is taken at Ladlad Resort at Patag, Silay City.
Please click the link to read my story - PATAG ADVENTURES GUIDE - Touristang Pobre
Blog Link - CEBU: TAOIST TEMPLE - Touristang Pobre
Below is the wine library at La Vie Parisienne, Lahug, Cebu City.
La Vie Parisienne is a high-class bar with bakery in Lahug, Cebu. Shown with me is Ms. Jo S. Other tour companions were in the bakeshop.
* * * * * * * * *
The photo below shows the century old tree at Canlaon City in the island of Negros, Philippines. Ligot, Jo S, and I decided to do this pose because we cannot hug the tree by ourselves. We need more warm bodies to hug this century tree.
For a full story about the Century Tree please click the link below:
Top photo shows the Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe at Orlando, Florida. Please click the link to read my Blog about this church, here - FLORIDA: The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. - Touristang Pobre
The pictures below show TP walking the streets of New York and standing by the wharf at Merizo Township, Guam Island, U.S.A. The horizon is the vast Pacific Ocean and somewhere out there is the Phillippines.
The Gaston Mansion is one of the famous heritage houses in the island of Negros, Philippines. It was the site of a setting in the movie "Oro, Plata, Mata" directed by Peque Gallaga and featuring some Negrense talents.
Reflection:
Indeed, the world is like a book. If you have not traveled, you only read a few pages. So, before this grandpa becomes weak to travel to places he has never been before, he will continue to do so until he finally says, "it is time to pause and reminisce". Going to places that are less traveled enabled us to experience the life and culture of the people and open our eyes to the beauty of our humanity.
* * * * * *
Reflection:
Indeed, the world is like a book. If you have not traveled, you only read a few pages. So, before this grandpa becomes weak to travel to places he has never been before, he will continue to do so until he finally says, "it is time to pause and reminisce". Going to places that are less traveled enabled us to experience the life and culture of the people and open our eyes to the beauty of our humanity.
* * * * * *
Photos below were taken at Chichen Itza and Selva Maya Cenotes, Mexico, during Touristang Pobre's tour of Cancun, Mexico.
All photos by Henry Libo-on of Touristang Pobre.
Updated on January 28, 2018.
Reviewed on February 4, 2022
Touristang Pobre at the Bar of La Tonalteca Mexican Restaurant at Dover, Delaware.
All photos by Henry Libo-on
* * * * * * * * *
Before you go, please LIKE our Facebook Page, and SHARE this Blog with your friends. Thank you.
Wandering
Performed by Frank Sinatra
Source: YouTube by Cosimodills.
Thanks.
SURO-SUROY MGA HIGALA (Wandering)
Reviewed by Touristang Pobre
on
6:44:00 AM
Rating:
Reviewed by Touristang Pobre
on
6:44:00 AM
Rating:
Touristang Pobre
Henry L. is the face behind Touristang Pobre. He had been a travel writer for What's On in the Visayas and Mindanao, based in Cebu in the 90's. As a former columnist of the Negros Daily Bulletin, based in his hometown of Bacolod, in the Philippines, he tackled major issues on environment protection and conservation, travel and community development, among others. You can also visit his other sites: http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Touristang-Pinoy and Earthniversity at http://www.earthniversity.com
You too can travel to places near you...make a list and schedule your visit one at a time. Try mo. 👋
ReplyDelete