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Places Visited: Banaue, Batad, Cabanatuan, Boracay, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Panglao Island, Tagaytay, Antipolo, Marikina, El Nido, Makati, Manila
SE Asia Highlights
SE Asian Countries Visited:
Philippines
Vietnam
Cambodia
Thailand
Malaysia
Singapore
China
Hong Kong
The heat and humidity of Manila hit us like a ton of bricks - and it was 11 o'clock at night! We were extremely jet lagged the first 24 hours but the next day we managed to catch an overnight bus to Banaue. High up in the Ifugao province in northern Luzon, we began our tour of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces. After a treacherous one hour ride on a jeepney on an unpaved, cliff side, narrow road, we arrived at the checkpoint. From there we trekked about 4 hours to the mountain side town of Batad where we were presented with the spectacular view of the
Reunion with family...
Our muscles were sore for days as we headed to Cabanatuan on a dilpidated non air-conditioned bus. Cabanatuan is where Dar spent his childhood and early teen years growing up in the house now inhabited by his aunt. He was reunited with both his mother's and father's families and I was introduced to scores of in-laws. And although the nights were unbearably hot, his aunt was so hospitable and his family so gracious and kind.
After a brief stop back in Manila we headed to the sandy beaches of Boracay; one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful beaches. Boracay truly lived up to our expectations - it was incredible! Although we could have done without the humidity (it was just too hot to suntan) we were rewarded with the powdery sand and the cool, crystal waters of White Beach. Here we met up with friends from back home in Canada and we enjoyed many hours of island hopping, savouring the fresh seafood, strolling along White Beach path, and just enjoying the pleasures of Boracay (the beach, snorkeling and jet skiing). We even enjoyed our stay in nipa huts, albeit air conditioned of course. At night Boracay became a party town and we couldn't stay away from the late night drinking and entertainment of Charlh's and Summer Place.
A banca ride, tricycle ride and short flight brought us to Cebu in the Visayas. A sort of "mini-Manila" Cebu is booming with the same amenities, traffic and attractions but on a smaller scale. However our visit to Cebu was mainly for the wedding of my father's cousin. It was a beautiful ceremony complete with Filipino wedding traditions and an amazing choir. Here I was reunited with my father's family and it was an emotional reunion and farewell; especially not knowing when I would see my uncle again. The day after the wedding the bride and groom took us on a city tour of Cebu visiting such sites as Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum, Taoist Temple, and the Santo Nino Basilica.
Next stop was the Visayan province of Bohol. We arrived by ferry from Cebu to the port in Tagbilaran. Our stay in Panglao Island was far from the gorgeous beaches of Boracay but had its own charm. Here the family of our friends from Canada (Trish and Ar) were so welcoming and hospitable. Our tour of Bohol included the famous Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, the Blood Compact Site, the Tarsier Sanctuary, butterfly museum at Sagbayon Peak, and lunch on the Loboc River Cruise. The Chocolate Hills were the main attraction and even though rainy season had begun, which made the tops of the hills a little green than brown, they still looked like Hershey Kisses.
Arriving back in Manila we said our goodbyes to our friends from Canada and continued onto Antipolo in the Rizal province to visit my mother's family (who was also visiting as well). Once again Filipino hospitality made our stay a joyous one as my cousins were so gracious to offer their homes and take us sightseeing. During our stay we visited the Taal Volcano in Tagaytay; Roxas Boulevard and Luneta Park in Manila; Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and Jose Rizal Shrine in Intramuros; Antipolo Church; and the Footwear Museum in Marikina where some of Imelda Marcos' 3000+ pairs of shoes are displayed.
As HUGE fans of The Amazing Race it was no wonder we made El Nido Lagen Island Resort in Palawan a definite "pit stop" in our itinerary. Lagen Island Resort was where parts of Season 5 of The Amazing Race were filmed; we even met the local greeter that checked in Teams with host Phil Keoghan ("Mabuhay! Welcome to Palawan!"). Set in a marine reserve, Lagen Island is surrounded by limetone cliffs and pristine waters. Its lush forest is host to more than 70 species of birds and marine life. In an unspoiled nature setting, we went island hopping and visited hidden lagoons to kayak and secret beaches to swim. Our water cottage was romantic and the resort so secluded it made for a quiet and peaceful R&R. To us, it was simply paradise!
Our visit to the Philippines winding down, we spent the last few nights in Makati, Manila's business and financial district. We had some last minute family reunions and last minute shopping. Like any huge metropolitan city Manila has 24 hour traffic congestion, shopping malls on practically every corner and great restaurants! Who could forget the pork sisig or crispy pata.
Our home and native land...
By this time we were already overcome with sorrow at the thought of leaving a country we had grown so much to love and unclear as to when we would return to our homeland. It has made us so proud to be Filipino Canadians, to embrace our culture more and to smile at the fact that our roots stem from two remarkable countries.
Next stop...Vietnam!
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