Bangui Windmills: Look up and watch them turn!

When you are on an Ilocos tour, Bangui Windmills is always part of the itinerary. It is located at Bangui Ilocos Norte and considered as Southeast Asia's biggest turbines. There are 20 giant windmills which looks like electric fans facing the West Philippine Sea. Through the efforts of the Marcoses, these windmills are renewable energy sources and helps reduce the greenhouses gases that causes global warming. Each turbines has the capacity to generate a maximum of 1.65 megawatts.

Bangui Windmills

The turbines stand approximately 70 meters high from the ground and each blade is 41 meters long.  

Bangui Windmills 

the group

making of Bangui Windmills souvenir items

Bangui Windmills souvenir item

It became a famous tourist spot because it is the only windmill farm in the Philippines. But right now, Guimaras province is also starting a windmill project which will also be a next tourist destination. As Filipinos, we should be proud that we have these windmills. Worth going especially if you are with your group of friends! 

Damires Hills: Away from the City

A weekend get away even just for a day will be possible! An estimated 1 hour drive from the city, Damires Hills at Janiuay Iloilo provides a relaxing ambiance of nature that can free you from the hassle of the city life. The last time I went there was 3 years ago and there is already a big improvement. Trees are already grown enough to provide a shade. Though a little bit hot during noon time, staffs also provide electric fans to make the guests more comfortable. 

Damires Hills Tierra Verde

Adventure also awaits for all ages like the zipline and the ATV. It's nice to see that families and group of friends enjoying the adventures that Damires Hills provide. Swimming pools are much enjoyed by children. 

Damires Hills Adventures

all terrain vehicle (ATV) adventure

infinity pool

kids pool

Different sizes of cottages are available at affordable price and is consumable. 

cottage (kubo)

It was worth going and a good place to spend time with your family and friends. The staffs are very accommodating and responds to your needs immediately. They make sure that your stay is worth remembering! 

For more inquires please do visit their website Damires Hills Tierra Verde

Siete Palabras: Reflected through Snapshots

The First Word:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." 

(Luke 23:34)

As we pray and repent for our sins this holy sacrifice of Jesus, let us not forget to include those we know who are suffering from great sin. We should pray like brothers and sisters with one heart.

The Second Word:

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

(Luke 23:43)

Everyday of our lives, we experience trials. Some are bearable but some forces us to give up. But if we trust in the promise of our Lord, those trials are coupled with hope. Hoping that tomorrow will bring a new beginning.

The Third Word:

"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son."Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother."

(John 19:26-27)

Is there any worst pain felt by a mother seeing her son suffering? But Mother Mary trusted his Son to God. Let us be like Mother Mary who is brave enough to entrust to the Lord everything including her only Son.

The Fourth Word:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 

(Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

We ask because we want answers. We want answers because we fight to survive. We fight to survive because we know that someone will always be there for us. It is in our faith that we always ask why would God allow us to suffer at least we know that there is much higher being who owns our life.

The Fifth Word:

"I thirst."
(John 19:28)

Jesus manifest His own physical suffering. Let us reflect on how thirsty our soul is. Are we contented on the love of God for us? Do we feel blessed that we still exist and able to see beautiful things?

The Sixth Word:

They put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished;" and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. 

(John 19:29-30)

The end. Truly God saved His only Son. Jesus fulfilled the mission His father gave. In our lives, there is always an end. It is not only base on success or failure but it is base on how we fight and on how many times we rise again to make it to the end.

The Seventh Word:

Jesus cried out in a loud voice,"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

(Luke 23:46)

My prayer for this holy sacrifice of Jesus.

Jesus, we are always challenged by suffering and sin.
But as we look at Your cross, we feel light because we know You are there while we suffer.
May Your sacrifice strengthen our faith that we may not fail You.
May You open our hearts and welcome your eternal love for us.
For this, we entrust everything to You for Your will be done. Amen.

THE RUINS: Love beyond the walls

Located at Talisay City, Negros Occidental is the famous and declared as the best landmark in the Philippines - The RUINS. It is known as the Taj Mahal of Negros because of the similar history to the Taj Mahal in India. Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson married to Maria Braga a Portuguese from Macau built this house in early 1900's to prove his love to his wife. The architectural design is inspired in honor of Braga's father who is a ship captain. The top edges of the mansion is shell-inspired decor which in New England indicates that the house is owned by a ship captain. According to the tour guide, Don Mariano is often seen seated in the glassed-in sunroom viewing the ships along the coastal waters of Talisay. 

The Ruins

It was in World War II when the US Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), the guerrilla fighters in the Philippines burnt this mansion. But the beauty of the structure still remains. The cement used for the walls has an egg white mixed in it. That is why until now, you can see the glossy appearance on the walls of the mansion.  

For more serene ambiance of the place, an Italian inspired restaurant by Chef Michelle Lynn Lacson can be experienced at the side of the mansion. A perfect place to dine or have a coffee with your loved ones. 

The love endured by a couple cannot be justify by anyone else. What only remains for them to know are the material things that can prove the love. All we need to do is to imagine how great to know that true love still exist over time and it gives us hope until we pass it for the future generation. 

Dinagyang2015

In this year's Dinagyang, the concept is thrilling. The warriors are filled with luminous colors, fierce dance moves and dramatic music. Iloilo's Dinagyang as held to be the Best Tourism Festival in the Philippines once again proved the country to let it's title remain. Here are some of my snapshots of the Dinagyang 2015:

Photo Gallery