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

Campuestuhan Highlands Resort: Hands up! It's Adventure time!

Planning for a complete family get away? Grab some Disney characters right in front of you! Dig in and face your fears with a lot of adventures! Campuestohan Highland Resort has total of 5 hectares land area allotted for you and your family to bond together. This lovely place is located almost over the clouds of Talisay City in Negros Occidental. The cold weather can be best felt during the months of December to February.

valley of fog 

facade of the log cabin

Popular Goofy, Donald and Daisy at the back

 What makes this resort unique is their Bonita Huts that has one of a kind designs. Lodging houses for big groups are also available. The resort is also known for its Sky bike adventure. Conquer your fear of heights by walking in their hanging bridge and also try their Zipline. If you are with a big group for a team bonding, you should try the Obstacle Race that can surely test the capacity of your endurance.

bonita huts

unique design for lodging house

thrilling sky bike adventure

Do you love watching your kids enjoying? They surely will because of the complete play area and a swimming pool that is available in the place. Taking a photo of it aerial view is captivating.

a wide playing area for kids

playing area

This land area is very wide but walking can never be tiring because of Disney characters everywhere along the way. Kingkong attracts people with its roaring sound and Kung Fu Panda's captivating smile will surely let you click your camera! But if you want extra fun during your tour of the area, horses are also available.

the autobot Bumblebee transforming as yellow Camaro 

Campuestohan Highland Resort is the little Tagaytay of the Visayas. Improvement continues as time goes by. Watch out for a Wave Pool, Hamster Ball and Cable Cars. Relax, be free and have fun are all that you need to do in this place. Every person deserves to travel to this place and experience a different atmosphere even just for awhile.
Photo Gallery:

A hidden paradise: Malangabang, Concepcion Iloilo

Dreaming of a white sand to lie down on? And want to have an adventure on an untouched islands? Concepcion is a dream come true! Concepcion Iloilo is located in the northeastern Panay island. It has 16 islands and the biggest is the Pan de Azucar. Our destination is one of the 25 barangays, the Malangabang.

clear and calm view going to Malangabang Island, Concepcion Iloilo

    Going there, you will take a two hours bus trip from Iloilo City and 30 minutes boat ride going to Malangabang. It has been devastated by the typhoon Yolanda that struck last 2013. Houses were destroyed and boats were lost considering that fishing is the main livelihood of the area. People ran into the mountains to save themselves from the typhoon surge. Their elementary school was also wrecked and right now the children are having classes on tents. despite the situation, you'll never see a single sadness on these children for they know that help will always come.

children on temporary school tents

priceless smile

You'll never resist going there empty handed because these children deserves to be given at least a share of what you have. One year had past yet Malangabang grew to its original beauty again. Nature really finds a way to recover whats genuine and original. A break water was formed after the Yolanda storm. It is an island of corals and can be seen during low tide.

trees start to grow leaves

long breakwater, composed of rocks and corals

    The soft white sand welcomed us and gave us a way to discover what it feels to be in this island. A taste of their sea foods featuring the 'kasag' (crabs), 'pasayan' (shrimps) and the 'locos' (squid) will let you think of coming back again and again in this island. Dried fish were also all over the place and will be handed over to the town of Concepcion to be sold. 

 fish are dried under the sun

steamed kasag (crabs)

Grilled squid (lokus in Hiligaynon)

pasayan (shrimps)

    There is a grotto that stood at the mountain and walking towards it is worth. You'll experience an astonishing view of the islands. Get your camera and never miss the sunset! There were also a rock formations along the beach side and a perfect site for photo shoots. 

Sunset at Malangabang Island, Concepcion

    The following day, we went to the famous Sand Bar which is almost 30-45 minutes boat ride from Malangabang. The white side formation makes it peculiar. Cottages were also available for picnics and if you want to go on overnight. 

long sand bar at Bolobadiangan, Concepcion, Iloilo

    A two days away from the city and be with this island loosens up all the tension in your mind and body. A perfect get away with your family and friends where you can bond together without any distractions but just you and the nature itself. 

Photo Gallery:

1st Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Autoshow and Soundoff Competition at Iloilo City (October 4, 2014)

Photo Credit: 1st Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Autoshow and Soundoff Competition

Photo Gallery:1st Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Autoshow and Soundoff Competition

The King of Rocks: Kapurpurawan Rock formation

Pagudpud is a place to visit when you are in Ilocos Norte. Aside from the white beaches which they call 'The Boracay of the North', is a hidden rock formation along the ocean. As the sign in Burgos says 'this way', is a long road that leads nowhere. Big posts were erected at the side of the road which is for the 50 windmills that will be the next attraction of the place.  Rock Formation made of limestone At the end of the long road is a powerful Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. It is made of white clay and was formed due to oceanic activity. It said that the rock where it is stood was under the ocean before. The stunning rock formation becomes a tourist attraction and is surely a photographer's favorite. made by nature Horses were also available for 50php if you are tired of walking going to the formation.