Caramoan Peninsula getaway, anyone?

The Caramoan Peninsula in the Bicol Region has gained tourism popularity in recent years. The place has been featured in the news, local television programs, international shows and the place has received a number of positive feedbacks from local and foreign travelers who have visited the place.

The whole peninsula covers approximately 27, 741 square kilometers and covers irregular coastline that is surrounded by vast ocean, swamps, bays and seas. The area is considered as one of the National Parks of the Philippines. Included on the area’s popular tourist spots are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro and the Gota Beach.

Of the many local and international shows that featured the peninsula, it was Survivor France that pushed the area to greater prominence. The peninsula was featured on the 8th season of the show called ‘Koh-Lanta’. The scenes featured on the show were shot entirely in Caramoan. The director of the French version of Survivor said that they chose Caramoan because it is wild. It is important for the contestants of the show to not see anything other than nature in order for them to believe that they are indeed lost in the wilds. And that is exactly what Caramoan provided the contestants of the French edition of Survivor.

Daraga Church now a historical treasure

Here’ s something to treasure here in Albay. The 17th century church in Daraga is now recognized as one of the Philippine’s treasures. This was announced by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines last week.

The historical marker that will officially label the church as such was unveiled last October 16. This church is a popular one in the province, thanks to its unique location since the church is nestled on top of the hill, at the heart of the busy Daraga town. This church was built by the Franciscans missionaries in 1773 and this church is known for its baroque architectural designs. National Historical Institute Ambeth Ocampo was the guest of honor at the unveiling of the marker and the marker was handed down to Legazpi diocese Apostolic Vicar Lucilo Quiambao. The Daraga Church contains archaelogical relics of saints and other rare seals that are engraved on the volcanic rocks that can be seen on the facade which includes the belfry.

I’ve been here once when I was a kid, and all I remembered was the many steps you need to take before you can reach the church. Need to visit this as well soon. Here’s something for pop culture. This church was featured in an old Pinoy movies in the 90s, for that movie centered on Albay and its abaca fiber industry. The movie stars Agot Isidro, Alice Dixon, Vina Morales, Charito Solis and I forgot the rest. Do you know that movie?

By the end of December I should be doing this…

Make my own table tennis: Check

Bought a notebook: Check. Now before the end of the year I should have my own mountain bike as well. My friends have their own bikes and motor bikes, well not the expensive ones of course. But the good thing is that they have something that they can use whenever we travel. For long distances, my friends have their ‘Raiders’ and ‘Wind 125′ and I don’t have my own. For short-distance travels, they have their old yet reliable bikes, and I don’t have one. But by the end of the year, I should have my own as well. This is a reliable ride when we check out the outdoors and the sceneries of the province. The road going to Tabaco via Sabloyon is a perfect trail for biking. The sweeping view of Mount Mayon, the ricefields and the rivers that flow on the side are great views that can make our biking experience memorable. But first thing first; I need to raise enough money to buy my own bike. Calling buyers. I need more writing gigs. Hehe.