This is a collection of true felt stories, poems, news, ramblings and musings from Marinduquenos all over the world and other miscellaneous topics close to my heart.
Welcome and Mabuhay
If you love Marinduque and want to contribute articles to this site, please do so. My contact information is in my profile. The above photo was taken from the balcony of The Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marindque, Philippines. I love sunsets. How about you? Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing your copyrights. Thank you and Cheers!
This series of articles about Philippines beaches will not be complete if I do not write about a beach resort in Boracay. There must be more than 100 beach resorts, hotels, boarding rooms and other accommodations (condos, private homes, apartments)in this most popular beach resort in Southeast Asia ranging from 1 star to 5 stars.
I have visited Boracay only once in the mid 1990's, but Macrine has been to Boracay two times. Her first time was with me and the second time was with our 4 adult children and three grand children from California in 2007. They stayed at the Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, a 4-star hotel. They had a grand time and were very please with their accommodation and experience at the Regency.
In my case, I swear I will never visit Boracay again because of the crowds and circus atmosphere of the island. To me, a beach vacation must be quite, peaceful and a lot of solitude, not night clubs, crowds and mayhem. The following video shows both the commercial and non-commercial side of the island.
Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world's number one tropical beach.
The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan. The island was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956.
Years ago, Boracay Island was an almost possessively guarded secret so that only a few knew of its existence. Tourism only began to develop in the 1970s, when, it is said, a foreign movie crew accidentally "discovered" this island paradise. Others maintain that it was the German traveler, 'Jens Peters' book, which included rave reviews of Boracay that changed the island’s pace from that of being a quiet secret to eventually being voted as having the best beach in the world. Whichever story is true, it was around this time that Boracay Island slowly ceased to be a private hangout for travelers. In the 1980s, the island became popular with backpackers. Since then, Boracay has gradually become more and more a cosmopolitan tourism destination and, in the 21st century has become, one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Note: This is No.4 of the series of articles on beaches in the Philippines that have attracted my attention.
Orchids in the Front Yard of the Main House "> The photos above are some of the statuaries, and orchids from the Gardens Of Chateau Du Me, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines.
The Philippines has a lot of great tourist places to offer foreigners. From it’s great flora and fauna to the great marine life. However the best things that Philippines have to offer are the beautiful beaches. The beaches in the Philippines offer great white sands. If you want to go to a beach where there are lots of people where you can interact with, Boracay is the place to go. If you want to go to a very secluded place just away from it all the beaches in Palawan are best suited for you. El Nido is a place in Palawan (south western province in the Philippines) that offers a great way to relax without too many people. El Nido is a municipality that is found on the north western tip of Palawan. It is 240 kilometers north-west of Puerto Princesa City, (Palawan's capital) and 430 kilometers south-west of Manila.
They have the same quality of beaches that can be found in the famous Boracay. El Nido has been declared a protected area because of its geology and diverse wildlife.
The fastest and best way to go to El Nido is from Manila. You can catch a plane flight from the Island Transvoyager Inc. They have daily flights using a Dornier 228 aircraft that is capable to seat 19 people. The travel time from Manila is only an hour and thirty minutes. You will land directly at El Nido’s airport.
The trip will be made much effortless because the plane reservations can be made by the resort you choose. After arriving at the airport, you will be met by the resort’s staff. They will then transfer you to a motorized outrigger boat that will take you for a scenic ride going to the resort. It will then take you another 30 to 40 minutes riding the boats to arrive to the resorts itself.
The two resorts that the tourist can go to El Nido are Lagen Island and Miniloc Resorts. Lagen Island is a set in a cove that is fringed by a lush forest that gives you an experience of being in a tropical hideaway. It is the most luxurious resort in the area. While Miniloc Island Set in a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Miniloc resort provides the guest with beach lined with coconut trees that has fine white sand, Thatched-roof cottages made from local materials, and clear waters full of marine life.
One of the things that concerns tourist to go Palawan is the security. Because of past events that some people have been taken away by terrorist groups, people have become afraid to visit the island. In truth, the place is a very safe place and has very well security measures now. El Nido resorts have very strict security because their securities are working hand in hand with the military and national police forces of the Philippine government. As a disclaimer, I can not guarentee your safety to Palawan as of this writing date ( see travel warning to the Philippines)
Note: This is No.3 of a series of articles on Beach Resorts in the Philippines that attracted my attention. .
One of the beach resorts in the Philippines that has been in my dream list is the Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao. I first learned about this resort several years ago in the National Geographic Magazine or was that in the Architectural Digest? I am having attacked of senior moments syndrome, right now. so forgive me, Anyway, "-Here's information from the brochure of this luxurious beach resort in Samal Island, Davao, Philippines, so judge it for yourself. As a disclaimer, I have no way of checking this out, since I have not been to this resort. But I have friends who had stayed in this resort and informed me that the place is fantastic if not a little bit expensive. For current rates,visit their website:www.pearlfarmresort.com
Nestled In the idyllic islands of Samal & Malipano,The Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a former cultivation farm for luxurious south sea pearls. Now, it continues its essence of prime luxury as a premier destination resort of Fuego Hotels and as a perfect hideaway for those in search of blissful retreat. Here's a short video for your viewing pleasure.
The Pearl farm beach resort offer deluxe accommodations with 73 guestrooms, suites, cottages on stilts perched above the sea, and exclusive villas designed from Maranao & Samal ethnic influences in both materials and form. The interiors’ decorative details and multi hued patterns Reflect the islands vibrant culture as inspired by the regions rich tribal ancestry. Malipano Island, a secluded isle located a few hundred meters of Samal island, is where 7 exclusive villas of the resort are nestled, facing a pristine white-sand beach and bordered with lush gardens".
• Hilltop Rooms or Balay House (16 Standard Rooms)The Hilltop Rooms or Balay Houses (two buildings) are located on the hillside. All rooms are furnished with native materials and decor. The rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with mini-bar facilities, hot & cold shower, cable television and telephone. All rooms have a garden view and most rooms have a panoramic view of the sea from the verandas. The Game Room is located at the Balay 1, equipped with different board games, Chess table, Billiard and Mahjong sets.
• Samal House (19 Superior Rooms) The Samal Houses are built on stilts on the water. They are patterned after the houses of the Samal tribe of Mindanao, who are seafarers. All rooms are air-conditioned, with separate toilet & bath, coffee & tea facilities, safety deposit boxes, hairdryer and cabled televisions.All rooms have balconies where you can see schools of tropical fishes. The rooms are beautifully appointed with the bright colors of pink, yellow and blue of the Samal tribe.
• Sunset Suite (1 Suite Room)
The Sunset Suite is built on stilts on the water. Tagged as suite room. Patterned after the houses of the Samal tribe of Mindanao, who are seafarers. Room is air-conditioned, with separate toilet & bath, coffee & tea facilities, safety deposit boxes, hairdryer and cabled televisions. With separate living room and a spacious veranda where you can see schools of tropical fishes. The rooms are beautifully appointed with the bright colors of pink, yellow and blue of the Samal tribe.
• Mandaya Houses (20 Deluxe Rooms) The Mandaya Houses are located near the aqua sports area of the resort. The Mandaya Houses surround the Mandaya swimming pool (one of the 2 pools in the resort).
All rooms are air-conditioned with mini-bar, coffee & tea facilities, hairdryer, safety deposit boxes and cable television. The rooms are spacious enough that it can accommodate a third person. It also has a spacious dressing area. A small pocket garden is located at the back of each room. All rooms are adjoining or two rooms are joined to form one house. • Samal Suite (6 Executive Suites) The Samal Suite rooms are two-storey Muslim inspired cottages. The suites are named and decorated according to the different Mindanao tribes such as the Tausug, Yakan, T’boli, Bagobo, B’laan and Maguindanao. The upper room of the Samal Suite is the masters’ bedrrom, with a King-sized bed. A master’s bedroom with a bathtub is also well appointed. The lower room is the living room, which is convertible into a bedroom and is very ideal for families with up to 3 children. A sofa bed with a trundle bed can be arranged. A second toilet and bath facility can also be found on the lower level. The rooms are also air-conditioned, equipped with a well-stocked mini-bar, coffee & tea facilities, hair dryer, safety deposit box and cable television. The Samal Suites have private stairs that lead to the water. • Malipano Villa (7 Villas) The Malipano Villas or big houses located at Malipano Island, a secluded island across the resort. There are two types of Villas: five villas have3 bedrooms and two villas have 4 bedrooms. All villas are air-conditioned, equipped with mini-bar, coffee & tea facilities, safety box (located at the master’s bedroom), cable television, spacious living room and hair dryers. All rooms have individual toilet and bath, with the master bathroom having a bathtub. Butler service is available for food orders and other guests assistance. A standby speedboat is available to transport the guests to the restaurant and other facilities at Pearl Farm. The villas have a wide veranda where a small barbecue party can be organized for its guests complete with cooks and waiters.
Pearl Farm Facilities & Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A wide array of facilities & services are available for both vigorous guests and those who prefer to simply take it easy.
• Aqua Sports Center- Rents out speed boats & outrigger boats for cruising, jet-skis, banana boat rides, kayaks, Hobie cats, snorkeling gear and has certified instructors for wind-surfing, water-skiing and scuba diving (Two (2) sunken World War II Japanese vessels await discovery from scuba divers, just 60 meters away from the resort. • Two (2) Swimming Pools •Ylang Ylang Spa- Offers a wide range of beauty and health treatments such as wraps, facials, body massage and foot spas - available as individual treatments or in indulgent packages. • Tennis/Basketball /Badminton Court- Tennis lessons are available with prior arrangements. • Game Room- Offers a lot of fun games giant board games, billiards, fooze ball, air hockey and other games for family and friends to enjoy. Located at the Balay 1 building. • Conference Room-Designed to allow total concentration necessary for power meetings and conferences. Accommodates up to 70 persons. • Parola Bar-Enjoy the different beverage concoctions while taking pleasure of the stunning view of the sea, beautiful sunset and a view of Mt. Apo. Parola bar also has videoke for guests who love to sing and stand out. • Maranao Restaurant-The Maranao Restaurant features delicious Filipino and International cuisine with fresh seafood specialties. Enjoy cocktails at the Parola Bar with inspiring view of the sea and the nearby islands. • Malipano Gazebo-Located at the Malipano Island, the Malipano Gazebo is perfect venue for special parties and functions. With a view that entices the natural beauty of the sea and the mountain ranges of Samal. • Butik- A souvenir shop which offers a variety of local handicrafts, native outfits and even the latest in trendy beachwear. Limited basic toiletries and necessities are also available. • Mandaya Weaving Center- Enjoy the scene of Mandaya tribeswomen as they skillfully weave their traditionally exotic and colorful handbags, mats, clothing and other ornamentation at the Weaving Center located near the Maranao Restaurant. The cloth used is locally used as “Dagmay” distinguished by the intricate figures and patterns depicting the tribal folklore and religion. • Other Services- Babysitting, Business Office (internet access, facsimile services)
Note: This is No.2 of a series of articles on Beach Resorts in the Philippines that attracted my attention. Just want to let all of you my readers that I am not paid to write this article.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a United States National Park in southeastern Alaska. It was established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The park area is included in an International Biosphere Reserve and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest national park in the United States by area, covering an area of 20,587 mi² (53,321 km²), or over 13million acres (53,000 km²). In fact, it is larger than nine U.S. States, and its size is comparable to the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Mount St. Elias is situated on the border of Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Canada's Kluane National Park and Reserve. At 18,008 feet (5,489 m), Mt. St. Elias is the second highest mountain in both Canada and the United States. In all, nine of the 16 highest peaks on U.S. soil are located in the park, along with North America's largest subpolar icefield, glaciers, rivers, an active volcano, and the historic Kennecott copper mines. The vast majority of the park is designated as wilderness, and the Wrangell – St. Elias Wilderness is the largest designated wilderness in the United States.
The park is accessible by highway from Anchorage; two rough gravel roads (the McCarthy Road and the Nabesna Road) wind through the park, making much of the interior accessible for backcountry camping and hiking. Chartered aircraft also fly into the park. Wrangell – St. Elias received 61,085 visitors in 2007 and is quickly gaining popularity through its combination of size, remoteness, and accessibility.
Note: This is no. 28 and the last of the series of articles on national park in the US. I hope you found this series informative.
Macrine at the Park, Summer of 2009 Zion National Park is a national park located in the Southwestern United States, near Springdale, Utah. A prominent feature of the park of 229 square miles (590 km2) is Zion Canyon, 15 miles (24 km) long and up to half a mile (800 m) deep, cut through the reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone by the North Fork of the Virgin River. The lowest elevation is 3,666 ft (1,117 m) at Coalpits Wash and the highest elevation is 8,726 ft (2,660 m) at Horse Ranch Mountain. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, the park's unique geography and variety of life zones allow for unusual plant and animal diversity. Numerous plant species as well as 289 species of birds, 75 mammals (including 19 species of bat), and 32 reptiles inhabit the park's four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest. Common plant species include cottonwood, Cactus, Datura, Juniper, Pine, Boxelder, Sagebrush, yucca , and various willows. Notable megafauna include mountain lions, mule deer, and Golden Eagles, along with the reintroduced Bighorn Sheep. Zion´s also has rare and endangered species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Mexican spotted owl, California condor, desert tortoise, and the Zion snail, found nowhere else on earth. Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. Human habitation of the area started about 8,000 years ago with small family groups of Native Americans; the semi-nomadic Basketmaker Anasazi (300 CE) stem from one of these groups. In turn, the Virgin Anasazi culture (500 CE) developed as the Basketmakers settled in permanent communities. A different group, the Parowan Fremont, lived in the area as well. Both groups moved away by 1300 and were replaced by the Parrusits and several other Southern Paiute subtribes. The canyon was discovered by Mormons in 1858 and was settled by that same group in the early 1860s. In 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft named the area a National Monument to protect the canyon, under the name of Mukuntuweap National Monument. In 1918, however, the acting director of the newly created National Park Service changed the park's name to Zion as the original name was locally unpopular. Zion is one of the names of Jerusalem in ancient Hebrew. The United States Congress established the monument as a National Park on November 19, 1919. The Kolob section was proclaimed a separate Zion National Monument in 1937, but was incorporated into the park in 1956. The geology of the Zion and Kolob canyons area includes 9 formations that together represent 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation. At various periods in that time warm, shallow seas, streams, ponds and lakes, vast deserts, and dry near-shore environments covered the area. Uplift associated with the creation of the Colorado Plateaus lifted the region 10,000 feet (3,000 m) starting 13 million years ago.
Note: This is No.27 of a series of articles on national park in the US. Macrine and I visited this Park for one day in the summer of 2009.
Last December 22, the first beach wedding ceremony was held at Chateau Du Mer. The bride was originally from Marinduque and is an OFW worker from Canada. The groom was originally from Pampanga is an OFW worker from South Korea. The wedding ceremony started at 9AM and ended two hours later. This was followed by a lunch reception at the Conference Hall for around 100 guests. The newly weds are Rick( Richard Servano) and Tin( Catalina Montales). In preparation for this beach wedding, I had two workers cleaned the beach, raked the beach and placed about 50 chairs under the Talisay trees in front of the beach house. With clear ocean waters and azure blue skies, that day was a perfect day for a wedding ceremony. Above are some selected photos of this historic event at my beach resort.
Yellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone was the first national park in the world, and is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular features in the park. It has many types of ecosystems, but the sub alpine forest is dominant. Native Americans have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years. The region was bypassed during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century. Aside from visits by mountain men during the early-to-mid-19th century, organized exploration did not begin until the late 1860s. The U.S. Army was commissioned to oversee the park just after its establishment. In 1917, administration of the park was transferred to the National Park Service, which had been created the previous year. Hundreds of structures have been built and are protected for their architectural and historical significance, and researchers have examined more than 1,000 archaeological sites.
Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468 square miles (8,980 km2), comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America and is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest super volcano on the continent. The caldera is considered an active volcano; it has erupted with tremendous force several times in the last two million years. Half of the world's geothermal features are in Yellowstone, fueled by this ongoing volcanism. Lava flows and rocks from volcanic eruptions cover most of the land area of Yellowstone. The park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining, nearly intact ecosystem in the Earth's northern temperate zone. Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened. The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Grizzly Bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk live in the park. Forest fires occur in the park each year; in the large forest fires of 1988, nearly one third of the park burned. Yellowstone has numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and sightseeing. Paved roads provide close access to the major geothermal areas as well as some of the lakes and waterfalls. During the winter, visitors often access the park by way of guided tours that use either snow coaches or snowmobile.
Note: This is No.25 of a series of articles on national park in the US.
The Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the U.S. state of Virginia. This national park is long and narrow, with the broad Shenandoah River and valley on the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont on the east. Although likely the most prominent feature of the Park is the scenic Skyline Drive, almost 40% of the land area 79,579 acres (322.04 km2) has been designated as wilderness and is protected as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The highest peak is Hawksbill Mountain at 4,051 feet (1,235 m).
The park is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105 mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of the park along the ridge of the mountains. The drive is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. One Hundred one miles (162 km) of the Appalachian Trail are also in the park. In total, there are over 500 miles (800 km) of trails within the park. Of the trails, one of the most popular is Old Rag Mountain, which offers a thrilling rock scramble and some of the most breathtaking views in Virginia. There is also horseback riding, camping, bicycling, and many waterfalls. The Skyline Drive is designated as a National Scenic Byway. Skyline Drive View
Note: This is No. 24 of a series of articles on national park in the US. Macrine and I drove Skyline Drive from the North Entrance to about halfway point of the drive during the Fall of 1994 enjoying the fall foliage and the mesmerizing skyline views of the Virginia country side.
