Blogs from Bulacan, Philippines, Asia

I had no idea what to expect from Sagada, a town in Mountain Province. It sounded like a unique place and I imagined myself on a nice comfy place to stay. My daydreams were spot on as this is what we found. However, what I didn’t imagine is that Sagada has a cold temperature. I was expecting a fair temperature just like in our hometown in Bulacan. When we first got off the van, we first went to Kanip-aw Pines View Lodge. I was quite amused with the place because I didn’t expect that in rural place will have such an amazing lodge. The structure was nice and the appearance was quite western. It feels like I was in another side of the world that no one knows. Then, we decided to go outside to eat ... read more

Cross a makeshift bridge that looks like something you’d only see in circus, climb mountains, explore caves, go swimming, rappelling and cliff diving. All in one day in one park! That’s what Biak-na-Bato National Park has to offer. A day full of adventure! Heard of this place a long time ago but only just found time to go when the Chinese new year was declared a holiday. Only two hours away from Manila. We rode a bus to Cabanatuan, got off at Camias in San Miguel, Bulacan. Rode a trike for about 20 minutes to Madlum and we were at the jump off point of the Biak Na Bato National Park. A park that I've only heard of when I got there. I only knew that there were mountains to hike and caves to explore in ... read more

By: Michael Carmen Almost every often and awhile, in 2008 sometimes nervous that the restos would over-reserve, thinking that Pat Benatar or Screw Driver is boozing around the area where a reggae bar is located. Too many visitors and standbyers are around the vicinity, so cheering when some of them like unsocialized rapport or a crying baby in a city that never trust. Just like a night of the living dead when you turn on the radio and it’s not Friday, that you were deceived by a beggar. A lots of Germans come around here near Remedios Circle in Malate Manila, beside that thirty-seven floor skyscraper along the road directing the mall to Padre Faura, abounding around the stretch of the avenue were some other foreigners of different nationalities. The reggae bar in the city, the ... read more

It would take less than an hour to reach Sitio Lucia in Sta. Maria, Bulacan via NLEX from Mindanao Ave. The place was buzzing with guests since it was Holy Week. The rates were cheap. It was hard to get in line at first at the cashier, but after entering, we were relieved. The place was big and there were several pools. They have a lot of facilities, like convenient and souvenir stores, billliards and training facilities. There are dinosaur statues for taking pictures too. Sitio Lucia is a great quick getaway for barkadas and families.... read more

I lived in the Philippines from late 1997 to early 1999. Forever grateful to family hospitality, I initially stayed with relatives in Alabang, then with cousins in QC, before ultimately winding up in Sta Maria, Bulacan - home base of my mother's side of the family. My father's side is based in Bigaa, now Balagtas. Bulakenos (natives/residents of the Bulacan province) are known for their linguistic knowledge of the Tagalog language. Like any other area of the Philippines, you can tell who has more money than others. Yet, the ones who are not as well off are smiling just as much as the next person. Men wore white t-shirts, jeans, and tsinelas (flip-flops). Every morning, all are drinking buko (coconut) juice. Every afternoon, many are snacking on their first order of pulutan (pub food). Every night, ... read more