Travel

Brazilian man converts his home into skate park dream house

MAY 29 (Reuters) — A Brazilian man has made his home into a skateboarder’s dream house by completely gutting it and converting it into a full-fledged skate park. Now 31-years-old, Anselmo (AHN-SELL-MOH) Arruda (AH-WHO-DAH) moved into his family’s summer home in Itanhaem (EE-TA-NYAH-ENG) on the coast of Brazil’s southeastern Sao Paulo state shortly after his parents died when he was just a teen. Living by himself gave Arruda a sort of freedom the lost boy […]

Tagaytay – a cool getaway

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 26) Known as the second Summer Capital of the Philippines due to its cool climate that lasts all year long, Tagaytay City is truly a cool getaway for those who want to go far from the madding crowd. Because of its proximity to Metro Manila, Tagaytay is a favorite spot for weekend tourists, a quick go-to place for those searching for a whiff of fresh air. There are […]

Rice fields all around – Gapan City

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 27) – Found in the Rice Granary of the Philippines, Nueva Ecija, it is not surprising to find Gapan City surrounded by seemingly endless fields of green, with rice stalks, swaying in the wind. It is certainly a novel experience to try one’s hand in plowing the fields and planting rice. The same goes for taking care of farm animals like ducks. There must be something in the […]

Cavite – a province of generals and martyrs

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 26) – Neighboring Metro Manila is the southern province of Cavite. A province known for its significant contributions to Philippine history, Cavite is one of the eight provinces that first revolted against Spanish rule and has earned the honor of being one of the eight rays of the sun in the national flag.   Many municipalities in Cavite have been a site of some important battle or historical […]

Camiling, Tarlac – in search of delicious chicharon

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 27) – For a town named after a tree ubiquitous in the area, Camiling, a municipality in the province of Tarlac, has made a name for itself.   Found in the Tarlac-Pangasinan border, Camiling straddles a strategic location and served as a center of trade and commerce between the two provinces. Like many municipalities in Central Luzon, Camiling is mostly an agricultural town, surrounded by numerous green fields. […]

A city on the mountain top – Baguio

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 25) – What a started as a summer vacation spot for the Americans during their 40-year rule over the Philippines, Baguio City has grown into one of the most popular metropolises in the Philippines. There’s much to do in the summer capital of the Philippines. Visit the usual tourist spots of Burnham Park, Camp John Hay and Mines View Park and hang-out and take in the city’s vibe. […]

Bulacan – a province steeped in history

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 25) – Steeped in history, Bulacan is proud of its varied contributions to the Philippines. Many are the historical events that occurred within the confines of this province. Bulacan is one of the first provinces to revolt against Spanish rule. As such it was given an honor as one of the eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag. The province also served as the home of […]

The Candaba Wetlands – a bird watcher’s paradise

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 22) – Who would have thought that the quiet, sleepy town of Candaba will soon become famous? The wetlands or “latian” came about as the town served as the catch-basin for the overflowing rivers of Pampanga. Measuring 32, 000 hectares, the Candaba swamps is teeming of wildlife. Hearing of the various kinds of ducks and other migratory birds making the place their resting point, bird enthusiasts flock in […]

Nature-tripping, war memorabilia and of course the food! Puerto Princesa is the place to go!

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 22) – Undoubtedly the crown city of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is the place to be if you are looking for multiple doses of adventure. The World War II museum gives us a glimpse on this significant, albeit terrifying, part of our history. Carefully preserved war memorabilia invokes the tenor of the times. Puerto Princesa is also known as one of the most environmentally-friendly cities in the Philippines. A part […]

Bataan, where history and adventure meets

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 20) – Bataan. A province known for its historical importance during World War II. This fact is commemorated every April during “Araw ng Kagitingan”. Two of its municipalities bear witness to the courage of Filipino soldiers. Mariveles, which according to local stories is named after the fact that there is so many dilis can be found there (“Maraming Dilis” = Mariveles) has many markers in its roads that […]

It only just Vigan! Vigan City hailed as one of the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, May 20) – Almost every Filipino is familiar with the image of the cobblestone streets, horse-drawn kalesas and old houses. This image is the first to come to mind at the mere mention of Vigan. The fact that the city was able to preserve this piece of 16th century intact is so incredible that the effort was rewarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which declared Vigan […]