upanddowndaisla

[upanddowndaisla]

Video Blog #28: Fast Cat Ferries takes us to Cebu for a Day trip!

Yup, its possible! Day trip going to Cebu with all that busy sched like our Boholano Vlogger Paolo Rigotti? Its been brought to us by Fast Cat Ferries what we can do for a day in Cebu City to relax and have fun. Check out our video to see the places we’ve checked in the Queen City of the South :)

Special thanks to:

Jhuriz, Randy Asoy and to Archipelago Shipping Inc.

Don’t forget to check out and follow our FB Page and other social media :)

https://www.youtube.com/user/Pawap

https://www.facebook.com/JustJurizBlog/

https://www.facebook.com/ransoyphotographyanddesign/

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Post 43: Insta-Worthy Restos and Bars in Seminyak, Bali

Seminyak, know for its long stretch of beach, restos and night life. It is the place in Bali for parties, hook ups and everything that happens till you drop from drinking too much beer or spending too much dime in shopping.

1. Sea Circus Restaurant

Want to score a pretty pastel picturesque graffiti on your feed or with your OOTD as a background? This place is just perfect. The best part is, you don’t need to spend a dime to have a shutter happy moment on this place since the graffiti wall is just on the streets.

Note: The best place to take the photo is the spot across the street. Just be careful with the passing cars and motorbikes.

Best time to be there: Early morning. To avoid photo bombers spoiling your pic or long waiting time to have your turn on the picture cue since the place is a public spot, its along side the street dude :)

2.Motel Mexicola Restaurant

Tacos, Azulejos, Mariachi this will what comes to your mind when you step into the doors of Motel Mexicola Restaurant. Indeed, the place gives you that perfect Mexico Resto ambiance along with memorabilias and paintings that shouts Viva Mexico! So pair your OOTD with that fresh dahlias and pose ala Guadalupe in the area. Food, Interior and Music, totally Mexico!

Note: You need to buy some food or drink to be able to take a picture. The cheapest you can have is a non-alcoholic drink around 60-75k idr or a shot of cocktail drinks starting from 25k idr, the food also cost around 30k idr for a small serving of taco, on top of the service fee and tax that comes in your bill. So better sprung lots of shutter clicks to in every area to make use of that splurge.

Best time to be there: The restaurant opens at 11 AM, so if you want to avoid the photo-bomber crowd be there early. As the place is quite popular

3. Kynd Community Restaurant

I am including this place for the color pink lovers like me. Although the place has just few walls to pose with, a swing and a scooter outside their ice creamery they are really known for their healthy meals like breakfast power bowls, organic and hand crafted breads and others. Perfect for the health conscious eaters and bummers.

Note: The power bowls cost around 65-75k idr, on top of the service charge that you need to pay to be able to go inside and take a picture of their pink wall mural with tropical leaves or the selfie wall with a swing.

Best time to be there: They open at 6 AM, the place is pack with dinners so either be there early for breakfast, early for lunch or early for dinner :) anyway you will have your turn at the walls for striking a pose eventually.

4. La Plancha Restobar

Bali wont be Bali without the beach and the waves. This place is a splash of colored bean bag pillows spread in the sands of Seminyak while over looking the beach. Great for chill out moments or a break from your surfing lessons.

Note: The place charges 100k minimum order, on top the service charge to be able to use or stay at the colored beannies. But no worries, you can order yourself a bottle of Bintang Beer worth 36k idr (on top the service charge) inside the resto and have a quick pose at the beannies outside. Take the 2nd floor for the best sunset watching view overlooking the colored umbrellas.

Best time to be there: The resto opens at 4 PM, so if you want to have a photo-bomber free pictures be there before the crowd starts to gather since the place is good spot for party on the beach. Its also best to go there for sun set watching while splashing with the umbrella and beannie colors. Sunset is around 5-7 in Bali, depending on the season

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog 42: Meteor Garden feels in Taipei

Who does not know Shan Cai? Yes, that poor girl who dreams big and hit the heart of the famous boy group in their rich school.

Well, the Taiwan version was sooo hit that makes it one of the reasons to travel the country.

Who wouldn’t right? So I am bringing you one of the locations of the movie in pictures. Welcome to Fisherman’s Wharf in Taipei! The village where they supposedly the place of Shan Cai.

Fall in love to its romantic boulevard park, the sea side benches and acoustic singers and a prance to the iconic Fisherman’s Bridge. Oh! Just so lovely :)

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog #41: Road Trip from Cebu to Capiz

Ryan got his new car and he wants to drive it all the way to Manila. So the easiest route with better roads is to drive to Capiz then finally to Batangas.

Cebu

From Mabolo we drive all the way to Toledo City to catch the RoRo (Roll on, Roll off) to San Carlos City in Negros. Because it was Ryan’s first long drive in Cebu,supposedly, the one hour trip becomes around 2 hours for him. Any not bad, since we are not in a hurry and the boat Negros is available every after an hour.

It becomes a music trip. He started to put on all his Visaya music starting from Usa ka Libo’g Usa ka Panamilit by Cattski Espina to Anino of Jerika Teodorico.

We missed the Fast Cat trip that plys at 11:00 AM. The next trip was Lite shipping at 12:00 nn. The papers were easy breezy as the porter helped us processed it. Hassle free in less than few minutes were on board the boat.

Don Salvador Benedicto

The town of San Carlos City was the gate way to Negros Occidental. Considered as the last frontier town being hitting the other part of Negros. We went up and down the winding road until we reach the highlands of Don Salvador Benedicto.

A cold place with pine trees in the road side, sometimes the clouds reaches the road. But it was summer, a perfect stop over for hot drinks won’t hurt. Overlooking the rice fields and chill place we did not regret the few minutes the place had to steal from us.

Bacolod

After several hours on the road and exhausted almost all that Visaya Song of Chai Fonacier, Lourdes May Maglente, Jacky Chang and Kurt Fick suddenly a small sign greet us saying “Welcome to Bacolod”.

It also means our road trip had to pause for a while. We need to sleep over for the night and rest for another day. Wait, what rest? Its Bacolod! And we can’t missed to hang out with the gang of Room 301. So we call the evening for a food trip.

A short order of Cansi and Crispy Pata wont hurt.

The next day we drive to Bacolod Port to check out the RoRo. Unlike our experience in Cebu this time its a hassle wristling. Thanks to Ryan we missed the Fast Cat trip again. We had to check out the RoRos that was surely fully booked from yesterdays listings. Lesson learned here, booked your RoRos in advance or never be late for your Fast Cat schedule which plys at 11:00 AM to Iloilo.

To get over the stress, we had to stop by a café and took a bit to some sweets.

Iloilo

We arrived Iloilo at around 7 PM from that Fast Cat trip if 5 PM from Bacolod.

So another food trip, we decided to check out Iloilo’s bachoy at the Festive Walk.

The Mega World place was a favorite. In the evening food stalls and music graced the place while in the morning or afternoon you can check out ILOMOCA (Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM - 7 PM, with a regular fee of P100 as entrance) or stroll the area with a rentable bamboo bikes.

For us, we had to check it right when we came back from Roxas since its only P150 van ride (Roxas to SM Iloilo)

Ryan decided to go straight to Roxas, so it was another supposedly 2 hour drive but because it was Ryan it become almost like 3 hours and more minutes. It also means another Visaya songs to dig, so we added the songs from Humo’g Huni this time. Kapoy na by Melay Libres to Lagyo by Raymond Cagampang was not missed.

Roxas

Finally, the last destination before we send off Ryan to Batangas and then to Manila.

We arrived at around 2 AM, beaten and tired we had to sleep all day. Hoping that Ryan would be able to get the 2Go schedule at 3 PM or he needs to stay for 2 days to get the Super Shuttle at 3 PM.

So to end the Road trip turned Food trip, we did not let the seafood of Baybay, Roxas passed by.

Well, luckily for Ryan, 2Go called him that day. They can spare him a trip to Batangas and they will leave at 5 PM.

Sad for us that we had to end the trip too soon. He had to leave that same day. So we stayed for another night and planned our stop overs to some places explored in Roxas and to Festive Walk of Iloilo.

[upanddowndaisla]

Video Blog #27: Memories of Bali

Bali is not worth it for a day. Yes, believe me, one day is not enough. With a lot of things you can enjoy and see around this island, the small size of it cannot compensate the wonders and spots it hold. So start your Bali trip with a specific itinerary in mind, an interest that hit you in the heart. So heres our own Bali trip to the artsy and a bit of culture side.

Enjoy!

PS.

I would surely come back to this place and would love to show you more!

[upanddowndaisla]

Fastcat Ferries, the mobility we deserved

Mga Ka-isla, as a frequent traveler we always craved for comfort, fast and reliable service we deserved when traveling that is why I am a very avid passenger of Fastcat Ferries whenever I travel to and from Cebu to Bacolod (via Toledo and San Carlos).

So as a Bol-anon laagan it was with much delight when I learned that Fastcat is now serving trips from Jagna (Bohol) – Balbagon (Camiguin) – Opol (Cagayan de Oro).

There was an instance when I was invited by a friend to her wedding in Davao and as a Field coordinator by day I was doing my work in Ubay, Bohol that time. So I planned to travel going to Davao by Jagna – Cagayan de Oro without knowing that the ferry operator cancelled their trips to Cagayan de Oro months ago already. So to cut the long story short, I was not able to attend the wedding of my friend.

Instantly when Fastcat made its first voyage to the seas of Cagayan de Oro via Jagna, Bohol the first questioned that really caught my mind during the media launched was “Will Fastcat stay for good?”

(Fastcat fare and tariffs for Jagna-Balbagon-Opol trip)

What is Fastcat?

Fastcat is operated by Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation which also runs Bus transit like Jam Liner and Philtranco which aims to be the industry leader and standard setter in terms of ferry transportation business. Fastcat’s vessels are Catamaran type which means the ship consist of 2 hulls which can be sail or engine-powered. The catamaran type of vessel is best suited for our seas and weather condition which makes it stable and safe. They are a RO-RO (roll on, roll off) type of vessel which means they can bring in at least 34 cars and 7 trucks or buses making business and leisure trips more convenient.

The notable thing about fast cat is they have an elevator for PWDs (Persons with disability), their engine rooms are clean and the personnel are very much accommodating. The vessels are also new which has an operational span of 45 years, state of the art navigating systems and a snack bar that offers the best delicacies of the island. Aside from that, when I asked the personnel of the trip going to Cagayan de Oro they have a staff house in Camiguin which means when they stop at Balbagon Port they change their crew giving them time to rest after the next trip back to Jagna. A company that values their staff and crew in such a very humane way deserves an extra plus point for me in choosing a company to travel with.

What more to expect about the Trip?

Right now Fastcat is just operating one vessel plying from Jagna – Camiguin – Cagayan de Oro but is planning to add more schedules and vessel when demand increases. Aside from that trip, they also have daily trips from Tubigon – Cebu and will be adding another trip from Ubay – Leyte. Which means mobility within the island of Bohol to other parts of the country will be more convenient.

Currently they have more than 20 trips all over the country and trips going to Malaysia.

Next time, when planning your next get away, try to check if Fastcat Ferries is available for your trip. Aside from a very safe and fast trip sure is I can guarantee its convenience.

[upanddowndaisla]

4 countries, 3 cities, 7 days in SE

Back packing South East Asia is one of the Bucket list I ticked from my long list of to do things before my mortal body lay down to earth forever.As part of the 3rd year anniversary of our travel blog I am lucky and blessed to have supportive friends and work who feeds our caprices, traveling.

Started off in #Bangkok and check out the temples of Wat Pho, raided the streets of Khao San to Temple sight seeing Ayutthaya by train. Drove my first out of the country motorbike experience and bereaved the heat of the sun.

The adventure continues as we chase the night sleeper bus going to #Cambodia. We travel and meet fellow Cebuana and her mom on the way, gained new friends. We traced the adventure of Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider in Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples before we head to #Vietnam for another time travel.

Cruising one of the largest river in South East Asia, The Mekong River. We mingled with other foreign tourist and learned how the river plays a major role in the Khmer and Vietnamese lives. We pretend cultures and check out Art Museum, and also traced back the war remnants in the country. It was educational and emotional at once. We walked the streets of Ho Chi Minh as we waited for our flight and then headed to the Merlion City before going home.

Zapped in the land of Pandora with the Super Giant artificial trees in Garden by the Bay in Sentosa #Singapore. Amazed and wowed at the Cloud Forest. Feels like I am in the scene of Hitman:Agent 47 movie.

So basically we went to four “S” in this trip, Siam, Siem Reap, Saigon and Singapura. Facinating, Do it yourself and makes you want to appreciate more of what you have.

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog #40: The Other Side of Siargao

Siargao Island is much more than the film of the same title. Because of too much popularity we can see the capitalist and commercialism creeping in the Town of General Luna, known for the its Cloud 9, place of the surfing competition in the South of the Philippines.

Resort, restaurants and establishments are mostly owned by foreigners. Westeners who sees money in the area. Jam packed with tourist every weekend (Thanks to the 7 flights daily, not mentioning the additional flight planned for the future) the Island's tourism development has been forced to ripen.

Backpacking is not easy on the weekends, you can't get a decent room and rates are way to high for a local Pinoy traveler. Its in dollar price man, and even the non-touristy spots will milked you with the cost of transportation. Yes, there is no regular transportation around the Island so it pays to know how to drive a motorbike or a car. Its much cheaper in renting them and used as your means to go around the area. But be warned, the used to be honest people are blinded by the rays of earning more money. Why not? If the tourist can named the price way higher, why not them?

Another trouble in the Island is their garbage disposal. With influx of tourist coming in almost in a daily basis, the idiots who flocks the beach don't know how to disposed their trashes. They just leave it there together with the waves or in the sand. And the mushrooming inns and establishment does not even have a proper sewage system.

Give it more time and the once beautiful Island will become a wasteland.

The Siargao Warriors

This dilemma has been seen by the locals and some resort owners. Obviously, they don't want to let the beautiful Island be wasted because of greed.

While I was waiting to be billeted in a bot cheap but better-than-nothing accomodation, I was pushed in a narrow path were used to be a resort because of the villas within the area but now has become an abandon place and a home to some locals (they tried to make shift out of the depleted houses), I saw this group of local picking up trashes in the beach front and putting it in their sacks. Curious by nature, I asked one of them.

"What group are you and why are you picking the trash?"

"We are from Bravo sir, its our turn to clean up the beach front"

With further interview to this group I learned that they are staff of Bravo Resort. The resort owners and LGU had organized a daily clean up on the beach front of General Luna all the way to Cloud 9 where in they take turns in doing it everyday. Talking of social responsibility, I guess not all of this commercial establishment owners are greedy somehow, maybe, they care too about the source of their tourism influx.

Siargao is more than the Beach and Surfing

Aside from popularly dubbed as the little Hawaii of Asia, the Surfing Capital of the South, Siargao almost liken to Bali, Indonesia maintains its green and lush scenery (although a threat of illegal loggers and quarrying is still at sight). Most of the locals are farmers. The evident rice fields that are green during spring, the different kinds of trees that stands in the side of the road, the mangroves and nipa.

Pigs, goat, dogs, chicken and carabaos are the main boss of the streets. Motorist are not often people but this animal free roaming around. Eco diversity is rich in the Island, cranes and carabaos lived in harmony, king fisher, lark and crows ruled the sky. It is green and diverse and should remained that way.

#GiveTheLocalsTheirSunday

Sometimes being a tourist makes us too greedy to have the whole place for ourselves, for our photo ops, that the world is our own playground that we tend to forget the luxury the locals used to have in enjoying the place before we came to conquer it with our social media. I am happy that in this touristy island of #Siargao the locals can still enjoy there place on the weekend.

How does it work?

For the weekend trippers, Siargao has a very unique itinerary where the locals can still enjoy their beaches and their falls on Sunday. Usually the trips on Saturday is the island side tour where tourist goes to Suba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools and probably a hitch at the Taktak Falls, on a Sunday they offer the 3 island hopping (joiners and back packers can check the slot at Cloud 9 which usually cost for P650). With this, the locals can flocked the Magpupungko rock pools or the Taktak falls for an outing with the family.

For a different trip, you can check out the Northern side of the island and explore some unchartered beaches, where you don't need to mind about the locals or the jam packed foreign tourist.

So next time when your hitting #Siargao, always be prepared for the Island adventure and check out the places were no one dares to. Share to us your discovery by leaving a comment and we will be happy to check them out too!

Hit the summer fever ka-isla and enjoy!

[upanddowndaisla]

Video Blog #26: Brunei for A Day

On our way to Bali and our trip just had a stop over for a day in Brunei instead of hanging around the corners of the airport (tambay in Jollibee) why don’t we explore and sight see what this small country has to offer?

Its my 2nd time in this rich country, and it still makes me a first timer going around. Brunei is Visa-free for Filipinos and transportation going around is readily available at the airport. Although you need to hire the taxi but going to one spot specially near the Olmar Ali Saiffuden Masjid is a walking distance already. It is near to the port going to Kampong Ayer and around the market, the Stadium and the Royal Regalia Museum.

Well, for the other places, you need to try hailing a taxi.

So heres a glimpse of Brunei for a day and don’t forget to give a thumbs up and share our video.

For more travel pics and chronicles start following us at IG, Twitter and FB: @upanddowndaisla

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog #39: Danao is not for the weak of heart

Resilience, bravery and courage, if you name a place a where you can associate this words, what comes in to your mind? What if it’s a place in Bohol?

I guess you have a lot in mind. Let’s talk about my favorite place with this word association game, let’s talk about Danao.

Danao Adventure Park (#EXtreme Adventure Tour /EAT DANAO) is one of the bravest theme park in the Province that has broaden its perspective of an extreme adventure and educational eco tourism park since its operation in 2006.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) initiated adventure park has gain popularity because of its ala Bungee Jumping amenity, The Plunge. The Plunge allows the tourist to be drop by several hundred feet above the ground while leaving you hanging or catapulting for a few minutes. The experience became widely known to adrenaline junkie tourist going in and out of #Bohol island and to some who wants to conquer their fear of heights prop with the lush green mountains and the river at your feet while in the sky.

Then the adventure park expanded its amenities from The Plunge to Cable car and zip line or they call Sui slide.

But the 2013 earthquake did not spare the Town which damage its facilities giving it a few months of suspension from operation to allow assessment of damage and for repair. Eventually soon after, they have manage to repair the amenities they added new attraction and stuffs to do in #DanaoAdventurePark. They introduce the root climbing, cave spelunking and even river kayaking. The adventure park did not stop from its current service but even tried to expand and cater new adventure tours for the adrenaline junkie patron and amateurs.

Shortly, not a year ago (2017) #EATDanao relaunched its place with the introduction of the Glass cliff walk. A new addition to their fun filled amenities. They also take advantage and arrange a package for any tourist trying to experience the #SeaOfClouds.

To be honest, I regret not trying the Plunge. I said to myself, I can’t make it, I cower in fear that I can’t make it. Watching the loudest girl take the challenge and the guy whose bigger than me did the same and they were safe, they enjoyed it, they’ve conquered it makes me ashamed of myself for not having the guts to try.

So like Danao, the place of the brave, I find inspiration to gather courage and to try the Plunge next time around. Yes, for sure in the few coming months Danao Adventure Park will try to open new amenities for the thrill seekers and adventure junkies because they are not afraid to take risk and the Glass Cliff walk is just the start. As a place who strive to make its tourism aspect palpable to the progressing demands of the market, surely, the LGU of Danao always comes up a creative way, risk which they always manage to pull off. So if you happened to try #EATDANAO already there is always a reason to come back. So mga ka-isla, this summer head out with your courage and explore the thrills Danao has to offer :)

Planning a summer adventure in Danao? You cab check out there website for details and prices for each rides. www.danaoadventurepark.com

[upanddowndaisla]

Video Blog #25: Sweet Indulgence; The Dessert Museum!

How about a sweet escaped from your daily routine? Check out this charming The Dessert Museum and follow an adventure of 8 rooms filled with Instagramable walls.

Lemme walk you through inside the Dessert Museum so that when you get there you can check out your IG spots and a peek on what to expect with the tour - to match with your #OOTD :)

Reserved you tickets in advance to have a cheaper price. The tour comes with a few tasting of desserts inside the 8 rooms.

Be warned! Don’t expect too much because there’s just walls and decors inside and a brief FIY about your favorite western sweets.

[upanddowndaisla]

Video Blog #24: #FlyPAL Tagbilaran to Clark

Checking out cheaper flights to Manila? Why don’t you try the Philippines Airlines Tagbilaran to Clark flight which operates daily from 6:45 AM departure.

From Clark airport you can take the P2P Bus going to Trinoma or NAIA Airport for Php 350.00 with 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM Trips.

Check out the video for the flight experience. Follow us at @upanddowndaisla in Instagram and Twitter and don’t forget to like our videos at Youtube.

[upanddowndaisla]

SM Seaside City Cebu takes you Up and down around Asia in just a few finger tips!

Mga Ka-isla! SM Seaside City Cebu can now take us, mallgoers to experience Asia

with SM Supermalls Mobile App

No need to go to far when shopping for #OOTDs for that barkada trip to Palawan or to Sagada because it is already available in just the tip of our fingers.

Just download the SM Supermalls Mobile App and your shopping bonanza is good to go may it rain or shine.

Plus there's more! Ka-islas you can now have a chance turn you travel plans into a reality when you join SM’s latest promo in Cebu – SM Seaside City Cebu DOWNLOAD, SHOP & FLY – as SM continues to offer new and exciting ways to make shopping more fun and rewarding!

From February 1 to March 31, mallgoers can avail an instant P100 discount from participating brands and a chance to win a trip for 2 to one of five Asian destinations, like Japan South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or China. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the SM Supermalls Mobile App and register.

Step 2: Click on the Coupons Tab to see the list of participating brands.

Step 3: With a minimum single receipt purchase of P1,000, get a P100 discount instantly!

Step 4: Redeemed e-coupon becomes the e-raffle entry for the Asian country trip for two.

In partnership with Philippine Airlines and PAL Mabuhay Miles, winners will also be getting additional mileage points when they fly via this promo.

Over 250,000 Filipinos have subscribed to the SM Supermalls Mobile App because of chances like this. Download it now to get yours!

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SMMobileApp-iTunes

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SMMobileApp-GooglePlay

Visit www.smsupermalls.com for more details.

[upanddowndaisla]

Looking back at 2017: It was exciting!

Let’s begin our entry to the essay writing contest started (pun intented) :) Because what a better way to start our year than an old flash back of what had transpired during our 365 days of 2017.

1. Visits to old but new terrain and beaches.

We started our year with a journey exploring some of the high lands of #Bohol. We tried the #HimontagonHills in #Loay and paid a visit to the rising #SeaOfClouds in Danao which . We even trekked an explored falls that usually are not part of any touristy packaged. We went back and forth in #NegrosIsland and checked out #LakawonBeach, the spots in #Sipalay like the Perth Resort and Tinagong dagat. We climbed the mountains of #Silay which brought us to scenic eras. Our summer was nostalgic with #AlonaPanglao views and Island hopping in #LapulapuCity #Cebu -  #OlanggoIsland. Lastly, we took part at #Bacolod’s #Masskarafestival and revisit #TheRuins and #ArtDistrict. It gives a realization that even how many times we have been in to that one place we will always and we will always find something new that’s worth our adventure.

2. Exploring new Islands

This year we also visited the most popular westerner destination for sand and beach, Palawan! We tried the Island hopping in #ElNido and climbed the mountain side for falls and explored the phenomena of the Twin Beach. We also went to #DinagatIslands and side trip to the Surfing capital of the Philippines in the South, #Siargao. Something closer to home, we checked out #CamotesIsland of #Cebu. All year round #ItsmorefuninthePhilippines or shall I say its always #summertime in here.

3. Up and Down Indochina

Yes, this year, we went up and down not only in Pinas but we went for countries in South East Asia. It was a memorable back packing trip in August going to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore. We explored the country side and checked out the temples of bhuddist and old malay  culture. It was tight, It was exciting, and it was informative.

So 2017 was not pretty bad after all. We have ups and down on our way but least we learned something, gain new insights and meet new people. 

To more travels Up and Down da isla for 2018, cheers and join us as we journey to new adventures ka-isla!

Happy New Year!!

(pictures are grabbed from our IG: @upanddowndaisla, and do visit us at Facebook/upanddowndaisla for short updates and shoutouts)

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog #38: Tourism is an Antagonist?

Tourism has its ups and downs too, the pros and cons. One thing is it helps the LGU raised revenue from the entrance fee they collected from tourist, revenues that should go a long way to keep the ecological area of the tourist spot protected, cared and flourished.

Small enterprises like Nanay Oclarit here earns income from selling noodles, puto maya, local bread, candies and water to tourist who are hungry and empty handed when climbing the hill to see the #SeaOfClouds. Yes, it helps the economy, it helps the community but as much as we want to see people benefit from it we don’t want it destroyed right?

Because the entrance fee collected were just being used to build more destructive structures within the area, some goes to the pocket of corrupt officials that they leave the place wasted.

The trashes that Nanay sells goes around the place, to the palayan and to the cliff side of the hill. Because we don’t care about our trashes and Nanay cannot pick up all our clutter.

So after a year or two when the #SeaOfCloudsBohol becomes too popular and overcrowded with people it is not musing to see a Sea of Trashes too around the area. Thats what we are doing with Kiltepan, Sagada right? Killing it. Thats what we are doing with Boracay and slowly Alona.

Ka-isla, will you allow this to happen?

I say no! We say No! Stop commercializing our environment! As much as we want to let that smile in Nanay’s face for too long we must also do our share. #BeAResponsibleTourist

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog #37: Artsy Fancy Bacolod

#Bacolod is not just as colorful as the Masskara it pride itself as a festival. Even the cafés are a huge canvas of artworks for budding bacolodnon artist. Evident from the Interior of Weego Bistro located inside Go Hotel in Mandalagan and the artsy side wall murals of Art District.

[upanddowndaisla]

Photo Blog #36: Brgy. Patag Campsite, Silay, Negros Occidental

Who says the weather can stop you from going out? Silay City of Negros Occidental popular for the hispanic houses also offers this awesome nature trekking and camping site.

Brgy. Patag which a mountain barangay of Silay, 2 hours uphill drive by car or public jeep is something you need to explore for the nature adventure spirit in you. The falls and the misty mountain view gives you something to look forward to.Plus, at the campsite, there is this secret Japanese Arch and marker which honors the fallen armies of the Japanese militaries to the Guerrilla warriors.