The Story of Mine with the 20 Memorable Places in the Philippines

When these crystal blue waters of the sea are so inviting to the eyes, you will never stop yourself from ignoring its enthralling enticement to swim. I took this picture few years ago when I was on my travel days on my previous job. This view is taken from Chawa View Deck, along one of Batan Island's highest cliffs over viewing the horizons of the sea. Batanes Islands is a group of three islands in the northern part of the Philippines' archipelago namely: Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang. The folks here are called Ivatans. It is also said that Batanes is considered as Philippines' Last Frontier of the North.

I really love to go back again here at Batanes. I missed the relaxing breeze, the placid nature, and the hospitality and congeniality of the people. For me, this is one of the best places to hang out if you ever happen to go on a vacay to the Pearl of the Orient Seas. A perfect utopia for me, next to Palawan. That's why I left half of my heart in Batanes.

Noticeably the distinguishable structure all over Sorsogon City. This so-called Roman Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon is also named as Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Inaugurated on April 27, 2011 on the occasion of the 60th year of the Diocese of Sorsogon, this Vatican-like structure has huge dome that looms above the city's skyline. Sorsogon City is famous for pili nuts and it's one of the farthest city to be travelled mainland from Manila, the capital city of Philippines. It took me more or less 12 hours to reach here, including stopovers .

This is a replica of Philippine's national hero who was exiled at Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. On this picture behind me is a bronze statue where Jose Rizal arrived from the coastal town of Dapitan as the exile, with the Spaniards leading him through the prison where he was incarcerated for 4 years. The place where he was exiled was then named after him and became one of Mindanao's historical tourist spots --- the Rizal Shrine. This bronze statue is just a walk away to the shrine. Dapitan has lots of fun places to offer aside from Rizal Shrine. It's also famous for its Gloria's Fantasy Land, a theme park that kids will surely loves to hang out with, and the famous Dakak Beach and Resort where lots of tourists makes them fully-booked at most of the times.

One of the best natural lodges in Batanes, situated on top of a cliff over viewing azure sea, clear skies, and rolling hills of Batan island. Fundacion Pacita was the former residence of Filipino artist and painter Pacita Abad, the sister of the former Budget Secretary of the country, Butch Abad. This natural lodge really gives fresh ambiance and cozy stay-in when it comes to amenities and facilities. This place offers best panoramic views.

Wondering why this photo shot was taken at Romblon, Romblon? Well, this province has three main islands: (1) Tablas, the largest; (2) Sibuyan; and the capital is at (3) Romblon, which has the same name to the province itself. Romblon has several beaches and dive sites. Among its best white sand beaches are Bonbon, Cobrador and Tiamban Beach in Romblon, Macat-ang, Tabunan and Tambak Beach in Banton, Lunas and Bignay Beach in San Jose, and Cresta del Gallo in San Fernando. Marble is famous for them, and people living here are getting used of making porcelains, as one of their main livelihoods.

One of the best city halls I've seen in my entire life. This one has a very nice facade with jade glass and a perfect symmetry when viewed from afar. This city was the place where the national Jose Rizal was exiled. Yet, this city was blessed by people of good hearts and with that, this city hall that they built denotes their grandeur and prosperity. Looks magnificent and can be compared to any European structures!

Puerto Princesa City is also known as the Queen City of Western Luzon. The said city is also famous for its Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where a famous subterranean river located about 80 kilometers from the north of the city, flocks tourists to experience an unforgettable cruise inside the cave, as this river has became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been hailed as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
This photo was taken by me before we enter the cave, way back when I went there to Puerto Princesa Underground River almost years ago. It was a great privilege to have been there and considered too, as one of my lifetime opportunities.

Mount Tapyas is the second tallest peak at Busuanga Island, with a height of 210 meters high. It is one of the most dominant land features at Coron, a town of Busuanga Island that comprises Palawan province. From a base, where a basketball court welcomes you to take a 700 step-high stairways to the peak where a large cross awaits you, is one of the nicest experience I've been when I was in Palawan. Don't forget to bring water if you would like to ascend here, coz you will really need to quench your thirst when you arrive at the summit that over views Coron down below. Coron has lots to offer too when it comes to diving sites and if you love cashew nuts, they got lots of it.

This windmill farm behind me is recognized as the largest in Southeast Asia and sells power at Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC). These windmills has an expected lifespan of 21 years. Each tower is 60-meter high and are 10 meters away from the sea edge, and each wind turbine is capable of producing electricity up to 1.65 megawatts. Bangui as its coastal areas facing South China Sea, it's really no doubt that they are blessed with strong winds.

This cathedral was first built by Franciscan Fr. Pedro de Alcareso in 1616, and the recent structure was built by secular clergy in a period of 16 years (1864-1879). The church was also one of the only two declared sites in Bicol Region that were categorized by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure of the country.
Tabaco City is one of the three main cities of Albay province, along with Legazpi and Ligao City. This picture was just taken when me and my former colleague met at Legazpi City. It happens that Tabaco City is the place where he lives, so he toured me a bit at this Baroque-style church, and enjoyed taking some photo shots for my travel souvenirs.