Pangasinan: First Stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines is a Catholic country that piously observes the many Catholic feasts among which is the Feast of the Holy Rosary.There are actually many shrines in the Philippines bearing the title of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and one of them is the one at Manaoag, Pangasinan.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag, or the longer name in Spanish of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de Manaoag, is the most famous church of Pangasinan. Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag was the title given to Our Blessed Virgin Mary by the natives of Pangasinan who regarded her as the "Lady Who Calls."

"Documents dating back to 1610 claim that a farmer walking home heard a female voice calling him (hence, “Manaoag” from the word taoag—tawag—“to call”). The voice came from an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding a rosary in her right hand while carrying the Infant Jesus on the other. The apparition told the farmer that she wanted her church to be built where she appeared. A chapel was built on the spot of the apparition and the town grew around it."

This favorite pilgrimage site in Pangasinan, has been formally elevated to a minor basilica in solemn rites on February 17, 2015 granted by Pope Francis.

The church is often always among the destinations frequented by both local and foreign tourists if ever they want to visit this part of the country and would often be alongside their primary visit of the Hundred Islands in Alaminos.

Palawan: Discovering Huma Island Resort & Spa

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Contemporary over-water villas is primarily what makes Huma Island Resort & Spa really attractive. It's something different from the usual beachfront villas situated in startling white sand beaches which the resort also has within the enclave that also has a lush rainforest landscape.

The best thing there is for peeps like me was the fact that there is a huge telco tower that allows us the convenience of Internet access to stay connected even while on the island. Though some would prefer not to be interrupted by these distractions of the busy business world. It's quite different for me who prefers to manage my other obligations even while having a great time away from Manila. Who says you cannot effectively manage both work and leisure together at the same time. But I guess being a freelancer does have its advantage over a traditional employee. I am the boss of myself so I get to chose when to be serious and busy, or when to take it calm and easy.

Palawan has been a dream destination and it sure feels great to stay at one of the most luxurious resorts. Getting pampered by its lavish accommodation, sumptuous buffet meals, enticing pools and beaches, and other spectacular water sports and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, kayaking, etc., aside from the wonderful amenities like the gym, spa, archery range, and wall climbing area, makes Huma Island Resort & Spa an idyllic premium hideaway ideal for honeymooners and couples who want the most memorable weekend of their lives.

But why stay only during the weekend? Spend more than just a couple of days. Make the most of it and stay for an entire week. Believe me, you'll never get bored bumming around the pool or beaches. This is a great place to relax and refresh so when we go back to Manila, or any other location around the world, we will feel rejuvenated and filled with renewed vigor.

Cebu: Lapu-Lapu Shrine of Mactan Island

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Don't you dare miss out on the popular tourist spots whenever you're in Cebu. It should always be a part of your itinerary especially when visiting for the first time. The excitement of finally seeing the famous landmarks that we usually see in photos and travel blog sites are totally splendid. We would see ourselves taking lots of photos from different angles repeatedly so we could properly capture the beauty of the sites. It's never everyday we get to hang around these locations so we might as well make the most of it.

This is why your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger specifically requested for an extension of my stay after attending a particular event in Cebu. Instead of joining the early flight back home to Manila, I requested to take the last flight back home so I would have plenty of time for a day tour even if it means I need to rent a private car to tour me around the city to visit the most popular but conveniently along the way back to the airport before boarding the plane back to Manila.

Cebu has always been a favorite destination in the Philippines. "The name Cebu came from the word “SEBU” meaning animal fat. Long before the coming of the Spaniards, it was a fishing village ruled by Rajah Humabon. Being the first and oldest city in the country antedating Manila by 7 years, having University of San Carlos, as the oldest school, and being the cradle of Christianity in the Far East (i.e. Magellan’s cross planted in Cebu as a symbol of natives embracing the Christian faith), Cebu is replete with historical firsts."

I believe it was worth every peso. The Php 1,500 payment for a travel agency's private car with my own driver to take me to the nearest tourist spots around was reasonable enough for me. The driver was courteous and respectful and would always take the initiative to take my photos at every location except those that would require him to park the car from somewhere far. I had to ask other people around to take my photo instead.