Palawan: How To Have An Adventurous Action-Packed Weekend in El Nido

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thinking of an adventure-filled weekend getaway in the Philippines? Well, the country boasts of over 7,000 islands, one of which is El Nido in Palawan.

El Nido literally means 'the nest' and it is called as such due to the presence of edible-nest swiftlets in the area. Swiftlets, which are small, blackish to brownish birds but with paler colors on their underparts, create their own nests from their saliva. The locals collect these solidified nests and sell them for more than Php500 per nest. It is the main ingredient of a $3,000-bowl of nido soup.

Enough with the origin of the place. Going back, there are many reasons why El Nido is a haven for the adventurous souls.

1) Scuba dive

El Nido has over 20 easily accessible diving sites. The majority of the islands also offer diving equipment rentals, in case you forget yours. Nevertheless, if isn't on your itinerary but you want to try it, enlist yourself in any of the dive courses offered at the local marine sports centers.

2) Snorkel

For adventure-seekers who are also nature junkies, snorkeling is the perfect way to discover El Nido's well-celebrated marine diversity. You'd see house reefs and various fish species endemic to the area as well as uniquely interesting underwater creatures. While snorkeling, get up close to the species and feed them. Snorkeling gear can be also rented.

Power Mac Center starts Sync Sessions 2015

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Witness and experience a musical festival unlike any other as Power Mac Center, the country’s leading Apple partner, brings back Sync Sessions, an audio-digital crossover experience that bring together some of the country’s iconic bands synchronize good music and cutting-edge technology using Apple devices.

“After a successful inaugural lineup last year, Sync Sessions went so well that we felt it timely to bring it back this year,” said Power Mac Center’s Marketing Director, Joey Alvarez. “With this groundbreaking festival, we hope to bring a whole new perspective in making and enjoying music as we encourage established and aspiring bands to use their Apple devices to create music.”

This year’s edition kicked off last September 19 at TriNoma, Quezon City with leading alternative rock band, Hale. It will be followed by a techno rock performance of Up Dharma Down on October 3 at Power Plant Mall in Makati; five-piece pop rock band Mayonnaise at SM Mall of Asia on October 10 and with chart-topper Sponge Cola culminating the series on October 17 at SM Megamall.

Sync Sessions started in 2014, showcasing the power of Apple products in creating revolutionary live band performances. Among the acts who took part in the Sync Sessions were Sandwich, Pedicab, Kate Torralba, Taken By Cars, Techy Romantics, The Zombettes, Pedicab, Gracenote, Ciudad, Itchyworms including Franco and Urbandub live performances at the Power Mac Center’s Light Year event recently.

Bohol: Top Ten Facts to Remember When Up Close With a Tarsier

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was our last destination for our Bohol countryside tour but I chose to write about it first because of the thrill I got meeting the tarsier up close.

It's my first time to see the adorable little creature considered as the world's smallest primate and is so famous as an iconic symbol for Bohol. It is the only smallest primate that feeds on live prey.

You'll see their images in shirts, stuffed toys, postcards, figurines and other souvenir items every time you visit the Philippines. It is not only in Bohol that it's widely known but all over the Philippines and even the world. It is one of the animals that represent the Philippines aside from the carabao and the monkey-eating eagle ... and the askal (Asong Kalye) which has now been elevated to "aspin" (Asong Pinoy).

They say you never really have seen Bohol if you never visited the sanctuary sites of the tarsier. Just like the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River Cruise, a visit at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol is a must for every itinerary. It should always be part of your list of places to visit and explore.

I would have to thank the Department of Tourism (DOT) for giving me the opportunity to be pat of the Bohol familiarization tour. It will be a very memorable part of my life.