1 THE 6TH PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL PYROMUSICAL COMPETITION HAPPENING ON FEBRUARY TO MARCH 2015 AT THE SM MALL OF ASIA

Once again the much-awaited pyro musical competition will bright up the Philippine skies.  It’s now on 6th year hosted by the Philippines. The 6th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition 2015 will be held every Saturday starting February 7, 2015 until March 14, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia seaside in Pasay City. The show starts at 7:00PM. I experienced this once in 2014 so I’ll make sure to watch it again this year; it will surely give you a pure joust in the skies with bright lights and colourful displays. Participating companies from all over the world promised to showcase the best of Fireworks and to the beat of music.

See also: Sky Wars. The 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES:

February 7, 2015

Philippines - Platinum Fireworks, Inc.

Japan - Akariya Fireworks

February 14, 2015 (Valentines Day)

Italy - Martarello Group

Brazil - Vision Show

February 21, 2015

Mexico - Sirius Pyrotechnics

The Netherlands - Royal Fireworks

March 7, 2015

Canada - Royal Pyrotechnie

United Kingdom - Jubilee Fireworks

March 14, 2015

China - Polaris Fireworks

Philippines - Platinum Fireworks Inc.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS AND PRICES:

You may visit www.pyrophilippines.com for ticket inquiries.

Contact: Jen Sta. Ana

Contact Number: 0917-811-4001

Email: platinumfireworksinc@yahoo.com

Other sites to visit for ticket reservation:

www.smtickets.com

www.ticketnet.com.ph

www.ticketworld.com.ph

Silver -  100 PHP
Gold - 300 PHP
VIP - 500 PHP
Patron (inclusive of dinner) - 1,500 PHP

15 A TRAVEL GUIDE GOING TO BATAD IFUGAO

Banaue Rice Terraces is one of the most rewarding places in the Philippines or perhaps in the world. What is more when you get to Batad Rice Terraces, one of the 5 terraces in Banaue and it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites among other four namely: Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central, and Nagacadan. However getting to Batad wasn't the easiest thing to do but like they say, "work hard before pleasure".

Batad truly is wrapped with breathtaking views; lush green mountains covered with thick fog and its surrounding, the ever-smiling locals and of course the warmth of Ifugao culture. If you are planning a trip here then I have collected some practical guidelines getting there.

HOW TO GET TO BATAD:

You have plenty of options how to get to Batad, but I’m talking about different routes here because traveling by air is not an option unless you got your own chopper.

MANILA TO BANAUE VIA BUS:

Ohayami Transit located in Sampaloc, Manila has single trip daily that leaves at 10PM going to Banaue. Trips are added during peak seasons. It is advisable to book your seats in advance for 450 PHP.

Manila Terminal: J. Fajardo St., Lacson Ave., Sampaloc Manila

Contact Number: 0927-649-3055 / 02-516-0501 (Manila) / 0917-561-7344 (Banaue)

Email for Reservation: reservation@ohyamitrans.com

Website: www.ohayamitrans.com

Dangwa Transco is another option going to Banaue which is also located in Sampaloc Manila. Unfortunately they don’t have site nor email for reservation but you can try calling them at 02-781-5849 / 02-743-3809 or visit their terminal for reservation.

BAGUIO TO BANAUE VIA BUS:

If your initial point is from Baguio City, Ohayami Transit has daily trips also going to Banaue that leaves at 9PM located near Burnham Park. And again I suggest to make a reservation prior to your trip.

Arriving in Banaue Town Proper, one is required to pay 20 PHP as environmental fee. Then from there you will have options how to get to Batad. Please remember that the vehicle you get from Banaue Town Proper will only bring you to Batad Saddle Point, then from there you can trek down to village by foot for like 1 - 2 hours depending on your pace.

• The Tourism Center offers package for 600 PHP/person with guide and a day tour to Ampi-Theatre and Tappiyah Falls

• If you are on large group, you can hire jeep going to Saddle Point for 1500 PHP maximum of 20 individuals. Just advise the driver what day he will pick you up from Saddle back to Banaue Town Proper.

• Or you can contact Leemas Panhon from Ramon's Homestay; he will arrange you a trip to be joined in another group from Banaue Town Proper to Batad. You can reach him at 0935-980-7939, I guess this is more practical.

And again when you arrive in Batad Saddle Point you have no more option but to walk down to the village. If you have heavy baggage you can request for a porter. Also just piece of advise, Saddle Point is the last frontier where you can get cellular signal. Therefore, contact everyone where you at especially your family because down to the village there is no signal at all. 

Here's the rocky part of your trek. I would say the Local Government has on going project for a concrete road all the way down to the entrance of the village to provide easy access for visiting tourists. That's why you will see heavy machinery along the gravel road. I'm not sure what is the target completion date but we will know.

Here's Batad Marker, thou shall not forget to have photo opportunity. When you get on this part, please have a little patience because you are already inside the vicinity of the village. However you will have to walk more to get to the guest houses.

WHERE TO STAY IN BATAD:

There are several places to stay in Batad. Though it is easy for you to get a place without the reservation however if you are visiting during peak season then it is highly recommended to reserve a room.

It is not necessary for you to find fancy hotels or inns in Batad, there’s none and no need. It is a remote village living above the clouds so do you still need an air-conditioned room? I know you travel because you want to escape the city living so when you get here expect that you will be living like a real local. I would recommend Ramon Native Homestay, Mang Ramon himself is proud of his Ifugao heritage so when you stay here expect that you will experience the immersion-like vacation where you can help them doing the rice pounding or traditional way of processing wheat into rice grains, at night he prepares bonfire which is part of the culture that the families gather together around it while chatting and over a cup of coffee. Also what is more exciting is sleeping inside Nipa Hut, also called "No Nail House".

Contact: 0916-9848380 look for Irene Binalit (this is the number to call for booking)

Email: bireneann@yahoo.com / ramon_binalit@yahoo.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonsHomestay/info?tab=overview

You can also book online via Agoda.

Other Homestay in Batad:

• Batad Pension and Restaurant / Contact Person: Gina / 0916-488-8141 / 0918-964-3368

• Batad Top View Point Home Stay and Restaurant / 0935-130-2911

• Cristina Inn / Contact Person: John / 0906-977-3771

• Foreigner's Inn / Contact Person: David / 0905-397-2317

• Hillside Inn and Restaurant / Contact Person: Maya / 0927-761-6176 / 0905-769-9796 / 0919-379-9599

• Rita's Mount View Inn and Restaurant / Contact Person: Romeo / 0921-273-3051 / 0910-842-3076

• Simon's Inn / Contact Person: Simon / 0919-261-9566

THINGS TO DO AROUND BATAD:

The village of Batad is sheltered by majestic mountain ranges; there is no means of transportation here except by foot. So you will have to rely your foot to get around the village. A lot of trekking here so I guess it is also important that you came prepared.  Though going to the amphitheater stone-walled terraces and Tappiyah Falls is an easy trail yet I still recommend getting a guide. It is for the safety and most of the homestays offer guide service which price starts at 700 PHP.

• Trek to the Terraces.

• Trek going to Tappiya Falls about 45 minutes away from the village.

• Swimming in freezing water of Tappiya.

• Reach the highest point for the best view of Batad Rice Terraces.

• Meet the Locals.

• Taste their Rice Wine.

• Wear Ifugao costume.

• Help them with their daily activity, stay not as visitor but as part of Ifugao family.

Stairway to Heaven truly exist.

Walking at the Terraces.

Trek down to Tappiya Falls.

Photo opportunity in front of this beautiful falls and play with stone towers.

SOME TIPS AND INFORMATION:

• As much as possible book your bus tickets to and from Manila-Banaue. Like I say they only have single trip and Bus filled easily. Of course you don't want to seat on the aisle. When you arrive in Banaue make sure to book your ticket back to Manila. Bus leaves at 5PM (Ohayami) to Manila.

• I suggest to contact locals for your jeepney ride to Saddle Point than getting in the Tourist Center. Package price is bit expensive.

• Make sure when you get to Saddle Point, the jeepney driver you have contracted will be the one  to pick you up back to Banaue Town Proper. Give them your schedule when you leave in Batad.

• Guide is not mandatory, but better to get one, they will tell you the stories and you're helping them as well.

• The last area with cellular signal is Batad Saddle Point.

• Wear trekking shoes/sandals.

• Bring enough cash, there is no cash ATMs there.

• Prices of food, beers, and sodas are bit pricey, because it is really hard to transport them from Banaue down to Batad village.

• Bring enough sweater especially when your body is not used at cold temperature.

4 BATAD BANAUE: "GO LOCAL" AT RAMON HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

“Going Local”, that is Mang Ramon’s promised for tourists visiting Batad. I thought it is just simple words used for advertisement purposes and has no meaning at all. However they have exceeded the expectation of these two words. They are dedicated to provide unforgettable experiences for visiting tourists. They really mean it!

After nine freaking hours of long ride and nearly two hours of trekking down to the village, we reached Ramon Homestay. We already have a reservation prior to our visit because it is expected of more visitors coming for a long holiday break.  

In drowsy mood, we were welcomed by the owner himself Mang Ramon Binalit and greeted us with smiles on his face. Though the feeling is weary, it was replaced with a positive vibe. He brought us to one of the Nipa Huts. Ramon Homestay has 5 traditional Nipa Huts, one of which where Mang Ramon was born – a century old Nipa Hut built by his ancestors and he is preserving it for the benefit of visitors like us.

This traditional hut is very simple made of woods and roof is made of weaved cogon grass. Mang Ramon chose not to install any electric wires going to Nipa Hut not to avoid possible fire but to preserve its original customs. Outside Nipa hut, it looks like it won’t fit more people yet when you get inside it can actually accommodate up to 10 people. No nails being used to build this house and it has fireplace inside. We arrived sleepy heads so we decided to just take rest and sleep the rest of the afternoon.

We woke around 6PM and had dinner. Mang Ramon was there handy, greeting and talking to visitors. Everyone stayed at the dining area taking supper and talking to other visitors and making friends. Some were drinking cold beers and rice wine waiting for the Christmas Eve.

Mang Ramon and his nephew prepared for bonfire. He said he normally do this because he wanted everyone feel at home by knowing and talking to each other. He wanted to initiate the talking and everyone will have to introduce. He said that bonfire is their tradition back in the old days living in cold place. They used this so that the neighborhood gathers and share their story for a day activity. After we hosted ourselves he started sharing how this place built and the story behind the glorious Rice Terraces.

We greeted each other a Merry Merry Christmas when the clock touched 12 MN. It was really pleasure celebrating Christmas in a tranquil place away from heavy traffic. We went back to our huts when everybody feels sleepy and needed rest. 

We woke up the next day coming from a good sleep. Everyone was busy preparing for breakfast while some chatting over a hot cup of coffee. I decided to join locals picking the dried rice seeds and crushing it. The traditional way of processing wheat into rice grains for cooking. It really like immersion-ish and everyone is game of doing it.

When the food is ready, it’s about time to eat and have a huge carbo-load for the activity on that day going to the Rice Terraces and visiting the Tappiyah Falls which require time and effort. The food there is organic with a touch of local taste. They serve Chicken and Pork, Breakfast menu, Salad and short orders.

There is no signal there but some time you can get it when you keep your phone hanging just like on the picture. The guide also told us that latest phone won’t get signal only cheap phones. I don’t know if this is true. Anyway when in homestay there’s nothing much to do except looking at the Rice Terraces however it is a perfect time to emboss your social responsibility to other people by playing card games, dama, chess, or even a simple talk.

For me, it’s a perfect place to stay if you need peace. No phone signal and you are totally detached from the outside world which I guess pretty awesome. You don’t need to think much. It’s the best time to relax your mind. 

Aside from affordable rates and delicious meal, people here are really friendly and will treat you as part of the family. They’ll be asking you from time to time if everything okay and they will ask you as well if you wish to try helping them with their daily activity. It’s complete experience with Ifugao culture. Indeed, Ramon Homestay is the perfect place to stay because of such activity. Bonfire is one of the highlights where you can ask everything with your curiosity.

RAMON NATIVE HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE:
● Traditional Ifugao story-telling with bonfire.
● Local Rice Wine Making
● Native Coffee Lessons
● Wood Carving Lessons
● Rice Pounding
● Dressing Up in Native Costume

RAMON NATIVE HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines 3601

Contact: 0916-9848380 look for Irene Binalit (this is the number to call for booking)

Email: bireneann@yahoo.com / ramon_binalit@yahoo.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RamonsHomestay/info?tab=overview
You can also book online via Agoda.

You can also contact Leemas Panhon (Mang Ramon's Nephew) at 0935-980-7939. He will be your guide and will pick you up at the Banaue Tourism Center.

0 A YEAR IN REVIEW: THE KIDWANDERER HIGHLIGHTS IN 2014 (PART I)

This would be the second part, continuation of my travel stories in 2014 covering months of July to December. You can also click below link for the first part highlighting January to June.

See also: A Year in Review Part I: The KID Wanderer Highlights in 2014

JULY 2014 - THEKIDWANDERER GOES TO THAILAND

After two years of silence of having not traveled abroad, I finally got the chance to step into another soil. And this time it’s going to be ASEAN invasion. Bangkok, Thailand is one of the sought-after destinations because of its friendly people and lifestyle is less expensive than any cities around the globe. That’s why we also want to experience the touch of Thai people and their rich culture. Indeed, it was a real pleasure stepping the land of Siam interspersing the locals whom pricelessly offered their beautiful smiles and hospitality. I love the food by the way; the authentic ones can be found not just on fancy diners but also in all over the streets. Spicy foods are plus for me. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1wGWFCw

AUGUST 2014: SECOND HALF MARATHON IN MANILA

Following to a successful first half marathon finished, after two months I didn’t expect that I would run again for my second half marathon. I thought the passion is now hitting the roads but the trail up on the mountains is always my first love. I trained hardly for this event, because I wanted to break my personal record hoping to finish below 3 hours threshold. I know every runner wishes to smash their own records and so do I. I trained almost every day for 10k at the Ayala Triangle and after two weeks of training the official event held. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to hit the goal of below three hours but I was able to break my PR ahead of 15 minutes. It’s just the start! Push for more in 2015. Read more at: http://bit.ly/VLhHou

AUGUST 2014: BURUWISAN FALLS, SINILOAN LAGUNA

Also on the same month after hitting the road for fun run events I have decided joining the trails of the mountains. We visited the beautiful Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan, Laguna. Although until now I don’t really understand why they call it Mt. Romelo. It’s not about the summit visit I would say; it’s about visiting the series of falls of Famy which Buruwisan is the grandest among others. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1vyGerP

SEPTEMBER 2014: FOREVER SUMMER IN PANSOL, LAGUNA

Indeed it’s forever summer. September is actually rainy month however no one can stop chasing the party. If not by the beach it’s by the pool with different private resorts. Pansol Laguna houses almost all of the private resorts because of their hot spring. Therefore whether the weather is hot or cold we have all the ways just to cater non-stop happenings.  Thanks to my company, I think I’m in the right place, they’re generous enough to give us little budget for a little gathering. They want us to celebrate for a newly form department. That’s why we decided last minute to crash it down in Pansol. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1I38ae5 

OCTOBER 2014: REXONA RUN IN MANILA

This would my third and last half marathon event for this year. I couldn’t believe that I made it three for this year, though less for others but a great great great achievement for me. Also with this run, I broke not just my PR but hit the below three hours threshold. I also want to give credit all the people and organizer to make the Rexona Run 2014 successful, I’d like to say that this is the hippest run to your beat marathon I have ever joined. Looking forward to join again next year. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1vyQXCq 

NOVEMBER 2014: BUCHOK GOES BACK TO SOUTH EAST ASIA

MALAYSIA

I never expected that I’ll have my second and third country of this year. I don’t have sponsors for an all-expense paid trip so everything is coming out of pocket. I don’t have enough resources and all these was from my savings. I know I should be saving at this moment but sometimes the experience is priceless. Malaysia was our first stop, though the itinerary flopped a little due to heavy rains but I had the chance mingling with the locals.

SINGAPORE

Straight from Manila and we arrived in Kuala Lumpur, then from Kuala Lumpur we arrived in Singapore next day morning. It was my first time stepping in three different countries in less than 24 hours. That was amazing. We had so much fun in Singapore especially the Universal Studios. In fact I’m started liking this tiny nation yet so full of life. Everything is in place, people respect the law, and public transportation is in order. I would say this small country has a lot to offer. If there’s one place I wanna go back, it is Singapore.

NOVEMBER 2014: BOLINAO AND ALAMINOS, PANGASINAN

Also November of 2014, I had the chance to visit one the Philippines tourism frontiers. Our very own, Hundred Islands in Alaminos Pangasinan. Straight all the way from Malaysia and Singapore I only have on day rest then jump to explore Pangasinan. First day we went to Bolinao Tour exploring the country side of the province. We visited Bolinao Falls, Enchanted Cave, Lighthouse and Rock Formation near Patar Beach. Second day, we went to the Hundred Islands. There’s so much activity to do here, the most recent activity is ziplining from one island to another. You can also the usual beach bumming, snorkeling, reef walking or even  cliff jumping at the cave inside Marcos Island. 

DECEMBER 2014: GIVE LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS

An accomplished mission, I’m really dreaming of doing the outreach program. I want to give back and share the blessings I received. Not just this year. Thank you is I guess not enough, I would say the best is to share what you have. I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity, the colleague helped me raised money to buy the groceries and friends who joined us. I want to do it yearly. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1rLQpxU

DECEMBER 2014: CHRISTMAS AT THE CORDILLERAS

It’s a year-end travel. We often go to Baguio to experience this so called Christmas weather. But we would like to extend our trip and visit more places at the Cordilleras. Thus we decided to conquer one of the UNESCO’s heritage site the Banaue-Batad Rice Terraces. Going there was never easy but when you get there is like something you’ll never regret. I wish I can bring my work and stay there for longer days. The experience was awesome, were totally detached from the outside world.

Then after Banaue, we decided to climb in Sagada, we did nothing, we only seized the best diners in town. And of course the Summer Capital however this time, the traffic was tremendous.

  

So this conclude my travel year. I didn't expect that I have activity each month. 2014 was really awesome. Again I would say 'twas the year that I traveled so much. Thank you! Hoping for more travel dates in 2015!

1 A YEAR IN REVIEW: THE KIDWANDERER HIGHLIGHTS IN 2014 (PART II)

I was in the middle of our trip en route to Banaue for the last travel spree of the year thinking of where I have been in 2014! I started the year without the travel journal that’s why I am having hard time remembering all the places I have visited.

Thanks to blogspot’s blog archive widget, I now recollected all the travel journals for 2014. I thought I have not achieved much in travels and sort of activities but soon I realized that I’m actually active in 2014. In fact I would say that the year that just ended was my most travel year. Heck! That’s why I decided for this coming 2015 to list down all the past and incoming travels, nakikiuso sa tinatawag na Starbuko planner. I don’t wanna wake up again with Amnesia.

Here's the Part I of  highlighting my travel stories in 2014

See also: A Year in Review Part II: The KID Wanderer Highlights in 2014

JANUARY 2014 - LAGUNA

We opened the year of the wooden horse by hiking the mountains to witness the majestic falls of Buntot Falls. It is known and the most visited place in Pangil, Laguna. I was grateful that Manong Unyol of manongunyol.blogspot.com, one of my travel buddies considered me joining the event. I also met other respected bloggers in the name of Francis Balgos of pala-lagaw.com, The Travel Panda himself Mike Laagan of mikelaagan.com and Billy Palatino of galaero-escapetravels.blogspot.com. That was an awesome trip and I guess the most numbers of hikers I have joined ever. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1Bjnl0x

FEBRUARY 2014 - BATAAN

Just like the say, whatever you do in the first month of the year may reflect the rest of the year. And I guess right, following to Buntot Palos, we decided to climb the highest vantage point of Bataan. Mt. Natib, along with Mt. Mariveles or Tarak Ridge is the most favorite place to climb in the province. This is also considered as major climb and may require and overnight camping at the summit. I was with TOSOC MOUNTAINEERS my mountaineering group and some of the newbies as well as my friend who's conquering mountains in the Visayas.  So she came all the way from Negros Oriental to join this climb.

Mt. Natib has also a perfect sidetrip which is common in most mountain climbs. It may require additional four hours of your trek itinerary. Pasukulan falls is stunning and beautiful. The sound of the falls fells like serenading your ears, the place is relaxing surrounded with its cold atmosphere. It has rainbow at the bottom edge of the water. It’s like pampering myself which you really want to experience. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1xBxYv3

MARCH 2014 - BATANGAS

The government declares Fire Prevention Month in the first day of March. And fire which means heat, the sun has just started scorching the surface which is a sign of incoming summertime. Therefore we would like to start summer the soonest possible time so we decided to conquer nearby beaches in Batangas. We set our team building at Lemery Batangas with a theme seize the day, the summer getaway. Read more at: http://bit.ly/13E0qSh

APRIL 2014 - LAS PIÑAS METRO MANILA

Summer also marks the start of the Holy Week. I started this Panata back in 2013 by visiting the seven churches or Visita Iglesia. That year I have visited churches along Makati area only so this time I want to visit one church per Metro Manila City. I started in Muntinlupa and ended in Caloocan. One of the churches is the St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas or popular known as The Bamboo Organ Church. I think this is the reason why I came up the idea of visiting churches outside Makati because I wanted to visit this Bamboo Organ which I only see in Elementary textbooks. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1rxeFDJ

MAY 2014 - CAVITE

Summer is also the best time to climb mountains to avoid muddy trails. I’m always keen to conquer this Mt. Palay-Palay in Ternate Cavite also known as Pico de Loro. It’s famous of one heck challenge, just like the say, your climb to this mountain will never be accomplished without surviving the one hell stone formation sitting at the edge of the mountain. It’s really scary like one step you miss will surely end your life, it is challenging indeed but when you get there. It’s one heck an achievement and make sure to comply with epic jump shot. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1zPqWq2

MAY 2014 - MASBATE

Nearly five years ago the last time I stepped in my hometown. Barrio Fiesta happens in May and the perfect time to reminisce the childhood memories and seeing old friends. I grew up here until I graduated in Elementary so I’m a proud Bisdak or Bisayang-dako. Fiesta is one of the important events in our Barangay honouring the patron saints thanking for a prosperous year ahead. I also grabbed the opportunity to spend quality time with my parents whom I didn’t see for a longer time. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1xfnBOE 

JUNE 2014 - MANILA FUNRUN

I have joining running events first quarter of 2014 but June marks my farthest run, the most epic 21k run vying for the finisher shirt. Though it is halfway to go for Full Mary yet most runners have their fulfillment once finished their first ever half marathon.  Run United 2 tested my agility and stamina of how long should I conquer their challenge. I have seen runners giving up at the last minute of the run but it feels so glad that I finished it strong and injury-free. After that time, it’s a fresh start to join 21k events and collecting singlets, medals, and of course the coveted finisher shirt. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1xfq5N7

This will be the end of the first part of my year in review. Covering from January to June and the other half will be posted as soon as possible. I’d like to thank all the people, following my blogs and taking time reading it. I'm looking forward for more support from you guys. Cheers!!!